Ngetich eyes back-to-back Valencia Half Marathon titles

The Valencia course has a rich record-breaking history  it holds the second-fastest men’s time in history (57:30) by Ethiopian star Yomif Kejelcha, and the women’s mixed world record (1:02:51) set in 2021 by compatriot Letesenbet Gidey.

Organizers say their goal this year is to maintain the race’s reputation as one of the world’s fastest and deliver some of the best performances of the 2025 calendar.

All eyes will be on the clash between Kenya’s Agnes Ngetich (1:03:04) and Ethiopia’s Fotyen Tesfay (1:03:21). Other top Kenyans in the lineup include Gladys Chepkurui (1:05:46), Jesca Chelangat (1:06:13), Veronica Loleo (1:06:40), and Gladys Kwamboka (1:07:14), while Ethiopia’s Mulat Tekle, America’s Emma Hurley, and Sweden’s Sarah Lahti will provide international competition.

The women's half marathon world record is 1:02:52, set by Letesenbet Gidey on October 24, 2021, at the Valencia Half Marathon. The women's-only half marathon world record is 1:05:16, set by Peres Jepchirchir on October 17, 2020, in Gdynia

In last year’s edition, Kenya’s Agnes Jebet Ngetich claimed the women’s title in 1:03:04, ahead of Ethiopia’s Fotyen Tesfay who clocked 1:03:21, while fellow Kenyan Lilian Kasait Rengeruk completed the podium in 1:03:32

Agnes missed Letesenbet Gidey's world record of 1 hour 2 minutes and 52 seconds by 13 seconds. This time places Ngetich as the second fastest half marathon runner in history behind Gidey.

In the men’s category, Ethiopian star Yomif Kejelcha, the reigning champion and course record holder, returns to the “City of Running,” aiming to extend his dominance. He faces a strong Kenyan challenge led by Patrick Mosin (58:44), Gideon Kiprotich (58:49), Samwel Mailu, Alex Matata, and Hillary Kipkoech.

According to Marc Roig, the international elite selector, the initial list of entries shows why Valencia remains the world’s most attractive half marathon.

“The 2024 winners are set to compete again, and both have said they want to improve their times. Last year six men ran under 59 minutes, while five women finished inside 66 minutes. The bar has been set, and we want to go even faster this year,” said Roig.

In last year’s race, Yomif Kejelcha clocked 57:30 at the Valencia Trinidad Alfonso Zurich Half Marathon (27 October 2024), trimming one second off the previous world record held by Jacob Kiplimo of Uganda.

Kiplimo has since reclaimed the record, running 56:42 in Barcelona (February 2025), a massive 48-second improvement.

The last Kenyan to hold the half marathon world record was Kibiwott Kandie, who ran 57:32 in 2020.
The 2025 Valencia Half Marathon takes place on Sunday, October 26.