Kenyan runners Robert Ngeno and Betty Chepkwony triumph at the 30th Acea Run Rome The Marathon 2025

Kenyan athletes Robert Ngeno and Betty Chepkwony are crowned as King and Queen of the 30th Acea Run Rome The Marathon. For the first time, the Circa Massimo welcomed the arrival of 30,000 participants

ROME – Unforgettable, indelible, and unsurpassable—the 30th Acea Run Rome The Marathon was all this and much more. An explosion of joy, emotion, passion, sweat, tears, happiness, success, cheers, enthusiasm, and so much more for 28,000 marathoners, each with a personal story to tell at the finish line of the most beautiful city’s marathon. A record number of participants, an astounding number of international runners, and a grand 30th birthday celebration under the spotlight.

42 seconds of silence and the Pope’s Angelus

Acea Run Rome The Marathon showed its closeness to Pope Francis, a great sports and marathon enthusiast, by dedicating 42 seconds of silence—one for each kilometer of the race—to the Holy Father. The official speaker read the words from Pope Francis’ Angelus, recited in St. Peter’s Square on March 17, 2024:

“I warmly welcome the participants of the Rome Marathon, a traditional celebration of sport and fraternity. Once again this year, thanks to the initiative of Athletica Vaticana, many athletes are involved in the ‘Relays of Solidarity,’ becoming witnesses of sharing.”

As well as his message from March 19, 2023: “I am pleased to greet the participants of the Rome Marathon! I congratulate you because, under the guidance of Athletica Vaticana, you turn this important sporting event into an opportunity for solidarity in favor of the less fortunate.”

The Mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri, alongside the Councillor for Major Events, Sports, Tourism, and Fashion, Alessandro Onorato, waved the Italian flag and officially started the event at 8:15 AM from the Fori Imperiali.

The Results

The men’s race was highly competitive, with a strong leading group of Kenyan athletes, including Luke Kiprop, Brian Kipsang, Robert Ngeno, Joshua Kogo, Dominic Kiprono, Fredrick Kibii, Samwel Kiptoo, and Hammington Cherop, maintaining a steady pace. Italy’s Daniele Meucci managed to climb positions from 14th at the 5 km mark. Around the 35th km, Kenyan Robert Ngeno made a decisive move, breaking away and securing victory in 2h07:35. “I am very happy with this victory. I took the lead after the 35th kilometer and managed to maintain the pace. It was wonderful to run through the streets of Rome,” said Ngeno.

His fellow countryman Brian Kipsang finished 15 seconds behind, taking second place in 2h07:58, while Joshua Kogo completed the all-Kenyan podium in 2h08:01. Italy’s top finisher was Daniele Meucci (CS Esercito), securing eighth place overall in 2h12:44.

“It was a tough race. I knew there would be many cobblestone sections, but the real challenge was the weather. I hoped to stay with the group longer, but from the 25th km onwards, where the course gets tougher, I found myself running alone, often against the wind. Given these conditions, I think I finished quite well,” said Meucci.

In the women’s race, Kenyan Betty Chepkwony claimed victory in 2h26:16, followed by Ethiopia’s Selam Fente Gebre in 2h28:22, and Kenyan Rebecca Kangogo in 2h31:16. Italy’s best female finisher was Burcin Ayse Sonmez (SS Lazio Atl. Leggera), securing eighth place in 2h45:38.

“This is my second victory here in Rome, after my 2023 win. It was a rather cold and windy day. My rivals pushed me hard, but I managed to prevail, and I’m absolutely thrilled,” said the champion.

Notable Participants

The race featured remarkable individuals, known for their resilience in reaching the historic finish line. Applause was given to British Paralympian Richard Whitehead, who completed the race in 2h57:06.

The Last Finisher’s Cup

Awarded by Athletica Vaticana, the 3rd edition of the ‘Last Finisher’s Cup’ was presented to Algerian writer Khaled Boudaoui, who completed the marathon in 3h34:01, embodying the spirit of hope and fraternity. Born in 1980 in Oran, Algeria, Khaled was a journalist in Arabic for many years. Married with two children, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2012, after which he began writing novels in French and took up running.

“Every stride is a silent declaration: I am still here. Every meter conquered is a victory over time and fate. The marathon, like illness, has taught me that the essence is not measured in kilometers run or records broken. The essence is to keep moving forward, always.”

For Khaled, life is a testimony of encouragement for everyone, particularly for those affected by illness and fragility, inspiring them to embrace every moment fully. The ‘Last Finisher’s Cup’ was crafted by Roman artist Barbara Salvucci, embodying the spirit of sharing hope—especially during the Holy Year—and the courage to pursue dreams and new beginnings in both sports and life.