Ethiopia dominates Amsterdam Marathon as Buze Diriba shatters women’s course record

Ethiopia dominates Amsterdam Marathon as Buze Diriba shatters women’s course record - Ethiopian athletes Buze Diriba and Lemi Berhanu crossing the finishing line at the 2026 TCS Amsterdam Marathon on October 18, 2026. (Photo: Courtesy)

In the men’s race, Ethiopia’s Lemi Berhanu claimed victory in 2:03:33, narrowly missing the course record of 2:03:30 established by Kenya’s Geoffrey Kipchumba in the previous edition.

Ethiopian athletes delivered an outstanding performance at the TCS Amsterdam Marathon on Sunday, winning both the men’s and women’s races, with Buze Diriba setting a new course record in the women’s category.

Diriba, 32, produced an impressive run to win the women’s race in 2 hours, 16 minutes and 10 seconds, breaking the previous course record of 2:16:52 set by fellow Ethiopian Yalemzerf Yehualaw in 2024.

Her compatriot Aynalem Desta, who won last year’s race, finished second, completing a remarkable one-two finish for Ethiopia in the women’s competition.

In the men’s race, Ethiopia’s Lemi Berhanu claimed victory in 2:03:33, narrowly missing the course record of 2:03:30 established by Kenya’s Geoffrey Kipchumba in the previous edition.

Kenyan runner Nicholas Kipkorir finished second in the men’s event, ensuring that Kenya remained strongly represented among the leading contenders despite Ethiopia’s overall dominance.

The marathon took place in cold and wet conditions, presenting an additional challenge to competitors as they tackled the 42.195-kilometre course through the Dutch capital.

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