Ngetich Shatters Women-Only Half-Marathon Record in Copenhagen

Kenyan runner Agnes Ngetich claimed the women-only half-marathon world record and the gold medal at the World Road Running Championships in Copenhagen, finishing in a time of one hour, five minutes, and 15 seconds.

Ngetich edged out the previous mark by a single second. The former record was established by her compatriot Peres Jepchirchir when she won the World half marathon title in 2020. For context, the overall women’s half-marathon record remains with Ethiopia’s Letesenbet Gidey, who posted a time of 1:02:52.

The 25-year-old athlete credited her preparation and mindset for the breakthrough. “My coach believed in me and told me that I could do it, that I could win the gold medal,” Ngetich said. “So, I am very happy and very grateful to now hold the world half marathon record, too.”

This victory adds to an impressive recent string of records for the Kenyan. In April 2025, she became the first woman to run a 10km distance in under 30 minutes within a women-only race, recording a time of 29:27. Previously, in 2024, she made history at the Valencia event by becoming the first woman to break the 29-minute barrier in a mixed race with a time of 28:46.

Looking ahead, Ngetich expressed her ambition to compete on the track. She stated she plans to discuss her schedule with her coaching team but confirmed her focus will shift to track races in 2027, with an eye toward the World Athletics Championships.

“It is my dream to win a gold medal on the track. It is the only one I am missing,” she added.

In the men’s competition, Sweden’s Andreas Almgren secured victory in Copenhagen by breaking his own European record. He completed the race in 58:06, improving upon his previous best by 35 seconds.