Gobena and Jepchirchir Claim Sydney Marathon 2026 Titles

Addisu Gobena of Ethiopia (21) and reigning world champion Peres Jepchirchir of Kenya claimed convincing victories in the men's and women's races at the 2026 Sydney Marathon. For Gobena, it was his first title at a Marathon Major after finishing runner-up last year, while Jepchirchir extended her impressive streak with previous wins in Boston, New York, and London.

In the men's race, Gobena surged in the final kilometer to finish in 2 hours 4 minutes 42 seconds, just four seconds ahead of compatriot Chimdessa Debele Gudeta. Lesotho's Tebello Ramakongoana took third place. The victory also shattered the course record by nearly a minute and a half, as last year's champion Hailemaryam Kiros could not maintain his pace in the closing kilometers.

"I am very happy. Last year I finished second, and I learned from that experience and trained to improve. Today I broke the record," Gobena said. Before transitioning to long-distance running, Gobena was a javelin thrower and gained attention after winning the 2024 Dubai Marathon.

In the women's race, Jepchirchir dominated, crossing the finish line in front of the Sydney Opera House in 2 hours 18 minutes 31 seconds, nearly four minutes ahead of fellow Kenyan Irine Cheptai and Ethiopia's Shure Demise Ware. "I prepared well but wasn't sure about the win. I'm very happy. The course is hilly; the first half was tough, but the second half was better," Jepchirchir said.

In the men's race, the lead pack was reduced to 15 runners at the halfway mark, including Gobena, reigning world champion Alphonce Simbu, and Kiros. Breakaway attempts by Dawit Wolde, Vincent Ngetich, and Gobena were all reeled in, and at the 40-kilometer mark there were still seven athletes before Gobena and Gudeta made their decisive move.

In the women's race, Priscah Cherono of Kenya (46) led early, holding a 20-second gap at the 15-kilometer mark and 30 seconds at the halfway point. But Jepchirchir and Cheptai caught her before the 30-kilometer mark, after which Jepchirchir pulled away and finished just nine seconds off the course record set by Sifan Hassan in 2025.

In the wheelchair events, Daniel Romanchuk of the United States won the men's race, while Switzerland's Manuela Schar, a three-time Paralympic champion, took the women's title. This year's race saw a record approximately 40,000 participants on the 42.19-kilometer course from North Sydney across the Harbour Bridge to the area in front of the Opera House. The event has been elevated to World Marathon Major status since last year, placing it alongside London, Tokyo, Boston, Berlin, Chicago, and New York.