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'Success is more than money' - Eliud Kipchoge warns athletes against the lure of quick riches

A mental health crisis in sports has forced Eliud Kipchoge to urge young athletes to prioritize career and values over money, hoping to guide them away from depression and doping risks.

Former world marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge is urging upcoming athletes to prioritise their careers and personal values over the lure of fast money.

In light of rising mental health concerns and growing cases of doping in sports, Kipchoge has called on young athletes to shift their focus from chasing quick financial gains to building lasting careers with integrity and resilience.

Kipchoge, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and celebrated for his record-breaking marathon runs, has dedicated himself to nurturing the next generation of sportsmen and women.

“I am trying to talk to the young people because no one has really gone under the skin of athletes. There is a lot going on under their skins but above all we need to sensitise them that life is not all about money,” Kipchoge emphasised as per TelecomAsiaSport.

“You need to have your own values as a person, and that is what should drive you.”

With a career marked by perseverance, Kipchoge understands the challenges that athletes face both on the field and behind the scenes.

He hopes to use his influence to guide young athletes in prioritising personal values, mental well-being, and career longevity over the fleeting allure of fame and money.

He is deeply concerned with the current state of affairs, especially as he sees the tragic impacts of depression and substance abuse on those who struggle to cope.

Recently, the sporting world has been rocked by the deaths of young athletes who succumbed to the pressures of the industry.

Last month, former world Under-20 champion Kipyegon Bett tragically passed away after battling depression and alcoholism, according to close family members.

In another tragic incident, Clement Kemboi, a former All Africa Games steeplechase champion, was found to have taken his own life at his home in Iten.

In response, Kipchoge is determined to do more than just compete—he wants to inspire change within the sporting community.

"I will still continue talking to them," he said, expressing his dedication to counseling and supporting young athletes.

"And if all of us can come together and get our minds together, we can get rid of these things. It is unfortunate that we can lose athletes at such a young age, and it is more unfortunate that we can have young people get into depression and die."

Kipchoge has witnessed how the pressure for financial success can steer young athletes down dangerous paths, often leading to doping as a shortcut to fame and prosperity.

He attributes much of the current doping crisis to the culture of seeking quick, easy money, rather than focusing on building a reputation of dedication and integrity.

Despite the challenges, he remains hopeful that a positive shift is possible if athletes receive the right mentorship and guidance early in their careers.

The celebrated marathoner believes that with open conversations and a community effort, young athletes can learn to see beyond monetary gains and understand the importance of a balanced life that honors their mental health, values, and long-term goals.

"There is a need for athletes to understand that a fulfilling life extends beyond medals and money," Kipchoge said, expressing his optimism for change. "

"The fame and fortune are secondary to the peace and pride of knowing you did it the right way."

Compression socks might help your race-day tummy troubles

Compression socks have sprinted from the clinic to the track, with pro runners like Sifan Hassan and Eliud Kipchoge touting their recovery and performance benefits. Are they really more than just a fashion trend? Here’s the scoop on what compression socks deliver, and where the hype might be outpacing the science.

Better blood flow and swelling control

Studies suggest that compression socks really do promote blood circulation and reduce swelling in the legs. Whether you’re logging miles on the trail or pounding the pavement, compression can help prevent that dreaded heavy-leg feeling by keeping blood moving efficiently back to the heart, as recently reported in SELF magazine. Dr. Leada Malek, a San Fransisco-based sports physical therapist, notes that compression socks are particularly useful for runners dealing with recurring swelling or minor injuries like ankle sprains. By reducing fluid buildup, the socks help maintain freedom of movement, letting you run without the drag of swollen, tired legs.

Compression socks can also be helpful for runners who experience postural dizziness after intense effort. For runners with conditions like postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), which can cause lightheadedness when shifting from sitting to standing, the socks help push blood back to the brain and heart.

A calmer stomach on race day

If you’ve ever experienced a queasy stomach during a race, compression socks might help. Running can decrease blood flow to your gut, which leads to discomfort or even nausea. A study in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research suggests that compression socks can direct more blood from your legs to your GI tract, helping reduce digestive distress. By maintaining better blood circulation, you may find yourself more comfortable mid-race, with fewer interruptions from an unhappy stomach.

A boost for post-workout recovery

The role of compression socks in post-workout recovery is widely debated. Some research suggests that wearing compression garments can reduce markers for muscle damage. While the effects vary, many athletes report feeling less sore after wearing them. Even if muscle repair benefits are unclear, the stable, “hugging” sensation of compression might help you feel ready to move your body sooner.

Compression socks for travel and long races

Planning to run a far-off race? Compression socks might help keep you healthy by reducing your risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) on long flights. According to research, wearing compression socks during prolonged sitting can prevent blood clots by keeping blood flowing in the legs.

Research also suggests that wearing them during a race might reduce DVT risk for the flight home, as the pressure supports blood flow and circulation.

The takeaway

Compression socks may not shave seconds off your race time, but they do offer a variety of benefits, from easing leg swelling to calming a queasy stomach. And if they make you feel more confident on race day, that extra motivation could be all you need to push harder.

Eliud Kipchoge at 40: Records broken, medals won, history made…what more is left for marathon GOAT?

Marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge turns 40 on Tuesday and as he celebrates his landmark birthday, Pulse Sports rolls back the years in a career filled with many highs and some all-time lows.

They say life begins at 40 but for Kipchoge, he has been living the dream since his 20s.

Kipchoge turns 40 on Tuesday, November 5 and as he begins a new chapter in his life, the last two decades have been marked with remarkable success on track and roads.

The two-time Olympics champion is the undisputed greatest marathoner of all-time, having won 15 of the 20 marathons he has participated in since he made the transition to from track to road in 2013.

Kipchoge has also won gold in Cross-Country, after claiming a junior title in 2003, the same year he won 5,000m gold at the World Championships in Paris.

However, his years on track were not as storied as what he has achieved in marathons.

Major marathon success

In marathons, he has won five titles in Berlin, where he also broke two world records, while he has been to London five times and won on four occasions.

From the six major marathons (Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York), Kipchoge has been to five of them, with only New York where he is yet to run. He has won at four of them with only Boston proving tough after a sixth-place finish last year.

History maker

When the history of marathons is written, Kipchoge’s name will hog most of the chapters as he has made running a global phenomenon.

His ‘No human is Limited’ mantra has made everyone get encouraged not just to run but to succeed in their professions while he is the first man to run a marathon under two hours.

While it was not a competitive race, Kipchoge’s INEOS 1:59 Challenge in October 2019 proved that it is possible to clock under two hours in 42km, having run 1:59:40 in Vienna.

World records broken

Kipchoge was running in Vienna one year after breaking his first marathon record, having clocked 2:01:39 in Berlin in September of the previous year.

He had shaved off an astonishing 1 minute and 18 seconds from the 2:02:57 set by Kenyan compatriot Dennis Kimetto at the same venue four years earlier, proving that a sub-2:02 was possible.

That was his third win in Berlin and on his fourth appearance in the German capital, he lowered his own world record, running 2:01:09. His record lasted one year before compatriot Kelvin Kiptum broke it in Chicago last year (2:00:35) but the GOAT had already made his mark.

Role model to rivals & youngsters

Throughout his career, Kipchoge’s biggest strength has been how he kept up with younger and hungrier runners who were looking to dethrone him from the throne.

The veteran has never backed away from a challenge, even if there was an emerging threat, and most of the time, he came out on top.

Kipchoge sets an example for runners by the way he lives his life, how disciplined he is, his strict training regime and how keenly he follows his diet.

It is no wonder he has rarely suffered injuries in his long career, which draws parallels with football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, who has enjoyed a long largely injury-free career due to how he looks after himself.

Bouncing back from setbacks

Kipchoge’s other strength is how he deals with disappointment. He does not let a bad race or bad words put him down.

Like every other athlete, he has suffered losses but always comes back strong. His failed attempt to break sub-2-hour mark in Monza in 2017 did not see him lose hope as he returned two years later and did it in Vienna, while finishing eighth in London in 2020 was answered back with Olympics, Berlin and Tokyo Marathon wins, with a world record in between.

After a sixth place in Boston in April 2023, he was on the winner’s podium in Berlin five months later, showing how resilient he is.

Even when many said he was finished after 10th place in Tokyo, he still came back to feature at the Paris Olympics and while he was not successful, he has not let it put him down.

Dealing with hate & cyberbullying

The year 2024 has thrown Kipchoge into a whole new territory, as a man who was so loved in Kenya quickly turned into a figure of hate in his own country.

It started in October 2023 when he took time before congratulating Kiptum for breaking his world record. It elicited vile comments on social media and it reached a whole new level when the world record holder died in February.

Kipchoge received abuses and threats that left him fearing for his life and that of his family, having been accused of having a hand in the death, and to his shock, even those whom he thought were friends and colleagues felt the same towards him.

He, however, took it on the chin and went about his business, featuring in two races this year although it is not known if it might have affected his performance.

What does the future hold?

Kipchoge’s strong mentality has seen him bounce back from all these setbacks and as he celebrates his 40th birthday, he is back in camp training for his next race.

A number of runners have shown that it is still possible to do it in their 40s and knowing Kipchoge, he must be backing himself to defy age and continue making marathon history.

Happy birthday, Eliud.

MARATHON GROUNDBREAKERS

Since Australia’s Derek Clayton ran history’s first sub—2:10 marathon in Fukuoka, Japan, on 3 December 1967, there have been a total of 4538 sub—2:10 marathons (as of 30 October 2024), 4537 by men, one by a woman.

As with any new ground-breaking performance, Ruth Chepngetich’s 2:09:56 in Chicago on 13 October has forced us to reassess all our past assumptions, or, like many, to doubt the validity of the performance itself. But no matter how we got here, to whatever you want to ascribe it, this is where we are now, 2:09:56 by a woman. 

In this new reality, until proven otherwise, Ruth Chepngetich is the new Paula Radcliffe, just as Paula was the new Grete Waitz, one ground-breaker to the next, 1978 to 2003 to 2024. 

There have been many talented women champions through the years besides those three, including all the pioneers who had to overcome centuries of gender bias that restricted women from even showing their stuff.

But in terms of pure ground-breaking, the 1978 New York City Marathon drew a bright line between what once was and what would be. 

On 22 October 1978, Norway’s track and cross-country star Grete Waitz participated in the marathon for the first time, almost on a whim, as the trip was more of a honeymoon for her and husband Jack after the long track season. 

The 2:32:30 world record Grete ran that day was totally unexpected by both the public and Grete herself. She wore bib #1173, wasn’t included on the list of elite women, and came with no specific marathon preparation (not a single run over 13 miles). In fact, she was so upset with husband, Jack, for suggesting she come run the marathon that she threw her shoes at him in the hotel room following her victory. 

Still, like almost all debuting marathoners, after a short period of recovery and reflection, Grete concluded she could probably improve next time.

Thus, in New York 1979, following a more careful preparation, Grete ripped nearly five full minutes off her 1978 mark to record history’s first sub—2:30 by a woman at 2:27:33. Her margin of victory over England’s Gillian Adams was 11 minutes (2:38:33). The combination of the mild-mannered former geography teacher from Oslo and the raucous New York City crowds proved transformative, elevating women’s running to heights previously unimagined.

Though Japan’s Naoko Takahashi broke the 2:20 barrier for women in Berlin 2001, after Norway’s Ingrid Kristiansen (2:21:15, London ‘85), America’s Joan Benoit Samuelson (2:21:21, Chicago’85), and Kenyan Tegla Loroupe (2:20:43, Berlin ‘99) all challenged the barrier in the 1980s and ‘90s, it was England’s Paula Radcliffe who established new headlands in the marathon in London 2003 with her 2:15:25.  

Nearly two minutes faster than her own 2:17:18 record from Chicago the year before, her 2:15 arced away from Catherine Ndereba’s 2:18:47 from Chicago 2001, completed just one week after Takahashi’s first sub-2:20 in Berlin. 

The quality of Paula’s 2:15 can be seen in the 16 years and an entire shoe technology revolution that developed before Kenya’s Brigid Kosgei did Paula one better in Chicago 2019 at 2:14:04. That performance plowed new ground again. And now we have Ruth Chepngetich in Chicago 2024 with history’s first sub-2:10, just a year after Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa’s first sub—2:12 in Berlin `23 (2:11:53).

Twice before, Chepngetich had come to Chicago with world record intentions. In 2022, she won the race in 2:14:18, just 14 seconds off Kosgei’s record. In 2023 she finished second in 2:15:37. On both occasions she flew through halfway under 66 minutes, only to falter in the second half. Perhaps she was a close reader of Malcolm X. 

“There is no better teacher than adversity. Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve your performance the next time.” – Malcolm x

In simple terms, making innovative strides in athletics requires time, experimentation, and reviewing, similar to how new scientific theories are examined before full acceptance. But women just haven’t been at the marathon game long enough to produce a large enough sample size to define their outer limits with any accuracy. They are barely two generations in since 1978. 

Men have been competing for a much longer time with a much larger sample size. 

Though Eliud Kipchoge surpassed the two-hour barrier in Vienna in 2019, that was accomplished as an exhibition, not a sanctioned race. In that sense, we are still awaiting the next barrier breaker on the men’s side in the Marathon. 

Looking back, England’s Jim Peters stands as the first modern barrier breaker with his 2:18:40 win at the 1953 Polytechnic Marathon between Windsor and Chiswick in West London, England, history’s first sub—2:20. 

Next was Ethiopia’s Abebe Bikila, the legendary double Olympic victor in Rome 1960 and Tokyo 1964. His 2:15:17 in Rome still stands as the barefoot marathon world record. 

Next came Australia’s Derek Clayton, the first man under both 2:10 and 2:09. His 2:08:34 from Antwerp 1969 lasted for 12 years, holding off challenges throughout the entire Running Boom era headed by Americans Frank Shorter and Bill Rodgers. 

Though never world record holders, the two Americans dominated the 1970s boom era, Shorter through the first half, Rodgers the second. 

The Eighties were the last decade of international marathon champions: American (Al Salazar, Greg Meyer); European (Steve Jones, Carlos Lopes); Japanese (Toshihiko Seko and the Soh brothers); and Australian (Rob de Castella). Kenya’s Joe Nzau won Chicago in 1983 in a thrilling duel with England’s Hugh Jones when Chi-town was still developing its reputation as a world class event. 

Ibrahim Hussein set new records in Honolulu and kick-started the Kenyan marathon revolution

The full East African deluge didn’t begin until 1987 and ‘88 when Kenya’s Ibrahim Hussein (already a two-time and soon to be three-time Honolulu Marathon champion) became Africa’s first New York City and Boston Marathon winner and Ethiopia’s Belayneh Dinsamo set the world record, 2:06:50, in Rotterdam 1988 that lasted over a decade. 

The list of marathon stars from other nations scaled back markedly in the 1990s. Mexico had its turn at the top via greats like Dionicio Cerón (1994-`96 London champion), and back-to-back New York Ciy winner German Silva (1994 & 1995). 

Moroccan-born American Khalid Khannouchi twice ran a world marathon record, first in Chicago 1999 (2:05:42), then three years later in London 2002 (2:05:38). And who could forget the personable Brazilian, Marílson Gomes dos Santos, who won New York City twice in 2006 & 2008, or Meb in NYC `09 and Boston 2014?? 

But the United Nations pickings get rather meager after that as East African athletes have had a stranglehold on the sport of marathoning, most dominatingly by Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge. His run of sustained excellence over 42.2 kilometers was, and is, unprecedented in its longevity, including double gold in Rio 2016 and London 2020. And his last world record of 2:01:09 in Berlin 2022.

Sadly, the current record holder, Kelvin Kiptum, died in a car accident in February 2024 after establishing the 2:00:35 world record in Chicago 2023.

With the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon scheduled this weekend, we don’t expect to see any record performances. Yet, all the above is why we follow the game, isn’t it, to witness the arc of improvement over time, while hoping to discover a new name to remember? It’s as valid a focus as any other in this life. 

And despite its many flaws and corruptions, the sport of marathoning retains an innate dignity that many endeavors do not. People may have bruised, battered, and tarnished it in the name of glory and money. But it survives, nonetheless, as a simple reflection of the human drive to achieve more in the quest to discover our best. 

Doesn’t always turn out that way, but I don’t think we are done with it quite yet. Onward! 

A look into the men's marathon world record progression from legendary Paul Tergat to the late Kelvin Kiptum

Kelvin Kiptum’s untimely passing leaves his sub-two-hour marathon goal unfulfilled, but the evolution of marathon times, Kenyan dominance, and technological advancements signal the likelihood of sub-two-hour marathons becoming common.

The men’s marathon has experienced major shifts and if not for the untimely passing of Kelvin Kiptum, the world could have seen a sub-two-hour marathon this year.

The late Kelvin Kiptum had plans to shatter his own world record at the NN Rotterdam Marathon earlier this year but unfortunately, the world might never know the Kenyan’s full potential.

However, with the emergence of super shoes and strong athletes will definitely see the shift in times and very soon, the world might witness runners posting very fast times and sub-two-hour marathons might just be the order of the day.

Kenyans have been so dominant in the long-distance races and out of the nine fastest times from 2003, there is only one Ethiopian who has managed to penetrate through Kenyan dominance. Paul Tergat broke the world record in 2003 and since then, times have changed drastically with the late Kelvin Kiptum now having the world record.

1) Paul Tergat (2003)

It is not a surprise that Paul Tergat paved the way for Kenyan dominance as long as the marathon is concerned. Tergat proved to Kenyans and the whole world at large, that anything is possible and from his performance, marathon running became Kenya’s business.

At the 2003 Berlin Marathon, Paul Tergat clocked a stunning 2:04:55 to win the race and his time was the first world record for the men's marathon ratified by World Athletics.

2) Haile Gebrselassie

Haile Gebrselassie threatened Kenya’s dominance in the marathon with his two world records over the distance. He first shattered the world record at the 2007 Berlin Marathon, clocking a stunning 2:04:26 to cross the finish line.

The legendary marathon runner then proceeded to shatter his own world record at the 2008 Berlin Marathon, clocking an impressive 2:03:59 to cross the finish line. However, his reign was not for long as another Kenyan rose to prominence.

3) Patrick Makau

The Berlin Marathon seemed to be a suitable course for breaking the world record as Patrick Makau shattered Haile Gebrselassie’s record at the 2011 edition of the event. Makau clocked a blistering 2:03:38 to cross the finish line.

4) Wilson Kipsang

Another Kenyan, Wilson Kipsang proceeded to shatter Patrick Makau’s world record at the 2013 Berlin Marathon. Wilson Kipsang clocked a stunning 2:03:23 to cross the finish line in one of the most historic showdowns.

5) Dennis Kimetto

Wilson Kipsang’s world record did not stay for long as a year later, Dennis Kimetto completely destroyed the record, becoming the first man to clock under two hours and three minutes to win a marathon.

Competing at the 2014 Berlin Marathon, Dennis Kimetto clocked 2:02:57 to win the race with his world record being one of the most long-standing records before Eliud Kipchoge’s rise to the top.

6) Eliud Kipchoge

In his prime, Eliud Kipchoge was undoubtedly one of the most consistent marathon runners and it was just a matter of when he would break the world record.

Eliud Kipchoge made his dream a reality at the 2018 edition of the Berlin Marathon where he clocked an astonishing 2:01:39 to cross the finish line and take top honours in the race, becoming the first man to clock under two hours and two minutes.

Eliud Kipchoge was not done with his dominant exploits as he proceeded to claim top honours at the 2022 Berlin Marathon in a new world record time of 2:01:09.

7) Kelvin Kiptum

The late Kelvin Kiptum was a rare talent and he would be the one to define marathon running following his resilience and hard work. In his debut at the 2022 Valencia Marathon, Kelvin Kiptum clocked the fastest time ever by a debutant. He crossed the finish line in a time of 2:01:53.

The world class marathoner then proceeded to claim the win at the London Marathon, clocking a personal best time and the second-fastest time then. He clocked 2:01:25 for a win.

Kelvin Kiptum was not done writing history as he shattered Eliud Kipchoge’s world record at the 2023 Chicago Marathon. He clocked 2:00:35 to win the race and before his demise, Kiptum was actually looking to run under two hours in the 42km distance.

'He's the man to watch'- Eliud Kipchoge predicts bright future for training partner in road running

Eliud Kipchoge believes has singled out one of his training partners and noted that he has a bright future in road running and could be the next big star, despite still mastering marathon racing.

Marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge believes his training partner Daniel Mateiko is the next big thing when it comes to road running.

The former world marathon record holder observed that Daniel Mateiko has a bright future ahead of him and despite not having mastered marathon running yet, the youngster is surely following in Eliud Kipchoge’s footsteps.

In an interview with Runner’s World, Eliud Kipchoge pointed out that Daniel Mateiko has all it takes to dominate and once he hits the ground running, people will be left dumbfounded in the stands.

“[He has] a huge, huge, future ahead of him. I’m putting all my money in Mateiko as the future,” Kipchoge said. “He’s the man to watch, actually, on the road,” Eliud Kipchoge said.

Meanwhile, Daniel Mateiko is one of the top half marathoners in the world with his personal best time of 58:26 he ran to finish third at the Valencia Half Marathon in 2021.

He is slowly following in the footsteps of his mentor, five-time Berlin Marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge, and he made his full marathon debut at the 2023 Chicago Marathon where he failed to finish the race but certainly had one of the best runs up to the 30km mark.

Before his full marathon debut, Daniel Mateiko was in action at the 2023 London Marathon as he helped pace the late Kelvin Kiptum to a course record of 2:01:25. This season, Mateiko hoped for a great outing at the London Marathon but also failed to finish the race.

However, he has attained a series of wins, like representing the country at the Paris Olympic Games in the 10,000m. However, Mateiko did not embrace his full potential as he could only manage an 11th-place finish in 26:50.83.

Before then, the 26-year-old had raced at the Prefontaine Classic where he won the race to secure a ticket to the Olympics and he had also won the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon prior to the London Marathon.

Marathon great Kipchoge mentors refugee athletics team in Kapsabet

Renowned for his extraordinary athletics accomplishments and for being an inspiration, Kenya’s two-time Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge dedicated his time on Sunday (13) to mentor World Athletics Athlete Refugee Team members in Kapsabet.

“I came here to tell you that being a refugee is not the end of life. In fact, it is the beginning of life, because as a refugee you have a lot of fruits hanging in this world,” said Kipchoge. “Do not treat yourself less because you are refugees, we are all equal as human beings, we are all athletes.”

The athletes sat with their pens and notebooks open, ready to jot down the nuggets of wisdom on the fundamentals of a successful life shared by the marathon great. They listened intently.

“The whole world has recognised you as a country, are you happy?” Kipchoge asked.

The athletes responded with a resounding ‘yes’ and clapped.

“Being recognised means you are the best,” he added. “Have faith in yourself, in your school and your coaches. Have respect.”

The seven student-athletes in attendance at the Eliud Kipchoge Sports Complex included Perina Nakang, Mfite-Umukiza Jules, Estherina Julius and Zinad Akulang, who are part of the World Athletics Athlete Refugee Team, and Peter Lotino Akileo, Peter Lopeyok Michael and James Lokibich, who are athletes sponsored by the school. Coaches were also present.

They looked at Kipchoge with admiration; meeting him was a dream. They were surprised and inspired by the simplicity and humility of Kipchoge, who was accompanied by his fellow athlete Jonathan Korir.

“Finally, I have met him. He is somebody like me,” said Lopeyok Michael.

Jules added: “I didn't expect that he could talk like he did. I thought he was a different person, but I realised that Kipchoge is a very good person. He is a parent; he is very encouraging.”

It was a class, with Kipchoge writing out key points and explainers. The theme focused on empowering, inspiring and encouraging the athletes to take education and sports seriously.

The marathon legend emphasised self-discipline, making firm decisions and being consistent, as well as building confidence – all elements that provide a strong foundation in life. 

“For me, it is very important because when you have education and talent, you can be somebody,” explained Lopeyok Michael.

The day was not about how many Olympic medals or world records Kipchoge has achieved – in fact, those did not feature at all. Instead, Kipchoge was keen on changing the mindset of the athletes and shifting their perspective on life.

“In their faces I saw the future of the refugee team, I saw the future of their countries, I saw the future of sport” he said. “I am positive about the refugee team, they have a great future. In the whole world we have 206 countries participating in the Olympics, but we have plus one which is the Refugee Team, to make 207 countries – they have a big opportunity to grab.”

It was the reminder this team needed, having experienced extremely difficult and traumatic lives. But Kipchoge views their experience as the perfect springboard for mentorship.

“They are hard to mould and easy to mould at the same time,” he said. “Hard to mould because they have passed through hard life but all in all they are easy to mould because they understand tough life more than anybody else. So, you bring that tough life to education and sport here in Kenya, they are ready to move in.”

Posing questions to each athlete about their plans, Kipchoge discovered that they all harbour the ambition of becoming a legend, just like the man in front of them.

“To be like you, to succeed and help my family, respect others, to stay humble, respect my teammates, work on school assignments and work hard in athletics,” Julius answered.

“To focus on education, to love each other and share,” responded Lokibich.

The session was interactive and engaging. There were shared aspirations, along with moments of seriousness and laughter. 

“Do you want to be successful; own a car, a house, have money and a good life, or do you want to be a legend?” Kipchoge asked.

“Aim to become the legends of the refugees – being legendary is to make an impact on behalf of the refugees. It is a real success. But you have to study, train well and remain focused.

“Being successful does not happen in one night. Success takes time. If you love your life and sports, avoid drugs. True champions are winning by their own sweat, blood and hard work,” he added.

“The longer you are in sport, the more opportunities you secure. You must know what you want, and where you want to go in your education and athletics. You must fight for opportunities.”

The athletes were accompanied by their head coach Janeth Jepkosgei, the 2007 world 800m champion, and two other coaches.

“The mentorship session was important; these kids have been longing to meet Eliud,” said Jepkosgei. “The team will see their lives differently. They are motivated and encouraged and believe that education and athletics can change your life and community, and it's an inspiration for them.”

Giving a message to the coaches, Kipchoge said: “You have to develop cohesiveness; these athletes must be free to speak to you. You know how to mentor, nurture and make talent propel.”

Then it was time for the athletes and coaches to ask Kipchoge some questions.

“My dream to meet you has come true. You have told us to know ourselves and believe we can. In your career, have you ever hit a wall with no results, yet you trained well and wanted to give up?” Jules asked.

Kipchoge replied: “The moment you perform, you have gone through challenges people do not know. I have been through a lot, but I keep pushing. You have to experience pain and frustrations so that you know how to handle success when it lands on you.”

He was also asked: “How do you feel when lining up with other champions, like (Kenenisa) Bekele?”

“Treat yourself as the best one,” Kipchoge responded. “At the start, tell yourself you have trained better than everybody else and during exams tell yourself that you have studied more than everybody else. Compete with yourself.”

Kipchoge’s remarkable athletics career, which spans 22 years, is older than the refugee athletes he mentored, as they are aged between 17 and 21 years. By sharing his experience, Kipchoge reminded them that despite his athletics triumphs, he has navigated challenges and even inner turmoil.

“He has given me and the team a lot of advice, including that I have to respect myself, my coach, my teachers and my teammates. He has been through a lot of challenges in his career, but he did not give up. Even us, we have experienced a tough life, but we are holding on,” said Nakang, who competed at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Mentorship is something that Kipchoge takes seriously. In 2023, he became mentor to the U20 World Athletics Athlete Refugee Team. Through this role, Kipchoge inspires the upcoming generation.

“I treat the U20 athletes as the next generation,” he said. “I want to inspire them to run for the next 20-plus years because I want them to proceed beyond 2045, in the future promoting sport, competing for their countries, loving the sport, promoting education and bringing development and exposure to their countries.”

The 39-year-old, who holds five of the 11 fastest marathon times in history, has given a seal of approval to the World Athletics Athlete Refugee Team programme, which has been running since 2016.

“It is a plus; a firm and positive decision by World Athletics,” he said. “Let this project continue, let it flow. These are the flowers of World Athletics, what they are injecting in the form of finance and infrastructure to refugee athletes, they have shown these are real flowers of what they have been doing.”

‘Back to running ways’ – Eliud Kipchoge returns to work as he begins quest to reclaim glory

Marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge is determined to bounce back to winning ways quickly and has began early preparations for his 2025 season.

Two-time Olympics champion Eliud Kipchoge is wasting no time in hid bid to be ready for the 2025 season.

Kipchoge has returned to training to begin his preparations for the new campaign, looking to turn a new page in his career next year, following his disappointing outing in 2024.

The marathon legend has not hidden his desire to continue winning and while some of his colleagues continue to enjoy a well-earned rest, he is back to work.

“Back to running ways,” Kipchoge posted on social media after returning to training.

Kipchoge endured his worst year as he finished 10th at the Tokyo Marathon in March before dropping out of his race at the Paris 2024 Olympics at the 31km mark.

He has, however, vowed to bounce back strongly, expressing his desire to continue winning in the next few years.

“I still want to win something else,” Kipchoge told Runner’s World in September.

“Running is like life – full of challenges. That’s why it’s called life. You’re training, feeling tired, dealing with injury, not hitting the targets in training, not hitting the targets in rest – but consistency is the key.

“If you miss today, you wake up tomorrow. If you have a rest this month, and you actually know the goal that you set, don’t fall down. Wake up, move on every day and next time you will achieve it. Those small, small things will be a big thing.”

Eliud Kipchoge predicts bright future in marathon as he hints at where his next race will be

Eliud Kipchoge believes the future of marathon running is promising, with athletes motivated to achieve faster times and carry forward the legacy as he looks forward to more races in 2025.

Five-time Berlin Marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge has explained the reasons behind his bold prediction about marathon running in the future.

Eliud Kipchoge is yet to think about where he will run next but is confident that even with his absence on the starting lines, athletes still have the hunger to run well and post faster times.

The four-time London Marathon champion added that people are still investing most of their time in training with the hope of making a great impact in running, insisting that he has already achieved a lot and it might be time for other people to continue from where he left.

“Tokyo is next year and I always plan my things…but I’ll know in the next one month. The future of marathons is great, the future of marathons is actually sweet enough to inspire people. People still have anger to run very fast, still have anger to win races, still have anger to motivate and to go for training,” Eliud Kipchoge said.

The marathon legend revealed his proudest moment in athletics, noting that he changed the mindset of a lot of people concerning marathon running.

Eliud Kipchoge also believes his ability to run under two hours was an eye opener to many, young and old and changed the perspective of the world.

“My proudest moment in athletics is running under two hours, trying to unlock the thinking that no human being can run under two hours. That’s my best moment ever that I feel that the whole team and I were successful to get a mark under two hours and above all, inspire many people and tell people that they could run under two hours,” Eliud Kipchoge said.

“Dare to dream and dare to do it and now many people are having the mentality that they can do their best and push themselves to the limit.”

Olympic Champions Are Wearing This $200 Cooling Headband. Does It Actually Boost Performance?

A new study tests the performance claims of Omius’ unique looking headband worn by Olympic legends Sifan Hassan and Eliud Kipchoge.

As the best men’s marathoners in the world prepared to race in Paris last month, Jake Leschly was waiting at the 3K mark, peeping over the shoulder of the spectator next to him, who was streaming the race broadcast on his phone. Leschly is the CEO of a small three-person company called Omius, which makes a bulky, futuristic-looking headband that purports to keep you cool—and he was about to get a pleasant surprise: “They introduce Kipchoge,” Leschly recalls, “and I’m like, ‘Son of a bitch, he’s wearing it!’”

Omius’s headband first showed up in the triathlon world back in 2019. The fledgling company took a hiatus during the pandemic, but resumed sales in 2022. Triathletes have been enthusiastic: according to Leschly, 43 of the 53 pros at last year’s Women’s Ironman World Championship in Kona wore it, along with a third of the 2,000 age-group competitors.

But the headband’s conspicuous presence at this summer’s Olympic marathons—along with Kipchoge, other notables wearing it included Sifan Hassan and Hellen Obiri, the gold and bronze medalists in the women’s race, and Bashir Abdi, the silver medalist in the men’s race—brought it to a new audience. In the

The one simple trick that Omius relies on is to increase the surface area available for evaporation. The headband contains 20 cooling units, each of which consists of nine mini-towers of porous and heat-conducting graphite. Overall, this increases the surface area of the relevant patch of your forehead by a factor of five. The cooling units can be swapped in and out; Omius also makes visors and caps, and is developing other garments.

As long as you keep the headband damp and have airflow passing across it, water will evaporate from this large surface area, drawing heat away from your forehead and creating a cooling effect. Sweat can help moisten the cooling units, but in most situations you’ll need to periodically splash or spray them with water. You’ll generate enough airflow simply by running outdoors, but to use the headband indoors on a treadmill or stationary bike, you’ll need a fan. Leschly advises against cycling outdoors with it, because the cooling units don’t have appropriate impact properties.

The one simple trick that Omius relies on is to increase the surface area available for evaporation. The headband contains 20 cooling units, each of which consists of nine mini-towers of porous and heat-conducting graphite. Overall, this increases the surface area of the relevant patch of your forehead by a factor of five. The cooling units can be swapped in and out; Omius also makes visors and caps, and is developing other garments.

As long as you keep the headband damp and have airflow passing across it, water will evaporate from this large surface area, drawing heat away from your forehead and creating a cooling effect. Sweat can help moisten the cooling units, but in most situations you’ll need to periodically splash or spray them with water. You’ll generate enough airflow simply by running outdoors, but to use the headband indoors on a treadmill or stationary bike, you’ll need a fan. Leschly advises against cycling outdoors with it, because the cooling units don’t have appropriate impact properties.

You might think that the goal of sucking all this heat from your forehead is to cool your whole body down. That’s been the claim for some previous cooling devices, like palm-coolers that purported to lower your core temperature. But Omius isn’t going down that road. “It obviously does not change your core temperature,” Leschly says. “Nothing changes your core temperature.” Instead, he says, it’s a local effect that makes you feel cooler, enabling you to go faster. That’s not a crazy claim: one study, for example, found that applying a tiny amount of heat through a heat pad caused cyclists to slow down even though their core temperature didn’t change. But it makes Omius’s claims much harder to test.

Desroches’s study involved ten volunteers who completed a running test twice: once with the real headband and once with the sham headband. The test involved 70 minutes of running in a heat chamber set to 95 degrees Fahrenheit with 56 percent humidity at a predetermined moderate pace, followed by an all-out 5K time trial. The researchers measured all sorts of physiological data, including core temperature with a rectal thermometer, skin temperature with four different probes, and forehead temperature

It’s probably worth mentioning that the basic headband with cooling pieces currently costs $204. That’s considerably more than other cooling options like, say, pouring water on your head. As it happens, there’s another new study, just published in the International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance by a team led by Samuel Chalmers of the University of South Australia, that explores the benefits of pouring water on yourself during hot runs.

While the details differ, the two studies are remarkably similar. In this case, 13 runners did a 10K time trial followed an hour later by a 60-minute moderate run, in a room set at 87 degrees Fahrenheit and 47 percent humidity. They completed this protocol twice; in one of the sessions, they poured two cups of water over their head, face, and arms every 2.5K or ten minutes. As with the headband, water dousing made them feel cooler and lowered their skin temperature, but didn’t change their core temperature. There is one key difference compared to the headband, though: they ran 1.0 percent faster in the water dousing time trial, which was a statistically significant benefit.

Because of the differences in protocol—the lack of a placebo trial

Ketema and Takele head entries for 50th Berlin Marathon

Ethiopia’s Tigist Ketema and Tadese Takele start as the fastest in the fields and will be hoping to lead the way when they line up for the BMW Berlin Marathon, a World Athletics Platinum Label road race, on Sunday (29).

Ketema, previously better known as an 800m and 1500m specialist, made her mark in the marathon in Dubai in January as she ran 2:16:07, a time that places her ninth on the women’s world marathon all-time list. She then ran 2:23:21 to place seventh in London in April and Berlin will be her first race since then.

“I have prepared for a personal best and plan to run the first half on Sunday in around 68 minutes,” she said. “I hope it won't be too cold because I prefer to run in slightly warmer weather.”

Ketema is one of three women with sub-2:20 PBs on the entry list, as her competition includes her compatriots Genzebe Dibaba and Yebrugal Melese, who have respective PBs of 2:18:05 and 2:19:36.

Dibaba ran that PB on her debut in Amsterdam in 2022 and she clocked 2:21:47 in Chicago a year later. “I saw Haile Gebrselassie run two world records in Berlin on TV and since then I've always wanted to run in Berlin,” she said. “Now the time has come. It would be a success for me if I ran a personal best.”

Another eight women on the entry list have dipped under 2:22 for the marathon in their careers so far, including Mestawot Fikir (2:20:45), Azmera Gebru (2:20:48), Sisay Gola (2:20:50), Fikrte Wereta (2:21:32) and Aberu Ayana (2:21:54), as well as Japan’s Mizuki Matsuda (2:20:52) and Ai Hosoda (2:21:42). 

Germany’s Melat Kejeta is also part of that group, having clocked 2:21:47 in Dubai in January. She placed sixth at the Tokyo Olympics but was unable to finish the Olympic marathon in Paris due to stomach problems. 

A total of 13 world records have so far been set in the Berlin Marathon, the most recent being the 2:11:53 by Tigist Assefa – a training partner of Ketema – in last year’s women’s race.

The men’s title on that occasion was won by Eliud Kipchoge, as he claimed a record fifth victory.

Kipchoge does not return this year but Takele does, following his third-place finish in last year’s race in a PB of 2:03:24. That was his most recent race due to injury, but he says he is now fit and ready to run. “I’ve trained very well,” he said, “and expect to run a strong race.”

Another four men to have dipped under 2:05 feature on the entry list, including Kenya’s Cybrian Kotut, who ran his PB of 2:04:34 when finishing second in Amsterdam last year, and Ethiopia’s Hailemaryam Kiros and Bazezew Asmare, who respectively clocked 2:04:41 in Paris in 2021 and 2:04:57 in Amsterdam in 2022.

Kenya’s former world half marathon record-holder Kibiwott Kandie races the marathon for the third time and will be looking to build on the PB of 2:04:48 he set in Valencia last year as he hunts for a first win over the distance.

They will be joined by athletes including Kenya’s Samwel Mailu, the world half marathon bronze medallist who set a course record of 2:05:08 to win the Vienna City Marathon last year and continues his comeback after injury, and Ethiopia’s Milkesa Mengesha, who finished sixth at the World Championships last year and has a best of 2:05:29.

Elite fields

Women

Tigist Ketema (ETH) 2:16:07

Genzebe Dibaba (ETH) 2:18:05

Yebrugal Melese (ETH) 2:19:36

Mestawot Fikir (ETH) 2:20:45

Azmera Gebru (ETH) 2:20:48

Sisay Gola (ETH) 2:20:50

Mizuki Matsuda (JPN) 2:20:52

Fikrte Wereta (ETH) 2:21:32

Ai Hosoda (JPN) 2:21:42

Melat Kejeta (GER) 2:21:47

Aberu Ayana (ETH) 2:21:54

Calli Hauger-Thackery (GBR) 2:22:17

Bekelech Gudeta (ETH) 2:22:54

Lisa Weightman (AUS) 2:23:15

Betelihem Afenigus (ETH) 2:23:20

Veronica Maina (KEN) 2:24:46

Bosena Mulatie (ETH) 2:26:59

Alisa Vainio (FIN) 2:27:26

Sonia Samuels (GBR) 2:28:04

Nora Szabo (HUN) 2:28:25

Philippa Bowden (USA) 2:29:14

Pauline Esikon (KEN) debut

Men

Tadese Takele (ETH) 2:03:24

Cybrian Kotut (KEN) 2:04:34

Hailemaryam Kiros (ETH) 2:04:41

Kibiwott Kandie (KEN) 2:04:48

Bazezew Asmare (ETH) 2:04:57

Samwel Mailu (KEN) 2:05:08

Milkesa Mengesha (ETH) 2:05:29

Haymanot Alew (ETH) 2:05:30

Philimon Kipchumba (KEN) 2:05:35

Josphat Boit (KEN) 2:05:42 

Dejene Megersa (ETH) 2:05:42

Enock Onchari (KEN) 2:05:47 

Oqbe Ruesom (ERI) 2:05:51

Justus Kangogo (KEN) 2:05:57

Haimro Alame (ISR) 2:06:04

Ashenafi Moges (ETH) 2:06:12

Asbel Rutto (KEN) 2:07:04

Samuel Tsegay (SWE) 2:06:53

Yohei Ikeda (JPN) 2:06:53

Stephen Kiprop (KEN) 2:07:04

Hendrik Pfeiffer (GER) 2:07:14

Kento Kikutani (JPN) 2:07:26

Melaku Belachew (ETH) 2:07:28

Godadaw Belachew (ISR) 2:07:45Y

uhei Urano (JPN) 2:07:52

Guojian Dong (CHN) 2:08:12

Filimon Abraham (GER) 2:08:22

Haftom Welday (GER) 2:08:24

Sebastian Hendel (GER) 2:08:51

Olonbayar Jamsran (MGL) 2:08:58

Haftamu Gebresilase (ETH) debut

Koech eyes Amsterdam title in third attempt

Two-time Hamburg Marathon champion Bernard Koech returns to the Netherlands on October 20 hoping to win the Amsterdam Marathon title on his third attempt.

In 2021, Koech finished second in a personal best of 2:04:09 behind Ethiopia’s Olympic marathon champion Tamirat Tola (2:03:39) and ahead of Leul Gebresilase (2:04:12).

On his debut in 2013, he was third in 2:06:29 behind Wilson Chebet (2:05:35) and Ethiopia’s Birhanu Girma (2:06:04). 

In April, he defended his Hamburg Marathon title in 2:04:24, 15 seconds slower than in 2023.

The 31-year-old’s impressive resume features runners-up finishes from the 2014 Rotterdam Marathon (2:06:08) and the 2012 Lille Half Marathon (59:10).

He finished second at the 2023 Copenhagen Half Marathon clocking 59:13 behind Edward Cheserek (59:11).

He placed fourth at the 2022 Chicago Marathon (2:07:15) in a race won by Olympic bronze medalist Benson Kipruto (2:04:24) with Ethiopia’s Seifu Tura (2:04:49) and John Korir (2:05:01) completing the podium.

Koech placed fourth at the 2014 Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon in 59:46.

He recorded a Did Not Finish at the 2013 World Championships.

Koech's main competition will come from the Ethiopians led by the 2023 Frankfurt Marathon third-place finisher Guye Adola.

Adola boasts a personal best of 2:03:46 set during the 2017 Berlin Marathon when he placed second behind two-time Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge (2:03:32).

The Ethiopian holds victories from the 2021 Berlin marathon (2:05:45), the 2014 New Delhi Half Marathon (59:06) and the 2017 Ostia Half Marathon (59:18).

He will be joined by Tsegaye Getachew, who claimed the Amsterdam title in 2022 in 2:04:49.

The 2024 Hamburg Marathon runner-up Winfridah Moraa and 2014 World Half Marathon bronze medalist Selly Chepyego lead the Kenyan charge in the women's race.

Moraa has a personal best of 2:18:25 from Hamburg and has notable wins from the 2022 Madrid (1:07:22) and Arezzo (1:07:58) half marathons.

Chepyego, with a PB of 2:20:03 from her second-place finish at last year’s Barcelona Marathon, is no stranger to the podium.

She claimed gold at the 2001 World Youth Championships in the 3,000m (9:09.95) and bronze at the 2014 World Half Marathon Championships (1:07:52).

50th BMW Berlin-Marathon Sunday: Deep fields promise fast and exciting races in Berlin’s jubilee marathon

The 50th edition of the BMW Berlin Marathon promises fast and exciting elite races. Deep fields will be assembled with 14 men who have already run sub 2:06:00. While there is no strong favourite among them it is different with the women: Ethiopia’s Tigist Ketema heads the list with her stunning 2:16:07 debut time, which makes her the ninth-fastest marathon runner ever.

Ten more women have personal bests of sub 2:22:00. Thirteen world records were broken in the history of the BMW Berlin Marathon, many more than in any other marathon. The jubilee edition of Germany’s most spectacular road race will have a record number of around 50,000 participants. 

Men’s field

Without Kenya’s superstar Eliud Kipchoge, the winner of the past two editions, the fastest on paper is Tadese Takele. The Ethiopian was third in Berlin a year ago when he improved to 2:03:24. Since another fast race is expected Takele will probably have to run quicker to be in contention for the prestigious marathon victory at the Brandenburg Gate.

Fellow Kenyan Kibiwott Kandie could well challenge for his first triumph over the classic distance. The Kenyan is the former world half marathon record holder (57:32) with great potential. Germany’s Hendrik Pfeiffer leads a group of strong domestic runners. He improved to 2:07:14 early this year in Houston.

Women’s field

Tigist Ketema stormed to a sensational victory in Dubai at the beginning of the year, clocking an unofficial world debut record of 2:16:07. Coming to another very fast course now the training partner of Tigst Assefa, who smashed the world record here with 2:11:53 a year ago, might look to improve her personal best.

The women’s field includes a former world record holder as well, but at a much shorter distance: Genzebe Dibaba ran 3:50.07 in the 1,500m in 2015. When she switched to the marathon she ran a fast debut with 2:18:05 in Amsterdam two years ago.

Unfortunately, Kenya’s Rosemary Wanjiru had to cancel her start due to injury. But Germany’s Melat Kejeta is a late addition to the field. She dropped out of the Olympic Marathon early because of stomach problems and now hopes to bounce back in Berlin with a personal best. Kejeta might well try to become the second German woman after Irina Mikitenko (2:19:19 in Berlin in 2008) to break 2:20:00.

MEN

Tadese Takele ETH 2:03:24

Cybrian Kotut KEN 2:04:34

Hailemaryam Kiros ETH 2:04:41

Kibiwott Kandie  KEN 2:04:48

Bazezew Asmare ETH 2:04:57

Samwel Mailu KEN 2:05:08

Milkesa Mengesha ETH 2:05:29

Haymanot Alew ETH 2:05:30

Philimon Kipchumba KEN 2:05:35

Josphat Boit  KEN  2:05:42 

Dejene Megersa  ETH  2:05:42

Enock Onchari  KEN  2:05:47 

Oqbe Ruesom  ERI  2:05:51

Justus Kangogo  KEN  2:05:57

Haimro Alame  ISR  2:06:04

Ashenafi Moges  ETH  2:06:12

Asbel Rutto  KEN  2:07:04

Samuel Tsegay  SWE  2:06:53

Yohei Ikeda  JPN  2:06:53

Stephen Kiprop KEN  2:07:04

Hendrik Pfeiffer  GER 2:07:14

Kento Kikutani JPN 2:07:26

Melaku Belachew ETH 2:07:28

Godadaw Belachew  ISR 2:07:45

Yuhei Urano  JPN 2:07:52

Guojian Dong CHN 2:08:12

Filimon Abraham GER 2:08:22

Haftom Welday GER 2:08:24

Sebastian Hendel GER 2:08:51

Olonbayar Jamsran  MGL 2:08:58

Haftamu Gebresilase ETH Debut

WOMEN

Tigist Ketema ETH 2:16:07

Genzebe Dibaba ETH 2:18:05

Yebrugal Melese ETH 2:19:36

Mestawot Fikir ETH 2:20:45

Azmera Gebru ETH 2:20:48

Sisay Gola ETH 2:20:50

Mizuki Matsuda JPN 2:20:52

Fikrte Wereta  ETH 2:21:32

Ai Hosoda  JPN  2:21:42

Melat Kejeta GER 2:21:47

Aberu Ayana  ETH  2:21:54

Calli Hauger-Thackery GBR 2:22:17

Bekelech Gudeta  ETH  2:22:54

Lisa Weightman  AUS  2:23:15

Betelihem Afenigus  ETH  2:23:20

Veronica Maina   KEN  2:24:46

Bosena Mulatie ETH 2:26:59

Alisa Vainio FIN 2:27:26

Sonia Samuels  GBR 2:28:04

Nora Szabo  HUN 2:28:25

Philippa Bowden USA 2:29:14

Pauline Esikon KEN Debut

Former world record holder Kimetto to headline Cape Town race

Former World Marathon record holder Dennis Kimetto will spearhead an attempt on the Cape Town Marathon course record when he lines up on October 20.

The current course record in the men’s race is 2:08:32 set by 2016 Africa  10,000m silver medallist, Stephen Mokoka during his triumph in 2018.

This year’s edition has drawn a massive 21,000 participants, with race director Barry Van Blerk highlighting the impressive elite field assembled for the men's race.

“This year’s Sanlam Cape Town Marathon boasts the strongest elite line-up ever seen on African soil. With a substantial prize pool, we anticipate fierce competition and if conditions allow, course records will likely fall,” Van Blerk remarked.

Kimetto set a world record during the 2014 Berlin Marathon after clocking 2:02:57, to become the first man to crack the 2:03 barrier.

His record stood for four years before two-time Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge shattered it during the 2018 Berlin race when he clocked 2:01:39.

Kimetto brings a wealth of experience to the field including triumph from the 2013 Chicago Marathon (2:03:45), ahead of compatriots Emmanuel Kipchirchir (2:03:52) and Sammy Kitwara (2:05:16).

He also holds wins from the 2012 Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon (1:00:40), 2012 Berlin Half Marathon (59:14) and 2013 Tokyo Marathon (2:06:50).

Kimetto is a runner-up from the 2012 Berlin Marathon, where he clocked 2:04:16, behind Geoffrey Mutai (2:04:15). However, he will face tough competition from defending champion Adane Kebede of Ethiopia.

Kebede clocked 2:11:28 to win last year’s race, edging out Mokoka (2:11:33) and Bernard Kipkorir (2:11:51).

The Ethiopian finished third at last year’s Rabat Marathon clocking 2:09:44, behind Yassine El Allami (2:09:27) and Mustapha Houdadi (2:09:34).

Also in the race is 2019 world champion Lelisa Desisa. The Ethiopian claimed the 2019 world title in a time of 2:10:40, edging out Mosinet Geremew (2:10:44) and Amos Kipruto (2:10:51).

He is also a silver medallist from the 2013 edition in Moscow (2:10:12) behind Uganda’s Stephen Kiprotich (2:09:51).

His resume also includes triumphs from the 2018 New York Marathon (2:05:59) as well as two Boston Marathon titles 2013 (2:10:22) and 2015 (2:09:17).

Desisa is also a runner-up twice at the Boston Marathon thus —2019 (2:07:59) and 2016 (2:13:32) as well as the 2014 New York Marathon (2:11:06).

A prize pool of Sh6.5 million ($50,000) has been set for the podium finishers with the champions bagging Sh3.3 million ($25,000). Second and third-place finishers will receive Sh1.9 million ($15,000) and Sh1.3 million ($10,000) respectively.

The Best Marathon Racing Shoes (2024)

After a year of testing, we've identified 12 marathon shoes that will boost your performance and make the race more enjoyable

While training undeniably has the biggest impact on your marathon performance, there’s one more thing you can do to ensure you’re ready to give your best on race day: invest in a pair of marathon racing shoes.

An effective marathon racing shoe can help reduce the repeated impact that miles after miles put on your legs while allowing you to get more energy out of each footstrike. Even more importantly, the right marathon racing shoe will provide you with a platform that is stable and cushioned enough to carry you through 26.2 miles in security and comfort. We’ve spent the last year rigorously testing every option on the market to help you easily pick the perfect pair for you.

Seven years after the debut of the first super shoe, the thick-stacked, carbon-plated racers are ubiquitous at the front of every marathon and increasingly common among runners in the pack looking to optimize their performance. These shoes have been lab-proven to improve running economy by a few percentage points, making it easier to maintain a faster pace. Runners also report that, when running in a super shoe that complements their stride, they experience less muscular fatigue as well.

These are some of the super shoes that our testers found most comfortable and effective at marathon pace, but your experience may vary (as we found when we had three testers compare 16 super shoes. Every super shoe boasts some sort of ultralight, hyper-responsive foam with an embedded, curved carbon-fiber plate—but each delivers a surprisingly unique ride. You’ll have to experiment to find one that gives you wings.

See our “How to Choose Marathon Shoes” section at the bottom of this article for more guidance on whether you should consider a super shoe and how to select a pair that works for your stride.

Designed specifically for marathons, the Alphafly set a new standard as the fastest marathon shoe ever when Eliud Kipchoge wore them while breaking the 2-hour barrier in a staged marathon, clocking 1:59:40.2 in October 2019.

Now, in its third iteration, the Alphafly 3 continues to dominate as the ultimate marathon racing shoe. Designed with Nike’s Air Zoom Units in the forefoot and a PEBA-based midsole, our more competitive, efficient testers praised the Alphafly 3 for its bouncy, energy-efficient ride.

Subtle adjustments to the shoe’s geometry, including a wider footprint and carbon fiber plate, paired with repositioned Air Zoom Units and strategically sculpted midsole, give the Alphafly 3 a distinctly different feel from its predecessor. These changes effectively address some of the issues found in the Alphafly 2, which many felt was heavy and clunky compared to the original.

The new Alphafly 3 is surprisingly nimble, weighing in as the lightest Alphafly to date. Even running as fast as 5k pace, I found the Alphafly responded quickly, encouraging a fast turnover. That said, it may be too sharp of a tool for some runners, as those who require a stable stance may find it a bit wobbly, especially in the heel.

The redesigned Atomkit 3.0 upper is about as race-y as you can get—extremely light and airy. Though a bit tough to put on because of its tightly woven mesh (like previous models), the new upper is highly breathable and secure, with sawtooth laces that stay tied tight throughout the marathon. You can read our full Alphafly 3 review and how it compared to other racers in our .

A stark contrast to On’s previous carbon fiber racing shoe, the firm-feeling Cloudboom Echo, the Cloudboom Strike is soft, bouncy, and fun to run in. Runners who can maintain their balance on what is a fairly unstable platform are rewarded with a lively, highly cushioned ride that’s comfortable and responsive, making it ideal for long-distance efforts.

The secret to the Strike’s sweet ride lies with the insole. On swapped out the traditional Strobel (a thin layer connecting the upper to the sole) and sockliner for a thick, removable layer of high-energy PEBA foam, thus increasing the amount of performance-enhancing foam underfoot. The result is a legal racer with cushioning that feels like it exceeds the World Athletics’ maximum stack height.

The smooth, ultra-cushioned ride is surprisingly quick for such a thick shoe, responding nimbly even when exceeding 5k pace. The shoe accommodated both long-striding testers and those who prefer to turn over faster.

The Cloudboom Strike fit runs long enough that you might consider sizing down by half a size. However, the one-piece mesh upper, which breathes well and effectively repels moisture, easily cinches down for a secure foot hold. You can read our full Cloudboom Strike review.

The Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris gives runners the best of both worlds—a highly energetic, cushioned feel and a stable ride. Super shoes’s tall, thick midsoles often create a wobbly sensation, forcing your stabilizing muscles to work harder to maintain balance.

The key to the Metaspeed Sky Paris’s stability is its wide base under the forefoot, coupled with an updated, wider carbon fiber plate. This makes the Metaspeed Sky Paris an excellent choice for beginner, intermediate, or unstable runners who want to enjoy the benefits of super shoe technology while still having a supportive, predictable platform. One back-of-the-pack tester noted that the broad base provided a “smooth ride, and the running dynamics worked extremely well with my foot and my own personal gait.”

The shoe’s stability, however, doesn’t compromise its stride-lengthening performance for experienced, efficient marathoners. Testers found that the Metaspeed Sky had the ability to work well for a wide range of runners and paces.

The shoe also has a new, more pliable and comfortable mesh upper and midsole foam that’s approximately 8 percent lighter and, Asics says, has an 8.2 percent better energy return over the previous model. The best part: The shoe got nearly an ounce lighter, making it one of the lightest marathon-racing options. You can read more about the Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris in our .

The groundbreaking adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1 shatters the mold as the lightest super shoe ever made, weighing nearly 2 ounces less than the next lightest super shoe. Yet from the outset, I was amazed that a shoe this light could have this much cushioning.

The Pro Evo 1’s rocker is long and aggressive, curving up to a high toe spring (elevation of the toe box). Initially, at well-below marathon speeds, it felt forced and unnatural. However, once I picked it up to around marathon pace and my toes engaged with the steep curve, I sensed a smooth rolling action that energetically pushed me forward. I believe marathoners averaging seven-minute miles or faster will see the most benefit from these.

Besides being the lightest super shoe on the market, the Evo 1 also claims the title of the most expensive. That, coupled with initial talk of the shoe only working for a single marathon, makes the Evo 1 a big investment. Our test pair, however, lasted nearly 200 miles before the midsole showed signs of wear. While not every runner can expect similar durability, those with an efficient stride should enjoy everything the Evo 1 has to offer much longer than a single marathon. You can read our full review and durability test.

The challenge with super-soft, highly responsive cushioning in super shoes is that they often lack stability, demanding an efficient stride to maintain control as they first squish, then bounce back strongly, magnifying forces—whether propulsive or unbalanced. For runners seeking a more stable carbon fiber shoe without losing the performance benefits, the Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 offers a firmer underfoot feel than most.

Instead of the heavily cushioned sink and trampoline-like bounce of many of today’s super shoes, the nitrogen-infused DNA Flash V2 midsole is extremely responsive, pushing back against the foot immediately and ready to pounce on the pace when needed. That lively firmness, combined with a curved carbon fiber plate embedded in the rockered midsole, gives the Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 a smooth, stable, and forward-propelling ride.

In terms of fit and feel, Brooks nailed the basics. The thin, breathable mesh upper perfectly embodies a racing shoe’s ideal—minimalistic, with a secure midfoot lockdown that makes you feel firmly in control.

These are not for you if you prefer a highly cushioned, springy running experience. However, if you feel bounced around by most super shoes and want a firmer-feeling shoe that offers a good mix of stability and fast-rolling performance, the Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 is the shoe you’re looking for. You can read more about the Brooks Hyperion Elite 4.

With a ride that feels like bouncing on a pogo stick, the Hoka Cielo X1 delivers unmatched spring with every stride. Designed with two layers of über-responsive PEBA foam separated by a winged carbon fiber plate and a severe, heel-to-toe rocker profile, testers marveled at how much fun these shoes were. One tester described running in them as “feeling effortless,” adding, “It almost feels like you’re cheating when you’re wearing these shoes.”

However, a few testers had mixed reactions to the shoe’s prescriptive geometry. The stiff platform and aggressive rocker design seemed most effective for a midfoot strike and within a narrow pace range, specifically around six to eight minutes per mile for our testers.

Another knock concerned the shoe’s stiff, ribbon-like shoe laces. Nearly every tester commented on how difficult it was to get a tight, dialed-in knot. Still, if you can get past the less-than-ideal lacing—or choose to swap them out entirely—and are comfortable in the pace range sweet spot, the ride is worth it and could deliver a fun, fast marathon.

Cielo X1 clocks in at a hefty 9.3 ounces for mens size 9 and for womens size 10, making it the heaviest super shoe on the market. Thanks to the high-energy foam, however, we still found it held its own in the super shoe pack when it came to performance. You can read more about the Hoka Cielo X1.

Unfortunately, there are not a ton of options when it comes to highly cushioned zero drop racing shoes. Fortunately, the only option is a really good one. Now in its second iteration, the Altra Vanish Carbon 2 features three more millimeters of softer, more flexible underfoot cushioning heel to toe. Embedded in the soft, nitrogen-infused, TPE-based midsole is a full-length carbon fiber plate that adds a bit of stabilizing and propulsive stiffness without feeling controlling.

The Vanish Carbon 2’s midsole doesn’t have as dramatic a trampoline sensation as some other marathon racing shoes, but it delivers a smooth, cushioned ride that’s hard to beat. Even as someone who typically struggles with zero-drop shoes, I found the Vanish Carbon 2 enjoyable and surprisingly easy to run in, thanks to the high stack and rockered profile. Testers said the low heel helped increase their cadence and kept them more on their toes.

Despite not having a ton of structure, the lightweight, breathable mesh upper does a surprisingly good job of securing your midfoot while your toes have room to splay in Altra’s signature wide toe box. You can read more about the Altra Vanish Carbon 2.

When it comes to replicating the performance benefits of road super shoes for the trail, shoemakers have struggled to achieve the same level of success. The adidas Terrex Speed Ultra is a standout exception. Designed with one of the most aggressive rockered profiles on a trail running shoe, the Terrex Speed Ultra feels awkward initially, almost like you’re walking downhill.

However, once you get accustomed to the unique profile that wants to push you forward, you’re rewarded with a propulsive ride unlike any other trail running shoe. Inside, the high-performance TPEE (Thermoplastic Polyester Elastomer) midsole incorporates a four-pronged, slightly flexible PEBA-based rod system, providing extra stiffness to the soft foam without creating instability on technical terrain. While it manages well on groomed or rocky sections, like most highly cushioned trail shoes, it’s not designed for prolonged precise technical maneuvering.

Staying true to its race-ready design, the upper is razor-thin and slightly padded to keep weight at a minimum. The quick-drying synthetic material, combined with a gusseted tongue and sawtooth lacing that bites like a threatened rattlesnake, provides excellent midfoot lockdown. The only drawback is the unstructured heel counter, which can cause some heel lift if the laces aren’t pulled extra tight. You can read our full review of the Adidas Agravic Terrex Speed Ultra.

Not everyone wants or needs a super shoe when covering 26.2 miles. Here are some top options without a rigid carbon-fiber plate, sorted with consideration for specific needs and preferences.

Supershoes’ tall, highly cushioned soles create an unstable and wobbly platform, especially for beginner runners who spend more time in contact with the ground than their faster counterparts. Plus their rigid, curved plates dictate how the foot rolls, and are tuned to be optimal for fast, efficient runners.

Puma’s Deviate Nitro 3 combats these issues by combining two foams, a softer one closer to the foot with a firmer one closer to the ground, separated by a semi-flexible carbon-fiber composite plate. This design offers most of the cushioning and propulsive benefits of a super shoe, without the instability or the prescriptive stride control.

What sets the Deviate Nitro 3 apart most, however, is its remarkable ability to deliver a smooth ride at any pace. There’s nothing restrictive about the shoe—it adapts to your running speed and performs effortlessly, making it double as a great everyday trainer as well as a racing shoe.

Keeping comfort in mind, the upper features an engineered knit mesh with moderately padded heel collar. Testers felt the fit was true to size with a small amount of stretch throughout the upper to accommodate foot swelling or irregularities, such as bunions. The stretchy laces received mixed reviews, as one found he needed to keep tightening them to feel secure during the run. You can read our full review of the Puma Deviate Nitro 3.

When the Saucony Tempus first came out, we were blown away by its ability to control the soft, unstable nature of a PEBA midsole without taking away its high-energy, performance-enhancing benefits. Keeping everything the same underfoot, but adding a better fitting, more breathable mesh upper, the Tempus 2 continued to wow us with its supportive, yet lively ride.

The combination of soft, bouncy PEBA foam and a firmer EVA frame that uniquely wraps over and under the high-performance core helps guide the foot into a more stable position, making it perfect for beginners, or any runner, who may struggle with foot alignment, particularly during a long and exhausting marathon. The moderate stack height of 33mm in the heel and 25mm in the forefoot strikes a perfect balance—not so thick and cushioned that you can’t push off effectively, yet not so thin that it compromises comfort. The dual foam midsole, without a plate, provides ample underfoot protection while still allowing for a good sense of ground feel and accommodates any stride pattern.

The main drawback is that it’s relatively heavy for a racing shoe (while light for a trainer). Weighing 9.4 ounces for men and 8.2 ounces for women, it’s the heaviest shoe on our list. However, if you prioritize stability and want to tap into the performance benefits of PEBA in a supportive but not prescriptive shoe, this is still the top choice on the market.

Known for its wide toe box designs, Topo has mastered the balance of offering plenty of space for your toes while ensuring a secure midfoot lockdown. One of only four shoes in this roundup without a plate in the midsole, the Topo Specter 2 delivers a more natural and flexible experience than your stiff-plated super shoe or super trainer. A generous layer of Pebax foam underfoot is tuned firmer than usual, but still delivers its signature bouncy ride. One tester described the midsole as “firm and springy with a lot of response,” adding, “the shoe feels airy and fast with the perfect balance of stiffness versus flex.”

Testers found the Specter 2 incredibly versatile. It delivers the same ease and comfort on easy run days as it does on uptempo runs or races, thanks to its highly cushioned, responsive, and adaptable sole, and low overall weight.

Where the shoe truly stands out, however, is in its fit. One tester said about Topo shoes, “They’ve gone from being one of my least favorite brands to offering some of the best-fitting shoes I’ve tested.” The wide toe box isn’t just for runners with wide feet. Even our runners with regular-width feet appreciated the extra space, once they got used to their toes having room for their natural positioning and splay.

As foams have evolved to be increasingly lighter, marathon racing shoes are getting thicker and more cushioned. Rather than allowing your foot to react to the ground and move naturally, these thick-soled shoes blunt the underfoot feel and dictate how your foot moves through the gait cycle to various degrees. While this works well for some runners, others prefer a more minimalist ride.

If you’re the kind of runner who finds today’s cushioned shoes cumbersome and as restrictive as a stiff suit of armor, look no further. The Topo Cyclone 2 is a free and flexible lightweight racer that lets your foot control the shoe, not the other way around. Testers described the ride as “nimble” and “flexible” with a “slipper-like” feel.

The Cyclone 2’s Pebax midsole delivers the soft feel and springy response of a super shoe, but the comparatively thin stack height (28mm/23mm) keeps the squish and bounce moderate, and lets you feel the ground under the cushioning. You won’t find a plate embedded in the flexible midsole; instead there’s a slight rocker profile to help smooth the transition from stance to toe-off.

We’ve always found Topo Athletic makes some of the best-fitting shoes on the market, and the Cyclone certainly follows suit. A tailored midsection with excellent lockdown gives way to a roomy anatomical toe box. You can read our full review of the Topo Cyclone 2

There are a few factors beginner runners should consider before choosing a carbon fiber shoe. First, most carbon fiber running shoes are designed with fast, efficient runners in mind. Studies have shown that slower runners get less improvement in their running economy from the shoes, and the shoes actually make running harder for a significant number.

If you have developed solid mechanics, you may benefit from a carbon fiber shoe. However, if your form is still a work in progress, the stiffness of the carbon plate and the hyper-responsiveness of the foam could actually magnify poor mechanics, reduce your performance, and increase the risk of injury.

Additionally, every carbon fiber shoe is built differently—the placement and shape of the carbon plate, geometry of the midsole and properties of the foam all are different, model to model. This means no two carbon plated shoes will run exactly the same. It’s important to match your individual gait to a carbon fiber shoe by testing several options for the one that feels the best. In general, beginners should be cautious and make sure they’re fully comfortable in carbon fiber shoes before racing in them.

Our exhaustive testing process involves evaluating every marathon racing shoe on the market, sometimes as long as over a year, with input from more than 20 experienced wear-testers. They each fill out a detailed testing questionnaire evaluating key points such as fit, comfort, cushioning, and speed. The completed questionnaires are compiled and combined with testing feedback from lead tester Cory Smith, who brings over a decade of experience testing running shoes for Outside. Shoes that excel in specific areas are then ranked and categorized in relation to their strengths.

Cory Smith, a former Division One runner at Villanova University, has been running since the mid-1990s. With over a decade of experience testing and reviewing running apparel and shoes for publications like Outside and Runner’s World, he continues to compete as a masters athlete, boasting a masters personal best of 4:31 in the mile at the age of 44. He consistently logs 30 to 40 miles per week on roads, trails, and the track.

.Those looking for a low-profile, flexible ride with some support might consider the Brooks Hyperion 2 GTS, which has a moderate stack height (31.5–23.5mm), responsive cushioning, and gently guides the gait with firmer, raised sidewalls alongside the rearfoot.

After dedicating countless hours to marathon training, it’s just as crucial to invest time and effort into choosing the right running shoe for race day. Unlike your everyday trainer, a marathon racing shoe must strike a balance between providing enough stability to maintain your form over 26.2 miles and offering sufficient cushioning to protect your legs from the constant impact, while not weighing you down or holding you back. Here’s what you must consider when buying the ideal marathon racing shoes.

As running shoes become thicker and softer, they can start to feel unstable and wobbly. This instability forces the stabilizing muscles in your feet and legs to work harder, which can lead to premature fatigue and even injury. To prevent this, it’s crucial to choose a marathon racing shoe that provides a stable enough platform for your stride, ensuring consistent support throughout the race, even when you grow tired and your stride becomes less efficient. Stability is built into a marathon racing shoe by using embedded plates, firmer midsoles, a widened base, and a more structured heel counter and rearfoot hold.

Cushioning refers to the perceived underfoot firmness of a running shoe. While cushioning levels are a matter of personal preference, wearing softer running shoes during the marathon can be beneficial. One 2022 study with 32 recreational runners found that wearing highly cushioned running shoes improved performance by 5.7 percent and reduced oxygen consumption by 3.2 percent during incremental treadmill tests. However, runners must balance cushioning benefits with stability and propulsion needs.

Given the length of the marathon it’s crucial to make sure your marathon racing shoes fit well. Since over the course of the 26.2 miles your feet may swell, you should make sure you have enough room in the toe box to accommodate this swelling. A good general rule of thumb is to make sure you have at least a thumb’s width of space between your longest toe and the front of the shoe. You should be able to wiggle your toes without them bumping up against the front of the shoe. While you want space for your toes to splay, the upper should hold your foot securely around the heel and instep.

While this is a highly debated topic, the current thinking is to limit the amount of time spent training in carbon fiber plated shoes. These shoes are built with a thick, highly cushioned, and unstable platform, and a rigid rocker profile. Unlike more flexible running shoes that allow your foot to move naturally, carbon fiber shoes dictate the way your feet strike the ground and roll forward, potentially altering your natural gait, which can lead to injury. In addition, the powerful bounce magnifies any instability, causing more stress on your muscles, tendons, and joints. Ideally, limit your carbon-plated shoes to race day and a few speed sessions. Super trainers—with the same high-end foams but more flexible plates—can be a great alternative for weekly speed sessions or fast-finish long runs.

The length of marathon racing shoes varies on a runner’s weight, stride efficiency, and model of shoe. Typically, lighter runners who have an efficient stride will realize longer shoe lifespans, while heavier runners who spend more time on the ground will see less. Generally speaking, you should get somewhere around 100 to 200 miles from your marathon racing shoes before the midsole begins to decompress. Visual cues, such as worn down outsole, uneven midsole compression, or holes in the upper, can be your best indicator of it being time to replace your marathon shoes. Outside of that, I’ve found if you start to question whether it’s time to replace your shoes, it’s usually time.

Marathon legend Kipchoge calls for a change in sports culture

The 2024 Paris Olympics marked exactly two decades since double Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge made his Olympic debut.

The legendary marathoner first ran in the Athens Olympics in 2004, where he won the 5,000m bronze medal before upgrading to silver four years later in Beijing in the same event.

By 2008, Kipchoge was already an established name in distance running, boasting two world championship medals and two at the Olympics.

This year, the legendary marathoner led team Kenya to the Olympics together with a strong contingent that included 2024 TCS London Marathon champion Alex Mutiso and 2022 Chicago Marathon winner Benson Kipruto.

A painful exit for the marathon legend

Kipchoge, shy about his 40th birthday, was headed for another highlight in his celebrated marathon career.

He was aiming to get back to winning ways, or at least reach the Olympic podium for a fourth time in his fifth Olympic Games.

The running guru stayed at a touching distance of the leading pack up to the 15km mark. Then he began holding his waist, early worrying signs that all was not well for the defending Olympic champion.

The pain intensified, forcing him to decide to end his race about 12 km away from the finish point at Les Invalides.

That saw him record a Did Not Finish (DNF) for the first time in his illustrious career. Before the Olympics, Kipchoge’s worst marathon result was 10th place at the 2024 Tokyo Marathon.

It was a classy exit for the marathoner who set a world record in the 5,000m of the World Cross Country Championships junior race in 2003 and won gold. That would be the scene of the marathon’s great last Olympic parade.

Lessons from Paris

Reflecting on the recent Paris Olympics, Kipchoge outlined the key lessons learned, urging sports leaders in the country to take stock of past experiences and ensure they inform future strategies.

“One thing I learned and observed during the Olympics is that peace and education play a great role in our generation. The combination of the two is magical. Now we are done with Paris. Los Angeles is up next. Can we apply the lessons learned as we head to the next Olympics?” he posed to SportsBoom.com.

A call for change in sports culture

Kipchoge also expressed concern over how Kenyan athletes are often treated, drawing a parallel to weddings where people focus on celebrating the event rather than the bride and groom.

He pointed out that in sports, much like in weddings, the spotlight is frequently on the events themselves, while the athletes, who are the real protagonists, do not receive the recognition and support they deserve.

“That is how we operate. We celebrate the events and not our athletes, which should not be the case,” he offered.

The marathon star also challenged the traditional approach of simply rewarding athletes with trophies, urging for a more profound investment in their mental and emotional well-being. He added that equipping athletes with practical skills can sustain them beyond their sporting careers.

“It is the work of federations and the Ministry of Sports to make sure athletes are comfortable. Athletes should be taught literacy, and handling pressure in emotional and physical states. Do not just award them trophies. Work on their minds as well. Can we teach our athletes basic skills like using social media channels to earn money?” he posed.

A farmer’s patience: Advice to sports federations

Kipchoge also urged sports federations and the ministry to invest in athletes with the same patience and care that a farmer applies when planting a seed, waiting for it to germinate and eventually yield a good harvest.

“To our federation leaders, let us hold sports in the heart and mind. Train our athletes, invest in them and eventually wait for the results. What athletes do behind the scenes is commendable. They are the people who build the game by their hands,” he averred.

He concluded by calling on sports federations and sponsors to go beyond simply funding events and trophies, stressing the importance of investing in the well-being of athletes. “To our sponsors, I challenge you to include humanity in your budget. Finance these athletes for the good work they are doing,” he said. Despite the unexpected turn in his last Olympic hurrah, the two-time world record holder has no intentions to call time on his career, not just yet.

Could the women's American marathon record fall at this year's Chicago Marathon?

The 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Oct. 13 poses an exciting opportunity for elite runners to capture record-breaking times -- and this year is no different. Could a women's record fall during the race?

The lineup, which was released earlier this summer, is highlighted by two of the "10 fastest women of all time" and the the second and third fastest American women of all time.

“We are accustomed to making history at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon,” Executive Race Director Carey Pinkowski said in a statement. “With some of the fastest athletes in the world joining us this fall, we are hopeful to build on the tradition of great performances this year.”

For the Americans, Keira D'Amato and Betsy Saina headline the country's best.

D'Amato, the former American marathon record holder, will return to the starting line after being part of the broadcast team for the past two years.

“I have a special history with the Chicago Marathon,” said D’Amato who finished fourth in 2021. “The past two years I’ve run my mouth in the lead vehicle for NBC. I’m excited to get back to running my legs.”

D'Amato first broke the American marathon record in 2022 in Houston, topping a time that had stood for 16 years.

Emily Sisson broke that same record shortly after during the 2022 Chicago Marathon. D'Amato was among the long line of legendary female runners celebrating Sisson at the Chicago finish line that year.

Saina, who placed fifth in this year’s Tokyo Marathon, will look to record her first Chicago finish after dropping out of the race in 2019 due to illness. She's run the third-fastest marathon time of any American woman, one spot behind D'Amato.

Sara Hall and Emma Bates are also in the field for the Americans. Hall's best time of 2:20:32 comes from Chandler in 2020. Bates ran her best time in 2022 at the Boston Marathon with a 2:22:10 finish.

Among the most notable names at the starting line will be Sutume Kebede, of Ethiopia, who holds the fastest marathon in the women's field and whose finish at the 2024 Tokyo Marathon made her the eighth fastest of all time.

“I am extremely happy to come back to Chicago and run on a course that has proven to be very fast,” Kebede, who had a disappointing finish in the 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, said in a statement. “After seeing what my teammate Kelvin Kiptum did last year, I want to come to Chicago to do something great.”

Kenya's Ruth Chepngetich will also return to the start line in October. She won the race in both 2021 and 2022 while finishing runner-up during last year's 2023 race. Her 2:14:18 from the 2022 Chicago Marathon stands as the fourth-fastest time by a woman in history.

Here is the lineup for the women's elite division.

Bank of America Chicago Marathon Professional Field – Women’s Open Division

The Chicago Marathon is not immune to seeing record-breaking times.

Kenya's Kelvin Kiptum obliterated the men's marathon world record at the 2023 Chicago Marathon, running it in 2 hours and 35 seconds. He overcame Eliud Kipchoge's previous record by 30 seconds with his time. Tragically, Kiptum later died shortly after in a car accident in February. He was 24.

At the 2022 Chicago Marathon, Emily Sisson defeated the women's American marathon record in 2 hours, 18 minutes and 29 seconds. She finished second place in the race to Kenya's Ruth Chepngetich, who ran 2:14:18; the second-fastest marathon time by a woman in history.

Let's not also forget Joan Benoit Samuelson broke the women's American marathon record in 1985 with a time of 2:21:21. The time still stands as the seventh-fastest time by an American woman today.

Three of the four fastest marathon times in women's history were run at the Chicago Marathon. Will spectators see another on Oct. 13?

Eliud Kipchoge: Control the mind control the body

Marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge emphasised the importance of being “psychologically fit” during his educational visit to Manchester United.

Always eager to learn, Kenya’s world-renowned runner spent a day at Carrington to see our facilities, watch training and speak with the coaching staff. He then visited Old Trafford to attend the Reds’ Premier League match against Liverpool. The greatest marathoner of all time, Kipchoge won back-to-back gold medals at the 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games. He has also claimed victories in prestigious marathons around the world, including Berlin, Chicago, London and Tokyo.Kipchoge is best known for being the first person to run a marathon under two hours, clocking a time of 1:59:40 in 2019. His achievement wasn't recognised as a world record, as it was not run under open marathon conditions, but it signified a historic step forward in human performance. 

During his visit to the Theatre of Dreams, the 39-year-old icon explained how mentality is just as important as physicality when it comes to achieving greatness. “Mindset is important for a sportsman and all the footballers,” said Eliud. “You must be physically fit but above all you must be psychologically fit.

“What drives a man, what drives a woman, is the mind. If you are able to control the mind then you can control your body and you are able to consume the right things. Then out of that will come good things.

“In training you must have a strong and a high-profile mind. Playing the game, you need the right mind. The right way. When you are tackling your opponent, if you have the right mind then you can tackle well.

“If you are sprinting for a ball, if you have the right mind then you can sprint further than your opponent. So, the key is to be positive in life, always positive every day. “That's the beginning of good results and that's the beginning of real professionals. If all of the sportsman, or living people, can have positivity with each other then they are successful.”

Asked about other sportsmen or women being receptive to his positive message, Kipchoge admitted that interaction fuels him to continue his illustrious career.  “It is lovely, it gives me more to wake up and to still press on every day. It's a big motivation for me when people are inspired by what I am doing and when people consume the positivity and try to improve their minds. That's my happiness.”

Kandie spearheads star-studded field to Berlin Marathon

Former World Half Marathon record holder Kibiwott Kandie spearheads a stellar lineup at the Berlin Marathon on September 29. 

The organisers anticipate a record-breaking turnout of over 50,000 participants, surpassing last year’s 48,000.

“The organisers of the BMW Berlin Marathon are expecting a record number of more than 50,000 runners on September 29, when Germany's most high-class and spectacular road race will take place for the 50th time,” the organisers said in a statement.

“However, two names are missing from the start list this time. Kenya's superstar Eliud Kipchoge and Ethiopia's running legend Kenenisa Bekele. For the first time since 2014, neither of them will be taking part in Berlin.”

Kipchoge is the all-time Berlin Marathon champion having won a record five times. Last year, Kipchoge cut the tape in 2:02:42 followed by Vincent Kipkemoi (2:03:13) and Tadese Tekele of Ethiopia (2:03:24).

Kandie is a three-time Valencia Half Marathon champion from 2020 (57:32), 2022 (58:10) and 2023 (57:40).

He boasts titles from the 2020 Prague Half Marathon (58:38), the 2022 Adizero Road to Records 10km race (26:50) and the 2020 Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon (58:58).

He has a silver at the 2020 World Half Marathon Championships (58:54) and a bronze in the 10,000m at the 2022 Commonwealth Games (27:20.34).

He will team up with 2022 Castellon Marathon winner Ronald Korir, Amsterdam Marathon runner-up Cyprian Kotut, 2023 World Road Running bronze medallist Samwel Mailu and Shanghai Marathon champion Philemon Kiptoo.

Ethiopia’s Takele, last year’s silver medallist, is expected to pose a serious challenge for the Kenyans, alongside compatriot Hailemaryam Kiros, the 2023 Osaka Marathon champion.

Tokyo Marathon runner-up Rosemary Wanjiru leads the charge in the women’s elite race.

The 29-year-old’s accolades include victories at the 2023 Tokyo Marathon (2:16:28) and the Hokuren Distance Challenge in the 10,000m (30:38.18) in Japan.

She is also a runner-up at the 2020 Valencia 10km Road race (29:50) and the 2022 Berlin Marathon (2:18:00).

She faces a rich Ethiopian contingent led by Dubai Marathon champion Tigist Ketema, 2018 Shanghai Marathon champion Yebrgual Melese, Paris Marathon champion Mestawut Fikir and 2023 Osaka Marathon runner-up Sisay Meseret.

Also in the mix is three-time Osaka Marathon champion Mizuki Matsuda of Japan.

Wanjiru and Takele return for 50th Berlin Marathon

Four women with sub-2:20 PBs and six men to have dipped under 2:05 feature on the entry lists for the BMW Berlin Marathon, a World Athletics Platinum Label road race, on September 29.

Ethiopia’s Tigist Ketema and Kenya’s Rosemary Wanjiru top the women’s entry list with PBs that put them in the top 10 on the world marathon all-time list.

Ketema, who had been better known as an 800m and 1500m specialist, stormed into the marathon spotlight in Dubai in January as she ran 2:16:07, a time that makes her the ninth-fastest women’s marathon runner in history. She followed that with 2:23:21 for seventh place in London in April and Berlin will be her first race since then.

Just one place behind Ketema on the all-time list is Wanjiru, who clocked 2:16:14 to finish second in Tokyo in March. That followed her sixth place in the World Championships marathon in Budapest and victory in the Tokyo Marathon last year. Wanjiru also finished second in Berlin in 2022, running 2:18:00 on her debut.

Joining them on the start line are Ethiopia’s Genzebe Dibaba and Yebrugal Melese, who have respective PBs of 2:18:05 and 2:19:36, plus their compatriots Mestawot Fikir (2:20:45), Azmera Gebru (2:20:48), Sisay Gola (2:20:50), Ababel Yeshaneh (2:20:51) and Fikrte Wereta (2:21:32), as well as Japan’s Mizuki Matsuda (2:20:52).

A total of 13 world records have so far been set in the Berlin Marathon, the most recent being the 2:11:53 by Tigist Assefa in last year’s women’s race.

The men’s title on that occasion was won by Eliud Kipchoge, as he claimed a record fifth victory.

This year, for the first time since 2014, the men’s race will not feature Kipchoge or Kenenisa Bekele – who between them have won the race seven times, with two of Kipchoge’s wins having been claimed in world records – but fast times will still be the target.

Among those who will be returning to Berlin are Ethiopia’s Tadese Takele and Ronald Korir of Kenya, who placed third and fourth last year in respective PBs of 2:03:24 and 2:04:22. 

Kenya’s Cybrian Kotut ran his PB of 2:04:34 when finishing second in Amsterdam last year and makes his Berlin Marathon debut, while Ethiopia’s Hailemaryam Kiros and Bazezew Asmare have also broken 2:05 in their careers so far, respectively running 2:04:41 in Paris in 2021 and 2:04:57 in Amsterdam in 2022.

Kenya’s Kibiwott Kandie races the marathon for the third time. The former world half marathon record-holder, who clocked 57:32 for 13.1 miles in 2020, will be looking to build on the PB of 2:04:48 he set in Valencia last year.

Also seeking a spot on the podium will be Kenya’s Samwel Mailu, the world half marathon bronze medallist who set a course record of 2:05:08 to win the Vienna City Marathon last year and continues his comeback after injury.

50th BMW BERLIN-MARATHON ON 29 SEPTEMBER: ELITE FIELD

The men’s elite field for the 50th edition of the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON race comes with a change that reflects the recent development at the very top of elite marathon racing.

It will be the first time since 2014 that you will not find the name of either Eliud Kipchoge or Kenenisa Bekele on the start list of the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON. However the Elite Race Director of the marathon where most world records (13) were broken, Mark Milde, can be confident that not so much will change regarding the outcome. Although world-records will not be the target on 29th September, the jubilee race could well deliver extraordinary fast times yet again. 

A record number of more than 50,000 runners are expected to run the 50th BMW BERLIN-MARATHON on 29th September. The race, that saw its first edition back in 1974 with 244 finishers, never had over 50,000 runners before.

From those on the men’s start list at least one has the potential to become Kenya’s next marathon superstar: Kibiwott Kandie is a former world half marathon record holder with a personal best of 57:32. This time suggests that he could become one of the fastest marathon runners of all time if he can transform his talent to the classic distance. The 28 year-old, who has a current PB of 2:04:48 and was inspired by former Berlin world record breaker Paul Tergat, is one of half a dozen runners who feature very strong personal bests of sub 2:05:00. 

Returning to the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON will be Ethiopia’s Tadese Takele and Ronald Korir of Kenya, who placed third and fourth last year. Both ran their personal bests of 2:03:24 and 2:04:22 here. Kenya’s Cybrian Kotut, a younger brother of former Abbott World Marathon Majors Champion Martin Lel, will run his first BMW BERLIN-MARATHON. Kotut features a PB of 2:04:34. Ethiopians Hailemaryam Kiros (2:04:41) and Bazezew Asmare (2:04:57) are the other two runners with sub 2:05 PBs. Another runner who could challenge for a place on the podium is Samwel Mailu. The Kenyan smashed the course record of the Vienna City Marathon last year with 2:05:08. Due to an injury the bronze medallist from the 2023 World Half Marathon Championships was unable to compete this spring.

The women’s race could see a battle between Ethiopia’s newcomer Tigist Ketema and Kenya’s Rosemary Wanjiru. With their personal bests they are among the top ten on the marathon all-time list. Tigist Ketema took the Dubai Marathon this year with an unofficial world debut record of 2:16:07.

She is a training partner of Tigst Assefa, who smashed the world record at the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON a year ago. Rosemary Wanjiru ran her marathon debut in Berlin two years ago and finished second with a brilliant 2:18:00. This year she improved to 2:16:14 when she was runner-up in Tokyo. 

Former 1,500m world record holder Genzebe Dibaba, who is the younger sister of Ethiopian running legend Tirunesh Dibaba, will hope to achieve a fast time on the flat Berlin course. She ran a 2:18:05 debut in Amsterdam two years ago, but was not yet able to improve this time. Genzebe Dibaba was the 2014 Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year. Fellow-Ethiopian Yebrgual Melese is the fourth woman on the start list who has a sub 2:20 PB with 2:19:36.

Elite Runners for the 50th BMW BERLIN-MARATHON:

MEN

Tadese Takele ETH 2:03:24

Ronald Korir KEN 2:04:22

Cybrian Kotut KEN 2:04:34

Hailemaryam Kiros ETH 2:04:41

Kibiwott Kandie  KEN 2:04:48

Bazezew Asmare ETH 2:04:57

Samwel Mailu KEN 2:05:08

Milkesa Mengesha ETH 2:05:29

Haymanot Alew ETH 2:05:30

Philimon Kipchumba KEN 2:05:35

Stephen Kiprop KEN 2:07:04

WOMEN

Tigist Ketema ETH 2:16:07

Rosemary Wanjiru KEN 2:16:14

Genzebe Dibaba ETH 2:18:05

Yebrugal Melese ETH 2:19:36

Mestawot Fikir ETH 2:20:45

Azmera Gebru ETH 2:20:48

Sisay Gola ETH 2:20:50

Ababel Yeshaneh  ETH 2:20:51

Mizuki Matsuda JPN 2:20:52

Fikrte Wereta  ETH 2:21:32

Why Eliud Kipchoge will still be at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028 following dissapointment in Paris

Kipchoge has confirmed he will be involved in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics following his unprecedented setback in Paris last Saturday that forced him to withdraw.

Eliud Kipchoge, Kenya's legendary marathon runner and two-time Olympic gold medalist, has set his sights on a new chapter after returning home from the Paris 2024 Olympics. 

While the world had high expectations for another podium finish, Kipchoge’s focus has now shifted from competition to inspiring the next generation of athletes and the wider public.

Widely celebrated for his resilience and unparalleled achievements in long-distance running, Kipchoge spoke candidly about his future during a recent interview.

Despite the challenges and the outcome in Paris, Kipchoge emphasized his excitement for the future, particularly with an eye on the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

"As an athlete, I will be at the Olympics in another capacity to inspire hope and optimism not just in my country and continent, but across the entire world," Kipchoge stated, as quoted on Citizen Digital. 

While he has confirmed that he will not be competing, Kipchoge’s presence at the 2028 Olympics will be one of inspiration rather than competition.

“The future of the marathon in Kenya is bright; it is only a matter of molding the next generation and guiding them on what is needed to excel,” Kipchoge stated on Olympics. Com. His reflections underscore his belief in Kenya’s potential to continue producing world-class marathon runners.

“I will not go into coaching. I have many other things to do. I will travel around the country motivating people,” he revealed, signaling a shift from his active role in competitive sports to one centered on inspiration and mentorship.

Kipchoge's return from Paris marked a moment of introspection for the marathon icon. Having dominated the sport for years, he has now decided to step away from global running competitions.

 Kipchoge's legacy as a marathon legend is undeniable. Over his career, he has participated in approximately 20 world marathons, securing 15 victories. His 2019 world record of 1:59:40 in Vienna remains unchallenged, a testament to his extraordinary talent and dedication.

However, as he steps off the track, Kipchoge is determined to continue making an impact, this time through motivation and mentorship.

Paris Olympics sees record numbers of marriage proposals

Olympic engagement rings were almost as popular as medals at the 2024 Games

Paris 2024 definitely put the rings in the Olympic rings. With nine new engagements, the Paris Olympics set the record for the most proposals ever at one Games–very fitting for the City of Love. Four of these came from athletics, with a jumper, a thrower, a steeplechaser and a marathoner all taking part in what has seemed to become another Olympic trend. Some of the romantic gestures received criticism for overshadowing the athletic performances–but all partners said “yes,” and seemed pretty pleased about the special moment.

U.S. marathoner Dakotah Lindwurm

The American marathoner became an Olympian and a fiancée in the same day–on Sunday, her boyfriend had been waiting on one knee when she made her Olympic debut and crossed the line with an impressive 12th-place finish in the fastest marathon in Olympic history. Lindwurm was the first American to complete the race, clocking 2:26:44. She may not have won a medal or achieved a personal best, but she excitedly accepted the engagement ring.

French steeplechaser Alice Finot

Also making her Olympic debut, Finot broke the European record with her fourth-place finish in the women’s 3,000m steeplechase final on Thursday, finishing in 8:58.67. She then reached behind her race bib to pull out a pin that she had run with, before dropping to her knee and presenting the pin to her partner, Bruno Martínez Bargiela.

Finot told herself she would propose if she ran under nine minutes, seeing as nine is both her lucky number and marks the number of years the couple has been together. As if to slip an engagement ring onto his finger, she fastened the pin, engraved with the words “Love is in Paris,” to his shirt.

Brazilian triple jumper Almir dos Santos

Almir dos Santos followed his 11th-place finish in the men’s triple jump final on Friday by bringing his girlfriend, Talita Ramos, trackside at the Stade de France and popping the question. 80,000 onlookers watched as he gently placed the ring on her finger on her right hand; the couple got an overwhelming amount of attention for this huge “error”. (In Brazilian culture, the ring is switched to the left hand after wedding vows are made).

American shot-putter Payton Otterdahl

Otterdahl chose a slightly more private setting to make his grand gesture. While touring the city, he presented an engagement ring to his girlfriend, Maddy Nilles, in front of the Eiffel Tower. One day earlier, on Aug. 3, he took fourth place in the men’s shot put final.

Los Angeles (the next host for the Summer Olympics) isn’t known for being quite as romantic as Paris, so this new Olympic record will probably remain for a long time.

Eliud Kipchoge explains why he did not finish Olympic marathon and reveals future plan

Eliud Kipchoge has explained a back injury forced him to drop out of the Olympic marathon at Paris 2024 in the first ‘DNF’ of his marathon career.

The Kenyan was dropped in the first half of the race, but pushed on to the 31km before stepping off the course with further physical pain in his waist.

Ethiopian runner Tamirat Tola won gold, despite not initially being on the team to participate. He thrived as a late replacement for Sisay Lemma to claim gold and set a new Olympic record on the challenging Paris course in a time of 2:06:26.

Great Britain’s Emile Cairess impressed but narrowly missed out on a medal after finishing just over a minute behind the champion in fourth.

Kipchoge, who was the two-time defending Olympic champion pariticpating in his fifth Olympics, is now 39 years of age.

And his struggles here follows a 10th place in Tokyo, leaving an uncertain future in the sport after failing to complete the distance for the first time in his career.

“I had a pain in my back at about 20km and decided not to finish and try to get out,” he said. “The hills didn’t affect me at all. The pain made me stop."

“I walked for 2km and had more than 300 people on either side of me walking with me. That’s why I don’t have my shirt, the socks, the shoes, the race number.”

Kipchoge accepted his ‘DNF’ was part of the event and “that’s life,” before making a comparison with boxing.

“Today was a tough day at the office. You can train for a very long time but one day, it can happen,” he added.

“It’s like boxing. You can go to a training camp for five months and be knocked out in two seconds. But life will continue.

“This is my worst marathon. I have never done a DNF [did not finish]. That’s life. Like a boxer, I have been knocked down, I have won, I have come second, eighth, 10th, fifth – now I did not finish. That’s life.”

Fans started to question whether Kipchoge will race the distance again, but Kipchoge has not rushed to make any decision, with a rest next to decide what he will do 11 years after switching to the 26.2-mile distance.

“I don’t want to comment on what will happen tomorrow. I want to try to evolve - if I don’t evolve, then I do other things,” he said.

“I don’t know what my future will hold. I will think about it over the next three months. I still want to try to run some marathons.”

Kipchoge could be seen gifting fans his shoes and vest after stepping off the course, while he also knocked back pleas from his fellow runners to push through the pain.

“The other runners were telling me to push on,” Kipchoge revealed. “But I was telling them, 'No, I have pain, I can’t'. I could feel the love and respect from them.”

Kipchoge could be seen at the finish line, following a lift from officials, with fans flocking to greet the legendary Kenyan.

Kipchoge then gifted his vest to a young supporter before attending to his media duties.

Olympic marathon headbands create buzz in Paris

You may have noticed that a number of elite athletes in the weekend’s Olympic marathons, including former Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge, Olympic champion Sifan Hassan and bronze medallist Hellen Obiri, were sporting unusual headbands that look almost like miniature solar panels. In fact, they were taking advantage of some “cool” new wearable tech for athletes exercising in hot weather. 

The headbands are made by the company Omius, and comes in various configurations (there is also a cap and a visor) and two colours, but all feature the 20 squares of graphite that provide the cooling. 

The graphite pieces contact the skin directly and are held in place by a silicon grid. They function by absorbing  sweat, and their irregular surfaces greatly increase the amount of surface area subject to sweat evaporation, which speeds cooling. (Evaporation of sweat is the body’s mechanism for cooling it down.) The headband weighs only 50 grams (a little more than an ounce and a half), and require no freezing or charging. The cooling pieces continue to provide cooling as long as needed, as long as they stay moist and are subject to airflow (either outdoors, or from a fan if using indoors). The pieces are reusable.

The Omius website warns that the cooling pieces are fragile and should be washed, handled and stored with care. (It suggests treating them like an expensive pair of sunglasses.)

They are also not cheap. The headband will set you back CDN $277.50; a cap incorporating the tech is $291.38, and a set of cooling pieces on its own is $124.08. Yes, they ship internationally, and no doubt they will be swamped with orders since the weekend.

What next for Kenya after Paris 2024 Olympic Games

The curtains for the 2024 Paris Olympics fell on Sunday night with Kenya ranking 17th in the world after winning 11 medals.

Despite Kenya topping the African continent with 4 gold, 2 silver and 5 bronze medals, the results left a lot to be desired.

From 83 athletes competing in seven disciplines, a significant impact was expected from the Kenyan athletes and the world.

The show started with Judoka Zeddy Cherop falling 10-0 to Portugal’s Patricia Sampao in a record 22 seconds while Fencing African champion Alexandra Ndolo crushed out 13-12 to Ukranian Olena Kryvytska in her debut.

Maria Brunlehner and Ridhwan Mohamed finished 3rd and 4th in the women’s 50m freestyle and Men’s 400m freestyle heats respectively to crush out of contention for a swimming medal.

The sevens rugby team also crushed out in the group stage, after going down to Australia, Argentina and Samoa.

The women’s volleyball team booked their next flight after failing to win a single set following three identical 3-0 losses in a tough group B pool comprising Brazil, Poland and Japan.

Paris, the City of Love, had very little affection for Kenya as former world champion Julius Yego, finished a distant 5th in the javelin final with a 87.72m throw, to also bite the dust.

Africa's fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala's 100m Olympic medal dream was shattered in the semi-finals after clocking 10.08 seconds to finish 8th.

However, Kenya redeemed herself with debutant Beatrice Chebet grabbing double gold in the 5000m and 10000m women’s races.

The best performer was followed closely by Faith Kipyegon who defended her 1500m gold and added the 5000m women’s silver.

Another debutant, Emmanuel Wanyonyi, grabbed the 800m gold, while Ronald Kwemoi struck the men’s 5000m silver.

Mary Moraa, the dancing queen, grabbed the 800m bronze, same as Faith Cherotich (3000m steeplechase) and Abraham Kibiwot (3000m steeplechase).

Hellen Obiri and Benson Kipruto rounded up the bronze tally in the men's and women's marathons.  

Obiri failed in her quest for an Olympic medal having won silver in the women's 5000m in Tokyo, 2020 and Rio 2016 games.

History Making

Kenya will however keep pride in making history after Faith Kipyegon became the first woman to complete an Olympic hat trick after breaking her 1500m record in 3:51.29, before a fully packed iconic Stade de France. 

Debutant Beatrice Chebet was the best performer entering the history books by winning a double gold in the women's 5000m and 10000m.

The feat makes Chebet the first Kenyan woman to win Olympic 10000m gold for Kenya since the race was introduced in the 1988 Olympics.

She is the third woman after Tirunesh Dibaba and Sifan Hassan to win the 5000m and 10000m double at the Olympic Games.

"I'm dedicating this medal to all Kenyans. I just want to hear my country is proud. This was for you, you were in my mind and heart in every lap; I might have made history but I will sleep better knowing Wananchi wataenjoy the weekend," she said.

Kenya’s legend Eliud Kipchoge failed to complete an Olympic marathon treble after dropping out of the race at the 20km mark.

Kipchoge later confirmed he won’t be running in the Los Angeles 2028 summer games.

“I felt a sharp pain in the stomach and I couldn’t continue. I'm disappointed that for the first time in my career, I failed to finish a race .” Kipchoge said.

Lady luck also smiled on Kenya after Kipyegon's 5000m silver medal was reinstated following an appeal, after a push and shove with Ethiopian nemesis, Gudaf Tsegay, had her initially disqualified.

In the 800m final, Canada appealed against Kenyan winner Emmanuel Wanyonyi's personal best of 1:41.91 in the 800m, claiming he obstructed silver medallist Marco Arop. Kenya won the appeal.

Tokyo 2020

Despite the dismal show in Paris, Kenya had bettered the 2020 Tokyo tally of 10 medals and a 19th spot finish.

The post-Covid games had challenges but Kenya grabbed four gold, four silvers and two bronze medals.

Emmanuel Korir (800m), Faith Kipyegon (1500m), Peres Jepchirhir (marathon), and Eliud Kipchoge (marathon) were the gold medalists while Hellen Obiri (5000m), Fergussin Rotich (800m), Brigid Kosgei (marathon) and Timothy Cheruiyot (1500m) won silver.

Benjamin Kigen and Hyvin Kiyeng won the men's and women's 3000m steeplechase races respectively.

Rio 2016 

In the 2016 Rio De Janeiro games, Kenya managed six gold, six silver and one bronze medal for a tally of 13 medals. 

Rio 2016 Olympics gold medalists were Jemima Sumgong in women's marathon, David Rudisha in 800m, Faith Kipyegon in 1500m, Conseslus Kipruto in 3000m steeplechase, Vivian Ceruiyot in 5000m and Eliud Kipchoge marathon.

Meanwhile, Vivian Cheruiyot (10000m); Paul Tanui (10000m); Hyvin Kiyeng (3000m steeplechase); Boniface Mucheru (400m hurdles); and Hellen Obiri (5000m) all grabbed silver, while Julius Yego managed a rare javelin silver. Margaret Wambui won bronze in women's 800m.

London 2012  

The London 2012 Summer Games saw Kenya manage 2 gold, 4 silver and 7 bronze for a total of 13 medals.

Despite a cold and warm performance in the Queens land, Kenya won two gold medals to finish a distant 29th in the world rankings.

Legendary track masters Ezekiel Kemboi and David Rudisha grabbed gold in the men's 3000m and 800m races respectively.

Sally Kipyegon brought home the women's 10000m silver, while Priscah Jeptoo won the women's marathon silver medal as Vivian Cheruiyot grabbed the women's 5000m race.

Abel Kirui rounded up the silver medals haul after clinching the men’s marathon race.

Vivian Cheruiyot won bronze in the 10000m women's race, while Asbel Kiprop and Milcah Chemos clinched bronze in the men's and women’s 3000m steeplechase.

Timothy Kiptum and Pamela Jelimo clinched the men's and women's 800m race respectively while Thomas Longosiwa and Wilson Kipsang rounded off Kenya's bronze medals haul, winning the 5000m men's and women's marathon races.

What next?

As the nation awaits the Paris 2024 Games report on what worked and what didn't work, a lot will be looked into including preparations, sports science, lack of stadia and lack of funds among others.

However, one constant reminder is that Kenya must smell the coffee, lest our legacy is discarded by the improving rival nations every day.

The next Omanyala, Yego, Obiri and Kipchoge should be nurtured immediately if we are to remain world beaters in the summer games.

Beating the 2008 Beijing Summer Games remains the target, where Kenya sent a total of 46 athletes: 28 men and 18 women who brought home the best tally of six gold, four silver and six bronze medals.

The journey to the Los Angeles 2028 games starts with a new sheriff in town, CS Kipchumba Murkomen, at the helm of the Sports ministry.

How Long Does It Take to Run a Mile?

Knowing the average pace can help you set new goals.

The best way to find your average running speed is by tracking your mile pace.

For example, say you go out for a three-mile race. You might start off running fast because of an adrenaline rush, then slow down once you realize you’re running too hard. But toward the end, when the finish is in sight you might catch a second wind and pick up speed again. This all results in different mile times.

Your average mile time, which will be the sum of all your mile times divided by the number of miles completed, may look different than each individual mile. The more you train, not only will your average mile pace drop, but each individual mile time will likely become closer in time to the others.

That’s why tracking your average mile time is a great way to monitor your progress. Plus, when you reach a new barrier—like the first time you run faster than a 10-minute mile, for example—it allows you to search out new goals in your running journey and also scope out your competition.

How long does it take to run a mile on average?

Based on real-life data from all public uploads to Strava from August 1 2022 to July 30 2023, the average mile time across the globe is 10 minutes and 25 seconds (10:25). That number adjusts based on gender: 10:02 for men and 11:17 for women. In the U.S., the average running speed is 9:54 and breaks down to a 9:32 mile pace for U.S. men and 10:37 for U.S. women.

These paces have changed since 2018 when the average global mile pace hit 9:48 and U.S. pace averaged 9:44.

Don’t fret if your current average time is a little off from those marks. Keep in mind that, while sizable, the dedicated Strava community doesn’t represent the entire running community.

What factors affect average running speed?

The following factors play a big role in every runner’s mile speed:

Gender

Age

Weather/wind

Nutrition and hydration

Injuries

Height

Weight

Terrain

The list could go on. Even what you think about or your mindset can affect how fast you run, and that’s under your control. Other factors, however—such as height and age—are things you obviously can’t change.

Also, according to recent number crunching at Runner’s World, based on data from platforms like MapMyRun, even the type of year you’re having has an effect on one’s average mile time and pace. From mid-April to mid-September—during the start and midpoint of the coronavirus pandemic—the average mile pace recorded was 8.5 percent slower compared with the same range in 2019, which the MapMyRun team attributes to a new or returning runner effect.

When it comes to age, one data analysis performed in 2010 and based on 10,000 U.S. runners who completed a 5K showed the average minutes per mile for runners of different ages. The average overall was 11:47 per mile. Men in the 16- to 19-year-old age range finished the run with an average pace of 9:34; women in the same age group finished in 12:09. The numbers gradually increased as the age groups got older.

In most cases, though, the gaps between the finishing times of the different age groups weren’t drastic. And you might not necessarily get slower with age. As Runner’s World has reported, many pro runners and average runners peak in their 30s, and even runners in their 70s can keep getting better with age.

Because of the many variables associated with running pace, it can be difficult to establish an across-the-board average running speed.

How fast should you run a race?

If you’re looking to find out what your average running pace should be to hit a specific time goal in a race, you’re in luck. Our Runner’s World Pace Charts (in both minutes per mile and kilometer) show what time a given pace will produce for six common race distances: 5K, 5 miles, 10K, 10 miles, half marathon, and marathon. As an example in the chart below, if you want to run under 1 hour and 45 minutes for a 10-mile race, you’d need to have an average pace of 10 minutes and 29 seconds per mile to accomplish your goal.

Use our charts as a reference point after you start training so you can know what average pace is necessary (and realistic) for your upcoming goal race.

How can you boost your average running speed?

If you want your average running pace to be faster, there are several steps you can take to improve, like figuring out how to breathe properly and mixing up your types of runs. You should also recognize the importance of nutrition and hydration.

Adopt a holistic approach to your training, doing regular conditioning workouts to improve your strength and flexibility in addition to running, as a stronger, mobile body can help you run faster and avoid injury.

What’s the fastest ever mile speed?

The fastest mile ever recorded was set by Hicham El Guerrouj, a Moroccan runner who ran a mile in 3:43.13 in 1999. Guerrouj was 24 years old at the time.

For women, the fastest mile ever was run by Faith Kipyegon, which she snagged just this month, with a time of 4:07.64.

If you’re looking for the fastest average running paces over the course of 26.2 miles, look no further than the world record holders in the marathon—Eliud Kipchoge (4:37.2 per mile) and Brigid Kosgei (5:06.8 per mile).

And just for fun, if Usain Bolt were to ever keep his jaw-dropping sprint going for a full mile at his peak ability, the Jamaican’s top speed in 2009 during his 9.58 world record 100-meter dash would have put him just over 27 miles per hour.

Eliud Kipchoge hints at retirement after 'worst marathon' at Paris Olympics

Eliud Kipchoge has hinted at ending his illustrious marathon career following a major setback at the Paris Olympics on Saturday.

Eliud Kipchoge hit the streets of Paris in the men’s marathon hoping to win his third Olympic title on Saturday morning.

However, the script did not go as planned as Kipchoge failed to finish the race. He was off to a great start but conditions worsened and he started trailing.

At some point in the race, the two-time Olympic champion was seen holding his left hip as though in pain but he kept going. It was until the 31km mark that Kipchoge could not continue with the race.

The five-time Berlin Marathon champion stood and waited for the last athlete Ser-Od Bat-Ochir to pass before he officially pulled out of the race.

Following the setback, the four-time London Marathon champion told Olympics.com that the race was his worst marathon. Kipchoge had never recorded a DNF [Did not finish] until Saturday's race.

"This is my worst marathon. I have never done a DNF (did not finish). That’s life. Like a boxer, I have been knocked down, I have won, I have come second, eighth, 10th, fifth – now I did not finish. That’s life,” he said.

Kipchoge started his season on quite a low note, finishing 10th at the Tokyo Marathon won by Benson Kipruto. He hinted at not being mentally okay following threats to his life and that of his family after Kelvin Kiptum’s death.

At the Paris Olympics, Kipchoge was aiming to become the first marathoner to win three Olympic gold medals. He started his winning streak at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games before defending his title at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

The marathon legend then hinted at calling time on his illustrious career.

“It is a difficult time for me. You will see me in a different way, maybe giving people motivation, but I will not run," he said.

"I don't know what next. I need to go back [home], sit down, try to figure my 21 years of running at high level. I need to evolve and feature in other things.”

Eliud Kipchoge Drops Out of the 2024 Olympic Marathon

It may be the two-time gold medalist’s final Olympic Games.

In what may be his final Olympic Games, Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya dropped out of Saturday’s men’s marathon around the 31K mark. Today’s race was Kipchoge’s chance to be the first man to win the Olympic marathon three times in a career. His other Olympic marathon wins came in the Rio Olympics in 2016 and Tokyo in 2021.

“I will be the happiest on earth to win an Olympic medal for the third time, back-to-back-to-back,” Kipchoge said about the race prior to the Games on Olympics.com. “It’s about making history, it’s about inspiring a generation.”

Wearing a cooling headband for what was going to end up being a warm day, the race started relatively cool in the lower 60s on a clear day in Paris. Kipchoge hung with the lead pack for the first 15K until the notoriously challenging Paris Olympic Marathon hills started claiming victims.

After reaching Versailles and turning back to head toward Paris, Kipchoge was more than a minute off the lead pack, not within the top 50 runners. He split 25K to the 30K mark—the segment of the course from Chaville to Meudon with the steepest uphill and downhill—a little over 21 minutes, putting him more than 8 minutes off the lead pack. He was out of contention but gutting it out toward the finish line, buoyed by the Olympic crowd.

Journalist Michelle Katami found Kipchoge after the race, where he described his final few kilometers of the race. “I walked for about 2 kilometers, there were about 300 people walking with me. That’s why I don’t have my shirt, shoes. I gave them all out. Seeing that support is what motivates me.”

Win or not, Kipchoge’s extensive career has earned him G.O.A.T. status in the running world. He’s eclipsed the world record mark twice—both times at the Berlin Marathon—and became the only man ever to run under 2 hours in a non-record eligible marathon attempt in Vienna back in 2019.

For a period, Kipchoge was untouchable at the distance. He won 10 marathons in a row from 2014 to 2019. He finally showed himself as human at the 2020 London Marathon (a race he’s still won four times), when he finished a surprising 8th. He bounced back by winning the marathon in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, then winning both the Tokyo Marathon and Berlin Marathon in 2022.

Some recent marathons have been a step back for Kipchoge. He was 6th overall in his first Boston Marathon in 2023 but returned to form with a Berlin win later that year. Earlier this year Kipchoge placed 10th in the Tokyo Marathon.

He’s openly spoken about the strain he has taken after the tragic passing of the new marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum in a car crash in February 2024. He told the BBC that he was was subjected to online abuse wrongly linking him to Kiptum’s death.

“I was shocked that people (on) social media platforms are saying, ‘Eliud is involved in the death of this boy,’ That was my worst news ever in my life. I received a lot of bad things; that they will burn the (training) camp, they will burn my investments in town, they will burn my house, they will burn my family. It did not happen but that is how the world is. What happened has (made) me not trust anybody. Even my own shadow, I will not trust."

And on the track, he has two other Olympic medals, both in the 5,000 meters, with silver in 2008, and bronze in 2004.

Ethiopia’s late sub Tola wins marathon in Olympic record in brutal conditions over hugely challenging course

Tamirat Tola, called into the Ethiopian team as a late replacement, won the men’s marathon title in an Olympic record of 2:06:26 in brutal heat and humidity over a course of hugely demanding hills, with Belgium’s Bashir Abdi earning silver in 2:06:47.

Kenya’s Benson Kipruto, fastest in the world this year after winning the Tokyo marathon in 2:02:16, marked his Olympic debut with bronze in 2:07:00 on a day when his 39-year-old compatriot Eliud Kipchoge, seeking a third consecutive title, failed to finish.

Britain’s Emile Cairess, making his Olympic debut, finished in fourth place, clocking 2:07:29 after moving past Ethiopia’s Deresa Geleta in the finishing stages, with the latter recording 2:07:31 and finishing a second ahead of Japan’s Akira Akasaki, who set a personal best.

In the circumstances it was scarcely creditable that Tola bettered the Olympic mark of 2:06:32 set at the Beijing 2008 Games by the late Kenyan runner Sammy Wanjiru.

Huge crowds lined the route in the closing stages, and the spectacle concluded amid packed grandstands in front of Les Invalides, its gilded dome glinting in the morning sunshine.

On a day like this, on a course like this, there was something fitting about the race concluding alongside the building constructed in the 17th century as a haven for disabled soldiers. Everyone completing the course today was a warrior.

Tola, the 2022 world champion, thus joins the fabled list of fellow Ethiopians who have won this prized race – Abebe Bikila in 1960 and 1964, Mamo Wolde in 1968 and Gezahegne Abera in 2000 – and added gold to the Olympic 10,000m bronze he won in 2016.

For an Ethiopian team that has not enjoyed its customary success on the track, this was a day of days – and they will have hopes of further success when the athletics programme concludes with the women’s marathon tomorrow.

“I am happy today because I fulfilled my goal,” said Tola, Ethiopia’s first gold medallist of these Games. “I prepared well. I trained hard so I could win. In my life, this is my great achievement.

“I was the reserve in the Ethiopian team, but when Sisay (Lemma) had injuries, then I had a chance to represent him. I was fully prepared and knew I could fulfil my dream. I am happy to do that today.

“This is the Olympics and it is not easy to win the Olympic Games, not at all. I am very proud, very happy.”

Abdi, who has recently recovered from a stress fracture of the hip, commented: "The course was very tough today. I tried not to lose a lot of energy. I tried to run as smartly as possible, so I am very, very happy with this result.

"The weather was hot, (the terrain featured) a lot of ups and downs. Actually, I expected going uphill would be most challenging, but I found going downhill most difficult.

“It was very steep and you don’t have control of your body. That was very scary, especially after 29km, we had almost 2km of running downhill and it was just going more down and down, and I was really afraid of falling.

"This is the hardest marathon course I’ve ever run."

Asked about his return from injury, he added: "It was really a long journey. At the beginning of the year I got a stress fracture, which meant I couldn’t run any races. I came here without any preparation and didn’t know what to expect.

"I told myself before I started, 'OK, you don’t have any race rhythm, but you are fresh, it is your first race of the season, you will be the only guy who is fresh’. That’s what I was repeating to myself during the race."

Kipruto commented: “The course was tough but I’m happy with the result I posted. I trained with the mind first before going to the legs and the heart. Running uphill and downhill was not easy.

“This was the hardest marathon I have run, and a different experience because it was my first Olympic Games."

"I saw Tola pushing but I said, 'no, it’s too early', so I tried to close the gap slowly."

Always in touch with the lead, Tola first took control of the race just after the 20km mark as the field came to the brow of the first long climb, overtaking Italy’s Eyob Faniel, who had pushed ahead by 23 seconds at the 15km mark before the start of the grinding uphill stretch.

The pack, led by Akasaki, Geleta and South Africa’s Elroy Gelant, caught up with him by the 25km mark, which was passed in 1:16:08, but Tola made his decisive move in the hardest part of the course – a brutal, extended climb from 27.5km to 29km involving a 16 per cent incline.

The pack soon became a straggling line as each runner worked out the best way of coping with a challenge so severe that some coaches here had been wondering whether it might be best for their charges to walk this stretch.

Once he got to the brow of the hill, he made the most of it, accelerating away from his labouring rivals and establishing an 11-second lead as he went through 30km in 1:32:12.

Such were the ups and downs of the route that it almost resembled a roller-coaster – but one which guaranteed no one involved had any fun at the fair.

The crucial question at this point was: could Tola, alone, resist the pack that was gradually re-gathering behind him? The answer became gradually and gloriously clear. Tola was never headed thereafter.

At 35km his lead was 18 seconds, at 40km it was 22 seconds. No one was going to stop him.

It was a tribute to Tola’s dedication that he should have been so patently ready to take on this monster of a marathon course at such short notice following the injury to Lemma, who won this year’s Boston Marathon in 2:06:17, having moved to fourth on the world all-time list with his 2:01:48 victory in Valencia last year.

They were huge super-shoes to fill – but Tola did so magnificently.

For Kipchoge it was clear well before the halfway point that he was not going to be challenging for a third consecutive title as he began dropping back, his hand going to his left hip as his face registered discomfort and pain. He dropped out shortly after falling back to 71st position at 30km.

Meanwhile his long-time rival Kenenisa Bekele, returning aged 42 to the Olympic arena where he won three golds and a silver on the track, finished 39th in 2:12:24.

"Around 15km my hamstring felt stretched, so I could not do any more after that,” Bekele said. “Even after 10km I was feeling the strain, so I knew I could not catch up with the leaders."

"It is fantastic that Ethiopia won the race. Tola is very strong, and I am happy for him."

"People have been talking about me and Kipchoge, but you see it was the young generation today. These guys are stronger than us.”

There Are Going to Be People Walking:’ A Look at the Grueling Olympic Marathon Course

Getting to run by all those historic spots requires some epic climbs and descents.The final weekend of the 2024 Paris Olympics will host back-to-back days of thrilling marathons. These prestigious races, set against the backdrop of two of France’s most iconic landscapes—Paris and Versailles—will weave through a tapestry of history, culture, and breathtaking scenery. They begin on August 10 with the men’s race, and then, in a nod to the 40th anniversary of the first women’s Olympic Marathon in Los Angeles, the Paris Olympics will conclude on August 11 with the women’s race for the first time in history.

Here are some of the key details you’ll want to know:

What sites will the runners pass?

It’s not a bad way to tour the area, and it’s quite different than the Paris Marathon that is held each April. Athletes will find themselves tracing a route that dances through nine arrondissements (neighborhoods) of Paris along the banks of the Seine. The runners will begin at the Hôtel de Ville, or city hall, and then pass landmarks such as the Palais Garnier opera house, Place Vendôme, the Louvre museum, and past the Trocadéro. 

Next, they will leave the city to run through historic French towns, including Sevres, on their way to Versailles. The return to the city is a different route and will take them through the Forêt Domaniale de Meudon, a forest. When back in the city, they will be on the Left Bank and run past the Eiffel Tower as well as Parisian neighborhoods. The race ends at the Esplanade des Invalides, in which Napoleon is buried.

This route is based on significant French history. In October 1789, between 6,000 and 7,000 Parisian women, joined by men, marched from the Hôtel de Ville through the city to Versailles. It was because of that march that Louis XVI agreed to ratify the Universal Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizens. The marathoners are symbolically running in their footsteps. 

How tough is the course?

Unlike some more recent Olympics and U.S. Marathon Trials races, this course isn’t a circuit of repeated loops. Instead, it’s a full loop starting in Paris and loops down to Versailles outside of the city. 

While the elevation profile for the first nine miles looks fairly tame, once the runners are past the halfway mark the landscape changes. The most notable course feature is the three uphill stretches—they’re incredibly steep and very long. 

The first big hill comes just before the 10-mile mark, and it climbs at a 4 percent grade, which is roughly the same as Boston’s famed Newton hills. The difference with the Paris version is that it ascends for about 1.25 miles before it levels off for a bit. (Boston’s longest hill is less than half a mile, according to Sean Hartnett, emeritus professor of geography at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, who specializes in marathon routes and other running competitions.)

The next hill at the 12-mile mark is at 5 percent, steeper than anything on the Boston course and 900 meters long. But those two are just appetizers for the real challenge. That hits just after the 18-mile mark. 

Runners will have to climb for 600 meters, at an average grade of 10.5 percent. Yes, picture putting your treadmill at 10 percent and trying to run up it at marathon pace. Hartnett calls it a “doozy” and struggles to find courses to compare it to. The Bix 7 in Davenport, Iowa, perhaps? Then he gives up. “It’s unlike anything in any competitive road marathon,” he said. (You can view a detailed description of the 15K-33K section as mapped by Hartnett here.)

In total, the route will include 1,430 feet of elevation gain. Possibly more challenging is the 1,437 feet of descent. The make-or-break point for the route might be just after that final brutal uphill, when they are bombing downhill—at some points at a gradient of 13.5 percent. Runners will have to be efficient going down, without pounding so much they trash their quads before the final flat stretch before the finish. To put the course into some more perspective, the World Marathon Majors that are considered the hilliest—Boston and New York City—each have an elevation gain of a little over 800 total feet. And for one final nugget, the average grade of the Mount Washington Auto Road Race is 12 percent. The course record for that 7.4-miler is at around 8:00 pace. 

This course will make the fastest marathoners in the world look almost human at times.

How do the marathoners feel about the course?

Pat Tiernan, an Olympian for Australia who is running the marathon, made two trips to Paris from his training base with Puma in North Carolina to examine the course. His first trip, in early April, was just to get a feel for the course. The second, in late May, was to train on it. 

“The first thing you notice,” Tiernan said in a phone call with Runner’s World, “is that it’s going to be a brutal course. There are going to be people walking.” 

If you look closely at the official Strava route, you can spot some U.S. Olympic marathoners on the leaderboards of the course’s toughest segments.

On April 10, U.S. team member Clayton Young did a 12.80-mile run on the hilliest section of the course, where he “pushed the uphills, chilled the downhills.” During the steepest climb—right before the mile 18 split—Young tackled a .44-mile segment in 3:09, giving him a modest average pace (for a world-class marathoner) of 7:01 per mile. But if you look at Strava’s “grade adjusted pace,” which factors in elevation, that 7:01 converts to 5:03 mile pace. His average heart rate was 179 beats per minute.

Dakotah Lindwurm, a U.S. team member for the women, also previewed the course in April in a run she called, “Tour de La Olympic hills ?].” She racked up an impressive 16 “course records” during her 10.87-mile workout, and on the same steep segment that Young ran, she averaged 7:43 pace with a grade-adjusted pace of 5:21 per mile. 

Emily Sisson, the U.S. record holder in the marathon, has been training for both the hills and the flats. “We’ve been doing a lot of stuff on hills, because [we] want to come out of the hills into the last 10K feeling good,” she says. “That’s also why you don’t want to slack on 10K work, because it could be quite fast at the end. So kind of trying to do it all.” 

Tiernan agreed with Sisson on the unique challenge. If marathoners go too hard through the hills, they could struggle at the end, he said. If they go too easy through the hills and subsequent descents, they might be out of touch by the final 10K. He said the Paris course is as “if you were to do a 10K road race, then go and run a hard 10K hill cross country course, then a 10K road race.” 

If nothing else, it could make for some surprises on the podium.

When exactly are the races?

The men’s event happens on Saturday, August 10. If you want to watch live, get your favorite espresso ready. The event begins at 2 a.m. ET/11 p.m. PT in the U.S. The following day for the women’s race, the 2024 Paris Olympics fully conclude in honor of the 40th anniversary of the first women’s Olympic marathon event, won by Joan Benoit-Samuelson. The start time is also at 2 a.m. ET/11 p.m. PT.

Who are the major names in each race?

Both races are packed with star power in the form of returning Olympic champions, world record holders, and World Marathon Majors winners. The biggest storyline in the men’s race is whether Eliud Kipchoge, the two-time Olympic marathon gold medalist who many consider to be the greatest of all time, will be able to retain his crown in what may be his final Olympics at age 39.

The women’s event is even more stacked and should make for quite the event to cap off the 2024 Olympics. Newly ratified world record holder Tigist Assefa of Ethiopia will have to match speed and strategy against the likes of Hellen Obiri and Peres Jepchirchir of Kenya and the Netherlands’s Sifan Hassan, who is running the marathon after racing in the 5,000 and 10,000 meters on the track. 

Men’s Marathon Contenders

Eliud Kipchoge, Kenya (2:01:09)

Kenenisa Bekele, Ethiopia (2:01:41) 

Benson Kipruto, Kenya (2:02:16)

Tamirat Tola, Ethiopia (2:03:39)

Conner Mantz, USA (2:07:47)

Clayton Young, USA (2:08:00)

Women’s Marathon Contenders

Tigist Assefa, Ethiopia (2:11:53)

Sifan Hassan, Netherlands (2:13:44)

Peres Jepchirchir, Kenya (2:16:16)

Emily Sisson, USA (2:18:29)

Hellen Obiri, Kenya (2:21:38)

Rose Chelimo, Bahrain (2:22:51)

Fiona O’Keeffe, USA (2:22:10)

Sharon Lokedi, Kenya (2:22:45)

Did you know there is a mass participation race?

If not, now you do. It’s called the Marathon Pour Tous, and we’re pretty jealous we can’t run this one. There will be a full marathon and a 10K on the same route as the Olympic marathon on the evening of August 10. Yes, a night race in the City of Lights. More than 20,000 participants are expected for each event.

Kenya's hopes rest on Daniel Mateiko, Nicholas Kimeli & Bernard Kibet to win 10,000m gold since 1968

Daniel Mateiko, Nicholas Kimeli, and Bernard Kibet will have the pressure to deliver Kenya's gold medal since Naftali Temu's exploits at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics.

The trio of Daniel Mateiko, Nicholas Kimeli and Bernard Kibet are tasked with a daunting task to reclaim Kenya’s 10,000m title once they toe the line at the Stade de France on Friday, August 2.

The men’s race starts at 10:20 p.m. East African Time with the trio taking on one of the strongest fields in history with the main aim to reclaim Naftali Temu’s title won at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics.

Kenyans have had a rough time of winning the gold medal following the emergence of Ethiopians and Ugandans who have dominated the race. Kenenisa Bekele, Mo Farah, Joshua Cheptegei have dominated the global stage with Bekele and Farah winning two titles each.

Selemon Barega won the title at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games with Cheptegei and Jacob Kiplimo taking second and third place respectively.

Mateiko made headlines, winning the Prefontaine Classic to secure his slot to the Olympic Games with Kimeli and Kibet finishing second and third respectively. The trio has the much-needed confidence to impress following their training sessions that have been extensive so far.

Mateiko and Kimeli train with Eliud Kipchoge and they certainly draw inspiration from the two-time Olympic champion who will also be chasing his third Olympic title.

However, they will not have an easy task in title reclamation as they go up against very strong opponents. Defending champion Barega will be out to defend his Olympic gold with Cheptegei also in the mix.

Being the world record holder and a three-time world champion, Cheptegei will going for the only title missing in his decorated CV. The Ethiopians have fielded their best, with world leader Yomif Kejelcha and Berihu Aregawi also in the mix. Paris marks the first Olympics for Kejelcha who will have the pressure on him after the world lead.

Cheptegei has raced sparingly, making it difficult to gauge his shape. He will be competing for the first time since end of May when he finished ninth in the 5000m at the Diamond League Meeting in Oslo.

The American duo Grant Fisher and Nico Young have also been entered and they will also be chasing history for the US. Young will b debuting at the Olympics and the race will just be his third 10,000m race on a track.

On his part, Fisher has great experience racing on the global stage and after finishing fifth at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics, he will be out to improve on that.

Retired British track icon predicts the medal Eliud Kipchoge might win at Paris Olympic Games

The retired British star noted that Kipchoge might win a medal at the Olympics but it will definitely not be a gold medal.

Retired British long-distance Mo Farah has predicted the medal Eliud Kipchoge will win at the Paris Olympic Games, and it’s not a gold medal.

The four-time Olympic champion disclosed that the quality of the field is strong, hence making it difficult for Kipchoge to win his third successive Olympic marathon title.

Kipchoge won the title at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games and defended his title at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. The five-time Berlin Marathon champion looks to make history in Paris and win his third successive marathon title.

Farah explained that there are many youngsters in the race, admitting that the race will be a battle between Kenyans and Ethiopians, with a winner coming from either of the two countries. He added that Kipchoge might win a medal, but was not sure of the medal it would be, either the silver and bronze medal.

“Eliud Kipchoge…I think the marathon is going to be tough, honestly, there is a lot of Kenyans and youngsters. He could get a medal, but I think it’s going to come from the Kenyans or Ethiopian new guy to win that race,” Farah said in an interview with Olympics.com.

Kipchoge will be joined by Tokyo Marathon champion Benson Kipruto and the reigning London Marathon champion Alexander Mutiso.

The Ethiopian contingent will be led by legendary marathoner Kenenisa Bekele, who will be racing his final Olympic Games.

Sisay Lemma had also been selected in the team but was forced to withdraw due to an injury and he was replaced by Tamirat Tola, the 2022 world champion. Deresa Geleta completes the Ethiopian team.

The Kenyan and Ethiopian rivalry will once again be witnessed on the Olympic stage with the Ethiopians looking to reclaim their title after Kenya’s reign in two consecutive Olympic Games.

Evans Chebet's message to Team Kenya to Paris Olympic Games as he predicts men's marathon performance

Evans Chebet has wished Kenya's Olympic team to the Paris Olympics as he made a bold prediction concerning the men's marathon performance on the Olympic stage.

Former Valencia Marathon champion Evans Chebet has wished Team Kenya luck as they fly the country’s flag high at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Chebet is confident that the strong marathon team selected has the ability of winning a gold medal for Kenya, thanks to their resilience and pursuit for success.

The two-time Boston Marathon champion noted that he has raced against Eliud Kipchoge, Benson Kipruto and Alexander Mutiso in different races and disclosed that they are strong athletes who can deliver a gold medal for Kenya.

“When the team was selected, I was unbothered and didn’t complain because I had an injury. I feel like Eliud, Benson, and Mutiso will do well since they are strong. I have raced with them and I know they are strong athletes,” Chebet told Daily Sport.

“I pray that they embrace teamwork and I wish them all the best. They should bring us gold and I believe they have the ability to do well,” he added.

The 2022 New York City Marathon champion added that he suffered an injury before going for last year’s New York City Marathon, forcing him to withdraw from the race and take a step back from training.

As Kenya’s team for the marathon was being selected, Chebet was not in the best shape to be considered hence the snub.

The Kenyan marathoner added that the selected team is strong and will motivate him to impress when he makes his return to the New York City Marathon, hoping to reclaim his Olympic title.

“I got a stress fracture and last year, I had to pull out of the New York City Marathon last year. I had to take care of it and going to Boston earlier this year, I had an injury but I was happy. I have started training and gone back to the camp. I’m getting ready to go and race in New York and I want to stay healthy,” Chebet said.

“People kept asking me why I was not selected in the Olympics but I feel like that team is strong and as I go to the New York City Marathon, I will be motivated to do better because I know the marathon team in Paris will perform well,” he added.

Eliud Kipchoge names two things that stand in his way to making history at Paris Olympics

Eliud Kipchoge has revealed two things that will pose challenges as he looks to win his third Olympic title at the Paris Olympic Games.

Defending champion Eliud Kipchoge has cited two things that will be a challenge as he looks to make history by winning his third successive marathon title.

The five-time Berlin Marathon champion noted that he has already observed the course, admitting that the race will not be an easy task. He noted that it is not a flat course, making the race a challenge for all the athletes.

Kipchoge added that the weather in Paris is usually hot in August, making it the second challenge in his quest for top honours. Kipchoge will also be making his fifth appearance at the Olympics.

“I’ve gone through the course and it’s very challenging…it’s very hot in Paris in August and second, the course is up and down and that is a huge challenge to everybody. Nevertheless, I don’t want to complain because all of us will be running on the same terrain and the same weather,” Kipchoge told CGTN Sport.

The four-time London Marathon champion is also aware of the tough competition that awaits him on the global stage. He knows that everyone has prepared well for the race and it will be all about the one who executes the race well.

He also has sweet memories of Paris, since it was the first place where he competed on the global stage, competing at the 2003 World Championships where he won a gold medal in the 5000m. He will also be eyeing history, being the first Kenyan to make five appearances at the Olympic Games.

“All of us will be fighting and I always say that the best trained and the best prepared will carry the day. I’m excited to see how competitive the events will be from the short distance events, to the long distance, to swimming,” the two-time Olympic champion said.

“The year 2003 was the beginning of my life in sport and I can say I’m happy to go back there and compete and show the world where my life began and show the longevity and love for sport,” he added.

Paris 2024: Favorites and best value picks on the track

We are just four days away from the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics and a little over a week from the start of the athletics events at the Stade de France. If you’re looking to place your bets for gold or want to know the favorites for each event (according to Vegas sportsbooks), we’ve got you covered with insights and odds to help you get the best value out of your picks.

Men’s 100m

Favorite: Kishane Thompson (JAM) -105 [world leader]

Best value: Oblique Seville (JAM) +900 

Men’s 200m

Favorite: Noah Lyles (USA) -290 [3x world champion]

Best value: Erriyon Knighton (USA) +1000 [2x world championship medallist]

Men’s 400m

Favorite: Matthew Hudson-Smith (GBR) +120 [world silver medalist]

Best value: Steven Gardiner (BAH) +350 [reigning Olympic champion]

Men’s 800m

Favorite: Djamel Sedjati (ALG) -250 [world leader]

Best value: Marco Arop (CAN) +1500 [reigning world champion]

Men’s 1,500m

Favorite: Jakob Ingebrigtsen (NOR) -225 [reigning Olympic champion]

Best value: Josh Kerr (GBR) +175 [reigning world champion]

Men’s 5,000m

Favorite: Jakob Ingebrigtsen (NOR) -290 [reigning world champion]

Best value: George Mills (GBR) +4000 

Men’s 10,000m

Favorite: Joshua Cheptegei (UGA) +120 [world record holder]

Best value: Berihu Aregawi (ETH) +600 

Men’s 110m hurdles

Favorite: Grant Holloway (USA) -500 [world leader and world champion]

Best value: Hansle Parchment (JAM) +1000 [reigning Olympic champion]

Men’s 400m hurdles

Favorite: Rai Benjamin (USA) +100 [world leader]

Best value: Alison Dos Santos (BRA) +300 [2022 world champion]

Men’s 3,000m steeplechase

Favorite: Lamecha Girma (ETH) -120

Best value: Soufiane El Bakkali (MAR) +190

Men’s marathon

Favorite: Eliud Kipchoge (KEN) -190 [reigning Olympic champion]

Best value: Benson Kipruto (KEN) +900 [2024 Tokyo Marathon champion]

Women’s 100m

Favorite: Sha’Carri Richardson (USA) -225 [reigning world champion]

Best value: Julien Alfred (LCA) +700 

Women’s 200m

Favorite: Gabby Thomas (USA) +105 [2020 Olympic bronze medalist]

Best value: Shericka Jackson (JAM) +180 [reigning world champion

Women’s 400m

Favorite: Marileidy Paulino (DOM) -135 [2020 Olympic silver medalist]

Best value: Rhasidat Adeleke (IRL) +700 

Women’s 800m

Favorite: Keely Hodgkinson (GBR) -290 [Olympic silver medallist]

Best value: Nia Atkins (USA) +1500

Women’s 1,500m

Favorite: Faith Kipyegon (KEN) -285 [world record holder]

Best value: Jessica Hull (AUS) +1000

Women’s 5,000m

Favorite: Faith Kipyegon (KEN) -285 [world champion]

Best value: Beatrice Chebet (KEN) +750 [world XC champion]

Women’s 10,000m

Favorite: Sifan Hassan (NED) +120 [reigning Olympic champion]

Best value: Gudaf Tsegay (ETH) +250 [reigning world champion]

Women’s 100m hurdles

Favorite: Cyrena Samba-Mayela (FRA) +250 [European champion]

Best value: Tobi Amusan (NGR) +1500 [world record holder]

Women’s 400m hurdles

Favorite: Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (USA) -700 [world record holder and reigning Olympic champion]

Best value: Femke Bol (NED) +300 [reigning world champion]

Women’s 3,000m steeplechase

Favorite: Beatrice Chepkoech (KEN) n/a [world record holder]

Best value: Sembo Almayew (ETH) n/a

Women’s marathon

Favorite: Tigst Assefa (ETH) +250 [world record holder]

Best value: Hellen Obiri (KEN) +400 [2023 & 2024 Boston Marathon champion] 

The top 5 male Marathon runners in 2024

Kenya has 3 in the top 5 marathoners, list

In the world of marathon running, Kenya continues to produce elite athletes who dominate the global stage. As we approach the 2024 Paris Olympics, let's delve into the top five marathoners who are making headlines with their exceptional performances.

1. Benson Kipruto - 2:02:16

At the forefront is Benson Kipruto, whose recent victory at the 2024 Tokyo Marathon not only set a world-leading time but also established a new personal best. Known for his resilience and strategic prowess, Kipruto's triumph over Eliud Kipchoge in Tokyo solidified his status as a formidable contender for the gold medal in Paris. His impressive track record includes wins at prestigious events like the Boston Marathon (2021) and the Chicago Marathon (2022), highlighting his consistency at the highest level of competition.

2. Timothy Kiplagat - 2:02:55

Timothy Kiplagat emerges as another standout performer, narrowly missing out on Kenya's Olympic team but securing his spot as the reserve athlete. His remarkable second-place finish at the 2024 Tokyo Marathon, where he outpaced Eliud Kipchoge, showcased his ability to excel under pressure and set a new personal best time. With the potential to join the Olympic squad if circumstances permit, Kiplagat remains a key figure to watch in Kenya's marathon scene.

3. Deresa Geleta - 2:03:27

Deresa Geleta represents Ethiopia but deserves mention for his exceptional performance at the 2024 Zurich Maraton de Sevilla, where he set a course record. As part of Ethiopia's Olympic team alongside legends like Kenenisa Bekele, Geleta's prowess in long-distance running underscores East Africa's dominance in the sport.

4. Morhad Amdouni - 2:03:47

Morhad Amdouni, a prominent figure in French athletics, secured second place at the 2024 Seville Marathon and will represent his country at the upcoming Olympics. His training stints in Kenya highlight the allure of Kenyan terrain for honing marathon skills, reflecting the global appeal of East African training camps.

5. Alexander Munyao - 2:04:01

Alexander Munyao rounds off the top five with his impressive performance at the London Marathon, where he triumphed over Bekele in a thrilling finish. With a strong track record in European half marathons and marathons, Munyao's ability to compete at the highest level underscores Kenya's deep talent pool in long-distance running.

Brazilian Olympic marathoner receives doping suspension

Daniel do Nascimento, a 2:04 marathoner who famously fist-bumped Eliud Kipchoge during the last Olympic marathon, has been banned after testing positive for three illegal substances.

Brazil’s national marathon record holder and Paris Olympic-bound athlete, Daniel do Nascimento, has been provisionally suspended by the Brazilian Doping Control Authority (BDCA) after testing positive for three banned substances: drostanolone, methenolone and nandrolone.

According to Brazilian media outlet Globo, do Nascimento tested positive for the three anabolic steroids during an out-of-competition test conducted on July 4 while training in Kenya for the Paris Games. As a result, he will miss the Olympics. He was slated to run the marathon after qualifying at last year’s Hamburg Marathon with a time of 2:07:06. His personal best of 2:04:51 from the 2022 Seoul Marathon stands as the South American record. 

The three banned substances in Nascimento’s test are all anabolic steroids (precursors of testosterone). Do Nascimento will likely face a four-year ban from athletics, jeopardizing his dreams for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. The 25-year-old’s suspension may be reduced to three years if he admits to the three anti-doping rule violations.

Do Nascimento’s girlfriend, Graziele Zarri, was also suspended earlier this year after testing positive for androstanediol and testosterone in a test conducted by the Anti-doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK). She ran 2:42:48 in her marathon debut last December in Valencia.

Beside being the South American record holder for the marathon, do Nascimento is most famous for taking a porta-potty stop while leading the 2022 New York City Marathon. He set a blistering pace for 30 km, but ended up collapsing and did not finish the race.

Do Nascimento also made headlines at the 2020 Olympic marathon in Tokyo for exchanging mid-race fist bumps with former world record holder Eliud Kipchoge. The moment went viral, making do Nascimento a well-known name in Brazil and the distance running world.

London Marathon champion shares his winning routine ahead of Paris Olympics

Kenyan marathoner Alexander Mutiso has given a sneak peek into his training routine ahead of tackling the tough marathon course at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Reigning London Marathon champion Alexander Mutiso has discussed his training routine ahead of his Olympic debut at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Mutiso has been selected alongside defending champion Eliud Kipchoge and Tokyo Marathon champion Benson Kipruto. Timothy Kiplagat has been selected as a reserve.

The 27-year-old, as he looks forward to win a medal in Paris, disclosed that he mostly works on his strength and endurance.

He admitted that the Olympic marathon course is not a walk in the park and his coach decided to focus on the two things, however, he still works on the other aspects. The former world under-18 bronze medalist was also in awe of being selected in the team, saying that it is a dream come true.

“Being selected in the team has always been my prayer and I feel very happy for being given a chance to compete there because I know it’s not easy,” Mutiso told RFI media.

“I start with strength training and going to the gym because we were given the Paris marathon course outlook and we saw it’s not an easy one. My coach and I sat down and discussed the program and how I can train and we have planned everything according to how the course looks like,” he added.

“We have set aside gym days, hard workouts, and then long runs and speed work. I always work towards gaining more endurance through long runs, speed work, and hill runs to maintain my stamina.”

Mutiso noted that diet is also an important aspect of his routine as he plans to face off against the best in the world. The 2023 Prague Marathon champion also maintains discipline and his trust in God stands out above everything.

“Diet is also very important and ensuring I have enough rest. I know we shall be many and everyone is preparing for gold and everyone has to work hard and follow the training program,” he said.

“You also have to trust in God and be disciplined and we shall bring a medal if all goes well. Qualifying for the Olympics is a dream come true and if I manage to win, it will be a very huge blessing in my life.”

Eliud Kipchoge gets candid on his fatherhood journey

Eliud Kipchoge has spoken about his fatherhood journey and how he manages to balance family time and training.

Eliud Kipchoge has opened up about his fatherhood journey and how being raised by a single mother shaped how he treats his daughter and two sons.

The former world marathon record holder insisted that he is a great father and he believes he is raising confident children.

Speaking in an interview with NN Running team, the five-time Berlin Marathon champion noted that he learned most of his skills from his friends who are fathers.

“At home I am a husband and father…I can say I’m a responsible father. I don’t have the experience other than getting experience from other fathers. I was taken care of by a single mother and I’m trying all the best to be a good dad to my girl and two boys,” he said.

Speaking about his illustrious career, the four-time London Marathon champion noted that after spending about 10 years on the track, he took a shift to th roads.

He started his career with a 10km road race, then slowly rose through the ranks to the marathon where he has been dominant.

Kipchoge made his full marathon debut at the 2013 Hamburg Marathon where he won the race and has managed to establish his name on the global stage since then.

The two-time Olympic champion is undoubtedly one of the greatest marathoners in the world, thanks to his prowess. He has run four of the 10 fastest marathons in history.

He also lauded his coach, Patrick Sang for being a vital part in his career. He explained that they remain friends during training and even after training and they are able to talk about anything from sports to family.

“I spent a decade on the track and I guess I was successful on the track. After that, I decided to switch to road running,” Kipchoge said.

“I started with the 10km, then half marathon then the full marathon. For the last 11 years, I’ve been running the marathon and that’s why I always say the marathon is in my blood. That’s what actually made Eliud Kipchoge to be who he is now.

“I like reading, I like watching TV, I like going to the farm to refresh my mind. Patrick is critically important to me…I have been with him throughout my whole career. We exchange a lot, we think a lot, we critically comment a lot in business, in life, in sports.”

Inaugural Olympic mass marathon reveals stylish finisher medals

For the first time in Olympic history, the host city, Paris, is hosting a mass participation marathon on the evening of Aug. 10, the eve of the women’s Olympic marathon. On Wednesday, the finisher medals for the Marathon Pour Tous (Marathon For All) were unveiled, and they are stunning.

The Marathon Pour Tous (Marathon For All) medal features the official Paris 2024 Games logo on the front, along with the logo of the race sponsor, Orange Telecommunications, with the date of the race (10.08.24) engraved on the bottom. The back side of the medal has a maze-like design of the numbers 42 and 24, representing the marathon distance and the 2024 Paris Olympics, with “finisher” engraved at the bottom. Each medal weighs 150 grams, and measures 85 mm in length and 77 mm in width.

The identity of the medal designer has not been disclosed, but personally, I think the Marathon Pour Tous organizing committee hit the ball out of the park with this design. It’s elegant and thoughtful and creatively symbolic of a marathon at the Olympic Games. Runners who finish the race on Aug. 10 will get to proudly wear these medals after completing the 42.195 km race and crossing the finish line at Les Invalides.

This will be the only event in Olympic history open to the general public, offering “amateur” athletes the chance to run a marathon on the same course as the official events. Entry tickets were awarded to participants who successfully completed various challenges, including beating Eliud Kipchoge in a 5K. There are currently 20,024 runners registered for the Marathon Pour Tous.

Orange Telecommunications, the official race sponsor, expressed pride when unveiling the official medals on social media. “We are proud to unveil the official medals of the #MarathonPourTous of Paris 2024. Whether it’s the 42.195 km or the 10 km format, finishers will receive one of these medals to immortalize what could well be the race of a lifetime.”

The Marathon Pour Tous will start at 9:00 p.m. at Paris City Hall and follow the same route as the men’s and women’s Olympic marathons. This nighttime race is designed to reduce the impact of summer temperatures, which have historically reached near 35 C in early August. For those fortunate enough to secure a bib, this race will be a celebration of the Olympic Games and the vibrant city of Paris, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience to run on the same course as the world’s best.

Why Eliud Kipchoge trains on a gravel track in Eldoret once a week as he gears up for Paris Olympics

Experts have explained why Eliud Kipchoge and his teammates regulary train on a gravel track once a week as preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympics hit top gear.

Eliud Kipchoge's head coach Patrick Sang and training expert Louis Delahaije have explained why the legendary marathoner and his training mates train at the Moi University Law School track in Annex, Eldoret as they gear up for the Olympic games.

Kipchoge will be hoping to claim his third Olympic title in the marathon after securing wins at the 2016 Rio Olympics and the delayed 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games.

His management, the NN Running team, is also making sure the five-time Berlin Marathon champion is in the right shape to achieve his goals. One way has been to normalize training athletes on the gravel track.

Sang explained that the track helps in recovery especially when one is going for tougher sessions and it also does not affect the legs a lot.

“We are at Moi University, Law School, a place in Eldoret called Annex. This is where most of the athletes do their training. You can see it’s a big group training here.

“Today, we’ve had athletes run the 800m all the way to the marathon. Of course, they come here to do specific sessions, specific to their event.

“The surface is good, I mean generally when you train on tartan or the road and train here, which is a dirt track, the recovery and the stress on the legs is less and recovery for the next hard session is quicker.

“We train here twice in a week for the track runners and for the marathoners, we do it once a week,” the veteran coach said in a documentary posted by NN Running team.

On his part, Delahaije was also quick to note that Eldoret being closer to the equator is a plus for athletes and insisted that competing on such a track reduced the risk of injury. He marveled at always finding athletes running before the crack of dawn.

“When you arrive on the track, let’s say at 6 o’clock, it’s already dark and one of the nice things is there are people running around the track and slowly by slowly, in let’s say, 10-15 minutes, the lights turn on.

“I think, when you look at injuries, it’s much safer to run at a gravel track, like Annex. Obviously, it’s a 400m track and it’s in Eldoret, so it’s a little bit lower than our grounds in Kaptagat. It’s about 2000m of altitude which I think is also perfect to do some speedwork.

“Well, Eldoret is very close to the Equator which means that there is a very stable climate, first of all. The runners also feel comfortable let’s say around 20 degrees. Well, you have that more or less all year round over there,” he added.

Daniel Mateiko explains why teaming up with Nicholas Kimeli guarantees Kenya an Olympic medal

Daniel Mateiko has given a reason why he believes teaming up with Nicholas Kimeli will earn Kenya the coveted gold medal.

The reigning Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon champion Daniel Mateiko has explained why teaming up with Nicholas Kimeli guarantees Team Kenya an Olympic medal in the men’s 10,000m.

Mateiko and Kimeli got direct Olympic qualification following their impressive runs at the Prefontaine Classic, the Diamond League Meeting in Eugene, which also served as the Kenyan trials for the 10,000m.

The 25-year-old clocked a stunning world leading and personal best time of 26:50.81 to win the race as Kimeli finished second in a personal best time of 26:50.94. The third participant will be selected by a panel of selectors.

The 2022 Antrim Coast Half Marathon champion noted that he trains with Kimeli, something that places them at a greater level of winning the gold medal that was last won during the 1986 Olympic Games by Naftali Temu.

“Firstly, Kimeli and I train together, so I think we make a great team since we have been training together and we are going to Paris together, so we shall do well. It’s all about working on the confidence and believing in yourself that you can win.

“Actually, my journey in athletics has had ups and downs, sometimes you fail sometimes you succeed. Both of them are important in my career because when you fail, you grow,” he said.

The Kenyan also insisted that he will not change any of his training techniques in the build up to the global bonanza. He admitted that training with some of the greatest long-distance runners including Eliud Kipchoge and Geoffrey Kamworor has helped him gain confidence and helped him learn a lot of skills.

“I believe my preparation will be good and I have no plans of changing any program that I have been doing so I go and do my best there. I hope to do my best.

“It’s a great motivation for me to be training with great athletes like Eliud Kipchoge and Geoffrey Kamworor and I have learnt a lot of tactics and resilience from them,” Mateiko said.

What is the meaning of Global Running Day? Inspirational quotes for runners

At its core, Global Running Day is about community and solidarity. It's a day when runners from all corners of the world come together

Global Running Day, celebrated annually on the first Wednesday of June, is a worldwide celebration of running that encouragespeople of all ages and abilities to get moving. It is a day to recognize the positive impact running has on physical and mental health, as well as the sense of community it fosters.

The initiative, led by the New York Road Runners (NYRR), aims to inspire people to lace up their shoes and experience the joy of running. Whether it’s a short jog around the block or a longer distance, Global Running Day welcomes everyone to participate and embrace a healthier lifestyle.

The day serves as a reminder of the many benefits associated with running, including improved cardiovascular health, increased energy levels, stress reduction, and enhanced mood. It also promotes the social aspect of running, encouraging people to connect with others through group runs, races, or virtual challenges.

The Spirit of Togetherness

At its core, Global Running Day is about community and solidarity. It’s a day when runners from all corners of the world come together, not just to run but to share their stories, goals, and experiences.

Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or a beginner taking your first steps into the world of running, Global Running Day welcomes you. The inclusive nature of this celebration fosters a sense of belonging, reminding us that running is a universal language that transcends borders and cultures.

Promoting Health and Wellness

Running is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to maintain physical and mental health. Global Running Day serves as a reminder of the numerous benefits of running, from improved cardiovascular health and stronger muscles to reduced stress and enhanced mood. By encouraging people to participate in this activity, the event aims to inspire healthier lifestyles and promote the importance of regular exercise.

Inspiring Future Generations

Global Running Day is much more than a date on the calendar; it’s a movement that encapsulates the joy, community, and benefits of running.

It’s a day to celebrate the collective love for running, inspire new runners, and promote health and wellness across the globe. As we lace up our shoes and hit the road, we’re reminded that every step we take brings us closer together, creating a healthier, happier world. So, whether you’re running alone, with friends, or as part of a larger event, take a moment to appreciate what Global Running Day means to you and the global community of runners.

The best quotes from Eliud Kipchoge

Eliud Kipchoge is an inspiration for runners. The double Olympic champion in the Marathon (Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020) is also the only human to have run the 42.195 kilometers in less than two hours. He also holds the world record for the Marathon with a time of 2:01:39, which he achieved in Berlin.

Kipchoge is an athlete born in Kenya. Running comes naturally to him; he has been doing it since he was a child when he had to run 8 kilometers to get to school and another 8 kilometers to return home.

Besides having a technique that can be considered perfect, Eliud Kipchoge has managed to convey to runners around the world the joy of running and the importance of the mental factor.

Here are some phrases from Kipchoge and some other runners, which are an inspiration to celebrate this Runner’s Day 2022 together.

“Humans have no limits; they can achieve whatever they set their minds to. You must think beyond your own limits, run against the unthinkable.” – Eliud Kipchoge

“Athletics is not so much about the legs. It’s about the heart and mind.” – Eliud Kipchoge

“Only the disciplined in life are free. If you are undisciplined, you are a slave to your moods and passions.” – Eliud Kipchoge

“There are no secrets in my training. What is truly crucial is believing that progress is possible… believing that you can do anything.” – Eliud Kipchoge

“The ability to achieve your goals is not possible without hard work and self-confidence.” – Eliud Kipchoge

“I always aim to give my best until I reach the finish line.” – Eliud Kipchoge

“Never stop running for fun.” – Eliud Kipchoge

“Passion is a choice. You have to choose to be great. It’s not an opportunity; it’s a choice.” – Eliud Kipchoge

“When you feel pain, try to forget that pain. The only way to achieve this is by smiling, being happy, and enjoying running.” – Eliud Kipchoge

“Marathon is life. And life is where you progress.” – Eliud Kipchoge.

Munyao to exploit underdog status in hunt for Olympic title

London Marathon champion Alexander Munyao says he will exploit his underdog status in the hunt for the men’s marathon title at the Paris Olympic Games.

Two-time Olympic Marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge and Ethiopian great Kenenisa Bekele are front runners.

The duo have won numerous championships and major marathons while Munyao only has last month's  London Marathon title to boast of. 

Tokyo Marathon champion Benson Kipruto will be the other Kenyan athlete in the race. But undaunted by the challenge, Munyao is determined to pull off a surprise in the French capital.

“I’m targeting nothing less than gold in Paris. I know Kipchoge will be chasing his third Olympic title and Kipruto is an equally serious contender but I’m ready for the challenge,” Munyao stated.

 The London Marathon London Marathon champion envisions a Kenyan sweep on the podium and expects the trio to push each other to victory. 

“A Kenya 1-2-3 finish is very possible. We’ll be pushing each other hard, and I believe Kenya will dominate in Paris,” he added.

Beyond winning gold, Munyao is keen to lower his personal best (PB). “I aim to reduce my PB to 2:01 or 2:02,” he added.

The 27-year-old  boasts a PB of 2:03:11 set in December 2023 during the Valencia Marathon, where he placed second.

Last week, the Ethiopian Athletics Federation announced its three male representatives for Paris, headlined by three-time Olympic track champion Bekele. He will team up with Valencia Marathon champion Sisay Lemma and Beijing Marathon champion Deresa Geleta.

Despite acknowledging the strength of the Ethiopian team, Munyao views his Kenyan compatriots as his main rivals.

“Ethiopia have a strong team no doubt but I don't see them posing any threat to us. I have run with Bekele and Lemma before and I know their techniques. However, I haven't run with Kipchoge or Kipruto before and that makes them more competitive unlike the Ethiopians,” he noted.

During his triumph in London last month, Munyao beat Bekele to the title, clocking 2:04:01 with Bekele, who was the pre-race favorite, settling for second place in 2:04:15.

At the 2023 Prague Marathon, Munyao clinched the title in 2:05:09, beating Lemma to second place in 2:06:51. Looking ahead to Paris, Munyao plans to stay with the leading pack and make his decisive move close to the finish. 

“My strategy will be simple! I have to stay with the leading pack and make my move a few kilometres to the finish as was the case in London,” Munyao noted.

However, Munyao tempered expectations for a new world record in Paris, citing the challenging nature of the course.

“I have not run the Paris course before but from what I have heard from athletes, it is a tough course. Breaking a world record there will not be easy. What will be important for us athletes is a medal,” he added.

Munyao resumed full training last week at Ngong Hills under the guidance of his coach Peter Muteti, running 30km daily.

“I resumed full training for the Olympics last week at Ngong Hills. I do 30km daily runs, 20km in the morning with light 10km runs in the evening,” he added.

Nike responds to controversial Paris Olympics kits for Team Kenya and USA

The brains behind the Paris 2024 Olympics Nike kits have explained the reasons behind the designs that generated mixed reactions from Kenyans and Americans.

The Paris 2024 Olympic Nike kits for team Kenya and USA elicited mixed reactions from fans who were worried about the color and too much exposure among other aspects.

Nike unveiled the kits during the "On Air" event where world 100m champion Sha'Carri Richardson, two-time Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge, double world record holder Faith Kipyegon among other athletes were used as models.

However, what people did not know is that Nike has been preparing for the Olympic Games for a few years (since before the pandemic). As reported by Fashionista, they were focusing on fine-tuning features like Dri-Fit and Air for even better performance, testing items over Zoom.

"You need diversity in your pool. You need a certain amount of playing hours, time and intensity in these projects, but you also need the voice of an everyday athlete," Kathy Gomez, Nike's vice president of footwear innovation told Fashionista.

“Testing is a very intimate experience, getting to know them and understanding their data but also understanding them. We do everything to make the athlete feel like they're part of the process."

She added that Nike also uses stats from the sports research labs, taking results from a group of marathoners to optimize a digital prototype for running miles on end, before creating samples.

"Data is the new design. It allows us to amplify the benefits we deliver, whether it's compression or breathability or weight," Vice President of Apparel Innovation Janett Nichol said.

“To make a garment, we don't have to cut it into several pieces and then put all those elements together. We're able to put data through a digital computational system, and everything comes out."

Speaking about basketball, Gomez added: “If you think about efficiency in basketball, it's about holding your foot in. Containment in all directions plus comfort are two things that can be opposing.

"Being able to get containment that locks you in but doesn't feel like it's too tight comes from obsessing over the details.”

Nike’s Olympics preparation is mainly focused on refinement, and some sports have offered more room for experimentation.

Meanwhile, Nike did get some backlash after "On Air” with critics sharing their opinion. In response to the former, a Nike spokesperson said there are almost 50 unique competition styles to choose from, meaning athletes won't have to compete in the skimpiest clothing if they don't want to.

"For a sport like track and field, a sprinter may have very different needs than a javelin thrower, so our collection includes a dozen competition styles fine-tuned for specific events to ensure athletes can choose outfits that match their style and personal preference without sacrificing comfort," he said.

“We also have a range of bottoms for athletes to choose from offering full to less coverage. Ultimately, the best kits ensure that athletes can perform at their best without being distracted by their apparel, helping them stay focused on the world stage."

Kipruto excited to run side by side with legendary Kipchoge

The 2024 Tokyo Marathon champion Benson Kipruto reckons he has polished his act satisfactorily to reap immensely at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Kipruto emphatically stated his desire to light up the French capital with a sublime performance. 

“I’m looking forward to competing in the Paris Games. Being named to the team is a great privilege and I cherish the rare chance to represent the country in the Olympics,” Kipruto stated.

“I’m ready to fight bravely for my country. I believe I’m in good shape and ready to make the nation proud in Paris,” he added.

Kipruto said the thought of being on the same team as his role model Eliud Kipchoge fascinates him a lot, adding that the double Olympic champion has always been his key source of inspiration.

The duo mske up the quintet of Kenyan male marathoners tasked with flying the country’s flag at the quadrennial global multisport showpiece set for July 26 to August 11.

Kipruto tipped Kipchoge to spearhead Kenya’s lofty hunt for a podium sweep but vowed to give him a run for his money.

“He is a brilliant athlete, one who has always inspired me a great deal. I desire to be as great as him and step into his shoes once he calls time on his career,” Kipruto remarked.

Kipruto reiterated an earlier call made by his teammates for a concerted effort, pointing out it was the only way to ensure a podium sweep.

“I believe in the strength of team effort. Away from competition, we train together reside in the same camp, and interact like a family. I don’t see what should prevent us from going for an Olympic as a team,” Kipruto stated.

He said they would do away with their pre-race favourites tag to stave off complacency, adding that it would be tactically suicidal to underrate their opponents.

Kenya will be defending the title that Kipchoge stashed away at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in Japan and Kipruto has tipped the nation to replicate the feat in the French capital.

“We can’t afford to head to the competition with a superior mentality. I’ll appreciate that we have a solid team but we should be careful not to take our opponents for granted,” Kipruto said. “Marathon is a tricky venture and anything is bound to happen in competition,” he added.

Kipruto heads to the Games buoyed by impressive credentials as the winner of the Boston Marathon in 2021, the Chicago Marathon in 2022, and the Tokyo Marathon earlier this year.

How to Access the Elusive “Fourth Dimension” of Endurance

Consider two runners who, in lab testing, have identical values for VO2 max, running economy, and lactate threshold. These are the three quantities in the “standard model” of endurance performance; you can plug them into an equation to calculate your expected marathon time. So who will win the race?

The question is not as hypothetical as it seems. At the top end of the sport, athletes tend to have relatively similar values for all three of the parameters. And if they’re weak in one, they’ll compensate in the other two. And yet lab testing isn’t capable of reliably picking winners. The cyclist with the highest ever VO2 max flopped as a pro; the top marathoners that Nike picked for its Breaking2 marathon, including Eliud Kipchoge, didn’t have unusually high lab numbers. There’s clearly something missing from the equation.

Over the past few years, researchers have zeroed in on a suspect for what one paper calls “the fourth dimension” in the endurance equation. It has various names: durability, physiological resilience, fatigue resistance (which is the term I used when I first wrote about it in 2021). It’s a measure of how much your physiological parameters change over the course of a race. Maybe your VO2 max is 70 ml/kg/min at the start of the race, but has dropped to 65 ml/kg/min by the time you’ve run 20 miles. If your doppelgänger starts with the same values but still has a VO2 max of 67 ml/kg/min after 20 miles, he’ll beat you.

No one is entirely sure what determines fatigue resistance, which is why there’s currently a flurry of research into the topic. Two new papers fill in some gaps, suggesting that what you do before the race and what you do during the race can both have an impact.

The first study, published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports by Runar Jakobsen Unhjem of Nord University in Norway, compares trained runners with “active adults.” The runners had been training for an average of about a decade, averaging a little over 40 miles a week with 10K bests of 33 minutes for men and 38 minutes for women. The active adults played recreational sports but did no more than two days a week of endurance training. Both groups completed a pair of VO2 max and running economy tests before and after an hour of running at a moderate pace corresponding to 70 percent of their individual VO2 max.

In both groups, VO2 max and running economy got worse after an hour of running—but the decline was much steeper in the active adults. Running economy is a measure of how much energy it takes to sustain a given pace; that energy cost increased four times more in the active adults than in the runners. VO2 max dropped by 5.0 percent in the active adults, but just 1.2 percent (not a statistically significant change) in the runners.

That means the active adults had to work harder to sustain the same pace, while at the same time their capacity to do that work was declining. Both groups started at 70 percent of their rested VO2 max, nominally working equally hard. But the figure below shows that by the end the active adults (AA) were pushing at well over 75 or their max while the trained runners (TR) were barely working harder at all:

The takeaway here is that fatigue resistance isn’t just something you’re born with, which is good news. It will improve with training–although what specific type of training targets it best remains to be determined.

The second study, published in the European Journal of Sport Science by a multinational research team led by James Spragg of the University of Cape Town in South Africa, looked at what types of in-race efforts cause the biggest changes in baseline values. Spragg was one of the authors of the study I wrote about back in 2021, which looked at fatigue resistance in professional cyclists after spending amounts of energy ranging between 1,000 and 3,000 kilojoules. But there’s a big difference between doing 3,000 kilojoules of work at a steady pace and doing it with surges and hill-climbs and so on.

The new study tested fatigue resistance in 14 professional cyclists after burning 2,000 kilojoules in two different ways. In one test, they stuck to steady low-intensity riding below their critical power. In the other test, they did 5 eight-minute intervals of hard riding above critical power plus enough easy riding to accumulate roughly the same amount of total work. Sure enough, the higher-intensity intervals produced a greater drop in their baseline physiological values, with the biggest effects on sprinting ability. The results suggest that, within a given run or ride, mid-race surges are what will deaden your finishing kick.

Based on the individual results, Spragg and his colleagues classify the cyclists as fatigue-resistant, semi-fatiguable, or fatigue-sensitive, with three, four, and seven of the riders, respectively, falling into these categories. Their previous research using real-world data from pro cyclists suggests that, all else being equal, fatigue-resistant riders are the ones who win races. So what determines who ends up in which category?

Other studies have linked poor fatigue resistance to inadequate fueling, but in this study all the riders took in 90 grams of carbohydrate per hour. There may also be metabolic differences in how different people use their internal stores of carbohydrate versus fat. The new data suggests that keeping your pace steady and avoiding unneeded surges might be advantageous. And as with the comparison between trained runners and active adults, training might be part of the answer. Previous data from pro cyclists did find that higher training volume was associated with greater fatigue resistance. In other words, we still haven’t figured out how to access the fourth dimension—but we’re finally getting some clues.

Kenenisa Bekele named to Ethiopian Olympic marathon team

Ethiopia's Kenenisa Bekele and Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge will square off in the marathon at the Paris Olympics.

It’s been 12 years since Ethiopian distance runner Kenenisa Bekele last put on his country’s singlet at an Olympic Games, but he has officially earned his spot on the Ethiopian marathon team for Paris 2024. 

As reported by ESPN, Bekele is one of three men selected by the Ethiopian Athletics Federation to represent Ethiopia in the marathon at the 2024 Paris Olympics. This will be Bekele’s fourth Olympic Games and the first time he has represented his country in the marathon. He has previously won four Olympic medals (three gold, one silver) across the 5,000m and 10,000m events, at Athens (2004) and Beijing (2008).

Bekele earned his spot on the Ethiopian team after an excellent showing at the 2024 London Marathon, where he placed second behind Kenya’s Alexander Mutiso, in 2:04:15 (a men’s 40+ world record). His time was four seconds faster than his previous master’s best, from the 2023 Valencia Marathon in December (2:04:19). 

Bekele will face his long-time rival, Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge, at one final Olympic Games in the streets of Paris, almost exactly 20 years after their first Olympic matchup in Athens. Kipchoge and Bekele are two of the fastest marathoners in history, and are part of the exclusive club of four men who have gone under the 2:02 marathon mark.

Joining Bekele on the Ethiopian team is another athlete in that exclusive club, Sisay Lemma. Lemma has a personal best of 2:01:53 from the Valencia Marathon in December. Most recently, Lemma won the 2024 Boston Marathon in 2:06:17, ending Evans Chebet of Kenya’s two-year reign. 

2022 world marathon champion and 2023 New York City Marathon champion Tamirat Tola rounds out the Ethiopian squad. The difficult 2024 Paris Olympic course suits Tola’s style of racing well, and he’ll certainly be one of the favorites to win gold and end Kenya’s streak of champions. Ethiopia has not won gold in the men’s marathon since Gezahegne Abera in Sydney in 2000.

Jepchirchir is confident with her finishing kick ahead of the Olympic Games

The reigning Olympic women’s marathon champion Peres Jepchirchir reckons she has the allure to hypnotize her way to another crown at the upcoming 2024 Paris Games in August.

Jepchirchir, 30, heads to the French capital inspired by her mind-blowing act of genius at the 2024 London Marathon, where she smashed the women’s only world record at a searing pace of two hours, 16 minutes, and 16 seconds.

In an exclusive interview on Wednesday, Jepchirchir expressed optimism in her determination to crack a back-to-back title at the Olympic Games.

She spoke moments after Athletics Kenya unveiled the official list of eight men and women marathoners who will hold forte for the nation at the Paris Games.

“I know it won’t be easy. I’m expecting a tough contest but I’m confident I’ll accomplish my pursuit at the Summer Olympics in Paris. I’ve equipped myself adequately for the enormous assignment ahead,” Jepchirchir remarked.

Jepchirchir said she would replicate the tactical blueprint that fired her to glory in previous races including her momentous triumph at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

“I have adopted a strong finishing kick that comes in handy on the home stretch. I’ve always made it impossible for my opponents to overtake me in the final 800m. That’s exactly what I intend to do,” Jepchirchir stated.

Reflecting on her historic windfall in the frigid streets of England last month, the diminutive runner said her record-smashing exploits caught her by surprise.

“I was thrilled by the victory. I was not expecting to shatter the world record. I remotely believed someone would smash it but it hardly crossed my mind that person would be me.”

The conquest served to embellish an astral career set in motion by two World Half Marathon victories in 2016 and 2020.

She went on to storm the 2021 New York City and 2022 Boston Marathon titles before wrapping up third at the 2023 London Marathon.

Jepchirchir headlines a starry roster of Kenyan marathoners tasked with hoisting the nation’s flag at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

According to a list unveiled by the National Olympic Committee of Kenya on Wednesday, Jepchirchir’s teammates include reigning Boston and New York Marathon champion Hellen Obiri, Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Brigid Kosgei, and 2022 New York Marathon champion Sharon Lokedi who has been incorporated as a reserve runner.

Double Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge headlines the men’s list that also boasts the recently crowned London Marathon champion Alex Mutiso,  Benson Kipruto and Timothy Kiplagat who has earned a spot on the team as a reserve.

The women’s Olympic race slated for August 11, will cover a 42,195km loop linking Paris and Versailles.

The marathon will begin at the Hôtel de Ville in Paris and ends at Les Invalides, passing through nine districts including the Paris— Boulogne-Billancourt, Sèvres, Ville d’Avray, Versailles, Viroflay, Chaville, Meudon and Issy-les-Moulineaux.