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One of the most eagerly anticipated distance races of the 2026 Commonwealth Games will take center stage tonight in Glasgow as the women's 3,000m steeplechase final brings together two of the world's finest barrier specialists in a captivating battle for Commonwealth gold.

All eyes will be on Kenya's Faith Cherotich and Uganda's Peruth Chemutai, whose remarkable form this season has set the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable showdown. With both athletes arriving in Glasgow separated by less than half a second on the season's rankings, the margin for error could hardly be smaller.

Chemutai, the Olympic champion from Uganda, enters the final with the fastest season's best in the field at 8:51.06, while Kenya's rising star Cherotich has clocked an equally impressive 8:51.48. Even more remarkably, both women own personal bests under 8:49, highlighting the exceptional quality expected in the final.

The race is expected to be a fascinating clash of styles. Chemutai's experience and relentless rhythm over the barriers will be tested by Cherotich's fearless racing instincts and devastating finishing speed. If the pace remains honest throughout, the outcome may not be decided until the final water jump or the last sprint down the home straight.

Although the spotlight naturally falls on the East African rivals, the battle for the medals extends well beyond them. England's Elise Thorner, boasting a personal best of 9:07.39, arrives as a genuine podium contender, while India's Parul Chaudhary has consistently demonstrated her ability to compete at the highest international level. Scotland's Sarah Tait will also enjoy passionate home support as she attempts to challenge the established favorites.

Kenya's Celestine Jepkosgei Biwot adds further depth to a competitive field that also includes Canada's Grace Fetherstonhaugh and Katelyn Stewart-Barnett, Australia's Cara Feain-Ryan, and Wales' Cari Hughes, ensuring the race will feature talent from across the Commonwealth.

Women's 3,000m Steeplechase Final – Start List

1. Grace Fetherstonhaugh (Canada) – PB: 9:28.42 | SB: 9:31.98

2. Faith Cherotich (Kenya) – PB: 8:48.71 | SB: 8:51.48

3. Peruth Chemutai (Uganda) – PB: 8:48.03 | SB: 8:51.06

4. Sarah Tait (Scotland) – PB: 9:18.66 | SB: 9:40.92

5. Parul Chaudhary (India) – PB: 9:12.46 | SB: 9:12.84

6. Katelyn Stewart-Barnett (Canada) – PB: 9:33.21 | SB: 9:36.69

7. Elise Thorner (England) – PB: 9:07.39 | SB: 9:07.39

8. Celestine Jepkosgei Biwot (Kenya) – PB: 9:17.06 | SB: 9:26.12

9. Cara Feain-Ryan (Australia) – PB: 9:21.35 | SB: 9:21.35

10. Cari Hughes (Wales) – PB: 9:41.66 | SB: 9:59.89

With two world-class athletes at the peak of their powers, national pride on the line, and a Commonwealth title at stake, Glasgow is set for a spectacular night of steeplechasing. Whether it is Chemutai's championship experience or Cherotich's youthful brilliance that prevails, fans can expect an electrifying contest that could become one of the defining races of the 2026 Commonwealth Games. The stage is set, the athletes are ready, and tonight promises to deliver a thrilling battle all the way to the finish line.

Kenya emphatically reaffirmed its status as the undisputed powerhouse of the men's 3000m steeplechase by producing a sensational podium clean sweep at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. In a commanding display of tactical brilliance, endurance, and finishing speed, Edmund Serem, Simon Kiprop Koech, and Leonard Kipkemoi Bett shut out the rest of the field to secure all three medals in one of Kenya's most treasured athletics events.

The Kenyan trio remained patient through the early stages before steadily increasing the pace over the closing laps. As the race reached its decisive moments, they broke clear of the chasing pack, leaving reigning world champion Geordie Beamish of New Zealand and the rest of the field unable to match their relentless surge.

Edmund Serem produced the winning move over the final barriers, powering away in the closing metres to capture the Commonwealth title in 8:18.23. Simon Kiprop Koech, who had led the race at the bell, battled all the way to the finish and claimed the silver medal in 8:18.59, while Leonard Kipkemoi Bett completed the historic sweep with bronze in 8:21.63, ensuring an unforgettable day for Team Kenya.

The achievement marks one of Kenya's defining moments of the Glasgow Games and restores the nation's complete dominance in an event that has long been synonymous with Kenyan distance running excellence. It also serves as a powerful response to the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, where India's Avinash Sable ended Kenya's remarkable run of podium sweeps by winning the silver medal. Four years later, Serem, Koech, and Bett emphatically returned the men's steeplechase podium entirely to Kenyan hands, reaffirming the country's unrivalled legacy in the discipline.

Behind the Kenyan trio, reigning world champion Geordie Beamish finished fourth in 8:24.09, while Canada's Jean-Simon Desgagnes and Aaron Ahl placed fifth and sixth respectively. England's Kristian Imroth and Mark Pearce completed the top eight.

Men's 3000m Steeplechase Final – Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

1. Edmund Serem (Kenya) — 8:18.23

2. Simon Kiprop Koech (Kenya) — 8:18.59

3. Leonard Kipkemoi Bett (Kenya) — 8:21.63

4. Geordie Beamish (New Zealand) — 8:24.09

5. Jean-Simon Desgagnes (Canada) — 8:25.43

6. Aaron Ahl (Canada) — 8:31.71

7. Kristian Imroth (England) — 8:38.12

8. Mark Pearce (England) — 8:42.39

The performance once again highlighted the extraordinary depth of Kenya's steeplechase talent, proving that a new generation is ready to carry forward one of the nation's greatest traditions in global athletics. Their flawless execution, unwavering composure, and dominant finish left no doubt that Kenya remains the standard bearer in the men's 3000m steeplechase.

In a sport where many elite athletes benefit from professional coaches, lucrative sponsorships, sports science support, and cutting-edge equipment, Poppy Tank has reached the international stage by relying on little more than determination, discipline, and belief in herself.

Later this month, the 28-year-old from Plymouth will proudly represent England in the women's 10,000m at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. It will be her first appearance at a major track championships, making the achievement even more remarkable considering she has no central funding, no shoe contract, and no dedicated support team.

Tank's journey is one of resilience and self-reliance. Her Instagram biography sums it up in just three words: Self-coached. Unsponsored. Distance runner. Behind those words lies years of sacrifice, careful planning, and relentless hard work.

Unlike many of her international rivals, Tank manages every aspect of her athletic career herself. She designs her own training, plans her race schedules, monitors her recovery, and finances virtually every part of her pursuit of excellence.

"I'm self-funded so every spare bit of cash I have I'm spending it on training camps, buying shoes, buying kit, paying for races and accommodation," Tank told BBC Radio Devon. "I have to be very savvy with my shoes. I buy them often off eBay on discount. So I'm very, very good at finding ways of saving money."

While many Commonwealth-level athletes receive free equipment from major sports brands, Tank has become an expert at stretching every pound, purchasing discounted racing shoes online and carefully managing every expense to keep her dream alive.

Her rise through British athletics has been built steadily over several seasons. Tank first established herself as one of Britain's finest endurance runners in cross country, helping Great Britain win team gold at the 2023 European Cross Country Championships before contributing to a team silver medal the following year. She also claimed the British 3,000m steeplechase title in 2023 and represented Great Britain at the World Cross Country Championships, demonstrating her versatility across different disciplines.

Despite those achievements, a place at a major international track championships remained elusive until this summer, when England selected her for the Commonwealth Games.

Away from the track, Tank balances elite sport with an equally demanding academic career. She is pursuing a PhD at the University of Birmingham, where her research focuses on developing better ways to recycle medical implants. Her daily routine often begins with a demanding 12-mile training session before lunchtime, followed by an hour and a half in the gym, all while spending long hours in the laboratory preparing and analysing research samples.

"My supervisor is incredibly supportive of my running," she explained. "But ultimately I still have to go and do the studying."

Her Commonwealth Games selection is the reward for outstanding form during the 2026 season. Tank produced a lifetime best to finish second behind Izzy Fry at the British 10,000m Championships in Loughborough in May, before lowering that mark again just weeks later with an impressive 32:04.36 performance in the Netherlands.

Those performances secured her place on England's team, where she and Fry will both make their Commonwealth Games debuts in the women's 10,000m.

Although Tank heads to Glasgow ranked in the second half of the field on paper, she has never allowed rankings to define her ambitions. Time and again, she has shown an ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most, and she intends to do exactly that on one of the biggest stages of her career.

"It is so much hard work, I couldn't even begin to detail how many hours has gone into this," Tank said. "But when things like this happen where you get selected for your goals, it really, really makes it so worth it."

Her story serves as a powerful reminder that success is not always built on financial backing or world-class facilities. Sometimes, it is forged through unwavering commitment, countless unseen hours of hard work, and the courage to believe in your own process.

When Poppy Tank steps onto the track in Glasgow wearing the England vest, she will represent far more than her country. She will embody perseverance, independence, and the belief that even without sponsorships, professional coaching, or expensive support systems, extraordinary dreams can still become reality.

One of the most eagerly anticipated races of the 2026 Prefontaine Classic is set to unfold on July 4 at Hayward Field, where an exceptional women's 3000m steeplechase field promises a contest worthy of the global stage.

Leading the lineup is reigning Olympic champion Winfred Yavi of Bahrain, whose remarkable personal best of 8:44.32 makes her one of the fastest steeplechasers in history. Standing in her way is Uganda's Olympic silver medalist Peruth Chemutai (8:48.16), alongside Kenya's rising sensation and Olympic bronze medalist Faith Cherotich, who owns an impressive lifetime best of 8:48.71.

The trio captivated the athletics world with their unforgettable podium sweep at the Paris Olympic Games, and they now renew one of the sport's most exciting rivalries. With all three athletes in outstanding form, the race has every ingredient to produce another historic performance, with the elusive 8:45 barrier once again coming into sharp focus.

The battle, however, extends well beyond the Olympic medalists. Former world champion Norah Jeruto of Kazakhstan adds further quality to an already world-class field, while American icon Emma Coburn returns to compete before a passionate home crowd. Germany's multiple-time European champion Gesa Felicitas Krause also headlines a deep international lineup determined to challenge the frontrunners.

Kenya will also be represented by the talented Doris Lemngole, whose continued rise has added another exciting dimension to the country's strength in the event.

With Hayward Field renowned for producing unforgettable distance races, fans can expect relentless pace, fearless barrier running, and a thrilling contest from the opening lap to the final water jump. The combination of Olympic champions, world-class veterans, and emerging stars makes this one of the standout events of the meeting.

As the world's best steeplechasers gather once again, the stage is perfectly set for another memorable chapter in one of athletics' most captivating disciplines.

The women's 3000m steeplechase at the upcoming Prefontaine Classic is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated distance races of the season, with a world-class field led by Kenya's rising sensation Faith Cherotich, Uganda's Olympic champion Peruth Chemutai, and Bahrain's formidable record-holder Winfred Yavi.

Scheduled for July 3–4 in Eugene, Oregon, the race promises a fascinating clash of generations, styles, and ambitions as some of the sport's biggest names battle for supremacy on one of athletics' most iconic stages.

All eyes will undoubtedly be on Cherotich, whose meteoric rise has established her as one of the brightest stars in global steeplechasing. The Kenyan youngster has consistently demonstrated remarkable composure against elite opposition, combining fearless front-running with a devastating finishing kick. Facing another stacked international field, she will be eager to reaffirm her status among the discipline's elite.

Standing in her path is Chemutai, the Ugandan trailblazer whose championship pedigree and tactical brilliance have made her one of the most respected athletes in the event. Known for her ability to deliver under pressure, Chemutai arrives in Eugene with the experience and confidence required to challenge for victory against the world's best.

Adding further intrigue is Yavi, whose relentless pace and exceptional barrier technique have transformed her into one of the most dominant steeplechasers of recent years. Whenever Yavi steps onto the track, records and winning times immediately come into the conversation, making her a serious contender for top honours once again.

The depth of the field extends far beyond the headline trio. Kenya's emerging talent Doris Lemngole and experienced campaigner Norah Jeruto add further firepower, while a strong American contingent featuring Lexy Halladay, Gracie Hyde, Olivia Markezich, Gabrielle Jennings, Courtney Wayment and Angelina Napoleon will be eager to impress before a home crowd.

The international challenge is further strengthened by Morocco's Marwa Bouzayani and Germany's accomplished duo of Gesa Felicitas Krause and Lea Meyer, ensuring that every lap will be fiercely contested.

With Olympic and world medalists sharing the track alongside emerging stars hungry for a breakthrough, the stage is set for a thrilling contest that could produce one of the fastest women's steeplechase races of the year. As the athletics world turns its attention to Eugene, fans can expect a captivating battle over barriers and water jumps, where every stride could make the difference between victory and defeat.

The countdown has begun, and if the entry list is anything to go by, the Prefontaine Classic is poised to deliver another unforgettable chapter in the rich history of women's steeplechase racing.

Gabrielle Jennings delivered one of the standout performances of the USATF LA Grand Prix, producing a breathtaking display of strength, rhythm, and determination to claim victory in the women's 3000m steeplechase and rewrite the meet record books.

On a night packed with elite competition, Jennings surged clear of a talented field to cross the finish line in a season's best 9:11.72, smashing the previous meet record and improving her position among the world's fastest steeplechasers this year. The performance also strengthened her standing in the 2026 global rankings, underlining her growing reputation as one of the premier athletes in the event.

From the opening laps, Jennings looked composed and in complete control. She settled into an efficient rhythm over the barriers and water jumps, conserving energy before gradually increasing the pressure on her rivals. As the race entered its decisive stages, she separated herself from the field with a powerful surge that none of her competitors could match.

Her winning time of 9:11.72 was not only a personal statement of intent but also one of the fastest performances produced by an American woman this season. The run showcased her exceptional endurance, technical precision, and tactical intelligence—qualities that have made her a rising force on the international circuit.

Behind Jennings, Lexy Halladay produced an impressive run of her own to secure second place in 9:22.89, while Courtney Wayment completed the podium in 9:23.94 after a determined effort throughout the race.

Veteran steeplechase star Emma Coburn continued her return to top-level competition with a solid fourth-place finish in 9:29.38. Just fractions of a second behind her was Angelina Ellis, who rounded out the top five in 9:29.41 after a fiercely contested battle over the closing laps.

The result adds another major milestone to Jennings' 2026 campaign and sends a clear message ahead of the championship season. With her confidence soaring, a meet record now to her name, and her fastest performance of the year on the board, the American star appears poised for even bigger achievements in the months ahead.

Marwa Bouzayani produced a performance of pure class and authority at the Stockholm Diamond League, storming to victory in the women's 3000m steeplechase and rewriting the meeting record books with a sensational time of 8:59.28.

The Tunisian star was simply untouchable as she attacked the race from the front, clearing the barriers with remarkable efficiency and maintaining a relentless pace that none of her rivals could match. As the laps ticked by, Bouzayani steadily increased her advantage, turning the contest into a solo exhibition of strength, endurance, and tactical brilliance.

Crossing the finish line in 8:59.28, she not only secured a commanding victory but also shattered the previous Stockholm Diamond League meeting record, becoming the standout performer of the event. Her sub-nine-minute run underlined her status among the world's premier steeplechasers and provided another major statement ahead of the season's biggest championships.

Behind the runaway winner, Great Britain's Elise Thorner delivered an impressive performance to claim second place in 9:11.01, while American Gabrielle Jennings completed the podium with a season's best 9:12.02 after a determined effort throughout the race.

Bouzayani's triumph was more than just a victory—it was a masterclass in front-running. From the opening stages to the final water jump, she controlled every aspect of the race, displaying the confidence and composure of an athlete operating at the peak of her powers.

On a night packed with world-class performances, it was Bouzayani who stole the spotlight. Her record-breaking run in Stockholm will be remembered as one of the defining performances of this year's Diamond League campaign and a powerful reminder of her growing influence on the global stage.

Olympic and world champion Winfred Yavi will step out of her renowned steeplechase comfort zone on Thursday evening as she takes on a strong women's 5000m field at the Golden Gala Pietro Mennea, the fourth stop of the 2026 Wanda Diamond League in Rome.

The Bahraini star arrives in the Italian capital carrying impressive credentials over the distance. Yavi owns a personal best of 14:41.99 and currently holds Bahrain's national record in the women's 5000m, underlining her versatility beyond the barriers that have brought her global fame.

Rome holds special memories for Yavi. The Stadio Olimpico was the scene of one of the finest performances of her career in 2024 when she produced the second-fastest women's 3000m steeplechase time in history, narrowly missing the world record. Now she returns to the Eternal City with a different challenge ahead as she looks to make her mark in one of the deepest distance races of the evening.

The 27-year-old will face a quality field featuring rising Kenyan talent Caroline Nyaga, Margaret Akidor, Ethiopia's Likina Amebaw and Hirut Meshesha, as well as fellow Kenyan Purity Chepkurui. With several proven performers on the start line, the race promises to be a fierce battle from the opening laps.

Adding further intrigue is the standard set by the event itself. The current world record of 13:58.06 belongs to Kenyan superstar Beatrice Chebet, who became the first woman in history to break the 14-minute barrier for 5000m.

Although Yavi's primary focus remains the steeplechase, her growing strength on the track has made her a genuine threat in longer flat races. Every appearance outside her signature event offers another glimpse into the remarkable range that has transformed her into one of the world's most complete distance runners.

As the lights shine on Rome tonight, all eyes will be on Yavi to see whether she can translate her championship pedigree into another memorable performance. A victory would further cement her reputation as one of the most versatile stars in global athletics and provide a major statement as the Diamond League season gathers momentum.

The men's 3000m steeplechase produced one of the most electrifying races of the season as Morocco's Soufiane El Bakkali stormed to a world-leading performance, headlining a night that saw history made, records shattered, and new names emerge among the event's elite.

El Bakkali, the reigning Olympic and world champion, once again demonstrated why he remains the undisputed king of the steeplechase. Running with supreme confidence from start to finish, the Moroccan star crossed the line in a world-leading 7:57.25, becoming the first athlete this season to break the coveted eight-minute barrier.

The race, however, was far more than a one-man show.

Germany's Frederik Ruppert delivered the performance of his career, producing a stunning 7:57.80 to finish second and obliterate the European record. Ruppert's breakthrough run not only established him as one of the continent's greatest steeplechasers but also marked his arrival as a genuine medal contender on the global stage.

The evening also belonged to Kenya's Simon Kiprop Koech, who achieved a major career milestone by joining the exclusive sub-eight-minute club. Koech clocked a remarkable personal best of 7:59.44, becoming one of the few athletes in history to break the barrier and confirming his growing status among the world's leading steeplechasers.

Fellow Kenyan Edmund Serem continued his impressive rise with another personal best, stopping the clock at 8:01.61. Although just outside the historic eight-minute mark, the performance highlighted his immense potential and further strengthened Kenya's depth in the discipline.

Behind the front quartet, several athletes also produced notable performances, underlining the exceptional quality of the race. The blistering pace pushed competitors to new limits and transformed the contest into one of the fastest steeplechase races ever witnessed.

With El Bakkali setting the world-leading mark, Ruppert rewriting the European record books, and Koech earning membership into one of athletics' most exclusive clubs, the race served as a powerful statement ahead of the championship season.

If this performance is any indication, the men's steeplechase is entering a new era—one where the eight-minute barrier is no longer an untouchable dream but a target increasingly within reach for the world's very best.

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.

The road to the 2027 World Athletics Championships in Beijing has officially begun — and earning a place on athletics’ biggest stage is about to become even more demanding.

World Athletics has now confirmed the qualification system and entry standards for the championships set for September 2027 in Beijing, China, introducing a major adjustment that could reshape the battle for global qualification across distance running and track events.

Under the newly announced structure, only around 40 percent of athletes will qualify automatically through direct entry standards, while the remaining 60 percent of places will be awarded via the World Athletics Rankings system. The change represents a clear shift away from the previous 50-50 balance used in recent championships.

The updated model places greater emphasis on consistency throughout the season rather than relying solely on one exceptional performance. Athletes will now need to compete regularly at high-level meetings, collect ranking points, and maintain elite performances across an extended qualification period.

For distance runners, the standards remain exceptionally demanding, highlighting the increasing depth and competitiveness of global athletics.

In the men’s marathon, athletes must run 2:06:00 or faster to secure an automatic qualification mark, while the women’s standard has been set at 2:23:20. The qualifying window for the marathon opened on November 3, 2025, and will close on Midnight May 2, 2027.

The men’s 10,000m standard has been fixed at 26:48.00, with the women required to run 30:40.00. In the 5000m, athletes must clock 12:50.00 for men and 14:36.00 for women to gain direct entry.

Middle-distance events will also demand world-class performances. The men’s 1500m standard stands at 3:30.00, while women must achieve 3:58.00. In the 800m, the entry standards are 1:43.00 for men and 1:57.50 for women.

Sprint events remain brutally competitive. Athletes targeting the men’s 100m must break 10 seconds with a qualifying standard of 9.95, while the women’s requirement has been set at 10.96. In the 200m, the standards stand at 20.07 for men and 22.45 for women.

The hurdles events also demand elite-level precision and speed, with qualifying marks of 13.18 in the men’s 110m hurdles and 12.60 in the women’s 100m hurdles.

Meanwhile, the 3000m steeplechase standards have been fixed at 8:08.00 for men and 9:06.50 for women — times that underline the growing global standard in one of athletics’ most physically demanding disciplines.

World Athletics says the revised qualification pathway is designed to create stronger, more competitive championship fields while maintaining strict control of athlete numbers across all disciplines.

Qualification windows for the 10,000m, race walks, combined events, and relays will run from February 23, 2026, through August 22, 2027. For all other track events, athletes can qualify between August 23, 2026, and August 22, 2027.

The new system is expected to intensify competition across the entire athletics calendar, with ranking points now becoming more valuable than ever before. Athletes will no longer depend solely on one breakthrough race; instead, sustained excellence across multiple competitions may prove decisive in securing a ticket to Beijing.

As preparations begin worldwide, the countdown to Beijing 2027 has already sparked anticipation for what could become one of the most fiercely contested World Championships in recent history.

Few athletes have ever dominated the 3000m steeplechase with the brilliance, charisma and longevity of Ezekiel Kemboi. Born on May 25, 1982, in Matira, Kenya, Kemboi grew into one of the most iconic figures the event has ever produced, turning the steeplechase into both a spectacle and an art form.

Inspired by legendary Kenyan steeplechaser Moses Kiptanui and later mentored by Paul Ereng, the 1988 Olympic 800m champion, Kemboi developed the confidence and competitive mentality that would define his extraordinary career.

From the moment he emerged on the international stage, Kemboi brought a fearless approach to the barriers and water jumps. He raced with unmatched courage, often controlling championship finals with tactical intelligence and explosive finishing speed. His style made him one of the most difficult athletes to defeat under pressure.

Kemboi became a two-time Olympic champion in the 3000m steeplechase, winning gold in Athens in 2004 before reclaiming the Olympic crown in London in 2012. His ability to remain at the top for nearly a decade separated him from many great champions before him.

Even more impressive was his dominance at the World Championships, where he won four consecutive world titles in 2009, 2011, 2013 and 2015 — one of the greatest championship streaks in steeplechase history.

Throughout his remarkable journey, Kemboi collected an astonishing 15 major championship medals:

7 gold medals

6 silver medals

2 bronze medals

He collected those medals across the Olympic Games, World Championships, African Championships and Commonwealth Games, consistently proving himself against the very best athletes in the world. His ability to deliver year after year at the highest level highlighted not only his remarkable talent, but also his resilience, longevity and championship mentality.

Beyond the medals, Kemboi became famous for bringing excitement and personality to the event. His unforgettable finish-line dances became iconic moments in athletics, turning victories into celebrations that fans across the world eagerly anticipated. He showed that a champion could dominate fiercely while still expressing joy and individuality.

Kemboi’s brilliance was also reflected in his incredible speed. His personal best of 7:55.76, set in Monaco in 2011, places him among the fastest steeplechasers in history and remains one of the standout performances ever recorded in the event.

For many young athletes, especially in Kenya, Ezekiel Kemboi’s story continues to serve as a powerful source of inspiration. From a small village in Kenya to Olympic and world glory, he proved that discipline, belief and fearlessness can elevate an athlete to legendary status.

Today, his legacy stands far beyond medals and records. Ezekiel Kemboi transformed steeplechase into a global spectacle and inspired an entire generation to dream bigger every time they approach the barriers.

Elise Thorner delivered the race of her career in Los Angeles, producing a stunning breakthrough performance in the women’s 3000m steeplechase at the Sound Running Track Festival.

The British distance runner stormed to victory in a massive personal best of 9:07.39, completely dominating the field and crossing the finish line an astonishing 14 seconds clear of her nearest rival. It was not only the biggest win of her season so far, but also a statement performance that firmly places her among the finest steeplechasers Britain has produced.

Under the California evening sky, Thorner looked composed and fearless from the opening laps. She attacked the barriers with confidence, maintained a relentless rhythm throughout the race and gradually pulled further and further away from the chasing pack. By the closing stages, the contest had turned into a solo run to the line as she powered home to one of the fastest times ever recorded by a British woman in the event.

Her remarkable run now moves her to second on the British all-time list, behind only Lizzie Bird’s national record of 9:04.25. More significantly, Thorner and Bird remain the only British women in history to break the prestigious 9:10 barrier in the 3000m steeplechase — a reflection of just how exceptional the performance was.

The improvement also highlights the rapid rise of the talented Briton, who continues to make giant strides on the international stage. Cutting several seconds from an already impressive personal best is no small achievement at elite level, yet Thorner made it look effortless with a performance full of maturity, strength and tactical intelligence.

With the summer season still gathering momentum, attention will now shift toward the British record. On current form, Bird’s long-standing mark suddenly looks vulnerable, and Thorner appears to be developing into a genuine contender for major championship success.

For now, Los Angeles belongs to Elise Thorner — an evening where talent, confidence and preparation came together perfectly to produce a career-defining performance.

Ugandan star Peruth Chemutai continued her brilliant start to the season with another world-class display, storming to victory in the women’s 3000m steeplechase at the Xiamen Diamond League in a world-leading 8:51.06.

The triumph completed a remarkable early-season Diamond League double for Chemutai, who had already opened her campaign with victory in Keqiao. Carrying that momentum into Xiamen, the Olympic champion once again proved why she remains one of the most formidable athletes in global distance running.

Against an elite field featuring the last two global champions, Chemutai delivered a composed and commanding performance from start to finish. She timed her race perfectly, maintaining relentless rhythm over the barriers before unleashing a decisive finishing surge that none of her rivals could match.

Bahrain’s Winfred Yavi, the reigning world champion, pushed hard throughout the contest and crossed second in 8:51.54, while Kenya’s Faith Cherotich finished third in 8:52.53 after another impressive run on the international stage.

The quality of the race underlined just how exceptional Chemutai’s performance truly was. Beating both of the sport’s most recent global champions in one of the fastest races ever run this early in the season sent a powerful message to the rest of the athletics world.

From the opening laps, the pace was aggressive and unforgiving, yet Chemutai looked completely in control. Her barrier technique remained smooth and efficient, while her strength over the final kilometer separated her from the field in spectacular fashion. By the final water jump, the Ugandan had already stamped her authority on the race.

Beyond the fast time and the meeting record, the victory symbolised something even bigger — consistency at the very highest level. After battling difficult moments in recent seasons, Chemutai now appears sharper, stronger and more confident than ever.

Her back-to-back Diamond League victories have instantly established her as one of the standout athletes of the season, and with the major championships approaching, the Ugandan star looks ready to challenge for even greater glory.

In Xiamen, the women’s steeplechase once again showcased extraordinary global depth. But on a night filled with champions, it was Peruth Chemutai who stood tallest.

The women’s 3000m steeplechase is rapidly developing into one of the fiercest rivalries in global athletics, and another thrilling chapter is expected to unfold at the Xiamen Diamond League on May 23 in China.

Fresh from a breathtaking contest in Shanghai, where Uganda’s Peruth Chemutai clocked a world-leading 8:51.47 to narrowly defeat Kenya’s Faith Cherotich, attention has now shifted to Xiamen for what promises to be another unforgettable showdown. Chemutai arrives carrying momentum and confidence after delivering one of the fastest performances of the season, while Cherotich heads into the race eager to respond and reclaim control of the rivalry.

But the battle is no longer just between two athletes.

Standing firmly in their path is reigning Olympic champion Winfred Yavi of Bahrain — a runner whose presence instantly transforms the intensity of any race she enters. Yavi has established herself as the benchmark in the women’s steeplechase, consistently forcing the pace and pushing the field into world-class territory. Whenever she lines up, the margin for error disappears.

Her arrival in Xiamen adds another layer of intrigue to an already stacked contest. Known for her relentless front-running style and exceptional strength over the barriers, Yavi remains one of the most feared competitors in the discipline. With Chemutai coming off a statement victory and Cherotich determined to answer back, the stage is perfectly set for a high-stakes clash between three of the event’s biggest stars.

Cherotich, still among the brightest young talents in distance running, has built her reputation through fearless racing and explosive finishing speed. The Kenyan star will be chasing more than revenge in Xiamen — she will also be aiming to prove she can rise above the strongest field in women’s steeplechase today.

Chemutai, meanwhile, looks sharper and more dangerous with every race. The Ugandan Olympic champion appears to have rediscovered her peak form, and her recent performances suggest she is ready to dominate the Diamond League circuit this season.

With three elite athletes carrying different motivations into the same race, the women’s steeplechase in Xiamen is shaping up to be one of the standout moments of the Diamond League calendar. The pace is expected to be aggressive from the opening laps, and another world-class performance could be on the horizon.

As anticipation continues to build, one question now captures the attention of athletics fans worldwide: who will conquer Xiamen when the barriers clear and the final lap begins?

The women’s 3000m steeplechase at the upcoming Xiamen Diamond League is shaping up to be one of the most fiercely contested distance races of the season, with Olympic champions, world medallists, and emerging young stars all set to collide on 23 May.

Leading the spotlight is Bahrain’s Winfred Yavi, one of the most dominant figures in global steeplechase running. Renowned for her fearless front-running and devastating finishing speed, Yavi enters the race as a major favourite in what promises to be a high-tempo contest from the gun.

However, Kenya’s teenage sensation Faith Cherotich will be eager to continue her rapid rise on the international stage. The gifted Kenyan has already established herself among the world’s elite despite her young age, and Xiamen offers another golden opportunity to test herself against the very best in the discipline.

Olympic champion Peruth Chemutai of Uganda also headlines the loaded field. Chemutai’s tactical brilliance and championship experience make her one of the most dangerous competitors in any major race, especially in championship-style battles where positioning and patience become decisive.

France’s Alice Finot, who has enjoyed a remarkable resurgence in recent seasons, adds further quality to the lineup alongside Tunisia’s Marwa Bouzayani and Kazakhstan’s Norah Jeruto, the former world champion whose return to the top level continues to attract significant attention.

The Ethiopian contingent arrives with impressive depth through Wosane Asefa, Firehiwot Gesese, Kena Tufa, and Alemnat Walle, while the United States fields a strong squad featuring Lexy Halladay, Olivia Markezich, Courtney Wayment, Kaylee Mitchell, and Angelina Ellis.

The race also features several exciting European names, including Dutch athlete Veerle Bakker, Germany’s Olivia Gürth, Australia’s Cara Feain-Ryan, Israel’s Adva Cohen, and China’s home representative Luo Xia, who will undoubtedly enjoy strong local support.

With such extraordinary depth assembled, the women’s steeplechase in Xiamen is expected to produce one of the fastest and most dramatic races of the Diamond League season. From seasoned global champions to fearless young challengers, the event promises relentless pace, tactical battles over the barriers, and a thrilling fight for supremacy on Chinese soil.

All eyes will now turn to Xiamen as the world’s finest steeplechasers prepare to launch another unforgettable chapter in one of athletics’ most demanding events.

The women’s 3000m steeplechase at the Shanghai Diamond League delivered one of the most dramatic distance races of the season as Uganda’s Peruth Chemutai produced a world-leading performance to narrowly deny Kenya’s Faith Cherotich in a breathtaking sprint finish.

Chemutai stormed to victory in 8:51.47, smashing the meeting record and posting the fastest time in the world this year. But the Olympic champion was pushed to the absolute limit by the fearless teenage Kenyan sensation Cherotich, who crossed the line just one hundredth of a second later in 8:51.48 for a season’s best performance.

From the opening laps, the pace was aggressive and relentless. The leading pack quickly separated itself from the field, with Chemutai and Cherotich exchanging control throughout the race while maintaining metronomic rhythm over the barriers and water jumps. As the bell rang for the final lap, the stadium atmosphere intensified with both athletes refusing to yield.

Cherotich launched a powerful challenge over the closing stages and looked capable of pulling off a major victory, but Chemutai found one final surge in the home straight to clinch the win in one of the closest finishes seen on the Diamond League circuit this season.

Behind the leading duo, Tunisia’s Marwa Bouzayani delivered a historic run to finish third in 8:58.09, setting a new national record and becoming the first Tunisian woman to break the nine-minute barrier in the event. Ethiopia’s Kena Tufa also impressed with a personal best of 8:59.66 to place fourth, while compatriot Alemnat Walle clocked a season’s best 9:10.05 for fifth.

Representing Kazakhstan, former world champion Norah Jeruto continued her return to top-level competition with a season’s best 9:10.90 to secure sixth place.

The race confirmed that the women’s steeplechase is entering another golden era, with established champions and rising stars pushing each other to extraordinary levels. For Kenya, Cherotich’s performance was another strong reminder that the country’s future in the event remains exceptionally bright despite missing victory by the narrowest possible margin.

Women’s 3000m Steeplechase Results — Shanghai Diamond League

1. Peruth Chemutai (Uganda) – 8:51.47 (MR, WL)

2. Faith Cherotich (Kenya) – 8:51.48 (SB)

3. Marwa Bouzayani (Tunisia) – 8:58.09 (NR)

4. Kena Tufa (Ethiopia) – 8:59.66 (PB)

5. Alemnat Walle (Ethiopia) – 9:10.05 (SB)

6. Norah Jeruto (Kazakhstan) – 9:10.90 (SB)

7. Parul Chaudhary (India) – 9:12.84 (SB)

8. Lexy Halladay (USA) – 9:13.99 (SB)

9. Angelina Ellis (USA) – 9:20.53 (PB)

10. Cara Feain-Ryan (Australia) – 9:21.35 (PB)

11. Olivia Markezich (USA) – 9:22.15 (SB)

12. Kaylee Mitchell (USA) – 9:24.26 (SB)

13. Firehiwot Gesese (Ethiopia) – 9:25.13 (PB)

Peruth Chemutai’s stunning victory in Shanghai was more than just another Diamond League win — it was a powerful statement to the rest of the world that she remains one of the greatest forces in women’s steeplechase. Clocking a world-leading and meeting record performance under immense pressure, the Ugandan star once again showcased her extraordinary composure, strength, and championship mentality. In a race filled with elite talent and relentless pace, Chemutai proved that true champions rise when the stakes are highest, further cementing her place among the finest steeplechasers of her generation.

After nearly two years away from her signature event, Emma Coburn is finally preparing for a long-awaited return to the steeplechase, marking one of the most anticipated comeback stories of the 2026 athletics season.

The American distance star is expected to compete in the women’s 3000m steeplechase at Sound Running’s Track Fest, which would officially be her first steeplechase appearance since suffering a devastating ankle injury at the Shanghai Diamond League meeting in April 2024.

Coburn’s injury abruptly halted a career that has long been defined by consistency, resilience, and championship-level performances on the global stage. The former world champion and Olympic medalist endured a lengthy rehabilitation process after breaking her ankle in Shanghai, forcing her away from competition and raising uncertainty about when she would return to full fitness.

Now, signs point toward a fresh chapter.

Her entry into Track Fest has generated excitement across the athletics world, with fans eager to see one of the sport’s most recognizable steeplechasers back on the track. The race is also expected to mark Coburn’s first competition of any kind in over a year, having last appeared at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix in 2025.

The timing could not be more symbolic. As the 2026 season continues to deliver remarkable comeback stories across athletics, Coburn’s return adds another emotional layer to a year already filled with redemption narratives.

Beyond the results, her comeback represents perseverance through one of the most difficult periods of her career. Injuries of that magnitude can end careers or permanently alter an athlete’s trajectory, yet Coburn has remained determined throughout her recovery journey.

Track Fest will not simply be about times or finishing positions. It will be about the return of a proven competitor whose presence has shaped women’s steeplechase for more than a decade.

If all goes according to plan, the starting line in Los Angeles will mark the beginning of Emma Coburn’s next chapter — one built on resilience, patience, and the hunger to compete once again at the highest level.

The men’s 3000m steeplechase at the 2026 African Senior Athletics Championships in Accra delivered another powerful reminder of Ethiopia’s growing dominance over the barriers. With tactical brilliance, relentless rhythm, and fearless finishing speed, Ethiopian athletes once again stamped their authority on one of athletics’ most demanding events.

Leading the charge was Gemechu Goda Baneta, who produced a composed and commanding performance to secure the African title in 8:38.37. From the opening laps, Baneta looked sharp and in control, handling the water jumps and barriers with remarkable efficiency before breaking away when it mattered most. His victory crowned Ethiopia with another continental steeplechase gold and confirmed the nation’s rising strength in the discipline.

Morocco’s Salaheddine Benyazid fought bravely throughout the race and earned the silver medal in 8:41.02 after a determined final lap battle. Ethiopia completed a strong double podium finish thanks to Samuel Firew Fiche, who claimed bronze in 8:41.67 to underline his country’s depth in distance running.

The race unfolded with patience and tactical discipline before exploding into life over the closing stages. As fatigue began to hit the field, the Ethiopian runners remained composed, gliding over the barriers with confidence while others struggled to maintain momentum. Baneta’s decisive surge in the final laps ultimately separated him from the chasing pack and sealed a memorable championship triumph.

For years, the African steeplechase scene has been defined by East African excellence, and the performance in Accra showed that Ethiopia is continuing to elevate its presence among the continent’s elite barrier specialists. The gold-and-bronze finish was not only a celebration of individual brilliance but also a statement of Ethiopia’s growing power in championship distance racing.

The atmosphere inside the stadium reflected the magnitude of the moment as Ethiopian supporters celebrated another proud achievement on the continental stage. In a race packed with intensity, endurance, and tactical battles, the men in green, yellow, and red once again proved why East Africa remains the heartbeat of world distance running.

On May 23, 2026, the spotlight of the Diamond League shifts to Xiamen, where the women’s 3000m steeplechase promises not just a race—but a confrontation of extraordinary talent, nerve, and precision.

This is no ordinary field. It is a collision of champions from across the globe.

Leading the charge is Faith Cherotich of Kenya, the rising force whose fearless front-running and smooth hurdling have marked her as the next big name in the event. She faces a fierce challenge from Winfred Yavi, representing Bahrain, a tactically sharp competitor with a devastating finishing kick.

From Uganda comes Peruth Chemutai, the Olympic champion renowned for her composure, timing, and ability to rise in decisive moments. Meanwhile, Norah Jeruto carries the flag of Kazakhstan, bringing championship pedigree and a proven ability to dismantle elite competition on the biggest stages.

Four athletes. Four nations. One unforgiving event.

The steeplechase is where rhythm meets chaos—where a single mistimed barrier or misjudged water jump can undo even the strongest contenders. At this level, the margins are razor-thin, and the outcome could hinge on the final lap, or even the final leap into the water.

Xiamen’s track will not merely host a race; it will stage a tactical battle. Expect aggressive positioning early on, calculated surges in the middle laps, and a dramatic crescendo as the bell rings. Each contender brings a distinct strength—Cherotich’s boldness, Yavi’s finishing speed, Chemutai’s championship calm, and Jeruto’s relentless consistency.

Calling a winner in such a field is no easy task. If the race turns into a brutal test of endurance, Yavi’s closing strength could prove decisive. Yet Cherotich’s fearless racing style, Chemutai’s experience, and Jeruto’s big-stage mentality ensure that nothing is guaranteed.

One thing is certain: this will be more than a race. It will be a battle for supremacy over barriers, water, and willpower.

The stage is set. The tension is rising. And in Xiamen, only one nation—and one athlete—will stand tallest.

Today April 24th as anticipation builds for the 2026 Kip Keino Classic in Nairobi, Kenya, one of Kenya’s rising stars has already created a special moment long before stepping onto the track. Emerging steeplechase talent Edmund Serem has flown his father to Nairobi ahead of the prestigious event, setting the stage for an emotional family reunion before one of the nation’s biggest athletics showcases.

For many athletes, success is measured in medals, records, and podium finishes. But for Edmund, this gesture reflects something deeper — gratitude, family pride, and appreciation for the journey that brought him to this level. Bringing his father to witness the occasion adds powerful meaning to what is already shaping up to be a defining season.

Edmund comes from a household where running excellence is no stranger. He is the younger brother of Amos Serem, another gifted Kenyan athlete who has also made his mark in the 3000m steeplechase. Together, the Serem brothers are preparing to give everything this season as they chase success on both local and international stages.

With talent, hunger, and growing experience, Edmund and Amos represent the next wave of Kenya’s proud steeplechase tradition. Their shared ambition and family bond make them one of the most exciting sibling stories in athletics today.

Now, with the Kip Keino Classic set to bring elite competition to Nairobi, Edmund has the opportunity to shine on home soil in front of family, fans, and the wider athletics world. Competing in Kenya always carries special significance, and with his father in the stands, the motivation will be even greater.

The Kip Keino Classic has become an important platform for East African stars to test themselves against world-class opposition while giving local supporters the chance to celebrate their own heroes. For Edmund Serem, however, this year’s edition may carry a meaning beyond medals and times.

It is about family. It is about legacy. And it is about two brothers, Edmund and Amos Serem, ready to give everything in pursuit of greatness this season.

Moroccan steeplechase legend Soufiane El Bakkali has officially begun a fresh chapter in his illustrious career after signing with On Running, marking a significant sponsorship change for one of athletics’ most dominant champions. The move brings together a proven winner and a fast-rising performance brand, united by a shared vision for the future.

A two-time Olympic champion and multiple world champion, El Bakkali has long been the benchmark in the men’s 3000m steeplechase. His ability to deliver on the biggest stages has defined an era, from Olympic triumphs in Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 to world titles in Eugene 2022 and Budapest 2023. Now, with On Running at his side, the Moroccan star is focused on sustaining that dominance and reaching even greater heights.

Explaining his decision, El Bakkali pointed to the long-term ambition behind the partnership, saying he was drawn to On by the clarity of their project and shared goals. Confident in the path ahead, he expressed his desire to keep shining and to achieve even more in the years to come.

El Bakkali’s success is built on consistency as much as brilliance. He reached world number one in 2023, set a personal best of 7:56.68 in the steeplechase in Rabat, and has shown his range with a 12:55.49 5000m performance in Paris. Alongside his Olympic and world medals, his Diamond League title in 2022 further underlined his authority in the event.

More than just a change of footwear, the partnership with On Running represents momentum—an alignment of innovation, ambition, and championship mentality. As El Bakkali continues to carry the Moroccan flag with pride, this new alliance signals that the king of the steeplechase is not done writing history.

For decades, the men’s 3000m steeplechase was as Kenyan as tea fields in Kericho or herds grazing the Rift Valley floor. Since Amos Biwott (first photo) struck Olympic gold in 1968, generations of Kenyan athletes turned the event into a national pig treasure, piling up Olympic and World titles with almost mechanical consistency. But the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo told a different story—one of fading dominance, foreign breakthroughs, and a teenager fighting to keep the flame alive.

A Race That Shook Tradition

On a humid evening inside Tokyo’s National Stadium, 17-year-old Edmund Serem—younger brother of 2021 World U20 champion Amos Serem—lined up against the world’s best: Olympic champion Soufiane El Bakkali, Ethiopia’s Lamecha Girma, New Zealand’s rising star Geordie Beamish, and a host of challengers from Europe, North America, and Asia.

For Serem, the mission was clear: keep Kenya’s flag on a podium that has become increasingly elusive.

From the gun, he ran bravely, shadowing Germany’s Karl Ruppert in the early laps, exchanging leads and refusing to yield. Ethiopia’s Samuel Firewu, Canada’s Jean-Simon Desgagnés, Poland’s Krzysztof Michalski, and Japan’s Ryuji Miura all joined the fight, turning the race into a tactical chess match.

With five laps to go, Serem was still in contention. But as the tempo shifted, the global pack pressed harder. Girma and El Bakkali moved menacingly forward, Desgagnés surged, and Michalski stunned the field by briefly taking the lead.

Then came the bell lap. In a race once synonymous with Kenyan processions, the battle had become a global dogfight. Beamish timed his kick to perfection, flying past Girma and fending off El Bakkali to seize a historic gold in 8:33.88. El Bakkali took silver in 8:33.95, while Serem, showing maturity beyond his years, held his ground to claim bronze in 8:34.56.

A Bittersweet Podium

For Kenya, the bronze carried mixed emotions. Serem’s medal, won by a teenager not yet old enough to vote, proved the country’s future is bright. Yet it also underscored a sobering reality: the days of near-total dominance are gone.

Speaking after the race, Serem was humble but defiant:

“It was tough out there, but I told myself Kenya must be on that podium. I am only 17, and I know this is just the beginning. One day, I will bring the gold back home.”

The Crumbling Fortress

The numbers tell the story. Since Conseslus Kipruto’s World title in 2019, Kenya has not won a global steeplechase gold. Instead, El Bakkali, Girma, and now Beamish have rewritten the script, dismantling the aura of invincibility once carried by legends like Ezekiel Kemboi, Brimin Kipruto, and Stephen Cherono.

Even with Abraham Kibiwot also in Tokyo, Kenya could not tilt the balance back. What was once fortress Kenya is now open territory.

Lessons and a Call to Action

Beamish’s victory offered a warning. New Zealand has no steeplechase tradition, yet through structured NCAA development and consistent Diamond League racing, Beamish matured into a world champion. Kenya, by contrast, must adapt: better coaching, tactical planning, and holistic athlete support are now non-negotiable.

Serem’s bronze provides a flicker of hope. His resilience against seasoned opponents shows promise, but it also highlights the urgent need for reinvestment. Athletics Kenya’s famed pipeline of school and military talent remains deep, but without evolution, history and reputation alone will not win medals.

The Future

As Edmund Serem stood on the Tokyo podium, the Kenyan flag draped over his shoulders, pride and resolve mixed in his eyes. Behind the applause lay a challenge: reclaim what has been lost.

If the steeplechase is to remain the beating heart of Kenya’s athletics heritage, Tokyo 2025 must not mark the continuation of decline, but the beginning of a fightback. And perhaps—just perhaps—it will be Serem, the teenager who dared to dream, who leads the revival.

In the heart of Kericho County, where rolling tea estates stretch endlessly toward the horizon, the rhythmic sound of pounding feet cuts through the crisp morning air. At 5:30 a.m., long before the first rays of sunlight pierce the mist, a group of young athletes from the KATA Kapkatet Camp gathers for prayer before setting off on their daily run.

The roads they follow—sometimes smooth tarmac, other times rugged murram winding through the tea fields—have become their open-air classroom. Step by step, they are learning resilience, nurturing hope, and chasing dreams that stretch beyond the Rift Valley.

Stories of Rising Talent

Among them is Andrew Oronyi, a 20-year-old sprinter who once dreamed of being a football star. Discovered by a teacher who recognized his speed, Oronyi shifted to athletics, experimenting with the 100m and 200m before finding his stride in the 400m. He now proudly holds a personal best of 47.57 seconds and has set his sights on breaking the 44-second barrier to secure a place on Kenya’s global championship team.

“Training under KATA has given me hope for a brighter future,” Oronyi says. “Here, I can focus on running while also contributing through manual work in the camp. This programme is helping athletes shine beyond the usual struggles.”

For Victor Kiprotich, just 16 and fresh out of high school in Kuresoi North, the KATA initiative has been transformative. Encouraged by his coach, Christopher Rono, he joined the camp in 2024 after completing Form Four. Specializing in the 1500m, Victor made headlines at the Bomet County Cross Country Championships, finishing second in the junior men’s 8km in 11:26.

“When I ran that race, I realized that with the right support, I can make it in this career,” he reflects. His gratitude is clear: “I thank Bob Anderson for this initiative. It will help camps become stable and sustainable. We usually begin our morning runs at 5:30 a.m. with prayers—it gives us strength and unity.”

Then there is Festus Kemboi, 18, from Chepalal village in Konoin. Introduced to athletics in Class 7, he began with the 5000m and steeplechase before focusing on the 3000m steeplechase and cross country in high school. Recently, he ran his first senior men’s 10km at Bomet, finishing eighth in 31 minutes. “I know I can bring that down to 30 minutes if I stay consistent,” he says. For him, KATA has been more than training: “This programme is a game changer. Many athletes struggle with rent, food, and daily survival. KATA gives us the structure and support to focus purely on running.”

Leadership and Vision

At the center of it all is Coach Christopher Rono, who operates the KATA Kapkatet Camp and sees immense promise in his athletes.

“Kemboi has shown real potential in cross country, while Kiprotich is a young talent with the ability to excel in the 1500m. Oronyi, though a sprinter, could even transition to the 800m in the future. Their determination excites me,” Rono says.

He also highlights Bob Anderson’s vision: “The potato farming project and the Double Road Race are not just creative but sustainable ideas. Athletics Kenya itself has recognized the KATA programme, encouraging camp leaders and support staff to align with it.”

Building More Than Champions

KATA’s message is spreading widely across the Rift Valley. Interest is surging, and several athletes have even begun renting houses near Kapkatet to be part of the training environment. With more than 30 KATA camps now running across Kenya, Bob Anderson’s vision is reshaping athletics management by ensuring athletes are supported both on and off the track.

As Coach Rono looks ahead to this year’s Double Road Race, he is confident: “We are ready to deliver, and this edition will be bigger and better.”

But beyond medals and times, the true story is told in Kapkatet’s misty mornings—young athletes running shoulder to shoulder through tea plantations, beginning each day with whispered prayers. This is where Kenya’s next champions are being molded. Here, sport and sustainability walk hand in hand, and hope runs free.

Tokyo, September 15, 2025 — New Zealand’s Geordie Beamish produced one of the most dramatic victories of the World Athletics Championships, storming to gold in the men’s 3000m steeplechase. His winning time of 8:33.88 edged Morocco’s reigning champion Soufiane El Bakkali by just 0.07 seconds, with 17-year-old Kenyan Edmund Serem taking bronze in 8:34.56 .

This is a breakthrough moment for New Zealand athletics: the nation’s first-ever outdoor World Championships track gold .

A Tactical Race Decided at the Line

The steeplechase final unfolded at a controlled pace, leaving the medals to be decided in the closing laps. El Bakkali, a two-time Olympic and world champion, looked ready to add another title. But Beamish, renowned for his devastating kick, stayed composed.

On the last lap, he surged through the field, matching El Bakkali stride for stride. Off the final water jump, Beamish unleashed one last burst of speed. In a thrilling lean at the line, he dethroned one of the event’s greats.

A fall and a spike in the heats 

Beamish’s victory was even more remarkable considering his rough path to the final. In his qualifying heat, he fell heavily and was stepped on in the face, yet managed to get up and finish second to advance .

That resilience set the tone for his gold-medal run.

Who Is Geordie Beamish?

• Born: October 24, 1996, in Hastings, New Zealand

• Club: On Athletics Club (based in Boulder, Colorado)

• Coach: Dathan Ritzenhein

• Specialties: 1500m through 5000m, and now the steeplechase

• Career highlights:

• 2024 World Indoor Champion in the 1500m (Glasgow)

• Oceania record holder in the 3000m steeplechase (8:09.64, Paris, 2024)

• Fifth in the 2023 World Championships steeplechase final

Beamish’s late move to the steeplechase has transformed his career, turning him from a versatile miler into a global champion.

This was a big upset 

Beamish’s Tokyo win not only toppled El Bakkali’s reign but also put New Zealand back on the map of world middle-distance running. For a nation that once celebrated icons like Peter Snell and John Walker, this is a new chapter in the sport’s history.

With the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics on the horizon , Beamish has proven he has the strength, resilience, and tactical brilliance to contend for more global medals.

Two years ago, Thomas Broatch captured the Canadian marathon title at the 2023 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon—a remarkable feat considering it was the Vancouver native’s debut at the distance.

Now, at 26, he returns to Toronto a more seasoned competitor with his sights set on joining an exclusive group of Canadian men who have broken the 2:10 barrier.

That goal looks within reach. Earlier this year, the University of British Columbia graduate ran a personal best of 2:10:35 at the Houston Marathon, nearly six minutes faster than his Toronto debut of 2:16:25.

“It is a pretty iconic barrier, and I definitely feel I am able to shave off a second per kilometre,” Broatch says with conviction. “It seems doable. I am planning to do a 10K one month out. If I run a time like what I ran in Ottawa, then it would give me a good indication I am ready to take a crack at sub-2:10.”

In May, he finished fifth at the Canadian 10K Championships in Ottawa, setting a new personal best of 28:56. His training has included shorter, 5K-pace intervals once a week, and despite his marathon buildup, he insists the heavy mileage hasn’t dulled his speed.

The lure of another Canadian championship medal also influenced his fall marathon choice. Once again, the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon serves as the official Canadian championships, in addition to being a World Athletics Elite Label race.

Broatch knows the domestic competition will be fierce. Two Canadian Olympians headline the field: Ben Flanagan, who recently ran 13:04.62 for 5,000m to qualify for Paris and owns a half marathon best of 61:00, and John Gay, a former UBC teammate who reached the 3,000m steeplechase final at the Tokyo Olympics.

“What they have done over the shorter distances is really impressive; much faster than I have run,” Broatch admits. “So, in some ways it’s a bit intimidating. But now that I’ve got a few marathons under my belt, I think it kind of balances out.”

Balancing athletics with a professional career has also defined Broatch’s journey. He recently marked three years with Clir Renewables, a Vancouver-based renewable energy software company, where he works remotely. Despite racing athletes who focus exclusively on training, he remains unfazed.

“Not having the commute definitely helps,” he says. “I almost never run in the middle of the day—I always run before and after work. It’s a big commitment, but I think I have a pretty efficient schedule. I don’t do weights or anything else. I just run.”

His current training load has climbed to 200 kilometers per week. In July, he tested himself at the Gold Coast Marathon in Australia, running aggressively early before fading. The experience gave him valuable lessons as he recovered and built back toward Toronto.

Outside of running, Broatch enjoys reading—recently Liu Cixin’s The Wandering Earth—and visiting his local library for fresh issues of National Geographic. He also plays golf regularly, often with his coach Chris Johnson.

In a recent friendly match, he and a teammate lost to Johnson but still walked away feeling victorious. “We were considerable underdogs, but both of us had our best round ever,” he laughs. “It’s like running—you can lose but still come away with a good performance.”

With two clear objectives—another national championship podium and a sub-2:10 performance—Broatch is highly motivated. Against a strong domestic and international field, Toronto promises to be a pivotal race in his career.

At the KATA Running Camp and KATA Potato Farm's first official running camp, KATA 01 in Kapcherop, Coach Philemon Kipruto is leading a dynamic mix of rising teenage talent, competitive middle-distance athletes, and seasoned marathoners. Training programs are carefully balanced between speed, endurance, and tactical racing skills, ensuring that every athlete—whether 16 or 38—continues to progress.

Philemon also operates KATA 09 in Tenden, just a few kilometers away, giving him the unique advantage of managing two high-performance training groups within close proximity. Together, these two camps not only produce top-level athletes but also farm six acres of KATA potatoes, directly contributing to the program’s sustainability and providing the “Fuel of Champions”.

What is KATA?

The Kenya Athletics Training Academy (KATA) was founded by Bob Anderson in Thika, Kenya, in 2019 as a hub for developing elite Kenyan runners. The program has since grown into a nationwide network, uniquely combining world-class training camps with sustainable agriculture.

Since May 16, 2025, KATA has launched 30 mrunning camps across Kenya, plus 20 independent KATA Potato Farms not directly attached to camps. This brings the total to 50 KATA potato farms—the backbone of the program’s long-term sustainability.

Known as “The Fuel of Champions”, KATA potatoes provide both nutrition for athletes and revenue to support training operations. As of today, there are 108 acres of KATA potatoes planted or being planted, directly supporting more than 400 KATA athletes across the country.

KATA’s mission is clear: produce champions who can succeed locally and internationally while building a self-sustaining model that benefits athletes, communities, and the Kenyan running legacy.

Standout Athletes & Performances

Men:

• Leonard Pkorir (19) – 10km: 29:11 – Emerging as a formidable road racer with a strong endurance base.

• Enock Tanui (16) – 3000m Steeplechase: 9:02 – Exceptional hurdle technique with early signs of national team potential.

• Alan Mwetich (22) – 21km: 65:12 – Balanced speed and stamina for half marathon success.

• Shadrack Plimo (19) – 1500m: 3:54 – Targeting a sub-3:50 at the next meet.

• Kelvin Kibiwott (20) – 5000m: 15:20 – Building speed endurance ahead of cross-country season.

• Dennis Kosgei (23) – 21km: 64:53 – Looking to sharpen his closing kick in the half marathon.

• Evans Kemboi (23) – 3000m: 9:24 – Solid short-to-mid distance competitor.

• Alex Kimutai (22) – 10km: 30:47 – On track to break 30 minutes soon.

• Doland Kimaru (29) – 42km: 2:17:50 – Pushing for a sub-2:15 marathon.

• Denis Kipchirchir (22) – 1500m: 4:08 – Focused on tactical improvements.

• Hosea Kiplagat (38) – 42km: 2:12 – Veteran leader bringing discipline and race strategy to the group.

Ladies:

• Mercy Jebichie (24) – 10km: 36:04 – Strong road race specialist, consistently targeting podiums.

• Sarah Chepkemoi (24) – 5000m: 18:16 – Improving strength and lap consistency.

• Mercy Jepchumba (23) – 10km: 37:31 – Steady improvement with better pacing strategies.

• Joan Jepchirchir (27) – 21km: 86:18 – Determined to drop her half marathon time through endurance gains.

KATA 01 exemplifies the Academy’s mission: developing champions through structured training, mentorship, and a team-first culture—backed by the sustainable support of KATA Potato Farms. With more than 400 athletes, 108 acres of potatoes, and two camps farming six acres between them, KATA is proving that sport and agriculture can grow champions together.

KATA is excited to announce the appointment of Dennis Musau, also known as Coach Dennis, as Chief Technical Officer (CTO), reporting directly to KATA founder Bob Anderson. His official start date is Monday, August 11, 2025.

Coach Dennis (first photo: out for a few miles this morning with Bob Anderson and Anderson Manor project manager Alberto near KATA Portugal) has been working with Bob and Catherine Anderson since 2021 and is currently completing his second three-month term at KATA Portugal, housed at Anderson Manor in Monforte da Beira. In his new role, he will be working full-time from both Portugal and KATA Thika in Kenya.

“I am so excited about our KATA project—both our KATA Running Camps and KATA Potato Farm projects,” says Coach Dennis.

“Bob Anderson has truly come up with a unique idea that is growing like wildfire throughout Kenya. Bob signed up our first camp on May 16, 2025, and already we’ve attracted Olympic-level runners and coaches to operate them. We have opened 30 KATA Running Camps and an additional 20 stand-alone farms, most growing two or more acres of KATA potatoes. This means we now have 30 KATA Running Camps, 20 KATA Farms, plus our KATA Thika and KATA Portugal Running Retreats training guests year-round.”

About Coach Dennis

Dennis graduated as a mathematics teacher in 1998 before shifting his career to athletics. Over the years, he has competed worldwide in a wide range of events, including the 3,000m steeplechase, 5,000m, 10,000m, 15km, half marathon (21km), and marathon (42km). His athletic journey began in high school as a 400m hurdles runner before a teacher encouraged him to move into long-distance events. He transitioned to the 3,000m steeplechase, then later to the 5,000m and 10,000m, achieving success across multiple distances.

With decades of experience in both competitive running and coaching, Dennis brings a unique blend of technical expertise, leadership, and passion to help guide KATA’s growth in Kenya and beyond.

Thousands of the world’s best athletes will head to Japan in September for the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25.

The 20th edition of this prestigious competition will star more than 2000 athletes from some 200 countries as they compete for medals across 49 events during nine days of action from 13-21 September.

Which events are contested at the World Athletics Championships?

There are 49 events on the programme for the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25, meaning 147 medals will be awarded across the nine action-packed days of competition.

There are an equal number of disciplines for women and men – 24 each and one mixed event.

The disciplines are:

• 100m – women and men• 200m – women and men• 400m – women and men• 800m – women and men• 1500m – women and men• 5000m – women and men• 10,000m – women and men• Marathon – women and men• 3000m steeplechase – women and men• 100m hurdles – women• 110m hurdles – men• 400m hurdles – women and men• heptathlon – women• decathlon – men• high jump – women and men• pole vault – women and men• long jump – women and men• triple jump – women and men• shot put – women and men• discus – women and men• hammer – women and men• javelin – women and men• 20km race walk – women and men• 35km race walk – women and men• 4x100m relay – women and men• 4x400m relay – women, men and mixed

Learn more about the various events on our dedicated disciplines page.

How do athletes qualify and gain selection for the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25?

The qualification system is based on a combination of entry standards and world rankings. The qualifying window for the marathon was 5 November 2023 until 4 May 2025. For the 10,000m, 20km race walk, 35km race walk, combined events and relays, the window runs from 25 February 2024 to 24 August 2025. For all other events, entry standards can be achieved from 1 August 2024 to 24 August 2025.

The World Athletics Relays Guangzhou 25 was a qualifying event for the relays, with the top 14 teams in each discipline securing their place at the World Championships.

The Road to Tokyo online tool is designed to help athletes, fans and media track the qualification process. Searchable by event, country and qualification status, the tool provides a real-time view of each event over the course of the qualification period.

The tool does not, and will not, indicate which athletes have been selected for entry by their member federation. Final entries will be published nearer to the time of the World Championships.

Will athletes win prize money?

Individual athletes and relay teams will win prize money at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25. There is a total prize money pot of US$8,498,000.

Individuals1st US$70,0002nd US$35,0003rd US$22,0004th US$16,0005th US$11,0006th US$70007th US$60008th US$5000

Teams1st US$80,0002nd US$40,0003rd US$20,0004th US$16,0005th US$12,0006th US$80007th US$60008th US$4000

There is also a world record bonus of US$100,000.

Which athletes will be competing?

The world’s best athletes – including global champions and world record-holders – will be competing at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25.

The names of the athletes who will be there will not be certain until the qualifying window closes and nations select their teams. 

Champions from the last edition of the World Championships in Budapest in 2023 include:

• Sweden’s world pole vault record-holder Mondo Duplantis• Kenya’s world 1500m record-holder Faith Kipyegon• USA’s double sprint champion Noah Lyles• Ukraine’s world high jump record-holder Yaroslava Mahuchikh• USA’s world shot put record-holder Ryan Crouser• Dutch Olympic and world 400m hurdles medallist Femke Bol• India’s Tokyo Olympic javelin champion Neeraj Chopra• Venezuela’s world triple jump record-holder Yulimar Rojas• Norwegian multiple world record-holder Jakob Ingebrigtsen• Japan’s Olympic javelin champion Haruka Kitaguchi

In the heart of Kenya’s Rift Valley and beyond, a quiet revolution in athletics is underway. What began as a modest idea has grown into a dynamic movement that now spans 19 KATA Running Camps and Potato Farms across Kenya—plus two international retreats, including one at the historic Anderson Manor in Monforte da Beira, Portugal.

And it’s happening fast.

“We never planned to expand this quickly,” says Bob Anderson, founder of KATA and a lifelong advocate for long-distance running. “But the momentum of this movement just couldn’t be slowed down. We’ll be confirming one more camp shortly, and additional locations will follow in early 2026.”

KATA—short for Kenyan Athletics Training Academy—is unlike anything else in the world of distance running. It blends elite training with economic empowerment, giving young athletes not only the tools to run fast, but also a system that sustains them—and their communities—beyond the track.

“This is not just sports development,” says Brigid Chebet, a Kenyan journalist who has closely followed the program. “It’s a model of rural transformation through athletics. And Kenya may finally have found a winning formula for generations to come.”

From a Vision to a Movement

KATA was founded by Bob Anderson, an accomplished American runner who created Runner’s World magazine and later My Best Runs. After visiting Kenya in 2014, he was deeply inspired by the raw talent scattered throughout rural communities—athletes with potential but no pathway.

“He saw a path that few others in athletic management had envisioned—a system that not only trains champions but empowers them economically,” writes Chebet.

That system became KATA: a network of running camps, each paired with a three-acre potato farm. Each camp receives an interest-free loan from KATA to establish operations. In exchange, athletes train full-time and contribute 25 hours a week to the farm. Revenue from the potato harvest supports camp expenses, housing, and meals—creating a self-sustaining ecosystem.

A Growing National Network

The first KATA retreat opened in Thika in 2019. Today, the initiative includes 19 camps spread across Kenya, each run by an experienced operator—many of them former elite athletes.

In addition to these camps, two retreats serve as international training hubs: the KATA Running Retreat Thika, operated by Chris Muiruri, and the KATA Running Retreat Portugal, operated by Alberto Santos. Guests from around the world come to the two KATA retreats to train the Kenyan Way.  

Elite Experience, Grassroots Impact

At the heart of KATA’s success is its leadership team. Olympic medalist Edwin Soi, now managing the Kuresoi Camp, brings both credibility and experience. Legendary steeplechaser Paul Kipsiele Koech, who has run under 8:10 in the 3000m steeplechase over 110 times, oversees two KATA camps/farms.  

Veteran coach Charles Ngeno, known for his early work with Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon, now heads the Olenguruone camp, ensuring that young athletes from even the most remote villages receive structured training and economic opportunity.

“The new vision embraces sustainability, resilience, and empowerment,” writes Chebet. “It ensures that our athletes thrive both on and off the field.”

Looking Ahead

Anderson and the KATA team have ambitious plans: confirming one more camp this month and preparing for even more in 2026. The goal is clear—build up to 50 self-sustaining running camps across  Kenya and replicate the model in other parts of the world.

“We’re not just chasing medals,” says Anderson. “We’re building lives.”

For partnership opportunities or more information, contact Bob Anderson on WhatsApp: +1-650-400-6643

Faith Cherotich is rewriting the women’s 3000m steeplechase narrative. The 20-year-old Olympic and World bronze medalist exploded onto the senior stage this year, slashing over 11 seconds off her personal best and firmly establishing herself among the all-time greats. With the World Championships set for Tokyo in 2025, she’s made it clear—she’s not done yet.

Olympic Roots, Meteoric Rise

Cherotich made her Olympic debut in Paris 2024, earning bronze in 9:04.24 behind Winfred Yavi and Peruth Chemutai. Just a year later, she’s running nearly 11 seconds faster.

At the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, she finished second in 9:00.69, already hinting at her vast potential. But 2025 has been a different level altogether.

Diamond League Domination

Cherotich’s progression this season has been remarkable:

• Doha Diamond League – 9:05.08

• Oslo Diamond League – 9:02.60 (meet record)

• Paris Diamond League – a stunning 8:53.37, now the world lead for 2025 and the 6th-fastest time in history

In Paris, she confidently shadowed 2020 Olympic champion Peruth Chemutai before surging ahead for the win.

“I am happy to have run a PB,” Cherotich said after the race. “It was not an easy race… after a few laps I got confident enough to take the lead and knew I could manage the race and win.”

All-Time Rankings & World Record Watch

• Fastest time ever: 8:44.32 — Beatrice Chepkoech (2018)

• Second-fastest: 8:44.39 — Winfred Yavi (Rome, 2024)

• Cherotich: Now #6 all-time with 8:53.37

Her consistency, combined with tactical growth, has vaulted her into serious world title contention

Focused on Tokyo 2025

With the World Championships returning to Tokyo, Cherotich is more motivated than ever:

“My target this season is to win the world title… I want to run good races… I am going to fight and do all my best to achieve my goal… It will be a different result this time in Tokyo.”

She currently leads the Diamond League standings by 10 points over rival Yavi and has shown she can beat any competitor on the day.

✅ Performance Summary

Cherotich isn’t just winning races—she’s chasing history. With the world title in her sights and her confidence growing with every lap, all roads now lead to Tokyo.

In a bold move to reshape the future of distance running, Bob Anderson, the legendary founder of Runner’s World and lifelong runner, has launched a groundbreaking initiative that’s taking root across Kenya. What began in 2019 with the Kenyan Athletics Training Academy (KATA) in Thika, and expanded to Portugal earlier this year, is now flourishing into a national movement—with eight KATA Running Camps already confirmed, and ten expected by July 1, plus two full-service KATA Retreats in Thika and Monforte da Beira, Portugal.

photos: 1. Edwin's KATA team reporting to his camp today in Kericho.  2. Eric's KATA in Molo will be planting their first acre of KATA potatoes tomorrow.   

"As far as I know, there’s nothing like what we are doing,” says Bob Anderson. “My team and I believe we’re going to make a big difference in the running world. We’ll have nearly 200 KATA athletes by July. We have so much talent, and with strong leadership and support, we can help them become world-class stars

A Sustainable Model with a Powerful Vision

What sets KATA apart is its innovative self-sustaining model that combines elite athletic training with agriculture and community building.

Each KATA Running Camp:

• Supports 3 acres of KATA potato farms

• Requires athletes to work 25 hours per week on the farm

• Asks athletes to contribute 15% of any prize money earned to support their camp

In return, every KATA athlete receives:

• Free lodging

• Three nutritious meals daily

• World-class coaching

“Within six months, all camps will be fully self-sustaining,” Anderson says. “This is not just a running camp—it’s a lifestyle, a community, and a path to opportunity.

Powered by Champions

Two of KATA’s confirmed camp operators are Olympic medalists who bring unmatched experience to the program:

• Edwin Soi, bronze medalist in the 5000m at the 2008 Olympics, now leads KATA Kericho. He’s still racing—and proving his form. On June 15, he clocked a blazing 27:30 for 10,000 meters on the track.

• Paul Kipsiele Koech, bronze medalist at the 2004 Olympics in the 3000m steeplechase, heads KATA Sotik, bringing leadership, discipline, and deep tactical knowledge.

A Vision for 50 Camps, 1,000 Athletes

Anderson’s vision is as ambitious as it is inspiring:

“We hope to build a network of 50 KATA Running Camps to train nearly 1,000 athletes. At the same time, we’re working closely with local communities to promote healthier lifestyles through running, nutrition, and education.”

Each camp is embedded within its local area—supporting food security through farming, developing young talent, and strengthening communal ties.

More Than a Camp. A Movement.

KATA is not just about producing the next world record holder. It’s about giving hundreds of athletes the opportunity to reach their full potential—on the track, in life, and within their communities.

By combining sport with sustainability, and elite training with grassroots outreach, Bob Anderson’s KATA is poised to become one of the most impactful distance running projects in the world.

Paul Kipsiele Koech, one of Kenya’s most decorated distance runners, has officially joined the growing KATA Running Camp network as the operator of the new satellite camp in Sotik, Kenya.

Koech won the bronze medal in the 3000m steeplechase at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens and remains one of the most accomplished athletes in the history of the event. His personal best of 7:54.31 still ranks as the 4th fastest time ever run in the 3000m steeplechase.

Even more impressively, Paul has run more sub-8:10 steeplechase races than any other athlete in history, with 110 such performances—a level of consistency that showcases his incredible fitness and longevity in one of the sport’s most grueling disciplines.

Now a world-class masters runner, Koech continues to train and inspire. But his talents extend beyond the track: he’s a successful dairy farmer with his own milk company and has extensive experience growing potatoes across the Rift Valley.

His deep agricultural background makes him the perfect fit for KATA’s innovative model, which combines elite running with sustainable farming. The KATA Running Camp Sotik will provide athletes with top-tier coaching and facilities, as well as hands-on experience in potato farming—a dual focus designed to build both athletic and life skills.

“I am so excited to be part of the KATA Running Camp program Bob has put together,” says Paul. “We are going to make a difference.”

Top five all-time best times for 3000m Steeplechase:

With Paul Kipsiele Koech at the helm, the Sotik camp becomes a powerful addition to the KATA mission: helping uncover new talent, supporting athlete development, and strengthening local communities—one stride at a time.

Ethiopia’s Sofia Assefa, long known for her brilliance on the track, is now carving out a new identity as a rising force in the marathon. The former Olympic silver medalist in the 3,000m steeplechase delivered a strong second-place finish at the 2025 Copenhagen Marathon, clocking 2:26:21.

This result marks a significant milestone in her marathon career—and a sign that Assefa is only gaining momentum on the roads.

From the Steeplechase to the Streets

Assefa made her name on the global stage with a silver medal at the London 2012 Olympics and a bronze at the 2013 World Championships, becoming one of Ethiopia’s most decorated steeplechasers. After a brief step back from elite competition, she began a new chapter in 2023, debuting in the marathon with a quiet 2:23:33 finish in Amsterdam—an impressive time that, surprisingly, received little media attention.

Stepping Onto the Podium in Copenhagen

That all changed in Copenhagen. On May 11, 2025, Assefa battled through a competitive international field and crossed the finish line second overall, just behind Kenya’s Sharon Kiptugen. Her time of 2:26:21 may not have been a personal best, but it earned her a well-deserved place on the podium and reaffirmed her status as a top-tier athlete.

What makes her performance even more notable is that she is still relatively new to the marathon. Her endurance, race intelligence, and experience from years on the track are clearly translating well to longer distances.

Looking Forward

At 37, Assefa has found fresh motivation and success on the roads. With two marathons now under her belt—including a podium finish—she’s poised to continue challenging some of the world’s best in upcoming races.

Her story is a powerful reminder that champions don’t fade—they evolve. Sofia Assefa is proving that greatness can take many forms, and her marathon journey is just beginning.

How a Spanish runner chose honor over victory—and why the moment still resonates today

In an era where victory often overshadows values, one moment during a small cross-country race in Spain reminded the world what true sportsmanship looks like.

It was December 2012 in Burlada, Navarra. Kenyan runner Abel Mutai, fresh off a bronze medal in the 3,000m steeplechase at the London Olympics, was just steps away from winning the race. But confused by the signage, Mutai stopped short of the actual finish line, believing he had already crossed it.

Right behind him was Iván Fernández Anaya, a 24-year-old Spanish runner. Seeing what was happening, Fernández began yelling to encourage Mutai forward. But the language barrier got in the way—Mutai didn’t understand Spanish. Realizing time was ticking, Fernández made a split-second decision: he placed his hand on Mutai’s back and gently guided him to the finish, ensuring the Kenyan crossed first.

The moment was captured in a now-iconic photograph: one runner helping another over the line instead of taking advantage of a mistake. The world took notice.

A journalist asked Fernández why he didn’t seize the win.

“My dream is that someday we can have a kind of community life where we push and help each other to win,” he responded.

“But you could have won,” the journalist insisted.

“He was going to win. The race was his,” Fernández replied.

Still unconvinced, the journalist pressed again. “But what would be the merit of your victory? What would be the honor in that medal? What would my mother think of that?”

In that moment, Iván Fernández became more than a runner—he became a symbol of the spirit of sport.

Where Are They Now?

Abel Mutai, now 36, continued to compete internationally in the years following that race, though injuries eventually limited his appearances. He remains a respected figure in Kenyan athletics and is now mentoring younger athletes as part of a community-based training initiative near Eldoret.

Iván Fernández Anaya, also 36, continues to compete at the national level in Spain but has increasingly focused on advocacy and public speaking. He visits schools and community groups to talk about values, fair play, and why how you win matters more than simply crossing the line first.

Their brief encounter more than a decade ago still inspires millions around the world. It’s used in classrooms, leadership seminars, and ethics workshops as a timeless example of integrity.

A Legacy That Endures

This wasn’t just a race. It was a reminder of what matters. In a world that often rewards shortcuts and overlooks character, Fernández showed us that the real victory lies in doing what’s right—even when no one would blame you for doing otherwise.

As athletes, parents, and coaches, what values are we passing down? Let’s make sure they include fairness, empathy, and the courage to do the right thing—even when it’s hard.

Because in the end, honesty and ethics are always winning.

May 11, 2025 | Copenhagen, Denmark – The 45th edition of the Copenhagen Marathon was the largest in Danish history, with 21,141 registered runners and near-perfect racing conditions—11°C (52F) and no wind. It nearly became the fastest as well, with both men’s and women’s course records just out of reach.

Eritrea’s Berhane Tesfaye claimed victory in the men’s race, stopping the clock at 2:08:25, just two seconds shy of the course record. In the women’s race, Kenyan debutant Sharon Kiptugen ran a stunning 2:23:19, finishing just five seconds off the women’s course best.

Tesfaye, who also won the 2025 Mumbai Marathon, ran a tactical race. After early pacing from Kenya’s Reuben Rono (1:03:43 at halfway), the lead shifted multiple times. Tesfaye and Kenya’s Vincent Mutai battled through the final kilometers, with the 38-year-old Tesfaye pulling away after 40K to win by 44 seconds. “I was aware of the record, but I had pain in my legs and just couldn’t finish faster,” Tesfaye said post-race.

On the women’s side, Kiptugen pulled away after the halfway mark (1:11:27), steadily building a commanding lead over a deep field that included Sofia Assefa of Ethiopia—2012 Olympic silver medalist in the 3000m steeplechase—who finished second in 2:26:21. “I didn’t know I was so close to the record,” Kiptugen said. “But I’m just happy for the win.”

Top Finishers – Men

Berhane Tesfaye (ERI) – 2:08:25

Vincent Mutai (KEN) – 2:09:09 (PB)

Yismaw Atinafu (ETH) – 2:10:32

Top Finishers – Women

Sharon Kiptugen (KEN) – 2:23:19 (PB)

Sofia Assefa (ETH) – 2:26:21

Abebech Afework (ETH) – 2:28:37

Looking ahead, the 2026 Copenhagen Marathon will take place on May 10, with registration opening on May 27, 2025. The next major event in the city is the Copenhagen Half Marathon, scheduled for September 14, 2025, which also serves as a lead-up to the World Athletics Road Running Championships Copenhagen 26—expected to draw up to 65,000 runners.

The 50th edition of the Prefontaine Classic, set for July 5 at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, promises to be one of the most exciting track meets of the year. Headlining the event is three-time Olympic gold medalist Faith Kipyegon, who returns to the Pre Classic in search of her seventh career victory in the women’s 1500m.

Kipyegon, the world record holder in both the 1500m (3:49.04) and the mile (4:07.64), shattered the 1500m mark in Paris on July 7, 2024. Now, nearly a year later, she’ll look to reassert her dominance in front of a packed crowd at one of the sport’s most prestigious meets.

Joining Kipyegon in the 1500m are her fellow 2024 Olympic medalists—silver medalist Jessica Hull of Australia and bronze medalist Georgia Bell of Great Britain. Hull, a former University of Oregon standout, also holds the current world record in the 2000m.

But Kipyegon isn’t the only big name set to thrill fans in Eugene. The men’s Bowerman Mile will feature a stacked lineup that includes:

• Jakob Ingebrigtsen (Norway) – Olympic gold medalist and multiple-time Bowerman Mile champion

• Cole Hocker (USA) – 2024 Olympic 1500m champion

• Yared Nuguse (USA) – Olympic bronze medalist and former indoor mile world record holder

• Timothy Cheruiyot (Li Kenya) – Former world champion

• Jake Wightman (Great Britain) – 2022 world champion

• Grant Fisher (USA) – Olympic bronze medalist in both the 5000m and 10,000m

• Plus rising stars including Oliver Hoare, Neil Gourley, Azeddine Habz, Hobbs Kessler, Niels Laros, Cameron Myers, Stefan Nillessen, and Reynold Cheruiyot

In the men’s 400m hurdles, Olympic silver medalist Rai Benjamin will headline a competitive field that also includes CJ Allen, Trevor Bassitt, Clement Ducos, Malik James-King, Abderrahman Samba, and Assinie Wilson.

The 2025 Prefontaine Classic will feature 14 Diamond League disciplines, including the women’s 800m, 5000m, and 3000m steeplechase—each with world-class fields expected to be announced soon.

As the sport celebrates this milestone edition of the Pre Classic, the meet is shaping up to be not just a tune-up for global championships, but a showcase of track and field at its absolute best.

The 2025 Wanda Diamond League kicks off this Saturday, April 26, in Xiamen, China, launching the most prestigious one-day series in global track and field. With 15 elite meets on the calendar, this year’s circuit serves as both a proving ground and a preview for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo this September.

While Olympic champion Grant Holloway will headline the sprint hurdles, it’s the middle- and long-distance events in Xiamen that promise some of the most compelling matchups of the weekend.

Chebet vs. Tsegay in the Women’s 5000m

Saturday’s most anticipated race may be the women’s 5000m, featuring a classic Kenya vs. Ethiopia showdown.

Beatrice Chebet, the reigning Olympic champion and world record holder in the 10,000m, opens her Diamond League campaign against Gudaf Tsegay, the reigning 5000m world champion and world record holder. With personal bests of 14:05.92 (Chebet) and 14:00.21 (Tsegay), the two are expected to push each other deep into record territory.

They’ll be challenged by rising Ethiopian talents Freweyni Hailu and Birke Haylom, both capable of delivering world-class performances.

Kipyegon Returns in the 1000m

Also making her season debut is Kenyan superstar Faith Kipyegon, who will race the rarely-run 1000m. The two-time Olympic and world champion is the current world record holder in both the 1500m and the mile.

In Xiamen, she’ll face Jamaica’s Natoya Goule-Toppin and Uganda’s Halimah Nakaayi, both of whom are known for their championship pedigree over 800m. The 1000m offers an ideal distance for Kipyegon to sharpen her speed and stamina heading into the summer.

Men’s 3000m Steeplechase: A Deep Field Emerges

The men’s 3000m steeplechase will feature a stacked lineup, with top athletes from Kenya, Ethiopia, and Morocco vying for early-season dominance. With the event’s tradition of upsets and tactical drama, this race will be one to watch for fans of distance racing.

2025 Wanda Diamond League Schedule

Following Xiamen, the Diamond League tour travels to 14 more cities before the two-day final in Zurich. Here’s the full schedule:

• April 26 – Xiamen, China

• May 3 – Shanghai/Suzhou, China

• May 16 – Doha, Qatar

• May 25 – Rabat, Morocco

• June 6 – Rome, Italy

• June 12 – Oslo, Norway

• June 15 – Stockholm, Sweden

• June 20 – Paris, France

• July 5 – Eugene, USA

• July 11 – Monaco

• July 19 – London, UK

• August 16 – Silesia, Poland

• August 20 – Lausanne, Switzerland

• August 22 – Brussels, Belgium

• August 27–28 – Zurich, Switzerland (Diamond League Final)

The series leads directly into the 2025 World Athletics Championships, set for September 13–21 at Japan National Stadium in Tokyo.

Sara Hall, one of America’s most accomplished marathoners, is set to compete in the 129th Boston Marathon on April 21, 2025. This marks her fourth appearance in Boston, where she aims to build upon her impressive track record.

Hall’s personal best in the marathon is 2:20:32, achieved at The Marathon Project in 2020, making her the fourth-fastest American woman in history at the distance. In 2024, she finished 15th overall and was the second American woman at the Boston Marathon with a time of 2:27:58. Later that year, she broke her own American masters record by running 2:23:45 at the Valencia Marathon .  

Hall’s versatility is evident in her achievements across various distances. She set an American half marathon record of 1:07:15 in 2022 and has won 10 U.S. national titles, uniquely securikng championships in both the mile and the marathon. Her international accolades include a gold medal in the 3,000m steeplechase at the 2011 Pan American Games .

Beyond her athletic prowess, Hall is known for her commitment to philanthropy. She and her husband, Ryan Hall, a former U.S. Olympian and American record holder in the half marathon, co-founded the Hall Steps Foundation, which focuses on combating global poverty. In 2015, they adopted four sisters from Ethiopia, expanding their family and deepening their connection to the global community . 

As Hall prepares for the 2025 Boston Marathon, she continues to inspire with her dedication, resilience, and contributions both on and off the course.

With the season opener just days away, rivalries from 800m to 10,000m are heating up on the Road to Zurich

The 2025 Wanda Diamond League kicks off on April 26 in Xiamen, China, launching a new season of high-stakes track and field action. For the world’s best middle- and long-distance runners, this marks the beginning of the Road to the Final—a journey that will culminate in Zurich on August 27–28.

And if the early headlines are any indication, the upcoming season will be nothing short of electric.

Ingebrigtsen vs. Kerr: A Rivalry Rekindled

One of the fiercest rivalries in the sport will light up the men’s 1500m once again as Jakob Ingebrigtsen and Josh Kerr go head-to-head at the London Diamond League on July 19.

Their tension has been simmering since Kerr stunned Ingebrigtsen to win the world title in Budapest in 2023. The Norwegian responded with a strong victory in Zurich, but the scoreboard is far from settled.

Ingebrigtsen, now chasing his fifth career Diamond League title, will also line up against Olympic medalists Yared Nuguse and Cole Hocker in the Bowerman Mile at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene on July 5, setting up another world-class clash.

Doha’s Steeplechase Rematch

The women’s 3000m steeplechase promises a rematch of Olympic proportions in Doha, where Winfred Yavi will face off against fellow medalists Peruth Chemutai and Faith Cherotich.

Yavi, the reigning Olympic champion, came within a whisker of the world record in Rome last season, while Cherotich enters 2025 as the Diamond League titleholder. Their early-season clash in Qatar could set the tone for one of the most compelling storylines in women’s distance running.

Eyes on Rome: A Distance-Lover’s Dream

The Pietro Mennea Golden Gala in Rome on June 6 is already shaping up to be one of the key middle- and long-distance showpieces of the year.

While final entries are still being confirmed, the women’s 800m is expected to feature a powerhouse lineup, potentially including Keely Hodgkinson, Athing Mu, and Mary Moraa. On the men’s side, stars like Emmanuel Wanyonyi, Marco Arop, and Djamel Sedjati are expected to battle for points in a crowded field of Olympic contenders.

Rome, known for producing fast times and historic finishes, could once again deliver career-defining performances.

2025: A Season Built for Distance Drama

The Wanda Diamond League includes 14 series meets across four continents, leading to the two-day Final in Zurich, where only the top point-earners will compete for the Diamond Trophy. With increased prize money—ranging from $30,000 to $50,000 per discipline at series meetings and $60,000 to $100,000 at the Final—and millions watching worldwide, every race matters.  

2025 is already shaping up to be a banner year for middle- and long-distance running. With fierce rivalries, Olympic-level fields, and rising stars chasing career breakthroughs in the 800m, 1500m, mile, steeplechase, 5000m, and 10,000m, the stage is set for one of the most thrilling Diamond League seasons yet.

Track and field has long been the stage for some of the most electrifying athletic performances in history. Each generation has produced legends who have redefined what is possible in sprinting, distance running, and field events. But which era stands above the rest?

From the Silent Generation pioneers to the Gen Z record-breakers, every period has contributed to the evolution of the sport. Let’s break down each era’s greatest stars and their lasting impact on track and field.

Gen Z (Born 1997 - 2012): The Future of Track & Field

The newest generation of elite athletes is already making waves on the world stage. With the benefit of cutting-edge training, nutrition, and recovery techniques, these young stars are smashing records at a rapid pace.

Notable Sprinters & Field Athletes:

• Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (USA) – 400m hurdles world record holder and Olympic champion

• Mondo Duplantis (Sweden) – Pole vault world record holder

• Erriyon Knighton (USA) – One of the fastest teenagers ever in the 200m

Notable Distance Runners:

• Jakob Ingebrigtsen (Norway) – Olympic 1500m champion, European mile record holder

• Joshua Cheptegei (Uganda) – 5000m and 10,000m world record holder

• Jacob Kiplimo (Uganda) – Half marathon world record holder (57:31)

• Gudaf Tsegay (Ethiopia) – World champion in the 1500m, dominant in middle distances

Gen Z athletes are not only breaking records but also shaping the future of the sport through their influence on social media and global visibility. With their combination of speed, endurance, and access to modern sports science, they may soon surpass all who came before them.

Defining Traits: Explosive, record-breaking, tech-savvy

Millennials (Born 1981 - 1996): The Superstars of the Modern Era

No discussion of dominant track and field generations is complete without mentioning Usain Bolt. The Jamaican sprinting legend captured the world’s attention with his charisma and untouchable world records.

Notable Sprinters:

• Usain Bolt (Jamaica) – Fastest man in history (100m: 9.58, 200m: 19.19)

• Allyson Felix (USA) – Most decorated female Olympian in track history

• Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (Jamaica) – One of the most dominant sprinters of all time

Notable Distance Runners:

• Eliud Kipchoge (Kenya) – The greatest marathoner of all time, first to break two hours in a marathon

• Mo Farah (UK) – Dominated the 5000m and 10,000m at two Olympic Games

• Genzebe Dibaba (Ethiopia) – 1500m world record holder

• Ruth Chepngetich (Kenya) – First woman to break the 2:10 barrier in the marathon, setting a world record of 2:09:56 at the 2024 Chicago Marathon

Millennials excelled across all track and field disciplines. They ushered in an era of professional distance running dominance, with African runners setting standards in middle and long distances. Meanwhile, Kipchoge’s sub-2-hour marathon attempt was a historic milestone in human endurance.

Defining Traits: Charismatic, dominant, endurance revolutionaries

Gen X (Born 1965 - 1980): The Tough and Versatile Competitors

Gen X athletes were the bridge between the amateur days of track and the fully professional era. They pushed the sport forward with fierce rivalries and new records, while also seeing the globalization of track and field.

Notable Sprinters:

• Maurice Greene (USA) – Former world record holder in the 100m (9.79)

• Marion Jones (USA) – One of the most dominant sprinters of the late ‘90s

Notable Distance Runners:

• Haile Gebrselassie (Ethiopia) – Olympic and world champion, former marathon world record holder

• Paul Tergat (Kenya) – Pioneered marathon running dominance for Kenya

• Tegla Loroupe (Kenya) – First African woman to hold the marathon world record

This era marked a golden age for distance running, with Gebrselassie and Tergat setting the stage for the marathon revolution that would come in the next generation. With increased sponsorships, the road racing circuit became more competitive, and Kenyan and Ethiopian dominance solidified.

Defining Traits: Tough, globalized, long-distance pioneers

Baby Boomers (Born 1946 - 1964): The Golden Age of Track & Field

The Baby Boomers took track and field into the modern Olympic era, producing some of the most iconic figures in the sport’s history.

Notable Sprinters:

• Carl Lewis (USA) – Nine-time Olympic gold medalist across sprints and long jump

• Florence Griffith-Joyner (USA) – 100m (10.49) and 200m (21.34) world record holder

Notable Distance Runners:

• Sebastian Coe (UK) – 800m and 1500m Olympic champion, middle-distance legend

• Steve Prefontaine (USA) – One of the most influential distance runners in history

• Miruts Yifter (Ethiopia) – 5000m and 10,000m Olympic champion

This era brought middle and long-distance running into the mainstream, with rivalries like Coe vs. Ovett and Prefontaine vs. the world captivating fans. The Baby Boomers were the first generation of professional-level training and saw athletes truly dedicated to their craft year-round.

Defining Traits: Bold, revolutionary, multi-talented

Silent Generation (Born 1928 - 1945): The Pioneers of Kenya’s Dominance

This generation laid the foundation for modern track and field, producing legends whose influence still resonates today.

Notable Distance Runners:

• Kip Keino (Kenya) – The pioneer of Kenya’s dominance in distance running, winning Olympic gold in the 1500m (1968) and 3000m steeplechase (1972)

• Emil Zátopek (Czechoslovakia) – Triple gold in 5000m, 10,000m, and marathon at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics

• Paavo Nurmi (Finland) – Nine-time Olympic gold medalist in long-distance events

Kip Keino’s triumph over Jim Ryun in the 1500m final at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics is considered one of the greatest upsets in Olympic history. Competing at high altitude, Keino used a fast early pace to break Ryun, ushering in an era of Kenyan middle-distance dominance that continues today.

Defining Traits: Groundbreaking, resilient, visionary

Which Generation Had the Greatest Impact?

Each generation of track and field athletes has contributed to the sport’s evolution in unique ways:

• Millennials brought global superstardom (Bolt, Felix, Fraser-Pryce, Kipchoge, Chepngetich)

• Gen X athletes were fierce competitors in a rapidly changing sport (Greene, Gebrselassie, Tergat)

• The Baby Boomers set records that still stand today (Carl Lewis, Flo Jo, Coe, Prefontaine)

• The Silent Generation laid the foundation for modern track and field (Owens, Zátopek, Kip Keino)

• Gen Z is already breaking records and shaping the future of the sport (McLaughlin-Levrone, Ingebrigtsen, Cheptegei)

While it’s hard to declare one era the best, one thing is certain: the sport of track and field continues to evolve, with each generation pushing the limits of human performance.

Which generation do you think is the greatest? Let us know in the comments!

Jimmy Muindi’s journey from a young barefoot runner in Kenya to an elite marathoner is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and the drive to push beyond limitations. His incredible career includes winning the Honolulu Marathon six times, running a 2:05:24 marathon, and playing a key role in pacing Paul Tergat to a world record 2:04:55 at the 2003 Berlin Marathon.

Now, Muindi is bringing his experience to KATA Portugal as a coach, offering training, insights, and mentorship to runners of all levels. His coaching philosophy is deeply rooted in his own experience as a professional runner, ensuring that guests at KATA Portugal will learn from someone who has lived the life of a world-class athlete.

This three-part series will explore Muindi’s remarkable career and his transition to coaching:

• Part One: His journey from humble beginnings to becoming an elite marathoner and record-setting athlete.

• Part Two: His coaching success in Kenya and what he brings to guests at KATA Portugal.

• Part Three: Nutrition and race preparation—why the most important meal for a big race happens two nights before and how Muindi’s personal approach to fueling has helped him perform at the highest level.

Humble Beginnings and Early Inspiration

Born into a family of eight children, Muindi was the firstborn and grew up in modest conditions. Food was scarce, and life was challenging, but his mother, was a runner who competed only in school-level races, became his first source of inspiration. At age 15, his mother encouraged him to start running, recognizing his potential.

Then, in 1988, Muindi’s cousin qualified for the World Junior Cross Country Championships. Seeing someone from his own family reach the international stage ignited his dream. Despite his family’s simple way of life, Muindi was determined to see what he could achieve.

High School Breakthrough and First Steps to Elite Running

Even without structured coaching, Muindi trained on his own and quickly became the best runner in his school. He performed exceptionally well in long-distance events, often lapping other runners in the 10,000 meters. His talent caught the attention of a national coach, who invited him to a training camp—a turning point that would take his career to the next level.

The training camp was six kilometers from Muindi’s home, and without access to transportation or proper gear, he ran there barefoot to train with the coach who recognized his talent. The camp had about 15 to 20 athletes, and when he joined, he could beat everyone except for two runners—both of whom had running shoes and proper training gear.

Determined to improve, Muindi trained at the camp twice per week under the coach’s guidance. On the other days, he trained on his own four times per week, but because he lacked proper training knowledge, he simply ran miles and miles barefoot, unknowingly building his endurance and toughness.

Rapid Improvement and a Life-Changing Connection

The training at the camp was intense. After running six kilometers as a warm-up just to get there, Muindi and the group would do a 6K to 10K hard effort, often running at a 4:00 to 4:30 per kilometer pace at 2,400 feet elevation.

In addition to tempo efforts, they incorporated hill training and track workouts on alternate days. A typical track session included: 4x800 followed by 6x400 and finishing with 4x200. 

Muindi made rapid progress. Within two months, he became the best runner in the group, surpassing even those who had more experience and better gear. Recognizing his potential, his coach reached out to Cosmas Ndeti, a rising Kenyan marathoner who was competing internationally, particularly in Japan.

Breakthrough on the World Stage

After meeting Cosmas Ndeti, Muindi’s career took off. Within two months, he became the top junior athlete in Kenya for the 3000m steeplechase and qualified for the World Junior Athletics Championship in South Korea. His rapid rise earned him his first pair of training shoes, a reward that symbolized his status as an emerging talent.

However, when Muindi arrived in South Korea for the World Junior Championships, he faced an unexpected challenge. He was given racing spikes for the first time in his life, but having never worn them before, he struggled to run in them. Instead of risking discomfort or injury, he made the bold decision to compete barefoot, just as he had trained back home.

Against all odds, Muindi won the gold medal, officially launching his international running career.

"So here I was—my first time on an airplane, traveling to South Korea, and winning the gold,” Muindi recalls. “But as a junior, there was no financial benefit. I arrived back home to the same place I left.”

Unlike today, where young athletes receive government incentives for international success, Muindi returned home without financial support. “In today’s world, the government would have given me 1 million KES ($7,700 USD) for that gold medal,” he says. But back then, he had to continue training, hoping his talent would eventually open doors.

A New Opportunity in Yugoslavia

Because of his gold medal, Muindi received a lot of exposure, and just six months later, he was invited to run a half marathon in Yugoslavia. He made the most of the opportunity, finishing second with a time of 1:02:42.

This was not just a breakthrough in racing—it was also Muindi’s first real financial reward from running. “I won $800 USD. Wow, I was excited and had never seen that much money before!” he remembers. This prize money gave him a glimpse of what running could do for his future, motivating him to keep pushing forward.

Honolulu Domination and Marathon Success

Muindi launched his marathon career with a runner-up finish at the 1997 Honolulu Marathon.  He quickly made the Honolulu race his race in the years to follow. In an era when Kenyan athletes were dominating distance running, Muindi became a legend in Honolulu – he went on to win the Honolulu Marathon an astonishing six times (1999, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007) . In 2004, he set a course record of 2:11:12, a mark that remained unbroken for four years . This string of victories, including three straight from 2003 to 2005, made him inseparable from Honolulu’s running lore. "The course has challenging hills and the weather is hot and humid," he remembers "but the race became part of my life and my family."

His success wasn’t confined to one event, either. Muindi proved his prowess on the global stage by capturing the Rotterdam Marathon title in 2005 with a personal best time of 2:07:50 . He also earned podium and top-five finishes at other major marathons – for instance, placing 3rd at the 2006 Chicago Marathon and 5th at Berlin in 2002 . These achievements against world-class fields reaffirmed his status among the elite marathoners of his era.

Such professional success afforded Muindi not only international experience but also a platform for the next phase of his life. After years of training alongside and against some of the world’s best, Muindi had accumulated a wealth of knowledge about endurance training, strategy, and the “Kenyan way” of running. 

Now in his fifties, he has transitioned into coaching, eager to share that hard-earned expertise. He joined KATA in Thika, Kenya – a running academy founded in 2019 by Runner’s World founder Bob Anderson – as one of its expert coaches.  In this role, Muindi’s daily lifestyle still revolves around running, from sunrise training runs to mentoring athletes, very much a continuation of the regimen he followed as a pro. 

The difference is that today he channels his energy into developing others. His success as a professional runner paved the way for this career: it gave him credibility and a passion he now imparts to up-and-coming runners. In essence, Muindi has parlayed his storied racing career into a thriving vocation as a coach – and his identity as an athlete-turned-coach is a direct product of the triumphs and lessons of his competitive years.

Giving Back: Family and Coaching

Muindi always believed in taking care of his family first. In 1996, using prize money, he bought 10 acres of farmland for his father. Two years later, he built a house for his parents, ensuring their long-term stability. With his family secure, he focused on his own future, purchasing five acres of prime land and building his own house. Today, he uses his land to grow green vegetables, avocados, and raise chickens.

Now, Muindi is giving back to the next generation of runners. He has joined KATA Portugal as a KATA coach, where he shares his expertise and experience, helping others chase their own dreams. His lifestyle today is a direct result of his success as a professional runner, and now he is using that knowledge to guide others.

Coming Next in Part Two

Jimmy Muindi’s success as a professional runner has shaped his coaching philosophy, and now, as a KATA Portugal coach, he is offering world-class training to runners from all backgrounds.

In Part Two, we will explore his coaching success in Kenya and what he brings to guests at KATA Portugal. We’ll take a closer look at the training programs he has developed, the athletes he has worked with, and what runners can expect when training under his guidance.

Stay tuned for the next installment as we dive into Muindi’s transition from elite marathoner to an elite coach and how he is bringing the Kenyan way of training to Portugal.

(photos: 1. Muindi setting the course record in 2004.  2. At KATA with Bob Anderson.  3. Racing in Honolulu  4. Muindi with some of KATA Portugal staff with Bob and Catherine Anderson. 

The Czech Indoor Gala, scheduled for February 4, 2025, in Ostrava, is set to feature thrilling middle-distance races, particularly in the men’s 800 meters and the women’s 3000 meters.

Men’s 800 Meters:

Czech national record holder Jakub Dudycha will compete on home soil. As a junior, he set a national U20 indoor record of 1:47.42 at the Czech Indoor Gala, later improving it to 1:47.12. Outdoors, he advanced to the semi-finals at the European Championships in Rome, clocking a time under 1:45, and subsequently set a new Czech senior record of 1:44.82 in Bydgoszcz. Dudycha has expressed his ambition to break the national indoor record this season.

He will face formidable international competitors, including Belgium’s Eliott Crestan, who is the sixth fastest European in history with a national record of 1:42.43 set at the Paris Diamond League meeting. Crestan is a bronze medallist from both the European and World Indoor Championships. Another strong contender is Catalin Tecuceanu, representing Italy since 2022, who secured European bronze in Rome and boasts personal bests of 1:45.00 indoors and 1:43.75 outdoors.

Women’s 3000 Meters:

Kristiina Sasínek Mäki, a Tokyo Olympics finalist, will compete in the 3000 meters. She has been training under Swiss coach Louis Heyer and is eager to showcase her progress. However, she will face stiff competition from African athletes. Ethiopia’s Freweyni Hailu, the 1500m world indoor champion from Glasgow 2024, returns after setting a meeting record in the mile at last year’s Czech Indoor Gala. Joining her is compatriot Sembo Almayew, the junior world record holder in the steeplechase and World U20 champion, as well as Norah Jeruto, the World 3000m steeplechase champion from the 2022 Eugene Championships, now representing Kazakhstan.

The Czech Indoor Gala, part of the World Athletics Indoor Tour Gold series, continues to attract top-tier talent, ensuring a night of exceptional athletic performances in Ostrava.

Edmund Serem’s steeplechase triumph at the World U20 Championships in Lima was very much the result of a family effort.

Not only does he have older brother Amos – the 2021 world U20 champion – as a role model, he also has his father to thank for getting him into athletics, and particularly the steeplechase.

“It has always been our dad's dream to see us (Amos and Edmund) achieve what he wanted to achieve for himself as a youth, but didn't due to lack of support,” said Serem.

During their youth, their father took them to several athletics competitions around Kenya, and went on to provide his sons with everything they needed to establish their running careers.

“He would buy training shoes and running apparel and provide transport money for us to attend all the weekend meetings in the region,” recalled Serem, adding that their father chose the steeplechase distance for them.

“He would show us videos of Ezekiel Kemboi, Brimin Kipruto, Conseslus Kipruto and other steeplechasers competing at major championships. He erected barriers for us to practice jumping over and was so careful in choosing the right surfaces for us to do so as he didn't want us to get injured.”

Serem started running at the age of eight. Despite Amos being older than him, Edmund would join his brother on training runs, though would often take a shorter route. “My brother would then have to run faster and try to finish his route in the time it took me to complete the shorter one.”

When Amos started high school, the brothers trained under different coaches and environments. Edmund would later join St Patrick's Iten High School and trained under the famous Irish coach, Brother Colm O'Connell.

Edmund missed out on some competitive opportunities during his early high school years due to the Covid pandemic. Amos, meanwhile, went on to train under Patrick Sang in Kaptagat, but fate would bring the two brothers back together again.

They both now train in Kaptagat under coach Sang's programme. Despite being in two separate camps, wearing different brands and under two separate management groups, their training camps are just 600 metres apart and they see one another every morning for their training.

Sibling rivalry

Serem speaks fondly of his brother. While he has no desire to outshine his brother, he always enjoys competing alongside him in races. That feeling appears to be mutual, too.

"Every time my brother and I are in the same race, he usually performs very well,” says Serem. “I don't know if it is because he doesn't want me to beat him or because he feels stronger when I am around him, but I still look forward to racing against him.”

Both brothers have earned world U20 steeplechase titles in recent years. Three years after Amos’s triumph on home soil in Nairobi, Edmund followed in those footsteps by taking the steeplechase gold medal at this year’s World U20 Championships in Lima.

In a race in which 12 of the 16 finalists set PBs, Serem led a Kenyan 1-2 from teammate Mathew Kosgei to win in 8:15.28. Not only is it a world-U20-leading time, it’s also the third fastest in history by an U18 athlete.

He eventually won by more than two seconds, but he had struggled with stomach ache in the heats three days prior.

“After I rehydrated and recovered from the heats, my body felt good for the final,” he says. “I had high hopes of winning the race, and I told myself on the start line that if anyone else wanted to win it, they would have to fight hard for it.”

The performance capped a remarkable season for the 16-year-old. Back in March he finished sixth at the African Games, then he narrowly missed making the team for the Paris Games, finishing fourth at Kenya’s Olympic Trials. Just eight days later, he earned silver at the senior African Championships before ending his season on an even bigger high with his triumph in Lima.

Managing expectations

Having achieved so much at such a young age, and with the steeplechase being one of Kenya’s strongest disciplines, Serem knows that all eyes will be on him and his brother in the coming years. He takes it all in his stride, though.

"Most of my friends and relatives now believe more in me and see our dream to restore the steeplechase glory to Kenya becoming a reality,” he says. “Many are telling me that my brother and I are the potential runners to dominate the steeplechase in the future.”

Apart from two editions of the Games that the country boycotted, Kenya won every Olympic title in the men’s 3000m steeplechase from 1968 to 2016. That streak came to an end in 2021 when Soufiane El Bakkali won gold in Tokyo. The Moroccan has won three more global titles since then, while the world record was broken last year by Ethiopia’s Lamecha Girma.

But Kenya is keen to reassert its dominance on the event.

Serem was one of several up-and-coming talents who were recently invited to meet with Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Sports and Athletics Kenya senior officials to plan a way forward in ensuring Kenya remains a powerhouse in athletics.

“We talked about strategic plans to nurture and work with the young and emerging stars to maintain Kenya's glory in athletics into the future, especially in the steeplechase,” he said. “In recent years the men's steeplechase has been dominated mostly by Morroco's Soufiane El Bakkali, but we plan to end that.”

Although he’ll be an U20 athlete for two more years, and will be young enough to defend his world U20 title in 2026, Serem already has his eye on competing at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25.

“We’re taking things one step at a time,” he says. “The first step will be to make the team at the national trials, and then we will make the plans for the World Championships after that.”

Serem and his training group spent the past month working primarily on gym work before gradually moving to some longer and easier runs to build endurance. He may also participate in some local cross-country races as part of his training.

Heading into next year and beyond, perhaps the biggest motivating factor for both Edmund and Amos will be to accomplish the kind of successes that their father was unable to achieve due to the lack of support back then.

"Our father had a great passion for athletics but didn't get enough support at the time. He has provided Amos and me with everything we’ve needed, telling us, 'I don't want you to lack anything as I did during my time'.

“So I don't care which one of us wins the race,” added Serem of the prospect of racing against his brother in the future. “Because the success will eventually end up at home.”

The four-time world champion has encouraged India’s Avinash Sable to adopt strategic methods to elevate his steeplechase career.

Legendary Kenyan steeplechaser Ezekiel Kemboi has extended a golden piece of advice to India’s rising star Avinash Sable.

The two-time Olympic champion and four-time world champion emphasized the importance of high-altitude training to build strength, endurance, and resilience.

During his visit to India, Kemboi shared his insights on what it takes to excel in the grueling 3000m steeplechase event.

“I think the Indian guy Sable, the steeplechaser, the boy is still young. He still has a lot of time. What I want him to do is to have some motivation for himself. To have a vision, to have a target. To target what comes in a year, like world championship, Olympics," he said.

Sable, who recently represented India in the men’s 3000m steeplechase at the Paris Olympics but finished 11th, has been touted as a promising athlete on the global stage.

The 30-year-old has already made history for India, clinching a silver medal at the 2019 Asian Championships, another silver at the Commonwealth Games, and a gold and silver at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou.

However, Kemboi believes that Sable has the potential to achieve even greater success if he embraces a more tailored training regimen.

Kemboi, widely regarded as one of the greatest steeplechasers in history, suggested that Sable train in the high-altitude regions of Kenya or Ethiopia, known for producing world-class distance runners.

“I also want to request if it could be possible for him to go to Africa… Kenya or in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia for some intense training which will focus on building up his endurance so that he gets more power while running,” Kemboi advised.

The Kenyan legend stressed the role of high-altitude training in preparing the body for the physical demands of steeplechase, a race that combines speed, stamina, and technical skill over water jumps and barriers.

“Just go for high-altitude training... because we have the best altitude for training in the regions of Kenya and Ethiopia for his body system to adapt to endurance,” he added.

Kemboi, who dominated the water-and-barrier race for more than a decade, has an unmatched legacy in the sport.

He is one of the few athletes to win two Olympic gold medals in steeplechase (2004 Athens and 2012 London) and four World Championship titles (2009, 2011, 2013, and 2015).

His illustrious career also includes three silver medals at the World Championships and a silver medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.

Reflecting on his experience, Kemboi highlighted the significance of setting clear goals and following a structured approach to training.

“What I want him to do is to have some motivation for himself. To have a vision, to have a target,” Kemboi reiterated, encouraging Sable to aim for success at future World Championships and Olympics. 

Sable’s journey from modest beginnings to becoming a national icon has already inspired countless young athletes in India.

Kemboi also acknowledged Sable’s youth and determination as assets that could help him achieve a breakthrough on the international stage.

The Kenyan champion invited Sable to join him for training at his base offering a golden opportunity to learn from one of the sport’s finest.

Olympic champions Sifan Hassan and Letsile Tebogo have been announced as World Athletes of the Year at the World Athletics Awards 2024 in Monaco.

Following a vote by fans, Hassan and Tebogo received top honors on an evening that saw six athletes crowned in three categories – track, field and out of stadium – before the overall two winners were revealed.

Tebogo was confirmed as men’s track athlete of the year, with Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone receiving the women’s honour. Hassan claimed the women’s out of stadium crown and Tamirat Tola the men’s, while Mondo Duplantis and Yaroslava Mahuchikh were named field athletes of the year.

This year’s Rising Stars were also celebrated, with Sembo Almayew and Mattia Furlani receiving recognition.

World Athletes of the Year for 2024

Women’s World Athlete of the Year: Sifan Hassan (NED)Men’s World Athlete of the Year: Letsile Tebogo (BOT)

Women’s track: Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (USA)Women’s field: Yaroslava Mahuchikh (UKR)Women’s out of stadium: Sifan Hassan (NED)Men’s track: Letsile Tebogo (BOT)Men’s field: Mondo Duplantis (SWE)Men’s out of stadium: Tamirat Tola (ETH)

Women’s Rising Star: Sembo Almayew (ETH)Men’s Rising Star: Mattia Furlani (ITA)

“At the end of what has been a stellar year for athletics, we are delighted to reveal our list of World Athletes of the Year – both in their respective disciplines and overall,” said World Athletics President Sebastian Coe. “This group of athletes represents the very best of our sport and has this year redefined what is possible in terms of athletic performance.

“Our 2024 cohort set new standards in heights, speed and distance, including six world records and a host of Olympic and national records between them.

“I congratulate all our award winners, and all of the athletes nominated for these honors, and I thank them for inspiring us all with their performances this year.”

World Athletes of the Year Hassan and Tebogo both won gold and claimed multiple medals at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Dutch star Hassan’s medal treble in Paris was capped by her winning the final athletics gold medal of the Games with her triumph in the marathon in an Olympic record of 2:22:55. That performance came just 37 hours after Hassan claimed bronze in the 10,000m, and six days after her first medal in the French capital – also bronze – in the 5000m.

As a result, she became the first woman to win medals in the 5000m, 10,000m and marathon at the same Games, and the first athlete since Emil Zatopek, who won all three men’s titles in Helsinki in 1952.

Tebogo also made history in Paris when he won the 200m, as he claimed a first ever Olympic gold medal in any sport for Botswana. He ran an African record of 19.46 – a time that moved him to fifth on the world all-time list – and that performance followed his sixth-place finish in the 100m final. He went on to form part of Botswana’s silver medal-winning men’s 4x400m team.

He dipped under 20 seconds for 200m a total of nine times in 2024, with those performances topped by his Olympic title-winning mark which remained the fastest of the year.

His fellow track athlete of the year, McLaughlin-Levrone, improved her own world 400m hurdles record twice, to 50.65 and 50.37, and claimed Olympic gold in that event as well as in the 4x400m. Tola, who joined Hassan in being named out of stadium athlete of the year, won the Olympic marathon title in Paris in an Olympic record.

World records were set by both field athletes of the year. Mahuchikh cleared 2.10m to improve the world high jump record before winning Olympic gold, while Duplantis revised his own world pole vault record three times, eventually taking it to 6.26m, and won the Olympic title.

"Thank you to the fans, to everybody who voted," said Hassan, who was in Monaco to receive her two awards. "I never thought I was going to win this one. This year was crazy. It’s not only me – all the athletes have been amazing. I’m really grateful. What more can I say?"

Standing alongside Hassan on the stage at the Theatre Princesse Grace, Tebogo said: "It feels amazing to know that the fans are always there for us athletes. It was a great year.

"This means a lot," he added. "It’s not just about the team that is around you, there are a lot of fans out there that really want us to win something great for the continent. It was a real surprise to hear my name because I didn’t expect this."

Almayew and Furlani named Rising Stars of 2024

Not only did Sembo Almayew and Mattia Furlani achieve great things as U20 athletes in 2024, they both also secured success on the senior stage.

Almayew finished fifth in the 3000m steeplechase final at the Paris Olympics, going close to her own national U20 record with her 9:00.83 performance, before she travelled to Lima where she won the world U20 title, setting a championship record in the process. With that win, the 19-year-old became the first ever Ethiopian world U20 women’s steeplechase champion.

Furlani improved the world U20 long jump record to 8.38m at the European Championships on home soil in Rome to secure silver, and he won two more senior major medals at the World Indoor Championships, where he got another silver, and the Olympic Games, where he claimed bronze.

In Glasgow – at the age of 19 years and 24 days – Furlani became the youngest athlete ever to win a world indoor medal in the horizontal jumps.

Knight wins President’s Award

The winner of the President’s Award was also announced in Monaco on Sunday (1), with Nike co-founder Phil Knight receiving the honour in recognition of his constant inspiring support for athletics and the development of the sport.

The President's Award, first awarded in 2016, recognises and honours exceptional service to athletics. Past winners of the award include the Ukrainian Athletics Association, British journalist Vikki Orvice, Swiss meeting director Andreas Brugger, Jamaican sprint superstar Usain Bolt, the Abbott World Marathon Majors, and 1968 men’s 200m medallists Tommie Smith, Peter Norman and John Carlos for their iconic moment on the podium in Mexico.

“Phil Knight’s passion for athletics is pretty much lifelong,” said Coe. “He developed an almost father-son relationship with his coach, the legendary Bill Bowerman, whose training approach was a departure from the orthodoxies of the day and who not only guided Knight’s career on the track but became a central figure when Phil took his first tentative steps in the running shoe business that became the dominant global force Nike.

“His love of athletics runs through Nike. It is a business created and driven by runners, with Phil never afraid to be the front runner.”

Knight said: “Thank you, Seb Coe, for the ultimate honour of the President’s Award, given by World Athletics. I am in great company, with Tommie Smith and John Carlos, and Usain Bolt. Obviously, I didn’t run as fast as those guys, but I am in such high company that I am thrilled by the award. Track and field has always been an important part of Nike – it has always been a central part of who Nike is.

“I do think running will continue to grow. Not only does Seb and his team do a great job promoting the sport, but it is a sport that not only is enjoyable, but it is probably the best fitness activity you can do. So, for me to win this honour, it is very meaningful.”

During the ceremony, a moment was taken to remember last year’s men’s out of stadium athlete of the year Kelvin Kiptum, the marathon world record-holder who died in a road traffic accident in February, as well as other figures from the sport who have passed away in 2024.

Double Olympic champion Beatrice Chebet is set to bring her fierce form to the 42nd Italica International Cross Country meeting on November 17, a highlight event on the World Athletics Cross Country Tour Gold circuit.

Chebet stunned the world in Paris in August with her dual gold-winning performances in the 5,000m and 10,000m.

She secured the 10,000m gong in a time of 30:43.25 leading Italy’s Nadia Battocletti ( 30:43.35 ) and Olympic marathon champion Sifan Hassan of Netherlands ( 30:44.12 ).

Chebet went on to add the 5,000m title, finishing in 14:28.56 outpacing three-time Olympic 1,500m champion Faith Kipyegon ( 14:29.60 ) and Hassan ( 14:30.61 ).

Chebet is no stranger to cross-country success.

She captured the World U20 Cross Country title in Denmark in 2019 in 20:50.

In 2021, Chebet placed second at the Atapuerca 8km Cross Country event in 25:04 behind Eritrea’s Rahel Ghebreneyohannes ( 25:03 ).

That same year, she clocked 24:35 for a third-place finish at the Seville 7km cross-country meeting.

In 2022, she returned to Atapuerca, this time claiming the title in 25:39.

Last year, she claimed the World Cross Country Championships title in Bathurst, Australia clocking 33:48 with Ethiopia’s Tsigie Gebreselama ( 33:56 ) in second and Agnes Ngetich ( 34:00 ) completing the podium.

She defended her title this year in Belgrade, Serbia, finishing in 31:05 ahead of compatriots Lilian Kasait ( 31:08 ) and Margaret Chelimo ( 31:09 ).

Her illustrious track career boasts silver and bronze medals in the 5,000m during the 2022 (Eugene) and 2023 (Budapest) World Championships.

She boasts gold from the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games as well as the Saint Pierre African Games, both in the 5,000m.

Chebet is the 2018 World Junior 5,000m champion as well as the 2019 African 5,000m junior champion.

In Italy, Chebet will be in the company of 2024 World U20 3,000m steeplechase bronze medallist Diana Chepkemoi as well as the 2018 World 3,000m steeplechase champion Daisy Jepkemei.

The trio will face off against European 3,000m steeplechase record holder Alice Finot of France as well as the World U20 5,000m bronze medallist Charity Cherop of Uganda.

Sweden’s Sarah Lahti, Portugal’s Mariana Machado and Spain’s Carolina Robles will add depth to the field.

In the men’s field, Olympic 10,000m silver medallist Berihu Aregawi from Ethiopia will lead the charge.

His main rivals will be the 2024 Rome Half Marathon champion Yemaneberhan Crippa of Italy as well as Ugandan’s Dan Kibet, Hosea Kiplangat and Kenneth Kiprop.

Portugal’s Etson Barros, Uruguay’s Santiago Catrofe and Spain’s adel Mechaal add depth to the field. 

Once upon a time there was an athlete who didn’t know what it was like to take over an hour to run a half marathon, his legs were simply faster than that; he has tried five times, but his worst time, if that’s what you can call it, is 59:25. Three of those occasions have been in Valencia, where he won in 2019 and where he took second place in both 2022 and last year, when he clocked a personal best of 57:41, just 10 seconds off the world record and the third fastest time in history. Yomif Kejelcha arrives in Valencia hungry for glory, after an Olympic year in which he has performed at the highest level, with spectacular times and personal bests over 5000m (12:38.95) and 10,000m (26:31.01), but without the cherry on the cake of Olympic glory, having to settle for sixth place in the 25 laps of the track in Paris, an impressive achievement for 99% of athletes, a disappointment for him, who has hardly amassed any major medals.

It is doubtful that the Ethiopian team will be unable to secure victory considering that Selemon Barega, Olympic 10,000m champion in Tokyo, will also be in action, as he has had a similar season to Kejelcha in 2024, coming in just after him in Paris. Less experienced than his compatriot, Barega faces his third adventure over 21,097 m with the confidence of having run 57:50 here just a year ago in last year’s race, a performance that puts him sixth fastest of all time. It will surely depend on the collaboration between these two Ethiopian stars, once the pacers finish their work, as to how close to Kiplimo’s 57:31 they can fly through the crowded Valencian streets. The athletes in charge of pushing the tempo from the start will be the young Ethiopian Kekeba Bejiga, who will have to set a pace of 2:44/km and the Kenyan Mathew Kiplimo Langat, who will try to stay with the pace until the tenth kilometre to reach it ideally between 27:15 and 27:20. From then on, the stars will vie with each other for victory and the big question is whether they will form an alliance to beat the clock or whether each will keep an eye on the other in pursuit of victory.

The Kenyan squad will do everything they can to ensure that last year’s victory by Kibiwott Kandie, the man who broke the world record here, running 57.32 in 2020, will continue this year. Their two best assets should be Daniel Mateiko and Isaia Kipkoech Lasoi; the former has already run nine half marathons and knows the Valencian avenues like the back of his hand, coming third in both 2021 and 2022, with 58:26 as his personal best, which he will have to improve on if he wants to stand up to the Ethiopian duo. Mateiko improved his 10,000m time at the Paris Olympics, although his 26:50.81 was only good enough to place him in eleventh position. Lasoi, who is in great form after finishing third in Copenhagen six weeks ago, with a personal best of 58:10 in his fourth (!!) half of 2024, is sure to be in great shape.

Theory tells us that this quartet should be the ones to take the podium places on 27 October, but the magic of the half marathon, which is never as tight as the 42,195m, often brings wonderful surprises. One of them could well be Thierry Ndikumwenayo, who amazed in the Olympic 10,000m by smashing the Spanish record at this distance with a time of 26:49.49. After the rest required following the Games, Thierry may not have had enough time to realise his unlimited potential at this distance, but his performances over shorter distances give him sufficient room for manoeuvre to break the Spanish record, set just a year ago by Carlos Mayo with 59:39 after the previous record had remained unbroken for 22 years. Thierry will have the 59:13 held by Switzerland’s Julien Wanders as the European record in his sights and perhaps the biggest danger for him will be if he remains caught in no man’s land, as joining the leading group, who will be aiming for a sub-58 finish as always, does not seem the most sensible strategy in this his first foray over the distance. This hypothetical record would serve as a well-deserved tribute to Pepe Ortuño, who will retire as his trainer when Thierry crosses the finish line. Tadese Worku, Gemechu Dida, Edward Cheserek and Bravin Kiprop are all well under the one-hour mark and will be looking for their day of glory in Valencia. Among the Europeans, the Portuguese Samuel Barata (national record last year with 59:40), the Italian runner-up at the Europeans Pietro Riva (59:41) and the British runner Emile Cairess (60:01), fourth at the Paris Olympics in the marathon, will be competing with Ndikumwenayo.

Ngetich wants to make her debut in style

The possibility of a women’s world record will also glimmer over the Valencian asphalt on Sunday, courtesy of Agnes Ngetich, who smashed the 10K world record in Valencia on 13 January with a stratospheric time of 28.46. After that explosion, the Kenyan lost some steam, if we can refer to her 5th place in the World Cross Country Championships in Belgrade as such. During the track season she suffered from physical problems that made her give up the chance to compete in the Kenyan trials in Eugene at the last minute, thus saying goodbye to her Olympic dreams. Since then, her plan has been to make her début in Valencia over 21,097 m and, despite her status as a newcomer, it is not out of the question that she could make a serious attempt at the world record currently held by Ethiopia’s Letesenbet Gidey, who clocked an impressive 1:02:52 in Valencia in 2021. The pacemaking duties will fall to Japhet Kosgei and Vincent Nyageo, who will travel at a tempo of just under 3:00/km, to ensure a challenge to the WR if Ngetich still has some strength in her legs in the final stretch.

Following them will be a large group comprising Tsige Gebreselama, Llilian Rengeruk and Ejgayehu Taye. Gebreselama returns to the scene of her debut two years ago (1:05:46), a time she improved on this February by winning the prestigious Ras Al Khaimah Half in 1:05:14. Although, Ngetich’s biggest threat could be fellow debutant and compatriot Lilian Rengeruk, 5th in the Olympic 10,000m and with a 10K time of 29:32 set in Valencia in January, she is projected to be a strong performer over double the distance. While Taye, also making her debut at this distance, is an accomplished 5K specialist, although she also dipped below 30 minutes (29:50.53) in the 10,000 at the Ethiopian trials in Nerja. The main European hopefuls should be Great Britain’s Samantha Harrison, who improved to 1:07:10 in Valencia last year, and Germany’s Konstanze Klosterhalfen, a brilliant winner on her début two years ago with 1:05:41, although she does not seem to be in her best form at present.

Spain’s record is looking wobbly

If there is a record that has every chance of crumbling on Sunday, it is the Spanish women’s record, not because it is outdated, as Laura Luengo became the record holder just a year ago with her 1:09:41, but because her own form heralds a not inconsiderable improvement on that mark. The On Athletics team athlete will set off at a devilish pace of 3:16/3:17 per kilometre under the guidance of duathlon world champion Javier Martin to seriously threaten the 1:09 barrier. It could well be that she manages to beat that and yet not hold the record as both Irene Sanchez-Escribano and Boulaid Kaoutar are planning to run at the same pace, which could make for an exciting three-way duel. The Toledo athlete shone at the Olympic Games in Paris over her favourite 3,000m steeplechase and is facing a very exciting duel over the distance with confidence; she already ran at a Spanish record pace in the 10K in Laredo (31:35) in March and her good adaptation to asphalt is more than promising. On the other hand, the new Spanish champion Kaoutar (1:10:44 on 6 October in Albacete) already knows what it means to run under the 1:09 mark, as she clocked 1:08:57 in Gijón a year and a half ago when she was still competing under the Moroccan flag. Place your bets.

We are just 10 days away from Canada’s largest race weekend: the 2024 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon. Since 2015, this event has also served as the annual Canadian Marathon Championships. This year’s race will feature everything from former champions and national record holders to rising stars looking to make their mark on the 42.2 km distance.

Here’s your cheat sheet for the men’s and women’s elite fields in Toronto.

Canadian men’s field

Andrew Alexander (Toronto): The 25-year-old former NCAA standout won the 2023 Toronto Waterfront Half-Marathon in 62:44. He is coached by Matt Hughes, the Canadian record holder in the men’s 3,000m steeplechase, and former Canadian marathoner Dave Reid. Alexander is aiming for a sub-2:10 finish at his hometown marathon.

Thomas Broatch (Vancouver): The reigning Canadian marathon champion. He was the first Canadian across the line last year in his marathon debut (2:16:25). Four months later, Broatch took another shot at the distance, lowering his personal best by more than four minutes at the 2024 Houston Marathon (2:11:54).

Justin Kent (Surrey, B.C.): This will be Kent’s first time competing at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon. He ran his PB of 2:13:07 at the 2023 Prague Marathon, earning him a spot on Team Canada’s men’s marathon team for the 2023 World Athletics Championships.

Maxime Leboeuf (Gatineau, Que.): Leboeuf finished third at the 2022 Montreal Marathon in 2:24:25. He’s a former graduate of Queen’s University XC program and an avid cross-country skier.

Kieran McDonald (Halifax): McDonald will be making his marathon debut in Toronto. He ran his half-marathon best of 65:45 at the 2024 Houston Half Marathon in January.

Alex Neuffer (Stratford, P.E.I.): Neuffer ran his PB of 2:21:34 at the 2022 Boston Marathon, finishing as one of the top Canadians. He’s a graduate of St. Francis Xavier University’s XC program and a training partner of Kieran McDonald (see above). 

Thomas Nobbs (Vancouver): The 25-year-old will be running his second-career marathon in Toronto. He made his debut in Philadelphia last fall, running 2:19:13. Nobbs finished just off the podium at the 2024 Canadian 10K Championships, in 29:31. He also finished second at the Canadian Half Marathon Championships in Winnipeg in June.

Sergio Ráez Villanueva (Mississauga, Ont.): Ráez Villanueva has competed at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon for the last two years. He set his best of 2:18:04 here in 2022 (his marathon debut). Ráez Villanueva is self-coached and also coaches youth athletes in his hometown of Mississauga.

Tristan Woodfine (Cobden, Ont.): Coached by former Canadian Olympic marathoner Reid Coolsaet. Woodfine won the half marathon here in 2022. He has the fastest time among Canadian men in the field, with a PB of 2:10:39 from Houston earlier this year.

International men’s field

Elvis Cheboi (Kenya): Cheboi ran his personal best of 2:09:20 to win the 2023 Toronto Waterfront Marathon. (Reigning champion)

Mulugeta Uma (Ethiopia): Uma ran 2:05:33 to win the 2024 Paris Marathon in April. He has the fastest personal best in the men’s field.

Abdi Fufa (Ethiopia): Fufa finished just off the podium at the 2024 Dubai Marathon in January (2:06:23). He ran his PB of 2:05:57 at the Siena Marathon in 2021 (where he was second). The 29-year-old is looking for his first marathon win.

Hailu Zewdu (Ethiopia): The 29-year-old ran his PB of 2:06:31 at the Dubai Marathon in 2020. He has not broken 2:09:00 in his six marathons since.

Gizealew Ayana (Ethiopia): Ayana is the youngest elite athlete in the field–he’s only 21. He ran his PB of 2:07:15 to win the 2023 Paris Marathon in his debut at the distance.

Domenic Ngeno (Kenya): The 26-year-old is the fastest Kenyan marathoner in the Toronto field. He won the 2024 L.A. Marathon in March in 2:11:01. Ngeno’s PB of 2:07:26 was from a podium finish at the 2023 Eindhoven Marathon in the Netherlands.

Noah Kipkemboi (Kenya): A veteran of the marathon distance. The 31-year-old has competed at more than 10 marathons in his career. He podiumed at the Enschede Marathon earlier this year, with a time of 2:09:06. 

Brian Kipsang (Kenya): Kipsang arrives in Toronto fresh off a personal best at the 2024 Milan Marathon in March, where he placed second in 2:07:56. The 30-year-old has finished in the top five at three of his last four races. 

Abe Gashahun (Ethiopia): Gashahun has the fastest half-marathon personal best in the field of 59:46. He’s had success at shorter distances and cross country, but it hasn’t yet translated to the marathon. The 26-year-old ran 2:08:51 earlier this year in Saudi Arabia.

Sydney Gidabuday (U.S.A.): Former member of Adidas Tinman Elite Track Club in Colorado. Gidabuday made his marathon debut on Canadian soil at the 2023 Ottawa Marathon, where he finished ninth. His PB of 2:14:34 was run at the hilly NYC Marathon in 2023.

Yusuf Nadir (U.S.A.): Personal best of 2:15:27 from the 2023 Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth, Minn. He finished 25th at the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in February.

Aidan Reed (U.S.A.): Also made his marathon debut at the 2023 Ottawa Marathon–2:20:23. Reed ran collegiately at Southern Utah University, following in the footsteps of Canadian marathon record holder Cam Levins.

Canadian women’s field

Kate Bazeley (St. John’s, N.L.): The 40-year-old ran her PB of 2:36:35 in Toronto in 2019. Earlier this year, Bazeley represented Team Canada at the World XC Championships in Belgrade, Serbia.

Anne-Marie Comeau (Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges, Que.): The 2018 Canadian (winter) Olympian ran her marathon best of 2:34:51 in Toronto last year, crossing the line as the second Canadian woman.

Asia Dwyer (Toronto): Dwyer ran her personal best of 2:42:45 at the 2023 Toronto Waterfront Marathon last fall. She told Canadian Running in an interview for the November/December 2024 issue of the print magazine that she is looking to smash her previous best.

Rachel Hannah (Port Elgin, Ont.): Hannah was the top Canadian finisher at the 2024 Ottawa Marathon in May. She won a bronze medal for Canada at the 2015 Pan-American Games in Toronto. She ran her personal best of 2:32:09 was at the 2016 Houston Marathon.

Liza Howard (Toronto): Howard told Canadian Running in an interview that her goal is to reach the podium and run a personal best. Howard ran her current personal best of 2:35:29 at the 2022 Chicago Marathon. She has unofficially broken the Canadian women’s 50K record, twice, in her marathon build for this race.

Erin Mawhinney (Hamilton): The 28-year-old runner will be making her marathon debut in Toronto. She is coached by two-time Canadian Olympian Reid Coolsaet. She broke the tape at the Toronto Waterfront Half Marathon last year, running a PB of 1:13:50.

Melissa Paauwe (Calgary). Paauwe is carrying the pride of Calgary into Toronto. She ran her PB of 2:41:12 at the 2023 Chicago marathon, and finished as the top Canadian.

Leslie Sexton (Markham, Ont.): Sexton returns to Toronto to run her hometown marathon. She said she will be trying to qualify for Worlds in Tokyo next year. She set her PB of 2:28:14 at the 2024 Houston Marathon this year, but missed the Olympic standard by two minutes.

Natasha Wodak: (Vancouver) started her marathon career here in 2013 but has not returned until this year; has never won the championship. Her PB of 2:23:12 from the 2022 Berlin Marathon stands as the current Canadian record.

International women’s field

Waganesh Mekasha (Ethiopia): Has a personal best of 2:22:45  from the 2019 Dubai Marathon. The 32-year-old Ethiopian won the 2023 Ottawa Marathon and finished second in Toronto last fall, with a time of 2:23:12.

Afera Godfay (Ethiopia): Godfay finished third behind compatriots Buze Diriba and Mekasha (see above) last year. She has a personal best of 2:22:41 and has finished in the top five in four of her last five marathons.

Roza Dejere (Ethiopia): The 27-year-old Ethiopian has the fastest personal best in the women’s field (2:18:30). She finished fourth in the women’s marathon at the Tokyo Olympic Games. She comes to Toronto as a threat to the course record of 2:22:16, which was set in 2019.

Meseret Gebre (Ethiopia): Gebre hasn’t raced since Toronto last fall, where she finished seventh in 2:29:54. She set her PB of 2:23:11 to win the Barcelona Marathon in 2022.

Valentina Matieko (Kenya): One of two Kenyan women in the international elite field. Matieko comes to Toronto fresh off a personal best earlier this year at the Paris Marathon in April (2:24:21).

Lydia Simiyu (Kenya): Simiyu ran her PB of 2:25:10 earlier this year at the Rome Marathon. She served a six-month doping suspension in 2022 after she tested positive for chlorthalidone after the Poznan Half Marathon in Poland.

Rediet Daniel (Ethiopia): Two top-five finishes in her three professional marathon starts. The 24-year-old Ethiopian ran her personal best of  2:26:25 at the 2024 Doha Marathon in February.

The TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, to be held on Oct. 20, is Canada’s premier running event and the grand finale of the Canada Running Series (CRS). Since 2017, the race has also served as the Athletics Canada marathon championship and Olympic trials.

The Kenyan passed away in hospital, where he’d been receiving treatment for an illness

Kipyegon Bett, the former world under-20 800m champion, has sadly passed away at the age of 26.

The Kenyan, who also secured a bronze medal over two laps at the 2017 World Championships in London, was receiving treatment for an illness in hospital.

According to Nation, Bett was vomiting blood due to damage to some of his internal organs.

Purity Kirui, who is Bett’s sister and the 2014 Commonwealth 3000m steeplechase champion, told the outlet: “He’d been unwell for about a month and had been treated at AIC Litein Hospital as an outpatient. On Saturday (October 5), his condition deteriorated and was referred to Tenwek Hospital for further tests.”

Bett started competing internationally in 2015 and claimed respective gold and silver 800m medals at that year’s African and World Youth Championships.

The following season he became world under-20 800m champion in Bydgoszcz, clocking 1:44.95 to take the crown.

Bett also recorded his personal 800m best of 1:43.76 in 2016, with only world record-holder David Rudisha ahead of him at ISTAF Berlin.

It was therefore no surprise to see Bett make a global senior podium in 2017.

In a pulsating race at the World Championships, Bett clocked 1:45.21 and placed third behind France’s Pierre-Ambroise Bosse and Poland’s Adam Kszczot.

That year he also won the 800m at the Shanghai Diamond League, running 1:44.70 to win the event in China.

However, Bett tested positive for EPO in 2018 and subsequently received a four-year ban.

He only ever raced once after it ended and that was in the 400m hurdles two years ago.