ALGIERS, Nov 14, 2025 – Kenyan athletes dominated the first edition of the Algiers International Half Marathon, held Friday in the capital, taking the top three places in the men’s race and the top two in the women’s race.
The event, run over a distance of 21.097 km, brought together nearly 6,500 participants in the senior categories for both men and women.
Kenyan runner Simon Maywa claimed victory by completing the course in 1:01:44, ahead of his compatriots Kimtai Antony (2nd) in 1:01:59 and Kiptoo Edwin Kiprop (3rd) in 1:03:34.
The best-performing Algerian of the day, Mohamed Seif-Eddine Boukartaba, finished 6th with a time of 1:05:06.
In the women’s race, Kenya also secured a one-two finish thanks to Longari Gladys Cherop and Rutto Daizy Jemutai, while the third place went to Ethiopian athlete Mekonen Sewareg Haymanot. Algeria’s Souad Aït Salem finished just off the podium.
In the veterans’ category, Algerian athletes dominated the events across both men’s and women’s races.
Algerian runners also swept the 10 km race, taking the top ten spots in the men’s race and the top five among the women.
Half-marathon winner Simon Maywa spoke after his victory, saying: “I salute the efforts made by Algeria to ensure the success of this international event. The course, which passes through several districts of Algiers, is beautiful and deserves to be highlighted. I thank all the organizers and supervisors.”
The starting line for the first edition of the Algiers International Half Marathon and the 10 km race was set near the Ferhani Stadium in Bab El Oued, while the finish line was placed in front of the Algiers wilaya headquarters. The route passed through the Omar Hamadi Stadium (Bologhine), Raïs Hamidou, Square Port Said, Colonel Amirouche Avenue, Place du 1er Mai, Mohamed Belouizdad Street, Les Fusillés metro station and the “Jardin d’Essai.”
