Kenyan Abel Kipchumba and Ethiopian Letesenbet Goday were crowned the champions of 2021 Valencia Half marathon champions held today in Spain.
Kipchumba led the podium sweep for Kenyans with world 10km record holder finishing second and Daniel Mateiko completing the podium sweep.
The champion cut the tape in 58:07 with Kipruto second in 58:09 and Mateiko’s 58:26. But the reggae did not stop there as Kennedy Kimutai was 4th followed by Philemon Kiplimo for 5th as Ethiopian Muktar Idris was 6th, spiling Kenyans 1-10 positions.
Mathew Kimeli ws 7th followed by Kenyan Kiptum, Rodgers Kwemoi and Felix Kipkoech for top ten finishers.
It was a new world record as Ethiopian Giday led compatriots in another podium sweep in women. The track mistress won the title in 62:52 lowering Ruth Chepngetich’s followed by Genetu Molalign (63:51) ans Yalemzerf Yehualaw (63:51), all under the world record.
Kenya’s Sheila Chepkirui was 4th followed by compatriot Brenda Jepleting.
Top ten finishers
Women
- Letesenbet Giday (ETH)- 62:52 (WR)
- Genetu Molalign (ETH)- 63:51
- Yalemzerf yahualaw (ETH)- 63:51
- Shelia Chepkirui (KEN)- 64:53
- Brenda Jepleting (KEN)- 65:44
- Bosena Mulute (ETH)- 66:00
- Nigsti Haftu (ETH)- 66:17
- Hawi Feysa (ETH)- 67:25
- Sarah Lahfi (SWE)- 68:19
- Flonnuala Mccormack (IRL)- 69:32
Men
- Abel Kipchumba (KEN)- 58:07
- Rhonex Kipruto (KEN)- 58:09
- Daniel Mateiko (KEN)- 58:26
- Kennedy Kimutai (KEN)- 58:28
- Philemon Kiplimo (KEN)- 58:34
- Muktar Idris (ETH)- 58:40
- Mathew Kimeli (KEN)- 58:43
- Kelvin Kiptum (KEN)- 59:02
- Rodgers Kwemoi (KEN)- 59:16
- Felix Kipkoech (KEN)- 59:28