Running News Daily

Kenya celebrated a memorable double victory at the 2026 Wizz Air Venice Marathon on Sunday, October 25, as Peter Kwemoi Ndorobo stormed to the men's title in a course-record 2:07:31 while Jackline Jerono claimed the women's crown in 2:26:16, the third-fastest women's marathon time in the race's history.

The 40th anniversary edition of the celebrated Italian road race delivered a spectacular combination of record-breaking performances, fierce competition and emotional moments, with Kenyan athletes taking centre stage in both elite races.

Ndorobo produced an outstanding performance in the men's race, crossing the finish line in 2:07:31 to establish a new course record. His victory highlighted his strength and composure over the demanding 42.195-kilometre distance, which includes challenging bridges and changes in terrain that test even the most experienced marathon runners.

Ethiopia's Berhanu Tarto Yatede finished a close second in 2:07:47, just 16 seconds behind the winner, after delivering an impressive performance of his own. Kenya's Dickson Simba Nyakundi completed the podium in third place in 2:07:56, making it a particularly strong showing for the East African nation.

The men's race also featured several other impressive performances. Kenya's Collins Kipsang Kemboi finished fourth in 2:08:07, followed by compatriot Evans Kipkorir in fifth in 2:08:41. Ethiopia's Teresa Nyakola Gela placed sixth in 2:08:50, while Kenya's Felix Kimutai finished seventh in 2:09:00 and Wesley Ledama eighth in 2:09:01. Kenya's Elkana Kipkemei Kiprop took ninth in 2:10:14, with Ethiopia's Deribe Robi Melka completing the top 10 in 2:10:55.

In the women's competition, Jerono delivered a superb performance to secure victory in 2:26:16, recording the third-fastest women's marathon time ever achieved at the Venice Marathon. Her performance added another memorable chapter to the event's 40-year history and underlined her strength over the classic distance.

The Kenyan runner faced a determined challenge from Ethiopia's Alemaz Samuel Teshale, who finished just seven seconds behind in 2:26:23. Teshale's performance was particularly notable as she made an impressive marathon debut, immediately establishing herself as a formidable competitor over the distance.

Ethiopia's Worknesh Alemu Mola completed the podium in third place in 2:28:46, ensuring that the leading positions were shared between Kenya and Ethiopia.

Kenya's Chepkemboi Domtyla Lagat finished fourth in 2:33:34, while Ethiopia's Webalem Basazew Ayele took fifth in 2:36:36. Italy's Federica Moroni was the leading Italian finisher in sixth place in 2:49:39, followed by compatriot Giorgia Bonci in seventh in 2:54:38. Lia Visintin finished eighth in 2:57:49, while Hungary's Zsofia Malatinszky completed the top 10 in 3:00:05.

The results underlined the continued strength of Kenyan and Ethiopian distance running, with athletes from the two nations dominating the leading positions in both elite competitions.

As the Wizz Air Venice Marathon marked four decades of racing, Ndorobo's course-record triumph and Jerono's historic performance provided two of the defining moments of the anniversary edition. Their victories ensured that Kenya left Venice celebrating a remarkable double, with both champions delivering performances worthy of the occasion.