Running News Daily

By Bob Anderson, Founder of KATA

I wanted Charles Ngeno to succeed.

That is important to say at the beginning because this didn’t start as a fight. It started with trust.

In June 2025, Kenyan coach Charles Ngeno joined our KATA program. I agreed to loan him money to establish two KATA Running Camps and grow six acres of potatoes in Kenya. 

The idea was straightforward. KATA would provide the startup capital. Charles would operate the camps and potato farms. The potatoes would generate revenue, our loan would be repaid, profits would be shared according to our agreement, and the operation could become increasingly self-supporting.

Instead, Catherine and I ultimately advanced Charles 1,077,500 Kenyan shillings.

As of August 12, 2026, according to our records, Charles has repaid:

Zero.

Not one shilling.

And when I asked him again on August 12 when he was going to start paying back the loan, his response included:

“Let’s meet in centuries.”

He subsequently wrote:

“The time will come” 

After more than a year of promises, those words told me a lot.

I Was Warned About Charles

Shortly after entering into our agreement, people in Kenya began warning me about Charles.

I listened, but I also listened to Charles.

He called me regularly. We talked at length. He assured me that the things people said about him weren’t true. He presented himself as someone dedicated to helping young Kenyan athletes.

I chose to give him a chance.

Looking back, I believe Charles took advantage of that trust.

The important thing now is not what Charles says about me or what I say about him. It is what the written record shows.

And we have a substantial written record.

Charles Himself Called It a Loan

There should be no confusion now about whether this money was a gift.

It wasn’t.

My WhatsApp correspondence repeatedly describes these payments as loans, and Charles himself used exactly that word.

By September 29, 2025, I wrote to Charles:

“I have sent you 959,000 against your loan of 650k for your two camps and 600k for your six acres.”

Charles did not respond that the money wasn’t a loan.

Quite the opposite.

On October 7, while asking me for another 21,000 KES, Charles wrote:

“Then I will be knowing that my total loan is 1000000ksh.”

Two days later he made it even clearer:

“With this support, my total loan will now stand at Ksh 1,000,000.”

Those are Charles Ngeno’s words, not mine.

The Requests for Money Just Kept Coming

The pattern became remarkably consistent.

Charles would describe progress.

Then he would ask for more money.

On September 15 he told me he had planted the remaining quarter acre and said the 20,000 KES I had just sent had helped him.

Then came:

“Please send me 25k. Now.”

On October 3 he said his Nakuru camp rent was urgent and warned:

“Its very embarrassing to have my KATA camp closed.”

He urged Catherine and me to continue funding him, saying we had completed “90% journey” and shouldn’t stop with only 10 percent remaining.

On October 7 he predicted a very substantial potato harvest:

“Bob for my first harvest I’m expecting to have more than 150 bags of 50kg.”

He added:

“i promise good return.”

On October 21, as harvest approached, there was another request:

“Bob. Please send me 15k for olenguruone camp.”

On October 26, Charles said he needed another 28,000 KES to pay cooks at both camps and top up the Nakuru operation.

I sent it.

Two days later, after telling Charles that KATA existed to train, house and feed athletes and that potato revenue was supposed to support the operation, Charles wrote:

“Bob i do respect you. You really uplift me. I will assure you that all will be well.”

Four minutes later he asked me for another 5,000 KES.

This went on and on.

Eventually I stopped the bleed.

Where Were the Returns?

By October, potatoes were supposedly approaching harvest.

Charles gave me specific projected harvest dates.

He told me his first harvest would produce more than 150 bags of 50 kilograms.

I repeatedly explained how the money was supposed to work.

Potatoes would be harvested and sold. Sale proceeds would first go into the KATA account. The appropriate portion of the original farming loan would be recovered. The remaining profit would then be divided according to our agreement.

I wasn’t trying to take Charles’s livelihood away from him.

The opposite was true.

I wanted the operation to succeed so Charles could make money, KATA could recover its capital, athletes could be supported and the money could be recycled into additional farming.

But when harvest time arrived, getting money back became increasingly difficult.

In November, when I asked when funds would be transferred to our Equity Bank account in Kenya, Charles answered:

“When the potatoes market will show fairness in price.for now all has to wait.”

He later wrote:

“as soon as I sell potatoes, I will ask for bank account.”

But there was another revealing sentence:

“Untill I see there is return, I will sell. Else for now not yet.”

The person who had enthusiastically accepted our money was now deciding on his own when the crop financed by that money would be sold.

I Kept Giving Him the Benefit of the Doubt

This is perhaps the part that bothers me most.

Every time something didn’t add up, I wanted to believe there was an explanation.

When others questioned Charles, he frequently suggested that they were enemies trying to damage him.

At one point, after I asked for basic proof of his camps and potato operation, Charles told me:

“I know who is behind all this.”

He said the person was a “pure enemy” and told me:

“I only expect communication from you directly.”

That should have been another warning sign.

Instead of welcoming independent verification of an operation financed with our money, Charles repeatedly tried to turn questions about documentation into questions about the motives of the people asking them.

I nevertheless continued working with him.

There Was Another History I Should Have Examined More Closely

I also later learned much more about a serious controversy involving Charles a decade earlier.

In 2015, Kenyan media reported allegations by Athletics Kenya officials concerning Charles and young female athletes at the Keringet training camp.

The allegations were extremely serious.

Charles denied them.

Contemporary reporting said Athletics Kenya announced a lifetime ban and ordered the camp closed amid allegations involving manipulation and improper relationships with female athletes.

Charles publicly disputed the accusations and said they were rumors intended to tarnish his name.

Those allegations should not be presented as proven facts simply because they were published.

But they were serious enough that I wish I had investigated the entire episode much more carefully before trusting Charles with our money.

Charles has also had genuine accomplishments as a coach, and athletes associated with Keringet have achieved considerable success. That is part of his history too.

None of that, however, answers the question before us today:

What happened to KATA’s 1,077,500 KES, and when will it be repaid?

From Promises to “Let’s Meet in Centuries”

For months I received assurances.

Charles told me:

“I’m promising you will see the Impact.”

He promised a “good return.”

He told me:

“I will assure you that all will be well.”

He acknowledged in writing that the money was a loan.

He told me how much that loan totaled.

He gave us projected harvest dates.

He predicted more than 150 bags from his first harvest.

And at one point he assured me that he would repay 400,000 KES.

That payment never arrived.

Eventually the total amount Catherine and I advanced reached 1,077,500 KES.

According to our records:

Money advanced: 1,077,500 KES

Money repaid: 0 KES

Outstanding: 1,077,500 KES

Then, on August 12, 2026, after I again asked when he was going to start paying back the loan, I got:

“Let’s meet in centuries.”

For me, that was the end of the excuses.

Charles Ngeno Has the Opportunity to Answer

I am publishing this because other people considering financial dealings with Charles deserve to know what happened to us.

But Charles deserves the opportunity to respond as well.

So I am asking him publicly:

Did you receive 1,077,500 KES from us?

Do you acknowledge that this money was advanced under our KATA loan arrangement?

How much money did the six acres of potatoes actually produce?

Where did the proceeds go?

What happened to the two KATA camps we financed?

Why have you not repaid a single shilling?

What happened to the 400,000 KES you said you would repay?

And finally:

When are you going to repay the 1,077,500 KES?

Charles doesn’t need to answer with another promise.

He doesn’t need to tell me that “the time will come.”

And he certainly doesn’t need to tell me:

“Let’s meet in centuries.”

He can answer with something much simpler 

A payment.

Until that happens, I believe people dealing financially with Charles Ngeno deserve to see the record and make up their own minds.

We trusted him.

We funded him.

We waited.

Now we are making the record public.

 

Ethiopia’s Fotyеn Tesfay Haylu delivered one of the most remarkable women’s half-marathon performances ever seen on American soil on Sunday, powering to a commanding victory at the 2026 Buenos Aires Half Marathon in Argentina in 1:03:57.

Running with exceptional confidence and strength, Tesfay took control of the race and produced a superb solo performance to rewrite the event record. Her breathtaking run also carried historic significance, as she became the first woman to break the 64-minute barrier for the half marathon in the Americas, producing what is being celebrated as the fastest women’s half-marathon performance ever recorded on the continent.

The Ethiopian star was in a class of her own, crossing the finish line more than a minute clear of Turkey’s Nevin Can, who finished second in 1:05:06. Another Turkish athlete, Selin Can, completed the podium in third place with 1:05:11, as the leading trio all produced strong performances on the fast streets of Buenos Aires.

Kenya also featured prominently in the top positions, with Irene Jepchumba Kimais taking fourth in 1:06:04, followed by Sheila Chepkirui in fifth with 1:06:13. Magaret Akidor Ngathike finished sixth in 1:06:46, while fellow Kenyan Deborah Samum claimed seventh place in 1:08:32.

Brazil’s Nubia de Oliveira Silva was eighth in 1:11:13, while Argentina’s Sofia Luna and Dahyana Juarez rounded out the top 10 with times of 1:11:21 and 1:11:28, respectively.

Top 10 Women – 2026 Buenos Aires Half Marathon

1. Fotyеn Tesfay Haylu (Ethiopia) – 1:03:57

2. Nevin Can (Turkey) – 1:05:06

3. Selin Can (Turkey) – 1:05:11

4. Irene Jepchumba Kimais (Kenya) – 1:06:04

5. Sheila Chepkirui (Kenya) – 1:06:13

6. Magaret Akidor Ngathike (Kenya) – 1:06:46

7. Deborah Samum (Kenya) – 1:08:32

8. Nubia de Oliveira Silva (Brazil) – 1:11:13

9. Sofia Luna (Argentina) – 1:11:21

10. Dahyana Juarez (Argentina) – 1:11:28

For Tesfay, it was far more than a race victory. Her 1:03:57 performance was a statement of extraordinary quality, combining speed, endurance and remarkable solo running to produce a landmark result in Buenos Aires. In a race that will be remembered for years to come, the Ethiopian did not simply win—she redefined what was thought possible for women’s half-marathon running in the Americas.

Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha produced one of the most extraordinary performances in road racing history on the streets of Buenos Aires, Argentina, reclaiming the half marathon world record with a sensational 56:51 performance at the 2026 Buenos Aires Half Marathon.

The former world record-holder delivered a breathtaking exhibition of speed and endurance to take 29 seconds off the previous pending mark of 57:20, set by Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo and takes a huge chunk from his own former official world record. Kejelcha's new performance is pending the standard ratification procedures, but if officially ratified, it will return the world record to the Ethiopian star and mark another remarkable chapter in the evolution of the event. 

Kejelcha's achievement is particularly significant because the 57-minute barrier had already been broken before. Jacob Kiplimo had previously run under 57 minutes, clocking 56:42 that was not ratified demonstrating that the once-unthinkable barrier was possible. Kejelcha, however, has become the second man to run under 57-minute barrier who now returns to the top of the all-time rankings with another historic performance in Buenos Aires.

The Ethiopian's race was remarkable not only for the final time but also for the way he built his performance. He covered the opening five kilometres in 13:44 before reaching 10km in 27:18. Rather than slowing, Kejelcha accelerated through the middle stages, passing 15km in 40:39 and 20km in 54:02 as he continued to push the limits of elite road racing.

By the time he reached the finish line, Kejelcha had completed the race at an extraordinary average pace of approximately 2:42 per kilometre, producing one of the most astonishing sustained efforts ever witnessed in distance running. His stunning run sent a powerful message to the athletics world and further strengthened his status as one of the most formidable distance runners of his generation.

Behind the record-breaking champion, Ethiopia completed a dominant clean sweep of the men's podium. Tadese Worku Gebresilase claimed second place in 59:18, while Bereket Nega Batebo secured third in 1:00:17, giving Ethiopia a memorable one-two-three finish in the Argentine capital.

Kenya’s Jonathan Kipkoech Kamosong finished fourth in 1:00:20, followed by compatriot Simon Maywa in fifth with 1:00:55. Argentina’s Ignacio Erario gave the home supporters plenty to celebrate with an impressive sixth-place finish in 1:00:57, breaking the one-hour barrier in front of an enthusiastic local crowd.

Dillon Kipyeko of Kenya finished seventh in 1:01:07, with Robert Kiprop Koech eighth in 1:02:01. Mexico’s Julio Ortiz Ponce took ninth place in 1:03:17, while Colombia’s Jimmy Gómez completed the top 10 in 1:03:34.

The Buenos Aires Half Marathon will now take its place in the history books as the scene of a truly extraordinary breakthrough. For Kejelcha, this was more than just another victory. It was a spectacular return to the top, reclaiming a world record he had previously held and once again rewriting the limits of the half marathon.

The 56:51 performance remains pending ratification, but Yomif Kejelcha's run has already delivered one of the defining moments in the history of road racing.

Kenya delivered another commanding display of distance-running excellence at the Antrim Coast Half Marathon, with Isaia Lasoi leading a memorable Kenyan clean sweep of the men's podium in a race packed with world-class performances.

Lasoi emerged victorious after a thrilling battle at the front, crossing the finish line in a superb 58:26 setting a new course record. His winning performance underlined his strength and speed over the half-marathon distance, but he was made to work all the way by fellow Kenyan Daniel Mateiko, who finished just three seconds behind in 58:29 after an electrifying duel for the title.

The contest between the two leaders produced one of the standout moments of the race, with both athletes pushing deep into elite territory as they fought for victory. In the end, Lasoi found just enough to secure the win, while Mateiko's narrow defeat highlighted the remarkable depth and quality of Kenya's leading distance runners.

Vincent Kipkorir completed the Kenyan sweep, taking third place in 1:00:38 to ensure that all three places on the podium belonged to Kenyan athletes. Samwel Chebolei added further Kenyan strength to the results, finishing fourth in 1:01:01, while Amos Langat was also among the leading finishers.

The international field featured several prominent names. Australia's Jimmy Whelan produced a strong run, while Ethiopia's Yismaw Dillu featured among the front group. American marathon star Galen Rupp also delivered a notable performance, clocking 1:01:29 in another competitive outing for the experienced distance runner. Former world-class track and road athlete Edward Cheserek was also among the top finishers.

Lasoi's 58:26 victory, however, was the defining performance of the day. Together with Mateiko and Kipkorir, he gave Kenya a perfect podium and another emphatic reminder of the country's extraordinary strength in elite road running.

The Antrim Coast Half Marathon once again provided a fast, competitive stage for some of the world's finest distance runners, but when the decisive moments arrived, it was Kenya that owned the podium.

One of the most iconic milestones in the history of ultramarathon running is drawing closer, with entries for the historic 100th edition of the Comrades Marathon set to open on Tuesday, 25 August 2026.

The Comrades Marathon Association has officially announced a detailed entry process for the 2027 race, which will unfold in three stages and give runners around the world the opportunity to secure their place in what promises to be one of the most significant editions ever held of The Ultimate Human Race.

The announcement followed the official launch of the 2027 Comrades Marathon on Wednesday, 19 August, when the centenary campaign, “The Greatest Story Ever Run,” was unveiled alongside a special logo created exclusively for the landmark 100th edition.

The launch also revealed several major highlights for the Centenary Race. The historic event will take place on Sunday, 13 June 2027, and will be a Down Run, with 28,000 places available. The entry process will include a ballot, while the race will offer a record R8.919 million in prize money. Organisers have also set an ambitious goal of raising R10 million for the Amabeadibeadi charities, adding an important charitable dimension to the centenary celebrations. One of the defining moments of the launch was the unveiling of the special Centenary mark, created to commemorate this extraordinary milestone in the history of the race.

The entry process begins on 25 August at 10:00 a.m. SAST, when entries open for Green Number runners, Yellow Number runners and Amabeadibeadi charity entrants.

The next phase follows on 2 September at 10:00 a.m. SAST, when entries open for Comrades Marathon Association members. This window will remain open for 72 hours or until the available entry allocation is filled, with places offered on a strictly first-come, first-served basis.

For general entrants, the process will move to a ballot system. General entries open on 9 September at 10:00 a.m. SAST, with runners able to enter the ballot until it closes on 22 September at 4:30 p.m. SAST. The ballot draw is then scheduled to take place on 23 September.

Several other crucial dates will shape the road to the historic race. The substitution period will run from 15 to 31 March 2027, while 3 May 2027 is the final deadline for runners to submit their qualifying performances, seeding information and other required entry details.

To qualify for the 2027 Comrades Marathon, runners must complete a 42.2km marathon in under five hours between 15 June 2026 and 3 May 2027.

The journey will finally culminate on Sunday, 13 June 2027, when thousands of runners are expected to line up for the historic 100th edition of the Comrades Marathon.

The 2027 race will represent a remarkable moment for the legendary South African ultramarathon. For more than a century, the Comrades Marathon has captured the imagination of runners and spectators with its extraordinary test of endurance, determination and human spirit. Its centenary edition will celebrate the generations of athletes who have faced its demanding roads, conquered its challenges and helped build one of the world's most respected endurance events.

For runners dreaming of becoming part of this historic occasion, the road to Comrades 2027 is now clearly marked. From the opening of entries in August 2026 to race day in June 2027, every deadline will matter.

The Greatest Story Ever Run is preparing for its most historic chapter yet.

American sprint standout Sam Blaskowski is taking steps toward an international future with Poland after uncovering a powerful connection to his family's ancestral homeland.

The 23-year-old sprinter, who has established himself as one of the fastest Americans of his generation with a personal best of 9.89 seconds in the 100 metres, has begun the process of obtaining Polish citizenship with the aim of eventually representing Poland in international competition.

Blaskowski's connection to the country traces back through his great-grandparents, Franciszek and Julian Błaszkowski, who emigrated from Poland to the United States in 1905. Their journey more than a century ago has now opened an unexpected new chapter for their descendant, whose athletic ambitions could soon carry the Błaszkowski name back onto the international stage under Polish colours.

The sprinter has already received support from the Polish Athletics Association as he works through the citizenship and eligibility process. Should his transfer of allegiance be completed, Blaskowski could become a significant addition to Poland's sprint programme.

His credentials certainly make the prospect an exciting one. In addition to his sub-10-second speed over 100 metres, Blaskowski owns a personal best of 19.93 seconds in the 200 metres, demonstrating the kind of versatility that could prove valuable both individually and in Poland's 4x100m relay squad.

For Blaskowski, however, the move is about more than simply changing national colours. It represents an opportunity to reconnect with his family's heritage while pursuing his ambitions at the highest level of the sport.

With his sights set on becoming part of Poland's international sprint team and competing for relay medals, Blaskowski's journey from discovering his Polish roots to potentially representing the country of his ancestors could become one of the most fascinating allegiance stories in world athletics.

A century after Franciszek and Julian Błaszkowski left Poland for America, their family's story may now be coming full circle—this time at full sprint.