Matata makes major announcement as he wins RAK half marathon

There are races that have become launching pads for record-breaking performances and Ras Al Khaimah is on the list.

On Saturday morning, the Ras Al Khaimah half marathon started with huge expectations, and a new order was established in a 21km race that has over the years produced big surprises.

Alex Matata, who was not tipped to win, but for a podium spot, officially launched his career with a stunning victory in the men’s race, and joined the league of Kenyan big shots whose breakthroughs were made in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

It was in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) that stars such as 2008 winner Patrick Makau, who went ahead to shatter a world record at the 2011 Berlin Marathon, Geoffrey Kamworor (2013), who broke the 21km world record in Copenhagen (2019) and Kibiwott Kandie (2020) who also held half marathon record later that year, launched their successful careers in road running.

With his triumph at the 2025 RAK Half Marathon, Matata joins in the long list of stars to watch in road racing.

Matata had raised eyebrows in 2024 and an extension of the streak is something observers say would set tongues wagging.

Last year, he chalked up victories in at least four half marathons among them Padova (59:37) in April, Antrim Coast (59:46) in August, Delhi (59:53) in October and Al Sharqiyah International (61:17) in December.

At the RAK Half Marathon staged over the flat and fast streets of Al Marjan Island, the 27-year-old athlete produced a mouthwatering performance, winning the contest in personal best of 59:20

He was followed by Ethiopia’s Gemechu Dida (59:25) who settled for a second place in 59:25.

Isaia Lasoi, who was pre-race favorite finished third in 59:26 just one second behind Dida.

Lasoi had also finished third at 2024 RAK Half Marathon and was hoping to improve the position.

Matata said he braved strong winds for the hotly contested title.

“It was great to run my personal best time in Ras Al Khaimah and I really felt I was going to win by the 14km mark,” Matata said after tasting sweet victory.

The champion went on to say: “My aim is to regularly run 57and 58 minutes for the half marathon and I won’t be attempting a full marathon for another two years. I saw that Isaia (Lasoi) had a groin problem so I pushed on even though the wind was quite strong.”

Kenyan men had delivered a clean podium sweep last year after Daniel Mateiko, John Korir and Lasoi took the gold, silver and bronze respectively.

In the women’s race, the duo of Judy Kemboi and Jesca Chelangat took the second and third places respectively in a race won by Ethiopian Ejgayehu Taye .

Taye, who was favoured to win savored glory in 65:52 while Kemboi ran 66:34 ahead of Chelangat who stopped the timer in 66:53.

Like the men’s competition, a tough contest was on display in the women’s race with consistent change of leads for a better part of the racing.

The race included both budding and experienced athletes, with ambitious newcomers determined establish to turn tables.

In the end, it was Taye who pulled away from the field to win her first Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon title.

The Ethiopian, a 10,000m World Championship bronze medallist, had been actively targeting a new world record but ultimately found the conditions too much of a challenge.

“I really expected to run fast this week and had a world record in mind,” Taye said.

“Unfortunately, the wind out on the course just proved to be too strong but I am very happy with the win,” she added.

In the last decade, Kenyan long distance greats, Mary Keitany and Peres Jepchirchir have shattered records in Ras Al Khaimah.

Ethiopia’s Ababel Yeshaneh is also among record-breakers who have written their histories on the Ras Al Khaimah’s 21km course.