Kenyan breaks women-only half marathon world record by a second

Kenya's Agnes Ngetich has taken a second off the women-only half marathon ​world record at the ‌World Athletics Road Running Championships in Copenhagen.

Ngetich stopped the clock at one ​hour, five minutes and 15 ​seconds.

She ​pushed to the front from the outset in the Danish capital and led through to the end, finishing 50 ​seconds ahead of compatriot Veronica Loleo, who ​claimed the silver medal.

Rebecca Lowe was the best-placed Australian, running a personal best of 1:11.38 to finish in 51st position.

"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."

The previous world record was set by ‌Peres ⁠Jepchirchir, another Kenyan, in 2020.

The overall women's half marathon world record is held ​by Ethiopia's ​Letesenbet ⁠Gidey, who clocked 1:02:52 in 2021.

⁠Gidey set her mark at the Valencia Half Marathon, which involved both women's and men's races.

Ngetich also helped Kenya win the team half marathon in Copenhagen.

The 25-year-old's triumph was the ​latest major title she has won this year.

She was also ⁠victorious at the World Cross Country ​Championships in January.