Matata shatters personal best to win Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon
Alex Matata delivered a career-best performance at the 2025 Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, slashing 17 seconds off his personal best to claim victory in 59:20. The Kenyan outpaced Ethiopian Gemechu Dida in the final stretch, while pre-race favourite Isaia Lasoi settled for third.
Kenyan athlete Alex Matata stormed to victory at the 2025 Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, shaving 17 seconds off his personal best to cross the finish line in 59:20.
The 27-year-old surged ahead in the final kilometres, breaking away decisively at the 14-kilometre mark. Ethiopian Gemechu Dida finished second in 59:25, unable to match Matata’s late acceleration.
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“It was great to get a personal best,” Matata said. “At 14 kilometres, I knew I was stronger than the others, and I felt I could win.”
Matata, who has set his sights on consistently running 57-58 minutes over the half-marathon distance, ruled out an immediate switch to the full marathon.
“I won’t attempt a full marathon for another two years,” he added.
Pre-race favourite Isaia Lasoi, who had aimed to break Jacob Kiplimo’s 2022 course record of 57:56, struggled with a groin strain but still managed to finish third in 59:26, just a second behind Dida.
Hillary Kipkoech (59:53) was the only other Kenyan in the top 10, finishing seventh. Ethiopia dominated the remaining spots, with Tanzania’s Mao Oko placing 10th in 1:00:28.
Matata’s triumph earned him USD 20,000 (Ksh 2.6 million), while Dida and Lasoi pocketed USD 10,000 (Ksh 1.3 million) and USD 6,000 (Ksh 780,000) respectively.
Taye wins women’s race
In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Ejgayehu Taye clocked 1:05:52 to secure victory but fell short of the 1:04:14 course record set by compatriot Girmawit Gebrzihair in 2022.
Taye had hoped to challenge the record with the help of her own pacemaker but struggled against strong winds.
“I wanted a world record, but the conditions were tough. Still, I’m happy with the win,” she said.
Kenya’s Judy Kemboi finished second in 1:06:34, followed by compatriot Jesca Chelangat in 1:06:53.
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