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Ethiopian distance-running sensation Yomif Kejelcha has been taking time to reflect on an unforgettable week in Buenos Aires, where he delivered one of the most extraordinary performances of his career and added another historic chapter to his remarkable journey.

The memories from the Argentine capital remain fresh after Kejelcha produced a sensational 56:51 to break the half marathon world record in August 2026. His performance lowered the previous record by 29 seconds and marked another extraordinary milestone for one of the most versatile distance runners in the sport.

It was also a return to familiar territory for Kejelcha, who had previously held the half marathon world record after clocking 57:30 in Valencia in 2024. His latest performance in Buenos Aires therefore reinforced his remarkable ability over the 21.1km distance and added further significance to a city and race that he says left him deeply grateful for the warmth and support he received.

Reflecting on his time in Buenos Aires, Kejelcha shared his happiness over everything he experienced during the trip, expressing sincere appreciation for the love, encouragement and hospitality shown to him. The reception he received from fans and the local community made the historic occasion even more memorable.

After the intensity and emotion of that performance, Kejelcha has returned home to Ethiopia, where the past week has been dedicated to rest, recovery and spending valuable time with his family. Following a demanding stretch of racing and training, the Ethiopian star is now giving both his body and mind the opportunity to recharge before gradually returning to his normal routine.

His incredible 2026 season has already featured another historic achievement. In April, Kejelcha made his marathon debut at the London Marathon and finished second in a breathtaking 1:59:41. The performance became the fastest marathon debut in history and made him only the second athlete to officially break the two-hour barrier in a record-eligible race.

Now, however, his attention is beginning to turn towards the next major challenge.

Kejelcha has identified the Valencia Marathon as his main objective for the closing stages of the season. Step by step, he is preparing to resume full training and build towards the prestigious Spanish race, where he will aim to bring an already historic campaign to a memorable conclusion.

Valencia also carries special significance in Kejelcha's recent career. It was there in 2024 that he set his previous half marathon world record, and he will now return to the Spanish city with even greater experience, confidence and a growing reputation as one of the most formidable distance runners of his generation.

The Ethiopian star also expressed his gratitude to supporters around the world for the overwhelming messages and affection he has received since his latest achievement. He made it clear that the encouragement from fans has meant a great deal to him and has added even more meaning to an unforgettable period in his career.

For now, the focus remains on recovery, family and patiently rebuilding towards the final major test of the season. But after rewriting history in Buenos Aires and producing a stunning marathon debut earlier in the year, Kejelcha's journey is far from over.

With Valencia now firmly in his sights, one of distance running's most exciting talents is preparing for the next chapter—and if 2026 has shown anything so far, it is that Yomif Kejelcha is capable of producing something truly extraordinary whenever history is on the line.

American marathoner Ethan Shuley delivered another impressive performance on the international stage at the 2026 Sydney Marathon, clocking 2:08:34 to finish 13th overall and emerge as the top American in the men's race.

Competing against a deep international field, Shuley faced the demanding 42.195km Sydney course and produced a determined performance from start to finish. His official result placed him 13th among the elite men and confirmed him as the highest-finishing American in the race.

After crossing the finish line, Shuley was candid about the challenge presented by the course, saying: “This is probably the hardest course I’ve done.” His reaction reflected the physical toll of a route known for its rolling terrain and demanding climbs.

Although the race did not produce a new personal best, Shuley once again demonstrated his ability to compete strongly at the highest level. Earlier this year, he made a major breakthrough by running 2:07:14 at the Osaka Marathon, establishing himself among the leading American marathoners.

His 2:08:34 performance in Sydney adds another important result to an already impressive 2026 campaign. Delivering such a strong time on a challenging course against world-class opposition further highlighted both his resilience and growing consistency over the marathon distance.

For Shuley, the result was about more than simply finishing as the top American. It was another statement that his rise in the marathon is continuing. With his breakthrough performances now being followed by consistent results on the global stage, Ethan Shuley is increasingly establishing himself as one of the American marathoners to watch in the years ahead.

The 1500m action is far from over.

After a thrilling showdown at the Zurich Diamond League, attention now shifts to Berlin, where another fascinating middle-distance contest is set to take centre stage at the 2026 ISTAF Berlin meeting on August 30.

Leading the field is Australian sensation Cameron Myers, who returns to the 1500m as the current world leader and one of the most exciting young talents in global middle-distance running. Myers will once again have the opportunity to test himself against a deep and highly competitive international field as he continues his remarkable rise on the world stage.

However, the Australian will face no shortage of formidable opposition.

Germany's Robert Farken will be determined to deliver a strong performance in front of his home crowd, while Spain's Mohamed Attaoui brings his own impressive credentials to a race filled with athletes capable of challenging for victory. The stacked lineup also includes Marco Langon, Samuel Prakel, Oliver Hoare, Danson Kiplangat, Andrew Coscoran, Narve Gilje Nordås, Jochem Vermeulen and several other accomplished middle-distance runners.

The depth of the field could make the race tactically unpredictable. With athletes capable of forcing a fast pace and others renowned for their devastating finishing kicks, positioning and patience will be crucial as the race builds toward its decisive final lap. In a contest of this quality, even the smallest tactical mistake could prove costly.

For Myers, Berlin represents another important opportunity to demonstrate that his remarkable rise is no temporary phenomenon. Yet, with experienced international rivals lining up alongside him, the young Australian will have to fight for every metre and every position against a field packed with quality.

After the fireworks in Zurich, the spotlight now moves to the German capital. The 1500m season still has unfinished business, and with Cameron Myers leading such a loaded field into Berlin, fans could be treated to another unforgettable battle filled with speed, drama and a fierce fight for supremacy.

August 30 promises another spectacular chapter in what has already been a thrilling 1500m season.

Kenya’s Peres Jepchirchir has added another prestigious chapter to her remarkable marathon career, claiming victory at the TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS in an impressive 2:18:31.

The reigning world champion and former Olympic champion produced a commanding performance on the streets of Sydney, securing another major victory and further strengthening her reputation as one of the most accomplished marathoners of her generation.

Jepchirchir’s winning time was just nine seconds shy of Sifan Hassan’s Sydney course record of 2:18:22, set at the 2025 edition. Although the record remained intact, the Kenyan once again demonstrated her ability to perform with precision and confidence on one of the sport’s biggest stages.

She won the race with a performance defined by patience, poise and remarkable composure. Rather than being drawn into unnecessary battles in the early stages, Jepchirchir appeared to run with confidence, gradually asserting her authority as the kilometres passed. Her rhythm remained smooth and controlled, her focus unwavering, and when the decisive moments arrived, she had the strength and composure to take command. It was a victory crafted with intelligence, executed with elegance and finished with the unmistakable authority of a true champion.

More significantly, the triumph marks Jepchirchir’s fourth Abbott World Marathon Majors victory. She had previously conquered New York, Boston and London, and her Sydney success now adds another prestigious Major title to an already extraordinary résumé.

Behind the champion, compatriot Irine Cheptai completed an impressive Kenyan one-two, crossing the finish line in 2:22:11. Ethiopia's Shure Demise secured the final place on the podium with a strong run of 2:22:32, as Kenya and Ethiopia once again demonstrated their extraordinary depth in elite women's marathon running.

Ethiopia's Haven Hailu finished fourth in 2:22:56, followed by compatriot Meseret Abebayehu in fifth with 2:23:40. Kenya's Priscah Cherono took sixth place in 2:23:49, narrowly ahead of Uganda's Stella Chesang, who clocked 2:23:51 for seventh.

The race also featured a notable performance from home favourite Ellie Pashley, who battled her way into the top 10. The Australian finished ninth in 2:28:27, giving the home crowd a strong athlete to celebrate in an elite field dominated by East African runners.

2026 Sydney Marathon – Top 10 Women's Results

  1. Peres Jepchirchir (Kenya) – 2:18:31

  2. Irine Cheptai (Kenya) – 2:22:11

  3. Shure Demise (Ethiopia) – 2:22:32

  4. Haven Hailu (Ethiopia) – 2:22:56

  5. Meseret Abebayehu (Ethiopia) – 2:23:40

  6. Priscah Cherono (Kenya) – 2:23:49

  7. Stella Chesang (Uganda) – 2:23:51

  8. Fikrte Wereta (Ethiopia) – 2:25:18

  9. Ellie Pashley (Australia) – 2:28:27

  10. Aberu Ayana (Ethiopia) – 2:28:29

For Jepchirchir, Sydney represents far more than another race victory. It is another demonstration of the consistency, resilience and championship mentality that have defined her career. From Olympic glory to world championship success and now another Major triumph, she continues to strengthen her place among the most accomplished marathoners of her era.

The Sydney Marathon has rapidly established itself as one of the most significant races on the global marathon calendar, and Jepchirchir’s victory adds another memorable chapter to its growing history.

As the champion crossed the finish line beneath Sydney’s iconic skyline, she celebrated another remarkable achievement in a career that continues to evolve with every major challenge.

From Olympic champion to world champion, from New York and Boston to London and now Sydney, Peres Jepchirchir continues to turn the world’s greatest marathons into stages for her brilliance. Sydney has a new champion, and another extraordinary chapter has been added to the story of one of marathon running’s finest competitors. 

Four Abbott World Marathon Majors conquered. One extraordinary legacy still being written.

From Jepchirchir's dominant victory to another fiercely competitive East African showdown and Pashley's determined top-10 finish on home soil, the 2026 Sydney Marathon delivered a memorable showcase of world-class women's distance running. And at the centre of it all stood Peres Jepchirchir—once again wearing the crown.

Addisu Gobena has completed a remarkable transformation from javelin thrower to marathon champion, returning to Sydney one year after finishing runner-up and this time producing a spectacular victory in a new course-record time of 2:04:42.

The 21-year-old Ethiopian delivered a performance to remember at the 2026 Sydney Marathon, breaking away from a fiercely competitive field and crossing the finish line in 2:04:42 to claim the men's title.

In the process, Gobena obliterated the previous course record of 2:06:06, improving it by 1 minute and 24 seconds. The result represents another extraordinary step in the rapid rise of an athlete whose path to marathon success is anything but conventional.

Gobena was still competing as a javelin thrower until 2023 before turning his attention fully towards distance running. What followed has been an astonishing transformation. Within a remarkably short period, the young Ethiopian progressed from the field-event sector to the highest level of road racing, developing into a formidable marathoner.

His breakthrough came at the 2024 Dubai Marathon, where he won on his marathon debut in 2:05:01. He then continued to establish himself among Ethiopia's promising young distance runners, eventually returning to Sydney in 2025, where he finished second behind compatriot Hailemaryam Kiros.

That runner-up finish clearly left unfinished business.

One year later, Gobena returned to the streets of Sydney with a different objective — and this time, he finished the job. His 2:04:42 not only secured the victory but also rewrote the course record in emphatic fashion.

The battle behind him was equally extraordinary.

Fellow Ethiopian Chimdessa Debele Gudeta produced a phenomenal run to finish second in 2:04:46, just four seconds behind Gobena. Behind them, Tebello Ramakongoana of Lesotho delivered another outstanding performance, taking third place in 2:04:57 and setting a new national record. His achievement was particularly remarkable as he finished on the same time as fourth-placed Alphonce Simbu of Tanzania, underlining just how extraordinary the battle for the podium had become.

The depth of the elite field was evident throughout the race, with the top five athletes all breaking 2:05. Ethiopia's Jemal Mekonnen took fifth in 2:04:59, while compatriot Hailemaryam Kiros followed in sixth with 2:05:16.

Kenya's Vincent Ngetich produced a strong performance to finish seventh in 2:05:27, while Ethiopia continued its impressive presence in the leading positions. Kenyan athletes Kennedy Kimutai and Gilbert Kibet also finished inside the top 10.

Australian hopes were led by Andrew Buchanan, who delivered a commendable home performance to finish 16th in 2:10:14.

2026 Sydney Marathon – Top 10 Men's Results

 1. Addisu Gobena (Ethiopia) – 2:04:42 – Event Record

 2. Chimdessa Debele Gudeta (Ethiopia) – 2:04:45

 3. Tebello Ramakongoana (Lesotho) – 2:04:57 – National Record

 4. Alphonce Simbu (Tanzania) – 2:04:57

 5. Jemal Mekonnen (Ethiopia) – 2:04:59

 6. Hailemaryam Kiros (Ethiopia) – 2:05:16

 7. Vincent Ngetich (Kenya) – 2:05:27

 8. Dawit Wolde (Ethiopia) – 2:06:41

 9. Kennedy Kimutai (Kenya) – 2:06:50

 10. Gilbert Kibet (Kenya) – 2:07:13

For Gobena, the significance of the victory goes far beyond a medal and a course record. Just a few years ago, his athletic ambitions were centred on throwing the javelin. Today, he stands at the top of one of the world's major marathon stages, having produced a performance that places his name firmly among the sport's emerging stars.

His Sydney story has also come full circle. Last year, he had to settle for second. This time, he returned stronger, faster and determined to seize the moment.

From the javelin runway to 42.195 kilometres of marathon glory, Addisu Gobena has written one of the most remarkable chapters of his young career — and at only 21, his best may still be ahead of him. 

Sydney witnessed marathon racing of the very highest quality, with records falling, national pride soaring and the podium decided by the narrowest of margins. Gobena ultimately claimed the biggest prize, but the 2026 Sydney Marathon will be remembered for the extraordinary depth and intensity of a race that delivered one of the most thrilling finishes in the event's history.

Twenty-six years ago, a 17-year-old Vivian Cheruiyot arrived in Sydney carrying the dreams of a young Kenyan athlete and the promise of a remarkable future.

Today, she returns to the same Australian city as something far greater — an Olympic champion, four-time world champion, world cross-country champion, London Marathon winner, Laureus Sportswoman of the Year and one of Kenya’s most accomplished distance runners.

At 42, Cheruiyot will line up for the TCS Sydney Marathon on Sunday, August 30, completing an extraordinary full circle in a career that has stretched across more than two decades and transformed her from a teenage Olympian into one of the defining figures of her generation.

When Cheruiyot first competed in Sydney at the 2000 Olympic Games, few could have imagined the heights she would eventually reach. Still only 17, she advanced to the 5000m final and finished 14th — an experience that became the first chapter of an Olympic journey that would eventually span four Games.

The years that followed brought an extraordinary collection of victories.

Cheruiyot became world 5000m champion in 2009, then produced one of the greatest championship performances of her career in Daegu in 2011, winning both the 5000m and 10,000m titles while also claiming World Cross Country gold earlier that year. She added another world 10,000m title in Beijing in 2015, taking her tally to four senior world championships.

But the Olympic gold medal remained the one prize missing from her collection.

That changed dramatically in Rio in 2016.

After winning silver in the 10,000m, Cheruiyot returned to the track for the 5000m final and delivered a masterclass in championship racing. She surged away from Ethiopia’s Almaz Ayana in the closing stages to win Olympic gold in 14:26.17, finally completing the collection of major titles she had chased for so many years.

“I said I want to win,” Cheruiyot recalled after that historic victory. “This was my fourth Olympics and I’ve been dreaming about this since the very start.”

Her brilliance was not confined to the track.

After moving into marathon running, Cheruiyot established herself among the world’s best over 42.195km. She finished fourth in her London Marathon debut in 2017 before returning the following year to produce a stunning victory in 2:18:31 — a performance that placed her fourth on the world all-time list at the time and remains her marathon personal best.

She also finished runner-up in the New York City Marathon in 2018 and second in London in 2019, further demonstrating that her extraordinary competitive instinct had successfully followed her from the track to the roads.

Away from competition, Cheruiyot’s story has also evolved with her life. She became a mother, welcomed her daughter Arielle in 2021 and returned to competitive racing in 2023. In 2024, she claimed third place at the New York City Marathon, followed by fifth at the 2025 London Marathon.

Now Sydney offers her another opportunity to write her name into the city’s sporting history.

“I look back on my career with pride. I was able to win almost everything and have been at the top for a long time,” Cheruiyot said ahead of her return.

She also remembers the extraordinary generation in which she competed — an era that included global icons such as Usain Bolt, Tirunesh Dibaba and Meseret Defar.

“I was running in a great era and had a close-up view of athletes like Usain Bolt setting the world alight,” she reflected.

Yet perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Cheruiyot’s return is not simply the passage of time, but her willingness to keep challenging herself.

She arrives in Sydney having put considerable work into rebuilding her fitness, knowing that the marathon demands something entirely different from the explosive championship races that defined her track career.

“I am very excited to go back to Sydney,” she said. “It has been 26 years since I was there, and a lot has changed in my life since then. I hope to have a good run — I have put in a lot of work to regain fitness and hope my body will stand up to the 42km.”

Twenty-six years ago, Sydney introduced the world to a fearless Kenyan teenager chasing an Olympic dream.

Now, the same city welcomes back a woman who went on to conquer the track, cross country and marathon — and to leave an indelible mark on Kenyan athletics.

From teenage Olympian to Olympic champion. From world champion to marathon winner. From rising talent to mother and enduring icon.

Vivian Cheruiyot has come full circle — and Sydney is once again the stage.