Peres Jepchirchir set a world record in the woman’s half marathon on Friday, the Kenyan timing a period of one hour, five minutes and six seconds in the United Arab Emirates as runners from the East African country cleared the platform places.
The 23-year-old world champion went too far in the Ras al-Khaimah half marathon three seconds quicker than the record made by fellow Kenyan Florence Kiplagat in Barcelona two years back, although the new record remains subject to approval.
Three-time race-winner Mary Keitany finished seven seconds behind the winner, while Joyciline Jepkosgei rounded out the top three in a time of 1:06:08.
Kenya also dominated the men’s race, with Bedan Karoki, who won silver at last year’s World Half Marathon Championships and World Cross Country Championships, winning in a time of 59:10.
Ethiopia’s Yigrem Demelash finished nine seconds behind Karoki, while Kenya’s Augustine Choge was a further seven seconds back in third.
