Running News Daily

The 2026 Enschede Marathon delivered a spectacular celebration of world-class distance running, with thrilling men’s and women’s races showcasing elite talent, tactical battles, and memorable performances on the streets of the Dutch city.

In the men’s contest, Kenya’s Alfred Barkach produced a performance of authority and precision to claim victory in an outstanding 2:08:49. Run at an uncompromising pace from the early stages, the race developed into a fierce contest among a tightly packed lead group before Barkach made his decisive move late on to secure a superb triumph.

Ethiopia’s Manazot Siyum fought strongly for second place in 2:09:06, while compatriot Abebe Tilahun completed the podium in 2:09:15. Kenya’s Gevin Kerich followed closely in fourth with 2:09:21, highlighting the remarkable depth of the elite field.

Argentina’s Ignacio Erario delivered one of the most courageous runs of the day, staying with the leading African pack deep into the race before finishing fifth in 2:09:49 — only 13 seconds outside the Argentine national record.

The women’s race brought its own brilliance as Ethiopia’s Aberash Minsewo announced herself in stunning fashion. Making her marathon debut, Minsewo ran with confidence, strength, and maturity beyond her experience to seize victory in an exceptional 2:25:38. It was a breakthrough performance that marked the arrival of a major new talent over the classic distance.

Kenya’s Dorine Jerop Murkomen produced a determined and disciplined effort to secure second place in 2:31:30, while Ethiopia’s Tsehay Gebre Getiso completed the podium with a strong run of 2:32:55.

From explosive pace in the men’s race to a dazzling debut in the women’s event, the 2026 Enschede Marathon once again confirmed its reputation as a stage for excellence. With champions crowned, records threatened, and new stars emerging, this year’s edition will be remembered as one of the finest in the race’s proud history.

The historic streets of Enschede are once again preparing for a spectacle of endurance, speed, and legacy as the 2026 Enschede Marathon returns this Sunday, April 12. Revered as the oldest marathon in the Netherlands, the race blends tradition with world-class competition, and this year’s elite line-up promises nothing short of electrifying action.

From the first stride, the men’s race is expected to ignite at a relentless tempo. Kenya headlines the field with remarkable depth, spearheaded by Gevin Kerich, whose personal best of 2:06:52 places him among the fastest entrants. Close behind are fellow Kenyans Bygeon Kiprono (2:07:22) and Kiprop Kimutai (2:08:03), forming a formidable trio capable of dictating the pace from the outset.

Yet, the challenge will not go unanswered. Ethiopia’s Abebe Tilahun enters the contest with a strong 2:07:50 credential, determined to disrupt Kenya’s anticipated dominance and inject tactical intrigue into the race.

Hovering over the men’s field is the towering benchmark of 2:04:30, the course record set in 2021 by marathon icon Eliud Kipchoge. While that mark remains daunting, the depth and quality assembled this year suggest a fearless pursuit of fast times.

The women’s race, meanwhile, shapes up as a finely balanced duel defined by precision and resilience. Kenya’s Dorine Murkomen leads the entries with a personal best of 2:27:09, but she is closely shadowed by Ethiopia’s Tsehay Gebre at 2:27:22—setting the stage for a compelling head-to-head battle.

Adding further depth are Selam Fente (2:28:22) and Hilda Cheboi (2:28:31), both of whom possess the strength and racing intelligence to challenge for podium positions if the pace intensifies.

Standing as the ultimate target is the women’s course record of 2:21:10, set in 2022 by Maurine Chepkemoi—a mark that demands not only speed, but near-perfect execution.

With the race set to begin at 10:00 AM local time in Enschede, anticipation is building for a morning that could deliver both tactical drama and fast times. Whether the athletes can edge closer to the historic standards set by Kipchoge and Chepkemoi remains to be seen—but one thing is certain: Enschede is ready to witness another chapter in marathon excellence unfold.

 With a record number of participants and several great winners, the Enschede Marathon was a great success on Sunday, April 21. “We have implemented various changes in recent years,” says Sandra Melief, director of Enschede Marathon. “And that is now paying off. What a great day it was last Sunday! We only saw excited and happy faces.”

Full and half marathon winnersThe participants of the Demcon Marathon and Mazars Half Marathon started at 10 a.m. under almost ideal conditions, although the wind seemed slightly stronger than expected. The men turned it into a real, but tactical, race in the 2nd part of the Demcon Whole Marathon . It was the Moroccan Taoufik Allam who, like a predator, eliminated his opponents one by one and took the win in 2:08:58. Kenyan Noah Kipkemboi finished 2nd at 8 seconds .

Among the women, Oumaima Saoud recorded the fastest time with 2:27:16.

The fastest Dutchman in the marathon was Gert-Jan Wassink in 2:23:33. Among the women, Elizeba Cherono Franken was the fastest, running 2:32:07 in her comeback marathon.

Enschede's Martijn Oonk was the big winner at the Mazars Half Marathon. He ran the 21.1 kilometers in a time of 1:08:28. The fastest woman over this distance was the German Joleen Gedwart in 1:14:28.

International appearance Just like last year, the start and finish of all distances took place on the Boulevard, with Van Heekplein set up as a pleasant meeting place for participants, supporters and visitors.

The total number of participants at the Demcon Marathon showed that the entire marathon remains popular in Enschede, says Melief. “This year there were almost 2,000 participants at the start of the longest distance. That is more than ever.” The participants no longer come exclusively from the region, she continues. “We see that Enschede Marathon now has an international appeal, which applies to all distances. No fewer than 35 different nationalities were present this year. It was striking that among the 15,000 participants, 1,470 participants came from Germany.”

Twee van EnschedeA special mention deserves the 'exercise event' the Twee van Enschede, which was organized the day before, on Saturday evening. Because although the Enschede Marathon is a top event in terms of sport, the organization also believes it is important to involve people who are at a distance from exercise. “That is why we organized the Twee van Enschede for the second time together with SPortal and the Municipality of Enschede. This is a cheerful and casual exercise event where fun is central. There is no timekeeping: everyone could participate at his or her own pace.” The route of two English Miles (3.2 km) led straight through the city center of Enschede with start and finish on the Oude Markt. “It was a cheerful party with only happy and enthusiastic participants. We are also proud of that, because that is also the Enschede Marathon!”

Former World 10,000m champion Linet Chepkwemoi Masai will headline the 21st edition of the Enschede Marathon slated for April 21, 2024 in Enschede, Netherlands.

The 34 year-old who is also the 2008 Olympic 10,000m bronze medalist, comes to this race with the fastest time on paper of 2:23.46 that she got six years ago at the Amsterdam Marathon.

Masai who is born in Kapsokwony, Mount Elgon District in Bungoma County will have to get past her compatriot, the 26 year-old, Caroline Jepchirchir, who also comes to this race with a life time best of 2:26.11 that she got at this same course two years ago.

The two will also face four times Belgium National champion, Hanne Verbruggen who comes to the race with a personal best of 2:26.32 that she got last year at the Zurich Maraton de Sevilla, where she finished in seventh place.

Another title contender is Kenya’s Hildah Cheboi who comes to this race with the fourth fastest time on paper of 2:28.31 that she got at home, last year at the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon where she finished in position four.

The race organizers have assembled a strong field to try and chase the race course record of 2:21.10, set two years by Maurine Chepkemoi from Kenya.

LEADING TIME

42KM WOMEN

Linet Masai                (KEN) 2:23.46

Caroline Jepchirchir  (KEN) 2:26.11

Hanne Verbruggen    (BEL) 2:26.32

Hildah Cheboi            (KEN) 2:28.31

The 75th anniversary of the oldest marathon in the Netherlands – the Enschede Marathon – was marked with a women’s race record of 2:21:10 by Maurine Chepkemoi, while her fellow Kenyan Julius Tuwei won the men’s race in 2:07:43.

Chepkemoi triumphed in the World Athletics Elite Label road race ahead of her compatriot Philomena Cheyech (2:23:53) and Ethiopia’s Bezabeh Alemtsehay (2:24:42), while Tuwei gained his title ahead of Kenya’s Enock Onchari (2:07:52) and Ethiopia’s Deme Tadu Abate (2:07:59).

After passing half way in 1:10:06, Chepkemoi broke away with Cheyech and they clocked 1:39:19 at the 30km point. After passing 35km in 1:56:01, Chepkemoi began to edge ahead and built a lead of more than a minute over the next 5km, clocking 2:13:24 at 40km. She went on to win in 2:21:10, claiming victory by more than two and a half minutes.

In the men’s race, Tuwei was joined by Onchari and Abate in a lead group that passed half way in 1:03:23. That trio remained together through 35km in 1:45:39 and 40km in 2:01:08 before Tuwei kicked to victory, winning by nine seconds in 2:07:43.