**Kenya’s Agnes Ngetich Breaks Women-Only Half-Marathon World Record by One Second**
Copenhagen, Denmark – In a remarkable display of athletic prowess, Kenya’s Agnes Ngetich shattered the women-only half-marathon world record during the World Athletics Road Running Championships held in Copenhagen on Sunday. Ngetich completed the race in an impressive time of one hour, five minutes, and 15 seconds, surpassing the previous record by a narrow margin of one second.
Ngetich's victory marks a significant achievement in her career, adding to a series of successful performances throughout the year. She has already claimed titles in both the team half-marathon and the World Cross Country Championships earlier this year, showcasing her versatility and endurance across various running disciplines.
From the outset of the race, Ngetich established herself as a frontrunner, maintaining a commanding lead throughout the course. Her performance was particularly notable given the sunny conditions in Copenhagen, which can often present challenges for long-distance runners. She finished the race a substantial 50 seconds ahead of her nearest competitor, fellow Kenyan Veronica Loleo, who secured second place.
The previous record for the women-only half-marathon was set by Peres Jepchirchir, another Kenyan athlete, who achieved a time of one hour, five minutes, and 16 seconds during the World Half Marathon Championships in Poland in 2020. Ngetich’s new record further solidifies Kenya's dominance in long-distance running, particularly in women's events.
While Ngetich holds the women-only record, the overall world record for the half-marathon remains with Ethiopia’s Letesenbet Gidey. Gidey clocked an astounding time of one hour, two minutes, and 52 seconds during the mixed-gender Valencia Half Marathon in Spain in 2021.
Ngetich's recent accomplishments highlight her as one of the leading figures in the sport, particularly at just 25 years old. Her impressive performances this year, including her wins in Copenhagen and Florida, have positioned her as a prominent athlete on the global stage.
As the athletics community celebrates her latest achievement, Ngetich's record-breaking run serves as an inspiration for aspiring runners and a testament to the competitive spirit and talent present in the world of athletics today.