The elite field for the 2026 edition of the EDP Lisbon Half Marathon has been officially unveiled, with defending champion Tsigie Gebreselama headlining what organizers describe as one of the strongest women’s lineups in the race’s history.
Race organizers from Maratona Clube de Portugal announced today that the Ethiopian star will return this Sunday, March 8, aiming to defend the title she claimed in spectacular fashion last year. In 2025, Gebreselama stormed to victory in Lisbon with a course record of 1:04:21, a performance that elevated her to 11th on the all-time list for the women’s half marathon.
This year’s race promises an even deeper field. Ten women entered in the event boast personal bests faster than 1:10, setting up what could be another historic morning on the fast streets of the Portuguese capital.
Among Gebreselama’s main challengers is fellow Ethiopian Girmawit Gebrzihair, who owns a stunning personal best of 1:04:14—slightly quicker than the defending champion’s Lisbon record. If both athletes hit top form, spectators could witness one of the fastest head-to-head battles ever seen at the race.
Also expected to feature prominently is France’s Mekdes Woldu, whose personal best of 1:08:36 places her within striking distance of the French national record of 1:08:20. Woldu has steadily improved in recent seasons and arrives in Lisbon with a realistic opportunity to rewrite the national record books.
With such a deep field, pacing and race tactics could prove decisive. The Lisbon course—known for producing fast times—has regularly delivered standout performances, and the presence of multiple athletes capable of sub-1:07 performances raises the possibility of another record-breaking edition.
Organizers say the strength of this year’s elite field reflects the event’s growing reputation as one of the premier half marathons on the global road racing calendar.
Men’s Race: Kiplimo Leads a Loaded Field
While the women’s race is stacked with talent, much of the spotlight will also fall on the men’s competition, where Jacob Kiplimo enters as the overwhelming favorite and the athlete many believe could challenge the world record.
ATLETISMO – Meia Maratona de Lisboa, Ponte 25 de Abril, Lisboa. Domingo 24 de Marco de 2013. (ASF/Alexandre Pona)
The Ugandan distance star is widely regarded as the man to beat and arrives in Lisbon with expectations of a blistering pace from the opening kilometers. Several top European athletes will also be chasing fast times and national records, including France’s Etienne Daguinos, Valentin Gondouin, and Hassan Chahdi, all of whom could target the French national mark of 59:37 held by Emmanuel Roudolff.
Spain’s Said Mechaal, the recent national 10km record holder, is another name to watch, as is Norway’s Awet Kibrab, who made headlines with a remarkable marathon debut of 2:04:24.
Portugal’s leading hope, Samuel Barata, will also be among the contenders, aiming to deliver a strong performance in front of a home crowd.
With world-class athletes lining up across both fields, Sunday’s race could deliver one of the fastest and most competitive editions of the Lisbon Half Marathon to date.
