Kenyans extend half-marathon success in Europe with Berlin conquest
By Luke Oluoch, March 29, 2026Andreas Kiptoo Charicha and Dennis Kipkemoi continued Kenyan dominance in European road racing on Sunday, March 29, 2026, recording personal bests to finish first and second at the Generali Berlin Half Marathon.
Kiptoo, who hails from Kabaskei village in Chepkumia Ward, Nandi County, and Kipkemoi were originally listed among the race’s pacemakers.
However, they delivered a spectacular pace to clinch victory in a joint personal best time of 59:11, with Kiptoo finishing just ahead of his compatriot. The result marked the first major long-distance victory for the athlete.
Women’s race
Other Kenyans in the field included former U20 standout Benson Kiplangat, who made his long-distance debut as he begins his transition toward the marathon.
Meanwhile, Kenya-based German runner Amanal Petros clocked a German national record of 59:22 to round out a podium of sub-60-minute finishers.
In the women’s category, Ethiopia’s Tekle Tekeste Amebaw took the crown in 65:07. The Kenyan pair of Daisilah Jerono and Veronica Loleo completed the podium, finishing in 65:21 and 65:35, respectively.
The success comes a day after five Kenyans also achieved podium finishes in the Saturday Prague half-marathon.
Caroline Gitonga clocked a personal best of 1:06:17 to clinch top honours in the women’s category, leading a clean sweep for the Kenyan women. Jesca Chelangat followed in second place with a time of 1:06:45, while Cynthia Chepkwony took the bronze in 1:06:49.
Burundian bags gold
In the men’s category, despite not bagging the gold medal, Samwel Chebolel Masai clinched silver after an impressive run, clocking a personal best of 58:48. His compatriot, Owen Kapkama, won bronze in 58:58, also setting a personal best.
The men’s race was won by Burundian Rodrigue Kwizera, who set a new national record of 58:16.
These feats prompted praise from Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, who hailed the podium sweep as a testament to the nation’s unmatched dominance in long-distance running on the global stage.