Former African 5,000m champion Lilian Kasait Rengeruk is stepping into uncharted territory this Sunday as she transitions to the grueling 42-kilometer distance at the Daegu Marathon, backed by a formidable track record in half marathons.

The fiercely competitive world of elite marathon running is about to witness a highly anticipated initiation. Kenya's long-distance ace, Lilian Kasait, is set to take a bold leap from the familiar comforts of the track and the half-marathon circuit to tackle the ultimate classic 42km test in South Korea. For the seasoned athlete, the streets of Daegu represent both a physical reckoning and a monumental career evolution.

While the full marathon is notoriously unforgiving to debutants, Kasait's entry is anything but a blind leap of faith. Over the past two years, the former World Championship silver medalist has meticulously engineered her transition, steadily sharpening her aerobic engine and endurance credentials over the 21km distance. Her systematic approach to escalating her race mileage suggests she is not merely participating to finish, but is primed to execute a highly tactical, podium-contending performance.

Testing the Aerobic Waters

Kasait's calculated journey toward the 42km distance commenced in earnest during the 2024 season when she first tested the half-marathon waters in Valencia. In a fiercely contested race that served as her introduction to elite road running, she announced her arrival with a spectacular podium finish, clocking a blistering 1:03:32. Trailing only behind compatriot Agnes Ng'etich and Ethiopia's Fotyen Tesfay, Kasait demonstrated an immediate, natural affinity for sustained road speed.

However, it was during her explosive 2025 campaign that Kasait truly cemented her reputation as a dominant force outside the stadium. Embarking on a rigorous global tour, she lined up for three major half marathons, systematically showcasing both profound tactical nous and a devastating finishing kick. Her performances have effectively silenced critics who questioned her ability to translate track speed into road endurance.

Her half-marathon dominance was punctuated by several masterclass performances, providing vital physiological data for her upcoming marathon debut:

• Prague Mastery: Kasait stormed to her maiden half marathon victory in the Czech Republic, clocking 1:05:27. She unleashed a decisive, unanswerable kick to easily outpace compatriot Veronica Loleo and Ethiopia's Sentayehu Lewetegn.
• Delhi Dominance: Extending her undeniable winning streak, she mastered the notoriously challenging Delhi course in 1:07:20, holding off a fierce challenge from Ethiopian rivals Melal Siyoum and Mulat Tekle.
• Antrim Experience: Closing her campaign on a more subdued note at the Condor Antrim half marathon, she secured fifth place with a 1:07:36 finish, gaining crucial experience in managing fatigue in highly competitive packs.

The Daegu Examination

Beyond her exploits in the half marathon, Kasait boasts an incredibly rich resume in the 10km road race format. Highlighted by sensational third-place finishes in Hong Kong and Valencia, coupled with an outright victory in Bengaluru, she possesses the foundational speed necessary to respond to mid-race surges—a critical weapon in the modern, fast-paced marathon era.

The stage for her debut is perfectly set. The Daegu race organizers have positioned this year's edition as one of the most significant in the event's storied history, buoyed by record participation numbers that reflect the global running boom. The elite field is notoriously deep, ensuring a brutally fast pace from the starter's pistol.

"Korea's largest marathon will bring together approximately 150 elite runners from 15 countries and 41,104 amateur participants from 34 nations to race through downtown Daegu," the organizers noted, setting the scene for a truly spectacular urban battle.

As Sunday approaches, the global athletics community will be watching intently to see how Kasait's explosive track speed and half-marathon stamina translate over the unforgiving final 10 kilometers of the classic distance. If her meticulous preparation is any indicator, Daegu may very well witness the birth of Kenya's next great marathon queen.