Running News Daily

Kenya delivered another commanding display of distance-running excellence at the Antrim Coast Half Marathon, with Isaia Lasoi leading a memorable Kenyan clean sweep of the men's podium in a race packed with world-class performances.

Lasoi emerged victorious after a thrilling battle at the front, crossing the finish line in a superb 58:26 setting a new course record. His winning performance underlined his strength and speed over the half-marathon distance, but he was made to work all the way by fellow Kenyan Daniel Mateiko, who finished just three seconds behind in 58:29 after an electrifying duel for the title.

The contest between the two leaders produced one of the standout moments of the race, with both athletes pushing deep into elite territory as they fought for victory. In the end, Lasoi found just enough to secure the win, while Mateiko's narrow defeat highlighted the remarkable depth and quality of Kenya's leading distance runners.

Vincent Kipkorir completed the Kenyan sweep, taking third place in 1:00:38 to ensure that all three places on the podium belonged to Kenyan athletes. Samwel Chebolei added further Kenyan strength to the results, finishing fourth in 1:01:01, while Amos Langat was also among the leading finishers.

The international field featured several prominent names. Australia's Jimmy Whelan produced a strong run, while Ethiopia's Yismaw Dillu featured among the front group. American marathon star Galen Rupp also delivered a notable performance, clocking 1:01:29 in another competitive outing for the experienced distance runner. Former world-class track and road athlete Edward Cheserek was also among the top finishers.

Lasoi's 58:26 victory, however, was the defining performance of the day. Together with Mateiko and Kipkorir, he gave Kenya a perfect podium and another emphatic reminder of the country's extraordinary strength in elite road running.

The Antrim Coast Half Marathon once again provided a fast, competitive stage for some of the world's finest distance runners, but when the decisive moments arrived, it was Kenya that owned the podium.

The stunning Causeway Coast is set for another afternoon of world-class road racing as the 2026 edition of the Antrim Coast Half Marathon unveils a powerful elite field packed with proven speed, championship pedigree and rising stars hungry for a breakthrough performance.

Scheduled for 23 August, the race continues to strengthen its reputation as one of the fastest and most competitive half marathons on the international calendar, attracting some of the finest distance runners from Kenya, Ethiopia and Great Britain.

Leading the men’s field is Kenya’s Isaia Lasoi, who arrives with a blistering personal best of 58:10 — a mark that instantly places him among the favourites for victory. Lasoi’s fearless front-running style and impressive consistency over the distance make him a serious contender on the fast coastal course.

He will face strong opposition from compatriot Daniel Mateiko, the 58:17 performer whose reputation continues to rise on the global road racing scene. Mateiko possesses devastating finishing speed and tactical intelligence, qualities that could prove decisive if the contest develops into a late-race battle.

Another major name confirmed is Edward Cheserek, one of the most decorated collegiate athletes in history. Cheserek owns a personal best of 59:11 and remains a dangerous competitor whenever he steps onto the roads. His experience at the highest level adds further depth to an already loaded men’s lineup.

Also entered is Kenya’s promising Little Nick Kitundu, who continues to build momentum in his professional career and will be aiming to produce a career-defining performance against such elite opposition.

The women’s race is equally compelling and could deliver one of the standout performances of the meeting.

Ethiopia’s Degitu Azimeraw headlines the field with a superb personal best of 1:06:07. Known globally for her strength in the marathon, Azimeraw brings enormous experience and proven championship composure to the Antrim Coast roads. Her transition back to the half marathon distance will be one of the most anticipated storylines of the event.

Kenya’s Mercy Chepwogen is expected to provide a fierce challenge after clocking 1:06:32, establishing herself among the strongest road racers in the region. With both women possessing comparable credentials, the battle for victory could develop into a thrilling head-to-head contest.

Home hopes will rest on Britain’s Lily Partridge, whose experience and resilience make her a dangerous competitor on familiar roads. The British athlete will undoubtedly enjoy passionate local support as she lines up against the East African stars.

Over recent years, the Antrim Coast Half Marathon has rapidly evolved into one of Europe’s premier road races, combining breathtaking scenery with exceptionally fast racing conditions. The event’s growing international reputation continues to attract elite athletes chasing personal bests, records and major victories.

With multiple sub-59-minute men, proven global contenders and an elite women’s field capable of producing world-class times, this year’s edition promises another unforgettable showcase of distance running excellence along Northern Ireland’s spectacular coastline.

Boston’s Emerald Necklace once again set the stage for one of the country’s most scenic and competitive half marathons on Sunday morning. Over 7,000 runners lined up at Franklin Park for the 2025 Boston Half Marathon, where Ethiopia’s Fantaye Belayneh successfully defended her women’s title and Kenya’s Isaia Lasoi powered to an impressive victory in the men’s race. Each champion earned $15,000 for their wins.

Men’s Race – Lasoi Dominates in 1:00:59

Kenya’s Isaia Lasoi delivered a commanding performance, clocking 1:00:59 to capture the men’s crown and the $15,000 winner’s prize. The race unfolded at a fast but controlled pace through the park-lined streets, with Lasoi making his decisive move in the final 5K. Uruguay’s Santiago Catrofefollowed in 1:01:23, while Kenya’s Andrea Kiptoo secured third in 1:01:30.

Lasoi’s sub-61 performance on Boston’s undulating course reinforced his growing status among Kenya’s new generation of road racing talent. His powerful stride and tactical patience over the final stretch left no doubt about his supremacy.

Women’s Race – Belayneh Holds Off Wudu in a Thrilling Finish

In the women’s division, Ethiopia’s Fantaye Belayneh out-kicked her compatriot Melknat Wudu in a dramatic finish, crossing the line in 1:08:51 — just two seconds ahead of Wudu (1:08:53). Kenya’s Evaline Chirchir completed the podium in 1:09:01. Belayneh’s repeat win also earned her $15,000, matching Lasoi’s prize.

Her victory made her the first woman since Joan Chelimo Melly (2017–2018) to win back-to-back Boston Half titles. With calm focus and a perfectly timed surge in the final meters, Belayneh turned a shoulder-to-shoulder battle into a defining moment of determination and poise.

Course and Conditions

Runners traversed Boston’s “Emerald Necklace,” a 13.1-mile loop of winding parkways and rolling roads connecting the city’s most picturesque green spaces. Conditions were ideal — cool temperatures and light winds — creating the perfect backdrop for fast times and fierce competition.

Race Legacy and Global Field

The Boston Half Marathon continues to attract elite international athletes alongside thousands of passionate runners from around the world. With its blend of competition, camaraderie, and New England charm, the event remains one of the premier fall half marathons in the United States.

Belayneh and Lasoi’s victories underscored the enduring global depth of distance running — and confirmed once again that Boston’s roads remain among the finest proving grounds for champions.

ATLANTA, Georgia – July 4, 2025

The world’s largest 10K race, the AJC Peachtree Road Race, once again delivered thrilling fireworks on the Fourth of July. With tens of thousands of runners crowding Atlanta’s iconic Peachtree Street and elite athletes going head-to-head for glory, the 55th edition of the race lived up to the hype—and then some.

Men’s Race: Kiprop Leads Kenyan Sweep

In a battle that came down to seconds, Patrick Kiprop of Kenya surged ahead to claim the men’s title in 27:35, holding off a tightly packed group of countrymen. Just four seconds separated the top four finishers.

Top 5 Men’s Results

1. Patrick Kiprop (KEN) – 27:35

2. Vincent Langat (KEN) – 27:39

3. Patrick Mosin (KEN) – 27:39

4. Hillary Kipkoech (KEN) – 27:39

5. Isaia Lasoi (KEN) – 27:43

The men’s race was electric from the start, with the lead pack pushing the pace through the rolling hills of Atlanta. Kiprop’s victory continues Kenya’s dominance on the global road racing circuit and solidifies him as one to watch this season.

Women’s Race: Obiri Adds Peachtree to Her Legacy

Olympian and World Champion Hellen Obiri added another major victory to her résumé, winning the women’s elite race in 31:29. She held off a strong Ethiopian challenge led by Senayet Getachew, who finished just one second behind.

Top 5 Women’s Results

1. Hellen Obiri (KEN) – 31:29

2. Senayet Getachew (ETH) – 31:30

3. Gela Hambese Degefa (ETH) – 31:38

4. Gladys Chepkurui (KEN) – 31:48

5. Melknat Wudu (ETH) – 32:12

Obiri’s win confirms her versatility and consistency across track, cross country, and road racing. Her ability to outkick some of the world’s fastest women under warm and humid conditions impressed fans and commentators alike.

More Than a Race – A Celebration of Running

From the elite fields to everyday runners, the Peachtree 10K continues to inspire. With over 60,000 participants and countless spectators lining the 6.2-mile route, it remains the heart and soul of American road racing on Independence Day.

The event also upheld its famous tradition of rewarding the top 1,000 finishers with the coveted Peachtree finisher’s mug—a collector’s item for many. Organizers made smart adjustments to combat the early July heat, including starting the race 10 minutes earlier than usual.

A Dream Race for Many

My Best Runs founder Bob Anderson reflected, “Today's race reminds me why Peachtree is one of the most iconic 10Ks in the world. I’m starting to feel the desire to race it myself one day. Congratulations to all. Happy Fourth!”

 Peachtree by the Numbers

• Founded: 1970

• Distance: 10K (6.2 miles)

• Location: Peachtree Street, Atlanta, Georgia

• Participants: ~60,000 runners annually

• Organized by: Atlanta Track Club

From world-class racing to heartfelt celebrations, the 2025 AJC Peachtree 10K showed once again why it’s a must-run event for runners across the globe.

Alex Matata of Kenya had the best win of his career in the 18th edition of the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon early today. But strong winds on an unusually cool morning in one of the smaller of the United Arab Emirates meant that Ejgayehu Taye’s attempt at the women’s world record was going to be blown off course, even if she had not started too fast.

The breeze and lack of a pacemaker to split the field meant that the men’s race was relatively sedate as well as over-populated in the first 10k, with 20 men still in contention at 28min 34sec. But there was no mistaking Matata in the pack, channelling Michael Jackson with a pink glove on his right hand. ‘For wiping the sweat, that’s all,’ he explained afterwards. But when colleague and race favourite Isaia Lasoi, who’d been sharing the lead with him up to then started feeling a groin strain, Matata began to assume the initiative.

"I realised at 14k that I was stronger than the others, so I thought I had a good chance of winning,’ he said. He raised the pace such that the computed finish outside 60min was soon transformed, and his relentless front-running dropped both his rivals and the time, and he ended up taking 17sec off his personal best with a win in 59min 20sec.

Lasoi hung in well, and looked to have second place sewn up, especially when Gemechu Dida suddenly dropped back with a kilometre to run; but the Ethiopian rallied and caught the Kenyan just before the line to get second and relegate Lasoi to the same third spot as last year. A stride can be costly in this sport. While Matata took home $20,000, Dida’s last gasp second place earned him $10,000, four thousand more than Lasoi.

Matata is something of an outlier in Kenya, coming from the capital Nairobi instead of the western highlands’ hotbeds of excellence; and also being a relatively late starter in his early twenties. But when he began running well with a 61.03 clocking in the Nairobi half-marathon in 2021, he was persuaded to move up to Eldoret, the heartland of national distance running. Now at 27, a regime of 150 kilometres a week has seen him transformed into a regular winner, with four victories and three sub-60min clockings in his five half-marathons last year. And now, he’s given himself a New Year’s present. But he’s not tempted to move up to the marathon yet. ‘Not for two years. I still want to run faster at the half-marathon, in the 58 minutes and maybe 57 minutes’.

In the women’s race, Ejgayehu Taye was so confident that she could run well that she even brought her own pacemaker, Wosinew Admasu with her. And a starting temperature of 12C (54F) felt good until she headed into the wind. Although the expected contest with her colleage Girmawit Gebrzihair did not materialise (the latter dropped out) things went to plan for the first five kilometres, which she covered in 14min 57sec.  But the pace and wind took their toll and she fell further behind her schedule and was grateful to win in 65.52, exactly three minutes outside her target time. ‘I was expecting to run fast, even maybe get the world record, but the wind was too strong; I felt it was pushing me back. But I’m glad to win’. Her time is a world lead for 2025.

Results, Men:

1. Alex Matata KEN 59:20

2. Gemechu Dida ETH 59:25

3. Isaia Lasoi KEN 59:26

4. Chimdessa Debele ETH 59:28

5. Gerba Dibaba ETH 59:35

6. Nibret Melak ETH 59:45

7. Hillary Kipkoech KEN 59:53

8. Tesfaye Deriba ETH 59:56

9. Haftamu Gebresilase ETH 59:56

10. Mao Ako TAN 60:28

Women:

1. Ejgayehu Taye ETH 65:52

2. Judy Kemboi KEN 66:34

3. Jesca Chelangat KEN 66:53

4. Ftaw Zeray ETH 67:05

5. Gete Alemayehu ETH 67:14

6. Adane Anmaw ETH 68:02

7. Veronica Loleo KEN 68:06

8. Lemlem Hailu ETH 68:07

9. Brillian Jepkorir KEN 68:48

10. Betelihem Afenigus ETH 69:02

The women’s race is set to steal the spotlight at the 18th edition of the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon on Saturday morning (February 1), with Ethiopian stars Girmawit Gebrzihair and Ejgayehu Taye both declaring their intent to chase the world record. Meanwhile, Kenya’s Isaia Lasoi, the fastest man in the field, is equally determined to go for victory and potentially set a new global mark himself.

The battle between the Ethiopian women promises to be fascinating, as both share a personal best of 64:14. Girmawit, who set that time when she won this race three years ago, still holds the course record. She admitted at the pre-race press conference that she surprised even herself with that performance, but after clocking a sub-30-minute 10K in Valencia just two weeks ago, she believes Letesenbet Gidey’s world record of 62:52 is within her reach.

Ejgayehu, on the other hand, ran her 64:14 in her half marathon debut in Valencia three months ago. She is so confident of running fast that she has brought her own pacemaker to help push the pace. Her agent, Yonas Mekonnon, explained: “She decided to go for the world record based on her recent training. She ran just over 64 minutes in Valencia with limited mileage, having trained for no more than six weeks after the track season. Her longest run was only 25km. This time, however, she has regularly been covering more than 28km at a 3:30/km pace at altitude. Her goal in this race is the world record.”

Women have played a defining role in the nearly two-decade history of the RAK Half Marathon. While Kenya’s Sammy Wanjiru set a men’s world record in the inaugural edition in 2007, the women have since taken center stage, with world records being set by Mary Keitany and Peres Jepchirchir of Kenya, and Ababel Yeshaneh of Ethiopia.

Among the men, Lasoi is the clear favorite. With a personal best of 58:10 from Copenhagen last autumn, he is the fastest in the field by a significant margin. He is also hoping to follow in the footsteps of past RAK winners who climbed the podium before taking victory. Having finished third last year, he is eager to claim the top spot. “I’ve been running 175-190 kilometers per week in training. I’ve prepared really well and I’m ready to win,” he said. “Also, there have been some changes to the course that make it faster. I think I can go under 58 minutes, and maybe even challenge the world record.”

Last year’s race saw strong winds and thick mist rolling in from the sea, affecting the final stages. However, the forecast for this year couldn’t be better, with ideal racing conditions of 15-16°C (60°F) expected for the elite start at 6:40 AM.

Now in their second year of overseeing the RAK Half, the long-time Dubai Marathon organizers, Pace Events, have significantly boosted participation across all events, including the 2K, 5K, and 10K races, pushing total registrations close to 10,000. Iyad Rasbey, VP of the RAK Tourism Development Authority, remarked, “When the event began in 2007, we were aiming for 2,500-3,000 participants. To be nearing 10,000 is extraordinary.”

With perfect conditions, a deep field, and multiple world record ambitions, the 2025 RAK Half Marathon is poised for a historic edition.

Ejgayehu Taye and Isaia Lasoi are leading contenders to follow a quartet of stars who have set world records in the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon whose 18th running comes on Saturday, February 1. Taye of Ethiopia and Lasoi of Kenya reckon that they are running into the sort of form that suggests fast times a week Saturday.

World championships bronze medallist indoors and out, and a top eight finisher at the Olympic Games, Taye has rarely raced on the road, but if she can bring her track form to Ras Al Khaimah, she would clearly be a leading contender for victory in 2025; the more so since in her sole performance at the half marathon in Valencia three months ago, she finished ahead of last year’s RAK winner Tsigie Gebrselama.

Taye ran 64min 14sec in Valencia on what her manager reports was less than adequate preparation. Yonas Mekonnon says, ‘Taye decided to try for the world record based on her recent training. RAK ‘half’ will be her second half marathon and when she compared both training based on the quality and volume, the hope for RAK half is much better. She ran just over 64minutes in Valencia without good enough mileage.  She was trained really for not more than six weeks after the track season was over and the longest training was 25km. However, this time she’s regularly been covering more than 28km with 3min 30sec pace at altitude. Her goal in this race is the world record’.

The Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon has regularly returned world record times since Sammy Wanjiru of Kenya ran 58min 53sec in the inaugural event in 2007. The women then took over with luminaries like Mary Keitany, Peres Chepchirchir and Ababel Yeshaneh setting women’s records during the last decade. But such have been the advances in shoe technology and the boost of energy gels in the interim that the current men’s record is over a minute faster, with the 57:30 that Yomif Kejelcha clocked in Valencia three months ago. The women’s record is an equally formidable 62:52 set by his colleague Letesenbet Gidey at the same race over three years ago.

In contrast, the RAK record is eminently breachable, at least on the women’s side. As it happens, Taye’s debut 64:14 is exactly the same as the RAK course record time, set in 2022 by another colleague Girmawit Gebrzihair who runs again next weekend. Gebrzihair looks to be in prime form too, following a rapid 29:34 for the Valencia 10k on January 12.

In the men’s race, Lasoi is hoping to emulate recent top three finishers who returned to win the following year. Lasoi came through for third last year, and is nothing if not ambitious. He clocked 58:10 in Copenhagen last autumn, and stated badly afterwards, ‘Eager to run 57 minutes in half marathon in future’.

This is the second year that RAK half-marathon will be overseen by Pace Events, long time organiser of the neighbouring Dubai Marathon. Race Director Peter Connerton says, ‘We’re looking to build on the success of last year’s event, and continue to bring both fast, exciting elite racing to Ras Al Khaimah, in addition to a well-supported popular race, supported by the community’.

Sabastian Sawe outkicked Jacob Kiplimo to win the men’s race in a world lead, while Margaret Kipkemboi solo ran her way to victory in the women’s race at the Copenhagen Half Marathon, a World Athletics Gold Label road race, on Sunday (15).

Uganda’s world record-holder Kiplimo, Kenya’s world champion Sawe and his Kenyan compatriot Isaia Lasoi were all in contention in the closing stages, but Sawe had the strongest finish. He managed to get a gap on Kiplimo with the finish line in sight and won in a PB of 58:05, four seconds ahead of Kiplimo. Lasoi was one second further back in a PB of 58:10.

Kenya’s world half marathon silver medallist Kipkemboi was joined by her compatriots Judy Kemboi, Catherine Reline Amanang'ole and Sheila Chelangat plus Ethiopia’s Ftaw Zeray through 10km but she left her rivals behind during the second half of the race to win by more than half a minute in 1:05:11. Kemboi was second in a PB of 1:05:43 and Amanang'ole, the world half marathon bronze medallist behind Kipkemboi, was third in a PB of 1:06:09.The men’s race also featured Norway's Olympic and world 5000m champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen, making his half marathon debut just two days after winning the Diamond League 1500m title in Brussels.

He formed part of a large lead men’s group that passed 5km in 13:53, but that pack quickly whittled down to six – pacemaker Berihu Aregawi, the 5000m champion in Brussels two days ago, leading ahead of Kiplimo, Sawe, Lasoi, Amos Kurgat, Kennedy Kimutai and Ingebrigtsen.

But Ingebrigtsen couldn’t maintain that pace and he pulled up at 10km, reached in 27:27 – a national record for the Norwegian on the roads. His rivals strode ahead and although he stopped a couple more times, Ingebrigtsen did continue to the finish and clocked 1:03:13.

After letting Sawe take the lead for a spell, Kiplimo was back in front at 15km, passed in 41:17. From there it was a battle between the trio of Kiplimo, Sawe and Lasoi. They were together through 20km in 55:13, before Sawe took control in the closing stages and went on to win in a time that improves his own world lead and is just four seconds off the race record, which was a world record when it was set by Geoffrey Kamworor in 2019.

Having won his world half marathon title in Riga last year, Sawe will have the opportunity to return to Copenhagen in 2026, when the city hosts the World Athletics Road Running Championships.

Another athlete who could be there is his compatriot Kipkemboi, who secured silver in Riga. This time in Copenhagen she ran as part of a group that reached 5km in 15:22 and she had Kemboi, Amanang'ole, Chelangat and Zeray for company through 10km in 30:52. The race was down to Kipkemboi and Kemboi by 15km, which they reached in 46:14, 15 seconds ahead of Amanang'ole. 

Kipkemboi then made her break and ran the final section of the race alone, getting to the 20km mark in 1:01:42 and extending her advantage to win in 1:05:11.

There were breakout victories for hitherto little known Daniel Mateiko of Kenya and Tsigie Gebreselama of Ethiopia in the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon in the United Arab Emirates early Saturday morning. And the imperious manner of their wins on a breezy, humid morning with a sea mist invading the latter stages suggests they both have a very bright future.

Yet the contrast in their race-winning tactics could hardly have been greater. Mateiko led from the gun, and only conceded the lead for brief periods, before outgunning his colleagues John Korir and Isaia Lasoi in the final kilometre, to win in a world leading 58min 45sec. Korir and Lasoi finished five and ten seconds behind respectively.

In contrast, Gebreselama contented herself to stay in the pack until she was ready to strike for home in the last five kilometres. Only former world record holder (64.31) and 2020 winner, colleague Ababel Yeshaneh could go with her, but that challenge didn’t last long. And such was Gebreselama’s attritional pace that by the time she crossed the line in 65.14, Yeshaneh was exactly half a minute in arrears. Jackline Sakilu of Tanzania was the surprise of the day, setting a national record of 66.05 in third place. What was no surprise was that the podium places were taken by athletes from three East African countries who share the same topography, the high altitude plateau of the Great Rift Valley.

Konstanze Klosterhalfen of Germany threatened to gatecrash that exclusive club up to the hallway point in a race, having come directly from her own training camp in Ethiopia. But, having headed the field up to 10k, which she passed in 31.09, which would have been a PB had she finished the race, she tailed off drastically and dropped out shortly afterwards, saying she did not feel well.

Olympic marathon champion, Peres Jepchirchir had been one of the favourites to win, but in the bustle of the start, someone trod on her heel and she lost around 20sec putting her shoe back on. Surprisingly for someone with her long experience, instead of working her way gradually back to the group, she shot off and rejoined them before they had completed the first kilometre. She paid for that unnecessary effort in the closing stages, and could only finish seventh in 67.19.

Gebreselama was not entirely unknown prior to today; she finished second in the world cross country championships in Australia last year. ‘That was my best performance, but today is better than that, because I won,’ she said after the race. ‘I knew I was in good shape. I think I like cross country and road running equally, but now I must prepare for the track’. In a reversal of tradition, she is leaving here for a four-month stint in an altitude training camp in the USA, before she runs the Ethiopian trials with the intent on making the Olympic team at 10,000 metres.

Having been told that there was no pacemaker in the men’s race, we wondered why Mateiko, who led from the gun kept consulting his watch and checking over his shoulder at his pursuers. Maybe he was surprised they were still there for so long, right up to the final kilometre. But having done all work, he was rewarded with a more than worthy victory, then engagingly stated that that was his intent throughout the race. ‘After finishing second last year, I promised myself to win. But the conditions were difficult; it was windy and very humid.’

Mateiko hails from Mount Elgon on the Kenya-Uganda border, but now trains in Eldoret with twice Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge under the tutelage of former steeplechaser Patrick Sang. ‘Patrick told me I was in good shape, but to be strong-minded. And Eliud is giving me advice too. I would like to have his consistency. Now my dream is to run well in the London Marathon’. If his marathon debut is as impressive as his win here today, the London crowds in April will be in for a treat.

Results, Men:

1 Daniel Mateiko KEN 58:45

2 John Korir KEN 58:50

3 Isaia Lasoi KEN 58:55

4 Gerba Dibaba ETH 59:38

5 Benard Koech KEN 59:42

6 Birhanu Legese ETH 59:43

7 Tamirat Tola ETH 59:46

8 Amos Kibiwot KEN 59:51

9 Boki Diriba ETH 60:10

10 Alphonce Simbu TAN 60:28

Women:

1 Tsigie Gebreselama ETH 65:14

2 Ababel Yeshaneh ETH 65:44

3 Jackline Sakilu TAN 66:05

4 Margaret Chelimo KEN 66:31

5 Evaline Chirchir KEN 66:36

6 Catherine Amanang’ole KEN 66:49

7 Peres Jepchirchir KEN 67:19

8 Gete Alemayehu ETH 67:25

9 Megertu Alemu ETH 69:23

10 Ashete Bekere ETH 70:03

Daniel Mateiko and Tsigie Gebreselama were victorious at the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, a World Athletics Gold Label road race, on Saturday (24).

Making his third appearance in Ras Al Khaimah, Mateiko lit up a foggy morning to storm home in a world-leading time of 58:45 and win by five seconds from his compatriot John Korir, while Isaia Lasoi completed a Kenyan top three, clocking 58:55.

In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s world cross country silver medallist Gebreselama improved her personal best by more than half a minute to win in 1:05:14, 30 seconds ahead of her compatriot Ababel Yeshaneh, the 2020 Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon champion and former world record-holder. Tanzania’s Jackline Sakilu was a surprise third, beating her personal best by more than three minutes with a national record of 1:06:05.

This year’s race was held exclusively for the first time on the fast and flat roads of Al Marjan Island and the elites took it in their stride, despite unusual weather conditions which saw visibility limited to around 50m at the finish line.

Mateiko was always to the fore and he made his winning move in the final kilometre, leaving Korir and Lasoi to chase him to the finish line.

A delighted Mateiko was relieved to finally get a win in Ras Al Khaimah after finishing sixth on his debut in 2022 and runner-up to Benard Koech last year. 

“I was the fastest man in the field and I promised myself I’d win here after finishing sixth and then second last year,” said the charismatic 25-year-old, who dedicated his win to Kelvin Kiptum, the marathon world record-holder who died in a road traffic accident earlier this month.

“The conditions were very difficult – it was windy, humid and a little foggy – so this is definitely the best win of my career so far.”

While Mateiko saw off a world-class field that included defending champion Koech, who finished fifth (59:42), and New York Marathon champion Tamirat Tola, who took seventh (59:46), in the women’s event the hugely talented Gebreselama underlined why she is considered one of her country’s finest prospects.

After passing 15km in 46:42, Gebreselama and Yeshaneh broke away from the lead women’s group before Gebreselama forged ahead for victory.

“I am so happy to have run a personal best today,” said the 23-year-old, who finished fourth in the half marathon at the World Road Running Championships in Riga in October.

“I was very worried about Peres (Jepchirchir) in this race so I was surprised when she dropped back. It’s a great win for me and, while it’s too early in my career to think about the Paris Olympics, my aim is to break the half marathon world record.”

Olympic marathon champion Jepchirchir, one of the pre-race favourites and a three-time half marathon world champion, suffered a setback early on in the race when a shoe slipped off, costing her at least 20 seconds. 

Elias Chelimo who finished eighth last year was in the leading pack from the start before dropping Wilfred Kirwa Kigen who was his closest rival with five kilometers to go to win the men’s 42km race in 2 hours, 10 minutes and 22 seconds. 

Kirwa finished second in 2 hours 10 minutes and 50 seconds ahead of Felix Kangogo who settled for the third position in  2 hours 11 minutes and 08seconds. 

Sheila Chepkoech clocked 2 hours 27 minutes and 04 seconds minutes to win the women’s title ahead of Beatrice Cheptoo who settled for silver in 2 hours 28 minutes and 42 seconds with Shyline Toroitich claiming bronze after stopping the clock after two hours, twenty-nine minutes, and thirty-six seconds. 

Daniel Ebenyo Simiu won the 21-kilometre race in 1 hour and 50 seconds. Isaia Lasoi and Samuel Naibei finished second and third respectively. 

The women’s Half-marathon title went to Evaline Chirchir. Nelly Jeptoo and Edith Chemjor finished second and third respectively. 

Over 20,000 runners took part in this year’s event which started and ended at the Uhuru gardens here in Nairobi. 

Over 200 elite athletes, 100 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and 20,000 recreational runners participated in the marathon. 

The Marathon featured six race categories: 42km men and women, 21km men and women, 10km men and women, 21km wheelchair men and women, 5km Family Fun Run race and the Corporate Relay Challenge. 

KATA Athletes posted impressive results

Kenyans Athletics Training Academy athletes from Thika posted impressive results according to head coach Joseph Ngure.  

Competing in the competitive 10 and 21km, the upcoming runners used the occasion to gain experience after racing against elite athletes that included world class runners.  

Zachariah Kirika and Peter Mburu were the best placed among their teammates during the event held in the outskirts of the city capital.

Peter Mburu, the winner of our October 10Km KATA time-trial, broke his half marathon record after registering 1:04.39 from his former 1:05.45 where winner, Daniel Ebenyo, timed 1:00.50. Peter came 35th in the category with 3,769 runners.  

Zachariah finished 35th out of 5,914 finishers after clocking 34:08.4 against the winner’s 31:39.5 in the the long 10k.  The distance was actually 11.35Km.  "For a race like this I can not imagine why a 10k race would be this long," wrote Bob Anderson, KATA Director.  

"The races provided positive exposure and experience for our KATA athletes," says coach Joseph.

KATA RESULTS

          ATHLETE           BIB           EVENT     TIME        POSITION 

Peter Mburu   11135         21Km       1:04.39    35

Evans Kiguru   11140         21Km       1:08.21    101

Anthony Mukundi 11139  21Km        1:11.23     152

Susan Njeri       20319        21Km       1:20.44     27

Zachariah Kirika 30786      11.35Km   34:08.4   35

Erick Mutuku      33605      11.35Km   34:36.8   53

Raphael Gacheru 30585    11.35Km   34:56.7   58

Boniface Mungai  30791    11.35Km   35:33.6   77

Eston Mugo           30787    11.35Km   36:13.3   89