Joyciline Jepkosgei said before the Prague Half Marathon that her plan was to break the half marathon world record, and she did exactly that. She broke the 10K (30:05), 15K (45:38), and 20K (61:25) world records en route to her stunning 64:52 finish, making her the first woman ever to break 65 minutes for the half marathon. Jepkosgei ran 66:08 in the race in which the old world record of 65:06 was run in February.
The various time and record bonuses for Jepkosgei pushed her winnings over 100,000 Euros. Violah Jepchumba finished second in 65:22, PRing by 29 seconds but moving back a spot to No. 5 on the world all-time list.
It was a mixed bag for the Oregon Project athletes. Jordan Hasay stormed home in sixth 67:55, making her the third fastest American ever on a record-legal course, trailing only Deena Kastor and Molly Huddle. (Kara Goucher once ran 66:57 on a non-record-legal course.) Galen Rupp only ran 61:59 for 11th.
Tamirat Tola won the men's race in 59:37, unofficially. He dominated two months after winning the Dubai Marathon in 2:04:11.
But the story of the day is the world record and the outrageously bold fashion in which it was run. Peres Jepchirchir's old world record was run with male pacemakers, and so was Jepkosgei's, but Jepkosgei ran one of the most aggressive road races in history today.
The various time and record bonuses for Jepkosgei pushed her winnings over 100,000 Euros. Violah Jepchumba finished second in 65:22, PRing by 29 seconds but moving back a spot to No. 5 on the world all-time list.
Wow, what a run by @JordanHasay in 67:55! Moves in front of Kara Goucher for US#3 all-time. Only behind Kastor (67:34) & Huddle (67:41) pic.twitter.com/JoSzebwpG9
— Ryan Fenton (@ryanmfenton) April 1, 2017
It was a mixed bag for the Oregon Project athletes. Jordan Hasay stormed home in sixth 67:55, making her the third fastest American ever on a record-legal course, trailing only Deena Kastor and Molly Huddle. (Kara Goucher once ran 66:57 on a non-record-legal course.) Galen Rupp only ran 61:59 for 11th.
Tamirat Tola won the men's race in 59:37, unofficially. He dominated two months after winning the Dubai Marathon in 2:04:11.
But the story of the day is the world record and the outrageously bold fashion in which it was run. Peres Jepchirchir's old world record was run with male pacemakers, and so was Jepkosgei's, but Jepkosgei ran one of the most aggressive road races in history today.
