Valencia is renowned for hosting some of the world’s fastest marathons and half marathons, and the 2024 Valencia Half Marathon did not disappoint.
Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha shattered the men’s half marathon world record, clocking an impressive 57:30 and breaking Jacob Kiplimo’s 2021 record by one second. Meanwhile, Kenya’s Agnes Ngetich dominated the women’s race from start to finish, securing victory in her half marathon debut with a remarkable time of 1:03:04, the second-fastest women’s half marathon performance in history.
Yomif Kejelcha’s Record-Breaking Run
Kejelcha, known for his world indoor mile record, came into the race with high expectations. In his sixth half marathon, he followed pacemakers only until the third kilometer, then took control, running a consistent 2:43/km pace that set him on course for the record.
Despite wet, slippery conditions, Kejelcha reached 5K in 13:38, hit the 10K mark at 27:12, and crossed 15K at 40:56. His final stretch was nothing short of phenomenal as he surged to finish in 57:30, shattering Kiplimo’s previous record by one second.
Kejelcha’s Half-Marathon World Record Splits:
5K: 13:38
10K: 27:12
15K: 40:56
20K: 54:32
21.1K: 57:30
Kjelcha’s run is particularly remarkable given the challenging race conditions, with Valencia experiencing heavy rain leading up to and during the event.
2024 Valencia Half-Marathon Men’s Top 8 Results
1. Yomif Kejelcha (ETH) 57:30 WR
2. Daniel Mateiko (KEN) 58:17
3. Isaia Kipkoech Lasoi (KEN) 58:21
4. Gemechu Dida (ETH) 58:39
5. Vincent Langat (KEN) 58:41
6. Selemon Barega (ETH) 58:57
7. Birhanu Balew (BRN) 59:41
8. Thierry Ndikumwenayo (ESP) 59:42
Ngetich’s Debut Victory in the Women’s Race
Agnes Ngetich of Kenya also made headlines with her commanding victory in the women’s race. In her first competitive attempt at the half marathon, she led from the gun, setting a steady, assertive pace that left her competitors trailing.
Ngetich finished in 1:03:04, marking the second-fastest time in history, only 11 seconds off the world record. Behind her, Ethiopia’s Fotyen Tesfay and Kenya’s Lilian Kasait took second and third, respectively, rounding out a strong podium finish. Ngetich’s debut at the distance suggests a promising future.
2024 Valencia Half-Marathon Women’s Top 8 Results
1. Agnes Ngetich (KEN) 1:03:04
2. Fotyen Tesfay (ETH) 1:03:21
3. Lilian Kasait (KEN) 1:03:32
4. Ejgayehu Taye (ETH) 1:04:14
5. Tsigie Gebreselama (ETH) 1:05:18
6. Sheila Chelangat (KEN) 1:06:08
7. Jesca Chelangat (KEN) 1:06:13
8. Viola Chepngeno (KEN) 1:06:55
