Kenya dominated both podiums, claiming all top spots at the Lisbon marathons this Sunday. Wisley Kimeli won the men’s race, while Rael Nguriatukel triumphed in the women’s category.
The marathon kicked off at Avenida da República in Cascais and concluded at Praça do Comércio in Lisbon, where Wisley Kimeli crossed the finish line first, followed closely by his Kenyan compatriots, Emanuel Kemboi and Edwin Tuitoek.
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The final standings for men were:
- 1st place: Wisley Kimeli – 2:08:33
- 2nd place: Emanuel Kemboi – 2:09:10
- 3rd place: Edwin Tuitoek – 2:09:48
Similarly, the top 3 finishers in the women’s marathon were:
- 1st place: Rael Nguriatukel – 2:27:11
- 2nd place: Cynthia Kosgei – 2:30:36
- 3rd place: Sheila Chebet – 2:33:48
Lisbon Marathon 2024: Portuguese Athletes Shine
In addition, Bruno Lourenço from JFD Running was the first Portuguese athlete to complete the marathon, finishing 11th overall in the men’s category with a time of 2:26:44. Laura Grilo, representing Clube de Praças da Armada, was the top female Portuguese finisher, coming in eighth place with a time of 2:57:03.
Bruno Lourenço after his victory said:
I tried to manage my race in the women’s elite and didn’t worry too much about where I was. I had a personal best of two and a half hours and managed to beat my time by four minutes. I tried not to get too involved until the 30 kilometres mark and, from then on, I managed to manage it according to the energy I had. I believe I can run a little better and shave off another minute or two.
Additionally, Laura Grilo also expressed her happiness at having achieved her goal. She said:
This year it happened again, it’s the third time I’ve been here. It was windy and it wasn’t too windy, it was just to see how the machine was doing. I just let it flow, from back to front, as it should be.
Lisbon Half-Marathon Highlights
In the Lisbon half-marathon, starting at the Vasco da Gama Bridge and finishing at the same place, Ethiopian Mosinet Geremew was first in 1:03.09 hours, being accompanied on the podium by Kenyan Peter Kipsirat (1:03.16) and Ugandan Victor Kwemboi (1:03.23).
Furthermore, in the women’s event, Faith Kiprotich from Kenya won in 1:10.33 hours and compatriot Faith Chepkoech was just four seconds behind in second, with Ethiopian Alem Nigus finishing in third place in 1:10.46.
Regarding the Portuguese, André Pereira (Benfica) was fifth in the men’s table, completing the course in 1:05.51 hours, while Susana Godinho (RD Águeda) was seventh in the women’s overall half marathon, in 1:13.24.
André Pereira said:
I had in my mind that I could get under an hour and four minutes. I took a risk at the beginning, but after 10 kilometres the wind was the opposite of what it usually is in Lisbon. I was always being hit by the wind and I started to suffer. I tried to keep up the pace, but after 17 kilometres my strength gave out. I started to lose heart and I just had to finish. I leave disappointed, because I know I’m worth more.
On the other hand, Olympic athlete Susana Godinho gave a positive assessment of her performance, although also considering that the wind felt in the capital did not help her, but highlighted the good recovery made after her participation in the Paris2024 Olympic Games.
The 32-year-old athlete said:
I was hoping to run faster, but I think the wind today didn’t help. I felt good in the race, but in the last few kilometres the wind was very strong. The half marathon is part of my competitive calendar and I hope to be in even better shape in a few weeks’ time, at the Valencia half marathon. I felt good after the Olympic Games, better than I expected.
Record Participation in the 2024 Lisbon Marathon
The 2024 Lisbon Marathon edition sold out approximately three months ahead of the race. The registration data revealed that the event attracted 8,000 participants. This included 6,000 foreigners from 90 different nationalities. Moreover, 2,000 Portuguese were also there to witness the race setting a new record for the marathon.
