Philimon Kipchumba smashes course record as Kenya wins men’s title at Istanbul Marathon

Philimon Kipchumba smashes course record as Kenya wins men’s title at Istanbul Marathon - Kenya’s Philimon Kiptoo Kipchumba stormed to victory at the 48th Istanbul Marathon on Novemer 1, 2026. (Photo: Courtesy)

The Kenyan shaved one minute off the previous men’s course record of 2:09:44, set in 2019, to claim the title in the 48th edition of the race.

Kenya’s Philimon Kiptoo Kipchumba stormed to victory at the 48th Istanbul Marathon on Sunday, setting a new course record after clocking 2:08:44 in the men’s race.

Kipchumba’s triumph came at the expense of a strong international field at the World Athletics Gold Label event, which attracted 45,679 registered participants from 143 countries across the marathon and shorter-distance races.

The Kenyan shaved one minute off the previous men’s course record of 2:09:44, set in 2019, to claim the title in the 48th edition of the race.

Ethiopia’s Kasanesh Ayenew Baze won the women’s race, completing a strong showing by East African athletes at the annual event.

The Istanbul Marathon is recognised as the world’s only intercontinental marathon, with the 42km race taking runners from Asia to Europe across the Bosphorus.

Organisers recorded 8,427 entrants for the full marathon, while the 15.5km race attracted 14,781 participants. The corporate and public runs registered 17,471 and 5,000 participants, respectively.

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