This Saturday, the Santa Eulària Ibiza Marathon will celebrate its main day with the ninth edition of the island’s largest sporting event. The number of athletes set to take part in one of the three race distances exceeds 6,500, including several top-level runners who will compete for podium positions in the 42K, 22K, and 12K.
The flagship distance, the marathon, will feature its reigning champion, Samson Keiyo. Last year, the Kenyan showcased his talent by clocking 2:19:58, defeating former marathon world record holder Denis Kimetto. This time, Keiyo arrives with even greater ambition: not only aiming for a second victory on the island, but also targeting the course record, held by Eliud Kibet since 2019 with a time of 2:14:30 — a major challenge. Another contender for the win is fellow Kenyan Paul Kipkuri Chirchir.
Meanwhile, the 22K distance promises excitement with the presence of two of Spain’s top long-distance runners. In the men’s race, Dani Mateo from Soria will once again aim for victory. An Olympian with the Spanish national marathon team and an ambassador of the event, Dani is a true lover of the island and never misses Ibiza in his competitive calendar. He will also lead an easy run on Friday as a pre-race activation for participants who wish to join.
His main rival will be Madrid-born athlete Borja Yllera, one of the season’s biggest revelations. At just 18 years old, Borja broke the 2:30 barrier at the Seville Marathon — a historic milestone in Spanish athletics that establishes him as one of the sport’s most promising talents.
In the women’s category, an exciting duel is expected between the two main favorites: Fatima Azzahraa Ouhaddou and Yésica Más.
The Moroccan-born athlete arrives as the newly crowned Spanish half marathon champion after her victory in Mérida this past Sunday. She also claimed the title in 2025 and clearly excels at this distance. Additionally, last season she achieved two major international successes, winning both individual and team gold medals in the marathon at the European Championships in Belgium.
Meanwhile, Yésica Más, Spanish marathon champion in 2022, also arrives in excellent form, as she proved by winning the Almería Half Marathon this Sunday. Winner of the 22K at the Santa Eulària Ibiza Marathon in both 2025 and 2024, she will be aiming for her third consecutive victory on this course.
In the 12K distance, the main highlight in the women’s field and clear favorite is Lidia Campo, current Spanish half marathon runner-up and a specialist in 10K races. On the men’s side, Adrián Guirado, the course record holder, will look to defend his crown and claim another victory on home soil, in front of his crowd.
Beyond attracting more participants each year and continuing to grow in numbers, the Santa Eulària Ibiza Marathon is also strengthening its appeal among elite athletes. With the presence of these top national and international names, an exciting spectacle is guaranteed throughout Saturday’s event.
