Kenya’s Peres Jepchirchir on Friday set a new World record in the women’s Half Marathon after clocking 1:05.06 at the 2017 Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) Half Marathon, US, on Friday morning.
Jepchirchir, the 2016 World Half Marathon champion smashed the record previously held by compatriot Florence Kiplagat who finished out of the top 10 in the race.
The 23-year old fended, who collapses at the line fended competitions from fellow Kenyan and three-time New York Marathon champion, Mary Keitany who came second in 1:05.13.
Joyciline Jepkosgei managed third ahead of Rio Olympic champions Jemima Sumgong who came fourth, in a race where six Kenyans finished in the top 10.
In men’s races, the 2015 World Cross Country and 2016 World Half Marathon silver medallist Bedan Karoki finished first after crossing the line in 59:10.
Karoki outpaced Ethiopia’s Yegrem Demelash (29:19) as former Commonwealth 5000m champion Augustine Choge clinched third position with a personal best of 59:26.
