Running News Daily

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.

Ethiopia’s Shure Demise made history Sunday by winning her third TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, pulling away just after halfway and never looking back. Despite warm, windy, and humid conditions, she crossed the line in 2:21:03, the second-fastest time of her career—just 19 seconds shy of the course record set last year by compatriot Waganesh Mekasha.

Demise’s performance marks a full-circle moment. Ten years ago, at just 19, she ran her lifetime best of 2:20:59 in Dubai. Since then, she has earned podium finishes at the Tokyo (2019) and Chicago (2018) marathons, placed 5th at the 2017 World Championships, and captured back-to-back Toronto wins in 2015 and 2016. Sunday’s victory signals a strong comeback after giving birth to her daughter two years ago.

“I am very happy—it is more than what I expected,” said Demise. “I trained well and was confident I would do well and win. From 20 km I was running by myself.”

Earlier this year, Demise also won the Milan Marathon in 2:23:31, reinforcing her return to world-class form. Betty Chepkorir of Kenya finished second in 2:23:45, while Almaz Kebebe of Ethiopia took third in 2:26:40.

The women’s race was briefly disrupted when three Ethiopian runners mistakenly followed the half-marathon course, but Demise was far ahead and unaffected.

Kenyan Men Sweep the Podium

In the men’s race, Kenya scored a clean sweep. Leonard Langat broke away from a lead pack with 4 km remaining to win in 2:08:15. Noah Kipkemboi, third last year, improved to second in 2:08:24, while Sila Kiptoo finished third in 2:08:44.

“At 38 km I was ready to push, and I went,” said Langat. “It was hot, but I felt good and confident.”

Canadian Titles for Hannah and Flanagan

The Canadian Marathon Championships, held concurrently, saw Rachel Hannah, 39, win her first national title in 2:33:47. “It’s been a dream of mine to win these championships,” she said.

Ben Flanagan captured the men’s Canadian crown in his marathon debut, finishing in 2:15:39 ahead of Philippe Parrot-Migas (2:17:15) and Andrew Alexander (2:18:15).

 “The last 7 km were brutal, but I finished strong,” said Flanagan, a 2024 Olympian over 5,000 m. “This is a new chapter for me. Now it’s time to catch up with the big dogs.”

Toronto, Canada — October 19, 2025. The stage is set for another East African showdown at the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, a World Athletics Elite Label Race. Two top Kenyan runners, Beatrice Cheserek and Cynthia Chemweno, have been confirmed to take on Ethiopia’s rising stars Almaz Kebebe and Adane Anmaw, in what promises to be one of the most competitive women’s races in the event’s history.

Beatrice Cheserek’s Confident Marathon Debut

At 26, Beatrice Cheserek will make her marathon debut in Toronto, bringing impressive credentials to the start line. She owns a half marathon personal best of 1:06:48, recorded while winning the 2022 Cardiff Half Marathon, and has already experienced the pressure of major marathons.

In 2023, she paced compatriot Rosemary Wanjiru through 30 kilometers of the Tokyo Marathon, a World Marathon Major that Wanjiru went on to win in 2:16:28. Cheserek’s performance that day proved her strength over the distance — and she’s ready to test herself as a full competitor.

“This is my first marathon, and I hope to do my best,” Cheserek said. “I paced in Tokyo for Rosemary Wanjiru, and she ran 2:16, so I know I am strong. I want to run 2:20 or 2:19 in Toronto. It’s a fast course.”

After taking maternity leave to give birth to her son Fabian Kiprop, now 15 months old, Cheserek has made a steady comeback. Earlier this year, she placed sixth at Spain’s Santa Pola Half Marathon, running 1:10:25. Her confidence has grown with each training cycle.

“My training now is going well,” she added. “Last week I did 40 kilometers and finished strong. I know Toronto is not a hard course — a little bit faster — and I’m ready.”

 Cynthia Chemweno Targets Another Breakthrough

 Her teammate Cynthia Chemweno, 28, also arrives in Toronto with growing momentum. In her marathon debut at Hamburg in April, she finished fifth in 2:23:39, a time that gave her valuable confidence heading into the fall season.

“Hamburg was my first marathon, and I managed a good time,” Chemweno said. “The course was great, and I really enjoyed it. I’m excited to improve in Toronto.”

Chemweno and Cheserek are both part of the ASICS Mezzo Sports Management group. The two trained together frequently before Chemweno relocated to Chojo Camp in Kaptagat — a name derived from the Japanese word meaning “striving for the peak.” The camp is home to several top Kenyan male athletes and coaches. 

Cheserek continues to train from her hometown of Chepkorio, 40 kilometers from Iten, supported by her husband Cyrus Kiplagat, himself a competitive runner.

“He is the one who helps me with pacing,” she explained. “When I train, my sister-in-law looks after Fabian. It’s not always easy, especially during the rainy season when the dirt roads are impassable, but I keep working hard.”

Course Record in Sight

The Toronto Waterfront Marathon course record of 2:20:44, set by Ethiopia’s Waganesh Mekasha, could be under threat. Mekasha is a training partner of Kebebe and Anmaw — both part of the emerging Ethiopian generation now challenging Kenyan dominance.

With Cheserek targeting a 2:19 and Chemweno already proven in the 2:23 range, organizers and fans alike are anticipating a fast, tactical race through downtown Toronto.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon is shaping up as a clash of ambition, resilience, and national pride. Both Kenya and Ethiopia will field athletes capable of rewriting the record books on one of North America’s premier marathon stages.

Whether it’s Cheserek’s inspired debut or Chemweno’s drive to improve on her Hamburg performance, Toronto could once again deliver the kind of breakthrough that defines a career — and keeps East Africa at the center of the global marathon conversation.