Matata, Obiri spearhead Kenya's charge at Peachtree 10K in Atlanta

In-form road racer Alex Matata targets a triumphant debut over 10K when he lines up for the Peachtree 10K in Atlanta, USA, on Friday.

Matata, 27, has been in sizzling form on the half-marathon circuit this season, stringing together four victories to stamp his authority on the roads.

He started his campaign with a 59:20 win at the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon on February 1 ahead of Ethiopia’s Gemechu Dida (59:25) and another Kenyan, Isaia Lasoi (59:26).

Three weeks later, he stormed to victory in Meishan, China, on February 23, clocking 59:28 to beat Tanzania’s Alphonce Simbu (1:01:05) and Kenya’s Timothy Kiplagat (1:01:06).

Matata continued his ruthless streak at the Yangzhou Half Marathon on March 30, cutting the tape in 59:31 ahead of Ethiopians Gerba Dibaba (1:00:08) and Abduljelil Abdulwokil (1:00:10).

A fourth successive victory came in Istanbul on April 27, where he posted 59:40 to beat Ethiopian Berehanu Tsegu (1:00:47) and Shadrack Kendaywo (1:01:28).

He finished fourth in the Kenya Prisons Service colours at the National Championships at Ulinzi Sports Complex on June 26, clocking 13:50.91 over 5,000m.

He trailed Gilbert Kiprotich (13:37.06), Amos Kiprotich (13:37.58) and George Manang’oi (13:43.03).

Matata is confident of translating his half-marathon dominance into a strong showing in Atlanta.

“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 said.

He was initially scheduled to race at the Boston 10K on June 22 but opted out.

“I had prepared to run the Boston 10k, but I had to pull out because I had to run for Prisons at the nationals.”

He revealed his relocation from Machakos to Eldoret to train in high altitude.

“I was training in Machakos but moved to Eldoret and that has helped me, more so on the roads,” he said.

In Atlanta, he will be joined by Santa Pola Half Marathon champion Vincent Langat, Dennis Kitiyo, Boniface Kibiwott, Kiprono Sitonik, Patrick Mosin, Hillary Kipkoech, Simon Mwangi and Lasoi.

Olympic marathon bronze medallist Hellen Obiri chases her second win of the season over 10K.

Obiri’s first 10K of 2025 was a disappointing fourth-place finish (31:16) at the Great Manchester Run in Manchester, England, on May 18.

She, however, bounced back with a commanding victory at the New York Mini 10K, clocking 30:44 after outsprinting American Weini Kelati (30:49) and Ethiopian Gotytom Gebreslase (30:54).

Joining Obiri are Bengaluru 10K runner-up Cintia Chepng’eno and 2023 Tokyo Legacy Half Marathon champion Gladys Chepkurui.