Letesenbet Gidey Smashes Half-Marathon World Record

Letesenbet Gidey made history on Sunday, smashing the women's half-marathon world record with a time of 1:02:52 at the Valencia Half Marathon Trinidad Alfonso.

What happened?

The Ethiopian athlete, who had never run a half marathon before, dominated the race, finishing 70 seconds ahead of the previous record. She held a 4:48 per mile pace during the run, showcasing her impressive endurance.

Why it matters for Letesenbet Gidey

This achievement marks Gidey's fourth world record, adding to her existing records in the 5K, 10K, and 15K distances. Gidey also won a bronze medal in the 10K in Tokyo and has a silver world championship medal in that distance.

What comes next?

After the race, Gidey hinted that she's "thinking of competing at the marathon distance," although she's not sure when she'll debut. Ruth Chepngetich, who recently won the Chicago Marathon, previously held the half-marathon record with a time of 1:04:02, set earlier in 2021. Gidey's confidence after her history-making run is evident, saying "I knew I could run this kind of time as my training sessions in the altitude of Addis Ababa have gone very well." As Gidey considers her next move, her impressive performance in Valencia has set the stage for a potential marathon debut. With her exceptional speed and endurance, Gidey is likely to make a significant impact in the marathon distance. The athletics world will be watching Gidey's next steps closely, eager to see if she can replicate her success in the half marathon. Gidey's training in Addis Ababa has clearly paid off, and her ability to adapt to new distances will be crucial in her future endeavors. The Valencia Half Marathon Trinidad Alfonso provided the perfect platform for Gidey to showcase her talent, and she seized the opportunity with bold determination.