Kenya’s road racing stars Alex Matata and Hellen Obiri are set to lead a formidable charge at the prestigious Peachtree 10K in Atlanta, USA, on Friday July 4.
For Matata, the race marks his highly anticipated debut over the 10K distance, and he arrives in Atlanta riding a wave of exceptional form. The 27-year-old has been the standout performer on the global half-marathon circuit this season, stringing together four consecutive victories and firmly establishing himself as a rising force in distance running.
His stellar campaign began with a 59:20 triumph at the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon on February 1, narrowly edging out Ethiopia’s Gemechu Dida and fellow Kenyan Isaia Lasoi in a thrilling finish. Matata then extended his winning streak in Meishan, China, Yangzhou, and Istanbul, with each victory cementing his growing reputation.
Though he missed out on a podium spot at the Kenya National Championships last month, finishing fourth in the 5,000m — Matata remains optimistic about translating his blistering half-marathon form to the shorter road distance.
“I will be competing in the Peachtree 10K and I am hoping for the best. My recent form has been good and that gives me confidence,” Matata shared with The Star.
Originally scheduled to feature at the Boston 10K in June, Matata withdrew to represent his Kenya Prisons Service team at the nationals. A recent training move from Machakos to Eldoret’s high-altitude camps has further boosted his fitness and road racing sharpness.
Joining him in Atlanta is a loaded Kenyan contingent including Santa Pola Half Marathon champion Vincent Langat, Dennis Kitiyo, Boniface Kibiwott, Kiprono Sitonik, Patrick Mosin, Hillary Kipkoech, Simon Mwangi, and Isaia Lasoi.
Meanwhile, double Olympic medallist Hellen Obiri will be chasing her second 10K road victory of the year. After a tough fourth-place finish at the Great Manchester Run in May, Obiri bounced back in style to win the New York Mini 10K, clocking an impressive 30:44. She outkicked American star Weini Kelati and Ethiopia’s world marathon champion Gotytom Gebreslase in a thrilling sprint finish.
Obiri will be joined by compatriots Cintia Chepng’eno, runner-up at the Bengaluru 10K, and 2023 Tokyo Legacy Half Marathon champion Gladys Chepkurui, as they look to dominate the women’s race.
