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The 28-year-old faces many hurdles heading into Thailand marathon but is keen to deliver a masterclass in the Southeast Asian country.
The 2024 London Marathon champion Alexander Munyao is hoping to cap off his season with an emphatic victory as he takes on the Bangsaen Half Marathon in Thailand on December 15.
Munyao is determined to secure victory and build momentum for a demanding 2025 season, after a mixed year on the global stage. “I am targeting a win in Thailand to close my season on a high note and this will give me confidence heading into the 2025 season,” Munyao told The Star.
The 28-year-old managed a disappointing 21st position at the Paris Olympics where he clocked a time of 2:10:31 as Ethiopia's Tamirat Tola delivered a masterclass in solo front running to win the Olympic men's marathon.
Munyao, however, is worried of the tropical heat that awaits in Thailand, as it might affect his strategy in the Southeast Asian country. “The heat will be a big challenge on race day, with temperatures ranging from 23 to 30 degrees. I am not focused on clocking a fast time, as my goal is purely to win,” he reiterated.
Munyao has had limited training time after competing in Japan’s 12 NIT- TAIDAI Challenge Games, where he clocked a 27:42.04 for a runner-up finish in the 10,000m in October. "My training has been average since I competed in Japan. But I believe the work I have put in will suffice. I expect tough opposition—it won’t be an easy race. But I’m confident I can pull off a win,” he said.
Munyao carries an impressive half-marathon record into the race, including victories at the 2020 Santa Pola Half Marathon ( 59:09 ) and the 2023 Kagawa Half Marathon ( 59:17 ). He holds runners-up finishes at the 2020 Ras Al Khaimah ( 59:16 ) and 2021 Adizero Road to Records ( 59:20 ) Half Marathons.
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