By Alberto Stretti | Published August 21, 2026

Having been on-site at Larne last year to experience the event firsthand, I can personally attest to the flawless organization, warm atmosphere, and relentless speed of the Antrim Coast Half Marathon. The team behind this World Athletics Elite Label event consistently sets an extraordinary standard for international road racing. As we look ahead to Sunday, August 23, 2026, the seventh edition promises to surpass all expectations with an elite field of unprecedented depth, a historic sub-58-minute target, and the launch of a high-octane 5K race.

Men’s Half Marathon: Mateiko vs. Lasoi and the Quest for a Sub-58 Barrier

The men’s race is headlined by what promises to be an extraordinary duel between Kenyan stars Daniel Mateiko and Isaia Lasoi. Both men arrive in Larne with a bold, historic mandate: to become the first athlete ever to break the 58-minute barrier for the half marathon on British or Irish soil.

Mateiko returns to Northern Ireland as the UK & Ireland All-Comers record holder, having clocked an incredible 58:36 on this very course in 2023. Fresh off a superb 2:03:44 marathon performance in Tokyo earlier this season, Mateiko returns to Larne with unfinished business and a firm intention to lower his own course record. Standing in his way is 26-year-old Isaia Lasoi, whose career best of 58:10 places him among the fastest men in distance running history. Coming off his victory at the Boston Half Marathon and a solid marathon debut in London, Lasoi brings proven championship pedigree.

They will not have the scenic coastline to themselves. The elite grid features formidable contenders capable of disrupting the lead battle:

• Samwel Chebolei (Kenya): Has already dipped under the 59-minute barrier twice in 2026 alone.
• Edward Cheserek (Kenya): Former Copenhagen Half Marathon winner with world-class track and road credentials.
• Vincent Kipkorir (Kenya): The 2026 Malaga Half Marathon champion arriving in peak condition.
• Yismaw Dillu (Ethiopia): Winner of the 2025 Cardiff Half Marathon.
• Little Nick Kitundu (Tanzania): The 2025 Seoul Marathon winner.
• Galen Rupp (USA): The double Olympic medalist and Chicago Marathon champion making his highly anticipated Antrim Coast debut.
• Marc Scott (UK) & Hiko Tonosa (Ireland): Leading the European challenge alongside a strong contingent of national talent.

Women’s Half Marathon: Gebrzihair Leads an Elite Field

The women’s race offers an equally compelling lineup. Ethiopia’s Girmawit Gebrzihair heads the field with a formidable personal best of 64:14, making her the clear favorite on paper. However, she faces a stacked international lineup including Wede Kefale, former London Marathon runner-up Degitu Azimeraw, Uganda’s Sarah Chelangat, Rotterdam Marathon champion Mekides Shimeles, and American Olympian Dakotah Popehn.

Britain’s Jess Warner-Judd leads the home challenge following a series of strong road performances. Additionally, five-time British Olympian Jo Pavey returns for her seventh appearance at Antrim Coast, acting as the official pacemaker for the sub-2-hour group and offering hundreds of mass runners the opportunity to achieve their personal goals alongside a legendary athlete.

Inaugural Antrim Coast 5K: Beatrice Chepkoech Targets Sub-15

Adding an exciting new dynamic to the race morning, the inaugural Antrim Coast 5K will kick off before the main half marathon. The headline attraction is world-record holder and former world champion Beatrice Chepkoech (Kenya). The 3000m steeplechase superstar will take on the fast, flat coastal road course with the ambitious goal of breaking the 15-minute barrier.

In the men’s 5K, former World Junior Champion Ermais Girma leads a strong field, featuring international team competition between Ireland and Scotland.

Races will start at 9am CET with 5k road and 11am CET with HalfMarathon

LiveStreaming will be on WorldAthletics web site , Flotrack Site for US and Canada , and their YT channel :

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