HOUSTON, TEXAS, January 19 — After running an American Record 66:25 in her debut last year here in Houston, Weini Kelati is now 2-for-2 in her half-marathon career as she lowered her national record to 66:09 taking 2nd in this year’s race.
Nineteen-year-old Ethiopian Senayet Getachew surged away in the final kilometer to take the win in 66:05, with fellow Ethiopian Buze Diriba 3rd in 66:48.
After finishing 8th in the Olympic 10,00, the 28-year-old Kelati has started ’25 merging swiftly onto the roads. “It feels amazing to come back to Houston; last year was my debut and to run it again and improve my time feels great,” she said.
The ’19 NCAA 10,000 and cross country champ while at New Mexico, she hasn’t broken stride in her pro career. After gaining citizenship in ’21, Kelati has worked her way to the top tier of U.S. women distance runners, featuring on Team USA cross, track and road teams. Last year she dropped her track PRs to 14:35.43 and 30:33.82.
Kelati’s future may veer more so to the roads following the ARs in both of her HM efforts. This year’s was certainly an effort as she battled blustery weather, world-class competitors and some severe stomach cramps.
It was a very fast and hectic start with the elite half-marathoners hitting the road in the dark at 6:45. Kelati said afterwards, “At the start, I went out with the elite men’s racers and it was crazy as I tried to find a spot to run in without…
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