Fancy Chemutai Finishes Just Off World Record, Bedan Karoki Breaks Course Record at RAK Half Marathon

By Adam Kopet

Fancy Chemutai, of Kenya, came within one second of the world record Friday at the RAK Half Marathon.

RESULTS

She finished in 1:04:52 to win over Mary Keitany, who finished only three seconds back of Chemutai. The pair ran neck and neck until the final 100 meters, when Chemutai used her long stride to her advantage over the shorter Keitany.

World record-holder Joyciline Jepkosgei ran with the leaders past the halfway mark, but she faded over the second half of the race. She finished in 1:06:46 for fifth place, despite battling flu over the past two weeks.

Bedan Karoki, of Kenya, defended his win from a year ago in the men's race. He won over a field that included 10 other men who had broken 60 minutes in the half marathon. His time of 58:42 broke the course record.

Ethiopia's Jemal Yimer finished second in his half marathon debut, running 59:00.