Running News Daily

Kenyan distance running once again announced its global supremacy in emphatic fashion as Team Kenya produced a commanding display at the 2026 São Paulo Marathon in Brazil, sweeping the men’s podium and claiming two of the three places in the women’s race.

From the opening kilometers to the final stride, the streets of São Paulo became a stage for Kenyan excellence, with world-class endurance, tactical discipline, and fearless finishing proving too strong for the international field.

In the women’s race, Euliter Jepchirchir Tanui delivered a composed and authoritative performance to secure victory in 2:33:06. Running with confidence and control, Tanui timed her race superbly before pulling clear when it mattered most to seal a memorable triumph.

Ethiopia’s Desta Abera Demise fought hard to take second place in 2:37:12, while another Kenyan star, Vivian Jeftanui Kiplagat, completed the podium in 2:38:52, ensuring Kenya celebrated two medal positions in the women’s contest.

If the women’s race was impressive, the men’s event was a complete Kenyan masterclass.

Ezekiel Kemboi Omullo stormed to victory in 2:12:47, holding off a relentless challenge in one of the closest finishes of the day. Just six seconds behind, fellow Kenyan Elias Maiyo crossed in 2:12:53, while Jonathan Maiyo completed an extraordinary clean sweep for Kenya in 2:13:16.

The all-Kenyan podium underlined the nation’s unmatched depth in marathon running, where fresh talent continues to rise and established names continue to deliver on the biggest stages.

The 2026 São Paulo Marathon will be remembered not only for fast times and fierce competition, but for another powerful chapter in Kenya’s rich athletics legacy. Across continents and across generations, Kenyan runners continue to set the standard—unstoppable, unshaken, and simply uncontrollable.

The stage is set for a compelling distance-running spectacle in São Paulo, Brazil where an accomplished and diverse elite field will converge on April 12 for the latest edition of the São Paulo Marathon. With a blend of proven performers and emerging contenders, the race promises both tactical intrigue and high-quality performances across the board.

Leading the men’s lineup is Kenya’s Jonathan Maiyo, the standout entrant on paper with a personal best of 2:04:56. Known for his consistency and strength over the marathon distance, Maiyo enters as the man to beat, carrying both experience and pedigree into the Brazilian streets.

He will be closely challenged by compatriots Ezekiel Kemboi Omullo (2:08:26) and William Kibor (2:08:32), both of whom bring solid credentials and the capacity to influence the pace. With such depth among the Kenyan trio, the men’s race could unfold into a strategic battle rather than a straightforward time trial, especially if conditions play a role.

In the women’s contest, Uganda’s Nancy Cheptegei headlines the field with a personal best of 2:31:45. She faces stiff competition from Kenya’s Vivian Jeftanui Kiplagat (2:37:14) and Edna Jeruto Kimitei (2:43:15), both eager to challenge for top honors and potentially upset the pre-race hierarchy.

Beyond the statistics, the São Paulo Marathon is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and demanding course, factors that often shape unpredictable outcomes. The combination of urban energy, climatic variables, and tactical racing typically ensures that victories are earned through resilience as much as raw speed.

As the countdown to race day narrows, anticipation continues to build. Whether it’s a dominant display from the favorites or a breakthrough performance from an outsider, all signs point to a gripping contest in one of South America’s premier road races.

Slogging through the sand with a 6.5kg pack on his back is “a night off” for marathon man Shaun Bacon. The Frankston teacher, 54, is in the final stages of training for his fifth Marathon des Sables. Regarded as the Olympics of the ultra-marathon, the 251km event is the equivalent distance of six regular marathons. And it’s held in southern Morocco in the Sahara Desert with temperatures ranging from -2C at night up to 47C during the day. “I do a lot of training on the sand at Frankston beach. It might look hard, but I’m only uncomfortable for less than an hour,” he said. He is hoping to finish in the top 100 at the April 6-16 event. “Finishing is a no-brainer for me — I don’t even consider any other outcome — but I would like a top 100 place,” he said.