Ethiopian Yalemzerf Yehualaw smashed the women’s half marathon world record at the Antrim Coast Half Marathon that was held on Sunday (29) in Antrim, Northern Ireland.
The Ethiopian made her international debut in 2019 to now being the only woman to have ever run under 64 minutes for the half marathon, it has been quite a journey for Yehualaw.
The NN Running team member was paced by Roy Hoornweg and Mohamed Ali and the record looked on from the start. They reached 5km in 15:05 and 10km in 30:22 before 15km was passed in 45:24, with Yehualaw still looking comfortable.
Her intent was obvious and she continued to push the pace, with the world record in her sights.
“I was frustrated after not getting it (the world record) in Istanbul,” Yehualaw added, “but I am extremely happy now!”
The 22 year-old took off 19 seconds from the previous record that had been set by Kenyan Ruth Chepngetich earlier this year to set a new women half marathon record of 60:03.43.
Ethiopian Yalemzerf Yehualaw poses with the race ambassador Mo Farah after breaking the Women Half Marathon Record at Antrim Coast Half Marathon. PHOTO: KEITH McCLURE
Kenyan Vane Nyamboke came home second in 1:09.44 and was followed by England’s Rose Harvey who closed the podium finishes in 1:10.28
Yehualaw cut 57 second off her personal best set in Istanbul earlier this year when Chepngetich set the then world record.
Yalemzerf Yehualaw’s progression
(Half Marathon)
2019: 1:06.01
2020: 1:04.46
2021: 1:03.44
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