Alemu and Selsouli Crowned Champions in Thrilling Races
The 44th Phoenix Energy Belfast City Marathon saw over 23,000 participants take to the streets of Belfast in a spectacular display of athleticism and community spirit. In a nail-biting finish, Abay Alemu of Ethiopia clinched the men's title by a single second, while Aziza Alaoui Selsouli of Morocco stormed to victory in the women's race. The event, which started at Stormont Estate and finished in Ormeau Park, was a celebration of human endurance and a testament to the city's vibrant running culture.
The men's race was a dramatic affair, with Alemu and his fellow countryman Teadese Mamo battling it out until the very end. In a thrilling sprint to the finish line, Alemu just managed to edge out Mamo, crossing the line in 2:16:23. Abera Ketema, also from Ethiopia, finished third with a time of 2:17:38. The women's race was a more decisive victory for Selsouli, who finished in 2:38:00, a personal best and her first win in Belfast after two previous runner-up finishes. Judith Storm of City of Derry Spartans was the first local runner to cross the line, finishing second in 2:39:09.
Bleakley Defends Wheelchair Title
In the wheelchair race, Jayne Bleakley from Aghadowey made it two wins in a row, defending her title with a time of 2:32:39. She reported facing “major technical difficulties” during the race, making her victory all the more impressive. The wheelchair race has become an integral part of the Belfast City Marathon, showcasing the incredible talent and determination of para-athletes.
A City United in Sport
The marathon route took runners on a 26.2-mile journey through the heart of Belfast, passing iconic landmarks such as City Hall and the Parliament Buildings. The atmosphere was electric, with thousands of spectators lining the streets to cheer on the runners. The event also included a team relay, which saw teams of five runners tackle different legs of the course, and a fun run, which attracted participants of all ages and abilities.
The marathon was not just about elite athletes; it was about the thousands of ordinary people who had trained for months to take on this incredible challenge. For many, it was a chance to raise money for charity, to achieve a personal goal, or simply to be part of something special. The sense of camaraderie and shared achievement was palpable, as runners of all shapes, sizes, and abilities crossed the finish line, exhausted but elated.
A Day to Remember
The 2026 Belfast City Marathon was a resounding success, a day of triumph, emotion, and community spirit. It was a day when the city came together to celebrate the power of sport to inspire, to unite, and to bring out the very best in people. As the runners crossed the finish line, they were greeted by the cheers of the crowd and the knowledge that they had achieved something truly remarkable. It was a day that will live long in the memory of all who took part, a day when Belfast once again showed the world what a great city it is.
