Kibiwott Kandie successfully defended his Valencia Half Marathon title after clocking a time of 57:40 minutes on Sunday in Valencia, Spain
Kandie, who is the 2020 World Athletics Half Marathon silver medalist, triumph followed last year’s victory on the same course, where he clocked 58:10 to claim his second title in Spain since his debut in 2020.
Ethiopia’s Hagod Gebrhiwet came in second in a time of 57:41 with his fellow countryman Yomif Kejelcha securing third place finish in 57:42.
Newly crowned World Half Marathon Road-running champion Sabastian Sawe, who was expected to give Kandie a tough test came in fifth in 58:29.
In the women’s race, World Road Running Half Marathon silver medalist Margaret Chelimo led a Kenyan 1-2-3 sweep after clocking 64:46
Irene Cheptai came second clocking 64:53 while Jane Chepngetish sealed the third spot in a time of 65:15. Ethiopia’s Gebreslase Gotytom placed fourth in a time of 66.12
This was Chelimo’s first race since the beginning of the month when she clinched silver in the women’s half marathon at the World Road Running Championships in Riga, Latvia.