Editor’s comments: i met Yeman Kripa 2019 in the Milano Marathon. During our conversation Yeman told me he was following the race, wondering if he should run the marathon distance. Yeman has, and his thrilling win came down to his leg speed, with a huge PB. Below is a message from his sponsor. On the run.
The marathon distance is tough for track athletes. Patience to control yourself and manage speed and energy is key. Yeman said that after Paris he is finally a marathon runner.
Paris, France, April 13, 2026 – Athlete Yeman Crippa dominated the Paris Marathon, crossing the finish line in a personal best of 2:05.18 to become the first Italian to win the prestigious event and the first European to win the race in 24 years.
The 28-year-old Italian-born Etrian gave a masterclass in tactical running. After a tight lead remained bunched up at kilometer 35, Kripa made his decisive move in the final stretch. Using her trademark speed, she pulled away from the field ahead of Ethiopia’s Bayelin Teshager (2:05:24) and Kenya’s Sila Kipto (2:05:29).
Speaking after the race, Kripa said: “My career as a marathon runner begins today,” he said. “I finally found the right path. Today I saved myself to finish 25th at the Paris Olympics and a whole new page opens. I discovered this morning that I have a real feel for the marathon.”
From track to marathon
Sunday’s victory along the Seine was Kripa’s seventh career marathon and represented the culmination of a brilliant transition from the stadium to the road. Before conquering the 42.2km distance, On systematically tore through the Italian record books, shattering historical marks held since the 1980s and 90s. He remains the national record holder in unprecedented distances, including 3000m, 5000m and 10000m on the track, as well as 5km, 10km and 59:01 half marathon on the road. A top-class champion, Kripa’s resume is anchored by the 2022 European 10,000m title and gold at the 2024 European Half Marathon in Rome. While his marathon debut in Milan three years ago was a vital learning experience, this victory proves he has successfully refined his elite engine to compete at the top of the world’s most competitive road races.
