Running News Daily

Ethiopian distance-running sensation Yomif Kejelcha has been forced to withdraw from the 2026 Valencia Marathon after suffering an injury during his preparations, dealing a major blow to the men's elite field ahead of the highly anticipated December 6 race.

The Valencia Marathon organisers confirmed the disappointing news, announcing that the reigning half-marathon world record holder and the second-fastest man in marathon history would not be able to take his place on the starting line.

Kejelcha also addressed his withdrawal through an emotional message on social media, expressing his disappointment at missing the race he had been preparing for.

The Ethiopian admitted that it was a difficult announcement to make, explaining that an injury sustained during his training had forced him to abandon his Valencia plans.

He acknowledged that setbacks are sometimes part of sport and said his immediate priority was to stop training, recover properly and work hard towards returning to competition as soon as possible.

Despite the disappointment, Kejelcha expressed gratitude to the Valencia Marathon organisers, his support team, sponsors and the running community for their continued encouragement. He also thanked adidas Running, adidas and everyone who has supported him throughout his career.

The withdrawal comes less than seven months after Kejelcha produced one of the most extraordinary performances in marathon history at the 2026 TCS London Marathon.

Making his marathon debut on April 26, the 29-year-old Ethiopian finished second behind Kenya's Sabastian Sawe, clocking an astonishing 1:59:41. The performance made him the second man in history to officially break the two-hour barrier and established him as the second-fastest marathoner ever, behind Sawe's world-record 1:59:30.

His remarkable transition from track and road racing to the marathon had generated enormous excitement, with Valencia expected to provide another opportunity to showcase his exceptional abilities over 42.195 kilometres.

Kejelcha also holds the men's half-marathon world record of 56:51, further underlining his extraordinary credentials as one of the greatest distance runners of his generation.

His absence will undoubtedly change the complexion of the men's race, with defending champion John Korir and fellow Kenyan star Alexander Mutiso among the leading names expected to challenge for victory.

For Valencia, losing an athlete of Kejelcha's calibre is a significant setback, particularly given the anticipation surrounding his second appearance over the marathon distance.

However, the Ethiopian's priority now shifts from chasing another historic performance to ensuring a full recovery. The athletics world will be hoping he overcomes the injury and returns to the starting line stronger and ready to compete again.

Sometimes, the biggest victory is knowing when to stop, recover and prepare for the next challenge.

Former American middle-distance running star Suzy Favor Hamilton has shared heartbreaking news about her health, revealing that she has been diagnosed with stage 4 neuroendocrine cancer (NET), a rare form of cancer that can be difficult to detect.

The 58-year-old former Olympian made the announcement on November 10, coinciding with World NET Cancer Day, disclosing that she received the diagnosis earlier this year after the disease had already spread.

However, amid the difficult news, there is a reason for optimism. Favor Hamilton has undergone surgery at UCLA, where doctors successfully performed a debulking procedure to remove as much of the cancer as possible. She is also continuing to receive medical care.

Sharing an update on her condition, the former American track star expressed gratitude to her medical team and offered an encouraging outlook on the road ahead.

"So far my cancer looks slower-growing, and after a successful debulking surgery by the amazing doctors at UCLA, they expect I still have many good years ahead. I plan to make the most of them!" she wrote.

Beyond sharing her personal battle, Favor Hamilton hopes her experience will help raise awareness about neuroendocrine tumours, commonly known as NETs. These cancers develop from neuroendocrine cells and can be particularly challenging to identify because their symptoms may resemble those of other medical conditions.

Her decision to speak publicly is also a reminder of the importance of listening to one's body, taking persistent or unusual symptoms seriously and seeking medical attention when something does not feel right. She is encouraging people to remain proactive about their health, ask questions and continue seeking answers when concerns remain unresolved.

While her latest announcement marks an unexpected and deeply personal chapter, Favor Hamilton has already experienced an extraordinary journey in athletics, establishing herself as one of America's most accomplished middle-distance runners.

During her collegiate career at the University of Wisconsin, she won an impressive nine individual NCAA track and field championships, including four consecutive outdoor 1500m titles. She also collected 23 Big Ten championships and earned 14 All-American honours.

On the international stage, she proudly represented the United States at three Olympic Games, making appearances at Barcelona 1992, Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000. She competed in the 1500m at Barcelona and Sydney, while taking on the 800m at the Atlanta Games.

Her professional career was equally distinguished, with seven U.S. national championships to her name, including multiple indoor and outdoor titles in the 1500m.

Now, the former track and field star faces a challenge far removed from the familiar battles of the athletics arena. Yet, her determination to share her story and encourage others demonstrates a willingness to turn a deeply personal experience into something that could make a difference in other people's lives.

As messages of support continue to reach her, the athletics community will be hoping for the very best for Favor Hamilton as she navigates treatment and the journey ahead.

The race for a coveted place at one of the world's most prestigious and fastest half marathons has officially begun, with registration for the 2027 Valencia Half Marathon now open through a public ballot.

The organisers opened the application process on Tuesday, November 10, giving runners from around the world an opportunity to secure one of the 11,205 places available through the draw. However, aspiring participants will have to act quickly, as applications close at 10:59 a.m. Spanish time on Monday, November 16.

Competition for entry is expected to be fierce, following the overwhelming demand witnessed during last year's inaugural ballot. A total of 50,766 runners applied for just 12,402 available places, meaning approximately one in every four applicants secured an opportunity to participate.

The 2027 edition will have a total allocation of 25,000 race bibs. Runners who participated in the 2026 edition were given priority through a four-day loyalty registration window, which closed on November 9. The remaining places have now been made available through the public ballot.

Entering the draw is free, although applicants must authorise a temporary €5 charge on their payment cards, which will be held for 15 days. The selection process will take place before a notary on November 17, with successful applicants scheduled to receive their results by email on November 18.

Those fortunate enough to secure a place will have until November 25 to complete payment and confirm their participation.

The 2027 Valencia Half Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, October 24, and is expected to attract another impressive international field of elite athletes, recreational runners and thousands of running enthusiasts.

Valencia has earned a global reputation as a destination for extraordinary performances, thanks to its remarkably fast, flat course, wide roads and minimal turns, making it one of the most attractive venues for athletes chasing personal bests and record-breaking times.

The course made history in 2024 when Ethiopia's Yomif Kejelcha stormed to a sensational 57:30, setting the men's half marathon world record.

With demand expected to remain high, competition for the available places is likely to be intense, particularly after last year's overwhelming response. Runners hoping to take part in the 2027 edition must submit their applications before the November 16 deadline and await the outcome of the official draw.

Successful applicants will earn the opportunity to line up in Valencia on October 24, 2027, for another edition of a race that continues to attract runners from across the world in pursuit of fast times, personal bests and historic performances.

The women's marathon world record could come under serious pressure at the 2026 Valencia Marathon on December 6, with Ethiopia's Fotyen Tesfay, Kenya's Joyciline Jepkosgei and newly announced marathon debutant Agnes Jebet Ngetich among the major attractions in what promises to be a fascinating contest.

With three outstanding distance-running talents expected on the start line, attention will inevitably turn to Ruth Chepngetich's extraordinary world record of 2:09:56, set at the 2024 Chicago Marathon. The Kenyan made history by becoming the first woman to break the 2:10 barrier, but her remarkable achievement could face a formidable challenge on Valencia's famously fast streets.

Tesfay stands out as one of the strongest potential challengers. The Ethiopian produced a sensational marathon debut in Barcelona in March 2026, clocking 2:10:51 to record the second-fastest women's marathon performance in history. She finished just 55 seconds outside Chepngetich's world record, immediately establishing herself as a serious contender for the sport's greatest distance-running honour.

What makes her performance even more impressive is that it came in her first appearance over the marathon distance. With valuable experience now behind her, Tesfay could approach Valencia with greater confidence, improved tactical understanding and an even stronger belief in her ability to challenge the world record.

However, the arrival of Agnes Jebet Ngetich adds another exciting dimension to the women's race. The Kenyan distance-running sensation is set to make her highly anticipated marathon debut in Valencia, marking a significant new chapter in an already remarkable career.

Ngetich will arrive in Spain with an extraordinary collection of achievements, having established herself as the world 10km record-holder, world half-marathon champion and individual world cross-country champion. Her credentials across different distances underline the exceptional versatility and endurance that make her marathon transition particularly intriguing.

The Kenyan holds the women's 10km world record of 28:46 and has a half-marathon personal best of 1:03:04, a national record. Her impressive track credentials include 8:08.95 for 3,000m, 14:01.29 for 5,000m and 30:27.38 for 10,000m, while her road 5km best stands at 14:13.

These performances demonstrate the remarkable speed and strength Ngetich brings to the marathon distance. However, the 42.195km challenge presents a completely different examination of endurance, race management and tactical discipline. Valencia will provide the first opportunity to see how her exceptional shorter-distance ability translates over the full marathon.

Although she will be making her debut, Ngetich cannot be overlooked in a field featuring some of the world's finest distance runners. Kenyan fans will be particularly eager to see whether she can make an immediate impact and possibly challenge for victory on her first attempt.

Kenya will also have another major contender in Joyciline Jepkosgei, who is expected to return to defend her Valencia Marathon title after winning the 2025 edition in 2:14:00. The former world half-marathon record-holder possesses the experience and endurance to provide a formidable challenge, while her familiarity with the course could prove particularly valuable.

A competitive front-running group involving Tesfay, Jepkosgei and potentially Ngetich could produce an exceptionally fast race. Having several athletes capable of pushing the pace would create favourable conditions for a serious assault on the world record, provided the race unfolds as anticipated.

Another major advantage is the Valencia course itself. Widely regarded as one of the fastest marathon circuits in the world, its relatively flat profile, efficient organisation and reputation for favourable racing conditions make it an attractive destination for athletes targeting exceptional times. Tesfay is also familiar with the Spanish city, having previously demonstrated her remarkable speed there with a 1:03:21 half-marathon performance.

Beyond the prestige of rewriting marathon history, the financial incentive is another major talking point. Valencia has placed a €1 million reward on offer for an athlete who breaks the marathon world record on its course. For the women's race, that means running faster than Chepngetich's existing 2:09:56.

Such an extraordinary reward adds another dimension to an already exciting contest. With the possibility of making history and securing a life-changing prize, the incentive could encourage an exceptionally ambitious approach from athletes, coaches and their respective teams.

Nevertheless, breaking the world record remains an enormous challenge. Marathon performances depend on numerous factors, including weather, pacing, competition and how athletes respond physically over the final kilometres. While Tesfay has already demonstrated her ability to run exceptionally close to the record, Ngetich faces the additional challenge of discovering how her remarkable talent translates to the marathon distance.

With an established champion returning, an Ethiopian record challenger in outstanding form and a Kenyan distance-running sensation preparing for her first marathon, Valencia is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated women's marathon contests of 2026.

Chepngetich's 2:09:56 has stood since October 2024, but the question now is whether Valencia will witness another historic breakthrough.

Will Fotyen Tesfay finally bring down the world record? Can Agnes Ngetich announce herself with a spectacular marathon debut? Or will Joyciline Jepkosgei successfully defend her crown?

December 6 promises to deliver a fascinating battle on the streets of Valencia.

Australian middle-distance sensation Cam Myers is already looking beyond his impressive achievements in 2026, with the ambitious goal of reaching the very top of the sport at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games before pursuing an even bigger dream on home soil at Brisbane 2032.

The 2026 season has been a remarkable breakthrough for the talented Australian, who has established himself among the leading names in international middle-distance running. Myers enjoyed a campaign filled with major victories, record-breaking performances and significant championship success, demonstrating that his potential extends far beyond being one of Australia's most exciting young athletes.

Among his outstanding achievements this year was winning the Diamond League 1500m title, confirming his ability to deliver against the world's best when the pressure is at its highest. He also claimed silver in the Commonwealth Games mile, finishing behind Britain's Josh Kerr, while securing national titles in both the 1500m and 5000m at the Australian Athletics Championships.

His success extended to two major international performances that further underlined his growing reputation. Myers captured victory in the prestigious Bowerman Mile at the Prefontaine Classic in a remarkable Oceanian record of 3:46.06 before producing another outstanding performance in Paris, where he won the 1500m in 3:28.00, setting another Oceanian record.

However, despite the impressive collection of achievements, Myers is not allowing his recent success to distract him from the bigger picture. Speaking in the November issue of Athletics Weekly, the Australian outlined his long-term ambitions, revealing that while Los Angeles 2028 remains a major target, the opportunity to compete at a home Olympic Games in Brisbane four years later carries even greater significance.

For the Los Angeles Olympics, Myers is targeting a place on the podium, with an Olympic gold medal representing the ultimate prize. But his ambitions stretch much further than simply winning a medal.

With six years separating the present moment from Brisbane 2032, the Australian believes he has sufficient time to develop into an even stronger and more complete athlete, eventually reaching a level where he can dominate the 1500m and become virtually unbeatable.

"My goal in LA is to win a medal, and preferably a gold medal, but I've got six years between now and Brisbane. Hopefully by then I can be unbeatable," Myers explained.

Interestingly, Myers is also choosing a different approach to the growing competitiveness and rivalry within elite middle-distance running. Rather than engaging in verbal exchanges or attempting to attract attention through trash talk, he prefers to let his performances speak for themselves.

His philosophy is centred on consistent improvement, delivering results on the track and allowing his achievements to define his standing among the world's best.

With a Diamond League crown, Commonwealth silver, two Australian national titles and two Oceanian records already secured in 2026, Myers has laid down a significant marker for what could become an extraordinary career.

The immediate challenge will be maintaining that momentum and translating his current form into Olympic success in Los Angeles. Beyond that lies an opportunity to achieve something truly special: standing on the Olympic podium in front of his home crowd in Brisbane in 2032.

For now, the Australian is building towards that future, but his ultimate ambition is unmistakable. He does not simply want to compete with the world's best; he wants to reach a point where nobody can beat him.

British marathoner Josh Griffiths has served a three-month suspension imposed by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) after both his A and B samples tested positive for benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine, following his participation in the 2026 Belfast City Marathon.

The 33-year-old, who has represented Great Britain at two World Athletics Championships, came under investigation after finishing fourth in Belfast on May 3, clocking 2:18:01. The positive finding was subsequently confirmed in both samples collected following the race.

The AIU announced the disciplinary decision on Wednesday, November 11, confirming that Griffiths had received a three-month ban for the anti-doping rule violation. His suspension ran from June 19 to September 18, 2026, meaning he had already completed the sanction before the case became public.

Griffiths, whose marathon personal best stands at an impressive 2:11:28, strongly denied knowingly taking cocaine and maintained that he had no explanation for how the substance entered his system.

In his response to the anti-doping authorities, the Welsh athlete stated that he had "never knowingly ingested Cocaine and was not aware of Cocaine having been used by anyone close to him."

During the proceedings, scientific evidence was presented to support the argument that the concentration detected was inconsistent with cocaine consumption during the competition period. Coca tea and other possible sources of low-level exposure were also raised, although the precise source of the substance could not be established.

Importantly, the AIU accepted Griffiths' explanation that any ingestion must have occurred outside competition and been unrelated to sporting performance.

This distinction was central to the final decision. Under anti-doping regulations, cocaine is classified as a substance of abuse and is prohibited in competition. Where an athlete establishes that its use occurred outside competition and was unrelated to sporting performance, the applicable sanction can be reduced to three months.

Griffiths admitted the anti-doping rule violation and accepted the three-month suspension.

The consequences extended beyond the period of ineligibility. All his competitive results from May 3, 2026, onwards during the applicable disqualification period were annulled, including his fourth-place finish at the Belfast City Marathon. Any associated prize money was also forfeited.

Griffiths first attracted widespread attention at the 2017 London Marathon, where he produced an outstanding performance as a club athlete, finishing in 2:14:49 to become the fastest British man in the race.

His breakthrough performance earned him selection for Great Britain at the 2017 World Athletics Championships in London. He subsequently represented his country again at the 2022 World Championships in Oregon.

He also represented Wales at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and recorded an eighth-place finish at the 2021 London Marathon, further establishing his reputation as one of Britain's notable marathon runners.

The latest ruling represents a difficult chapter in the career of an athlete who rose from club-level competition to represent his country on the biggest international athletics stages.