World 10,000m silver medallist Daniel Simiu believes he has finally mastered the rhythm of the marathon and is now ready to challenge for a podium finish in his third outing over the 42km distance later at the end of the year.
Simiu made his full marathon debut in October 2024 in Chicago, finishing fifth with a personal best of 2:06:04. John Korir claimed the title in the race, clocking 2:02:44 ahead of Ethiopia's Mohamed Esa (2:04:39) and Amos Kipruto (2:04:50). On March 16 this year, Simiu faced a tougher test in his second appearance in Seoul, fading to 10th place in 2:10:21.
Ethiopia's Haftu Teklu (2:05:42), Felix Kirwa (2:05:44) and Bernard Koech (2:05:50) completed the podium in that race. With two Marathons already under his belt, Simiu reckons he has gained enough experience to charge for a podium finish and lower his 2:06:04 personal best on his third Marathon appearance at the end of the year. "I hope to run a personal best at the end of the year and also record good results," Simiu noted. He believes that his preparations have so far been in top form.
"I am approaching my third marathon at the end of the year. My preparations have already started and I am doing well," he added. The 2023 World Half Marathon silver medallist has enjoyed a solid buildup this season.
He kicked off his 2025 campaign with victory at the National Cross Country Championships in Eldoret on February 8 with a time of 30:48 in the senior men’s 10km race. He finished ahead of Nickson Kogei (30:53) and Simon Mungai (30:56).
He followed it up with a commanding win at the Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Tour, clocking 29:57 in the 10km, leaving Gideon Rono (30:07) and Nicholas Kipkorir (30:15) in his wake. Simiu also sharpened his road legs with a runner-up finish in a 10km road race in the US on May 26, where he timed 28:23.
His most recent competition was at the Athletics Kenya (AK) National Championships on June 27, where he clocked 28:30.89 in the 10,000m to place fourth. Silas Senchura (28:26.17), Edwin Soi (28:29.19) and Kelvin Kiplagat (28:30.01) completed the podium in that race.
Simiu viewed the race as a perfect tune-up as he targets his third marathon appearance at the tail end of the year. "As I prepare for my third marathon appearance, this is a good build-up for me."
He further highlighted the huge potential the country has in the 25-lap race from young, hungry athletes. "I see young athletes are coming up nicely and I congratulate them. My advice to them is to push themselves and strive to be consistent."
Despite his struggles over the 42km distance, Simiu holds vast accolades in the half marathon and road races. Over 21 km, he holds victories from New Delhi 2023 (59:27), Berlin 2024 (59:30), Istanbul 2023 (59:52) and Laayoune 2019 (1:00:45).
Simiu claimed victory in the Kolkata 25km road race in 2023 (1:11:13) as well as 10km road race triumphs from Valencia 2022 (26:58), Berlin 2020 (27:18) and 2021 (27:50) as well as Cape Town 2022 (27:34).
