Chinese runners dominate Díli International Marathon 2026

DÍLI, 08 August 2026 (TATOLI) — Chinese runners dominated the Díli International Marathon (DIM) on Saturday, with Bangliu Zhang winning the men’s race and Jiali Wang claiming the women’s title in the full marathon.

Zhang said he was grateful to have been given the opportunity to compete overseas and was pleased to finish first in his debut at the DIM.

“It was my first time participating in this marathon. My main goal was to achieve a good position and a good result,” Zhang said.

Manwhile, Wang said she enjoyed the scenery along the course and the opportunity to compete while visiting different parts of Timor-Leste.

She said she initially ran alongside several Timorese athletes before pulling away as the race gained pace.

“At the beginning, I ran for some time with the Timorese athletes and I found them very strong. However, after some time, when we picked up the pace, they could no longer keep up with me,” Wang said.

Timorese runner Felisberto de Deus won the men’s half-marathon, finishing ahead of Australian runner Kieren, who took second place.

Deus said he was delighted with the victory, describing it as a result of determination, hard work and national pride.

“I am very happy to have won first place in the half-marathon at the Dili International Marathon,” Deus told reporters.

Kieren, who finished second in the half-marathon, said he was pleased with his first experience competing in Timor-Leste.

He said he ran alongside Deus during the early stages of the race before the Timorese runner opened a gap at about the eight-kilometre mark.

He said the day was very good and the experience was excellent.

Kieren welcomed the participation of Australian Defence Force personnel in the event and thanked the Timor-Leste Government for inviting them to compete.

Timorese athlete Teófilo Freitas also secured first place in the 10-kilometre adapted athletics event.

Freitas said the event gave athletes with disabilities an opportunity to compete in an international sporting event and helped promote inclusion in athletics.

He said his victory could inspire other athletes with disabilities to continue training and participate in future competitions.

“I thank the Presidential Palace for including people with disabilities in the Dili International Marathon. I also thank our coaches, who work tirelessly for us. I am very happy because, until now, no one has been able to take first place from me in the Dili International Marathon,” Freitas said.

The Dili International Marathon is the country’s flagship athletic event, bringing together thousands of domestic and global athletes to promote peace, fitness, and international sports tourism. The companion Dili International Marathon Expo (DIM EXPO) acts as a premier trade, cultural, and wellness showcase celebrating local industry, athletic innovation, and community health.

Journalist: Felicidade Ximenes
Editor: Cancio Ximenes
Translation: Filomeno Martins