Irene Cheptai Leads Kenyan 1-2 in Dubai as Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei Spoils Men’s Party

Kenya’s Irine Cheptai and Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei clinched the elite titles at the Burj2Burj Half Marathon 2026 on Sunday, with both races decided by mere seconds in a display of world-class distance running.

The 21km event, organised by World’s Iconic with support from the Dubai Sports Council, saw a massive field of over 13,700 runners from the UAE and abroad. The flat, fast course and cool morning conditions contributed to one of the quickest editions in the race's history.

Starting at 6:30 am from Emirates Towers, the route guided participants past iconic landmarks such as the Museum of the Future, Burj Khalifa, and Burj Al Arab before finishing at Jumeirah Gardens. The scenic course, lined with enthusiastic spectators, has solidified the event's status as a premier destination race on the international running calendar.

PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Google News, Stay informed with Latest Sport News

The women's elite race was very competitive with Kenya’s Irine Cheptai claiming victory in 1:06:57. The world cross country champion held off a strong challenge in the final kilometres to secure the win.

Her compatriot, Daisilah Jerono, finished just two seconds behind in 1:06:59 to take second place. Ethiopia’s Ftaw Zeray rounded out the podium, crossing the line in 1:07:01. The top three athletes ran together for much of the race before the final sprint for the title.

The men's race was a nail-biter, with the top three finishers separated by only four seconds. Cheptegei, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, broke the tape in 59:26, delivering a coveted sub-60-minute performance.

He was closely followed by Kenya’s Nicholas Kipkorir, who finished in 59:28, and Tanzania’s Alphonce Simbu, who secured third place with a time of 59:30.

A blistering pace was set early by the lead pack, which remained tightly grouped until a final, decisive surge in the closing stages toward the finish line. With this victory, Cheptegei adds another significant road race title to his decorated career.

A generous prize purse was awarded to the top 10 male and female finishers, with the winners receiving Dh40,000 (Ksh1.4 million). Second and third place earned Dh20,000 (Ksh700,000) and Dh16,000 (Ksh560,000), respectively. Special awards were also presented to top Emirati runners and age-group winners.