Fotyen Tesfay and Abel Chelangat were the winners of the 2026 Barcelona Marathon on Sunday (15 March), securing victories in the women’s and men’s elite races, respectively. Racing in her first-ever marathon, Ethiopia’s Tesfay stormed to victory in 2:10:53, the second-fastest time in women’s marathon history. Her mark sits just 57 seconds behind the women’s marathon world record of 2:09:56, held by Ruth Chepngetich and set at the 2024 Chicago Marathon. Tesfay’s time also shattered the previous Barcelona Marato course record of 2:19:33, set by Sharon Chelimo in 2025, and stands as a new Ethiopian national record. Kenya’s Joan Jepkosgei Kiplimo finished second in a personal best 2:18:42, while Ethiopia’s Zeineba Yimer placed third with a personal best 2:18:49.

Source: Ethiopian News March 15, 2026 17:32 UTC