On Sunday, March 8, 2026, nearly 50,000 runners took to the streets for the 34th edition of the HOKA Semi de Paris. The event saw Kennedy Kimutai successfully defend his men’s title, while Ethiopia’s Ftaw Zeray set a stunning new course record on International Women’s Day.
Kimutai Dominates Again, Zeray Shatters Record by 50 Seconds
The elite competition at this year’s half marathon reached an exceptional level, aided by favorable weather conditions that paved the way for impressive times. Kenya’s Kennedy Kimutai confirmed his dominance in Paris, securing his second consecutive victory with a time of 1:00:11. The 26-year-old, who trains alongside marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge, improved his winning mark from last year by five seconds. Joining him on the podium were fellow countryman Timothy Misoi (1:00:41) and South Africa’s Thabang Mosiako (1:00:42).
However, the headline story came from the women’s race, where Ethiopia’s Ftaw Zeray decimated the previous course record. She crossed the finish line at Place de la Bastille in 1:05:12, slashing nearly 50 seconds off the former mark. Zeray, the 2025 Shanghai Half Marathon champion, proved she is among the world’s elite distance runners. The battle for the remaining podium spots was incredibly tight, with Kenya’s Mercy Chepwogen (1:06:29) edging out Uganda’s Sarah Chelangat (1:06:31) by a mere two seconds.
The high intensity of the race was evident across the field, as the entire top ten men finished under 1 hour and 4 minutes. This reinforces the status of the HOKA Semi de Paris as one of the fastest road races in Europe. The strategic battle for the lead began from the opening kilometers, with the frontrunners maintaining a blistering pace throughout.
French Success on Home Soil
Among the international stars, French runners delivered strong performances, fighting for spots in the top ten. Victor Moreau was the top Frenchman of the day, finishing eighth with a time of 1:03:15. He was followed closely by Igor Bougnot, who clocked 1:03:16. This neck-and-neck finish highlights the strong form of French athletes at the start of the 2026 season.
Notably, Isaac Kimeli, representing Belgium, was the first European to cross the line with a time of 1:01:26. This was Kimeli’s debut at the 21.0975 km distance, making his fifth-place overall finish even more remarkable. The race also featured legends from other disciplines, including trail running champion Jim Walmsley (1:04:56) and Olympic triathlon champion Jan Frodeno (1:11:45). Their presence drew significant fan attention and added extra prestige to the event.
For the French contingent, the capital’s half marathon served as a crucial test ahead of upcoming championship events. The solid times from Moreau and Bougnot offer plenty of optimism for their future marathon starts. Organizers noted that the high density of sub-63-minute results reflects the rising level of European long-distance running.
Women Represent Nearly Half the Field
This year’s edition held special significance as it coincided with International Women’s Day. Organizers proudly announced that 46% of participants were women—a record-breaking figure for the event. Just four years ago, that number stood at 35%, signaling a major shift in mass participation demographics. Furthermore, one in three runners on the starting line was a debutant completing their first-ever half marathon.
The course led participants through the scenic landmarks of eastern Paris, starting on Boulevard Saint-Germain and concluding at the iconic Place de la Bastille. Runners covered kilometers along the Seine and through the greenery of the Bois de Vincennes, benefiting from the flat course profile. Early morning mist quickly gave way to perfect running conditions, helping many amateurs achieve new personal bests. The atmosphere remained electric thanks to large crowds and various entertainment stations organized along the route.
The Paris Half Marathon is about more than just sport; it also champions charitable and educational initiatives. This year, 5,000 participants ran with charity bibs, supporting 110 different organizations. A new addition for 2026 was “The 1st Kilometre” kids’ race, held on Saturday at Grande Halle de la Villette, aimed at inspiring a passion for sports in the city’s youngest residents.
Paris Confirms Its Running Powerhouse Status
The Paris Half Marathon has solidified its position at the forefront of global running, both in terms of elite performance and mass participation. All eyes now turn to the upcoming Paris Marathon on April 12, 2026—will the French capital see even more records fall?
