Kamworor breaks World Half Marathon record

Kamworor breaks World Half Marathon record

Gilbert Kiprotich

Geoffrey Kamworor shaved 17 seconds off the World Marathon record when he ran a barnstorming 58:01 en route to winning the Copenhagen Half Marathon on Sunday.

The three-time World Half Marathon champion thus lowered the previous mark held by his Kenyan compatriot Abraham Kiptum who ran 58:18 in October last year in Valencia.

Despite heavy winds at the Danish capital, Kamworor reached the 10km mark in 27:32, well inside the World record and from that point he began to completely pull away from his challengers, leaving just the clock as his competitor.

As he had declared on Saturday, Kamworor was indeed a man on a mission as he finally crossed the finish line in record time that also meant he took 39 seconds off the course record set in 2017 by Bahraini Abraham Cheroben.

Copenhagen City was a familiar territory for Kamworor having won his maiden World Half marathon title in 2014.

An emotional Kamworor said he was elated to finally break the record after dominating for long in the distance.

“I have won many titles and I think It was time now to go for the record. My fans have been asking for it and I am happy I have delivered. I was prepared for this having pulled out of the World Championships,” Kamworor said.

The next stop for the Kapatagat-based athlete is the New York City Marathon where he will be looking to reclaim his title.

“I think this is a good preparation for the New York City Marathon where I also hope to do well,” he added.

Another Kenyan, Bernard Kipkorir Ngeno took second place in 59:16 with Ethiopia’s Berehanu Wendemu Tsegu (59:22) coming home third.

Ethiopia’s Birhane Dibaba Adugna -the 2018 Tokyo Marathon champion, won the women’s race in 1:05:57, taking almost two minutes off her lifetime best.

The record is subject to the normal IAAF ratification system.

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Geoffrey Kamworor Copenhagen Half Marathon

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