Yomif Kejelcha Regains World Half Marathon Record With Stunning 56:51 in Buenos Aires
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — August 23, 2026: Ethiopian distance-running star Yomif Kejelcha has reclaimed the men’s world half marathon record after producing a sensational 56:51 performance at the Media Maratón Ciudad de Buenos Aires on Sunday.
Kejelcha’s victory marks another remarkable chapter in his career and places him back at the top of the global half marathon record books. World Athletics confirmed the performance as a world record, subject to the standard ratification process.
The Ethiopian athlete delivered a breathtaking display of speed and endurance over the 21.0975-kilometre distance, completing the race in less than 57 minutes.
Kejelcha previously held the world half marathon record after running 57:30 in Valencia, Spain, in October 2024. His latest performance in Buenos Aires represents a significant improvement and once again establishes him as the fastest half marathon runner in history.
The record is particularly significant for Ethiopian athletics, adding another major achievement to the country’s long tradition of excellence in distance running.
Kejelcha, born in 1997, has established himself as one of Ethiopia’s leading distance runners, competing successfully on both the track and roads. His latest achievement further strengthens his reputation as one of the world’s most accomplished modern endurance athletes.
A Historic Performance in Buenos Aires
The Buenos Aires race provided the stage for Kejelcha’s return to the world-record summit. His 56:51 time puts him firmly at the forefront of the rapidly evolving men’s half marathon discipline.
With the performance, Kejelcha has demonstrated once again that the limits of the half marathon continue to be pushed by the world’s elite distance runners.
The new mark is expected to become one of the standout performances of the 2026 road-running season and another landmark achievement in Kejelcha’s distinguished career.
Source: World Athletics
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