More than 35,000 runners from 115 countries took to the streets for the 31st edition of the Rome Marathon. While Asbel Rutto secured victory by a mere four seconds (2:06:32), Pascaline Kibiwot stole the headlines by setting a blistering new course record of 2:22:44.
A Four-Second Gap: Dramatic Kenyan Finish
Sunday, March 22, 2026, delivered high-stakes drama in the Italian capital. The men’s elite race turned into a tactical masterpiece that came down to the final strides. Kenya’s Asbel Rutto, the 2024 champion, returned to the top of the podium with a time of 2:06:32, edging out compatriot Henry Tukor Kichana by just four seconds. It was one of the closest finishes in the event’s 30-year history, cementing Rutto’s mastery over Rome’s demanding surfaces. Ethiopia’s Lencho Tesfaye Anbesa took third, finishing over a minute behind the leaders.
Kibiwot Smashes Record by Two Minutes
In the women’s field, Pascaline Kibiwot was in a league of her own, displaying dominant form from gun to tape. The Kenyan didn’t just win; she obliterated the previous course record with a time of 2:22:44, improving the mark by nearly two minutes. Behind her, a fierce battle for the podium saw Ethiopian runners Genet Tadesse Robi and Aberash Fayesa Robi take second and third. East African dominance was absolute, with athletes from the region sweeping the top 10 spots in both categories.
From the Colosseum to Circus Maximus: A Race Through History
The Acea Run Rome The Marathon 2026 lived up to its reputation as an “open-air museum.” The route started at Via dei Fori Imperiali in the shadow of the Colosseum, passing iconic landmarks including the Pyramid of Cestius, Castel Sant’Angelo, and St. Peter’s Basilica. Despite technical turns and stretches of traditional cobblestones (sampietrini), the course remains relatively fast due to a low total elevation gain of just 56 meters. The finish at the historic Circus Maximus provided a spectacular backdrop of ancient ruins, echoing the city’s sporting heritage dating back to antiquity and the 1960 Olympic Games.
Running for a Mission: World Water Day
This year’s race coincided with World Water Day, forming the core of the #runforwater social campaign. Title sponsor Acea used the platform to promote environmental awareness. Throughout the course, runners had access to fresh drinking water via the city’s famous “nasoni”—the iconic curved street fountains that number over 3,000 across Rome. Participants also utilized the Acquea app to manage hydration sustainably. The event proved that a major marathon can serve as a powerful tool for global advocacy, blending physical endurance with planetary care.
35,000 Participants and a 93-Year-Old Finisher
The marathon, along with the Run4Rome relay and the Fun Run, drew a massive crowd of over 35,000 entrants. While the elites chased records, others chased personal milestones—most notably 93-year-old Antonio Rao, who completed the distance in 7:09:20. The inclusive spirit of the event was further highlighted by the presence of Athletica Vaticana, including Cardinal Jean-Paul Vesco. As the inaugural event of the European Marathon Classics series, the 2026 Rome Marathon has firmly established the “Eternal City” as a premier destination on the global running calendar.
