Daniel Ebenyo reveals why he fell short of defending 25K marathon title in India
Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 16.12.24. | 11:16
The 29-year-old was left in the wake of Stephen Kissa, who won his first international marathon in five years
Kenya’s middle and long distance runner Daniel Ebenyo said fatigue played a role in his second-place finish at the Tata Steel Kolkata World 25K marathon in Kolkata on Sunday 15 December.
The 29-year-old, running the World Athletics Gold Label road race for a second successive year, was outpaced by Uganda’s Stephen Kissa to relinquish last year’s title clocking 1:12:37.
Congratulations to Stephen Kissa for his remarkable victory at the Tata Steel World 25KM Run in Kolkata,India finishing in an impressive time of 1:12:33. Well done to Daniel Ebenyo and Anthony Kipchirchir of Kenya for securing the 2nd and 3rd spots. An incredible display by all. pic.twitter.com/k5esLO3CPW
— Uganda Athletics Federation (@UgaAthletics2) December 15, 2024
Having been in the lead group and even attempting a breakaway move near the end, Ebenyo was held off by Kissa, who sprinted to the tape in a winning time of 1:12:33.
Speaking after the defeat, Ebenyo, who finished ahead of country-mate Anthony Kipchirchir (1:12:55) said: “Every day, a champion is born in sports. Last year, it was me. This year, it was Kissa. That is the fun of sports. I am very happy. He has flown the flag of Uganda and congratulations.”
Congratulations Stephen kissa for winning the 25km kolkata Race in India #Ugandaathlete #Elitesports pic.twitter.com/h1aw77CMlG
— Fred Oija Ice Bath (@OijaFred) December 15, 2024
On the difference between Sunday and another Sunday (17 December) last year, when he clocked 1:11:13 to set the second-fastest official 25km of all time, Ebenyo told World Athletics: “ I was a little tired this year as I did not recover from the Chicago Marathon.
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In his full marathon debut in October, Ebenyo finished fifth, timing 2:06:04.
“I felt some fatigue today, but it is sports,” he added. “I will take a break for the festive season and spend time with my family.”
Meanwhile in the women’s race, Sutume Kebede successfully defended her crown, with a 1:19:21 showing to triumph ahead of Kenya’s Viola Chepngeno and Bahrain’s Desi Jisa.
Ethiopia’s Kebede recovered from a stomach issue just in time to defend her title.
Sutume Kebede wins second successive Tata Steel Kolkata World 25K crown, while Stephen Kissa beat defending champion Daniel Ebenyo to the men’s title 🤩
— World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) December 15, 2024
She set a stand-alone world 25km best of 1:18:47 to win last year’s race, and this time stood tall after 23km to surge clear ahead of a fading Chepngeno and 2022 winner Jisa.
“I am very happy to win (here) again,” said Kebede. “I wanted to break the course record but was a little tired of travelling. I am training for the next year and will participate in marathons.”
Chepngeno finished second in 1:19:48, while Jisa was a distant third in 1:21:33.
