Kenya's dominance in international long-distance running received another major boost after Philimon Kiptoo Kipchumba stormed to victory at the 48th Istanbul Marathon on Sunday, November 1, 2026, setting a new course record in the men's race.
Kipchumba produced an impressive performance, crossing the finish line in 2:08:44 to rewrite the marathon's record books and claim the prestigious title.
The Kenyan improved the previous course record of 2:09:44, established in 2019, by exactly one minute, underlining his remarkable performance against a competitive international field.
His victory at the World Athletics Gold Label event further demonstrated Kenya's enduring strength in marathon running, a discipline in which the country has consistently produced some of the world's finest athletes.
The men's triumph was complemented by Ethiopia's Kasanesh Ayenew Baze, who claimed the women's marathon title, highlighting East Africa's continued influence in international distance running.
Istanbul Marathon attracts thousands
The 48th edition of the Istanbul Marathon attracted 45,679 registered participants representing 143 countries, making it a major international sporting attraction.
Organisers recorded 8,427 entrants in the full marathon, while the 15.5-kilometre race attracted 14,781 participants.
The corporate and public runs registered 17,471 and 5,000 participants, respectively, demonstrating the event's appeal beyond elite competitive athletics.
The Istanbul Marathon enjoys a distinctive position in global athletics as an intercontinental marathon.
The 42.195-kilometre race takes participants across the Bosphorus Strait, connecting Asia and Europe and offering runners a rare opportunity to compete across two continents in a single event.
Kipchumba's record-breaking victory adds to Kenya's rich marathon legacy and reinforces the country's reputation as one of the leading nations in international distance running.
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