The Ethiopian takes victory within the United Arab Emirates, whereas Kenya’s Alex Matata is the winner within the males’s discipline
Ejgayehu Taye produced a dominant efficiency to win the 18th version of the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon (February 1).
The Ethiopian, who’s a world 10,000m bronze medallist and secured the identical color medal over 5km on the 2023 World Highway Operating Championships, had focused breaking Letesenbet Gidey’s world half marathon document of 62:52 within the United Arab Emirates.
Taye was so assured she may run properly that she even introduced her personal pacemaker – Wosinew Admasu – along with her.
With a beginning temperature of 12C, situations appeared excellent for a record-breaking run.
The 24-year-old began properly and went by the 5km mark in 14:57, however the tempo and wind took their eventual toll and Taye ended up going by 10km and 15km in 30:02 and 45:52 respectively.
Ejgayehu Taye (Getty)
The Ethiopian, who was already joint-seventh on the half marathon all-time checklist with 64:14, crossed the road to win in 65:52.
That’s nonetheless a world-leading time for this season nevertheless, even in blustery situations.
“I used to be anticipating to run quick, even possibly get the world document, however the wind was sadly too sturdy,” Taye mentioned. “I felt it was pushing me again however I’m very pleased with the win.”
Kenya’s Judy Kemboi positioned second in 66:34 and compatriot Jesca Chelangat was third with 66:53.
Alex Matata (Rak Half)
Within the elite males’s discipline, Kenya’s Alex Matata recorded the most effective win of his profession, working 59:20 on the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon.
The breeze and lack of a pacemaker to separate the sector meant that the boys’s race was comparatively tight within the first 10km, with 20 males passing the mark in 28:34.
The favorite going into occasion was Kenya’s Isaia Lasoi however he slowed ever so barely after choosing up a groin pressure within the latter phases.
With Ethiopia’s Gemechu Dida out of the blue dropping again with a kilometre to run, Matata took his likelihood and established a small lead on the pair.
Regardless that Lasoi and Dida rallied, that they had an excessive amount of floor to make up and Matata crossed the tape first, donning a pink glove in his proper hand to wipe off the sweat.
Matata is now aiming to run a 57/58 minute half marathon, earlier than he doubtlessly strikes as much as 26.2 miles within the long-term.
Prize giving at Rak Half (Rak Half)
“It was nice to get a private greatest time and I actually felt I may win by the 14km mark,” mentioned Matata. “My purpose is to often run 57-58 minutes for the half and I received’t be trying a full marathon for an additional two years.”
In addition to the elites, hundreds of individuals took half within the 2km, 5km, and 10km and 21km races on Saturday.
All 4 distances began and completed on Al Marjan Island, with athletes of all ages and skills racing.
A Runner’s Village supplied an estimated 10,000 individuals with a youngsters’s play zone, radio broadcasts, meals and beverage, a DJ and reside music, retaining athletes and spectators entertained all through the morning.
As well as, a 500-seat grandstand was constructed, permitting family and friends to help the runners as they crossed the end line and gather their medals.
Outcomes, Males:
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
Girls:
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
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvHIJuBJ9gg
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