World 10,000m silver medallist, Daniel Ebenyo lived to the race expectations as he ran away with the men’s title at the 43rd edition of the Generali Berlin Half Marathon on Sunday (07) in Berlin, Germany.
The 28 year-old who is also the World Road Running half marathon silver medallist, enoyed the warm weather with temperatures of well over 20 Celsius as he started off on high note with his pacemaker Bravin Kiptoo. The two passed the 5k mark in 13:28 which pointed to a sensational sub 57:00 finishing time, well under the world half marathon mark of 57:31 set by Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo. The killer pace did not last long as the scorching sun hit them as the two went under the 10km mark in 27:29 which was outside world record pace and from then on he had to run alone at the front. Ebenyo slowed further going through the 15k in 41:35 as the even the race course record of 58:42 looked out of reach as well.
The commonwealth Games 10,000m silver, was left to chase the title as he cut the tape in 59:30 and was followed in second place by Amos Kurgat in 59:42 with Isaia Kipkoech Lasoi sealing the podium three finishes in 59:47.
“I came here to Berlin because I wanted to break the world record. But from around eleven kilometres I had a problem with my knee and the weather became very warm. So I knew I would not be able to break the record, but I will definitely try again next time, “said Daniel Ebenyo.
Benard Biwott and Bravin Kiprop both from Kenya finished in fourth and fifth in respective time of 1:00.21 and 1:00.29
LEADING RESULTS
21KM MEN
Daniel Ebenyo (KEN) 59:30
Amos Kurgat (KEN) 59:42
Isaia Lasoi (KEN) 59:47
Benard Biwott (KEN) 60:21
Bravin Kiprop (KEN) 60:29