Foreign stalwarts top Ayala marathon

Anderson Saitoti of Kenya and Beshadu Bekele Bedane of Ethiopia outran the competition to win the Ayala Philippine Marathon 2026 on Sunday at Ayala Avenue in Makati City.

The international runners stood out from the 11,000-strong field as they stamped their class in the event, which had Ayala Foundation as the title sponsor and was organized by RUNRIO, as it also served as the kickoff for the 2026 Philippine Marathon Majors.

Saitoti clocked an impressive two hours, 19 minutes and 22 seconds to secure the overall title followed by Ethiopia’s Abdi Asefa Kabede (2:20:22) in the men’s division.

Filipinos Edsel Moral (2:25:42) and Eduard Flores (2:28:46) were also in hot pursuit, while Kenya’s Eric Chepsiror (2:29:11) completed the top five.

Bedane was also crowned the champion after timing at 2:44:52, in front of Kenya’s Truphena Chepchichir (2:47:30), Ethiopia’s Sifen Kidane Melka (2:52:53), Kenya’s Pamela Chepkoech (2:58:01), and Eloisa Cusi (3:00:52).

“We’re humbled by the outpouring of support and this sold out event is proof that the Philippines has indeed embraced the active lifestyle through running,” RUNRIO president Rio de la Cruz said after the grand celebration that saw 42K finisher Jim Guerrero taking home a brand-new BYD Sealion 5 in the raffle.

Aside from that, blessings were shared with P1-million pledged to the Cancer Care Hope Fund of Healthway Foundation Inc., and another P550,000 to the Ayala Foundation Inc. (U-Go).