Running News Daily

The Riyadh Marathon 2026 delivered a race shaped by extremes, where punishing heat and heavy humidity turned the streets of the Saudi capital into a proving ground for endurance, patience, and tactical brilliance. In conditions that demanded restraint as much as speed, the world’s elite rose to the challenge—and by day’s end, Ethiopia stood unmistakably at the center of the story.

The men’s race unfolded as a calculated battle rather than a flat-out pursuit of fast times. A compact lead group held together through the early stages, conserving energy as the sun intensified and the humidity drained every stride. When the decisive moment arrived deep in the second half, Abebaw Muniye made his move with confidence and precision. Drawing on remarkable strength over the closing kilometers, he broke clear to claim victory in 2:09:30, sealing his triumph with a powerful finish that reflected both preparation and poise.

Just behind him, compatriot Asefa Tefera mounted a determined chase, refusing to let the leader escape, and crossed the line only 14 seconds later in 2:09:44, completing a commanding Ethiopian one-two. The podium sweep was secured by Tolcha Tefera, who held his form under immense physical stress to finish third in 2:10:08, confirming Ethiopia’s complete control of the men’s race as rivals battled bravely but fell just short in the final kilometers.

As demanding as the men’s contest proved to be, the women’s race echoed the same narrative of discipline and dominance. From the early stages, the Ethiopian athletes imposed authority, managing the pace with composure while the heat steadily took its toll on the field. At the front, Kena Girma delivered a performance defined by control and consistency, gradually stretching her advantage before powering home to a convincing victory in 2:25:54.

Behind her, Aberash Demissie ensured another Ethiopian one-two finish with a strong run of 2:27:13, while Nigist Muluneh completed the podium in 2:29:18, sealing a clean sweep that mirrored the men’s result and highlighted the extraordinary depth of Ethiopian women’s marathon running.

When the finish lines were crossed and the medals decided, the Riyadh Marathon 2026 stood as more than just a race—it was a testament to resilience under extreme conditions and a showcase of elite-level execution. In a city steadily carving its place on the global marathon calendar, this edition will be remembered for the heat, the courage it demanded, and a commanding Ethiopian display that turned adversity into absolute mastery.