On Sunday evening in Sevilla, Spain, Uganda’s long-distance sensation Rebecca Chelangat made a statement on the global stage, setting a new course record at the 3rd Sevilla Half Marathon.
The 23-year-old powerhouse claimed the victory in impressive fashion, finishing the 21-kilometer race in a blistering 1:07.18, breaking the previous record by 41 seconds.
Coming into the race with a personal best of 1:10.34, which she achieved last year at the Bangsaen 21 Half Marathon in Thailand where she clinched silver, Chelangat was determined to rewrite the history books in Sevilla.
Her performance exceeded expectations as she not only secured the win but also bested the course record of 1:07.59 set by Ethiopia’s Alemtsehay Bimr Zerihun in 2024.
The new course record is a testament to Chelangat’s growing prowess on the international stage.
Her victory further solidifies her reputation as one of Uganda’s top long-distance runners. Chelangat’s strong finish, 41 seconds faster than the previous record, earned her a €2,000 prize and an additional €1,000 for breaking the course record, making it a lucrative and memorable evening for the athlete.
Chelangat’s compatriot, Annet Chemengich Chelangat, secured second place with a time of 1:08.17, ensuring that Uganda claimed two spots on the podium.
Ethiopia’s Yalganesh Eskamech Gedefa rounded out the top three with a time of 1:08.50, further highlighting the competitive nature of the event.
In addition to her success in Sevilla, Rebecca Chelangat’s achievements extend beyond this race.
She is the reigning Uganda 10,000m national champion and has also proven herself in mountain running, having won the 2020 National Mountain Running Championship in Kapchorwa.
Her consistent performance across various disciplines of long-distance running speaks to her versatility and dedication to the sport.
With her victory in Sevilla, Chelangat continues to make waves in the world of athletics, and her future in long-distance running looks even brighter.
As she continues to improve, one can only imagine what more she will accomplish in the coming years.
Sevilla Half Marathon – Women’s 21KM Results:
Rebecca Chelangat (UGA) – 1:07.18
Annet Chemengich Chelangat (UGA) – 1:08.17
Yalganesh Eskamech Gedefa (ETH) – 1:08.50
