The 13th EDP Lisbon Marathon crowned two new champions on Saturday, October 10, and both came from East Africa's distance-running heartlands. Uganda's Martin Naibei Musau won the men's race in 2:08:07, shaving 35 seconds off his personal best, while Ethiopia's Meskerem Mamo Hayile claimed the women's title in 2:28:04 — in her very first marathon.
Musau's win was decisive but hard-fought. He broke away from a four-man lead group to finish 26 seconds clear of Kenya's Gilbert Kipkurui Korir (2:08:33), with fellow Kenyan Stephen Chebon Kipkech just two seconds further back in third. All three podium finishers ran personal bests, a strong result given conditions that were warmer than ideal. The heat ruled out any course records, but it didn't dull the racing — Musau's triumph also extends a fine year for Ugandan runners in Lisbon, after Jacob Kiplimo won the city's half marathon earlier in 2026.
The women's contest was even tighter. Four Ethiopian runners stayed in contention until the final kilometre, and debutant Hayile produced the strongest finish to win in 2:28:04. Tejitu Siyum Alamayehu followed just seven seconds later, with Bashanke Imoshe Bilo only 11 seconds off the winner in third. Defending champion Abebech Afework had to settle for fifth — in a time of 2:29:00, exactly the same clocking that won her the 2025 edition. So close, yet so different this year.
For travellers, the Lisbon Marathon is worth knowing about beyond the elite results. It's one of Portugal's biggest international road-running events, and the race doubles as a scenic tour of the city, drawing thousands of amateur runners and their supporters each October. If you've ever fancied a running holiday with a purpose, the combination of a autumn-date race, mild Iberian weather and a city built for post-race pastries and custard tarts is a compelling one.
Results from this year's edition are provisional, so keep an eye out for any changes to the finishing times.
