A World Record Just Fell—And The Mile Splits Are Insane!
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.
You’ve probably never heard of the RAK Half Marathon until now, and that’s because Kenyan Peres Jepchirchir just broke the two-year-old half marathon world record. She finished in 1 hour, 5 minutes, 6 seconds, besting Florence Kiplagat’s previous record by three seconds. In case you haven’t done the math, that’s an average 4:57 per mile. Yes, 4:57 per mile. 4:57. Per mile. For 13 miles.
It’s no surprise that Jepchirchir collapsed at the line after such an tremendous effort. She went head to head with fellow Kenyan Mary Keitany, who has won the last three New York City Marathons. The speedy record pace allowed Keitany to also run a personal best that day. Champion and now WR holder Jepchirchir has yet to run a full marathon, but after that performance, everyone anticipates an epic debut hopefully this fall.
Oh, and she goes home with a cool $100,000 for setting the world record. Dang!