by Larry EderFlorence Kiplagat broke the women’s half marathon today in Barcelona, in front of nearly 15,000 runners! Alberto Stretti told EME News that the record was a bit of a surprise.
Florence Kiplagat at the BMW Berlin Marathon, September 2011,
photo by PhotoRun.net
WR BY F. KIPLAGAT 1:05:12
BARCELONA (ESP, Feb 16): Unexpected World record in half marathon at the 24th edition of eDreams Mitja Marato de Barcelona. 26-year old 2010 Half Marathon world champion Florence Kiplagat improved the all-time best mark of Mary Keitany 1:05:50 at RAK HM in 2011 to 1:05:12. That means an improvement by 38 seconds. In ideal conditions 13 degrees and great atmosphere with 15 000 runners she started at 31:08 10 k split which was followed by 46:35 in the 15 km. She was helped by the peacemakers Marc Roig and Stanley Siroro. Second Briton Nicola Duncan 1:12:15 and third Paula Todos of Romania 1:16:40. Men winner Eliud Kipchoge former track World champion achieved 1:00:52. His splits 14:32, 28:50. Second Laban Mutai 1:01:19 and third Peter Emase 1:02:47. Florence Kiplagat: „This is a day not to forget for me. I’m so happy! The circuit was very fast and I really want to thank my pacemakers, Marc Roig and Stanley Siroro, they did a great job. I felt so well from the beginning and the weather was perfect, so I had the feeling that this could be a special day.” Eliud Kipchoge: „Barcelona is one of the spots of reference in the Calendar. The temperature was perfect all the way through. The crowd cheering in the streets was very remarkable and we have to thank the enthusiasm of the organisation and the citizens.” With the help of Alberto Stretti.
