by Alfonz Juck
Geoffrey Kamworor celebrating his third World half marathon win, photo by Jean Paul Durand for IAAF
Geoffrey Kamworor wins in Valencia, photo by Jean Paul Durand for IAAFKamworor for 3rd time
VALENCIA (ESP, Mar 24): With an incredible 5km split of 13:01 between 15-20km, Kenya’s Geoffrey Kamworor stormed to a third successive title at the World Half Marathon Championships in 60:02 (14:32 5km, 29:28 10km, 44:13 15km, 57:14 20km) ahead of Bahrain’s Abraham Cheroben (60:22) and Eritrea’s Aron Kifle (60:31 PB). Jemal Yimer, who had the fastest season’s best with 59:00, just missed out on an individual medal in fourth in 60:33 but led Ethiopia to the team title ahead of Kenya and Bahrain with teammates Getaneh Molla (60:47) and Betesfa Getahun (60:54 PB) fifth and sixth respectively. Switzerland’s Julian Wanders was the top European finisher in eighth in 61:03, one place ahead of European cross country champion Kaan Kigen Ozbilen (61:05). In total, 24 runners ran under 62-minutes with veteran Bernard Lagat just missing his PB in 31st in 62:16.
