Kiptugen, Mutai lead Kenyan charge at Copenhagen Marathon

Kenya’s Vincent Mutai headlines the men’s field as he returns to the Danish capital aiming to go one better after finishing second in last year’s race.

Mutai clocked his personal best time of 2:09:09 in Copenhagen and will be banking on familiarity with the course as he hunts for victory.

The Kenyan is part of a strong elite lineup featuring eleven athletes who have previously run under the 2:10 barrier. Belgium’s Lahsene Bouchikhi, who boasts a PB of 2:08:36, is the only European among the leading contenders.
In the men’s race last year, Eritrea’s Berhane Tesfaye stormed to victory in 2:08:25.

Attention will also shift to the women’s race where Kenya will field a powerful squad led by defending champion Sharon Kiptugen.

The 27-year-old came agonisingly close to the course record last year, missing it by just five seconds after storming to victory in 2:23:19.

The Ethiopian duo of Sofia Assefa and Abebech Afework finished second and third in 2:26:21 and a personal best time of 2:28:37 respectively.

Kiptugen returns to Copenhagen facing a tougher challenge this time round, with former champion Rodah Chepkorir also back in the field. Chepkorir set the current course record of 2:23:14 during her triumph in 2023 and will be eager to reclaim the title.

Ethiopia’s Bezunesh Getachew is also expected to provide stiff competition after previously winning the Frankfurt Marathon in an impressive 2:19:27.

Kenya’s Mercy Chepwogen is another athlete to watch closely in Sunday’s race. The Kenyan, who finished third at this year’s Paris Half Marathon in 1:06:33, will be making her full marathon debut.

Chepwogen will also be celebrating her 30th birthday on race day, adding extra motivation as she looks to announce herself on the global marathon stage with a strong performance in Copenhagen.