Daniel Ebenyo craving for more after making marathon debut in Chicago
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Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 14.10.24. | 16:37
Simiu's rise began in 2022 when he claimed silver in the 5,000m at the African Athletics Championships in Mauritius, losing to Ethiopian Hailemariyam Amare
Promising star Daniel Ebenyo Simiu made an impressive marathon debut during the Chicago Marathon, finishing fifth in 2:06:04.
That performance marked a high point for Ebenyo, who has faced several challenges this season.
In a Thanksgiving post on his Instagram account, the Iten-based athlete assured his fans that this was just the beginning of an exciting marathon career.
“My determination is bigger than any obstacle that comes my way. I've already seen how I have overcome so much; I keep going and I say LETGODLEAD,” he posted.
Simiu ended 2023 on a high by winning the Kolkata 25km race in a course record and world-best time, missing the 25km world record by just five seconds.
The result propelled him to new heights in 2024.
The 28-year-old began 2024 with determination, eager to win every title.
He started the year strong by winning the Campaccio International Cross-Country race in San Giorgio Legnano, Italy, on January 6 with a time of 26:19.
On January 19, Simiu won his maiden National Police Cross Country Championships, finishing in 29:48. During that race, he famously ran the last 300 meters bare-chested, waving his jersey.
At the Sirikwa Classic, Simiu delivered another stunning performance. Although he started slowly, he finished strong, clocking 29:16, just ahead of Ishmael Kipkurui (29:18), while Weldon Lagat completed the podium (29:26).
Despite battling a stitch in the second lap, Simiu overtook his competitors, signalling to the athletics world that he was ready for greater achievements.
He continued his excellent form by winning the Berlin Half Marathon as part of his preparation for the Paris Olympic Games.
However, his Olympic journey took an unexpected hit when a visa delay caused him to arrive late in Eugene for the men’s 10,000m Olympic trials at the Prefontaine Classic. The delay affected his performance, and he fell during the race, finishing outside the podium and missing his chance to represent Kenya in the 10,000m.
Choosing to skip the 5,000m at Kenya’s Olympic trials, Ebenyo focused on his marathon debut. He took third place at the B.A.A. 10K, followed by a second-place finish at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race, before delivering a strong performance in the Chicago Marathon.
Simiu's rise began in 2022 when he claimed silver in the 5,000m at the African Athletics Championships in Mauritius, losing to Ethiopian Hailemariyam Amare.
Later that year, he earned silver in the 10,000m at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England.
