Kenyan athlete Agnes Ngetich made history at the World Road Running Championships in Copenhagen, breaking the women-only half-marathon world record. She completed the race in one hour, five minutes, and 15 seconds, taking a second off the previous record set by compatriot Peres Jepchirchir in 2020. Ngetich's achievement marked a significant milestone in her career, solidifying her position as a top athlete in the sport.
Ngetich, 25, expressed her gratitude to her coach for believing in her and helping her achieve her goal. Her victory at the championships also showcased her exceptional skill and endurance. The overall women's half-marathon world record, held by Ethiopia's Letesenbet Gidey with a time of 1:02:52, remains separate from Ngetich's women-only record. Ngetich's accomplishment has generated excitement and anticipation for her future competitions.
This achievement is not Ngetich's first record-breaking feat. In April 2025, she set a new 10km world record, clocking 29:27 to become the first woman to run the distance in under 30 minutes in a women-only race. She also broke the 10km world record in Valencia in 2024, winning a mixed road race in 28:46. These accomplishments demonstrate Ngetich's versatility and dominance in various distances.
Ngetich's plans for the future are already underway. She intends to discuss her next steps with her coach, but she has confirmed that she will return to track races in 2027, with the goal of competing in the World Athletics Championships. Winning a gold medal on the track is her ultimate objective, as it is the only achievement missing from her impressive resume.
The World Road Running Championships in Copenhagen saw another notable achievement, as Sweden's Andreas Almgren won the men's half marathon and broke his own European record by 35 seconds, crossing the line in 58:06. This performance highlights the exceptional talent and dedication of athletes competing at the highest level.
Ngetich's record-breaking achievement has garnered significant attention and praise from the athletics community. Her dedication, perseverance, and natural ability have earned her a reputation as a formidable competitor. As she looks to the future, fans and fellow athletes alike will be eagerly following her progress and achievements.
With her recent success, Ngetich has solidified her position as a leading figure in women's athletics. Her record-breaking performance will undoubtedly inspire and motivate aspiring athletes, and her future competitions will be closely watched by fans and enthusiasts worldwide.
Key points
- Agnes Ngetich broke the women-only half-marathon world record at the World Road Running Championships in Copenhagen.
- Ngetich completed the race in one hour, five minutes, and 15 seconds, taking a second off the previous record.
- Ngetich aims to compete in the World Athletics Championships in 2027 and win a gold medal on the track.
