Sports
Kenya’s Kamworor Smashes Half Marathon World Record
Geoffrey Kamworor set a new world record for the half marathon with a stunning run in Copenhagen recently.
Kamworor took 17 seconds off the previous record, set by fellow Kenyan Abraham Kiptum in Valencia last year, to complete the 13.1 miles in 58:01.
The 26-year-old won the IAAF Gold Label Race by 75 seconds, fellow Kenyan Bernard Kipkorir second and Ethiopia’s Berehanu Wendemu Tsegu third.
“It is very emotional for me to set this record,” said Kamworor.
He said: “Doing it in Copenhagen, where I won my first world title, adds something to it.”
Kamworor had targeted breaking this world record as a priority having passed up the opportunity to race at the World Championships in Doha later this month.
Kamworor also did it out on his own and without pacemakers, as he covered the second half of the race without anyone for company.
As well as the half marathon, in which he has won three world titles, he has proved himself a fine long distance runner with silver in the 10,000m at the 2015 World Championships and victory in the New York City Marathon in 2017.
In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Birhane Dibaba won by 25 seconds in a time of 1:05:01, with Kenya’s Evaline Chirchir and Dorcas Tuitoek second and third.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.