East African Stars Shine as Champions of the 2025 Durban International Marathon

Image: Organisers

The 2025 Durban International Marathon marked a significant milestone in sports history. It brought together elite athletes from East Africa who delivered outstanding performances against optimal racing conditions. This year, Kenya's Felix Kiprotich and Ethiopia's Emane Seifu Hayile emerged as the champions, showcasing not only their physical endurance but also their strategic racing skills.

With a bright sky overhead and a lively crowd cheering them on, thousands of runners transformed the streets into a lively celebration of fitness, community, and competition. The event featured a generous prize pool of R350,000, creating an electric atmosphere as athletes aimed for the prestigious title in this thrilling fifth edition of the race.

Men’s Race: Kiprotich Conquers Solo Challenge

In the men’s race, Felix Kiprotich, a seasoned runner at 39, made a decisive move at the 18km mark that led him to victory. Breaking away from the lead pack, he took on the daunting challenge of running solo, showcasing incredible grit throughout the race. Despite facing late bursts from Zimbabwe’s Godwin Katakura, who crossed the finish line at 2:11:02, and Blessing Waison at 2:11:51, Kiprotich secured victory with a time of 2:10:45.

Reflecting on his performance, Kiprotich stated, "The Durban route was fantastic—fast and well-organized. Winning here means so much to me." He added, "I believed I could have challenged the course record but focusing on my pace was essential when running alone." His resolute determination allowed him to thrive under pressure.

Women’s Race: Hayile Dominates in a Classy Performance

The women's race proved to be equally exhilarating with Emane Seifu Hayile, the world record holder in the 50km distance, delivering an extraordinary performance. At just 27 years old, Hayile made history as the first Ethiopian woman to claim the title at this renowned marathon.

From the start, she engaged in a tactical duel with Namibia's Alina Armas. The competition intensified, and Hayile made her pivotal move as they approached the 37km mark. She surged ahead, finishing with an impressive time of 2:31:45, while Armas completed the race in 2:32:34. Zimbabwe’s Fortunate Chidzivo secured third place with a time of 2:33:30.

Hayile remarked, "This marathon shows that our training is paying off. I embrace this victory for my country and look forward to competing more with hopes of inspiring others." Her graceful yet powerful performance emphasized her prowess in long-distance running.

10km Showcases Local Talent

While the marathon featured global competitors, the 10km race celebrated local talent, highlighting athletes like South Africa's Jobo Khathoane and Tayla Kavanagh. Khathoane finished in an impressive 28:58, while Kavanagh crossed the line at 34:20. These standout performances underscored the speed-friendly nature of the flat course that the participants ran.

The 10km race created a vibrant atmosphere. It allowed local runners to exhibit their skills while fostering a sense of community among spectators and participants.

Race Organizers Celebrate Success

The local organizing committee took pride in the successful execution and participation of the marathon. Steve Mkasi, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, expressed, "This year’s marathon was a testament to Durban’s spirit. The elite fields delivered world-class performances, while our amateur runners showcased immense passion. Together, they made our fifth edition the best yet."

He added, "We are thankful to our key commercial partners; their support has helped us grow this event swiftly." The combined efforts of organizers, sponsors, and participants created an unforgettable experience rich with moments of triumph and celebration.

Results

Men

Felix Kiprotich, (KEN) 2:10:45

Godwin Katakura,(ZIM) 2:11:02

Blessing Waison, (ZIM) 2:11:51

Women

Emane Seifu Hayile, (ETH) 2:31:45

Alina Armas, (NAM) 2:32:34

Fortunate Chidzivo, (ZIM) 2:33:30