Record victory for Bahraini runner Cheroben

Manama : Bahraini runner Abraham Cheroben wins in the International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF) Copenhagen Half Marathon in Denmark on Sunday.

Cheroben broke the Bahrain national record in a new time of 58 minutes 40 seconds and the third all-time best over the 21.1km distance.

Cheroben smashed the course record in Denmark and just 17 seconds off the world record set back in Lisbon, Portugal in 2010.

Coming in second place was Kenyan Jorom Lumbasi (58:48) with compatriot Alex Oloitiptip (58:51) in third.

Meanwhile, Bahrain enjoyed further success when Eunice Chebichii Chumba recorded a personal best in winning the women’s race in one hour six minutes and 11 seconds, which in itself was the ninth fastest of all-time. 

Kenyan Joan Chelimo Melly (1:06:25) clinches second place and followed in third by compatriot Brigid JepchirchirKosgel (1:06;35). 

The event attracted over 21,000 athletes both male and female from many countries around the world.

IAAF’s official website highlighted Cheroben’s achievement and performance in the race.

HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy President of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports and President of Bahrain Athletic Federation has congratulated Cheroben. On the occasion, Shaikh Khalid commended the runner and his accomplishment and his dedication that resulted in achieving the international record, adding that it will sure add to the various international achievements of the Kingdom of Bahrain in the different sports arenas and strengthen its position among international athletic sports.

Shaikh Khalid expressed pride in the achievement of Cheroben reflecting the improvement and development of the Bahraini sports and athletes and wishing the runner the best of luck in future participations.

Mohammed Abdullateef, Deputy President of Bahrain Athletic Federation and Director of the National Teams affirmed that the directives, support and patronage of Shaikh Khalid to Bahraini sports and athletes have been a motive for them to spare no effort in competing for advanced places in top international sports events. He said the National Teams Committee will provide support to Cheroben by following a comprehensive plan to prepare him for the upcoming athletic competitions.