‘Matata hii’, twin magic in Istanbul as Kenya dominates again

Turkey’s Ali Kaya completed the podium in 60:12, but the day clearly belonged to the Matata brothers, who turned the race into a personal showdown in the closing stages.

The race began at a controlled pace, with a large lead pack hitting 10km in 28:32. As the race unfolded, a select group of seven pulled away, featuring a strong Kenyan contingent including Benard Murkomen, Moses Cheruiyot, Solomon Yego and Robert Keter.

The Matata twins surged to the front, broke away clean, and never looked back. What followed was a memorable sprint to the line, with Alex edging Charles to retain his crown.

“I’m happy to defend my title, though I wasn’t fully comfortable after twisting my ankle in training,” Alex revealed after the race.

“My focus now shifts to the World Half Marathon Championships later this year.”

Charles, who came in as a pacemaker but seized the moment, also impressed, dipping into a personal best.

“It was special running together. I’ll keep focusing on the half-marathon,” he said.

Alex’s consistency is now impossible to ignore, 12 wins from 14 half marathons in the last two years. Serious dominance.

In the women’s race, Purity Gitonga delivered a composed and tactical performance to secure victory in 66:50, leading another strong Kenyan showing.

The race stayed tight through 15km, with a lead group of five including pre-race favourite Ftaw Zeray of Ethiopia and South Africa’s Glenrose Xaba.

But inside the final 3km, Gitonga made her move.

A decisive break that Zeray simply could not respond to.

“It was a tough race, but I’m happy with the win,” said Gitonga, who chopped over 40 seconds off her previous best.

Zeray settled for second in 66:57, while Xaba completed the podium in 67:03.

Men’s Results

Alex Matata (KEN) – 60:01

Charles Matata (KEN) – 60:01

Ali Kaya (TUR) – 60:12

Benard Murkomen (KEN) – 60:21

Robert Keter (KEN) – 60:40

Moses Cheruiyot (KEN) – 60:48

Teresa Nyakola (ETH) – 60:51

Mengistu Bekele (ETH) – 60:56

Solomon Yego (KEN) – 61:13

Shura Kitata (ETH) – 61:20

Women’s Results

Purity Gitonga (KEN) – 66:50

Ftaw Zeray (ETH) – 66:57

Glenrose Xaba (RSA) – 67:03

Asmarech Anley (ETH) – 67:14

Zimam Redae (ETH) – 67:31

Evaline Chirchir (KEN) – 68:49

Beriha Gebreslasie (ETH) – 69:21

Vivian Cheruiyot (KEN) – 69:23