Dominant Performances and Records at the 2026 Barcelona Half Marathon
Barcelona, Spain — The 2026 Hyundai Mitja Marató de Barcelona by Brooks delivered a spectacular showcase of world-class road racing on Sunday, 15 February, as Ethiopia’s Hagos Gebrhiwet and Kenya’s Loice Chemnung stormed to commanding victories with world-leading performances. The fast and flat Catalan course once again proved why Barcelona is considered one of Europe’s premier half marathon venues.
Men’s Race: Gebrhiwet in a Class of His Own
Ethiopia’s Hagos Gebrhiwet dominated the men’s race from the early stages, crossing the finish line in a brilliant 58:05 — the fastest half marathon time in the world so far in 2026.
The former Olympic 5000m bronze medallist pushed the pace decisively and steadily increased his advantage, ultimately winning by over a minute.
Top Men’s Results:
- Hagos Gebrhiwet (ETH) — 58:05
- Dominic Lokinyomo Lobalu (SUI) — 59:26
- Emmanuel Roudolff (FRA) — 59:37
- Samwel Nyamai Mailu (KEN) — 59:42
- Hagos Eyob Gared (ETH) — 59:42
Gebrhiwet’s performance signals outstanding form early in the season and strengthens expectations ahead of his upcoming marathon ambitions.
Women’s Race: Chemnung Sets Course Record as Kelati Breaks American Mark
Kenya’s Loice Chemnung delivered one of the standout performances of the day, clocking 1:04:01 to win convincingly and set a new course record in Barcelona.
Chemnung’s aggressive pace paid off as she broke away before midway and powered through the second half to lower the previous course best.
Behind her, Weini Kelati produced a historic run of her own. The American finished second in 1:06:04, breaking her own American half marathon record by five seconds. Kelati’s performance confirms her continued rise as one of the world’s top road racers and further elevates the prestige of the Barcelona race.
Top Women’s Results:
- Loice Chemnung (KEN) — 1:04:01
- Weini Kelati (USA) — 1:06:04 (American Record)
- Diniya Kedir Abaraya (ETH) — 1:06:28
- Taylor Roe (USA) — 1:06:52
- Magdalyne Yeko Masai (KEN) — 1:07:42
With world-leading times in both elite races and a national record performance, the 2026 Barcelona Half Marathon once again reinforced its status as one of the fastest and most competitive half marathons on the global calendar. Strong weather conditions, deep elite fields, and a lightning-quick course combined to produce exceptional performances.
