Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Kejelcha and Ngetich Win Valencia Half as Almgren Sets European Record

The race set a finisher record of 26,077 as organizers introduced a 2026 entry ballot with a brief loyalty window for 2025 runners.

Overview

  • Yomif Kejelcha won the men's race in 58:01 and Agnes Jebet Ngetich topped the women's field in 1:03:08 after early world‑record pace faded late.
  • Sweden's Andreas Almgren clocked 58:41 to break the European half‑marathon record, lowering the previous continental mark of 59:13.
  • Athletes and organizers cited strong headwinds in the closing kilometers, and Kejelcha reported stomach pain, as key factors that blunted world‑record bids.
  • Organizers confirmed 26,077 finishers, and charity contributions reached €57,037 through the Z Zurich Foundation’s €1‑per‑finisher donation and runners’ registrations.
  • For 2026, entry will move to a ballot, with a four‑day priority window for 2025 participants from Oct. 30 to Nov. 3 and general ballot registration opening Nov. 4.