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HOKA Paris Half Marathon: Jackline Cherono, Kennedy Kimutai, and 50,000 Runners Take on the French Capital
This Sunday, the French capital will pulse to the rhythm of nearly 50,000 runners for the HOKA Paris Half Marathon, an event where sport and symbolism intersect on International Women’s Day. Last year’s winners, Kenya’s Kennedy Kimutai and Jackline Cherono, headline a fast course, ready to challenge records and write a new chapter in the race’s history.
For the HOKA Paris Half Marathon—the world’s largest half marathon by number of participants—nearly 50,000 runners will flood the Seine’s quays on Sunday, March 8. On a fast, rolling course, some will chase personal bests, while others soak in the unique experience of an urban event where every stride carries meaning. Among the crowd, all eyes will be on the elite athletes, particularly Kenyans Kennedy Kimutai and Jackline Cherono, last year’s winners in 1:00:16 and 1:07:16 respectively. The course records, set in 2023 by Roncer Kipkorir (59:38) for the men and Betty Lempus (1:05:46) for the women, could be under threat.
| The Kenyans on Familiar Ground
Since 1993, Kenyan runners have dominated this race, with 22 victories in 32 editions. In 2026, the lineup is both familiar and formidable. At the forefront, 26-year-old Kennedy Kimutai returns to defend his title. A 58:28 10K in Valencia in 2021 places him as the 19th fastest man ever at that distance. He previously won in Paris in 1:00:16. His podium rivals from 2025—Timothy Kosgei (1:00:22) and Timothy Misoi (1:00:44)—will also be in the field.
Joining them are Edward Cheserek, winner in Copenhagen in 59:11, and Brian Kipchumba, second in Zurich in 1:03:37. This depth immediately makes the race a strategic battle from the start. The Kenyan roster also includes notable names like Thabang Mosiako (59:52 in Riga) and Egide Ntakarutimana (1:01:32 in Cremona; 15th in the 10,000m at the Tokyo World Championships last year). The fight for the podium promises to be fierce.
| Isaac Kimeli: Europe Steps Up
Belgium’s Isaac Kimeli (31), silver medalist in the 5000m behind Cole Hocker and ahead of Jimmy Gressier at the Tokyo World Championships, will be Europe’s one to watch. A recent HOKA athlete with a 10K record of 27:10 in Valencia, he will be racing his first half marathon along the Seine.
“I’m in good shape right now,” he said a few days before the start. “I feel stronger every week, so I’m really looking forward to running in Paris. This will be my first 21K, so I’m eager to experience the half marathon distance. I’ll give it my all and see how I manage this new challenge. Running in Paris and having HOKA support makes it really special. A few weeks ago, I was already in Paris for an event at the HOKA Opéra store.” The last European winner dates back to the inaugural 1993 edition, when Slovak Robert Stefko crossed the line in 1:02:42. Kimeli could well aim to change that.
| The French Chase the Top 10
Several French athletes are targeting top-10 finishes:
➜ Igor Bougnot (1:03:37 in Valencia; first Frenchman at Marseille-Cassis 2025)
➜ Florian Caro (1:04:18 in Paris; second Frenchman at the 2025 Paris Marathon)
➜ Augustin Cablant (1:04:48 in Paris 2025)
➜ Anthony Baron (1:05:41 in Annecy 2025)
➜ Gatien Airiau (28:56 over 10K)
➜ Victor Moreau (29:17 over 10K)
A strong field that could leverage the fast course to challenge the best, while also navigating the density of the large peloton.
| International Outsiders and Trail Specialists
The HOKA Paris Half Marathon loves mixing road runners with atypical profiles. Trail legend Jim Walmsley, winner of UTMB 2023 and four-time Western States 100 champion, will line up. His recent 10K at the HOKA Paris Centre in November 2025, 32:40, shows he has the speed to contend. Alongside him, Jan Frodeno, 2008 Olympic triathlon champion and former IRONMAN world champion, will test the road. A few more outsiders, like Wan Chun Wong (1:04:30 in Ageo, HOKA team), complete the list of contenders capable of shaking up the rankings.
| Jackline Cherono Targets a Repeat
On the women’s side, the battle promises to be tight. Defending champion Jackline Cherono (27) won the 2025 edition in 1:07:16. On a course she knows perfectly and aided by a pacer like Alessia Zarbo, the Kenyan returns to Paris aiming for back-to-back victories.
Her rivals include:
➜ Mercy Chebwogen, winner of the 2025 20K of Paris, 8th in 1:13:50
➜ Ftaw Zeray (3rd in Ras Al Khaimah in 1:06:04)
➜ Sarah Chelangat (8th in Copenhagen 2023 in 1:07:59)
➜ Emma Pallant-Browne (11th in Port Elizabeth in 1:11:35), former IRONMAN 70.3 specialist
Jackline Cherono, a 36-year-old new mother, approached the race with perspective: “For once in my career, I’m racing without really knowing where my fitness stands. I gave birth six months ago and had to stop running for two months after my C-section, but I loved these four months of training with Andy Hobdell (my HOKA coach) and I’m excited for the year ahead. A few years ago, I ran 71 minutes and I definitely want to go faster than that before the end of the year. I love Paris and I’m thrilled to race here with my family.”
| An Event Growing in Significance
The HOKA Paris Half Marathon is expanding not just in numbers, but in meaning. In 2026, symbolic milestones were broken: 46% of participants are women, up from 35% four years ago—a significant increase, reflecting the spirit of International Women’s Day. Another striking figure: one in three runners will be tackling their first half marathon, proving that the event now welcomes newcomers as much as time chasers.
Motivations vary widely. Only a small group (7%) aims for sub-1:35, while the majority runs simply to finish. The HOKA Paris Half Marathon truly speaks all languages: 15% of participants are international, representing 103 nationalities, with an average age of 34. A running capital that also unites.
| Two Days Immersed in the Experience
Even before the starting gun, the weekend kicks off at the Grande Halle de la Villette. Friday and Saturday, the official village becomes the beating heart of the event. Runners pick up bibs, pre-race nerves rise, and the Wall of Names promises goosebumps. Nearly 30 exhibitors create an open, free space designed for athletes, their families, and curious onlookers.
At the HOKA stand, full immersion: 2026 limited edition collection, technical accessories, gait analysis, carbon-plated models… and a hands-on testing zone. On the forecourt, the FlyLab invites participants to try the Cielo X1 3.0, HOKA’s latest road innovation, experiencing speed firsthand.
The event also maintains a charitable dimension. Supported by AG2R LA MONDIALE, 5,000 runners will participate with charity bibs for 110 associations. New in 2026: THE 1st KILOMETER, a kids’ run from age 5, held Saturday around the Grande Halle. No timing, no ranking—just the joy of introducing running to a new generation. All registrations benefit Étendart, promoting running among young Parisians from underprivileged neighborhoods.
| A Morning Not to Miss
On Sunday, March 8, 2026, the race begins at 7:50 a.m. Live coverage will be available on ICI Paris Île-de-France and france.tv, with additional coverage until 10:15 a.m. to capture every highlight. On race day, the experience extends beyond the course. Using the official HOKA Paris Half Marathon app, spectators and supporters can track runners in real time, send encouragement, and follow all the action. Speed, strategy, emotion, and the symbolism of International Women’s Day: Paris is set to vibrate, stride by stride.
✔ All the details on the official HOKA Paris Half Marathon website
Dorian VUILLET
Journalist
