Jepkosgei achieves world’s best time of 2025 in Valencia

The Kenyan, who broke the half-marathon world record in Valencia in 2017, delivered a superb performance alongside Peres Jepchirchir, who paid the price for attempting a breakaway around kilometre 34 and was eventually overtaken with ease by Jepkosgei. Even so, the reigning world champion also produced an excellent time, 2:14:43, the second-fastest of the year. Third place went to Belgian Chloé Herbiet, who finished in 2:20:38.

In the men’s race, John Korir claimed victory in 2:02:24, missing the world-leading mark of the year by just eight seconds. Second across the blue carpet was a jubilant Amanal Petros in 2:04:03, setting a new German record. The final spot on the podium went to Awet Kibrab with 2:04:24.11. Although he did not reach the podium, Japan’s Suguru Osako achieved a national record with 2:04:55.