Running News Daily

Indonesia’s marathon sensation Robi Syianturi continues to elevate long-distance running in Southeast Asia after producing another historic performance at the Copenhagen Marathon 2026, where he clocked a remarkable 2:12:20 to finish 10th overall and set a new Southeast Asian marathon record once again.

The Indonesian star has been on a breathtaking rise over the past year, consistently lowering his personal best and pushing the boundaries of marathon running in the region. His latest performance in Copenhagen marked yet another milestone in an extraordinary journey that is rapidly transforming the perception of Southeast Asian distance running on the global stage.

Syianturi first stunned the athletics world in July 2025 at the Gold Coast Marathon 2025, where he ran 2:15:04 to break an Indonesian national record that had stood untouched for 32 years. That breakthrough opened the door to a new chapter in his career and signaled the arrival of a serious marathon contender from Indonesia.

He returned even stronger in February at the Osaka Marathon 2026, slashing nearly two minutes off his previous best with an impressive 2:13:18. Many believed that performance would stand as the defining race of his career for some time, but Syianturi had other plans.

In Copenhagen, he delivered his finest marathon yet.

Running with confidence and composure against a deep international field, Syianturi crossed the finish line in 2:12:20, becoming the first Southeast Asian athlete to reach such a level in the men’s marathon. Despite finishing 10th overall, his time carried enormous significance far beyond the final standings. It was another powerful statement of progress, resilience, and ambition from an athlete determined to keep rewriting history.

What makes Syianturi’s rise even more remarkable is the speed of his improvement. In less than a year, he has reduced his marathon best by nearly three minutes while consistently competing on major international stages. Each race has revealed a stronger, more mature athlete capable of handling elite competition with increasing confidence.

His performances are also inspiring a new generation of runners across Indonesia and Southeast Asia, regions that have traditionally struggled to compete with the dominant marathon nations of East Africa and Japan. Syianturi is proving that with belief, discipline, and world-class preparation, new barriers can be broken.

As the marathon world continues to evolve, Robi Syianturi’s name is quickly becoming impossible to ignore. From Gold Coast to Osaka and now Copenhagen, the Indonesian star is not only chasing faster times — he is building a legacy that could redefine distance running in Southeast Asia for years to come.

Kenya’s Mercy Chebwogen produced a magnificent performance on the streets of Copenhagen, Denmark storming to victory at the 2026 edition of Copenhagen Marathon in a sensational course record of 2:22:08.

What a race it was. Chebwogen battled relentlessly from start to finish, displaying extraordinary resilience and determination against a fiercely competitive field before sealing a memorable victory in emphatic fashion. Her breathtaking 2:22:08 not only secured the title, but also shattered the women’s course record in spectacular style.

Chebwogen delivered a race defined by patience, strength, and tactical brilliance before unleashing a decisive surge in the latter stages to separate herself from the chasing pack. As she crossed the finish line with her arms raised in celebration, the Kenyan star etched her name into the history books with one of the finest women’s performances ever seen at the event.

The race unfolded at a relentless pace from the opening kilometres, but Chebwogen remained composed throughout, conserving energy while her closest challengers attempted to stay within reach. Once she took command, there was no response from the field as she powered through the Danish capital with remarkable efficiency and control.

Representing Bahrain, Tigist Gashaw claimed second place in 2:23:07 after a determined run, while Ethiopia’s Ftaw Zeray Shugi secured third in 2:24:38 to complete a highly competitive podium.

Chebwogen’s triumph once again underlined Kenya’s enduring dominance in global road racing and added another memorable chapter to the country’s rich marathon legacy. Her course-record victory was not only a personal milestone, but also a statement performance that will resonate across the marathon world for a long time.

Women’s Top 3 Results

1. Mercy Chebwogen (Kenya) – 2:22:08 CR

2. Tigist Gashaw (Bahrain) – 2:23:07

3. Ftaw Zeray Shugi (Ethiopia) – 2:24:38

With this commanding victory in Copenhagen, Mercy Chebwogen has firmly announced herself among the rising forces in women’s marathon running. Her record-breaking run combined courage, discipline, and world-class endurance, leaving spectators in awe and sending a strong message to the global marathon scene that an exciting new chapter in her career is only just beginning.

Tadesse Kassa of Ethiopia produced a commanding performance to claim victory at the Copenhagen Marathon 2026, storming to the finish line in a personal best of 2:08:26 after a fiercely contested battle through the streets of the Danish capital.

The Ethiopian distance star delivered a composed and tactical race, breaking away in the closing stages to secure a memorable triumph ahead of a world-class field. His victory capped a high-quality men’s race that remained unpredictable deep into the final kilometres, with several athletes still in contention before the decisive surge.

Kenya’s Vincent Mutai pushed hard all the way to the line and settled for second place in 2:08:30, only four seconds behind the winner in one of the closest finishes of the season so far. Ethiopia’s Dejene Weyen completed the podium with a strong run of 2:09:14, ensuring Ethiopia placed two athletes inside the top three.

The race unfolded at an aggressive pace from the early stages, with the lead pack refusing to hold back despite the demanding conditions. Kassa, however, remained patient and controlled, waiting for the perfect moment before unleashing his finishing strength near the end of the race.

For Vincent Mutai of Kenya, the narrow defeat will still be remembered as a remarkable performance after staying shoulder-to-shoulder with the eventual champion for most of the contest. Meanwhile, Dejene Weyfen of Ethiopia showed impressive consistency to secure a deserved podium finish in a highly competitive field.

Beyond the podium battle, several athletes produced notable performances, with personal bests and season bests highlighting the depth of quality on display in Copenhagen.

Men’s Top 10 Results

1. Tadesse Kassa (Ethiopia) – 2:08:26 PB

2. Vincent Mutai (Kenya) – 2:08:30 PB

3. Dejene Weyfen (Ethiopia) – 2:09:14 SB

4. Merhawi Kesete (Eritrea) – 2:09:16 SB

4. Henok Tesfay (Eritrea) – 2:10:10 SB

6. Tesfaye Demeke (Ethiopia) – 2:11:09

7. Dennis Kipkosgei (Kenya) – 2:12:03

8. Abdenasser Oukhelfen Ben Haddou (Spain) – 2:12:13

9. Omar Hassan (Ecuador) – 2:12:17 PB

10. Robi Syianturi (Indonesia) – 2:12:20 PB

Copenhagen once again delivered a spectacular marathon atmosphere, but this year belonged to Tadesse Kassa of Ethiopia — a man who combined patience, courage and finishing power to write his name into the history of the race.

The 43rd Vienna City Marathon will take place on April 19, and one runner arriving with unfinished business is Oqbe Kibrom of Eritrea. Kibrom will return to the Austrian capital hoping to become the first Eritrean athlete to win the men’s race at this prestigious event.

Kibrom finished third in Vienna in 2022, and he enters this year’s race as the fastest man on the current start list with a personal best of 2:05:37.

Organizers report strong participation for this year’s race. More than 13,000 runners are registered for the marathon distance alone, and when shorter races over the two-day weekend are included, the total number of participants climbs to over 46,000, a record for the event.

A Second Chance at Victory

When Kibrom raced in Vienna four years ago, it briefly appeared he might make history.

After the final pacemaker stepped aside just past 30 kilometers, Kibrom surged into the lead and looked poised to become the first Eritrean man to win the race. However, the effort proved costly.

Kenya’s Cosmas Muteti closed the gap late in the race and passed Kibrom with five kilometers remaining, eventually taking the win. Kibrom finished third in 2:07:25.

While Eritrea has celebrated a women’s champion in Vienna, the men’s race has yet to be won by an Eritrean athlete.

Kibrom, whose manager is Swiss marathon record holder Tadesse Abraham, has remained consistently competitive on the global marathon stage. The 28-year-old set his personal best of 2:05:37 when finishing eighth at the Berlin Marathon two years ago.

More recently, he finished fourth at the Daegu Marathon in South Korea in 2025, running 2:06:04. With three sub-2:06 performances to his name, Kibrom may now be poised for his first major marathon victory.

Strong African Contenders

Kibrom will face strong competition from fellow African runners.

Ethiopia’s Tafese Delegen owns a personal best of 2:06:11, set at the Seville Marathon two years ago.

Kenya’s Stanley Kurgat ran 2:07:05 at the Berlin Marathon, finishing seven places behind Kibrom in that race.

Another Kenyan to watch is Albert Kangogo, who ran 2:07:26 while finishing second at the Mersin Marathon in Turkey last December. Kangogo has already proven he can perform well in Vienna—he placed third in the 2023 race in 2:10:44.

Austrian Hope: Aaron Gruen

Local fans will also be watching Aaron Gruen, who made headlines last spring by becoming the first Austrian runner to break 2:10 in the marathon.

The 27-year-old ran 2:09:53 in Congers, New York, improving his personal best by nearly five minutes.

Gruen has continued his strong form in 2026, setting a half marathon personal best of 61:14 in Houston earlier this year. Balancing elite training with his studies, he is currently attending Harvard Medical School in Boston, making his preparation even more impressive.

European Marathon Classics Series Launched

The Vienna City Marathon is also playing a central role in a newly created marathon series called European Marathon Classics (EMC).

Alongside Vienna, the series includes major European marathons in:

• London Marathon

• Rome Marathon

• Madrid Marathon

• Lisbon Marathon

• Warsaw Marathon

• Copenhagen Marathon

• Frankfurt Marathon

Runners who complete at least five of these marathons in different cities will receive a specially designed medal recognizing the achievement.

“European Marathon Classics embodies our ambition to explore Europe together while pushing boundaries—both geographically and philosophically,” said Hugh Brasher, Event Director of the London Marathon. “I hope it will inspire runners from around the world to experience Europe’s great marathons, cities, and communities.”

Kathrin Widu, joint managing director of the Vienna City Marathon along with Dominik Konrad, added:

“The European Marathon Classics are an inspiring challenge. By bringing together leading European marathons, we aim to inspire even more people to embrace marathon running. We are united by shared values such as a passion for the sport, community, health, and sustainability.”

A new chapter in European marathon running was unveiled on February 25, 2026, when organizers introduced the European Marathon Classics, a series linking eight of the continent’s most established races into one long-term challenge for runners. 

The announcement was made in Vienna at the historic Schönbrunn Palace, bringing together race directors and organizers from across Europe. The concept is simple: one distance, eight cities, and a shared journey through some of Europe’s most celebrated marathon courses.

The new series connects races that already have strong identities of their own. By linking them together, organizers hope to inspire runners to explore different countries, cultures, and running traditions while pursuing a personal challenge. 

To earn the title European Marathon Classics Finisher, runners must complete five of the eight marathons, each in a different city. There is no time limit, allowing participants to build their journey over several seasons.

The eight races in the series form a calendar stretching from early spring to autumn:

2026 European Marathon Classics Schedule

March 22 – Rome Marathon (Italy)

April 19 – Vienna City Marathon (Austria)

April 26 – London Marathon (United Kingdom)

April 26 – Madrid Marathon (Spain)

May 10 – Copenhagen Marathon (Denmark)

September 27 – Warsaw Marathon (Poland)

October 10 – Lisbon Marathon (Portugal)

October 25 – Frankfurt Marathon (Germany)

Runners who complete five races will receive a commemorative medal designed to reflect the journey. The medal includes magnetic elements that allow athletes to add a marker for each marathon they finish.

One unusual feature of the project is that past results will count. Organizers say runners will be able to register historical performances from earlier editions of the races, recognizing the long traditions behind these events.

London Marathon Event Director Hugh Brasher said the idea is meant to highlight what connects runners across the continent.

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

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

From the Steeplechase to the Streets

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

Stepping Onto the Podium in Copenhagen

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

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

Looking Forward

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

Top Finishers – Men

Berhane Tesfaye (ERI) – 2:08:25

Vincent Mutai (KEN) – 2:09:09 (PB)

Yismaw Atinafu (ETH) – 2:10:32

Top Finishers – Women

Sharon Kiptugen (KEN) – 2:23:19 (PB)

Sofia Assefa (ETH) – 2:26:21

Abebech Afework (ETH) – 2:28:37

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

This Sunday, the streets of Denmark’s capital will be filled with more than 21,000 runners as the 2025 Copenhagen Marathon officially becomes the largest marathon ever held on Danish soil. All bib numbers have sold out, and with ideal racing conditions—cool temperatures of 8–9°C (46–48°F) and little wind—course records could be at serious risk.

And once again, it’s East African athletes who are expected to lead the charge.

Men’s Elite Field: Takele, Kipkemei, and Tesfaye Among Favorites

The men’s race features an exceptionally deep international field, led by Ethiopia’s Adugna Takele, who holds the fastest personal best in the race at 2:05:52, set in Seville. He returns to familiar territory in Copenhagen, where he placed ninth at the 2014 World Half Marathon Championships.

Also representing Ethiopia is Aychew Bantie, a consistent performer with a best of 2:06:23, and Mengistie Tadesse, who has run 2:08:04. Other Ethiopian contenders include Abebaw Muniye(2:08:38) and Yismaw Atinafu (2:09:32).

Kenya’s Boaz Kipkemei enters the race with momentum after a course record victory in Chongqing this March, where he ran 2:07:18. He’ll be challenged by Andrew Rotich Kwemoi, also from Kenya, who won the 2023 Milano Marathon in 2:07:52.

Eritrea’s Berhane Tesfaye (2:07:31), fresh off a win at the 2025 Mumbai Marathon, adds even more firepower. Martin Musau (2:08:42) from Uganda rounds out a world-class lineup.

With nine men entered with personal bests under 2:10, the current course record of 2:08:23, set by Eritrea’s Berhane Tsegay in 2022, is well within reach.

Women’s Elite Field: Ethiopia Stacks the Front Line

The women’s field is also loaded with talent—particularly from Ethiopia. Leading the charge is Tigist Getnet, who ran 2:23:17 in Dubai in 2023. Close behind is Sofia Assefa, the Olympic silver medalist in the steeplechase, now focusing on the marathon. She clocked 2:23:33 last year in Amsterdam.

Tigist Gashaw, now competing for Bahrain, recently won the Chongqing Marathon in 2:24:39 and looks poised for another strong showing. Other top Ethiopians include Abebech Afework (2:30:44) and Tinbit Gidey (2:30:09).

Kenya is well represented by Caroline Jepchirchir (2:29:00), Gladys Jemaiyo (1:08:18 for the half marathon), and Charon Kiptugen (1:09:00 for the half).

To challenge the women’s course record of 2:23:14, set by Rodah Chepkorir Tanui of Kenya in 2023, the front-runners will need to go out with intent—but the weather and course could make that goal very realistic.

Ready for a Historic Day

The 2025 Copenhagen Marathon is not just the biggest ever in Denmark—it’s shaping up to be one of the fastest as well. With nearly perfect conditions and some of the world’s top endurance athletes toeing the line, Copenhagen is set to host a race that could deliver breakthrough performances, new course records, and personal bests for thousands.

Whether you’re watching from the lead vehicle or tracking from home, Sunday’s race will be one to remember.

Fresh from winning the 2024 Stockholm Marathon triumph, Fredrick Kibii will spearhead a formidable Kenyan lineup at the Hengshui Lake Marathon in China on Sunday.

The 28-year-old triumphed at the Stockholm Marathon in June, crossing the line in 2:14:17, leading a Kenyan top-five finish.

Robert Ng'eno (2:14:30) and Benard Kipkorir (2:15:41) completed the podium with Kennedy Kipyeko (2:15:53) and Abednego Cheruiyot (2:16:46) in tow.

In April, Kibii clocked 2:08:56 to finish fourth at the Linz Marathon, trailing Eritrea’s Goitom Kifle (2:08:15), Denis Chirchir (2:08:28) and Ethiopia’s Dejene Debela (2:08:38).

Kibii's impressive resume boasts a third-place finish at the 2023 Hannover Marathon, clocking 2:08:09 behind Germany’s Amanal Petros (2:07:02) and Chirchir (2:07:17).

He finished a solid seventh-place finish at the Frankfurt Marathon later that year (2:09:33).

Joining Kibii in China is Boaz Kipkemei, who finished second at this year’s Hannover Marathon in April in a time of 2:07:06.

Gevin Kerich, who was three seconds (2:06:52) behind last year’s Doha Marathon winner, Morocco's Mohcin Outalha, is also in contention.

Kerich grabbed second place at the 2022 Eindhoven Marathon (2:07:07).

Boniface Kimutai rounds off a strong Kenyan contingent, who face stiff competition from Ethiopian runners, led by 2020 Seville Marathon champion Mekuant Ayenew, Copenhagen Marathon runner-up Gadisa Birhanu and Daegu Marathon third-place finisher Berhane Tsegay.

Hannover Marathon third-place finisher Lilian Jebitok will headline the women’s elite field.

Her resume includes a victory at the 2019 Casablanca Marathon (2:31:31) and a third-place finish at the 2018 Nairobi Standard Chartered Marathon (2:42:23).

She is joined by Tallinn Marathon champion Mercy Kwambai, second at the Copenhagen Marathon in May (2:28:12) and runner-up at the 2022 Bregenz Marathon (2:30:15).

Ethiopia will once again provide the competition with 2021 Stockholm Marathon champion Atalel Anmut leading the charge.

She has Seville Marathon third-place finisher Urge Diro and Xuzhou Marathon champion Derartu Hailu for company.

Thomas Broatch will line up in defence of his Canadian marathon title October 20th as the 2024 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon once again hosts the national championships.

A year ago the Vancouver native surprised many with his victory - which also saw him finish 6th place overall in this World Athletics Elite Label race.

Most impressive was that this was his marathon debut. Three months later he took five minutes off his Toronto time running 2:11:54 for 7th place in the Houston Marathon. Lessons learned in Toronto, he believes, helped in Houston.

“In Toronto I felt pretty good in the last 10km, in terms of breathing and energy, but my legs were completely destroyed,” the 25-year-old remembers, “and I wasn’t able to really push the last 10km. So I made some adjustments in training for Houston.

“For Toronto I did pretty much all of my long runs on gravel or soft surfaces. For Houston I did all those on concrete which I think really helped. My legs felt great in the last 10km and, even though I was hurting, I was able to push. That’s something I have taken forward to make sure the legs are ready for 42km of pounding.”

The Canadian championship gold medal was accompanied by $8,000 in prize money - he also collected $2,000 for his 6th place overall finish - giving him what he calls “a generous prize pool for Canadians.”

Besides his ‘new preference’ for running on concrete he has increased his weekly training volume from 180km to 200km under the guidance of coach Chris Johnson at the Vancouver Thunderbirds Track and Field Club.

Until two years ago Broatch was still focusing on track racing (5,000m and 10,000m) while the marathon was simply a distance to be contemplated for the future. Now with a couple of positive experiences he realizes it is logically his best event.

“Yes definitely,” he declares. “I think I will still do other distances to help with the marathon. But I think, especially because the first one went quite well and then I was able to improve even more, I definitely see myself focusing on the marathon.”

That hasn’t stopped him from dropping down on occasion. In April he finished second in the Vancouver Sun Run 10k with a personal best of 28:58. He explains that this was right at the end of an exhausting buildup for the Copenhagen Marathon, which flew under the radar and even escaped the keen eyes of the World Athletics statisticians.

“The Sun Run was a really good race. It actually wasn’t the big focus of the Spring,” he says almost apologetically. “I actually ran the Copenhagen marathon two weeks after Sun Run so this was more of a prep race for that marathon.

“I think that showed me that the marathon training doesn’t really hurt my speed but gives me that extra strength which helps my 10k. That was by far my fastest 10k and the course is not even that fast.”

The Copenhagen Marathon didn’t go as well as he had hoped so he’s not concerned few knew about it. After running Houston and coming away with a strong personal best he wondered if an even faster time was in the cards. Confidently, he went out harder than his body could handle.

“I went out in 2:10 pace (65 minutes at halfway) for the first 27km then pretty much collapsed the last third of the race,” he reveals. “It was a pretty spectacular blow up.”

Basically, he jogged home just to finish.

Among the things he realized is that his marathon training helped his 10k form but the racing effort at the Sun Run might have taken too much out of him coming that close to the Copenhagen race. Another lesson learned.

Broatch works as a software engineer for a renewable energy company called ‘Clear’ writing software for wind farm owners. In his free time he has been enjoying playing golf with family and friends as well as online chess. He admits to being a fan of ‘The Three Body Problem’ trilogy of books.

It is hard to believe that Broatch is still 25 and has many years ahead of him. As he looks toward Toronto Waterfront he seems wiser and confident in the approach he is taking.

“Training has been pretty good,” he reports. “I have been able to run consistently 190 to 200km a week for the last three months now. No injuries, no illness. Definitely, pretty tired. But I think that has been a feature of all my marathon builds.

"I know the Toronto Waterfront course is pretty quick, the organization is great, and they give us a good chance to run a fast tine. So, I definitely would like to improve my Houston time. I think going under 2:11 and getting in that 2:10 club would be pretty good result. I would be quite happy with that.”

Winning national championships also offers tremendous bonus World Athletics points which are used for qualification for the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo. He has never represented his country. An international call-up is, he says, something that “is in the back of my mind!”

With all 15,000 entries sold out in January, the Copenhagen Marathon already set a historic record since the race was born in 1980. But the elite runners were aiming for more records Sunday May 5th as they took on the newly designed, fast and flat course in near perfect marathon weather.

Edition number 43 of Copenhagen Marathon was a new breakthrough for the race with the strongest starting field ever sent out into the streets of the capital of Denmark. The female winner of the day was Margaret Agai from Kenya, who surprised the favorites and finished in 2:27.31.

“I’m very, very happy. The spectators were amazing and carried us through,” Agai said shortly afterwards and found a smile when talking about meeting the Danish crowd.

In the men’s race, favorite Gadisa Birhanu was also challenged by a strong field of favorites and was ultimately beaten by Abdi Gelelchu from Bahrain, who followed up on the surprises and crossed the finish line at Øster Allé in a winning time of 2:09.11.

“I’m very happy,” were the words that came out of the mouth of a hard-pressed winner who managed to lift his thumbs in triumph.

Last year’s female winner Rodah Chepkorir came into the race as the clear favorite with her race record from 2023 of 2:23.14. However, the 33-year-old Kenyan faced very strong competition. A total of 11 women were entered with times under 2 hours and 30 minutes. Mongolia’s Khishigsaikhan Galbadrakh surprisingly broke into the top 10 at the Tokyo Marathon this year and initially conquered the pacer and opened a small gap to Chepkorir and the other favorites. After 20 kilometers, she extended her lead to over a minute and was on course for direct Olympic qualification.

But her energy ran out and instead Agai came blowing from behind in a more measured race strategy to take the win and receive the flowers and be wrapped in the Kenyan flag.

Favorite defeat in the men’s raceIn the men’s race, expectations were high for Birhanu. The 31-year-old Ethiopian ran 2:04.59 when he won the Seville Marathon last year. The pacer was booked for a finishing time of just under 2:07 hours. It was a strong signal that the race record set by Eritrea’s Berhane Tsegay two years ago with 2:08.23 should be put to bed in the good conditions on an improved route. At the same time, it was well below the current time requirement for direct Olympic qualification of 2:08.10.

That goal was sought after early in the race when the favorite field of just under 10 runners completed 5 kilometers in 14.51. 25 seconds faster than the previous course record and also a pace well below the direct Olympic qualification requirements. It wasn’t enough for Gelelchu, but a lot of effort was put in to give the Danish audience a record.

After 25 kilometres, the front runners were still within reach of the race record. And after 35 km, a trio of Birhanu, Kenyan James Kiplagat and Abdi Gelelchu were decisively free and set the biodynamic GPS after breaking a yellow triumphal ribbon at the finish on Øster Allé.

Top-3 men and women

Women’s top three1: Margaret Agai, Kenya 2:27:312: Mercy Kwambai, Kenya 2:28,123: Alisa Vainio, Finland 2:28:21

Mens top three1: Abdi Gelelchu, Bahrain 2:09:112: Gadisa Birhanu, Ethiopia 2:09:553: Abebaw Muniye, Ethiopia 2:10:27

Sunday’s Copenhagen Marathon can once again boast a strong, East African dominated start field. In the women’s race, Rodah Chepkorir of Kenya is returning to the scene of her record-breaking race from last year, while Ethiopia’s Gadisha Berhanu in the men’s race holds the role of favorite.

With all 15,000 start numbers sold out as early as in January, the 44th edition of the Copenhagen Marathon has already set a record. At race day, Sunday the 5th of May, further records could as well be broken. In the women’s race, eyes are set on Rodah Chepkorir Tanui, who won last year’s edition in a race record of 2:23,14 hours. However, the 33-year-old Kenyan will be up for a tough task defending her title in the Danish capital. Among her strongest opponents is Derartu Gerefa of Ethiopia, who finished fourth at the Seville Marathon in February.

With 11 women entered with a personal best under two and a half hours, the international level of the race has never been higher. Alisa Vainio set a national record of 2:27,26 last year, and with the second pacemaker aiming for 2:26,59, the Finn will as well be targeting the Olympic entry standard (2:26,50). Another national record holder is Khishigsaikhan Galbadrakh of Mongolia, who ran 2:26,32 when finishing 8th at the Tokyo Marathon two months ago.

Birhanu of Ethiopia is the one to beatWith a personal best of 2:04,59, Gadisa Birhanu is the one to beat in the men’s race. The 31-year-old Ethiopian ran the impressive time when triumphing at the Seville Marathon last year. 10 men are entered with a personal best under 2:10 hour, among them Japan’s Tsubasa Ichiyama (2:07,41) who will have his debut on European soil. The elite field includes as well the legendary figure of Ser-Od Bat-Ochir; the 42-year-old runner has represented Mongolia at all Olympic Marathons since Athens 2004 – and at 11 (!) consecutive World Championships.

“We are thrilled to be able to present such a strong field of elite runners at this year’s Copenhagen Marathon – both men and women,” says Dorte Vibjerg, CEO of Sparta Athletics & Running.

“This is a great endorsement of Copenhagen Marathon as an organization and of Copenhagen as a city. It shows that we have the right framework for the runners to achieve something great on a beautiful, flat and fast course through Copenhagen and Frederiksberg. So if you want to see some of the world’s fastest runners unfold, Copenhagen is the place to be on Sunday.”

Pacemaker Mathew Chekwurui of Kenya is set to aim at finishing time of 2:07 hours – well below the race record of 2:08,23 set by Berhane Tsegay of Eritrea in 2022. At the same time, it’s close to the Olympic requirement of 2:06.50, so it will be exciting to see who will join that train.

The race incorporates once again the National Championships, and with deadline for Olympic qualification approaching soon, the best Danish runners are all set for fast times.

Rodah Jepkorir is gearing up to defend her Copenhagen Marathon crown against top-tier competition on May 5 in Denmark’s capital.

Last year, Jepkorir blazed through the course in 2:23:14 to claim victory, setting a new personal best (PB) in the process.

Valentina Mateiko secured second place in 2:25:05, while Britain’s Philippa Bowden completed the podium with a time of 2:29:16.

The 33-year-old is no stranger to success, boasting three Buenos Aires Marathon titles under her belt.

In 2019, she clocked 2:25:46, followed by 2:26:53 in 2022, and completed a hat trick in 2023 with a time of 2:24:52. 

Jepkorir also clocked 2:27:10 to seal the Gold Coast Marathon title in Australia last year as well as the 2019 title in 2:27:56.

However, she'll face fierce competition from Ethiopia’s Derartu Hailu, who holds a PB of 2:23:18 from the Sevilla Marathon, where she finished fourth.

Hailu also holds the Xuzhou Marathon title with a time of 2:27:27.

Joining the fray is 2022 Kosice Marathon champion Margaret Agai, who aims to challenge Jepkorir for the title. Agai has a personal best of 2:23:28 from the 2013 Daegu Marathon.

In the men’s elite race, Castellon Marathon silver medallist James Kiplagat and 2018 Paris Marathon bronze medallist Ernest Ngeno will be among the contenders.

Kiplagat holds a PB of 2:09:08 from the 2023 Zurich Barcelona Marathon and also secured a runners-up spot at the 2021 Stockholm Marathon with a time of 2:12:26. Ngeno boasts a personal best of 2:06:41 from the 2018 Paris Marathon.

The duo will be joined by 2023 Durban Marathon bronze medallists Cornelius Yego and Benson Tunyo.

Ethiopia’s Gadisa Birhanu will prove a tough test for the Kenyans as he boosts a 2:04:59 PB set in 2023 at the Sevilla Marathon, where he clinched the title.

Abdi Gelelchu of Bahrain is also in the elite list with a PB of 2:07:15 set at the 2022 Sevilla Marathon and so will be Japan’s Tsubasa Ichiyama with a a PB of 2:07:41.

Breaking records in marathon running is no easy feat, but Danish distance runner and new dad Jacob Simonsen managed to do just that, in a rather unconventional way. With his one-year-old son, Viggo, safely tucked in a jogging stroller, Simonsen blazed through the Aarhus City Half Marathon on June 11, setting an unofficial stroller half-marathon Guinness World Record of 68:04.

Simonsen, 28, shattered the previous record by a whopping 34 seconds, averaging a speed of nearly 19 km/hr around Aarhus. Simonsen is quite an established runner domestically, earning the title of Danish champion at the 2023 Copenhagen Marathon, where he placed ninth overall in 2:14:46. He has also represented Denmark at the 2019 and 2023 World Cross-Country Championships.

Before the race, he told Danish reporters that he isn’t used to running with a stroller, but thought it would be a fun challenge with his newborn son. His main concern heading into the race was making sure his son didn’t wake up from his nap unhappy about this endeavour. Luckily, things went as planned. “Viggo was a champ throughout the race,” said Simonsen. “He seems to have inherited his father’s sense of adventure and love for the thrill of running.”

Typically, stroller runners start at the back, but to ensure fair competition and Simonsen’s bid for the record, he was granted a position at the front. He also had another runner follow him to capture the attempt on video and make the feat official, a requirement for a Guinness World Record.

Simonsen finished fifth overall, only a minute and a half behind the winner, Omar Hassan, who won in 66:31.

Kenyans Rodah Chepkorir Tanui and Solomon Kirwa survived the heat to win the women’s and men’s 2023 Copenhagen Marathon on Sunday (14). 

Running her second marathon of the year, Tanui pulled away from the field to better her personal best from 2:25:46, which was set in Buenos Aires on 22 September 2019. She ran 2:28:30 for sixth place in her other marathon race in 2023 in Riyadh in February.

For her top performance today, Tanui collected €$6000 for the win and an extra €$3000 in bonus prize for breaking the race record. Look for her to race in other big marathon races in the near future!

Valentina Mateiko, the 2014 World Junior 3000m bronze medalist, made an impressive start to her marathon career in the extremely hot condition in Copenhagen today, clocking in at 2:25:05 to take second place on debut before being well received by her Kenyan teammate at the finish line.

Philippa Bowden of Great Britain also smashed her personal best big time when she ran in at 2:29:16 for third place, lowering her previous mark by almost five minutes.

The top American finisher today in the women’s contest was Roberta Groner, the 2019 World Championship sixth place finisher, who ran 2:31:37 to take sixth place today as well.

Karen Ehrenreich won the Danish title with a time of 2:35:02 for 9th place overall, with Stine Schønning a distant second place in the Danish Championships at 2:45:10.

Kirwa Leads Kenyan Sweep in Men’s Race

Meanwhile, Solomon Kirwa led a Kenyan podium sweep in the men’s race at the 2023 Copenhagen Marathon. The 36-year-old, running for the first time in the Copenhagen race, made it a fruitful debut at the Denmark event, clocking in at 2:09:12 for first place after surging away from his rivals after the 40km mark.

Edwin Kiptoo of Kenya, who led after the halfway mark, was second in the end with a time of 2:09:51, followed by countrymen Kenneth Keter, who posted 2:09:47 for third place and Pius Karanja in fourth.

T-Roy Brown was the best-placed male runner from the United States today, taking 18th place with a time of 2:21:17.

Karen Ehrenreich was crowned the Denmark champion after he finished at 2:35:02 for 9th overall, while Andreas Lommer of Denmark, who changed his race plans to work with Tanui in her chase for glory today, ran out of gas and finished with a time of 2:23:50.

 A run for records will take place at the Publix Atlanta Half Marathon next week where some of the world’s best runners will attempt to complete the fastest half marathon ever run in the state of Georgia. This year’s elite field features eight men who have run faster than the current men’s record of 1:00:36 and four women who have run faster than the women’s record of 1:08:22. Both times were set at this event in 2022.

Nicholas Kosimbei will return to Atlanta to defend his title and his record. The 26-year-old from Kenya dominated last year’s race which was held in the driving rain, winning by more than two minutes. Fellow Kenyans Raymond Magut and Goeffrey Koech who placed second and third respectively last year are also returning. Magut boasts a personal best of 1:00:00 while Koech has broken the one-hour mark with a career best of 59:36. Koech won his most recent half marathon, the B.A.A.Half Marathon in Boston last November.

“I love the course in Atlanta,” said Kosimbei. “I am looking forward to returning and my goal is to break my own course record.”

Other top contenders include Tsegay Kidanu (Ethiopia, 59:39),  Josphat Tanui (Kenya, 59:40), Phenus Kipleting (Kenya, 1:00:08) and Bethwell Yegon (Kenya, 1:00:57), the runner-up at the 2021 BMW Berlin Marathon.

With last year’s winner Dorcas Tuitoek not returning in 2023, a new face will break the tape to win the women’s title. The fastest woman in the field is Kenya’s Cynthia Jerotich. Jerotich was a dominant force on the roads from 2013 to 2016, setting a half marathon personal best of 1:06:04 and winning a silver medal at the World Half Marathon Championships in 2016. Jerotich stepped away from racing in 2017 and gave birth to three children before returning to competition last year. At 33, she will be looking to return to the form that saw her winning road races around the world including some of the most prestigious events in the United States. 

Jerotich will face Helah Kiprop, the winner of last year’s Copenhagen Marathon and the runner-up at the Frankfort Marathon. Kirprop, a 2016 Olympian from Kenya, has a half marathon personal best of 1:07:39. Also among the fastest in the field are 2017 Houston Half Marathon winner Veronica Wanjiru (Kenya, 1:07:58) and Vibian Chepkirui (1:08:02). Chepkirui won the Vienna Marathon last year in a course record time of 2:20:59.

Athletes in the 2023 Publix Atlanta Half Marathon will be competing for a $22,000 prize purse including a first place prize of $4,000. There is an additional $2,500 bonus for the male or female winner who sets the course and Georgia all-time record. Full elite fields can be found below. The race will be streamed live on Atlanta Track Club’s YouTube page with commentary from Chris Chavez, Carrie Tollefson and Ali Feller. 

About Atlanta Track Club                                                

Atlanta Track Club is a nonprofit committed to creating an active and healthy Atlanta. Through running and walking, Atlanta Track Club motivates, inspires and engages the community to enjoy a healthier lifestyle.

With more than 30,000 members, Atlanta Track Club is the second largest running organization in the United States. In addition to the AJC Peachtree Road Race (peachtreeroadrace.org) – the largest 10K running event in the world, the Publix Atlanta Marathon, PNC Atlanta 10 Miler and Invesco QQQ Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon, Atlanta Track Club directs more than 30 events per year. Through the support of its members and volunteers, Atlanta Track Club also maintains a number of community initiatives including organizing and promoting the Kilometer Kids youth running program to metro Atlanta youth, honoring high school cross country and track and field athletes through Atlanta Track Club’s All-Metro Banquets and supporting the Grady Bicycle EMT program. For more information on Atlanta Track Club, visit atlantatrackclub.org.

Twelve Kenyans (six men and six women) have confirmed participation at the Mainova Frankfurt Marathon on Sunday.

However, the race is expected to be challenging considering the calibre of athletes it has attracted.

In the men’s field, the Ethiopian duo of Betesfa Getahun and Gebru Redahgne are the top two fastest with personal best times of 2:05:28 and 2:05:58 respectively.

 Kenya's Martin Kosgey will line up as the third fastest in the field with a lifetime best of 2:06:41. Kosgey placed second at the 2018 edition of the Frankfurt Marathon.

Kosgey is a regular in the Frankfurt event having finished second in 2016, fourth in 2017, second in 2018 and fourth in the 2019 edition. 

He will be in the company of compatriots Charles Ndiema (2:08:12), Brimin Misoi (2:08:41), Dominic Letting (2:09:30), Stephen Mugambi (2:11:39) and debutant Linus Maruka.

Other top contenders include the 2019 Osaka Marathon champion Asefa Mengisa from Ethiopia and this year’s Hannover Marathon champion Hendrik Pfeiffer of Germany. Mengisa has a personal best time of 2:07:47 while Pfeiffer has a PB of 2:10:18.

In the women’s category, Sally Kaptich, who has a PB of 2:21:09 leads a strong team. Kaptich will be in the company of Kenyans Helah Kiprop (2:21:27), Jackline Chepngeno (2:24:21), Caroline Jepchirchir (2:26:11), Gladys Chepkurui (2:28:55) and Martha Akeno (2:29:00).

Ethiopia’s Yeshi Chekole is the second fastest in the field with a personal best time of 2:21:17, which she posted at this year’s Zurich Marathon to place third. Kiprop is the third fastest in the field and won this year’s Copenhagen Marathon in 2:24:10. She is also the 2016 Tokyo Marathon winner.

The 2020 Zurich Marathon champion Juliet Chekwel of Uganda is also among the favourites to watch. She has a life time best of 2:23:13.

Sally Kaptich heads the line-up for the elite women's field for the Mainova Frankfurt Marathon on October 30. 

She tops the list of fast athletes with her best of 2:21:06 which she achieved in Berlin three years ago.

Kaptich comes to Frankfurt after finishing third in Berlin in 2019, where the 36-year-old ran what is currently her personal best of 2:21:06.

She was also seventh in the 10,000m at the 2013 World Championships in Moscow, Russia and won a bronze medal at the World Half Marathon Championships the following year. She placed fourth in Tokyo Marathon in 2:21:42, six months after Berlin.

Her fellow Kenyan Helah Kiprop with a personal best of 2:21:27 will also be a contender. 

She finished second at the World Championship Marathon in Beijing in 2015 and won marathons in Seoul in 2014 and Tokyo in 2016, the latter being where she ran her personal best.

This year, Kiprop was back in action, winning the Copenhagen Marathon in 2:24:10. Now 37, she knows the Frankfurt course well, having run what was then her fastest marathon of 2:27:14 in 2014 when she finished fifth

The Kenyan duo will be up against Ethiopian Yeshi Chekole. The Ethiopian improved her best to 2:21:17 for third place at the Seville Marathon in February. Also worth noting is her compatriot Meseret Abebayahau.

She ran her fastest marathon by over five minutes to finish second in 2:25:18 in Madrid in spring. The improvement was impressive since she had never broken 2:30 previously.

In the men's category, Martin Kosgey will spearhead Kenya's quest for glory in the event. He finished second in 2016 and 2018 and fourth in 2017 and 2019. 

The 33-year-old also set his personal best of 2:06:41 in 2018. The Frankfurt Marathon on October 30th will be his first race in a year. In 2021, the Kenyan performed well with a second-place finish in 2:06:56 at Eindhoven. 

Kosgey faces a stern test in the shape of Ethiopian Betesefa Getahun who has personal best of 2:05:28

Sally Kaptich heads the line-up for the elite women's field for the Mainova Frankfurt Marathon on October 30. The Kenyan tops the list of fast athletes with her best of 2:21:06 which she achieved in Berlin three years ago. The race organizers expect around 12,000 participants for the 39th edition of the Mainova Frankfurt Marathon with around 20,000 competitors in total, including events held in conjunction with the main event. This historic race is one of the Elite Label Road Race events, a distinction awarded by World Athletics, the international governing body of the sport. Entries can still be obtained at www.frankfurt-marathon.com

Following the recent announcement of the first wave of competitors for the men’s elite field, the organizers have now announced a number of women contenders for the title. Three among this elite group have personal bests under 2:22. With this news the Mainova Frankfurt Marathon, resuming after an enforced interruption of two years because of the Covid pandemic, has gone close to regaining the quality level of its previous women’s elite fields.

“With three runners who have already run under 2:22, we have a very strong women’s field on the start line,” said the Race Director Jo Schindler. “We’ve noted the interest shown by top runners in the Mainova Frankfurt Marathon. Despite the enforced break because of the pandemic, the race continues to enjoy a strong reputation and runners know that we can offer a course and atmosphere which make setting personal bests a real possibility. Many elite athletes as well as mass runners have broken records or set personal bests in Frankfurt.”

Sally Kaptich comes to Frankfurt as an athlete who achieved third place in Berlin in 2019 where the 36-year-old ran what remains her personal best of 2:21:06. The Kenyan, who also has a seventh place in the 10,000m at the 2013 World Championships to her credit and a bronze medal on the road at the World Half Marathon Championships the following year, ran strongly following her Berlin performance to finish fourth in Tokyo with 2:21:42, six months after Berlin.

Her fellow Kenyan Helah Kiprop has still more laurels to her credit, as well as a best of 2:21:27. She finished second at the World Championship Marathon in Beijing in 2015 and won marathons in Seoul in 2014 and Tokyo in 2016, the latter being where she ran her personal best. This year Kiprop was back in action and winning the Copenhagen Marathon in 2:24:10. Now 37, she knows the Frankfurt course well, having run what was then her fastest marathon of 2:27:14 in 2014 when she finished fifth.

The third runner on the Frankfurt start list with a best of under 2:22  will be Yeshi Kalayu Chekole. The Ethiopian improved her best to 2:21:17 for third place at the Seville Marathon in February. Also worth noting is her compatriot Meseret Abebayahau. She ran her fastest marathon by over five minutes to finish second in 2:25:18 in Madrid in spring. The improvement was all the more impressive since she had never broken 2:30 previously.

More Information and online entry are available at: www.frankfurt-marathon.com 

There are new record holders for both men and women after the 2022 edition of the Copenhagen Marathon.

Berhane Tsegay from Eritrea can call himself the new holder of the record time in the Copenhagen Marathon for men.

On Sunday morning, he covered the 42,195 kilometers in the streets of Copenhagen in a time of 2 hours, 8 minutes and 21 seconds. When he crossed the finish line at Islands Brygge, he was thus over a minute and a half faster than the previous race record in the Danish capital.

Number two, three, four and five also finished in times that were faster than Jackson Limo's winning time from 2019.

Five minutes cut off the women's record

Also in the women there is a new holder of the race record.

Just over a quarter of an hour after the men's winner had crossed the finish line, Kenyan Hela Kiprob ran over it as the first woman. With a time of 2 hours, 24 minutes and 10 seconds, she cut a full five minutes off the previous record.

Among other things, this was the result of a flat route and good weather conditions.

Although it was not completely windless in the streets of Copenhagen, the many runners could enjoy pleasant conditions. At the start of the race, the temperature was just below 15 degrees, while along the way it managed to rise a few degrees in the almost cloudless capital.

This is the first time in three years that the race was held. In 2020 and 2021, the corona pandemic prevented the race from being implemented.

With four kilometers left of the men's race, six runners were within a few steps, but Tsegay timed his attack perfectly and was able to run solo over the finish line after giving himself time to wave to the spectators on the run.

A total of 11,295 people had signed up for the race, but according to the race's website, only 9026 runners competed.

Ruth Chepng´etich will team up with 2021 Copenhagen Marathon bronze medallist Vivian Kiplagat in the third race in the 2021 World Marathon Majors (WMM) series.

And Kiplagat, who will be competing outside the country for the first time this year, has predicted a good race.

“We don’t know how things will unfold on Sunday, but the target remains to run well and beat the quality field,” Kiplagat, who trains at Kapsait Athletics Training Camp in Elgeyo Marakwet alongside world marathon record holder Brigid Kosgei, told Nation Sport at the Eldoret International Airport on Friday before flying out to Chicago.

Chepng'etich, who ran the marathon at the 2020 Tokyo  Olympic Games in August but dropped out mid-way through the race, will be seeking redemption in Chicago on Sunday as she takes on 2020 London Marathon second-placed runner, Sara Hall.

Chepng'etich rose to the limelight when she won 2017 Istanbul Marathon in 2 hours, 22 minutes and 36 seconds. She then finished second in 2018 Paris Marathon (2:22:59).

In 2019, she retained the  Istanbul Marathon title in a course record time of 2:18:35, and went on to win the 2019 Dubai Marathon in a personal best time of 2:17:08.

Chepng’etich then ended the season in style, winning the marathon race at the 2019 World Athletics Championships in 2:32:43 in Doha.

Last year, she finished third in the London Marathon behind fellow Kenyan Brigid Kosgei who won the race and Hall.

She went on to run in a world record time of 64:02 in victory at the 2021 Istanbul Half Marathon in April.

In the 2019 edition, Brigid Kosgei won the Chicago Marathon in a world record time of 2:14:04 ahead of Ethiopians Ababel Yeshaneh (2:20:51) and Gelete Burka (2:20:55) who were in second and third respectively.

Hong Kong running star Christy Yiu Kit-ching has been thrown a lifeline in her stuttering Olympic qualifying campaign after being handed an invite to take part in next weekend’s Milan Marathon – her first marathon race in 22 months.

Yiu’s hopes to qualify for this summer’s Tokyo Olympics have been thrown in disarray since the pandemic threw the world sporting calendar upside down in 2020.

The 33-year-old long-distance runner needed assistance from the world governing body to save her Olympic qualification campaign after every race she wanted to compete was either cancelled or she was rejected because of Covid-19 restrictions.

The Rio Olympian has been struggling to get a single racing opportunity after competing in the 2019 Gold Coast Marathon and she desperately wants to compete overseas in her bid to qualify for her second Olympics.

A senior local official shared Yiu’s frustrations but said she might finally get the opportunity to compete again in the marathon after months of anxiety.

“Yiu needs to reach the [Olympics] entry mark but unfortunately she has been denied the opportunity one race after another after competing in Australia and this is mainly due to the pandemic,” said Hong Kong Association of Athletics Affiliates chairman Kwan Kee. “The event she has supposed to compete was this month’s Copenhagen Marathon in Denmark but that was called off in late April due to Covid-19 safety measures in the city.                                                   

“We have found the Milan Marathon, which is opened to invited athletes and after seeking assistance from World Athletics and the local organisers for the event, we were able to obtain a spot for her. And there is no need for her to do the quarantine when she arrives in Milan.”

The Milan Marathon, which will take place in the northern Italian city on May 16, will be run on a fast circuit of 7.5 kilometres with runners running around it five times. The hub will be Piazza del Cannone, in front of Castello Sforzesco, the famous castle that was built in the 15th century by Francesco Sforza.

 

 

The Copenhagen Marathon due to take place on May 16, 2021 has been cancelled.

Organizers said: “We unfortunately see no other option than cancelling this years version of the Copenhagen Marathon. The reason is that we are still awaiting the official guidelines for mass participation events, and we are getting so close that we are running out of time in regards to be able to organize and complete productions for the race.”

Here’s the latest news on marathons and road races which have come across my desk:

ELITE-ONLY MARATHON SCHEDULED FOR TUSCANY – Thanks in part to funding from the Xiamen Marathon, a European Olympic Marathon qualification race will take place at the Ampugnano Airport in Tuscany, Italy, on Sunday, April 11. The event is called the Xiamen Marathon & Tuscany Camp Global Elite Race and will feature some of the sport’s most recognizable marathoners, like:

Marius Kipserum (KEN), Suguru Osako (JPN), Angela Tanui (KEN), Leul Gebresilase (ETH), Gerda Steyn (RSA), Daniele Meucci (ITA), and Valeria Straneo (ITA). The race will begin with a one-kilometer loop, followed by eight 5-kilometer loops and a short straight to the finish line to make the full 42.195-kilometer distance. The course is World Athletics-certified, so all athletes have a chance to record Olympic Games qualifying marks. 

PRAGUE MARATHON MOVES TO THE FALL – RunCzech has announced that the Volkswagen Prague Marathon will be held in the fall for the first time; the event traditionally takes place on the first or second Sunday of May. The planned date is Sunday, October 10, the same day as the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. The capacity of the event will be determined later in coordination with Czech health officials.

RunCzech will also hold a virtual version of the race from May 3, through May 31. “We must never stop dreaming and believing,” said RunCzech president Carlo Capalbo through a statement. “There is light at the end of this tunnel. We’ll be there to cheer you on every step of the way, and we look forward to greeting you at the finish line with shouts of joy.”

AUSTRALIA AND ARGENTINA ALSO HOST OLYMPIC QUALIFYING MARATHONS – Elite-only marathons will be held in both Australia and Argentina in April to give athletes a chance to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics. In Australia, the race will be held in Sydney at the International Regatta Centre in Penrith on April 25, and be organized by Athletics Australia.

“In the same international calendar period, a number of our marathoners would normally be racing at the London Marathon, so this elite race in Sydney is an important opportunity,” said Athletics Australia president Mark Arbib through a statement. “By creating the course for elite athletes, we are allowing our marathoners to prepare with as much certainty as possible.” In Argentina, the race will be held in Santa Rosa, La Pampa on April 18. The Maraton Internacional A Pampa Traviesa will incorporate the Argentine national marathon championships.

SOME SPRING MARATHONS TO GO FORWARD – A few spring marathons will go forward as in-person races, despite the pandemic. Here is a summary (not a complete list):

April:

03 – Carmel Marathon (USA)

03 – Easter Marathon (AUS)

10 – Access Bank Lagos City Marathon (NGR), C&D Xiamen International Marathon (CHN)

11 – Beverly Wuxi Marathon (CHN), Canberra Times Canberra Marathon (AUS), Maratona Sao Paulo (BRA), Xuzhou Marathon (Chinese Olympic Trials)

18 – Debno Marathon (POL/elite only), Maraton Internacional A Pampa Traviesa (ARG), Zheng-Kai International Marathon (CHN)

24 – Valley O.NE Marathon Weekend (USA)

25 – Ascension Seton Austin Marathon (USA), Mercy Health Glass City Marathon (USA)

25 – Wrexham Elite Marathon & Half-Marathon (GBR)

May:

01 – Myrtle Beach Marathon (USA)

08 – Fort Worth Cowtown Marathon (USA)

16 – Belgrade Marathon (SRB), Alexander the Great Marathon (GRE), Copenhagen Marathon (DEN), Generali Milano City Marathon (ITA)

30 – Brescia Art Marathon (ITA)

MOST SPRING ROAD RACES MOVE TO THE FALL – One by one, race organizers are moving their spring road races to late summer or the fall. Here is a summary of some of those postponements:

August:

22 – Vitality Big Half (GBR), Generali Berliner Halbmarathon (GER), Kerzerslauf 15-K (SUI)

28 – Asics Sentrumsløpet 10-K (SWE)

September:

05 – Bath Half-Marathon (GBR), CSOB Bratislava City Marathon (SVK), Harmonie Mutuelle Semi-Marathon de Paris (FRA)

05 – Spar Women’s Challenge – Cape Town (RSA), Sportisimo Prague Int’l Half-Marathon (CZE)

06 – GTC Reedy River Run 10-K (USA)

11 – Göteborgsvarvet Half-Maraton (SWE)

12 – HASPA Marathon Hamburg (GER), Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10-Mile (USA), Meia-Maratona Internacional de Lisboa (POR)

12 – Brighton Marathon (GBR), Stramilano (ITA), Vienna City Marathon (AUT)

19 – Run Rome The Marathon (ITA)

25 – Cooper River Bridge Run (USA), Freihofer’s Run for Women (USA), NN City Pier City Half-Marathon (NED)

October:

02 – Azalea Trail Run 10-K (USA)

03 – Cardiff University Cardiff HM (GBR), 10-K Valencia Ibercaja (ESP), Virgin Money London Marathon (GBR)

10 – Bank of America Chicago Marathon (USA), Volkswagen Prague Marathon (CZE)

11 – Boston Marathon (USA)

17 – EDP Medio Maratón de Sevila (ESP), Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris (FRA), eDreams Mitja Marató de Barcelona (ESP), Tokyo Marathon (JPN)

24 – NN Marathon Rotterdam (NED), Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon (HKG), Oberbank Linz Donau Marathon (AUT)

29 – Jerusalem International Marathon (ISR)

November:

07 – Los Angeles Marathon Presented by Asics (USA), Zurich Marató de Barcelona (ESP)

14 – Movistar Medio Maratón Villa de Madrid (ESP)

21 – New Taipei City Wanjinshi Marathon (TPE)

28 – Limassol Marathon (CYP)

The Copenhagen Marathon organizers issued this statement today.  "We regret to announce, that due to the grave situation caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the 41th edition of the Copenhagen Marathon, which was scheduled to take place on May 17, 2020, has been cancelled. At the same time, the Mini Marathon and the Breakfast Run in the Tivoli Gardens have also been cancelled, both of which events were scheduled to take place on the day before the marathon.

"While we acknowledge that the cancellation will cause great disappointment to everyone who have trained hard and long for it, based on the recent development of events not only in Denmark but worldwide, we no longer consider it possible nor responsible to go through with the event.

"All paying entrants will be offered to have their entry transferred to next year’s race, which will take place on May 16, 2021, or get a full refund of the entry fee paid.

"We hope that many of you will support the Copenhagen Marathon by choosing to have your entry transferred to next year’s event. At the same time, we kindly ask for your understanding that we need some time to prepare the technical and internal processes before we are able to send out further details to entrants and others affected by the cancellation.

"Please stay safe and take care of yourselves and your loved ones."

Jackson Limo and Etalemahu Habtewold took top honors at the 40th Telenor Copenhagen Marathon and set Danish all-comers’ records at the IAAF Bronze Label road race on Sunday May 19.  

Eleven runners passed the half-way stage in 1:04:18, putting them well inside the required pace to break the course record. Marathon debutant Victor Kiplimo and Ethiopia’s Gebre Roba Yadete broke free from the leading pack after 29km, but Yadete struggled to maintain the pace for much longer.

At 37km, Limo emerged from the chase pack and took the lead, building up a gap of 70 seconds over the last five kilometres and eventually winning in 2:09:54.

“My goal was to break the course record,” said Limo, whose only other sub-2:10 run dates back to 2014. “I ran my own race but at 25km I started to feel a minor hamstring pain. Luckily it disappeared after 32km.”

Two Danish male pace-makers led a group of four women through the first half in 1:13:33. The pace dropped slightly in the second half, but Habtewold built up a clear lead with about 10 kilometres remaining.

Fellow Ethiopian Dinknesh Mekash joined Habtewold with five kilometres to go, but the shared lead didn’t last long as Habtewold went on to win in 2:29:19, 53 seconds ahead of Mekash.

One of the world's ten biggest marathons with nearly 30,000 finishers, the Osaka Marathon takes place Nov. 25. At the elite level Osaka has carved an interesting place for itself as a sort of unofficial amateur Japanese women's national championships, with just about all of Japan's sub-2:40 amateur women entered. 2017 winner Yumiko Kinoshita, leads six of last year's top seven including Mitsuko Ino, who finished just one second behind Kinoshita, and 2016 Osaka winner Yoshiko Sakamoto. But they have serious competition ahead of them this time in the form of quasi-corporate leaguer Hiroko Yoshitomi. Moroccan Soud Kanbouchia. First-timer Felista Wambui is a wildcard. The high-volume racer Yoshitomi is the heavy favorite, the only question really being whether she can finally break 2:30 for the first time. The men's side of the equation has more of an international contingent, featuring three Kenyans led by 2018 Copenhagen Marathon winner William Morwabe, and Moroccan Abdenasir Fathi. But as in the women's race the number one seed is a Japanese runner, in this case 2014 Incheon Asian Games silver medalist Kohei Matsumura. Matsumura has had a rough time since then, but a 2:11:04 at last year's Lake Biwa suggest he's heading back in the right direction. His strongest domestic competitors are 2017 Osaka runner-up Hideyuki Ikegami and 2016 Katsuta Marathon course record-setter Shingo Igarashi. 

William Morwabe (KEN) highlighted Sunday’s Telenor CPH Marathon winning in a new course record of 2:11:16.  The 26-year-old Kenyan put in an effective attack after 34 kilometers, leaving the three other runners in the leading group way behind. With a previous personal best of only 2:16:00.  Morwabe’s triumph was indeed a major surprise. “I did expect to run well – but not that well. I actually had no tactics before I pushed the pace at 34K. But I’m just so proud to win here today,” Morwabe said afterwards. At first, a new course record was not in sight. A group of ten runners led the race, splitting halfway in 66:13 minutes. At 28K, Collins Kipkorir Cheboi (KEN) then pushed the pace with only three runners able to keep up with him. Six kilometers later, Morwabe then set in the successful attack, and within a short time he had established a gap of more than ten seconds.  At 35K a new Danish All Comer’s record (2:10:37) was even in sight, but the sunny and warm conditions in the streets of Copenhagen (75F) proved to be anything but optimal. Abraham Girma (ETH) was runner-up in 2:11:30 while Paul Waveru Chege (KEN) set a PB of 2:12:25 to take third spot. In the women’s race, Shasho Insermu (ETH) took a solid lead early in the race. She struggled, however, to maintain the gap of a mere 15-20 seconds. Betty Chepleting (KEN) and Tesfanesh Terga (ETH) were a constant threat all the way, but Insermu eventually held the lead to the end winning in 2:32:18 – a little more than two minutes off her PB set in Ljubljana last year. 9.000 runners participated at the Telenor CPH Marathon. Next year will see the event’s 40th anniversary. Telenor Copenhagen Marathon - May 14th

Last year’s Telenor Copenhagen Marathon saw a new record set when Julius Ndiritu Karinga broke the tape with a time of 2:12:10. Karinga’s time at the top may be short-lived, as this year’s field features the largest group of elite runners ever to take part in the event, with at least three having personal best times faster than Karinga’s record-setter. Henry Sugut from Kenya and Abraham Girma from Ethiopia have both posted marathon times below 2:07:00, making them the fastest runners ever to tackle the Telenor Copenhagen Marathon. And it is not only the men that are expected to burn up the streets of the capital. This year’s field of women is also historically strong, with Sylvia Kiberenge expected to lead the way. The current women’s mark for the Telenor Copenhagen Marathon stands at 2:30:51.  Kiberenge finished the Frankfurt Marathon with a time of 2:29:09 last year.