Kenyan Bethwel Kibet Chumba won the Buenos Aires Marathon 2026

The streets of Buenos Aires transformed once again this Sunday into the stage for a massive day of athletics. More than 16,000 runners from 64 countries participated in the 42nd edition of the Buenos Aires Marathon, which was won by Kenyan Bethwel Kibet Chumba.

The African completed the 42.195 kilometers in 2 hours, 8 minutes, and 22 seconds and triumphed in a competition that passed through some of the most emblematic areas of the City, such as Palermo, Recoleta, Puerto Madero, and La Boca, before concluding near Figueroa Alcorta and Dorrego. Following him was John Hakizimana, a representative from Rwanda, in a race that once again brought together a good part of the international elite in long-distance running.

Chumba arrived in Buenos Aires with a background that placed him among the main contenders. His personal best was 2h 04m 37s, achieved at the 2023 Amsterdam Marathon, although this time he did not manage to get close to the historical record of the Buenos Aires circuit. That mark remains with his compatriot Evens Chebet, who completed the race in 2 hours and 5 minutes in 2019.

Among the national representatives, Ignacio Erario was the standout. The Mendoza native finished the race in 2 hours, 16 minutes, and 34 seconds to become the best Argentine in the overall classification.

Meanwhile, in the female category, the victory also went to an athlete from Kenya. Rebecca Kangogo Chesir was the winner with a time of 2h 23m 31s and set, according to the competition records, a new record for the circuit. The best Argentine was Chiara Mainetti, who completed the course in 2 hours and 38 minutes.

The international dimension of the competition was also reflected in the origin of the participants. Of the registrants, 10,615 were Argentine and 5,769 came from abroad. Brazil had the largest foreign delegation, with 2,769 runners, followed by representatives from Chile, Colombia, Uruguay, Peru, and other countries.