page_title: Negative split
section_title: Kenenisa Bekele
hierarchical_section_title: Negative split / Athletes using negative splits / Kenenisa Bekele
caption_attribution_description: English: Kenenisa Bekele at Golden League 2006, Gaz de France, Paris Saint Denis
context_page_description: A negative split is a racing strategy that involves completing the second half of a race faster than the first half. It is defined by the intentional setting of a slower initial pace, followed by a gradual or sudden increase of speed towards the end of the race. Alternate strategies include even splitting or sit and kick. Conversely, the act of completing the first half of a race faster than the second half is known as a positive split.
  The strategy of negative splitting has been documented in competitive running since the early 20th century. Runners such as Steve Prefontaine, Wilson Kipsang and Galen Rupp have used them in races.
  Negative split strategies are also used in swimming cycling, triathlon and horse racing.
context_section_description: Considered by many to be among the greatest runners of all time, Kenenisa Bekele has employed negative split strategies in many of his races and all of his world records. 
  Most notably, every kilometer in his 5000 meter world-record run of 12:37 was about one second faster than the last. His splits per kilometer were 2:33, 2:32, 2:31, 2:30, 2:29.
caption: Kenenisa Bekele
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