Ethiopian runner Yomif Kejelcha made headlines on Sunday by breaking the men's half-marathon record in Valencia, Spain. Kejelcha's remarkable performance saw him finish with a time of 57 minutes and 30 seconds, surpassing the previous record set by Ugandan runner Jacob Kiplimo in Lisbon, Portugal in 2021 by just one second.
Kejelcha, a former world championship silver medalist in the 10,000 meters, has been a dominant force in long-distance running. He also holds the indoor world record for the mile, a feat he achieved in Boston in 2019.
While Kejelcha's record-breaking run captured the spotlight, there was also excitement in the women's half-marathon event. Kenyan runner Agnes Ngetich came tantalizingly close to breaking the women's half-marathon record but fell short by just 11 seconds. She was chasing Letesenbet Gedey's mark of 1 hour, 2 minutes, and 52 seconds, which stands as one of the fastest times in history according to World Athletics. This was Ngetich's first half-marathon race, having previously been a world championship finalist in the 10,000 meters.
The event in Valencia showcased the incredible talent and determination of these elite runners, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in long-distance running. Fans and experts alike were treated to a display of athleticism and endurance that will be remembered for years to come.
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