Running News Daily

Ethiopian marathon standout Fantu Shugi and Kenyan road-racing talent Agnes Ngeno will headline a formidable women’s elite field at the 2026 Cologne Marathon in Germany, with the race set to take place on October 4.

The Cologne streets are expected to provide the stage for a fiercely competitive battle, with athletes from Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, the Netherlands and Germany assembling a field rich in marathon experience and sub-2:25 potential.

Leading the entry list is Kenyan Agnes Keino, who arrives with an impressive personal best of 2:22:53. She will face strong opposition from Ethiopia’s Fantu Shugi, whose 2:23:29 personal best places her among the leading contenders.

Cynthia Chepchirchir Kosgei is another Kenyan with a proven ability over the marathon, boasting a 2:23:43 personal best, while compatriot Jackline Chepngeno enters the race with a best of 2:24:21.

Ayantu Kumela, one of Ethiopia’s leading names in the field, owns a 2:24:29 personal best and will be determined to challenge the Kenyan contingent when the race gets underway. She will be joined by fellow Ethiopian Aamelmal Tagel, who has a 2:24:38 personal best.

Kenya’s Naomy Tuei, with a best of 2:26:06, and Ethiopia’s Alemtsehay Mekuria Alamirew, who has run 2:26:18, further strengthen the front end of the field. Faith Chepkoech adds another Kenyan threat with a 2:26:22 personal best.

The depth continues beyond the leading group, with Kenya’s Deborah Samum listed at 2:30:16, Ethiopia’s Tigist Worku Anagaw at 2:35:15 and Tanzania’s Neema Mathias Msuadi at 2:38:40.

The international field is completed by Dutch runner Hannah Olds Loohuis, who has a 2:40:12 personal best, and Germany’s Maike Drieb-Schön, whose marathon best stands at 2:47:51.

With several athletes carrying personal bests below 2:25, the women’s race promises to be one of the major highlights of the 2026 Cologne Marathon. The combination of Kenyan strength, Ethiopian depth and international representation could produce an intriguing tactical contest before the decisive stages unfold.

All eyes will be on Cologne on October 4 as the elite women take to the start line, with Shugi and Ngeno among the names expected to command attention in a race packed with quality and ambition.