UAE – Incredible competition today in Ras al Khaimah Half Marathon lead to the surprise world record in the half marathon of 1h04:31 by Ethiopia’s Ababel Yeshaneh.
Ababel Yeshaneh sets new World Record in RAK half
World Marathon record holder Brigid Kosgei (Ken) clocked 1h04.49 in second place under previous record too. Brigid Kosgei lead the race from the start with impressive splits of 15:07 15:11 15:23 while, behind her, Ethiopian Yeshaneh staied covered giving her kick through 15-20 by clocking splits of 15:31 instead 15:49 of Kosgei. Both athletes closes last 1097m in same time of 3min.20sec.
Ethiopian Yeshaneh still cant believe she is new world record holder in halfmarathon: “I did not imagine this results, I improved my personal best by more than 60”! I am a world record holder!”
Brigid Kosgei in second place with 64:48 under the previous world record:”Even if I did not win, I’m happy for this great race with Ababel! She is a friend and we have the same manager, so very happy also for here. A good results to continue on this way for London Marathon in April.”
Third place was Rosemary Wanjiru Monicah (Ken) in a time of 1h05:34 on her debut at the distance, this following impressive performances over shorter distances.
Completing the top5 in Ras Al Khaimah were Kenyans, Evaline Chirchir in 1h06.01 in 4th with Joan Chelimo Melly a close fifth in 1h06:16.
Kibiwott Kandie takes Men’s RAK Half title
After winning last Sunday at the AK national cross champs in Kenya , Kibiwott Kandie (Ken) was considered favourite for the race and he confirmed this billing by winning the men’s race in amazing 58:58, overhauling former world leader A.Mutiso (Ken) who finished in second place with 59:16.
In preparation for London Marathon, Mule Wasihun (Eth), took a solid third place in a time of 59.47 while Alfred Barkach (Ken) was fourth in 59.49 and Vincent Raimoi (Ken) fifth in 59:51, making it a good day for Kenyan men. Switzerland’s Julien Wanders clocked 60:46, losing contact with the frontrunners after passing through the 10k in 28:03.
Yet again the RAK half-marathon has produced fast times and a women’s world record to boot
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