Alex Matata during his win in New Delhi/ HANDOUTHalf marathon maestro Alex Matata is confident of stamping his authority when he lines up for the Boston Half Marathon on Sunday, aiming to extend his growing dominance over the 21km distance.
The Kenyan speedster has been in blistering form throughout the 2025 half marathon circuit and now sets his sights on a commanding debut in the United States.
“My next race will be the Boston Half Marathon, my very first race in the US,” Matata told The Star. “It’s my first time there, so I don’t know what to expect, but I’ll push myself to ensure I win.”
Matata attributes his confidence to a winning mindset and the hunger to challenge the world’s best. “In any race I step in, I don’t look at the big names, I just focus on my race and push myself for victory,” he said.
The 2025 season has been nothing short of spectacular for Matata. He opened the year with four straight wins over 21km in Ras Al Khaimah (59:20), Meishan (59:28), Yangzhou (59:31), and Istanbul (59:40).
He later represented the Kenya Prisons Service at the National Championships in the 5,000m, clocking 13:50.91 to finish fourth behind Gilbert Koech, Amos Kiprotich, and George Manangoi.
Although he endured a challenging outing at the Copenhagen Half Marathon, where he placed sixth in 1:00:16, Matata bounced back in style with a decisive victory at the New Delhi Half Marathon on 12 October, clocking 59:50 to edge Ethiopia’s Bayelign Teshager (1:00:22) and Kenya’s James Kipkogei (1:00:25).
Boston Athletics Association CEO Jack Fleming has hailed the depth of talent expected for Sunday’s showdown.
“More than 70 of the world’s most accomplished athletes from 13 countries will line up to compete as part of the professional field on the
roads of Boston, leading the way for 9,000 participants,” said Fleming.
“We are delighted to welcome back athletes who’ve won each of our events before – the Boston 5K, 10K, Half, and Boston Marathon – as well as Olympians and Paralympians. Whether participating, volunteering, or spectating and cheering, the 2025 Boston Half will be a memorable race day.”
Matata’s quest for the Boston crown will not be easy. He faces stiff competition from defending champion Yemane Haileselassie of Eritrea, who won last year’s race in 1:01:46 ahead of Isaac Kipkemboi (1:02:01) and Canadian Kieran Lumb (1:02:03).
Matata will spearhead Kenya’s challenge alongside compatriots Isaac Lasoi and Dennis Kitiyo, as he looks to add yet another prestigious title to his impressive 2025 campaign.
