Running News Daily

Seville delivered one of the most dramatic finishes of the global marathon season. The Zurich Maratón de Sevilla, held on Sunday, February 15, 2026, in Seville, Spain, produced a photo finish in the men’s race and a national record performance in the women’s competition, reaffirming its reputation as one of the fastest and most important marathons in the world.

Men’s Race: Victory decided by millimeters

The men’s race unfolded with discipline and restraint before erupting into pure theatre over the final kilometer. Ethiopia’s Shura Kitata and Asrar Abderehman separated themselves from the field and ran stride for stride into the finishing straight, neither athlete able to break the other after more than two hours at world-class pace.

Both crossed the line in 2:03:58, forcing officials to rely on the photo finish. Kitata’s perfectly timed lean secured victory by the narrowest possible margin, giving him one of the most memorable wins of his career.

Ethiopia’s Dejene Bikila completed the podium in 2:04:15, while Kenya’s Justus Kipkorir Limo led the next wave of elite finishers in 2:04:55. The depth of the race was evident throughout the top ten, with multiple athletes producing world-class performances on Seville’s famously fast course.

Women’s Race: National record and breakthrough victory

The women’s race delivered a historic moment for Finnish athletics. Alisa Vainio ran with composure and precision, gradually asserting control in the latter stages before crossing the line in 2:20:39, setting a new Finnish national marathon record.

Kenya’s Beatrice Cheserek finished second in 2:21:56, showing strength and tactical awareness, while Ethiopia’s Mulat Tekel secured third in 2:22:03, completing a highly competitive podium.

Strong international depth defined the women’s field as well, with several athletes producing career-level performances on the streets of Seville.

The February 15, 2026 running of the Zurich Maratón de Sevilla in Seville, Spain, once again demonstrated why this race is a favorite for elite athletes seeking fast times and historic performances. From a victory decided by millimeters to a national record etched into history, Seville delivered a marathon worthy of the global spotlight.

Top 10 Results

MEN

1. Shura Kitata (ETH) – 2:03:58

2. Asrar Abderehman (ETH) – 2:03:58

3. Dejene Bikila (ETH) – 2:04:15

4. Justus Kipkorir Limo (KEN) – 2:04:55

5. Tola Capital (ETH) – 2:05:12

6. Tsadad Ayana (ETH) – 2:05:28

7. Feyisa Gudisa (ETH) – 2:05:41

8. Limenih Getachew (ETH) – 2:06:03

9. Bukayawe Malede (ETH) – 2:06:17

10. Lotory Mamo (ETH) – 2:06:39

WOMEN

1. Alisa Vainio (FIN) – 2:20:39 (NR)

2. Beatrice Cheserek (KEN) – 2:21:56

3. Mulat Tekel (ETH) – 2:22:03

4. Elisa Palmero (ESP) – 2:24:15

5. Nafie Fatima (ETH) – 2:24:42

6. Jacline Chelala (KEN) – 2:25:08

7. Rebecca Lonedo (ITA) – 2:25:31

8. Rebecca Chepkwemoi (KEN) – 2:25:55

9. Tereza Hrochova (CZE) – 2:26:12

10. S. Mengsteab (ERI) – 2:26:48