Top Athletes Converge for Antrim Coast Half Marathon: Yehualaw Eyes 3rd Victory Amid Elite Race

This Sunday (Aug. 25), the Antrim Coast Half Marathon is set to feature a riveting lineup of athletes, including Ethiopian Yalemzerf Yehualaw, who is eyeing her third win in four years. The event will be broadcast live on BBC iPlayer and the sports website starting at 09:30 BST. Yehualaw, now 25, previously believed she set a world record here in 2021 with a time of 63:44, only to learn the course was 54 meters short. Despite this setback, she returned to set a course record of 64:21 the following year and recently placed eighth at the London Marathon.

Joining Yehualaw is Joyciline Jepkosgei from Kenya, a formidable competitor with victories at the London and New York Marathons. Jepkosgei showcased her enduring prowess by securing third place in London earlier this year. The women's race also features Ethiopia’s Sutume Asefa, fresh from her Tokyo Marathon victory in March, and Senbere Teferi, a consistent performer with a half marathon best of 64:40.

On the men's side, the race boasts a competitive field including Birhanu Legese from Ethiopia, who ranks sixth all-time in marathon distances and is a two-time Tokyo Marathon winner. Kenya's Hillary Chepkwony leads with a half marathon best of 58:53 from Valencia last year, marking him as one to watch alongside fellow sub-60-minute runners Hillary Kipkoech and Alex Nzioka Matata.

The event will host approximately 5,000 participants from 26 countries, highlighting its international appeal. British distance running legend Jo Pavey will also participate, aiming to help fellow runners break the two-hour mark in her fifth appearance at the event. This diverse and accomplished field sets the stage for a compelling race along the scenic routes of Larne, promising a thrilling day of athletics.