Azkoitia, Spain – Mark Kosgei Kiptoo, at the remarkable age of 49 years and nearly nine months, cemented his legendary status in the Azkoitia-Azpeitia Half Marathon on Saturday, achieving a historic “triplete” – his third victory in the prestigious Basque Country race. His winning time was 1 hour, 3 minutes, and 17 seconds. The Kenyan runner previously won the event in 2013 and 2018, and this latest triumph underscores his enduring dominance in the sport.
The Azkoitia-Azpeitia Half Marathon, considered the highest-level athletic half marathon in Gipuzkoa, saw a thrilling day of competition. While Kiptoo’s performance stole the show, the women’s race was equally captivating, with Kenya’s Diana Wanza setting a new course record.
Wanza’s sensational time of 1 hour, 7 minutes, and 31 seconds shattered the previous record of 1 hour, 7 minutes, and 57 seconds, held by Caroline Jebet Korir since 2022. She finished well ahead of the competition, demonstrating a commanding performance guided by pace setters employed by the race organization. Irene Sánchez-Escribano of Spain was the only non-Kenyan to reach the podium, finishing second in the women’s race with a time of 1 hour, 11 minutes, and 13 seconds, returning to the half marathon distance after maternity leave last summer.
Kiptoo’s victory wasn’t without competition. Reuben Mosin Mosip kept pace with the veteran runner for much of the race, but Kiptoo ultimately pulled away, finishing over a minute ahead of his compatriot. Victor Kipngetich Cheruiyot finished third with a time of 1 hour, 5 minutes, and 32 seconds, completing a clean sweep for Kenyan athletes in the men’s race.
The race took place on a sunny day, though the temperature was perhaps a little warm for optimal running conditions over the 21.097-kilometer course. Despite this, both Kiptoo and Wanza delivered exceptional performances.
This win marks Kiptoo’s sixth podium finish at Azkoitia-Azpeitia, a race he considers his “second home.” He has three victories, two second-place finishes, and one third-place finish to his name, a testament to his consistent performance over many years. His longevity in the sport is particularly impressive, continuing to compete at a high level approaching his 50th birthday.
Interestingly, despite not setting a new personal best on Saturday, Kiptoo recently demonstrated his continued marathon prowess, completing the Zurich Marathon in 2 hours, 9 minutes, and 16 seconds on a challenging course less than a year ago. This highlights his ability to remain competitive across various distances.
Beyond the elite races, the event also featured Gipuzkoa regional championships. Chakib Lachgar secured fourth place overall and was the top local athlete in the men’s race, finishing in 1 hour, 5 minutes, and 41 seconds, despite recently recovering from a physical issue that sidelined him for nearly a month. Idoia Nogales claimed the women’s regional title with a time of 1 hour, 28 minutes, and 20 seconds.
In the shorter race, covering just over eight kilometers, Ane Bosch and Mikel Velasco, both local athletes, emerged victorious. Itziar Ibarbia and Eric Martín finished second in their respective categories, while Jone Bilbao and Miguel Ángel Hernández rounded out the podium.
The handbike half marathon also saw a familiar face on top, with Jon Galarraga winning in a time of 57 minutes and 31 seconds.
Kiptoo’s achievement is particularly noteworthy given his broader career accomplishments. According to Wikipedia, he set the world record in the marathon for the Masters age group (40 and over) with a time of 2:07:50 at the 2018 Frankfurt Marathon. He has also excelled in the 5000 meters, earning two gold medals at the Military World Games and bronze medals at the 2010 Commonwealth Games and the 2010 African Championships in Athletics.
The Azkoitia-Azpeitia Half Marathon continues to be a showcase for world-class athletics, and this year’s event was no exception. Mark Kiptoo’s victory will undoubtedly be remembered as a highlight, a testament to his dedication, skill, and enduring passion for the sport.
The next scheduled event for many of these athletes will be the upcoming spring marathon season, with several runners likely to target major city marathons in the coming months. Fans can follow updates on athlete progress through their respective social media channels and official race websites.
