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Kenyan athlete Kibiwott Kandie successfully defended his title at the Valencia Half Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Zurich, which took place on a Sunday.

This event marked the fastest half marathon of 2023, featuring a thrilling finish with three runners crossing the finish line nearly simultaneously.

Kibiwott Kandie feat

Kandie, who had previously achieved this feat in 2020 and 2022, was the first to complete the race, clocking an impressive time of 57:40.

His time not only made it the fastest of 2023 but also ranked as the fourth-fastest in the history of the event.

The race unfolded in perfect weather conditions, raising hopes of a world record attempt. However, Kandie couldn’t replicate his elite performance from the 2020 Elite Edition.

Following Kandie, Yomif Kejelcha secured the second position with a time of 57:41, closely followed by Hagost Gebrhiwet, also at 57:41.

Kibiwott Kandie success

It’s worth noting that in December 2020, Kandie made headlines by winning the Valencia Half Marathon and setting a new world record time of 57:32, significantly improving upon the previous record set by Geoffrey Kamworor.

Kandie has had a remarkable career, which includes victories at the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon and the Prague Half Marathon in 2020.

He also achieved a world record at the Valencia Half Marathon that same year. In 2021, he set a course record at the Istanbul Half Marathon and won The Giants Geneva 10k.

Here is the updated list of the top 10 finishers in the Valencia Half Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Zurich:

1. Kibiwott Kandie (Kenya) – 57:40
2. Yomif Kejelcha (Ethiopia) – 57:41
3. Hagost Gebrhiwet (Ethiopia) – 57:41
4. Solomon Barega (Ethiopia) – 57:50
5. Sebastian Sawe (Kenya) – 58:29
6. Hillary Chepkwony (Kenya) – 58:53
7. Mathew Kimeli (Kenya) – 59:00
8. Nicholas Kimeli (Kenya) – 59:06
9. Weldon Langat (Kenya) – 59:22
10. Hillary Kipkoech (Kenya) – 59:22