AFTER shattering her course record at the Malaga Half Marathon on Sunday, Loice Chemnung is already plotting to take the time further down next year.
Chemnung clocked a blistering 1:05:46, lowering her previous mark of 1:05:58 from last year’s triumph.
She led a dominant East African charge, with compatriot Miriam Chebet second in 1:07:01, while Uganda’s Joy Cheptoyek settled for third in 1:08:00.
Kenya’s Deborah Samum missed the podium, crossing the line at fourth in 1:09:24.
“I feel good for winning here and God-willing, I will be back here next year to improve on my time,” Chemnung said.
She was particularly delighted to have set a new personal best on what is considered one of the flattest and fastest courses in Europe.
“I thank the organisers for inviting me to run today. I’m so happy to have run a new personal best here,” she added.
For Chemnung, Malaga holds a special place in her career. It’s the city where she made her half marathon debut.
“I enjoy running here a lot. This is the race where I made my debut in the half marathon,” she noted.
Last year’s win opened doors for an impressive 2024 season.
She went on to storm to second place at the Antrim Coast Half Marathon in Britain, clocking 1:06:47 behind Ethiopia’s Yalemzerf Yehualaw (1:05:31) and ahead of compatriot Joyciline Jepkosgei (1:07:04).
She then dominated the Tokyo Legacy Half Marathon, clinching victory in 1:07:27, outpacing Japan’s Mao Kiyota (1:11:29) and Mongolia’s Khishigsaikhan Galbadrakh (1:12:12). Sunday’s triumph adds to her already growing trophy cabinet which includes 10km road race wins from Brasov (30:13), Hong Kong (30:25) and Port Gentil (30:40) in 2024.
The men’s race witnessed a course record blitz with Kenyan Gilbert Kiprotich cruising to victory in 58:27, obliterating Geoffrey Toroitich’s previous mark of 1:00:13 from last year.
Kiprotich spearheaded a Kenyan podium sweep as Patrick Mosin (58:44) and Richard Yator (1:01:27) finished second and third respectively.
Evans Kipkorir (1:05:46) and Hoseah Kipkorir (1:06:59) placed fifth and seventh. Making his Malaga debut, Kiprotich was elated with his performance.
“I have not run here before but I am really glad I was able to win. I enjoyed the race alot,” he said.
