Milan half-marathon 2025: a rainy 52nd edition but athletes in great shape!

On Sunday, March 23, despite light rain, Milan pulsed with the rhythm of its famous half-marathon. Starting at 8:30 AM, the Piazza Castello was bustling with a crowd of enthusiasts. Nearly 60,000 participants took over the streets between Piazza Duomo and Piazza Castello, with 50,000 taking part in the 10 km and 9,000 athletes competing in the half-marathon.

59’40: that was the time to beat, the record set two years ago by Cosmas Mwangi Boi. Although this record still stands, the athletes managed to perform well despite the slippery cobblestones! On the fastest course in Italy, the Kenyan men and women shone once more this weekend, facing a strong challenge from the Italian athletes.

| No sub-hour performances for the men

The fastest participant, Kenyan Simon Mwangi Waithira, won the race in 1:00:54, followed by Rwandan Yves Nimubona in 1:01:18 and Kenyan Charles Yosey Mneria in 1:02:08. The winner of the Stramilano 2025 was favored to win. After taking third place last year, he was determined to triumph this time.

Among the Italian participants, Stefano Massimi was the first to cross the finish line in 1:04:51. Although he aimed to improve his personal record of 1:03:43, he will have to wait for another opportunity to shine over the distance. In 10th place overall, Nicolo Gallo finished with a time of 1:05:37. The 22-year-old shows promise early in the season.

| A 100% Kenyan podium among the women

The women’s podium was also dominated by Kenyans. Gesare Morine Michira took first place in 1:08:47, having been the runner-up for the distance last year. She finished ahead of Chebet Stella Mateiko, sister of athlete Daniel Mateiko, in 1:11:19, and Chebet Monica Chepkwony who claimed the third spot with a time of 1:11:25. Among the Italians, Rebecca Lonedo led her group with a time of 1:12:08, closely followed by Giovanna Epis in 1:12:17.

The champion of the Stramilano 2022 and marathoner with a personal best of 2:23:46 had recorded a time of 1:10:15 in Milan three years ago. Despite being the favorite this year, the Italian athlete, coached by Giorgio Rondelli, was outpaced by the Kenyan competition.

The French were also represented in this iconic half-marathon in the heart of Milan. Among the men, Eric Descamps led as the top French finisher, placing 38th overall with a time of 1:09:28. Frenchwoman Elsa de Val excelled in the Stramilano 2025, finishing 18th overall and emerging as the top Frenchwoman with a time of 1:20:17.

The 53rd edition is scheduled for Sunday, March 3, 2026.