2:03:10! Beijing Marathon Sets a New Course Record

The 2026 Beijing Marathon produced a historic result on October 18, as Ethiopian distance-running star Tamirat Tola won the men’s race in 2 hours, 3 minutes and 10 seconds, setting a new course record.

Tola, the men’s marathon champion at the 2024 Paris Olympics, dramatically lowered the previous Beijing Marathon men’s record of 2:07:06, set by Kenya’s Matthew Kisorio in 2019. His performance also established the fastest marathon finish recorded at a race held in China.

Tola Breaks Away to Claim Victory

The 2026 Bank of China Beijing Marathon, held alongside the National Marathon Championships, attracted approximately 32,000 runners. The race began at Tiananmen Square and finished on the scenic avenue in the central area of Olympic Park, covering the full marathon distance of 42.195 kilometers.

An elite lead group formed early in the race, with several international runners setting a demanding pace. As the runners passed the halfway point, the group gradually narrowed. Around the 31-kilometer mark, Tola accelerated away from his rivals and began running alone at the front.

His decisive move proved successful. Tola crossed the finish line in 2:03:10, taking almost four minutes off the previous course record.

Ethiopian runner Edris finished second in 2:04:34, followed by fellow Ethiopian Adane in 2:05:10. Both runners also finished faster than the previous course record, making the men’s podium particularly remarkable.

China’s Li Dali was the first Chinese male runner to finish, recording 2:08:30 and leading the domestic men’s field.

An Olympic Champion Delivers Another Major Performance

Tola is one of the leading figures in international distance running. He won the men’s marathon at the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Oregon before claiming Olympic gold in Paris in 2024, where he also set an Olympic record.

His experience at major international competitions helped establish him as one of the leading contenders before the Beijing race. His ability to maintain a demanding pace over the full distance proved decisive as the race entered its final stages.

The results also highlighted the strength of this year’s elite field. With all three leading men finishing faster than the previous course record, the race delivered a significant improvement in performance at the top level.

A Landmark Event in Beijing Marathon History

First held in 1981, the Beijing Marathon has developed into one of China’s best-known road-running events. It attracts elite athletes from around the world while providing thousands of recreational runners with an opportunity to challenge themselves on the streets of the Chinese capital.

This year’s field of approximately 32,000 participants started at Tiananmen Square and made its way through Beijing before finishing near the city’s Olympic Park. The event combined elite competition with widespread public participation, reflecting the continued popularity of distance running in China.

Tola’s 2:03:10 finish represents more than an individual victory. It marks a new benchmark for the Beijing Marathon and the fastest marathon performance recorded at a race in China.

With advances in training, race organization and international competition continuing to raise standards, Tola’s performance sets a formidable target for future editions of the event.