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.

Once again, “March Forward Dear Mother Ethiopia” echoed across the Dubai Police Academy start–finish area as Ethiopian runners swept both titles at the race’s 25th anniversary edition. Nibret Melakwon the men’s race in 2:04:00, and Anchinalu Dessie captured the women’s crown in 2:18:31, pushing Ethiopia’s all-time Dubai tally to 18 men’s and 19 women’s victories.

Melak’s debut was decisive and fearless.

A large pack of 20 hit halfway in 62:07 and stayed together until the final pacemaker stepped aside at 35K. As the pace stalled and contenders hesitated, Melak attacked. A 3:00 36th kilometer was followed by a surge 10 seconds faster — a move no one could match. He opened a clear gap and never looked back, finishing nearly two minutes ahead of training partner Yasin Haji (2:05:52). Rwanda’s John Hakizimana took third in 2:06:04, breaking his national record.

“I didn’t know what to expect in my first marathon,” Melak said. “My coach believed I could run 2:03. I waited for the right moment and went.”

On the women’s side, Dessie continued a perfect streak. Three marathons, three wins.

After victories in Seville and Beijing, she delivered her fastest yet in Dubai, slicing more than three minutes off her best. She battled compatriot Muliye Dekebo deep into the race before pulling away late. Dekebo rallied for second in 2:18:43, while Fantu Worku finished third in 2:19:08.

Conditions helped: 14°C (57°F) at the start, among the coolest in race history.

For Ethiopia, it was simply another chapter in a story that keeps repeating — strength, patience, and a well-timed surge when it matters most.

Results

Men

1. Nibret Melak (ETH) – 2:04:00

2. Yasin Haji (ETH) – 2:05:52

3. John Hakizimana (RWA) – 2:06:04

4. Molalign Fantahun (ETH) – 2:06:48

5. Gizealew Ayana (ETH) – 2:06:48

6. Jiregna Geleta (ETH) – 2:06:57

7. Berehanu Tsegu (ETH) – 2:07:13

8. Gadissa Tafa (ETH) – 2:07:51

9. Dechasa Alemu (ETH) – 2:08:21

10. Belay Bezabeh (ETH) – 2:08:23

Women

1. Anchinalu Dessie (ETH) – 2:18:31

2. Muliye Dekebo (ETH) – 2:18:43

3. Fantu Worku (ETH) – 2:19:08

4. Tiringo Mulu (ETH) – 2:21:12

5. Maritu Ketema (ETH) – 2:21:25

6. Askale Alemaheyu (ETH) – 2:22:56

7. Aberash Shilima (ETH) – 2:23:04

8. Fantu Shugi (ETH) – 2:23:29

9. Elifinesh Demise (ETH) – 2:23:30

10. Abebech Afework (ETH) – 2:23:52