Agnes Ngetich Targets World Record as She Returns for 2025 Valencia Half Maratho

Kenya’s road-running star Agnes Jebet Ngetich is set to make a grand return to Spain this weekend as she defends her title at the 2025 Valencia Half Marathon, with hopes of breaking the world record that narrowly eluded her last year.

Ngetich, the current 10km world record holder, headlines a thrilling lineup for Sunday’s race in what’s been dubbed the “City of Running.” Valencia’s course is famous for its record-breaking pedigree – it’s where Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha clocked 57:30 in 2024 and Letesenbet Gidey shattered the women’s world record with 1:02:51 in 2021.

Last year, Ngetich came agonizingly close to matching Gidey’s time, storming to victory in 1:03:04 – just 13 seconds shy of the record. That performance placed her as the second-fastest woman in half marathon history, a title she’s determined to upgrade this Sunday.

Her toughest rival remains Ethiopia’s Fotyen Tesfay (1:03:21), who finished second in 2024. Kenya will also be strongly represented by Gladys Chepkurui, Jesca Chelangat, Veronica Loleo, and Gladys Kwamboka, while Ethiopia’s Mulat Tekle, America’s Emma Hurley, and Sweden’s Sarah Lahti promise fierce international competition.

In the men’s race, reigning champion Yomif Kejelcha returns to defend his crown and course record against a powerful Kenyan contingent led by Patrick Mosin (58:44), Gideon Kiprotich (58:49), Samwel Mailu, Alex Matata, and Hillary Kipkoech. The men’s category is also expected to be a showdown of world-class pace and precision.

Marc Roig, the international elite coordinator, believes the 2025 edition could be one for the record books once again.“Both champions are back, hungry to go faster. Last year six men went under 59 minutes and five women under 66 –  this year we aim even higher,” he said.

With the 2025 Valencia Half Marathon set for Sunday, October 26, anticipation is sky-high. Fans around the world will be watching to see if Ngetich can finally conquer the record and cement her legacy among the greatest distance runners in history.