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Daniel Matejko and Tsigi Gebrselama have won the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon. world athletics gold label Road race, Saturday (24th).
Competing in Ras Al Khaimah for the third time, Matejko returned home in the world’s fastest time of 58 minutes and 45 seconds against a misty morning, beating compatriot Jon Korir by five seconds and Isaiah Rasoi ahead of him. He finished in the top three in Kenya with a time of 58 seconds. :55.
In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s world cross country silver medalist Gebrselama beat her personal best by more than 30 minutes to win in 1:05:14. She beat 2020 Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon champion and her former compatriot Abbel Yeshaneh by 30 seconds. World record holder. Tanzania’s Jackline Sakir came in a surprising third place with a national record time of 1 hour 6 minutes 05 seconds, beating her personal best by more than three minutes.
Tzigye Gebrselama celebrates winning the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon (© Giancarlo Colombo / Organizer)
This year’s race was held for the first time exclusively on the fast, flat roads of Al Marjan Island, and the elite raced in style despite extreme weather conditions that limited visibility to around 50 meters at the finish line.
Matejko was always in the lead and made the winning move in the final kilometer, with Koril and Rasoy chasing him to the finish line.
Matejko, who finished sixth on his debut in 2022 and second to Benard Koech last year, was relieved to finally get the win in Ras Al Khaimah.
“I was the fastest guy in the field and after finishing sixth and then second last year, I promised myself I would win here,” said the charismatic 25-year-old, adding that he would take his victory to the marathon world championships. Dedicated to Kelvin Kiptum of record. The owner died in a traffic accident earlier this month.
“The conditions were very difficult as it was windy, humid and a bit foggy. So this is definitely the best win of my career so far.”
Matejko saw off world-class athletes including defending champion Kosh, who finished fifth (59 minutes, 42 seconds), and New York Marathon champion Tamirat Tola, who finished seventh (59 minutes, 46 seconds). The women’s event was highlighted by the extremely talented Gebrselama. Why is she considered one of the most promising athletes in her home country?
After completing 15km in 46 minutes and 42 seconds, Gebrselama and Yeshane broke away from the leading women’s group, with Gebrselama then advancing towards victory.
“I’m very happy to have broken my personal best today,” said the 23-year-old, who came fourth in the half marathon at the World Road Running Championships in Riga in October.
“I was so worried about Perez (Jepchirchir) in this race that I was surprised when she fell back. This is a great win for me and it’s too early in my career to think about the Paris Olympics. It’s too early, but my goal is to break the half marathon world record.”
Olympic marathon champion Jepchirchir, one of the pre-race favorites and three-time half marathon world champion, suffered a setback early in the race when his shoe fell off, losing at least 20 seconds of time.
World Athletics Organizer
Key results
woman
1 Tzigye Gebrselama (ETH) 1:05:14
2 Abbel Yeshaneh (ETH) 1:05:44
3 Jackline Sakir (TAN) 1:06:05
4 Margaret Chelimo Kipkenboi (Ken) 1:06:31
5 Evalyn Chirchir (KEN) 1:06:36
male
1 Daniel Matejko (KEN) 58:45
2 John Corell (Ken) 58:50
3 Isaiah Lasoy (Ken) 58:55
4 Gerba Dibaba (ETH) 59:38
5 Coach Benard (KEN) 59:42
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