Vivian Jerotich won the women’s Tallinn Marathon 2026

Kenya’s Vivian Jerotich won the gold medal in the women’s elite division at the Tallinn Marathon, capturing a commanding victory on September 13, 2026, in Estonia. Navigating a scenic but challenging course through the historic Baltic capital, the Kenyan distance specialist crossed the finish line in a spectacular time of 2:31:58 hours. She established a decisive gap over her countrywoman Rholex Jelimo, who finished second in 2:34:19 hours. Estonia’s own Liis-Grete Hussar claimed the bronze medal, rounding out the international podium with a hard-fought mark of 2:38:42 hours.

The prestigious World Athletics Label Road Race served as the crown jewel of Estonia’s largest annual running festival. The international event brought together thousands of mass participants alongside a premier elite field to tackle the classic 42.195-kilometer distance.

The marathon got underway under crisp autumn conditions, providing the ideal climate for long-distance racing. The course offered a stunning architectural showcase, guiding the runners through the modern districts of Tallinn, along the scenic Baltic Sea coastline, and past the medieval stone walls of the UNESCO-listed Old Town.

Jerotich established her tactical intent from the opening gun. Rather than engaging in a conservative feeling-out process, the Kenyan favorite surged to the front alongside Jelimo, instantly separating themselves from the rest of the field. The two Kenyans shared pacing duties through the first half of the race, passing the 21-kilometer mark with a comfortable lead over the chasing pack.

As the race progressed into the late stages, the flat coastal segments began to fracture the field. Jerotich capitalized on a slight change of pace at the 30-kilometer marker, unleashing a powerful solo surge that Jelimo could not match. Jerotich maintained a flawless, fluid stride over the final miles, executing a masterclass in front-running to finish more than two minutes ahead of her compatriot.

While the Kenyan tandem dominated the absolute front of the race, an extraordinary domestic battle unfolded behind them. Because the event concurrently hosted the official Estonian Marathon Championship, the battle among the local athletes carried immense prestige.

Liis-Grete Hussar ran a brilliantly measured race, managing her energy reserves perfectly along the windy coastal stretches. She broke away from her domestic rivals to cross the line in 2:38:42 hours, capturing the national title and the overall bronze medal.

The battle for the remaining national podium steps was incredibly tight. Külli Sizask finished fourth overall in 2:39:03 hours, digging deep to defend her position by a mere 16 seconds. The elite top five was completed by Helen Bell, who crossed the line in 2:39:19 hours, securing a magnificent clean sweep of the domestic championship podium for the home crowd.

Jerotich’s triumphant performance in Tallinn marks a monumental success on the European road racing circuit. By securing a dominant sub-2:32 victory, she solidifies her status as a premier global competitor, laying down a highly impressive marker for her upcoming seasonal campaign.