In a stunning display of endurance and speed, Ethiopian athletes swept the top honors at the 2026 Xiamen Marathon held in southeastern China’s vibrant coastal city of Xiamen on the morning of January 11. The event, marking the first World Athletics Platinum Label Road Race of the year, drew an impressive 35,000 participants from around the globe, turning the streets into a sea of determined runners.
In the men’s elite category, Ethiopia claimed a complete podium sweep. Dawit Wolde crossed the finish line first in a blistering time of 2 hours, 9 minutes, and 18 seconds, setting a strong benchmark for the competition. His compatriots followed closely, securing second and third places, underscoring the nation’s unparalleled marathon prowess.
The women’s race mirrored this dominance, with Ethiopian runners occupying the top three spots. Ruti Aga defended her title masterfully, clocking 2 hours, 22 minutes, and 45 seconds to claim victory amid cheers from the massive crowd. This back-to-back win highlights Aga’s consistency and adaptability to the course.
Post-race, Wolde praised the updated marathon route, noting it was an improvement over last year’s layout. ‘I like it here,’ he said, expressing his affection for Xiamen and satisfaction with his performance. Meanwhile, China’s Yang Shaohui led the domestic field with a time of 2:11:14, finishing respectably among international elites. He described the race as a high-caliber event that attracts world-class talent, valuing the opportunity to compete alongside them.
Organized with precision, the Xiamen Marathon showcased scenic coastal paths and urban landmarks, challenging runners with its mix of flat stretches and mild inclines. As the platinum label opener, it set a high standard for the 2026 road racing season, promising more thrilling contests ahead. Ethiopian dominance reaffirms their status as marathon powerhouses, while local heroes like Yang inspire the next generation of Chinese runners.