The Zurich Seville Marathon 2026 exceeded all expectations. On 15 February 2026, 17,000 runners from more than 100 countries took to the streets of the Andalusian capital and witnessed a film‑worthy finale. Below we review the official results, notable performances and what made this edition special, along with tips for anyone planning to tackle this fast, flat course.
A photo finish decides the men’s race
Seville once again proved why it is one of the world’s fastest courses. In the men’s race, Ethiopians Shura Kitata and Asrar Hiyrden staged an epic duel that was decided on the finish line. Both stopped the clock at 2:03:59—the world’s best time of the year and the third fastest mark in the event’s history. After reviewing the photo finish, officials awarded Kitata the victory. Fellow Ethiopian Dejene Hailu rounded out the podium with 2:04:15.
- Shura Kitata (ETH) – 2:03:59
- Asrar Hiyrden (ETH) – 2:03:59
- Dejene Hailu (ETH) – 2:04:15
The Ethiopian dominance was complemented by Kenya’s Justus Kipkorir Limo (4th in 2:04:55) and Israel’s Bukaywwe Malede (9th in 2:07:38). Remarkably, 23 men ran under 2 hours 10 minutes, highlighting the depth of the field.
Alisa Vainio breaks the Finnish record and shocks the favourites
If the men’s finish was heart‑stopping, the women’s race delivered a dominant victory by Finland’s Alisa Vainio. Fifth at the 2025 Tokyo World Championships, she surged at kilometre 35 to drop her African rivals and crossed the line in 2:20:39, setting a new Finnish national record. She was followed by Kenya’s Beatrice Jepchichir (2:21:56) and Ethiopia’s Mulat Tekle (2:22:03), underscoring the growing presence of European champions in elite marathons.
- Alisa Vainio (FIN) – 2:20:39
- Beatrice Jepchichir (KEN) – 2:21:56
- Mulat Tekle (ETH) – 2:22:03
Italy’s Elisa Palmero debuted with 2:24:10—just four seconds ahead of Fátima Ouhaddou, the top Spanish finisher, whose 2:24:16 secured the European qualifying standard and confirmed the progress of Spanish women’s marathoning.
Top Spanish and South American performances
The first Spaniard across the line was Barcelona’s Ilias Fifa, whose superb 2:08:36 placed him 13th overall. Chakib Lachgar (2:09:55) and trail star Álex García Carrillo (2:12:10) completed the national podium. On the women’s side, Fátima Ouhaddou led the Spaniards, with Estefanía Unzu ‘Verdeliss’ (2:45:39) and local runner Alejandra Flores (2:46:29) joining her on the domestic rostrum.
The Seville Marathon also saw notable South American performances. Chile’s Ricardo Rojas was the best from the region, clocking 2:11:57 for 32nd place, while his compatriot Margarita Masías shone in the women’s race with 2:36:49.
Record participation and a festive atmosphere
This 41st edition set new participation records. Organisers registered 17,000 runners, including 8,954 foreigners from more than 100 countries and 3,613 women. Sevilla’s mayor noted that the race is now “the city’s third economic engine after Holy Week and the April Fair,” with worldwide visibility thanks to broadcasts on 330 TV networks.
The number of finishers also reached an all‑time high: 12,404 athletes completed the marathon, confirming Seville as one of Europe’s most popular races. A field of 200 elite athletes, a new start on Avenida de María Luisa and the support of thousands of spectators along the 42 km created an unforgettable atmosphere.
Tips to prepare for the Seville Marathon
Inspired by these performances? Here are some guidelines to make the most of this fast, flat course:
- Plan a 12–16‑week cycle: include progressively longer runs up to 32–35 km, marathon‑pace workouts and quality sessions such as long intervals or tempo runs.
- Build strength and stability: exercises like squats, lunges, deadlifts and planks improve running economy and reduce injury risk.
- Practise your nutrition: rehearse gel and sports drink strategies during long runs; eat breakfast at least two hours before the race.
- Rehearse race pace: incorporate 5‑10 km blocks at target pace to internalise your speed.
- Use smart technology: tools such as the SnapRace app help you plan sessions, monitor pace and share progress with other runners.
For further insights, check out our pre‑race guide to the Seville Marathon 2026 and our coverage of the Seville Half Marathon 2026 to learn more about the course, the city and training strategies.
Ready to chase your next personal best on Spain’s flattest circuit? Download SnapRace, plan your training and join thousands of runners already preparing for the 2027 edition. See you on the start line!