Athanas Kioko Continues His Breakout Year with Another Impressive Win

Kenya’s Athanas Kioko is proving to be one of the most exciting rising stars in distance running. Just two months after finishing second in his marathon debut at the Los Angeles Marathon, the 30-year-old continued his stellar form by winning a competitive 10K today in 29:03 at the monthly time trial hosted by the Kenya Athletics Training Academy (KATA) in Thika.

The performance showcased his finishing speed and race instincts, edging out Peter Wanyoike (29:05) in a thrilling battle to the line.

Kioko’s running journey is nothing short of remarkable. He didn’t begin training seriously until 2018, while studying actuarial science at Karatina University. He later transferred to Campbell University in North Carolina, where he became a standout collegiate athlete. Over three years, he earned six All-American honors, set multiple school records, and placed third at the 2021 NCAA Cross Country Championships. His 13:13.47 performance in the 5,000m at the NCAA Track & Field Championships that year remains one of the fastest in collegiate history.

After graduating in 2022, Kioko signed a professional contract with On Running and relocated to North Carolina to continue his training. He quickly transitioned to the professional circuit, showing his potential with a personal best of 46:11 for 10 miles and now a 2:10:55 marathon.

Today’s 10K victory in Kenya adds another chapter to Kioko’s rapid ascent. His blend of tactical racing, finishing power, and range from 5,000 meters to the marathon makes him a serious contender on both the track and the roads. With major international races on the horizon, Kioko is a name to watch in 2025 and beyond.

posted Wednesday May 14th
by Boris Baron