Running News Daily

The 78th Marugame International Half Marathon once again proved why it’s one of the fastest and most respected early-season races in the world.

On a cool winter morning in Kagawa, athletes took full advantage of the flat, quick course, turning the race into a showcase of smart pacing, sharp tactics, and pure speed. Marugame isn’t just about fitness — it’s about execution. And the athletes who got it right set the tone for the 2026 road season.

Kenya’s Richard Etir led the charge, winning the men’s race in 59:07. Known for his strength on the track at 5,000m and 10,000m, Etir ran with patience early before tightening the pace over the final kilometers. Once he moved, no one could respond.

“The conditions were perfect for a fast race,” he said. “I felt strong from the start.”

Emmanuel Moi Maru followed in 1:00:06, running a controlled, tactical race, while Uruguay’s Santiago Catrofe continued his strong transition from track to road with a 1:00:21 for third.

Japan’s depth was equally impressive. Tomoya Ogikubo (1:00:22) and Yuma Nishizawa (1:00:26) stayed close to the podium, highlighting the strength of the domestic program and giving the home crowd plenty to cheer.

The women’s race belonged to Kenya’s Dolphine Nyaboke Omare, who clocked 1:06:15. Comfortable and composed from the front, she used her experience on the course to control the pace and steadily pull away.

“It’s always special to run here,” Omare said. “You have to respect every kilometre.”

Great Britain’s Eilish McColgan finished second in 1:07:08, using the race as a stepping stone following her marathon debut year, while Susan Kamotho completed the podium in 1:07:56, reinforcing Kenya’s continued dominance in women’s distance running.

Year after year, Marugame delivers the same message: fast roads reward smart racing. For many athletes, it’s the first big statement of the season — and this year’s performances made it clear that 2026 is already shaping up to be quick.

Official Results

Men (Top 10)

1. Richard Etir (KEN) — 59:07

2. Emmanuel Moi Maru (KEN) — 1:00:06

3. Santiago Catrofe (URU) — 1:00:21

4. Tomoya Ogikubo (JPN) — 1:00:22

5. Yuma Nishizawa (JPN) — 1:00:26

6. Neo Namiki (JPN) — 1:00:29

7. Daisuke Sato (JPN) — 1:00:40

8. Sondre Nordstad Moen (NOR) — 1:00:46

9. Haruka Yamamoto (JPN) — 1:00:46

10. Takuma Ohama (JPN) — 1:00:48

Women (Top 10)

1. Dolphine Nyaboke Omare (KEN) — 1:06:15

2. Eilish McColgan (GBR) — 1:07:08

3. Susan Kamotho (KEN) — 1:07:56

4. Isobel Batt-Doyle (AUS) — 1:08:51

5. Yuka Ando (JPN) — 1:09:28

6. Kana Kobayashi (JPN) — 1:10:29

7. Hikaru Kitagawa (JPN) — 1:10:50

8. Mirai Waku (JPN) — 1:11:00

9. Ayumi Morita (JPN) — 1:11:16

10. Kaede Hagitani (JPN) — 1:11:38