Kenya’s Geoffrey Kamworor triumphs at Rotterdam marathon

Rotterdam witnessed another thrilling marathon as Kenya’s Geoffrey Kamworor claimed victory at the 44th edition on Sunday. The 32-year-old two-time world half-marathon champion clocked 2:04:33, delivering a decisive surge after the 37km mark to secure his win.

The race lacked defending champion Bashir Abdi, who holds the course record (2:03:36, 2021).

The Belgian Olympic silver medalist withdrew in March due to injury. Also absent was Dutch favorite Abdi Nageeye, the 2022 and 2024 winner.

Belgium’s Robin Hendrix finished 16th, the top European performer in a field dominated by African athletes. Kamworor’s victory continues Kenya’s stronghold on the event, though falling short of Kelvin Kiptum’s world record pace (2:00:35) set earlier this year.

Organizers praised the fast conditions despite 12°C temperatures and moderate winds. The race attracted over 15,000 participants, with Kamworor taking home €30,000 from the €250,000 prize pool.

This win marks Kamworor’s successful transition from cross-country to marathon dominance, having previously won New York City Marathon twice. Athletics analysts note his negative split strategy – running the second half faster (1:02:06) than the first (1:02:27) – proved decisive.