Gebresilase, 2017 Okpekpe 10k Champion, and Atanaw Headline Paris Marathon 2026

Ethiopia’s Leul Gebresilase, winner of the 2017 Okpekpe International 10km Road Race in Nigeria with a time of 29:28, will headline the men’s field at the 2026 Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris alongside compatriot Kinde Atanaw.

The 49th edition of the Paris Marathon, set for Sunday, April 12, is expected to feature one of the deepest elite lineups in its history, with nearly 60,000 runners taking part.

Gebresilase, who has steadily risen through the ranks since his Okpekpe triumph, went on to claim a World Championship marathon bronze medal in 2023 and has established himself as one of the most consistent performers on the global stage. His personal best of 2:04:02 makes him one of the fastest men in the field.

Atanaw, boasting a 2:03:51 best, adds further firepower to an East African-dominated lineup that also includes Uganda’s world champion Victor Kiplangat and Kenya’s Sila Kiptoo, third in Paris last year.

Djibouti’s Mohamed Ismaël will make his marathon debut after a 59:45 half marathon, while Italy’s Yemaneberhan Crippa leads Europe’s challenge following a national record 59:01 half marathon.

France’s Félix Bour and Emmanuel Roudolff-Levisse will spearhead the home contingent.

The women’s race is equally compelling, led by Kenya’s Magdalyne Masai (2:18:58), Sharon Chelimo (2:19:33), and Ethiopia’s Yebrgual Melese, all sub-2:20 athletes.

Finland’s Alisa Vainio, fresh from a 2:20:39 win in Seville, heads the European challenge, while France’s Olympic trio Mekdes Woldu, Méline Rollin, and Mélody Julien will look to impress on home soil.

Organisers say the depth of the fields ensures a high-quality showdown, with both races expected to deliver fast times and dramatic finishes.