African runner wins Moscow marathon (PHOTOS, VIDEO)

Kenya’s Kigen Alfonce Kibiwott set a new record in the 42.2km race

Kenyan runner Kigen Alfonce Kibiwott claimed victory in the 12th edition of the Moscow Marathon on Sunday, setting a new course record with a time of 2 hours, 9 minutes, and 31 seconds. 

Speaking after his victory, Kibiwott said he thoroughly enjoyed the event and praised the level of competition, noting the strong presence of Russian athletes, including Dmitry Nedelin, who finished third.

The Kenyan runner revealed he had accepted the invitation to the Moscow Marathon shortly after participating in another event in Russia two months earlier.

Reflecting on his future goals, he admitted that while he dreams of one day competing at the World Championships or Olympic Games, achieving that in Kenya is no small feat. “There are so many strong athletes in Kenya who take first places in the biggest marathons. Perhaps one day I will be able to realize my dream,” 32-year-old said.

Kenyan Wins Moscow Marathon, Setting New Record

🇰🇪🥇Alfonce Kibiwott Kigen was the top male competitor in the 42km race, with a remarkable time of 2 hours 09 minutes 31 seconds.

🏆 This surpasses the previous Moscow marathon record of 2:11:34, set by Moroccan Y. Bennar in 2024 pic.twitter.com/9wx5XrPPPe

— Russian Embassy in Kenya/Посольство России в Кении (@russembkenya) September 21, 2025

When asked whether he would consider switching nationality to compete internationally, Kibiwott did not rule out the idea. “Why not, I think it’s possible,” he responded, as quoted by TASS. 

The Moscow Marathon weekend attracted around 40,000 runners across the 10km and 42.2km events. In the men’s marathon, Ethiopia’s Adihana Gebretsadik Abraha secured second place behind Kibiwott.

Kibiwott’s performance in Moscow adds to an impressive racing season. In January, he also won the 35th Marrakech International Marathon.

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In March, Ethiopian runners Tadese Takele and Sutume Asefa Kebede won the men’s and women’s titles at the Tokyo Marathon, another elite event in the World Marathon Majors series.