Ethiopian Runner Abay Alemu Claims Dramatic Victory at Belfast City Marathon 2026
Ethiopian athlete Abay Alemu has won the 2026 Belfast City Marathon in a thrilling sprint finish, claiming the men's title in a time of 2:16:23 — beating compatriot Teadese Mamo by a single second in one of the most dramatic conclusions in the event's 43-year history. Alemu crossed the finish line in Ormeau Park to the cheers of thousands of spectators who lined the city's streets for one of the biggest sporting and community events in the Northern Ireland calendar, with approximately 24,000 people participating across all race categories.
Background
The Belfast City Marathon is one of the most popular marathons in the UK and Ireland, attracting a field of elite international athletes, serious club runners, and thousands of fun runners and charity fundraisers. The 26.2-mile course takes in all four corners of the city, starting at Stormont Estate in the east, heading into the north and west of the city, before winding its way south to the finish line in Ormeau Park. The event, which also includes a team relay, 8-mile walk, and wheelchair race, sees the city come alive with a festival atmosphere, with major road closures in place and spectators offering support along the entire route.
The marathon has grown enormously in popularity since its founding in 1982, and the 2026 edition was one of the largest in its history. The event is a significant platform for charity fundraising, with participants raising funds for hundreds of causes, from major national charities to local community organisations. The bank holiday weekend setting ensures the city is buzzing with energy, with hotels, restaurants, and bars all benefiting from the influx of participants and their supporters.
Key Developments
This year's race was a closely contested affair at the elite level. A lead group of elite African runners, including Alemu, broke away early and set a blistering pace. In a nail-biting conclusion, Alemu found an extra gear in the final stretch, pulling away from Teadese Mamo to win by just one second in a time of 2:16:23. The women's race was won by Aziza Alaoui Selsouli of Morocco, who crossed the finish line in a time of 2:38:00. Source: BBC News.
Alongside the elite race, thousands of other stories unfolded across the city. Brothers Jordan and Cian Adams participated as part of their extraordinary challenge to run 33 marathons in 33 days across every county in Ireland, raising awareness for frontotemporal dementia (FTD), the condition that claimed their mother's life. Former professional boxer Ryan Burnett ran the course while pushing a 9.9-stone trolley — the weight of his late coach Ricky Hatton when he won his first world title — raising money for a mental health charity. And actress Laura Aiken, known for her roles in 'Line of Duty' and 'Gavin and Stacey', completed her third marathon, fitting in her training during early mornings while filming in Belfast. Source: Belfast Live.
Why It Matters
The Belfast City Marathon is more than just a sporting event; it is a celebration of the city and its people. It brings together individuals from all backgrounds, ages, and abilities in a shared endeavour. The event provides a huge platform for charities, with millions of pounds raised for good causes each year. It is also a major boost for the local economy, with thousands of participants and spectators filling hotels, bars, and restaurants over the bank holiday weekend. The marathon showcases Belfast at its very best: a vibrant, welcoming city with a strong sense of community spirit. The image of an Ethiopian winner and a Moroccan women's champion celebrating in Ormeau Park is a powerful symbol of the event's international appeal and the city's warm embrace of the world.
Local Impact
For the city of Belfast, marathon day is one of the highlights of the year. The extensive road closures, while causing some temporary disruption, allow people to reclaim the streets and create a carnival atmosphere. From the water stations manned by volunteers to the families handing out sweets to runners, the event is a huge community effort. Local running clubs see a surge in membership in the months leading up to the marathon, and the event plays a huge role in promoting health and fitness across the population. For the 24,000 who participated in 2026, it was a day of immense personal achievement and pride, and for the city, a reminder of what makes Belfast such a special place.
What's Next
For the winner, Abay Alemu, the victory in Belfast will be a significant achievement in his professional career. For the thousands of other participants, the focus will be on recovery and, for many, already planning their return for next year's race. The organisers of the Belfast City Marathon will now begin the huge task of planning the 2027 event, looking to build on the success of this year's race. The enduring popularity of the marathon is a testament to its brilliant organisation and the special place it holds in the hearts of the people of Belfast.
