Africans dominate Ayala Philippine Marathon

Anderson Saitoti of Kenya (center) was the biggest winner in the Ayala Philippine Marathon 2026.

Photo release

MANILA, Philippines — Kenya’s Anderson Saitoti and Ethiopia’s Beshadu Bekele Bedane outran the competition to win the Ayala Philippine Marathon 2026 on Sunday at Ayala Ave. in Makati City.

The international runners stood out from the 11,000-strong field as they stamped their class in the event, which had Ayala Foundation as the title sponsor and was organized by RUNRIO, as it also served as the kickoff for the 2026 Philippine Marathon Majors.

Saitoti clocked an impressive 2:19:22 to secure the overall title followed by Ethiopia’s Abdi Asefa Kabede (2:20:22) in the men’s division.

The Philippines’ own Edsel Moral (2:25:42) and Eduard Flores (2:28:46) were also in hot pursuit, while Kenya’s Eric Chepsiror (2:29:11) completed the top five.

Bedane was also crowned the champion after timing at 2:44:52, in front of Kenya’s Truphena Chepchichir (2:47:30), Ethiopia’s Sifen Kidane Melka (2:52:53), Kenya’s Pamela Chepkoech (2:58:01), and Eloisa Cusi (3:00:52).

“We’re humbled by the outpouring of support and this sold out event is proof that the Philippines has indeed embraced the active lifestyle through running,” said RUNRIO president Rio de la Cruz of this race which had Gatorade as official sports drink, Cristalino Spring as the official hydration partner, Angel’s Burgeras official snack partner, and is supported by the Department of Tourism (DOT).

It’s a grand celebration for the running community which not only saw locals and international marathoners mingle with each other but also had 42K finisher Jim Guerrero take home a brand-new BYD Sealion 5 DM-i in the raffle.

More importantly, blessings were shared with P1 million pledged to the Cancer Care Hope Fund of Healthway Foundation, Inc., and another P550,000 to the Ayala Foundation Inc. (U-Go).

The Ayala Philippine Marathon 2026 also had BYD (AC Mobility) as mobility partner, Ayala Land as official venue partner and has platinum sponsors ACEN, Globe Broadband (Globe at Home 5G), Avida, Healthway Medical Network, Rope PH, Nike (Park Access), Rev, Mega Tuna, Jimm's Coffee, PUMA, FITBAR, GU Energy Gel PH, Rexona, Gardenia, Immuni PH and Flanax (Taisho).(Contributed story)