Daniel Ebenyo among Kenyan stars set for Delhi Half Marathon fields

Kenya’s world 10,000m silver medallist, Daniel Ebenyo, will headline the preliminary elite entries for the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon, a prestigious World Athletics Gold Label road race, set to take place on October 15.

Ebenyo, who demonstrated his prowess with a sixth-place finish at the World Cross Country Championships in Bathurst this February, boasts an impressive half marathon personal best (PB) of 59:04, which he set last year in Manama.

Daniel Ebenyo competitors

This timing is a mere 11 seconds away from the Delhi course record of 58:53, igniting high expectations for the Kenyan athlete as he gears up for the Indian capital.

Joining Ebenyo at the starting line will be his compatriots, Roncer Konga (59:08), Leonard Barsoton (59:09), Isaac Kipkemboi (59:17), and Isaiyah Lasoi (59:27).

Ethiopia’s Tesfahun Akalnew (59:22) will also be in the mix. Barsoton and Akalnew previously finished fifth and sixth, respectively, in Delhi three years ago, making them determined contenders aiming for the podium in 2023.

In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s 2016 Olympic 10,000m champion, Almaz Ayana, will be the star attraction. Ayana, who secured world titles in the 5000m and 10,000m events in 2015 and 2017, made a triumphant debut in New Delhi with a time of 1:07:12.

The Ethiopian sensation recently clocked a personal best of 1:05:30 earlier this year, clinching victory in Lisbon.

Additionally, she finished a commendable seventh in the London Marathon just a month later. Now, Ayana has her sights set on breaking the Delhi course record of 1:04:46, established by her compatriot Yalemzerf Yehualaw in 2020.

Expressing her enthusiasm, Ayana stated, “I’m very excited to run the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon. It was here that I ran the world’s fastest half marathon debut in 2017. After giving birth and having returned among the best athletes in the world, I look forward to coming back to the streets of Delhi and trying to be better than ever.”

Ayana won’t have an easy path to victory, as she faces stiff competition from fellow Ethiopian Betelihem Afenigus.

The 22-year-old has already participated in five half marathons this year and boasts an impressive personal best of 1:06:46. Kenyan Viola Chepngeno, with a best time of 1:06:48, is another formidable contender to keep an eye on.

Daniel Ebenyo’s competitors list

Men
Daniel Ebenyo (KEN) 59:04
Leonard Barsoton (KEN) 59:09
Isaac Kipkemboi (KEN) 59:17
Tesfahun Akalnew (ETH) 59:22
Isaia Lasoi (KEN) 59:27
Roncer Konga (KEN) 59:38
Gemechu Dida (ETH) 59:53
Samsom Amare (ERI) 60:08
Boki Diriba (ETH) 60:34
Demeke Tesfaye (ETH)61:37
Kuma Dejene (ETH) 64:38

Women
Almaz Ayana (ETH) 1:05:30
Betelihem Afenigus (ETH) 1:06:46
Viola Chepngeno (KEN) 1:06:48
Bertukan Welde Sura (ETH) 1:07:44
Alem Nigussie (ETH) 1:07:50
Dawit Seyaum (ETH) 1:07:52
Stella Chesang (UGA) 1:08:11