Kenya's Agnes Ngetich has broken the women-only half marathon world record, clocking 1:05:15 at the World Athletics Road Running Championships in Copenhagen on Sunday.

Ngetich's performance improved the previous women-only world record by one second and delivered another major distance-running milestone for the 25-year-old Kenyan.

Ngetich sets 1:05:15 world record in Copenhagen

Ngetich took control from the start of the women's half marathon and maintained the pace required for a record attempt through the Danish capital.

She crossed the finish line in one hour, five minutes and 15 seconds, according to Reuters, lowering the previous women-only world record by a single second.

The women-only classification applies to races in which elite women compete without male athletes acting as pacemakers. It is recorded separately from the overall women's half marathon world record set in mixed races.

Kenyan one-two at the World Athletics road championships

Ngetich's victory also led a strong Kenyan showing. Compatriot Veronica Loleo finished second, 50 seconds behind the winner.

The margin reflected how decisively Ngetich controlled the race. Rather than relying on a late sprint, she led from the outset and sustained her advantage through the closing kilometres.

Another major mark for Agnes Ngetich

The Copenhagen performance adds to Ngetich's growing reputation among the world's leading road runners. She has previously produced elite performances over shorter road distances, and the half marathon record demonstrates her ability to extend that speed over 21.1 kilometres.

Breaking a world record by only one second also illustrates the fine margins involved at the highest level of distance running. Maintaining record pace across the full half-marathon distance requires consistency as well as raw speed.

Why the women-only record matters

World Athletics recognises separate women's road records depending on race conditions. Women-only races provide a distinct competitive setting because the leading athletes cannot use male competitors for pacing.

Ngetich's 1:05:15 therefore becomes the benchmark for the women-only half marathon category, subject to the governing body's normal ratification process.

Key takeaways

  • Agnes Ngetich won the women's half marathon in Copenhagen in 1:05:15.
  • The Kenyan improved the women-only world record by one second.
  • Ngetich led from the outset at the World Athletics Road Running Championships.
  • Kenya's Veronica Loleo finished second, 50 seconds behind Ngetich.

The record gives Kenya another landmark result in international distance running and leaves Ngetich with a new standard for future women-only half marathon races to chase.