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KATA founder Bob Anderson says coach Charles Ngeno received KSh1.077 million in repayable, interest-free financing for two running camps and six acres of potatoes, repeatedly discussed repayment and later sought additional funding.

A programme in which Bob and Catherine Anderson say they committed more than KSh42 million to support Kenyan runners is now at the centre of a dispute over money advanced to coach Charles Ng’eno.

Anderson, founder of My Best Runs, the Kenyan Athletics Training Academy and Runners World, says Ng’eno received KSh1,077,500 in interest free loans to establish two KATA running camps and cultivate six acres of potatoes.

Anderson says none of the money has been repaid.

Ng’eno should be given a full opportunity to respond to the allegations and provide his own financial records, contracts, harvest records and explanation of the transactions before publication.

Anderson founded Runner’s World as a teenager and says his motivation for developing KATA came from decades spent in athletics and from seeing the conditions faced by some aspiring Kenyan runners.

“This was never simply a potato farming project,” Anderson said. “The purpose was to establish camps where talented athletes could receive accommodation, food and world-class training. Every shilling provided to establish the camps and grow the potatoes was an interest-free loan that had to be repaid.”

Two loans supporting one objective

According to Anderson, the KATA model combined two forms of repayable financing.

Camp operators could receive interest-free startup loans to cover expenses including rent, beds, mattresses, furniture and initial food supplies. Depending on the camp's requirements, Anderson says this financing could reach KSh500,000.

Separate interest-free loans were used to finance potato production, generally budgeted at approximately KSh100,000 per acre.

The intention was for proceeds from potato sales to repay both the farming costs and the money advanced to establish the running camp.

The funds were therefore not intended to operate as grants that beneficiaries could retain without repayment.

After the loans were cleared, the remaining income was intended to support athletes and help finance subsequent farming seasons.

Anderson says the model was designed to create a revolving system in which money recovered from one camp could eventually help another.

“The idea was to provide the seed capital once and then have the potato proceeds repay everything,” Anderson said. “After the camp and farming loans were cleared, each camp could continue operating without depending upon Catherine and me for more money.”

The financial projections used by KATA were based on anticipated agricultural returns. Anderson says the programme estimated that a well-managed acre could generate about KSh400,000 in gross sales, although actual returns would depend on yields, disease, weather and market prices.

These were projections rather than guaranteed returns.

More than KSh42 million committed

Anderson says he and Catherine committed more than KSh42 million to establishing and operating the wider programme.

Approximately KSh36 million, he says, was provided through interest-free loans to coaches, farmers and camp operators, while more than KSh6 million was spent on independent contractors and related programme expenses.

The Kenyan personnel engaged to coordinate activities and monitor participating farms were independent contractors, according to Anderson, rather than employees.

The Andersons did not establish a company in Kenya, with the programme directed through their California-based business.

The complete financial records covering the wider KATA programme have not been independently reviewed for this article.

The KSh1,077,500 advanced to Charles Ngeno represents only one part of the wider programme.

But Anderson says the failure to recover the money meant funds intended to circulate to other camps and athletes became unavailable.

Athletics Kenya references

Anderson says Ng’eno regularly communicated with him about athletics, farming and the proposed camps.

Among the material provided are photographs appearing to show Ng’eno participating in Athletics Kenya-related meetings, including one in which he is seated behind an Athletics Kenya nameplate and another in which he appears to address a gathering.

Ng’eno also told Anderson that he had discussed KATA with senior Athletics Kenya officials.

According to Anderson, Ng’eno reported that the Athletics Kenya president had praised the programme and believed it could benefit Kenyan athletes.

Those claims have not been independently confirmed.

The photographs show Ng’eno at athletics-related functions but do not establish that Athletics Kenya endorsed KATA or participated in the financing arrangement.

“It gave me confidence,” Anderson said. “Charles presented himself as a senior and respected figure in Kenyan athletics. He talked about discussions with the AK president, and I believed he had the standing to make the camps successful.”

Athletics Kenya has not been accused of receiving any of the disputed money.

KSh1.07 million and requests for more

According to Anderson, the KSh1,077,500 advanced to Ng’eno was intended to cover work toward two camps and six acres of potatoes.

In August 2025, Ng’eno sent what he described as bookkeeping for the Olenguruone and Nakuru camps. The figures referred to a proposed total allocation of KSh1.3 million, including potato projects, rent, bunk beds, mattresses, blankets and food.

The KSh1.3 million was a proposed budget and was not the amount Anderson says Ng’eno ultimately received.

Anderson says he stopped advancing money after repayment dates were missed and other concerns emerged.

“I probably would have sent more because Charles kept presenting new plans,” Anderson said. “Fortunately, one red flag after another was raised, and I cut him off after KSh1,077,500.”

Anderson says Ng’eno later sought approximately KSh600,000 to cultivate another six acres.

Had that request been approved, Anderson's total exposure to Ng’eno could have approached KSh1.7 million.

Ng’eno's own messages about the harvest

WhatsApp correspondence provided by Anderson contains messages attributed to Ng’eno discussing the farming operation and anticipated returns.

In an October 7, 2025 message, Ng’eno said he expected his first harvest to produce more than 150 bags of 50kg potatoes.

“For my first harvest, I'm expecting to have more than 150 bags of 50kg,” he wrote.

In the same exchange, Ng’eno referred to the “agreed loan” and said he was aware of the remaining obligation.

He also promised a “good return” and asked Anderson to proceed with what he described as a final disbursement.

“Please let us make an agreement that this be final dispersal until you experience the delivery of revenue,” he wrote.

In November, the correspondence moved to the practical issue of harvesting and selling the potatoes.

On November 11, Ng’eno told Anderson that some of his other acres were ready for harvesting but said market prices were poor.

“My other acres are ready for harvesting but this is not the time to do so. price is terrible,” he wrote.

He said the crop required spraying against worms and requested KSh15,000.

The following day, Ng’eno referred to potatoes from two acres that he expected to harvest within two weeks.

“Bob. Please send me 15k for Olenguruone camp. Potatoes to be harvested in 2 weeks. 2 acres,” he wrote.

Anderson subsequently asked for information about the number of bags, total weight, and photographs showing where the potatoes were being stored.

Ng’eno said he had secured free storage space and added that his farm manager was working on the ground.

The exchanges establish that the two sides were discussing the loan, potato farming, anticipated harvests and additional funding. They do not by themselves establish the final size of the harvest, sales proceeds or repayment.

Repeated repayment promises

Other correspondence reviewed for this story contains further discussions about repayment.

In November 2025, Anderson says Ng’eno indicated that nearly KSh600,000 would be paid before the end of December, with another KSh200,000 expected in January or February after seeds were sold.

Ng’eno also referred to a plot allegedly worth KSh1.5 million that could be disposed of if necessary to clear the loan.

“Don’t worry about me,” he wrote.

On January 31, 2026, after Anderson asked how much Ng’eno would begin repaying, Ng’eno responded:

“Yes, Bob, I need to start with Ksh. 400,000.”

He added that he was responsible and “must make payments.”

Anderson says the KSh400,000 payment was not made.

Ng’eno also told Anderson that repayment had been delayed because he was constructing a residential building that would become a KATA camp. He offered to show Anderson the building through a video call.

The correspondence shows that repayment was repeatedly discussed. It does not, without the underlying bank records, establish precisely how much money was ultimately generated from the farms or how the funds advanced were used.

A programme built around trust

For Anderson, the dispute goes beyond one borrower.

He says the KATA programme was created after he and Catherine saw the challenges facing some Kenyan athletes and wanted to provide better accommodation, food and training environments.

The agricultural component was intended to give camps an independent source of income.

But Anderson says the experience with Ng’eno and other beneficiaries ultimately forced the programme to stop advancing money.

“This was not simply a case of Charles misleading Catherine and me,” Anderson said. “Fellow Kenyans working with us in good faith also relied on the information and promises he provided.”

Those contractors have not been publicly identified.

Anderson has made broader claims about repayment problems involving other beneficiaries. Those claims require separate verification and should not be treated as established facts without supporting records and responses from those involved.

The questions requiring answers

The Ng’eno case leaves several questions that can be answered only through the underlying records.

How was the KSh1,077,500 used?

How much went into each camp?

Were all six acres planted?

What was harvested?

How much was sold?

Who bought the potatoes?

How much revenue was generated?

Were any proceeds used to repay the loan?

Did the two proposed camps operate, and how many athletes did they support?

Why were the promised repayments not made?

And does the reported KSh1.5 million property exist and was it available to secure or repay the debt?

Ng’eno should also be given an opportunity to respond to the claims concerning his representations about Athletics Kenya and to provide evidence of any discussions with its officials.

For Anderson, the principle behind the programme remains straightforward.

“This money was not donated to Charles,” he said. “It was loaned to establish camps and grow crops. It had to come back so it could help other athletes and camps.”

The dispute is now about whether the funds were used according to the agreements, what income the projects generated and why Anderson says none of the money has been returned.

Until complete financial records, contractual documents and Ng’eno's response are obtained, the allegations should remain clearly identified as contested claims rather than established findings.

Ethiopia delivered a remarkable double victory at the 2026 Bank of China Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Half Marathon on Sunday, November 15, with Wede Kefale and Addisu Gobena emerging victorious in the women's and men's races respectively.

Staged along the spectacular Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, the event brought together some of the finest distance runners from Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa and other nations for a fiercely contested 21.097-kilometre challenge across one of the world's most recognisable sea-crossing structures.

The competition produced impressive performances, with Ethiopia showcasing its depth in distance running while Kenyan athletes also secured several places among the leading finishers.

In the women's contest, Kefale produced a composed and determined performance to secure the biggest prize of the day. She crossed the finish line in 1:09:01, holding off a strong challenge from South Africa's Glenrose Xaba, who finished second in 1:09:09. Ethiopia's Fantu Worku completed the podium in 1:09:14, making it an exceptionally close battle among the leading three women, who were separated by just 13 seconds.

The Ethiopian victory was particularly impressive given the quality of the field. Xaba, one of South Africa's leading distance runners, pushed hard throughout the contest but ultimately had to settle for second, while Worku demonstrated Ethiopia's remarkable strength by securing another podium position.

Kefale's victory was supported by an impressive Ethiopian presence throughout the top 10. Baraky Redae finished fourth in 1:09:51, followed by compatriot Asmarech Anley in fifth with 1:10:21. Kenya's Miriam Chebet was sixth in 1:11:05, ahead of Morocco's Fatima Ezzahra Birdaha, who clocked 1:11:23. Kazakhstan's Daisy Jepkemei placed eighth in 1:11:42, while Ethiopia's Zewudie Wudu finished ninth in 1:12:08. Kenya's Priscah Jepleting Cherono completed the top 10 in 1:12:29.

The men's race provided another memorable moment for Ethiopia as 22-year-old Addisu Gobena claimed the overall victory, He clocked 1:01:33 to finish ahead of compatriot Aliyi Kasim, who secured second place in 1:02:29.

Kenya's Alex Lenalepisho delivered a strong performance to take third in 1:02:47, preventing a complete Ethiopian sweep of the men's podium. Morocco's Othmane El Goumri finished fourth in 1:03:07, while Kenya's Abel Kiplimo followed in fifth with 1:03:33

Kenyan representation remained particularly strong throughout the men's top 10. Ezra Kipketer Tanui finished sixth in 1:05:32, followed by Ethiopia's Tafere Adisu in seventh with 1:05:35. Kenya's Meshack Kipchirchir placed eighth in 1:06:01, Benard Kipkorir was ninth in 1:06:15, and compatriot Sena Ledama completed the top 10 in 1:06:21.

Gobena's triumph adds another impressive achievement to Ethiopia's growing presence on the international road-running circuit, while the performances of Kasim and Lenalepisho underlined the competitive depth of the men's field.

The 2026 edition was also significant for the event itself, having earned World Athletics Platinum Label status, placing it among the highest-rated road-running competitions internationally. The bridge provided a spectacular setting for the contest, bringing together elite athletes from different countries for a memorable day of long-distance racing. 

Beyond the podium, the results highlighted the international character of the competition, with athletes from Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa, Morocco and Kazakhstan featuring prominently in the leading positions.

Ethiopia therefore left Hong Kong with both overall titles, while Kenya had plenty of reasons to take encouragement from its strong representation across both races.

For the organisers, the successful staging of this Platinum Label competition represents another important milestone in the development of road running in Hong Kong. For the athletes, it was an opportunity to test themselves against international opposition on a distinctive course that offered a memorable backdrop to the racing.

American sprint sensation Noah Lyles could be preparing to chase one of the most extraordinary achievements in athletics history after dropping a tantalising hint about his ambitions for the 2027 World Athletics Championships in Beijing, China.

The four-time world 200m champion has sparked excitement among athletics fans after sharing a cryptic message on social media reading “4x ? 2027”, raising speculation that he could be targeting an unprecedented four gold medals when the global championships return to the iconic Bird’s Nest Stadium.

Although Lyles has yet to confirm exactly which events he intends to contest, the possibility of a four-event campaign has become particularly intriguing following World Athletics’ announcement that the mixed 4x100m relay will make its World Championships debut in Beijing.

Such an opportunity could open the door for the American superstar to compete for gold in the men's 100m, 200m, men's 4x100m relay and the newly introduced mixed 4x100m relay.

For Lyles, Beijing could represent much more than another opportunity to add to his impressive collection of championship medals. It could be the stage where he attempts to establish himself as the most successful male athlete in World Athletics Championships history.

The 100m would undoubtedly be one of his biggest attractions. Having claimed the world title in Budapest in 2023 before completing his remarkable rise to Olympic glory at the Paris 2024 Games, Lyles knows exactly what it takes to rule the world's premier sprinting stage. However, he will be eager to reclaim the global crown after settling for bronze behind compatriots in the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo.

The 200m, meanwhile, remains his strongest territory. Lyles has established an extraordinary legacy over the half-lap distance, winning four consecutive World Championships titles in 2019, 2022, 2023 and 2025. In Tokyo, he matched Usain Bolt's remarkable achievement of four successive world 200m crowns, further strengthening his reputation as one of the greatest performers the event has ever witnessed.

His ambitions would also extend to the relays, where he has repeatedly demonstrated his value to Team USA. Lyles has already collected four World Championships gold medals in the men's 4x100m relay, including victories in 2019, 2022, 2023 and 2025. Another successful campaign in Beijing would provide an opportunity to add to that impressive record.

The introduction of the mixed 4x100m relay could make the challenge even more fascinating. With the event officially scheduled to make its World Championships debut in Beijing, the competition will offer another opportunity for the world's leading sprinters to showcase their speed on the global stage.

Beyond the possibility of four gold medals, however, there is an even bigger historical prize waiting for Lyles.

The American currently boasts eight World Athletics Championships gold medals. Winning four more in Beijing would take his career tally to 12, moving him beyond Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt, whose 11 world titles remain the benchmark for male athletes in the competition's history.

That would be a remarkable achievement for an athlete who has never hidden his admiration for Bolt and his desire to reach the heights established by the Jamaican legend.

Interestingly, the Bird's Nest Stadium carries its own special place in sprinting history. It was at the same venue during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games that Bolt announced himself to the world with his breathtaking performances in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay. Nearly two decades later, the iconic stadium could provide the setting for another extraordinary chapter in sprinting history.

For Lyles, the challenge will be enormous. Successfully navigating four demanding events, managing the competition schedule and delivering at the highest level across individual and relay races would require exceptional preparation, consistency and teamwork.

Nothing has yet been confirmed regarding his participation in all four disciplines, but his intriguing message has certainly given athletics followers something exciting to anticipate.

Could Beijing 2027 become the championship where Noah Lyles transforms an ambitious dream into an unforgettable reality?

Four events, four potential gold medals and the possibility of surpassing one of the greatest sprinting legends of all time. The countdown to Beijing promises to be fascinating.

What began as one of the most entertaining and talked-about stories of the 2026 New York City Marathon has taken an unexpected turn, with Houston-based lawyer Andrea Sager losing her official race result after a viral video showed her smoking marijuana during the event.

The 35-year-old mother of two attracted widespread attention on November 1 when she lined up for the iconic 26.2-mile race wearing a bright pink running vest carrying a humorous personal advertisement: “Andrea, 35, Single. Great Credit. Bad Judgment.” The unusual message quickly made her one of the most recognizable personalities among the thousands of participants, generating plenty of reactions from spectators and social media users.

However, it was another moment captured on camera that eventually landed her in trouble with race organizers. A video circulating online showed Sager accepting a puff of marijuana from a spectator while running along the marathon course, turning what had initially been a lighthearted appearance into a much bigger controversy.

Following the circulation of the footage, New York Road Runners (NYRR), the organization responsible for staging the marathon, removed Sager's finishing time of 5:54 from the official results after determining that she had violated its Code of Conduct. The regulations prohibit smoking, vaping and the use of tobacco or marijuana products in the starting corrals, along the course and within the designated race areas.

Despite the disqualification, Sager was allowed to retain her physical finisher's medal, meaning she still has a memento of completing the demanding journey through New York's five boroughs, even though her official finishing result no longer stands.

Sager has since offered an explanation for her decision, revealing that she was struggling physically as the race progressed. With considerable discomfort in her legs and the marathon becoming increasingly difficult, she said she accepted the offer from a spectator in an attempt to manage the pain and make the remaining miles more bearable.

Interestingly, the controversy has not entirely dampened her enthusiasm for the experience. Rather than retreating from the attention, Sager has embraced the unexpected publicity, revealing that the viral moment has brought considerable interest on social media and dating platforms.

Her distinctive pink running vest has also become a talking point beyond the marathon, with the attention opening up potential opportunities for merchandise and brand partnerships inspired by the memorable message.

Although she initially challenged the decision, Sager has acknowledged that the organizers were enforcing their regulations and appears to be taking the outcome with a sense of humour. She has also indicated that she could return to the marathon distance in the future, suggesting that her New York experience may not be her last.

For Sager, the 2026 New York City Marathon will undoubtedly be remembered for reasons far beyond the challenge of covering 26.2 miles. She arrived at the starting line hoping to enjoy her first marathon and perhaps attract a little attention with her unusual outfit. Instead, she left with a viral story, unexpected publicity and a disqualification that has made her one of the most talked-about recreational runners from this year's event.

Her finishing time may have disappeared from the official results, but her story has certainly found a place in the conversation surrounding this year's marathon.

After all, completing a marathon is an achievement in itself, but Andrea Sager's New York experience came with a twist that few runners could have anticipated!

World mile record holder Josh Kerr has sparked an interesting conversation among runners after questioning the growing popularity of hydration vests, suggesting that many athletes may be carrying more equipment than they actually need for their everyday training sessions.

The British distance-running star shared his thoughts during a Reddit Ask Me Anything session hosted by BBC Sport on Monday, where he responded to questions from fans about training, competition, rivalries and some of the lighter aspects of his life as an elite athlete.

Among the most relatable topics was the increasing use of hydration vests, a piece of equipment that has become increasingly common among recreational runners, particularly those who head out for regular training sessions.

Kerr offered a straightforward perspective, suggesting that runners covering distances of less than 12 miles (approximately 19 kilometres) generally do not need to carry water with them. He believes that some running trends are driven more by marketing than genuine necessity, using hydration vests as an example of equipment that has perhaps become more popular than it needs to be.

He further pointed out that runners training in urban environments can usually find somewhere to purchase a drink if they need one, rather than carrying additional equipment throughout their entire run.

However, his comments were not intended as a universal rule for every athlete. Hydration requirements differ depending on individual needs, weather conditions, training intensity and the distance being covered. Runners tackling longer distances, particularly in hot conditions or on remote trails, may still benefit considerably from carrying their own fluids.

Away from the equipment debate, Kerr also addressed questions about his relationship with Norwegian distance-running superstar Jakob Ingebrigtsen. Keeping his response brief and humorous, the Briton remarked, "I wouldn't say we're buddies!" However, he acknowledged that rivalries are an important part of athletics and can help make the sport more exciting for competitors and spectators alike.

The 2024 Paris Olympic Games also featured prominently in the discussion, particularly the men's 1500m final, where Kerr secured the silver medal in a British record of 3:27.79 behind American Cole Hocker.

Despite narrowly missing out on Olympic gold, Kerr insisted that he had no regrets about how he approached the race, reflecting the confidence and competitive mentality that have helped establish him among the leading middle-distance runners in the world.

The Scottish star also offered fans a glimpse into the demanding training sessions behind his remarkable mile world record, providing insight into the preparation required to compete at the highest level. He additionally touched on the possibility of eventually moving up to the marathon, a prospect that will undoubtedly attract considerable interest given his credentials over shorter distances.

Not every question, however, was about world records, Olympic medals or gruelling workouts. In one particularly amusing moment, Kerr was asked how far he thought he could run on just a single square sausage and a can of Irn-Bru, bringing a distinctly Scottish flavour to the conversation.

The exchange offered a refreshing look at the personality behind one of Britain's biggest athletics stars, showing that even athletes operating at the very highest level have plenty of opinions about everyday running habits.

For recreational runners, Kerr's message about hydration vests is certainly worth considering, although individual circumstances should always determine what equipment is necessary. His broader point was simple: runners should understand their actual training needs rather than automatically following every new trend in the running industry.

Kenyan marathon star John Korir is preparing to chase a remarkable piece of history at the 2026 Valencia Marathon, where victory could make him the first male athlete in more than two decades to successfully defend the prestigious title.

The 30-year-old, who will celebrate his birthday just four days before the December 6 race, returns to Spain with an opportunity to achieve something that has proved exceptionally difficult in the history of the competition. Having conquered the Valencia streets last year in an outstanding 2:02:24, Korir now has his sights firmly set on becoming a two-time consecutive champion.

A successful defence would place Korir in an exclusive group of athletes who have managed to win Valencia's men's marathon twice. The race's historical records identify only three previous multiple winners: Teodoro Pérez, Eduardo Alcaína and Samuel Tangus. Tangus remains the last man to achieve consecutive victories, having triumphed in 2002 and 2003.

Korir's opportunity has become even more promising following the withdrawal of Ethiopian star Yomif Kejelcha, who was ruled out of the December 6 contest because of an injury. Kejelcha had been among the biggest attractions in the anticipated showdown. His absence removes a major challenger and leaves Korir as one of the leading favourites heading into the race.

The Kenyan's recent performances explain why expectations are so high. He has established himself among the world's most formidable marathon runners, collecting major victories in Chicago in 2024, Boston in 2025, Valencia in December 2025 and Boston again in April 2026. His latest Boston triumph was particularly impressive, as he successfully defended his crown in a spectacular course-record time of 2:01:52.

However, Korir is not returning simply to defend his title. He has much bigger ambitions, with reports indicating that he is targeting a historic sub-two-hour performance on Valencia's famously fast course. To prepare for that challenge, the Kenyan has reportedly increased his training volume to between 250 and 270 kilometres per week, demonstrating the scale of preparation behind his ambitions.

Breaking the two-hour barrier would be an extraordinary achievement, particularly on a course where the current men's record stands at 2:01:48, set by Ethiopia's Sisay Lemma in 2023. Korir already knows what it takes to deliver a major performance in Valencia, having produced a commanding victory last year.

Turning 30 just days before the competition, Korir appears to be entering an exciting period of his marathon career. His combination of experience, consistency, confidence and remarkable endurance makes him a serious contender not only for another victory but also for a possible assault on the course record.

For Korir, December 6 represents an opportunity to go beyond another major marathon victory. He could end a 23-year wait for a consecutive men's champion in Valencia, join an exclusive group of multiple winners and potentially deliver one of the fastest marathon performances ever witnessed.

The challenge is now clear: defend his crown, make history and perhaps bring the world closer to another landmark moment in marathon running.