Ruth Chepng'etich sets new world record in Istanbul Half-Marathon

World marathon champion Ruth Chepng'etich, 26, breaks half marathon record in Istanbul [Courtesy]

World marathon champion Ruth Chepng'etich smashed the world half marathon record on Sunday, clocking a time of 1 hour, 04 minutes and 02 seconds at the N Kolay Istanbul Half Marathon to shave 29 seconds off the old mark.

Chepng'etich, a winner in 2017 and 2019, smashed the previous world record set by Ethiopian Ababel Yeshaneh by 29 seconds.

Ethiopia’s Yalemzerf Yehualaw came second clocking 1:04:40, with Kenya’s Hellen Obiri closing the podium positions in third at 1:04:51.

Joan Chelimo Melly was fourth in 65:09 and World record holders Brigid Kosgei finished fifth in 66:01.

This was the first time three women have finished inside 65 minutes in one half marathon.

 

Instanbul Half-Marathon women's results [Courtesy]

In the men's race, Kenya's Kibiwott Kandie, who set the world record in Valencia last year, raced into the lead with about 12 minutes remaining and held off the challenge of compatriot Geoffrey Kamworor to claim victory by three seconds, with Roncer Kipkorir taking third place

Geoffrey Kamworor of Kenya crosses the finish line to win the New York City Marathon in Central Park in New York, U.S., November 5, 2017. [REUTERS]

Geoffrey Kamworor was second in 59:38 and Roncer Kipkorir finished third in 59:46.

World record-holder Kibiwott Kandie won the men's race in a course record of 59min 35sec. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]]

MEN'S  RESULTS  

1. Kibiwott Kandie - KENYA - 59:35

2. Geoffrey Kamworor -KENYA - 59:38

3. Roncer Kipkorir -KENYA - 59:46

4. Amedework Walelegn - ETHIOPIA - 59:48

5. Leonard barsoton - KENYA  - 59:59

6. Stephen Kissa - UGANDA - 1:00:027.

7. Benard Kipkorir Ngeno - KENYA - 1:00:28

8. Vestus Chemor - KENYA - 1:02:07

9. Kaan Kigen Ozbilen - TURKEY - 1:02:26

10. Getaye Gelaw - ETHIOPIA - 1:03:32

more to follow...