Kibiwott, Chelimo shine in Valencia

Kenyan marathoner Kibiwott Kandie has successfully defended his title after beating stiff competition from the Ethiopians to win the Valencia Half Marathon that took place in Valencia, Spain, on Sunday morning.

Kandie crossed the finish line in a time of 57:40, ahead of Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha who came in close second with a time of 57:41, while another Ethiopian, Gebrihiwet Hagos, came in third with a time of 57:41.

Kandie, who improved on last year's time, surged forward with three Ethiopians on the pursuit after the 10 km mark, but further engaged a different gear, seeing off pressure from the trio to storm into victory.

Another Kenyan, 2022 Bahrain Royal Night Half Marathon winner Sebastian Sawe had an unforgettable outing as he battled the opposition from the Ethiopians to finish fifth, clocking a time of 58:29 despite being tipped to shine in the race.

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Despite the win, Kandie missed his earlier personal best of 57.32, which was a world record set in 2020 but was later broken by Uganda’s Joshua Kiplmo at the 2021 Lisbon Half Marathon.

Chepkwony Hillary (58:53), Mathew Kimeli (59.00), Kimeli Nicholas (59.06), Kipkoach Hillary (59.22), Lagat Weldon (59.22), Kiprop Stephen (59.32) finished sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, and eleventh, respectively.

In the women’s category, Kenya’s had a clean sweep of 1-3, with Kapsabet-based Margret Chelimo winning the race after timing 1:04:46, with Cheptai Irine (1:04:53) and Chepngetich Janet (1:05:15) finishing second and third, respectively.

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SELECTED MEN RESULTS 21 KM

Kandie Kibiwot 0:57:40

Kejelcha Yomif 0:57:41

Gebrhiwet Hagos 0:57:41

Barega Selemon 0:57:50

Sawe Sabastian 0:58:29

SELECTED WOMEN RESULTS 21KM

Chelimo Margaret 1:04:46

Cheptai Irine 1:04:53

Chepngetich Janet 1:05:15

Gebreslase Gotytom 1:06:12

Gezahagn Tigist 1:06:20