Kenyan runners shine at Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon

Kenya reaffirmed its dominance in long-distance road racing with a strong performance at the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon on Saturday.

Alex Matata claimed victory in the men’s race, clocking a personal best of 59:20, while Judy Kemboi and Jesca Chelangat secured podium finishes in the women’s category.

Matata, who battled illness on Friday, defied the odds to take the win, edging out Ethiopia’s Gemechu Dida (59:25) and fellow Kenyan Isaiah Lasoi (59:26).

“The first 10km was the hardest—it was quite windy today. But I’m happy to have won with a new personal best,” Matata said.

The victory continues his impressive road racing streak, having previously won the Antrim Coast Half Marathon, Bucharest Half Marathon, Padova Half Marathon, and Al Sharqiyah International Half Marathon. His only defeat came at the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon, where he finished second behind Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei.

 “We ran in a pack until 15km, and I was watching for Lasoi to make a move. When I realized the pace was slightly slower than my limit, I decided to push forward.”

Ethiopia’s Ejgayehu Taye clinched the women’s title in 1:05:52, but Kenya’s Judy Kemboi delivered a strong performance to finish second in 1:06:34, ahead of Jesca Chelangat (1:06:53).

Kemboi spent much of the race running in no man’s land, chasing Taye alone after breaking away from the rest of the field early on.

“Nice course here in Khaimah, but I didn’t manage to improve on my personal best because I ran alone. Hoping to be back next year and do well,” Kemboi said

Kemboi, a rising star in road racing, had won three consecutive half marathons in Gent, Geneva, and Riga last year. Despite strong Ethiopian competition from Taye and Girmawit Gebrzihair, she proved she could match the world's best on one of the fastest courses.