Mark Kiptoo and Diana Wanza Win Azkoitia–Azpeitia Half Marathon Titles
Mark Kiptoo and Diana Wanza secured commanding victories at the Azkoitia–Azpeitia Half Marathon in Spain, leading a strong Kenyan showing on the European road racing circuit with performances built on control, experience, and sustained pace.
Kiptoo Anchors Kenyan Sweep
Kiptoo clocked 63:17 to take the men’s title, delivering a composed performance in a race that developed tactically through the early kilometers before opening up in the closing stages.
A seasoned road specialist, Kiptoo has built his career on consistency across the European circuit, with a half marathon personal best in the low 61-minute range. That endurance base and race management came to the fore as he gradually distanced himself from the lead pack, capitalizing on the course’s undulating profile to create separation when it mattered most.
Behind him, Reuben Mosin continued his steady rise with a well-judged run to finish second in 64:36, holding off late pressure while maintaining contact with the leaders deep into the race. Victor Cheruiyot completed a clean Kenyan sweep of the podium in 65:32, underlining the depth of talent that continues to define the country’s distance running dominance.
The result reflected not just strength at the front, but a layered field where both established and emerging athletes are capable of competing at a high level on European roads.
Wanza Confirms Rising Status
In the women’s race, Diana Wanza delivered a decisive performance, taking control early and sustaining her pace to cross the line in 67:31.
Wanza’s victory adds to a growing body of performances that place her firmly among Kenya’s emerging half marathon talents. With multiple runs in the 67-minute range, she has demonstrated the ability to maintain a high tempo over distance, an asset that proved decisive as the race stretched out and rivals struggled to respond.
Her front-running approach turned the contest into a test of endurance rather than tactics, and once she established her rhythm, the gap behind her steadily widened.
Spain’s Irene Sanchez produced a composed run to finish second in 71:13, offering the home crowd a podium moment with a performance built on resilience across the rolling terrain. Vivian Jelagat, continuing her progression on the international stage, placed third in 72:56 as she edges closer to more competitive times.
European Platform, Kenyan Authority
Staged in Europe, the Azkoitia–Azpeitia Half Marathon once again highlighted the region’s role as a key battleground for elite road racing. At the same time, the 2026 edition reinforced a familiar pattern, Kenyan athletes dictating outcomes through depth, discipline, and experience.
For Kiptoo, the victory reaffirms his status as a reliable performer on the circuit. For Wanza, it signals a trajectory that could soon translate into stronger results on bigger global stages.
Top Results
Men
Mark Kiptoo 🇰🇪 63:17
Reuben Mosin 🇰🇪 64:36
Victor Cheruiyot 🇰🇪 65:32
Women
Diana Wanza 🇰🇪 67:31
Irene Sanchez 🇪🇸 71:13
Vivian Jelagat 🇰🇪 72:56