Magdalyne Masai
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Magdalyne Moraa Masai |
| Nickname | Magz |
| Nationality | Kenyan |
| Born | 21 November 1993 Kenya |
| Occupation | long-distance runner |
| Years active | 2013–present |
| Spouse | Jake Robertson |
| Sport | |
| Country | Kenya |
| Sport | Athletics |
| Event(s) | Marathon, Half marathon, 10 km, 3000 metres steeplechase |
| Coached by | Jake Robertson (husband) |
| Achievements and titles | |
| Personal bests |
|
Magdalyne Moraa Masai (born 21 November 1993) is a Kenyan long-distance runner specializing in marathon and road races. She is known for her strong marathon performances, including her personal best of 2:18:58 at the 2024 Frankfurt Marathon. She is the sister of Linet Masai and Moses Masai, both world-class runners, and is married to New Zealand long-distance runner Jake Robertson.
Career
Early in her career, Masai showed talent in cross country and shorter distances. She successfully defended her title at the Cross Zornotza in Amorebieta in 2014.[1] She achieved a personal best of 1:07:07 for half marathon in 2023 and 31:44 for 10K road in 2017.[2] She also competed in the 3000 metres steeplechase, recording a personal best of 9:29.16 in 2015.[2]
Masai made her marathon debut in 2018 at the Hefei Marathon in China, winning the race in 2:28:22.[3] In 2019, she finished second at the Hamburg Marathon with a time of 2:26:04. Later that year, she set a new Canadian All-Comers record at the 2019 Toronto Waterfront Marathon, winning in 2:22:16.[3][4]
The 2024 season saw significant performances from Masai. She finished second at the Seville Marathon with a time of 2:22:51. She then secured a victory at the Lanzhou Marathon, clocking 2:24:46.[5] Her standout performance of the year was at the 2024 Frankfurt Marathon, where she ran a personal best of 2:18:58 to finish second. This time placed her inside the previous course record, in a race where the course record was ultimately broken by Hawi Feysa.[6][5]
Personal life
Magdalyne Masai comes from a prominent running family, with her elder sister Linet Masai being the 2009 world 10,000m champion, and her elder brother Moses Masai a 2009 World Championship bronze medalist in the 10,000m.[7][3]
Masai is married to New Zealand long-distance runner Jake Robertson, and they have a son. They often train together in Iten, Kenya.[7][3]
Achievements
| Year | Race | Place | Position | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Cross Zornotza | Amorebieta | 1st | 23:55 (6.7km XC)[1] |
| 2018 | Hefei Marathon | Hefei | 1st | 2:28:22[3] |
| 2019 | Hamburg Marathon | Hamburg | 2nd | 2:26:04[3] |
| 2019 | Toronto Waterfront Marathon | Toronto | 1st | 2:22:16[4] |
| 2024 | Seville Marathon | Seville | 2nd | 2:22:51[5] |
| 2024 | Lanzhou Marathon | Lanzhou | 1st | 2:24:46[5] |
| 2024 | Frankfurt Marathon | Frankfurt | 2nd | 2:18:58[6][5] |
References
- ^ a b "Magdalyne Masai defends her crown in Amorebieta". PACE Sports Management. January 5, 2014. Retrieved May 30, 2025.
- ^ a b "Magdalyne Masai". World Athletics. Retrieved May 30, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f "Defending Champion Magdalyne Masai Returns to TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon". Toronto Waterfront Marathon. August 11, 2022. Retrieved May 30, 2025.
- ^ a b "Kenya's Philemon Rono and Magdalyne Masai run fastest marathons ever on Canadian Soil". WakenyaCanada.com. October 20, 2019. Retrieved May 30, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e "'Still feels like I'm dreaming'- Magdalyne Masai reacts to Frankfurt Marathon second-place finish". Pulse Sports. October 28, 2024. Retrieved May 30, 2025.
- ^ a b "PB for Magdalyne Masai as Frankfurt course record is smashed". Mozzart Sport. October 28, 2024. Retrieved May 30, 2025.
- ^ a b "Team Masai: Family power at the highest level in Frankfurt". Athletics Africa. October 27, 2024. Retrieved May 30, 2025.