The first edition of the KFC Ultimate Road Race delivered on all expectations this Sunday, 19 April 2026, bringing together over 900 participants in a vibrant atmosphere combining performance, community spirit, and high-level competition in Mauritius.
Kenyan athlete Anthony Kiplagat Maritim made history by winning the marathon and setting the inaugural course record in 2:27:06 — one of the fastest marathon times ever recorded in Mauritius.
His victory, however, did not come without drama. Around the 30-kilometre mark, Maritim briefly went off course, losing a significant lead over Madagascar’s Rivosoa Hobilalaina Andrianirina. Once redirected, the Kenyan regained control and powered through the final kilometres to secure a commanding win. Andrianirina finished second in 2:32:53, while a Seychellois athlete, competing in his first-ever marathon, completed the podium in 2:36:30.
Mauritian runner Prithviraj Jhugursing was the top local finisher, placing fourth in 2:43:32.
“It was a beautiful course, quite fast and accessible. I’m satisfied with my performance despite the heat. The organization was excellent, and I hope to return next year,” said Maritim.
Sendrafefiniaina dominates women’s race
In the women’s marathon, Madagascar’s Rollande Marie Pierre Sendrafefiniaina delivered a dominant performance, winning in 3:40:13.
In a remarkable display of resilience, she completed the final 20 kilometres barefoot, after experiencing discomfort with her shoes.
She finished ahead of Retha Kruger and Alex Mazzoleni, who completed the podium.
Historic Road Mile thrills spectators
Another highlight of the day was the first-ever Road Mile held in Mauritius, which lived up to expectations.
Kenyan Lucas Kiprop Kiplimo claimed victory in a thrilling sprint finish, edging
Botswana’s Oontse Lopang by just one second (4:17 vs 4:18). South Africa’s Oratile Mashigo secured third place in 4:21.
Mauritian rising talent Yesh Bonomally Ram impressed with a fifth-place finish in 4:27, setting a new national U20 record over the distance.
A successful debut for a promising event
With strong public turnout and enthusiastic feedback, the inaugural edition has been widely praised by both participants and spectators.
“Our goal was to create an event that combines high performance with mass participation. The feedback has been extremely positive and already encourages us to look ahead to the next edition,” state, the Head of Communication and Marketing of KFC, Annabelle Fanchette.
The organizing team also acknowledged the support of key partners, including the
Ministry of Tourism, the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA), and Ocean’s Creek Beach Hotel, among others.
The curtain falls on a highly successful first edition… with many already looking forward to what comes next.
Main results:
Men
Marathon
- Maritim Anthony KIPLAGAT 2h27:06
- Rivosoa Hobilalaina ANDRIANIRINA 2h32:53
- Iven Kevin Patrick M0OISE 2h36:30
- Prithviraj JHUGURSING 2h43:32
- Dhavind CUSTNEA
Mile
- Lucas Kiprop KIPLIMO 04:17
- Oontse LOPANG 04:18
- Modibo Oratile MASHIGO 04:21
- Ruddy BARRET 04:23
- Yesh BONOMALLY RAM
5km
- Jevissen PONIN 16:29
- Noah KUENZ 16:32
- Yuvraj CONAHYE 17:26
- Aurelien CICERON 17:33
- Wildaan MOSAFUR
10km
- Shyaveen DUSSARAM 35:19
- Aneeshrao SUDDHOO 36:21
- Oliver FRA 39:41
- Hoodishsingh BISSESSUR 39:51
- Hemraz GAJADHAR 40:00
21k
- Jean Richard RAFANOMEZANTSOA 1h11:53
- Jean Claude RAKOTONIRINA 1h13:47
- Laurent LENTETE 1h15:33
- Juliano HELENE 1h18:30
- Stephen ASH 1h23:27
Women
Marathon
- Rollande SENDRAFEFINIAINA 03h40:13
- Retha KRUGER 04h15:50
- Alex MAZZOLENI 04h43:12
- Joelle COTTE 05h12:20
- Samantha JERRARD
Mile
- Sonia SOODON 05:17
- Clemence TORRES 05:28
- Duval NATHANAELLE 05:53
- Steffy LEE PING CHING 06:06
- Shanellia BATHILDE
5km
- Amy Regina CATHERINE 22:18
- Tanuja Vidhya TONTA 23:49
- Melodie GUEHO 28:00
- Devika DURHONE 28:12
- Marine GUEHO 28:30
10km
- Yasmine CHAMBERT SPITZ 43:41
- Sonia SOODON 43:42
- Steffy LEE PING CHING 45:59
- Damini RAMCHARAN-MALOO
- Jessica LOUIS 47:54
21km
- Julie STAUB 1h31:51
- Sabrina RABOT KEISLER 1h39:33
- Elodie ENGELHARDT LITTIERE 1h40:31
- Claire BONIEUX 1h43:13
- Gina WHEELER 1h45:22
For complete results visit here.
