© Rome Marathon
Rome Marathon 2026: Pascaline Kibiwot dominates, Asbel Rutto wins in a thriller
Spring is underway. And as often, it’s in the Italian capital that the major marathon season truly kicks off. This Sunday, the Rome Marathon delivered on all fronts: spectacle, passion, history… and top-level performances in the heart of the Eternal City. Kenya’s Pascaline Kibiwot set a new course record in 2:22:44, while her compatriot Asbel Rutto claimed a second prestigious victory in Rome in 2:06:32. In ideal conditions (12°C, no wind), more than 30,000 runners started at the foot of the Colosseum. A unique setting for a unique race…
| Pascaline Kibiwot sets a new course record
In the women’s race, the pace was intense. The lead group stayed together for a long time before breaking apart after halfway (1:10:23), still on very ambitious splits and well ahead of the course record pace. Defending champion Betty Chepkwony was forced to drop out after one hour of racing—a tough day for the Kenyan.
Up front, Pascaline Kibiwot gradually took control. But after the 25 km mark, things got tougher. Running solo with only her pacer Wilfred Kiplagat, the race turned into a battle against herself. The pace dropped slightly, fatigue set in, and her stride lost some sharpness… her lead over the course record shrank kilometer by kilometer. But she held on and crossed the finish line in 2:22:44. At the line, she collapsed from exhaustion—completely spent. But she knew she had made history. She broke the previous course record by just 8 seconds (2:22:52 by Alemu Megertu). She finished ahead of Genet Tadesse Robi (2:24:55), with Aberash Fayesa completing the podium (2:25:43).
Women’s Results
1. Pascaline Kibiwot (Kenya) 2:22:44
2. Genet Tadesse Robi (Ethiopia) 2:24:55
3. Aberash Fayesa Robi (Ethiopia) 2:25:43
4. Addisalem Belay Tegegn (Ethiopia) 2:28:16
5. Netsanet Gudeta Kebede (Ethiopia) 2:28:50
6. Betelhem Nega Ferede (Ethiopia) 2:29:30
7. Roselidah Jepketer (Kenya) 2:30:07
8. Azalech Masresha Woldeselasse (Ethiopia) 2:30:19
9. Addisie MisleneW (Ethiopia) 2:30:29
10. Tsega Desta Mehari (Ethiopia) 2:31:15
| Asbel Rutto shows his experience
In the men’s race, the battle promised even more suspense. From the early kilometers, the tone was set. A large group of around twenty runners—mostly from East Africa—formed behind the pacemakers. Passing 5 km in 14:58 and 10 km in 29:44 made it clear: they were aiming high, possibly even targeting a time close to 2:05.
But as the race progressed, the pack thinned dramatically. The marathon took its toll. At halfway (1:02:36), only a handful of runners were still able to follow the pace set by an excellent Dominic Kiprono. The turning point came after 25 km, when defending champion Robert Ngeno dropped off. At the front, the race came down to three men: Asbel Rutto, Henry Tukor Kichana, and Lencho Tesfaye Anbesa.
With 5 km to go, only two remained. Rutto and Kichana engaged in an incredible duel, almost unreal at that stage of the race. But with 1 km left, Rutto made a decisive move. Kichana couldn’t respond—his legs were gone. Asbel Rutto won in 2:06:32, just 8 seconds shy of his own course record set in 2024. Kichana followed closely in 2:06:36, with Anbesa completing the podium in 2:07:44.
A thrilling finish in the heart of the Circus Maximus, worthy of Rome’s reputation.
Men’s Results
1. Asbel Rutto (Kenya) 2:06:32
2. Henry Tukor Kichana (Kenya) 2:06:36
3. Lencho Tesfaye Anbesa (Ethiopia) 2:07:44
4. Robert Ngeno (Kenya) 2:09:01
5. Abebaw Desalew Zewda (Ethiopia) 2:09:32
6. Elkana Langat (Kenya) 2:10:23
7. Solomon Weldeslassie Berihu (Ethiopia) 2:11:15
8. Demisu Anegagreng Gemeda (Ethiopia) 2:13:14
9. Fredrick Kibii (Kenya) 2:13:57
10. Abraham Kapsis Kipruto (Kenya) 2:14:33
| Brice Daubord, top Frenchman and top European
Behind the elites, the celebration was just as strong. That’s Rome: a vibrant, popular marathon where amateurs and elites share the same roads.
Among them, France’s Brice Daubord delivered an excellent performance: 15th place in 2:19:40 and first European overall. A well-managed race with a negative split, he stayed close to the leading women’s group before breaking away solo.
At 40 years old, he once again proves that age is no barrier in the marathon. Experience and race intelligence often make the difference.
But beyond the times, it was the nearly 30,000 finishers who made Rome come alive. From the streets of Trastevere to the cobblestones of the historic center, passing the Vatican and the banks of the Tiber, every kilometer is like a postcard. It’s a race you have to run at least once in your life.
| Rome, a marathon like no other
Rome is an international race with exceptional standards. World Athletics Elite label, flat and fast course, ideal temperatures… securing a bib here means giving yourself a chance at a personal best. But running in Rome isn’t just about performance—it’s about crossing over 2,000 years of history. It’s about linking monuments, cobblestones, and marathon emotions… and above all, experiencing something truly unique, where running meets heritage and culture.
Recently integrated into the European Marathon Classics circuit, the Rome Marathon is the perfect destination for a sporty and cultural weekend.
With a high-level duel in the men’s race, a course record in the women’s race, and incredible crowd support, the Rome Marathon perfectly kicks off the spring marathon season. Rome confirms its status as a must-run international marathon. And now, all eyes turn to Paris, Boston, and London… where the level will rise even higher.
✔ Results of the Rome Marathon 2026
Clément LABORIEUX
Journalist