Andreas Almgren Sets New European Record in Half Marathon

Swedish distance runner Andreas Almgren stunned the athletics world by setting a new European record in the half marathon, finishing with an impressive time of 58:41 in Valencia. Almgren, 30, shattered the previous European record held by Switzerland's Julien Wanders, who clocked 59:13, improving it by 32 seconds. He also broke his own Swedish record by 42 seconds, marking a significant personal and continental milestone. Almgren’s performance secured him fourth place in a highly competitive race won by Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha, who finished in 58:02. Burundian Rodrigue Kwizera and Kenyan Brian Kibor followed closely with a shared second-place time of 58:39. The race was held on a notably fast course in Valencia, enabling these record-breaking times. This milestone follows Almgren’s recent bronze medal achievement in the 5,000 meters at the World Championships in Tokyo, highlighting his remarkable form this season. Expressing his elation at the finish line, Almgren raised his arms in celebration of this exceptional accomplishment, which fulfills his aspiration for redemption after his last major competition. The breakthrough reinforces Almgren’s status as one of Sweden’s premier long-distance runners and marks a significant highlight in European athletics for 2025.