On Sunday, 22 February 2026, the streets of Daegu, South Korea, will host one of the richest marathons in the world. The Daegu Marathon, staged in one of Asia’s most established athletics cities, offers $200,000 to each of the men’s and women’s champions, placing it among the most lucrative payouts in global road racing.
The elite prize structure extends ten deep in both divisions, creating a combined international prize purse of $842,000 – $421,000 per gender. Prize money descends from $200,000 for first place to $7,000 for tenth, with additional domestic awards and performance bonuses further enhancing the overall package.
With nearly one million dollars in elite prize money on the line, Daegu has assembled a field worthy of the stakes.
Elite Women: Sub-2:19 Firepower
The women’s race features three Ethiopians with personal bests under 2:19, immediately signaling record-level intent.
Defending champion Meseret Belete returns with a lifetime best of 2:18:21 and the confidence of past success on this course. Ruti Aga, the 2024 winner, owns the fastest PB in the field at 2:18:09 and brings extensive championship experience. Dera Dida Yami, the 2023 Dubai Marathon champion (2:18:32), strengthens Ethiopia’s tactical options on a flat, rhythm-friendly layout.
Kenya’s Lilian Kasait Rengeruk introduces intrigue. Known globally for her half-marathon speed, she presents a potential late-race threat if she manages the marathon distance conservatively through 30 kilometers. Should she remain within contact entering the final stretch, her finishing speed could prove decisive.
South Korea’s Choi Jung-yoon (PB 2:32:20) carries the hopes of the home crowd inside Daegu Stadium, where the race both begins and concludes. Her performance will be closely watched as a measure of domestic progress against the dominant East African contingent.
Men’s Elite: Proven Champions and Record Credentials
The men’s race features equal depth and experience.
Tanzania’s Gabriel Geay, defending champion and former course record holder, arrives with a 2:03:00 personal best. His strength lies in sustained high tempo, making him especially dangerous if the early pace remains controlled but honest.
Ethiopia’s Chimdesa Debele Gudeta (2:04:44) and Kenya’s Stephen Kiprop (2:07:04) round out a field capable of maintaining sub-2:05 rhythm deep into the race. Tactical discipline will likely determine whether the contest becomes a time trial or a strategic battle over the final 10 kilometers.
Domestic favorite Jeon Su-hwan (2:17:00) will seek to elevate his performance on home soil, testing himself against one of the strongest international lineups of the season.
Course, Conditions, and Championship Stakes
Daegu’s late-February climate typically delivers cool, stable conditions ideal for distance racing. The circular course, starting and finishing at Daegu Stadium, features extended straightaways and minimal elevation change – characteristics that reward even pacing and negative splits.
With $200,000 awaiting each winner and $842,000 distributed across the elite fields, the 2026 Daegu Marathon represents more than a standard tour stop. It is a high-stakes confrontation in South Korea where world-class credentials, tactical precision, and endurance will determine who leaves Daegu not only victorious – but significantly rewarded.
SOURCE: MY BEST RUNS
