Kenyan athlete Philimon Kiptoo Kipchumba made history on Sunday, November 1, after winning the men’s race at the 48th Istanbul Marathon in Turkey and setting a new course record.
Kipchumba crossed the finish line in 2 hours, 8 minutes and 44 seconds, breaking the previous record of 2:09:44 set by fellow Kenyan Daniel Kibet in 2019.
He improved the mark by exactly one minute to secure the title in the 42.195-kilometre race, which attracted elite runners from different countries.
Ethiopian athlete Sufaro Woliyi Kebeto finished second in 2:08:54, just 10 seconds behind Kipchumba, while Kenya’s Vincent Kipyegon Ronoh secured third place.
The victory added to Kipchumba’s impressive marathon career, having previously won the 2023 Shanghai Marathon in a personal best of 2:05:35.
The Istanbul Marathon, sponsored by Türkiye İş Bankası and organised by Spor Istanbul, is recognised as the world’s only intercontinental marathon.
The race started on the Asian side of Istanbul, near the July 15 Martyrs Bridge, before runners crossed into Europe and finished at the historic Sultanahmet Square.
Meanwhile, Ethiopia dominated the women’s category, with Kasanesh Ayenew Baze taking the title in 2:24:40.
Her compatriots Azmera Abreha Gdey and Diribe Hirko Alemu finished second and third respectively, completing an Ethiopian sweep of the women’s podium.
The 48th edition attracted 45,679 registered participants from 143 countries across its various race categories.
