Valencia, Spain: Rodrigue Kwizera made history at the Valencia Half Marathon, breaking the Spanish national record to clinch the men's title. Meanwhile, Kenya's Sheila Chepkirui delivered a nail-biting finish, beating compatriot Diana Wanza by just one second to secure the women's crown.

Kwizera, who previously represented Burundi before embracing Spanish nationality, clocked an astounding 58 minutes and three seconds. This performance significantly improved the previous Spanish record of 59:39. His training partner, fellow Spaniard Thierry Ndikumwenayo, finished a close second in 58:09, with Kenya's Victor Kipruto taking third place in 58:12. The men's race was a showcase of exceptional talent, with five athletes finishing under 59 minutes, all achieving personal bests.

In the women's event, Chepkirui crossed the finish line in 1:03:51, just ahead of Wanza's 1:03:52. Chepkirui's remarkable time places her joint fifth on the women's half-marathon all-time list, while Wanza's improved personal best by over three minutes moved her to sixth. Daisilah Jerono of Kenya completed the podium in 1:04:11, making it a strong showing for Kenyan athletes as six women finished the race in under 65 minutes.

Adding to Spain's triumphs, Laura Luengo Caselles also set a national record in the women's race, finishing in 1:08:28. The Valencia Half Marathon once again proved to be a fertile ground for fast times and thrilling competitions, with the incredibly close finish in the women's event leaving spectators on the edge of their seats.

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