Kibiwott Kandie, Ruth Chepng'etich out to break Barcelona Half Marathon records

ATHLETICS Kibiwott Kandie, Ruth Chepng'etich out to break Barcelona Half Marathon records

Abigael Wafula 11:09 - 02.02.2024

Kibiwott Kandie and Ruth Chepng'etich will lead strong fields to the Barcelona Half Marathon with the aim of shattering the course records.

The race organisers of the 34th Barcelona Half Marathon have expressed their thrill ahead of the event set for Sunday 11 February with more than 28,000 confirming participation in the largest half marathon in Spain and the second largest in Europe.

The organisers have also expressed interest in achieving new course records in both the men’s and women’s races. The men’s course record currently stands at 58:53 while the women’s is 1:04:37.

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They will be banking on the 23 international elite athletes who will be competing for the top prize. In the men's field, Kibiwott Kandie stands out.

The three-time Valencia Half Marathon champion and former world record holder over the distance will be aspiring for a podium finish.

Also seeking for top honours will be Prague Half Marathon winner Philemon Kiplimo, Mathew Kimeli (58:43), and Hillary Kipkoech (59:22).

Tanzania’s Gabriel Geay will also be in the mix with the hope of having a great build-up ahead of his return to the Boston Marathon.

In the women’s race, the rival to beat will be two-time Chicago Marathon champion Ruth Chepng’etich. She is the 2019 World Marathon champion and also holds the fourth fastest time over the distance.

Her main opponent will be her compatriot Joyciline Jepkosgei, runner-up in the world half marathon in 2018 and who already ran the Mitja de Barcelona achieving a personal best of 1:04:46.

The formidable duo will be joined by the Ethiopian Senbere Teferi and another Kenyan, Gladys Chepkurui, both with achieving under one hour and six minutes.

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