Running News Daily

World marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge is one of the most successful athletes in the world and his success definitely did not come overnight.

It has taken years for the four-time London Marathon champion to make a name for himself and he attested that fans have played a huge role in his career.

The legendary marathoner will be returning to the streets of Berlin with eyes set on winning his fifth title and he is banking on fans to make it a success. He attested that he loves competing in Berlin because of the passionate fans who cheer him on to keep going.

“The streets of Berlin will be packed and you know when you hear the voices of the people, those are the people passionate about the sport, those are the real fans in Berlin.

"Those are actually the people who motivate me and push me to keep going despite the challenges. I’m really looking forward to that,” he said.

The Berlin Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, September 24 and the 2014 Chicago Marathon champion will be using the event as a build-up towards next year’s Olympic Games in Paris, France.

Kipchoge opened his season at the Boston Marathon but unfortunately failed to live up to expectations after finishing sixth in the race due to a leg problem.

He went back to the drawing board and now feels ready to return to one of his favourite courses and take the win. He has set two world records on the Berlin course and he will be sure to stun his fans one more time when he sets foot on the start line for the race.

The 2026 Badwater 135 is once again proving why it is regarded as one of the most demanding endurance races on the planet. As nearly 100 ultrarunners make their way across California's Death Valley, they are not only covering an extraordinary distance—they are confronting one of the harshest climates found anywhere on Earth.

The 39th edition of the legendary ultramarathon began on Monday evening, with 98 athletes from 21 countries setting off from Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America at 280 feet (86 meters) below sea level. Competitors started in three staggered waves before embarking on a grueling 135-mile (217-kilometer) journey that climbs approximately 14,600 feet (4,450 meters) before reaching the finish at Whitney Portal, 8,360 feet (2,548 meters) above sea level.

While the course is always unforgiving, this year's race is unfolding under an Extreme Heat Warning issued for Death Valley. Daytime temperatures are expected to hover around 118°F (48°C) during the opening stages, while overnight conditions offer little relief, with temperatures remaining close to 90°F (32°C). Forecasts also suggest that parts of the valley could approach 124–127°F (51–53°C) later in the week, creating an even greater challenge for runners still on the course.

Unlike conventional marathons, where pace and tactics often determine the outcome, Badwater 135 is a relentless battle against the environment. The scorching desert heat can make the asphalt so hot that runners frequently seek the painted white lines along the roadside, where the surface is slightly cooler than the black pavement beneath their feet.

Every athlete is accompanied by a dedicated support crew and vehicle, supplying water, ice, nutrition, and medical assistance throughout the race. With no traditional aid stations available, these crews play a vital role in helping runners safely navigate one of the world's most hostile racing environments. Race regulations also prohibit the use of artificial cooling devices while competitors are actively running, adding another layer of difficulty to an already brutal test.

Adding to the challenge in 2026 is a significant rule change. Organizers have reduced the overall race cutoff from 48 hours to 45 hours, leaving runners with less margin for error. While the elite contenders may not be greatly affected, the shorter time limit places additional pressure on those fighting simply to reach the finish line before the clock expires.

Death Valley has become increasingly notorious for its intense summer conditions. Recent years have produced some of the hottest temperatures ever recorded in the region, reinforcing the race's reputation as one of the most physically demanding events in endurance sport. The combination of extreme heat, relentless climbing, and extraordinary distance ensures that every finisher earns their place in ultrarunning history.

As the race continues, the fastest competitors are expected to arrive at Whitney Portal well before many others begin the final mountain ascent. Yet at Badwater 135, speed tells only part of the story. Every athlete who reaches the finish line has overcome a challenge that extends far beyond running—a battle against heat, fatigue, and the limits of human endurance.

In most races, the toughest opponent is the athlete beside you. At Badwater 135, the true rival is the desert itself, and simply crossing the finish line is a victory worthy of celebration.

Italy's distance-running queen, Nadia Battocletti, once again proved why she remains the country's dominant force after producing another remarkable championship double at the Italian National Championships.

The Olympic silver medalist successfully defended both her 1,500m and 5,000m national titles, showcasing her impressive range from the middle distances to the longer events. Battocletti first secured victory in the 1,500m, crossing the finish line in 4:17.29, before returning to the track to claim the 5,000m crown in 15:12.65.

Her latest triumph carries even greater significance in the longer race. By winning the 5,000m title once again, Battocletti completed a hat-trick of consecutive Italian championships over the distance, further cementing her place among the country's finest distance runners. The achievement highlights not only her consistency but also her ability to remain at the top despite the increasing level of competition.

The double victory is another statement of intent as Battocletti continues to build momentum during a crucial stage of the season. Her ability to excel in both events demonstrates the endurance, speed, and tactical awareness that have made her one of Europe's most respected distance athletes.

With another pair of national titles added to her growing collection, Battocletti leaves the championships with renewed confidence and reinforces her status as Italy's leading distance star. Her commanding performances serve as another reminder that she will be one of the athletes to watch on the international stage as the season continues.

Tonight, one of the most remarkable legacies in Commonwealth Games history will once again be put on the line as Uganda bids to extend its extraordinary dominance in the men's 10,000m.

Since 2006, every Commonwealth Games men's 10,000m title has been won by a Ugandan athlete, establishing a remarkable streak that has become a symbol of the nation's excellence in long-distance running. The latest chapter was written by Jacob Kiplimo, who stormed to victory at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, setting a new Games record of 27:09.19 in a commanding performance.

Now, all eyes turn to tonight's final, where Uganda will attempt to continue a reign that has spanned nearly two decades.

Uganda's hopes of preserving that incredible record will rest on a formidable trio of Dan Kibet, Oscar Chelimo, and Cherop Samuel Simba. Together, they carry the weight of a proud tradition and will be determined to ensure the men's 10,000m title remains in Ugandan hands for another Commonwealth Games.

The challenge, however, promises to be fiercer than ever. Some of the Commonwealth's finest distance runners will line up with one goal—to end Uganda's remarkable run and claim one of the most prestigious titles in championship athletics. Every lap will carry the weight of history, with both seasoned stars and emerging talents eager to seize the moment.

For Uganda, this race is about far more than another gold medal. It is an opportunity to protect a legacy built through years of discipline, resilience, and world-class performances on the championship stage. Extending the streak would further strengthen the nation's reputation as one of the greatest forces in distance running.

Yet championship races are rarely decided by reputation alone. Tactical awareness, patience, and the ability to respond when the decisive move is made often separate the champion from the rest of the field. With several accomplished rivals eager to rewrite history, tonight's contest promises to deliver drama from the opening lap to the finish.

Will Uganda celebrate another unforgettable triumph tonight, or will a new champion finally bring an end to one of the longest winning streaks in Commonwealth Games history? By the end of the race, the answer will be written on the track, adding another unforgettable chapter to one of athletics' most enduring traditions.

Kenya emphatically reaffirmed its status as the undisputed powerhouse of the men's 3000m steeplechase by producing a sensational podium clean sweep at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. In a commanding display of tactical brilliance, endurance, and finishing speed, Edmund Serem, Simon Kiprop Koech, and Leonard Kipkemoi Bett shut out the rest of the field to secure all three medals in one of Kenya's most treasured athletics events.

The Kenyan trio remained patient through the early stages before steadily increasing the pace over the closing laps. As the race reached its decisive moments, they broke clear of the chasing pack, leaving reigning world champion Geordie Beamish of New Zealand and the rest of the field unable to match their relentless surge.

Edmund Serem produced the winning move over the final barriers, powering away in the closing metres to capture the Commonwealth title in 8:18.23. Simon Kiprop Koech, who had led the race at the bell, battled all the way to the finish and claimed the silver medal in 8:18.59, while Leonard Kipkemoi Bett completed the historic sweep with bronze in 8:21.63, ensuring an unforgettable day for Team Kenya.

The achievement marks one of Kenya's defining moments of the Glasgow Games and restores the nation's complete dominance in an event that has long been synonymous with Kenyan distance running excellence. It also serves as a powerful response to the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, where India's Avinash Sable ended Kenya's remarkable run of podium sweeps by winning the silver medal. Four years later, Serem, Koech, and Bett emphatically returned the men's steeplechase podium entirely to Kenyan hands, reaffirming the country's unrivalled legacy in the discipline.

Behind the Kenyan trio, reigning world champion Geordie Beamish finished fourth in 8:24.09, while Canada's Jean-Simon Desgagnes and Aaron Ahl placed fifth and sixth respectively. England's Kristian Imroth and Mark Pearce completed the top eight.

Men's 3000m Steeplechase Final – Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

1. Edmund Serem (Kenya) — 8:18.23

2. Simon Kiprop Koech (Kenya) — 8:18.59

3. Leonard Kipkemoi Bett (Kenya) — 8:21.63

4. Geordie Beamish (New Zealand) — 8:24.09

5. Jean-Simon Desgagnes (Canada) — 8:25.43

6. Aaron Ahl (Canada) — 8:31.71

7. Kristian Imroth (England) — 8:38.12

8. Mark Pearce (England) — 8:42.39

The performance once again highlighted the extraordinary depth of Kenya's steeplechase talent, proving that a new generation is ready to carry forward one of the nation's greatest traditions in global athletics. Their flawless execution, unwavering composure, and dominant finish left no doubt that Kenya remains the standard bearer in the men's 3000m steeplechase.

Australia celebrated a landmark moment in distance running as Rose Davies produced a brilliant performance to win the women's 10,000m title at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, becoming the first Australian athlete ever to capture Commonwealth gold in the event. Clocking 31:39.32, Davies also recorded a season's best (SB) to crown a remarkable evening and write her name into Australian athletics history.

Davies delivered a composed and confident race from start to finish, demonstrating exceptional patience before unleashing a decisive surge in the closing stages to secure a historic victory. Her remarkable triumph not only earned Australia a long-awaited gold medal but also etched her name into the Commonwealth Games record books, adding one of the finest achievements in Australian distance-running history.

Kenya's Diana Wanza produced a courageous and determined performance to secure the silver medal in 31:50.13, further strengthening the nation's proud legacy in long-distance running. Remaining among the front-runners throughout the race, Wanza matched every challenge with grit and composure before crossing the finish line with a well-deserved runner-up finish against an outstanding field.

Rwanda's Florence Niyonkuru completed the podium with a superb run to capture the bronze medal in 31:55.47. Her impressive display underlined Rwanda's continued rise in international distance running and rewarded months of hard work with one of the biggest achievements of her career.

The race was fiercely contested from the opening laps, with the leading pack refusing to give an inch as the pace intensified. As the tension built inside the stadium, every lap brought fresh excitement and anticipation from the Glasgow crowd. Davies found another gear when it mattered most, Wanza responded with tremendous determination in pursuit of gold, while Niyonkuru held her composure to secure bronze in a thrilling finish. Behind the medalists, Uganda's Esther Chebet narrowly missed the podium by just 0.23 seconds, finishing fourth in a personal best of 31:55.70, highlighting just how competitive the championship final proved to be.

The depth of the field was reflected throughout the results, with several athletes producing season's bests and personal bests in one of the highest-quality women's 10,000m finals of the Games. Australia's Lauren Ryan finished fifth with a season's best, Uganda's Joy Cheptoyek placed sixth with another season's best, while Scotland's Megan Keith delighted the home crowd with a season's best ninth-place finish. The race showcased the exceptional standard of women's distance running across the Commonwealth.

Women's 10,000m Final – Commonwealth Games Glasgow 2026

1. Rose Davies (Australia) – 31:39.32 (SB)

2. Diana Wanza (Kenya) – 31:50.13

3. Florence Niyonkuru (Rwanda) – 31:55.47

4. Esther Chebet (Uganda) – 31:55.70 (PB)

5. Lauren Ryan (Australia) – 31:59.41 (SB)

6. Joy Cheptoyek (Uganda) – 32:01.92 (SB)

7. Miriam Chebet (Kenya) – 32:12.97

8. Rebecca Chelangat (Uganda) – 32:16.28 (SB)

9. Megan Keith (Scotland) – 32:22.11 (SB)

10. Rebecca Mwangi (Kenya) – 32:36.12

11. Izzy Fry (England) – 32:50.81

12. Poppy Tank (England) – 32:50.83

13. Florence Caron (Canada) – 32:59.51

14. Nthabiseng Letokoto (Lesotho) — 34:52.00 (SB)

The women's 10,000m final perfectly illustrated the depth of talent across the Commonwealth, with three exceptional athletes delivering performances worthy of the podium. While Rose Davies celebrated a groundbreaking victory for Australia, Diana Wanza once again demonstrated Kenya's enduring excellence in distance running, and Florence Niyonkuru's bronze medal highlighted Rwanda's growing presence among the world's elite. Together, they produced a championship race that will be remembered for its quality, intensity, and historic significance.