Champion Simiu Triumphs at Delhi Elite Men’s Half Marathon

Daniel Simiu Ebenyo, the World 10,000m silver medalist, showcased a stellar performance at the Delhi Elite Men’s Half Marathon, claiming the top spot with a provisional time of 59:27.

His Kenyan compatriot, Charles Matata, secured the second position with a time of 60:51, while Ethiopia’s Addisu Gobena finished third, also with a time of 60:51.

Simiu has had a remarkable year, previously winning a silver medal in the 10,000m at the World Athletics Championships held in Budapest. He added another silver medal to his collection at the Commonwealth Games in the same event.

Notably, Simiu was part of the Kenyan trio that dominated the men’s half marathon at the World Road Running Championships in Riga, Latvia, on October 1, where he clocked 59:14 to secure the second position.

During the inaugural edition of the championships, Simiu displayed exceptional sportsmanship when he encouraged Sabastian Sawe to take the lead in the race and claim the gold.

The Kenyan contingent at the Delhi half marathon also included Isaac Kipkemboi, who finished fourth in 60:53, Isia Lasoi in fifth place with a time of 60:55, Leonard Barsoton securing the sixth position in 61:36, Roncer Konga finishing seventh in 62:05, and Vincent Kimaiyo completing the race in eighth place with a time of 63:18.

In the women’s competition, Ethiopia’s Almaz Ayana, the Rio Olympics champion, triumphed with a time of 67:59, while Uganda’s Stella Chesang came second in 68:28. Kenya’s Viola Chepngeno secured the third position with a time of 69:09, followed by Aberash Minseiwo of Ethiopia, who clocked 69:50.

Vivian Cheruiyot finished fifth with a time of 71:26, and the Ethiopian trio of Anchinalu Dessie, Bertukan Welde, and Mare Dibaba claimed the sixth, seventh, and eighth positions, finishing with times of 71:34, 72:01, and 72:02, respectively.