Kenyan runner Agnes Ngetich breaks women-only half marathon world record in Copenhagen

On September 20, 2026, Kenyan runner Agnes Ngetich won the women's half marathon at the World Athletics Road Running Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark, setting a new world record for women-only races. Her time of 1 hour, 5 minutes, and 15 seconds was one second faster than the previous record set by Peres Jepchirchir in 2020. Ngetich led the race from start to finish, finishing 50 seconds ahead of compatriot Veronica Loleo. This victory added to her successful year, which included winning the World Cross Country Championships in January. The overall women's half marathon record remains held by Ethiopia's Letesenbet Gidey.