© Seoul Marathon
Seoul Marathon 2026: Ethiopia’s Haftu Teklu and Haven Hailu Desse light up the Korean capital
A light drizzle fell over Seoul on Sunday morning, but no one seemed to mind. Shoes slapped against the asphalt, breaths turned to mist in the cold air, and every runner helped transform the city into one vast racetrack. From the futuristic streets of Gangnam to centuries-old royal palaces, the 2026 Seoul Marathon delivered a unique blend of speed, precision, and celebration. With records falling and standout individual performances, this 96th edition once again showed why the race remains one of the most iconic marathons in Asia—and arguably the world.
Seoul woke up under grey skies and a sharp breeze, just enough to make every exhale visible. South Korea’s capital—a striking mix of neon-lit modernity and historic landmarks—welcomed around 40,000 runners onto its wide avenues, stretching from Gwanghwamun to the Jamsil Olympic Stadium. The sidewalks pulsed with applause and cheers, and somewhere between skyscrapers and temples, history was being written stride after stride.
The Seoul Marathon, also known as the Dong-A Marathon, holds a World Athletics Platinum Label and rarely disappoints. Its fast, flat course, unpredictable early-spring weather (around 6–7°C, with rain and wind), and deep elite field make it a staple on the global calendar. First held in 1931, it ranks among the oldest marathons in the world, just behind Boston, and is renowned for producing quick times right through the heart of the city.
Like Europe’s biggest races, it attracts a field capable of world-class performances year after year. Once again, one of the sport’s most prestigious and historic marathons lived up to expectations—blending massive participation, elite excellence, and shared emotion.
| Haftu Teklu, the Ethiopian who set Seoul alight
The men’s race delivered pure drama. Ethiopia’s Haftu Teklu, the defending champion from 2025, made his move in the closing kilometers and unleashed a stunning final sprint. Finish time: 2:04:23—a new course record—just one second ahead of fellow Ethiopian Getaneh Molla (2:04:24). Kenya’s Gilbert Kibet rounded out the podium in 2:04:32, highlighting the extraordinary depth of the field.
The finish left spectators speechless. Four of the top five runners dipped under the previous course record—an unprecedented display of speed in Seoul. Teklu didn’t just win; he showcased the precision of a craftsman and the raw power of a locomotive at full throttle. At the finish line, his tired but satisfied smile said it all—one of those moments where an athlete knows he left everything out on the course.
| Haven Hailu Desse, a commanding run to victory
The women’s race was slightly less dramatic but equally impressive. Ethiopia’s Haven Hailu Desse took control just after the 30 km mark and steadily pulled away from the field. She crossed the line in 2:19:09, securing a dominant win and leading an all-Ethiopian podium, with Bekelech Gudeta (2:19:39) and Bosena Mulatie (2:19:47) following behind. No late-race suspense here—just total control from an athlete capable of turning a marathon into a quiet, relentless display of strength.
| When a marathon becomes a city-wide celebration
Beyond the elite race, Seoul turned into a massive running festival. Amateur runners, soaked by rain and chilled by the wind, kept moving with that unique energy that turns effort into exhilaration. Between the neon glow of Gangnam, statues of ancient kings, and bustling street markets, every step felt like a tribute to both the city and the sport. Local runners Park Min-ho and Jung Da-eun claimed the national titles—their first since 2023. For them, crossing the finish line meant more than completing 42.195 kilometers; it meant representing their city and country on a global stage.
✔ Results – Seoul Marathon 2026
Dorian VUILLET
Journalist
