Kenyan breaks women-only half marathon world record by a second

Kenyan athlete Agnes Ngetich shattered the women-only half marathon world record by a mere second at the World Athletics Road Running Championships held in Copenhagen. Ngetich achieved a remarkable time of 1:05.15, reducing the previous record by a second set by Peres Jepchirchir in 2020. Racing from the beginning, Ngetich maintained her lead throughout the course, finishing 50 seconds ahead of fellow Kenyan Veronica Loleo, who secured the silver medal.

Rebecca Lowe, representing Australia, delivered a personal best of 1:11.38, placing her 51st in the competition. Ngetich expressed her elation, crediting her coach's belief in her abilities as the driving force behind her victory. The previous record of 1:05.15 was held by Jepchirchir, another Kenyan, in 2020. Ngetich's accomplishment is even more impressive when considering that the overall women's half marathon world record is currently held by Ethiopian athlete Letesenbet Gidey, who completed the race in 1:02:52 in 2021.

Ngetich contributed to Kenya's team half marathon victory in Copenhagen, marking another significant achievement for her this year. Already victorious at the World Cross Country Championships in January, Ngetich's record-breaking performance solidifies her status as a dominant force in women's road running.