Oct 24 (Reuters) – Ethiopia’s Letesenbet Gidey crushed the ladies’ half long distance race world record on Sunday, completing in 60 minutes, two minutes and 52 seconds at the Valencia Half Marathon Trinidad Alfonso EDP.
The 23-year-old Gidey, who is additionally the world 5,000 meters (14:06.62) and 10,000 meters (29:01.03) record-holder, shaved over a moment off the past half long distance race sign of 1:04:02 set by Kenya’s Ruth Chepngetich this year.
“I’m so glad to break the world record in my first half long distance race and my first race for the NN Running Team. Gracias Valencia,” Gidey, the Tokyo Olympics 10,000 meters bronze medallist, said.
Her 10 kilometer split was 29:45 minutes, around 35 seconds better compared to the speed of Chepngetich when she set the standard, and she consistently worked on in bright conditions to journey to triumph.
In the men’s race, Kenya’s Abel Kipchumba made a late charge to win in 58:07 minutes, moving him to 6th on the world unsurpassed rundown.
Individual Kenyan Rhonex Kipruto was second in 58:09 and Daniel Mateiko was third in 58:26 as the best seven men completed the World Athletics Elite Label street race inside 59 minutes.
