Kenyan distance ace Leonard Langat is set to defend his Toronto Waterfront Marathon crown on October 18. He won the 2025 edition in 2:08:04, leading a Kenyan podium sweep. Langat is looking forward to returning to Toronto, a city he fell in love with last year. He appreciated the city's beauty and the people he met during his visit. Langat's performance in the 2025 edition was impressive, and he is eager to repeat his success.
Langat has made adjustments to his training regimen and believes he is better equipped to retain his title. He has increased his mileage and is confident about his chances. Langat's goal is not only to defend his title but also to lower his lifetime best. His personal best stands at 2:05:26, which he clocked at the Cape Town Marathon earlier this year. Langat finished fourth in Cape Town, and he is determined to improve his time.
The Toronto Waterfront Marathon has a rich history, with Kenyan Philemon Rono setting the course record of 2:05:00 in 2019. Langat will be chasing not only victory but also a chance to get close to or break this record. He knows it won't be easy, but he is optimistic about his chances. Langat's performance in the 2026 campaign has been mixed, with a second-place finish in India and a fourth-place finish in Cape Town.
Langat's season opened on January 18 in India, where he finished second in 2:10:10 behind Ethiopia's Tadu Abate. Eritrea's Merhawi Kesete took third place in 2:10:22. Langat then produced a career-best performance on May 24 in Cape Town, slicing his personal best to 2:05:26. However, he admitted that a costly moment denied him a shot at the podium. Langat lost the steps of the leading group after taking water at the 40km mark.
Despite the setback in Cape Town, Langat boasts an impressive marathon resume. He has victories at the Milan Marathon in 2025 and the Vienna Marathon in 2021. Langat's experience and skills will be crucial in his title defense. He is confident about his chances and is looking forward to the challenge. Langat's goal is to win the race and improve his time.
Langat's rivals will be tough, but he is ready for the challenge. The Toronto Waterfront Marathon is a prestigious event, and Langat is eager to make a statement. He has been preparing well and is confident about his fitness levels. Langat's performance in the 2025 edition was impressive, and he will be looking to repeat his success.
Langat's title defense will be closely watched, and he is eager to make a statement. He has a tough task ahead of him, but he is confident about his chances. Langat's goal is to win the race and improve his time. If the weather is good, he will try to improve his personal best. The Toronto Waterfront Marathon takes place on October 18, and Langat is ready to take on the challenge.
Key points
- Langat aims to defend his Toronto Waterfront Marathon title and lower his lifetime best.
