Running News Daily

(On July 1 Keira D'Amato clocked 1:06:37 at the Gold Coast Half Marathon setting a new American record.  This is her story as it unfolded posted on FB)

I don’t know why this post has been so tough for me to write. There was so much emotion in my reaction to crossing the finish line and I think it boils down to one thing: hope. 

Earlier this year, I was injured, I had to scrap my spring racing plans, but I was in the pool everyday hoping it would heal so I could get back to my goals. 

Once I was healthy, the year started off slow. It always does when you are starting something. It takes a few months for me to really start feeling like my buzzsaw self. I had hope that if I stayed patient, I could build back to an even higher level. 

My flights got cancelled, and delayed, and cancelled again. But I hoped if I pushed through the travel, I would make it to the starting line. 

My daughter wasn’t exactly thrilled I was going to away for a week. That stings the heart. But I hoped, I could show her what it is to chase a dream and why the family has worked to hard to support my running. 

I hoped for good enough weather, I hoped my legs would feel good enough despite the travel, and I hope I could find sometime new within myself, that I wasn’t even certain was there. 

Then, with about 100 or meters to go, I saw the clock and all that hoping was actually coming true. We all know it doesn’t always workout like that. In fact, most of the time, it feels like it doesn’t. But on Saturday, July 1 in Australia at the @gcmarathon half marathon it did for me. 

So that’s why I look crazy crossing the finish line. 

I hope everyone has an excuse to make a crazy face like this too. Here’s to hoping. ❤️

Photos by: @caseysims_ and @beyondtheroad

Three years after rewriting marathon history on the streets of Berlin, Ethiopia's Tigst Assefa is returning to the German capital with one goal firmly in sight — the world record.

The former world record holder has been confirmed for the 2026 Berlin Marathon, scheduled for September 27, and has already made her intentions clear. Assefa wants to produce another historic performance on the course where she delivered one of the greatest marathon runs ever seen.

"It is a great pleasure for me to return to the streets of Berlin three years after setting my world record here in 2023. I am excited to once again try to break the world record," Assefa said after her participation was announced.

Berlin has long been regarded as the world's fastest marathon course, and few athletes understand that better than Assefa. It was there in 2023 that she stunned the athletics world by clocking a then-world record, cementing her place among the greatest marathon runners of her generation.

Now, the Ethiopian star is preparing for another assault on history.

Armed with a remarkable personal best of 2:11:53, Assefa will attempt to lower the current women's world record of 2:09:56, set by Kenya's Ruth Chepngetich. Achieving such a feat would require one of the fastest marathon performances ever produced, but Assefa has already shown she possesses the talent, courage and speed to challenge seemingly impossible barriers.

Her quest, however, will be far from straightforward.

The Berlin field is shaping up to be one of the strongest women's marathon line-ups of the year. Joining Assefa on the start line will be fellow Ethiopian and training partner Amane Beriso, a world-class performer capable of matching any pace on her day. Also in the race will be Kenya's Rosemary Wanjiru, the defending champion, who returns determined to protect her crown after a commanding victory in Berlin last year.

With three of the world's elite marathoners set to clash, the race promises a fascinating battle between championship experience, tactical intelligence and raw speed.

For Assefa, though, the challenge extends beyond defeating her rivals. The bigger target is the clock.

The Ethiopian has repeatedly demonstrated her ability to thrive on Berlin's flat and fast roads, and her return instantly raises expectations of another historic performance. Marathon fans around the world will be watching closely to see whether she can once again produce a run for the ages.

As the world's best distance runners converge on Berlin this September, the stage is set for another potentially historic afternoon. With a proven record on the course, unmatched ambition, and a world record firmly in her sights, Tigst Assefa arrives not merely to compete, but to challenge the limits of what is possible in women's marathon running. Whether history falls once again remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: all eyes will be on Berlin when the gun goes off on September 27.

The stage is set for one of the greatest women's marathon races ever assembled.

When the BMW Berlin Marathon returns on September 27, 2026, the streets of the German capital will welcome an extraordinary cast of distance-running royalty led by Ethiopia's Tigst Assefa, Kenya's Rosemary Wanjiru and fellow Ethiopian star Amane Beriso. With three of the fastest women in marathon history confirmed for the race, anticipation is already building around what could become another landmark chapter in Berlin's rich marathon legacy.

Adding even greater intrigue to the occasion is the return of Tigst Assefa, who will be chasing a remarkable hat-trick of victories in Berlin. Having already established herself as one of the course's most dominant champions, the Ethiopian star returns to a venue where she has repeatedly showcased her extraordinary talent. Few athletes in the modern era have forged such a powerful connection with the Berlin Marathon, and another victory would further cement her place among the event's all-time greats.

Standing in her path is defending champion Rosemary Wanjiru, the Kenyan star who captured the Berlin crown with a display of strength, patience and tactical brilliance. Wanjiru has consistently proven she belongs among the world's elite marathoners, and her return as defending champion adds another compelling storyline to what is already shaping up to be an unforgettable contest.

Completing the star-studded trio is Amane Beriso, one of the most accomplished marathon runners of her generation. With a personal best of 2:14:58 and a reputation for thriving under pressure, Beriso possesses all the credentials required to challenge for victory on one of the sport's biggest stages.

The numbers alone highlight the quality of the field. Assefa's astonishing personal best of 2:11:53 remains one of the fastest performances ever recorded by a woman, while Wanjiru's 2:16:14 and Beriso's 2:14:58 underline the exceptional depth assembled for this year's race.

Yet this race is about more than personal bests. It is about the collision of champions, the pursuit of greatness and the possibility of witnessing history unfold on Berlin's famously fast roads. The German capital has become synonymous with marathon excellence, producing countless record-breaking performances over the years. Whenever the world's finest athletes gather there, expectations naturally rise.

With Assefa seeking a third consecutive Berlin title, Wanjiru defending her crown and Beriso determined to add another major triumph to her résumé, the ingredients are in place for a spectacular battle from the opening kilometres to the finish line.

The marathon world has already begun counting down the days. Fans, analysts and athletes alike recognize that opportunities to witness a field of this calibre are rare. Three champions, three distinct stories and one iconic course create the perfect formula for a race that could redefine what is possible in women's marathon running.

On September 27, all roads will lead to Berlin. And if these three superstars push one another to their limits, the clock may once again become the biggest casualty of all.

The 2026 Comrades Marathon produced many remarkable performances, but few were as inspiring as the breakthrough run of Zimbabwe’s Nobukhosi Tshuma, who delivered the race of her life to claim a stunning second-place finish in one of the most prestigious ultra-marathons on the planet.

On the unforgiving 85.77-kilometre Up Run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg, Tshuma crossed the finish line in an outstanding 5:53:36, finishing behind only South African legend Gerda Steyn and ahead of a world-class field packed with proven marathon and ultra-distance talent.

For Zimbabwean distance running, it was a landmark moment.

The Comrades Marathon is not a race that rewards luck or circumstance. It is a relentless examination of endurance, patience, strength, and mental resilience. Every athlete who reaches the podium must conquer thousands of metres of climbing, punishing gradients, and nearly six hours of sustained effort. Tshuma did exactly that, producing one of the finest performances ever recorded by a Zimbabwean woman at the iconic race.

While Steyn once again demonstrated why she remains the undisputed queen of Comrades, much of the attention turned to the athlete who chased her home. Tshuma ran with confidence, composure, and remarkable determination, refusing to be intimidated by a field that included some of the strongest ultra-runners in South Africa and beyond.

Perhaps most impressive was her ability to withstand the pressure from behind. South Africa’s Irvette van Zyl, a multiple-time Olympian and one of the country's most accomplished road runners, was among the athletes battling for the podium. Yet Tshuma never surrendered her position, matching experience with courage as the kilometres ticked away.

The Up Run is widely regarded as one of the toughest challenges in road running. It demands intelligent pacing and extraordinary physical preparation. Countless athletes have seen their ambitions unravel on its steep ascents. Tshuma, however, appeared to grow stronger as the race progressed, managing the course with maturity beyond her years and proving she belonged among the elite.

Her runner-up finish is more than just a personal achievement. It represents a significant moment for Zimbabwean athletics, showcasing the country's growing presence in ultra-distance running and demonstrating that its athletes can compete with the very best on the biggest stages.

In a race defined by suffering and perseverance, Tshuma delivered a performance that combined both. She earned every kilometre, every minute, and every accolade that came with standing on the Comrades podium.

The result firmly establishes her as one of Africa’s rising ultra-distance stars and places her name on the global endurance running map. For many fans, 2026 may be remembered as the year Gerda Steyn won another Comrades title. But it may also be remembered as the day Nobukhosi Tshuma announced herself to the world.

Zimbabwe has a new running heroine, and the future suddenly looks very exciting.

There are wounds that hunger leaves behind which food alone can never heal.

Not the hunger of missing a meal, but the kind that comes from being overlooked, unwanted, and treated as though your existence carries little value. For many children growing up in poverty, the greatest pain is not an empty stomach—it is the loneliness that comes when society turns away.

For Kenyan distance running sensation Agnes Ngetich, that loneliness was once a daily reality.

Today, she is celebrated across the globe as one of the finest long-distance runners of her generation, a world-record holder whose name commands respect on the biggest stages in athletics. Yet long before the medals, headlines, and international recognition, she was simply a young girl from a struggling family fighting battles few people ever saw.

As the second-born in a family of eight children, Ngetich grew up in circumstances defined by hardship. Following the loss of her father, life became even more difficult for her widowed mother and siblings. Resources were scarce, meals were uncertain, and support from those around them was often absent.

Instead of receiving compassion, the family frequently faced rejection.

People who should have offered encouragement kept their distance. Relationships faded. Doors quietly closed.

The message was clear: poverty had made them invisible.

But while others saw a poor village girl, Agnes carried something they could not see—a determination that refused to surrender.

That determination would reveal itself on a life-changing day in 2018.

With no proper meal to sustain her and little more than hope to guide her, Agnes and her older sister set out on foot for Kamwosor, covering approximately 14 kilometres to attend a school athletics competition. They walked the entire distance.

By the time her 5,000-metre race arrived later in the day, she had still eaten almost nothing.

Most athletes would have withdrawn.

Agnes stepped onto the track.

What followed stunned everyone.

Despite her exhaustion and hunger, she surged to the front of the field. The young girl whom few people noticed was leading the race, outrunning competitors who were far better prepared.

Then her body reached its limit.

Overcome by hunger and fatigue, she collapsed before completing the race.

For many athletes, that moment would have represented heartbreak and defeat.

But what happened next revealed the character that would later make her a champion.

When she regained consciousness, her first concern was not her health, the embarrassment, or the disappointment of collapsing. Instead, she wanted to know where she stood in the race.

She wanted her number.

She wanted to be first.

Even while lying on the ground, defeated by circumstances beyond her control, her competitive spirit remained intact.

It was at that critical moment that fate introduced Agnes to someone who would change her life forever.

Among the spectators was Ruth Bundotich, a teacher and athletics coach who saw something extraordinary in the young runner. While others moved on, Ruth stayed.

She listened.

She asked questions.

She learned about the struggles Agnes faced at home and the hardships that had shaped her childhood.

Most importantly, she chose not to walk away.

In a world that had repeatedly turned its back on Agnes, Ruth offered something priceless: belief.

One act of kindness became a turning point.

One person decided that this young girl deserved a chance.

That decision altered the course of Kenyan athletics history.

Under guidance and support, Agnes began to develop her immense talent. The same girl who once ran on an empty stomach and collapsed from hunger gradually transformed into one of the most formidable athletes on the planet.

Years later, the world would come to know her name.

Records would fall.

Victories would follow.

Crowds would cheer.

The athlete who had once felt invisible would become impossible to ignore.

Yet behind every achievement lies a story that statistics can never tell.

Agnes Ngetich's journey is not merely about running. It is a story about resilience in the face of rejection, courage in the midst of poverty, and the extraordinary impact a single compassionate person can have on another human being's future.

The world celebrates Agnes for her speed.

But perhaps her greatest victory happened long before she crossed any finish line.

It happened the day she refused to let rejection define her.

And it happened because one woman, Ruth Bundotich, chose to stay when everyone else walked away.

Today, Agnes Ngetich stands as living proof that greatness can emerge from the most unlikely places, and that sometimes all it takes to change a life is one person willing to believe when nobody else does.

Remember both names: Agnes Ngetich and Ruth Bundotich. One became a champion. The other made sure the champion was seen. 

Some records are measured in minutes and seconds. Others are measured in courage, perseverance, and an unwavering belief that age should never define human potential.

At 84 years old, South Africa's Johannes Mosehla has once again achieved what many thought impossible, becoming the oldest finisher in the history of the Comrades Marathon for a third consecutive time. Crossing the finish line in an impressive 11:12:27, Mosehla completed the gruelling ultramarathon with nearly 50 minutes to spare before the official cutoff, proving that determination can outlast time itself.

The remarkable athlete from Polokwane, Limpopo, continues to redefine the limits of endurance. Having already set the age record at 81 in 2023 and extended it at 83 in 2025, he has now raised the bar once more at 84, adding another unforgettable chapter to one of the most inspiring stories in distance running.

Yet Mosehla's journey to Comrades greatness began long before his record-breaking finishes. He first discovered his passion for running in 1963 as a 21-year-old young man with big dreams. However, the social realities of the era denied him opportunities that many runners take for granted today. During the early 1980s, black athletes were not permitted to participate in the Comrades Marathon, forcing him to put his ambitions on hold.

Rather than allowing disappointment to defeat him, Mosehla remained patient. He continued running, joined the Polokwane Athletic Club, and quietly prepared for the day when his opportunity would finally come.

When that chance arrived, he embraced it wholeheartedly.

Since making his Comrades debut, Mosehla has become a symbol of consistency and resilience. Remarkably, he has completed every Comrades Marathon he has entered since 2016, a streak that reflects not only physical endurance but also extraordinary discipline and commitment.

His approach remains refreshingly simple. He trains three times a week to keep his body strong while allowing adequate recovery. Despite tackling one of the world's most demanding ultramarathons, he believes in working smart rather than chasing excessive mileage.

Asked about the race itself, Mosehla admits he prefers the famous Down Run, joking that he performs better because he is lighter. Even after decades of running, the notorious Polly Shorts climb remains his toughest challenge, a reminder that every athlete, regardless of age or experience, still faces obstacles to overcome.

What stands out most, however, is his attitude toward the future. While many people his age have long since retired from competitive sport, Mosehla has no intention of stepping away. When asked about retirement, his response was simple and powerful: he is not thinking about it.

That mindset may be the secret behind his enduring success.

In an era obsessed with youth, Johannes Mosehla offers a different perspective. His story is not merely about running marathons; it is about patience rewarded, barriers overcome, and the refusal to surrender dreams despite the passage of time.

At 84, he is still moving forward, still inspiring thousands, and still proving that greatness has no expiration date.

Johannes Mosehla is more than a Comrades finisher. He is a living reminder that the human spirit remains strongest when it refuses to give up.