© Porto Marathon
Porto Marathon: Aspel Kiptoo Kiprop and Betty Jepleting on Top
Porto turned into a running fiesta on Sunday, November 2. Kenyan marathoners Aspel Kiptoo Kiprop and Betty Jepleting took the top spots, while the French duo Mael Baron (20th) and Nathalie Gaubert (13th) proudly flew the tricolor. On the 10K, Rémi Olliveau claimed victory among the men, and Julie Berthier delivered a strong performance with a 10th-place finish. Between the Ribeira’s cobblestones and the shimmering Douro River, 15,000 runners found their rhythm in this 2025 edition, where sport blended with joy and discovery.
Porto woke up to the beat of pounding footsteps. Between the golden stones of the Ribeira neighborhood and the glow of an ocean still half-asleep, more than 10,000 runners from around the world took part in the 21st edition of the Porto Marathon—an event as festive as it was finely tuned. Everyone found their tempo, chasing performance or pleasure over the marathon and the 10K alike.
But the city didn’t just host two races—it staged a show. From the start at Parque da Cidade, runners followed the coastline before heading toward the banks of the Douro. Bridges, winding streets, and drifting scents of coffee set the scene somewhere between postcard and personal challenge. Pace-setters marked by colorful balloons guided the packs, while local bands fueled the longest stretches.
True to reputation, the Portuguese crowd cheered relentlessly. Families lined the sidewalks; restaurant owners clapped between customers; kids stretched their hands for high-fives. The collective energy pulled runners all the way to the finish line.
| Kiptoo Kiprop and Jepleting Rule Along the Douro
In the men’s race, victory went to Kenya’s Aspel Kiptoo Kiprop with a 2:13:17—strong on a course that demands plenty, even if it fell short of the event’s record (2:09:51). Right behind came fellow Kenyan Joshua Kipsang Kemboi (2nd in 2:13:28) and Ethiopia’s Derara Guta Geleta (2:13:58), locking in an all-African podium. Top Portuguese finisher Carlos Costa earned 6th in 2:16:19, lifted by a sea of red-and-green flags waved at every turn. France’s Mael Baron also cracked the top 20, finishing 20th in 2:36:39.
In the women’s race, Kenya struck again: Betty Jepleting took the win in 2:31:05—14th overall—with fellow Kenyan Leonida Jemwetich Mosop close behind (2:31:32). Ethiopia’s Meseret Dinke sealed bronze in 2:32:27. The trio held steady until a home-stretch lined with roaring supporters, whose warmth felt nearly as good as an aid station. France’s Nathalie Gaubert, from Noisy-Le-Grand, finished 13th in 3:09:57.
| Rémi Olliveau Lights Up the 10K
Alongside the marathon, the 10K drew its own crowd—perfect for runners who wanted a taste of the magic without tackling the full distance. A shared start created a rush of excitement before the runners split into their different journeys.
The French colors shone bright thanks to Breton runner Rémi Olliveau, who won in 31:34. He nearly shared the podium with fellow Frenchman Louis Rischmann, who finished 4th in 31:56—just behind locals Ricardo Pereira (31:48) and Rui Pedro Silva (31:49). Joffrey Perrot-Legros (Kiwami Racing Team) slipped into the day’s top 20 with a 19th-place finish in 35:44.
In the women’s race, the Portuguese sealed another sweep: Rafaela Fonseca took the win in 34:46 ahead of Carla Martinho (35:02) and Telma Pinho (35:35). It was a fast and joyous race, the ocean breeze softening ambitions for some—but not for Julie Berthier, who clocked a refreshing 40:20 to secure a well-deserved 10th-place finish.
| Key Numbers
The 2025 edition welcomed nearly 15,000 participants across all distances—about half from abroad. Diversity defined the event: cosmopolitan, warm, generous. The organization delivered on details: aid stations every 5K, cooling sponges, a free bag check, a pre-race pasta party, and showers at the finish. Simple touches that make all the difference.
The Porto Marathon is a rarity—fast yet postcard-beautiful. The contrast between powerful strides and a soothing backdrop creates a charm of its own. You come for the time; you leave with a head full of imagery: morning reflections on the Douro, gulls overhead, and the smell of fresh bread drifting from a bakery. It leaves a clear message: you’ll be back.
✔ See all results from the 2025 Porto Marathon
Dorian VUILLET
Journalist
