The second week of April has been packed with news from the running world. From the Marathon des Sables in the Sahara to South Africa’s coastal ultra, the Two Oceans Marathon, passing through the Paris Marathon, the Lake Sonoma ultras and the build-up to the 2026 Boston Marathon, there are stories to suit every runner. In this weekly recap, we bring together the main results and what’s coming up so you don’t miss a thing.
French dominance and a Moroccan duel at the Marathon des Sables
The legendary Marathon des Sables, a seven-day stage race in the Moroccan desert, produced one of the toughest spectacles of the season. In the women’s competition, France’s Maryline Nakache won all six stages and finished with a cumulative time of 25:54:29, almost four hours ahead of Morocco’s Aziza El Amrany (29:22:34) and American Des Linden (30:16:32). The fourth stage, a 100 km monster, was the longest in the event’s history and did not stop Nakache from extending her lead.
- Top 5 women: Maryline Nakache (FRA) 25:54:29; Aziza El Amrany (MAR) 29:22:34; Des Linden (USA) 30:16:32; Rajaa Hamdaoua (FRA) 32:16:08; Floriane Sabatte (FRA) 32:33:20.
- The race included a 100 km stage, which lengthened the course and forced competitors to manage their energy carefully.
- Nakache became the first woman to win every stage since the current format was introduced.
In the men’s race, a fraternal duel unfolded once again: brothers Mohamed and Rachid El Morabity dominated from day one. The younger Mohamed claimed his second overall title with a total time of 20:47:39 after winning five of the six stages, while Rachid finished second in 21:16:25. French athlete Ludovic Pommeret completed the podium (21:18:43), delivering an impressive debut. The 100 km stage proved decisive: Mohamed and Pommeret reached the finish together, and the Moroccan won by a mere twelve seconds.
- Top 5 men: Mohamed El Morabity (MAR) 20:47:39; Rachid El Morabity (MAR) 21:16:25; Ludovic Pommeret (FRA) 21:18:43; Ahmed Ouikhalfen (MAR) 22:10:39; Ryan Sandes (RSA) 23:21:05.
- This year’s course featured more dunes and rocky sections, and the 100 km stage raised the physical and mental challenge even further.
- Many athletes used the race as preparation for the European ultra calendar, which begins in May.
Gerda Steyn and Arthur Jantjies make history at the Two Oceans Marathon
The Two Oceans Marathon is one of South Africa’s most popular events thanks to its 56 km route between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. This year, South African Gerda Steyn claimed her seventh victory in 3:27:43, just seconds shy of her own course record. Kenya’s Margaret Jepchumba and Zimbabwe’s Nobuhle Nobukhosi Tshuma completed the podium in 3:33:31 and 3:38:34.
- Top 5 women: Gerda Steyn (RSA) 3:27:43; Margaret Jepchumba (KEN) 3:33:31; Nobuhle Nobukhosi Tshuma (ZIM) 3:38:34; Shelmith Muriuki (KEN) 3:39:14; Rholex Jelimo (KEN) 3:40:38.
- The organisers awarded a total prize fund of more than US$158,300 (2.6 million rand), with 380,000 ZAR for each winner.
- The route includes tough climbs over Chapman’s Peak and Constantia Nek, adding up to around 700 m of elevation gain.
In the men’s race, debutant South African Arthur Jantjies stunned the field with an attack in the second half to win in 3:09:25. Fellow South Africans Onalenna Khonkhobe (3:10:00) and Blessing Waison (3:11:13) followed, while Kenya’s Dennis Kipkosgei (3:11:29) and South African Tumelo Moja (3:12:07) rounded out the top five.
- Top 5 men: Arthur Jantjies (RSA) 3:09:25; Onalenna Khonkhobe (RSA) 3:10:00; Blessing Waison (ZIM) 3:11:13; Dennis Kipkosgei (KEN) 3:11:29; Tumelo Moja (RSA) 3:12:07.
- Jantjies, a two-time winner of the half marathon, made a highly successful debut over the longer distance.
- The event has become an iconic gathering for amateurs and professionals alike, with entries selling out months in advance.
2026 Paris Marathon results
More than 50,000 runners filled the streets of the French capital on 12 April for the Paris Marathon. In the men’s race, Italian Yemaneberhan Crippa earned his first major victory over the distance in 2:05:18, beating Ethiopia’s Bayelign Teshager (2:05:23) and Kenya’s Sila Kiptoo (2:05:28) by a matter of seconds. In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Shure Demise clocked 2:18:35, finishing ahead of compatriot Misgane Alemayehu (2:19:08) and Kenya’s Magdalyne Masai (2:19:17).
- Top 5 women: Shure Demise (ETH) 2:18:35; Misgane Alemayehu (ETH) 2:19:08; Magdalyne Masai (KEN) 2:19:17; Enatnesh Tirusew (ETH) 2:19:18; Sharon Chelimo (KEN) 2:20:03.
- Top 5 men: Yemaneberhan Crippa (ITA) 2:05:18; Bayelign Teshager (ETH) 2:05:23; Sila Kiptoo (KEN) 2:05:28; Mohamed Ismail (DJI) 2:05:38; Awet Nftalem Kibrab (ERI) 2:05:46.
- The organisers provided an official results site with times, splits and category rankings.
Lake Sonoma and other ultras from the weekend
The Lake Sonoma 100K ultra in California produced tightly contested podiums. Britain’s Fiona Pascall won the women’s race in 10:13, and Zimbabwe’s Emily Hawgood was runner-up with 10:31. In the men’s 100K, Ryan Sullivan dominated with a time of 8:36, while Nick Reschetnikov (10:20) and Kevin Walker (10:43) completed the podium. Over 50 km, Hannah Allgood dominated the women’s race in 4:19, and Robbie Simpson took the men’s victory in 3:39.
- Lake Sonoma 100K women: Fiona Pascall 10:13; Emily Hawgood 10:31; Audry Lawrence 11:51.
- Lake Sonoma 100K men: Ryan Sullivan 8:36; Nick Reschetnikov 10:20; Kevin Walker 10:43.
- Lake Sonoma 50K women: Hannah Allgood 4:19; Taylor Nowlin 4:59; Lily Berwanger 5:07.
- Lake Sonoma 50K men: Robbie Simpson 3:39; Cole Campbell 3:42; Marcel Hoeche 3:50.
Several other trail races also took place across North America. In Canada, the Diez Vista 50K crowned Elizabeth Hirsch (5:09) and Jeremy Pelletant (4:33); in Texas, the Brazos Bend 50 saw victories for Krystine Beneke (8:31) and Cole Jones (6:53); while Minnesota’s Zumbro 100 miles and Oregon’s Peterson Ridge Rumble registered wins for Anna Twinem, Korey Konietzki, Allison Godin and Evan Moreau. These events, though less publicised, show the continued growth of trail running and the wide variety of distances on offer.
What’s next: 2026 Boston Marathon preview and other events
The 130th edition of the Boston Marathon takes place on Monday 20 April, making it one of the oldest and most prestigious races in the world. In the women’s field, defending champion Sharon Lokedi starts as the favourite after breaking the course record in 2025 (2:17:22). Her main rival, Hellen Obiri, will race in London, opening the door to an American-tinged podium: Olympic Trials champion Fiona O’Keeffe, national record holder Emily Sisson and a strong group including Jessica McClain and Loice Chemnung will all be chasing the first U.S. podium in Boston since 2019. Temperatures around 4 °C with a tailwind are expected, which should favour fast times.
- Women’s favourites: Sharon Lokedi (KEN), Fiona O’Keeffe (USA), Emily Sisson (USA), Loice Chemnung (KEN), Workenesh Edesa (ETH), Irine Cheptai (KEN).
- Boston’s course is famous for its hills, especially Heartbreak Hill, so if you ever run it, pace yourself accordingly.
- The official broadcast will be available on the B.A.A. website and on various international channels.
In the men’s field, a showdown is shaping up between Kenyans John Korir and Benson Kipruto, both previous Boston champions. Other contenders include Ethiopian Milkesa Mengesha (winner in Berlin 2024), Dutchman Abdi Nageeye (New York 2024 champion), Ethiopian Hailemariyam Kiros (winner in Sydney 2025) and Tanzanian Alphonce Felix Simbu. With ten runners boasting personal bests under 2:05, the race is expected to be tactical and explosive.
- Men’s favourites: John Korir (KEN), Benson Kipruto (KEN), Milkesa Mengesha (ETH), Abdi Nageeye (NED), Hailemariyam Kiros (ETH), Alphonce Felix Simbu (TAN).
- Specialist broadcasters will provide previews and live coverage, so check the schedule in your country.
- After Boston, April continues with the Penang Skyrace in Malaysia and the start of the Skyrunner World Series season.
Training tips and how to use SnapRace
This week of major races is also an invitation to review your own training. Here are a few ideas to improve your performance and make the most of the SnapRace app:
- Plan ahead: use SnapRace’s GPS route features to simulate the courses of your upcoming races and adapt your preparation to the elevation profile.
- Mix your intensities: alternate interval sessions, easy runs and strength work to improve endurance and reduce injury risk.
- Hydration and nutrition: rehearse your strategy during long runs; the app allows you to log aid stations and fine-tune your intake.
- Take part in local events: discover and register for nearby races through SnapRace. For example, check out our guide to the Temuco Marathon 2026 or the article about Corre Mi Tierra Medellín 2026.
- Share your achievements: use the SnapRace community to stay motivated, follow other runners and celebrate your progress.
Running is a personal journey nourished by stories like the ones we have seen this week. Whether you dream of crossing the desert, running along the South African coast or tackling Boston’s hills, we hope this recap inspires you to keep moving forward. See you at the next race!