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Paris Marathon 2026: Yeman Crippa triumphs and Shure Demise sets a new course record
The Schneider Electric Paris Marathon 2026 once again delivered on all its promises this Sunday, featuring a world-class field and outstanding performances through the streets of the French capital. In the men’s race, Italy’s Yeman Crippa claimed victory in 2:05:18 after a perfectly executed race, while in the women’s race, Shure Demise made a lasting impression by winning in 2:18:34, setting a new course record. Among the standout performances, Frenchman Emmanuel Roudolff-Levisse finished 6th in 2:05:58 in his very first Paris Marathon. With incredible depth, a thrilling race scenario, and its ever-unique atmosphere, the Paris Marathon once again confirmed its status as a must-attend spring event.
Under ideal conditions this Sunday morning (overcast skies, perfect temperatures between 8 and 11°C, and almost no wind), the race lived up to expectations. From 8 a.m., under the signal of Paris’s new mayor Emmanuel Grégoire, runners set off from the Champs-Élysées for another journey across the capital. The pace was quickly established: pacemakers Eric Kiplangat, Etienne Daguinos, and Bastien Augusto set a strong tempo, leading a dense group of around twenty runners. The race started fast, and a natural selection quickly took place through the streets of Paris.
| Yeman Crippa claims his first marathon title
The men’s race remained uncertain, tactical, and tightly contested for a long time. At halfway (1:03:14), the lead pack was still compact, with several contenders in the mix. Nothing was decided until the final third of the race.
Gradually, the pace intensified. Near the Eiffel Tower, around ten runners were still in contention. But approaching the 35th kilometer, the race began to take shape, and only a handful remained. Tension rose, strides grew heavier. In the Bois de Boulogne, only seven runners were left at the front, including Yeman Crippa and Frenchman Emmanuel Roudolff-Levisse. As often in the marathon, everything came down to the final kilometers.
After the last aid station, Crippa made his move at kilometer 39. The 2024 European half marathon champion and 2022 European 10,000 m champion showcased his speed, attacking on a climb followed by a descent in the 16th arrondissement. The group shattered, leaving four runners to fight for victory: Crippa, Ismail, Kiptoo, and Teshager.
Crippa launched decisive surges, and with one kilometer to go, only Teshager remained close. But the Italian proved too strong. Drawing on his speed and experience, he delivered a final attack to secure the win in 2:05:18, a new personal best, ahead of Bayelign Teshager (2:05:23) and Sila Kiptoo (2:05:28). A victory built with patience and sealed with authority—pure Italian class. At 29, Crippa earns his first major marathon title, with a promising future on the road ahead of the LA 2028 Olympics.
“I’m very happy because my last marathons didn’t go well. This time, I really enjoyed it. Around the 33rd or 34th kilometer, I felt it was my day. I stayed focused, stayed in the lead group, calmed down and recovered. At kilometer 39, I saw the others were tired, so I pushed and increased the pace. The last 700 meters were amazing. Two years ago at the Olympic marathon, I finished 25th—it was a very tough race. I wanted to come back to Paris and do better!”
Yeman Crippa
Men’s standings
1. Yemaneberhan Crippa (Italy) – 2:05:18
2. Bayelign Teshager (Ethiopia) – 2:05:23
3. Sila Kiptoo (Kenya) – 2:05:28
4. Mohamed Ismail (Djibouti) – 2:05:38
5. Awet Nftalem Kibrab (Eritrea) – 2:05:46
6. Emmanuel Roudolff-Levisse (France) – 2:05:58
7. Bethwel Kibet (Kenya) – 2:06:06
8. Hillary Kipkoech (Kenya) – 2:06:33
9. Erick Kiplangat (Kenya) – 2:06:53
10. Zerei Kbrom Mezngi (Eritrea) – 2:07:00
| Emmanuel Roudolff-Levisse breaks 2:06: French pride
One of the standout stories of the day was also French. Staying with the lead group until kilometer 39, Emmanuel Roudolff-Levisse delivered a heroic performance. Well-positioned from the start and consistent throughout, he held on with the best for nearly the entire race.
At this level, maintaining that pace is already remarkable. But he did more than just follow—he contended for victory for much of the race. Only when the pace surged dramatically at kilometer 39 did he lose contact. Yet he didn’t collapse. He finished an outstanding 6th in 2:05:58—a massive personal best and the 4th fastest French performance in history. A negative split on a course where the second half is significantly tougher. Hats off. For his first Paris Marathon, it’s hard to imagine a better debut. The Frenchman confirms his excellent form after running 59:37 at the Barcelona Half Marathon two months ago, establishing himself among the country’s top marathoners.
“I said I came here to try to challenge the leaders. It didn’t miss much—just 7 or 8 minutes at the end where I faded. But I’m really happy because it’s been a while since a French runner was at the front. With the Los Angeles Olympics coming up, it gives me hope to qualify. I may have looked comfortable, but it was actually tough. My father Pierre (four-time French cross-country champion in the 1980s) was there cheering me on.”
Emmanuel Roudolff-Levisse
| Shure Demise smashes the record
In the women’s race, the scenario was different but just as impressive. The pace was high from the start, and by halfway, it was clear the course record was under threat. And that’s exactly what happened.
Shure Demise gradually took control and never let go. Strong and fluid, she maintained an exceptional pace throughout the second half.
She crossed the line in 2:18:34, smashing the course record by more than a minute—a phenomenal performance. Behind her, the level was just as impressive: Misgane Alemayehu (2:19:08) and Magdalyne Masai (2:19:17) completed the podium, in a race where four athletes broke 2:20—a level of depth never seen before in Paris. Among the French, Mekdes Woldu finished 8th in 2:26:25, just ahead of Meline Rollin, 10th in 2:28:52.
Women’s standings
1. Demise Shure (Ethiopia) – 2:18:34 (new course record)
2. Misgane Alemayehu (Ethiopia) – 2:19:08
3. Magdalyne Masai (Kenya) – 2:19:17
4. Enatnesh Alamrew Tirusew (Ethiopia) – 2:19:18
5. Sharon Chelimo (Romania) – 2:20:03
6. Alisa Vainio (Finland) – 2:21:35
7. Girmawit Gebrzihair (Ethiopia) – 2:24:20
8. Mekdes Woldu (France) – 2:26:25
9. Maggie Montoya (USA) – 2:27:04
10. Meline Rollin (France) – 2:28:52
Beyond the performances, this 2026 edition once again highlights what the Paris Marathon represents today: a race that is fast, spectacular, and massively popular, with more than 57,000 finishers. A demanding yet magical course, incredible elite depth, and a unique atmosphere fueled by thousands of spectators along the 42.195 km route. What we’ll remember most is the emergence of Yeman Crippa on the roads, the incredible run by Emmanuel Roudolff-Levisse, and the new course record by Shure Demise. Between pure performance and collective emotion, the Paris Marathon was truly exceptional. And the marathon season is just getting started…
✓ Full results of the Paris Marathon 2026
Clément LABORIEUX
Journalist
