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Addisu Gobena has completed a remarkable transformation from javelin thrower to marathon champion, returning to Sydney one year after finishing runner-up and this time producing a spectacular victory in a new course-record time of 2:04:42.

The 21-year-old Ethiopian delivered a performance to remember at the 2026 Sydney Marathon, breaking away from a fiercely competitive field and crossing the finish line in 2:04:42 to claim the men's title.

In the process, Gobena obliterated the previous course record of 2:06:06, improving it by 1 minute and 24 seconds. The result represents another extraordinary step in the rapid rise of an athlete whose path to marathon success is anything but conventional.

Gobena was still competing as a javelin thrower until 2023 before turning his attention fully towards distance running. What followed has been an astonishing transformation. Within a remarkably short period, the young Ethiopian progressed from the field-event sector to the highest level of road racing, developing into a formidable marathoner.

His breakthrough came at the 2024 Dubai Marathon, where he won on his marathon debut in 2:05:01. He then continued to establish himself among Ethiopia's promising young distance runners, eventually returning to Sydney in 2025, where he finished second behind compatriot Hailemaryam Kiros.

That runner-up finish clearly left unfinished business.

One year later, Gobena returned to the streets of Sydney with a different objective — and this time, he finished the job. His 2:04:42 not only secured the victory but also rewrote the course record in emphatic fashion.

The battle behind him was equally extraordinary.

Fellow Ethiopian Chimdessa Debele Gudeta produced a phenomenal run to finish second in 2:04:46, just four seconds behind Gobena. Meanwhile, Tebello Ramakongoana of Lesotho completed the podium in 2:04:57, setting a new Lesotho national record.

It was a remarkable men's race, with all three podium finishers running faster than the previous Sydney course record of 2:06:06.

1. Addisu Gobena — Ethiopia — 2:04:42

2. Chimdessa Debele Gudeta — Ethiopia — 2:04:46

3. Tebello Ramakongoana — Lesotho — 2:04:57

For Gobena, the significance of the victory goes far beyond a medal and a course record. Just a few years ago, his athletic ambitions were centred on throwing the javelin. Today, he stands at the top of one of the world's major marathon stages, having produced a performance that places his name firmly among the sport's emerging stars.

His Sydney story has also come full circle. Last year, he had to settle for second. This time, he returned stronger, faster and determined to seize the moment.

From the javelin runway to 42.195 kilometres of marathon glory, Addisu Gobena has written one of the most remarkable chapters of his young career — and at only 21, his best may still be ahead of him. 

The 2026 TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS has raised the bar ahead of its biggest edition yet, unveiling the deepest men's elite field ever assembled on Australian soil. With an astonishing 14 athletes holding personal bests under the 2:05 barrier, this year's race is shaping up to be one of the fastest and most competitive marathons of the season.

Leading the star-studded lineup is reigning marathon world champion Alphonce Felix Simbu of Tanzania, whose outstanding personal best of 2:02:47 makes him one of the leading contenders for victory. Simbu arrives in Sydney as one of the sport's most accomplished marathoners and is expected to spearhead an elite battle unlike anything previously seen in Australia.

Also among the favourites is Ethiopian standout Sisay Lemma, the fastest man in the field with a remarkable 2:01:48 personal best. Kenya will be strongly represented by Timothy Kiplagat (2:02:55) and Vincent Ngetich (2:03:13), while Ethiopia brings exceptional depth through athletes including Dawit Wolde, Leul Gebresilase, Seifu Tura, Chalu Deso, Addisu Gobena, Chala Regassa, Belay Tilahun, and Melaku Belachew.

South Africa's Tebello Ramakongoana, Djibouti's Ibrahim Hassan, and Australia's leading marathoners, including Andy Buchanan, headline a truly international field featuring elite athletes from Africa, Oceania, North America, and Asia.

The quality of the field is underlined by an extraordinary statistic—14 men have already broken 2:05 for the marathon, a level of depth never before seen at an Australian marathon. With so many proven performers capable of running world-class times, the race promises relentless pace from the opening kilometres to the finish.

As the Sydney Marathon continues to cement its place among the world's premier road races, the 2026 edition marks another major milestone in its rapid rise. With a world champion, multiple athletes with personal bests close to the 2:02 mark, and unprecedented depth across the field, fans can expect an unforgettable contest on the streets of Sydney.

All eyes will now be on race day to see whether this historic field can deliver equally historic performances in what is poised to become one of the most memorable marathons ever staged in Australia.

In a moment that will echo through the annals of long-distance running, the defending champion Sebastian Sawe has achieved what generations once believed to be beyond human reach—breaking the two-hour barrier in an official marathon setting at the TCS London Marathon 2026. 

Clocking a breathtaking 1:59:30, the Kenyan star becomes the first man in history to run a sub-two-hour marathon under record-eligible conditions, delivering a performance of extraordinary precision, endurance, and courage. It was not just a race—it was a statement that the limits of human performance continue to be redefined.

The race unfolded at a relentless pace, with Sawe demonstrating remarkable composure and control from the very start. As the kilometers ticked away, it became increasingly evident that something historic was taking shape. Each stride carried the weight of expectation and possibility, and when he finally crossed the line, the stopwatch confirmed the unimaginable had become reality.

Hot on his heels was Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha, who matched the historic time of 1:59:41, securing a personal best and national record in a performance that would have dominated headlines on any other occasion. Meanwhile, Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo delivered a sensational 2:00:28, also a personal best and national record, further highlighting the extraordinary depth and quality of this unforgettable race.

What made this performance even more remarkable was the manner in which it was achieved. The pace never wavered, the rhythm never broke, and the intensity never dropped. Every split reflected surgical precision, as the lead pack worked in perfect harmony before Sawe unleashed his decisive surge in the closing stages. It was a masterclass in controlled aggression—where endurance met absolute mental strength on the grandest stage.

Beyond the numbers and records, this race will be remembered for the statement it sends to the rest of the world: that marathon running has officially entered a new dimension. What was once considered untouchable is now history, rewritten in bold ink. Sawe’s triumph, alongside the extraordinary performances of Kejelcha and Kiplimo, has elevated the sport into a new era where limits are not just challenged—but completely erased.

Top 10 Finishers – 2026 TCS London Marathon (Elite Men)

1. Sebastian Sawe – 1:59:30 (World Record)

2. Yomif Kejelcha – 1:59:41 (PB, NR)

3. Jacob Kiplimo – 2:00:28 (PB, NR)

4. Amos Kipruto (Kenya) – 2:01:39 PB

5. Tamirat Tola (Ethiopia) – 2:02:59

6. Deresa Geleta (Ethiopia) – 2:03:23

7. Addisu Gobena (Ethiopia) – 2:05:23

8. Geoffrey Kamworor (Kenya) – 2:05:38

9. Peter Lynch (Ireland) – 2:06:08 NR

10. Mahamed Mahamed (Great Britain) – 2:06:14 PB

This extraordinary race will be remembered as one of the defining moments in the evolution of marathon running, where human endurance and scientific preparation converged to produce something once thought impossible. It was not only about breaking a barrier, but about completely redefining what the sport can deliver at its highest level, inspiring a new generation of athletes to dream beyond established limits.

As the dust settles on this historic achievement, the legacy of this day will endure far beyond the finishing times. Sebastian Sawe and his closest challengers have etched their names into athletics history, proving that greatness is not a destination but a continuous pursuit. The marathon world now stands transformed, with a new standard set and a new era unmistakably underway.

Sydney, August 31, 2025 – The Sydney Marathon ushered in a new era today, joining the elite ranks of the Abbott World Marathon Majors with a race that delivered both record-breaking performances and unforgettable moments on the streets of Australia’s largest city.

Hassan Dominates the Women’s Race

Olympic champion Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands continued her dominance in the marathon with a commanding victory. Hassan crossed the finish line at the Sydney Opera House in 2:18:22, smashing the course record and becoming the first woman to dip under 2:20 on Australian soil.

Former world record holder Brigid Kosgei of Kenya claimed second place, while last year’s Sydney champion Workenesh Edesa of Ethiopia secured third. Hassan’s winning margin reflected her superior class and endurance, reinforcing her reputation as one of the greatest all-around distance runners in history.

Kiros Breaks Men’s Course Record

The men’s race was equally electrifying. Ethiopia’s Hailemaryam Kiros surged clear at the 30km markalongside compatriot Addisu Gobena before unleashing a decisive kick in the final stages. Kiros broke the tape in 2:06:06, the fastest marathon ever run on Australian soil.

Gobena, just 20 years old and competing in his fourth marathon, impressed with a 2:06:16 for second place, while Tebello Ramakongoana of Lesotho clocked 2:06:47 to finish third.

“The competition was very tough, this was a strong, strong field,” said Kiros, who finished fifth at the Berlin Marathon earlier this year.

Kipchoge Inspires at 40

Marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge, celebrating his 40th birthday this year, showed his enduring spirit on the world stage. Although he was unable to keep pace when the Ethiopians surged, Kipchoge still battled through to finish ninth in 2:08:31.

For the man many consider the greatest marathoner of all time, the performance was a reminder that his mission extends beyond racing—to inspire, to unite, and to prove that running is a lifelong journey.

A Citywide Celebration

The marathon course highlighted Sydney’s most iconic landmarks, with the field of 35,000 runnersstreaming across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, winding through Centennial Park, and finishing against the stunning backdrop of the Opera House.

Perfect racing conditions—bright sunshine and cool temperatures—helped elevate performances and ensured Sydney made the most of its debut as a World Marathon Major, joining New York, London, Boston, Chicago, Tokyo, and Berlin in the sport’s most prestigious series.

Final Results at a Glance

Men

1. Hailemaryam Kiros (ETH) – 2:06:06 (course record)

2. Addisu Gobena (ETH) – 2:06:16

3. Tebello Ramakongoana (LES) – 2:06:47

Women

1. Sifan Hassan (NED) – 2:18:22 (course record)

2. Brigid Kosgei (KEN) – ~2:18:56

3. Workenesh Edesa (ETH) – ~2:22:05

A Defining Moment

With new course records, thrilling competition, and global attention, the 2025 Sydney Marathonestablished itself as not just a spectacular race but also a cornerstone of the global marathon calendar. For elite athletes and everyday runners alike, Sydney delivered a day to remember.

The 2025 Chevron Houston Half Marathon delivered an unforgettable race, featuring one of the closest finishes in the event’s history. In a jaw-dropping sprint to the finish line, Addisu Gobena of Ethiopia and Conner Mantz of the United States both crossed the tape at 59:17, sharing the event record in an electric photo finish.

For Mantz, this historic performance was doubly significant. The Utah native not only tied the event record but also shattered Ryan Hall’s longstanding American record of 59:43, set in 2007. Mantz’s 59:17 establishes a new national standard, cementing his place as one of the greatest American half-marathoners.

The men’s field showcased extraordinary depth, with four runners breaking the elusive 1-hour mark and an additional eight runners finishing under 61 minutes. The sheer quality of performances underscores Houston’s reputation as one of the premier half-marathon events in the world.

Men’s Results Overview

1. Addisu Gobena (Ethiopia) – 59:17

2. Conner Mantz (USA) – 59:17 (New American Record)

3. Gabriel Geay (Tanzania) – 59:18

4. Jemal Yimer (Ethiopia) – 59:20

5. Patrick Dever (Great Britain) – 1:00:11

Mantz’s record-breaking run wasn’t the only highlight for American fans. Hillary Bor, Wesley Kiptoo, Andrew Colley, and Alex Maier all posted sub-61-minute finishes, demonstrating the growing strength of U.S. distance running.

A Photo Finish for the Ages

The showdown between Gobena and Mantz captivated spectators. Both runners surged in the final meters, with Gobena just barely edging ahead in the official results. While Gobena claimed the win, Mantz’s breakthrough made headlines, showing that American distance running continues to rise to global prominence.

Conner Mantz’s Perspective

“This was a dream race for me,” Mantz said after the event. “I’ve always admired Ryan Hall’s record, and to not only break it but to do so in such a competitive field is incredibly special. Sharing the event record with Addisu Gobena makes it even more memorable.”

A Record-Setting Day

The 2025 Chevron Houston Half Marathon proved to be one for the history books. With its flat, fast course and deep international field, the event continues to attract world-class talent. Gobena and Mantz’s shared record and Mantz’s new American milestone will stand as highlights of this year’s race, reminding fans why Houston is synonymous with excellence in distance running.

Women’s Half Marathon:

Weini Kelati lowered her own American women’s half marathon record by completing the race in 1:06:09, a 16-second improvement from her previous record of 1:06:25 set at the same event last year. Kelati secured second place in the women’s field, finishing just four seconds behind Ethiopia’s Senayet Getachew, who won with a time of 1:06:05. 

The favorable weather conditions in Houston contributed to these record-breaking performances, making the 2025 Houston Half Marathon a memorable event for American distance running. 

Organisers of the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon have revealed a world-class line up for this year’s World Athletics Platinum Label road race on 3 November, led by defending champions Tamirat Tola and Hellen Obiri.

Since winning last year in a course record of 2:04:58, Tola won the Olympic title in Paris in a Games record of 2:06:26. What made his feat all the more impressive is that he was only drafted into the Ethiopian team two weeks before the Games, having initially been named as a reserve.

“I’m excited to defend my title in New York, especially coming off an Olympic-record marathon performance,” said Tola. “The hilly course and crowds in Paris definitely prepared me well for the bridges and spectators in New York, where maybe I can go even faster this year.”

Two-time Olympic medallist Bashir Abdi will also be one to watch; the Belgian earned silver at the recent Olympics, having taken bronze at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and at the 2022 World Championships.

Three past winners – all from Kenya – are also in the field: 2022 champion Evans Chebet, 2021 winner Albert Korir, and 2019 and 2017 victor Geoffrey Kamworor. Chebet has twice won the Boston Marathon, and has finished first or second in 13 marathons. Kamworor has made it on to the podium in all four of his New York Marathon appearances.

Fellow Kenyan Abel Kipchumba, who won this year’s NYC Half Marathon, will be making his New York City Marathon debut.

The US charge is led by Conner Mantz and Clayton Young, who finished eighth and ninth respectively in the Paris Olympic marathon.

Women’s Open Division

Obiri is a three-time Olympic medallist and seven-time world medallist. Last year the Kenyan became the first woman in 34 years to win both Boston and New York in the same calendar year. So far this year, she retained her Boston Marathon title and went on to earn bronze in the Olympic marathon.

“There’s no place like New York, and I am so ready to defend my title,” said Obiri. “I have been racing very well on the roads in the US, and I hope I can have another good day that sees me in contention once we enter the final stages in Central Park.”

Fellow Kenyan Sharon Lokedi, the 2022 NYC Marathon winner, will return after finishing third last year and fourth in the Olympic marathon in Paris. The Kenyan delegation will also include 2010 champion Edna Kiplagat, four-time Olympic medallist Vivian Cheruiyot, and Sheila Chepkirui, who owns the fastest personal best in the field.

Ethiopia’s Tirunesh Dibaba will make her New York City Marathon debut and is one of the world’s most accomplished long-distance runners as a three-time Olympic and 16-time world champion. She will be joined by compatriot Senbere Teferi.

Dakotah Lindwurm, the top US finisher in the marathon at the Paris Olympics, will lead the US contingent.

Elite field

WomenSheila Chepkirui (KEN) 2:17:29Tirunesh Dibaba (ETH) 2:17:56Vivian Cheruiyot (KEN) 2:18:31Senbere Teferi (ETH) 2:19:21Dera Dida (ETH) 2:19:24Edna Kiplagat (KEN) 2:19:50Eunice Chumba (BRN) 2:20:02Sharon Lokedi (KEN) 2:22:45Hellen Obiri (KEN) 2:23:10Fatima Gardadi (MAR) 2:24:12Kellyn Taylor (USA) 2:24:29Fabienne Schlumpf (SUI) 2:24:30Aliphine Tuliamuk (USA) 2:24:37Dakotah Lindwurm (USA) 2:24:40Lily Partridge (GBR) 2:25:12Jessica McClain (USA) 2:25:46Des Linden (USA) 2:25:55Tristin Van Ord (USA) 2:25:58Khishigasaikhan Galbadrakh (MGL) 2:26:32Maggie Montoya (USA) 2:28:07Katja Goldring (USA) 2:29:01Savannah Berry (USA) 2:29:13

MenEvans Chebet (KEN) 2:03:00Gabriel Geay (TAN) 2:03:00Bashir Abdi (BEL) 2:03:36Tamirat Tola (ETH) 2:03:39Geoffrey Kamworor (KEN) 2:04:23Abdi Nageeye (NED) 2:04:45Addisu Gobena (ETH) 2:05:01Abel Kipchumba (KEN) 2:06:49Albert Korir (KEN) 2:06:57Conner Mantz (USA) 2:07:47Clayton Young (USA) 2:08:00Rory Linkletter (CAN) 2:08:01Callum Hawkins (GBR) 2:08:14Ser-Od Bat-Ochir (MGL) 2:08:50Elkanah Kibet (USA) 2:09:07Noah Droddy (USA) 2:09:09Jonny Mellor (GBR) 2:09:09Jared Ward (USA) 2:09:25Colin Bennie (USA) 2:09:38Futsum Zienasellassie (USA) 2:09:40CJ Albertson (USA) 2:09:53Nico Montanez (USA) 2:09:55Yuma Morii (JPN) 2:09:59

Ethiopia’s Tigist Ketema made a stunning debut over the classic distance to win the Dubai Marathon in 2:16:07 on Sunday (7). Compatriot Addisu Gobena, another marathon debutant and just 19 years of age, won the men’s race at the World Athletics Label road race in 2:05:01.

Running on Dubai’s renowned super flat course that mainly stretches on Jumeirah Beach Road, Ketema smashed the course record by more than a minute. The 25-year-old, who had previously been an 800m specialist and had never competed at any distance farther than 10km, now moves to eighth on the world all-time list.

Just 18 months ago, her time would have also been an Ethiopian record, but she now sits third on her country’s all-time list behind world record-holder Tigist Assefa and world champion Amane Beriso.

Fellow Ethiopians Ruti Aga and defending champion Dera Dida took second and third places with 2:18:09 and 2:19:29 respectively. Fourth-placed German Melat Kejeta, returning from a maternity break, ran 2:21:47.

Gobena led an Ethiopian sweep of the podium in the men’s race. Prior to today, Gobena’s only known performance was a third-place finish at the Delhi Half Marathon three months ago, but the U20 athlete made a name for himself by winning in Dubai in 2:05:01.

Compatriots Lemi Dumecha and Dejene Megersa, another debutant, followed in second and third spots with 2:05:20 and 2:05:42.

Ethiopia’s 2016 Olympic champion Almaz Ayana and Kenya’s world 10,000m and half marathon silver medallist Daniel Ebenyo took top honours at the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon on Sunday (15), winning the World Athletics Gold Label road race in 1:07:58 and 59:27 respectively.

Through the early stages, Ayana ran alongside fellow Ethiopians Aberash MInsewo and Dessie Anchinalu as well as Kenya’s Viola Chepngeno and Uganda’s Chesang, covering the first 5km in 15:45. Vivian Cheruiyot – who also claimed an Olympic gold medal in Rio, hers over 5000m – was slightly behind the lead pack.

Ayana maintained her 16-minute pace for each of the following five-kilometre intervals. She slowed down in the closing stages, but was a comfortable distance ahead of Chesang. Ayana crossed the finish line in 1:07:58, recording her second win in New Delhi following her 1:07:12 triumph in 2017.

Chesang finished 28 seconds later for second place while Chepngeno completed the podium in 1:09:09.

In the men’s race, Ebenyo and compatriot Chales Matata ran with several of their fellow Kenyans, as well as Ethiopia’s Addisu Gobena. The pack stayed together until 13km when Ebenyo and Matata made a break.

They ran together for another five kilometres, but Ebenyo managed to open up a significant lead in the final few kilometres to win in 59:27. Matata clocked 1:00:05 for second place, while Gobena placed third in 1:00:51.