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The familiar stretch of tarmac in Thika, running alongside the Kenyan Athletics Training Academy (KATA), once again came alive as athletes gathered for the 54th edition of the KATA Time Trial, a session defined by quiet determination, controlled pacing, and purposeful competition. Under mostly sunny skies, the morning carried a noticeable layer of warmth and humidity, conditions that subtly tested the discipline and race management of every runner who lined up across the 5km and 10km distances.

From the outset, the atmosphere demanded patience. The combination of heat and humidity meant that athletes had to measure their effort carefully, balancing ambition with composure as they navigated the now-familiar loop. Yet such conditions have always been part of the character of the KATA time trials — a training ground where athletes refine not only their speed but also their judgment, learning to listen to their bodies while maintaining rhythm through every stride.

In the women’s 5km race, Naomi Wambui produced a confident and well-controlled performance to claim victory in 18:21. Running with composure from the early stages, Wambui settled into a steady rhythm and maintained her form despite the rising warmth. Her stride remained relaxed through the middle stages before she closed strongly, delivering a performance that reflected both experience and control. Felister Mbatha followed in 22:21, showing determination and steady effort throughout the course as she secured second place.

The men’s 5km brought an energetic display from Francis Maina, who ran decisively to take the win in 16:46. His race was defined by an assertive tempo and efficient cadence that allowed him to maintain momentum from start to finish.

Just behind him, the enduring Dennis Musau reminded everyone that experience is sometimes the most valuable training partner. Clocking 19:46, the veteran moved through the course with the calm rhythm of someone who has seen many race mornings come and go. While the younger runners pushed hard up front, Musau seemed to glide along with a knowing smile, almost as if he was quietly reminding them that endurance running is not only about speed — it’s also about patience, wisdom, and the occasional ability to make it look easier than it really is. His performance added a light and enjoyable touch to the race, proving that the sport always has room for both youthful fire and seasoned composure.

As attention shifted to the longer distance, the 10km races demanded greater endurance and discipline. In the women’s contest, Kellen Waithera delivered one of the most composed performances of the morning, crossing the finish line in 34:58. Her run was marked by consistency and intelligent pacing, holding a steady tempo across each kilometer despite the humidity that hung in the air. Regina Sandiki followed with a determined 36:57, maintaining her rhythm and finishing strongly to secure second place.

The men’s 10km proved to be the deepest and most competitive event of the day. Bernard Musau set the benchmark with a commanding 29:24, establishing control early before sustaining a strong and balanced pace through the final kilometers. His performance stood as the fastest of the morning and highlighted impressive endurance on the demanding course. Close behind, Kelvin Nganga finished in 29:41, while John Kuria completed the top three in 29:46, underlining the competitiveness at the front of the field.

Further down the standings, strong performances continued to emerge as athletes maintained disciplined pacing despite the warm and slightly humid conditions. Bernard Waweru crossed in 30:38, followed by Erick Cheruiyot in 31:07 and Charles Wanjora in 31:29. A deep field continued through the results, with determined efforts from Joel Maina, Joseph Makeri, Joseph Nyota, Justus Wambua, Vincent Kiprotich, Paul Nganga, and veteran runner Charles Ndirangu, whose resilience over the distance added another layer of inspiration to the morning’s competition.

Results

Women 5km

1. Naomi Wambui — Age 41 — Bib 15 — 18:21

2. Felister Mbatha — Age 19 — Bib 26 — 22:21

Men 5km

1. Francis Maina — Age 19 — Bib 19 — 16:46

2. Dennis Musau — Age 43 — Bib 06 — 19:46

Women 10km

1. Kellen Waithera — Age 39 — Bib 21 — 34:58

2. Regina Sandiki — Age 19 — Bib 25 — 36:57

Men 10km

1. Bernard Musau — Age 30 — Bib 12 — 29:24

2. Kelvin Nganga — Age 24 — Bib 02 — 29:41

3. John Kuria — Age 30 — Bib 27 — 29:46

4. Bernard Waweru — Age 40 — Bib 01 — 30:38

5. Erick Cheruiyot — Age 30 — Bib 28 — 31:07

6. Charles Wanjora — Age 24 — Bib 03 — 31:29

7. Joel Maina — Age 43 — Bib 20 — 31:36

8. Joseph Makeri — Age 41 — Bib 14 — 32:51

9. Joseph Nyota — Age 20 — Bib 11 — 33:11

10. Justus Wambua — Age 18 — Bib 09 — 33:22

11. Vincent Kiprotich — Age 24 — Bib 13 — 34:56

12. Paul Nganga — Age 43 — Bib 29 — 34:57

13. Charles Ndirangu — Age 64 — Bib 23 — 38:02

As the final runners crossed the line and the morning warmth lingered over the Thika tarmac, the 54th KATA Time Trial once again revealed what makes these sessions special. Beyond the stopwatch and finishing order lies a culture built on discipline, growth, and shared purpose. Here, young athletes chase new limits while experienced runners quietly remind them that progress is a long road. With every stride, every split, and every edition, the KATA time trials continue to shape not just stronger runners, but a community bound together by the simple, enduring rhythm of the run.

Kenya’s Elvis Cheboi delivered a composed and courageous performance to capture the Ottawa International Marathon title, storming to victory in 2:09:08 and handing Kenya its first marathon win of the weekend in emphatic fashion.

On the rain-soaked streets of Canada’s capital, Cheboi showed remarkable patience, strength and tactical intelligence as the race unfolded into a dramatic late battle. With Ethiopia’s Gizealew Ayana pushing hard behind him, the Kenyan dug deep over the closing kilometres and held firm to cross the line just two seconds ahead of his rival in one of the closest finishes of the day.

The victory was far more than just another marathon win. It was a statement performance from Cheboi, who mastered difficult conditions and resisted relentless pressure during the decisive stages of the race. His ability to maintain rhythm and composure while the chasing pack closed in highlighted both his experience and competitive maturity.

Ayana finished second in 2:09:10 after an aggressive final surge that nearly overturned the result, while Canada’s Rory Linkletter thrilled the home crowd with a strong third-place finish in 2:09:25. Ethiopia’s Afewerk Mesfin followed in fourth with 2:09:41, ahead of compatriot Gebretsadik Abraha in 2:09:47.

Top 10 Finishers

1. Elvis Cheboi — Kenya — 2:09:08

2. Gizealew Ayana — Ethiopia — 2:09:10

3. Rory Linkletter — Canada — 2:09:25

4. Afewerk Mesfin — Ethiopia — 2:09:41

5. Gebretsadik Abraha — Ethiopia — 2:09:47

6. Mulugeta Debasu Mereh — Ethiopia — 2:10:05

7. Shura Kitata — Ethiopia — 2:10:56

8. Luke Kibet Cheruiyot — Kenya — 2:12:25

9. Patrick Cullen — United States — 2:13:00

10. Blake Buysse — United States — 2:13:53

From the opening kilometres, the pace remained honest despite the damp weather, with a tightly packed lead group refusing to give an inch. As the race entered its final stretch, Cheboi gradually separated himself at the front before producing one final decisive push that ultimately secured the crown.

The triumph adds another memorable chapter to Kenya’s proud marathon tradition and gives the nation an early breakthrough on an important weekend of global road racing. For Cheboi himself, the Ottawa victory could prove to be a defining moment — a performance built on discipline, resilience and perfect execution when it mattered most.

In a marathon decided by seconds, Elvis Cheboi stood tallest when the pressure peaked.

For more than two decades, the world has watched Eliud Kipchoge redefine the boundaries of endurance and greatness. At the 2026 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, however, the spotlight belonged to someone whose strength has long existed away from the cameras — his wife, Grace Sugut.

In one of the most emotional stories of the marathon weekend, Grace completed her very first 42.2-kilometre race in 4:29:59, transforming a personal milestone into a moment that resonated far beyond the finish line in Cape Town.

Her marathon journey unfolded exactly the way most first marathons do — honest, demanding, unpredictable, and deeply human. She opened with calm discipline, reaching 5K in 28:30 while maintaining a controlled rhythm. By halfway, she was still moving strongly through the streets of the Mother City in 2:02:47, showing patience and composure in the early stages of the race.

Then the marathon began asking harder questions.

As the kilometres accumulated, the pace gradually slowed — the inevitable reality familiar to nearly every debut marathoner. By 30K, fatigue had started to take hold, and the final stretch became less about time and more about determination. Yet Grace kept pushing forward, kilometre after kilometre, refusing to surrender to the pain that defines the final chapter of every marathon.

And that perseverance carried special meaning.

Before the race, Eliud Kipchoge had spoken publicly about his wife’s challenge, encouraging her to embrace the suffering, trust the process, and simply finish the race. After she crossed the line, his words became even more powerful.

“I have run my first marathon 13 years ago. It has brought me to where I am today, but I could not do this without the support of many including my family,” Kipchoge shared. “My heart is filled with pride, for my wife Grace completing her first marathon in Cape Town.”

The message revealed a side of the marathon icon the world rarely sees — not the record-breaker or Olympic champion, but the grateful husband recognising the woman who has stood beside him throughout one of the greatest careers in sporting history.

While Eliud built a global legacy on the roads of Berlin, London, Tokyo, and Vienna, Grace quietly anchored the family behind the scenes in Eldoret, raising their children and managing family responsibilities far from international attention. For years, she supported marathon greatness from the sidelines. In Cape Town, she stepped into the arena herself.

That alone made her finish extraordinary.

Grace’s 4:29:59 will not enter record books, but its significance reaches somewhere deeper. It reflects the experience shared by countless runners around the world — the excitement of the start line, the physical battle through the closing kilometres, and the emotional reward that comes only after refusing to quit.

The final 12 kilometres tested her in every possible way. She answered every challenge with courage.

When Grace Sugut crossed the finish line in Cape Town, the crowd did not witness another world record performance. Instead, they witnessed something equally memorable: the beginning of a new running journey built on resilience, humility, and the quiet strength that has always existed behind one of athletics’ greatest champions.

Elise Thorner delivered the race of her career in Los Angeles, producing a stunning breakthrough performance in the women’s 3000m steeplechase at the Sound Running Track Festival.

The British distance runner stormed to victory in a massive personal best of 9:07.39, completely dominating the field and crossing the finish line an astonishing 14 seconds clear of her nearest rival. It was not only the biggest win of her season so far, but also a statement performance that firmly places her among the finest steeplechasers Britain has produced.

Under the California evening sky, Thorner looked composed and fearless from the opening laps. She attacked the barriers with confidence, maintained a relentless rhythm throughout the race and gradually pulled further and further away from the chasing pack. By the closing stages, the contest had turned into a solo run to the line as she powered home to one of the fastest times ever recorded by a British woman in the event.

Her remarkable run now moves her to second on the British all-time list, behind only Lizzie Bird’s national record of 9:04.25. More significantly, Thorner and Bird remain the only British women in history to break the prestigious 9:10 barrier in the 3000m steeplechase — a reflection of just how exceptional the performance was.

The improvement also highlights the rapid rise of the talented Briton, who continues to make giant strides on the international stage. Cutting several seconds from an already impressive personal best is no small achievement at elite level, yet Thorner made it look effortless with a performance full of maturity, strength and tactical intelligence.

With the summer season still gathering momentum, attention will now shift toward the British record. On current form, Bird’s long-standing mark suddenly looks vulnerable, and Thorner appears to be developing into a genuine contender for major championship success.

For now, Los Angeles belongs to Elise Thorner — an evening where talent, confidence and preparation came together perfectly to produce a career-defining performance.

Ethiopia’s Dera Dida Yami delivered a performance of grit, composure, and pure class to capture the women’s title at the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, crossing the finish line in a brilliant 2:23:18 after a fiercely contested battle through the streets of the Mother City.

From the opening kilometers to the dramatic closing stages, Yami remained calm under immense pressure in one of the most competitive women’s races the event has witnessed. She narrowly missed the course record of 2:22:22 by just 56 seconds, but her commanding run still ranks among the finest performances ever produced on the Cape Town course.

The Ethiopian star was pushed all the way by compatriots Mestawut Fikir and Waganesh Amare, who finished second and third in 2:23:46 and 2:23:57 respectively. Only 39 seconds separated the entire podium, highlighting the breathtaking intensity of the race and the extraordinary depth of the women’s field.

Yami gradually asserted herself as the race unfolded along Cape Town’s scenic route, maintaining a relentless rhythm while the chasing pack refused to let her escape. Every surge was answered, every kilometer contested, creating a dramatic contest that kept spectators captivated until the final stretch.

Kenya’s Leah Cheruto placed fourth in 2:24:31, while veteran marathon star Edna Kiplagat finished fifth in 2:25:44 in another strong showing from the Kenyan contingent.

Top 10 Women’s Finishers – Sanlam Cape Town Marathon

1. Dera Dida Yami (Ethiopia) – 2:23:18

2. Mestawut Fikir (Ethiopia) – 2:23:46

3. Waganesh Amare (Ethiopia) – 2:23:57

4. Leah Cheruto (Kenya) – 2:24:31

5. Edna Kiplagat (Kenya) – 2:25:44

6. Gojjam Enyew (Ethiopia) – 2:26:24

7. Mercy Jerop Kwambai (Kenya) – 2:30:36

8. Desi Jisa Mokonin (Bahrain) – 2:30:44

9. Cynthia Jerotich Limo (Kenya) – 2:32:00

10. Fortunate Chidzivo (Zimbabwe) – 2:41:09

Beyond the fast times and elite competition, the marathon once again demonstrated why Cape Town continues to strengthen its reputation as one of the world’s rising road racing destinations. With passionate crowds lining the route and athletes producing world-class performances, the event delivered another major statement in its journey toward becoming Africa’s first World Marathon Major.

The 2026 edition, held on 23–24 May, showcased marathon racing at its absolute finest — and at the heart of it all stood Dera Dida Yami, whose unforgettable victory combined courage, resilience, and championship quality on one of Africa’s grandest stages.

The streets of the Mother City became the stage for one of the greatest marathon performances ever seen on African soil as Mohamed Esa stormed to a sensational victory at the 2026 Cape Town Marathon in a breathtaking 2:04:55.

In a race that will be remembered for years to come, Esa not only shattered the course record but also produced the fastest marathon ever run in Africa, delivering a performance that instantly elevated the Cape Town Marathon into global athletics history.

From the opening kilometres, the pace was relentless. Cool temperatures, calm winds, and near-perfect racing conditions created the ideal setting for something extraordinary. The elite field responded with fearless intent, pushing the tempo through the streets of Cape Town as spectators lined the route in anticipation of history.

When the race entered its decisive final stages, Esa found another level. The Ethiopian star surged clear in the closing moments to cross the line in a staggering 2:04:55, igniting celebrations across the finish area and sending shockwaves through the marathon world.

Yet the drama did not end there.

Just four seconds later, fellow Ethiopian Yihunilign Adane charged home in 2:04:59, while Kenya’s Kalipus Lomwai completed the podium in 2:05:06. Remarkably, only 11 seconds separated the top three finishers after more than two hours of racing — one of the tightest and fastest podium finishes the continent has ever witnessed.

Top 10 Finishers – 2026 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon

1. Huseyidin Mohamed Esa — Ethiopia — 2:04:55 (Course Record)

2. Yihunilign Adane — Ethiopia — 2:04:59

3. Kalipus Lomwai — Kenya — 2:05:06

4. Leonard Langat — Kenya — 2:05:26

5. Jemal Yimer — Ethiopia — 2:05:48

6. Mulugeta Uma — Ethiopia — 2:06:19

7. Maru Teferi — Israel — 2:06:46

8. Abebaw Dessie Muniye — Ethiopia — 2:06:57

9. Benard Kipkurui Biwott — Kenya — 2:07:34

10. Justus Kipkogei Kangogo — Kenya — 2:07:42

The performance marked a defining moment not only for the athletes involved, but also for the Cape Town Marathon itself, which continues its ambitious journey toward becoming Africa’s first World Marathon Major. With crowds roaring through the city streets and elite athletes producing world-class times, the event delivered a statement to the global running community.

While the historic marks remain subject to official confirmation, the atmosphere in Cape Town already told the story. Records fell, barriers were broken, and African marathon running entered a new chapter.

For one unforgettable morning in the Mother City, history was no longer a dream — it became reality.