2023 World Half Marathon silver medalist Daniel Mateiko trains alongside some of the finest athletes in the world, including former world marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge and Geoffrey Kamworor.While their morning runs and track sessions offer a masterclass in pacing and endurance, Mateiko says the biggest lessons he has learned go beyond splits and finish lines.##NAJAVA_MECA_8868119##Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsMateiko, who trains under the NN Running Team in Kaptagat, acknowledges that sharing a training camp with global champions has reshaped his mindset. He has also picked up crucial lessons as he prepares for the 2025 Boston Marathon, slated for Monday, April 21.“Training with Eliud Kipchoge and Geoffrey Kamworor is a great motivation for me. They teach me a lot — that this sport requires toughness, and that on any day you run, you should expect either a good or bad result,” he said.Mateiko is no stranger to excellence at shorter distances. He has broken the 59-minute barrier seven times in the half marathon and has completed 10 half marathons in total. But it’s the 42.195 km distance that he now seeks to master.Win for Kenyan duo in Armenia as Lenkupae sits out in AustraliaHe made his marathon debut at the 2023 Chicago Marathon, where he boldly helped pace the late Kelvin Kiptum before fading after 30 km.His second marathon, in London, ended in a Did Not Finish (DNF) — a humbling moment that renewed his hunger.He ended his 2024 season on a high note by completing his first marathon on December 1 at the Valencia Marathon.“The past two marathons, especially in Chicago and London, taught me valuable lessons. Last year, I ran the Valencia Marathon in 2:04. That gave me confidence that I’m heading in the right direction. I’m hoping to do greater things in Boston,” he said confidently.Kenya U20 ace hoping to earn a move to Sweden after trialsMateiko believes both his mental and physical preparation are on point heading into the showdown.“My preparation for Boston has been proper. I’m looking forward to pushing my boundaries and chasing my dream. Remember, the ship doesn’t run away from the waves — it cruises and cuts across them. I think I’m ready,” he concluded.Mateiko will have to navigate a stacked elite field in Boston. Defending champion Sisay Lemma headlines the Ethiopian charge, alongside two-time winner Lelisa Desisa and debutant Muktar Edris, the double world champion over 5000m.Also in the mix are strong Kenyans: Evans Chebet, third in 2024, and John Korir, who finished fourth last year. Cybrian Kotut, with a blistering 2:03:22 personal best from Berlin, is another key contender.On the international front, world champion Victor Kiplangat will aim to deliver Uganda its first Boston win, while Alphonce Felix Simbu of Tanzania is targeting a similar milestone for his country.
