Abdalla's Record-Breaking Run in Valencia — image accompanying Marathon Handbook's report. Image accompanying Marathon Handbook’s report; reduced and presented for news commentary with the attributed report. View the complete source report.
Yaseen Abdalla clocked 59:12 at Valencia, surpassing the U.S. half-marathon record by five seconds. Despite his American birth and upbringing, Abdalla represents Sudan internationally. His time ranks 29th globally for 2026, but remains unrecognized in U.S. records.
Abdalla's run beat Conner Mantz's 59:17 record but doesn't count due to his international representation. Alex Maier's 59:23 this year is the closest eligible time. Abdalla's college career included NCAA titles and Sudanese records. Read more culture coverage.
Abdalla competed for Sudan at the 2024 Paris Olympics and 2025 World Championships. He lacks a major shoe sponsor but owns a coaching company and apparel brand. His future goal is to achieve some of the fastest marathon times. Related: Conner Mantz Set to Compete in 2026 New York City Marathon.
This original Runner World brief is based on reporting from Marathon Handbook. Visit the source for its complete reporting, context and any later corrections.
Reader questions
Questions about this report
What should runners know about Abdalla's Record-Breaking Run in Valencia?
Yaseen Abdalla's 59:12 at Valencia Half Marathon beats U.S. record but won't count. Yaseen Abdalla clocked 59:12 at Valencia, surpassing the U.S. half-marathon record by five seconds. Despite his American birth and upbringing, Abdalla represents Sudan internationally. His time ranks 29th globally for 2026, but remains unrecognized in U.S. records.
When did Runner World publish this culture brief?
Runner World published this brief on October 25, 2026. The underlying Marathon Handbook report was dated October 25, 2026.
Where can readers find the complete original report?
This summary is based on reporting from Marathon Handbook. The attributed source link in the article leads to the publisher’s complete report.
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