Kenyan runner improves Beijing Half Marathon record under one hour

BEIJING -- At the 2023 Beijing Half Marathon, Kenya's Brian Kwemoi Kirui registered a new men's course record in 59:37 on Sunday, while China's Liu Min finished first in 1:11:07 in the women's race.

"The weather in Beijing today makes me feel comfortable. I am really delighted to renew my personal best here. My coach's support helps a lot," Liu said after the race.

China's Yang Kegu followed Kirui to finish second in 1:03:41, which also surpassed the previous record set by Chinese runner Peng Jianhua in 2021, who was third this time.

About 20,000 runners from 27 countries and regions including China, France and Brazil participated in the race this year, starting in the Tian'anmen Square and ending in the Olympic Park.

The Beijing Half Marathon, also known as Beijing International Running Festival, can be traced back to 1956.