Italy’s Crippa Claims Paris Marathon Crown in 2:05:18
Italy's Yemaneberhan Crippa celebrates after crossing the finish line to win the men's race of the Paris marathon, in Paris, Sunday, April 12, 2026.Photo credit:Thibault Camus - AP
Italy’s Yemaneberhan Crippa delivered a career-defining performance to win the 2026 Schneider Electcric Paris Marathon in 2:05:18, edging Ethiopia’s Bayelign Teshager and Kenya’s Sila Kiptoo in a gripping three-man finish that was decided in the final kilometres.
A measured start sets the tone
Pre-race expectations had pointed to a fast, aggressive contest, with analysis from commentators highlighting the depth of the elite field. Instead, the race unfolded cautiously in the opening stages, with a tightly packed lead group moving efficiently through the early kilometres.
At around 12km, commentators observed that the pacemakers were maintaining structure in the group, keeping the tempo honest but controlled. The field remained largely intact through halfway, with no athlete willing to commit to an early break.
The race begins after 30km
The decisive phase emerged after 30km as the pace gradually lifted. The large lead pack began to thin out, particularly through the demanding sections approaching the Bois de Boulogne.
“This is where the real race starts,” one commentator noted, as surges from key contenders tested the strength of the group.
Crippa remained composed throughout, conserving energy and positioning himself strategically behind the leaders.
“Crippa looks the most relaxed,” came the observation. “He’s not wasting anything, just waiting for the right moment.”
The decisive move
By 40km, the race had narrowed to three athletes: Crippa, Teshager and Kiptoo. With the finish approaching, the contest shifted from endurance to speed.
On the downhill approach, Crippa made his move.
“You can see it immediately, the change of pace, and the gap begins to open,” commentators said as he surged ahead.
Despite strong responses from both Teshager and Kiptoo, the Italian held his advantage to cross the line in 2:05:18. Teshager followed in 2:05:23, with Kiptoo close behind in 2:05:28.
Behind them, Enock Kinyamal finished fourth in 2:06:32, while Awet Kibrab secured fifth place in 2:05:46. The top ten also featured Ethiopia’s Dinkalem Ayele, Tsedat Abeje Ayana and Hailu Zewdu, alongside Kenya’s Edwin Kibichiy and Timothy Kibet Misoi.
Crippa reflects on breakthrough victory
“I am very, very happy because the last two marathons I was DNF. Today I found the good feeling again.”
He explained how patience shaped his race.
“From 33 to 34 kilometres, I stayed behind to recover and save energy. At 39 kilometres, I saw the others were tired, and I started to push.”
The emotional moment came in the closing stretch.
“The last 700 metres were amazing because I realised I had won the Paris Marathon.”
Returning to Paris also carried added meaning.
“Two years ago I was 25th in the Olympic marathon here. I wanted another chance, and today I did it.”
Looking ahead, Crippa confirmed his commitment to the distance.
“I want to stay in the marathon now. The road starts today.”
Top 10 results men
- Yemaneberhan Crippa Italy 2:05:18
- Bayelign Teshager Ethiopia 2:05:23
- Sila Kiptoo Kenya 2:05:28
- Enock Kinyamal Kenya 2:06:32
- Awet Kibrab Norway 2:05:46
- Dinkalem Ayele Ethiopia 2:07:54
- Tsedat Abeje Ayana Ethiopia 2:08:19
- Edwin Kibichiy Kenya 2:08:29
- Timothy Kibet Misoi Kenya 2:08:38
- Hailu Zewdu Ethiopia 2:09:03