Running News Daily

Kenyans take action against gender-based violence

In the wake of the murders of Agnes Tirop and Rebecca Cheptegei by their intimate partners, Athletics Kenya launched a movement on Monday to fight back against gender-based violence (GBV). A new hotline was unveiled for athletes to confidentially report cases of GBV, while an engagement campaign moves across Kenya to encourage athletes to speak up and to raise awareness for financial exploitation.

Tirop, World Championships 10,000 bronze medalist, was murdered by her husband in 2021, giving rise to the creation of Tirop’s Angels, an organization fighting GBV. High-profile female athletes, however, continued to fall victim to men; in September 2024, Cheptegei, who ran the Paris 2024 marathon, died after reportedly being set on fire by her ex-partner.

Working in conjunction with the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), Athletics Kenya addresses how lack of communication has been a significant obstacle in the fight against GBV. The hotline will allow athletes to call for help when in danger of GBV, while a chatbot will enable them send an SOS.

“We will fight it the same way we are doing with doping.”

“GBV is totally unacceptable in our society as well as in athletics,” Athletic Kenya’s Chief Administrative Officer Susan Kamau said. “As Athletics Kenya, we are totally committed to eradicating GBV and we will fight it the same way we are doing with doping.” In 2023, the Kenyan government committed to rebuilding their anti-doping program and increased the frequency of random drug testing. Athletics Kenya hopes that a safe and confidential channel for reporting GBV incidents will encourage women and girls to speak up.

The awareness campaign, already in motion, has been moving across the country all week, hosting forums at athletics camps. The program allows runners to share their stories and suggestions to stop GBV, and features female leaders as speakers to educate athletes.

Raising awareness of financial exploitation, as well as GBV

High-profile athletes, including two-time 800m world champion and 2007 Olympic silver medallist, Janeth Jepkosgei, have also highlighted the connection between financial exploitation of athletes and GBV. “Be wary of predators who pretend to be coaches and get into a relationship with young athletes who are the same age as their daughters,” Jepkosgei said, speaking at Thursday’s forum in Kapsabet, Kenya.

Speaking at an earlier event, Lucy Kabuu, 2006 Commonwealth Games champion and two-time Olympian, emphasized the same message. Recently, the athlete has been defending herself in court against her ex-husband and coach, who is trying to claim her earnings. “When you start running and making money, be careful not to fall into the trap of unscrupulous coaches and managers,” Kabuu said. “You should buy properties in your name and not in any other person’s name. Get a financial adviser to help you invest wisely. Learn from me and what I am going through; do not wait to learn from another person.”

1997 World 10,000m champion Sally Barsosio echoed Kabul’s advice. Other successful runners that are actively raising awareness for GBV include seven-time World Marathon Major champion Mary Keitany, six-time World Marathon Major champion, two-time world champion and two-time Olympic silver medallist Catherine Ndereba, 2013 world champion, Diamond League champion and Olympic medallist Milcah Chemos and 2021 TCS New York City Marathon silver medallist, Olympian and founder of Tirop’s Angels, Viola Cheptoo. 

Rebecca Cheptegei, died from full organ failure

Rebecca Cheptegei, died from full organ failure following a horrific attack by a former boyfriend on Sunday, which left her with burns covering 75 per cent of her body.

Rebecca Cheptegei, an Olympic marathoner for Uganda who competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics, tragically passed away on Thursday morning after reportedly being set on fire by her former boyfriend in Kenya. She was 33.

According to the Kenyan newspaper Nation, Owen Menach, the Director of Clinical Services and Surgery at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret, confirmed that Cheptegei died around 5 a.m. local time due to “full organ failure.” This followed a horrific attack by her boyfriend at her home in Kenya on Sunday, which left her with burns covering 75 per cent of her body. She was admitted to the hospital in critical condition.

The alleged attacker, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, was also injured by the flames and is currently hospitalized. Neighbors reportedly overheard the couple arguing outside the house shortly before the attack. Both Cheptegei and Marangach were rescued from the fire by neighbors.

The Uganda Athletics Federation led tributes to Cheptegei on X (formerly Twitter), posting: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei, who tragically fell victim to domestic violence early this morning. As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest in peace.”

Cheptegei finished 44th in the marathon at the 2024 Paris Olympics in August and previously won gold at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Chiang Mai, Thailand, in 2022. She had a marathon best of 2:22:47.

Tragically, this is not the first instance of domestic violence involving elite female athletes in East Africa. In 2021, Kenya’s two-time 10,000m world championship bronze medalist, Agnes Tirop, was found stabbed to death by her husband at their home in Iten, Kenya. Tirop’s husband, Emmanuel Ibrahim Kipleting, was arrested after fleeing Iten and found hundreds of kilometers away. She was 25 at the time of her death.

Ugandan athlete Cheptegei nursing severe burn wounds after attack in Trans Nzoia

The Ugandan long-distance runner is fighting for her life at a hospital in Eldoret following an alleged attack by her boyfriend that has left her with burns covering 75 per cent of her body.

Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei is nursing burn wounds after allegedly being doused with petrol and set on fire by her boyfriend.

Cheptegei, who competed in the 10,000m at the Paris Olympics, is reported to have faced the ordeal in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County on Monday, and was rushed to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret after suffering burns covering 75 per cent of her body.

As per The Star, Trans Nzoia County police commander Jeremiah Ole Kosiom confirmed the incident, saying the athlete’s boyfriend also sustained serious burns and is admitted at the same hospital.

The outlet also reported that Cheptegei’s parents Joseph Cheptegei and Agnes Ndiema, said she had been initially admitted to Kitale Level Four Hospital before being referred to MTRH.

Cheptegei’s previous honors include victory at the Padova Marathon, second place in the 10,000m at the Ugandan Championships and fourth place finish in the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon which earned her a ticket to the Paris Olympics.

The 33-year-old is a resident of Cheminy in Uganda but is said to have bought land in Trans Nzoia where she built a house that she stays in during her training.

20 athletes to represent Uganda in Olympic Games Paris 2024

The Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) has unveiled a team of 20 athletes to represent the country at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games later this month.

Over 10,000 top athletes from around the world will take part in the Games slated for July 26 to August 11 in France.

Announcing the track and field squad, UAF President Dominic Otuchet said the team boosts experienced athletes who have what it takes to win medals for the country.

“We have athletes who have been proven and tested at the big stage,” said Otuchet.

World star Joshua Cheptegei who bagged a gold and silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 will lead Uganda’s team together with half-marathon world record holder Jacob Kiplimo. The duo will battle in the 5,000m and 10,000m final.

“After getting a bronze medal at the last Olympic Games in Tokyo, my target is now to improve and win a gold medal. I know it will call for a lot of hard work to be able to achieve this and I am already working hard,” says Kiplimo.

Female athlete Peruth Chemutai who won a gold medal in the women’s 3000m steeplechase will also be another medal hopeful for the Ugandan team.

The team has 10 male and 10 female athletes, with another two, Belinda Chemutai and Loice Chekwemoi, on the waiting list. Besides track and field athletes, Uganda will also have two swimmers, a cyclist and a female rower.

Uganda Team:

Men:

Tarsis Gracious Orogot (200m),

Tom Dradriga (800m),

Jacob Kiplimo, Joshua Cheptegei (5,000m/10,000m),

Oscar Chelimo (5,000m),

Martin Magengo Kiprotich (10,000m),

Leonard Chemutai (3,000m SC),

Victor Kiplangat, Stephen Kissa, Andrew Rotich Kwemoi (Marathon)

Female:

Halimah Nakaayi (800m),

Winnie Nanyondo (1,500m),

Joy Cheptoyek (5,000m/10,000m),

Esther Chebet (5,000m),

Sarah Chelangat, Annet Chemengich Chelangat (10,000m), Peruth Chemutai (3,000m SC),

Stella Chesang, Rebecca Cheptegei, Mercyline Chelangat (marathon),

Reserves: Belinda Chemutai (5,000m),

Loice Chekwemoi (3,000m SC).

World champion Kiplangat to lead Uganda marathon team in Paris

World marathon champion Victor Kiplangat will lead Uganda’s athletics team at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Dominic Otuchet, President of the Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF), confirmed in an interview with Xinhua on Monday that despite multiple athletes meeting the qualifying standards, only the top three men and women have been selected for the team.

The 24-year-old Kiplangat, who clinched gold at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, will be joined by Stephen Kissa and Andrew Kwemoi.

“I continue to work hard because there is still some time left before the Olympics,” said Kiplangat, who finished 15th at the Tokyo Marathon in March.

The women’s team has Stella Chesang, the 2019 Commonwealth Games 10,000m champion, Mercyline Chelangat and Rebecca Cheptegei.

“I am very happy that I have made the team. This will be my first time to compete in such a highly formidable race,” said Chesang.

Otuchet expressed confidence in the selected athletes, noting their extensive experience and ongoing preparations. He emphasised that the six marathon runners representing Uganda are all seasoned athletes capable of winning medals at the Olympics.

Said El Otmani brings Italy back to the throne of the Firenze Marathon

It is finally Mameli's anthem that resonates on the occasion of the 39th Firenze Marathon . On the top step of the podium the national tricolor flies thanks to the blue Said El Otmani , king of this edition who wins in 2h12'39" twenty years after Angelo Carosi's last success in 2003. The athlete of Moroccan origins has improved the previous personal best of 2h13'23" set in Siena Ampugnano in 2021.

The leading group made up of Edwin Kipleting, Mohamed Baybat, Said El Otmani, Hillary Biwott Chemweno and Hillary Abdo Hussain passed the 5km in 15'44”. The positions remained unchanged at 10 km in 31'18” and at 15 km in 46'56”. Baybat took the lead together with El Otmani at the 25km mark in 1h17'36”. Baybat and Otmani consolidated their position at the 30km passage 1h32'25” with a twelve second lead over Chemweno. El Otmani made the decisive break at 35 km, passing alone in 1h47'47” with a minute and 18 seconds advantage over Chemweno. 

“ I had a good race until km 39, then I had some intestinal problems but I held on, I understood that I could win. I prepared well by training also at altitude but I didn't expect to be able to win, I'm very happy. I thank the Army for their constant support, after more than a year of recovery from various injuries. I also had surgery for a hernia in my groin. My dream is to be able to give continuity and grow, next year there are the European Championships in Rome, I would like the blue jersey for the half marathon." 

The women's race

In the women's race, victory in 2:25'54" for the Rwandan  Clementine Mukandanga  (GS Orecchiella Garfagnana), already third in 2018 and 2022 and who improves her personal best by approximately 3', the previous record of 2h28'00".

“I live in Siena where I train by running up to 120 km a week, especially quality work. I am very happy to have achieved my personal best and to have won this race in which I had been on the podium other times", said the winner.

Silver medal for the Kenyan  Rebecca Cheptegei , who reached the finish line in 2h27'08” followed by the Tanzanian  Failuna Abdi Matanga , third in 2h28'58”. First for Italy, Maria Gorette  Subano  (CUS Pro Patria Milano) who, on her distance debut, concluded her efforts in 2h45'22”.

The leading trio of Rebecca Cheptegei, Failuna Abdi Matanga and Purity Jeptoo Cheromei took the lead at the fifth kilometer in 17'04” passing a few meters ahead of Merci Jeptoo Tuitoek and Clementine Mukandanga. 

The leading group passed the 10km mark in 34'20”. The positions remained unchanged at 15 km with a passage in 51'44”. Cheptegei, Matanga and Cheromei broke away at the 21km mark in 1h12'36”. Matanga and Cheptegei increased the pace and passed in 25km 1h25'56”. The two leading athletes remained firmly in the lead until the passage to the 30 km mark in 1h43'11”. The twist occurred in the following kilometers when Mukandanga began the comeback from fifth position. 

The Rwandan reached Matanga and Cheptegei and took the lead at 35 km. Mukandanga climbed to the top step of the podium of the Florence Marathon for the first time after two third places in the 2018 and 2022 editions. The African athlete resident in Siena improved her previous personal best of 2 by almost three minutes: 28:00 achieved in Florence in 2022. Rebecca Cheptegei, athlete credited with a personal best of 2h22'47" in Abu Dhabi in 2022, placed second in 2h28'08" ahead of Matanga (2h28'58") and Cheromei Jeptoo (2:31'30”). 

Kibet and Cheptegei mark triumphant day for Uganda as World Mountain and Trail Running Championships conclude

Ugandan athletes capped a successful week of racing at the inaugural World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Chiang Mai, Thailand, as Samuel Kibet, Rebecca Cheptegei and Leonard Chemutai won three of the four titles on offer on Sunday (6), the final day of competition.

Kibet and Cheptegei won the senior men’s and women’s up and down mountain races respectively, both held over 11.2km with 475m ascent. Chemutai, meanwhile, took the junior men’s up and down title and Jessica Bailey led a British 1-2 in the junior women’s race, both competing over a 6.4km course with 224m ascent.

Uganda set out their stall early in the senior men’s race as Kibet formed part of a small lead group alongside compatriots Timothy Toroitich, Leonard Chemonges and Eliud Cherop, with Mexico’s Everado Moreno also trying his best to stick with them. The rest of the field was some 30 metres behind, Friday's uphill gold and silver medallists Patrick Kipngeno and Philemon Kiriago of Kenya leading the chase.

Eight kilometres later, Kibet emerged first from the trees, holding a 19-second advantage over Toroitich and Kipngeno who were locked together in second and third. Kipngeno eventually managed to pull away from Toroitich narrowed the gap to the leader, but it wasn't enough.

Kibet swept across the line to take the title, the sixth for a Ugandan senior man in the past eight World Championships. Kipngeno was 10 seconds behind, becoming the first double medallist at the new expanded championship format. Toroitich held on for bronze ahead of teammates Chemonges and Cherop in fourth and fifth. Spain's Andreu Blanes followed four seconds later, placing sixth.

With four athletes in the top five, Uganda was a clear winner of the team competition. Spain took silver with Italy just a single point behind, both teams placing three athletes inside the top 15.

The Ugandan dominance continued in the final race of the championships as Rispa Cherop, Rebecca Cheptegei and Annet Chelangat pushed the pace from the start with only Saturday's uphill world champion Allie McLaughlin of the USA able to hang on.As was the case with the senior and junior men’s races, it soon became a question of which of the Ugandan athletes would take the title. Cheptegei, still looking remarkably smooth, flew into the race's final kilometre with a 20-second gap over her teammate Chelangat and was jubilant as she tore across the finish line, flag in hand, to become the second Ugandan woman to win a mountain running world title.

Chelangat was no less ecstatic in second and the pair had time pose for the cameras before McLaughlin came in to take bronze, the second medal in a remarkable weekend for the US runner.

Romania's Monica Florea, both knees bleeding, came in fourth, just as she did in Friday's uphill race, confirming herself as one of the most consistent performers in mountain running, as did Britain’s Scout Adkin, who finished a minute further back in fifth.

With Cherop – one of the pre-race favourites – unable to finish, it meant Uganda didn’t have enough finishers to contend for the team title, opening the door for another country. Switzerland, with three finishers in the top 15, stepped up to take the team title, adding to the two sets of team medals they earned in the uphill race on Friday. Britain took team silver, while USA capped a strong championships with bronze.

Just as they did with the senior races on Sunday, Uganda dominated the junior men's event, filling the top four places to sweep the individual medals and earn team gold. Leonard Chemutai was a dominant winner ahead of teammates Caleb Tungwet, Denis Kiplangat and Silas Rotich.

Britain’s Finlay Grant was fifth individually but helped his country to secure team bronze, while France took team silver.

The junior women’s up and down mountain race was the only event on Sunday not won by Ugandan athletes. Jessica Bailey led a British 1-2 from teammate Rebecca Flaherty, also picking up gold in the team standings.

Italy's Axelle Vicari was third individually and a comfortable second in the team contest ahead of France.

Next year the championship heads to Europe and the spectacular trails of the Austrian Alps when the 2023 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships will take place in Innsbruck-Stubai, Tyrol from 6-10 June.