Chepkirui edges Wanza by one second as Kenyans sweep the Valencia Half women's podium
Sheila Chepkirui ran a world-leading 1:03:51, Diana Wanza took more than three minutes off her best, and Kenyans filled seven of the women's top ten.
In short: Kenya's Sheila Chepkirui won the Valencia Half Marathon on 25 October 2026 in a world-leading 1:03:51, one second ahead of Diana Wanza, with Daisilah Jerono third. Spain's Rodrigue Kwizera won the men's race in a Spanish record of 58:03.
Sheila Chepkirui won the Valencia Half Marathon on Sunday 25 October in 1:03:51, the fastest women's time in the world this year, the organisers say. Diana Wanza was second, one second behind in 1:03:52, and Daisilah Jerono third in 1:04:11, completing a Kenyan podium.
Wanza improved her personal best by more than three minutes on only her second half marathon, ANI reports. Kenyans filled seven of the top ten places: Caroline Gitonga was sixth, Gladys Kwamboka seventh, Jesca Chelangat eighth and Miriam Chebet ninth.
Rodrigue Kwizera won the men's race in a Spanish record of 58:03, with Thierry Ndikumwenayo second in 58:09. Kenya's Victor Kipruto was third in 58:12, Owen Kapkama fifth (58:42), James Kipkosgei seventh (59:03) and Daniel Ebenyo ninth (59:20). Top 10 of both races.