Running News Daily

Records rarely fall by accident. They fall because someone decides they must.

At the 2026 Hyundai Mitja Marató Barcelona by Brooks on Sunday morning, Ethiopia’s Hagos Gebrhiwet Berhe made that decision early—and never looked back.

From the opening kilometres, it was clear this would not be a tactical affair. Gebrhiwet stormed through 10K in a blistering 27:18, a split that briefly tracked beneath world-record pace and immediately splintered one of the deepest half-marathon fields assembled this season. What had begun as a championship-caliber contest quickly became a solo exhibition.

Only Switzerland’s Dominic Lokinyomo Lobalu attempted to respond, reaching 10K in 27:43. But even at that early stage, the gap—25 seconds at such velocity—represented a decisive separation. By the halfway point, Gebrhiwet was alone, his rhythm smooth and controlled, his stride showing none of the strain typically associated with such aggression.

He passed 15K in 41:06, still moving at historic pace and nearly a full minute ahead of Lobalu, who crossed in 41:58. France’s Emmanuel Roudolff remained in contention for third at 42:12, with Kenya’s Samwel Nyamai Mailu and Ethiopia’s Hagos Eyob Gared clocking 42:32 as the battle for the remaining podium positions intensified behind the leader.

But the outcome at the front was no longer in doubt.

Barcelona’s coastal course, famous for producing fast times but often exposed to late-race winds, began to exert its influence beyond 15K. The world-record trajectory faded, but Gebrhiwet adjusted with the poise of a seasoned championship racer. His form remained composed, his cadence efficient, his effort measured with precision. 

This was no longer about the global record. It was about making Barcelona history.

Gebrhiwet crossed the finish line in 58:05, smashing the course record and establishing himself as the fastest man ever to run the current Barcelona configuration. The victory margin reflected total command. Lobalu finished second in 59:25, while Roudolff secured third in 59:35. Mailu and Gared followed in identical times of 59:40 to complete the top five.

The performance was defined as much by its boldness as by the final time. An opening 10K of 27:18 is a declaration of intent. Maintaining control through 15K at 41:06 confirms conviction. Finishing in 58:05 confirms execution.

Barcelona has long been known as one of the fastest half-marathon courses in the world. On this day, it became the stage for one of the most decisive front-running performances of the modern era.

Gebrhiwet did not wait for the race to unfold.

He defined it from the start.

MEN’S TOP 10 — OFFICIAL RESULTS

1. Hagos Gebrhiwet Berhe (ETH) – 58:05 (Course Record)

2. Dominic Lokinyomo Lobalu (SUI) – 59:25

3. Emmanuel Roudolff (FRA) – 59:35

4. Samwel Nyamai Mailu (KEN) – 59:40

5. Hagos Eyob Gared (ETH) – 59:40

6. Jack Rayner (AUS) – 59:51

7. Amos Kipkemoi Bett (KEN) – 59:51

8. Zak Mahamed (GBR) – 1:00:44

9. Hassan Chahdi (FRA) – 1:01:03

10. Seare Weldezghi (ERI) – 1:01:05