Running News Daily

The 2026 Košice Marathon delivered a strong display of international marathon talent, with South Africa’s Adam Lipschitz and Ethiopia’s Aberash Fayesa Robi claiming victories in contrasting but equally impressive performances on the streets of Košice, Slovakia.

In the women’s race, Fayesa Robi produced the standout performance, crossing the finish line in 2:21:54 to secure a commanding victory and improve her personal best. The Ethiopian maintained a strong rhythm throughout the race before finishing well clear of the rest of the field.

Her compatriot Nurit Ahmed Samiro added another impressive chapter to Ethiopia’s day, placing second in 2:25:03 on her marathon debut. Racing over the full 42.195-kilometre distance for the first time, Samiro delivered a remarkably mature performance to immediately establish herself among the leading names in the field.

Kenya’s Tecla Jelimo Kibet completed the women’s international podium, finishing third in 2:29:56. Her performance secured a place among a highly competitive leading group as the Ethiopian pair dominated the top two positions.

The men’s contest was even tighter at the front, with Adam Lipschitz producing a breakthrough performance to win in 2:07:21. The South African not only claimed the prestigious Košice Marathon title but also lowered his personal best, underlining the quality of his performance on the day.

Kenya’s Abednego Cheruiyot pushed Lipschitz all the way and finished second in 2:07:53, also recording a new personal best. The Kenyan remained firmly in contention deep into the race before crossing the line just 32 seconds behind the winner.

Another Kenyan, Moses Kipngetich Kemei, secured third place in 2:08:04, giving Kenya two athletes inside 2:09 and completing a highly competitive podium.

Turkey’s Kaan Kigen Özbilen followed in fourth with 2:08:22, narrowly missing the podium after remaining within striking distance of the leading trio.

The performances in Košice highlighted the depth of the international field, with the men’s race producing three athletes under 2:09 and the women’s contest featuring a commanding winning performance alongside an impressive marathon debut.

The results once again underlined the historic Košice Marathon’s ability to attract high-level athletes from across the world and provide a competitive stage for both established marathoners and emerging talent.

The timeless streets of Rome came alive in spectacular fashion on Sunday, March 22, as the Acea Run Rome The Marathon 2026 delivered a day of elite competition defined by razor-thin margins and record-breaking brilliance. From a dramatic men’s duel to a commanding women’s performance, the Italian capital witnessed a marathon showcase of the highest order.

In the men’s race, Kenya’s Asbel Rutto emerged victorious after an electrifying battle, clocking 2:06:32 in one of the closest finishes of the season. Pushed all the way to the line by compatriot Henry Tukor Kichana, who followed just four seconds behind in 2:06:36, the race was a masterclass in endurance and tactical execution. Ethiopia’s Lencho Tesfaye Anbesa secured third in 2:07:44, completing a fiercely contested podium.

Defending champion Robert Ngeno fought valiantly to finish fourth in 2:09:01, while the lead pack steadily thinned over the closing kilometers, leaving Rutto to deliver the decisive finishing surge that sealed his triumph.

Top 10 Finishers – Men’s Elite Race

1. Asbel Rutto — 2:06:32

2. Henry Tukor Kichana — 2:06:36

3. Lencho Tesfaye Anbesa — 2:07:44

4. Robert Ngeno — 2:09:01

5. Abebaw Desalew Zewda — 2:09:32

6. Elkana Langat — 2:10:23

7. Solomon Weldeslassie Berihu — 2:11:15

8. Demisu Anegagreng Gemeda — 2:13:14

9 Fredrick Kibii — 2:13:57

10. Abraham Kapsis Kipyatich — 2:14:33

If the men’s race was defined by tension, the women’s contest belonged to one woman alone. Kenya’s Pascaline Kibiwot delivered a performance of rare authority, surging to victory in a stunning 2:22:44—shattering the event record and etching her name into the history of the race.

Composed in the early stages and devastatingly strong in the closing miles, Kibiwot broke away with precision and never looked back, her stride carrying both power and poise as she conquered the historic course. Behind her, Ethiopia’s Genet Tadesse Robi secured second place in 2:24:55 after a determined run, while Aberash Fayesa Robi completed the podium in 2:25:43, underlining Ethiopia’s depth in the women’s field.

As the race unfolded, the leading pack gradually fractured under the pressure of an unforgiving pace. By the final kilometers, Kibiwot had shifted into another gear entirely—one no rival could match—turning a competitive race into a statement victory.

Top 10 Finishers – Women’s Marathon

1. Pascaline Kibiwot — 2:22:44

2. Genet Tadesse Robi — 2:24:55

3. Aberash Fayesa Robi — 2:25:43

4. Addisalem Belay Tegegn — 2:28:16

5. Netsanet Gudeta Kebede — 2:28:50

6. Betelhem Nega Ferede — 2:29:30

7. Roselidah Jepketer — 2:30:07

8. Azalech Masresha Woldeselasse — 2:30:19

9. Addisew Mislenew — 2:30:29

10. Tsega Desta Mehari — 2:31:15

Beyond the podiums, the 2026 Rome Marathon stood as a powerful celebration of global distance running, where athletes from multiple continents pushed their limits on one of the sport’s most iconic stages. Yet at its heart, this edition will be remembered for two defining images: Rutto straining to the line in a breathtaking sprint for victory, and Kibiwot gliding to a record-breaking triumph that crowned her the undisputed queen of Rome.