Ethiopian distance runner Yomif Kejelcha established a new world record in the half marathon on Sunday, crossing the finish line in Buenos Aires with a time of 56 minutes and 51 seconds.
Kejelcha Shatters Half Marathon Record in Buenos Aires
The performance over the 21.097-kilometer course betters the previous official world record of 57:20 set by Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo in Lisbon this past March. Kejelcha’s run breaks the 57-minute barrier in fully legal, World Athletics-certified conditions.
Navigating Course Regulations and Past Marks
While Kiplimo previously registered a faster time of 56:42 in Barcelona, that mark could not be homologated as an official world record. Athletic officials noted the technical layout of the course did not meet governing body regulations.
Kejelcha maintained an aggressive early pace. It yielded a blistering average speed of 22.27 kilometers per hour, translating to roughly 2 minutes and 42 seconds per kilometer.
Building on a Stellar 2026 Campaign
The latest milestone adds to a stellar 2026 campaign for Kejelcha.
On April 26, the two-time world 10,000m silver medalist finished second at the London Marathon behind Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe. He clocked 1:59:41 to become only the second athlete in history to break the two-hour barrier for the classic 42.195-kilometer distance.
A Fierce Global Distance Rivalry
The victory marks another chapter in an intense rivalry between Kejelcha and Kiplimo atop global distance running. Kejelcha previously held the world half marathon record at 57:30, achieved in Valencia in October 2024, before Kiplimo lowered the standard in Lisbon earlier this year.
Both runners also rank among the fastest marathoners in history. They stood alongside Sawe on the podium in London earlier this spring where Sawe posted a world-best 1:59:30.
Ethiopian Sweep in the Argentine Capital
The women’s race in Buenos Aires also went to Ethiopia. Fotyen Tesfay secured victory in 1:03:57 to complete a sweep of the elite titles for the delegation.
Governing bodies and race promoters have yet to confirm the next stop on Kejelcha’s racing calendar as the international distance circuit moves into the autumn season.
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