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Loice Chemnung has set a new course record at the Tokyo Legacy Half Marathon leading a strong Kenyan performance.
Loice Chemnung etched her name into the record books after a stunning performance at the third edition of the Tokyo Legacy Half Marathon held on Sunday at the iconic Japan National Stadium.
The 27-year-old Kenyan long-distance runner broke the course record in style, clocking an impressive time of 1:07:27, significantly improving the previous mark and showcasing her exceptional talent.
Chemnung, who entered the race with the fastest time on paper—1:05:58, set earlier this year at the Málaga Half Marathon—lived up to expectations by leading from the front.
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The 2014 World U20 5000m fifth-place finisher displayed her strength and determination as she ran a near-flawless race.
She crossed the finish line in a new course record of 1:07:27 obliterating the previous record and making her mark in the international running scene.
Her performance left a gap of almost four minutes between herself and the second-place finisher, Mao Kiyota of Japan.
Kiyota, the 2015 Asian 5000m bronze medalist, put up a valiant effort but could only manage 1:11:29, a distant second.
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Meanwhile, Mongolia's Khishigsaikhan Galbadrakh rounded out the top three, clocking 1:12:12 to claim the final spot on the podium.
Chemnung’s dominance in the women's race set the tone for a thrilling day of racing but it was not just her success that stood out.
In the men's category, Kenyan runners continued their tradition of excellence. Defending champion Evans Keitany, who had won the title the previous year, saw his compatriot Amos Kurgat steal the show.
Kurgat ran a phenomenal race, clocking 59:52 and smashing the previous course record of 1:00:10, set by Vincent Kipkemoi during the inaugural race in 2022.
Kurgat’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, becoming the first man to run sub-60 minutes in the history of the event.
His victory was followed by another Kenyan, Bedan Karoki, who clocked 1:00:38 to secure second place, improving on his third-place finish from last year.
Paul Kuira, also of Kenya, came in third, crossing the line in 1:00:49. All three podium finishers managed to run faster than the previous course record, further cementing the dominance of Kenyan runners at this year's race.
Elsewhere, in Spain, Uganda’s Ezekiel Mutai won the Bilbao Half Marathon, clocking 1:01:13.
However, it was the Kenyan duo of Wilson Kiprono Too and Josphat Kiprono Menjo who grabbed headlines by finishing second and third, respectively.
Kiprono Too clocked 1:01:24, while Menjo came home in a personal best time of 1:01:28, rounding off a strong showing for Kenyan athletes on the international stage.
The women's race in Bilbao was another moment of glory for Kenya.
Purity Kajuju Gitonga, making her debut at the half marathon distance, clinched the title with an impressive time of 1:08:52.
Gitonga led a Kenyan sweep of the podium, with Sheila Cherotich finishing second in 1:10:34, and Sheila Jeruto taking third in 1:13:27.
All three athletes were racing their first half marathon and managed to dominate the field, underscoring Kenya's depth of talent in long-distance running.
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