Classy Kandie wins Istanbul Half Marathon title

Kenya's Kibiwott Kandie competes during the half marathon race in Prague, Czech Republic, on September 4, 2020.


Photo credit: Pool | RUNCZECH

What you need to know:

  • Kandie, the world record holder over the distance, set a new course record of 59:33 to beat compatriot Geoffrey Kamworor in an exciting battle
  • Kandie ran a tactical race sticking with the pack of five athletes before increasing his pace after crossing the 18km mark
  • Kamworor, who was taking part in his first international race since he recovered from a motorbike accident in Eldoret last year, settled second in 59:37

Kibiwott Kandie is the 2021 Istanbul Half Marathon champion. 

Kandie, the world record holder over the distance, set a new course record of 59:35 to beat compatriot Geoffrey Kamworor in an exciting battle. 

Kandie ran a tactical race sticking with the pack of five athletes before increasing his pace after crossing the 18km mark. 

Kamworor followed with Ethiopia’s Walelegn Amdework in tow but they couldn’t match the world half marathon record holder who managed to win the race with ease.

Kamworor, who was taking part in his first international race since he recovered from a motorbike accident in Eldoret last year, settled second in 59:38. 

Roncer Kipkorir was third in 59:46 while Ethiopia's Amdework came fourth in 59:48. Leonard Barsoton clocked 59:59 to enter into the top five.