Running News Daily

Portuguese kids 11 and under are not allowed to run a mile race in their own country and Bob Anderson feels this rule should be updated

"It is not fair that kids under the age 12 can not race a mile in Portugal nor kids under 18 can not race a 10k.  These out dated rules need to be updated,"  says Bob Anderson who is setting up a KATA running retreat in central Portugal opening in June.  In 2021 he opened his first KATA Running Retreat just 45 minutes outside of Nairobi Kenya.  Bob posted this on FB: 

As some of you might know, we are setting up our second KATA Running Retreat in Central Portugal.  We are in a small village called Monforte da Beira.  There are only 310 people in our village.  It is a very cool village with cobblestone streets, olive and cork trees nearby and miles of roads and trails for running, hiking and walking.  

We bought our Anderson Manor House Feb 1 of 2024.  It is an amazing three story place of 15,000 square feet with another 12,000 feet of out buildings and caves plus two acres of land with olive, fig, orange trees and a big area of land for our garden and farm animals.  We want to be as sustainable as possible like we are in Kenya and produce at least 50% of our food.  

This is going to be our base in Europe for us personally and the location of our second KATA Running Retreat.  We are welcoming our first guests in June. 

KATA (Kenyan Athletic Training Avademy) Running Retreat Kenya officially opened in Sept 2021. We currently have 22 Kenyan athletes living, eating and training with us.  We have eight rooms for guests and already we have had bookings from England, France, Poland, New Zealand and the US.  

Our training program is Train The Kenyan Way. We currently have five accredited AK coaches on staff.  Already our top KATA runners are running world class times.  Peter, one of our top runners just recently clocked 27:54 for a 10k race in the US. We also stage kids races at KATA.  Kids of all ages.  (Third photo)

Anyway, things are going well for us and we look forward to develope our second location in Portugal.

One thing we do monthly is a time trial plus we regularly stage races.  Our Double Road Race Federation company founded in 2010 is the owner of these projects.  We stage three races in Northern California annually attracting nearly 1500 runners as well. 

One of the events we have been doing since 2010 is the Bob Anderson Kids mile.  It is an event for kids 13 and under. In Palo Alto, California last December we had over 70 kids run our mile, some as young as 2.  We let their parents decide if their child is capable of running (or walking) a mile.  

Each of our kids get  a medal, a t-shirt and a chance to win a raffle prize.  We also give out a special medal for each winner for their age.  2-3-4-5 and so on.  The kids love our event and we have had over one thousand kids participate over the years.  There has never been a problem.  

Let’s get back to the point of this post.  To celebrate the opening of our new retreat in Portugal I asked the Mayor of our village if we could stage a race in conjunction with their summer festival in June.  It would be Monforte da Beira first running race ever. The mayor thought it was a good idea and we started things rolling for our June 23rd event.  Besides the 10k we also would do a 3k hike/walk and our Bob Anderson kids mile (for kids 13 and under).  

So I hired a race director Nuno.  He said he could handle everything.  I did not know at the time that he had never put on a race before.  He said he was very connected to the running scene since he had been running for like 15 or more years.  

Things were moving along fairly well until April 5.    After paying him for a month he informed me that only kids 12-13 could run our mile race and no one under 18 could run our 10k race.  

I told him this was backward. Maybe it was too strong of a word but it reminded me of the time in the US where women were not allowed to run over a half mile and certainly not a marathon. 

I mention that in the US we have thousands of kids under the age of 12 running one mile races and beyond. Plus even more kids under 18 running 10k and beyond.

I found this story from September 2023, 

“Olivia Hawes of Blacksburg (USA) holds world records for running and when she crossed the finish line last week for a 6.15K in Virginia Beach, she topped 200 total miles in her young career. She has run more than 20 5Ks in nine different states and has a goal to run one in all 50 states. The unbelievable fact is that Hawes is only two years old. 

She has the fastest mile and most 5ks for a 1-and 2-years old along with being the youngest and second youngest competitor in the VA Commonwealth Games’ 33-year history.” (First photo)

Now this is an extreme example.  Two is young but there is even more examples of kids not only completing a mile or more race but loving every minute.  My grand kids ran races at age 4 and loved doing so.  I started running races at age 15 way back when and at 76 I still love running 

According to Nuno this is the rules of the Portugal Athletics Federation.  And since he “loves his country” he has to follow the rules.  Sorry but these rules are just not fair for kids under 18 in my opinion, 

So I told Nuno that I can’t endorse these rules.  The Bob Anderson kids mile should be for all kids 13 and under.  Nuno then said we have to follow the rules of Portugal.  

I didn’t agree and even suggested not even doing a kids race as a compromise.  But he did not want to listen to anything I was saying. So he resigned not giving any notice.  Right now I have taken over the duties of race director of our June 23 event.  I simply could not endorse this rule.  We are new to portugal but certainly not new to running.  

Mary Moraa confirms next assignment in the build up to the Paris 2024 Olympics

Commonwealth Games 800m champion Mary Moraa has confirmed her next destination as she builds up steadily for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Reigning World 800m champion Mary Moraa has disclosed her next stop after a fruitful outing at the African Games where she bagged a gold medal in the 400m and propelled Team Kenya to a bronze medal in the 4x400m mixed relay.

Moraa will be eyeing her maiden appearance at the Olympic Games in Paris, France and also looking for a podium finish in the event which has very strong opponents waiting for her to descend on the starting line.

The Commonwealth Games champion has confirmed participation at the Kip Keino Classic, where she intends to showcase fireworks just like last year. This year’s event will be held at the Nyayo National Stadium and the likes of Africa’s fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala and world leader Letsile Tebogo have already confirmed participation.

In a post on her Facebook page, Kisii Express said: “From African Games, I shift my gears to Kip Keino Classic Continental Tour.”

Moraa has been off to a good start to the season and she will hope to enjoy 2024 just like she did in 2023. The Kenyan was only beaten once in the 800m, at the Prefontaine Classic, the Diamond League Meeting final, where she finished fourth.

In the race, Athing Mu won the trophy as Great Britain’s Keely Hodgkinson and Jamaica’s Natoya Goule completed the podium.

This season, she has competed in the 400m unbeaten and her speed seems to be in perfect condition. At the Kip Keino Classic, Moraa will compete in her specialty, the two-lap race.

Malaysia rejects offer to host 2026 Commonwealth Games

Malaysia has rejected an offer to hold the 2026 Commonwealth Games due to time constraints, costs and an insufficient offer of funding, its government said on Friday, in a major setback for a quadrennial multi-sport event that has struggled to find hosts.

Malaysia was asked to step in after the Australian state of Victoria withdrew, citing ballooning costs, with the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) offering 100 million pounds ($126 million) in supporting funds.

Malaysia ruling itself out raises the possibility that the Games may not take place for the first time since being cancelled in 1942 and 1946 due to the Second World War.

Malaysia could not commit to hosting the contest at such short notice with cost concerns and little time to assess the potential economic impact, officials said.

"If we had a longer time, we would definitely do it, but because there's such a short time, we definitely can't do it," government spokesperson and Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil told a regular briefing.

"When we assessed the viability of hosting the Games, the length of time needed and the cost was seen to be particularly prohibitive."

The CGF expressed disappointment at Malaysia's decision, but said its search for a host was continuing.

"The confidential process to determine a host is continuing with other interested Commonwealth Games Associations," a CGF spokesperson said, without elaborating.

RELEVANCE QUESTIONED

The Games are typically contested by about 70 countries and territories of the former British empire and medals tables have in recent editions been dominated by Australia, England, Canada, India, New Zealand and South Africa.

Victoria's withdrawal had already placed the future of the event in doubt and raised questions about whether a Games with colonial origins was still relevant in the modern era, and over its place in an already packed global sporting calendar.

TV rights, the main income driver for international sports events, are tiny for the Commonwealth Games compared to other large-scale competitions, meaning national and local governments can face budget deficits if hosting.

Malaysia's youth and sports ministry said the 100 million pounds funding it was offered would not be enough to cover the costs of hosting the Games.

"Additionally, the economic impact could not be identified in this short timeframe," the ministry said.

The Games has struggled to find a willing host in recent years and five of the last six editions have been held in Australia or Britain.

The English city of Birmingham, which had been due to host in 2026, stepped in to save the 2022 event after South Africa were stripped of hosting rights over a lack of progress in preparations.

Birmingham's move led to the CGF scrambling to find another host for 2026 and Victoria had been the only viable candidate after several other cities withdrew from the bidding process over cost issues.

The proposal had received a mixed response in Malaysia, which hosted the 1998 edition, over the lack of preparation time and costs.

The Malaysian Olympic Council had initially proposed holding a downsized Games, with limited spending on athletes' accommodation and smaller opening and closing ceremonies.

London Marathon: Rachel Hodgkinson nervous ahead of first elite start

Distance runner Rachel Hodgkinson says being able to compete in next month's London Marathon as an elite athlete has made her nervous.

The 31-year-old was the second fastest British woman in last year's London Marathon having not started as part of the elite athlete's cohort.

She has since won gold at the Tokyo Marathon and finished fifth in the IAU 50km World Championship.

"Just getting there is an achievement," she told BBC Radio Merseyside.

"I'm excited and also quite nervous.

"Last year I came second for the British women, so I already knew at that point that I probably wouldn't be able to run with the masses and with the men again. So I knew I'd be making that step up into the women's only race.

"It was a shock last year when I came in second because I didn't start with the elite women. I didn't know I was in second, I only found out when I crossed the line that some of the elite women had dropped out."

With Olympic qualification for this summer's Games out of reach and question marks over the future of the Commonwealth Games, Hodgkinson's competitive aims have been pushed to the distant future.

"I'm not going to make the Olympics this year but they come around every four years so why not go again and have a shot?" she added.

"The Commonwealth Games is in question at the minute and may or may not happen. I'd like to represent England as I haven't done that, but that's generally some shorter distance stuff and speed is not necessarily my strength. I'm an endurance runner but we'll see.

"I could easily go down the ultra running line and step up to 50km or 100-milers."

Pamela Rotich headlines Los Angeles Marathon

Kenya’s Pamela Rotich will be the lady to watch at the 39th edition of the Los Angeles Marathon slated for Sunday (17) in Los Angeles, California, U.S.

Rotich who is the oldest and fastest athlete on the entry list, comes to this race with a life time best of 2:22.43 that she got two years ago at Daegu International Marathon, where she took the silver medal.

The 40 year-old will not have an easy time as she will face-off with Olga Mazuronak of Belarus who is the second fastest athlete on paper with a time of 2:23.54 that she got at the 2016 London Marathon where she finished in fourth place and the former Commonwealth Games 10,000m silver medallist, Stacy Ndiwa of Kenya who holds a personal best of 2:31.00 that she got last year at the Chicago Marathon.

Another title contender is Olympian Silvia Paredes from Ecuador of personal best 2:40.58 and the 2015 Pan American Games marathon bronze medalist, Rachel Hannah from Canada who holds a personal best of 2:32.09 that she got at the 2016 Houston Marathon, where she finished in sixth place.

LEADING TIME

42KM WOMEN

Pamela Rotich       (KEN) 2:22.43

Olga Mazuronak   (BEL) 2:23.54

Stacy Ndiwa          (KEN) 2:31.00

Rachel Hannah      (CAN) 2:32.09

Silvia Paredes        (CAN) 2:40.58

Beatrice Chepkoech reveals ambitious plans to end Olympics medal drought

World 3,000m steeplechase record holder Beatrice Chepkoech has explained how she is planning to end her Olympics medal drought after disappointing outings in previous editions.

World 3,000m steeplechase record holder Beatrice Chepkoech is keen to win the only medal still missing in her collection, the Olympics.

Chepkoech has won gold at the World Championships (2019) as well as silver in 2023, another silver at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, the year she won one of her back-to-back Diamond League trophies, World Cross-Country gold and she is back from claiming bronze at the World Indoor Championships.

Besides, she is also the world record holder over the distance, but the Olympics has eluded her, finishing fourth at the 2016 Rio Games before seventh place in Tokyo five years later and she is keen to right those wrongs at the 2024 edition in Paris.

“This is so far a very wonderful year for me. I have struggled with injuries in the past but now I am back to my best and ready for the Olympics where I want to win a medal,” Chepkoech told Capital Sport.

“I ran in my first Olympics in 2016 in Rio and Paris will be the third time for me to compete. I want to mark it with a medal in the 3,000m steeplechase because that is the only medal I am yet to clinch.”

Chepkoech won her first Indoor medal on Saturday night, marking a significant achievement with a new National Record and a Personal Best time of 8:22.68, with American runner Elle St Pierre claiming victory in a new championship record time of 8:20.87, narrowly outpacing Ethiopia's Gudaf Tsegay, who secured a silver medal with a time of 8:21.13.

The 32-year-old wasted no time after the event as she jetted into the country and headed straight to the African Games trials at Nyayo Stadium where she won the 5,000m in 15:29.69 on Wednesday to clinch her ticket to the event slated to begin in Accra, Ghana on Friday.

Embu’s Mary Mananu clocked 15:45.45 to finish second behind Chepkoech with Sandrafelis Chebet of Lemotit Athletics camp completing the podium in 16:01.33.

“I want to run in the 5,000m at the African Games because I am looking to better my endurance and then afterwards, I want to work on my speedwork as well,” added Chepkoech.

Former World Cross Country Champion Irine Cheptai runs marathon debut in Hamburg, Katharina Steinruck chases special record time

Irine Cheptai, Kenya’s World Cross Country Champion from 2017, will run her debut marathon in Hamburg on 28th April. This was announced by the organisers of the Haspa Marathon Hamburg, who released some of the top women’s contenders and presented Germany’s Katharina Steinruck during a press conference.

While Steinruck will chase a special family record on the fast Hamburg course it is Winfridah Moseti who heads the current women’s start list. The Kenyan has a personal best of 2:20:55. 14,000 runners are expected to compete in Germany’s biggest spring marathon on 28th April. Online registration for the race is still possible at: www.haspa-marathon-hamburg.de

Irine Cheptai has been very successful on the track as well before she focussed more on road running. In 2021 she was sixth in the Olympic 10,000 m final in Tokyo and a year later the Kenyan won the 10,000 m silver medal in the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Then she showed very promising half marathon races, culminating in a 64:53 PB in Valencia where she was second. With this time Cheptai was the fourth fastest half marathoner in the world in 2023. 

Hamburg has seen great debut marathons in the past. In 2013 it was Eliud Kipchoge who won with a course record of 2:05:30. Two years ago Ethiopia’s Yalemzerf Yehualaw ran an unofficial world debut record of 2:17:23 which still stands as Hamburg’s course record. There are two more debutants on the women’s start list who could do very well on 28th April: Kenya’s Nelly Jepchumba has a half marathon PB of 67:00 while Roselida Jepketer of Bahrain has run 68:40 for the half. 

Winfridah Moseti ran a huge personal best of 2:20:55 when she was runner-up in last year’s Frankfurt Marathon. While the Kenyan will want to build on this performance Frankfurt’s third place finisher will be among her rivals in Hamburg: Sharon Chelimo improved to 2:22:07 last October. Ethiopia’s Kidusan Alema and Canada’s record holder Natasha Wodak, who have personal records of 2:22:28 and 2:23:12 respectively, will also run their spring marathon in Hamburg.

Katharina Steinruck will be very much in the national focus when she hopes to break her mother’s family record. It was exactly 25 years ago when Katrin Dörre-Heinig, the bronze medallist of the 1988 Olympic marathon in Seoul, won the Hamburg Marathon with 2:24:35. For many years this was the German marathon record. “It is my aim to break my Mum’s record and it would be great if I could do it in Hamburg,“ said 34 year-old Katharina Steinruck, who is coached by her mother and improved to 2:24:56 in Osaka at the end of January. “Katha“ Steinruck returns to the race for the first time since 10 years and has good memories.

In 2013 and in 2014 she clocked personal bests of 2:34:20 and 2:33:56 in Hamburg as a young athlete. Ten years later running around ten minutes faster will be the goal. And there could not be a more fitting race than the Haspa Marathon Hamburg to break the family record. 

Tadesse Worku breaks Ronald Kwemoi course record in Spain

Former World U20 3000m champion Tadesse Worku broke the race course record at the eleventh edition of the 10K Facsa Castellón on Sunday (25) in Castellon, Spain.

The 21 year-old who is also the 2019 World Cross Country silver medallist crashed the old course record of 27:16 set two years ago by the 2015 Commonwealth Games 1500m silver medallist, Ronald Kwemoi from Kenya with a new course record of 27:02.

Worku was followed by reigning Sevilla Half Marathon champion, Bravin Kiprop from Kenya, who equaled the old course in 27:16 with the fastest entrant on paper in this race, Dennis Kibet Kitiyo sealing the podium in 27:33. 

Kenyans Vincent Kimutai and Manga’ta Kimai Ndiwa finished in fourth and fifth in a time of 27:42 and 27:45 respectively.

David Rudisha named ambassador for WIC Glasgow 24

David Rudisha has been named World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 2024 ambassador inspiring athletes for the event on 1-3 March.

World 800m record holder David Rudisha has been appointed as the World Athletics ambassador for the upcoming World Athletics Indoor Championships set to dazzle Glasgow from 1-3 March 2024. 

The Kenyan legend, a revered figure in athletics with two Olympic gold medals and two World Championships titles in his storied 800m career, is no stranger to the city, having clinched a silver medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games held there.

David Rudisha has been named World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 2024 ambassador inspiring athletes for the event on 1-3 March.

World 800m record holder David Rudisha has been appointed as the World Athletics ambassador for the upcoming World Athletics Indoor Championships set to dazzle Glasgow from 1-3 March 2024. 

The Kenyan legend, a revered figure in athletics with two Olympic gold medals and two World Championships titles in his storied 800m career, is no stranger to the city, having clinched a silver medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games held there.

The 35-year-old's career has been punctuated by remarkable achievements, notably his world record-breaking performance of 1:40.91 at the London 2012 Olympics.

With this ambassadorship, Rudisha is poised to inspire a new generation of athletes at the first global championships of 2024.

"I really feel honored," Rudisha remarked, reflecting on his successful career and his role in encouraging young talents to aspire to global accolades.

Rudisha's fond recollections of competing in the UK, and particularly in Glasgow, add a personal touch to his ambassador role. 

He recounted the 2014 Commonwealth Games with fondness, praising the supportive and kind-hearted Glasgow crowd. 

"The people were very kind and supportive. I got silver in that race, but it was clear that the crowd supported and cheered for every athlete, regardless of the position they finished," he said.

As the world gears up for the Paris 2024 Olympics, Rudisha highlighted the importance of a strong start to the competitive season. 

"The Olympics is at the helm of any sport," he asserted, underscoring the significance of the Games in an athlete's career. 

His anticipation for the championship in Glasgow is not just as an ambassador but also as a fan, especially for events close to his heart like the 800m and 400m races.

 He expressed his excitement to see athletes like Femke Bol, who has already posted impressive times early in the season.

The World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 2024 promises to be a spectacle, with over 700 athletes from around 130 nations vying for medals across 26 disciplines.

Kipngetich Ngeno on why he looks up to Olympic silver medalist Ferguson Rotich

Kipngetich Ngeno has disclosed why he looks up to Ferguson Rotich and how qualifying for the Paris Olympic Games will change his life.

Former World Under-20 800m silver medalist Kipngetich Ngeno has shared why he looks up to Olympic Games 800m silver medalist Ferguson Rotich.

Ngeno noted that he loves Rotich’s style of running and the fact that he has accomplished great milestones on the track including competing at the World Championships, Commonwealth Games, African Championships, and Olympic Games.

Just like Rotich, Ngeno would like to make the Olympic team someday and come back home with a medal. He opened up on the significance of having the Olympic title to his name.

“Ferguson Rotich inspires me a lot…I want to run in the Olympics like him. I have worked with him in a couple of events in 2019 and last year. If I make the cut to this year’s Olympics, I will be just like him.

“I know my life will change when I compete at the Olympics and also my profile will improve,” Ngeno said.

Meanwhile, Ngeno was also in action at last year’s World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, competing alongside World Under-20 800m champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi, Rotich, and the then defending champion Emmanuel Korir.

He, however, did not proceed to the final of the event after faltering in the semifinal. Despite the setback, Ngeno had a lot of take aways from the global showpiece.

“I learnt a lot of things from there and I want to polish up on my shortcomings so that I can make the Olympic team when I go for the trials. I’m working on my endurance and speed and hopefully by April, my body will be okay,” he said.

Ugandan Stella Chesang headlines Osaka Women’s Marathon

The 2018 Commonwealth Games 10,000m champion, Stella Chesang will be the lady to watch at the 43rd edition of the Osaka Women’s Marathon slated for this Sunday (28) in Osaka, Japan.

The 27 year-old who is also the 2015 World U20 5000m bronze medallist, comes to this race with a life time best of 2:20.23 that she got last year at the Haspa Marathon where she took the bronze medal.

Chesang will not have an easy ride as she will have to get past Workenesh Edesa of Ethiopia, who is the fastest athlete on paper with a time of 2:18.51 that she set two years ago at the Berlin Marathon, where she finished in fourth place. Edesa who is the oldest athlete on the elite list is also the reigning Prague Marathon champion and will steer the ship alongside her compatriot Sisay Meseret Gola, who is the youngest athlete among the elite and holds the third fastest time of 2:20.50 that she got at the 2022 Zurich Marathon where she took the silver medal.

The three athletes will battle with the race defending champion and course record holder, Matsuda Mizuki, who is also the 2017 Asian Games 10,000m bronze medallist and comes to this race with a personal best of 2:20.52 that she got last year at this event. The 28 year-old will partner with her six compatriots as they seek to retain the title.

Japan’s Sato Sayaka of 2:22.13 will tag along Maeda Honami of 2:22.32, Matsushita Natsumi 2:23.05, Kawauchi Rie 2:25.35, Daito Yuna 2:26.09, Takeyama Kaena 2:29.20 as they also fight for the top position.

LEADING TIME

42KM WOMEN

Stella Chesang           (UGA) 2:20.23

Workenesh Edesa      (ETH)  2:18.51 

Sisay Meseret Gola   (ETH)  2:20.50

Matsuda Mizuki        (JPN)   2:2052

Sato Sayaka                (JPN)  2:22.13

Maeda Honami           (JPN)  2:22.32

Over a year after suffering season ending injury, Dina Asher-Smith makes a comeback into uncharted territory at Millrose Games

Every day, we are getting closer to one of the most anticipated events, The Millrose Games 2024. The track and field world is amped up to witness the thrilling performances of top-notch athletes in all the exciting events. Among this one athlete that has grabbed every track and field enthusiast’s attention is Dina Asher-Smith. This British Sprinter is ready to make a spectacular comeback in the 2024 iteration of the Millrose Games after facing trials and tribulations due to her hamstring injury. 

After sustaining an injury at the World Championships in Oregon, the athlete had to pull out from several events. However, after a year of grappling, Dina Asher-Smith has announced her participation in the Millrose Games 2024. Let’s have a panoramic view of the same. 

Dina Asher-Smith to participate in two events at the Millrose Games.

The British Sprinter Dina Asher-Smith faced a tough time after her hamstring Injury in 2022 as she had to pull out from the Commonwealth Games. She sustained this injury while performing at the 4x100m relay. However, more than a year after this incident, the Olympian has added her name to the Millrose Games giving a great start to her 2024 season. A US track and field Insider took to their X account to announce the same. 

The post carried, “Dina Asher-Smith will be running the 60m at the Millrose Games on February 11th!” Apart from this, the champion has added her name to the 4x400m as well. She is extremely excited to showcase her skills here at one of the most prestigious track and field competitions. 

She expressed, “The Millrose Games is one of the most prestigious and historic indoor competitions in the USA, and I am looking forward to racing there for the first time.” Dina Asher-Smith further added, “I am really enjoying my new training setup in Austin, and I’m looking forward to a big year in 2024”. This competition is going to be a great one as some of the most anticipated races will be held among the top-notch athletes. 

Athletes to compete with the British Olympian at the Millrose Games 2024 

The Millrose Games will be held on the February 11, 2024 at the Armory in NYC. The Armory this year will witness great races yet again with some of the notable athletes participating in the event. The 60m will be one of the anticipated races as along with Dina Asher-Smith, other renowned athletes will also be gracing the event. 

The first name on the list of the 60m event is the first woman in NCAA to break the seven-second barrier over the 60m, Julien Alfred. This Saint Lucian Sprinter is the Joint North American holder for the 60 meters. Then is the Olympian American athlete English Gardner. The Jamaican athlete Briana Williams will also be competing.

Other athletes like Shashalee Forbes, Tamari Davis, Marybeth Sant-Price, and Celera Barnes will be a part of the competition. The track and field enthusiasts cannot wait to witness which athlete will sprint towards victory and take the gold home. 

Daniel Simiu sights firmly trained on the Paris 2024 Olympics

After scooping the gold medal at the 18th edition of the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon on October 15 last year, Kenya’s middle-distance track prodigy Daniel Simiu has his sights firmly trained on the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The World Half Marathon silver medalist has vowed to torch the track on his way to a podium finish in the French capital in August.

In an exclusive interview on Friday, Simiu said he is ready to make the country proud at the premier global quadrennial games later in the year, where he hopes to fly the country’s flag in the 5000m race. “I have invested a lot of time in preparations and I’m looking forward to a splendid performance,” Simiu stated.

“There is every chance a Kenyan athlete will win gold this time around but,” he added.

The Commonwealth Games 10,000m silver medalist said the country boasts gifted athletes who possess the mojo to storm the gold medal at the premier annual global.

“What’s important is that we bring the title to Kenya. I’ll be happy if any of us gets to win the race,” he added.

The 27-year-old policeman  pledged to obliterate the star-studded field in Paris en route to a historic triumph.

He will be seeking sweet revenge over his highly-rated Ugandan nemesis Joshua Cheptegei who edged him to the title at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games. “I’m determined to improve on my performance at the Commonwealth Games, where I slightly fell short of beating Cheptegei,” Simiu said.

He said he was proud to have wrapped up second at the Commonwealth Games. “Kiplimo is the best men’s 10,000m runner at the moment and emerging second behind him brought me some measure of pride,” Simiu remarked.

Born on September 18, 1995, Ebenyo lost his father early in life to cattle rustling and was raised by his mother and later, grandmother.

Simiu said it was while at Aiyam Day Secondary School that he carved his path to a career in athletics.

“I would always complete a stretch of 24-km trek to and from school,” he said.

He experienced a major setback in 2919 when he finished in second place at the National World Championships trials but was unable to compete as he failed to meet some of the Athletes Integrity Unit (AIU) doping requirements.

Simiu did the in-competition test several times but did not meet the required three out-of-competition tests that are mandatory for all athletes and include both urine and blood, at least one Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) test and one Erythropoietin (Epo) test.

He eventually picked up his pieces and ventured into road racing, where he won the Safaricom Kisii 10-km road race in a time of 29:16.71. The following year, he blazed to victory in the San Silvestre Vallecana 10 km in Spain on January 3.

He won the silver medal over 10,000m at the 2022 Commonwealth Games held in Birmingham and placed second again at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest.

Commonwealth Games sprint medalist Micha Powell to release inspiring memoir

The 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medalist, Micha Powell, is set to release a memoir and workbook for young women, entitled, “Sprinting Through Setbacks: An Olympian’s Guide to Overcoming Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome.”

The memoir will chronicle her decade of professional racing experience, sharing vulnerable stories about growing up in the shadow of two Olympian parents, navigating injuries and finding the courage to adopt an Olympic mindset.

From the day Powell was born, she has had athletics ingrained in her DNA. She is the child of three-time Canadian Olympian Rosey Edeh and current long jump world record holder, American Mike Powell.

“I’m thrilled to share my story about how I accomplished my goals while overcoming setbacks and self-doubt as an Olympic athlete,” said Powell. “I want people to take away from this book that it’s not a linear path to success, and embrace the imperfect journey to triumph and use that resilience to accomplish their big goals in life.”

The book will feature 10 pivotal races from Powell’s career, each accompanied by a lesson she learned. Additionally, workbook-style sections will be included to allow young readers to apply Powell’s experiences to their own lives. The topics covered in the book range from finding balance and style to overcoming imposter syndrome and finding your spotlight.

The 29-year-old has set her sights on qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics in the women’s 400m and 4x400m relay for Team Canada. The memoir is geared toward young women early in their schooling or athletic careers, aiming to inspire the reader no matter their goals or future endeavors.

The book, co-authored by Canadian Running writer Molly Hurford, founder of Strong Girl Publishing, is scheduled for release in summer 2024. Fans and readers can follow @MichaJadaPowell and @StrongGirlPublishing on Instagram and TikTok for updates on the writing process, early feedback and sneak peeks from the upcoming book.

Mary Moraa has returned to training for a grueling 2024 season and is using one of NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal's famous quotes to motivate her

Reigning world 800m champion Mary Moraa is surely on a mission to make history this year as she eyes the Olympic Games in Paris, France scheduled for July 26 to August 11.

As she burns the midnight oil to ensure she makes her dreams come true, Moraa is not leaving her fans out of the mix as she keeps updating them on what she is up to.

In her recent Facebook post, she shared a video of her training at the Nyayo National Stadium and captioned the video with one of NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal’s famous quotes.

The Commonwealth Games champion said: “Excellence is not a singular act but a habit. You are what you do repeatedly.”

She also added other two photos after returning to training and captioned them saying: “I really enjoyed my first track training session this season with my training regime.”

O’Neal was one of the greatest basketball players and centers of all time and Moraa recognizing him means she is on the right track.

Meanwhile, Kisii Express has made it clear that she wants to clock 1:53, the women’s 800m world record, and she is surely putting in the work.

The world record has surely stood the test of time and the world is banking on Moraa to shatter it. It was set by Jarmila Kratochvílová back in 1983.

On July 26, the Czech athlete took to the Olympiapark Meeting in Munich’s Olympic Stadium and shattered the 800m world record, clocking 1:53.28 to win the race.

Sheila Chepkirui headlines elite field for Kagawa Marugame Half Marathon

Sheila Chepkirui is among the elite athletes invited to the Kagawa Marugame Half Marathon next month.

Commonwealth Games 10,000m bronze medallist Sheila Chepkirui has been confirmed for the Kagawa Marugame Half Marathon scheduled for February 4 in Japan.

Chepkirui enjoyed a beautiful 2023 season and as she opens her season at the city in Japan, she will have her fingers crossed for an amazing season.

Last season, Chepkirui’s breakthroughs were during the Berlin Marathon and London Marathon. The Kenyan made her full marathon debut at the Valencia Marathon in 2022 where she finished second before stunning the masses last season.

She finished fourth at the London Marathon, her first World Marathon Major before finishing second at the Berlin Marathon.

In the women’s race, she will be joined by compatriots Pauline Kamulu and Dolphine Omare. The greatest opposition will come from Great Britain’s Charlotte Purdue who is one of the greatest long-distance runners.

Meanwhile, the men’s field is headlined by another talented Kenyan, Alexander Mutiso, the reigning Prague Marathon champion.

Mutiso also enjoyed an amazing 2023 season where he impressed in most of his international assignments and is surely among the athletes to watch this season.

The Kenyan started the marathon season by winning the Prague Marathon and finishing second at the Valencia Marathon. He returns to Japan as the defending champion after obliterating a strong field to clinch top honours in the race last year.

Mutiso clocked an impressive time of 59:17 to cross the finish line and proceeded to finish fourth at the Tokyo Legacy Half Marathon. He will be joined by compatriots Charles Langat and Cleophas Kandie.

Colombia withdraws as host of 2027 Pan American Games

On Wednesday, the Pan American Sports Organization (PASO) announced in a statement that the committee has decided to withdraw the host city status from Barranquilla, Colombia, for the 2027 Pan American Games due to a breach of contract.

According to PASO, a meeting took place at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile, between the committee and Colombian authorities regarding Barranquilla 2027. The host city requested an extension of the financial deadlines set by PASO to fulfill contract expectations. PASO granted the hosts an extension, with the new deadline set for Dec. 30.

“Given the lack of response in accordance with the new financial deadline, the PASO executive committee made the decision on Jan. 3, 2024, to withdraw the right to be a host city of the continental event in 2027,” PASO said in a translated statement posted on social media.

The Federación Colombiana de Atletismo (FECODATLE), the national athletics federation of Colombia, submitted the bid for the 2027 Games on Aug. 27, 2021. They were one of three cities that expressed interest in hosting the major sporting event, with others being Buenos Aires, and Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia. Buenos Aires submitted a bid for the 2023 event, but withdrew for financial reasons.

“Charles Philibert-Thiboutot earns Canada’s first track medal at Pan American Games” — Canadian Running Magazine

View on the original site.

As Barranquilla was the sole bid, it was appointed as the host city. Large multi-sporting events outside of the Olympics have recently grappled with the costs of staging an event of this magnitude. Recently, the state of Victoria, Australia, pulled out of the 2026 Commonwealth Games due to the exponential costs associated with the Games.

The Pan American Games is a multi-sport event held every four years in the year before the Summer Olympic Games. It is the second oldest continental games globally, originating in 1951 in Buenos Aires. Since then, the games have been held in various cities across North and South America, including Mexico City, Rio de Janeiro and Toronto. The most recent event was held in Santiago, Chile, in late October, where Team Canada won a total of 164 medals, including 46 gold

Grenadian Kirani James Teams Up with Chris Lawrence for Paris 2024 Olympics Preparation

Kirani James, the distinguished Grenadian 400m runner and Olympic medalist, is embarking on a new phase in his illustrious career as he prepares for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Under the guidance of his new coach Chris Lawrence, formerly an assistant to the late Harvey Glance, James is setting his sights on his fourth Olympic appearance.

This strategic coaching change aims to build upon Kirani James’ already impressive track record, which includes three Olympic medals in the 400 meters.

Kirani James Sets Sights on Paris Olympics under Guidance of Coach Lawrence

Kirani James concluded the previous season on a high note with a win at the Diamond League Final in Eugene. His decision to work with Lawrence reflects his commitment to continuing the legacy of Coach Glance. “I’m pleased that Chris will be able to accompany and help aide me to continue the journey and path set out by coach Glance,” James commented.

Kirani James’ journey in athletics has been nothing short of remarkable. He burst onto the scene with victories at the Carifta Games and the World Youth Championships in the 200m. He continued his rise by winning the World U20 (Junior) 400m title in 2010. His crowning achievement came with a gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics, followed by silver at the 2016 Rio Olympics and bronze at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, making him the first athlete to win all three medals in the 100-year history of the event.

Additionally, James secured a silver medal at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene and a bronze at the 2015 World Championships in Beijing. He also claimed two Diamond League titles in 2022 and 2023, along with a Commonwealth Games gold medal in 2014. These accomplishments have established James as one of the elite athletes in the 400m discipline and Grenada’s first and only Olympic medalist.

As James and Lawrence collaborate towards the Paris Olympics, the athletics world will be eagerly watching. With his resilience, dedication, and proven track record, James is poised to add yet another chapter to his already legendary career in the world of athletics.

Ugandan Olympic steeplechaser found murdered just outside of Eldoret

Ugandan three-time Olympian Benjamin Kiplagat has been killed. Kiplagat, 34, is believed to have been murdered early Sunday morning, reported the BBC. Kiplagat, who specialized in the 3,000m steeple, was living in the Marakwet District of Kenya, and his body was discovered in his vehicle just outside of the city of Eldorat. Eldorat is the fifth largest city in Kenya and known as a top training center for athletes.

He broke onto the international scene in 2006 when he was sixth in the 3,000m steeple at the World Junior Championships in Beijing, China. He was a silver medalist at the 2008 World Junior Championships in Poland, and narrowly missed the podium at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India. Kiplagat was 10th at the 2011 World Championships in South Korea, and made the semifinals in the 2012 London Olympic Games.

Kenyan police commandant Stephen Okal said that officers received a message about a traffic accident, and arrived at the scene around 5.00 am, as reported by NTV Kenya. Police found Kiplagat lying in the driver’s seat—the athlete had been stabbed in the chest and neck. Police believe the assailants had used a motorcycle to block Kiplagat’s path, and his vehicle had hit the motorcycle before the attack.

“We are still investigating the incident to ascertain what really happened, but what we can confirm is that the man found dead is an international athlete called Benjamin Kiplagat,” said Okal.

Kiplagat had been training in Eldoret before heading to Uganada to compete. He had Kiplagat had secured a bronze medal while representing Uganada at the Africa Championships in Porto Novo, Benin in 2012, and finished in the heats at the 2015 World Championships in Beijing, China, the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro and the 2019 World Championships in Doha, Qatar.

Kiplagat’s death will be mourned by the international athletics community, while investigations continue to uncover the circumstances around his tragic death.

Usain Bolt remains undaunted about his world records being broken

The world's fastest man Usain Bolt remains unfazed about any athlete breaking his two world records.

Double (100m and 200m) world record holder Usain Bolt remains unfazed about anyone breaking his world records.

The fastest man in the whole world set the 100m world record of 9.58 and the 200m world record of 19.19 at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin, Germany and they are yet to be shattered.

Many sprinters have been bullish about breaking the world records but Bolt believes it will be difficult to break his records. Some of the athletes targeting the world records include triple world champion Noah Lyles, Africa’s fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala, and former World champion Fred Kerley.

Kerley has a Personal Best time of 9.76 while Omanyala, the reigning Commonwealth Games Champion has a Personal Best of 9.77. On his part, Lyles ran his Personal Best of 9.83 in the semifinal of the 100m at the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary.

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“I knew I was going to break the world record because I was in such good shape at the time and I was running great throughout the season. Not worried about any of them. 

"I think the hundred is going to be harder because it’s quicker and if you make a mistake during the race you’re not going to get it. It’s a lot more technical so I think maybe the hundred is going to go last,” Bolt said in an interview with World Athletics.

The multiple Olympic champion also commented on still being known as the fastest man ever as well as his relationship with the fans over the years.

“It’s a great title to have. It’s something that I enjoy hearing and I enjoy knowing. It’s always been so beautiful for me. They give me so much energy.

"I remember even through the World Championships in the pandemic I was like I could not compete in this. By myself in the stadium, I could not because I live so much for the energy and the vibes,” he said.

Ferdinand Omanyala shares secret on how to achieve top-three finish in a race

The African record-holder has shared a tip on how an athlete can make it to the podium.

Reigning Commonwealth Games 100m champion Ferdinand Omanyala has explained what it takes to get on the podium of any assignment as an athlete.

The 27-year-old has been the epitome of hard work, sharing snippets of his training as he gears up for the World Indoor Championships and the Olympic Games among other events.

Sharing a training video on his X (Twitter) handle, the African record holder captioned it saying: “Consistency to performance is what pressure is to diamond....it takes lots of work across many training variables to finally step on that podium!

"The most important thing is getting back up after a fall. If it does not kill you it will make you stronger.”

Meanwhile, the African champion has enjoyed a great 2023 season, with the only major setback being the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary.

At the global showpiece, Omanyala was off to a good start in the heats and semifinal but faltered in the final where he ended up finishing seventh.

However, he recorded big wins including becoming the first Kenyan to win the Diamond League Meeting in the 100m in Monaco. Omanyala also finished third at the Prefontaine Classic, the Diamond League Meeting final.

He also ended the season as the fourth-fastest sprinter in the world behind triple World champion Noah Lyles, Christian Coleman, and Zharnel Hughes.

Ferdinand Omanyala wants to do both the 100m and 200m at Paris Olympic Games

Ferdinand Omanyala has disclosed that he will be adding the 200m to the cart next season as he looks to double at the Olympic Games.

Commonwealth Games 100m champion Ferdinand Omanyala is considering adding 200m to his roster as he gears up for the Olympic Games in Paris, France, next year.

Omanyala, who just changed coaches recently told the Olympics' official portal that his new coach, Geoffrey Kimani wants him to run a couple of 200m races and even the 400m if possible.

He will be competing in the half-lap race in a couple of meets to gauge his form and see if he could double on the global stage.

“My current coach says we must do the 200m and he also mentioned the 400m somewhere…I don’t know how that will turn out.

"I’m looking at the 200m next year and I’ll do a couple of meets and then see where I am but you know…we shall make that decision when I run a couple of 200m races. If I’m too comfortable, then I’ll push it through,” Omanyala said.

Meanwhile, the 27-year-old has competed in a couple of 200m races but is yet to make a mark in any premier global competition.

During his international outings, he competed in the 200m at the 2022 Castiglione International Meeting, Stadio Zecchini in Italy, and won the race.

Omanyala also competed at the 2021 3rd MoC Grand Prix where he finished third and also won the 2022 ASA Athletics Grand Prix 3.

Michael Githae wins 76th edition of Fukuoka Marathon for the second time

Kenyan runner Michael Githae won the 76th edition of Fukuoka International Marathon for the second time in three years at Heiwadai Athletic Stadium in Fukuoka, Japan on Sunday.

The 29-year-old Commonwealth Games marathon bronze medallist, clocked a new personal best of 2:07.08 with China’s Yang Shaohui, coming home in second place in 2:07.09 while Norway’s Sondre Nordstad Moen sealed the podium with third place finish in 2:07.16.

Kenya’s Vincent Raimoi finished in fifth place with a time of 2:08:00, while the race favorite, the 2012 Olympics marathon silver medalist, Abel Kirui came home a disappointing eighth in a time of 2:08.36.

On Sunday, the leading pack was whittled down to three - Githae, China’s Yang Shaohui and Norway’s Sondre Nordstad Moen - when Hosoya fell behind around the 40-kilometer mark.

Githae, who spent his high school days in Fukuoka, broke away around a kilometer from the finish line to cut the tape as the winner but could not shatter the course record of 2:05.18 set four years ago by Ethiopia’s Tsegaye Kebede. By winning the race, Githae, who runs for Suzuki track team, improved his previous best of 2:08:17, which he set when finishing fourth at last year’s Fukuoka Marathon.

Meanwhile, Kenyan athletes failed to sparkle as Ethiopians dominated with Sisay Lemma collectinh another big-race in the men’s win category during the 2023 Valencia Marathon on Sunday.

The 2021 London Marathon winner broke clear of fellow Ethiopian Dawit Wolde and Kenya’s Kandiwott Kandie with 7km to go of the 42.195km race distance. The trio were well inside world record pace at 30km, but Lemma eventually crossed the line in 2:01:48, over a minute outside Kelvin Kiptum’s mark from Chicago in October.

Three-time Olympic gold medallist on the track, Kenenisa Bekele, was just over 20 seconds behind the lead group at halfway and appeared to have decided not to go with the strong pace at the front.

On his marathon debut, 5000m and 10,000m world record holder Joshua Cheptegei was among those dropped having reached the half in the lead group in 60:35. Uganda’s reigning 5000m Olympic champion tired badly in the second half of the race, eventually finishing down in 37th place in 2:08:59.

Ethiopia completed a podium sweep in the women’s race with Worknesh Degefa winning in 2:15:51 to go seventh on the all-time list.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Shericka Jackson nominated for prestigious sporting honors

Two track legends sprint their way into top award nominations, vying for recognition in the sporting pantheon.

Five-time world 100m champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Two-time World 200m champion Shericka Jackson are once again taking center stage, not on the track but in the prestigious arena of sports awards.

The excitement is building as the nominees for the 2023 RJRGleaner Communications Group National Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year awards were officially unveiled by Mike Fennell, chairman of the Selection Committee, at a press conference held at the TVJ studios in Jamaica.

As reported by the Jamaican Gleaner, the competition is fierce, but these two phenomenal athletes are undoubtedly the stars of the show. 

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, often dubbed the "Pocket Rocket," has consistently proven her dominance in the world of sprinting, clinching the title of five-time world 100m champion. 

On the other hand, we have Shericka Jackson, the two-time world 200m champion, whose graceful stride and unparalleled athleticism have captivated fans worldwide. 

The battle for the coveted title of Sportswoman of the Year is fierce, with other incredible nominees including Rushell Clayton, Jhaniele Fowler, and Danielle Williams. However, Fraser-Pryce and Jackson's remarkable achievements place them firmly in the spotlight.

Similarly, the competition for Sportsman of the Year is intense, featuring outstanding contenders like Tajay Gayle, Jaheel Hyde, and Hansle Parchment.

But it is clear that Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Shericka Jackson have set the bar high with their impressive track records.

Shericka Jackson's electrifying clocking of 21.41 seconds to secure victory in the women's 200 meters and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce's unrelenting pursuit of excellence as a Five-time world 100m champion have not only brought glory to Jamaica but have also inspired aspiring athletes worldwide.

In addition to their individual achievements, these remarkable athletes have been nominated for the People's Choice Awards, showcasing their incredible impact and popularity among sports enthusiasts.

 Shericka Jackson's stunning 200-meter victory and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce's consistent world-class performances have undoubtedly earned them the admiration and support of fans around the globe.

The much-anticipated awards ceremony is set to take place at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel on January 19, 2024.

It is worth noting that last year, sprint icon Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Commonwealth Games 110m-hurdles champion Rasheed Broadbell claimed the titles of Sportswoman and Sportsman of the Year, respectively.

Mary Moraa dreaming of breaking 800m world record soon

Mary Moraa has promised that she will attack the 800m world record very soon.

Reigning World 800m champion Mary Moraa has promised to go for the 800m world record very soon.

In a post on her Facebook page, Moraa shared a throwback photo of herself and double world record holder Faith Kipyegon. She was in awe of Kipyegon’s record-breaking spree and noted that she is an inspiration to many people.

She said: “When you step out in style with the world's middle distance track finest Faith Kipyegon. A great inspiration. Hii 800m World Record tutavunja siku moja...hivi karibuni (We shall one day break this 800m world record…very soon).”

The women’s world record over the 800m stands at 1:53.28 and was set by Jarmila Kratochvílová 40 years ago.

She clocked the time on July 26, 1983, at the Olympiapark Meeting in Munich’s Olympic Stadium and has remained to be the oldest outdoor world record in the book.

On her part, Moraa’s Personal Best time currently stands at 1:56.03, a time she clocked to win the race at the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary.

By winning the title, she became just but the third Kenyan woman to win the 800m on the global stage. She comes after Janeth Jepkosgei and Eunice Sum who won the titles in 2007 and 2013 respectively.

She has also been banked on severally to break the 800m world record and affirming her fans that she would surely go for it is a sign of light at the end of the tunnel.

The reigning Commonwealth Games champion is gearing up for the Olympic Games in Paris, France next year where she hopes to extend her winning streak. This season, she only lost one 800m race, the Prefontaine Classic.

Bethwel Yegon out to make amends at Fukuoka Marathon

Bethwel Yegon failed to finish the race during last year's edition of the Fukuoka Marathon and will be returning to the Japanese city to right his wrongs next month

Bethwel Yegon will be out to heal last year’s heartbreak as he gears up for this year’s Fukuoka Marathon.

During last year’s edition of the marathon, Yegon failed to finish the race but he will be heading to this year’s event with a goal to finish in the podium bracket.

He opened his season at the Publix Atlanta Half Marathon where he finished sixth before securing second place at the Vienna Marathon. He then went on to finish sixth at the Runkara International Half Marathon last month.

Yegon will be joined by compatriot Abel Kirui who finished fifth during last year’s edition of the marathon. Kirui is the oldest athlete in the field but he will be banking on his experience to improve his performance.

Commonwealth Games marathon bronze medalist Michael Githae will also be in the mix with the hope of making an impact.

The Kenyan charge will be challenged by Ethiopia’s Abebe Negewo Degefa, who is the only athlete in the field to have gone under the 2:05:50.

The race will prove to be a battle of titans since there are six athletes on the entry list, who have run sub 2:07 and they will be going for the course record of 2:05:18 that was set four years ago by Ethiopia’s Tsegaye Kebede.

The field also includes the 2017 winner Sondre Nordstad Moen of Norway, who will be hoping to get under 2:10 for the first time since 2020 after a good 1:00:20 half marathon in Malaga two weeks ago.

Shaohui Yang will lead the home charge and holds the countries second fastest-ever time of 2:07:49 that he got early this year at the Wuxi Marathon.

Leading ultra-marathon runner banned for using car in 50-mile race

A leading British ultra-marathon runner has been banned for 12 months by a UK Athletics disciplinary panel for using a car during a 50-mile race and then accepting a trophy for third place.

Joasia Zakrzewski admitted that she had jumped into her friend’s vehicle during the 2023 GB Ultras Manchester to Liverpool race on 7 April, but claimed she only did so after telling marshalls that she was injured and was no longer competing.

The 47-year-old, who finished 14th in the 2014 Commonwealth Games marathon and set a new world 48-hour distance record of 255.668 miles in February, had also denied deliberately cheating. Instead, she said that arriving from Australia the night before had left her unable to think straight, and had led to her wrongly accepting a trophy at the end of the race.

However, that explanation was rejected by a UKA disciplinary panel who have now banned Zakrzewski from competing in any UKA licensed races, representing Great Britain, or coaching or managing for a year, after finding her guilty of breaching the UKA code of conduct for senior athletes.

In a written decision, the panel said that Zakrzewski’s claims were “contrary to the evidence of the marshals, evidence which the respondent did not seek to challenge or contest, by way of cross-examination at the hearing”.

Evidence showed that Zakrzewski – who has competed for GB numerous times in ultra-distance events, won multiple world 100km medals, and managed GB teams – had travelled around 2.5 miles in a car. According to GPS data, one of those miles was covered in one minute and 40 seconds.

In a letter to the panel, Zakrzewski wrote: “I accept my actions on the day that I did travel in a car and then later completed the run, crossing the finish line and inappropriately receiving a medal and trophy, which I did not return immediately as I should have done”.

However, she continued to insist that she had told the marshalls that she was injured and had decided to keep going on a non-competitive basis. The marshalls, however, told the panel a different story.

They said that while Zakrzewski had talked to them about withdrawing, she had been persuaded to continue “and when doing so … this was on a competitive basis”. They also denied that she had informed them that she had completed part of the course in a car.

The panel also noted that Zakrzewski had only disclosed using the vehicle when challenged by the race organiser. “The respondent sought to defend this by claiming she was embarrassed, but ultimately she chose not to disclose what had happened rather than embarrass herself,” it said.

“Further the claimant had collected the trophy at the end of the race, something which she should have not done if she was completing the race on a non-competitive basis.”

The panel said it had taken Zakrzewski’s claims about her state of mind into account, but pointed out that she “had ample opportunity to remedy the situation which she failed to do”.

“Even if she was suffering from brain fog on the day of the race, she had a week following the race to realise her actions and return the trophy, which she did not do,” it said.

“Finally, she posted about the race on social media, and this did not disclose that she had completed the race on a non-competitive basis.”

Kenyan Irine Cheptai the latest addition to deep Valencia Half Marathon women's field

The Valencia Half Marathon will be Cheptai's second race of the season.

Irine Cheptai will be looking to extend her winning streak after being a late addition to the 2023 Valencia Half Marathon scheduled for Sunday, October 22.

Cheptai has only competed once this season, at the Copenhagen Half Marathon where she dominated, clocking 1:05:53 to win the race.

The 31-year-old will be competing in the streets of Valencia for the first time and will be banking on her half marathon experience on other courses to also impress in Spain’s capital.

Last year, she had a busy season as compared to this year where she will only be racing twice. In 2022, Cheptai opened her season with second-place finishes at both the New York City Half Marathon and Prague Half Marathon.

The Commonwealth Games 10,000m silver medalist then went ahead to win the TCS World 10K Bengaluru before heading to the 2022 National Trials for the World Championships and Commonwealth Games.

Before competing at the Commonwealth Games held in Birmingham, Cheptai went to the AJC Peachtree Road Race and finished second, and then she finished second in Birmingham too.

She later won the Birell Prague Grand Prix and ended her season with a win at the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon, one of her favorite courses.

She still seems to be in good shape after opening her season late and being able to secure a resounding victory. However, the field in Valencia is nothing to play around with.

She will face off against former World marathon champion Gotytom Gebreslase. The Ethiopian will be competing in her second Half Marathon race after opening her season with a second-place finish at the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon.

Cheptai will also enjoy good company from her compatriots including the World Half Marathon silver medalist Margaret Chelimo, and Janet Chepng’etich.

Why Mary Moraa dedicated her world title to Hellen Obiri

Mary Moraa has explained why she dedicated her World 800m title to the reigning Boston Marathon champion Hellen Obiri.

World 800m champion Mary Moraa has disclosed the reason why she dedicated her title to her mentor Hellen Obiri.

The Commonwealth Games champion singled out Obiri, a two-time World 5000m champion, as a great pillar in her career.

Speaking to Nation Sport, Moraa noted that she sees Obiri as her elder sister and she always checks up on her.

Obiri has played a vital role in Moraa’s career since she gifted Kisii Express her first spikes when she began her professional career. The Boston Marathon champion also encouraged Moraa to switch from the 400m to the 800m where she is currently dominating.

“I want to single out Hellen Obiri who has been encouraging me to be consistent on the track as the person who ensured I clinched the gold.

"Obiri is my elder sister and mentor who always checks on me hence I am proud of her,” Moraa said during her heroic homecoming party at the Ichuni grounds in Nyaribari Masaba constituency.

Meanwhile, at the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, Moraa was in a class of her own as she destroyed a strong field to clinch top honours in the 800m race.

She clocked a Personal Best time of 1:56.03. Great Britain’s Keely Hodgkinson and USA’s Athing Mu finished second and third respectively in the hotly contested race.

Owing to her win, she became just but the third Kenyan to win the 800m on the global stage after Janeth Jepkosgei and Eunice Sum who won the titles during the 2007 and 2013 editions of the World Championships.

Moraa was also on fire this season, only losing one 800m where she finished fourth at the Prefontaine Classic, the final Diamond League Meeting.

Omanyala sets new target for Paris 2024 Olympic Games

Africa’s fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala has set a new target for the forthcoming 2024 Paris Olympic Games. 

The African 100m record holder said he is targeting gold at the Paris Olympic Games as he heads into the season with great motivation.

The Paris 2024 Olympics are scheduled for July 26 to August 11 and it is expected to host 10,500 athletes.

The world number nine said this during the launch of an Athletics Centre  of Excellence at St. Joseph’s Boys national school on Monday.

The sprinter also added that his next target was to run a time of 9.66 seconds but was quick to add that he will have to work hard to attain that threshold. 

 “I am going to the Olympic season with great motivation. If you see me win that gold, be happy because it’s coming home. My next aim is to run 9.66 then after that 9.55,” he said.

Omanyala also said he would be opening a sprints school to help train young upcoming athletes so they may be able to grace the international stage.

“We are starting a school for sprints next year and I am pleased to announce that St. Joseph's will be the first benefactor of this program as we aim to help the youth horn their talents in athletics,” he noted.

The sprinter also urged young upcoming athletes to be careful of the managers they sign for, as there have been several cases of managers mistreating athletes and leading them to poverty.  

“There are those fine lines in a contract you must go through. Most athletes have suffered this fate so you have to be keen. Those little details are very important,” he said.

Omanyala came into the limelight in 2015 when he won 100m in a time of 10.37 secs during the national Olympics trials but failed to attain the qualifying standard, which was 10.16 secs at the time.

He would later on go to win the national title in 2019 and later on in March 30 2021, he set a national record of 10.01 seconds in the 100m after winning a meeting at Yabatech Sport Complex in Lagos, Nigeria.

In 2022, he won his first international championships, with victories in the 100m at the Commonwealth Games, and African Athletics Championships.

Omanyala is the African record holder and the ninth-fastest man of all time in the event after clocking a time of 9.77 seconds on September 18, 2021 in Nairobi. He is also the first Kenyan to reach the semi-finals of the 100m at the Olympics stage. 

The sprinter took part at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest,  Hungary, last August finishing seventh in the final in a time of 10.07 seconds.

Omanyala further urged young athletes to be careful of the doctors, who  they put their trust in as he has unknowingly been a victim of a doping. 

Following his doping offence in 2017, Omanyala received a 14-month suspension.

He had tested positive for the prohibited substance betamethasone, after undergoing treatment for his back injury which he incurred during training.

Athletics Kenya (AK) Trans Nzoia county official, Evans Rono urged the youth to take up athletics as it was a highly lucrative career.

“Athletics is highly paying. Omanyala runs for just nine seconds and walks away with millions. I want to challenge you to embrace athletics because it is a high paying sport."

Chebets sets focus on 2024 Olympic Games after stellar season

Commonwealth Games 5000m champion Beatrice Chebet has said she has honed her skills sufficiently to secure a podium finish at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. 

Chebet, who blazed to the bronze medal in her specialty at the Budapest World Championships in July, said she is ready to secure the coveted gold at the quadrennial global extravaganza that will be held in July and August.  

"I have prepared well for the Olympics and I'm grateful for the fine form I've accomplished this year," Chebet said in an exclusive interview.

"Winning an Olympic medal is everyone's dream and I am no different," she added. 

Chebet spoke a couple of days after storming the gold medal in the 5km race at the inaugural World Road Running Championships held in Riga on Sunday. 

The victory confirmed her status as a dominant force on the international front.

She cruised through the course in an amazing 14:35 to register the fifth fastest time in the history of the 5km road race ahead of compatriot Lilian Rengeruk, and Ethiopia's Ejgayehu Taye, who settled for the silver and bronze medals respectively.

The victory further embellished her rich trophy cabinet which also boasts a gold bagged at the World Cross Country championship held in Bathurst, Australia in February.

Chebet said the presence of compatriot Faith Kipyegon in the race is a great source of inspiration, adding that she is not quaking in the boots at the mere thought of facing her over the distance. 

Despite crashing to Kipyegon and Sifan Hassan of The Netherlands in the 5000m at the World Championships in Belgrade, Hungary, Chebet said she will do her best to reclaim her bragging rights in the 12-lap race.

 "It will make the race all the more interesting and I believe the country is bound to benefit immensely if we field a strong team in Paris," Chebet said. 

"Her presence in the race will also take the competition a notch higher," she added. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) approved Kenya's request to field Kipyegon in both the 1500m and the 5000m races at the upcoming Paris Games. 

Banned Kiwi Olympian Zane Robertson arrested in sexual assault probe

Two-time New Zealand Olympian Zane Robertson, who is serving an eight-year suspension for anti-doping rule violations, was arrested last week in a sexual assault probe at his home in Kenya, where police say they found an unlicensed AK-47 assault rifle and 23 rounds of ammunition.

Robertson—who holds New Zealand’s records in the marathon (2:08:19), half-marathon (59:47) and 10K (27:28), was visited by police at his home in the town of Iten on Sept. 20 to question him about a sexual assault complaint made against the 33-year-old, according to Kenya’s Standard newspaper.

Tom Makori, sub-county police commander, told the Standard authorities arrived at the house to arrest the runner for questioning in a sexual assault investigation, after a woman claimed she was victimized by Robertson at a house party the previous day. “The suspect has been living in Kenya for several years. He has bought land and built his residence. Our preliminary investigations indicate that the AK-47 in his possession was unlicensed,” Makori said.

“Police had gone to arrest him for questioning in relation to a sexual assault complaint, but he declined to open the door. Later, after the police gained entry, they discovered that he was in possession of a gun,” he added.

Police had not released an update on when, or if, Robertson will be officially charged in connection with either the sexual assault probe or the weapons arrest. “We may seek more time to conclude investigations,” said Makori.

The arrest comes exactly one year to the day that the Sports Tribunal of New Zealand provisionally suspended Robertson for anti-doping rule violations.

In May 2022, Robertson tested positive for erythropoietin (EPO) during the Greater Manchester Run—a finding later confirmed by B-sample testing. He breached the rules for the presence and use or attempted use of the prohibited substance and for tampering, or attempted tampering, with any part of the doping control process. His attempt to submit fraudulent documents to defend himself led to another charge.

In March, the Sports Tribunal of New Zealand handed Robertson an eight-year suspension for the violations, making him ineligible to compete until September 2030. However, Robertson announced his retirement from professional running a month before receiving the suspension.

In addition to breaking national records, the now-disgraced runner had distinguished himself by winning bronze in the men’s 5,000m at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. He finished 12th in the 10,000m at the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio and 36th in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic marathon, in 2:17:04.

10 Things to Know About the 2023 Berlin Marathon

Here’s how you can watch the race, track runners, and register for next year

More than 45,000 runners are expected to participate in the Berlin Marathon on September 24 in Germany’s capital city. It’s the 49th edition of the race and one of the six World Marathon Majors races along with races in Chicago, New York, Boston, London and Tokyo. The weather forecast is calling for cloudy and cool conditions on race morning in Berlin, so fast times are once again expected.

Here’s a rundown of 10 noteworthy elements about this year’s race.

The Berlin Marathon has produced 12 world records—more than any other marathon—since its inception in 1974, including the past eight men’s records since 2003. Kenya legend Eliud Kipchoge lowered the world record for the fastest official marathon ever run (2:01:09) last year in Berlin, and it’s also where he ran the previous world record (2:01:39) in 2018.

Berlin has produced six of the top 10 fastest men’s times in history, including three of the four sub-2:02 efforts (including the 2:01:41 run by Kenenisa Bekele in 2019). It hasn’t been quite as fast for women, however it has been the site of three women’s world records, most recently when Japan’s Naoko Takahashi ran the world’s first sub-2:20 marathon (2:19:46) in 2001. Last year, Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa won the women’s race in 2:15:37, which, at the time, was the second-fastest marathon ever run and now ranks fifth.

Berlin is the flattest course of all the World Marathon Majors, with a total elevation gain of 241 feet and loss of 260 feet. (The biggest “hills” come between miles 16 and 20, but they max out at less than 30 feet of gain.) Berlin annually produces some of the fastest pro results in the world, in part because it’s a flat course, but also because the race organization provides pacemakers (auxilliary runners who set an optimal pace but only run about a portion of the course before dropping out) so the opportunity for fast times are assured. (There are no pacemakers at the Chicago, New York City Marathon, and Boston Marathon, so those races play out only by the tactics of the runners in the field.) But the fast elite times, flat course, and typically cool weather conditions have attracted age-group runners targeting new PRs, too.

Running legend Eliud Kipchoge, universally accepted as the G.O.A.T. of marathoning, has won 15 of the 18 marathons he has entered, including the past two Olympics. Berlin is where he’s had most of this success, dating back to his first victory in 2015 and he has since also won there in 2017, 2018, and 2022. Can he add one more victory to his total?

He lowered his own world record to 2:01:09 last year by averaging 14:21.4 per 5K, or 4:37 per mile. However, the 38-year-old Kenyan is coming off an uncharacteristically disappointing race at the 2023 Boston Marathon, where he finished sixth in 2:09:23. Will he approach another world record? “My aim is to always run a good race,” he said recently. “Berlin is like home for me. In view of the Olympic Games next year in Paris, I thought about which race could be the best preparation for the Games for me, and Berlin is the best option.”

Including Kipchoge, the men’s field in Berlin includes 10 runners who have run faster than 2:06 and seven more who have broken 2:07, including last year’s runner-up Mark Korir (2:05:58). Kipchoge should be challenged by fellow Kenyan Amos Kipruto, who owns a 2:03:13 from his runner-up showing at last year’s Tokyo Marathon. The winner of the 2022 London Marathon last fall (2:04:39), Kipruto, 31, placed a distant second in the 2018 Berlin Marathon behind Kipchoge (2:06:23) and owns a bronze medal in the marathon from the 2019 World Athletics Championships in Doha.

Other top runners in the field include Kenya’s Geoffrey Kamworor, who ran 2:04:23 to place second at the London Marathon in April, Ethiopia’s Birhanu Legese, who was second (2:02:48) in Berlin in 2019 and Kenya’s Wilson Kipsang, 41, a former winner in Berlin, New York, and Tokyo. However, Kipsang, who lowered the world record to 2:03:23 on the Berlin course in 2013, is coming off a four-year ban for missing drug tests in 2018 and 2019.

Last year, Ethiopia’s Tigist Assefa, a 2016 Olympian in the 800-meter run, entered the race as an untested marathon (with a PR of 2:34:01) and surprised everyone with her 2:15:37 victory in the third-fastest time ever.The 26-year-old is back this year but hasn’t run any races because she’s been sidelined with a few nagging injuries.

Her biggest competitor will likely be Sheila Chepkirui, who holds a personal best of 2:17:29 from last December’s Valencia Marathon. She’s a former African Cross Country Championships winner and was the bronze medalist in the 10,000-meter run at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Other top women runners include Ethiopians Tigist Abayechew (2:18:03), Workenesh Edesa (2:18.51), and Hiwot Gebrekidan (2:19:10).

Scott Fauble, a three-time seventh-place finisher at the Boston Marathon (including this year in 2:09:44), is racing Berlin with the hopes of securing the Olympic-qualifying standard of 2:08:10. The 31-year-old runner from Portland, Oregon, will still need a top-three finish at the U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon on February 4 in Orlando, but securing the time will give him a leg up on qualifying for the Paris Olympics next summer.

Also racing in Berlin are 2016 U.S. Olympian Jared Ward (Provo, Utah) and 2020 U.S. Olympian Jake Riley (Boulder, Colorado). Ward, 35, owns a 2:09:25 personal best, but he hasn’t run faster than 2:12 since his sixth-place finish (2:10:45) in the New York City Marathon in 2019. The 34-year-old Riley, who owns a 2:10:02 PR, is coming back after having double Achilles surgery in July 2022 to correct Haglund’s syndrome (the second time in his career), and hopes to run in the 2:12-2:14 range.  Ethiopian-born Teshome Mekonen, who recently received U.S. citizenship, will also be racing in Berlin. The 28-year-old, who lives in New York City, has a 1:00:02 half-marathon personal best and lowered his marathon personal best to 2:11:05 last January in Houston.

Annie Frisbie is the top American runner in the women’s field in Berlin. The 26-year-old from Hopkins, Minnesota, made her marathon debut at the 2021 New York City Marathon with an impressive seventh-place finish (2:26:18). She’s continued to run well since then, placing 20th (2:28:45) in the 2023 Boston Marathon (2:28:45) and most recently finishing fifth (1:07:27) at the U.S. 20K Championships on September 4 in New Haven, Connecticut. Frisbie was a Wisconsin state champion runner in high school and an All-American runner for Iowa State University.

The Berlin Marathon was started in 1974 by Horst Milde, a German baker and running enthusiast. When it began at the height of the Cold War and East Berlin being sealed off by a wall, the marathon was run only in West Berlin. Since 1990, it has started and ended near the Brandenburg Gate, sending runners on a jagged loop through the city—including the neighborhoods of Charlottenburg, Tiergarten, Moabit, Mitte, Friedrichshain, Kreuzberg, Neukölln, Schöneberg, Friedenau, and Zehlendorf. Runners will pass tourist sites like the Reichstag building, the Siegessäule (Victory Column), Berlin Cathedral, and Potsdamer Platz. Live music is played at more than 60 locations along the course, including at all the famous landmarks.

The inaugural Berlin Marathon had 244 finishers; 234 men and 10 women, and was won by Günter Hallas (2:44:53) and Jutta von Haase (3:22:01), respectively. Last year, the race had 34,788 finishers, including 23,280 men (67 percent) and 11,508 women (33 percent). The last German runners to claim victory were Irina Mikitenko (2:19:19) in 2008 and Ingo Sensburg (2:16:48) in 1980. No American man or woman has ever won the Berlin Marathon.

The Berlin Marathon has an inline skating division for 500 participants that begins at 3:30 P.M. after all runners are cleared from the course. The skater course record of 56:46 was set last year by Belgian Bart Swings, and he’s back this year aiming for his ninth victory. In the women’s race, all eyes are on last year’s winner, Marie Dupuy of France, in 1:11:19. All finishers of the inline skating division are eligible to enter the 2024 Berlin Marathon as runners.

The race, which starts at 9:15 A.M. local time (or 3:15 A.M. ET in the U.S.), will be broadcast worldwide by several TV partners, but not in North America. However, several websites offer live streaming so people can watch the Berlin Marathon from anywhere in the world, especially if you’re a VPN subscriber. Watch Athletics will be broadcasting the race online in real time for free, while FloTrack’s livestream requires a subscription ($29.99 for one month) in order to view their livestream. Runners can be tracked via the Berlin Marathon website’s Results page, or via the BMW Berlin Marathon App app available on Apple or Google Play.

Race day begins with the elite handbike division at 8:50 A.M., followed by the wheelchair and handcycle divisions at 8:57 A.M. Runners are sent off in four waves beginning at 9:15 A.M., starting with the men’s and women’s elite waves. The race has a strict time limit of 6 hours, 15 minutes as well as course closure times at the 33K/20.5-mile mark (3:50 P.M.) and 38K/23.6-mile mark (4:35 P.M.). Runners who have not reached those points by those times can continue on the sidewalks alongside the course or get a ride on the course-sweeping bus.

Entry to the 2024 Berlin Marathon, which is slated for September 29, 2024, will be done via a lottery that will open in October. You can enter the lottery as a solo runner or as a team consisting of two or three people. (If the team is drawn, all persons from the team are included.) Lottery dates for 2024 have not yet been announced, but the draw for the 2023 edition took place in December 2022.

If you’re selected, the registration fee will be about $160 euros. You can also secure a guaranteed spot in the race based on previous marathon times. In 2023, female runners up to 44 years old qualified if they ran faster than 3:00; female runners up to 59 years old qualified if they ran under 3:20; and female runners over 60 years qualified if they ran under 4:10. For men, the qualifying times were 2:45 (up to 44 years old), 2:55 (46-59 years old), 3:25 (60 and older.)

If you don’t get in through the lottery, you may still be able to get into the race via a charity bib or through tour operators.

Chepkirui hunting for new PB in Berlin showdown with Ethiopia's Tigest Assefa

Kenyan Sheila Chepkirui and Ethiopian Tigest Assefa gear up for the Berlin Marathon showdown, aiming to break records and secure Olympics

Kenyan marathoner Sheila Chepkirui is preparing to compete in the women's contest at the 2023 Berlin Marathon against a formidable Ethiopian lineup, led by the defending champion, Tigest Assefa.

Chepkirui, who finished fourth at the London Marathon last April, carries an impressive personal best of 2:17:29 from the Valencia Marathon last year. 

Assefa made headlines last year by posting an incredible time of 2:15:37 at the Berlin Marathon, setting a new course record and establishing herself as one of the fastest marathon runners in history. 

Chepkirui, a Kenya Defence Forces soldier and a former Africa cross country champion, has already proven her mettle on the international stage by clinching the 10,000m bronze medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, UK. 

Ethiopian runners dominate the list of fastest women's runners at this year's Berlin Marathon, with Tigist Abayechew (2:18:03), Workenesh Edesa (2:18:51), and Hiwot Gebrekidan (2:19:10) all boasting impressive sub-2:20 times. Amane Beriso, the winner of last year's Valencia Marathon, adds further depth to the Ethiopian contingent.

However, all eyes will be on Chepkirui, who hails from Kiptere Secondary School in Kericho and boasts a remarkable half marathon personal best of 64:36. Her determination to excel is evident, as she aims to make up for her absence at the Boston Marathon last April due to visa issues.

Chepkirui, who runs under the Ikaika Sports stable, is the sole Kenyan representative in the Berlin Marathon after Margaret Wangare withdrew due to injury. Her marathon journey began at last year's Valencia Marathon, where she impressed with a third-place finish and a personal best time of 2:17:29. Now, she is focused on breaking her own record.

"My aim is to break my personal best. I can imagine going through the first half on Sunday in around 68 minutes," said the 32-year-old Chepkirui.

Tigst Assefa, the defending champion, is also eager to make her mark once again in Berlin. Reflecting on her remarkable performance last year, where she shattered the course record, Assefa expressed her delight at returning to the event.

"Last year's race proved an unexpected success for me. I think I can run even faster on Sunday, a further improvement would be a success," said Tigst Assefa. 

While she remains focused on improving her time, she is cautious about discussing the world record of 2:14:04.

Both Chepkirui and Assefa have an additional goal in the BMW Berlin Marathon: securing Olympic qualifying times. Given the fierce competition in Ethiopia and Kenya, achieving the necessary times for Olympic qualification will require exceptional performances.

Two more Ethiopian athletes, Tigist Abayechew with a personal best of 2:18:03 and Workenesh Edesa with a best time of 2:18:51, are making their return to Berlin. Last year, they, along with Tigst Assefa, achieved an unofficial world team record of 6:52:31.

Mark Milde, the race director, expressed optimism about the potential for records to be broken, saying, "The women's course record of 2:15:37 is an absolute world-class time. But, given the strong field, we hope that this can be broken."

The elite women's field at the Berlin Marathon boasts both breadth and depth. Japan's Hitomi Niiya, with a personal best of 2:19:24, has the potential to challenge her national record set 18 years ago on the same course. Another athlete to watch is Ethiopian Senbere Teferi, a world record holder for 5km on the road with a time of 14:29.

In addition to the international competition, a fierce contest is expected among German women. The German contingent, featuring athletes like the Schöneborn twins, Deborah and Rabea, Domenika Mayer, Kristina Hendel, and Laura Hottenrott, has a strong presence with personal bests ranging from 2:25 to 2:27.

Kiplangat's marathon victory completes golden 2023 treble for Uganda

In the end, as he approached the finishing curve in the sunbathed Heroes’ Square, Victor Kiplangat could afford to snatch his national flag and savour his golden moment at the end of the men’s marathon on the morning of the final day of action at the World Athletics Championships Budapest 23.

For the second time in Budapest, Uganda had a world-beating hero to acclaim, Joshua Cheptegei having claimed the men’s 10,000m crown on the track on day two. Add in Jacob Kiplimo’s victory at the World Cross Country Championships in Bathurst in February, and the former third force of East African distance running could celebrate a hattrick of global successes in 2023.

Kiplangat hit the gold standard on the international scene at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham last year. Twelve months on, inspired by Kiplimo, the 23-year-old proved a class apart from the rest of the world, breaking clear from Ethiopia’s Leul Gebresilase with 3km to go and crossing the line in 2:08:53.The winning margin was 26 seconds and it was Israel’s Maru Teferi who claimed the silver, overtaking the tiring Gebresilase on the finishing curve to finish runner up in 2:09:12. In doing so, the 31-year-old – who was outsprinted for European gold by Germany’s Richard Ringer in Munich last year – was rewarded for a turbo-charged recovery after suffering a spectacular fall with 10km to go.

Gebresilase had to settle for bronze in 2:09:19, a disappointment for Ethiopia, who finished first and second in Doha in 2019 and in Oregon last year. His teammate Tamarit Tola, the decisive winner on the Oregon trail, was in the hunt until fading at 33km and eventually dropping out.

After Gebresilase came Lesotho's Tebello Ramakongoana, fourth in a PB 2:09:57, and then Kiplangat’s Ugandan teammate Stephen Kissa, who recovered from a fall of his own to finish fifth in 2:10:22.  

“This has been my dream and it has come true at last,” said Kiplangat, the second Ugandan to take the title, following Stephen Kiprotich’s success in Moscow in 2013.

“Last year I was Commonwealth Games champion and that made me think this year I must become world champion. Now my prayers have been answered and hopefully next year in Paris I will become Olympic champion too.  

“It was hard today because it was so hot but I felt comfortable because I prepared well for this weather. I knew it was possible because I had trained well. It was a dream and a mission and I did it today. 

“When I reached 30km I knew I felt strong and decided to push. I had great energy and that allowed me to go. Then at 35km I could surge again. That was always my plan and I managed to do it.

“I need to thank Jacob Kiplimo. He has given me a lot of motivation and inspired me with his performances. I am so grateful as well for his advice and guidance. Without that, I couldn't have won today.”Without picking himself up so smartly, and moving directly into overdrive, the terrific Teferi would not have claimed a silver medal lining.

“I am glad I managed to fulfil my dream,” he said. “I fell down and tore my vest but I tried to move on to finish the race in the best possible condition.” 

At the start of the race, Ser-Od Bat-Ochir set out like a bat out of hell. The 41-year-old Mongolian powered through the opening 1km in 2:57 and hit 3km in 8:55, 2:05 pace, building up a lead of 27 seconds. 

The most experienced campaigner in the 83-man field, Bat-Ochir was competing in his 11th straight World Championships marathon, his debut having come in Paris when he was a sprightly 21-year-old back in 2003. 

With a highest placing of 19th, in Daegu in 2011, and having finished 26th in Oregon a year ago, Bat-Ochir was never going to maintain his punishing early pace. His lifetime best of 2:08:50 dates back to 2014, his best this year being a more modest 2:24:46.

His determination could not be doubted. To acclimatise to cooler conditions for the Olympic marathon in London in 2012, he moved his family to the north-east of England for a year, training at Morpeth Harriers with some guidance from the great Jim Alder, winner of the Commonwealth Games marathon in 1966 and holder of the world track best for two hours since 1964.

Bat-Ochir kept his foot on the gas for a little while yet, passing 5km in 14:59, 35 seconds clear of Tola. Thereafter, however, the pace started to take its toll.

By 8km, his lead was down to 15 seconds and just past 9km he was swallowed by the pack of major players, with Kenya’s Timothy Kiplagat in the vanguard. Second in Rotterdam in April, the Kenyan led through 10km with a three-second advantage, but chose not to push on.Bat-Ochir started to pay the price for his bold effort. After passing 10km, he ground to a halt, clutching his right hamstring, stretching it out and starting again. Not that he was going to do a Sifan Hassan. After another couple of stops and re-starts, he hobbled off the course for good at 12km.

Meanwhile, back at the sharp end, Kenya’s Joshua Belet led through 15km in 46:09, upping the pace to match Bat-Ochir’s opening kilometre split of 2:57.

There were 30 men still in the lead pack at halfway, with Rwanda’s John Hakizimana at the front in 1:05:02. A surge from Kiplangat at a drinks station, however, succeeded in splintering the group.

Approaching 30km, Kiplangat injected a 2:54 split, drawing Tola towards the front for the first time.

The pack was down to six approaching Heroes’ Square for the penultimate time, then five when Kissa tripped and fell after clipping Kiplangat’s heels.

Then it was down to three: Kiplangat, Tola and Gebresilase. The Ugandan kept his foot down and just after 33km Tola started to drop.

After a split of 2:49, the fastest of the race, it was Kiplangat vs Gebresilase, Tola fading out of contention.

Kiplangat hammered away at the front, Gebresilase in his immediate slipstream, until the pressure finally told with 3km remaining. The Commonwealth Games champion opened a gap that swiftly grew into an unassailable one and Teferi also passed Gebresilase in the closing stages to secure the silver.

Uganda’s global distance running hattrick was securely in the bag.

Irene Cheptai bags Devolution title, shifts focus to Copenhagen 21km race

Fit-again former world cross country champion Irene Cheptai has revealed next month's Copenhagen Half Marathon remains top of her priorities this year.

Speaking in Eldoret on Tuesday after winning the Devolution 5km Road Race, the Commonwealth Games 10,000m silver medalist said she wants to mark her return to distance racing with a win in the Denmark capital city as consolation for missing the World Cross Country Championships in Bathurst, Australia through injury.

“Despite making the team to the World Cross, I had to leave the camp due to an injury," said Cheptai.

"And now that I am finally fit again, I want to mark my return in Copenhagen on September 17.”

She said that the Devolution race was part of her speed and endurance training.

“This race is part of endurance and speed training. It was my first race since I sustained that injury and I feel like I am good to go,” added Cheptai.

The West Pokot-born runner won the title in 17:04.6 ahead of Sophia Jepchirchir (17:05.5) and Winnie Jemutai (17:16.1) in a race that had attracted over 500 athletes.

Cheptai said the race proved a real struggle in the initial stages especially after they were put on the starting point alongside the men.

“It was a real struggle at the start but I thank God I came home victorious,” she said.

Peter Mwaniki from Nyandarua County won the men's race in 15:09.1 ahead of Weldon Langat (15:12.5) and Charles Rotich (15:13.3).

Mwaniki, winner of Nairobi City 10km race said: “This year has been good for me, winning Nairobi 10km, Belgut 10km and last Sunday’s Uasin Gishu half marathon. These are blessings."

He said he was pushed to victory after race favorite Langat faded in the last few minutes.

“I have been pushed to run well since I have a family — children, wife and grandmother — who have been motivating me to continue exploiting my talent, especially after winning in Nairobi,” he said.

Coach Kirwa believes Kipkirui will step into Kandie's shoes

National team head coach Julius Kirwa has exuded confidence in Ishmael Kipkurui's potential to effectively step into the shoes of Kibiwott Kandie at the upcoming  2023 World Athletics Championships.

Kandie, who had punched a ticket to fly the country's flag in the 5000m, withdrew from the team owing to a nagging hamstring injury.

"We made the changes last week. Ishmael is in good form and he has proved himself as a junior athlete. I'm confident he'll live up to expectations," Kirwa said in an exclusive interview on Thursday.

The Commonwealth Games 10,000 metres bronze medallist will miss the World Championships for the second time in a row after staying out of Oregon 22.

Last year, the World Half Marathon silver medallist, almost sealed a slot on the Kenyan plane to Oregon after clinching the national trials but failed to crack the qualifying time.

He last held forte for the nation at the 44th World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Bathurst, Australia where he finished fifth. His most recent race was in Germany in April during the Adizero Road to Records 10km race, where he finished second in 26:53.

He secured a berth in the men’s 10,000m team despite finishing fourth during the national trials.

“I was in camp for a week when the team reported and training was going on well. I tried to persevere for some days while training but there was no change hence the break to avoid worsening it," said Kandie.

While regretting the unfortunate turn of events, Kandie vowed to bounce back stronger at the World Half Marathon Championships that will be held in Riga, Latvia on October 1.

“I know a lot of people are disappointed I'll not be traveling with the rest of the team to Budapest, especially after I experienced a similar fate last year when I also failed to make it to Oregon," Kandie stated.

Meanwhile, Kirwa has said he is satisfied with the amount of effort expended in practice even as the team continues to put the final touches ahead of their departure to the Hungarian capital.

"We have trained well enough and all the athletes are in good shape. We are expecting a good performance in Budapest later in the month," Kirwa said.

The seasoned gaffer also tipped Kenyan sprint sensation Ferdinand Omanyala to steer the country to unprecedented glory.

"He is in his peak this season and I have no doubt in my mind he'll be pulling off a major surprise at the World Championships," Kirwa said. 

Olympic champion Athing Mu doubtful for 2023 World Athletics Championships

Defending 800m champion Athing Mu is contemplating the possibility of forgoing the 2023 World Athletics Championships to concentrate her training efforts on preparing for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic gold medalist finished second in the 1,500m at the U.S. National Trials last July, behind Nikki Hiltz. Despite this, she declared her intention to focus on the 800m in Budapest.

However, on Wednesday (2 August) her coach Bobby Kersee said Mu’s participation in the Worlds is still a decision they are mulling over.

“It’s in our control if we decide we’re just going to go ahead and train through this year and focus on next year, then that’s what we’re going to do,” he told LA Times.

“The training is going well but our thought process, openly, is that we’re going to just train here in L.A. for the next two weeks and the next time she gets on the plane it’ll either be on vacation or to Budapest.”

The 21-year-old, who won the 800m gold in Oregon last year, has even withdrawn from a build-up race at the Ed Murphey Classic in Memphis, Tennessee. Mu was initially scheduled to compete in the 400m this weekend.

Throughout this season, she has only participated in three races: the 800m race she triumphed in at the NYC Grand Prix in June, as well as the 1,500m qualifying race and final at the U.S. Championships.

Should she decide not to compete in Budapest, Team USA, which has the opportunity to field four runners, will feature Nia Akins, the Trials winner, along with Raevyn Rogers and Kaela Edwards, who secured second and third positions, respectively.

Mu's absence will elevate Olympic and world silver medalist Keely Hodgkinson of Team GB, as well as Kenya'sMary Moraa, the reigning Commonwealth Games champion and third-place finisher at the 2022 Worlds, as the favorites for the gold in Budapest.

Stacy Ndiwa debuts World Marathon Majors in Chicago

Seven months after winning the Los Angeles Marathon, Stacy Ndiwa will be returning to American soil in search of her first World Marathon Majors title at the Chicago Marathon on October 8.

The former Commonwealth Games 10,000m silver medalist, will be up against top marathon runners across the world led by the defending champion Ruth Chepngetich.

Chepngetich has a personal best of 2:14:18. Another Kenyan Joyciline Jepkosgei (2:17:43) will also be competing. 

Ndiwa, who is now training in Iten, said her preparations are in top gear and she is hoping to return good results.

“This will be my first time to compete in World Marathon Majors and I am ready for the world,” she said.

The former Africa 10,000m champion made her debut in the 42km race last year, placing fourth at the Istanbul Marathon in 2:31.53 and went ahead to win the Los Angeles Marathon in 2:31.00 in March last year.

In May, Ndiwa won the second edition of the Iten 15km Road race and went ahead to finish second at the Boston 10km in 31:25 behind champion Hellen Obiri (32:21) with Sheila Chepkirui (31:27) third in an all-podium Kenyan sweep.

“This time, I have had a very busy schedule and I need to crown it all by posting better results in Chicago,” said the athlete who compete for the National Police Service.

“This will be an avenue for me to enter into the big marathon big league. Competing at the World Majors Marathon is not a walk in the park and  I really need to work hard,” she said.

Others in the race will be the Ethiopian quartet of Genzebe Dibaba (2:18:05), Tigist Girma (2:18:52), Sutume Kebede (2:18:12) and Ababel Yesheneh (2:20:51).

Emily Sisson (2:18:29) will lead the home team consisting of Des Linden (2:22:38), Emma Bates (2:23:18), Aliphine Tuliamuk (2:24:37), Nell Rojas (2:24:51), Molly Seidel (2:24:42), Dakotah Lindwurm (2:25:01), Sara Vaughn (2:26:23), Gabriella Rooker ( 2:27:38), Diane Nukuri (2:27:50) and Maggie Montoya (2:28:07).

Reigning London Marathon champion Sifan Hassan (2:18:33) from the Netherlands will also be in the contest.

Faith Kipyegon now plans to attack the 40-year-old 800m world record

Her main focus at the moment is to successfully defend her world title when she heads to Budapest later this month.

Triple world record Faith Kipyegon might be targeting the 40-year-old 800m world record if a chance presents itself. 

Kipyegon has a personal best time of 1:57.68, which she ran to win the Diamond League Meeting in Doha, Qatar in 2020. The last time she ran the two-lap race was last year during the Trials for the Commonwealth Games and World Championships where she finished.

After three world records, will Kipyegon consider lowering Czechia’s Jarmila Kratochvílova world record time of 1:53.48?

“I don’t know…800m is not easy…but anything is possible. For now, I leave that one for Mary Moraa, she is capable…or Athing Mu and Keely Hodgkinson.

They are all capable of breaking that barrier in the 800m. But if a chance comes whereby I am able to try, I’ll appreciate it,” Kipyegon told Olympics.com.

Her main focus at the moment is to successfully defend her world title when she heads to Budapest later this month.

She admitted to pressure ahead of the event since she will be doubling in the 1500m and 5000m. Her performance at the World Championships will determine greatly whether she will also be doubling at the Paris Olympics.

“I can’t go there like just an athlete, now I have three world records, they expect a lot from me. But going to Budapest, I have to just be myself and run my races and see what will happen at the finish line.

Having fun, enjoying sports and even life is amazing… it has been the drive of our success. It helps mentally (by distracting) you from thinking of races every day and upcoming races and what you want to achieve or what will be the outcome,” she said.

Sprints coach Stephen Mwaniki confident relay teams will make cut for Budapest

Sprints coach Stephen Mwaniki believes Kenya's 4x 400m (men) and 4x400 mixed relay teams can shoot to between positions 10 and 12 in the world rankings when they compete in Gaborone, Botswana, on Thursday.

The Kenyan teams are currently placed 16th on the World Athletics rankings. The mixed relay team has a time of 3:14.64 while the men's 4x400m team boosts of a 3:02.02 mark. Both times were set at Nyayo Stadium on June 24.

The contingent in Gaborone has Wiseman Were, Bonface Mweresa, Kennedy Kimeu and Zablon Ekwam in the 4x400m race while the mixed relays trialists include Ekwam, Kevin Tauta, Mercy Oketch, Maureen Thomas and Millicent Ndoro.

Mwaniki said the individual athletes are the best the country has to offer over the distances and expressed confidence they will deliver in Botswana.

"These are our best athletes and we hope they will do the country proud by cementing their place at the World Championships in Hungary," said Mwaniki.

The Kenya Prisons coach said the window for qualification closes on July 30 and the Botswana event presents a good opportunity for the team.

"We have a very good opportunity to improve our time before the deadline," he said.

The top 16 teams in the world by July 30 will head to Budapest.

He added that Kenya stands a good chance of medaling in the mixed relays.

"We won a bronze medal at the World Relays in Yokohama, Japan, four years ago and I believe our chances are very good in that regard," he said.

Mwaniki added that should Kenya make it to the 4x400m and mixed relay finals in Budapest, they will have qualified for next year's Olympic Games in Paris.

"This is a big incentive for us as a federation and team. They know what's at stake and if we attain better times in Gaberone, we will work very hard to ensure we make it to the final in Budapest," he noted.

Commonwealth Games 800m champion Mary Moraa is a probable member of the mixed relay team if they make it to Budapest.

"She is a strong athlete, especially over 400, and will be an asset to the side if we do qualify," he said.

Six-time world champion confirms attendance for this year’s Antrim Coast Half-Marathon

Six-time world champion and former Olympic silver medalist Genzebe Dibaba has confirmed she will take to the starting line for this year’s Antrim Coast Half-Marathon.

The 32-year-old Ethiopian, who finished second in the 1500m at the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro, is the latest elite name to be added to the field for this year’s event, which takes place on August 25-27.

A former World Junior champion, and a two-time junior race winner at the World Cross Country Championships, Dibaba won her first world title in the 1500m at the 2012 World Indoors in Istanbul.

Her second came two years later in the 3000m at the World Indoors in Sopot, Poland, before she added the 1500m title at the 2013 World Championships in Beijing.

She would add another 1500m World Indoor title in 2016 in Portland before claiming gold in both the 1500m and 3000m at the 2018 World Indoors in Birmingham.

Dibaba, whose best half-marathon time is 1:05.18, will face stern competition from the likes of Amsterdam Marathon winner Degitu Azimeraw and former Great Ethiopian Run winner Zeineba Yimer.

However, Dibaba will enter the event as one of the favorites to cross the line first and race director Ruth McIlroy is thrilled they have added another huge name to the line-up.

"Everyone is delighted we have secured Genzebe, she's been someone we have been working towards getting to the event over the last 12 months,” said McIlroy.

"We feel we have one of the fastest half marathon courses in the world and think she, along with some other stars, will run extremely quick.

"Both the men's and women's elite races have a similar calibre to a global final so we could be looking at something very special in August.”

On the men’s side of the event, Ethiopian great Jemal Yimer is going for his third straight win in the event and is boasting considerable form after winning the Los Angeles Marathon and setting a UK & Ireland All-Comers record with a time of 58.33.

However, Yimer is only one of three runners who have broken the 59-minute mark in the field this year, with Kenya’s Daniel Mateiko having set a time of 58.26 and two-time Tokyo Marathon winner Birhanu Legese also competing.

The local challenge will be spearheaded by Irish Olympian duo Paul Pollock and Kevin Seaward, while Scotland’s Callum Hawkins also runs in a star-studded field.

Meanwhile, world junior champion Ermias Girma has been confirmed for the Condor Executive Street Mile to be run on the Friday night, with the Ethiopian eyeing up the first sub-four-minute mile.

Former Commonwealth Games bronze medalist Winnie Nanyondo is also confirmed for the event as she looks to better her personal best time of four minutes and 18 seconds.

Elsewhere, McIlroy is keen to see the Antrim Coast & Belfast bid given the green light to represent the United Kingdom in its bid to host either the 2025 or 2026 World Road Running Championships.

The bid, which has already been endorsed by Northern Ireland’s five main political parties, is Athletics UK’s preferred choice and will be the last to present to World Athletics president Sebastian Coe.

"With 50,000 runners from over 160 countries, it would be a truly great way to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement and showcase the beauty of our province and sporting excellence to the rest of the world,” added McIlroy.

The bid will be heard on Tuesday, July 4, with the winning regions revealed on August 18 at the World Track & Field Championships in Budapest.

2026 Commonwealth Games in doubt after Australian hosts pull out over funding row

Australian state cites rising costs as reason to cancel their plans to host the Games

The 2026 Commonwealth Games are in doubt after Victoria announced it would not host the event anymore.

State Premier Daniel Andrews stated that an increase in costs from £1.4 billion to £3.7 billion was the primary reason for the cancellation.

“When the Commonwealth Games needed a host city to step in at the last minute, we were willing to help – but not at any price,” he tweeted. “And not without a big lasting benefit for regional Victoria.”

“It’s now clear: more than AUD$6 billion for a 12-day sporting event is just too high. It’s more than twice the estimated economic benefit the Games would bring our state.”

Victoria had come to the rescue of the Commonwealth Games Federation last March when they offered to host the 23rd edition of the event.

The Games were to be held between March 17-29 2026, across five regional Victoria centers in Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat, Gippsland and Shepparton. Melbourne was due to host the Opening Ceremony.

However, the Australian state has now followed Durban – the South African was stripped of their bid to stage the 2022 Games in 2017 due to financial constraints – in being the second consecutive Commonwealth Games host to have withdrawn.

“This is hugely disappointing for the Commonwealth Sport Movement, for athletes around the Commonwealth and the Organizing Committee who are well advanced in their planning and preparation,” the CGF said in a statement.

More than 5,000 athletes from 56 countries and territories were due to compete in 21 sports.

Ferdinand Omanyala Confident Ahead of World Athletics Championships: Nothing but Gold

In the last few years, Ferdinand Omanyala has become one of the best sprinters in the world and is looking to cement that in August at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Hungary.

He comfortably qualified for the event and will face stern competition from the Americans as he seeks to win one of the most important titles in his career.

The 27-year-old is Africa's fastest man but has yet to win a Diamond League race so far this season. He will take part in the Monaco Meet later this month. He recently clocked 9.85 seconds to win the national trials. Unfortunately, he will be the only man to represent Kenya in the 100m race.

The Commonwealth Games champion has a personal best of 9.77 seconds and wants to run 9.60 seconds. Only three men in history have run under 9.70 seconds, Usain Bolt, Yohan Blake, and Tyson Gay, per World Athletics. Therefore, it will be an uphill task for the Kenyan star.

Omanyala's mindset heading to Budapest

Kenya is known for their middle and long-distance running, producing world-beaters for decades. Omanyala will make history if he beats defending world and Olympic champion Fred Kerley to win gold in Budapest.

He is confident going to the showpiece.

Kenya has never won a medal in the 100m race, and Omanyala will be the first if he wins it.

Omanyala leads Diamond League standings

Sports Brief previously reported on Omanyala being on course to qualify for the Diamond League finals, with the Commonwealth champion leading the standings after five legs.

He raced in his second-ever Diamond League race against an elite field in Rabat on May 28. He then followed it up with back-to-back races in Florence, Italy, and in Paris, France.

Omanyala - Africa's fastest man - took podium places in all three races. He came in third in Morocco before claiming two consecutive second-place finishes in Italy and France.

Daniel Simiu and Nicholas Kimeli secure tickets to World Championships after scintillating display

Commonwealth Games 5,000m silver medalist Nicholas Kimeli and Commonwealth Games 10,000m silver medalist Daniel Simiu have secured their tickets to the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary after taking the 1-2 positions during the ongoing National Trials at the Nyayo National Stadium.

A pack of more than 10 athletes braved through the chilly afternoon with the hope of making the cut to the national team but only the duo managed to be selected successfully.

Among the pack were some of the top 10,000m stars, including Kibiwott Kandie, Simiu and Bernard Kibet. After five laps, Kibet of Central Rift was looking comfortable leading the pack which was still intact.

Kimeli and Simiu overtook Kibet to take third place but after 4,000m, Kandie took the mantle as he crossed the mark in 11:08.00. At this point, the pack had started dropping off and Weldon Langat and Hillary Kipkoech were trailing.

The unpredictable race saw Kimeli take the mantle after 6,000m and he was now looking comfortable with Simiu following closely behind him. Shortly after, Simiu overtook Kipkorir after 16 laps but his reign was short-lived as Kipkorir took over again.

After 17 laps, the leading pack now consisted of six athletes both looking poised and ready for title contention. The race would become a battle between Kandie, Simiu and Kimeli with Kibet following closely.

With one lap to go, Kimeli was still leading the trio and with the finish line in sight, he unleashed a finishing kick to outshine Simiu and Kibet. He crossed the line in 27:20.84, unofficial time.

In a post-race interview, he expressed excitement to have won the race and noted that he might opt to double in both the 10,000m and 5,000m since he had a wild card in the 12.5 lap-race. 

He said: "We urge Kenyans not to lose hope in us because something good will come home. They should keep us in their prayers. We are okay in endurance and we have to improve on our speed."

Faith Kipyegon contemplates doubling at World Championships

Double world record holder Faith Kipyegon is contemplating whether to compete in both the 1500m and 5000m at the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, in August.

Kipyegon who holds the world records for the two distances said she is consulting widely before making a decision.

Speaking when she was named the LG/Sports Journalists Association of Kenya player of the month for June, Kipyegon said: "I will start my journey of defending my world title at the national trials this weekend."

"However, I am still consulting on whether I should double at the World Championships."

Kipyegon, a two-time Olympic champion over 1500m, said since she is qualified for Budapest after winning the world title in Oregon last year, she will compete in the 5000m race at the Athletics Kenya trials set for Friday and Saturday at the Nyayo Stadium.

This, she said, will also form part of her preaparations for the July 21 Monaco Diamond League.

At her training base at Global Sports Communication in Kaptagat, Uasin Gishu county, Kipyegon was crowned by the scribes after running two consecutive world records over 1500m and 5000m last month.

In Florence, Italy, on June 2, Kipyegon tore Genzebe Dibaba's record over 1500m with a new world mark of 3:49.11 over 1500m.

She was at it again in Paris a week later as she timed a new world record of 14:05.20 over 5000m.

“I’m so happy to be among the few athletes to win this award more than twice,” Kipyegon said.

“It's always good to see corporate entities acknowledge the good work of athletes. I am thankful to LG for their efforts to whip up the enthusiasm of sportsmen and women in this country. The win in Florence boosted my confidence levels and I feel I have to continue pushing for better track limits.”

She becomes the second athlete, after Angela Okutoyi, to win the SJAK award thrice. Kipyegon beat five other nominees among them Commonwealth Games champion Beatrice Chebet who produced a scintillating run to clinch the 3,000m title at the Oslo Diamond League in eight minutes, 25.01 seconds, which also counted as the latter's new personal best and world leading time.

Others were Carl Tundo and McRae Kimathi for their WRC2 and WRC3 finishes on the Safari Rally,  Moses Shumah for scoring Harambee Stars solitary goal at the Four Nations Tournament, Emma Wangila Nekesa for being the only African wrestler and Kenyan to have qualified for the World Beach Games in Indonesia.

Maureen Kemunto, LG East Africa Corporate Marketing and communication manager, said: “LG has been actively supporting the identification and recognition of sporting talent in Kenya through a partnership with SJAK."

"The purpose of this award is to recognise exceptional Kenyan sportsmen and women for their achievements across diverse disciplines each month and also to signify our commitment to contribute to the development of sport in the country."

SJAK President James Waindi congratulated Kipyegon and thanked LG for their continued support over the past eight years.

“With the monthly award, we are seeing a growing number of upcoming and talented sports personalities among them Angela Okutoyi who won the Wimbledon Open Junior category and won this award for a record three times, "said Waindi.

" Rewarding sportsmen and women is an important step towards whipping up the enthusiasm of sports personalities across all disciplines.”

Ingebrigtsen and Girma go head-to-head in hunt for fast 1500m in Lausanne

Jakob Ingebrigtsen and Lamecha Girma both made history earlier this month in Paris, where they set a world two-mile best and a world 3000m steeplechase record, respectively. Now they have the chance to push each other to fast 1500m performances when they return to Wanda Diamond League action in Lausanne on Friday (30).

Norway’s Ingebrigtsen, who broke the world indoor 1500m record by running 3:30.60 in Lievin in February, clocked 7:54.10 in Paris to improve Daniel Komen’s world best for two miles. Despite still having that race in his legs, the 22-year-old improved his own European 1500m record to 3:27.95 in Oslo six days later – a time that places him sixth on the world all-time list.

Although the world record had not been his aim in Oslo, Lausanne’s Athletissima gives Ingebrigtsen another opportunity to take further strides toward Hicham El Guerrouj’s almost 25-year-old world record of 3:26.00.

“I 100% have more left in me,” Ingebrigtsen said after his performance in Oslo. “I just have to keep focused on each race ahead in the build-up to Budapest (World Championships), where it really matters.”

Girma will hope to be up there with him. The Ethiopian 22-year-old stormed to a time of 7:52.11 for his specialism in Paris, taking 1.52 seconds off the world 3000m steeplechase record set by Said Saeed Shaheen in 2004, and then turned his attention to attacking the Ethiopian 1500m record of 3:29.91 at the Continental Tour Gold meeting in Ostrava on Tuesday (27). He still looked like he had plenty left in the closing stages but having to run wide down the home straight, he focused on the win, running a PB of 3:33.15 that he will aim to improve again in Lausanne.

It will be the first time that Ingebrigtsen and Girma have clashed in any discipline.

In Oslo, Ingebrigtsen led the first eight men under 3:30 for the first time in history, and this time the line-up includes two other men who have dipped under that barrier so far in their careers: Britain’s Olympic bronze medallist Josh Kerr and Australia’s Stewart McSweyn. They are joined on the entry list by Ethiopia’s Teddese Lemi, New Zealand’s Sam Tanner and Britain’s Neil Gourley.

In the 5000m – the discipline in which Ingebrigtsen won world gold last year after his 1500m silver – Olympic champion Joshua Cheptegei will take on Olympic 10,000m gold medallist Selemon Barega, world 5km record-holder Berihu Aregawi, Telahun Haile Bekele, Birhanu Balew and their fellow sub-13:00 runner Muktar Edris.

In the women’s 3000m steeplechase, world U20 silver medallist Sembo Almayew is back on the track after her world-leading PB performance of 9:00.71 to win in Florence. The 2021 world U20 gold medallist, Jackline Chepkoech, was second on that occasion and is also racing, along with world record-holder Beatrice Chepkoech and world bronze medallist Mekides Abebe.

The world leader also heads the entries in the women’s 800m, where world and Olympic silver medallist Keely Hodgkinson – who improved her British record to 1:55.77 to win in Paris – will look to make another statement as she renews her rivalry with Kenya’s Mary Moraa.

World bronze medallist Moraa, who won Commonwealth Games and Diamond League titles ahead of Hodgkinson last year, has run a best of 1:58.72 so far this season and the strong field also features Habitam Alemu, Noelie Yarigo, Jemma Reekie, Catriona Bisset, Natoya Goule and Switzerland's Audrey Werro, who recently ran a world U20 1000m record of 2:34.89 in Nice.

Edward Zakayo shifts to 10,000m, eyes World championships

Former world under 20 5,000m champion Edward Zakayo has shifted from the 5,000m to the 10,000m as he seeks qualifying time for the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary.

The former Commonwealth Games 5,000m bronze medalist Zakayo, who is returning to competition battling injury, said he is targeting both Budapest and Paris but feels the world championships have come too soon.

“For now, my coach and I have bigger plans of competing at the Olympic Games. Missing the World Championships will not a big deal. But we have to do what is possible to make the Olympics team. That is our target. We have a project in the camp for the Olympics,” said Zakayo.

Speaking in Kitale after winning the 10,000m title during the Athletics Kenya North Rift region championships at the Ndura Sports Complex, Zakayo added: “Right now, I am focusing on the 10,000m race. I feel great to run the 10,000m since it is long and enjoyable."

"When I run 10,000m, I enjoy it unlike the 5,000m race, which ends as soon as I start enjoying it,” he said.

Zakayo said the season started badly for him since he was still in pain and had lost form. However, he said he has recuperated successfully and even returned to training camp in Kapsait under coach Erick Kimaiyo.

“I haven't qualified for the World Championships and so I don't see if I will make Team Kenya. I have been missing the World Championships and I don’t know why. I train, gets in good shape but I still miss out at the trials, even if I have the qualifying time," he said.

He says it will need a quality field and race at the national championships for him to hit the WA standards.

“If I get quality athletes at the national championships, it will push me to qualify. I feel I have not been challenged enough,” he said. 

Sheila Chepkirui over the moon after making Team Kenya to Budapest

Kenyan marathon runner, Sheila Chepkirui, has expressed her delight at being selected for the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, Hungary.

Chepkirui, 33, comprises the stellar list of headliners unveiled by Athletics Kenya (AK) last week to hold forte for the country in the flagship global extravaganza set for August. 

The Commonwealth Games 10,000m bronze medalist said she has already begun her preparations in anticipation of a monumental conquest in the central European nation. 

"I'm overjoyed to have made the team. It is always a wonderful honour to be given the rare opportunity to represent the country on such a stage. "I'm hoping to do well," Chepkirui said. 

She said she plans to participate in the Boston 10k race on June 25 as part of her training program."Right now my focus is to prepare adequately for the World Championships. I'll be traveling to the US to battle out in the Boston 10k race to evaluate my speed," Chepkirui remarked.  "I don't intend to compete in any major marathon events until then," Chepkirui said. 

Budapest will be her third marathon attempt after she clocked 2:17:29 to wrap up sixth on her debut over the distance in Valencia last year.

She heads into the championships buoyed by her impressive show at the 2023 London Marathon on April 23, where she placed fourth behind Holland's Sifa Hassan, Ethiopian Alemu Megertu, and compatriot Peres Jepchirchir respectively.

  The Kenya Defence Forces officer said she is currently on vacation in Kericho county, where she is perfecting her act for the herculean task. I am currently on leave, so I am training alone at home in Kericho. I usually work out with the KDF team in Ngong," she stated. 

Chepkirui will be heading to Budapest strengthened by a recent heartwarming report that ranked her fourth in the 10 km road race on the world all-time list.

A natural trailblazer, Chepkirui defeated Japan's Yuriko Kobayashi over 1500m at the 2005 World Youth Championships to storm her maiden global title after posting a championship record of 4:12.29. 

After enrolling with Kenya Defence Forces around 2012, she secured a spot on the plane to the 2016 African Cross Country Championships, where she bagged the silver in a Kenyan podium sweep alongside compatriots Alice Aprot and Beatrice Mutai.

Chepkirui will, however, first have to fend off a stiff challenge from 2020 Tokyo Olympics silver medals Brigid Kosgei who won the 2018 and 2019 Chicago Marathons, the 2019 and 2020 London Marathons, and the 2021 Tokyo Marathon. 

She won the Paris Half Marathon title in France after clocking 66.00 minutes ahead of Ethiopian Betelihem Yemer (66.45) and Kenyan Marion Kibor (66.45). Unforeseen visa gremlins saw her painfully miss out on this year's Boston Marathon as well as the Oregon22 World Athletics Championships.  

She nonetheless secured a place in Team Kenya for the Birmingham Commonwealth Games last year, where she blazed to the 10,000m bronze podium behind Scot Eilish McColgan and compatriot Irene Cheptai.   

Top sprinter and African champion among latest Kenyans banned for doping

African 800 meters champion Jarinter Mwasya and World Under-20 3,000m silver medalist Zena Jemutai are among 20 athletes suspended by the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) as the crisis in the country deepens.

Top sprinter Samuel Imeta is also among the list after allegedly testing positive for banned anabolic steroids in a meeting at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on February 24.

In that event in the 100m, he had clocked a surprising 9.94sec to finish second behind team-mate and African champion Ferdinand Omanyala.

World Athletics did not ratify the times in the race due to technical problems, but Imeta’s performance seemed to suggest Kenya had found another top sprinter after Omanyala.

It represented a major step up in form for Imeta, an officer in the Kenyan Army, after being knocked out in the semi-finals of the 100m at last year’s Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

He was a part of the Kenyan 4x100m quartet that clocked a national record of 38.26 at the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold event in Botswana’s capital Gaborone, which qualified them for this year’s World Championships in Budapest.

That performance will be wiped out if Imeta is found guilty of doping.

The samples of the 26-year-old Mwasya, winner of the 800m at last year's African Championships in Saint Pierre in Mauritius, tested positive for several banned substances, including blood boosting drug erythropoietin.

Mwasya also competed for Kenya at last year's World Athletics Championships in Eugene and the Commonwealth Games, but failed to reach the final at either event.

Jemutai tested positive for the prohibited substance triamcinolone acetonide, a synthetic corticosteroid medication.

The 20-year-old had finished second at the 2021 World Athletics U20 Championships in Nairobi.

In March, she ran 31min 03sec for 10 kilometres to win the Villa de Laredo event in Spain. 

Others facing bans are Hannah Mwangi, winner of the 400m hurdles at the Kip Keino Classic, a World Athletics Continental Tour Gold meeting, and distance runner Agnes Mumbua, who finished first in the 15 kilometres du Puy en Velay in France in February.

The latest revelations again illustrate the depth of the doping problem in Kenya and casts doubts over the performances of other athletes from the country.

Last year, the country narrowly avoided a ban from international athletics after vowing to tackle the problem.

David Howman, chair of the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), claimed they are committed to working with Kenya to ensure that happens.

Last month, the AIU held a strategy meeting in Nairobi with ADAK and Athletics Kenya, while also running an online education seminar for athletes from the country.

Athletics Kenya have pledged to being committed to the war against doping and are working with the AIU to launch an operation involving criminal investigators and medical authorities to identify and prosecute anyone involved.

The Kenyan Government has also provided $5 million (£4 million/€4.6 million) worth of funding as part of the country's commitment to cracking down on drug cheats.