Uganda’s Martin Musau has won the 2026 EDP Lisbon Marathon in Portugal, clocking a personal best of 2:08:07 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 settled for third in 2:08:35.
Musau’s victory came after a closely contested race in which the leading runners remained together for 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 mark. By 40 kilometres, Musau was battling Korir and Chebon for the title.
The Ugandan made his decisive move in the final two kilometres, opening a gap on the Kenyan pair to claim victory in Lisbon.
Speaking after the race, Musau said the victory 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 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 Uganda’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 gives Musau a new personal benchmark as he seeks to improve his marathon times and establish himself further in international distance running. It also adds to Uganda’s growing presence in international road racing.