MATEIKO VS LASOI: HISTORIC HEAD-TO-HEAD SET FOR ANTRIM COAST ASSUB-58 MINUTE BARRIER COMES UNDER THREAT
- antrimcoasthalf
- May 6
- 2 min read
World-class elite field announced for 2026 Condor Executive Antrim Coast Half
Marathon.
The 2026 Condor Executive Antrim Coast Half Marathon is set to deliver one of the most electrifying races in global road running history, as organisers today confirmed a headline head-to-head showdown between Daniel Mateiko and Isaia Lasoi - with both athletes targeting an unprecedented sub-58-minute performance on UK & Irish soil.
Mateiko, the UK & Ireland All-Comers Record holder, returns to the Antrim Coast where he produced a sensational 58:36 in 2023, cementing the event’s reputation as one of the fastest half marathons in the world. Now in scintillating form following his 2:03:44 marathon performance in Tokyo this March, the Kenyan arrives with clear intent.
Standing in his way is fellow Kenyan star Isaia Lasoi, a 26-year-old rising force making his Antrim Coast debut. Lasoi boasts a superb personal best of 58:10 and arrives in top form following victory at the Boston Half Marathon in November 2025. Earlier this year, he impressed on his marathon debut in London, running with the world record group through 30km. His consistency is underlined by podium finishes in Valencia, Copenhagen and Berlin Half Marathons.
With both men capable of rewriting the record books and dedicated pacing support in place—the race could witness history, as organisers target the first-ever sub 58-minute half marathon on UK or Irish soil.
GLOBAL STARS SET TO SHINE
The elite field extends far beyond the headline clash.
Ethiopia’s Degitu Azimeraw will make her highly anticipated Antrim Coast debut. A former London Marathon runner-up and recent fourth-place finisher, she has secured victories in both the Barcelona Marathon and Kolkata 25km over the past year.
Also in the women’s field, Mercy Chepwogen adds further strength. The former World Junior Champion over 3000m recently finished third at the Paris Half Marathon in a personal best of 1:06:32 and will be aiming to improve further.
Great Britain’s Lily Partridge, winner of the inaugural race in 2020, also returns and will look to improve on her 69:52 personal best.
In the men’s race, Edward Cheserek is set for his long-awaited debut. The most decorated athlete in NCAA history, Cheserek brings exceptional pedigree and will target an improvement on his 59:11 personal best.
South Korea-based athlete Little Nick Kitundu is set to make his Antrim Coast debut, becoming the first athlete based in South Korea to compete at the event. The 2025 Seoul Marathon champion (2:05:32) will target a personal best over the half marathon distance.
RACE DIRECTOR COMMENT
Race Director Ruth McIlroy commented:
“The Condor Executive Antrim Coast Half Marathon has quickly established itself as one of the premier road races in the world. This year’s head-to-head between Daniel Mateiko and Isaia Lasoi elevates the event to another level entirely. With both athletes targeting history and the sub-58-minute barrier, we believe something truly extraordinary could unfold on race day. This course has already produced history—and we are confident it can do so again.”
For more information, visit:www.antrimcoasthalfmarathon.com
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