Kenyans dominate in Beijing and Shanghai Half Marathons
The Beijing Half Marathon has a profound history of nearly 70 years.
Kenya's Charles Mbatha Matata and Susy Chebet Chemaimek triumphed in the men's and women's races, respectively, at the 2025 Beijing Half Marathon on Easter Sunday.
In Shanghai, Roncer Konga led a Kenyan podium sweep, while Veronica Maina managed second as Kenyans continued to show good form on the world's running streets.
Back in the Chinese Capital, Beijing, Matata finished first in one hour and 25 seconds, seven seconds ahead of his compatriot Wisley Kipkemoi Yego, while Ethiopia's Getachew Masresha Kidie took third place.
"I really appreciate the opportunity to race in Beijing. The course here is good," Matata told the Chinese News Agency Xinhua, after the race.
"I was focusing on 59 minutes, which is my target time. The final result is not so bad and not so good."
Chemaimek broke the course record in the women's race with one hour, nine minutes, and seven seconds, followed by Rispa Cherop of Uganda and Ethiopia's Beriha Gebreyohanes Gebreslasie in second and third, respectively.
The Beijing Half Marathon has a profound history of nearly 70 years.
This year's race spans from Tiananmen Square to the Beijing Olympic Park, attracting a record 169,879 runners signing up for the lottery of 20,000 spots.
Separately at the Shanghai Half Marathon, Kenya's Roncer Konga claimed victory, hitting the tape first by clocking 1:01:07, and leading an all-Kenya podium sweep.
Konga, whose 1:00:29 in 2024 is still the course record, finished four seconds ahead of Edmond Kipngetich, while Isaac Kipkemboi, who took second place, just one second behind Konga in 2024, completed the podium places eight seconds behind the winner. A true merry-go-round amongst the three countrymen.
In the women’s race, Ethiopia's Ftaw Zeray broke the Kenyan dominance with a time of 1:06:36 to set a new course record and take top spot.
Kenya's Veronicah Njeri Maina was second with a time of 1:10:57, with home favourite Xu Shuangshuang completing the podium places with a time of 1:11:07.
Tomorrow, Kenyans will be watching as the Boston Marathon takes place, with several Kenyans participating.
Beijing Half Marathon Results
Men
Charles Mbatha Matata- Kenya 1:00:25
Wisley Kipkemoi Yego- Kenya
Getachew Masresha Kidie- Ethiopia
Women
Susy Chebet Chemaimak- Kenya 1:09:07 (CR)
Rispa Cherop- Uganda
Beriha Gebreyohanes Gebreslasie- Ethiopia
Shanghai Half Marathon Results
Men
Roncer Kipkorir Konga- Kenya 1:01:07
Edmond Kipngetich- Kenya 1:01:11
Isaac Kipkemboi- Kenya 1:01:15
Women
Ftaw Zeray- Ethiopia 1:06:36 (CR)
Veronicah Njeri Maina- Kenya 1:10:57
Xu Shuangshuang- China 1:11:07