Lornah Kiplagat of the Netherlands set a new half-marathon world record at the world road running championships in Udine, Italy this weekend. Kiplagat completed the course in 1 hour, 6 minutes, 25 seconds. Kiplagat’s time was 19 seconds faster than the prior record set by Elena Meyer eight years ago.
“Everything just went perfect today,” said Kiplagat. “With four kilometers left, I realized that the record was possible.”
For her efforts Kiplagat pocketed $80,000, $30,000 for the victory and a $50,000 bonus for the record.
Mary Keitany and Pamela Chepchumba, both of Kenya, took second and third.
In the men’s race Zersenay Tadese of Eritrea successfully defended his title with a time of 58:59, three seconds ahead of Kenyan Patrick Makau Musyoki.
Men’s Results
1. Zersenay Tadese, Eritrea, 58:59
2. Patrick Makau Musyoki, Kenya, 59:02
3. Evans Kiprop Cheruiyot, Kenya, 59:05
4. Deriba Merga, Ethiopia, 59:16
5. Yonas Kifle, Eritrea, 59:30
Women’s Results
1. Lornah Kiplagat, Netherlands, 1:06:25
2. Mary Jepkosgei Keitany, Kenya, 1:06:48
3. Pamela Chepchumba, Kenya, 1:08:06
4. Bezunesh Bekele, Ethiopia, 1:08:07
5. Atsede Habtamu, Ethiopia, 1:08:29
