Kenya dominates record Buenos Aires International Marathon

It was a record-breaking edition of the Buenos Aires International Marathon on Sunday, with an all-time-high 16,384 runners taking part and a new local record set in the womens race.

The Argentine capital hosted the event for the 42nd time, as runners from 64 countries arrived to compete in the 42K across the neighborhoods of Palermo, Recoleta, Puerto Madero and La Boca. However, it was Kenya’s runners who stole the spotlight.

Bethwel Kibet Chumba was arguably the favorite heading into the mens event, with the best personal record of any runner: 2:04:37, set at the 2023 Amsterdam Marathon.

Despite facing tough competition from Rwanda’s John Hakizimana, the Kenyan took the win in 2:08:28, although he finished short of the course record of 2:05:00 set by fellow Kenyan Evans Kiplagat Chebet in 2019.

Another Kenyan, Felix Kiptoo Kirwa, finished third.

There was record-breaking among the women, as Kenya’s Rebecca Kangogo Chesir defeated countrywoman Rodah Jepkorir Tanui the course record holder since 2023 to claim the win and set the fastest time ever for the Buenos Aires marathon, finishing in 2:23:32. 

Another Kenyan, Emmah Cheruto Ndiwa, completed the podium.

Erario and Mainetti, Argentine champions Among Argentine runners, it was once again Mendoza native Ignacio Erario who took the win, as he had done in the Buenos Aires Half Marathon.

Erario finished in 2:16:42, well short of Joaqun Arbe’s 2:09:36 national record set in 2019, but enough for ninth overall.

“I almost pulled out at the last minute,” Erario admitted after the race. “My year is done as far as I’m concerned; I think I accomplished what I set out to do. I couldn’t ask for more.”

The Mendoza runner said conditions were “extremely tough,” with strong headwinds proving a major hindrance, but said he was happy to have endured and improved on his time from two years ago.

Ignacio Reyes finished second among Argentines in 2:21:46, with Esteban Angulo third in 2:23:01.

Among the Argentine women, Chiara Mainetti from Misiones province led with a 2:38:28, enough to finish seventh overall. Anah Castao (2:44:21) and Mercedes Piredda (2:48:11) completed the podium.