Running News Daily

Ethiopia dominated the 2026 Brasov Running Festival in Romania, with Khairi Bejiga and Asefu Abreha claiming impressive victories in two fiercely contested elite 10km races.

Bejiga, still only 20, successfully defended his title in the men’s race, becoming the first athlete — male or female — to win the Brasov 10K in consecutive editions across the event’s six-year history.

The Ethiopian produced a dramatic finish to retain his crown, edging training partner Nibret Kinde by just one second. Bejiga stopped the clock at 27:01, while Kinde followed in 27:02. Ayele Tadesse completed an Ethiopian sweep of the men’s podium in 27:09.

The depth of the field was underlined by the performances behind the leading trio, with Kenyan Amos Kipkemoi Bett finishing fourth in 27:13, followed by Djibouti’s Hani Idriss Hersi in 27:16.

Kenya also placed three more athletes inside the top 10, with Laban Kosgei sixth in 27:21, Victor Okoth Otieno seventh in 27:22, Kevin Chesang ninth in 27:29 and Silas Senchura 10th in 27:32. Uganda’s Samuel Simba Cherop completed the top eight in 27:25.

Brasov Running Festival 2026 — Men’s Top 10

1. Khairi Bejiga — Ethiopia — 27:01 

2. Nibret Kinde — Ethiopia — 27:02 

3. Ayele Tadesse — Ethiopia — 27:09 

4. Amos Kipkemoi Bett — Kenya — 27:13

5. Hani Idriss Hersi — Djibouti — 27:16

6. Laban Kosgei — Kenya — 27:21

7. Victor Okoth Otieno — Kenya — 27:22

8. Samuel Simba Cherop — Uganda — 27:25

9. Kevin Chesang — Kenya — 27:29

10. Silas Senchura — Kenya — 27:32

The women’s race delivered another Ethiopian victory as Asefu Abreha produced a major personal best to take the title in 30:16.

Abreha, also 20, surprised a strong field with a breakthrough performance, finishing three seconds ahead of compatriot Aynadis Mebratu, who crossed the line in 30:19.

Ethiopia completed the women’s podium through Yenenesh Shimket Ademas, whose 30:21 was a world under-20 best for the 10km distance, adding another significant achievement to an extraordinary Ethiopian showing in Brasov.

Djibouti’s Samiya Hassan Nour finished fourth in 30:37, while South Africa’s Tayla Kavanagh was fifth in 30:50. Kenya’s Nelvin Jepkemboi placed sixth in 30:57.

The remaining places in the women’s top 10 were filled by Ethiopia’s Mastewal Mehabaw in 30:59, Axumawit Embaye in 31:05 and Tibeb Eneyew in 31:29, with Romania’s Joan Chelimo Melly rounding out the top 10 in 31:46.

Brasov Running Festival 2026 — Women’s Top 10

1. Asefu Abreha — Ethiopia — 30:16 

2. Aynadis Mebratu — Ethiopia — 30:19 

3. Yenenesh Shimket Ademas — Ethiopia — 30:21 

4. Samiya Hassan Nour — Djibouti — 30:37

5. Tayla Kavanagh — South Africa — 30:50

6. Nelvin Jepkemboi — Kenya — 30:57

7. Mastewal Mehabaw — Ethiopia — 30:59

8. Axumawit Embaye — Ethiopia — 31:05

9. Tibeb Eneyew — Ethiopia — 31:29

10. Joan Chelimo Melly — Romania — 31:46

The Brasov Running Festival has established itself as one of the fastest and most competitive 10km road races in Europe, attracting an increasingly deep international field capable of producing world-class performances.

The 2026 edition further strengthened that reputation, with national records for Djibouti and South Africa and a European under-18 best also among the notable achievements of the event.

For Ethiopia, however, the spotlight belonged to Bejiga and Abreha. Their victories gave the nation a memorable double in Brasov, with 27:01 and 30:16 respectively highlighting another spectacular day of elite road racing in Romania.

Kenyan distance-running veteran Mark Kosgei Kiptoo has added another extraordinary achievement to his remarkable career, setting a new M50 world record in the half marathon at the 2026 San Sebastián Rural Kutxa Half Marathon in Spain.

At 50, Kiptoo produced a stunning 1:03:57 over the 21.097-kilometre distance, winning the race outright while rewriting the masters record books.

His performance demolished the previous M50 world record of 1:06:23, set by South Africa’s Titus Mamabolo, by 2 minutes and 26 seconds. The scale of the improvement makes Kiptoo’s performance one of the most remarkable masters distance-running achievements of the year.

The Kenyan arrived in San Sebastián in impressive form after already showing that age had done little to diminish his speed. At 49, Kiptoo won the Azkoitia-Azpeitia Half Marathon in March in 1:03:17, a performance that underlined his extraordinary endurance and ability to maintain world-class pace well into his late 40s.

Kiptoo’s latest achievement is another milestone in a career that has already delivered success across track, cross country and road running. Now competing in the masters ranks, the Kenyan continues to demonstrate the exceptional endurance and speed that made him one of the most respected distance runners of his generation.

Born on June 21, 1976, Kiptoo has spent decades competing at the highest level of international athletics. His career includes major performances on the track and road, and his transition into the masters category has done little to slow his remarkable competitive drive.

Kiptoo’s transition to marathon running produced another extraordinary achievement. At the 2018 Frankfurt Marathon, he clocked 2:07:50 to establish what was then a world record for the Masters 40-and-over age group, further highlighting his ability to remain competitive well beyond the traditional peak years of an elite distance runner.

That performance offered an early indication of the extraordinary longevity that would later define his masters career. With the M50 half-marathon world record standing at 1:06:23, Kiptoo arrived in San Sebastián with history within reach—and he did far more than simply break the mark.

He obliterated it.

Kiptoo’s 1:03:57 was also fast enough to secure the overall victory, putting the 50-year-old Kenyan ahead of considerably younger competitors. Spain’s Iraitz Arrospide was the leading Spanish finisher, taking second in 1:04:48, while Youness Assehli completed the podium in 1:07:16.

Kiptoo’s record run was also notable for the consistency of his pace throughout the race. He passed 5 kilometres in 15:22 before reaching 10 kilometres in 30:21, with his second 5-kilometre segment covered in a remarkable 14:59. He continued to maintain the demanding tempo, reaching 20 kilometres in 1:00:40 before completing the final 1.097 kilometres to stop the clock at 1:03:57.

Those splits underline just how controlled and aggressive Kiptoo’s performance was. Rather than relying on a late surge, the Kenyan built his record through sustained world-class pace from the opening kilometres to the finish, averaging roughly 3:02 per kilometre across the entire half marathon. The performance not only shattered the longstanding M50 record but also demonstrated that Kiptoo’s extraordinary speed remains intact at an age when most elite athletes have long since stepped away from the highest level of competition.

In San Sebastián, Kiptoo’s experience came together in one extraordinary performance. He not only won the race outright but also lowered the M50 world record from 1:06:23 to 1:03:57, an improvement of 2 minutes and 26 seconds. At 50, he continues to show that world-class determination and years of experience can still translate into astonishing performances over 21.1 kilometres.

Kiptoo’s credentials were established long before his entry into the masters ranks. A former African champion over 5,000 metres and a winner on the Diamond League circuit, he competed successfully against the world’s best during the peak of his track career.

His track personal bests include 12:53.46 for 5,000 metres and 26:54.64 for 10,000 metres, evidence of the elite speed and endurance that have remained the foundation of his longevity in the sport.

The latest record is therefore more than another entry on a masters list. It is a reflection of a career built on consistency, discipline and an extraordinary ability to remain competitive across different generations of distance runners.

At 50 years old, Mark Kiptoo is still running at a level that commands attention.

A 1:03:57 half marathon, an outright race victory and a world record—another remarkable chapter in the career of one of Kenya’s enduring distance-running stars.

The 2026 Košice Marathon delivered a strong display of international marathon talent, with South Africa’s Adam Lipschitz and Ethiopia’s Aberash Fayesa Robi claiming victories in contrasting but equally impressive performances on the streets of Košice, Slovakia.

In the women’s race, Fayesa Robi produced the standout performance, crossing the finish line in 2:21:54 to secure a commanding victory and improve her personal best. The Ethiopian maintained a strong rhythm throughout the race before finishing well clear of the rest of the field.

Her compatriot Nurit Ahmed Samiro added another impressive chapter to Ethiopia’s day, placing second in 2:25:03 on her marathon debut. Racing over the full 42.195-kilometre distance for the first time, Samiro delivered a remarkably mature performance to immediately establish herself among the leading names in the field.

Kenya’s Tecla Jelimo Kibet completed the women’s international podium, finishing third in 2:29:56. Her performance secured a place among a highly competitive leading group as the Ethiopian pair dominated the top two positions.

The men’s contest was even tighter at the front, with Adam Lipschitz producing a breakthrough performance to win in 2:07:21. The South African not only claimed the prestigious Košice Marathon title but also lowered his personal best, underlining the quality of his performance on the day.

Kenya’s Abednego Cheruiyot pushed Lipschitz all the way and finished second in 2:07:53, also recording a new personal best. The Kenyan remained firmly in contention deep into the race before crossing the line just 32 seconds behind the winner.

Another Kenyan, Moses Kipngetich Kemei, secured third place in 2:08:04, giving Kenya two athletes inside 2:09 and completing a highly competitive podium.

Turkey’s Kaan Kigen Özbilen followed in fourth with 2:08:22, narrowly missing the podium after remaining within striking distance of the leading trio.

The performances in Košice highlighted the depth of the international field, with the men’s race producing three athletes under 2:09 and the women’s contest featuring a commanding winning performance alongside an impressive marathon debut.

The results once again underlined the historic Košice Marathon’s ability to attract high-level athletes from across the world and provide a competitive stage for both established marathoners and emerging talent.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia — Ezekiel Kemboi Omullo emerged victorious at the 2026 Kuala Lumpur Marathon, leading an impressive Kenyan performance as athletes from the East African nation claimed nine of the top 10 positions in the men’s race.

Omullo produced a winning performance of 2:21:15, edging compatriot John Nzau Mwangangi, who finished second in 2:21:23. Moses Kibet Kipsang completed the podium in 2:21:34, giving Kenya a clean sweep of the first three places.

The contest at the front was remarkably close, with the leading Kenyan athletes separated by only seconds. Samuel Kalalei matched Kipsang’s time of 2:21:34 to finish fourth, while James Tallam followed closely in fifth with 2:21:40.

Kenya’s strong showing continued with Julius Kipkorir Tuwei, who crossed the line sixth in 2:22:10. Ethiopia’s Asmera Tamiru Beshir was the only athlete from outside Kenya among the first seven, finishing seventh in 2:22:28.

The Kenyan dominance resumed behind Beshir, with Vincent Kipsang Mutai taking eighth in 2:23:08. Edwin Cheruiyot Soi finished ninth in 2:23:53, while Felix Kipsang Mutai completed the top 10 in 2:25:24.

The narrow margins among the front-runners made the men’s race particularly competitive. Omullo’s eight-second advantage over Mwangangi was the largest gap separating the top two, while Kipsang and Kalalei could not be separated on the clock after both recorded 2:21:34.

For Kenya, the result underlined the depth of its marathon talent. Nine of the 10 leading finishers came from Kenya, with the country occupying every position from first through sixth before Beshir interrupted the sequence in seventh.

Omullo ultimately took the headline victory, but the wider performance from the Kenyan contingent was equally striking. From the opening positions through the closing places of the top 10, Kenya maintained a commanding presence on the Kuala Lumpur results sheet.

2026 Kuala Lumpur Marathon — Men’s Top 10

1. Ezekiel Kemboi Omullo — Kenya — 2:21:15

2. John Nzau Mwangangi — Kenya — 2:21:23

3. Moses Kibet Kipsang — Kenya — 2:21:34

4. Samuel Kalalei — Kenya — 2:21:34

5. James Tallam — Kenya — 2:21:40

6. Julius Kipkorir Tuwei — Kenya — 2:22:10

7. Asmera Tamiru Beshir — Ethiopia — 2:22:28

8. Vincent Kipsang Mutai — Kenya — 2:23:08

9. Edwin Cheruiyot Soi — Kenya — 2:23:53

10. Felix Kipsang Mutai — Kenya — 2:25:24

Omullo’s triumph therefore came alongside a powerful collective showing from Kenya, with the 2026 Kuala Lumpur Marathon providing another showcase of the country’s remarkable depth in long-distance road racing.

The Valencia Half Marathon 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated women’s road races of the season, with a deep international field set to assemble in Valencia, Spain, on Sunday, October 25.

Leading the announced line-up are Ethiopia’s Yalemzerf Yehualaw, Tsigie Gebreselama and Kenya’s Caroline Gitonga, with a strong group of athletes from Kenya, Ethiopia, Germany and Spain adding considerable depth to the race.

Yehualaw arrives with a listed personal best of 1:03:51, placing her among the fastest athletes in the field. The Ethiopian has considerable experience in Valencia, having finished second in the 2021 edition in 1:03:51 when compatriot Letesenbet Gidey set the then-world record of 1:02:52.

Gebreselama is also listed at 1:04:21, while Ethiopia’s Ftaw Zerai enters with 1:05:12. Their presence gives Ethiopia a formidable challenge at the front of the women’s race and sets the stage for a potentially fast contest from the opening kilometres.

Kenya will be strongly represented as well. Daisilah Jerono has a listed best of 1:05:21, followed by Veronica Loleo at 1:05:35 and Caroline Gitonga at 1:06:16. Loleo is particularly familiar with Valencia, having finished third in the 2025 race in 1:05:46.

Germany’s Konstanze Klosterhalfen, listed at 1:05:41, adds another major international name to the field. Meanwhile, Spain’s hopes will be carried by Carla Gallardo, Laura Luengo and Irene Sánchez-Escribano, who are listed at 1:08:30, 1:08:50 and 1:09:10 respectively.

Valencia Half Marathon 2026 — Women’s Elite Field

1. Yalemzerf Yehualaw (Ethiopia) — 1:03:51

2. Tsigie Gebreselama (Ethiopia) — 1:04:21

3. Ftaw Zerai (Ethiopia) — 1:05:12

4. Daisilah Jerono (Kenya) — 1:05:21

5. Veronica Loleo (Kenya) — 1:05:35

6. Mizam Alem (Ethiopia) — 1:05:38

7. Konstanze Klosterhalfen (Germany) — 1:05:41

8. Caroline Gitonga (Kenya) — 1:06:16

9. Carla Gallardo (Spain) — 1:08:30

10. Laura Luengo (Spain) — 1:08:50

11. Irene Sánchez-Escribano (Spain) — 1:09:10

The quality of the field is particularly significant given Valencia’s reputation as one of the fastest half-marathon venues in the world. The race has produced both the women’s and men’s world records, with Gidey running 1:02:52 in 2021 and Yomif Kejelcha clocking 57:30 in 2024.

With several athletes already possessing credentials around or below the 1:06 mark, the women’s race could develop into a high-quality battle over the 21.0975-kilometre distance. The depth behind the leading trio also means the outcome could depend on pacing, positioning and how the contenders respond when the race reaches its decisive stages.

For the Spanish athletes, racing on home roads provides an opportunity to challenge a powerful African contingent, while the Kenyan and Ethiopian runners will arrive with ambitions of competing for the leading positions.

The Valencia Half Marathon 2026 will take place on October 25, bringing together an international elite field alongside thousands of mass-participation runners on the fast streets of Valencia.

Eliud Kipchoge has spent more than two decades chasing greatness on the world’s biggest stages. Now, the Kenyan marathon legend is taking on a different kind of challenge — helping shape the athletes who could one day follow in his footsteps.

The two-time Olympic marathon champion has been appointed a Global Ambassador for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, where he will use his experience at the highest level of sport to connect with and mentor young athletes from around the world.

Kipchoge will share the ambassadorial role with Brazilian skateboarding star Rayssa Leal, while also taking on a special mentoring role with the Refugee Olympic Team, which will make its first appearance at a Youth Olympic Games in Dakar.

For Kipchoge, the appointment represents a shift from competing for medals to investing in the future of sport.

“I’ve been in the sport for 24 years; it’s my time to give back to the next generation,” Kipchoge said.

The 41-year-old has already begun that work, meeting members of the Refugee Olympic Team at their training camp in Kaptagat, Kenya. His message has extended beyond running and competition, focusing on discipline, education, personal values and what success means both in sport and in life.

“When I go to Dakar, I’ll make sure I meet young athletes from across the world — meet them, have an honest talk, mentor them, and look at what the future of sport, and the world, looks like,” Kipchoge said.

The assignment carries enormous significance for Africa. Dakar 2026 will be the first Olympic sporting event ever staged on African soil, with the Youth Olympic Games bringing together approximately 2,700 young athletes across Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly.

It will also mark a historic moment for young refugee athletes, with the Refugee Olympic Team making its Youth Olympic Games debut. World Athletics has confirmed that young athletes hosted by the National Olympic Committees of Kenya and Uganda will form part of the team competing in Senegal.

For Kipchoge, Dakar is therefore about much more than ceremonies, appearances and titles. It is an opportunity to share the lessons accumulated through an extraordinary career and encourage a new generation to believe in its own potential.

“Dakar 2026 is a huge event on our young continent — something we’ve long waited for here,” Kipchoge said. He added that being part of the first Olympic sporting event in Africa would leave a lasting impression on young people across the continent.

From Athens 2004, where he won his first Olympic medal, to his marathon triumphs at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, Kipchoge has experienced virtually every level of Olympic competition. His next contribution will not be measured in seconds, medals or records.

This time, his impact will be measured by the young athletes he inspires.

The man who spent years showing the world how far a human being can push the limits is now preparing to help the next generation discover how far they can go.

Kipchoge is no longer simply chasing history. In Dakar, he will be helping the next generation write its own. 

Kenya produced a commanding display on the streets of Johannesburg, South Africa, as Deborah Chemutai led a clean sweep of the women’s podium at the 2026 Absa Joburg 10K.

Chemutai delivered a strong winning performance to cross the finish line first in 32:50, securing victory and leading a remarkable Kenyan one-two-three in the South African road race.

She was followed by compatriot Mercy Chelimo, who battled her way to second place in 33:10, while Esther Borura completed the Kenyan domination by taking third in 33:27.

The result highlighted Kenya’s depth in women’s road running, with all three podium positions occupied by athletes from the East African distance-running powerhouse.

Chemutai’s victory was the centerpiece of an impressive Kenyan performance, as she maintained her advantage to claim the top step of the podium in Johannesburg. Chelimo and Borura ensured the Kenyan dominance extended through the leading positions, completing a memorable sweep.

The margin between the three Kenyans also made the podium battle particularly compelling. Chelimo finished just 20 seconds behind Chemutai, while Borura was another 17 seconds adrift, producing a closely packed Kenyan presence at the sharp end of the race.

Beyond the individual victory, the result underlined the remarkable depth available in Kenyan women’s road running. Producing the winner is one achievement, but occupying all three podium places demonstrates how strongly the country continues to feature when elite road races bring together talented distance runners.

For Chemutai, the Johannesburg triumph provided a memorable addition to her racing campaign, while Chelimo and Borura completed a result that will stand out from the 2026 edition of the Absa Joburg 10K. Together, the trio turned the women’s podium into a celebration of Kenyan running strength.

Women’s 10km Results

1. Deborah Chemutai (Kenya) — 32:50

2. Mercy Chelimo (Kenya) — 33:10

3. Esther Borura (Kenya) — 33:27

The Johannesburg finish therefore belonged entirely to Kenya, with Chemutai, Chelimo and Borura combining to produce a flawless podium sweep and underline the depth of Kenyan talent in the 10km road-racing scene.

For years, Grace Sugut has been a familiar presence alongside one of the greatest marathon runners in history, Eliud Kipchoge. Now, her own running story is beginning to take shape.

Sugut is preparing for the third marathon of her career when she lines up at the Nike Melbourne Marathon on Sunday, October 11, 2026, sharing the start line with her husband once again as Kipchoge continues his ambitious global marathon journey in Australia.

What makes Grace’s story particularly fascinating is the speed at which her marathon journey has developed. Rather than spending years building towards the distance, she has embraced the challenge in a relatively short period, travelling across continents and gradually establishing her own identity as a marathon runner.

Her journey began in Cape Town on May 24, 2026, where she completed her marathon debut in 4:29:59. That first race marked the beginning of a new chapter for a woman who had long been closely connected to marathon running through Kipchoge.

Just weeks later, she continued that adventure in South America, taking on the NB42K Porto Alegre Marathon in Brazil on July 12. The race provided another opportunity to gain experience over the demanding 42.195-kilometre distance and add another international marathon to her growing journey.

Now, Melbourne awaits.

The Nike Melbourne Marathon will give Grace another chance to test herself over the full marathon distance, this time on a redesigned course that organisers have made faster and flatter. The 2026 route features up to 20 per cent less elevation gain and 30 per cent fewer turns, while the race will once again finish inside the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The marathon starts at 6:15 a.m. from Batman Avenue before taking runners through some of Melbourne’s most recognisable areas and ultimately into the MCG for a memorable stadium finish.

For Grace, however, Melbourne represents more than another race on the calendar.

It places her directly inside the extraordinary global adventure being undertaken by her husband.

Kipchoge’s Eliud’s Running World project is taking him to seven marathons across all seven continents over a two-year period, combining marathon racing with a wider mission to bring communities together through running and support education and environmental initiatives through the Eliud Kipchoge Foundation.

Melbourne is the third stop of that journey, following Cape Town in South Africa and Porto Alegre in Brazil.

And this time, Grace is not simply accompanying the journey from the sidelines.

She is running it.

From Cape Town to Porto Alegre and now Melbourne, her progression reflects a personal transformation from being closely associated with marathon running through Eliud to taking on the distance herself.

There is something deeply compelling about that journey. While Kipchoge has spent more than a decade building one of the most celebrated marathon careers in history, Grace is beginning her own story from a very different starting point — learning the marathon one race, one continent and one kilometre at a time.

On October 11, thousands of runners will fill Melbourne’s streets, while the spectacular finish inside the MCG will provide the backdrop for another memorable day of marathon running.

Kipchoge will continue his seven-continent mission.

Grace Sugut will have a simpler but equally personal objective: to keep moving forward and complete another 42.195 kilometres.

From supporting a marathon legend to becoming a marathon runner herself, Grace’s journey is only beginning — and Melbourne could become another important chapter in a story that is already taking her around the world.

Some world records are broken within months or even weeks. Others survive for years, becoming part of athletics history and turning every new generation of challengers into another chapter in their remarkable story.

As of September 25, 2026, a remarkable collection of long-standing running world records continues to stand across the track. At the top of that list is one of the most enduring marks in modern athletics: Jarmila Kratochvílová’s women’s 800m world record of 1:53.28, set in Munich in 1983. The record has now stood for 43 years, making it the oldest current outdoor track world record in athletics.

Kratochvílová’s performance remains extraordinary not only because of its longevity, but also because of how rarely athletes have come close to it. Decades after it was established, the 1:53 barrier remains one of the most formidable standards in women’s middle-distance running.

The next-oldest record on the board belongs to Marita Koch, whose 47.60 for the women’s 400m has remained untouched since 1985. Koch’s mark is now 40 years old, while Florence Griffith-Joyner’s extraordinary world records of 10.49 for 100m and 21.34 for 200m, both established in 1988, have survived for 38 and 37 years respectively.

Those records from the 1980s and early 1990s form one of the most intriguing chapters in athletics history. They belong to an era that produced performances still sitting at the very top of the all-time lists, with modern generations repeatedly attempting to reach standards that have resisted decades of competition.

China’s Wang Junxia added another remarkable mark to that era when she ran 8:06.11 for 3000m in 1993. That record has now stood for 32 years, while Morocco’s Hicham El Guerrouj set the men’s 1500m world record of 3:26.00 in 1998, giving the list another mark that has survived for more than a quarter of a century.

Then comes a different kind of longevity: the extraordinary sprint records of Usain Bolt.

Bolt’s 9.58-second 100m world record, set in Berlin in 2009, and his 19.19-second 200m record, established at the same championships, are now both 17 years old.

When Bolt produced those performances, many of today’s elite sprinters were still children. Yet despite enormous advances in training, sports science, track technology and competition, his two marks remain the standards that every new generation must chase.

The list also highlights the remarkable staying power of more recent records. Kenya’s David Rudisha set the men’s 800m world record of 1:40.91 at the London 2012 Olympics, while South Africa’s Wayde van Niekerk stunned the world with 43.03 in the 400m at the Rio 2016 Olympics.

Kenya’s Beatrice Chepkoech followed with her historic 8:44.32 world record in the women’s 3000m steeplechase in 2018. Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei then established the men’s 5000m and 10,000m records in 2020, running 12:35.36 and 26:11.00 respectively.

More recently, Ethiopia’s Lamecha Girma set the men’s 3000m steeplechase world record at 7:52.11 in 2023, while Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon produced another landmark performance that year, running 4:07.64 for the women’s mile.

Together, these records create a fascinating timeline of athletics—from the pioneering performances of the 1980s to the spectacular achievements of the modern era. Some have survived for more than four decades, while others are still in the early stages of what could become an equally remarkable reign.

And that is what makes world records so captivating: every generation arrives believing that today’s impossible can become tomorrow’s target, yet some numbers continue to stand as enduring reminders of performances that changed the sport forever.

The women-only marathon world record has remained in East African hands since 2017, with Kenya and Ethiopia trading the historic mark in a remarkable sequence of record-breaking performances.

The latest chapter belongs to Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa, who lowered the record to 2:15:41 at the 2026 London Marathon, taking nine seconds off her own previous mark of 2:15:50.

The progression began with Britain’s Paula Radcliffe, whose 2:17:42 in 2005 stood for 12 years before Kenya’s Mary Keitany finally brought the record down. Keitany clocked 2:17:01 at the 2017 London Marathon, beginning the current East African era of the women-only record.

Kenya strengthened its grip in 2024 when Olympic champion Peres Jepchirchir produced one of the defining performances of her career in London. She ran 2:16:16, cutting 45 seconds from Keitany’s record and becoming the latest Kenyan to set the women-only marathon world record.

But the record did not remain in Kenya for long. At the 2025 London Marathon, Assefa produced a spectacular 2:15:50, improving Jepchirchir’s mark by 26 seconds and establishing herself as the latest Ethiopian custodian of the record.

A year later, Assefa returned to London with the record still in her sights. She delivered again, running 2:15:41 to successfully defend her title and extend her own world record by another nine seconds.

Behind her, Kenya’s Hellen Obiri ran a personal best of 2:15:53, while Joyciline Jepkosgei followed in 2:15:55. The extraordinary depth of the race meant three women finished inside 2:16 in the same marathon.

The rivalry between Kenya and Ethiopia has consequently become a defining feature of the modern women-only marathon record. Each breakthrough has raised the standard, creating an increasingly demanding target for the next generation of marathon stars.

It is also important to distinguish the women-only record from the overall women's marathon world record. A women-only race does not use male pacemakers, while mixed-gender races can have male athletes helping to maintain the pace. This distinction makes the progression of the women-only record a particularly interesting measure of women's marathon racing.

For now, the record progression reads:

Great Britain — Paula Radcliffe, 2:17:42 (2005)

Kenya — Mary Keitany, 2:17:01 (2017)

Kenya — Peres Jepchirchir, 2:16:16 (2024)

Ethiopia — Tigst Assefa, 2:15:50 (2025)

Ethiopia — Tigst Assefa, 2:15:41 (2026)

From Radcliffe’s landmark performance in 2005 to Assefa’s latest breakthrough in 2026, the record has undergone a remarkable transformation. Since Keitany ended Radcliffe’s 12-year reign, every improvement has come from either Kenya or Ethiopia, underlining the extraordinary depth of East African women’s marathon running.

And with the record now standing at 2:15:41, the next chapter is waiting to be written. The question is not only who will break the mark next, but how much further the women-only marathon can ultimately be pushed.

Few Olympic races have produced a story as bizarre, chaotic and brutal as the marathon at the 1904 Games in St. Louis.

Held on August 30, 1904, the race took place over roughly 40 kilometres in oppressive heat, on dusty country roads where passing automobiles stirred clouds of dust into the air. Water was extremely limited, and the combination of heat, hills, dehydration and poor race organization turned the event into an extraordinary test of survival.

Thirty-two runners started the marathon, but only 14 reached the finish. What happened along the way would eventually make the St. Louis marathon one of the most infamous races in Olympic history.

Among the strangest episodes was the story of American runner Frederick Lorz.

Lorz was initially celebrated as the winner after reaching the stadium first in 3:13:00. But the apparent victory quickly collapsed when officials discovered that he had been transported by automobile for a substantial portion of the course after suffering severe cramps. Accounts place the car ride at roughly 11 miles.

When the automobile eventually broke down, Lorz returned to the road and continued running. He crossed the finish line first, but his deception was uncovered almost immediately and he was disqualified. Lorz later described the incident as a joke rather than an attempt to claim the Olympic title.

That left Thomas Hicks as the official Olympic champion, but his journey to the gold medal was almost as extraordinary.

Hicks completed the marathon in 3:28:53, a time that remains the slowest winning performance in Olympic marathon history. Yet the number on the clock tells only part of the story.

As Hicks began to fade badly during the latter stages, his support team gave him a mixture containing strychnine and egg white, followed later by brandy. Strychnine was regarded at the time as a stimulant in very small quantities, although today it is recognized as a highly poisonous substance. There were no modern anti-doping rules at the 1904 Games to prohibit such treatment.

Hicks became increasingly exhausted and reportedly hallucinated during the closing stages. His condition deteriorated so badly that his trainers eventually helped carry him across the finish line while his legs continued moving beneath him.

Afterward, he needed medical attention before he was well enough to leave the stadium. The Olympic Museum records that four doctors were required to attend to him following the race.

Then there was Andarín Carvajal, the Cuban postman whose Olympic debut sounded more like an adventure than a marathon.

Carvajal arrived in St. Louis shortly before the race and had little of the equipment expected of a serious marathon runner. He competed in long trousers and a long-sleeved shirt, with the legs of his trousers cut down to make them more suitable for running.

Despite his unconventional preparation, Carvajal ran remarkably well and stayed among the leading competitors.

But hunger became a problem. Having gone for a long period without proper food, he stopped along the course and ate apples he found. Unfortunately, the fruit was rotten, leaving him with severe stomach cramps. At one point, he lay down beside the road and fell asleep.

Remarkably, he recovered, got back on his feet and continued running. Carvajal eventually finished fourth, an extraordinary result considering the conditions and the obstacles he encountered.

The race also marked an important moment in Olympic history for Africa.

Len Taunyane and Jan Mashiani, two South Africans of Tswana background, became the first Black Africans to compete at the Olympic Games. They were in St. Louis as part of a South African exhibition connected to the World's Fair and entered the marathon almost unexpectedly.

Historical accounts have long described the pair as running barefoot, although surviving photographs indicate that the footwear situation was more complicated, with at least one of them appearing to have shoes. Their names were also recorded inconsistently in contemporary reports.

Taunyane became part of one of the race's most extraordinary stories when he was reportedly chased off the course for about a mile by a wild dog. Despite the incident, he recovered and continued the race.

Taunyane finished ninth, while Mashiani placed 12th, making their appearances significant not only because of the bizarre circumstances but also because they represented an important milestone in Olympic history.

There were other dangers too. The roads were so dusty that the automobiles accompanying the runners created clouds of dust that made an already punishing race even more difficult. One American runner, William Garcia, reportedly collapsed after dust severely affected his throat and stomach, illustrating just how dangerous the conditions had become.

The 1904 St. Louis marathon was therefore unlike almost anything seen in modern distance running.

There were no sophisticated hydration stations, no carefully measured modern course, no sports science teams and no anti-doping regulations. Instead, runners faced extreme heat, dusty roads, limited water and primitive medical practices.

One athlete rode in a car. Another stopped to eat rotten fruit and fell asleep. Two pioneering African competitors endured an extraordinary race, with one reportedly being chased by a dog. And the eventual champion was administered a dangerous stimulant mixture before being helped across the finish line.

More than a century later, the St. Louis marathon remains a remarkable reminder of just how different Olympic distance running once was.

It was a marathon where survival sometimes seemed as important as speed—and where almost every mile produced another unbelievable chapter.

Sweden’s Andreas Almgren produced a breathtaking finish on the streets of Copenhagen, unleashing a perfectly timed late surge to win the men’s half marathon title at the 2026 World Athletics Road Running Championships in 58:06.

The Swedish star waited patiently through the decisive stages of the race before making his move with roughly 200 metres remaining, accelerating away from the field and producing a devastating sprint down the final straight.

Nicholas Kipkorir had controlled much of the race, dictating the pace and keeping the leading contenders under pressure. Almgren, however, remained close throughout, carefully conserving enough energy for the moment that would ultimately decide the world title.

When the race entered its final stretch, Almgren made his move. The Swede surged hard over the final 200 metres and then outsprinted Kipkorir over the last 100 metres, powering clear to cross the line first in 58:06.

The performance was not only enough to secure the gold medal but also delivered an Area Record, adding another extraordinary achievement to Almgren’s rapidly growing list of accomplishments.

His winning time makes the victory even more significant in the history of the championships. Almgren becomes the first non-African world half marathon champion since Italy’s Stefano Baldini in 1996, ending a remarkable 30-year period in which athletes from Africa had dominated the global title.

For much of the race, Kipkorir appeared to have control, but Almgren refused to be separated from the Kenyan. His patience proved decisive as the race entered its final kilometres, allowing him to remain within striking distance before producing the acceleration that ultimately settled the contest.

Behind the leading pair, Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei endured a gruelling battle to hold on to third position. The Olympic and world champion was pushed relentlessly in the closing stages and had to dig extremely deep to preserve his place on the podium. Despite the intense pressure from the athletes behind him, Cheptegei held firm to secure the bronze medal in a personal best of 58:26.

Ethiopia’s Tadese Worku also produced a personal best of 58:35 to finish fourth, while Kenya’s Gideon Kipkertich Rono followed in fifth in 58:57. The depth of the field was reflected by the fact that six athletes broke the 59-minute barrier, underlining the exceptional quality of the championship race.

Top 10 Men’s Half Marathon Results

1. Andreas Almgren (Sweden) — 58:06 — AR

2. Nicholas Kipkorir (Kenya) — 58:11

3. Joshua Cheptegei (Uganda) — 58:26 — PB

4. Tadese Worku (Ethiopia) — 58:35 — PB

5. Gideon Kipkertich Rono (Kenya) — 58:57

6. Hani Idriss Hersi (Djibouti) — 59:09 — NR

7. Yemaneberhan Crippa (Italy) — 59:18

8. Alex Nzioka Matata (Kenya) — 59:22

9. Daniel Simtu Ebenyo (Kenya) — 59:42 — SB

10. Othmane El Goumri (Morocco) — 59:53 — PB

The victory further strengthens Almgren’s remarkable 2026 campaign. The 58:06 performance gave the Swede an Area Record as he added the World Athletics Road Running Championships half marathon crown to his résumé, following his 10,000m triumph at the European Athletics Championships. His ability to combine sustained endurance with a devastating finishing kick once again proved decisive on the biggest stage.

For Almgren, the Copenhagen triumph also provides an intriguing glimpse ahead to his next challenge. With his New York City Marathon debut now on the horizon, the world half marathon title represents an important statement as he prepares to make the transition to the marathon. After demonstrating that he can handle the demands of championship racing over 21.1 kilometres while still possessing the speed to produce a decisive late surge, Almgren now turns his attention toward an entirely new distance.

The victory marks Almgren’s first global title, completing a remarkable transformation from European record-holder and leading continental distance runner into a world champion.

It also adds another spectacular chapter to an already outstanding 2026 season. Almgren has consistently demonstrated an exceptional combination of endurance, speed and tactical intelligence, and Copenhagen provided the perfect stage for all three qualities to come together.

With the clock showing 58:06, Almgren not only conquered the world championship field but also rewrote the European record books. His perfectly timed attack in the final 200 metres delivered Sweden a historic world road-running title and created one of the most dramatic finishes of the Copenhagen championships.

Eritrea’s Dawit Seare produced a sensational performance on Saturday, September 19, 2026, to claim the men’s 5km world title at the World Athletics Road Running Championships in Copenhagen, defeating Norway’s Olympic champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen in a dramatic battle that went down to the final metres.

Seare crossed the finish line in a national record of 12:56, with Ingebrigtsen taking silver in a Norwegian record of 12:59. Eritrea completed a remarkable double podium as Saymon Amanuel secured bronze in a personal best of 13:00.

The closing stages produced an extraordinary finish as Seare and Ingebrigtsen engaged in a fierce battle for the world title. With just 150 metres remaining, the lead changed hands three times, underlining the intensity of the contest. Ingebrigtsen briefly surged ahead and appeared to have taken control, but Seare responded with another gear, powering past the Norwegian before the finish line.

The Eritrean’s decisive acceleration carried him to victory by three seconds, turning what had been a tightly contested race into a remarkable championship triumph. Seare held his composure under immense pressure and produced the strongest finish when it mattered most.

The race had featured a large leading group through much of the early stages before the pace intensified approaching the final kilometres. As the runners entered the decisive phase, Seare remained firmly in contention, positioning himself perfectly for the battle that would ultimately determine the world champion.

For Seare, the victory adds another major achievement to an impressive 2026 season. Having already established himself as the African 5,000m champion, he has now transferred that success to the roads by securing a world title in Copenhagen.

Ingebrigtsen was forced to settle for silver despite producing a national record of his own. The Norwegian’s late surge demonstrated his determination to control the race, but Seare’s response in the final metres proved decisive in one of the closest and most dramatic finishes of the championships.

Eritrea’s success was made even more remarkable by Amanuel’s bronze medal. His 13:00 personal best ensured that two Eritrean athletes stood on the podium, giving the country both gold and bronze in a memorable men’s 5km championship race.

Australia’s Ky Robinson also delivered an outstanding performance, finishing fourth in 13:04 to set an Oceanian record. Uganda’s Keneth Kiprop matched the time in fifth, while Ethiopia placed two athletes inside the top seven through Addisu Yihune and Mezgebu Sime.

Kenya’s Mathew Kipchumba Kipsang finished eighth in 13:11, followed by Burundi’s Egide Ntakarutimana in ninth and South Africa’s Maxime Chaumeton in 10th.

Men’s 5km Top 10 Results

1. Dawit Seare — Eritrea — 12:56 NR

2. Jakob Ingebrigtsen — Norway — 12:59 NR

3. Saymon Amanuel — Eritrea — 13:00 PB

4. Ky Robinson — Australia — 13:04 AR

5. Keneth Kiprop — Uganda — 13:04 PB

6. Addisu Yihune — Ethiopia — 13:07

7. Mezgebu Sime — Ethiopia — 13:08 SB

8. Mathew Kipchumba Kipsang — Kenya — 13:11 SB

9. Egide Ntakarutimana — Burundi — 13:12 PB

10. Maxime Chaumeton — South Africa — 13:13

Seare’s victory capped an unforgettable finish in Copenhagen, where three changes of the lead in the final 150 metres set up a dramatic showdown. In the end, the Eritrean produced the crucial final surge to deny Ingebrigtsen and claim a historic world 5km title in a national-record 12:56.

The stage is set for a spectacular men’s half marathon at the World Athletics Road Running Championships Copenhagen 26, with some of the world’s leading distance runners preparing to battle for global honours on Sunday, September 20.

Kenya’s Nicholas Kipkorir headlines the field with a remarkable personal best of 58:08, the fastest mark among the athletes entered.

Kipkorir will face a formidable challenge from compatriot Gideon Kipkertich Rono, who owns a 58:38 personal best. Sweden’s Andreas Almgren also brings an exceptional 58:41 to the start line, while Ethiopia’s Tadese Worku has a 58:59 personal best.

Italy’s Yemaneberhan Crippa adds another major name to the field with a national record of 59:01, while Kenya’s Daniel Simiu Ebenyo enters with a 59:04 personal best and valuable championship experience.

Ebenyo won silver at the 2023 World Road Running Championships in Riga and will be looking to challenge for another medal in Copenhagen.

Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei will bring enormous championship pedigree to the race. The Olympic and multiple world champion has a half marathon best of 59:21, making him another athlete capable of featuring prominently in the battle for the medals.

The American challenge will be led by Conner Mantz, who owns a 59:15 personal best. France’s Etienne Daguinos, Portugal’s Samuel Barata, Ethiopia’s Bereket Nega, France’s Jimmy Gressier, Canada’s Rory Linkletter, Australia’s Jack Rayner and Morocco’s Mohamed Reda El Aaraby further strengthen an already formidable international field.

Kenya will have particular interest in the championship, with several of its leading road runners lining up against some of the best athletes from Europe, Africa, North America, Asia and Oceania.

The race will be contested over the traditional 21.0975-kilometre distance, with the elite men scheduled to start at 9:45 a.m. local time on Sunday, September 20.

Leading Athletes And Personal Bests

1. Nicholas Kipkorir (Kenya) — 58:08

2. Gideon Kipkertich Rono (Kenya) — 58:38

3. Andreas Almgren (Sweden) — 58:41

4. Tadese Worku (Ethiopia) — 58:59

5. Yemaneberhan Crippa (Italy) — 59:01

6. Daniel Simiu Ebenyo (Kenya) — 59:04

7. Alex Nzioka Matata (Kenya) — 59:11

8. Conner Mantz (USA) — 59:15

9. Joshua Cheptegei (Uganda) — 59:21

10. Etienne Daguinos (France) — 59:27

11. Samuel Barata (Portugal) — 59:40

12. Bereket Nega (Ethiopia) — 59:43

13. Jimmy Gressier (France) — 59:45

14. Rory Linkletter (Canada) — 59:49

15. Peter Lynch (Ireland) — 59:52

16. Jack Rayner (Australia) — 59:53

17. Mohamed Reda El Aaraby (Morocco) — 59:54

18. Hillary Bor (USA) — 59:55

19. Zerei Kbrom Mezngi (Norway) — 1:00:01

20. Bastien Augusto (France) — 1:00:09

21. Mande Bushendich (Uganda) — 1:00:14

22. Jack Rowe (Great Britain) — 1:00:17

23. Cameron Levins (Canada) — 1:00:18

24. Ogikubo Tomoya (Japan) — 1:00:22

25. Bayelign Teshager (Ethiopia) — 1:00:22

26. Elroy Gelant (South Africa) — 1:00:22

27. Célestin Ndikumana (Burundi) — 1:00:23

28. Said Mechaal (Spain) — 1:00:24

29. Nishizawa Yuma (Japan) — 1:00:26

30. Namiki Neo (Japan) — 1:00:29

31. Othmane El Goumri (Morocco) — 1:00:30

32. Inyasi Nicodemus Sulley (Tanzania) — 1:00:31

33. Wesley Kiptoo (USA) — 1:00:34

34. Haftu Strintzos (Australia) — 1:00:36

35. Filmon Tesfu (Netherlands) — 1:00:38

36. Mustapha Akkaoui (Morocco) — 1:00:38

With such remarkable depth, the championship could remain finely poised until the closing stages. The presence of multiple sub-59-minute runners, experienced championship performers and strong finishers sets the scene for a race in which positioning, tactics and the ability to respond to late surges could prove decisive.

For Kipkorir, Ebenyo and their Kenyan teammates, Copenhagen provides an opportunity to turn impressive personal credentials into championship medals. But with a world-class field assembled behind them, the final outcome will only be determined when the leading runners reach the finish line.

The stage is set for a spectacular women’s half marathon at the 2026 World Athletics Road Running Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark, with a deep international field ready to battle for the world title on Sunday, September 20.

The elite women’s race will begin at 9:10 a.m. local time, with the 21.0975-kilometre championship race taking runners through the streets of Copenhagen before the finish on Øster Allé.

At the head of the entry list is Kenya’s Agnes Jebet Ngetich, who brings a sensational 1:03:04 personal best into the championship. She will lead a powerful Kenyan contingent that also includes Lilian Kasait Rengeruk, whose 1:03:32 is among the fastest times ever recorded over the distance.

Ngetich has established herself as one of the leading distance runners in the world, and her combination of speed and endurance makes her one of the major names to watch when the championship race gets underway.

Rengeruk provides another formidable Kenyan threat, while Daisilah Jerono, with a 1:05:21 personal best, and Veronica Loleo, with 1:05:35, add further depth to the Kenyan line-up.

Ethiopia will also arrive with serious firepower. Tsigie Gebreselama owns a remarkable 1:04:21 personal best, while Ftaw Zeray comes into Copenhagen with a 1:05:12 lifetime best.

The battle will not be restricted to the leading African nations, however. Weini Kelati Frezghi heads the American challenge with a 1:06:04 personal best, while Esther Chebet of Uganda has run 1:06:33.

Europe will be represented by several accomplished athletes, including Slovenia’s Klara Lukan, who owns a 1:06:43 personal best, and Norway’s experienced Karoline Bjerkeli Grøvdal, whose best stands at 1:06:55.

South Africa’s Glenrose Xaba is another prominent name on the list with a 1:07:03 personal best, while Great Britain’s Samantha Harrison enters with 1:07:10.

Uganda has further depth through Rebecca Chelangat at 1:07:18, Annet Chemengich Chelangat at 1:08:12 and Rispa Cherop at 1:08:53.

The international field also includes Ethiopia’s Melat Siyoum and Baraky Redae, Rwanda’s Florence Niyonkuru and Emeline Imanizabayo, Mexico’s Laura Galván, Belgium’s Chloé Herbiet and Lisa Rooms, the United States’ Emma Grace Hurley, Ednah Kurgat, Carrie Ellwood and Jessica McClain, France’s Mekdes Woldu, Alessia Zarbo and Mélody Julien, Italy’s Sofia Yaremchuk and Elvanie Nimbona, China’s He Wuga and Liang Tiantian, and New Zealand’s Georgie Grgec.

Women’s Half Marathon Entry List

1. Agnes Jebet Ngetich — Kenya — 1:03:04

2. Lilian Kasait Rengeruk — Kenya — 1:03:32

3. Tsigie Gebreselama — Ethiopia — 1:04:21

4. Ftaw Zeray — Ethiopia — 1:05:12

5. Daisilah Jerono — Kenya — 1:05:21

6. Veronica Loleo — Kenya — 1:05:35

7. Weini Kelati Frezghi — United States — 1:06:04

8. Esther Chebet — Uganda — 1:06:33

9. Klara Lukan — Slovenia — 1:06:43

10. Karoline Bjerkeli Grøvdal — Norway — 1:06:55

11. Glenrose Xaba — South Africa — 1:07:03

12. Samantha Harrison — Great Britain — 1:07:10

13. Rebecca Chelangat — Uganda — 1:07:18

14. Melat Siyoum — Ethiopia — 1:07:21

15. Florence Niyonkuru — Rwanda — 1:07:22

16. Baraky Redae — Ethiopia — 1:07:31

17. Laura Galván — Mexico — 1:07:31

18. Chloé Herbiet — Belgium — 1:07:32

19. Emeline Imanizabayo — Rwanda — 1:07:35

20. Emma Grace Hurley — United States — 1:07:35

21. Annet Chemengich Chelangat — Uganda — 1:08:12

22. Mekdes Woldu — France — 1:08:20

23. Alessia Zarbo — France — 1:08:20

24. Ednah Kurgat — United States — 1:08:25

25. Sofia Yaremchuk — Italy — 1:08:27

26. He Wuga — China — 1:08:31

27. Liang Tiantian — China — 1:08:33

28. Carrie Ellwood — United States — 1:08:34

29. Jessica McClain — United States — 1:08:37

30. Elvanie Nimbona — Italy — 1:08:38

31. Lisa Rooms — Belgium — 1:08:40

32. Rispa Cherop — Uganda — 1:08:53

33. Georgie Grgec — New Zealand — 1:09:13

34. Mélody Julien — France — 1:09:15

With so many athletes separated by relatively small margins on paper, the championship race could develop into a fascinating tactical contest. Personal bests provide an indication of speed, but championship racing often comes down to positioning, patience and the ability to respond when the decisive moves arrive.

For Ngetich, Rengeruk, Gebreselama, Zeray and the rest of the field, the opportunity is clear: 21.0975 kilometres through Copenhagen with a world championship title waiting at the finish.

The World Athletics Road Running Championships Copenhagen 26 take place on September 19–20, with the women’s elite half marathon taking centre stage on Sunday, September 20, at 9:10 a.m.

Copenhagen is ready for a major championship showdown — and the women’s half marathon promises to be one of the highlights of the weekend.

What should have been an ordinary afternoon run ended in devastating tragedy for 38-year-old Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo, a mother, dedicated runner and much-loved member of South Africa’s running community.

Moselakgomo left her home in Rhodesfield, Kempton Park, east of Johannesburg, on September 10 for a run — something that had become a familiar part of her life. But when she failed to return home, the routine quickly turned into a desperate search.

Her eight-year-old daughter was among the first to realise that something was wrong and raised the alarm when her mother did not come home. Family, friends and authorities were left hoping that the missing runner would be found safe.

Two days later, that hope was shattered.

Moselakgomo’s body was discovered on September 12 behind a hotel in the Rhodesfield area. She was found wearing sports clothing, and her family later identified her remains at the Germiston mortuary on September 14. Police investigations into the circumstances surrounding her death are continuing.

For the running community, the tragedy has been particularly painful because Tsontso was not simply someone who occasionally went out for exercise. Running was part of who she was.

She was a member of Team Vitality and Waterfall City Athletics Club, and had recently completed the Wanderers 21K in Johannesburg on August 23. She was also known beyond the running community as the manager of Festival Mall and a member of her church choir.

Those who knew her have remembered her as a vibrant and energetic woman who brought warmth to the communities around her.

Her death has also unfolded against a deeply disturbing backdrop.

By September 15, police were investigating the deaths of six women whose bodies had been discovered in and around Kempton Park and the wider East Rand since July. Moselakgomo is the only one among the victims to have been publicly identified so far. Police have established a task team to investigate the cases and determine whether there are connections between them.

One suspect linked to the first case remains in custody, while investigators continue working on the other cases. Authorities have not established that all of the deaths are connected, making it important for the investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding each case individually.

The tragedy has sent shockwaves through South Africa’s athletics and running fraternity.

Athletics South Africa, Team Vitality and Waterfall City Athletics Club have all expressed their grief and extended condolences to Moselakgomo’s family. Athletics South Africa said her death highlighted the vulnerability of women who should be able to participate in sport and exercise without fear for their safety.

The response from runners has been immediate and deeply personal.

On Tuesday, Waterfall City Athletics Club and Run Alex Athletics organised tribute runs and walks in her honour, bringing runners together not only to remember Tsontso but also to stand together during a moment of fear and grief within the running community.

Members of TZD Sports Club in Eswatini also ran a 10-kilometre tribute in her memory, showing how far her story has travelled beyond the streets where she once trained and raced.

Across South Africa, runners have been turning their usual training sessions into moments of remembrance — some wearing black, others gathering in groups and many simply showing up to honour a fellow runner whose life was tragically cut short.

But the tributes have also carried a broader message.

Running With Sole Athletics Club has called for stronger safety measures, including more police presence, functioning street lights and safer running routes. The club stressed that running should represent freedom, health, community and joy — not fear.

That message has resonated strongly with runners, particularly women who have long had to think about safety before deciding when, where and with whom they can run.

For many, a run is a simple escape from the pressures of everyday life. It is a chance to clear the mind, improve health, chase a personal goal or spend time with friends. It should not be an activity that requires someone to constantly wonder whether they will make it home.

For Tsontso’s eight-year-old daughter and her family, however, this is no longer an abstract concern about safety.

It is the painful reality of losing a mother who left home for a run and never returned.

The running community can now only carry her memory forward — through the races she completed, the clubs she belonged to, the people she inspired and the miles that runners will continue to dedicate to her.

Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo went out doing something she loved.

She should have been able to finish her run, walk through the door and return to the daughter who was waiting for her.

She should have made it home.

Africa finally has its moment. Kenya has won the race to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, turning years of ambition into a landmark reality for the continent.

In a historic decision announced in Budapest, Nairobi has been selected to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, making Kenya the first African nation to stage the senior global track and field championships.

World Athletics confirmed that Nairobi and Munich have been selected to host the 2029 and 2031 World Athletics Championships respectively, following what the governing body described as one of the strongest bidding processes in the history of its flagship event.

For Kenya, the announcement represents far more than a successful hosting bid. It is the latest chapter in a remarkable athletics story built over generations.

The Kenyan capital overcame strong competition from London, Rome and Munich to secure the 2029 edition, bringing the world's biggest senior athletics championship to African soil for the first time.

The championship will be staged at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, in Nairobi, giving Kenya the opportunity to welcome the world's greatest athletes to a country that has produced countless champions of its own.

For generations, Kenya has established itself as one of the most influential nations in global athletics.

From pioneering Olympic champion Kipchoge Keino and distance-running legend Tegla Loroupe among others to modern icons such as Eliud Kipchoge, Faith Kipyegon, David Rudisha, Faith Cherotich, Vivian Cheruiyot and Ezekiel Kemboi among others. Kenyan athletes have repeatedly conquered the world's biggest stages.

Their Olympic victories, world titles, records and unforgettable performances have made Kenya one of the most recognizable names in track and field.

But Kenya's athletics identity extends far beyond medals.

Running is deeply rooted in communities across the country, while the high-altitude training regions of the Rift Valley have become synonymous with the development of world-class distance runners. Behind the champions are coaches, families, training partners and communities that have helped create an athletics culture admired around the world.

Now, for the first time, that culture will become the backdrop for the sport's biggest senior global championship.

Nairobi 2029 will be historic before the first race even begins.

Kasarani, already an important venue in Kenya's sporting history, will take center stage as athletes from across the globe descend on Nairobi in pursuit of world titles.

For Kenyan fans, the opportunity to watch the world's greatest sprinters, middle-distance runners, distance stars, hurdlers, field-event athletes and relay teams compete on home soil will be extraordinary.

For the country's next generation of athletes, the impact could be even greater.

Young runners who have grown up watching Kenyan champions compete around the world will now have the chance to experience a World Championships in their own country. The sight of the world's best athletes competing at Kasarani could inspire a new generation to believe that they, too, can reach the highest levels of the sport.

The significance, however, stretches well beyond Kenya's borders.

Africa has produced generation after generation of Olympic champions, world champions and global athletics icons. From Kenya and Ethiopia to Uganda, Morocco, South Africa and numerous other nations, African athletes have played a central role in shaping the history of track and field.

Yet the continent had never hosted the senior World Athletics Championships.

Nairobi 2029 changes that forever.

The successful Kenyan bid therefore represents a major breakthrough for African athletics and a powerful recognition of the continent's contribution to the sport.

World Athletics' decision also secures the future of the championships beyond Nairobi. Munich will host the 2031 World Athletics Championships, creating a two-edition sequence that will see the global showpiece move from Africa to Germany.

But the spotlight now belongs to Nairobi.

The announcement in Budapest has transformed what was once an ambitious bid into a confirmed date with history.

In 2029, Kenya will not simply send athletes to compete for world titles.

Kenya will welcome the world.

It will be a celebration of the pioneers who laid the foundation, the champions who carried the country's name across the globe and the young athletes who represent the future of African athletics.

After decades of producing champions for the world, Kenya will finally have the opportunity to bring the world's greatest athletics stars into its own backyard.

For Africa, this is more than a hosting victory.

It is a breakthrough. It is recognition. It is a new chapter.

And when the athletes walk into Kasarani for the 2029 World Athletics Championships, they will be stepping into a moment that will belong not only to Kenya, but to an entire continent.

NAIROBI 2029 — THE WORLD IS COMING TO AFRICA. 

Tomorrow could be a defining day for Kenyan athletics — and potentially for the entire African continent.

The World Athletics Council is expected to announce the host of the 2029 World Athletics Championships, with Nairobi's bid carrying the hopes of a continent that has produced generations of extraordinary athletes but has never staged the senior global championships.

For Kenya, the moment could represent the culmination of decades of dominance, sacrifice and achievement on the international athletics stage.

For generations, Kenya has built one of the most remarkable traditions in track and field. From pioneering legends such as Kipchoge Keino and Tegla Loroupe to modern icons including Eliud Kipchoge, Faith Kipyegon, David Rudisha, Sebastian Sawe, Beatrice Chebet and Ezekiel Kemboi among others. Kenyan athletes have repeatedly stood on the biggest stages in world sport.

Their achievements have helped make Kenya one of the most respected names in global athletics. Olympic triumphs, world titles, records and unforgettable performances have carried the country's name across every corner of the sporting world.

But Kenya's relationship with athletics extends far beyond its medal collection.

Running is deeply rooted in communities throughout the country, while the high-altitude training environments of the Rift Valley have become famous worldwide for producing elite distance runners. Behind every champion is a network of coaches, families, training partners and communities that have helped sustain Kenya's extraordinary athletics culture.

Now Nairobi is seeking to bring the world's biggest track and field championship to the country where so many champions have been produced.

The proposed centerpiece of Kenya's bid is Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, a venue already deeply connected to Kenyan athletics. If the bid succeeds, Kasarani could become the stage where the world's finest athletes gather in 2029 to compete for global titles.

And the significance would extend far beyond Kenya.

Africa has produced some of the greatest athletes in athletics history, yet the continent has never hosted the World Athletics Championships. Nairobi's bid could change that.

Kenya's proposal is therefore not simply about staging another major sporting competition. It represents an opportunity to bring the championships to African soil for the first time and introduce millions of international fans to the continent's remarkable athletics culture.

However, Nairobi is facing formidable competition.

Kenya's bid is competing against proposals from London, Rome and Munich, three European cities with established sporting traditions and significant experience hosting major international competitions.

That sets up a fascinating choice for World Athletics.

Will the organization take the championships to a continent that has never hosted the event, creating a historic first for Africa? Or will the competition return to one of Europe's traditional athletics powerhouses?

For Nairobi, the stakes could hardly be higher.

A successful bid would give Kenyan athletes the opportunity to compete at a World Championships in front of their home supporters. It would give young runners across the country the chance to watch the world's best athletes compete in their own backyard. And it would place Kenya's extraordinary athletics heritage at the center of global attention.

It could also provide an opportunity to celebrate the champions who came before — athletes whose achievements helped establish Kenya as an athletics superpower — while inspiring the generation that will carry that legacy forward.

Imagine Kasarani filled with thousands of passionate supporters, the world's best athletes arriving in Nairobi, and Kenyan stars stepping onto the track knowing that the biggest championship in their sport is being staged on home soil.

For a country whose identity is so closely intertwined with running, it would be a remarkable sight.

And for Africa, it could be a moment of enormous symbolic importance.

Tomorrow, Kenya — and Africa — could hear its name called.

One decision. One host. One opportunity to make history.

If Nairobi is chosen, the story would not simply be about Kenya winning a bid. It would be about Africa finally welcoming the World Athletics Championships to its own soil.

It would be a celebration of the pioneers, the champions, the coaches, the communities and the generations of athletes who have helped make African athletics a global force.

And perhaps the headline of 2029 would already be waiting:

Kenya, the home of champions, has finally brought the world to its own backyard.

Nairobi 2029 — could this finally be Africa's moment?

Kenya produced a commanding display at the 2026 Volksbank-Münster-Marathon in Germany, with Dickson Kiptoo and Dickson Kiprop finishing first and second in the men’s race, while Ethiopia’s Agrie Wole claimed victory in the women’s competition.

Kiptoo delivered the winning performance in 2:10:03, holding off compatriot Kiprop, who crossed the finish line just 43 seconds later in 2:10:46. The Kenyan dominance continued on the podium as Tanzania’s Emanuel Giniki secured third place in 2:12:37.

The men’s contest unfolded at a strong marathon pace, with the leading runners having to balance speed with the demanding conditions. Kiptoo ultimately produced the strongest performance on the day, securing the victory in just over two hours and ten minutes.

Kiprop remained within striking distance of his fellow Kenyan and finished with an impressive 2:10:46, making the battle for the top positions particularly compelling. Giniki also delivered a quality performance, breaking 2:13 to complete a highly competitive East African podium.

The women’s race was equally engaging, with Agrie Wole emerging as the strongest runner over the 42.195-kilometre distance. Her 2:28:43 winning time placed her comfortably ahead of Kenya’s Cecilia Wayua, who ran 2:30:21 to secure second.

Wayua’s performance added another Kenyan presence to the podium, while Ethiopia’s Azalech Woldesellase fought her way into third with 2:31:09. The result gave Ethiopia two athletes among the women’s top three and underlined the strength of East African distance running.

But the weather added another layer of drama to the race. Heavy rain accompanied the competition, creating difficult conditions for the athletes as they tackled the marathon course. The challenging weather demanded concentration and resilience, particularly as fatigue inevitably increased during the latter stages.

The conditions also had a serious consequence for Argentina’s Ignacio Erario, who was unable to finish after suffering a fall caused by the heavy rain. His withdrawal served as a reminder of just how unpredictable a marathon can become when athletes are forced to contend with difficult weather alongside the physical demands of the distance.

In the end, Münster belonged to East African distance running. Kiptoo and Kiprop delivered a Kenyan one-two in the men’s race, Wole led an Ethiopian triumph in the women’s competition, and the rain ensured that the 2026 edition would be remembered as a particularly demanding and dramatic marathon.

South Africa’s Bayanda Walaza delivered another electrifying performance on the European circuit, storming to victory in the men’s 100m at the 62nd Palio Città della Quercia in Rovereto, Italy.

Walaza stopped the clock at a blistering 9.91 seconds, with a legal +0.5 m/s tailwind, to not only secure the win but also shatter the meeting record. His performance erased the previous mark of 9.98 seconds.

The 20-year-old South African produced a commanding run against a strong international field, holding off Ghana’s Abdul-Rasheed Saminu, who finished second in 10.01, while Canada’s Eliezer Adjibi completed the podium in 10.09.

For Walaza, the 9.91 adds another sub-10-second performance to an increasingly impressive season. His personal best remains 9.89 seconds, a mark that underlines just how close he is to another major breakthrough.

Walaza has already established himself as one of South Africa’s most exciting young sprinters. He was a double gold medallist in the 100m and 200m at the 2024 World Athletics U20 Championships in Lima before helping South Africa win Olympic silver in the 4x100m relay at Paris 2024.

Now making his mark against senior competition, Walaza is showing increasing consistency at the highest level.

A 9.91 meeting record in Rovereto is another powerful statement from the young South African — and with his speed continuing to develop, Walaza’s ceiling looks remarkably high.

Oblique Seville produced a statement performance in Brussels, powering to a superb 9.90 seconds to capture the men’s 100m Diamond League title and secure the coveted Diamond Trophy for Jamaica.

The Jamaican sprinter rose to the occasion in a fiercely contested final, exploding from the blocks and maintaining his composure as the field charged towards the finish. Seville held off a remarkable challenge from Cameroon’s Emmanuel Eseme, who pushed him all the way before crossing the line in an outstanding 9.93 seconds.

Nigeria’s Kayinsola Ajayi also delivered a superb performance, breaking the 10-second barrier to take third in 9.97 seconds and complete a remarkably fast podium.

Behind the leading trio, Australia’s Lachlan Kennedy narrowly missed the podium in 9.99, while South Africa’s Gift Leotlela and American Christian Coleman both stopped the clock at 10.01. South Africa’s Akani Simbine followed in 10.03, with American Trayvon Bromell recording 10.07.

For Seville, the victory represents another significant milestone in a rapidly developing career. The Jamaican has established himself as one of the leading sprinters of his generation, and his ability to deliver under the pressure of a Diamond League final once again demonstrated his competitive strength.

The Brussels final was particularly impressive for its depth, with seven athletes breaking or matching the 10-second barrier. Yet when the decisive moment arrived, Seville had the extra gear required to separate himself from the pack.

His 9.90 was not merely enough to win the race—it was enough to put his name on the Diamond League trophy and cap his campaign with another major victory.

1. Oblique Seville — 9.90

2. Emmanuel Eseme — 9.93

3. Kayinsola Ajayi — 9.97

Jamaica celebrates another Diamond League champion, while Seville leaves Brussels with the biggest prize of the night and yet another reminder that he belongs among the very best in the world.

A brilliant finish to the Diamond League season—and another golden moment for Oblique Seville. 

Ferdinand Omanyala’s 2026 season has come to an abrupt and heartbreaking end, just as the Kenyan sprint star appeared to be building momentum for a memorable finish to his campaign.

The African 100m record-holder has been forced to withdraw from the remainder of the season after suffering a stress fracture to the calcaneus, the heel bone of his left foot. The injury means Omanyala will miss the final two major competitions that were expected to bring his 2026 campaign to a spectacular conclusion — the Wanda Diamond League Final in Brussels and the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest.

For an athlete who had worked hard to rebuild his season, the timing could hardly have been more frustrating.

Omanyala revealed that he sustained the injury around two weeks before the Commonwealth Games. Despite the problem, he attempted to manage the discomfort and continue competing. But with the season reaching its most important stage, the Kenyan has now made the difficult decision to step away from competition and give his body the recovery time it needs.

It is a painful ending, but it should not overshadow what had otherwise been a highly encouraging campaign.

Throughout 2026, Omanyala repeatedly demonstrated that his speed remains among the best in the world. One of the standout moments came in Xiamen, where he stormed to victory in the 100m in 9.94 seconds. It was his fastest performance of the season and another powerful reminder of the explosive speed that has made him one of Africa’s most prominent sprinting figures.

His consistency was just as impressive. Omanyala produced five consecutive sub-10-second performances, maintaining a level of speed that very few sprinters can sustain across an extended period. His performances also pushed him into third place in the Diamond League 100m standings, putting him firmly among the leading contenders heading towards the series finale.

That makes his absence from Brussels particularly frustrating.

Omanyala had earned his place among the world’s best, but instead of lining up under the lights for another major showdown, he will now begin the long process of recovery.

The injury had already complicated his Commonwealth Games campaign. Having been carrying the problem into the championships, Omanyala was unable to produce the performance he wanted and failed to progress to the 100m final. Now, with the remaining major competitions of the season also ruled out, his year has officially come to an early conclusion.

There will be no final Diamond League appearance in Brussels. There will be no opportunity to compete at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest. And there will be no chance to give his 2026 season the dramatic ending that his earlier performances had promised.

But sometimes an athlete’s most important decision is knowing when to stop.

A stress fracture is not an injury worth gambling with for the sake of another race. At this stage of his career, protecting his long-term health and allowing the injury to heal properly is far more important than forcing his way onto the track for one final appearance.

And when the disappointment fades, Omanyala will have plenty to be proud of.

A 9.94-second season best. Five consecutive sub-10-second performances. A Diamond League victory. Third place in the Diamond League 100m standings. Most importantly, another season in which he showed that he remains capable of competing with the very best sprinters on the planet.

Those achievements cannot be erased by the injury.

For Kenyan athletics, his absence from the final stages of the season is undoubtedly a major disappointment. Omanyala has become one of the most recognizable faces of Kenyan sprinting, carrying the country’s ambitions into a discipline where Kenya has traditionally had less international influence.

But this is not the end of his story.

It is simply an unexpected pause.

For now, the starting blocks can wait. The crowds can wait. The stopwatch can wait.

Omanyala’s next race is the race back to full fitness.

If he gives his body the time and patience it needs, the Kenyan star can return with something still to prove and, perhaps, another chapter of his remarkable sprinting journey waiting to be written.

The 2026 season may have ended sooner than Ferdinand Omanyala wanted, but his story on the track is far from over. 

Ethiopia’s Kasegn Alemtsehay Asefa produced a brilliant performance at the 2026 Mexico City Marathon, winning the women’s race in 2:29:30 and leading an impressive Ethiopian clean sweep of the podium.

Asefa mastered the demanding 42.195-kilometre course through the Mexican capital, holding her form in an environment where altitude can make an already difficult marathon considerably more challenging. The race is staged at approximately 2,240 metres above sea level, meaning athletes have to contend with thinner air throughout the contest.

Despite those demanding conditions, Asefa looked in control and eventually crossed the finish line in 2:29:30, securing a convincing victory and adding another notable chapter to Ethiopia’s strong tradition in distance running.

Her compatriots Gebremedhin Alema and Tefera Mekashu completed the Ethiopian domination, finishing second and third respectively. Alema stopped the clock at 2:32:23, while Mekashu followed in 2:34:04, giving Ethiopia all three places on the women’s podium.

Peru’s Saida Meneses was the leading athlete outside Ethiopia, running an excellent 2:34:41 for fourth place. Her performance also made her the top South American woman in the race, narrowly missing the podium after finishing just 37 seconds behind Mekashu.

Kenya was represented inside the top six by Dorine Jerop, who produced a strong 2:36:32 to finish sixth.

Mexico’s leading runners followed behind the international contenders, with Margarita Hernandez finishing seventh in 2:46:14, followed by Estefany Rodriguez in 2:50:04. Ines Sarate Gil placed ninth in 2:55:20, while Micaela Rayo Reyes completed the top 10 in 2:55:58.

2026 Mexico City Marathon — Women's Top 10

  1. Kasegn Alemtsehay Asefa — Ethiopia — 2:29:30

  2. Gebremedhin Alema — Ethiopia — 2:32:23

  3. Tefera Mekashu — Ethiopia — 2:34:04

  4. Saida Meneses — Peru — 2:34:41

  5. Gerefa Hailu — Ethiopia — 2:36:05

  6. Dorine Jerop — Kenya — 2:36:32

  7. Margarita Hernandez — Mexico — 2:46:14

  8. Estefany Rodriguez — Mexico — 2:50:04

  9. Ines Sarate Gil — Mexico — 2:55:20

  10. Micaela Rayo Reyes — Mexico — 2:55:58

The women’s race ultimately belonged to Ethiopia, with four of the top five finishers representing the East African distance-running powerhouse. Asefa’s winning performance was the highlight, but the depth shown by her compatriots made the result even more impressive.

The Mexico City Marathon is unlike many other major city marathons because of its extraordinary elevation. At more than 2,200 metres above sea level, maintaining marathon pace requires not only physical strength but also careful management of effort and oxygen demand. Asefa’s ability to produce a 2:29:30 under those circumstances makes her victory particularly noteworthy.

For Asefa, the reward was a memorable victory on one of the world's most distinctive marathon courses. For Ethiopia, it was an emphatic statement of strength, with the country sweeping the entire women's podium in Mexico City.

Peru’s Cristhian Pacheco produced a magnificent performance to win the 2026 Mexico City Marathon, overcoming a strong international field and the demanding conditions of one of the world’s highest-profile high-altitude marathons.

Pacheco crossed the finish line in 2:10:03, securing a memorable victory on the streets of Mexico’s capital. Racing at an altitude of approximately 2,240 metres above sea level, the Peruvian had to contend with reduced oxygen availability and a course that places considerable demands on even the most experienced marathoners.

The race developed into a fascinating battle between Pacheco and a group of leading Ethiopian and African runners. However, the Peruvian remained composed as the kilometres accumulated and eventually established himself at the front, producing a strong finish to secure the title.

Behind Pacheco, Ethiopia’s Anbesa Tesfaye finished second in 2:11:25, followed by compatriot Balew Derseh in 2:11:58. Bolivia’s Héctor Garibay was fourth in 2:12:37, while Ethiopia’s Workneh Tasew completed the top five in 2:17:11.

For Pacheco, the triumph adds another important chapter to an already distinguished marathon career. The Peruvian has established himself as one of South America’s leading long-distance runners, and victory in Mexico City once again demonstrated his ability to compete successfully against some of the strongest marathoners from Africa and beyond.

The demanding altitude made Pacheco’s achievement even more impressive. Rather than allowing the conditions to dictate the outcome, he managed his effort intelligently, stayed patient during the crucial stages and found the strength required to separate himself from his rivals when the race entered its decisive phase.

His victory also carries special significance for Peru, continuing the country’s proud marathon tradition on the Mexico City stage. Pacheco’s performance showed a combination of experience, resilience and tactical discipline, qualities that proved decisive over the final kilometres of a race where every second and every ounce of energy mattered.

Pacheco’s success is therefore more than simply another entry in the results book. It is a powerful reminder that great marathon performances are built not only on speed, but also on patience, preparation and the ability to withstand adversity. In Mexico City, the Peruvian delivered all three—and walked away as champion.

 2026 Mexico City Marathon — Men’s Top 10

  1. Cristhian Pacheco (Peru) — 2:10:03

  2. Anbesa Tesfaye (Ethiopia) — 2:11:25 

  3. Balew Derseh (Ethiopia) — 2:11:58 

  4. Héctor Garibay (Bolivia) — 2:12:37

  5. Workneh Tasew (Ethiopia) — 2:17:11

  6. Boit Mike Kiptum (Kenya) — 2:17:32

  7. Cornelius Kibiwott (Kenya) — 2:17:38

  8. Fernando Tapia (Ecuador) — 2:21:12

  9. Emmanuel Reyes (Mexico) — 2:21:35

  10. Bett Kiprotich (Kenya) — 2:22:38

Cristhian Pacheco has conquered Mexico City—and in doing so, delivered a performance of Peruvian pride, determination and marathon excellence. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2026 Sydney Marathon – Top 10 Women's Results

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

  2. Irine Cheptai (Kenya) – 2:22:11

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

  4. Haven Hailu (Ethiopia) – 2:22:56

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Eliud Kipchoge has marked another memorable chapter in his remarkable journey after receiving the 159th and final Isuzu D-Max 1:59 Limited Edition vehicle, completing a unique partnership that celebrates one of the greatest achievements in marathon history.

The legendary Kenyan marathoner expressed his appreciation to his Isuzu East Africa family after taking delivery of the final vehicle in a special series of just 159 units produced to commemorate his historic sub-two-hour marathon achievement.

Each of the limited-edition D-Max vehicles carries Kipchoge’s name and signature, transforming the collection into more than a series of exclusive vehicles. It represents a story built around ambition, discipline, perseverance and the belief that seemingly impossible goals can be achieved through commitment and trust in the process.

The inspiration for the special edition dates back to October 12, 2019, when Kipchoge made history in Vienna, Austria, becoming the first person to run a marathon distance in under two hours in a controlled event. He completed the 42.195-kilometre distance in 1:59:40.2, a landmark moment that redefined the boundaries of human endurance.

What began with that extraordinary morning in Vienna has since evolved into a lasting legacy on Kenyan roads, with 159 limited-edition vehicles now representing a shared connection between Kipchoge and their owners.

For Kipchoge, the final D-Max is therefore not simply the last vehicle to leave the production line. It is a symbolic conclusion to a story that connects his historic achievement with the values that have defined his career.

The number 159 carries particular significance, linking the limited production run to the historic 1:59 achievement while giving each owner a small piece of the story.

As he received the final unit, Kipchoge reflected on the journey from the streets of Vienna to the roads of Kenya, describing the 159 vehicles as a story shared by 159 owners who believe in the possibilities that emerge when people remain committed to their goals and trust the process.

The final D-Max consequently becomes another tangible reminder of a philosophy Kipchoge has carried throughout his career: no human is limited by the boundaries we initially believe exist.

From a historic morning in Vienna to a limited-edition collection spread across Kenya, the 1:59 legacy continues to inspire far beyond the marathon course.

29 August 2011 — Daegu, South Korea 

Some races are remembered for their times. Others are remembered for what they mean. The women’s 400m final at the 2011 World Championships in Daegu belonged firmly to the second category.

On 29 August 2011, Amantle Montsho produced one of the most important performances in Botswana’s athletics history, edging Allyson Felix by just three hundredths of a second to become the country’s first-ever World Championships gold medallist.

Montsho entered the final as one of the leading 400m runners in the world, having dominated much of the 2011 Diamond League season. But standing between her and global glory was a formidable field that included Olympic and world-class stars such as Felix, Sanya Richards-Ross, Shericka Williams and Anastasiya Kapachinskaya.

From the gun, Montsho attacked the race with purpose. Running in lane four, she carried tremendous momentum through the opening half of the lap and entered the home straight with a narrow advantage. Felix, drawn immediately inside her in lane three, responded brilliantly and began closing the gap as the two charged towards the finish.

The final metres became a straight fight between Botswana and the United States.

Felix threw everything at Montsho in the closing stages, but the Botswana star refused to surrender. She crossed the line in 49.56 seconds, with Felix just behind in 49.59. The margin was only 0.03 seconds, but it was enough to make history.

Montsho's winning time was not only a personal breakthrough but also a Botswana national record. It made her the first athlete from Botswana to win a World Championships gold medal and gave the southern African nation its first-ever World Championships medal in the process.

For Felix, the silver medal came with a remarkable performance of her own. Her 49.59 was a personal best and represented one of the finest 400m races of her career at that point. Despite coming agonisingly close to gold, Felix had pushed Montsho all the way to the finish line in one of the closest major championship 400m finals in history.

Behind the leading pair, Francena McCorory delivered another strong performance. Having already run a personal best of 50.24 in the semi-finals to qualify for the final, the American clocked 50.45 in the championship race. At the time, she crossed the line in fourth behind Kapachinskaya, who ran 50.24.

But the medal standings would later change.

Kapachinskaya was subsequently disqualified as part of a doping case involving violations dating back to the 2008 Olympic Games. As a result, her Daegu result was annulled, and McCorory was officially promoted from fourth to bronze medal position. World Athletics later recognised McCorory among the athletes receiving reallocated medals in 2017.

That change gave the race an additional historical dimension. What began as a breathtaking battle between Montsho and Felix ultimately became a championship podium of Montsho, Felix and McCorory.

More than a decade later, the image of Montsho and Felix racing shoulder-to-shoulder down the Daegu straight remains one of the defining moments of the 2011 World Championships. For Botswana, it was a breakthrough moment that announced Montsho on the biggest stage. For Felix, it was another chapter in a career filled with major championship success.

And for fans of the 400m, it was simply a spectacular race — 49.56 versus 49.59, with only three hundredths separating gold from silver.

Ugandan long-distance runners have emerged from the shadows of their legendary East African neighbours to earn distinction at the highest level.

Now Stephen Kissa will represent his nation at the 2026 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon on October 18 against a strong contingent of Kenyan and Ethiopian athletes. The event is once again a World Athletics Elite Label race.

Kissa set a Ugandan national record of 2:04:48 when he finished second in his 2022 marathon debut in Hamburg. That record was only broken this year. He was subsequently selected for Uganda’s 2023 World Championships marathon team, finishing fifth on the streets of Budapest.

He has also represented his country twice at the Olympics and competed at the World Cross Country Championships. With such experience, the 37-year-old is intent on challenging for Toronto’s $25,000 Canadian first-place prize.

“When I come to Toronto, I will do my best,” he declares with a broad smile. “I will be really happy if I can run 2:03 or 2:04.

“With training, we have been comparing the past to now, and we have come up with a solution. We do long runs and tempo runs ranging from 25km and 28km to 30km and up to 40km. I am running around 120km a week but will go up closer to 200km.”

Kissa is not the first of his compatriots to compete in the Toronto Waterfront Marathon. Stephen Kiprotich, the 2012 Olympic champion, finished seventh in the 2018 race. Kiprotich remains a national hero in Uganda, and his success has contributed significantly to the nation’s emergence as a distance-running power.

“I was really inspired a long time ago by Stephen Kiprotich,” Kissa admits. “He did some tremendous work, and I can say he is our mentor. We really respect him.

“He has given me advice. He told me, ‘Our sport is not a one-day journey. It is a long journey that takes a lot of patience and commitment. If you have commitment, patience and work hard, you will go far.’”

Kiprotich has been an occasional and welcome visitor to the training camp in Kapchorwa that Kissa calls home for most of the year. It sits at an altitude of 2,500 metres, or 8,200 feet.

From Monday through Saturday, Kissa trains there with a group that includes two-time Olympic champion Joshua Cheptegei, 2023 world marathon champion Victor Kiplangat and 2022 Olympic 3,000m steeplechase champion Peruth Chemutai.

The centre was built by their management company, Global Sports Communications, with a contribution from Cheptegei. The athletes return home to their families on Saturday evenings.

Kissa lives in Kapchorwa’s town centre, about 14 kilometres away, in an area dominated by Mount Elgon, an extinct volcano estimated to be 24 million years old. He lives there with his wife and two young children.

“Right now they are at school,” he says of his children. “They are about to come home for a holiday. That’s when I will meet them. At school, they concentrate on their studies unless there is a problem. Then they will call me.”

The training camp includes a dormitory, dining room, kitchen and recreation room where the group gathers to watch sports. The recent FIFA World Cup generated great interest, and Kissa admits enjoying the play of Spanish winger Lamine Yamal. When asked what he does to relax, he smiles.

“I can play pool. I like that,” he says, adding with a laugh, “Not for money. We also play cards.

“Sometimes, when I have time, I cook chapati. It is made from wheat flour. We also have potatoes and ugali, which is made from corn.”

The group holds a prayer before each workout. Victor Kiplangat is an assistant pastor at a nearby church called Temple of the Most High God, but the others, including Kissa, also take turns leading prayers.

For more than a decade, the group was coached by Addy Ruiter. After the 2024 Paris Olympics, the Dutchman returned home. He continues coaching the athletes remotely through WhatsApp, with an on-site team led by fellow Dutchman Roy Hoornweg.

“Kapchorwa is a hilly, mountainous area,” Kissa explains. “The tempo runs are done on a plateau where it is flat. Our training differs depending on the location. You can’t do long runs in the hilly area, so we go to the plateau. We also have flatlands where we can do long runs and tempo runs.”

Kissa understands that he is approaching the later stages of his running career and must look toward life beyond competition. Still, he laughs when asked how many more years he can compete.

“Maybe 10 years! I will be happy if I can run 2:03 or 2:04,” he says.

“If Toronto goes really well, I will look to invest in assets in town, build apartments and start a business. I can really say thank you for inviting me to Toronto. If it goes well, I will be very proud.”

Kissa won’t be the only Ugandan presence at the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon. At the Runner’s Expo on October 16 and 17 at the Better Living Centre, a Uganda Tourism booth will offer information about the Mount Rwenzori Marathon and Great Lakes Safaris.

On the starting line, Kissa can be confident that he has the international experience and talent to compete with anyone. As for his ultimate goals, he is succinct.

“I pray that in the years to come I will stand on the podium at the Olympics or World Championships,” he says. “That is what I am really looking forward to.”

A victory in Toronto would bolster that ambition.

Men's road running is moving into extraordinary territory, and two athletes are increasingly at the heart of its breathtaking evolution: Yomif Kejelcha of Ethiopia and Sabastian Sawe of Kenya.

The pair represent the remarkable depth of modern East African distance running, but they are also doing something even more significant: pushing the boundaries of marathon and half-marathon performance to levels that once seemed almost unimaginable. Through their exceptional speed, endurance and ability to perform at the highest level, Kejelcha and Sawe are helping to redefine what is possible on the roads.

Sawe has established himself as one of the most formidable marathon runners in the world. His astonishing 1:59:30 marathon performance at TCS London Marathon on April 26, 2026, marked as a world record, African record and Kenyan record, demonstrated the extraordinary level the marathon has now reached. It also underlined his position at the very top of the men's marathon world rankings.

Kejelcha has been equally sensational, although his journey has highlighted a different kind of versatility. The Ethiopian, whose background includes world-class performances on the track and across shorter road distances, ran 1:59:41 for the marathon debut also at the TCS London Marathon on April 26, 2026, a performance marked as a national record. Just four months later, he delivered another stunning display by clocking 56:51 for the half marathon at the Argentina's capital, Buenos Aires on August 23, 2026, with the performance marked as a pending world record, African record and Ethiopian national record.

That combination of performances illustrates just how exceptional this new generation has become. Kejelcha's ability to threaten the absolute limits over the half marathon while also producing a sub-two-hour marathon performance speaks to his extraordinary range. Sawe, meanwhile, has continued to establish himself as a dominant force over the classic 42.195km distance, combining remarkable efficiency with the strength and speed required to compete at the very highest level.

The two stars are now preparing to take their talents to different stages of the road-running calendar. Kejelcha's next focus is the Valencia Marathon on December 6, where he will once again turn his attention to the marathon distance and look to build on his remarkable breakthrough over 42.195km. Sawe, meanwhile, is set to race the BMW Berlin Marathon on September 27, giving the Kenyan another major opportunity to showcase his extraordinary marathon strength on one of the world's fastest and most prestigious courses.

Those upcoming races add another fascinating dimension to their respective journeys. While Kejelcha heads to Valencia carrying exceptional speed and versatility into another marathon challenge, Sawe will arrive in Berlin with his sights firmly fixed on maintaining his dominance at the highest level of the sport.

What makes their rise particularly exciting is the wider message it sends to athletics. The marathon is no longer progressing only through small margins. The standards at the top are being pushed relentlessly forward, and performances that once appeared impossible are becoming increasingly realistic.

The official sub-two-hour marathon remains one of athletics' ultimate frontiers. Achieving it under standard race conditions would represent one of the greatest endurance breakthroughs in sporting history. Yet with athletes such as Sawe already breaking the two-hour barrier and Kejelcha running only seconds above it while also producing unprecedented half-marathon speed, that frontier appears closer than ever.

Their careers are different, and their strengths are not identical. Sawe has rapidly become a dominant marathon specialist, while Kejelcha brings exceptional versatility from the track to the roads and across multiple distances. But together, they symbolize the relentless progression of men's road running.

Yomif Kejelcha and Sabastian Sawe are not merely among the fastest men of their generation. They are helping to drive the sport toward a future that once seemed unthinkable. With Valencia and Berlin now on their horizons, the next chapter of this remarkable road-running revolution is already waiting to be written.

Jamaica’s Oblique Seville delivered another sensational statement at the Silesia Wanda Diamond League, storming to victory in a breathtaking men’s 100 metres and setting a new meeting record of 9.83 seconds that made sprinting history in Chorzów, Poland.

In one of the deepest and most extraordinary sprint races ever witnessed, Seville powered clear of a world-class field to take the win, with Kenneth Bednarek of the United States finishing second in 9.87 and fellow American Christian Coleman completing the podium in 9.93.

But Seville’s meeting-record victory was only one part of the remarkable story. For the first time in history, all nine athletes in a single men's 100m race broke the 10-second barrier, producing an unprecedented display of sprinting depth.

The historic race also marked only the second time that every athlete in a men's 100m final had broken 10 seconds, following the eight-man final at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. In Silesia, however, the achievement went even further, with an entire nine-man field dipping below the iconic barrier.

Nigeria’s Kayinsola Ajayi produced another impressive performance to finish fourth in 9.94, while South Africa’s Gift Leotlela followed in fifth with 9.95. Canada’s Olympic champion Andre De Grasse clocked 9.96 in sixth, with South African star Akani Simbine recording the same time in seventh.

American Ronnie Baker added another sub-10-second performance with 9.97 for eighth place, while Cameroon’s Emmanuel Eseme ensured the historic sweep was complete by running 9.99 in ninth.

Men's 100m Results – Silesia Wanda Diamond League

1. Oblique Seville (Jamaica) — 9.83 Meeting Record

2. Kenneth Bednarek (United States) — 9.87

3. Christian Coleman (United States) — 9.93

4. Kayinsola Ajayi (Nigeria) — 9.94

5. Gift Leotlela (South Africa) — 9.95

6. Andre De Grasse (Canada) — 9.96

7. Akani Simbine (South Africa) — 9.96

8. Ronnie Baker (United States) — 9.97

9. Emmanuel Eseme (Cameroon) — 9.99

For Seville, the victory was another emphatic demonstration of his exceptional form and his ability to rise to the occasion against the strongest opposition. His 9.83 not only secured the Diamond League win but also lowered the Silesia meeting record, putting an exclamation mark on a performance of the highest quality.

Nine men went under 10 seconds. Seville went under 9.84. On an unforgettable day in Silesia, the Jamaican stood tallest in a race that pushed the boundaries of what men's sprinting has ever seen.

One of the most iconic milestones in the history of ultramarathon running is drawing closer, with entries for the historic 100th edition of the Comrades Marathon set to open on Tuesday, 25 August 2026.

The Comrades Marathon Association has officially announced a detailed entry process for the 2027 race, which will unfold in three stages and give runners around the world the opportunity to secure their place in what promises to be one of the most significant editions ever held of The Ultimate Human Race.

The announcement followed the official launch of the 2027 Comrades Marathon on Wednesday, 19 August, when the centenary campaign, “The Greatest Story Ever Run,” was unveiled alongside a special logo created exclusively for the landmark 100th edition.

The launch also revealed several major highlights for the Centenary Race. The historic event will take place on Sunday, 13 June 2027, and will be a Down Run, with 28,000 places available. The entry process will include a ballot, while the race will offer a record R8.919 million in prize money. Organisers have also set an ambitious goal of raising R10 million for the Amabeadibeadi charities, adding an important charitable dimension to the centenary celebrations. One of the defining moments of the launch was the unveiling of the special Centenary mark, created to commemorate this extraordinary milestone in the history of the race.

The entry process begins on 25 August at 10:00 a.m. SAST, when entries open for Green Number runners, Yellow Number runners and Amabeadibeadi charity entrants.

The next phase follows on 2 September at 10:00 a.m. SAST, when entries open for Comrades Marathon Association members. This window will remain open for 72 hours or until the available entry allocation is filled, with places offered on a strictly first-come, first-served basis.

For general entrants, the process will move to a ballot system. General entries open on 9 September at 10:00 a.m. SAST, with runners able to enter the ballot until it closes on 22 September at 4:30 p.m. SAST. The ballot draw is then scheduled to take place on 23 September.

Several other crucial dates will shape the road to the historic race. The substitution period will run from 15 to 31 March 2027, while 3 May 2027 is the final deadline for runners to submit their qualifying performances, seeding information and other required entry details.

To qualify for the 2027 Comrades Marathon, runners must complete a 42.2km marathon in under five hours between 15 June 2026 and 3 May 2027.

The journey will finally culminate on Sunday, 13 June 2027, when thousands of runners are expected to line up for the historic 100th edition of the Comrades Marathon.

The 2027 race will represent a remarkable moment for the legendary South African ultramarathon. For more than a century, the Comrades Marathon has captured the imagination of runners and spectators with its extraordinary test of endurance, determination and human spirit. Its centenary edition will celebrate the generations of athletes who have faced its demanding roads, conquered its challenges and helped build one of the world's most respected endurance events.

For runners dreaming of becoming part of this historic occasion, the road to Comrades 2027 is now clearly marked. From the opening of entries in August 2026 to race day in June 2027, every deadline will matter.

The Greatest Story Ever Run is preparing for its most historic chapter yet.

NOAH LYLES VS LETSILE TEBOGO — ANOTHER CHAPTER AWAITS! 

The rivalry between American sprint superstar Noah Lyles and Botswana’s Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo is set to take centre stage once again, with the two global stars heading to Budapest for the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship from September 11–13, 2026.

Both Lyles and Tebogo have been named among the event’s Ultimate Stars, adding even more star power to a championship designed to answer one of athletics’ biggest questions: who is the best of the best? World Athletics has assembled Olympic champions, world champions, Diamond League winners and the leading performers of the season for a three-day season finale at Budapest’s National Athletics Centre.

And when the men’s 200m takes centre stage on Sunday, September 13, the possibility of another Lyles-Tebogo showdown promises to be one of the most anticipated moments of the entire championship. The event’s format features semifinals before the final, with the top four athletes from each semifinal advancing.

Their rivalry already carries plenty of history.

At the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Tebogo produced a magnificent performance to win the men’s 200m in an African record of 19.46, becoming Botswana’s first Olympic champion in any sport. Lyles, who had entered the Games as the reigning world champion and one of the favourites, finished third in 19.70, taking bronze.

The story did not end in Paris.

At the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, Lyles and Tebogo renewed their battle over the half-lap distance, with Lyles beating the Olympic champion in Monaco before edging him again at the Diamond League Final in Zürich. World Athletics noted that the Zürich margin was just 0.02 seconds, highlighting just how closely matched the two sprinting giants had become.

Now, Budapest offers another opportunity for the pair to settle the score on one of the sport’s biggest new stages.

Lyles enters the Ultimate with a personal best of 19.31 seconds, while Tebogo owns a 19.46 best — the African record he produced in his historic Olympic triumph. The 2026 season has already shown that neither man can afford a moment of hesitation, with Tebogo continuing to establish himself as one of the world's leading 200m specialists and Lyles remaining a formidable force across the sprints.

But this will be about much more than another race between two famous names.

The Ultimate Championship carries a record US$10 million prize pot, the largest ever offered at a single track and field event. Individual champions will receive US$150,000, while every athlete who competes is guaranteed prize money.

That combination of prestige, money and rivalry makes Budapest a fitting stage for the next instalment of one of modern sprinting’s most compelling matchups.

Lyles brings the experience, personality and championship pedigree. Tebogo brings the confidence of an Olympic champion and the explosive speed that has already carried him to the top of the 200m world.

When the gun fires in Budapest, there will be nowhere to hide and no room for mistakes.

Noah Lyles or Letsile Tebogo — who will seize the Ultimate crown? 

Ambassador Tegla Chepkite Loroupe has embarked on an extraordinary 840-kilometre run from Kakuma Refugee Camp in Turkana County to Uhuru Park in Nairobi, turning a seven-day endurance challenge into a powerful campaign for peace, education, inclusion and greater awareness of the experiences and aspirations of refugees.

Loroupe is undertaking the journey alongside 28 refugees, with the initiative designed to shine a light on the challenges facing refugee communities in Kakuma and Dadaab while promoting stronger relationships between refugees and their host communities.

For Loroupe, the run represents far more than a test of endurance. It is an extension of a mission she has pursued for years—using sport as a platform to promote peace, opportunity, education and inclusion for people whose lives have been affected by displacement.

Reflecting on the early days of advocating for refugee inclusion in sport and development, Loroupe said it was deeply meaningful to see Yiech Pur Biel continue that mission. Biel, who grew up in Kakuma Refugee Camp and went on to represent the Refugee Olympic Team, will lead the team at the Youth Olympic Games in Senegal this year.

“Reflecting on the early days of advocating for refugee inclusion in sports and development, it means so much to see Yiech Pur Biel carry that mission forward — this year, he’ll lead the Refugee Olympic Team at the Youth Olympic Games in Senegal. I’m taking on an 840km journey over seven days, running from Kakuma Refugee Camp to Uhuru Park in Nairobi alongside 28 refugees. Every kilometre of this run is a reminder: displacement doesn’t have to mean the end of a dream. Everyone deserves the chance to pursue theirs,” Amb. Tegla Loroupe said.

The message captures the heart of the initiative. By running alongside refugees rather than simply speaking about their experiences, Loroupe is seeking to bring their stories, ambitions and hopes closer to the national conversation.

Her journey also reflects the remarkable transformation of her own life from elite athlete to global advocate. Born on 9 May 1973, Loroupe established herself as one of Kenya’s most accomplished long-distance runners before devoting much of her influence to peacebuilding, education, women's rights and humanitarian causes.

During her illustrious career, she held world records over 25 and 30 kilometres and became the first African woman to hold the women's marathon world record. She also became a three-time world half-marathon champion and made history as the first African woman to win the New York City Marathon, claiming the prestigious race twice.

Her victories extended to several of the world's major marathons, including London, Rotterdam, Hong Kong, Berlin and Rome, cementing her reputation as one of the outstanding distance runners of her generation.

Yet Loroupe's influence today extends well beyond her achievements on the road. Through the Tegla Loroupe Peace Foundation and other initiatives, she has continued to champion peaceful coexistence and opportunities for communities affected by conflict and displacement.

The 840-kilometre journey now gives that mission a physical form. From Kakuma to Nairobi, every kilometre is intended to carry a message of hope while drawing attention to the potential of refugees when they are given access to education, sport, opportunity and a supportive community.

The participation of 28 refugees makes the journey even more significant. Their presence transforms the run from a symbolic campaign into a collective expression of resilience, allowing those directly affected by displacement to become part of the story being told.

As Loroupe and her fellow runners make their way towards Uhuru Park over seven days, the distance will inevitably test their physical strength. But the greater purpose lies beyond the finish line: reminding Kenya and the wider world that being displaced does not mean being without dreams.

For Loroupe, every stride is therefore a statement of possibility—a call for peace, inclusion and education, and a powerful reminder that with the right opportunities, refugees can move beyond survival and pursue the futures they envision.

Nairobi has formally entered the race to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, placing Kenya at the centre of a historic contest that could bring the sport’s premier global track and field event to African soil for the first time.

Nairobi has formally submitted its bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, with the Kenyan capital facing competition from London, Rome and Munich. Four cities are now in contention for one historic decision, with World Athletics expected to announce the successful host after the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships conclude in Budapest next month.

For Nairobi, however, this is about far more than securing another major sporting event. A successful bid would break a decades-long geographical barrier: despite Africa’s enormous influence on global athletics, the World Athletics Championships have never been staged on the continent.

A Nairobi victory would bring the World Athletics Championships to Africa for the first time in the event’s 50-year history and stage the global showpiece at an altitude of approximately 1,800 metres. The proposed venue is Moi International Sports Center Kasarani Stadium, which has a capacity of 48,063, while the Kenyan government has committed full backing for infrastructure, security and event delivery. Kenya’s athletics credentials are equally compelling, with 17 current world records and 72 World Championships gold medals, making it the second-most successful nation in championship history.

The significance of Nairobi’s bid is amplified by Kenya’s extraordinary place in the history of the sport. The country has produced generations of world-class distance runners and currently holds 17 recognised world records across middle- and long-distance events.

Kenya is also the second-most successful nation in World Athletics Championships history by gold medals, with 72 titles after the 2025 edition. At the Tokyo 2025 championships, Kenya claimed five gold medals, including victories by Beatrice Chebet in the 5,000m and 10,000m.

The country also has recent experience staging major international athletics competitions. Nairobi hosted the 2017 World U18 Championships and the 2021 World U20 Championships, while Kenya previously staged the 2007 World Cross Country Championships in Mombasa and the 2010 African Athletics Championships in Nairobi.

A Nairobi victory would therefore carry a powerful symbolism: the athletes who have helped define modern distance running on African soil could finally compete for world titles at home, in front of a Kenyan crowd.

The competition, however, will be formidable. London is seeking a return to the city that hosted the highly successful 2017 World Championships, while Rome and Munich bring their own strong European sporting traditions and established event infrastructure.

Yet Nairobi offers something none of its rivals can match — the opportunity to open an entirely new chapter in the history of the championships.

The World Athletics Championships have travelled across Europe, Asia, North America and the Middle East, but Africa has remained the missing continent on the event’s hosting map. Kenya’s bid seeks to change that.

With the formal bid now submitted and the final presentation and defence completed, Nairobi’s campaign enters its decisive phase. September will determine whether the championships finally make their long-awaited debut on African soil.

Four cities. One host. One potentially historic decision.

In September, World Athletics will decide whether the world’s greatest track and field athletes will converge on Nairobi in 2029 — and whether Africa will finally get its moment on the biggest stage of all.

Kenya secured a double podium finish in a fiercely contested men’s 3000m steeplechase final at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Eugene, with Emmanuel Lemiso Someki taking silver and Nicholas Kitum Losiwareng battling his way to bronze.

Spain’s Bakr El Asri Mohsine produced the decisive move when it mattered most, surging away in the closing stages to claim the gold medal in 8:28.35 and set a new European U20 area record.

Lemiso, the African U20 champion, had positioned himself at the front of the race and moved into the lead around the 2,300-metre mark as Kenya looked capable of producing another major championship sweep in the event.

But El Asri remained within striking distance. With two laps remaining, the Spaniard began to close the gap before unleashing a powerful finishing surge that ultimately carried him clear of Lemiso and towards the biggest victory of his young career.

Lemiso refused to surrender his position, holding on strongly for silver in a personal-best 8:32.81. It was a significant performance from the Kenyan, who converted his front-running effort into a world U20 championship medal.

Behind him, the battle for bronze delivered perhaps the most dramatic moment of the race.

Losiwareng appeared to lose valuable ground after a stumble at one of the barriers late in the race. Rather than allowing the mistake to end his medal hopes, however, the Kenyan regrouped and launched an aggressive sprint over the final 100 metres.

That charge brought him back into contention with Spain’s Martí Torregrossa. The two athletes fought all the way to the line, with Losiwareng eventually securing third in 8:38.05, just 0.08 seconds ahead of his Spanish rival.

The result gave Kenya two medals from a race that had threatened to slip away in the final stages. Lemiso’s silver and Losiwareng’s bronze also underlined the depth of Kenya’s young steeplechase talent on the international stage.

For El Asri, the victory marked a breakthrough performance, while Kenya could take considerable encouragement from placing two athletes on the podium despite missing out on the title.

The final standings were:

1. Bakr El Asri Mohsine (Spain) — 8:28.35, European U20 Area Record

2. Emmanuel Lemiso Someki (Kenya) — 8:32.81, Personal Best

3. Nicholas Kitum Losiwareng (Kenya) — 8:38.05

In a race decided by the final two laps, El Asri had the speed to take gold, Lemiso had the strength to secure silver, and Losiwareng had the resilience to fight back from adversity and complete Kenya’s double podium finish.

Sixteen years old and already a world champion. Slovenia’s Živa Remic produced a sensational performance in the women’s 800m final at the World Athletics U20 Championships, delivering a perfectly timed finishing surge to capture the gold medal in one of the closest races of the championships.

Remic remained firmly in contention throughout the race before unleashing her decisive move in the closing metres. With the medals still up for grabs, the young Slovenian found another gear approaching the line and edged clear at precisely the right moment, stopping the clock at 2:03.03.

Greece’s Ioulianna Roussou refused to surrender and pushed Remic all the way to the finish. Roussou crossed the line in 2:03.08, just 0.05 seconds behind the champion, turning the final into an extraordinary battle decided by the smallest of margins.

Great Britain’s Shaikira King also produced an impressive performance to secure the bronze medal in 2:03.52, completing a podium separated by less than half a second.

For Remic, the victory represents a major breakthrough on the global stage. At an age when many athletes are still gaining experience at major championships, she has already demonstrated the composure and finishing speed required to win a world title against some of the strongest young 800m runners in the world.

The Slovenian’s victory is even more remarkable considering the depth of talent in the final. Ethiopia’s Habtam Gebeyehu led the African challenge, finishing fourth in 2:03.99, while Japan’s Rin Kubo followed closely in fifth with 2:04.00. Canada’s Chloe Symon was sixth in 2:04.24, with Ethiopia’s Derartu Shibiru seventh in 2:04.81.

American Paige Sheppard finished eighth in 2:06.94, while Poland’s Róża Olchawa completed the final in 2:10.64.

Remic’s triumph also adds another chapter to what is becoming an extraordinary rise in the 800m. The teenager has already shown that she possesses the speed and competitive confidence to challenge at the highest level of junior athletics, and her ability to produce such a composed finish under championship pressure suggests there could be much more to come.

The defining image of the final was Remic surging toward the line while her closest rivals battled desperately behind her. When the clock stopped at 2:03.03, Slovenia had its newest world champion.

At just 16, Živa Remic has already reached the top of the world in her age category. Her golden finish was not only a victory—it was a powerful introduction to a young athlete whose name could become increasingly familiar in international middle-distance running.

Ethiopia produced a spectacular display of emerging talent as Almaz Yohannis was crowned world champion in the women’s 3000m steeplechase at the 2026 World Athletics U20 Championships in Oregon, powering to a commanding victory in 9:15.81.

Yohannis delivered a superb performance to secure the gold medal and, in the process, recorded a World U20 Leading time (WU20L), underlining the strength of her performance on the global junior stage.

The young Ethiopian established herself as the athlete to beat, maintaining her composure and strength throughout the demanding eight-lap steeplechase before crossing the finish line well clear of the field. Her winning mark of 9:15.81 provided a fitting reward for a dominant championship performance.

Ethiopia’s celebrations were doubled when Wosane Asefa secured the silver medal in 9:30.50, producing a season’s best (SB) and completing an impressive Ethiopian one-two.

Kenya’s Anatasha Cheptoo ensured there was East African representation on all three steps of the podium, fighting her way to the bronze medal in 9:37.18.

Behind the medalists, Sweden’s Majken Söderlund Larsson finished fourth in 9:48.01, setting a national U20 record (NU20R), while Czech Republic’s Ema Berková followed in fifth with 9:49.06, also recording a national U20 record.

Sweden’s Fanny Szalkai placed sixth in 9:55.06, a personal best, while Greece’s Anna Dafni Almyroudi Stroumpou finished seventh in 10:00.63, another national U20 record.

Egypt’s Malak Abdelghany Abdalla Ibrahim crossed eighth in 10:04.52, also establishing a national U20 record. Slovakia’s Anna Švrček was ninth in 10:05.91, followed by Japan’s Rei Taya in 10:12.37.

Portugal’s Lara Roque finished 11th in 10:15.69, setting a national U20 record, while Poland’s Zuzanna Szymańska took 12th in 10:15.94, a personal best. Great Britain’s Ava James was 13th in 10:18.96, followed by American Sierra Wall in 14th with 10:21.21.

Poland’s Michalina Thamm completed the finishers in 15th place in 10:39.01.

Kenya’s Mercy Chepngeno Koskey, who had also lined up as part of the Kenyan challenge, was unfortunately unable to finish the race.

The final podium therefore belonged to three of East Africa’s rising stars, with Yohannis and Asefa delivering a memorable Ethiopian one-two, while Cheptoo secured bronze for Kenya.

Women’s 3000m Steeplechase — Official Results

1. Almaz Yohannis (Ethiopia) — 9:15.81 (WU20L) 

2. Wosane Asefa (Ethiopia) — 9:30.50 (SB) 

3. Anatasha Cheptoo (Kenya) — 9:37.18 

4. Majken Söderlund Larsson (Sweden) — 9:48.01 (NU20R)

5. Ema Berková (Czech Republic) — 9:49.06 (NU20R)

6. Fanny Szalkai (Sweden) — 9:55.06 (PB)

7. Anna Dafni Almyroudi Stroumpou (Greece) — 10:00.63 (NU20R)

8. Malak Abdelghany Abdalla Ibrahim (Egypt) — 10:04.52 (NU20R)

9. Anna Švrček (Slovakia) — 10:05.91

10. Rei Taya (Japan) — 10:12.37

11. Lara Roque (Portugal) — 10:15.69 (NU20R)

12. Zuzanna Szymańska (Poland) — 10:15.94 (PB)

13. Ava James (Great Britain) — 10:18.96

14. Sierra Wall (United States) — 10:21.21

15. Michalina Thamm (Poland) — 10:39.01

DNF: Mercy Chepngeno Koskey (Kenya)

Yohannis’ victory marked the highlight of a brilliant Ethiopian performance, with her 9:15.81 World U20-leading mark setting the tone for a memorable championship final and announcing another exciting young talent onto the international athletics scene.

The United States produced a memorable night of sprinting at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon, as Tate Taylor and Mia Maxwell captured the men's and women's 100 metres titles to complete a remarkable American clean sweep in one of track and field's most prestigious junior competitions.

Taylor announced himself among the world's brightest young sprinters with a breathtaking performance in the men's final, powering away over the closing metres to clock a wind-legal personal best of 9.94 seconds. The outstanding run made him the only athlete in the field to break the 10-second barrier and confirmed his status as one of the fastest teenagers in history.

Jamaica's Gary Card claimed the silver medal in 10.05 seconds after a strong race, while South Africa's Marko Ferreira secured bronze in 10.16, completing a highly competitive podium. Despite a closely contested opening half of the race, Taylor's explosive finishing speed proved decisive as he surged clear to take the world junior crown in emphatic fashion.

The women's final delivered another thrilling contest, with Mia Maxwell holding her composure under immense pressure to secure the title in 11.14 seconds. Jamaica's Shanoya Douglas mounted a determined late challenge but settled for silver in 11.17, while Italy's Kelly Ann Doualla Edimo earned bronze after crossing the line in 11.27.

The victory capped an unforgettable championship for the Maxwell family. After progressing impressively through the rounds, Mia delivered when it mattered most, while her twin sister, Mariah Maxwell, also reached the final and finished fifth, underlining the family's exceptional sprinting talent on the global stage.

The double triumph marked a dominant evening for Team USA, which swept both 100m gold medals before a home crowd in Eugene. With Taylor producing a historic sub-10-second breakthrough and Maxwell demonstrating remarkable composure in a world-class women's final, the pair provided another glimpse of the exciting future of American sprinting.

The global spotlight turns to Eugene, Oregon, today as the 2026 World Athletics U20 Championships officially get underway at the iconic Hayward Field, launching five days of elite competition that will showcase the sport's brightest young talents.

Running from August 5 to August 9, the 40th edition of the championships is the biggest in the event's history, bringing together more than 1,800 athletes representing 147 nations. For many of these rising stars, the championships mark the first major step toward future Olympic, World Championship, and Diamond League success.

The opening day immediately promises world-class action with three gold medals on the line. The women's 5,000m and men's 5,000m finals will test the endurance of the world's finest young distance runners, while the mixed 4×400m relay is expected to provide a thrilling conclusion to the day's competition as teams battle for the first relay title of the championships.

Several exciting athletes arrive in Eugene carrying high expectations. American sprint sensation Quincy Wilson will be one of the biggest attractions on home soil after establishing himself as one of the fastest young quarter-milers in the world. Fellow American Tate Taylor, the high school national record holder, will also be aiming to translate his remarkable speed into championship gold.

Jamaica's emerging sprint talent Shanoya Douglas enters the competition determined to challenge for the women's 200m title, while Kenya's Frankline Kibet will spearhead his country's pursuit of more distance-running success, continuing a tradition that has produced some of the greatest champions in athletics history.

Beyond the medals, the World U20 Championships have long served as the launching pad for future legends of the sport. Numerous Olympic and world champions first announced themselves on this very stage, making Eugene the perfect setting for another generation of athletes eager to leave their mark on the global scene.

Fans around the world will be able to follow every moment of the action through a range of broadcast partners, including Peacock in the United States, SuperSport across Sub-Saharan Africa, Eurovision Sport throughout Europe, CBC Gem in Canada, Seven Network in Australia, and World Athletics+ in eligible territories.

With national pride, championship titles, and the chance to announce themselves to the world at stake, the stage is set for five unforgettable days of athletics. As competition begins at the historic Hayward Field, the next generation of global stars is ready to write the opening chapter of what could become remarkable careers.

Australia produced one of the most memorable distance-running performances of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games on Thursday night, claiming a remarkable one-two finish in the women's 5,000 metres as Rose Davies sprinted to her second gold medal of the championships.

Just days after conquering the 10,000m, Davies completed a sensational distance double by clocking a season's best 14:44.53 to edge fellow Australian Jessica Hull, who crossed the line just 0.48 seconds later in 14:45.01. The historic finish marked a dominant night for Australian athletics, with the nation's two leading distance stars proving untouchable when the race reached its decisive stages.

The women's 5,000m unfolded as a tactical contest for much of the race before exploding into life with 1,200 metres remaining. Davies, Hull and Scotland's Megan Keith launched a sustained surge that immediately stretched the field and shattered the hopes of the chasing pack. Their relentless acceleration proved too much for the African contenders, who were unable to respond as the medals slipped away.

Davies remained composed over the closing lap despite fierce pressure from Hull, holding her form all the way to the finish to secure another Commonwealth crown and cement her place among the standout performers of the Games. Her victory completed a rare golden double in the 5,000m and 10,000m, underlining her exceptional endurance and championship racing instincts.

Hull's silver medal completed Australia's historic one-two finish, rewarding another world-class performance from one of the sport's premier middle- and long-distance runners. Meanwhile, the home crowd erupted as Scotland's Megan Keith produced a season's best 14:49.10 to claim bronze, giving the hosts a memorable podium finish in front of a packed Glasgow stadium.

Uganda's Esther Chebet battled bravely to finish fourth in a personal best 14:50.70 after leading the pursuit of the front trio, while England's Hannah Nuttall placed fifth in a season's best 14:51.34. Kenya's Caroline Nyaga crossed the line sixth in 14:54.00, with Australia's Linden Hall adding further depth to her country's outstanding evening by finishing seventh.

The race also featured several outstanding individual performances further down the field. South Africa's Tayla Kavanagh recorded a personal best, Rwanda's Emeline Imanizabayo celebrated a new national record with ninth place, while Uganda's Joy Cheptoyek, England's Innes Fitzgerald, Canada's Gabriela Debues-Stafford and several others produced season or lifetime bests in one of the deepest women's 5,000m finals of the Games.

Women's 5,000m Top 10 Final Results

1. Rose Davies (Australia) – 14:44.53 (Season Best)

2. Jessica Hull (Australia) – 14:45.01 (Season Best)

3. Megan Keith (Scotland) – 14:49.10 (Season Best)

4. Esther Chebet (Uganda) – 14:50.70 (Personal Best)

5. Hannah Nuttall (England) – 14:51.34 (Season Best)

6. Caroline Nyaga (Kenya) – 14:54.00

7. Linden Hall (Australia) – 14:55.28

8. Tayla Kavanagh (South Africa) – 14:58.49 (Personal Best)

9. Emeline Imanizabayo (Rwanda) – 14:59.92 (National Record)

10. Joy Cheptoyek (Uganda) – 15:00.97 (Season Best)

With two gold medals around her neck and Australia's first-ever Commonwealth Games one-two finish in the women's 5,000m, Rose Davies leaves Glasgow having delivered one of the defining performances of the championships. Her unforgettable triumph, backed by Jessica Hull's silver medal, showcased Australia's growing strength in global distance running and ensured the event will be remembered as one of the highlights of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

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.

Seven years after producing one of the most extraordinary performances the marathon has ever witnessed, Brigid Kosgei is heading back to the streets where she etched her name into athletics history. The Kenyan distance-running icon will return to the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on October 11, 2026, rekindling memories of her breathtaking triumph in 2019 that transformed the sport forever.

Chicago was the stage where Kosgei delivered a performance for the ages, crossing the finish line in an astonishing 2:14:04 to erase Paula Radcliffe's 16-year-old women's marathon world record. That unforgettable run remains one of the greatest achievements in long-distance running and cemented her place among the finest marathoners in history.

Her return comes at the perfect moment. Kosgei arrives in exceptional form after capturing victory at the 2026 Tokyo Marathon, where she stormed to a course-record 2:14:29, proving she is once again among the world's most dangerous marathon competitors. With renewed confidence and outstanding fitness, she will be aiming to conquer Chicago for another memorable chapter in her remarkable career.

However, victory will be anything but straightforward. The 2026 women's race features one of the deepest and strongest marathon fields ever assembled, setting the stage for a spectacular battle between some of the sport's biggest names.

Defending champion Hawi Feysa returns determined to protect her Chicago crown after establishing herself among the world's elite. Ethiopia's Sutume Kebede and Megertu Alemu add further strength to an already formidable lineup, while Kenya's Brillian Kipkoech, Loice Chemnung, Joan Kilimo, Magdalyne Masai, and Mary Ngugi Cooper ensure the East African rivalry will be as fierce as ever.

Another athlete attracting enormous attention is Boston Marathon champion Sharon Lokedi, who will make her highly anticipated Chicago Marathon debut. Having already proven herself on the biggest stages, Lokedi adds another exciting dimension to a race packed with championship pedigree and world-class talent.

The international field is equally impressive, with Ethiopia's Degitu Azimeraw and Fantu Worku joining Japan's Yuka Ando, Australia's Isobel Batt-Doyle, and American standouts Sara Hall, Susanna Sullivan, Des Linden, and Natosha Rogers in pursuit of marathon glory.

With a former world-record holder returning to her most historic venue, a defending champion eager to retain her title, and several major marathon winners chasing one of the sport's most prestigious crowns, the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon promises to deliver a thrilling contest from start to finish. Every indication suggests this could become one of the most memorable women's marathon races in recent history.

As the countdown to October 11 continues, anticipation is rapidly building. Can Brigid Kosgei recreate the magic that changed marathon history, or will a new champion rise on the streets of Chicago? One thing is certain—the world will be watching as an exceptional field battles for one of road running's most coveted titles.

The stage is set for one of the most fascinating distance races of the 2026 Commonwealth Games after reigning women's 10,000m champion Eilish McColgan officially withdrew from the competition, ending her hopes of defending the title she won in memorable fashion four years ago.

McColgan's absence leaves the event without its defending champion and guarantees that a new name will be etched into Commonwealth Games history when the athletes line up for tonight's final in Glasgow. While her withdrawal is a significant setback for Scottish supporters hoping to celebrate another home victory, it has also created one of the most open and unpredictable championship races in recent memory.

Kenya's Miriam Chebet enters the final as the fastest athlete in the field with a personal best of 30:27.30 and will undoubtedly be one of the leading contenders for the gold medal. However, she faces formidable opposition from Australia's Rose Davies and Lauren Ryan, both of whom have consistently delivered world-class performances and possess the endurance to challenge for the top step of the podium.

With McColgan no longer in the race, Scotland's hopes now rest on Megan Keith. Competing before a passionate home crowd in Glasgow, Keith has the opportunity to produce the performance of her career and give the host nation another unforgettable distance running moment.

The race is also packed with outstanding talent from East Africa. Rwanda's Emeline Imanizabayo and Florence Niyonkuru arrive with valuable international experience, while Uganda's Joy Cheptoyek and Rebecca Chelangat have repeatedly shown they are capable of excelling in championship competition. Kenya's Diana Wanza and Rebecca Mwangi further strengthen an exceptionally deep field where every position is expected to be fiercely contested.

England's Izzy Fry and Poppy Tank will also be aiming to make their mark, with Tank continuing to inspire many through her remarkable journey to the Games despite competing without the financial backing enjoyed by many of her rivals. Canada's Florence Caron, Lesotho's Nthabiseng Letokoto, and the Isle of Man's Christa Cain complete a line-up that promises an exciting and highly competitive contest.

Unlike races with an overwhelming favourite, this championship appears wide open. The outcome could depend as much on race tactics as outright speed, with every athlete aware that a rare opportunity now lies before them. Whether the pace is aggressive from the opening laps or develops into a tactical battle decided over the closing stages, the fight for gold is expected to captivate athletics fans from start to finish.

Tonight, all eyes will be on Glasgow as the Commonwealth Games crown a new women's 10,000m champion. With an outstanding field assembled and the defending champion no longer on the start line, the race has all the ingredients to become one of the defining moments of the athletics programme, as a new queen of the Commonwealth emerges.

The women's 3,000-meter steeplechase promises to be one of the standout distance races of the 2026 Commonwealth Games when a talented field lines up on July 29, headlined by two of the world's finest barrier specialists: Kenya's Faith Cherotich and Uganda's Peruth Chemutai.

With personal bests separated by less than a second, the race has all the ingredients of a championship classic. Olympic medalists, emerging stars, and national champions will all be chasing Commonwealth glory, but much of the spotlight will naturally fall on the fierce rivalry between Cherotich and Chemutai.

Cherotich arrives as one of the fastest women ever over the barriers with a personal best of 8:48.71, a mark that underlines her remarkable rise to the top of global steeplechasing. The young Kenyan has established herself as one of the sport's brightest talents through her fearless front-running, smooth hurdling technique, and devastating finishing speed.

Standing in her way is Uganda's Peruth Chemutai, whose personal best of 8:48.03 makes her the fastest athlete in the field on paper. The Olympic champion has repeatedly proven she thrives in championship racing, combining tactical intelligence with years of experience on the biggest stages. Her ability to produce her very best when medals are on the line makes her an exceptionally dangerous competitor.

Kenya also boasts impressive depth through Celestine Jepkosgei Biwot, who owns a personal best of 9:19.06 and could play a significant role in the race if the early pace becomes tactical. A Kenyan podium sweep may be difficult against such quality opposition, but Biwot has shown she is capable of competing with the continent's elite.

England's Elise Thorner enters as one of the strongest challengers outside East Africa. With a personal best of 9:07.39, she has consistently demonstrated the ability to race aggressively and could place herself firmly in medal contention if the favorites hesitate.

India's Parul Chaudhary brings another compelling storyline after lowering her personal best to 9:12.46, establishing herself as one of Asia's leading steeplechasers. She will be aiming to deliver one of India's strongest distance performances of the Games.

Australia's Cara Feain-Ryan (9:21.35), Scotland's Sarah Tait (9:18.66), Canada's Grace Fetherstonhaugh (9:31.98), Canada's Katelyn Stewart-Barnett (9:36.69), and Wales' Cari Hughes (9:41.66) complete a diverse and competitive field representing six Commonwealth nations.

While personal bests provide an indication of form, championship racing often rewards patience, tactical awareness, and flawless barrier technique as much as outright speed. Every water jump and every barrier could prove decisive in a race where momentum can change within seconds.

The start list suggests a fascinating battle between proven championship performers and ambitious newcomers eager to announce themselves on one of athletics' biggest stages. If the pace is honest from the opening laps, spectators could witness one of the fastest Commonwealth Games steeplechase finals in history.

With continental pride, championship medals, and Commonwealth supremacy at stake, all eyes will turn to the women's 3,000-meter steeplechase on July 29, where Faith Cherotich and Peruth Chemutai are set to write another thrilling chapter in one of distance running's most exciting rivalries.

Some world records define an era. Others transcend generations. Jarmila Kratochvílová's astonishing 1:53.28 in the women's 800 meters belongs firmly in the latter category.

On July 26, 1983, in Munich, the Czech star delivered one of the most extraordinary performances the sport has ever witnessed, setting a world record that has now survived for an incredible 43 years. It remains the longest-standing individual track world record in athletics, a remarkable achievement in an era when advances in training, sports science, nutrition, and competition have seen countless other records disappear.

What makes Kratochvílová's feat even more extraordinary is that she was not primarily an 800-meter runner. She built her reputation as a dominant 400-meter specialist and only entered the two-lap race as a fitness test after recovering from leg cramps. What began as an experiment quickly turned into history.

After charging through an aggressive opening lap, Kratochvílová maintained her relentless pace all the way to the finish, crossing the line in an astonishing 1:53.28. It was a performance so far ahead of its time that generations of elite middle-distance runners have spent more than four decades trying—and failing—to erase it from the record books.

The longevity of the mark is no accident. Running 800 meters at world-record pace demands one of the rarest combinations in athletics: the explosive speed of a world-class 400-meter runner blended with the endurance, strength, and tactical intelligence of an elite middle-distance athlete. Few athletes in history have possessed that unique balance.

Even today, Kratochvílová sits comfortably atop one of the strongest all-time rankings in athletics history:

1. Jarmila Kratochvílová (Czech Republic) – 1:53.28 (July 26, 1983)

2. Nadezhda Olizarenko (Soviet Union) – 1:53.43 (July 27, 1980)

3. Audrey Werro (Switzerland) – 1:53.80 (June 28, 2026)

4. Pamela Jelimo (Kenya) – 1:54.01 (August 29, 2008)

5. Caster Semenya (South Africa) – 1:54.25 (June 30, 2018)

For many years, Kratochvílová's record was widely viewed as virtually untouchable. That perception, however, is beginning to change.

Swiss sensation Audrey Werro has reignited the conversation after producing a breathtaking 1:53.80 in Paris, moving into third place on the all-time list. Her performance was not only one of the fastest ever recorded but also the closest anyone has come to the world record in decades. At just the beginning of what promises to be a long career, Werro has demonstrated that the impossible may finally be within reach.

Great Britain's Keely Hodgkinson also remains one of the most compelling candidates. Already an Olympic champion and one of the most consistent performers of her generation, Hodgkinson reinforced her credentials by setting the world indoor short-track record of 1:54.87. Her combination of speed, racing intelligence, and consistency suggests that an outdoor assault on the world record cannot be ruled out.

Kenya's Lilian Odira has also emerged as a genuine threat. The reigning world champion owns a personal best of 1:54.62, ranking her among the fastest women in history. She has already eclipsed Kratochvílová's long-standing championship record and continues to showcase an exceptional finishing kick that makes her dangerous in any race. If the pace is right, few athletes possess a stronger blend of championship experience and raw talent.

For 43 years, the athletics world has watched wave after wave of exceptional runners attempt to chase down one of sport's most iconic performances. Olympic champions, world champions, and record holders have all fallen short.

Yet the landscape feels different today. A new generation led by Audrey Werro, Keely Hodgkinson, and Lilian Odira is pushing the women's 800 meters to unprecedented depths. Their performances suggest that one of athletics' oldest and most celebrated records is no longer beyond imagination.

Whether Kratochvílová's 1:53.28 survives another season or another decade remains one of the sport's most fascinating questions. What is certain is that a record once considered untouchable is finally facing its most serious challenge in more than four decades.

The countdown may have already begun.

The 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon has assembled one of the deepest and most competitive men's elite fields in the event's history, with Ugandan superstar Jacob Kiplimo returning to the Windy City to headline a remarkable international lineup capable of producing another unforgettable day of marathon racing.

Kiplimo, who owns a sensational personal best of 2:00:28, enters as the fastest man in the field and one of the world's most exciting distance runners. After a spectacular marathon breakthrough, the Ugandan star returns to Chicago carrying the hopes of delivering another historic performance on one of the fastest marathon courses on the planet.

Standing between Kiplimo and victory is an exceptional collection of proven champions and rising stars. Kenya's Amos Kipruto (2:01:39) brings Olympic pedigree and world-class experience, while Ethiopia's Milkesa Mengesha (2:03:17), Tadese Takele Bikila (2:03:23), and Asrar Hiyrden (2:03:59) strengthen Ethiopia's challenge. Kenya will also be represented by the rapidly improving Daniel Mateiko (2:03:44) and Alex Masai (2:04:37), adding even more firepower to an already stacked front pack.

Japan fields an impressive trio of Suguru Osako (2:04:55), Akira Akasaki (2:06:15), and Kiyoshi Koga (2:07:46), while Morocco's Mohamed Reda El Aaraby, Eritrea's Yemane Haileselassie and Tsegay Weldlibanos, Germany's Hendrik Pfeiffer, Australia's Patrick Tiernan, Panama's Jorge Castelblanco, Canada's Thomas Nobbs, Thomas Fafard, and Benjamin Flanagan, South Africa's Nadeel Wildschutt, Mexico's Jorge Luis Cruz, and Ethiopia's Boki Diriba further underline the race's global quality.

Several highly anticipated marathon debuts will also add intrigue to this year's race. Kenya's Brian Kibor, Japan's Tomoki Ota, Thailand's Kieran Tuntivate, and South Africa's Adriaan Wildschutt are all set to tackle the classic 42.195-kilometre distance for the first time, bringing fresh excitement and unpredictability to an already loaded field.

The United States will also have a strong presence, led by Charles Hicks, Clayton Young, Vincent Mauri, Abbabiya Simbassa, Haftu Knight, CJ Albertson, Daniel Mesfun, Alex Maier, Murphy Smith, and marathon legend Galen Rupp, giving home fans plenty of athletes to cheer throughout the race.

With multiple athletes boasting personal bests under 2:04, an outstanding mix of established marathon champions and fearless debutants, and Chicago's reputation for producing exceptionally fast times, the ingredients are in place for one of the greatest marathon contests of 2026.

All eyes may be on Jacob Kiplimo, but with such extraordinary depth from across the globe, the battle for the Chicago Marathon crown promises to be one of the highlights of the international road racing season.

South African distance-running star Adrian Wildschutt has officially announced that he will make his highly anticipated marathon debut at the 2026 Chicago Marathon, taking on the iconic 26.2-mile distance for the first time on October 11.

The announcement, shared on his social media channels, marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for one of the world's most accomplished track and road racers. After building an impressive career over distances ranging from 3,000 metres to the half marathon, Wildschutt has decided the time is right to test himself in one of the sport's ultimate challenges.

The move has been eagerly anticipated by fans and athletics followers, who have watched the South African steadily develop into one of the strongest endurance athletes on the international circuit. His combination of speed, strength and racing intelligence has long suggested that the marathon could become another stage on which he excels.

Wildschutt expressed both excitement and gratitude as he revealed the news, emphasizing that preparations are already well underway. His focus is now fully fixed on Chicago, where he hopes to translate years of experience over shorter distances into a successful marathon debut against one of the strongest fields in the world.

The Chicago Marathon has earned a reputation as one of the fastest marathon courses on the planet, producing numerous world records and unforgettable performances. It provides an ideal setting for elite athletes looking to make an immediate impact over the classic distance, making it a fitting choice for Wildschutt's first attempt.

Although marathon debuts are always unpredictable, Wildschutt arrives with an outstanding résumé that includes world-class performances on the track and road. His proven endurance, tactical racing ability and impressive half marathon credentials have already sparked excitement about what he might achieve over 42.195 kilometres.

With months of preparation still ahead, anticipation will continue to build as Wildschutt embarks on his journey toward one of the biggest milestones of his career. On October 11, all eyes will be on the streets of Chicago as the South African takes his first steps into marathon racing, aiming to announce himself on the global stage in spectacular fashion.

The countdown is on for the 2026 São Paulo Marathon, where an elite international field is set to battle for one of South America's most prestigious road racing titles on Sunday, July 26, in Brazil.

Ethiopia's Tulu Wami arrives carrying the fastest personal best in the field, having clocked an outstanding 2:05:19, making him the man every rival will be watching when the race gets underway. On paper, Wami stands as the favorite, but championship marathons are rarely decided by statistics alone.

Kenya will mount a formidable challenge through Denis Kipkosgei and Isaack Lelei, two accomplished marathoners eager to upset the pre-race predictions. Kipkosgei brings a personal best of 2:08:36, while Lelei has demonstrated his own consistency with a lifetime best of 2:09:32. Both possess the experience and tactical awareness to capitalize if the race turns into a battle of endurance rather than pure speed.

With three proven distance runners leading a deep and competitive field, the stage is set for an intriguing contest over the 42.195-kilometre distance. Whether the pace is aggressive from the gun or develops into a strategic duel in the closing kilometres, every move will carry significant weight.

Brazilian fans can expect an exciting spectacle as East Africa's marathon powerhouses renew one of the sport's greatest rivalries on Brazilian roads. Wami may hold the quickest credentials, but Kipkosgei and Lelei will be determined to write a different ending and take the title back to Kenya.

As anticipation builds ahead of Sunday's race, one question remains:

Will Tulu Wami justify his status as the fastest man in the field, or will Denis Kipkosgei or Isaack Lelei produce a memorable upset to claim the São Paulo Marathon crown?

Kenya's Alex Matata delivered a sensational performance to claim the men's title at the prestigious Boilermaker Road Race 15K in Utica, New York, producing a dominant run that underlined his growing reputation as one of the world's finest road racers.

Matata surged to victory in an outstanding time of 42:24, mastering the demanding course with a display of strength, speed, and tactical brilliance. His commanding performance secured a memorable triumph in one of the United States' most celebrated road races, adding another significant international victory to his career.

Kenya's success was further highlighted by Kiprono Sitonik, who produced an equally impressive run to finish second in 42:53, completing a remarkable one-two finish for the East African nation. South Africa's Adam Lipschitz rounded out the podium after clocking 43:14 to claim third place following a determined effort.

The race featured a highly competitive international field, with American athletes Reid Buchanan and Hillary Bor finishing fourth and fifth respectively, while another Kenyan, Victor Shitsama, added to his country's strong showing by taking sixth place.

Matata's victory once again showcased Kenya's enduring strength in global road racing, as its athletes continued to dominate major international competitions through exceptional endurance, tactical awareness, and relentless finishing speed. His performance in Utica not only thrilled the spectators lining the streets but also reinforced the depth of Kenyan distance running on the world stage.

Men's Top 10 Results – Boilermaker Road Race 15K

1. Alex Matata (Kenya) – 42:24

2. Kiprono Sitonik (Kenya) – 42:53

3. Adam Lipschitz (South Africa) – 43:14

4. Reid Buchanan (United States) – 43:38

5. Hillary Bor (United States) – 43:40

6. Victor Shitsama (Kenya) – 44:02

7. Futsum Zienasellassie (United States) – 44:32

8. Charlie Sweeney (United States) – 44:37

9. Sam Lawler (United States) – 44:54

10. Tyler Berg (United States) – 45:08

With another major road racing title added to his résumé, Alex Matata continued his impressive 2026 campaign while reinforcing his status as one of the leading names on the international road racing circuit. The Boilermaker 15K once again delivered a high-quality contest, with athletes from across the globe producing memorable performances in one of the United States' most prestigious road races.

Doreen Cherop delivered a superb performance to win the women's race at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Durban 10K, crossing the finish line in an impressive 30:43 to lead a Kenyan 1-2-3 finish in one of the day's standout performances.

Cherop maintained a strong and consistent pace throughout the race before pulling away in the closing stages to secure victory. She was followed closely by Brenda Jepchirchir, who finished second in 30:52, while Beatrice Chepkoech completed the podium with a time of 31:25, capping an outstanding day for the Kenyan contingent.

The women's race was contested at a fast pace from the opening kilometres, producing an exciting battle among some of the region's top distance runners. Behind the leading trio, Tayla Kavanagh emerged as the highest-placed South African, finishing fourth in 31:28, while Neheng Khatala of Lesotho claimed fifth place in 32:04 after another impressive outing.

The race also highlighted the depth and quality of women's road running, with athletes from across the continent producing strong performances on Durban's fast course. Although Cherop ultimately proved to be the strongest over the 10-kilometre distance, the closely fought contest behind her ensured an entertaining race from start to finish, reflecting the growing competitiveness of elite road racing in Africa.

Cherop's victory adds another significant achievement to her career and further enhances the prestige of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Durban 10K, an event that continues to attract some of the continent's finest distance runners. Her composed display and decisive finish made the difference on the day, bringing the women's race to a memorable conclusion and providing another thrilling chapter in one of Africa's premier road-running events.