# Yomif Kejelcha half marathon world record

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/yomif-kejelcha-half-marathon-world-record
> Updated: 2026-08-23T21:30:52.000Z. Sources: 94. Developments: 2.

Ethiopian runner Yomif Kejelcha set a new men’s world half marathon record at the 37th Buenos Aires Half Marathon with a time of 56:51. 

This performance surpasses the previous record of 57:20 set by Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo in March 2026 and Kejelcha’s own previous mark of 57:30 from October 2024. The result, which improves the previous ratified mark by 29 seconds, is currently awaiting official ratification by World Athletics. If ratified, Kejelcha will be the first man to run the distance in under 57 minutes. His achievement re-establishes Ethiopia at the forefront of the men’s half marathon rankings following recent controversies regarding non-ratified times in the discipline.

The event saw a record turnout of approximately 31,500 participants, including 6,000 international runners from countries such as Brazil, Uruguay, and Chile. In the women’s category, Ethiopia’s Fotyen Tesfay secured victory with a time of 1:03:56, setting a new course record for the event. 

For the host nation, Argentine runner Sofía Luna was the top female finisher with a time of 1:11:21, improving her personal best by over five minutes. In the men’s field, Ignacio Erario was the top Argentine finisher, breaking the 61-minute barrier with a time of 1:00:59. Other notable performances included Juan José Toledo, who set a provincial record for Corrientes with a time of 1:11:25. 

In the men’s race, Tadese Worku Gebresilase and Bereket Nega Batebo finished second and third respectively.

## Claims

- Yomif Kejelcha set a new men's half marathon world record with a time of 56:51 in Buenos Aires. (corroborated by 18 sources)
- Kejelcha's new world record is subject to the official World Athletics ratification process. (corroborated by 18 sources)
- Fotyen Tesfay won the women's race with a time of 1:03:56 or 1:03:57. (corroborated by 13 sources)
- The Buenos Aires Half Marathon featured approximately 31,500 participants. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- Ignacio Erario was the top Argentine male finisher, placing sixth with a time of 1:00:59. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Sofía Luna was the top Argentine female finisher with a time of 1:11:16. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Juan José Toledo set a new provincial record for Corrientes with a time of 1:11:25. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Núbia de Oliveira Silva set a new Brazilian women's half marathon record with a time of 1:11:13. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-23: Yomif Kejelcha sets half marathon world record in Buenos Aires

Yomif Kejelcha set a new men’s half marathon world record of 56:51 at the Buenos Aires Half Marathon, leading an Ethiopian podium sweep in a race with over 31,000 participants.

26 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/buenos-aires-half-marathon-sees-world-record-and-high-participation

### 2026-08-21: Yomif Kejelcha sets new half marathon world record in Buenos Aires

Ethiopian athlete Yomif Kejelcha set a new world record in the half marathon with a time of 56:51 during the Buenos Aires Half Marathon, which hosted over 31,000 runners.

70 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bogot-implements-special-transit-and-road-closures-for-weekend-events

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Cite as: Yomif Kejelcha half marathon world record. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/yomif-kejelcha-half-marathon-world-record