World 10,000m silver medallist Daniel Ebenyo, fresh off his cross-country win, has set ambitious targets ahead of his second full marathon. After his triumph at the Athletics Kenya Cross Country Championships at the Eldoret Sports Club, Ebenyo has revealed his next destination in the world of long-distance running.
Ebenyo put on an impressive performance to dominate a strong field and claim victory in the senior men’s race. He is now looking to build on his success as he prepares for his second full marathon, set for March 16 in Hong Kong.
His debut marathon at the 2024 Chicago Marathon was nothing short of remarkable. Despite facing a long and tumultuous season, Ebenyo finished in a commendable fifth place with a time of 2:06:04, a personal best. The result was a testament to his resilience and determination, as he overcame many challenges in his first full marathon.
Ebenyo’s next race will be the Seoul Marathon, a key part of his early-season build-up. He has been preparing intensively, motivated by his performance in the cross-country season. His win at the Athletics Kenya event came after a series of successful races, including the Prisons Cross Country Championships at the Ngong Race Course, where he took the title. With his marathon debut behind him, Ebenyo is confident about his chances in Seoul.
Reflecting on his cross-country victory, Ebenyo admitted that the competition was tough, but he is grateful for the opportunity it gave him to sharpen his skills and gauge the level of competition he will face in future events. He believes that the experience at the cross-country championships, combined with his training, has placed him in a good position to tackle his upcoming marathon.
“This win places me better ahead of my marathon next month where I’ll be competing in the Seoul Marathon. I hope to finish in the podium bracket,” said Ebenyo after his victory.
Despite not having the best season in 2024, Ebenyo remained focused on his long-term goals. He missed out on a spot in the Kenyan team for the Paris Olympics after a disappointing fall during the trials at the Prefontaine Classic, where he had looked promising. Since Athletics Kenya only selected the top three finishers from the trials, Ebenyo’s fall left him off the team. Although he was disappointed by this setback, he did not let it derail his ambitions.
After the trials, Ebenyo bounced back by claiming third place in a 10km race in Boston. He continued his strong form, finishing second at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race, which further boosted his confidence as he prepared for his marathon debut.
Ebenyo made a strong impression in Chicago, where he finished fifth in his marathon debut. His time of 2:06:04 set a high standard for his future performances. Following that, he competed in the Tata Steel Kolkata World 25K, where he finished second, though he was unable to defend his title from the previous year. Despite the setback, Ebenyo’s solid performance underscored his potential as a force in long-distance racing.
Looking ahead, Ebenyo hopes to represent Kenya at the World Championships in Tokyo, Japan. However, before he can make that dream a reality, he knows he must perform well in the Seoul Marathon. This race is crucial in his bid to secure a spot on the international stage, and he is fully committed to giving it his all.
As he prepares for the Seoul Marathon, Ebenyo’s confidence is palpable. With the experience of his marathon debut, a strong cross-country season, and unwavering determination, he is aiming high for the future. Whether or not he claims a podium finish in Seoul, his journey is one to watch, as he continues to evolve into one of Kenya’s brightest long-distance stars.
