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Tata Mumbai Marathon 2026: Ethiopia Takes It All as Mumbai Confirms Its Status as a Global Giant
Under the heat and heavy humidity of Mumbai Bay, the world’s largest marathon by participation once again lived up to its reputation. In front of massive crowds and a stacked elite field, Ethiopians Tadu Abate Deme and Yeshi Kalayu Chekole dominated the 21st edition of the Tata Mumbai Marathon, reaffirming Ethiopia’s grip on global distance running and cementing the Indian race’s unique place on the international marathon map.
In Mumbai, the marathon does not simply take place — it spills over. With people, energy, noise, and color everywhere. On Sunday, as dawn broke, India’s economic capital once again proved why its marathon remains the biggest running event in the world by sheer volume, across all distances combined.
A total of 70,065 participants (65,424 on site and 4,641 online), extraordinary public enthusiasm, and an elite field worthy of the sport’s great strongholds: the 21st chapter of the World Athletics Gold Label Tata Mumbai Marathon delivered on every promise. On the road, international hierarchy prevailed. At the finish line, two names defined the 2026 edition — Tadu Abate Deme and Yeshi Kalayu Chekole — authors of a clear, controlled and commanding Ethiopian double.
| Mumbai, a City Entirely in Marathon Mode
Few races can claim to shut down a metropolis of over 20 million people. Mumbai — formerly Bombay — manages to do so every year, much to the delight of its residents. Marathon, half marathon, 10K, charity races: the city pulses to the rhythm of footsteps, drums and nonstop encouragement. The Tata Mumbai Marathon is as much a social phenomenon as it is a sporting event, with a major philanthropic dimension and a level of public engagement rarely seen in the running world.
The 2026 edition also marked a new step forward, with a slightly adjusted yet still demanding course winding between the Arabian Sea, business districts and historic avenues. Heat, humidity, rolling terrain and constant changes of pace form a playground where race intelligence matters just as much as physical strength.
| Tadu Abate Deme, the Science of Pace
From the gun, the men’s race set the tone. No reckless surges, but a battle of attrition among seasoned specialists. Tadu Abate Deme (Ethiopia), Leonard Langat (Kenya) and Merhawi Kesete Weldemaryam (Eritrea) quickly moved to the front. Behind them, 2023 world champion Victor Kiplangat (Uganda) and Ethiopian Gada Gemsisa Gudeta stayed close, carefully biding their time.
The pace remained strong but controlled. Approaching the 40 km mark, the race turned. Deme shifted gears, increased the tempo and unleashed an acceleration Langat could not match. The gap grew steadily and decisively. The Ethiopian crossed the line in 2:09:55, claiming his fourth international marathon title. Langat secured second place in 2:10:10, with Weldemaryam completing the podium in 2:10:22.
A textbook race on a course that leaves no room for error. “The course was tough but extremely well organized. It was a tactical race from start to finish,” Langat summed up after the finish. Smiling yet clear-headed, Deme savored a victory built on method and patience. “The hills were demanding. After halfway, I focused on conserving energy and choosing the right moment to attack.” A flawless reading of Mumbai’s challenges, where raw speed often comes second to strategy.
| Patience, Control and a Final Surge in the Women’s Race
The women’s race initially unfolded as a collective effort. An Ethiopian armada formed early on. Medina Deme Armino, third last year, tried to capitalize on her experience. Kidsan Alema Gebremedhin, Gojjam Tsegaye Enyew and Birke Debele Beyene controlled the pace, while Yeshi Kalayu Chekole stayed quietly in the shadows.
At halfway, natural selection began to take effect. Armino dropped back, while Kidsan and Yeshi remained at the front. Then, with roughly a quarter of the race to go, Chekole stepped into another dimension. A smooth, progressive acceleration — never brutal, but impossible to follow.
What followed was a perfectly managed solo effort. Chekole won in 2:25:13, posting the fifth-fastest winning time ever recorded in Mumbai. A major breakthrough, and her first victory at a major international marathon, for the 28-year-old Ethiopian, who has been racing the distance since 2019. “I was aiming for the course record, but the weather made things more complicated. I felt strong, especially on the climbs and descents,” she said at the finish.
| Total Ethiopian Domination
The women’s standings confirmed absolute dominance. The top six places all went to Ethiopia, with Kidsan Alema Gebremedhin second in 2:27:35 and Gojjam Tsegaye Enyew third in 2:28:27. Birke Debele Beyene and Medina Deme Armino followed to lock out the top five. With this men’s and women’s double, Ethiopia claimed both elite titles in Mumbai for the seventh time. A statistic that speaks volumes about the country’s grip on global distance running, even under some of the most demanding climatic conditions on the circuit.
| Indian Athletes Shine at Home
Amid this wave of African talent, Indian runners made their mark. In the women’s race, Sanjivani Jadhav impressed on her marathon debut. Tenth overall and first Indian woman in 2:49:02, she celebrated a foundational success. “After 35 km, I realized the national win was possible,” she explained, still emotional. Behind her, Nirmaben Thakor, chasing a historic third consecutive national title, had to settle for second place ahead of Sonam, third, in an almost family-like atmosphere. “We were running like sisters,” Sonam summed up.
In the men’s race, the surprise came from Kartik Karkera. Largely unexpected, the runner trained in Russia delivered a solid 2:19:55, setting a personal best and claiming the national title. He finished ahead of Anish Thapa and Pradeep Chaudhary, both consistent performers but beaten on the day.
| The Largest Marathon on the Planet
Beyond the times, Mumbai impresses through its sheer scale. With more than 70,000 participants across all events, the Tata Mumbai Marathon remains the largest running event in the world by volume, ahead of every historic marathon capital.
A popular, charitable and media powerhouse that nonetheless maintains an exceptionally high sporting standard. Gold Label status, a deep international elite field, flawless organization and a unique atmosphere — Mumbai is no longer a curiosity on the calendar. It has become a major fixture of the global marathon scene, where performance is part of a broader, immersive experience.
This weekend, Tadu Abate Deme and Yeshi Kalayu Chekole did more than win a race. They validated an approach, a mastery, and an ability to dominate in demanding conditions. Mumbai, meanwhile, continues to build its legend — at the crossroads of elite sport and unmatched public mobilization. A marathon apart. Massive, intense, unforgiving. And more essential than ever on the world running stage.
✔ Full results of the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2026
Dorian VUILLET
Journalist
