“MOST COMPETITIVE ELITE FIELD EVER ASSEMBLED”

Issued on behalf of the Antrim Coast Half Marathon -10 July 2025 - Half Marathon assembles historic line-up as the world’s best runners battle for dominance

The stage is set for a historic showdown on the iconic Antrim Coast Road, as the 2025

Condor Executive Antrim Coast Half Marathon officially unveils what is being hailed as the

strongest elite field ever assembled in UK and Irish distance running history.

Over 100 elite athletes representing 19 nations across four continents will descend on

Northern Ireland this August, with a further 40 plus countries represented in the mass race,

making the 2025 edition not just a world-class competition, but a truly global celebration of

endurance, unity, and elite performance. With a course renowned for its breathtaking coastal

backdrop and fast times, the Antrim Coast Half Marathon continues to raise the bar for road

racing on these shores.

“This is without doubt the most competitive elite field we’ve ever assembled, not just in the

history of the event, but in the history of distance running on these islands,” said James

McIlroy, Race Director of the Antrim Coast Half Marathon. “To have multiple Olympic and

World Champions, world record holders, and rising stars all coming to Northern Ireland is a

massive moment for the sport, and for this event. It shows how far we’ve come in a very

short time, and we’re incredibly proud to be able to host these athletes on what we believe is

one of the most spectacular race routes in the world.”

Leading the men’s charge is none other than Joshua Cheptegei of Uganda, multiple Olympic

and World Champion and world record holder over both the 5,000m (12:35) and 10,000m

(26:10). At just 28, Cheptegei’s long-awaited debut on the Antrim Coast will mark a major

moment in global distance running.

Lining up alongside him is a man widely regarded as one of the greatest road runners of all

time, Kenya’s Geoffrey Kamworor. A three-time World Half Marathon Champion, three-time

World Cross Country Champion, and former half marathon world record holder, Kamworor

returns to peak form following a 2:04 victory in the Rotterdam Marathon and a blistering

58:44 in Barcelona.

They are joined by Ethiopia’s Mohamed Esa, a three-time World Major Marathon silver

medallist, fresh off a 2nd-place finish at the 2024 Chicago Marathon. Another formidable

contender, Kenya’s Erick Sang, enters the race having recently broken into the elite 2:04

marathon club with a 2:04:30 finish in Hamburg and a win at the 2025 Den Haag Half

Marathon.

Also confirmed is European star Sondre Nordstad Moen of Norway, a trailblazer who

became the first European to break both the 60 minute half marathon and 2:06 marathon

barriers. Moen brings winning form into Antrim after victories in Muscat and a strong showing

at the London Marathon.

British and Irish hopes will be represented by Olympians Phil Seseman, Callum Hawkins,

and Paul O’Donnell. Seseman, a two-time top 8 finisher at the London Marathon, brings

consistency and grit. Hawkins, who twice placed 4th at the World Championships, looks to

rediscover his podium form, while Ireland’s O’Donnell has been turning heads with a new PB

of 2:10 in Congers, New York earlier this year.

In the women’s race, all eyes will be on Kenya’s Lillian Kasait, the fourth-fastest woman in

history over the half marathon (1:03:32) and a former World Junior Champion. Her debut on

the Antrim Coast is expected to be one of the highlights of the international season. She will

be pushed by Ethiopia’s Mizan Alem, a rising star and former World Junior Champion who

recently made headlines by winning the prestigious Seven Hills Road Race.

Also in the mix is Ethiopia’s Bertukan Welde, who claimed victories at both the Prague

Marathon and Riyadh Half Marathon this year.

Europe’s challenge will be led by Karoline Bjerkeli Grøvdal, Norway’s 13-time national

champion and reigning European Half Marathon Champion. A double Olympian and proven

performer on every stage, Grøvdal will be aiming to disrupt East African dominance and put

in a performance worthy of her status.

Flying the flag for the USA is Dakotah Popehn, who placed 11th at the 2024 Paris Olympic

Marathon and finished 2nd at the Two Harbors Half Marathon.

From Great Britain and Ireland, expect a strong showing from Calli Hauger-Thackery and

Rose Harvey. Hauger-Thackery has built a stellar reputation after finishing 6th in Boston, 7th

in Berlin, and winning bronze at the 2023 European Championships. Harvey, a Paris

Olympian, placed 9th at the 2024 London Marathon and recently took the top spot at the

Nice Half Marathon.

Elite commentary for the 2025 race will be delivered by a top-tier lineup including Tim

Hutchings, Wendy Sly MBE, Kevin English, and Scott Overall, with full broadcast details to

be announced soon.

From sweeping coastal views and lightning-fast racing to a start list brimming with Olympic

medallists, world record holders, and rising stars, the 2025 Condor Executive Antrim Coast

Half Marathon is shaping up to be a landmark moment in the global running calendar.

Whether running, spectating, or tuning in around the world, this year’s race promises to be a

true classic.

For full elite start lists and event details, visit: www.antrimcoasthalfmarathon.com Media enquiries to: Michael McCrory, Elevator,

 E: Michael@elevatorpromotions.com

M: 44 7426 555928

---