Running News Daily

Sydney, August 31, 2025 – The Sydney Marathon ushered in a new era today, joining the elite ranks of the Abbott World Marathon Majors with a race that delivered both record-breaking performances and unforgettable moments on the streets of Australia’s largest city.

Hassan Dominates the Women’s Race

Olympic champion Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands continued her dominance in the marathon with a commanding victory. Hassan crossed the finish line at the Sydney Opera House in 2:18:22, smashing the course record and becoming the first woman to dip under 2:20 on Australian soil.

Former world record holder Brigid Kosgei of Kenya claimed second place, while last year’s Sydney champion Workenesh Edesa of Ethiopia secured third. Hassan’s winning margin reflected her superior class and endurance, reinforcing her reputation as one of the greatest all-around distance runners in history.

Kiros Breaks Men’s Course Record

The men’s race was equally electrifying. Ethiopia’s Hailemaryam Kiros surged clear at the 30km markalongside compatriot Addisu Gobena before unleashing a decisive kick in the final stages. Kiros broke the tape in 2:06:06, the fastest marathon ever run on Australian soil.

Gobena, just 20 years old and competing in his fourth marathon, impressed with a 2:06:16 for second place, while Tebello Ramakongoana of Lesotho clocked 2:06:47 to finish third.

“The competition was very tough, this was a strong, strong field,” said Kiros, who finished fifth at the Berlin Marathon earlier this year.

Kipchoge Inspires at 40

Marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge, celebrating his 40th birthday this year, showed his enduring spirit on the world stage. Although he was unable to keep pace when the Ethiopians surged, Kipchoge still battled through to finish ninth in 2:08:31.

For the man many consider the greatest marathoner of all time, the performance was a reminder that his mission extends beyond racing—to inspire, to unite, and to prove that running is a lifelong journey.

A Citywide Celebration

The marathon course highlighted Sydney’s most iconic landmarks, with the field of 35,000 runnersstreaming across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, winding through Centennial Park, and finishing against the stunning backdrop of the Opera House.

Perfect racing conditions—bright sunshine and cool temperatures—helped elevate performances and ensured Sydney made the most of its debut as a World Marathon Major, joining New York, London, Boston, Chicago, Tokyo, and Berlin in the sport’s most prestigious series.

Final Results at a Glance

Men

1. Hailemaryam Kiros (ETH) – 2:06:06 (course record)

2. Addisu Gobena (ETH) – 2:06:16

3. Tebello Ramakongoana (LES) – 2:06:47

Women

1. Sifan Hassan (NED) – 2:18:22 (course record)

2. Brigid Kosgei (KEN) – ~2:18:56

3. Workenesh Edesa (ETH) – ~2:22:05

A Defining Moment

With new course records, thrilling competition, and global attention, the 2025 Sydney Marathonestablished itself as not just a spectacular race but also a cornerstone of the global marathon calendar. For elite athletes and everyday runners alike, Sydney delivered a day to remember.

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.

Seven years after producing one of the most extraordinary performances the marathon has ever witnessed, Brigid Kosgei is heading back to the streets where she etched her name into athletics history. The Kenyan distance-running icon will return to the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on October 11, 2026, rekindling memories of her breathtaking triumph in 2019 that transformed the sport forever.

Chicago was the stage where Kosgei delivered a performance for the ages, crossing the finish line in an astonishing 2:14:04 to erase Paula Radcliffe's 16-year-old women's marathon world record. That unforgettable run remains one of the greatest achievements in long-distance running and cemented her place among the finest marathoners in history.

Her return comes at the perfect moment. Kosgei arrives in exceptional form after capturing victory at the 2026 Tokyo Marathon, where she stormed to a course-record 2:14:29, proving she is once again among the world's most dangerous marathon competitors. With renewed confidence and outstanding fitness, she will be aiming to conquer Chicago for another memorable chapter in her remarkable career.

However, victory will be anything but straightforward. The 2026 women's race features one of the deepest and strongest marathon fields ever assembled, setting the stage for a spectacular battle between some of the sport's biggest names.

Defending champion Hawi Feysa returns determined to protect her Chicago crown after establishing herself among the world's elite. Ethiopia's Sutume Kebede and Megertu Alemu add further strength to an already formidable lineup, while Kenya's Brillian Kipkoech, Loice Chemnung, Joan Kilimo, Magdalyne Masai, and Mary Ngugi Cooper ensure the East African rivalry will be as fierce as ever.

Another athlete attracting enormous attention is Boston Marathon champion Sharon Lokedi, who will make her highly anticipated Chicago Marathon debut. Having already proven herself on the biggest stages, Lokedi adds another exciting dimension to a race packed with championship pedigree and world-class talent.

The international field is equally impressive, with Ethiopia's Degitu Azimeraw and Fantu Worku joining Japan's Yuka Ando, Australia's Isobel Batt-Doyle, and American standouts Sara Hall, Susanna Sullivan, Des Linden, and Natosha Rogers in pursuit of marathon glory.

With a former world-record holder returning to her most historic venue, a defending champion eager to retain her title, and several major marathon winners chasing one of the sport's most prestigious crowns, the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon promises to deliver a thrilling contest from start to finish. Every indication suggests this could become one of the most memorable women's marathon races in recent history.

As the countdown to October 11 continues, anticipation is rapidly building. Can Brigid Kosgei recreate the magic that changed marathon history, or will a new champion rise on the streets of Chicago? One thing is certain—the world will be watching as an exceptional field battles for one of road running's most coveted titles.