Despite contrasting race strategies, both athletes exhibited remarkable prowess, hinting at promising futures in the sport.
Daniel Mateiko of Kenya and Tsigie Gebreselama of Ethiopia emerged as the victorious underdogs in the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, held in the United Arab Emirates on Saturday morning.
Despite contrasting race strategies, both athletes exhibited remarkable prowess, hinting at promising futures in the sport.
Mateiko's relentless lead from the onset culminated in a spectacular finish, securing the top spot with a world-leading time of 58 minutes and 45 seconds. Gebreselama, on the other hand, strategically bided her time within the pack until unleashing a formidable surge in the final five kilometers, clinching victory in 65 minutes and 14 seconds.
The podium saw a blend of surprises and familiar faces, with Jackline Sakilu of Tanzania setting a national record to claim third place in the women's category. However, it was no shock that the top positions were dominated by athletes hailing from the East African region, renowned for its high-altitude training grounds in the Great Rift Valley.
While some contenders faced unexpected challenges, such as Konstanze Klosterhalfen of Germany who withdrew due to health reasons, others like Olympic marathon champion Peres Jepchirchir battled through adversity, showcasing resilience despite setbacks.
Reflecting on her victory, Gebreselama expressed her delight, highlighting her transition from cross country to road racing and her upcoming focus on track events. Meanwhile, Mateiko attributed his success to rigorous training alongside elite mentors like Eliud Kipchoge, setting his sights on future marathons, including the prestigious London Marathon.
The event not only showcased the triumphs of individual athletes but also underscored the enduring allure of long-distance running as a global sport, promising excitement and excellence in competitions to come.
Results:
Men
1. Daniel Mateiko KEN 58:45
2. John Korir KEN 58:50
3. Isaia Lasoi KEN 58:55
Women
1. Tsigie Gebreselama ETH 65:14
2. Ababel Yeshaneh ETH 65:44
3. Jackline Sakilu TAN 66:05