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The world indoor mile record-holder took one second off the world record set by Jacob Kiplimo in Lisbon three years ago
Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha, winner of the Valencia half marathon on October 27, has revealed how he broke the world record in Spain.
The 27-year-old clocked 57:30 in his sixth appearance over the distance. The world indoor mile record-holder took one second off the world record set by Jacob Kiplimo in Lisbon three years ago.
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Debutant Agnes Ngetich shines as Yomif Kejelcha strikes world record at Valencia Half Marathon
Agnes Ngetich was in a class of her own in her half marathon debut in Valencia as Yomif Kejelcha surprised Kenyans to take the win in a new world record, shattering the previous record by Jacob Kiplimo.
"I told myself to do it in 57 minutes, and I saw from the clock on the lead car that it was possible, despite the rain," he said as revealed by World Athletics. "At 15km I was confident and I thought I could get the record. But by 18km and 19km I started to get nervous because the pace changed, so it was a big challenge. The rain and tight turns also made it difficult," he added.
The race started fast with pacemakers covering the first kilometre in 2:43. Kejelecha then moved to the front just before the third kilometre and took command of the race, followed by fellow Ethiopian Selemon Barega and Kenyans Daniel Mateiko, Edward Cheserek, Weldon Langat and Isaia Kipkoech Lasoi.
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The lead pack of six went through the 5km checkpoint in 13:38 with Kejelcha in front. His relentless rhythm soon paid off and after 22 minutes the lead pack was whittled down to three as only Mateiko and Lasoi managed to stay with him.
They went through 10km in 27:12, still on course to break the course record, but the pace decreased slightly over the following kilometres and a 13:44 section between 10km and 15km put the world record in jeopardy.
Sensing the world record was at risk of slipping away, Kejelcha increased the pace and broke away from Mateiko and Lasoi with ease. In a battle against the clock, the two-time world indoor champion charged through the finish line in 57:30 to break the world record by one second and his PB by 11 seconds.
"I wanted to break the world record and I'm really happy I did it. The half marathon world record was my dream and I beat it," he added. Mateiko and Lasoi held on to second and third place. Mateiko improved his PB to 58:17, while Lasoi clocked 58:21 in what was his fifth half marathon of the season.
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