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Kenyan Ruth Chepngetich sets new Half Marathon world record in Istanbul

Kenyan Ruth Chepngetich sets new Half Marathon world record in Istanbul

Kenyan Ruth Chepngetich set a new Half Marathon world record in Istanbul, Turkey.

The current world marathon champion displayed a fine performance in the Istanbul Half Marathon 2021 as she broke the record.

The 26-year-old road racing athlete clocked 1:04:02, 29 seconds faster in her first competitive race of the year.

Ethiopian long-distance runner Ababel Yeshaneh set the now-beaten record in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE on February 2020 at 1:04:31. The new record has been smashed by 29 seconds.

It was Chepngetich third win in the N Kolay Istanbul Half Marathon, a World Athletics Elite Label road race. Her other previous victories in the women’s race include back in 2017 and 2019.

Kenyan Ruth Chepngetich sets new Half Marathon world record in Istanbul

Kenyan Ruth Chepngetich sets a new Half Marathon world record in Istanbul. PHOTO: Nation

“I am really happy with this amazing result,” said a delighted Chepngetich. “The world record is something I have been dreaming about for some time and I am so happy to do it on the streets of Istanbul.”

In 2017, she won in 1:06:19 which was one of her first big milestone runs. She returned to the race two years later to win at 1:05:30.

Chepngetich was part of an eight-woman pack that includes Hellen Obiri, and Ethiopia’s Yalemzerf Yehualaw. It also included marathon world record-holder Brigid Kosgei and fellow Kenyan Joan Chelimo Melly.

Two-time 5000m world champion Obiri only came third in 64:51, behind 21-year-old Yehualaw who crossed the finish line in 64:40, only eleven seconds clear.

In the men’s race, world record holder Kibiwott Kandie won in a course record of 59:35 to make it a double for Kenya.

He overcame his countrymate Geoffrey Kamworor who came in second, and only four seconds shy of first place.

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