Fotyen Tesfay Wins Zurich Barcelona Marathon with the Second-Fastest time Marathon in her debut

Fotyen Tesfay Wins Zurich Barcelona Marathon with the Second-Fastest time in Marathon n her debut

In the men’s category, Ugandan Abel Chelangat took victory in an edition marked by Tesfay’s historic time and a record turnout of 32,000 runners.

Ethiopian Fotyen Tesfay claimed victory at the Zurich Barcelona Marathon, making history by recording the second-fastest marathon time ever, with an incredible 2:10:53—just 57 seconds shy of the world record.

Making her marathon debut, Tesfay ran at world-record pace for the first 35 kilometers, shattering the Barcelona course record by nine minutes. She arrived in Barcelona with a strong track record in half marathons, having delivered top performances in Berlin and Valencia, and from the start she aimed for a historic time.

For much of the race, Tesfay kept spectators dreaming of a possible world record. She eventually crossed the finish line alone, achieving the second-fastest marathon time in history and the fastest ever by a debutant. Behind her, Kenyan Joan Jepkosgei finished second in 2:18:42, and 2023 champion Ethiopian Zeineba Yimer was third in 2:18:49.

In the men’s race, Ugandan Abel Chelangat took first place with a time of 2:04:57, ahead of Kenyans Patrick Kabirech Mosin (2:05:01) and Jonathan Samanayo Korir (2:05:29). Chelangat, who finished fifth at last year’s World Championships in Tokyo, confirmed his progression by winning with a personal best.

Chelangat made his decisive move at kilometer 40, opening a small gap over his pursuers that he maintained to the finish line.

The Zurich Barcelona Marathon also hosted the Spanish Marathon Championships, where Ricardo Rosado won the men’s title in 2:13:31 and debutant Carolina Robles claimed the women’s crown in 2:24:58.

Men’s Top 10

1. Abel Chelangat — 2:04:57
2. Patrick Kabirech Mosin — 2:05:01
3. Jonathan Samanayo Korir — 2:05:29
4. Moses Kipngetich Kemei — 2:05:53
5. Kaan Kigen Özbilien — 2:06:01
6. Haile Tigabu Desta — 2:06:20
7. Timothy Kipkorir Kattam — 2:06:42
8. Philimon Kiptoo Kipchumba — 2:06:55
9. Mekuant Ayenew Gebre — 2:07:42
10. Vincent Kipkorir Kigen — 2:07:46

Women’s Top 10

1. Fotyen Tesfay Haiylu — 2:10:53
2. Joan Jepkosgei Kiplimo — 2:18:42
3. Zeineba Yimer Worku — 2:18:49
4. Chaltu Chimdesa Kumsa — 2:23:32
5. Yalganesh Eskamech Gedefa — 2:24:05
6. Carolina Robles Campos — 2:24:58
7. Lucy Nthenya Ndambuki — 2:28:02
8. Gladys Tejeda — 2:29:51
9. Sofia Assefa Abebe — 2:22:59
10. Meningand Loréna — 2:24:10

The streets of Barcelona once again hosted a true running festival with 32,000 participants, setting a new record for the event. The festive atmosphere accompanied runners along all 42.195 kilometers of the course, which passed through some of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

The race’s international appeal remains strong, with 63% of participants from abroad, while female participation continues to grow, now representing 25% of the total field, highlighting the marathon’s global reach.

Throughout the route, 47 entertainment points energized the runners, creating an unforgettable atmosphere in the city streets, thanks to the collaboration of the organization, local groups, associations, and music bands. Managed by RPM Sports and the Barcelona City Council, the event once again turned the marathon into a city-wide sporting celebration.

With this edition, the Zurich Barcelona Marathon reinforces its status as one of Europe’s premier marathons, both for elite performance and mass participation. The record turnout, growing international participation, and vibrant race atmosphere consolidate Barcelona as a top global running destination, alongside the Hyundai Half Marathon Barcelona by Brooks, which also regularly hosts some of the fastest times in history.