Running News Daily

DOHA, Qatar – Ethiopian distance running is once again making a powerful statement on the global stage. Following the Doha Diamond League meeting, Ethiopia has achieved a remarkable clean sweep of the women's 3000m/5000m standings, occupying all eight leading positions in one of the most competitive disciplines in world athletics.

Leading the charge is Likina Amebaw, who sits comfortably at the top of the rankings with 22 points. Close behind is fellow Ethiopian star Freweyni Hailu on 14 points, while Medina Eisa occupies third place with 12 points. The dominance continues through the rest of the leaderboard, with Senayet Getachew, Hawi Abera, Aleshign Baweke, Marta Alemayo, and Bernesh Dessie completing an extraordinary Ethiopian monopoly of the standings.

The achievement highlights Ethiopia's exceptional depth in women's distance running, where a new generation of athletes continues to emerge and challenge for global honours. Rather than relying on a single standout performer, Ethiopia has assembled a formidable squad capable of controlling races and collecting points across multiple Diamond League meetings.

While the current standings paint a picture of complete Ethiopian supremacy, the battle for the Diamond League title is far from over. Several meetings remain on the road to the season finale, leaving plenty of opportunities for rivals to close the gap and for positions within the Ethiopian contingent to shift dramatically.

For now, however, the spotlight belongs firmly to Ethiopia. The East African powerhouse has transformed the women's 3000m/5000m standings into an all-Ethiopian affair, sending a clear message to the rest of the world that the race for Diamond League glory will likely run through Addis Ababa.

The question now is whether Likina Amebaw can maintain her advantage and finish the season as the overall leader, whether Freweyni Hailu or Medina Eisa can mount a successful challenge, or whether another athlete will produce a late-season surge to rewrite the script.

One thing is certain: the road to the Diamond League Final promises a fascinating battle among some of the finest distance runners on the planet.

Olympic and world champion Winfred Yavi will step out of her renowned steeplechase comfort zone on Thursday evening as she takes on a strong women's 5000m field at the Golden Gala Pietro Mennea, the fourth stop of the 2026 Wanda Diamond League in Rome.

The Bahraini star arrives in the Italian capital carrying impressive credentials over the distance. Yavi owns a personal best of 14:41.99 and currently holds Bahrain's national record in the women's 5000m, underlining her versatility beyond the barriers that have brought her global fame.

Rome holds special memories for Yavi. The Stadio Olimpico was the scene of one of the finest performances of her career in 2024 when she produced the second-fastest women's 3000m steeplechase time in history, narrowly missing the world record. Now she returns to the Eternal City with a different challenge ahead as she looks to make her mark in one of the deepest distance races of the evening.

The 27-year-old will face a quality field featuring rising Kenyan talent Caroline Nyaga, Margaret Akidor, Ethiopia's Likina Amebaw and Hirut Meshesha, as well as fellow Kenyan Purity Chepkurui. With several proven performers on the start line, the race promises to be a fierce battle from the opening laps.

Adding further intrigue is the standard set by the event itself. The current world record of 13:58.06 belongs to Kenyan superstar Beatrice Chebet, who became the first woman in history to break the 14-minute barrier for 5000m.

Although Yavi's primary focus remains the steeplechase, her growing strength on the track has made her a genuine threat in longer flat races. Every appearance outside her signature event offers another glimpse into the remarkable range that has transformed her into one of the world's most complete distance runners.

As the lights shine on Rome tonight, all eyes will be on Yavi to see whether she can translate her championship pedigree into another memorable performance. A victory would further cement her reputation as one of the most versatile stars in global athletics and provide a major statement as the Diamond League season gathers momentum.

Three-time Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon reminded the world exactly why she remains one of the greatest distance runners of her generation after storming to a sensational 14:24.14 victory in the women’s 5000m at the Shanghai Diamond League.

Making her long-awaited season debut, the Kenyan superstar produced a commanding performance to register the fastest women’s 5000m time in the world this year, immediately sending a strong message to her rivals ahead of the major championships season. The mark also stands as Kipyegon’s quickest 5000m performance since her unforgettable 2023 campaign, underlining her remarkable consistency at the highest level of global athletics.

In a race loaded with depth and relentless pace, Kipyegon showed her trademark composure and devastating finishing strength when it mattered most. Ethiopia’s Likina Amebaw pushed hard all the way to the line and finished just fractions behind in 14:24.21, while Senayet Getachew followed closely in 14:24.71 as the race turned into one of the fastest women’s 5000m contests of the season so far.

The race itself developed into a historic showcase of elite women’s distance running, with athlete after athlete producing world-class times under the lights in Shanghai. Eight runners dipped under 14:36, while Kenya and Ethiopia once again demonstrated their dominance in global long-distance competition. The incredibly fast overall field added even greater weight to Kipyegon’s victory, as she emerged on top against one of the strongest 5000m line-ups assembled this season.

Despite the fierce challenge from the Ethiopian contingent, Kipyegon looked in control throughout the decisive stages, effortlessly covering every surge before unleashing another clinical finish that left the crowd in Shanghai in awe. Her ability to combine tactical intelligence with world-class speed continues to separate her from the rest of the field.

The performance is yet another statement from the Kenyan icon, whose dominance across the 1500m and 5000m has redefined modern distance running. After opening her season with a world-leading mark, anticipation is already growing over what could come next as Kipyegon builds toward another potentially historic year on the track.

With the world lead now firmly in her possession, Faith Kipyegon has once again positioned herself at the centre of the global conversation in women’s distance running. Her emphatic season opener in Shanghai not only reaffirmed her class, but also signaled that the Kenyan star could be preparing for another dominant campaign on the international stage. As the Diamond League season gathers momentum, all eyes will now be on Kipyegon to see just how fast — and how far — she can go in 2026.

Women’s 5000m Results – Shanghai Diamond League 2026

1. Kenya — Faith Kipyegon — 14:24.14 WL

2. Ethiopia — Likina Amebaw — 14:24.21

3. Ethiopia — Senayet Getachew — 14:24.71

4. Ethiopia — Medina Eisa — 14:24.76

5. Ethiopia — Asayech Ayichew — 14:26.41

6. Ethiopia — Mizan Alem — 14:29.97

7. Ethiopia — Marta Alemayo — 14:32.84

8. Ethiopia — Hawi Abera — 14:35.96

9. Kenya — Caroline Nyaga — 14:36.55

10. Ethiopia — Mastewal Mehabaw — 14:38.66

11. Kenya — Maurine Chebor — 14:39.31

The streets of Berlin witnessed a breathtaking exhibition of endurance and precision as the 2026 Berlin Half Marathon delivered one of the fastest and most competitive editions in recent memory. Bringing together more than 43,000 athletes from 134 nations—including a stellar lineup of world-class competitors—the race stood as a true global celebration of distance running at its highest level. In a contest defined by relentless pace and razor-thin margins, the men’s race produced a historic sub-60 double, while the women’s field showcased a masterclass of control and strength.

In the men’s race, Andrea Kiptoo of Kenya emerged victorious in a dramatic sprint finish, clocking a sensational 59:11 personal best. In a rare and electrifying moment, he was matched stride-for-stride by compatriot Dennis Kipkemoi, who crossed the line in the exact same time—also a personal best—settling for second place only by the narrowest of margins. The duo’s performance underlined Kenya’s continued dominance, as both men dipped under the prestigious 60-minute barrier.

Germany’s Amanal Petros delivered a performance of immense national pride, claiming third place in 59:22, setting a new national record. Roared on by the home crowd, Petros not only secured a podium finish but etched his name deeper into German athletics history with a landmark run.

Just off the podium, South Sudan’s Dominic Lobalu impressed with a swift 59:23, while France’s Etienne Daguinos (59:27) and Ethiopia’s Bereket Nega (59:43) ensured the race remained fiercely competitive deep into the top ten.

On the women’s side, Ethiopia’s Likina Amebaw produced a composed and commanding run to take the win in 1:05:07, asserting her authority with a decisive move that left the field chasing. Behind her, Kenya’s Daisilah Jerono delivered a strong performance to secure second place in 1:05:21, a well-earned personal best that highlighted her rising trajectory.

Completing the podium was another Kenyan, Veronica Loleo, who clocked 1:05:35, also a personal best, sealing a double podium finish for Kenya in the women’s race. The trio set a high standard, combining tactical awareness with impressive finishing strength.

Further down the field, Rwanda’s Florence Niyonkuru (1:07:22) and Germany’s Esther Pfeiffer (1:07:25) led the chase pack, while Belgium’s Chloé Herbiet and Germany’s Eva Dieterich added depth to a high-quality top ten.

Top 10 Finishers

Men

1. Andrea Kiptoo (Kenya) – 59:11 (PB)

2. Dennis Kipkemoi (Kenya) – 59:11 (PB)

3. Amanal Petros (Germany) – 59:22 (NR)

4. Dominic Lobalu (South Sudan) – 59:23

5. Etienne Daguinos (France) – 59:27

6. Bereket Nega (Ethiopia) – 59:43

7. Robert Kiprop Koech (Kenya) – 59:51

8. Bastien Augusto (France) – 1:00:09

9. Célestin Ndikumana (Burundi) – 1:00:23

10. Said Mechaal (Spain) – 1:00:24

Women

1. Likina Amebaw (Ethiopia) – 1:05:07

2. Daisilah Jerono (Kenya) – 1:05:21 (PB)

3. Veronica Loleo (Kenya) – 1:05:35 (PB)

4. Florence Niyonkuru (Rwanda) – 1:07:22

5. Esther Pfeiffer (Germany) – 1:07:25

6. Chloé Herbiet (Belgium) – 1:07:32

7. Eva Dieterich (Germany) – 1:07:56

8. Carla Gallardo (Spain) – 1:08:30

9 Domenika Mayer (Germany) – 1:08:35

10. Elvanie Nimbona (Italy) – 1:08:38

As Berlin celebrates another remarkable chapter in its rich racing history, this edition will be remembered for its extraordinary scale, depth, and brilliance. From a global field of over 43,000 runners representing 134 nations to the elite athletes pushing the boundaries of human performance, the event embodied the unifying spirit of sport. In the end, it was not just about times and titles, but about the shared passion that binds the world through running—where every stride tells a story, and every finish line becomes a moment of triumph.

The stage is set in Berlin for what promises to be a thrilling edition of the Berlin Half Marathon on March 29, as a formidable lineup of international talent prepares to clash over the fast and flat streets of the German capital.

Leading the men’s field is Kenya’s Gideon Kiprotich, who arrives with an impressive personal best of 58:49, marking him as one of the standout contenders. He will face stiff competition from Switzerland’s Dominic Lobalu (59:12), whose rapid rise on the global stage has turned heads, and Germany’s Amanal Petros (59:31), a home favorite eager to deliver on familiar roads.

Adding further depth to the race is Ethiopia’s Bereket Nega (60:03), alongside Great Britain’s Jake Smith (60:31), both capable of disrupting the expected order if the pace intensifies early.

In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Likina Amebaw leads the entries with a personal best of 64:44, setting the tone for a highly competitive contest. Kenya’s Veronica Loleo (65:46) will be among those aiming to challenge for top honors, bringing both strength and tactical awareness to the field.

Great Britain’s Samantha Harrison (67:10) and Ethiopia’s Melal Siyoum (67:21) add further intrigue, while Kenya’s Daisilah Jerono (67:27) rounds out a diverse and competitive lineup that promises an unpredictable race dynamic.

Renowned for its quick course and ideal racing conditions, Berlin has long been a proving ground for elite distance runners seeking fast times and breakthrough performances. With such a balanced and high-caliber field assembled, this year’s edition is poised to deliver both tactical battles and potentially record-threatening runs.

As the countdown begins, anticipation continues to build—because in Berlin, speed is not just expected, it is demanded.

OSLO, Norway (AP) — Hagos Gebrhiwet of Ethiopia ran the second-fastest 5,000 meters of all time in winning at the Diamond League meeting in Oslo on Thursday.

Gebrhiwet ran a final lap of 54.99 to finish in 12 minutes, 36.73 seconds — 1.37 seconds off the world record set by Olympic champion Joshua Cheptegei.

 Gebrhiwet's time is not only the second fastest time ever it was also a new national record for Ethiopia. New personal bests for the top eight finishers and new National records for Guatemala, Switzerland, Sweden, France and South Africa!

Also at the Bislett Games, home favorite Jakob Ingebrigtsen dived for the line to win the men's 1,500 just ahead of Timothy Cheruiyot in a world-leading 3 minutes, 29.74 seconds.

More details: Hagos Gebrhiwet produced the standout performance of the Bislett Games – and one of the biggest surprises of the year so far – when winning the men’s 5000m in 12:36.73 at the Wanda Diamond League meeting in Oslo on Thursday (30).

It was one of three meeting records and five world leads set on an enthralling night of athletics action in the Norwegian capital, just two months away from the Paris Olympic Games.

Going into the men’s 5000m, many eyes were on world record-holder and Olympic champion Joshua Cheptegei, two-time world cross-country champion Jacob Kiplimo and last year’s Bislett Games winner Yomif Kejelcha. But Gebrhiwet – who produced the first sub-13-minute run of his career on this track as a teenager back in 2012 – ensured his name won’t be forgotten in the lead-up to the Olympics.

The early pace was strong but not spectacular as the field was paced through the first 1000m in 2:33.13 and 2000m in 5:07.05. Addisu Yihune maintained that tempo through 3000m, reached in 7:41.05, with all the big contenders still in contention.

Kejelcha took control soon after and started to wind up the pace. Gebrhiwet stayed close to his fellow Ethiopian with Ugandan duo Kiplimo and Cheptegei close behind as 4000m was reached in 10:11.86, the previous kilometre being covered in 2:30.

Cheptegei was unable to hold on for much longer and started to drift back. Kejelcha continued to drive the pace but the challenge from Gebrhiwet and Kiplimo wasn’t fading, despite the increase in pace. Gebrhiwet struck as the bell sounded and moved into the lead, kicking past his compatriot and pulling away with each stride.

With a final lap of 54.99, Gebrhiwet charged through the line in 12:36.73 to win by more than two seconds from Kejelcha (12.38.95) – the first time in history that two men have broken 12:40 in the same race.

Gebrhiwet’s winning time is just 1.37 seconds shy of the world record Cheptegei set in 2020 and moves him to second on the world all-time list, one place ahead of Kenenisa Bekele, whose Ethiopian record Gebrhiwet broke.

Kiplimo held on for third, setting a PB of 12:40.96, while Spain’s Thierry Ndikumwenayo (12:48.10) and Yihune (12:49.65) also finished inside 12:50.

It was just the second time in history that 13 men have broken 13 minutes. Along with Gebrhiwet, there were national records for Guatemala’s Luis Grijalva (12:50.58), Switzerland’s Dominic Lokinyomo Lobalu (12:50.90), Sweden’s Andreas Almgren (12:50.94), France’s Jimmy Gressier (12:54.97) and South Africa’s Adriaan Wildschutt (12:56.67).

“I’m really happy with my time,” said Gebrhiwet, the world road 5km champion. “I set a PB when I first ran in Oslo, and now it’s even better. The conditions and the crowd were great. It was a very fast race and it wasn’t easy for me, but it went very well. I’ll now try to qualify for the Olympics in the 10,000m too.”

There were notable performances in two other endurance events in Oslo.

Australia’s Georgia Griffith continued her breakthrough to win the 3000m in an Oceanian record of 8:24.20. The field had been paced through 1000m in 2:50.34, then that pace was maintained through 2000m in 5:40.73.

The field became more strung out over the final kilometre as the pace increased. Griffith made a break in the closing stages and Ethiopia’s Likina Amebaw tried to come back, but her challenge was in vain as the Australian won in a meeting record of 8:24.20, 0.09 ahead of Amebaw in a race where the top six women finished inside 8:30.

In the closing event of the night, Olympic champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen was made to dive for the line to ensure a home victory for the Norwegian fans.

He controlled the pace in the second half, but still had 2019 world champion Timothy Cheruiyot for company on the final lap. The Kenyan challenged the Norwegian down the home straight and appeared to have timed his kick to perfection, but Ingebrigtsen collapsed over the line to get the verdict in a world-leading 3:29.74, 0.03 ahead of Cheruiyot. The first 11 finishers all set either season’s or personal bests.

Likina Amebaw, Jemal Yimer, Hagos Gebrhiwet and Caroline Nyaga were among the winners as athletes descended on Paris for the Festival of Running ASICS Speed Race 5km and 10km events on Friday (5).

Competition took place on an iconic 2.5km loop that started and finished at Palais-Royal in the shadow of the Louvre.

Ethiopia’s Amebaw and Kenya’s Loice Chemnung both dipped under 30 minutes in the women’s 10km, with Amebaw clocking a PB of 29:56 to win and Chemnung finishing just one second behind her. They were joined by Kenya’s Miriam Chebet during the first half of the race but Chebet was unable to maintain the pace and finished third in 30:41.

Finishing fourth, Nadia Battocletti improved her own Italian record to 31:19.

“It was a very amazing race. It was a fast race – I ran under 30 minutes, so I liked it,” said Amebaw, who was recently confirmed as joint runner-up in the 2023-2024 World Athletics Cross Country Tour.

She also voiced her ambition to return to Paris to compete in the No.1 Olympic sport at the Games in August.

“I have got to work hard, and I hope I will be at the Olympic Games,” she said. “Now I will get ready for track competition.”

Less than three weeks after his Seoul Marathon win in a PB of 2:06:08, Ethiopia’s Yimer matched his 10km best, running 27:43 to win the men’s race, also by one second.

Kenya’s Hillary Kipkoech was runner-up in 27:44 and his compatriot Vincent Kibet was third in 27:48.

Ethiopia’s multiple world and Olympic 5000m medallist Gebrhiwet was racing a couple of weeks out from his African Games 5000m victory, which followed a 5km win in the rain at the Podium Festival in Leicester, UK. In Paris he won the men’s 5km in 13:24 ahead of Mohamed Ismael (13:32) and Adel Mechaal (13:34).

Kenya’s Nyaga, who also raced in Leicester where she finished second, this time topped the women’s 5km as she secured a dominant win in 14:40 over Uganda’s Joy Cheptoyek and Belinda Chemutai, who ran 15:03 and 15:05, respectively.

Megan Keith secured a clear win while Keneth Kiprop prevailed after a sprint finish at the Cardiff Cross Challenge – a World Athletics Cross Country Tour Gold event – on Saturday (11).

European U23 5000m champion Keith built on her fifth-place finish at the Cross Internacional de Atapuerca last month, beating a strong international field to win the 6.4km senior women's race by 17 seconds.

The 21-year-old, who started her year by finishing third at the CrossCup de Hannut and then raced for Great Britain at the World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Bathurst, clocked 20:35 to win unchallenged on the muddy but relatively flat and winding course at Llandaff Fields.

Behind her, Ethiopia’s Likina Amebaw – who started as one of the leading contenders thanks to her Cross Country Tour Gold wins in Albufeira and Amorebieta this year – clocked 20:52 to secure the runner-up spot, seven seconds ahead of her compatriot Asmarech Anley.

Their fellow Ethiopian Meseret Yeshaneh, the world U20 steeplechase bronze medallist, was fourth a further three seconds back, while Britain’s Jessica Warner-Judd, who won in Cardiff in 2017, placed fifth.

“That was great fun. I’ve run here before, this is my third year now. Every year I love this course and I love coming here and running really hard so it was just another really good day out,” said Keith, who will be targeting a place for the European Cross Country Championships in Brussels next month.

“I love Cardiff as a box to check on my way to Liverpool (British trial race).”

While Keith opened a considerable advantage over her rivals, the senior men's race was much closer and the end of the 9.6km contest came down to a head-to-head battle.

Uganda’s 18-year-old Kiprop, who was sixth in the U20 event at the World Cross Country Championships in Bathurst, led for much of the race, establishing a lead in the opening stages and staying ahead until Kenya’s Vincent Mutai attacked.

Kiprop placed 15th in the road mile at the World Road Running Championships last month and he used some of that speed to respond to Mutai’s challenge, with the finish line in sight.

Mutai – who won the Cardiff Half Marathon in October – had been tracking Kiprop but as he tried to pass him in the closing stages, Kiprop kicked again and won in 28:32, three seconds ahead of Mutai.

Ethiopia’s Abele Bekele Alemu was third, half a minute behind them, with Britain’s Zak Mahamed fourth and Burundi’s Egide Ntakarutimana fifth.

“I enjoyed winning this race in Cardiff because it was my first time to run in Europe in cross country,” said Kiprop. “I thought that the sprint was going to win this race.”

The 57th San Silvestre Vallecana, a World Athletics Elite Label Road Race and possibly the most prestigious of the myriad of New Year's Eve races around the world, will return to its usual circuit (December 31) after a change last year because of the pandemic.

The women’s race on the slightly downhill 10km point-to-point course – which starts alongside the famous Santiago Bernabeu stadium of Real Madrid and finishes on the pitch of another Spanish first division club, Rayo Vallecano, in the Madrid suburbs – has Kenya’s distance ace Hellen Obiri as the athlete to beat.

The two-time world 5000m champion and Olympic silver medalist finished second in Madrid in 2018 after a thrilling battle with her fellow Kenyan and current world marathon record-holder Brigid Kosgei. Obiri’s outstanding 29:59 time then proved not enough to take the victory, but the 32-year-old will be eager to claim victory in Madrid for the first time on her opening appearance this winter.

Yet the reigning world cross country champion Obiri will face tough opposition provided by Ethiopia’s Degitu Azimeraw, 10 years her junior. Azimeraw is an accomplished road specialist, having recorded the second quickest ever marathon debut when she won in Amsterdam in 2:19:26 in 2019 to also break the course record in the Dutch city.

After another fine performance over the classic distance of 2:19:56 for sixth in Valencia in 2020, the Ethiopian moved to 11th on the world all-time list last October following her runner-up spot in London in a big lifetime best of 2:17:58. Azemiraw boasts a relatively modest 31:03.32 10,000m clocking set in Hengelo a couple of years ago. The NN Running Team athlete will be joined by her teammates Lonah Salpeter of Israel and Haven Hailu from Ethiopia.

The 33-year-old Salpeter holds the European 10km record with a 30:05 time to her credit set in Tilburg in 2019, one year after she won the European 10,000m title in Berlin. She attempted to land an Olympic marathon medal in Sapporo, remaining in a four-unit leading pack until the 36th kilometer, but some stomach problems ultimately hampered her aspirations. After that disappointment, Salpeter bounced back eight weeks later to place fifth at the London Marathon in her second quickest time of 2:18:54, not particularly far from her career best of 2:17:45 run in Tokyo in 2020 which makes her the eighth fastest woman in history.

Watch out too for the 23-year-old Hailu, as she was an unheralded distance runner until this year but clocked 2:20:19 for third in Amsterdam in October. She will compete in the company of her fellow Ethiopian Likina Amebaw Ayel, a 32:20 performer.

The men’s contest is also shaping up well as the classy cast includes the in-form Burundian Rodrigue Kwizera. The 22-year-old is enjoying a fantastic cross country season on Spanish soil, having taken victories at several prestigious events such as Soria, San Sebastian, Atapuerca, Italica and Venta de Banos. While the race record of 26:41 set by Jacob Kiplimo in 2018 seems unreachable, Kwizera should run well under the 28-minute barrier for the first time in his career.

Trying to deny Kwizera top spot will be Spain’s 2021 sensation Mohamed Katir, who broke three long-standing national records in the short space of 33 days. The rising Spaniard began his tally by clocking 12:50.79 for 5000m in Florence on 10 June, continued with a 3:28.76 1500m performance in Monaco on 9 July and concluded in style by taking the win over 3000m in Gateshead four days later, timed at 7:27.64.

In his first appearance at a major championships, Katir finished eighth at the Tokyo Olympics over 5000m. He more recently took the spoils at the Jean Bouin, a 10km road race held in Barcelona on 28 November, when he outsprinted Eritrea’s Merhawi Mebrahtu after a one-month stint at the altitude of Font Romeu. The 23-year-old’s next primary goal is the indoors, where he will try to excel over 3000m.

Kenya’s Shadrack Koech and Uganda’s Boniface Abel Sikowo should also be in the hunt for a podium place on Friday. The former holds a 27:21 10km lifetime best, while Sikowo is an 8:25.91 3000m steeplechase athlete who is tackling the road events and ran a 1:01:44 half marathon debut in Barcelona in October.

Not to be discounted is Kenya’s Emmanuel Kiplagat, as the 19-year-old clocked 28:28.02 for 10,000m last summer at the altitude of Nairobi.

In addition to Katir, Spanish hopes rest on Nassim Hassaous and Abdessamad Oukhelfen as they finished seventh and 12th respectively at the European Cross Country Championships in Dublin to lead Spain to team silver, while marathon runners Ayad Lamdassem (2:06:35) and Yago Rojo (2:08:56) will be aiming for a top 10 spot. The Tokyo Olympics 1500m 13th-placed Ignacio Fontes will also be in contention.

Weather forecasters predict perfect conditions for the race, with a mild and windless night, and temperatures between 12 and 14ºC by the time of the event.

The 56th edition of the San Silvestre Vallecana will be held, as is tradition, on New Year’s Eve in Madrid, but this year there have been some significant changes to the World Athletics Gold Label road race.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, organisers have been forced to design a new circuit and so the race won’t start alongside Real Madrid’s famous Santiago Bernabeu stadium, nor will it finish in the stadium of another Spanish first division football club, Rayo Vallecano. Instead, competitors will have to cover four laps of a flat 2.5km circuit, meaning – unlike previous years when the race was held on a slightly downhill course – performances will be record-eligible.

The mass race, which often attracts about 40,000 runners, has been cancelled and only the elite contests will be held with separate starts for men and women.

The showdown between Ethiopia’s Yalemzerf Yehualaw and Kenya’s Ruth Chepngetich in the women’s race promises to be one of the highlights of the evening.

Yehualaw is in the form of her life. After taking bronze at the World Athletics Half Marathon Championships Gdynia 2020, the 21-year-old Ethiopian stormed to a 1:04:46 victory over the same distance in New Delhi in late November, beating Chepngetich in the process. Yehualaw now sits second on the world all-time list behind compatriot Ababel Yeshaneh, while Chepngetich, the world marathon champion, emerged from New Delhi with a lifetime best of 1:05:06.

Yehualaw’s fastest clocking in a standalone 10km race is 31:55, recorded more than a year ago at altitude in Addis Ababa. It’s worth noting, however, that she recorded 30:49 and 30:43 for the two 10km sections in New Delhi.

Chepngetich, meanwhile, has an official PB of 31:12 and she recorded 30:57 on Madrid’s downhill course last year. She, too, passed through the first 10km in New Delhi in 30:49.

Ethiopia’s Likina Amebaw, a 32:55 performer over 10km, is expected to battle with top Spaniards Lucía Rodríguez and Irene Sánchez-Escribano in the hunt for a place on the podium.

The men’s race features Olympic 5000m silver medallist Paul Chelimo. Having finished fourth and second at the World Athletics Cross Country Permit meetings in Elgoibar and Seville respectively in January, the 30-year-old US distance runner will compete in Spain for the third time this year.

His most recent outing was a cross-country race in November in Terre Haute where he finished second. His last completed race before that was the 3000m at the US Indoor Championships, which he won. Chelimo’s main aim in Madrid will be to break the US 10km record of 27:48, co-held by Bernard Lagat and Mark Nenow. The continental record of 27:41, held by Mexico’s Arturo Barrios, could also be within his sights.

Kenya’s Daniel Simiu Ebenyo appears to be the most in-form athlete heading into the race. The 25-year-old set a big 10km PB of 27:18 in Berlin in September to move to fourth on this season’s list.

Burundi’s Thierry Ndikumwenayo, who finished ninth at the 2019 World Cross in Aarhus, is also one to watch. He has recently enjoyed a one-month training stint in Tenerife in the company of Italian 3000m and 5000m record-holder Yemaneberhan Crippa.

Many of the top Spaniards will be in Madrid, headed by Ouassim Oumaiz, Toni Abadía, Javier Guerra, Fernando Carro, Ayad Lamdassem and Yago Rojo. Oumaiz improved to 13:13.14 over 5000m this summer, Abadía holds the national 10km record at 27:48, Guerra is fresh from a 1:01:21 PB at the Valencia Half Marathon, European steeplechase silver medallist Carro clocked 27:46 last month at a downhill event in Alcobendas, 39-year-old Lamdassem is the newly-minted Spanish marathon record-holder with a 2:06:35 clocking in Valencia, and Rojo is a newcomer to the elite, having run under 2:10 on his marathon debut earlier this month.