VITALIS KIBIWOTT WINS 2026 MILAN MARATHON IN 2:06:35; CHEKOLE TAKES WOMEN'S RACE

Vitalis Kibiwott of Kenya won the 2026 Wizz Air Milano Marathon in 2:06:35 on April 12. Yeshii Kalayu Chekole of Ethiopia won the women's race in 2:20:15.

Kibiwott pushed clear of a lead pack in the final 10 kilometers to take the men's victory. His 2:06:35 is among the fastest times on Italian soil in 2026 and confirms his form heading into the European autumn marathon schedule.

Chekole controlled the women's race over the second half and crossed alone. Her 2:20:15 stands as one of the fastest women's times in the race's recent history and reinforces Milan's place as a fast course for elite Ethiopian women.

The race ran point-to-point through central Milan, finishing on a flat closing stretch favored for fast times. Cool morning temperatures supported the elite field.

For more on the pre-race field and Italy's fastest course, see our Milan Marathon 2026 preview. The full background on the race's evolution from the Castello Sforzesco to its current Milano Marathon format is covered in our Milan Marathon history.

The men's field produced multiple sub-2:10 finishers, consistent with Milan's recent push to attract deeper East African presence. Race organizers have built the event into one of the faster spring marathons on the European calendar.

The women's race did not break the existing Milan course record but came within striking distance. Chekole's 2:20:15 places her among the top European spring marathon women of 2026.

Kibiwott's win continues a strong stretch for Kenyan men on the Italian marathon circuit. The country has produced multiple Milan champions over the past decade, and Kibiwott's time positions him for selection to deeper international fields in the autumn.

The race shared its April 12 date with the Paris and Rotterdam marathons, creating one of the deepest single days for elite marathon racing in 2026.

The 2027 Milano Marathon is expected to return in early April under Wizz Air's title sponsorship. Confirmed dates and elite invitations will be released later in 2026.