Rejuvenated Mateiko targets PB at Valencia half marathon

2024 Ras Al Khaimah champion Daniel Mateiko has bounced back from an injury he sustained following the Paris Olympic Games and is now gearing up for the Valencia Half Marathon, set for October 27, 2024, in Spain.

Fully fit and focused, the 2023 Antrim Coast Half Marathon champion has his sights set on victory.

Mateiko, who boasts a personal best of 58:26 in the half marathon, will face stiff competition in Valencia, where 13 athletes have dipped under the 60-minute mark.

Among them are Ethiopia's Yomif Kejelcha (57:41) and Selemon Barega (57:50), making the race one of the most highly anticipated events of the season.

In an exclusive interview with Citizen Digital, Mateiko expressed confidence in his preparations:

"After the Paris Olympics, I was dealing with a sore muscle injury, but I'm fully recovered now.

“I’ve been preparing well for the Valencia Half Marathon, and I’m targeting a personal best.

“If everything goes as planned, I’ll be aiming for the win."

The Mt. Elgon native, who finished 11th in the 10,000m final at the Paris Olympics, also discussed the challenges of transitioning between road races and track events.

He emphasized the importance of starting his training early as he eyes the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.

"Balancing road racing and track events is tricky, especially since track races require more speed work.

“To be in top shape for next year’s World Championships, I’ll need to begin my track training early to avoid injuries.

“The shift from marathon training to track is no easy task," Mateiko admitted.

His career has been on a rapid rise, having served as a pacemaker at last year’s London and Chicago Marathons, where Kelvin Kiptum set a course record of 2:01:25 in London and a world record of 2:00:35 in Chicago.

Strong Men’s Elite Field in Valencia

The Valencia Half Marathon men’s elite field is packed with talent, including Tadese Worku, debutant Vincent Langat, Isaiah Kipkoech, Edward Cheserek, Bravin Kiprop, Weldon Langat, and Gemechu Dida.

On the women’s side, Kenya’s Agnes Jebet Ngetich leads the seed list. In January, Ngetich set the 10km road world record at the Valencia Ibercaja 10K with a stunning time of 28:46, which also included a 5K world record split of 14:13.

As the first woman to break the 29-minute barrier on the roads, Ngetich is poised for her half-marathon debut in Valencia and is one of the favorites to clinch victory.

Her main rivals will include Tsigie Gebreselama from Ethiopia and fellow Kenyan debutant Lilian Kasait Rengeruk.

Catherine Amanang'ole, Faith Chepkoech, and Diana Chepkorir are also expected to make strong showings as they debut at the distance.