In Valencia, the men’s Half Marathon delivered high-stakes racing and a notable clash of talent as Kibiwot Kandie pursued a third city crown. While he did not reclaim the world record, Kandie’s performance marked a pinnacle moment in elite competition, with Carlos Mayo breaking through to claim a historic Spanish record that had stood for 22 years. Mayo’s 59:38 unofficial result echoed the endurance and precision that defined the race, underscoring the national milestone alongside Kandie’s dramatic finish.
The early miles unfolded quickly, with several leading contenders treading a fine line near the world record pace. From the outset, Kandie, along with fellow title contenders, pressed hard, mirroring last year’s sharp tempo while waiting for the critical splits that would reveal who could sustain the effort. As the kilometres advanced, the pace settled but remained fiercely competitive, and the field began to tighten around the faster times that could carry a title bid all the way to the finish. Observers noted that the dynamics of the race were intense, with the second month of racing serving as the ultimate test of strategy and stamina.
Among the elite group, Kandie shared the track with Ethiopians Yomif Kejelcha, Selemon Barega, and Hagos Gebrhiwet, athletes renowned for their capability to convert pace into podium finishes. After the halfway point, the competition intensified, and the leading pack reached a rhythm that hovered several seconds beneath the world record pace. The chase sharpened around the 12-kilometer mark, as the field sought breaks that might translate into a landmark time. The atmosphere grew electric, with spectators sensing that the race could pivot at any moment toward a historic outcome.
Yet as the kilometers mounted, optimism met the stubborn reality of distance running. A 15-kilometer checkpoint saw Kandie maintain a narrow gap against the record pace, while the pursuit group clung to the idea that a late surge could still alter the foremost positions. For Mayo, every stride carried the weight of a national milestone, and his team watched closely as the clock approached a decisive moment that would etch Spain’s name into the record books once more.
News emerged that Carlos Mayo was pursuing Spain’s longest-standing record, previously set by Fabián Roncero in Berlin in 2001 with a 59:52. Mayo’s campaign was as much about legacy as it was about time, with observers calculating how the final stretch might unfold and whether the national mark could be surpassed before the finish line.
With just over two kilometers remaining, Kejelcha pressed ahead, signaling a pivotal move in the race’s final act. Gebrhiwet and Kandie traded positions as the group contended for supremacy, while Barega battled to rejoin the leading trio after a momentary separation. The finish hinged on a sprint duel among the frontrunners, intensifying the drama as fans watched for breakthroughs that could redefine the outcome of the race. Despite spirited efforts from each racer, the world record remained out of reach, with Barega narrowly failing to rejoin the decisive cluster as the finish neared.
Within that climactic landscape, Kandie found the decisive moment that altered the complexion of the race. He surged in the final meters, establishing a clear lead and securing Valencia’s title for the third time. Kejelcha, though strong, finished a handful of seconds behind, while Gebrhiwet remained within striking distance, and Barega continued to push to close the gap. The result was a testament to relentless pace, strategic execution, and the unpredictable nature of championship racing, where margins can be minuscule and every decision counts.
Final impressions pointed to a remarkable day for Mayo, who crossed the line to claim the unofficial Spanish record, a breakthrough that resonated beyond the race itself. The crowd’s response reflected the unity of national pride and the shared excitement of witnessing history in the making. Mayo’s time stood as a landmark achievement, underscoring Spain’s enduring strength in long-distance running and marking a significant milestone in the country’s athletics narrative.
As the event concluded, the Valencia Half Marathon confirmed its reputation as a stage where world-class athletes push limits and national records are redefined. Kandie’s victory, Mayo’s record, and the competitive surge from Kejelcha, Barega, and Gebrhiwet all contributed to a race that will be remembered for its blend of speed, strategy, and national pride. The day underscored the beauty and challenge of distance running, where seconds separate triumph from heartbreak and every final burst can seal a lasting legacy.
SPANISH RECORD
Carlos Mayo 59:39 (unofficial time) attribution: Valencia Half Marathon narrative and race observers.
— Valencia Half Marathon acknowledged the achievement as a milestone in Spanish athletics, celebrating Mayo’s breakthrough and Kandie’s continued dominance in Valencia.
In the closing moments, Kandie demonstrated why he has become a fixture at the top of the podium, delivering a closing kick that left his rivals grasping for a response. The race ended with a blend of personal bests and landmark records, a reminder that in Valencia, history can be made in the minutes it takes to cover 21.0975 kilometers.
spanish record
A brief post-race summary noted Mayo’s historic finish and Kandie’s celebrated victory, highlighting a day of dramatic pacing and remarkable endurance.