After an eight-year wait, Spain’s María Pérez won the second European title of her career in the inaugural half marathon race walk at the 2026 European Athletics Championships in Birmingham on Saturday (15) morning.
In summary
- Maria Pérez wins her second European title after winning 20km gold in Berlin 2018
- Pérez establishes the first ever European and world records at the half marathon race walk
- Spain sweeps the men's and women's half marathon race walk titles
And on her debut at the distance, Pérez established not just the first ever European record at the distance but a world record of 1:30:06, comfortably inside the target time of 1:30:30 established by World Athletics.
The top four walkers were all inside the European record target time of 1:32:00 with Italy’s Alexandrina Mihai and Ukraine’s Lyudmila Olyanovska winning silver and bronze in 1:31:04 and 1:31:07 respectively. France’s Pauline Stey just missed out on a medal in fourth in 1:31:12.
Pérez provided the second half of a Spanish double in the half marathon race walks after Paul McGrath won the men’s race in 1:23:23 to upgrade his silver medal from two years ago.
European record-holder Francesco Fortunato was closing quickly on McGrath but ultimately ran out of road, winning silver in 1:23:36 and leading an Italian brace of medals with Andrea Cosi taking bronze in 1:23:49.
What they said
María Pérez (ESP)
"I am very happy, especially as I didn't expect to break the world record today. I didn't know what the world record was, to be honest. During the race, I didn't even know I was on my way to breaking until I crossed the finish line. I didn't think I was going to do it (break the world record) at a European championships, but it is great to have broken the record and to win the European title."
Alexandrina Mihai (ITA)
"It was not an easy track, it is quite technical in places. But I knew I was in great condition and good shape so I put myself out there as best I could and gave everything. I am very happy with the silver. I love that we came to Birmingham for this race as I am a huge fan of Peaky Blinders."
"My season is over now so I can rest and enjoy my holiday before we go again. But first I have to go and find the Peaky Blinders spots in Birmingham."
Paul McGrath (ESP)
"It is a dream come true to be European champion. It felt very good for the first half of the race, then my hamstring felt a little stiff so I had to control that. I was a bit worried the Italians would catch me up, but I managed to stay in the lead."
"I love pressure. When people see me as a favourite, or as one of the medal contenders, I just live through that. I love it when they challenge me, when they all want to beat me. It is a privilege, a great feeling. I think I will have a good party tonight."