Chematot and Girma Triumph in Madrid Marathon with Record Participation

This year's edition of the Zurich Rock'n'Roll Running Series Madrid gathered 47,000 runners, solidifying its international relevance.

Generic image of a runner crossing the finish line in a marathon.
IA

Generic image of a runner crossing the finish line in a marathon.

The Madrid Marathon of 2026 saw victories by Mike Chematot and Kena Girma in the main event, on a day that brought together 47,000 runners in the capital's streets.

The Zurich Rock'n'Roll Running Series Madrid celebrated a historic edition with the participation of 47,000 athletes across its various modalities. The most notable triumphs went to Kenyan Mike Chematot and Ethiopian Kena Girma in the marathon distance, while Isabel Barreiro and Kenyan Gideon Kiprop dominated the half marathon, and Adam Maijó and Águeda Marqués won the 10-kilometer race.
In the men's marathon category, Chematot crossed the finish line on the Paseo de Recoletos with a time of 2:08:46, marking the third best time in the competition's history. He was joined on the podium by Ethiopians Asefa Mengisa (2:09:06) and Dechasa Alemu (2:09:10). The best Spanish runner in this event was Jorge Puig Malvar, who finished in seventeenth position.
Meanwhile, Kena Girma claimed victory in the women's marathon category, completing the course in 2:26:00. Her compatriots Amente Sorome (2:27:43) and Kenyan Leonida Mosop (2:32:49) took second and third place, respectively. The first Spanish woman to finish was Estefanía Unzu, in thirteenth position.

"The Community of Madrid hosts today the great runner's festival: 47,000 'runners' take to the streets this Sunday with the Madrid Marathon. Welcome to kilometer 0 where all roads begin!"

Sports Community of Madrid
In the half marathon, Isabel Barreiro revalidated her women's title with a time of 1:12:25, followed by Dutchwoman Sarah Bruun and Spaniard Marina Taberner. In the men's event, Gideon Kiprop led an all-Kenyan podium, with Cyrus Kipkemoi and Rodgers Plimo in second and third place. Spaniard Carlos Mayo secured seventh position.
Finally, in the 10-kilometer race, Adam Maijó won the men's category with 28:59, beating Madrid native Yago Rojo and Galician Adrián Ben. In the women's event, Águeda Marqués returned to competition with a victory, recording 33:14, ahead of Irene Sánchez-Escribano and Soledad Barrantes.
The event stood out for its international dimension, with 28% of foreign participants from 113 countries, and female presence, which accounted for 37% of total registrants. The Madrid Marathon is part of the European Marathon Classics circuit, consolidating its prestige in the continental athletic calendar.