Kenya's Vinicent Nyamongo shatters records to claim victory at Sevilla Half Marathon

Kenya’s Vinicent Nyamongo Nyageo made a triumphant return to form, clinching the men’s title at the 3rd edition of the Sevilla Half Marathon in Seville, Spain, on Sunday, January 26th.

Nyamongo, who had faced a tough challenge in his marathon debut last December in Valencia where he was forced to drop out, found redemption with a stellar performance.

His time of 59:33 not only earned him the top spot but also a new personal best.

Nyamongo’s victory came with a reward of €2,000 (Ksh 271,280) in prize money, and his performance was all the more impressive considering the high calibre of competition.

France's Felix Bour finished in second place, also setting a lifetime best of 1:00.00, while Valentin Gondouin, his compatriot, secured third with a time of 1:00.17.

The podium was rounded off by Ireland’s Hiko Tonosa Haso (1:00.50) and Italy's Eyob Ghebrehiwet Faniel (1:00.51), who finished in fourth and fifth place, respectively.

For Nyamongo, this victory marks a career-high moment, as he surpassed his previous performances to deliver a standout run.

"I knew I was in good form coming into the race, and I was determined to leave my mark," Nyamongo said after his win.

"It feels great to set a new personal best, and the support from my team and family kept me pushing till the end."

Nyamongo’s victory in Seville may not have broken the course record, which still stands at 59:02, set three years ago by fellow Kenyan Sebastian Kimaru, but it was nonetheless a solid performance that will certainly boost his confidence as he looks ahead to future international races.

Meanwhile, the race also saw a notable achievement for Irish athlete Hiko Tonosa Haso, who equalled Ireland's half marathon record of 1:00:51, a mark set by Efrem Gidey in Copenhagen last September.

Born in Ethiopia, Tonosa had a turbulent journey before seeking asylum in Ireland, a decision that would ultimately lead to his success as a marathoner and half marathoner for his adopted country.

"This record means a lot to me, especially considering the challenges I have faced in my personal life," Tonosa shared after the race.

"When I first came to Ireland in 2017, I never imagined I’d be in a position to set national records, but it just shows how perseverance pays off."

Tonosa’s remarkable achievements are even more inspiring given his backstory.

In 2017, while in Dublin for track races, Tonosa learned that his friend had been killed in Ethiopia for participating in protests against government persecution.

Fearing for his own life, Tonosa sought asylum in Ireland, where he eventually gained citizenship in 2020. Since then, he has donned the Irish vest at various international events, showcasing his talent on the world stage.

“I think I have a lot more to give," Tonosa said, reflecting on his future goals.

"My next target is to do well in the Rotterdam Marathon and secure qualification for the World Championships in Tokyo later this year. This result in Seville gives me confidence as I move towards that goal.”

Tonosa’s remarkable progress, from seeking asylum to now being one of Ireland's most accomplished long-distance runners, is a testament to his resilience.

His incredible 59:51 finish in Seville not only secured him a new national record but also further solidified his place in the world rankings.