Kenya’s Philimon Kiptoo Kipchumba surged to victory in the men’s race at the 48th Istanbul Marathon on Sunday, November 1, 2026, clocking 2:08:44 to shatter a seven-year-old course record by nearly a minute.
The 28-year-old timed a decisive late charge over the final kilometers to cross the finish line in Sultanahmet Square, improving the previous mark of 2:09:44 set by fellow Kenyan Daniel Kibet in 2019 by 59 seconds. Ethiopia’s Sufaro Woliyi Kebeto finished second in 2:08:54.7, while Kenya’s Vincent Kipyegon Ronoh took third in 2:08:57.7 in a tightly contested elite field.
The race, a World Athletics Gold Label event and the world’s only intercontinental marathon, drew more than 45,000 runners—specifically 45,679 registered participants from 143 countries—starting on Istanbul’s Asian side near the July 15 Martyrs Bridge and finishing on the European side.
In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Kasanesh Ayenew Baze claimed victory in 2:24:40, leading a complete Ethiopian podium sweep ahead of Azmera Abreha Gdey and Diribe Hirko Alemu.
Kipchumba pocketed the $50,000 winner’s prize plus a $5,000 course-record bonus for a total of $55,000, while Baze earned the equivalent $50,000 women’s prize.
Kenyan President William Ruto praised both of his country’s podium finishers, writing that Kipchumba’s record-breaking win demonstrated “Kenya’s winning spirit and excellence in athletics” and adding, “Well done Vincent Kipyeogon Ronoh for securing third place. We are proud of you both for flying the Kenyan flag high.”
Organized by Spor Istanbul (a subsidiary of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality) and sponsored by Türkiye İş Bankası, the event once again highlighted East African dominance in distance running while showcasing Istanbul’s unique transcontinental course.