Running News Daily

Durban - Annie Botma ran the race of her life to win the Durban International Marathon this morning and finally become the South African marathon champion.

The Western Province athlete beat off a late challenge from Ethiopian Chaltu Bedo Nagashu to win by five seconds as she set a Personal Best time of 2:30:31 in the distance.It was only her third marathon but Bothma ran like a seasoned professional with the guts to rush into the lead from the onset.

Back in 2019 Bothma was the first South African hone at the Cape Town Marathon but could not be crowned national champion because she was not running foe her province.She was determined to make amends thus tine around and she did so in style.

"I am delighted that I am national champion," she said at the end, although she felt let down by the lack of proper fuelling with the organizers apparently not allowing the elites to have their supplies at the points they wanted them.

Defending Durban International Marathon champion Shelmith Nyawira Muriuki of Kenya came in at third place.n the national championships, last year's winner Jenet Mbhele finished second behind Bothma having run a persinal best time of 2:37:08.

Nontokozo Mkhize was third in 2:40:53.

The men's race was a much more one-sided affair with Tebello Ramakongoana cantering to victory literally unchallenged victory.The athlete from Lesotho narrowly missed out on his country's national record as he ran a 2:10:11

Third at the Soweto Marathon last year, Ramakongoana got into the lead at about the 25km mark and never gave it up as he ran solo all the way to the finish.That he failed to dip below the targeted 2:08:10 was because he started at a much faster pace, Ramakongoana apparently refusing to listen to pacer Mbuleli Mathanga who was insteucted to run at a 3:05 per kilometre pace and going at a blistering 2:55 instead.But he had opened such a sizeable gap he was never goibg to be overtaken.

Central Gauteng Athletic's Simon Sibeko finished second some ten seconds later to replace Tumelo Motlagale as the ASA national marathon champion. Motlagale of the North West finished fourth overall behind Kenya's Corneluus Yego.

But he was not disgraced as he took second spot in the National Championships.

KwaZulu-Natal's .Bonginkosi Mavuso completed the podium placings.

The feel good story of this wet Sunday morning in Duban, however, was that of Bothma becoming national champion.

The Australian athletics community is mourning the heartbreaking passing of Jemma Stapleton, a rising sprint star whose talent, dedication, and love for the sport made her a respected figure among athletes and coaches.

Stapleton, aged just 25, had established herself as one of Victoria’s most promising sprinters, reaching the final of the 2025 Stawell Gift — Australia’s oldest and one of its most prestigious professional footraces.

Her athletics journey was built from the grassroots, beginning at Knox Little Athletics before she went on to represent Rowville. Known for her determination and competitive spirit, she left a strong impression every time she stepped onto the track, earning admiration from teammates and the wider running community.

Jemma celebrated her 25th birthday on June 1. Tragically, less than two weeks later, her life was cut short following an accident while on a family holiday overseas. In Thailand.

Her family has requested privacy as they deal with the devastating loss. A community fundraiser launched to support bringing her home reached its target within hours, surpassing its goal in a single day — highlighting the widespread respect and support surrounding the young athlete.

Tributes have continued to emerge across the Australian athletics community, with many remembering Stapleton not only for her speed but also for the commitment and positive influence she brought to the sport. Her journey from junior athletics to competing on major stages reflected the dedication and ambition she carried throughout her career.

The loss of Stapleton represents a heartbreaking moment for Australian sprinting, as clubs, teammates, and the wider athletics family come together to honour a promising athlete whose future was filled with potential.

The next chapter of Oregon’s legendary distance-running story may have just been written.

Simeon Birnbaum delivered a statement performance at Hayward Field in Eugene, capturing his first NCAA 1500m title in spectacular fashion with a winning time of 3:36.05 in front of a passionate home crowd.

The 20-year-old sophomore produced a commanding display of strength and confidence, separating himself from the field in the closing stages to defeat Michigan’s Trent McFarland by more than a second. His victory marked the most dominant NCAA 1500m championship winning margin in a decade, underlining just how special his performance was on the biggest collegiate stage.

Birnbaum’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable. Just two months earlier, the Oregon standout shattered the collegiate record with a stunning 3:31.69, announcing himself as one of the most exciting young middle-distance talents in the world.

Now, with an NCAA championship medal around his neck, Birnbaum has firmly placed his name among Oregon’s greats. Following in the footsteps of legends such as Cole Hocker and Matthew Centrowitz, he looks ready to carry the Ducks’ proud distance-running tradition into a new era.

With his record-breaking speed, championship mentality, and fearless racing style, Simeon Birnbaum’s journey is only beginning — and the running world will be watching closely as Oregon’s newest distance star continues to rise.

History has been rewritten once more on the brutal climbs between Durban and Pietermaritzburg, as South Africa’s ultra-running icon Gerda Steyn delivered yet another performance for the ages at the Comrades Marathon.

On a demanding up-run edition defined by punishing ascents, relentless rhythm changes, and unforgiving terrain, Steyn produced a masterclass in endurance running, powering away from the field and never looking back. With trademark composure and unshakable control, she surged into Pietermaritzburg alone, stopping the clock in a sensational 5:44:53, setting a new up-run course record and once again stamping her authority on the “Ultimate Human Race.”

From the opening kilometres, Steyn looked composed and intentional, gradually dismantling the challenge of the hills one section at a time. As the race unfolded, her dominance became unmistakable—every climb conquered with precision, every kilometre reinforcing her status as the defining force of women’s ultra-running.

When she crossed the finish line, arms raised and that familiar calm smile breaking through the exhaustion, it was not just a victory—it was a statement. A reminder that greatness in this race is not only about strength, but about control, patience, and belief over nearly six hours of suffering.

This latest triumph further deepens her legacy as the undisputed Queen of the Up-Run, a champion who continues to redefine what is possible on South Africa’s most iconic endurance stage.

This victory will be remembered not only for the record itself, but for the manner in which it was achieved—calm, controlled, and commanding from start to finish. Once again, Gerda Steyn has turned one of the world’s toughest road races into her personal stage, leaving fans, rivals, and the wider athletics world in awe of her consistency and greatness. As the dust settles on another historic Comrades up-run, one thing remains clear: her legacy is not just growing—it is accelerating into legend.

The NCAA Outdoor Championships delivered one of the most dramatic twists of the season as the women’s 5000m final ended in unexpected heartbreak and a new champion being crowned after the finish line.

Alabama’s Kenyan star Doris Lemngole looked set to celebrate a historic moment after storming to victory in a brilliant 15:11.71, crossing the line first and appearing to secure another national title for the Crimson Tide. The performance looked like the perfect ending to a dominant race — until officials made a decision that changed everything.

Race officials later issued a disqualification against Lemngole under rule 15.5-3g, citing multiple steps on or over the inside track curb. Alabama immediately challenged the ruling through an appeal, but after review, the protest was rejected, confirming the disqualification and removing the race winner from the official results.

With Lemngole’s result erased, New Mexico’s Marion Jepngetich moved into the championship position, producing a spectacular performance of her own to claim the NCAA 5000m title in a personal best of 15:13.01.

The final standings showed just how competitive the race was, with several athletes delivering outstanding performances and multiple personal bests. Mercyline Kirwa of Iowa State finished second in 15:13.72, while Florida’s Judy Chepkoech completed the podium in 15:14.05 — both recording lifetime bests.

The top ten was dominated by incredible depth, with Betty Kipkore (Iowa State) taking fourth in 15:14.43, Pamela Kosgei (New Mexico) fifth in 15:15.88, and Hilda Olemomoi (Florida) sixth with a season best of 15:16.23. Edna Chelulei of Eastern Kentucky, Katie Bohlke of Virginia Tech, Jane Hedengren of BYU, and Juliet Cherubet of Oregon completed the top ten.

For Lemngole, it was a painful reminder of how unforgiving elite sport can be. After producing the fastest time of the night and crossing the finish line as the apparent winner, a technical ruling outside the excitement of the finish changed the entire outcome.

Jepngetich, meanwhile, now celebrates a championship victory earned on one of the most dramatic evenings in NCAA distance running history — a race where the final result was decided not only by speed, but also by the smallest margins of competition.

The NCAA 5000m final will be remembered not just for the incredible performances on the track, but for the unforgettable twist that came after the race was already over.

History was rewritten on the legendary roads of the Comrades Marathon as George Kusche delivered a performance for the ages at the 2026 Up Run, storming to victory in a sensational course-record time of 5:15:56.

Kusche produced a masterclass in ultra-running, showing incredible strength, confidence, and determination over the demanding route from Durban to Pietermaritzburg. After making a decisive move away from the chasing pack, he maintained his relentless pace and held his advantage through the toughest sections of the race, including the brutal final climbs towards the finish.

His remarkable display not only secured the Comrades title but also erased the previous Up Run course record, placing his name among the greatest athletes ever to conquer “The Ultimate Human Race.”

Every kilometre reflected years of dedication, sacrifice, and belief. The early attack, the endurance through the toughest moments, and the ability to finish stronger under pressure showcased a champion performing at the highest level.

Kusche’s victory will be remembered as one of the defining moments in Comrades history, a day when courage, preparation, and ambition came together on the biggest stage of ultra-running. His performance captured the true spirit of the race — pushing beyond limits and chasing greatness over one of the world’s most demanding endurance challenges.

With thousands of spectators witnessing the drama unfold and the ultra-running community celebrating a remarkable achievement, George Kusche has secured his place among the elite names of the Comrades Marathon. The record books have been rewritten, and a new champion has announced himself on the historic Up Run stage.

George Kusche’s record-breaking triumph marks a memorable day in Comrades Marathon history, with the 2026 Up Run now officially remembered as the race where a new legend was born.