Runner Smashes Record, First to Break 57-Minute Half Marathon

The impossible just became possible on the streets of Buenos Aires this weekend.

Ethiopian runner Yomif Kejelcha made history on Sunday, becoming the first person ever to run a half marathon in under 57 minutes. His official time of 56 minutes and 51 seconds shattered the previous world record by almost 30 seconds.

The 29-year-old athlete crossed the finish line in Argentina's capital, breaking Ugandan runner Jacob Kiplimo's record of 57:20 set in Lisbon this past March. Kejelcha actually held the half marathon record before Kiplimo, so this victory marks his triumphant return to the top.

This isn't Kejelcha's first brush with marathon greatness. In April, he became only the second person in history to run a full marathon in under two hours, clocking 1:59:41 at the London Marathon. He also holds the world record for 10 kilometers.

The new record still needs official ratification from World Athletics, the sport's governing body. They've been careful about validating records after declining to certify Kiplimo's 56:42 time in February 2025 because he benefited from running behind a car that created a slipstream advantage.

Why This Inspires

Kejelcha's achievement shows what happens when dedication meets opportunity. At 29, an age when many distance runners begin to slow down, he's just hitting his peak and rewriting what the human body can accomplish.

His journey from world silver medalist on the track to marathon record breaker proves that it's never too late to chase new dreams. Every barrier he breaks opens the door for the next generation of runners to dream bigger.

The record now awaits official confirmation, but one thing is already certain: human potential just got a little faster.