Ethiopian sensation Yomif Kejelcha has rewritten history in Buenos Aires, clocking a staggering 56:51 to claim the men's half marathon world record.

  • Yomif Kejelcha set a new world record of 56:51.
  • He shaved 29 seconds off Jacob Kiplimo's previous mark.
  • Kejelcha is also the current 10,000m road race world record holder.

In a breathtaking display of endurance and speed, Ethiopia's Yomif Kejelcha has broken the men's half marathon world record. Competing in a World Athletics road race in Buenos Aires on Sunday, the 29-year-old athlete crossed the finish line in a phenomenal 56 minutes and 51 seconds.

This historic run sees Kejelcha reclaiming his throne. He previously held the record with a 57:30 mark set in Valencia in October 2024, but lost the title to Uganda's Jacob Kiplimo earlier this year. Kiplimo had set a time of 57:20 in Lisbon, but Kejelcha has now obliterated that mark by a massive 29 seconds, pending official ratification.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that Kejelcha's performance represents a paradigm shift in distance running. Reducing a world record by nearly half a minute in a single leap is an extraordinary feat that suggests the physiological limits of human running are being pushed further than ever before.

Kejelcha's dominance across multiple distances marks him as one of the greatest distance runners of this generation.

Kejelcha's credentials extend far beyond the half marathon. A world track silver medallist in the 10,000m, he also holds the world record for the men's 10,000m road race. His versatility makes him a dual threat on both the track and the road.

His recent form has been nothing short of legendary. Earlier this year, at the London Marathon, he became one of the elite few to run a sub-two-hour marathon under record-eligible conditions. Although he finished second to Kenya's Sebastian Sawe—who won in a record-breaking 1:59:30—Kejelcha's performance solidified his status as a global marathon powerhouse.

Historical Background

The rivalry between East African nations, particularly Ethiopia and Kenya, has defined modern long-distance running. Kejelcha's ability to reclaim records lost to Ugandan competitors like Kiplimo adds a new, intense chapter to this regional athletic saga.

Did You Know?: Kejelcha's speed is so consistent that he has maintained world-class status across both 10,000m and half-marathon distances simultaneously.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: What is the new world record time for the men's half marathon?
Answer: The new record is 56 minutes and 51 seconds, set by Yomif Kejelcha.

Question 2: Who did Kejelcha beat to set this record?
Answer: He surpassed the previous record held by Uganda's Jacob Kiplimo.