Kandie misses World Record by a whisker as Chelimo leads Kenyan sweep in Valencia

22nd October 2023

Kandie ran the fourth-fastest time in history as Chelimo claimed the women’s title to secure a Kenyan double in the race.

Kibiwott Kandie crosses over the finish line. PHOTO| World Athletics
Kibiwott Kandie crosses over the finish line. PHOTO| World Athletics
SUMMARY
  • The men's event saw four athletes break 58 minutes, led by Kandie's 57:40.
  • Making his first appearance over the distance this year, the former world record-holder achieved his third win in Valencia to deny some top-class competition.
  • In the women’s category, Margaret Chelimo led Kenyans to a clean podium sweep in the streets of the Spanish City.

By Tony Kipkorir

Kenya’s Kibiwott Kandie missed the current world half-marathon record of 57:31 held by Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo by a whisker as he outpaced the Ethiopian duo of Hagod Gebrhiwet and Yomif Kejelcha in winning the Valencia half-marathon on Sunday after clocking 57:40.

Kandie, who hails from Baringo County had set a world record of 57:32 during the 2020 edition of the race but that was later lowered by Kiplimo.

His latest attempt at reclaiming the record agonizingly fell just short as Gebrhiwet and Kejelcha settled for second and third place finishes in 57:41 and 57:41 respectively.

Solomon Barega, also of Ethiopia finished fourth ahead of the recently crowned World Athletics Road Running Championships champion Sebastian Sawe.

The race saw four athletes run under 58:00 for this first time ever with the experienced Barega clocking 57:50.

Other Kenyan runners including Hillary Chepkwony, Mathew Kimeli, Nicholas Kipkorir Kimeli, Weldon Langat and Hillary Kipkoech managed to finish in the top ten.

In the women’s category, Margaret Chelimo led Kenyans to a clean podium sweep in the streets of the Spanish City.

The world 5000m silver medalist was too strong for her opponents, running comfortably throughout the road race.

Chelimo, who is one-time All African Games winner took matters into her hands in the final stages and never looked back, crossing the finishing line in an impressive time of 64:46.

Last year’s Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon winner Irene Cheptai and the little-known Janet Chepngetich overcame rivals from Ethiopia to ensure Kenya took all the coveted positions.

Cheptai clocked 64:53 while Chepngetich crossed the finishing line 65:15 to register second and third place finishes respectively.

One of the pre-race favorites Gebreslase Gotytom and her fellow countrywoman Gezahgn Tigist came in fourth and fifth place.