Krzysztof Hadas won the men’s Scenic Half Marathon Krabi

Poland’s Krzysztof Hadas won the gold medal in the men’s elite division at the Scenic Half Marathon Krabi, securing a dramatic victory on September 13, 2026, in Thailand. Navigating a challenging coastal course through brutal morning humidity, the Polish duathlete-turned-marathoner crossed the finish line in 1:08:57 hours. He narrowly defeated Ethiopia’s Tsegaye Keress, who finished second just one second later in 1:08:58 hours. Their spectacular sprint finish highlighted a competitive international field, with fellow Ethiopian Gemechu Dida claiming the bronze medal in 1:09:15 hours.

The World Athletics Road Race Label event brought elite long-distance runners to the tropical shores of Ao Nang Beach. The race tested both the technical strategy and structural endurance of the competitors over the standard 21.1-kilometer distance.

The race commenced at dawn to shield the athletes from the peak tropical heat, but the heavy seaside fog and soaring humidity levels quickly turned the event into a tactical war of attrition. The scenic route—renowned for its sweeping vistas of limestone cliffs—featured a demanding, rolling profile packed with challenging hill sections.

A tight lead pack formed immediately at the start line, with Poland’s Hadas staying tucked inside a powerful African contingent led by Keress, Dida, and Kenya’s Nicholas Kipchirchir. Knowing the toll that the elevation shifts and dense moisture could take on an aggressive pace, the frontrunners chose a cautious, calculated approach through the opening 10 kilometers.

Hadas, who splits his professional training schedule between Poland and Thailand, utilized his deep familiarity with regional climate conditions to manage his output perfectly. As the mid-race hills began to wear down the competitors, the Polish elite athlete hovered closely behind the East African pacesetters, matching every surge without overextending.

The final five kilometers saw the leading group dissolve into an all-out battle for the podium. Kipchirchir was the first of the elite leaders to lose contact with the blistering pace, ultimately falling back to finish in a solitary fourth place with a time of 1:10:18 hours. Dida fought hard to stay within striking distance but couldn’t answer the final gear change, settling into a comfortable third-place finish to secure the bronze medal for Ethiopia.

This left Hadas and Keress locked in a furious head-to-head duel over the final mile. Turning onto the beachfront stretch, the two runners matched stride for stride. In a final, desperate burst toward the tape, Hadas found an extra gear to edge out Keress by a mere single step.

Further down the road, Thailand’s own Jongjaijit Intouch delivered a spectacular performance for the local fans. Showing excellent pacing on the hilly back half of the course, Intouch crossed the line in 1:11:04 hours to secure fifth place overall, completing a prestigious top five that featured four distinct nations.

For Krzysztof Hadas, the victory in Krabi stands as a major achievement in his ongoing transition from elite international duathlon racing to pure road running. His ability to outmaneuver seasoned pure marathoners from global running powerhouses underscores his rising status on the Asian road racing circuit. By mastering the unique microclimate and structural challenges of the Krabi coastline, Hadas cements his reputation as a premier competitor in tough conditions, setting up an exciting trajectory for his upcoming seasonal campaign