Kibiwott Kandie is aiming to bounce back in 2025 after a challenging 2024 season, with a strong start to his year set for the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Half Marathon on January 5. The Kenyan distance runner, known for his impressive performances on the global stage, will face stiff competition in the event, with fellow Kenyans Stephen Kiprop and Weldon Langat among the top contenders. Ethiopian athletes Milkesa Mengesha and Haftu Teklu are also expected to challenge for the title, making for an exciting race.
Kandie’s 2024 season was marred by injuries, which impacted his ability to perform at his best. Despite his talent and strong potential, the injury setbacks prevented him from achieving his goals, including a spot in the 2024 Olympic Games. Kandie had initially made the team for the 2023 World Championships in Budapest after a strong fourth-place finish at the trials, but his injury forced him to withdraw from the competition. This marked a significant disappointment for the runner, who had been hoping to represent Kenya on the global stage.
The 2024 season saw Kandie compete sparingly, with his first major race being the eDreams Mitja Marató Barcelona by Brooks. There, he claimed victory, which provided a much-needed confidence boost. This win helped him as he prepared for the Kenyan Olympic trials in the 10,000m at the Prefontaine Classic. However, despite his efforts, Kandie finished in sixth place at the trials, which was not enough to secure a spot in the Olympic team. He also skipped the 5000m trials at the Nyayo National Stadium, further diminishing his chances of making the Olympic squad.
Kandie’s struggles continued through the season, culminating in a 13th-place finish at the Berlin Marathon. The year had its ups and downs, as Kandie’s performance at the World Cross Country Championships in Bathurst, Australia, ended with a sixth-place finish in the senior men’s race. He also competed at the adizero Road to Records, where he finished second in the men’s 10km road race, but it was clear that his form was not at its peak.
Despite these setbacks, Kandie remained determined to push forward. He found success at the Kenya Defense Forces Championships, where he won both the 5000m and 10,000m titles, followed by a victory in the 10,000m at the Kenyan Championships. These wins provided a glimmer of hope, but they were not enough to secure him a place on the World Championship team. Kandie’s persistence paid off, however, when he claimed victory at the Valencia Half Marathon and finished sixth in the full marathon later in the year.
As he prepares for the 2025 season, Kandie is focused on redemption. He has his sights set on returning to top form and representing Kenya on the international stage once again. The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Half Marathon offers him the perfect opportunity to make a statement and start the year strong. With the competition stacked with talented runners, Kandie will need to bring his best performance to secure a victory and set the tone for what he hopes will be a successful year.
In the women’s race at the same event, the field is equally competitive, with Ethiopian star Gotytom Gebreslase leading the charge. Kenyan runners Gladys Chepkurui, Sheila Chelangat, and Miriam Chebet will also be in the mix, all hoping to make their mark in the early stages of the 2025 season. The competition in both the men’s and women’s races promises to be intense, and Kandie will be looking to emerge victorious as he begins his journey toward redemption.
