Running News Daily

The 2026 Lisbon Marathon is set to feature a competitive international field, with Kenyan distance runners leading the men's elite entries and a strong Ethiopian contingent adding depth to the women's race.

Scheduled for October 10 in Lisbon, Portugal, the race will bring together athletes with impressive personal bests, setting the stage for an exciting contest over the classic 42.195-kilometer distance.

Kenya's Jonathan Kiplimo Maiyo headlines the selected men's elite field with a personal best of 2:04:56, placing him among the leading names to watch. He will be joined by compatriot Timothy Kibet Misoi, who has a best of 2:06:07, as Kenya looks to make a strong impression on the Portuguese course.

John Langat and Zablon Chumba complete the selected Kenyan men's lineup, both carrying personal bests of 2:07:11. Their presence adds further strength to a team with considerable experience and proven marathon ability.

The women's race also promises an intriguing battle, with Kenya and Ethiopia represented by four athletes each in the selected elite field.

Kenya's Ruth Chebitok leads the women's entries with a personal best of 2:21:03. She faces a strong Ethiopian challenge led by Sintayehu Tilahun Getahun, whose best stands at 2:22:19.

Ethiopia's Abebech Afework Bekele, with a personal best of 2:23:33, and Worknesh Alemu, who has run 2:24:42, complete the selected women's field. Their presence sets up a potentially compelling contest between two of East Africa's leading distance-running nations.

With established marathon performers on both sides, the Lisbon Marathon offers an opportunity for the elite athletes to test themselves against high-level opposition and pursue strong performances on race day.

While personal bests provide a useful indication of each runner's credentials, the final outcome will depend on race-day conditions, pacing and execution over the demanding marathon distance.

With the selected elite fields featuring a strong Kenyan presence and determined Ethiopian challengers, attention will turn to Lisbon on October 10 as the athletes prepare for one of Portugal's major road-running events.