‘Make little more room in the history books’ – World reacts to Kibiwott Kandie's win in Valencia

Kenya’s Kibiwott Kandie crossed the finish line first at the Valencia Half Marathon on Sunday. December 6 in 57 minutes and 32 seconds, breaking the prior record set by countryman Geoffrey Kamworor in September last year by 29 seconds.

The 24-year-old becomes the first runner to break 58 minutes at the Valencia Half Marathon.

The top four finishers all crossed the line under 58 minutes, with Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo clocking 57:37 and Kenyan duo of Rhonex Kipruto and Alexander Mutiso taking third and fourth in 57:49 and 57:59 respectively.

The sporting world took a moment to react to Kandie’s historic feat, most sending congratulatory messages through social media.

ODM leader and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga led politicians on social media in congratulating Kibiwott, recognising his efforts in keeping the country’s athletics tradition.

Congratulations Kibiwott Kandie on breaking the half marathon world record in Valencia. You have done us proud by keeping our nation's distance running tradition going and Kenyans are proud of you, hongera! pic.twitter.com/mZzqfibdCe — Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) December 6, 2020

Sports manufacturing firm Adidas urged for ‘a little more room’ to be made in the 2020 history books for Kibiwott Kandie.

Make a little more room in the 2020 history books. Kibiwott Kandie is now the half marathon World Record holder.

? 57:32
????: adizero adios Pro pic.twitter.com/Fxr0fciDJH — adidas Running (@adidasrunning) December 6, 2020

????????Kibiwott Kandie smashes half marathon world record in Valencia reducing the time to 57.32 from the previous mark of 58:01 set by Geoffrey Kamworor last year. #Congratulations @adidasrunning #ValenciaMarathon pic.twitter.com/gGuLWKjwPF — David Rudisha (@rudishadavid) December 6, 2020

Congratulations Kibiwott Kandie for breaking the men’s World Half Marathon Record and setting setting a new time of 57:32 minutes in Valencia. pic.twitter.com/rwKQLUzOhe — BungomaDigital (@BungomaDigital) December 6, 2020

Well done Kibiwott Kandie!!! ???????? Each time a Kenyan wins a race or breaks a record, I can't stop thinking about how impressive and beautiful their training ground in Iten in the Rift Valley is... ?????????? https://t.co/rSJUjpAfx6 — Julien Garcier (@jgarcier) December 6, 2020

BREAKING: A NEW WORLD RECORD!
Kibiwott Kandie becomes the first man ever to break 58:00 in the half marathon!
Congratulations to our own Jacob Kiplimo upon coming second.
1. Kibiwott Kandie (57:32)
2. Jacob Kiplimo (57:37)
3. Rhonex Kipruto (57:49)
4. Alexander Mutiso (57:59) pic.twitter.com/CBUPxcw8na — ???????????????????????????????? (@markthesugarboy) December 6, 2020

Kibiwott kandie
57:32. #ValenciaMarathon #Kenya
Congratulations Kenya ???????? pic.twitter.com/h84j5452Je — Yvonne? (@yvonne_ndambuki) December 6, 2020

World Record in the half-marathon in Valencia as Kibiwott Kandie runs 57:32 to break Geoffrey Kamworor's previous record (58:01) Congratulations! #ValenciaHalf pic.twitter.com/099mSIwIV6 — Carol Radull (@CarolRadull) December 6, 2020

WORLD RECORD????????

Kenya's Kibiwott Kandie smashes the half marathon world record in 57:32 in Valencia, Spain . History made!! Congratulations ????????????????#KibiwottKandie #ValenciaHalfMarathon #Valencia https://t.co/k3iKgm29wo pic.twitter.com/1Ce2i7yOmF — Bamba Tv Kenya (@BambaTVKenya) December 6, 2020

INSANITY IN VALENCIA.

Kenya's Kibiwott Kandie runs 57:32 to destroy Geoffrey Kamworor's 58:01 half marathon world record as the TOP FOUR MEN all run under the previous WR.

Jacob Kiplimo 57:37 in 2nd, Rhonex Kipruto 57:49 in 3rd (debut), Alexander Mutiso 57:59 in 4th. pic.twitter.com/srZKYLpDVr — Jonathan Gault (@jgault13) December 6, 2020