Running News Daily

Kenyan distance running enjoyed a successful outing in the Netherlands on Sunday as Davis Kiplangat and Lidya Cheruto claimed victories at the Eindhoven Marathon, delivering impressive performances over the classic 42.195-kilometre distance.

Kiplangat secured the men's title in 2:07:41, while compatriot Cheruto won the women's race in 2:32:46, ensuring Kenya celebrated victories in both categories at the Dutch road-running event.

The men's race was led by Kiplangat, who produced the fastest performance of the day to cross the finish line in 2:07:41. His victory highlighted his strength over the marathon distance and placed him ahead of a competitive international field.

Kenya's Asbel Kipkorir finished second in 2:10:25, completing a strong performance behind the winner. Although he could not match Kiplangat's pace, Kipkorir secured the runner-up position with a time of 2:10:25.

Uganda's Levi Chelangat claimed third place in 2:16:34, giving the East African region two nationalities on the men's podium. His performance ensured that the leading three finishers represented Kenya and Uganda.

Belgium's Diego van Looy finished fourth in 2:18:17, making him the highest-placed Belgian athlete in the men's overall standings shown in the results. He followed the leading trio across the line after a demanding marathon contest.

The men's results also featured Tim Calliauw of Belgium, who recorded 2:20:23 in the men's 40–49 age category. His performance was among the age-group results published alongside the leading overall finishers.

In the women's race, Kenya's Lidya Cheruto delivered another important victory, crossing the finish line in 2:32:46 to secure the title. Her performance placed her ahead of Belgium's Valentine Mathy, who finished second in 2:35:03.

Mathy's runner-up finish was followed by compatriot Elisa Vancolen, who clocked 2:37:44 to claim third place. The result gave Belgium two athletes on the women's podium behind the Kenyan winner.

Belgium's Karen van Proeyen finished fourth in 2:40:31, adding another strong result for the host country's neighbouring European running nation. Her time also appeared among the women's age-group results, where she was the leading finisher in the 40–49 category.

The women's podium therefore featured Kenya and Belgium, with Cheruto taking the overall honours ahead of Mathy and Vancolen. Their performances provided a clear picture of the leading competition in the women's marathon.

The published results also recorded Pawel Wojcik of Poland in the men's 50–59 category with 2:34:39. France's Willie Nijsten finished the men's 60–69 category in 2:57:24, while Gijs van den Hurk, also listed under France, recorded 3:24:44 in the men's 70-plus category.

In the women's age groups, Norway's Helle Blak recorded 2:59:55 in the 50–59 category, while Belgium's Silvia Lenaerts finished in 3:32:04 in the 60–69 category.

The results underline the international character of the Eindhoven Marathon, which brings together elite competitors, experienced club runners and athletes competing across a wide range of age categories.

For Kiplangat, the victory was the standout performance of the men's race, with his 2:07:41 placing him comfortably ahead of Kipkorir and Chelangat. The three leading finishers demonstrated the depth of East African distance running, with Uganda also represented on the podium.

Cheruto's victory was equally significant for Kenya, as she led the women's field in 2:32:46. Her win placed her ahead of two Belgian athletes, with Mathy and Vancolen completing the top three.

Belgium also enjoyed a notable presence among the leading finishers, particularly in the women's race, where its athletes occupied second, third and fourth positions. Van Looy's fourth-place finish in the men's race added to the country's representation among the leading competitors.

The Eindhoven Marathon once again offered a platform for athletes from different countries to test themselves over the marathon distance, while the age-group results highlighted the participation of runners across several generations.

For the Kenyan winners, the Dutch race provided another opportunity to turn preparation into success on the international stage. Kiplangat claimed the men's crown, while Cheruto led the women's field, giving Kenya a double victory.

As the marathon season continues, their performances will add to the growing list of results shaping the international road-running calendar. Eindhoven's latest edition concluded with Kenyan winners in both elite races and a strong showing from Belgian athletes, making it a memorable Sunday for the leading competitors.