Kenya’s Mark Kiptoo broke Haile Gebrselassie’s world over 40 record of 1:01.40 when he won the 24th edition of the Azkoitia-Azpeitia Half Marathon that was held on Saturday (24) in Azpeitia, Spain.
Kiptoo, 42, is not about to retire, having ventured into road racing late. However, he will fought off a stiff challenge from younger athletes, who have all won the Azkoitia-Azpeitia Half , led by teammates Joseph Kiprono Kiptum of 1:00.17 and Emmanuel Bett of 1:00.08.
Kiptoo came to this race with a personal best of 1:00.08 and pushed the young stars to the edge but could not run under his best when he cut the tape in 1:01.04 and was closely followed by Stephen Arita who crossed the line seven seconds later with Samuel Kosgei closing the all Kenyan podium three in 1:01.23
The defending champion Kiptum who has a personal best of 1:00.17 finished a distant sixth in 1:01.41.
- Mark Kiptoo (KEN) 1:01.04
- Stephen Arita (KEN) 1:01.11
- Samuel Kosgei (KEN) 1:01.23
- Josphat Menjo (KEN) 1:01.36
- Merhawi Tsegay (ETH) 1:01.39
