LISBON, Portugal – Kenyan long-distance runner Cynthia Chelangat Chepkwony secured a commanding victory in the women's race at the Hyundai Half Marathon in Lisbon on Sunday, October 26, 2025. The 21-year-old athlete delivered a career-best performance, crossing the finish line in 1 hour, 7 minutes, and 20 seconds.

Chepkwony's blistering pace brought her tantalizingly close to the course record of 1:06:54, a time set in 2019 by her celebrated compatriot and reigning Olympic marathon champion, Peres Jepchirchir. The narrow miss underscores the significance of Chepkwony's achievement and places her among the elite performers in the event's recent history.

The race, a World Athletics Label event, saw an international field compete under favorable conditions. Chaltu Dida Diriba of Ethiopia finished in second place, also achieving a personal best time of 1:08:12. South Africa's Glenrose Xaba completed the podium, taking third place with a time of 1:08:55.

East African Dominance in Men's Race

The men's competition also highlighted the region's athletic prowess, with Tanzania's Emanuel Daoudi Dinday claiming the top honor in his debut at the Lisbon event. Dinday clocked an impressive 1:00:30 to win the race. He was followed by Ethiopia’s Mikiyas Barega Shirtaga, who secured second place with a personal best of 1:01:55.

Kenya's representation on the men's podium was secured by Esau Kipkorir Kemboi, who finished third with a time of 1:02:03. Kemboi, who entered the race with a strong record, was a pre-race favorite alongside fellow Kenyan Felix Kibet.

Analysis: A Rising Star in Kenyan Athletics

Chepkwony's performance in Lisbon is a significant milestone in her burgeoning career. Her previous personal best stood at 1:08:34, making her victory in Portugal a substantial improvement and a clear indicator of her potential. By coming within a minute of a record set by an athlete of Jepchirchir's caliber, Chepkwony has firmly established herself as a rising star in Kenyan long-distance running.

The result is particularly impactful for Kenya, a nation with a rich heritage in marathon and half marathon running. It reinforces the country's continued ability to produce world-class female athletes, ensuring a strong pipeline of talent to follow in the footsteps of legends like Jepchirchir, Tegla Loroupe, and others who have previously triumphed in Lisbon. The Lisbon Half Marathon is known for its flat and fast course, which has historically been the site of world record-breaking performances, further elevating the prestige of Chepkwony's win.

For the East Africa region, the collective success of athletes from Kenya, Tanzania, and Ethiopia in both the men's and women's races demonstrates the area's sustained dominance in international road racing. This performance serves as both an inspiration and a benchmark for aspiring athletes across the region.

The event, which started on the iconic Vasco da Gama Bridge and finished at the Praça do Comércio, attracted thousands of elite and amateur runners from around the globe, cementing its status as a premier event on the international road racing calendar.