MIKE CHEMATOT WINS 2026 MADRID MARATHON; KENA GIRMA TOPS WOMEN'S FIELD

Mike Chematot of Kenya won the 2026 Rock 'n' Roll Madrid Marathon in 2:08:45 on April 26. Kena Girma of Ethiopia won the women's race in 2:25:59.

Chematot moved clear in the closing 10 kilometers to take the men's title. His 2:08:45 ranks among the faster recent winning times in Madrid and fell short of the course record of 2:08:18 set by Reuben Kerio in 2019. The Madrid course's net elevation profile and altitude make the race a harder fast-time target than its European peers.

Girma controlled the women's race over the second half and crossed alone in 2:25:59. The Ethiopian's time fell short of the women's course record of 2:24:37 set by Siranesh Yirga in 2022 but confirms Madrid's draw for elite Ethiopian women heading into the European autumn schedule.

For the longer arc of how Madrid evolved from a local Spanish race into an international marathon, see our Madrid Marathon history.

The race ran under cool morning conditions out of central Madrid. Spectators lined the route past the Plaza de Cibeles and the Puerta de Alcalá. Madrid's elevation of roughly 650 meters above sea level continues to differentiate it from the flat European marathon mainstream.

The men's race produced a tighter than usual lead group through 35 kilometers. Multiple Kenyan runners contested the closing kilometers before Chematot pulled away.

Chematot's win continues a long Kenyan run in Madrid. The country has produced multiple Madrid champions over the past decade.

Girma's win extends a strong Ethiopian women's presence in Madrid. The race has built its women's field around Ethiopian and Kenyan veterans seeking April fast times before the autumn major schedule.

The race is organized under the Rock 'n' Roll Running Series, with title sponsor Zurich. Madrid remains one of Spain's two major spring marathons alongside Barcelona's earlier-March date.

The 2027 Rock 'n' Roll Madrid Marathon is scheduled for April 25, 2027. Confirmed elite invitations will be released later in 2026.