Running News Daily

On Saturday, January 24, 2026, the streets of Buriram, Thailand hosted one of the most eye-catching marathon performances of the season. It wasn’t just about the winning time or the podium finish—it was about how the race was won.

Kenyan runner Barnabas Kiplimo once again rewrote the script, storming to victory at the Buriram Marathon in a remarkable time of 2:21:16. What made the performance truly unforgettable was not only the speed, but the footwear—or rather, the lack of conventional shoes. Kiplimo crossed the finish line wearing carbon-fiber plated racing sandals, produced by Thai brand Ving Thailand, the same model that carried him to victory the previous year.

This win marked yet another milestone in Kiplimo’s unconventional rise. In 2025, he had already turned heads by winning the Khon Kaen Marathon in Thailand with an even faster time of 2:18:55, becoming the first elite marathon winner to achieve such a feat using the brand’s original sandal model. That breakthrough sparked global curiosity—and now, history has repeated itself.

This time, Kiplimo raced in the Nirun model, Ving Thailand’s latest innovation. According to the brand, the philosophy behind Nirun is to “simplify the footwear industry” by creating what they describe as the world’s first super sandal—a minimalist design fused with modern performance technology, including a carbon-fiber plate usually reserved for elite racing shoes.

What made the Buriram Marathon even more compelling was the fact that Kiplimo was not alone in proving the concept. The third-place finisher, fellow Kenyan Julius Tarus, also competed in the performance sandals, reinforcing that this was no gimmick—it was a genuine shift in how marathon racing can be approached.

2026 Buriram Marathon – Men’s Podium

1. Barnabas Kiplimo (Kenya) – 2:21:16

2. Wendwesen Dante (Ethiopia) – 2:22:52

3. Julius Tarus (Kenya) – 2:27:34

As marathon running continues to evolve through innovation and bold experimentation, Barnabas Kiplimo’s success challenges long-held assumptions about performance footwear. In Buriram, tradition met innovation—and innovation prevailed.

From Kenya to Thailand, and from shoes to sandals, one thing is now clear: the future of marathon running may look very different from what we once imagined. 

The Kenyan Athletics Training Academy (KATA) is preparing to welcome runners back to Thika, Kenya, on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, for the landmark 60th edition of the KATA Time Trial Series. The event promises another exciting opportunity for athletes to test their abilities, measure their fitness and assess the progress they have made through their training.

Over the years, the KATA Time Trial Series has established itself as a valuable platform for runners seeking to evaluate their performance under competitive conditions. As the series reaches its 60th edition, athletes will once again have the chance to challenge themselves against the clock, gauge their current form and determine how effectively their training is translating into performance.

The previous edition, the 59th, delivered an impressive display of determination across the 5km and 10km distances. Peter Wanyoike produced the standout performance in the men's 10km, winning in 30:36, followed by Robin Musa in 30:51 and Charles Wanjora in 31:01. In the women's 10km, Felister Maina claimed victory in 37:37, narrowly ahead of Naomi Wambui Muriuki, who finished in 37:52.

The shorter distances also produced competitive performances. Edwin Muasa won the men's 5km in 16:17, while Rachel Njeri took the women's 5km title in 22:21. These results demonstrated the determination of athletes using the series to assess their capabilities and measure their progress against the stopwatch.

With the 60th edition approaching, runners will have another opportunity to establish personal benchmarks, evaluate their race pace and determine their readiness for upcoming competitions. Whether targeting a personal best, assessing endurance or checking current speed, the time trial provides a practical measure of an athlete's fitness and competitive form.

Beyond the finishing positions, the KATA Time Trial Series places emphasis on consistency, discipline and measurable improvement. Every second counts, and each performance provides useful feedback about an athlete's current strengths, limitations and overall preparation. Comparing results from previous editions can help runners understand their development and identify areas that may require further attention.

The series also brings together athletes with different levels of experience and ambitions, creating a competitive environment in which runners can challenge one another while pursuing individual targets. For emerging athletes, it offers valuable exposure to timed competition, while experienced runners can use the results to assess their form against established personal standards.

As the countdown to Wednesday continues, athletes are encouraged to prepare for another morning of competitive running and honest self-assessment. Reaching the 60th edition marks a significant milestone for the KATA Time Trial Series and reflects its continued role in providing runners with a platform to measure their abilities through organised competition.

For runners in Thika and the surrounding areas, the event presents an opportunity to put their preparation to the test, compete against the clock and discover what their current fitness can deliver.

The date is Wednesday, October 14, 2026. The mission is simple: test your ability, measure your progress and see what the stopwatch reveals.

Vinny Mauri delivered a remarkable performance at the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, setting a new American record for 30 kilometers despite falling short of his ultimate goal of breaking the American marathon record.

The American distance runner clocked 1:28:15 at 30 kilometers, improving the previous national record of 1:28:24 set by Conner Mantz at the 2025 Chicago Marathon. Mauri achieved the milestone while pursuing an ambitious pace that initially put him in contention for a historic performance over the full 26.2-mile distance.

Mauri finished 10th overall in 2:06:45, placing third among American men in a highly competitive international field. His performance was particularly impressive given that he made his marathon debut only in April, running 2:05:54 and immediately establishing himself as an exciting prospect in American distance running.

Heading into Chicago, Clayton Young's announced attempt to challenge the American marathon record had drawn considerable attention to the race. However, Mauri also emerged as a serious contender, bringing an impressive debut performance and considerable ambition to the starting line. His aggressive approach added another compelling dimension to the battle among American runners.

Mauri ran with confidence from the opening kilometers, leading the American contingent through the early and middle stages of the race. His intermediate splits demonstrated the strength of his early effort, reaching 5 kilometers in 14:53, 10 kilometers in 29:39 and 15 kilometers in 44:24 before passing 20 kilometers in 59:03.

He reached the half-marathon point in 1:02:15 and continued to maintain an exceptional rhythm. At 25 kilometers, he clocked 1:13:31 before reaching 30 kilometers in 1:28:15, securing the American record at the distance. His performance underlined his ability to sustain an aggressive pace against a world-class field.

One of the most striking aspects of Mauri's race was his willingness to commit to the challenge rather than hold back in pursuit of a conservative finish. He remained on American marathon record pace for more than eight miles, putting himself firmly in the conversation as the race unfolded. His determination demonstrated both his confidence and his readiness to test his limits against established international competitors.

However, maintaining such an ambitious pace over the closing stages proved increasingly difficult. Mauri reached 35 kilometers in 1:43:42 and 40 kilometers in 1:59:50, with his pace slowing as the demands of the marathon took their toll. He ultimately crossed the finish line in 2:06:45, missing the American marathon record but completing another impressive performance in only his second race over the distance.

The progression of his race illustrated the fine margins involved in elite marathon running. Strong early splits can create an opportunity for a historic result, but sustaining that effort through the final kilometers requires exceptional endurance and precise pace management. Although Mauri could not maintain his record-breaking schedule to the finish, his 30K performance delivered a significant national milestone.

His rapid development is particularly encouraging for American distance running. A 2:05:54 marathon debut followed by a strong performance in Chicago, combined with a national record at 30 kilometers, gives Mauri valuable experience and a solid foundation for future campaigns. With further opportunities to refine his race strategy and manage his effort over the closing miles, he could become an increasingly prominent figure in American marathon running.

In Chicago, Mauri may have fallen short of the ultimate prize, but he left with a national record, a top-10 overall finish and third place among American men. His gutsy performance reinforced his growing reputation and provided another reason to follow his progress as he continues to pursue bigger goals on the international marathon stage.

Kieran Tuntivate produced a remarkable marathon debut at the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, rewriting the Thai record books three times in one unforgettable performance.

The 29-year-old distance star crossed the finish line in 2:08:01, placing 15th in a world-class men’s field and smashing the Thai national marathon record.

But the marathon record was only part of the story.

On his way to 2:08:01, Tuntivate also set new Thai national records at 25 kilometres, clocking 1:15:20, and 30 kilometres in 1:30:23. That means his Chicago performance delivered three national records in a single race — the 25km, 30km and marathon marks.

The achievement takes Tuntivate’s collection of Thai national records to an extraordinary 18 events, highlighting the remarkable range and consistency he has developed throughout his career.

He now holds Thai records at 1,000m indoors, 1,500m indoors, 1,500m, the indoor mile, the mile, 3,000m, 3,000m indoors, 5,000m indoors, 5,000m, 10,000m, 10km on the road, 10 miles, 15km, 20km, the half marathon, 25km, 30km and the marathon.

His performance in Chicago was particularly impressive because it came over a distance he had never raced competitively at this level before. Rather than simply surviving his first marathon, Tuntivate attacked the challenge with confidence and maintained a strong rhythm deep into the race, showing that his transition from the track and shorter road distances could be a hugely successful one.

The run also gives Thailand a new benchmark on the marathon stage. A 2:08:01 performance places Tuntivate among the country’s most accomplished distance runners and provides a strong foundation for what could become an exciting marathon career.

For Tuntivate, Chicago was therefore far more than simply an introduction to the marathon distance. It was a statement that Thailand has a new national record-holder over 42.195 kilometres — and an athlete capable of extending his already extraordinary collection of records across the full spectrum of distance running.

Three records. One marathon. Eighteen Thai national records. Kieran Tuntivate has officially entered a new chapter of his career. 

Amos Kipruto delivered a sensational performance at the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, storming to victory in 2:01:09 and securing his place among the fastest marathon runners in history.

The Kenyan distance star produced a remarkable display of endurance, speed and determination to conquer the streets of Chicago, adding another prestigious title to his impressive career. His winning time ranks joint fifth on the all-time list of the fastest performances recorded at the Abbott World Marathon Majors, matching the 2:01:09 achieved by fellow Kenyan Eliud Kipchoge at the 2022 Berlin Marathon.

Kipruto's performance was particularly significant because it came in an era when the men's marathon world record has entered previously unimaginable territory. Kenya's Sabastian Sawe currently holds the official world record of 1:59:30, set at the 2026 London Marathon, where he became the first man to complete a record-eligible marathon in under two hours.

Sawe's historic achievement surpassed the previous world record of 2:00:35, set by the late Kelvin Kiptum at the 2023 Chicago Marathon. Kiptum's performance had represented a major breakthrough for marathon running before Sawe pushed the boundaries even further with his extraordinary sub-two-hour performance in London.

Behind Sawe on the updated all-time list are Ethiopia's Yomif Kejelcha, who ran 1:59:41 in London, and Uganda's Jacob Kiplimo, who clocked 2:00:28 at the same race. Kiptum's 2:00:35 remains one of the greatest performances in marathon history, while Kipruto's 2:01:09 now places him alongside Kipchoge's former world-record mark.

Kipruto's Chicago victory was the culmination of three consecutive years of progress at the prestigious race. He finished third in 2024, improved to second in 2025 and finally climbed to the top of the podium in 2026. After coming close on his previous two appearances, he turned his persistence into a memorable triumph.

The experienced Kenyan had already established himself as a formidable competitor on the international marathon circuit, winning the London Marathon in 2022. His Chicago triumph marked another major achievement in a career built on consistency, resilience and the ability to compete against the world's strongest distance runners.

His winning time also improved on the 2:01:39 he recorded at the 2026 London Marathon, representing a 30-second personal-best improvement. That progress underlined his continued development at the highest level and demonstrated his ability to deliver outstanding performances on the sport's biggest stages.

Kipruto's achievement further highlighted Kenya's enduring influence on international marathon running. From Kipchoge's historic world-record performances to Kiptum's extraordinary speed and Sawe's groundbreaking sub-two-hour run, Kenyan athletes have repeatedly redefined the limits of what is possible over 42.195 kilometres.

For Kipruto, however, the spotlight belonged to a runner whose determination finally brought him the Chicago crown after two consecutive podium finishes. His 2:01:09 victory not only secured a prestigious title but also placed him among the elite performers who have helped shape the modern marathon era.

With a new personal best, a long-awaited Chicago victory and a place among the fastest marathon major performances ever recorded, Kipruto has delivered a landmark performance in his career. His triumph adds another memorable chapter to Kenya's rich marathon history, while the world-record progression led by Sawe continues to push the sport into a remarkable new era.

Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo suffered a disappointing end to his title defence at the 2026 Chicago Marathon on Sunday, October 11, finishing fourth in 2:04:18 after fading in the closing stages of a race that had initially promised another memorable performance.

The former champion started confidently, matching the relentless pace of Kenya’s Amos Kipruto as the leading contenders battled for control. For much of the race, Kiplimo remained firmly in contention, looking capable of mounting a serious challenge for another victory on the streets of Chicago.

However, the contest took a dramatic turn around the 32-kilometre mark when Kipruto increased the pressure and began to pull away. Kiplimo struggled to respond as the race entered its decisive phase, with the demanding final kilometres gradually taking their toll on the Ugandan star.

His difficulties deepened as Ethiopia’s Tadese Bikila and Milkesa Mengesha moved ahead of him. Bikila secured second place in 2:02:56, while Mengesha followed in third in 2:03:46, leaving Kiplimo to settle for fourth in 2:04:18.

While the defending champion endured a difficult afternoon, Kipruto delivered the performance of his marathon career, powering to victory in a stunning personal best of 2:01:09. The Kenyan secured his first Chicago Marathon title with an outstanding display of strength and tactical composure, producing one of the fastest performances in the history of the prestigious race.

For Kiplimo, the result marked a significant departure from the consistency that has defined his remarkable career on the roads. Known for his extraordinary endurance, speed and ability to compete against the world's best, the Ugandan has built a reputation as one of the leading distance runners of his generation.

Chicago, however, proved that even the most accomplished athletes can encounter difficult days when the marathon becomes a battle of survival rather than a pursuit of victory.

Despite the disappointment, Kiplimo’s fourth-place finish does not diminish his achievements or his status among the sport’s elite. Instead, it offers a reminder of the unforgiving nature of the 42.195-kilometre distance, where early strength does not always guarantee a strong finish.

For a runner who arrived in Chicago hoping to defend his crown, the outcome will undoubtedly hurt. Yet the experience could also provide valuable lessons as he looks towards his next challenge.

In marathon running, fortunes can change in a matter of kilometres. On Sunday, Kipruto seized his moment and celebrated a career-defining triumph, while Kiplimo was left to confront the difficult reality that even champions sometimes have to accept defeat.