Ethiopia’s Yalemzerf Yehualaw breaks half marathon world record

Addis Ababa, August 29, 2021 (FBC) – Ethiopian Yalemzerf Yehualaw broke the half marathon world record in a time of 63min 43sec in the Antrim Coast Half Marathon.

Yalemzerf Yehualaw, who is a part of NN Running Team, broke the previous record set by Kenyan Ruth Chepngetich by 19 seconds in Larne in Northern Ireland.

“A dream come true, something I have worked for all my life,” Yalemzef said. “I was frustrated after not getting it in Istanbul but I am extremely happy now!”

Yalemzerf ran the opening five kilometres in 15:05, eight seconds inside the world-record pace.

After 15km, Yalemzerf was six seconds clear of the world record, in 45:24, before producing a blistering final 6km to extend her advantage.