COPENHAGEN
Kenya’s Agnes Ngetich shattered the women-only world half-marathon record on Sunday, clocking 1:05:15 to win gold at the World Athletics Road Running Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark.
The 25-year-old shaved one second off the previous record of 1:05:16, set by compatriot Peres Jepchirchir in 2020, to claim her second world title of the year.
Ngetich dominated the race from the start, establishing a 10-second lead at the 5-kilometer mark before extending her advantage to 26 seconds at 10 kilometers.
She maintained her commanding pace throughout the race, crossing the finish line 50 seconds ahead of compatriot Veronica Loleo, who secured silver in 1:06:05.
Rwanda’s Florence Niyonkuru claimed bronze in a national record of 1:06:08, while Kenya’s Daisilah Jerono finished fourth in 1:06:13.
“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 victory adds to Ngetich’s remarkable 2026 season, which began with a world cross-country title in Tallahassee, Florida, in January.
She also holds two world records over 10 kilometers, having clocked 28:46 in a mixed race and 29:27 in a women-only race.
Ngetich’s performance helped Kenya secure the women’s team title, combining with Loleo and Jerono for a total time of 3:17:33. The United States took silver, while Ethiopia claimed bronze.
Looking ahead, Ngetich said she plans to return to track racing in 2027, with her sights set on winning a world championship gold medal.
