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

Kenya's Agnes Ngetich breaks women-only half marathon world record by a secondPosted Mon 21 Sep 2026 at 8:25amMon 21 Sep 2026 at 8:25am, updated Mon 21 Sep 2026 at 8:38amMon 21 Sep 2026 at 8:38amAgnes 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.⁠Gidey set her mark at the Valencia Half Marathon, which involved both women's and men's races.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.Reuters