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Sunday, September 20, 2026

Kenyan breaks women-only half marathon world record by a second

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Agnes Ngetich crosses the finish line to win the women's half marathon at the World Athletics Road Running Championships.

Agnes Ngetich claims victory in the women's half marathon in Copenhagen. (World Athletics/Getty Images: Gaelle Mobuchon)

In short:

Kenya's Agnes Ngetich set a world record in the women-only half marathon.

She ran 1:05.15 in winning gold at the World Athletics Road Running Championships in Copenhagen.

Ngetich took a second off the previous world record, set by Peres ⁠Jepchirchir in 2020.

Kenya's Agnes Ngetich has taken a second off the women-only half marathon ​world record at the ‌World Athletics Road Running Championships in Copenhagen.

Ngetich stopped the clock at one ​hour, five minutes and 15 ​seconds.

She ​pushed to the front from the outset in the Danish capital and led through to the end, finishing 50 ​seconds ahead of compatriot Veronica Loleo, who ​claimed the silver medal.

Rebecca Lowe was the best-placed Australian, running a personal best of 1:11.38 to finish in 51st position.

"My coach believed in me and told me that I could do it, that I could win the gold medal," Ngetich said.

"So, I am very happy and very grateful to now hold the world half marathon record, too."

The previous world record was set by ‌Peres ⁠Jepchirchir, another Kenyan, in 2020.

The overall women's half marathon world record is held ​by Ethiopia's ​Letesenbet ⁠Gidey, who clocked 1:02:52 in 2021.

 Ngetich also helped Kenya win the team half marathon in Copenhagen.

The 25-year-old's triumph was the ​latest major title she has won this year.

She was also ⁠victorious at the World Cross Country ​Championships in January.

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