Ebenyo dominates Berlin half in spectacular solo run

World Half Marathon silver medalist Daniel Simiu Ebenyo led from gun to tape at the Berlin Half Marathon, literally leaving his competition behind just minutes into the race as he went on to clock 59:30 for victory.

Ebenyo’s exploits in the German capital saw the world 10,000m silver medalist extend his 2024 winning streak, having picked victories in the Campaccio International Cross Country in January and at the Sirikwa Classic cross country in Eldoret.

With the quick start, he was on course for a world record (57:31) but slowed down in the latter stages of the race to finish well outside the course record of 58:42 held by compatriot Eric Kiptanui from his win in 2018.

It took the Kenyan and the pacemaker 2:38 minutes to clear the opening kilometer. The duo maintained pace, crossing the 5km mark in 13:28 minutes. With the pacer gone, Ebenyo reached the 10km mark in 27:29 minutes, with a significant drop in pace with more than half the course to go.

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What was initially a solo run almost cost the Commonwealth Games silver medalist victory as, with three kilometers to the finish, the chasing pack of two runners could be seen in the background, getting closer and closer.

The duo of compatriots Amos Kurgat (59:42) and Kipkoech Lasoi (59:47), could, however, not muster the speed to deny the visibly hurting Ebenyo who narrowly made it to the finish line for victory.

In the women's category, 19-year-old Muluat Tekle from Ethiopia (66:53) prevailed ahead of her compatriot Ftaw Zeray (67:22) and home favourite Melat Kejeta (67:26). Vivian Kimutai was the first Kenyan woman to finish in 68:41, settling for fourth.