Fancy Chemutai close to WR (how’s one second off?)

RAS AL KHAIMAH (UAE, Feb 9): Kenya’s Fancy Chemutai just missed Joyciline Jepkosgei’s world record of 64:51 (15:15 5km, 30:34 10km, 46:07 15km, 61:35 20km) in the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, stopping the clock at 64:52 with Mary Keitany a very close second in a 64:55 PB on the road to her world record attempt in the London Marathon in April. Caroline Kipkirui was third in a 65:07 PB ahead of Joan Chelimo (65:37 PB) while Jepkosgei had to settle for fifth in 66:46, her first defeat at the distance in twelve months. The top-seven finishers in the women’s race all broke the 67-minute mark. In the men’s race, Kenya’s Bedan Karoki retained his title, moving to fourth on the world all-time lists with 58:40 course record (13:53 5km, 27:48 10km, 41:44 15km, 55:55 20km) ahead of Ethiopia’s Jemal Yimer, whose 59:00 was the fastest time in history by a debutante. Kenyans Alex Kibet was third in 59:06 as the top seven finishers all broke the one-hour mark. Also in women race Degitu Azimeraw recorded the fastest debut marathon time 66:47 as 6th.