Letesenbet Gidey smashes half-marathon world record in Valencia
The Ethiopian star adds half-marathon mark to her 5,000m and 10,000m world records taking more than a minute off Ruth Chepnegetich's world best.
Athletics
Letesenbet Gidey has crushed the women's half-marathon world record in her debut in the event on Sunday (24 October) as she raced to an amazing 1:02:52 in Valencia.
The Ethiopian 5,000m and 10,000m world record holder took over a minute off Ruth Chepnegetich's previous world best (1:04:02)
Helped by male pace-makers, the Tokyo 2020 10,000m bronze medallist meant business right from the start in her first-ever half-marathon race. Her country-woman Yalemzerf Yehualaw, who had produced an unratified 1:03:44 on a short course in Northern Ireland, managed to stay with her in the first part of the race but lost contact afterwards.
"I'm so happy to break the world record in my first half marathon," said Gidey.
Genetu Molalign came in second with Yehualaw finishing third completing an Ethiopian sweep. All three women were inside Chepnegetich's world record.
Kenya's Abel Kipchumba won the men's race in 58:03 out-kicking his countryman Rhonex Kipruto (58:07).