Kenyan distance stars rule road races across continents

Dennis Kipkogei delivered a stunning performance at the Mainz Half Marathon in Germany on Sunday, breaking the course record as Kenyan athletes dominated road races across Europe and Asia.

Kipkogei powered to victory in 59:14, smashing the previous course record of 1:00:50 set by compatriot James Kipkurui in 2025. His performance also highlighted Kenya’s dominance, as he led a clean sweep of the men’s podium.

Kelvin Kipruto finished second in 1:00:25, while Jamal Kiprono secured third place in the same time.

Pamzo dedicates coach of the month honour to late wife as APS revival gathers pace Football

Vohra remains upbeat despite mechanical heartbreak in Uganda Sports

The result underlined Kipkogei’s strong form on the roads this season. His 2026 campaign began on a difficult note after finishing 13th in the Sirikwa Classic 10km race on February 14, where he clocked 30:21.

That race was won by John Korir in 29:44, with Amos Kiprotich and Silas Senchura finishing second and third respectively in 29:46.

Kipkogei bounced back strongly at the Berlin Half Marathon on March 29, where he finished second in 59:11, narrowly behind compatriot Andrea Kiptoo, who won in the same time.

In the women’s race in Mainz, Ethiopia’s Emebet Dessie claimed victory in 1:09:01. Kenya’s Orba Chemurgor finished second in 1:09:21, while Joan Chepleting placed third in 1:10:03.

Elsewhere in Japan, Tabitha Njeri produced a commanding run to win the Sendai Half Marathon in 1:09:20. She was followed by Japan’s Mizuki Nishimura (1:10:30) and Kaede Kawamura (1:10:34).

At the Copenhagen Marathon, Mercy Chepwogen impressed on debut, winning the women’s race in 2:22:08. She edged out Bahrain’s Tigist Gashaw (2:23:07), with Ethiopia’s Fantu Shugi taking third in 2:24:38.

Chepwogen arrived in Copenhagen after finishing third at the Paris Half Marathon on March 8, where she clocked 1:06:32.

In Switzerland, Collins Kemboi successfully defended his Geneva Marathon title, winning in 2:08:52. He was followed by compatriots Silas Too (2:09:16) and Tarus Kiplimo (2:09:53), completing another Kenyan podium sweep.

Kemboi had also won the race in 2025, improving on his previous time of 2:11:37.

In the women’s race, Patience Kimutai took victory in 2:30:45, ahead of Switzerland’s Fabienne Schlumpf (2:31:15). Kenya’s Jackline Chepkoech finished third in 2:31:18.