Running News Daily

Kenyan marathoner Joyce Chepkemoi Tele is set to line up at the prestigious Seoul Marathon on March 15, 2026, in Seoul, South Korea, where she will face a formidable international field in one of Asia’s most respected road races.

Tele, who holds a personal best of 2:20:17, heads into the race aiming to challenge some of the strongest marathon specialists on the circuit. The Kenyan has steadily built a reputation as a resilient and consistent performer over the classic distance, and the Seoul streets could provide the perfect stage for another major breakthrough.

Awaiting her is a highly competitive lineup led by Ethiopia’s Tiruye Mesfin, the fastest entrant on paper with a personal best of 2:18:35. Mesfin’s experience and speed make her one of the clear favorites heading into the race.

Another strong Ethiopian contender is Bosena Mulatie, who owns a 2:19:06 lifetime best and has demonstrated impressive strength in major city marathons. She will be joined by compatriot Bekelech Gudeta, whose personal best of 2:20:59 places her firmly among the athletes capable of shaping the outcome of the race.

With several athletes clustered around the 2:18–2:26 range, the women’s race is expected to be fiercely contested from the early stages. The traditionally fast course in Seoul has often produced high-quality performances, especially when the pace is aggressive and weather conditions cooperate.

Elite Women’s Start List (PBs)

1. Bekelech Gudeta (Ethiopia) — 2:20:59

2. Tiruye Mesfin (Ethiopia) — 2:18:35

3. Bosena Mulatie (Ethiopia) — 2:19:06

4. Haven Hailu (Ethiopia) — 2:19:17

5. Joyce Chepkemoi Tele (Kenya) — 2:20:17

6. Zinash Gerado (Ethiopia) — 2:21:05

7. Anchelem Haymanote (Ethiopia) — 2:23:23

8. Meseret Gebre (Ethiopia) — 2:23:11

9. Betelihem Yemer (Ethiopia) — 2:23:20

10. Ayinadis Teshome (Ethiopia) — 2:25:50

11. Kebebush Yisma (Ethiopia) — 2:24:04

12. Medina Deme (Ethiopia) — 2:25:09

13. Wu Bing (China) — 2:25:01

14. Monica Chebet (Kenya) — 2:26:30

For Tele, the race represents an opportunity to measure herself against some of the finest marathon runners in the world while continuing to elevate Kenya’s strong presence on the global marathon stage. If the pace unfolds favorably, the Kenyan star could find herself in the thick of the battle as the race heads into its decisive closing kilometers.

As anticipation builds ahead of the March showdown, the women’s contest at the Seoul Marathon promises to deliver a thrilling clash between East Africa’s elite distance runners, with pride, prestige, and potentially fast times on the line.

Held in Guangzhou, the 2025 Guangzhou International Marathon brought 26,000 runners to the streets of southern China on December 21, unfolding beneath a crisp Lingnan sunrise at Tianhe Sports Center. From elites hunting fast times to first-timers savoring the spectacle, the day delivered standout performances and a citywide celebration of running.

The race followed the classic “One River, Two Banks” course—an urban showcase linking riverside boulevards, gleaming skyscrapers and historic districts, with signature crossings such as Liede Bridge and Haixinsha Island Park before the final run-in.

Men: A Two-Second Duel

Ethiopia’s Afewerk Mesfin Woldetensae controlled the men’s race with poise, timing his effort perfectly through the middle stages and holding firm to the line for victory in 2:12:23. Kenya’s Felix Kirwa pressed relentlessly and finished just two seconds back in 2:12:25, a thrilling margin that kept spectators on edge to the finish.

The loudest cheers came for China’s Zhaxi Ciren, who surged to third overall in 2:14:06 to claim top domestic honors—an important podium for home athletes on one of the country’s biggest road-racing stages.

Chinese runners showed impressive depth throughout the top eight. Yang Chunlong clocked 2:17:57, Solang Cairen followed in 2:18:34, while Zhou Youfa (2:20:15) and Deng Guomin (2:20:22) rounded out strong performances that underscored a rising competitive standard.

Women: Record-Setting Authority

The women’s race belonged to Kenya’s Joyce Chepkemoi Tele, who produced a commanding, front-to-back run to win in 2:22:40 and break the course record. Her effort combined bold early pacing with measured control and sustained strength to the tape.

Ethiopia completed the podium sweep as Betelihem Afenigus Yemer (2:27:52) and Chaltu Chimdesa Kumsa (2:31:37) followed, highlighting the nation’s depth and tactical sharpness on fast, city courses.

Chinese women also had reason to celebrate. Ding Changqin led the domestic contingent with a fine 2:35:40 for fifth overall. She was followed by Tang Xiaofang (2:40:26), Song Jinting (2:41:41) and Li Yingcui (2:45:36), all finishing inside the top eight.

A Festival on the Run

Beyond the front of the race, Guangzhou embraced marathon day. Creative costumes—from Cantonese opera tributes to animated mascots—dotted the route, while spectators packed bridges, plazas and riverside promenades, turning the course into a moving festival.

Organizers matched the energy with careful planning. Cooling mist stations, clearly marked aid points and visible safety crews helped ensure the 42.195-kilometer journey was both competitive and runner-friendly.

By day’s end, the 2025 Guangzhou International Marathon had crowned champions, rewritten records and delivered personal victories for thousands. For elites, the results will resonate into the season ahead; for the wider field, it was a day of breakthroughs and shared joy—running through one of China’s most vibrant cities.

Top Results — 2025 Guangzhou Marathon

Men

1. Afewerk Mesfin Woldetensae (ETH) — 2:12:23

2. Felix Kirwa (KEN) — 2:12:25

3. Zhaxi Ciren (CHN) — 2:14:06

4. Yang Chunlong (CHN) — 2:17:57

5. Solang Cairen (CHN) — 2:18:34

6. Zhou Youfa (CHN) — 2:20:15

7. Deng Guomin (CHN) — 2:20:22

Women

1. Joyce Chepkemoi Tele (KEN) — 2:22:40

2. Betelihem Afenigus Yemer (ETH) — 2:27:52

3. Chaltu Chimdesa Kumsa (ETH) — 2:31:37

4. Pending official release

5. Ding Changqin (CHN) — 2:35:40

6. Tang Xiaofang (CHN) — 2:40:26

7. Song Jinting (CHN) — 2:41:41

8. Li Yingcui (CHN) — 2:45:36

The Athletics Integrity Unit has banned 29-year-old James Wangari for violating an anti-doping rule.

The Athletics Integrity Unit has slapped James Mwangi Wangari with an eight-year ban for violating anti-doping rules.

The AIU reported that his ban backdates to December 21, 2022, and will run for eight years. The Kenyan has been banned for the Presence/Use of a Prohibited Substance (Norandrosterone). His results from November 6, 2022, have also been disqualified.

The AIU disclosed that Wangari had written to them explaining that he did not dope intentionally and requested a retest.

However, Wangari noted that he could not conduct the retest and therefore, the AIU charged him with an anti-doping rule violation.

However, in February this year, the athlete requested a hearing and the matter was referred to the Disciplinary Tribunal. However, after a series of meetings with the AIU, it was ruled that he had committed the offense.

Meanwhile, others to join the list of shame include Joyce Chepkemoi Tele who has been banned for 18 months, from June 27, 2022 for the Presence of a Prohibited Substance (triamcinolone acetonide). Her results from April 3, 2022, have been disqualified.

Another Kenyan, Rebecca Jepchirchir Korir has also been banned for 2 years, from November 2, 2023, for the Presence of a Prohibited Substance (methylprednisolone). 

Also, Sitora Khamidova of Uzbekistan has been suspended for the Presence/Use of Prohibited Substances Dehydrochloromethyl-testosterone, heptaminol, and octodrine.