Kenya’s Daniel Kipchumba took the top honors at the 4th edition of the Copenhagen Half Marathon that was held on Sunday in Copenhagen, Denmark.
The hopes for a world record was high before the race, however, they do not come easy. The first 10km proved to be too slow with a large leading group splitting in 28:10, with the 21 year-old battling for the top honors with Abraham Kiptum the 2018 Daegu course record holder, Ethiopia’s Jemal Yimer Mekonnen and double world champion on 3000m indoor, Ethiopian Yomif Kejelcha for the top honors.
Kipchumba managed to hold the pace and broke away from the crowd at the 15km mark and he never looked back to cut the tape in 59:06 which is the second fastest time.
“I am very happy. I wanted to push the pace at 15K, but I found conditions to be too windy, and so I stayed in the group,” said the 21-year-old Kenyan, who fought a close battle with his countryman Abraham Kiptum, eventually beating him with three seconds.
Kiptum crossed the line in second place in 59:09 with Mekonnen closing the podium three finishes in 59:14.
Kejecha came home in fourth with Felix Kibitok from Kenya finishing in fifth place in 59:17 and 59:21.
Rio Olympics marathon silver meadallist Lelisa Desisa finished a distant seventh in 59:52.
Kipchumba told afterwards that he will be attempting a new fast half marathon time in New Delhi on October 21st.
Eight men dipped under the magic 60 minutes, once again proving the race to be one of fastest half marathon races in the world.
LEADING RESULTS
MEN
- Daniel Kipchumba (KEN) 59:06
- Abraham Kiptum (KEN) 59:09
- Jemal Mekonnen (ETH) 59:14
- Yomif Kejelcha (ETH) 59:17
- Felix Kibitok (KEN) 59:21
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