Belfast Marathon finished with a narrow finish in the men's race, as Abay Alemu outduels Tadesse Mamo by one second to take the title. The win marks Alemu’s first marathon victory after consistent high placements in previous editions, setting a new benchmark for his career.

On the women's side, Morocco’s Lala Aziza Selsouli edged past the field to claim her third title with a time of 2:38:00. After two runner‑up finishes, Selsouli expressed relief and excitement, saying she had always wanted to win. Her triumph underscores the growing competitiveness of African women in long‑distance road racing.

Runner Judith Storm, representing City of Derry, finished second with a personal best of 2:39:09, while the podium was completed by Melissa Gibson of Ealing in third place at 2:42:44. The race also saw Irish athletes Dearbhla Cox and Pamela Kirk finish fourth and fifth, respectively, at just over 2:44. The event drew strong international fields and set the stage for the next season’s championships.

Selsouli’s victory, coupled with the tight men's finish, highlights Belfast’s reputation as a challenging yet rewarding marathon venue. The performances suggest that athletes entering the European circuit will face stiff competition in upcoming races, and the results will influence seedings and national team selections for major championships.