“The goal is to bring the world record back to Valencia”

The Valencia Half Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Zurich will take place on Sunday, the 27th, with the aim of reclaiming the men’s world record and pushing for new heights in the women’s category. This was confirmed during the presentation of international elite athletes held this afternoon at La Placeta in the Expo 21K Feria Valencia.

“Our goal is to run in 57, and the world record is within reach. That’s what we want, and we are fighting hard to bring the world record back to Valencia,” stated Marc Roig, the selector of the international elite for the Valencia Half Marathon.

Ethiopian Yomif Kejelcha, who arrives with a personal best of 57:41 achieved last year in Valencia, also hopes to finish in 57 minutes this year. “I don’t promise to go under 56, but I will try to improve last year’s time”, he added.

Meanwhile, his compatriot Selemon Barega (57:50) returns to Valencia, where he clocked 57:50 in 2023, and comes “in better form” than in the previous edition.

Kenyan Daniel Mateiko (58:26) mentioned that his watch “predicts 57:47, but I still don’t know if that will be realistic”. “I hope to break the 58-minute barrier. My preparation has gone well, and I think I’m ready”, he explained.

On the women’s side, Kenyan Lilian Kasait believes that “anything is possible”. “I can’t say I expect a certain time since it’s my first time here. But I feel very motivated”.

Meanwhile, Kenyan Agnes Jebet Ngetich is also making her debut at this distance in Valencia, where she set the world record at the 10K Valencia Ibercaja by Kiprun (28:46). “On Sunday, I’m here to give my best. I’ll just focus on moving, as it’s my debut and I want it to be special”. “This is a new distance for me, so I want to see how I handle a longer distance and set a good mark. Valencia is a great place to do it”.