Lisbon, Portugal – The Portuguese capital is set to host one of the fastest half marathon events in the world on Sunday, March 8, as elite distance runners from across the globe line up for the Lisbon Half Marathon. The 21km course is renowned for producing fast times, attracting top international talent year after year.
Kenyan Women Headlined by Janeth Chepng’etich
Kenya’s elite challenge will be led by Janeth Chepng’etich, the former African champion who has made a seamless transition to road racing since stepping up to the half marathon in 2022. Chepng’etich announced her arrival on the roads with a commanding debut win at the Udine Half Marathon, clocking 1:08:24, and has steadily lowered her personal best.
Her 2023 season featured a second-place finish in Prague in 1:06:42, followed by a podium finish in Valencia with a time of 1:05:15, showcasing her rapid progression. Most recently, she demonstrated her fitness on the track at the Eliud Kipchoge Sports Complex, winning the women’s 10,000m in 34:36.9, ahead of compatriots Maurine Chebor and Marion Kibor.
In Lisbon, Chepng’etich will face a competitive field led by defending champion and course record holder Tsigie Gebreselama, who won last year in 1:04:21. Other Kenyan entrants include Lucy Cheruiyot, Regina Wambui, Tabitha Njeri Kamau, Diana Chumba, and Selah Busienei, all with personal bests under 1:10, setting the stage for a thrilling women’s race.
Men’s Elite Field Features Record Holders and Rising Stars
The men’s race promises equal excitement, highlighted by the return of Jacob Kiplimo, the Ugandan star and course record holder at 57:31, who previously held the world record from 2021 to 2024.
Kenya will be represented by Commonwealth Games silver medallist Nicholas Kipkorir and Gilbert Kiprotich, with personal bests of 58:23 and 58:27 respectively. They will be joined by Benard Langat and Kiprono Sitonik, both strong sub-60-minute performers. Uganda will introduce promising talent Oscar Chelimo, making his half marathon debut.
Home favourite Samuel Barata is expected to spearhead the Portuguese challenge, adding a local edge to the already deep international field. With top runners from Kenya, Uganda, and Europe, this year’s Lisbon Half Marathon is poised to deliver fast times and high drama from start to finish.
