Kamworor Dominates RAK Half Marathon in Triumphant Return
Thirteen years after winning his senior debut at the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, the Kenyan star returned to the UAE roads and delivered another masterclass, clocking 58:14 — 40 seconds faster than his 2013 victory. At 33, and the oldest athlete in the elite men’s field, Kamworor proved that experience, patience, and precision can still overpower youth.
Executing a perfectly calculated race plan, Kamworor tucked behind training partner and pacemaker Edwin Kipsaisak through a brisk opening sequence. The first kilometer passed in 2:44, followed by a controlled stretch between 2:45 and 2:49 per kilometer — a rhythm sharp enough to deter challengers but measured enough to conserve strength.
When Kipsaisak stepped aside after 8km, the damage was already done.
Kamworor surged through 10km in 27:42, maintaining a slender but decisive gap. The defining move came between 16km and 17km, when he unleashed a devastating 2:42 split that shattered any remaining resistance.
Behind him, Birhanu Balew (Bahrain) and Kenyan debutant Gideon Rono fought bravely but could only secure second and third in 58:23 and 58:38 respectively.
“I knew around 14km that I was going to win,” Kamworor said. “I prepared well, I came to run fast, and Edwin did a great job pacing. It’s special to return here and win again — even faster.”
From Devastation to Dominance
Kamworor’s resurgence is one of distance running’s great comeback stories.
In 2020, he was struck by a motorbike during a solo training run, suffering a shattered tibia. The three-time World Half Marathon champion and two-time World Cross Country champion faced multiple surgeries and years of rehabilitation.
Now fully recovered, the two-time New York City Marathon champion is targeting the London Marathon this April.
“My personal best is 2:04,” he said. “But I believe I can go faster.”
Looking further ahead, Kamworor has his sights set on the Olympic Marathon at Los Angeles 2028. If selected, he would be nearing 36 — but history offers encouragement. Carlos Lopes won Olympic marathon gold at 38 after overcoming major injury setbacks.
Women’s Race: Anley Triumphs on Debut
The women’s race unfolded tactically without a pacemaker.
Tanzanian Magdalena Shauri took early responsibility at the front, pushing the tempo but ultimately paying the price. With two kilometers remaining, Ethiopia’s Melknat Wudu and debutante Asmarech Anley surged past.
Anley, racing her first half marathon, displayed remarkable composure.
“I realized I could win with one kilometer to go,” she said. “The times might have been faster with a pacemaker, but it doesn’t matter — I won.”
The former 2023 African junior 3000m champion crossed the line in 67:22, ahead of Wudu (67:27) and Shauri (67:32). Despite her success, Anley dismissed immediate marathon ambitions, preferring to gain more half-marathon experience first.
Top Results Men
- Geoffrey Kamworor (KEN) – 58:14
- Birhanu Balew (BRN) – 58:23
- Gideon Rono (KEN) – 58:38
- Jemal Mekonen (ETH) – 58:55
- Samwel Masai (KEN) – 58:59
- Benjamin Ratsim (TAN) – 59:56
- Jirata Dinki (ETH) – 59:57
- Yismaw Dillu (ETH) – 60:05
- Brian Kibor (KEN) – 60:07
- Mao Ako (TAN) – 60:20
Top Results Women
- Asmarech Anley (ETH) – 67:22
- Melknat Wudu (ETH) – 67:27
- Magdalena Shauri (TAN) – 67:32
- Jesca Chelangat (KEN) – 67:33
- Cynthia Chepkwony (KEN) – 67:35
- Aselef Kassie (ETH) – 67:47
- Gete Alemayehu (ETH) – 68:43
- Margret Chacha (KEN) – 68:57
- Emebet Kebede (ETH) – 69:11
- Addise Cheklu (ETH) – 70:01
