Athletes break records at Buenos Aires half marathon

The Buenos Aires half marathon edition was marked by historic achievements in athletics, with records set both at the Brazilian national level and on the world stage. The races held in Argentina gathered athletes determined to push their limits over long‑distance courses.

The Brazilian women's record broken

Bahian Núbia Oliveira shattered the Brazilian half‑marathon record that had stood for 35 years by finishing the Buenos Aires race in 1h11m13s, securing eighth place overall. The previous mark belonged to Silvana Pereira, who had completed the 21.097 km in 1h11m15s in Florianópolis in 1991. At 23, the athlete said she had devised a strategy to run at a specific pace and highlighted the intense preparation carried out at her training centre.

The new world record over 21 kilometres

Ethiopian Yomif Kejelcha, 29, won the Buenos Aires Half Marathon in 56 minutes and 51 seconds, establishing what is now the new world record for the 21.097 km distance. The mark still needs ratification by World Athletics, the governing body of global athletics. Kejelcha lowered the previous record by 29 seconds, which had been held by Ugandan Jacob Kiplimo.

Impressive pace and favorable conditions

The men's race was contested with a temperature of 6 °C at the start and a light breeze. Kejelcha was aided by pacemakers early on and gradually accelerated along the course, covering segments at averages close to 2 min 40 s per kilometre and finishing the final kilometre in 2 min 32 s.

Ethiopian dominance on the Buenos Aires podium

Kejelcha's victory was accompanied by another Ethiopian sweep on the men's podium of the Argentine competition. Tadese Worku placed second with 59 min 20 s, while Bereket Nega took third in 1h00 min 20 s.

With information from GE, Diário do Comércio.