Kenya sweeps Gifu Half Marathon as Nyaboke Omare and Patrick Mosin win

On Sunday, April 26, the World Athletics Gold Label Gifu Half Marathon 2026 took place in Gifu City, Central Japan. Patrick Mosin of Kenya won the men’s race in 1:00:35, while Dolphine Nyaboke Omare of Kenya captured the women’s title in 1:07:04.

Marking its 15th edition, this year’s race started under favourable conditions, with clear skies, a temperature of 18.6°C, humidity of 54%, and light winds of 1.9 m/s.

Men

In the men’s race, a lead pack of six runners formed early on, including Mosin, Boniface Mulwa of Kenya, and Shoki Yamaguchi of Japan. The closely contested battle for the lead continued as the course passed through the lively streets around Gifu Station, the historic Kawara-machi district, and along the scenic banks of the Nagara River. With 1 km remaining, Mosin launched a decisive surge and pulled clear to secure victory. Mulwa finished just one second behind in 1:00:36 for second place, while Yamaguchi placed sixth in 1:00:46.

The first five finishers, separated by three seconds, were all Kenyan. The first Japanese athlete was Shoki Yamaguchi in 1:00:46 in sixth position. Then another four Kenyan athletes followed before several Japanese athletes rolled in. The first non-Kenyan and non-Japanese runner was Canadian Justin Kent, who recorded a 1:08:13 finish. He was looking for something closer to 1:01 on the day and is coming off a strong performance at the Vancouver Sun Run, having won in the time of 28:40. His half-marathon best is 1:02:48 from 2022.

Eighty-two men finished under 1:10:00.

Women

In the women’s race, Omare, the 2022 and 2023 champion, and defending champion Janet Nyiva of Kenya were part of a four-runner lead group before breaking clear together at around 18 km, setting up a head-to-head battle. Approaching the finish at Nagaragawa Stadium, Omare accelerated again just before entering the stadium and went on to break the tape to claim her third title. Nyiva finished a close second in 1:07:06. Kana Kobayashi of Japan was the top Japanese finisher, placing ninth in 1:10:43 for the second consecutive year.

In addition to the world-class elite field, the Gifu Half Marathon 2026 welcomed 10,473 runners from Japan and abroad. Participants enjoyed a course showcasing many of Gifu’s highlights, including the majestic natural beauty of the Nagara River, one of Japan’s most celebrated clear rivers, the historic setting of Gifu Castle and its castle town, and the vibrant city areas around Gifu Station and Yanagase. Volunteers and residents offered warm encouragement along the course and at aid stations. At the finish area, Race Chairperson Naoko Takahashi greeted runners with smiles and high-fives, embodying the spirit of Gifu City coming together to help every runner cross the finish line.

Comment from Race Founder and Chairperson Naoko Takahashi, Olympic marathon gold medalist at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and a native of Gifu, “This year marks the 15th edition of the event. It is thanks to the runners, staff, volunteers, and above all, the exceptional understanding and unwavering support of the local community that the race has grown into such a beloved event over the years. I hope today will be a memorable day in your lives, and I look forward to seeing you again next year.”

The first six women were Kenyan. The first non-Kenyan was Moroccan Soukaina Atanane in seventh place with a time of 1:09:55. The first Japanese finisher was Kana Kobayashi in 1:10:43 and ninth place.

The first non-African or Japanese athlete was Canadian Malindi Elmore, who finished in a time of 1:13:45 and placed 18th. She, too, is coming off a strong Vancouver Sun Run performance, having clocked a 32:30.

Twenty-one women finished under 1:15:00.

Results

Men’s Half Marathon

Final

Women’s Half Marathon

Final