© Wizz Air Milano Marathon
Milan Marathon: Vitalis Kibiwott and Yeshi Chekole Take Control
The 2026 Milan Marathon crowned Kenya’s Vitalis Kibiwott in 2:06:35 and Ethiopia’s Yeshi Kalayu Chekole in 2:20:15 this Sunday, April 12, wrapping up a fast, competitive, and highly international 24th edition. On a newly redesigned point-to-point course stretching from Corso Sempione to Piazza del Duomo, French runners also made their mark with several top-20 finishes and a series of solid overall performances.
Milan went all-in on a straight-line course. The winners, meanwhile, opted for control. On this brand-new route linking Corso Sempione to Piazza del Duomo, Kenya’s Vitalis Kibiwott delivered a race that felt measured from start to finish. His 2:06:35 wasn’t explosive—but it was perfectly executed. Behind him, fellow Kenyans Amos Kiplagat (2:08:14) and Laban Kiplimo (2:08:23) completed an all-Kenyan podium, a clear sign of controlled dominance.
In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Yeshi Kalayu Chekole took command in 2:20:15, ahead of compatriots Eebbisee Addunyaa Ideessaa (2:21:13) and Sintayehu Tilahun Getahun (2:25:29). It was a clean, composed race where consistency made the difference on Milan’s wide, fast streets. Overcast skies and temperatures between 12 and 15°C created near-perfect racing conditions—and Milan once again lived up to its reputation as a marathon built for speed.
| French runners hold their ground
Behind the African frontrunners, the French contingent showed real depth. The top French finisher, Julien Gueydon, secured an impressive 14th place in 2:21:07 in a deep and competitive field—confirming his strong form over the distance. In the women’s race, two French athletes cracked the top 20: Sabine Ehrström (15th in 2:48:29) and Virginie Delzenne(19th in 2:54:52), both delivering steady, well-paced performances.
Further down the standings, French runners remained visible throughout. Matthias Michaut finished in 2:32:37 (59th), while Léandre Santin (32nd in 2:27:49), Florian Alphe (30th in 2:27:40), Adrien Chirac (2:36:32), and Lucas Michaut (2:35:49) highlighted the squad’s overall depth. On the women’s side, Mathilde Plesse added a 37th-place finish in 3:05:52. No headline-grabbing results, but a strong collective showing in an increasingly global race.
| A redesigned course, a city on display
Beyond the results, this 24th edition will be remembered for its major course overhaul. For the first time, the Milan Marathon moved away from a looped format to a point-to-point layout. The race started on Corso Sempione, passed under the iconic Arco della Pace, and finished in style at Piazza del Duomo. A cleaner, faster course designed to enhance rhythm and showcase the city. With more than 15,000 marathon runners, 16,000 relay participants, and 10,000 entrants in the family race, Milan continues to cement its status as a major hub in European running—driven by Wizz Air and RCS Sport.
Dorian VUILLET
Journalist
