Despite challenging winds along the Mediterranean coast, Agnes Ng'etich delivered a breathtaking performance at the 2025 Valencia Half Marathon, Trinidad Alfonso Zurich, clocking 1:03:08 — the fastest women’s half marathon time of the year and the third-fastest in history.
The 24-year-old Kenyan ran most of the race on world-record pace, threatening Letesenbet Gidey’s 1:02:52, set on the same course in 2021.
However, strong headwinds in the closing kilometres cost her crucial seconds. Even so, Ngetich’s relentless drive secured her another milestone in what has been an extraordinary season.
Fotyen Tesfay of Ethiopia finished second in 1:05:10, while Kenya’s Veronica Loleo completed the podium in 1:05:46, confirming Valencia’s status as the world’s premier stage for fast half marathons.
Yomif Kejelcha continued his impressive form, winning the men’s race in 58:02. The Ethiopian, who set the current world record of 57:30 in 2024, looked strong through the halfway mark but also faced stiff headwinds on the return stretch, narrowly missing a sub-58 performance.
Rodrigue Kwizera of Burundi took second with 58:38 and Brian Kibor of Kenya was third in 58:39.
Notably, Sweden’s Andreas Almgren made history by finishing fourth in 58:41, a new European Record, cementing his place among the continent’s all-time greats.
On the national stage, Carlos Mayo led the Spanish contingent with 1:00:46, showing solid form ahead of his build-up to the Valencia Marathon on December 7.
Said Mechaal (1:00:48) and Nassim Hassaous (1:00:55) followed close behind, rounding out a competitive Spanish men’s podium.
In the women’s race, Carla Gallardo impressed with a personal best of 1:09:14 to take top Spanish honours. She was joined on the podium by Meritxell Soler (1:09:46) and Alicia Berzosa (1:10:37).
Even with blustery weather, Valencia once again confirmed its reputation as the fastest half marathon course on the planet.
