Kenyan Philimon Kiptoo Makes History After Winning Istanbul Marathon

Kenyan athlete Philimon Kiptoo Kipchumba has brought pride to the country after winning the men’s race at the 48th Istanbul Marathon in Turkey on Sunday, November 1, 2026.

Kipchumba delivered an impressive performance, completing the 42.195-kilometre race in 2 hours, 8 minutes and 44 seconds. His victory was even more special because he also broke the Istanbul Marathon course record.

The previous record of 2 hours, 9 minutes and 44 seconds had been set by another Kenyan athlete, Daniel Kibet, in 2019. Kipchumba improved the mark by one full minute, making his victory a historic moment for Kenyan athletics.

Ethiopian runner Sufaro Woliyi Kebeto finished second with a time of 2 hours, 8 minutes and 54 seconds, just 10 seconds behind the Kenyan champion.

Another Kenyan, Vincent Kipyegon Ronoh, completed the men’s podium after finishing third, giving Kenya two athletes among the top three finishers.

Kipchumba’s victory continues Kenya’s strong reputation in international long-distance running, with Kenyan athletes regularly competing for top honours in major road races around the world.

The Istanbul Marathon is one of the unique sporting events because its course connects two continents. Runners begin on the Asian side of Istanbul, cross towards Europe and finish at Sultanahmet Square.

The 2026 edition attracted thousands of participants from different countries, with elite athletes competing for the top positions in both the men’s and women’s races.

In the women’s category, Ethiopia’s Kasanesh Ayenew Baze emerged victorious after completing the race in 2 hours, 24 minutes and 40 seconds.

Kipchumba’s victory also came with a financial reward. The men’s and women’s champions were each entitled to a $50,000 first-place prize, while breaking the course record earned him an additional $5,000 bonus.

His latest achievement adds to an impressive marathon career. He previously won the Shanghai Marathon in 2023 and also secured victories in Hong Kong and Xiamen that year. The latest victory is another reminder of Kenya’s continued strength in international athletics.

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