After a strong 2025 campaign capped by two podium finishes on the Abbott World Marathon Majors circuit, Alexander Munyao is already gearing up for an even bigger assault on the 2026 season.
This year, the 29-year-old strengthened his status as one of Kenya’s rising marathon stars with standout performances in both London and New York.
On April 27 in London, he clocked 2:04:20 to secure a hard-earned third place, finishing behind a dominant Sabastian Sawe, who won in 2:02:27, and Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo, who posted 2:03:37.
Fast forward to November 2 in New York and Munyao climbed one step higher on the podium, finishing second in 2:08:09 after a dramatic photo finish in which he and champion Benson Kipruto recorded identical times.
“For me, 2025 has been a good season. I am happy with how it turned out,” Munyao said. “I hope 2026 will be an even better season. I am hopeful for the best.”
His confidence is also drawn from an impressive year in the half-marathon.
He opened his season with a commanding win at the Kagawa Half Marathon on February 2, clocking 59:16 before shifting his attention to London. Later, he dominated the Great North Run on September 7, storming to victory in 1:00:52.
Munyao also briefly turned to the track, competing at the Hokuren Distance Challenge in Japan, where he ran 13:54.19 for third in the 5,000m and 28:00.26 for second in another outing.
“I will sit down with my coach and manager and see the plans for 2026 and which races I will run. Running on a fast course will be good; we’ll just have to see what the year has in store for me.”
Munyao openly credits two-time Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge as his long-time inspiration.
“I look at Eliud and how he has been consistent in the marathon, and that motivates me. I used to hear about him before I even started my marathon career. He is a role model to me. I believe that if I can stay consistent and disciplined in my career, then I can keep running for years to come.”
In a bid to give back, Munyao is mentoring six athletes training in Ngong under coach Peter Muteti.
“I have a group of six athletes I am mentoring at the moment. One of them, Nicholas Kitundu, was victorious in Seoul.”
Kitundu claimed the Seoul Marathon title earlier this month in 2:05:32, beating Morocco’s Aziz Ait Ourkia (2:06:09) and Ethiopia’s Berehanu Wendemu Tsegu (2:06:50).
Following his New York duel, Munyao allowed himself just three weeks of recovery before resuming training.
“After New York, I came back to Kenya briefly and then jetted off to Japan. I don’t think I have an off-season because I also have to run for my company in Japan. I am scheduled to race on January 1, the New Year Ekiden.”
With 2026 already calling, Munyao has begun his early preparations.
“I have started my training with just light jogging as I prepare myself for 2026.”
by TEDDY MULEI
