Running News Daily

Australian distance runner Haftu Strintzos delivered the performance of his career with a commanding victory at the 2026 ASICS Gold Coast Marathon, storming to the men's title in an outstanding 2:06:20. Displaying remarkable strength, composure, and endurance from start to finish, Strintzos crossed the line alone to claim one of the biggest wins of his professional career on the famous streets of Queensland.

The triumph marked a significant milestone for the talented Australian, who mastered the fast Gold Coast course with an impressive blend of tactical intelligence and relentless pace. Roared on by enthusiastic home supporters, Strintzos maintained complete control in the closing stages before breaking the tape in emphatic fashion, confirming his emergence as one of Australia's leading marathon talents.

Japan enjoyed an exceptional day with a strong collective performance, filling four of the top seven positions. Hidekazu Hijikata secured second place in 2:07:20, while compatriot Jinya Ozaki completed the podium in 2:07:48. Ryoma Takeuchi followed in fourth with 2:08:20, and Kaisei Sugiyama rounded out the top five in 2:09:03, underlining Japan's remarkable depth in the marathon.

Kenya's Benson Tunyo Murkomen finished sixth in 2:09:18, producing another solid international performance, while Naoki Tomita of Japan claimed seventh place in 2:09:28 to complete an impressive display from the Japanese contingent.

Beyond the individual achievements, the race highlighted the growing global competitiveness of marathon running, with athletes from Australia, Japan, Kenya, and several other nations producing world-class performances on one of the sport's fastest courses. The high standard of competition and the thrilling battles throughout the field once again demonstrated why the Gold Coast Marathon remains one of the premier road racing events on the international calendar.

The 2026 ASICS Gold Coast Marathon once again lived up to its reputation as one of the world's fastest and most prestigious marathons. With elite athletes delivering outstanding performances and thousands of passionate spectators creating an unforgettable atmosphere, the event celebrated the very best of distance running. Haftu Strintzos' unforgettable breakthrough victory will be remembered as one of the defining moments of this year's race, marking a landmark achievement for Australian athletics and further enhancing the rich legacy of the Gold Coast Marathon.

Ethiopia's rising distance-running star Almaz Kebebe delivered a magnificent performance to capture the women's title at the 2026 ASICS Gold Coast Marathon, crossing the finish line in an outstanding 2:24:53 to secure the biggest victory of her young career.

At just 20 years old, Kebebe showcased remarkable composure, endurance, and tactical brilliance over the 42.195-kilometre course. Running with confidence from start to finish, she timed her race to perfection before pulling away in the decisive stages to claim a memorable triumph on Australia's iconic Gold Coast. Her commanding display not only earned her the prestigious title but also announced her arrival as one of Ethiopia's most exciting emerging marathon talents.

The Gold Coast Marathon is widely regarded as one of the world's fastest and most competitive road races, attracting elite athletes from across the globe each year. Kebebe rose to the occasion with exceptional maturity, maintaining a controlled pace before unleashing a powerful finish that proved too strong for the rest of the field.

She crossed the line 48 seconds ahead of Kenya's Antonina Kwambai, who finished second in 2:25:41, while Japan's Kaede Kawamura claimed third place in 2:28:00 to complete the podium in a highly competitive race.

Beyond the impressive victory, Kebebe's performance further highlights Ethiopia's enduring excellence in women's distance running. At only 20 years of age, her winning time and composed racing style suggest she has the potential to become a consistent contender on the world's biggest marathon stages, making her one of the sport's brightest young stars to watch in the years ahead.

The victory marks another significant milestone in Kebebe's promising career and reinforces Ethiopia's rich legacy of producing world-class marathon champions. If this performance is any indication, the future looks exceptionally bright for the talented youngster as she continues her rise among the global elite.

The countdown to the 46th edition of the ASICS Gold Coast Marathon is gathering momentum, and all signs point to one of the deepest and most competitive men's fields in the race's history. Scheduled for Sunday, 5 July, the prestigious Australian marathon has assembled an outstanding blend of proven champions, rising stars, and international contenders eager to leave their mark on the famous Gold Coast course.

Leading the field is Kenya's Elisha Rotich, the fastest athlete on the start list with a personal best of 2:04:21, set in Paris. Rotich arrives as the man to beat, bringing world-class credentials and the experience of performing on the biggest marathon stages.

Ethiopia's Abayneh Degu Tsehay is expected to provide one of the sternest challenges after clocking 2:04:53, while fellow Kenyan Benson Tunyo, fresh off his impressive 2:06:10 performance in Osaka earlier this year, adds even greater firepower to an already stacked field.

Kenya's strength runs even deeper with Dominic Ngeno (2:06:37) and James Ngandu (2:10:17), both capable of pushing the pace and challenging for podium honours if conditions favour fast running.

Japan, meanwhile, will have one of the largest representations in the elite race. Athletes including Hidekazu Hijikata (2:06:26), Mizuki Higashi (2:08:03), Ryoma Takeuchi (2:08:38), Ryuichi Hashimoto (2:09:40), Jo Fukuda (2:09:52), Kaisei Sugiyama (2:09:55), Hiromasa Kumahashi (2:10:31), Ryuichi Yoshioka (2:10:49), Naoki Tomita (2:10:49), Yudai Fukuda (2:11:16), Yuya Yamashita (2:11:37) and debutant Jinya Ozaki highlight the nation's remarkable depth in marathon running.

The international flavour of the race is further strengthened by Turkey's Ilham Ozbilen, Ethiopia's Enyew Nigat, American Josh Izewski, and Australian hopeful Haftu Strintzos, ensuring fans will witness a truly global contest.

One athlete who could surprise many is Jinya Ozaki, who will make his marathon debut after posting an outstanding 1:01:24 in the half marathon. His transition to the full distance will be one of the most intriguing storylines of the race.

With multiple athletes boasting personal bests under 2:07 and several others capable of significant breakthroughs, the battle is expected to unfold at a relentless pace from the opening kilometres. The Gold Coast's famously flat and fast course has produced exceptional performances over the years, and another memorable edition appears to be on the horizon.

As the world's attention turns to Australia's premier road race, fans can expect tactical racing, fierce international rivalry, and the possibility of spectacular finishing times. With such extraordinary depth assembled on one start line, the 2026 ASICS Gold Coast Marathon promises to deliver a thrilling chapter in the event's rich history.

Seoul Marathon's second runner-up Visiline Jepkesho will start as the favorite in the elite women’s race on Sunday during the Gold Coast Marathon on the Eastern Coast of Australia.

Jepkesho is competing in her second marathon this year after finishing third in South Korea with a time of 2:22:52 on March 17.

The 34-year-old also boasts victories from the 2018 Rotterdam Marathon, where she clocked 2:23:47 and the 2016 Paris Marathon (2:25:53).

She also placed third in the 2015 edition of the Paris Marathon clocking 2:24:44 and placed second at the 2017 Istanbul Marathon (2:22:40).

Other top performances include the 2019 Nagoya women’s Marathon (2:22:58) and the 2017 Lille Half Marathon (1:08:12).

The seasoned long-distance runner will face stiff competition from Japan’s Rie Kawauchi and Misato Horie.

Kawauchi boasts titles from the Nagano Marathon (2:33:16) and last year’s Tokushima Marathon (2:33:50).

Horie is the 2016 Gold Coast champion, where she claimed the title in a time of 2:26:40. She also holds a title from the 2022 Osaka Marathon (2:32:10).

Jepkesho will be joined by compatriot Irene Jerobon, the Castellon Marathon runner-up (2:30:51).

She is also the Alpes-Maritimes Nice-Cannes Marathon champion with a time of 2:41:18. Milly Clark, the 2021 Melbourne Marathon champion, will be seeking to make a mark for the host nation.

Clark’s achievements include winning the 2021 Launceston Half Marathon (1:11:09) and securing silver at the 2019 Oceania Marathon (2:28:08) and 2017 Gold Coast Half Marathon (1:11:15).

The men’s field will be spearheaded by 2015 Praha Marathon Champion Felix Kandie.

Organizers termed the men’s race as the strongest in the event’s history with 12 athletes having run sub 2:10 times.

“ Twelve male athletes have sub 2:10 performances. This will be the strongest field to ever jump to the starting gun in the 44-year history of the ASICS Gold Coast Marathon,” the statement from the organizers read.

Kandie is a silver medalist in the 2017 Seoul Marathon (2:06:03) as well as the 2016 edition of the Praha Marathon (2:08:14).

He is a bronze medalist at the 2015 Valencia Marathon (2:07:07) and the 2018 Toronto Waterfront Marathon (2:08:30).

Kandie will be joined by fellow Kenyans Timothy Kattam, the 2023 Milano Marathon silver medalist (2:07:53), Geoffrey Birgen and Kenneth Omulo.

Japan’s Yuki Kawauchi, the 2016 Gold Coast runner-up (2:09:01), will provide formidable competition along with Uganda’s Kibet Soyekwo, the 2013 Dronten Half Marathon champion (1:03:45) and Ethiopia’s Belay Tilahun.

A diminutive 23-year-old Japanese surprise packet today smashed the ASICS Gold Coast Marathon women’s race record, stunningly in just her second marathon.

Yuki Nakamura came into Sunday’s race at the lower end of the top 10 but turned the form guide upside down with a 2:24:22 run that eclipsed American Lindsay Flanagan’s race record of 2:24:43 set in 2022 by 21 seconds.

It was the third fastest women’s marathon time on Australian soil, the other two fastest achieved by the gold and silver medalists at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.

Ethiopia’s Kumeshi Sichala (2:25:25) and pre-race favourite Kenyan Visiline Jepkesho (2:26:17) took the minor placings.

Nakamura’s out-of-a-hat record was achieved on a perfect-for-running Gold Coast morning alongside a record 10,000-plus fellow marathoners who competed on the day.

The men’s event was taken by Kenya’s Timothy Kattam in 2:08:52, six seconds ahead of Ethiopian Belay Tilahun (2:08:58) and Japan’s Kiyoshi Koga (2:09:22).

Nakamura said she had a slightly more conservative target time on the start line.

“I was aiming for a 2:26 result, that was my objective, however, to come here and win the race, I am so happy with the result,” she said.

Nakamura said she went with the early pace.

“In the beginning, it was faster than I anticipated but I was feeling great and enjoying the ambiance of the Gold Coast, so I just went for it and then I realised there was nobody else around and I was winning.

“At the 30km mark I wanted to drop off the group, but then it was downhill, so I tried to hang in there and catch up on the speed and when I got to the 35/36km mark it was good and I made my move.

“I have no idea how this feeling is, however later on I will feel the power of standing on the top step of the podium,” she said.

Second place Sichala said she was happy to achieve a personal best at her first ASICS Gold Coast Marathon.

“My race went to plan, it was good, and I am very happy,” she said

“I loved the people cheering along the course and I will come back to the Gold Coast again,” she said.

Jepkesho was happy enough with her debut appearance on the Gold Coast

“It wasn’t my personal best, but I felt good,” she said.

Men’s champion Kattam said he surprised himself with his first run in Australia.

“This is my first time coming to Australia, I am so grateful for today’s race, it was fantastic; I like the course, everything was well, I am very happy for the day. “It was about the win, [and] we were very tight over the ASICS athletes, it was a very tough race.

“[Our team tactics] come out during training and that is what motivates us,” he said.

“The pace was 3:01, 3:02, but then it went to 3:07 and that is when I decided to make a move, to control the speed, “This is a very good season for me; today I wanted to try for a podium, but I didn’t expect to win today’s race and I am very happy, and I am looking to be back in Australia next year,” he said.

Tilahun was happy with his run. “It was a personal best for me, so how can you not be happy with that?”

Third place Koga wanted to do it his way. “The last few races I haven’t done well in the marathon, so I just wanted to run the way it should be and stay steady and this was the result,” he said.

“The winner last year was Japanese, so I was aiming for first place but at least I am on the podium and for that I am grateful.

“Many people were cheering, and it was a really fun and enjoyable run,” he said.

The best Australian in the men’s race was Liam Boudin (2:13:56) who was eighth overall in his debut marathon while Victorian Sarah Klein (2:31:58) was the first Australian woman across the line and fifth overall in the women’s race.