Uganda’s Martin Musau has won the 2026 EDP Lisbon Marathon in Portugal, setting a personal best of two hours, eight minutes and seven seconds after pulling away from two Kenyan rivals in the closing stages of Saturday’s race.
The 28-year-old crossed the finish line ahead of Kenya’s Gilbert Korir, who finished second in 2:08:33, while compatriot Stephen Chebon completed the podium in 2:08:35.
Musau’s victory came after a competitive race in which the leading runners remained closely matched through much of the 42.195-kilometre course.
The leading group passed the halfway mark in 1:03:23 before narrowing to six runners at the 30-kilometre point. By the 40-kilometre mark, Musau was battling Korir and Chebon for the title.
The Ugandan then made his decisive move in the final two kilometres, opening a gap on the Kenyan duo to secure victory in Lisbon.
Speaking after the race, Musau said the win and personal best would motivate him to continue working towards success on the international stage.
“I am happy to win the Lisbon Marathon and set a new personal best. This victory is a great motivation for me to continue working hard and represent Uganda well in international competitions,” he said.
Musau’s winning time improved on his previous personal best of 2:08:42, set at the Hamburg Marathon in Germany in April 2024, by 35 seconds.
Uganda Athletics Federation president Dominic Otuchet welcomed the performance, saying the victory demonstrated the country’s potential to produce distance runners capable of competing against established international rivals.
“We are proud of Martin Musau for winning the Lisbon Marathon and setting a personal best. His performance demonstrates the potential of Ugandan athletes and should inspire other runners to work hard and compete at the highest level,” Otuchet said.
The victory provides Musau with a new benchmark as he seeks to improve his marathon times and strengthen his standing in international distance running.
His triumph also offers a positive result for Ugandan athletics as the country continues to develop athletes capable of challenging for honours in major road races.