Running News Daily

The streets of Barcelona witnessed an extraordinary moment in distance running as Ethiopia’s rising star Fotyen Tesfay delivered a marathon debut for the ages. Competing at the renowned Zurich Marató Barcelona, Tesfay stormed to victory in a stunning 2:10:53, recording the second-fastest women’s marathon time ever run and announcing herself as a formidable new force over the classic 42.195-kilometre distance.

From the moment the race settled into rhythm, Tesfay ran with remarkable composure and quiet authority. The Ethiopian appeared unfazed by the magnitude of the occasion—her first attempt at the marathon distance—gliding through the early kilometres with a smooth, economical stride that hinted at something extraordinary unfolding.

As the race progressed along Barcelona’s scenic coastal avenues and historic boulevards, the pace remained relentlessly quick. Yet Tesfay looked increasingly comfortable while others struggled to maintain contact. By the latter stages, she had seized clear command of the race, transforming what began as a tactical contest into a commanding solo performance.

Crossing the finish line in 2:10:53, Tesfay not only secured victory but also etched her name into the sport’s record books. Her performance stands as the second-fastest women’s marathon ever recorded, while also delivering a national record for Ethiopia and a course record in Barcelona—an astonishing achievement for a marathon debut.

Behind her, Kenya’s Joan Jepkosgei Kiplimo produced a strong run to claim second place in 2:18:42, recording a new personal best. Ethiopia’s Zeineba Yimer Worku followed closely in third place in 2:18:49, also setting a personal best as the podium showcased the continued dominance of East African athletes on the global marathon stage.

The women’s race unfolded as a thrilling celebration of speed, courage, and global talent, leaving the Catalan capital glowing with admiration for one of the most extraordinary marathon debuts the sport has ever seen.

Top 10 – Women’s Results

1. Foyten Tesfay Hailu (Ethiopia) — 2:10:53

2. Joan Jepkosgei Kiplimo (Kenya) — 2:18:42

3. Zeineba Yimer Worku (Ethiopia) — 2:18:49

4. Chaltu Chimdesa Kumsa (Ethiopia) — 2:23:32

5. Yalganesh Eskamech Gedefa (Ethiopia) — 2:24:05

6. Carolina Robles Campos (Spain) — 2:24:58

7. Lucy Nthenya Ndambuki (Kenya) — 2:28:02

8. Gladys Tejeda (Peru) — 2:29:51

9. Sofia Assefa Abebe (Ethiopia) — 2:31:29

10. Loréna Meningand (France) — 2:31:52

For the fans lining the vibrant streets of Barcelona, the race delivered a moment they will long remember. They came expecting a competitive marathon; instead, they witnessed the breathtaking arrival of a new star in the sport.

If this extraordinary debut is any indication, Fotyen Tesfay has not merely entered the marathon world—she may well be on the verge of reshaping it.

Valencia, Spain — October 26, 2025 - The 2025 Valencia Half Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Zurich once again lived up to its global reputation as the fastest half marathon on Earth. The flat, coastal course produced extraordinary performances from both the men’s and women’s elite fields — highlighted by Sweden’s Andreas Almgren becoming the first European ever to break 59 minutes, and Kenya’s Agnes Jebet Ngetich clocking the second-fastest women’s time in history.

MEN’S RACE: ALMGREN MAKES HISTORY AS KEJELCHA DOMINATES

Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha retained his Valencia title with a blistering 58:02, further cementing his place among the all-time greats. Though it was outside the current world record of 56:42, set earlier this year by Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo at the Barcelona Half Marathon, Kejelcha’s effort was commanding from start to finish.

Running in his slipstream, Rodrigue Kwizera of Burundi and Brian Kibor of Kenya both crossed in 58:39, but the day’s biggest breakthrough came from Sweden’s Andreas Almgren, who stormed home in 58:41 — a stunning new European record.

The 29-year-old Almgren shattered the previous continental best of 59:13, set by Julien Wanders in 2019, and became the first European athlete in history to dip under the 59-minute barrier.

“This means everything,” Almgren said after the finish. “I came to Valencia knowing it was the place for fast times, but to run 58:41 — it’s beyond my dreams. Europe is back in the game.”

Kejelcha went out hard with early splits suggesting another sub-58 performance might be possible, hitting 10K in around 27:13. Slight headwinds in the final kilometers kept him just off world-record pace, but his margin of control was never in doubt.

WOMEN’S RACE: NGETICH CLOSES IN ON THE WORLD RECORD

Kenya’s Agnes Jebet Ngetich produced yet another masterpiece on the streets of Valencia, winning the women’s title in 1:03:08, the second-fastest time ever recorded for the half marathon. Only Letesenbet Gidey’s world record of 1:02:52, also set in Valencia in 2021, stands ahead of her on the all-time list.

Ngetich went out aggressively, passing 10K in 29:28, well inside world-record pace. But a headwind over the final five kilometers cost her valuable seconds. Despite missing the record, her performance once again showcased her dominance and her special connection with the streets of Valencia, where she has repeatedly delivered career-defining runs.

“Valencia brings out the best in me,” Ngetich said. “I felt strong, and even though I missed the record, I know it’s within reach. I’ll be back.”

Ethiopia’s Fotyen Tesfay took second in 1:05:11, while Kenya’s Veronica Loleo ran a superb personal best of 1:05:46 to finish third. The top performances underscored the remarkable depth and quality in women’s distance running today.

RACE CONDITIONS AND COURSE

Cool temperatures, light humidity, and minimal wind set the stage for another record-friendly day in Valencia. The famously flat and fast course — celebrated for its long straightaways and sea-level setting — once again proved why it’s the go-to destination for athletes chasing lifetime bests and global marks.

Pacemakers set an aggressive tempo from the start in both races, and despite minor breezes in the final stretch, the results confirmed that Valencia remains the gold standard for road racing worldwide.

TOP RESULTS

Men’s Elite Results

1. Yomif Kejelcha (Ethiopia) – 58:02

2. Rodrigue Kwizera (Burundi) – 58:39

3. Brian Kibor (Kenya) – 58:39

4. Andreas Almgren (Sweden) – 58:41 (European Record)

5. Milkesa Mengesha (Ethiopia) – 59:12

6. Boniface Kibiwott (Kenya) – 59:16

7. Sebastian Sawe (Kenya) – 59:22

8. Mohamed Essa (Morocco) – 59:45

9. Tadese Worku (Ethiopia) – 59:58

10. Gabriel Geay (Tanzania) – 1:00:02

Women’s Elite Results

1. Agnes Jebet Ngetich (Kenya) – 1:03:08 (Second-fastest time ever)

2. Fotyen Tesfay (Ethiopia) – 1:05:11

3. Veronica Loleo (Kenya) – 1:05:46 (Personal Best)

4. Irine Cheptai (Kenya) – 1:06:03

5. Melat Kejeta (Germany) – 1:06:37

6. Viola Chepngeno (Kenya) – 1:06:44

7. Tsige Haileslase (Ethiopia) – 1:06:56

8. Eilish McColgan (Great Britain) – 1:07:09

9. Selly Chepyego (Kenya) – 1:07:16

10. Marta Galimany (Spain) – 1:08:21

WHY VALENCIA CONTINUES TO INSPIRE THE WORLD

For more than a decade, Valencia has been the epicenter of half-marathon excellence. From Gidey’s women’s world record in 2021, to Kandie’s men’s mark in 2020, to Kejelcha’s near-record runs and now Almgren’s European breakthrough — the course has become synonymous with speed and history.

This year’s edition reinforced three powerful truths about modern distance running:

1. Yomif Kejelcha remains one of the greatest half-marathon specialists of all time.

2. Agnes Jebet Ngetich has brought women’s road racing to new heights, now sitting just seconds shy of a world record.

3. Andreas Almgren’s European record symbolizes a resurgent era for European endurance running.

FINAL SUMMARY

Event: 2025 Valencia Half Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Zurich

Date: October 26, 2025

Location: Valencia, Spain

Men’s Champion: Yomif Kejelcha (Ethiopia) – 58:02

Women’s Champion: Agnes Jebet Ngetich (Kenya) – 1:03:08 (Second-fastest ever)

European Record: Andreas Almgren (Sweden) – 58:41

Kenya's Hellen Ekalale Lobun and Sweden’s Andreas Almgren claimed victories at the 10K Valencia Ibercaja by Kiprun, a World Athletics Label road race, on Sunday (12).

Lobun, who took the women’s title in 29:30, moved to fourth on the world all-time list while Almgren took 11 seconds off the European record, winning the men’s race in 26:53.

In a race of incredible depth, the first four women now feature in the top 10 on the world all-time list, while the men’s contest marked the first time 11 athletes had finished inside 27:30.

The women’s contest had been billed as an assault on the Ethiopian record (29:14) by pre-race favourite Fotyen Tesfay, who won the Valencia Half Marathon in 1:03:21 in October. Paced by Spain’s Abedarrahman El Khayami, the lead quartet of Tesfay, Lobun, Girmawit Gebrezihair and teenager Asayech Ayichew went through 3km in 8:46, putting them on course to break the world record of 28:46.

The cadence soon dropped, however, and Tesfay went through 5km in 14:31 with Lobun five seconds behind, Ayichew another two seconds in arrears and Gebrezihair clocking 14:42. Soon after, Tesfay had been reeled back in, and the lead trio – Tesfay, Lobun and Gebrezihair – reached 7km in 20:29.

Approaching the final kilometre, Tesfay dropped back, leaving Lobun and Gebrezihair to duel for the victory. Lobun broke away from her Ethiopian rival with 600 metres to go, crossing the line in 29:30 in what was her first standalone 10km race (though she has previously contested two half marathons).

Gebrezihair was second in 29:34, taking more than a minute off her previous best, while a tired Tesfay (29:42) managed to hold off Ayichew (29:43), both women setting PBs. It’s just the second time in history – after last year’s Valencia 10k – that four women have finished inside 30 minutes.

“I didn’t expect to win but I knew I was in good shape,” said Lobun who is based in Kirenget and is coached by Williams Langat. “It was my first 10km ever so my debut has been fantastic. I’ll next compete on 23 February at the Lobo Village cross country race in Eldoret and later I’ll focus on the track season as I try to make the Kenyan team for the World Championships in Tokyo.”

Despite the absence of the scheduled pacemaker Rodrigue Kwizera, who was forced to withdraw because of flu, the men’s contest ended up being one of the best ever in terms of depth.

Kenya’s Daniel Kinyanjui, Vincent Langat and Benard Langat, along with Ethiopia’s Tadese Worku and Telahun Haile Bekele took charge of the pacing duties with Almgren, Switzerland’s Dominic Lobalu and Belgium’s Isaac Kimeli also part of the leading pack. The opening 3km was covered in 8:13 and half way was passed in 13:43, suggesting a finishing time well outside 27 minutes.

The pace soon started to increase, though, as Bekele, Langat and Lobalu started to push harder, reaching 7km in 19:05 with seven athletes in the lead pack. The pace, now at 2:40/km, continued to increase as Lobalu, Langat and Almgren reached 9km well ahead of the rest.

European 10,000m champion Lobalu tried to surge in the closing stages, but Langat and Almgren stayed on his shoulder. With just seconds to go, track specialist Almgren put his kick finish to good use and edged in front to cross the line in 26:53, having covered the second half in 13:10.

Lobalu settled for second in 26:54 and Langat completed the podium in 26:55. Further down the field, Uruguay’s Santiago Catrofe set a South American record of 27:16 in eighth.

“Last year I ran 27:20 here and I knew I could run much faster today,” said Almgren, the 2014 world U20 800m bronze medallist who has moved up in distance in recent years and ran 26:53.57 for 10,000m on the track last year. “It’s my first European record so I’m over the moon; I’ll now spend four weeks in the altitude of Sierra Nevada to focus on my next target, the 3000m at the European Indoor Championships.”

In addition to the area records, national records were also set by Switzerland’s Lobalu, Eritrea’s Dawit Seare (27:21), Great Britain’s Rory Leonard (27:38), Spain’s Ilias Fifa (27:41) and Ireland’s Efrem Giday (27:43).

Leading results

Women1 Hellen Lobun (KEN) 29:302 Girmawit Gebrzihair (ETH) 29:343 Fotyen Tesfay (ETH) 29:424 Asayech Ayichew (ETH) 29:435 Fentaye Belayneh (ETH) 30:006 Christine Chesiro (KEN) 30:067 Maurine Toroitich (KEN) 30:288 Miriam Serem (KEN) 30:299 Alice Chemtai (KEN) 30:4710 Lomi Muleta (ETH) 31:01

Men1 Andreas Almgren (SWE) 26:532 Dominic Lokinyomo Lobalu (SUI) 26:543 Vincent Langat (KEN) 26:554 Daniel Kinyanjui (KEN) 27:065 Isaac Kimeli (BEL) 27:106 Benard Langat (KEN) 27:117 Telahun Haile Bekele (ETH) 27:138 Santiago Catrofe (URU) 27:169 Dawit Seare (ERI) 27:2110 Celestin Ndikumana (BDI) 27:23

On January 12, thousands of runners will fly through the fastest 10K course in the world. Dominic Lobalu, Isaac Kimeli and Andreas Almgren arrive in Valencia with the goal of breaking the European 10K record.

The 10K Valencia Ibercaja by Kiprun is finalizing the details to offer again a great show in what will be its 17th edition this coming January 12. The race, which closed its registration last December 22 after exhausting the available numbers, will feature a cast of elite athletes of up to 25 nationalities. 

According to José Enrique Muñoz Acuña, Coordinator of Elite athletes and sports director of the race, the goal this year "is to continue the level of sporting demand that has the 10K Valencia as the best 10K in Spain and holder of world records for both men and women". "This January 12 we will once again experience an event of the highest level, in which -if the conditions respect us- athletes can meet their goals and we can once again see men under 27 minutes and women under 30 minutes," he added. 

As usual in the 10K Valencia, in men "we find a list that stands out for the good level of European athletes, who come with the aim of breaking the European record", which is currently held by Etienne Daguinos (27:04, Lille 2024). For this "there are three clear favorites: Dominic Lobalu (Switzerland), Isaac Kimeli (Belgium) and Andreas Almgren (Sweden), who will have a hare to launch the race to go under 27 minutes." 

As for the African armada, several athletes stand out, such as the Ethiopians Telahun Bekele, Getnet Wale and the debutant in the distance Samuel Tefera, double world indoor 1,500ml champion. In addition to many other athletes who can opt for victory, such as Kenyans Daniel Kinyanjui, Vincent Langat or Meshack Lelgut, "In total, we have 32 men with records under28 minutes".

As for the Spanish representation, several names stand out: Abdessamad Oukhelfen, current national record holder of the distance with 27:44 made last January on this circuit, Daniel Arce, who comes from running very fast in León, Juan A. Pérez Moreno, Víctor Ruiz and Aarón Las Heras. It is worth mentioning the Uruguayan athlete living in Spain, Santiago Catrofe, who comes to Valencia with the intention of improving the South American AR, which is currently held by the Argentinean Antonio Silio (27:51, 1990). 

Women, going all out 

In the women's field, three clear favorites stand out: Fotyen Tesfay (Ethiopia), Christine Chesiro (Kenya) and the young and talented Ethiopian athlete Asayech Ayichew, who won the Great Ethiopian Run a few weeks ago. "In addition to them we have to add a great cast of African athletes. They all come to Valencia to improve their records".  

In European terms, several athletes stand out, such as Slovenia's Klara Lukan, France's Mekdes Woldu and England's Abbie Donnelly, all of them looking to break their current records. 

In the Spanish field, we have two athletes who arrive in a similar form as Alicia Berzosa and Laura Priego, the clear favorites to win in the Spanish category without forgetting the athlete of the Serrano Athletics Club, Maria Jose Perez.

It is worth remembering that the 10K Valencia, which achieved the World Record in men in 2020 (26:24), managed to break all forecasts in the last edition when the athlete Agnes Jebet beat the 10K world record with a 28:46. On a national level, Abdessamad Oukhelfen won the Spanish men's 10K record with a time of 27:44. 

The Ethiopian Yomif Kejelcha set a new men’s world record today in the Valencia Half Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Zurich after clocking 57:30 after an epic race in the rain in which he dominated from the start.

The Valencia Half Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Zurich now occupies the top of the podium as the fastest 21,097 metres for both men and women. It already had the women’s world record set by Letesenbet oGidey in 2021 (1:02:52) and it now regains the men’s title it last held in 2020. Lisbon took the record from Valencia in 2021 by just one second (Jacob Kiplimo, 57:31), but that time has now been bettered by one second.

After Kejelcha, in second place was Daniel Mateiko, with a time of 58:17, and in third position,  Isaia Kipkoech, in  58:21. 

In the women’s race, the winner was Agnes Ngetich, who crossed the finish line with an excellent time of 1:03:04, which turned it into the second best time in history and the best of the year. Second place went to Fotyen Tesfay, in 1:03:21 and third place to Lilian Kasait, in 1:03:32.

Spanish women’s record

There has also been greatest joys for the Spaniards today, Kaoutar Boulaid has broken the Spanish women’s record with a time of 1:08:47, almost a minute below the previous record achieved in Valencia Half Marathon by Laura Luengo (1:09: 41) a year ago. Luengo was the second Spaniard to cross the finish line with 1:08:50, also improving her previous time. In third place has arrived the debutant Irene Sánchez-Escribano with 1:09:10.

In the men’s field, Thierry Ndikumwenayo was the first national with a time of 59:42, followed by Ibrahim Chakir, with 1:01:40, second, and Jorge Blanco, with 1:01:45.

Kenya’s Olympic 5000m champion Beatrice Chebet accomplished her double golden glory by winning the 10,000m at the Paris 2024 Games on Friday (9).

Just four days after striking gold in the 5000m final, Olympic debutant Chebet emerged victorious in the women’s 10,000m in 30:43.25 at the Stade de France.

Italy’s Nadia Battocletti, who was fourth in the 5000m, finished strong in a national record of 30:43.35 to secure the silver as Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands ran 30:44.12 for bronze – her second medal of that colour in Paris after her third-place finish in the 5000m. 

The feat makes Chebet the first Kenyan woman to win Olympic 10,000m gold and only the third woman after Tirunesh Dibaba and Hassan to win the 5000m and 10,000m double at the Olympic Games.

The 24-year-old also became the first to win 5000m and 10,000m Olympic titles in addition to the world cross country title and the 10,000m world record. 

Chebet, who shattered the world 10,000m record in May’s Prefontaine Classic, was no doubt the centre of focus in the final. She did the sign of a cross before taking off as part of a field that featured defending champion Hassan, 5000m world record-holder Gudaf Tsegay and Battocletti.

The rain had stopped and the sun was shining bright when the women took off in the 10,000m on a somewhat wet track.

Rahel Daniel of Eritrea had an early leading role with Battocletti behind her, taking the field through 1000m in 3:12. The main cast included Chebet and Tsegay tucked in the middle of the pack, while Hassan stayed behind.

The race was tactical and Daniel was in the lead until she dropped out of the competition and Rino Goshima of Japan took over, leading the pack through 3000m in 9:26.94 and 4000m in 12:38.12. Chebet had moved up to third position, and throughout the whole race she had no interest in going in front. 

Thirteen athletes were still bunched together with eight laps remaining. This time it was Ethiopian Tsigie Gebreselama’s turn to lead, taking them through 7000m in 21:15.65. The pack had Chebet, Margaret Kipkemboi, Lilian Kasait Rengeruk, Fotyen Tesfay, Tsegay, Sarah Chelangat and Battocletti. 

With two laps to go, Kenya’s Kipkemboi pushed the pace and just before the bell it was an East Africa contest. Kipkemboi stepped on the gas again after the bell, with Rengeruk on her shoulder. Their intention – to drop the rest, a move that made Chebet and Battocletti immediately respond. Hassan also covered the move.

With 200 metres to go, Chebet – who had run a very tactical race – overtook Kipkemboi, with Battocletti hot on her heels. But Chebet’s strong kick was enough to earn the 10,000m gold medal in 30:43.25, the slowest winning time since the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games.

Battocletti crossed the line a tenth of a second after Chebet, taking home a silver medal and a national record of 30:43.35. 

Hassan's triple quest in Paris amounted to a second podium finish, as she came home third in 30:44.12. She will next compete in the marathon on Sunday. 

“I’m so happy," said Chebet. "To do the 5000m and 10,000m is not something easy. But just focus, and know that you can achieve. Just believe in yourself.

"I believed that I could do it. I just wanted to win the 10,000m for my country. My country has never won a gold medal (in the women’s 10,000m). So I said I wanted to be the first."

Olympic 5,000m champion Beatrice Chebet will be seeking a historic double when she lines up in the 10,000m women's final at the Paris 2024 games Later tonight.

Chebet, won the 5000m on Monday night, dashing in the last 50m to beat two-time Olympic 1500m champion Faith Kipyegon and Dutch woman Sifan Hassan to the tape.

She will fly the Kenyan flag alongside compatriots Margaret Chelimo and Lilian Kasiait.

Kasait, is the second fastest runner this year with another sub-30 display of 29:26.89, while Chelimo  finished fifth in the 5000m final, has a best time of  (29:27.59), in the 25 laps race

The world record holder with a time of (28:54.14), will face a rich field led by defending champion Sifan Hassan (29:06.82), Ethiopian two-time world 5000m record-holder Gudaf Tsegay and compatriots Fotyen Tesfay (29:47.71) and Tsigie Gebreselama (29:48.34).

While Chebet will be seeking to become the first Kenyan to clinch an Olympic double, Sifan's victory will see the Dutch star become the only woman to have won the title consecutively after Ethiopia’s Tirunesh Dibaba's grabbed the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 titles.

The 24-year-old Olympics debutant faces an acid test in her quest for a second gold medal despite being among the favourites despite flooring seasoned track legends Faith Kiyegon, Sifan and Ethiopia's Tsegay Gudaf. In the 5000m race.

“This is a different race and I have to use a different technique to emerge victorious. "It will be tough but I will try my best," Chebet said.

The race takes place at 9.47 pm at the iconic Stade de France.

Meanwhile, Emmanuel Wanyonyi and Commonwealth Games title holder Wycliffe Kinyamal will kick start team Kenya’s track events this afternoon when they line up in the men's 800m semifinals at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

In the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, Kenya bested Ethiopia as the top African nation, finishing 19th overall with 10 athletics medals.

World record-holders Gudaf Tsegay and Lamecha Girma are set to lead a formidable Ethiopian squad of 43 athletes at the upcoming Paris Olympic Games.

The robust team comprising top-tier talent across various track and field events promises to offer fierce competition to their long-time rivals Kenya in the race for Olympic medals.

Tsegay will be competing in the 10,000 meters, 5,000 meters, and 1,500 meters events.

The 27-year-old athlete's standout performance at the Prefontaine Classic, where she shattered the world record in the 5,000 meters with an astounding time of 14:00.21, means she will be challenging rival Kenya's Faith Kipyegon who will chase two gold medals after winning the 1500m and 5000m.

The women's team also boasts an impressive lineup in the 800 meters, featuring Tsige Duguma, Habitam Alemu, and Werknesh Mesele, with Nigist Getachew as the reserve.

In the 1,500 meters, Tsegay will be joined by Birke Haylom and Diribe Wolteji, with Hirut Meshesha on standby. Medina Eisa and Ejgayehu Taye will support Tsegay in the 5,000 meters, with Freweyni Hailu as reserve, while Fotyen Tesfay, Tsigie Gebreselama, and Aynadis Mebratu will compete in the 10,000 meters.

The 3,000 meters steeplechase will see Sembo Almayew and Lomi Muleta in action, and the marathon team includes Tigst Assefa, Amane Beriso, and Megertu Alemu, with Gotytom Gebreslase as reserve.

On the men's side, the team is equally impressive as Abdisa Fayisa, Samuel Tefera, and Ermias Girma will compete in the 1,500 meters.

The 5,000 meters team includes Hagos Gebrhiwet, Yomif Kejelcha, and Addisu Yihune, with Selemon Barega as reserve.

Kejelcha will also contest the 10,000 meters alongside Berihu Aregawi and Biniam Mehari, with Barega again as a reserve.

Lamecha Girma, alongside Samuel Firewu and Getnet Wale, will vie for victory in the men's 3,000 meters steeplechase, with Abrham Sime as reserve.

Ethiopia team to Paris

Women

800 meters: Tsige Duguma, Habitam Alemu, Werknesh Mesele, Nigist Getachew (Reserve)

1500 meters: Gudaf Tsegay, Birke Haylom, Diribe Wolteji, Hirut Meshesha (Reserve)

5000 meters: Gudaf Tsegay, Medina Eisa, Ejgayehu Taye, Freweyni Hailu (Reserve)

10,000 meters: Gudaf Tsegay, Fotyen Tesfay, Tsigie Gebreselama, Aynadis Mebratu (Reserve)

3000 meters Steeplechase: Sembo Almayew, Lomi Muleta

Marathon:Tigst Assefa, Amane Beriso, Megertu Alemu, Gotytom Gebreslase (Reserve)

Men

1500 meters: Abdisa Fayisa, Samuel Tefera, Ermias Girma, Teddese Lemi (Reserve)

5000 meters: Hagos Gebrhiwet, Yomif Kejelcha, Addisu Yihune, Selemon Barega (Reserve)

10,000 meters: Yomif Kejelcha, Berihu Aregawi, Selemon Barega, Biniam Mehari (Reserve)

Men's 3000 meters steeplechase: Lamecha Girma, Samuel Firewu, Getnet Wale, Abrham Sime (Reserve)

Marathon: Sisay Lemma, Deresa Geleta, Kenenisa Bekele, Tamirat Tola (Reserve)

20 km Race walk: Misgana Wakuma

Valencia 10km Road Race silver medalist Immaculate Anyango is setting her sights on securing a spot in the women’s 10,000m team for a maiden appearance at the Paris Olympic Games.

With the Kenyan 10,000m teams (men and women) selection scheduled for May 25 in Oregon, USA, during the Prefontaine Classic Diamond League, Anyango is eager to showcase her prowess.

"I'll be heading to the Olympics Trials this week in Oregon. My goal is crystal clear: earn my place to represent Kenya in Paris," Anyango declared.

The Olympic qualifying mark for the women’s 10,000m is 30:40.00 whereas  Anyango boasts a personal best (PB) of 32:51.58 set at the  Fernanda Ribeiro Gala in Maia, Portugal.

Anyango is confident in her ability to meet the Olympic standard in Oregon. She said her mission now is to realise her dream of competing at the global extravaganza.

 "Making it to the Olympics is my ultimate goal. While the challenge of hitting the mark is real, my determination will drive me to succeed," she emphasised.

Acknowledging the tough competition in the women’s 10,000m field, Anyango remains cautious, admitting that, "The competition among female athletes in the 10,000m will be tough. It's going to be a demanding race."

However, she believes her meticulous preparations and participation in key races this year will give her an edge in the USA.

“My preparations are going on well. I have taken part in a couple of races this year and they have been crucial as far as my endurance and speed work are concerned,” she stated.

Anyango kicked off the year with a strong performance in January at the Valencia 10km Road Race, clocking 28:57 to secure the runner-up spot. Agnes Ngetich clocked 28:46 to obliterate the women’s 10km record.

She later went on to clinch the title at the Sirikwa Classic cross-country tour clocking 32:55.

Anyango also made the Kenya team to the World Cross Country Championships in Belgrade, Serbia in March but finished outside the podium in position four (31:24).

The results, however, did not dampen her spirits as she went on to clinch silver at the Boston 5km Road Race in April clocking 14:59 behind Ethiopia’s Fotyen Tesfay (14:45).

She also won another silver medal the same month in the Bengaluru, India 10km Road Race clocking 31:16 behind Lilian Kasait (30:56).

Recognised for her achievements, Anyango was awarded the LG/SJAK  Personality of the Month for February after her victory at the Sirikwa Classic.

She sees this accolade as a significant motivation as she prepares for the Olympic Trials in Oregon, stating, "The award will fuel my motivation as I gear up for the Olympic trials."

Tesfay, of Ethiopia, ran a course record time as Boston Marathon weekend got underway on Saturday. 

It was a near-perfect morning as racing got underway for the long Boston Marathon weekend. The Boston 5K started things off, followed later by the B.A.A. Invitational Mile. Ethiopia’s Fotyen Tesfay and Cooper Teare of the U.S. claimed wins in the 5K, while Americans Krissy Gear and Casey Comber took home wins in the mile.

Tesfay runs a course record; Teare kicks to the win in the 5K

Tesfay rolled to victory in the women’s race at the Boston 5K. She controlled the entire race, running a time of 14:45, four seconds ahead of the previous course record set in 2022 by Senbere Teferi.

Tesfay took the race out hard from the gun, coming through the first mile in 4:43, a half second ahead of Kenya’s Emmaculate Acholi and a full eight seconds ahead of the rest of the field. She extended that advantage through the second mile and to the finish, winning by 13 seconds over second place Acholi, who ran 14:59.

“I came to break the course record, which I did, and I am so happy,” Tesfay said after the race.

Esther Gitahi of Kenya was third in 15:08, and Annie Rodenfels was the top American finisher, also running 15:08 for fourth.

The men’s race featured a sprint to the finish with Teare clocking a time of 13:38 to take the win over fellow American distance star Drew Hunter. 

The men ran in a pack for much of the race. Eduardo Herrera of Mexico made the initial move in the final half mile and opened up about 10 meters on the field, but Teare and a few others were able to close the gap as they made the final turn onto Charles Street.

“If I can be in contact coming into the last straight, I think I can put myself in a pretty good spot,” Teare said of his strategy coming into the race. 

From there, Teare used some good finishing speed and powered to the line to grab the win by a second over Hunter and Herrera, who wound up second and third, respectively.

Gear repeats as mile champ; Comber takes the win

For a second straight year, Krissy Gear won the women’s B.A.A. Invitational Mile. The U.S. champion in the steeplechase last year, Gear was able to successfully defend her title in the race. She unleashed a terrific kick in the final quarter mile to win in 4:42.45—a few ticks off her winning time from 2023.

Sweden’s Yolanda Ngarambe also had a strong kick, but ran out of room, taking second in 4:43.64.

In the men’s race, Comber took the title, running a time of 4:07.31. After a second place finish in 2023, Comber moved up to the top spot a year later.

The field ran down Great Britain’s Henry McLuckie, who led through the first two laps of the course. Comber proved to have the best kick in the end, outlasting second place Aaron Ahl of Canada, who ran 4:08.04.

Fast fields featuring Olympians, Paralympians, rising stars, and recent B.A.A. event winners will take center stage at the Boston 5K presented by Point32Health and B.A.A. Invitational Mile on Saturday, April 13. The deepest professional field in race history will include more than 100 accomplished athletes from 19 nations, set to square off for prize money and awards in the open, wheelchair, and Para Athletics Divisions. 

“More than 40,000 athletes will take part in B.A.A. races across Boston Marathon weekend,” said Jack Fleming, President and Chief Executive Officer of the B.A.A. “Saturday’s Boston 5K and B.A.A. Invitational Mile fields feature some of the fastest American and international stars, many who are aiming to compete at the Olympics and Paralympics in Paris.”

A new champion will be crowned and the stage is set for another close race at the Boston 5K. Ben Flanagan (Canada), Edwin Kurgat (Kenya), and Alex Masai (Kenya) – all top-five finishers a year ago – will return. They were at the front of an exciting finish a year ago that saw the top 13 men come across the line within ten seconds of the winner.

Top Americans Cooper Teare, Zach Panning, and Drew Hunter look to be at the front of the field. Teare is the reigning U.S. club cross country national champion, while Panning led a majority of February’s USA Olympic Team Trials – Marathon and Hunter is a former national champion indoors at 2 miles. B.A.A. High Performance Team members Eric Hamer and Barry Keane will be racing their hometown event.

Also on the start line will be Ben Kigen, an Olympic steeplechase bronze medalist in 2021; Simon Koech, last year’s Diamond League winner in the steeplechase; and Merhawi Mebrahtu, the 5,000m World Junior Championships silver medalist. Ethiopians Getnet Wale and Addisu Yihune are the two fastest men in the field, having gone sub-13:00 on the track for 5,000 meters.

Leading the women’s field is USATF 5K National Champion and B.A.A. High Performance Team member Annie Rodenfels. Joining her are 2024 Team USA Olympic marathoner Dakotah Lindwurm, former American marathon record holder Keira D’Amato, perennial top-American Boston Marathoner Nell Rojas, as well as Team B.A.A. runners Abbey Wheeler, Bethany Hasz Jerde, and Megan Hasz Sailor.

Uganda’s Sarah Chelangat, the Cherry Blossom 10 Mile champion in 2023, and Mercy Chelangat, a former NCAA Cross Country and 10,000m winner, are both entered. Reigning B.A.A. Half Marathon champion Fotyen Tesfay of Ethiopia also comes back to Boston seeking another win.

In the wheelchair division, course record holder and six-time Boston Marathon champion Marcel Hug (Switzerland) will square off against Americans Daniel Romanchuk and Aaron Pike. Brazil’s Vanessa de Souza – the 2018 Boston 5K winner – is the women’s wheelchair division favorite. Perennial Para Athletics Division contenders El Amine Chentouf (T12, vision impairment), Brian Reynolds (T62, lower-limb impairment), and Marko Cheseto (T62, lower-limb impairment) will vie for prize money and podium placings. This will be the largest professional Para Athletics Division field in event history.

Nearly 10,000 participants will take part in the Boston 5K, serving as the first race of the 2024 B.A.A. Distance Medley series.

KRISSY GEAR LOOKS TO REPEAT IN B.A.A. INVITATIONAL MILE

Krissy Gear earned a hard-fought B.A.A. Invitational Mile win last year and now comes in with the target on her back as defending champion. Four of the top five finishers from 2024 return, including Susan Ejore (Kenya), Jazz Shukla (Canada) and Taryn Rawlings (USA). Micaela Degenero, the 2022 NCAA Indoor Mile champion, and 4:23.94 Helen Schlachtenhaufen are entered as well.

Massachusetts high school standout Ellie Shea will take on the professionals. The Belmont High School student-athlete finished 10th at last year’s B.A.A. Invitational Mile.

Massachusetts native and 3:52.94 miler Johnny Gregorek leads the men’s field of competitors. Melkeneh Azize of Ethiopia, the world junior champion at 3000m in 2022, and Harvard’s Vivien Henz, a national champion in Luxembourg, will each make their B.A.A. road racing debuts.

In addition to the professionals, student-athletes from each of the eight cities and towns that make up the Boston Marathon route will compete in a Scholastic Mile and Middle School 1K.

After a dismal performance at the 10K Valencia Ibercaja, Faith Chepkoech come back guns blazing as she bagged the women’s title at the 11th edition of the 10K Facsa Castellón on Sunday (25) in Castellon, Spain.

The 30 year-old who finished a distant 16th in her season opener in Valencia, fought off Ethiopia’s Fotyen Tesfay who was primed for the pole position having come with the fastest time on paper of 30:20.

Chepkoech clocked a new personal best of 29:50 to take the honors and was followed by Tesfay who also got a new personal best of 29:54 with Diana Chepkorir who was making her debut over the distance closing the podium in 29:56.

Kenyans Loice Chemnung and Jesca Chelengat finished in fourth and fifth in respective time of 30:09 and 30:23.

The race course record of 29:14 set two years ago by Ethiopia’s Yalemzerf Yahualaw remains standing.

LEADING RESULTS

10KM WOMEN

Faith Chepkoech  (KEN) 29:50

Fotyen Tesfay       (ETH) 29:54

Diana Chepkorir   (KEN) 29:56

Loice Chemnung  (KEN) 30:09

Jesca Chelangat    (KEN) 30:23

The 2023 B.A.A. Half Marathon presented by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund took place today, November 12, starting and finishing within Boston’s Franklin Park. Personal bests and fast times were achieved on a chilly fall day. Preliminary results can be found here. 

In the professional open divisions, Fotyen Tesfay (Ethiopia) and Abel Kipchumba(Kenya) took home the women’s and men’s titles respectively, while Jenna Fesemyer and Hermin Garic, both of the USA, captured the wheelchair division victories. American Paralympian Liz Willisset a world record in the T61-64 division (lower limb impairment) in a time of 1:45:19. Among today’s finishers were more than 600 athletes representing the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Jimmy Fund, raising more than $700,000 to defy cancer. 

Warming up through the early miles, Tesfay and a sizeable lead pack passed 5 miles in 27:10 and 10 miles in 53:17. The race began to intensify as Tesfay, American record holder Keira D’Amato, B.A.A. 5K champion Senbere Teferi, and World Cross Country Championships silver medalist Tsigie Gebreselama covered the hilly course along Boston’s Emerald Necklace Park System.

While it was a pack with 5K to go, Tesfay was all alone entering White Stadium, breaking the tape in 1:08:46. In her Boston debut, Tesfay not only conquered the competition but also the cold temperatures. 

“The pack was so big, but I managed to move ahead of them as I got close to the finish to take the win,” said Tesfay. “This is my first time running a half marathon in Boston and the coldest race I have ever run, so I am very happy to win.”

Teferi (ETH) and Gebreselama (ETH) rounded out the podium in 1:09:00 and 1:09:06, followed by D’Amato as the top American in 1:09:12. 

In the men’s race, Kipchumba was determined to improve upon a ninth place finish a year ago. Running with Australian Olympian Pat Tiernan and defending champion Geoffrey Koech (Kenya) through five miles, Kipchumba began to break away little by little. At six miles it was a seven second lead, then at 10 miles the gap stood 30 seconds. 

Kipchumba’s broke the tape all smiles in 1:01:32 with a hard-charging Tiernan second (1:01:56) and Yemane Haileselassie third in 1:02:17. Sam Chelanga, who won a silver medal in the 10,000m at the Pan Am Games on the track last week, was top American, seventh in 1:02:49. 

“Today was difficult because it was very cold. And as we know, Boston has a lot of hills. But I managed to win the race, so I am happy,” said Kipchumba. “I like the crowds. They cheered me and I got a lot of energy to push the pace.”  

Ethiopia’s Addisu Yihune and Kenya’s Hellen Obiri won the men’s and women’s titles at the 2023 TD Beach to Beacon 10K on Saturday morning.

Yihune crossed the finish line in an unofficial time of 27 minutes, 56 seconds. Conner Mantz of Utah was second (27:58) and Muktar Edris of Ethiopia was third (28:06).

Obiri won the women’s race in an unofficial time of 31:36, followed by Ethiopia’s Fotyen Tesfay (31:38) and Keira D’Amato of Virginia (31:58).

Matt Rand of Portland was the top finisher among the Maine men in an unofficial time of 30 minutes, 44 seconds, followed by Grady Satterfield of Bowdoinham (30:52) and Ryan Jara of Gorham (30:55).

Ruth White, who will be a senior this fall at Orono High, was the top finisher among Maine women in an unofficial time of 34:56. Alexis Wilbert of Cumberland placed second (35:46) and Veronica Graziano of Falmouth was third (36:15).

Hermin Garic of Utica, New York, won the men’s wheelchair division in an unofficial time of 23 minutes, 20 seconds. Yen Hoang of Vancouver, Washington, won the women’s wheelchair division in 28:24.

In the men’s race, Mantz, 26, was visibly upset when he finished the race. He said Yihune, 20, twice pushed him in the final quater-mile, both times causing him to break stride and bang into the fencing that separated the runners from the crowd. Yihune, through the translation of countryman Edris, said he did not push Mantz. Yihune, competing in his first road race, said he was merely closing the lane to block Mantz’s path. Mantz, who had a fresh abrasion on his upper left arm, said that possibly the first incident with about 400 meters could have been accidental or unintended.

The second time, with about 200 meters to go, “The second time I tried to pass him there was plenty of room. Enough for two people to pass on his left. The second time I hit the fence pretty hard. I hate this because there’s a part of me that feels like I got gypped but I also don’t want to go out and protest and like make it into somebody else’s bad experience.”

Yihune won $10,000 for the victory. Mantz also earned $10,000 – $5,000 for finishing second and another $5,000 as the top American.

“I feel like I had first in me today and when you lose by just that much and you lose your momentum, it’s easy to get upset,” Mantz said.

Beach to Beacon, founded by 1984 Olympic women’s marathon champion Joan Benoit Samuelson, is celebrating its 25th anniversary. More than 8,000 people registered for the event, Maine’s largest road race and one of the premier road races in America, with over 6,400 finishing.

In an unexpected turn of events during the AJC Peachtree Road Race 10K on Independence Day, Ethiopia’s Senbere Teferi, the reigning champion, was poised to claim victory and the USD $10,000 prize. However, a wrong turn in the final 200m foiled her plans, resulting in a third-place finish and causing her to miss out on a large sum of money.

Teferi was closely following a leading police motorcycle as it suddenly veered off the course with 200m to go. Without hesitation, Teferi followed suit, mistakenly believing that the race course took an unconventional right turn.

Despite having a nearly 10-second lead over her compatriot, Fotyen Tesfay, Teferi’s confusion led to her sprinting back to the course and finishing third, with a time of 30:47. She was only two seconds short of second place, which went to Kenya’s Jesca Chelangat in 30:45. Tesfay seized the opportunity and claimed victory, finishing four seconds ahead of Teferi in 30:43.

Tesfay also briefly followed Teferi’s detour before swiftly correcting herself and surging ahead to win the 10K title and the USD $10,000 prize.

While it’s not uncommon for runners to take wrong turns near the finish line, it is surprising that it happened to someone who won the race just last year. This a reminder that even professional runners make mistakes.

The AJC Peachtree Road Race is held annually in Atlanta on Independence Day. It is currently recognized as the world’s largest 10K race, with over 60,000 participants. Canada’s own Rory Linkletter finished 17th overall in this year’s race, posting a time of 29:12.

Had the World Athletics Cross Country Championships Bathurst 23 gone ahead in 2021 as originally planned, there’s a strong chance that Letesenbet Gidey would already be a world champion at the discipline.

The Ethiopian was in sensational form in 2020 and 2021, setting world records of 14:06.62 for 5000m and 29:01.03 for 10,000m. She had to settle for bronze at the Olympic Games at the longer event, but she prioritized global honors over records in 2022 and was rewarded with her first world title on the track, winning the 10,000m in Oregon in a nail-biting race.

The 24-year-old is now focused on winning her first individual senior world cross-country title. She won back-to-back U20 crowns in 2015 and 2017, joining an elite club of athletes to achieve the feat, alongside Faith Kipyegon and Genzebe Dibaba.

Gidey finished third in the senior women’s race in 2019 and earned gold in the team competition, but this time she heads to Bathurst as one of the big favorites.

If her performance at the Jan Meda Cross Country – Ethiopia’s trial event for the World Cross – is anything to go by, Gidey is certainly in form to challenge for gold in Bathurst. In that race back on 1 January, she bided her time until the last kilometer of the race and then soon opened up a gap of about 20 seconds on a strong domestic field.

It looked as though she was running within herself, too.

As much as individual glory will be Gidey’s biggest goal on Saturday, she will also want to earn gold in the team standings, and Ethiopia will once again be in with a great shout of doing exactly that.

Gete Alemayehu, who has a 1:06:37 half marathon PB, was second in the trial race, just ahead of 30:06.01 10,000m performer Tsigie Gebreselama, bronze medalist in the U20 race in Aarhus in 2019. Fellow Ethiopian Fotyen Tesfaye just missed out on a top-10 placing in Aarhus, so will be keen to improve on that in Bathurst.

But Gidey and her Ethiopian compatriots won’t have an easy ride, as they’ll be up against someone who is undefeated in international cross-country races for more than a year.

Eritrea’s Rahel Daniel has dominated the World Athletics Cross Country Tour and currently tops the season standings thanks to her three victories last month. She won at the prestigious Campaccio meeting in San Giorgio su Legnano, then two days later triumphed in Elgoibar, winning by eight seconds. More recently she won in Hannut, racing in heavy snow, showing she can cope well in any conditions.

Daniel enjoyed a successful 2022 campaign on the track, setting national records for 5000m (14:36.66) and 10,000m (30:12.15), the latter when placing fifth at the World Championships in Oregon.

But the 21-year-old is clearly more at home on cross country, and despite this being her World Cross debut, Daniel will have high hopes for a podium finish.

Beatrice Chebet is just as formidable an opponent, though. The Kenyan took 5000m silver at the World Championships last year and won the U20 women’s title at the 2019 World Cross in Aarhus. She is also the African, Commonwealth and Diamond League 5000m champion, and is a former world U20 champion on the track.

She has raced just twice in cross-country events since the end of the track season, but won both of her races. She won by 13 seconds in Atapuerca in November and by 15 seconds at the Cinque Mulini in January.

In the absence of Chebet at the Kenyan trials, teenager Grace Loibach Nawowuna was a surprising winner of the senior women’s race, beating Olympic semifinalist Edinah Jebitok by four seconds. The Kenyan team also includes two-time world cross-country champion Emily Chebet and Agnes Ngetich.

Burundi’s Francine Niyonsaba missed the peak of the 2022 track season through injury, but still managed to win three races on the Wanda Diamond League circuit, and then triumphed at the Venta de Banos Cross Country in December. In her latest appearance, though, she was a distant fifth in Elgoibar, some 47 seconds behind Daniel.

Stella Chesang, the 2018 Commonwealth 10,000m champion, was a dominant winner of the recent Ugandan Cross Country Championships and is keen to improve on her 21st-place finish from the 2019 World Cross. She is joined on the Ugandan team by world U20 5000m bronze medallist Prisca Chesang.

Olympic finalist Nozomi Tanaka, who holds national records for 1000m, 1500m and 3000m, leads the Japanese team. The 2018 world U20 3000m champion placed 39th at the last World Cross when she was still just 19 years of age, so she’ll be hoping for a higher position this time. Ririka Hironaka, who earned U20 team bronze in 2019, will also be flying the Japanese flag in Bathurst.

Ednah Kurgat and Weini Kelati feature on the US team, while Australia’s Rose Davies and Leanne Pompeani will aim to give the home crowd something to cheer for. Other contenders include Canada’s Regan Yee, Mexico’s Laura Galvan, and Britain’s Abbie Donnelly.