Keilecha in Buenos Aires verbessert den Weltrekord im Halbmarathon

Yomif Kejelcha, an Ethiopian long-distance runner, has set a new world record in the half marathon in Buenos Aires, Argentina, achieving a time of 56 minutes and 51 seconds over a distance of 21.0975 kilometers. The result was recorded on August 23, 2026, during a race held on the streets of the capital city. While Kejelcha awaits official confirmation of his performance, the achievement marks a major milestone in the sport of athletics. The race took place under favorable conditions, with Kejelcha demonstrating exceptional speed and endurance. His time of 56:51 improves upon the previous world record, which was set by Jacob Kipruto from Uganda in March 2026 during a race in Lisbon. Kipruto’s time of 57:20 had already been surpassed by Kejelcha earlier this year, when he ran the half marathon in 57:30, breaking the record previously held by Kipruto. Now, with another improvement, Kejelcha has once again taken the lead in the competition. Kejelcha, who is also the current world record holder in the 10-kilometer race, has shown consistent excellence across multiple distances. His recent performances have positioned him as one of the top athletes in the global athletic community. The Buenos Aires race, however, stands out due to its significance in pushing the boundaries of human endurance. If officially ratified by World Athletics, the governing body responsible for verifying all records, Kejelcha would become the first person in history to complete a half marathon in under 57 minutes. Jacob Kipruto's previous attempt at setting a world record in February 2025 ended in controversy. During that race, Kipruto finished in 56:42, but the result was not recognized by World Athletics. Officials determined that Kipruto had received assistance from a vehicle traveling ahead of him, which violated the rules of fair competition. This ruling effectively invalidated his record, leaving the title open for others to challenge. In April 2026, Kejelcha further demonstrated his prowess by completing the marathon in 1 hour, 59 minutes, and 41 seconds. This time placed him second behind Sebastian Sawe, a Kenyan athlete who set the marathon world record at 1:59:30. The two runners represent some of the fastest competitors in the sport today, each having contributed significantly to the evolution of track and field standards. The Buenos Aires race attracted international attention, drawing spectators and media coverage from around the globe. The event highlighted the growing popularity of road racing in South America, particularly in cities such as Buenos Aires, which have increasingly hosted high-profile competitions. The presence of elite athletes like Kejelcha underscores the region’s potential to host future world-class events. World Athletics will review Kejelcha’s performance in the coming weeks. The organization typically conducts thorough investigations into all record-breaking results to ensure they meet strict criteria. If confirmed, Kejelcha’s time will stand as a new benchmark for the half marathon, potentially inspiring future generations of athletes to push even further. For now, the focus remains on the verification process, with anticipation building among fans and fellow competitors alike.