Kandie, Jepkosgei crowned Barcelona Half Marathon champions

Former World Half Marathon record holder Kibiwott Kandie and former London Marathon winner Joycline Jepkosgei were on Sunday crowned champions of the Barcelona Half Marathon.

Kandie dipped under an hour as the Kenya Defence Force (KDF) man stopped the clock after 59 minutes and 21 seconds.

Andreas Almgren spoiled what would have been a clean sweep for Kenyans after finishing second in 59:23. The rest of the top five slots were occupied by Kenyan men.

The Swedish athlete will be glad to have settled for silver and set a National Record on his debut.

Roncer Konga finished third in the men’s category after timing 59:28.

The top five all run in under an hour.

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On the other hand, Jepkosgei who is also from the KDF was also impressive on the course, clocking one hour, four minutes, and twenty-eight seconds.

The time posted by Jepkosgei, who was fresh from claiming silver in the Sirikwa Classic turned out to be her Personal Best.

She finished ahead of the experienced Ethiopian Senbere Teferi who timed 1:04.40.

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Teferi is best remembered for breaking the women's only 5k record in 2021 in Herzogenaurach (Germany).

Gladys Chepkirui settled for bronze after finishing a distant third in 1:06.34

Last year, Irene Kimais and Kipkirui Langat were crowned champions.

Results

21km Men

1. Kibiwott Kandie (KEN) 59:21

2. Andreas Almgren (SWE) 59:23

3. Roncer KOnga (KEN) 59:28

4. Dinkalem Ayele (KEN) 59:30

5. Hillary Kipkoech (KEN) 59:37

21km Women

1. Joyciline Jekosgei (KEN) 1:04.28

2. Senbere Teferi (ETH) 1:04.40

3. Gladys Chepkirui (KEN) 1:06.34

4. Jessica Warner-Judd (GBR) 1:07.07

5. Anthony Felber (FRA) 1:08:05