Running News Daily

The roads of Thika once again became a proving ground for ambition, endurance, and personal growth as athletes delivered impressive performances during the 56th edition of the KATA Time Trial held on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. In an event built around discipline rather than spectacle, runners turned months of preparation into measurable results, producing a morning filled with fast times, tactical execution, and valuable lessons for the season ahead.

Widely respected among developing and competitive athletes, the KATA Time Trial continues to serve as one of the most reliable performance tests on the local athletics calendar. Unlike major championship races driven by crowd energy and medals, the Thika event places athletes face-to-face with the stopwatch, demanding honesty, rhythm, and mental toughness from start to finish.

The men’s 10-kilometre contest produced one of the strongest performances of the day as Charles Wanjora stormed to victory in an impressive 30:44. Running with confidence and composure, Wanjora controlled the pace effectively and held off a determined challenge from Bernard Waweru, who crossed the line just a second later in 30:45 after a highly competitive battle. Robin Musa completed the top three with a strong 31:12, confirming the high quality of the front pack throughout the race.

Joel Maina secured fourth place in 31:52, while Ismael Mburu finished fifth in 32:36 after maintaining a consistent rhythm over the demanding course. Vincent Kiprotich followed in sixth position with 33:12, narrowly ahead of Erick Cheruiyot, who clocked 33:14 in another tightly contested finish. Fredrick Wambua placed eighth in 33:46, as George Kamau and Paul Ng’ang’a completed the top ten in 36:10 and 36:11 respectively.

In the women’s 10km race, Kellen Waithira produced a commanding performance to take victory in 35:34. Her controlled pacing and strong finishing stretch allowed her to separate herself from the field and secure a well-earned win. Jane Wanja followed closely in second place with 35:44, ensuring a highly competitive women’s contest from start to finish. Regina Sandiki completed the podium after crossing the line in 36:45 following a determined run.

The men’s 5-kilometre race also delivered several impressive performances, with Francis Maina leading the field in 16:06 after an aggressive but well-managed effort. Anthony Kariuki secured second position in 16:49, while Harrison Mathenge finished third in 17:20 to round off the podium places.

5KM MEN

1. Francis Maina – 19 – Bib 92 – 16:06

2. Anthony Kariuki – 28 – Bib 79 – 16:49

3. Harrison Mathenge – 18 – Bib 96 – 17:20

4. John Mwangi – 45 – Bib 99 – 18:36

5. Kennedy Ochieng – 20 – Bib 33 – 22:24

MEN 10KM

1. Charles Wanjora – 24 – Bib 01 – 30:44

2. Bernard Waweru – 40 – Bib 50 – 30:45

3. Robin Musa – 17 – Bib 11 – 31:12

4. Joel Maina – 41 – Bib 83 – 31:52

5. Ismael Mburu – 25 – Bib 25 – 32:36

6. Vincent Kiprotich – 24 – Bib 94 – 33:12

7. Erick Cheruiyot – 30 – Bib 20 – 33:14

8. Fredrick Wambua – 20 – Bib 30 – 33:46

9. George Kamau – 35 – Bib 88 – 36:10

10. Paul Ng’ang’a – 43 – Bib 95 – 36:11

11. Edward Niyukuri – 24 – Bib 77 – 36:47

12. Charles Ndirangu – 65 – Bib 48 – 39:30

WOMEN 10KM

1. Kellen Waithira – 39 – Bib 18 – 35:34

2. Jane Wanja – 35 – Bib 16 – 35:44

3. Regina Sandiki – 19 – Bib 26 – 36:45

Beyond the finishing times, the true significance of the KATA Time Trial once again lay in the personal battles fought across every kilometre. For many athletes, the event represented far more than competition alone. It was an opportunity to measure improvement, test race fitness, and evaluate the effectiveness of months of disciplined training. Every second gained reflected sacrifice, resilience, and the determination to reach higher standards.

The conditions in Thika rewarded athletes who respected the demands of the course and managed their pacing intelligently. Those who remained patient during the early stages found strength in the closing kilometres, while the unforgiving nature of the road exposed even the smallest tactical mistakes. It was another reminder that success in distance running depends not only on physical preparation, but also on judgment, composure, and mental strength under pressure.

As the morning came to an end and the watches finally stopped, the 56th KATA Time Trial once again proved why it remains an important fixture in Kenya’s athletics culture. On a simple stretch of road in Thika, athletes continued chasing excellence, refining their craft, and turning ambition into reality — one stride at a time.

The global mountain running community is mourning the loss of one of its most admired champions. American skyrunning legend Megan Kimmel, the 2016 Skyrunner World Series champion and one of the sport’s most accomplished athletes, has passed away at the age of 46.

Kimmel leaves behind a remarkable legacy that helped shape modern mountain running. Renowned for her fearless racing style, resilience on the toughest terrain, and unwavering passion for the sport, she inspired athletes around the world both on and off the trails.

Her competitive achievements placed her among the greatest mountain runners of her generation. In 2014, she captured a silver medal at the Skyrunning World Championships in Chamonix, announcing herself on the global stage. A year later, she delivered one of the most memorable performances in skyrunning history by setting a course record at the prestigious Dolomites SkyRace—a mark that remains unbeaten to this day.

Throughout her career, Kimmel amassed victories at some of the world's most demanding mountain races, including Matterhorn Ultraks, The Rut, Yading Skyrun, and Broken Arrow. Whether climbing steep alpine ascents or descending technical trails, she consistently demonstrated the strength, skill, and determination that defined her career.

One of her most iconic moments came in 2018 at the legendary Pikes Peak Marathon. Kimmel crossed the finish line in 4:15:04, breaking Lynn Bjorklund’s long-standing 37-year-old course record by 14 seconds. The achievement cemented her status as one of the finest mountain athletes of her era and added another historic chapter to an already extraordinary career.

Yet those who knew Kimmel often spoke less about her victories and more about her character. Living in Silverton, Colorado, she became a beloved figure within the trail-running community, known for encouraging younger athletes, sharing her experience freely, and bringing warmth and positivity wherever she went.

Perhaps nothing captured her relationship with running better than her own words following her Pikes Peak triumph:

“I have always viewed running as a form of therapy rather than pressure. Even on days when I didn't feel like running or racing, those moments often became some of the most rewarding. That is why I am most grateful for running and why it will always be part of my life.”

Those words reflected the philosophy that guided her journey—a belief that running was not merely about competition, but about personal growth, joy, and connection.

Today, the trails she loved remain, stretching across the rugged landscapes that shaped her career. But for countless runners, competitors, and friends, those mountains will never feel quite the same. Megan Kimmel's achievements will endure in record books, yet her greatest legacy may be the inspiration she provided to generations of athletes who dared to chase summits because she showed them what was possible.

The mountain running world has lost a champion, a mentor, and a cherished friend. Her footprints may fade from the trails, but her influence will continue to rise with every runner who follows the path she helped create. 

French distance running star Jimmy Gressier delivered another masterclass on the track on Tuesday evening, shattering the national 3000m record with a breathtaking performance at the Meeting de Montreuil.

The reigning world champion stormed to a time of 7:28.67, slicing through the previous French mark and further cementing his status as one of the finest distance runners in the country's history. Gressier's latest achievement is more than just a national record—it is a remarkable demonstration of consistency, longevity, and dominance across the distance-running spectrum.

With the performance, the Frenchman now holds every national record from 3000m through to 10,000m, an extraordinary accomplishment that highlights his versatility and endurance. Few athletes have managed to command such a broad range of events, making Gressier's feat one of the most impressive chapters in modern French athletics.

The electric atmosphere in Montreuil also produced standout performances in the middle-distance events. Rising French talent Louey Ouerrat claimed victory in the men's 800m, clocking an impressive 1:44.79 to secure one of the biggest wins of his career and further establish himself as a name to watch on the international stage.

In the women's 800m, Germany's Smilla Kolbe continued her rapid progression by breaking the two-minute barrier for the first time. The talented athlete powered to a personal best of 1:58.99, a landmark performance that signals her growing potential among Europe's emerging middle-distance stars.

Yet the evening undoubtedly belonged to Gressier. On a night filled with quality performances, the French distance king once again proved why he is regarded as one of the sport's most relentless competitors. By adding another national record to his collection and extending his grip on French distance-running history, Gressier continues to raise the bar for the next generation while strengthening his legacy as one of the country's all-time greats.

French distance-running star Jimmy Gressier is set for one of the biggest challenges of his career tonight as he takes aim at the national 3000m record in front of a home crowd in Montreuil.

Fresh from his rise to the top of European distance running and carrying the confidence of a reigning world champion, Gressier will attempt to rewrite the French record books by surpassing the long-standing national mark of 7:29.38. The performance would not only cement his status among France's greatest distance runners but also underline his growing influence on the global stage.

To achieve the feat, Gressier will need to maintain a relentless pace of approximately 2:29 per kilometre, a demanding rhythm that leaves little margin for error over the seven-and-a-half-lap contest. Recognizing the magnitude of the task, organizers have arranged for three pacemakers to guide the early stages of the race and help keep the record attempt on schedule.

The Montreuil meeting has quickly become one of the most anticipated athletics events of the week, with fans eager to witness whether Gressier can deliver a historic performance on home soil. Known for his fearless racing style and willingness to push the pace from the front, the Frenchman has repeatedly demonstrated that he thrives when chasing ambitious targets.

A successful record-breaking run would add another milestone to an already remarkable career and provide yet another statement of intent ahead of the major championships still to come this season.

All eyes will be on Montreuil tonight as Jimmy Gressier steps onto the track with history in his sights. With ideal pacing support, strong form, and a passionate home crowd behind him, the stage is perfectly set for a memorable assault on the French 3000m record. 

At an age when many people are slowing down, Yul Kwon is still chasing finish lines — and rewriting the rules along the way.

The 90-year-old completed the BMO Vancouver Half-Marathon in an impressive 3:50:33, earning victory in the newly created 90-plus age category.

But his win came with a unique twist: he was both the champion and the final finisher, because he was the only athlete entered in the division.

The remarkable story began when Kwon noticed that runners in their 90s had no dedicated category and were expected to compete against athletes in their 80s. Believing age groups should provide a fairer challenge, he contacted race organizers and requested a new division.

Organizers listened. This year, the event introduced a 90-plus category, and even opened a 100-plus division for future generations of extraordinary athletes.

Kwon’s journey to the start line is just as inspiring as his performance on it. A retired economics professor from Vancouver, he was born into a farming family in southern Korea as one of nine children. Growing up during difficult times, he did not own a pair of shoes until he learned to make his own from rice straw.

He survived the hardships of the Japanese occupation and the Korean War before building a successful academic career and later discovering the joy of distance running.

Now, at 90, Kwon continues to complete half-marathons in under four hours, proving that age is not a barrier when passion and determination remain strong.

For him, running is not only about competition — it is about enjoying life. And he is already looking ahead, joking that he plans to write back to organizers in another 10 years to request another age-group extension.

A lifetime of resilience has led Kwon to one more achievement: not just winning a race, but creating a place for future runners to belong.

Noah Lyles has once again rewritten the sprinting history books, delivering a stunning performance in the 150m at the Ostrava Golden Spike meet as he stormed to a new world record of 14.67 seconds.

The American sprint superstar produced a flawless display of speed and power, stopping the clock at 14.67 (0.0) to break the previous world best mark of 14.92 set by Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson.

Lyles’ victory came in a high-quality field that saw South Africa’s Sinesipho Dambile push him all the way, finishing second in an impressive 14.78 seconds. Australia’s teenage sensation Gout Gout continued to show why he is regarded as one of the sport’s brightest young talents, completing the podium with a remarkable 14.96.

The 150m race, which combines the explosive acceleration of the 100m with the speed endurance required for the 200m, provided another opportunity for Lyles to showcase his rare sprinting ability.

Known for his dominance over 200m and his Olympic success, Lyles continues to expand his legacy with performances that underline his status as one of the greatest sprinters of his generation.

The record-breaking run in Ostrava adds another historic chapter to Lyles’ career and sends a powerful message ahead of the major international competitions ahead.