Alexander Munyao will be tested against elite rivals at the Kagawa Marugame Half Marathon in a high-stakes battle for dominance.
The 2024 London Marathon champion Alexander Munyao is gearing up to defend his title at the prestigious Kagawa Marugame International Half Marathon on Sunday, February 2.
Munyao enters the race as the favorite but faces a fiercely competitive field that promises to test his mettle.
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Munyao’s dominance in the half-marathon scene is well-documented.
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With a personal best of 57:59 set at the 2020 Valencia Half Marathon—the seventh-fastest time ever recorded—he has consistently delivered stellar performances.
However, the Kagawa Marugame race brings a unique challenge, pitting him against some of the world’s top runners, including his compatriots Bedan Karoki, Cleophas Kandie, and Emmanuel Maru.
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Munyao vs. the elite: A high-stakes half marathon showdown in Kagawa.
Among Munyao’s fiercest competitors is Bedan Karoki, a veteran of the sport and the 2016 World Half Marathon silver medalist.
Karoki’s career boasts remarkable achievements, including a blazing personal best of 58:42. Though he has not matched that time in recent years, Karoki demonstrated his enduring strength in October 2024, placing second at the Tokyo Legacy Half Marathon with a time of 60:38.
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Karoki’s decade-long experience and tactical acumen make him a formidable opponent. He has the ability to strategize and capitalize on moments of opportunity, which could unsettle even the most seasoned runners.
Cleophas Kandie, another Kenyan speedster, is no stranger to battling Munyao.
The two clashed memorably in the 2023 Kagawa Half Marathon, where Munyao edged out Kandie by just one second. Their rivalry reignited in Tokyo last October, where Kandie finished sixth in a race dominated by Amos Kurgat.
With a personal best of 59:18, Kandie is a consistent performer in the sub-60 category. His familiarity with Munyao’s racing style could give him a tactical edge in their upcoming showdown.
Adding depth to the field is Emmanuel Maru, a sub-60 runner whose 59:43 personal best was achieved at the Barcelona Half Marathon last February.
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Maru’s recent performances have established him as a rising star in the world of distance running. With his improving form and relentless drive, he poses a significant threat to the more established names.
The Kagawa Marugame International Half Marathon is more than just a race; it is a high-stakes showdown among elite athletes who have all tasted glory at various stages of their careers.
For Munyao, the race is not just about reclaiming his title but also about fine-tuning his form ahead of an even more star-studded lineup at the London Marathon in April.
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In London, Munyao will face Olympic champion Tamirat Tola, world cross-country champion Jacob Kiplimo, and world half marathon champion Sebastian Sawe.
Also in the mix are New York City Marathon champion Abdi Nageeye, British Olympian Emile Cairess, and European champion Yeman Crippa, among others.
With victories at the 2020 Santa Pola Half Marathon (59:09) and the 2023 Kagawa Half Marathon (59:17), along with podium finishes in major races like Ras Al Khaimah and Adizero Road to Records, he has cemented his place among the greats.
