Posted by Jasmine Collett | Oct 7, 2024 |

Kenya dominate both the men’s and women’s elite races, securing all three podium spots in the Welsh capital

Patrick Mosin and Miriam Chebet claimed victories at the Principality Cardiff Half Marathon, securing a Kenyan sweep on the podium on Sunday (October 6).

Mosin and the cohort of Kenyan athletes set a strong early pace in the event, ahead of the 27,500 runners who had signed up to take part.

At the 15km mark, the 24-year-old broke away from the leading pack, creating a 20-second gap between himself and the chasing contenders, which included last year’s winner Vincent Mutai, as well as Cosmas Boi and Marvin Kiptoo.

Patrick Mosin (Cardiff Half)

Although the course record of 59:30 – set by Leonard Langat in 2019 – was out of reach, Mosin crossed the finish line in an impressive 60:01 – close to his personal best of 59:31.

Mutai followed in second with 60:12 whilst Boi secured third in 60:17.

“It was tough out there but I tried my best and I’m so so happy to win the race,” said Mosin. “I feel so happy, the fans were amazing motivation and I love racing here.

“I am happy with how I ran as this is my first time here; I wasn’t too far off my personal best in these conditions.”

Vincent Mutai, Patrick Mosin and Cosmas Boi (Cardiff Half)

The first Brit across the line was Derby’s Ben Connor, who has recently returned from an 18-month injury to finish eleventh in 62:58.

Ranked as the sixth fastest Briton over the distance with 60:55, he also finished runner-up at the re-scheduled English National Cross Country Championships last month.

“I’ve been out with a stress fracture and some other issues since the London Marathon in 2022,” said Connor. “It’s taken 18 months to recover and get back on the start line and it’s nice to be back.

“I’ve never done this race before and the support was amazing. The Welsh won’t stay home for a bit of rain.”

(Cardiff Half)

In the women’s race, Chebet, who finished second at the Istanbul Half Marathon. timed her charge perfectly to set a new personal best en-route to victory.

Trailing 2022 10km African champion Caroline Nyaga and Kenyan half-marathon debutant Grace Nawowuna at the 10km stage, Chebet closed the nine-second gap and powered past her rivals to lead by 25 seconds with 2km to go.

Chebet then held firm to take the Cardiff Half crown in 66:42, slashing 34 seconds off her personal best, ahead of Nawowuna (67:15) and Nyaga (67:16).

“I feel good, it was a fantastic race, I tried to push as hard as I could and I’m happy to get the personal best and to win the race,” said Chebet. “I had a great competition pushing me and the support really kept me going.”

Callum Hall (Cardiff Half)

It was a family affair in the wheelchair race as husband and wife Callum and Jade Hall battled it out on the streets of the Welsh capital.

It was Callum of County Durham who came out on top clocking 55:05 whilst Jade claimed the women’s title in 57:57.

“I had a feeling my wife Jade was going to win the race, so I had to step up and win otherwise I never would’ve lived that down. She would have had the medal hanging up in the garage and I thought, we can’t have that!”