Kibet breaks the Rome Half Marathon course record in 59:22
Kenyans took six of the top nine places in the men's race, and Regina Wambui Ndungu was second in the women's race.
In short: Kenya's Filex Kibet won the Rome Half Marathon on 18 October 2026 in a course record of 59:22. Ethiopia's Netsanet Desta won the women's race in 1:07:26, ahead of Kenya's Regina Wambui Ndungu.
Filex Kibet won the Rome Half Marathon on Sunday 18 October in 59:22, taking 22 seconds off the course record of 59:44, World-Track reports. Ethiopia's Selemon Ataklti Kidanu was second in 59:38 on his half marathon debut.
Kenyans filled six of the top nine places. Elisha Kiprop was third in 1:00:13, Robert Keter fourth in a personal best of 1:00:37 and Kelvin Kipruto fifth in 1:00:45. Maxon Kipngetich (1:01:51) and Edward Koonyo (1:02:00) were eighth and ninth.
Ethiopia's Netsanet Desta won the women's race in 1:07:26. Kenya's Regina Wambui Ndungu was second in 1:07:48 and Ethiopia's Yalemget Yaregal third in 1:08:22. Top 10 of both races.