The Fastest Half Marathon Runners in History: Chasing Records
- Diego Tobias
- Jan 13
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 25
The half marathon is one of the most thrilling events in distance running, blending speed and endurance over 13.1 miles (21.1 kilometers). Over the years, elite runners have relentlessly pursued faster times, pushing the boundaries of human performance. Currently, the world records stand as monumental achievements in the sport, but several athletes are closing in fast.
Let’s take a closer look at the fastest half marathon times in history and the runners who are closest to breaking these remarkable records.
Men's Half Marathon World Record
🥇 Jacob Kiplimo (Uganda) – 57:31
Event: EDP Lisbon Half Marathon, 2021
Pace: 2:43 per kilometer (4:22 per mile)
Jacob Kiplimo shattered the men's half marathon world record with a blistering 57:31 in Lisbon. His strategic pacing and flawless execution cemented his place in history, redefining the limits of human speed over this distance.
Top Male Athletes Closing In on the Record
🥈 Kibiwott Kandie (Kenya) – 57:32
Event: Valencia Half Marathon, 2020
Kandie previously held the world record before Kiplimo broke it, missing the current record by just 1 second.
🥉 Rhonex Kipruto (Kenya) – 57:49
Event: Valencia Half Marathon, 2020
Known for his 10K dominance, Kipruto’s half marathon debut placed him among the all-time greats.
🌍 Geoffrey Kamworor (Kenya) – 58:01
Event: Copenhagen Half Marathon, 2019
A multiple-time world champion in the half marathon, Kamworor held the previous record before Kandie.
🏅 Abraham Kiptum (Kenya) – 58:18
Event: Valencia Half Marathon, 2018
Kiptum briefly held the world record before it was broken in subsequent years.
⭐ Yomif Kejelcha (Ethiopia) – 58:32
Event: Valencia Half Marathon, 2023
A former indoor mile world record holder, Kejelcha's transition to road racing shows immense potential.
The Fastest Half Marathon Runners in History: Chasing Records
The half marathon is one of the most thrilling events in distance running, blending speed and endurance over 13.1 miles (21.1 kilometers). Over the years, elite runners have relentlessly pursued faster times, pushing the boundaries of human performance. Currently, the world records stand as monumental achievements in the sport, but several athletes are closing in fast.
Let’s take a closer look at the fastest half marathon times in history and the runners who are closest to breaking these remarkable records.
Men's Half Marathon World Record
🥇 Jacob Kiplimo (Uganda) – 57:31
Event: EDP Lisbon Half Marathon, 2021
Pace: 2:43 per kilometer (4:22 per mile)
Jacob Kiplimo shattered the men's half marathon world record with a blistering 57:31 in Lisbon. His strategic pacing and flawless execution cemented his place in history, redefining the limits of human speed over this distance.
Top Male Athletes Closing In on the Record
🥈 Kibiwott Kandie (Kenya) – 57:32
Event: Valencia Half Marathon, 2020
Kandie previously held the world record before Kiplimo broke it, missing the current record by just 1 second.
🥉 Rhonex Kipruto (Kenya) – 57:49
Event: Valencia Half Marathon, 2020
Known for his 10K dominance, Kipruto’s half marathon debut placed him among the all-time greats.
🌍 Geoffrey Kamworor (Kenya) – 58:01
Event: Copenhagen Half Marathon, 2019
A multiple-time world champion in the half marathon, Kamworor held the previous record before Kandie.
🏅 Abraham Kiptum (Kenya) – 58:18
Event: Valencia Half Marathon, 2018
Kiptum briefly held the world record before it was broken in subsequent years.
⭐ Yomif Kejelcha (Ethiopia) – 58:32
Event: Valencia Half Marathon, 2023
A former indoor mile world record holder, Kejelcha's transition to road racing shows immense potential.
Women's Half Marathon World Record
🥇 Letesenbet Gidey (Ethiopia) – 1:02:52 (Women-Only Race)
Event: Valencia Half Marathon, 2021
Pace: 2:59 per kilometer (4:48 per mile)
Gidey made history by breaking the 63-minute barrier for women for the first time. Her stunning performance redefined what’s possible in women’s distance running.
🥇 Ruth Chepngetich (Kenya) – 1:04:02 (Mixed Race)
Event: Istanbul Half Marathon, 2021
Pace: 3:02 per kilometer (4:53 per mile)
In mixed-race competition, Chepngetich’s time stands as the fastest. Her relentless pace in Istanbul showcased her dominance in road racing.
Top Female Athletes Closing In on the Record
🥈 Hellen Obiri (Kenya) – 1:04:22
Event: Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, 2023
Obiri, a two-time world champion in the 5,000m, has seamlessly transitioned to longer distances.
🥉 Peres Jepchirchir (Kenya) – 1:05:06
Event: Prague Half Marathon, 2017
A Tokyo Olympic marathon champion, Jepchirchir held the half marathon world record before it was broken.
🌍 Joyciline Jepkosgei (Kenya) – 1:04:51
Event: Valencia Half Marathon, 2017
Jepkosgei made history by being the first woman to break 65 minutes.
🏅 Yalemzerf Yehualaw (Ethiopia) – 1:03:51 (Mixed Race)
Event: Valencia Half Marathon, 2021
Yehualaw came dangerously close to Gidey’s record, showing Ethiopia's dominance in women’s distance running.
⭐ Brigid Kosgei (Kenya) – 1:04:49
Event: Great North Run, 2019
The women’s marathon world record holder also boasts one of the fastest half marathon times.
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