The Lisbon Half Marathon will host one of its most competitive editions this weekend as defending champion Tsigie Gebreselama returns to the Portuguese capital to defend her title. The Ethiopian runner headlines the elite women’s field for the race scheduled on March 8, attracting global attention from long distance running fans. Gebreselama made history in last year’s race with a remarkable performance that placed her among the fastest women ever over the half marathon distance. Her return to Lisbon highlights the growing reputation of the event as one of Europe’s premier road races and a key stop on the international athletics calendar.
Race organizers have assembled a strong elite field in the women’s category with several athletes capable of producing world class times. More than ten competitors entered in the race have personal bests under one hour and ten minutes, indicating the depth of competition expected on the streets of Lisbon. Among the top challengers is Ethiopian runner Girmawit Gebrzihair who owns a personal best of one hour four minutes and fourteen seconds. France’s Mekdes Woldu is also expected to contend for a leading position after recording a personal best of one hour eight minutes and thirty six seconds, putting her close to the French national record.
Attention is also focused on the men’s race which could produce some of the fastest performances ever recorded in the history of the Lisbon Half Marathon. The elite lineup includes several international athletes known for their ability to run at world class pace. Defending champion Jacob Kiplimo is expected to attempt a record breaking performance during the race. His participation has generated significant anticipation among athletics fans and analysts who believe that Lisbon’s flat and fast course could create favorable conditions for a world record attempt.
Portuguese distance runner Samuel Barata is also expected to attract strong local support as one of the country’s leading contenders. Barata has consistently delivered strong performances in international road races and will be looking to challenge for a top finish in front of a home crowd. Race officials say the presence of both international stars and national athletes adds extra excitement to the competition while also highlighting Portugal’s growing role in hosting major athletics events.
Several athletes from France are also expected to play a prominent role in the men’s race. Etienne Daguinos enters the event with an impressive personal best of fifty nine minutes and forty six seconds while Valentin Gondouin and Hassan Chahdi also bring competitive times that could put them among the leaders. The French trio could attempt to challenge the national half marathon record which currently stands just below the sixty minute mark. Strong performances from these runners could reshape national rankings and further increase the international significance of the Lisbon race.
The Lisbon Half Marathon has gained recognition over the years as one of Europe’s most scenic and competitive long distance races. The course takes runners across the iconic 25 de Abril Bridge and through several landmarks of the Portuguese capital, offering both elite athletes and amateur participants a unique racing experience. Each year thousands of runners from around the world travel to Lisbon to participate in the event which combines professional competition with a festival atmosphere celebrating endurance sports.
Organizers believe that the combination of elite athletes favorable course conditions and enthusiastic crowds could produce exceptional performances this year. With multiple national records potentially under threat and world class athletes competing at the highest level the race is expected to deliver a memorable showcase of distance running. As the starting gun approaches athletes are preparing for what could become one of the fastest and most competitive editions of the Lisbon Half Marathon in recent years.
