Running News Daily

Coamo, Puerto Rico – March 1, 2026.

Under the warm Caribbean skies, Peter Njeru once again proved that consistency is the true measure of greatness. The Kenyan distance star delivered a composed and commanding performance to successfully defend his crown at the prestigious Medio Maratón San Blas, securing back-to-back victories and reinforcing his growing legacy on Puerto Rican soil.

Njeru arrived in Coamo as the reigning champion after winning the 2025 edition of the race in 1:03:08 — the fastest performance recorded at San Blas in more than a decade. That breakthrough victory not only elevated his profile internationally but also established him as the man to beat in 2026.

From the early kilometers of this year’s contest, the pace was uncompromising. A competitive lead pack pushed assertively across the undulating 21.1-kilometer course, testing endurance and resolve. Njeru, however, remained tactically disciplined, conserving energy while closely monitoring every move.

As the race entered its decisive phase, he gradually applied pressure. What began as a subtle increase in tempo evolved into a definitive breakaway. With smooth acceleration and unwavering focus, he separated himself from his challengers and powered toward the finish line unchallenged.

He crossed the line in 1:03:15, sealing his second consecutive San Blas crown with authority.

Ecuador’s Luis Miguel Masabanda mounted a determined effort to secure second place in 1:03:49, demonstrating resilience in the closing stretch. Fellow Kenyan Reuben Keiro claimed third in 1:04:18 after a measured and disciplined run.

Ethiopia’s Ali Abdilmana finished fourth in 1:04:41, while Kenya’s Sosten Kipchirchir rounded out the top five in 1:04:57, ensuring that the competition at the front remained intense until the final kilometers.

Top 5 Results – 2026 Medio Maratón San Blas

1. Peter Njeru (Kenya) – 1:03:15

2. Luis Miguel Masabanda (Ecuador) – 1:03:49

3. Reuben Keiro (Kenya) – 1:04:18

4. Ali Abdilmana (Ethiopia) – 1:04:41

5. Sosten Kipchirchir (Kenya) – 1:04:57

Defending a title at an event as internationally competitive and historically rich as the Medio Maratón San Blas demands more than physical strength. It requires mental discipline, race intelligence, and the courage to strike at the decisive moment. By conquering the course for the second year in succession, Njeru reaffirmed his status as one of the most dependable performers on the global road racing circuit.

As jubilant crowds celebrated another thrilling chapter of San Blas history, one truth stood clear: Peter Njeru did not merely return to Coamo — he returned to reign.

David Bett Kiprotich did not climb the famous El Ajoguillo hill first, which almost always helps predict the winner of the San Blas Half Marathon. However, Kiprotich broke that routine by conquering the international test this Sunday, where the runners who won the local branch set new personal bests for the distance.

Kiprotich won with an advance in the descent after El Ajoguillo, the famous hill sector located at kilometer 15 of the 21-kilometer test. He climbed second in that sector and on the descent he overtook Kenyan Peter Njeru, who had been first since kilometer five and was unable to maintain his position in the final six kilometers of the race.

Meanwhile, Arnaldo Martinez from Coam and Paola Figueroa from Guaynab won the national category with new personal times, in addition to a top 10 for Martinez on the arrival list.

The pride of the town of San Blas crossed the finish line in ninth place overall.

“Push. I knew I could win the race because I trained well,” said Njeru, who crossed the finish line with a time of one hour, three minutes and 18 seconds (1:03:18). He escorted Mulatie to the finish line with 1:03.26.

Some 12 runners from the continent of Africa ran in Coamo, which registered a record number of 2,100 runners and which, as always, had the support of the Coamenos motivating the runners on both sides of the route to the finish line, which is located one block away. from the recreation square.

Among those Africans, Kenyan Yoyland Chemutay dominated the second half of the race and was the winner of the women’s event with a time of 1:14.19. She was followed by the Ethiopian Mercuria Alem.

Martinez, who ran the first kilometers with the group of Africans, finished with a time of 1:08.11, which is a personal best. His best time was 1:09.54. The Coameno felt satisfied, although he believes that he could have made a better record.

“It was a personal best, although it is not the time I expected. But I’m happy. I know that little by little I am reaching the positions,” Martinez said.

Martinez finished in ninth position overall. He was the second non-African in the top ten after Chilean Hugo Gatrileo.

Jose Gonzalez and Kenneth Figueroa finished second and third in the national category with 1:09.19 and 1:09.39, respectively.

For her part, Figueroa finished first after an advance in El Ajoguillo with a time of 1:19.34, which is also a personal best.

His best time was 1:21, he said.

“I improved a lot and I owe it to my coach, because last year was tough with injuries. But this year I am better, stronger,” said the 26-year-old runner, mentioning her coach Jose de los Santos Alvarez Mesa.

She was followed in the national category by Paola Ramos with 1:24.40 and Barbara Quiles with 1:26.24.