Nicholas Kiptoo won the men’s running event at the Garoto 10 Miles – 35ª Dez Milhas Garoto

Nicholas Kiptoo of Kenya captured a magnificent victory at the men’s 10 miles running event during the milestone Garoto 10 Miles – 35ª Dez Milhas Garoto on September 27, 2026. Blazing across the scenic coastal course stretching from Vitória to Vila Velha, Brazil, Kiptoo recorded an exceptional winning time of 48:14 minutes. His masterful racing strategy enabled him to reclaim his position at the pinnacle of one of South America’s most revered road running competitions.

The article below highlights the thrilling podium showdown, elite finishes, and the grand festive atmosphere that defined this year’s historic edition.

An atmosphere of profound sporting prestige gripped the state of Espírito Santo on Sunday, September 27, 2026, as the legendary Dez Milhas Garoto celebrated its historic 35th anniversary edition. The event marked a monumental leap forward, earning its official designation as a World Athletics Label Road Race. The community response was equally unprecedented, as all 20,000 available race bibs completely sold out within a blistering 14 hours after registration opened.

Starting early in the morning from the picturesque Praia de Camburi in Vitória, an incredibly dense peloton of world-class athletes and eager amatures set off under hot coastal sun. The iconic 16.09-kilometer route took the field on an aesthetic but challenging tour across the majestic Terceira Ponte, culminating at the gates of the famous Chocolates Garoto factory in Vila Velha. While thousands of fans transformed the streets into an interactive wall of sound, the men’s elite race unfolded as a high-speed, tactical war of attrition.

The defining headline of the day belonged squarely to Nicholas Kiptoo. Having previously tasted ultimate glory on this very course, the Kenyan distance star executed a flawlessly metered race to break the tape in 48:14. Kiptoo utilized his acute course familiarity to navigate the rapid pace transitions and early humidity.

From the initial gun, a powerful leading pack featuring top-tier African and South American talent formed at the front, stringing out the field across the wide asphalt avenues. Kiptoo remained highly conservative during the early kilometers, allowing rival pacemakers to handle the brunt of the coastal winds. The race reached its critical boiling point on the sweeping ascents of the Terceira Ponte. It was here that Kiptoo began pressing the pace, testing the structural thresholds of his closest competitors. As the field dropped off the bridge into Vila Velha, Kiptoo launched a devastating long-range surge, pulling away to a secure a 17-second margin of victory.

Finishing in a deeply inspiring second place was Brazil’s beloved veteran distance runner, Giovani dos Santos, who crossed the timing mats in a phenomenal 48:31. Dos Santos delivered a gritty, technically brilliant performance to ensure the home crowds had plenty to celebrate. Tracking Kiptoo’s moves step-for-step across the bridge, dos Santos did an immense amount of tactical heavy lifting to detach himself from the rest of the international chase pack. His stellar runner-up placing proved once again why he remains one of the most respected figures in Brazilian road racing.

The third step on the absolute podium went to fellow Kenyan Vestus Chemjor, who stopped the clock in a strong 48:58. Chemjor managed his energy output efficiently throughout the demanding middle segments of the race, keeping the lead duo within visual range while successfully buffering the high muscular toll of the course’s elevation transitions to lock down a top-three finish.

Behind the podium trio, a wonderful display of tactical focus settled the remaining elite positions. Brazilian athlete Joao Marcos put together an exceptional performance to claim fourth place overall with an official time of 49:24. Marcos utilized an intelligent, even-paced strategy, allowing him to systematically reel in fading runners over the final miles and confidently crack the sub-50-minute barrier.

Completing the official top five elite standings was another standout domestic performer, José Geraldo Ferreira, who crossed the finish line shortly after in 49:39. Ferreira fought valiantly through the closing stretches in front of the Garoto factory, successfully fending off a late charge from Uganda’s Jonathan Akankwasa to secure his top-five status. With three Brazilian flags occupying positions inside the top five, the local running community celebrated a highly competitive showcase against global elite forces.

The 35th Dez Milhas Garoto lived up to its lofty reputation as the pinnacle of coastal Brazilian road running. From organized neighborhood cheer zones to the sweet aromas greeting athletes at the finish line, the event seamlessly blended elite athletic achievements with vibrant community festivities. For champion Nicholas Kiptoo, the triumph stands as a definitive validation of his elite form as the autumn racing season swings into full gear.