It was a record-breaking edition of the Buenos Aires International Marathon on Sunday, with an all-time-high 16,384 runners taking part in the prestigious race and a new local record set in the women’s event. The Argentine capital successfully hosted the iconic event for the 42nd time in its storied history, welcoming athletes from 64 countries who arrived to compete in the grueling 42-kilometer test of endurance.
The course took participants on a scenic and challenging tour across some of the city’s most vibrant and historically rich neighborhoods, including Palermo, Recoleta, Puerto Madero, and La Boca. Supporters lined the streets in massive numbers, creating an electric atmosphere of encouragement for both elite international athletes and passionate amateur runners alike. However, despite the global representation and the spirited efforts of the home crowd, it was Kenya’s world-class distance runners who ultimately stole the spotlight, delivering masterclasses in pacing, strategy, and sheer athletic stamina.
In the men’s division, Bethwel Kibet Chumba entered the race bearing the weight of high expectations. He was arguably the favorite heading into the event, boasting the most impressive personal record of any runner in the elite field: a blistering 2:04:37, which he had previously clocked at the 2023 Amsterdam Marathon.
Despite facing intense, relentless competition from Rwanda’s John Hakizimana—who pushed the pace and tested the resolve of the front-running pack—the Kenyan star managed to separate himself when it mattered most. Chumba ultimately took the victory in 2:08:28. While his finishing time was certainly commendable given the challenging course conditions, it fell short of the overall course record of 2:05:00, which was famously set by fellow Kenyan Evans Kiplagat Chebet back in 2019.
The men’s podium was rounded out by another formidable competitor from Kenya, Felix Kiptoo Kirwa, who secured third place after a tightly contested battle through the latter stages of the race. The depth of East African talent on display once again underscored the dominance of Kenyan distance running on the international marathon circuit.
While the men’s race was defined by tactical racing and endurance, the women’s event delivered historic headlines. The race witnessed a stunning record-breaking performance as Kenya’s Rebecca Kangogo Chesir executed a flawless race strategy. Chesir managed to defeat her countrywoman Rodah Jepkorir Tanui—who had held the women’s course record since her triumph in 2023—to claim the ultimate victory.
More impressively, Chesir crossed the finish line to set the fastest time ever recorded for the Buenos Aires marathon in the women’s category, stopping the clock at an astonishing 2:23:32. The remarkable performance shattered previous expectations for the course and cemented Chesir’s name in the history books of South American long-distance running. The women’s podium was completed by yet another Kenyan standout, Emmah Cheruto Ndiwa, capping off a remarkably dominant day for the East African contingent in both major categories.
Erario and Mainetti, Argentine champions
Away from the intense battle for the overall international titles, local fans and media closely followed the domestic battle for national glory. Among Argentine runners, it was once again Mendoza native Ignacio Erario who stole the headlines and took the win, mirroring his dominant performance earlier in the season at the Buenos Aires Half Marathon.
Erario crossed the finish line with a time of 2:16:42. While this was well short of Joaquín Arbe’s national record of 2:09:36, which was set during the historic 2019 edition of the race, it was more than enough to secure ninth place overall in a fiercely competitive international field.
“I almost pulled out at the last minute,” Erario admitted candidly after crossing the finish line and catching his breath. Reflecting on his arduous journey over the past year and the immense physical toll of the race, he added, “My year is done as far as I’m concerned; I think I accomplished what I set out to do. I couldn’t ask for more.”
The top Mendoza runner elaborated on the difficult environmental factors that played a significant role in shaping the race dynamics. He noted that the conditions on the course were “extremely tough,” pointing out that strong headwinds proved to be a major hindrance for the runners, particularly during the stretches exposed along the riverbanks and open boulevards. Despite these obstacles, Erario expressed profound satisfaction with his ability to endure the physical and mental strain, noting that he was proud to have improved upon his time from two years ago.
Following Erario home, Ignacio Reyes finished as the runner-up among Argentine competitors, clocking a solid time of 2:21:46. Esteban Angulo rounded out the national podium by securing third place among local men with a time of 2:23:01, completing a strong showing for the domestic elite.
In the women’s national competition, Chiara Mainetti from Misiones province led the Argentine charge with an impressive performance. Mainetti crossed the finish line in 2:38:28, a time strong enough to earn her a phenomenal seventh place overall in the elite international women’s standings.
Mainetti was followed on the Argentine podium by Anahí Castaño, who recorded a time of 2:44:21, and Mercedes Piredda, who secured the third spot with a finish of 2:48:11. Their performances, alongside those of thousands of local and international participants who successfully navigated the 42-kilometer course, brought a triumphant close to another unforgettable chapter of the Buenos Aires International Marathon.
