Ethiopian long distance runner Tsige Gebreselama delivered an impressive performance in Lisbon as she secured victory in the women’s race at the EDP Lisbon Half Marathon, finishing with a strong time of 64 minutes and 48 seconds. The race, one of the most prominent road running events in Europe, saw Gebreselama dominate the field and cross the finish line nearly two minutes ahead of her closest challengers. Kenya’s Janeth Chepngetich finished second in 66 minutes and 50 seconds while fellow Kenyan Regina Wambui claimed third place in 67 minutes and 10 seconds. Gebreselama’s performance reaffirmed her reputation as one of the leading distance runners currently competing on the global road racing circuit.
The Lisbon Half Marathon has long attracted elite athletes from across the world due to its fast course and international prestige. This year’s women’s race unfolded with a competitive early pace before Gebreselama gradually created separation from the leading pack in the latter stages of the race. Her decisive surge allowed her to control the final kilometers comfortably while maintaining a steady rhythm toward the finish line. Behind her, Chepngetich and Wambui battled for podium positions while several international athletes pushed for personal best performances. The result further strengthened the reputation of the Lisbon race as a stage where emerging and established distance runners often deliver standout performances.
Several other athletes produced notable results during the event, highlighting the depth of competition. Rwanda’s Emeline Imanizabayo finished sixth with a national record of 67 minutes and 35 seconds, marking a significant milestone for Rwandan distance running. Mekdes Woldu matched the French national record with a time of 68 minutes and 20 seconds, finishing seventh in a highly competitive field. Portuguese runner Mariana Machado delivered the best result among local athletes, finishing ninth in 70 minutes and 10 seconds during her debut at the half marathon distance. Swedish runner Abeba Aregawi, a former world champion over 1500 meters, placed eleventh with a time of 71 minutes and 29 seconds.
Gebreselama’s victory in Lisbon adds another achievement to a career that has steadily gained international attention over the past few seasons. The Ethiopian athlete previously broke the 30 minute barrier on the track in North America with a time of 29 minutes and 48.34 seconds at The Ten event in 2024, a milestone that positioned her among the fastest distance runners in the world at that time. She also captured victory earlier in 2024 at the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon with a time of 1 hour 5 minutes and 14 seconds after pulling away from the lead group in the closing kilometers of the race. Those performances helped establish her as a consistent contender in elite road racing competitions.
The Lisbon course has proven to be particularly favorable for Gebreselama over the past few years. She previously recorded her personal best of 1 hour 4 minutes and 21 seconds at the same event in March 2025, demonstrating a strong connection with the race and its fast route along the Portuguese capital’s waterfront. Competing at a venue where she has previously excelled appeared to suit her racing style again this year, allowing her to manage the pace and build a decisive advantage as the race progressed toward the closing stages.
Beyond road racing, Gebreselama has also remained active in major international track competitions. At the Paris Olympic Games she finished tenth in the women’s 10,000 meters with a time of 30 minutes and 54.57 seconds, competing against one of the strongest fields in Olympic history. She also entered the World Championships season with high expectations after winning a 5000 meter race in 14 minutes and 18 seconds at the Nike Pre Classic in 2025. Although she faced challenging conditions during the world championship race in Tokyo, her overall performances across track and road events continue to highlight her versatility and endurance.
Gebreselama trains under the guidance of American coach Dathan Ritzenhein and represents the On Athletic Club based in Boulder, Colorado. The training environment has played a significant role in shaping her development as a distance runner capable of competing across multiple disciplines. Her consistent results in elite races, including the latest victory in Lisbon, underline her growing influence in international long distance running as the 2026 racing season continues to unfold.
