Running News Daily

Ethiopia’s Derara Hurisa returns to defend his crown at Asia’s most prestigious Tata Mumbai Marathon on January 15, 2023, in a competitive Elite men’s field, with a dozen runners holding personal bests under the 2:08:09 course record he set in 2020.

The 18th edition of the USD 405,000 prize fund World Athletics Gold Label Road Race takes place after a two-year pandemic-forced break and will also witness over 55,000 amateurs across six categories on its much-awaited return.

The elite men’s and women’s winners will take home USD 45,000 each. The runners will be

further incentivized by a Course Record Bonus of USD 15,000.

“I’m up for the challenge and have set my sights on the title,” said Hurisa, who clinched the 2021 Guadalajara Marathon in Mexico in a time of 2:12:28.

Toeing the start line in the men’s section are also Hurisa’s compatriots Ayele Abshero and

Hayle Lemi and Kenya’s Philemon Rono, a training partner of the legendary Eliud Kipchoge.

Abshero was runner-up here in 2020, 11 seconds adrift of Hurisa, on an AIMS-certified course that is widely regarded as challenging. Abshero, who finished 10th at the 2022 Linz Marathon in Austria in 2:09:37, has a personal best of 2:04:23, which makes him the fastest in the field.

With a personal best of 2:04:33, Lemi is the second fastest in the group.

“I’m excited about my first Tata Mumbai Marathon. I’ve heard it’s a tough course,” said Lemi, winner of seven marathons, including the Boston Marathon in 2016 and Dubai in 2015. “It’s a tremendous field and is going to be close,” added the Ethiopian, a.k.a. Lemi Berhanu, who was runner-up in the 2021 Boston Marathon.

Rono finished an impressive sixth at the 2019 Boston Marathon and won the Toronto Marathon the same year in 2:05:00. He recorded sixth-place finishes at the 2021 Abu Dubai Marathon and the 2022 Seoul Marathon.

Chepkech, the dark horse

In the women’s field, seven runners hold personal bests under the course record of 2:24:33 set by Valentine Kipketer in 2013, with Dera Dida (Ethiopia), Sharon Cherop (Kenya) and Rahma Tusa (Ethiopia) leading the charge on their debut here.

Silver medalist at the 2019 World Cross Country Championships, Dida won bronze in 10,000m at the 2019 African Games. In 2022, she won the Bejaia Half Marathon in 71:17 and finished eighth at the Great Ethiopian Run 10K.

“The Tata Mumbai Marathon has been on my running bucket list for some time. I’ve heard the people of Mumbai and India are very passionate about the running festival, and I look forward to this experience,” Dida said.

Cherop won marathon bronze at the 2011 World Championships and emerged victorious at the 2012 Boston Marathon. In 2022, she finished third at the Nairobi Marathon and the Buenos Aires Marathon.

Tusa took fourth place at the 2022 Sydney Marathon in 2:26:30 and the 2021 Valencia Marathon (in 2:23:20). She was fifth at the 2018 New York Marathon and won in Rome the same year.

Kenya’s Sheila Chepkech, also a first-timer in Mumbai, is the dark horse here. She won the 2022 Nairobi Marathon in 02:27:04. Previously, she finished second at the 2018 Milan Marathon and the 2017 Kosice Marathon. Also in the fray is the 2019 winner Worknesh Alemu of Ethiopia.

Vivek Singh, Jt MD, race promoter Procam International, said: “A truly world-class field will descend in Mumbai for the Tata Mumbai Marathon, a reflection of the event’s stature as one of the top 10 marathons in the world. The TMM returns bigger and better, and the spirit of #HarDilMumbai will burst to life come race day, with runners taking part across six categories.”

International Elite field:

Men:

Derara Hurisa (ETH) 2.08.09 (Course Record holder)

Ayele Abshero (ETH) 2.04.23

Hayle Lemi (ETH) 2.04.33

Philemon Rono (KEN) 2.05.00

Kebede Wami (ETH) 2.06.03

Aychew Bantie (ETH) 2.06.23

Hailu Zewdu (ETH) 2.06.31

Merhawi Kesete (ERI) 2:06:36

Masresha Bere (ETH) 2.06.44

Okubay Tsegay (ERI) 2.06.46

Reuben Kerio (KEN) 2.07.00

Hosea Kiplimo (KEN) 2.07.39

Abdela Godana (ETH) 2.08.06

John Langat (KEN) 2.09.46

Abida Ezamzamil (MOR) 2.09.52

Mesfin Nigusu (ETH) 2.09.53

Augustine Choge (KEN) 2.20.53

Women:

Dera Dida (ETH) 2.21.45

Sharon Cherop (KEN) 2.22.28

Rahma Tusa (ETH) 2.23.20

Sifan Melaku (ETH) 2.23.49

Adanech Anbesa (ETH) 2:24:07

Zinah Senbeta (ETH) 2.24.21

Ayantu Kumela (ETH) 2.24.29

Worknesh Alemu (ETH) 2.24.42

Letebrhan Haylay (ETH) 2.24.47

Zenebu Fikadu (ETH) 2.25.11

Rodah Tanui (KEN) 2.25.46

Kumeshi Sichala (ETH) 2.26.01

Lemeneh Kasu Bitew (ETH) 2.26.18

Sheila Chepkech (KEN) 2.27.04

Beshadu Birbirsa (ETH) 2.30.03

Gode Chala (ETH) 2.33.22

Anchalem Haymanot (ETH) Debut.

Japanese middle-distance prodigy Ko Ochiai continues to redefine what is possible at just 19 years old.

Competing at the Twolaps MDC Meet in Tokyo, Ochiai delivered the race of his life, storming to a remarkable personal best of 1:43.45 in the men's 800 metres to break his own Japanese national record and further cement his status as one of the brightest young talents in world athletics.

The performance was historic on multiple levels. Not only did Ochiai lower the national mark he already held, but the time also elevated him to second place on the all-time Asian 800m rankings, trailing only former world champion Yusuf Saad Kamel, whose continental record of 1:42.79 remains the benchmark.

In a discipline traditionally dominated by athletes from Africa and Europe, Ochiai's rapid rise is capturing attention far beyond Japan. His latest breakthrough highlights both his exceptional talent and the growing strength of Asian middle-distance running on the global stage.

The Tokyo crowd witnessed a race of extraordinary quality as Ochiai pushed the pace from the gun and held firm through the closing stages, producing a performance that suggests even faster times may lie ahead. With years of development still ahead of him, the teenager is already establishing himself among the elite 800m runners in the world.

Behind the record-breaking run, fellow Japanese athlete Yugo Shikata also enjoyed a memorable evening. Shikata crossed the line in second place with a personal best of 1:44.94, becoming another major beneficiary of the fast-paced contest and underlining the depth emerging in Japan's middle-distance ranks.

For Ochiai, however, the night belonged entirely to him. Breaking a national record is a rare achievement; breaking your own national record at 19 years old while climbing to second on Asia's all-time list is something truly exceptional.

As the global athletics season gathers momentum, Ko Ochiai's latest masterpiece sends a clear message: Japan's teenage star is no longer simply a promising prospect—he is rapidly becoming one of the most exciting 800m athletes in the world.

Polish distance runner Ela Glinka produced the performance of her career at the European 10,000m Cup in Spezia, Italy, capturing a historic gold medal while smashing her personal best in a remarkable display of determination and resilience.

Glinka crossed the finish line in an outstanding 31:45.37, a time that not only marked a significant personal breakthrough but also secured the qualifying standard for the upcoming European Championships in Birmingham. Her victory added another memorable chapter to Polish athletics, earning the nation a prestigious gold medal on one of Europe's biggest distance-running stages.

The achievement carried far greater significance than the medal itself. As the Polish national anthem echoed across the podium during the medal ceremony, it symbolized the culmination of years of relentless effort, sacrifice, and unwavering belief. Behind the golden moment stood countless training sessions, difficult setbacks, periods of self-doubt, and the courage to continually search for solutions when progress seemed elusive.

For Glinka, the road to Spezia was far from straightforward. Like many elite athletes, she faced moments when success appeared distant, requiring her to take risks, invest in her development, and push through barriers that might have discouraged others. Yet those challenges ultimately became the foundation of her breakthrough performance.

Her victory in Italy now stands as one of the most significant achievements of her career and a proud milestone for Polish athletics. More importantly, it serves as proof that persistence can transform years of hard work into unforgettable success.

With her European Championship qualification secured and confidence at an all-time high, Glinka's historic triumph in Spezia may prove to be only the beginning of an even greater chapter. The gold medal is a reward for everything she has overcome—but it is also a powerful source of motivation for what lies ahead.

The 2026 Stockholm Marathon delivered another thrilling chapter in long-distance running as athletes from Kenya and Ethiopia produced a series of outstanding performances across both elite races, with Rebecca Chesir and Edwin Kiptoo emerging as the respective women's and men's champions in the Swedish capital.

In the women's competition, Kenya's Rebecca Chesir produced a strong and well-controlled race to secure victory in 2:28:30. Chesir held off a determined challenge from Ethiopia's Tsige Haileslase, who finished second in 2:30:12, while fellow Ethiopian Meseret Gebre completed the podium in third place with a time of 2:31:47.

The depth of competition remained evident throughout the top five, with Kenya's Viola Jelagat taking fourth place in 2:33:18 and Sharon Chepkemoi finishing fifth in 2:34:56 after another solid performance on the streets of Stockholm.

The men's race was equally competitive, with Kenya's Edwin Kiptoo delivering the day's fastest marathon performance to win in 2:10:46. Kiptoo managed the race expertly before pulling clear to claim the title ahead of Ethiopia's Gezu Anbese Desu, who crossed the line in 2:12:24.

Kenya's Benard Biwott secured third place in 2:12:51, while Patrick Kipngeno finished fourth in 2:13:05. Ethiopia and Kenya continued to feature prominently among the leading contenders throughout the race, with Mathew Samperu completing the top five in 2:13:42.

The results reflected the remarkable strength of East African distance running, with Kenyan and Ethiopian athletes occupying every position in the top five of both races. Their performances showcased the depth, consistency, and competitive spirit that continue to define marathon running on the international stage.

While Chesir and Kiptoo celebrated individual victories, Stockholm Marathon 2026 also served as a reminder of the enduring rivalry and mutual excellence shared by Kenya and Ethiopia. The two nations once again delivered a high-quality spectacle, producing performances that captivated fans and reinforced their status among the world's leading forces in road racing.

Stockholm Marathon 2026 – Winners

Women's Champion: Rebecca Chesir (Kenya) – 2:28:30

Men's Champion: Edwin Kiptoo (Kenya) – 2:10:46

From the opening kilometers to the final stretch, Stockholm witnessed a showcase of elite endurance running, with athletes from both Kenya and Ethiopia setting the standard in one of Scandinavia's most prestigious marathons.

A thrilling international battle is shaping up on the streets of Chicago as organizers have unveiled a strong men's elite field for the 2026 Chicago 13.1, scheduled for June 7.

Leading the lineup is Kenyan distance-running star Daniel Ebenyo, whose outstanding personal best of 59:04 makes him one of the fastest athletes ever entered in the event. Renowned for his aggressive racing style and remarkable strength over the half marathon distance, Ebenyo arrives as one of the leading contenders for victory.

However, the Kenyan will face a formidable challenge from American standout Isai Rodriguez. The United States star owns an impressive personal best of 59:57 and will be eager to deliver a memorable performance on home soil. With Rodriguez and Ebenyo both having broken the prestigious 60-minute barrier, their clash is expected to be one of the highlights of the race.

The Kenyan contingent is further strengthened by the inclusion of Kipchirchir Sosten, Sam Chelanga, and Peter Njeru, adding considerable depth to an already competitive field. Njeru enters the race with a personal best of 1:00:29 and will be looking to challenge the front-runners in what promises to be a fast-paced contest.

As the Chicago 13.1 continues to establish itself as one of the premier road racing events in the United States, this year's edition has attracted an exciting blend of international talent and local stars. The flat and fast course is known for producing quick times, setting the stage for a potentially spectacular race.

With elite athletes from Kenya and the United States set to go head-to-head, fans can expect a captivating battle for supremacy when the starting gun sounds on June 7 in Chicago.

The spotlight of the athletics world will shine brightly on Morocco this weekend as hometown hero Soufiane El Bakkali prepares to headline a blockbuster men’s 3000m steeplechase at the Rabat Diamond League on May 31.

The double Olympic champion returns to familiar territory carrying the hopes of an entire nation, with thousands expected to pack the stadium in anticipation of another unforgettable performance from Morocco’s greatest distance-running star of his generation. Whenever El Bakkali races on home soil, the atmosphere transforms into something far beyond a regular Diamond League meeting — a celebration of national pride, excellence, and sporting passion.

After cementing his legacy on the global stage with Olympic glory and multiple world titles, El Bakkali now faces one of the strongest steeplechase fields assembled this season. The Moroccan ace will lead an elite international lineup featuring some of the most dangerous names in world distance running, setting the stage for a fiercely competitive showdown in Rabat.

Among the top challengers is Ethiopia’s Samuel Firewu, whose aggressive racing style and finishing speed make him a serious contender over the barriers. Kenya will also arrive heavily represented with Olympic medalist Abraham Kibiwot, rising talent Edmund Serem, and the experienced Simon Kiprop Koech all chasing a major Diamond League victory.

The international depth continues with New Zealand star Geordie Beamish, Spain’s Daniel Arce, Germany’s Frederik Ruppert, France’s Djilali Bedrani and Alexis Miellet, Tunisia’s Mohamed Amin Jhinaoui, and American athlete Matthew Wilkinson. Morocco will also have additional home support through Salah Eddine Ben Yazide, adding even more local excitement to the event.

Despite the world-class opposition, the spotlight will remain firmly fixed on El Bakkali. The Moroccan icon has become synonymous with dominance in the steeplechase, ending years of Kenyan supremacy in the event and inspiring a new generation of North African athletes through his remarkable consistency on the biggest stages.

Rabat’s Diamond League meeting has steadily grown into one of the most electrifying stops on the international athletics calendar, and this year’s steeplechase could become one of the defining races of the season. With Olympic champions, global medalists, and emerging stars all sharing the same start line, fans can expect a tactical and high-intensity contest from the opening lap.

For Morocco, however, this race means more than points or rankings. It represents the return of a national hero whose achievements have elevated the country’s status in world athletics. As the crowd roars inside the stadium on Sunday, El Bakkali will once again carry the weight of expectation — and the energy of an entire nation behind him.

If history is any indication, Rabat may be about to witness another magical chapter in the remarkable career of Soufiane El Bakkali.