Running News Daily

The running world is set for one of its most thrilling days of the year as Sunday, April 12 delivers a marathon-packed schedule across multiple continents. From Europe’s fastest city courses to South America’s vibrant streets, elite athletes, rising contenders, and thousands of passionate runners will line up for a day that promises drama, speed, and unforgettable moments.

The spotlight will first shine on Paris, where the iconic streets of the French capital become the stage for one of the sport’s most prestigious races. With a reputation for fast times and electric crowds, the Paris Marathon is expected to provide an early burst of excitement as the world’s best chase victory through the City of Light.

Moments later, attention turns to Italy, where Milan prepares to host another major contest. Known for blending history, architecture, and fierce competition, the Milan Marathon has steadily become one of Europe’s standout races, attracting a deep field of talent each year.

As the morning unfolds, the action intensifies across the continent. Rotterdam, widely regarded as one of the fastest marathon courses in the world, once again takes center stage. The Dutch classic has produced countless memorable performances and remains a favorite destination for athletes targeting personal bests and record-breaking runs.

Elsewhere in the Netherlands, the historic Enschede Marathon adds another layer to the day’s excitement, while Germany’s Hannover Marathon promises high-energy racing and strong elite battles. Across Austria, Switzerland, Slovakia, and Spain, runners will also take to the roads in Linz, Zurich, Bratislava, and Zaragoza, ensuring nearly every corner of Europe joins the celebration.

Beyond Europe, São Paulo will carry the marathon spirit into South America, delivering its own powerful chapter to this worldwide running festival.

For fans around the world, the schedule offers a full day of nonstop marathon action. From the first starters in Europe to the excitement building across every course, viewers everywhere will have the chance to follow elite battles, breakthrough performances, and inspiring personal journeys. No matter your time zone, this is the kind of Sunday made for running fans everywhere.

What makes this Sunday so special is not only the elite competition, but the shared spirit of the marathon itself. While world-class athletes battle for titles and records, thousands of everyday runners will be chasing personal milestones, lifelong dreams, and the unforgettable joy of crossing the finish line.

This is more than a race day—it is a celebration of endurance, ambition, and the universal power of running. Wherever you are watching from, prepare for a remarkable Sunday as the world runs together.

All roads lead to Rotterdam this Sunday as the NN Marathon Rotterdam prepares to deliver a thrilling showcase across both the men’s and women’s elite races. Set for April 12 at 10:50 AM (CEST), one of the world’s fastest marathon courses will host a compelling blend of speed, strategy, and elite competition.

Women’s Race: Precision, Patience, and a Battle of Equals

The women’s field is defined by remarkable balance at the top, where Ethiopia’s Shitaye Eshete (2:20:32) leads a tightly matched group of contenders. Close behind is Meskerem Assefa (2:20:36), a tactician known for her calm racing style and devastating finishing strength.

Eritrea’s Dolshi Tesfu (2:20:40) adds further intrigue, ensuring the front pack could remain intact deep into the race. With such narrow margins separating the top three, the contest may well be decided in the final kilometers.

Kenya’s hopes rest on Jackline Cherono (2:21:14), whose measured, patient approach could prove decisive if the race turns tactical. She faces strong Ethiopian depth through Aminet Ahmed (2:21:24) and the experienced Derartu Hailu (2:23:18), both capable of stepping up when it matters most.

Adding an unpredictable twist is debutant Geta Alemayehu, whose transition to the marathon distance could reshape the dynamics of the race.

Men’s Race: Speed Meets Depth in a Stacked Showdown

If the women’s race promises tactical brilliance, the men’s field brings raw speed and extraordinary depth. Ethiopia’s Birhanu Legese leads the charge with a stunning personal best of 2:02:48, making him the fastest man in the lineup on paper.

Hot on his heels is compatriot Haymanot Alew (2:03:31), alongside Belgium’s Bashir Abdi (2:03:36), a proven championship performer capable of thriving under pressure.

Ethiopia’s depth is further reinforced by Guye Adola (2:03:46), ensuring a relentless pace from the front. Kenya, however, arrives with a powerful contingent led by Erick Sang (2:04:30) and Kenneth Kipkemoi (2:04:52), both capable of inserting themselves into the podium conversation.

The depth continues with Chala Regasa (2:05:06), Mike Boit (2:06:08), and Lameck Too (2:06:29), while home interest will center on Filmon Tesfu (2:06:42). Belgium’s Koen Naert (2:06:56) adds further quality to an already loaded field.

A Tale of Two Races, One Grand Stage

Both races reflect the enduring supremacy of East African distance running, with Ethiopia’s numerical dominance meeting Kenya’s precision and resilience. Yet beyond regional rivalries, Rotterdam offers something deeper—a stage where tactics meet courage, and where races are often decided not just by pace, but by nerve.

With such fine margins across both fields, Sunday’s showdown could unfold in many ways: a blistering, record-chasing assault on the clock, or a slow-burning tactical duel decided in the final stretch.

Either way, NN Marathon Rotterdam is set to deliver a marathon masterclass—one where every stride carries meaning, and every moment edges closer to greatness.

The streets of Rotterdam are once again set to stage a compelling narrative of ambition, resilience, and legacy as Bashir Abdi returns to the Rotterdam Marathon on April 12 with history firmly in his sights.

A two-time Olympic marathon medallist, Abdi is no stranger to the grandeur of this race. It was here, in 2021, that he etched his name into European athletics history by clocking a stunning 2:03:36 — a performance that still stands as the European record. Now, at 37, the Belgian star is not merely defending his legacy; he is chasing its evolution.

“I feel many athletes are getting close to that record,” Abdi admitted, acknowledging the rising tide of elite marathon running. “If I want to hold on to it for a few more years, I have to go faster. Whether it's for this edition or another time, I don't know. But my ambition is to break that European record.”

That statement alone sets the tone for what could be one of the most intriguing races of the season. In an era where marathon standards are relentlessly improving, records are no longer safe—they are targets.

Abdi’s journey back to Rotterdam, however, has not been without turbulence. The 2025 season proved to be a frustrating chapter, derailed by injury and marked by unfulfilled potential. For an athlete of his calibre, it was a rare setback—but perhaps also a necessary pause.

Now, the signs of resurgence are unmistakable.

Earlier this month, Abdi reignited belief with a commanding performance on home soil in Gent, where he clocked a national record of 59:28 over the half marathon distance. The run was more than just a statistic—it was a statement. A signal that the engine is once again firing, and that Rotterdam may yet witness another chapter of brilliance.

As the marathon approaches, anticipation continues to build. Will Abdi defy time and raise his own bar once more? Or will the chasing pack close in on the mark he so brilliantly set?

In Rotterdam, the clock will tell—but one thing is certain: Bashir Abdi is not finished writing his story.

Thirteen years after announcing himself to the world on the roads of Ras Al Khaimah, Geoffrey Kamworor returns to the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon this Saturday with renewed purpose, hard-earned resilience, and the belief that his best running may still lie ahead.

Few athletes in modern distance running have endured such dramatic highs and devastating setbacks. Kamworor’s victory here in 2013 marked his first major senior triumph and began a remarkable stretch of dominance. He went on to win three consecutive World Half Marathon titles and twice captured the World Cross Country Championships, establishing himself as one of the most versatile and formidable distance runners of his generation. His half marathon world record of 58:01, set in Copenhagen in 2019, remains one of the defining performances in road racing history. He also conquered the marathon stage, winning the New York City Marathon twice with commanding authority.

One of Kamworor’s most unforgettable moments came at the 2016 World Half Marathon Championships in Cardiff. After falling at the start and being trampled by competitors, he rose, regrouped, and delivered a stunning comeback victory.

“In Cardiff, it was wet and I slipped at the start,” Kamworor recalled. “Nobody tripped me. It was hard running through the crowd, but the fall made me more determined.”

That determination would be tested even further. In 2020, during the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kamworor’s career was nearly derailed when he was struck from behind by a motorcycle while training in Eldoret.

“I fractured my tibia and couldn’t run for six months,” he said. “When I started running again, my body was still out of balance and I kept getting injured. It took me over three years to be able to run properly.”

His return has been gradual but encouraging. In 2023, Kamworor stunned observers by finishing second at the London Marathon in a personal best of 2:04:23, proving his resilience on the global stage. He followed that performance with a marathon victory in Rotterdam last year, finishing just ten seconds slower than his London breakthrough.

Now 33, Kamworor brings both experience and renewed confidence back to Ras Al Khaimah.

“I think I’m training as well as ever,” he said. “I remember this flat, fast course from when I won in 2013. I’m just grateful to be back running without problems.”

Age is no barrier for distance runners at the highest level. History offers powerful examples, including Portugal’s Carlos Lopes, who won Olympic marathon gold at 37, and Romania’s Constantina Dita, who claimed Olympic marathon victory at 38. Kamworor hopes to add his own chapter to that legacy.

Strong Rivals Await on a Fast Course

Kamworor will face formidable competition. Ethiopia’s Jemal Mekonen enters with a personal best of 58:33, while Kenya’s Brian Kibor has run 58:39. Ethiopia’s Amedework Walelegn (58:40) and several rising talents add further depth to a field built for speed.

The women’s race is equally compelling, led by Ethiopia’s Wede Kefale, who clocked 65:21 in Copenhagen last year. Kenya’s Gladys Chepkurui (65:46) and Jesca Chelangat (66:13) are among those capable of challenging for victory.

A Race Built on Speed and Records

Since its debut in 2007, the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon has earned global respect as one of the fastest half marathons in the world. Sammy Wanjiru’s 58:53 in the inaugural race set the tone, and the women’s race has been particularly historic. Mary Keitany (65:50), Peres Jepchirchir (64:52), and Ababel Yeshaneh (64:31) all set world records here, cementing the race’s reputation.

The flat, fast roads around Al Marjan Island once again promise ideal conditions for world-class performances.

Men’s Elite Field (Personal Bests)

• Geoffrey Kamworor (KEN) – 58:01

• Jemal Mekonen (ETH) – 58:33

• Brian Kibor (KEN) – 58:39

• Amedework Walelegn (ETH) – 58:40

• Antenayeh Dagnachew (ETH) – 59:17

• Yismaw Dillu (ETH) – 59:23

• Birhanu Balew (BRN) – 59:41

• Enos Kales (KEN) – 60:17

• Bayelign Teshager (ETH) – 60:22

• Mao Ako (TAN) – 60:28

• Benson Kiplangat (KEN) – Debut

Women’s Elite Field (Personal Bests)

• Wede Kefale (ETH) – 65:21

• Gladys Chepkurui (KEN) – 65:46

• Jesca Chelangat (KEN) – 66:13

• Magdalena Shauri (TAN) – 66:37

• Gete Alemayehu (ETH) – 66:37

• Cynthia Chepkwony (KEN) – 67:20

• Bertha Gebreslasie (ETH) – 67:26

• Orba Chemurgor (KEN) – 67:56

• Wudinesh Alemu (ETH) – 68:08

• Debash Kelali (ETH) – 68:10

• Annet Chelangat (UGA) – 68:12

• Melknat Wudu (ETH) – 68:53

A Full-Circle Moment

For Kamworor, Saturday’s race represents more than competition—it is a return to the place where his journey toward greatness began. After years of adversity, injuries, and recovery, he now stands once again on familiar ground, ready to test himself against the world’s best.

Whether he wins or not, his presence alone is a powerful reminder of the resilience that defines champions—and of the unfinished chapters still waiting to be written.

The NN Rotterdam Marathon returns on April 12, bringing the global running spotlight back to the Netherlands and to one of the fastest, most respected courses in the sport. Now in its 45th edition, Rotterdam has built a reputation for fearless pacing, deep elite fields, and breakthrough performances — the kind of race where personal bests aren’t surprises, they’re expectations.

This year’s men’s field suggests another fast day is coming.

Ethiopia’s Birhanu Legese leads the charge with a personal best of 2:02:48, a time that immediately signals serious intent. When Legese lines up, the pace rarely lingers. Fellow Ethiopian Haymanot Alew (2:03:31) and Bashir Abdi (2:03:36) add both speed and experience, while Guye Adola strengthens an Ethiopian squad that looks ready to push the race from the opening kilometers.

Kenya counters with depth and resilience. Erick Sang, already proven at 2:04:30, heads a group that includes Kenneth Kipkemoi, Mike Kiptum Boit, and Lameck Too — seasoned competitors known for their strength late in races when others begin to fade. Ethiopia’s Chala Regasa and Filmon Tesfu add even more firepower, while Belgium’s Koen Naert brings European savvy and big-race composure to a field loaded with proven marathoners.

The women’s race promises just as much intrigue.

Shitaye Eshete of Ethiopia arrives as the fastest entrant on paper at 2:20:32, but she won’t have any room for comfort. Meskerem Assefa and Dolshi Tesfu are separated by only seconds in their personal bests, creating the potential for a tightly packed lead group deep into the race. Kenya’s Jackline Cherono and Aminet Ahmed bring tactical patience and finishing speed, capable of striking if the pace falters. Ethiopia’s Derartu Hailu adds further strength, while Gete Alemayehu’s marathon debut introduces an unpredictable and compelling storyline.

Rotterdam’s course has long rewarded boldness. Flat roads, wide turns, and enthusiastic crowds create the rhythm of a race built for speed. Commit early, hold steady, and the clock often delivers something special.

On April 12, expect a race run with purpose — aggressive splits, little hesitation, and athletes chasing more than just podium spots. In Rotterdam, history has a way of showing up when the gun goes off.

After an injury-disrupted 2025 season, Bashir Abdi, who represents Belgium, is resetting his sights on a bold and ambitious 2026 campaign—one centered on Rotterdam, records, and redemption.

The two-time Olympic marathon medalist has confirmed his intention to return to the NN Rotterdam Marathon on April 12, where he will seek an unprecedented third victory and renew his pursuit of the European marathon record.

“It’s a special marathon,” Abdi told Sporza.be. “I’ve already run 14 marathons, four of which were here in Rotterdam. It won’t be easy to win here, as there will be a strong field. But I’m especially looking forward to running with a good feeling.”

That “good feeling” has been central to Abdi’s career—one built on patience, consistency, and an unusually long peak for a modern elite marathoner.

Born in Somalia, Abdi moved to Belgium as a child and later emerged as one of Europe’s most reliable championship performers. While many of his contemporaries built their reputations on a single breakthrough race, Abdi distinguished himself through durability across courses, conditions, and competitive formats. He has repeatedly delivered on the biggest stages, including Olympic Games, World Championships, and major city marathons.

In 2021, just two months after winning Olympic bronze in Tokyo, Abdi produced the defining performance of his career in Rotterdam, winning in 2:03:36 to set a European marathon record. The run confirmed him not only as a medal contender, but as a time-trialist capable of matching the world’s fastest marathon specialists.

Two years later, he returned to Rotterdam and nearly surpassed his own mark, winning again in 2:03:47—just 11 seconds shy of the European record. That performance reinforced his unique connection to the course and his ability to execute under pressure.

Now 36, Abdi is acutely aware that the margins are tightening.

“I feel many athletes are getting close to that record,” he said. “If I want to hold on to it for a few more years, I have to go faster. Whether it’s in this edition or another time, I don’t know. But my ambition is to break that European record.”

Ahead of Rotterdam, Abdi will test his form in familiar surroundings at the Gent Half Marathon on March 8, using the race as a barometer after a year that never fully came together physically. For a runner whose success has been built on rhythm and continuity, regaining health may be the most important victory of all.

A Course Built for History

Rotterdam’s reputation as one of the world’s fastest marathon courses is long established.

In 1985, Portugal’s Carlos Lopes set a world record of 2:07:12 there. Three years later, Ethiopia’s Belayneh Dinsamo lowered the mark to 2:06:50—a time that stood for a decade. In the women’s race, Tegla Loroupe rewrote history in 1988 with a world record of 2:20:47, ending Ingrid Kristiansen’s long reign.

It is into this lineage of record-breaking performances that Abdi has firmly placed himself—and where he hopes to return once more in 2026.

Bashir Abdi’s 10 Fastest Marathon Performances

• 2:03:36 – 1st, 2021 Rotterdam Marathon

• 2:03:47 – 1st, 2023 Rotterdam Marathon

• 2:04:32 – 3rd, 2023 Chicago Marathon

• 2:04:49 – 2nd, 2020 Tokyo Marathon

• 2:05:19 – 3rd, 2022 London Marathon

• 2:05:23 – 4th, 2022 Rotterdam Marathon

• 2:06:14 – 5th, 2019 Chicago Marathon

• 2:06:47 – 2nd, 2024 Olympic Games (Paris)

• 2:06:48 – 3rd, 2022 World Athletics Championships (Eugene, Oregon)

• 2:07:03 – 7th, 2019 London Marathon

The small town of Thika is alive with excitement today. Athletes, coaches, families, and even farmers have gathered at the Kenya Athletics Training Academy (KATA) grounds for the 5th edition of the Double Road Race—a unique competition that, in just five years, has become a symbol of innovation in Kenya’s running culture.

Unlike conventional races, the Double Road Race challenges athletes to complete two segments with a rest break in between. Final standings are determined by combined times. It’s a test of speed, endurance, and resilience that forces runners to rethink race strategy and dig deeper than ever before.

The Birth of a Vision

The idea for KATA was born thousands of miles away. Bob Anderson, American publisher and lifelong runner best known as the founder of Runner’s World magazine, was inspired by the immense talent in Kenya but also saw structural gaps that held many athletes back.

Anderson’s vision was radical: create a training academy in Kenya that produced champions while also empowering communities. From this dream, KATA was founded in Thika—and one of its cornerstones was introducing the Double Road Race format to Kenyan soil.

Enter Jimmy Muindi: From Star to Mentor

No story of KATA is complete without Jimmy Muindi. The six-time Houston Marathon champion and former coach of world record holder Patrick Makau embodies the blend of experience and inspiration KATA thrives on.

From steeplechase junior champion at the 1992 World Juniors in Seoul to victories in Rotterdam and Honolulu, Muindi’s career reads like a running epic. As a coach, his highest moment came when Makau broke the marathon world record.

“The double tests body, mind, and spirit,” Muindi says. “It forces athletes to dig deep in ways they are not used to. That is how champions are made.”

Coach John Matheri’s Guiding Hand

While Muindi brought international pedigree, respected Kenyan coach John Matheri rooted the project locally. Known for discovering village talent and molding disciplined athletes, Matheri has helped weave community runners into the Double Road Race fabric.

“Returning for the second run after your body is tired teaches resilience,” Matheri explains. “That is what separates ordinary runners from great champions.”

His philosophy has given countless young runners not only a chance to compete, but also recognition and hope.

The Power of Exposure

One of the Double Road Race’s most innovative features is its commitment to visibility. Every runner’s time—first or last—is posted on the official website. For Kenyan athletes who rarely enjoy digital exposure, this is game-changing.

“Even if you are the last, your time is posted,” Muindi emphasizes. “Managers and sponsors around the world can see it. That exposure is priceless.”

In an age where social media visibility can launch careers, Anderson’s decision to democratize exposure has made the Double Road Race a vital platform.

A Vibrant Turnout in Thika

This year’s participation proves the format’s momentum. Squads from across the region have confirmed attendance, including Kata 1, 3, 4, 7, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16 (with an impressive 16 runners), 17, 18, 20, 23, 24, 25, 29, 30, 31, and 32.

Adding further depth, farmers’ groups F20, F24, and F31 are also present—evidence of KATA’s reach beyond athletics and into the heart of Kenyan communities.

As one organizer shared in a WhatsApp update: “What an amazing turnout we are going to have.”

Beyond Competition: Building a Culture

For runners, today is more than a race. It’s a chance to test themselves, mark progress, and belong to something larger. For KATA, it’s proof of concept: grassroots blending with elite, communities meeting global culture, and tradition reimagined through innovation.

The Double Road Race, once a bold experiment by an American visionary, has now become part of Kenya’s running story.

Looking Ahead

Five editions in, the Double Road Race is no longer a novelty—it’s becoming an institution. Under the Thika sun, young runners, seasoned coaches, and cheering farmers weave together a tapestry of resilience and hope.

Anderson’s ambition, supported by Kenyan mentors like Muindi and Matheri, is for KATA to nurture athletes from primary schools to the world stage. With support from federations, sponsors, and government, the academy could become a model far beyond Kenya.

For now, as the second leg unfolds, Thika celebrates not just a race but the journey of an idea that dared to be different. Kenya’s running legacy isn’t only about medals—it’s about reimagining what running can be, and building a future where every stride counts.

Photo Gallery: https://kata.ke/gallery.php?g=1

The 44th edition of the NN Marathon Rotterdam is set for Sunday, April 13, 2025, in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Renowned for its flat and fast course, the event attracts elite runners and enthusiasts aiming for personal bests.

Elite Field

As of April 6, 2025, the official list of elite participants has not been fully disclosed. However, notable athletes are expected to compete:

• Abdi Nageeye (Netherlands): The Dutch record holder and 2022 Rotterdam champion aims to reclaim his title and improve upon his personal best of 2:04:45, set in 2024. 

• Bashir Abdi (Belgium): The Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist and Rotterdam course record-holder (2:03:36) is anticipated to return, seeking to defend his record. 

Course Overview

The NN Marathon Rotterdam is celebrated for its flat and fast course, making it one of the premier marathons globally. The race begins at the foot of the iconic Erasmus Bridge, leading runners through the city’s diverse neighborhoods and past notable landmarks such as Feijenoord Stadium and Ahoy. In the final kilometers, participants loop around the Kralingse Plas, passing Rotterdam icons like the Cube Houses and the Markthal, before finishing on the renowned Coolsingel. 

Course Records

The current course records are:

• Men’s Record: 2:03:36, set by Bashir Abdi in 2021. 

• Women’s Record: 2:18:58, set by Tiki Gelana in 2012. 

Event Schedule

• Saturday, April 12, 2025:

• The Marathon Rotterdam Walk: Distances of 5K, 10K, and 15K.

• NN Kids Runs: 1K and 2.5K races for young runners.

• Sunday, April 13, 2025:

• NN Marathon Rotterdam: The main event featuring elite and amateur runners.

• The Last of Us 1/4 Marathon Rotterdam: A 10.55K race, newly titled through a partnership with the HBO series “The Last of Us.”

Recent Developments

• Sponsorships: Zalando has been announced as the official fashion and sports retailer, and Voltaren Emulgel joins as an official partner, offering muscle and joint care support.

• Registration: All 17,000 spots for the marathon distance sold out rapidly. Organizers aimed to expand to 30,000 participants but couldn’t achieve this for 2025. An official resale platform is available for secure transfer of entries.

Spectator Information

Due to anticipated road closures and increased traffic, spectators should plan their visit in advance. Details on optimal viewing spots and transportation are available on the official marathon website.

In Part One, we explored Jimmy Muindi’s remarkable journey from a young barefoot runner to an elite marathoner, winning the Honolulu Marathon six times and running a personal best of 2:05:24. Now, in Part Two, we dive into his success as a coach, both in Kenya and now at KATA Portugal.

Muindi has been deeply involved in training athletes back home for many years. After his own marathon wins, he set up a youth training camp in Ngong, on the outskirts of Nairobi, where he began mentoring promising runners. One of his most famous protégés is Patrick Makau.

Around 2005, Muindi—then fresh off his Rotterdam Marathon victory—heard about a talented young runner from his home area. He sought out Makau, offered guidance and encouragement, and after Makau finished high school, Muindi brought him into his camp in Ngong and trained him for two years.

Under Muindi’s tutelage, Makau developed from a schoolboy star into a world-class road racer, even winning a 25K race in Berlin as his first international competition. The pinnacle of their mentor-student relationship came in 2011, when Patrick Makau broke the marathon world record in Berlin, a testament to the solid foundation and focus Muindi helped instill early on. This example highlights Muindi’s overall impact—he has a keen eye for talent and the ability to nurture it to the highest level.

Muindi’s coaching reach doesn’t stop with Makau. Over the years, he has worked with and inspired many Kenyan athletes, as well as athletes from South Africa and Zimbabwe. He even coached and paced his younger brother, Nicholas Muindi, who himself became a 2:15 marathon runner. Training side by side with Jimmy, Nicholas and others like teammate Eric Nzioki benefited from Jimmy’s experience and training methods.

In Kenya’s running culture, group training and mentorship are key, and Muindi has been at the heart of such groups—whether informally bringing up younger runners in his home region or mentoring elite athletes at training camps. Dozens of runners have shown marked improvement under his guidance.

It’s common to hear of a runner joining a group with modest personal bests and, after months of hard training, cutting down their times significantly. This kind of progress speaks to Muindi’s effective coaching style and the training environment he helps cultivate. His approach is very much about training the Kenyan way, a philosophy he exemplifies.

The Muindi Coaching Method: Training the Kenyan Way

What is Muindi’s coaching philosophy and method? In large part, it mirrors the proven Kenyan training principles that brought him success in his own career.

Muindi emphasizes high-mileage, high-quality training weeks. His athletes run twice a day, six days a week—a harder workout in the morning and an easy run in the evening—allowing for both intensity and active recovery.

His training follows a simple but effective structure: one hard day followed by an easy day. The hard days vary and can include:

• Fartlek training—alternating between hard efforts and recovery paces over various distances

• Interval training on the track—structured repetitions such as 6 × 1,000m, 10 × 400m, or 4 × 2K at race pace

• Hill work—shorter, explosive hill sprints or longer sustained uphill efforts

• Tempo runs—steady-state efforts at or slightly above lactate threshold

On easy days, Muindi ensures that his runners focus on recovery, maintaining a relaxed effort to allow the body to adapt and rebuild.

He also incorporates a mix of workouts that have long been secrets of Kenyan distance running, including:

• Strength and form drills to improve efficiency and prevent injuries

• Diagonal runs—a drill that involves running across a grass field or from one corner of a track to the opposite corner. The effort is 100 to 120 meters, followed by a jog, then repeated ten times or more. This is often done after a long run or a few days before a major race to reinforce good form and maintain leg turnover without overstressing the body.

This structured approach has allowed many of his athletes to break through to the next level.

Bringing Kenyan Training to Portugal

Now, Muindi is bringing this train the Kenyan way experience to international guests at KATA Portugal, the academy’s new European location. Opened in 2024 at the historic Anderson Manor Retreat in central Portugal, KATA Portugal offers runners from around the world a chance to train under Kenyan coaches like Muindi without traveling all the way to East Africa.

As one of the lead coaches for KATA Portugal, Muindi provides the same level of world-class guidance that he has applied in his previous coaching experiences. Visitors can expect an immersive training week that closely models a Kenyan training camp—right down to the daily schedule and philosophy.

Runners joining KATA Portugal can look forward to personalized coaching from Muindi. He begins by evaluating each guest’s fitness and goals, then tailors the training accordingly. A day might start at dawn with an endurance run through the scenic trails around Monforte de Beira, where the retreat is located. Muindi will lead or cycle alongside, monitoring paces and offering tips on form. The morning session could be a long run or a hard workout, depending on the plan—for example, interval repeats on a nearby all-weather track or a fartlek on the rolling country roads.

His approach to guests is hands-on and encouraging. He runs some easy miles with less experienced runners, challenges the faster ones with appropriate paces, and creates an atmosphere where everyone, regardless of level, feels like part of the team.

In the afternoons, he conducts a second, lighter session—this could be an easy shakeout jog, mobility drills, or even a fun group run to explore the area.

Muindi also integrates supplemental training into the program:

• Core strength exercises

• Stretching routines

• Yoga sessions (the Portugal retreat has yoga and massage amenities on site)

All of this mirrors the components of training he used as an elite.

The Kenyan Approach to Recovery and Nutrition

Guests at KATA Portugal will quickly notice Muindi’s attention to recovery. Between runs, he stresses rest, proper hydration, and nutrition. In line with the Kenyan tradition, the meals at KATA Portugal are inspired by the Kenyan runner’s diet—simple, hearty, and rich in carbohydrates. Muindi often dines with the participants, informally sharing stories from his racing days and advice on topics like race strategy or injury prevention.

This personal touch is a huge part of what he brings to the table: you’re not just following a training schedule—you’re learning directly from someone who competed at the highest level.

Why Train with Muindi? A Champion’s Perspective

What truly sets Muindi apart as a coach at KATA Portugal is how his professional background shapes his philosophy in training others.

Having been a world-class marathoner, Muindi understands the dedication required to reach one’s potential. He approaches each runner as an individual, cognizant that everyone has their own journey.

Because he’s been through the highs and lows of competitive running—from winning major races to the grind of daily training—he can relate to the struggles his trainees face. This empathy makes him a patient and motivating coach.

Muindi’s own career was marked by consistency and longevity (he remained competitive for over two decades), and he emphasizes the same long-term approach to his trainees, preaching that improvement comes through gradual progress and consistent effort.

Under his guidance, runners at KATA Portugal gain a rare window into the mindset of a champion. Muindi teaches them to plan their races, listen to their bodies, and cultivate the confidence that comes from thorough preparation.

Coming Next in Part Three

Training is only part of the equation when it comes to running success. Nutrition and strategic race fueling play a major role in performance.

In Part Three, we will explore Muindi’s approach to diet, emphasizing why the most important meal happens two nights before a big race. His personal experience and insights will reveal how proper fueling can make or break a performance.

Stay tuned for the next installment as we dive into the nutrition strategies of elite Kenyan runners and how Muindi applies them to his coaching at KATA Portugal.

Jimmy Muindi’s journey from a young barefoot runner in Kenya to an elite marathoner is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and the drive to push beyond limitations. His incredible career includes winning the Honolulu Marathon six times, running a 2:05:24 marathon, and playing a key role in pacing Paul Tergat to a world record 2:04:55 at the 2003 Berlin Marathon.

Now, Muindi is bringing his experience to KATA Portugal as a coach, offering training, insights, and mentorship to runners of all levels. His coaching philosophy is deeply rooted in his own experience as a professional runner, ensuring that guests at KATA Portugal will learn from someone who has lived the life of a world-class athlete.

This three-part series will explore Muindi’s remarkable career and his transition to coaching:

• Part One: His journey from humble beginnings to becoming an elite marathoner and record-setting athlete.

• Part Two: His coaching success in Kenya and what he brings to guests at KATA Portugal.

• Part Three: Nutrition and race preparation—why the most important meal for a big race happens two nights before and how Muindi’s personal approach to fueling has helped him perform at the highest level.

Humble Beginnings and Early Inspiration

Born into a family of eight children, Muindi was the firstborn and grew up in modest conditions. Food was scarce, and life was challenging, but his mother, was a runner who competed only in school-level races, became his first source of inspiration. At age 15, his mother encouraged him to start running, recognizing his potential.

Then, in 1988, Muindi’s cousin qualified for the World Junior Cross Country Championships. Seeing someone from his own family reach the international stage ignited his dream. Despite his family’s simple way of life, Muindi was determined to see what he could achieve.

High School Breakthrough and First Steps to Elite Running

Even without structured coaching, Muindi trained on his own and quickly became the best runner in his school. He performed exceptionally well in long-distance events, often lapping other runners in the 10,000 meters. His talent caught the attention of a national coach, who invited him to a training camp—a turning point that would take his career to the next level.

The training camp was six kilometers from Muindi’s home, and without access to transportation or proper gear, he ran there barefoot to train with the coach who recognized his talent. The camp had about 15 to 20 athletes, and when he joined, he could beat everyone except for two runners—both of whom had running shoes and proper training gear.

Determined to improve, Muindi trained at the camp twice per week under the coach’s guidance. On the other days, he trained on his own four times per week, but because he lacked proper training knowledge, he simply ran miles and miles barefoot, unknowingly building his endurance and toughness.

Rapid Improvement and a Life-Changing Connection

The training at the camp was intense. After running six kilometers as a warm-up just to get there, Muindi and the group would do a 6K to 10K hard effort, often running at a 4:00 to 4:30 per kilometer pace at 2,400 feet elevation.

In addition to tempo efforts, they incorporated hill training and track workouts on alternate days. A typical track session included: 4x800 followed by 6x400 and finishing with 4x200. 

Muindi made rapid progress. Within two months, he became the best runner in the group, surpassing even those who had more experience and better gear. Recognizing his potential, his coach reached out to Cosmas Ndeti, a rising Kenyan marathoner who was competing internationally, particularly in Japan.

Breakthrough on the World Stage

After meeting Cosmas Ndeti, Muindi’s career took off. Within two months, he became the top junior athlete in Kenya for the 3000m steeplechase and qualified for the World Junior Athletics Championship in South Korea. His rapid rise earned him his first pair of training shoes, a reward that symbolized his status as an emerging talent.

However, when Muindi arrived in South Korea for the World Junior Championships, he faced an unexpected challenge. He was given racing spikes for the first time in his life, but having never worn them before, he struggled to run in them. Instead of risking discomfort or injury, he made the bold decision to compete barefoot, just as he had trained back home.

Against all odds, Muindi won the gold medal, officially launching his international running career.

"So here I was—my first time on an airplane, traveling to South Korea, and winning the gold,” Muindi recalls. “But as a junior, there was no financial benefit. I arrived back home to the same place I left.”

Unlike today, where young athletes receive government incentives for international success, Muindi returned home without financial support. “In today’s world, the government would have given me 1 million KES ($7,700 USD) for that gold medal,” he says. But back then, he had to continue training, hoping his talent would eventually open doors.

A New Opportunity in Yugoslavia

Because of his gold medal, Muindi received a lot of exposure, and just six months later, he was invited to run a half marathon in Yugoslavia. He made the most of the opportunity, finishing second with a time of 1:02:42.

This was not just a breakthrough in racing—it was also Muindi’s first real financial reward from running. “I won $800 USD. Wow, I was excited and had never seen that much money before!” he remembers. This prize money gave him a glimpse of what running could do for his future, motivating him to keep pushing forward.

Honolulu Domination and Marathon Success

Muindi launched his marathon career with a runner-up finish at the 1997 Honolulu Marathon.  He quickly made the Honolulu race his race in the years to follow. In an era when Kenyan athletes were dominating distance running, Muindi became a legend in Honolulu – he went on to win the Honolulu Marathon an astonishing six times (1999, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007) . In 2004, he set a course record of 2:11:12, a mark that remained unbroken for four years . This string of victories, including three straight from 2003 to 2005, made him inseparable from Honolulu’s running lore. "The course has challenging hills and the weather is hot and humid," he remembers "but the race became part of my life and my family."

His success wasn’t confined to one event, either. Muindi proved his prowess on the global stage by capturing the Rotterdam Marathon title in 2005 with a personal best time of 2:07:50 . He also earned podium and top-five finishes at other major marathons – for instance, placing 3rd at the 2006 Chicago Marathon and 5th at Berlin in 2002 . These achievements against world-class fields reaffirmed his status among the elite marathoners of his era.

Such professional success afforded Muindi not only international experience but also a platform for the next phase of his life. After years of training alongside and against some of the world’s best, Muindi had accumulated a wealth of knowledge about endurance training, strategy, and the “Kenyan way” of running. 

Now in his fifties, he has transitioned into coaching, eager to share that hard-earned expertise. He joined KATA in Thika, Kenya – a running academy founded in 2019 by Runner’s World founder Bob Anderson – as one of its expert coaches.  In this role, Muindi’s daily lifestyle still revolves around running, from sunrise training runs to mentoring athletes, very much a continuation of the regimen he followed as a pro. 

The difference is that today he channels his energy into developing others. His success as a professional runner paved the way for this career: it gave him credibility and a passion he now imparts to up-and-coming runners. In essence, Muindi has parlayed his storied racing career into a thriving vocation as a coach – and his identity as an athlete-turned-coach is a direct product of the triumphs and lessons of his competitive years.

Giving Back: Family and Coaching

Muindi always believed in taking care of his family first. In 1996, using prize money, he bought 10 acres of farmland for his father. Two years later, he built a house for his parents, ensuring their long-term stability. With his family secure, he focused on his own future, purchasing five acres of prime land and building his own house. Today, he uses his land to grow green vegetables, avocados, and raise chickens.

Now, Muindi is giving back to the next generation of runners. He has joined KATA Portugal as a KATA coach, where he shares his expertise and experience, helping others chase their own dreams. His lifestyle today is a direct result of his success as a professional runner, and now he is using that knowledge to guide others.

Coming Next in Part Two

Jimmy Muindi’s success as a professional runner has shaped his coaching philosophy, and now, as a KATA Portugal coach, he is offering world-class training to runners from all backgrounds.

In Part Two, we will explore his coaching success in Kenya and what he brings to guests at KATA Portugal. We’ll take a closer look at the training programs he has developed, the athletes he has worked with, and what runners can expect when training under his guidance.

Stay tuned for the next installment as we dive into Muindi’s transition from elite marathoner to an elite coach and how he is bringing the Kenyan way of training to Portugal.

(photos: 1. Muindi setting the course record in 2004.  2. At KATA with Bob Anderson.  3. Racing in Honolulu  4. Muindi with some of KATA Portugal staff with Bob and Catherine Anderson. 

Sara Hall’s journey as one of America’s top marathoners has taken her across the world, from the high-altitude hills of Ethiopia to the historic streets of Boston. But one place remains especially meaningful—the rail trail to Shasta Dam in Redding, California.

Recently, Hall returned to this familiar path, sharing how it played a pivotal role in shaping her marathon career.

“Ryan & I moved to Redding in 2012 with months til the Olympic Trials, wanting more of God and to be a part of Bethel, but not knowing much about what it would be like to train here. This place far exceeded our expectations, with the most beautiful bike path in the world (rail trail up to Shasta Dam) and an endlessly positive training partner, Ben Keck.”

Reuniting with Keck for a long run, Hall logged over 1,000 feet of elevation gain without bike support—stashing bottles, ketones, and a ziplock of gummy peaches in her sports bra to fuel the effort. “Thinking of the people like Ben who have kept me enjoying the sport for so long when I could have easily hung it up—forever grateful,” she added.

Now 41, Hall continues to defy expectations as she prepares for the next phase of her career. She will turn 42 just before the 2025 Boston Marathon, an event where she will once again test herself against the world’s best.

In December 2024, she set a new U.S. masters marathon record, running 2:23:45 at the Valencia Marathon, breaking her own previous record of 2:26:06. The performance reaffirmed her status as one of the fastest American women over 40, showing she is still improving and competing at the highest level.

Her journey to the marathon was not a direct one. A standout high school and collegiate runner, Hall won multiple state and NCAA titles before turning pro. She initially focused on shorter distances before successfully moving up to the marathon, setting a personal best of 2:20:32 at the 2020 Marathon Project—one of the fastest times ever recorded by an American woman.

Her latest masters record in Valencia secured her place at the top of the fastest American women over 40 list:

Fastest American Masters Women’s Marathon Performances

Sara Hall – 2:23:45 at age 41, 2024 Valencia Marathon

Desiree Linden – 2:27:35 at age 40, 2023 Chicago Marathon

Colleen De Reuck – 2:28:40 at age 40, 2004 Olympic Trials Marathon

Roberta Groner – 2:29:09 at age 41, 2019 Rotterdam Marathon

These performances highlight the longevity and competitiveness of elite American female marathoners, proving that success in the sport doesn’t have to fade with age.

As Hall continues her career, she remains focused on both competition and the relationships that have kept her inspired along the way. Whether she is training on the hills of Ethiopia, preparing for another major marathon, or revisiting the path that first fueled her love for the sport, one thing is certain—Sara Hall is far from finished.

Fukuoka International Marathon is the first of this winter season's big selection races for the home soil team for next year's Tokyo World Championships, and the domestic field is a great one. 

Kenya Sonota, 2:05:59 in Tokyo last year, and 2:06 men Yusuke Nishiyama, Yuya Yoshida, Kazuya Nishiyama and Daisuke Doi make up the main contenders to get a spot, with internationals Lemeck Too, Jie He, Bethwel Yegon, Vincent Raimoi, last year's winner Michael Githae, and Shaohui Yang perfectly positioned to add momentum to the shot at the 2:06:30 Worlds standard that they'll all be taking.

8 other Japanese men in the 2:07 to 2:09 range make it one of the most competitive Fukuoka editions in a long, long time.

Last year Githae outkicked Yang by 1 second to win 2:07:08 to 2:07:09, Yang with a Chinese NR that was broken a few months later by He in Wuxi. Chinese men's marathoning has momentum right now too, and it wouldn't be surprising to see either He or Yang become Fukuoka's first Chinese winner. Jianhua Peng, 2:09:59 last year in Seoul, and Bo Li, 2:11:23 in Nanchang, are also in the race.

Fukuoka International Marathon Elite Field Highlights

Kenya Sonota (JR Higashi Nihon) - 2:05:59 (Tokyo 2023)

Lemeck Too (Kenya) - 2:06:29 (Rotterdam 2024)

Yusuke Nishiyama (Toyota) - 2:06:31 (Tokyo 2024)

Yuya Yoshida (GMO) - 2:06:37 (Osaka 2024)

Kazuya Nishiyama (Toyota) - 2:06:45 (Osaka 2023)

Daisuke Doi (Kurosaki Harima) - 2:06:54 (Osaka 2024)

Jie He (China) - 2:06:57 (Wuxi 2024)

Bethwel Yegon (Kenya) - 2:06:57 (Vienna 2023)

Vincent Raimoi (Kenya/Suzuki) - 2:07:01 (Fukuoka Int'l 2022)

Michael Githae (Kenya/Suzuki) - 2:07:08 (Fukuoka Int'l 2023)

Shaohui Yang (China) - 2:07:09 (Fukuoka Int'l 2023)

Koki Yoshioka (Kyudenko) - 2:07:28 (Osaka 2023)

Shin Kimura (Honda) - 2:07:34 (Tokyo 2024)

Derese Workneh (Ethiopia/Hiramatsu Byoin) - 2:07:58 (Beppu-Oita 2024)

Bedan Karoki (Kenya/Toyota) - 2:07:59 (Tokyo 2024)

Kazuya Azegami (Toyota) - 2:08:29 (Osaka 2023)

Kiyoshi Koga (Yasukawa Denki) - 2:08:30 (Beppu-Oita 2022)

Ryu Takaku (Yakult) - 2:08:38 (Fukuoka Int'l 2021)

Naoki Aiba (Chudenko) - 2:08:44 (Beppu-Oita 2022)

Kenta Murayama (Asahi Kasei) - 2:09:00 (Osaka 2024)

Kohei Futaoka (Chudenko) - 2:09:14 (Fukuoka Int'l 2021)

Jianhua Peng (China) - 2:09:59 (Seoul 2023)

Tesema Moges (Israel) - 2:10:31 (Rotterdam 2023)

Takumi Kumagai (Sumitomo Denko) - 2:10:41 (Fukuoka Int'l 2021)

Yusuke Tobimatsu (Hioki City Hall) - 2:10:47 (Hofu 2021)

Luka Musembi (Kenya/Tokyo T&F Assoc.) - 2:10:49 (Hokkaido 2022)

Asuka Tanaka (Runlife) - 2:11:09 (Tokyo 2022)

Bo Li (China) - 2:11:23 (Nanchang 2023)

Tadese Getahon (Israel) - debut - 1:00:47 (Copenhagen Half 2024)

Top runners, including veteran athletes and young challengers, will be out to break records at the 46th Istanbul Marathon on Sunday, November 3.

Course records will be under threat as elite runners line up at the 46th edition of the Istanbul Marathon in Turkey on Sunday, November 3.

The men’s course record, set by Daniel Kibet in 2019 currently stands at 2:09:44 while the women’s record of 2:18:35 was set by Ruth Chepng’etich in 2018 and stands at 2:18:35.

Former world marathon bronze medalist Sharon Cherop is the fastest woman on the list with 2:22:28 while the men’s elite field is headlined by Ethiopia’s Abebe Negewo and with personal bests of sub 2:05:00.

The trio of Cherop, Negewo and Kipkemoi turned 40 this year, but they will be out to prove that age is just a number as they hope to continue the winning streak. The field will certainly be incomplete without youngsters and Ethiopians Kelkile Gezahegn and Sentayehu Lewetegn are among the young road runners who will also be challenging for top spot.

Betty Kibet of Kenya, a 24-year-old runner will also be debuting with the hope of having a great run in the streets of Istanbul.

Meanwhile, Abebe Degefa Negewo enters the field with a personal best time of 2:04:51, which he ran in Valencia in 2019 when he was fourth. He has produced impressive times in his previous marathons, including 2:05:27 in Valencia in 2021, 2:06:05 in Hamburg in 2022 and 2:08:12 in Rotterdam last year.

Kenneth Kipkemoi posted fast times in his previous races and hopes to continue the hot streak in Istanbul. He ran 2:08:15 in Rotterdam in 2023 and then won the Eindhoven Marathon with a personal best of 2:04:52. This year he returned to Rotterdam where he was fourth with 2:05:43.

Cherop is not new to the marathon as she won a bronze medal in the at the 2011 World Championships in Daegu, South Korea. She then won the prestigious Boston Marathon in 2012 and in 2013, she clocked her PB of 2:22:28 when she was runner-up in Berlin.

Ethiopia’s Sentayehu Lewetegn will be among Sharon Cherop’s challengers. She ran a strong debut in Frankfurt in 2018 with 2:22:45 for sixth place. As things stand, 42,500 runners have already been confirmed for the event. Race organisers confirmed that 7,500 of them will run the classic distance.

“No marathon is run in a city that bears the traces of three great empires that have left a significant mark on world history. No marathon passes over a bridge that connects continents above a magnificent strait. Thanks to this unique feature, we believe that the Türkiye Is Bankasi Istanbul Marathon is the best thematic marathon in the world,” said Race Director Renay Onur according to Aims World Running.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1) Paul Tergat (2003)

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

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

2) Haile Gebrselassie

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

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

3) Patrick Makau

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

4) Wilson Kipsang

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

5) Dennis Kimetto

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

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

6) Eliud Kipchoge

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

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

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

7) Kelvin Kiptum

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

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

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

Ruth Chepngetich heads to the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on the hunt for a hat trick, while Birhanu Legese is the fastest in the men’s field for the World Athletics Platinum Label road race on Sunday (13).

The women’s race features a clash between Chepngetich, her Kenyan compatriot Joyciline Jepkosgei and Ethiopia’s Sutume Kebede – three sub-2:17 runners who form part of a field that includes another six women to have dipped under 2:20.

Chepngetich, the 2019 world marathon champion, won in Chicago in 2021 and 2022, and followed that with a runner-up finish to Sifan Hassan last year. She clocked 2:14:18 on that occasion, while her PB of 2:14:18 set in Chicago in 2022 makes her the fourth fastest women’s marathon runner in history.

She ran 2:24:36 for her most recent marathon, in London in April, and placed ninth, but then clocked 1:05:58 to win the 21k Buenos Aires half marathon in August.

Jepkosgei, who won the London Marathon in 2021 and New York City Marathon in 2019, finished fourth in Chicago last year in 2:17:23. 

She improved by one place when returning to marathon action in London in April, setting a PB of 2:16:24.

It’s Kebede who leads this season’s top list, thanks to the PB of 2:15:55 she set to win the Tokyo Marathon in March. That puts her at No.8 all time and she will be hoping to make the most of the fast course in Chicago.

“After seeing what my teammate Kelvin Kiptum did last year, I want to come to Chicago to do something great,” said Kebede, who finished 15th in last year’s race.

Kiptum, who was part of Kebede’s training group, died in a road traffic accident in February, just four months after he set his world marathon record of 2:00:35 in Chicago. This year, the event will honour Kiptum’s legacy with a moment of silence at the start line.

Joining Chepngetich, Jepkosgei and Kebede on that start line will be three more women with PBs under 2:18 – Ethiopia’s Degitu Azimeraw, Ashete Bekere and Hiwot Gebrekidan – plus Kenya’s Irine Cheptai, who ran 2:18:22 in Hamburg in April.

The field also features the second and third fastest ever US women’s marathon runners, Keira D’Amato and Betsy Saina, who have also dipped under 2:20. They are joined in this competitive field by their compatriots Sara Hall and Emma Bates.

Ethiopia’s Legese leads the men’s field with the PB of 2:02:48 he ran in Berlin in 2019. That performance puts him sixth on the men’s world marathon all-time list but since then his highest marathon finish has been a third place, achieved in Rotterdam with a 2:05:16 run in April.

The two-time Tokyo Marathon champion will want to return to winning ways when he heads back to Chicago, where he placed 10th when making his World Marathon Majors debut in 2018, but he faces tough opposition.

Six other men in the field have PBs faster than 2:06, including Kenya’s Amos Kipruto, Vincent Ngetich and John Korir, and Ethiopia’s Dawit Wolde, Amedework Walelegn and Mohamed Esa.

Kipruto, the 2019 world bronze medallist, and Ngetich have matching PBs of 2:03:13. Kipruto won the London Marathon in 2022 and trains with Benson Kipruto, who won that year’s Chicago Marathon, while Ngetich was second in the Berlin Marathon last year, five places ahead of Kipruto. He was also third at this year’s Tokyo Marathon.

Korir ran his PB of 2:05:01 when finishing third in Chicago in 2022, while Wolde ran 2:03:48 in Valencia last year, Esa has a best of 2:05:05 from Amsterdam in 2022 and Walelegn clocked 2:04:50 in Rotterdam in April, finishing runner-up – one place ahead of Legese.

Looking to join them at the front of the field will be Kenya’s Daniel Ebenyo, the world 10,000m and half marathon silver medallist who makes his marathon debut. The 29-year-old ran a 59:30 half marathon in Berlin in April, 26 seconds off his PB set in Manama in 2022.

Ethiopia’s Jemal Yimer Mekonnen, who finished fourth in the half marathon at last year’s World Road Running Championships behind runner-up Ebenyo, is back in marathon action after his win in Seoul in March.

Among the athletes racing on home soil are USA’s Zach Panning, CJ Albertson and Brian Shrader.

Elite fields

WomenRuth Chepngetich (KEN) 2:14:18Sutume Kebede (ETH) 2:15:55Joyciline Jepkosgei (KEN) 2:16:24Degitu Azimeraw (ETH) 2:17:58Ashete Bekere (ETH) 2:17:58Hiwot Gebrekidan (ETH) 2:17:59Irine Cheptai (KEN) 2:18:22Keira D'Amato (USA) 2:19:12Betsy Saina (USA) 2:19:17Sara Hall (USA) 2:20:32Emma Bates (USA) 2:22:10Buze Diriba (ETH) 2:23:11Sara Vaughn (USA) 2:23:24Susanna Sullivan (USA) 2:24:27Gabi Rooker (USA) 2:24:35Lindsay Flanagan (USA) 2:24:43Stacey Ndiwa (KEN) 2:25:29  Lauren Hagans (USA) 2:25:56Annie Frisbie (USA) 2:26:18Jackie Gaughan (USA) 2:27:08Dominique Scott (RSA) 2:27:31Diane Nukuri (USA) 2:27:50Makena Morley (USA) 2:30:25Anne Marie Blaney (USA) 2:30:43Amy Davis-Green (USA) 2:33:09Aubrey Frentheway (USA) debut

MenBirhanu Legese (ETH) 2:02:48Amos Kipruto (KEN) 2:03:13Vincent Ngetich (KEN) 2:03:13Dawit Wolde (ETH) 2:03:48Amedework Walelegn (ETH) 2:04:50John Korir (KEN) 2:05:01Mohamed Esa (ETH) 2:05:05Jemal Yimer (ETH) 2:06:08Kyohei Hosoya (JPN) 2:06:35Toshiki Sadakata (JPN) 2:07:05Tatsuya Maruyama (JPN) 2:07:50Yuichi Yasui (JPN) 2:08:48Jorge Castelblanco (PAN) 2:09:24Zach Panning (USA) 2:09:28Brian Shrader (USA) 2:09:46CJ Albertson (USA) 2:09:53Tomoki Yoshioka (JPN) 2:10:03Reed Fischer (USA) 2:10:34Nathan Martin (USA) 2:10:45Colin Mickow (USA) 2:11:22Kevin Salvano (USA) 2:11:26Jacob Thomson (USA) 2:11:40Turner Wiley (USA) 2:11:59Shadrack Kipchirchir (USA) 2:13:02JP Flavin (USA) 2:13:27Charlie Sweeney (USA) 2:13:41Ben Kendell (USA) 2:15:49Phil Parrot-Migas (CAN) 2:15:53Aaron Gruen (USA) 2:15:56Daniel Ebenyo (KEN) debutPeter Lynch (IRL) debutAlex Maier (USA) debutAlex Masai (USA) debut

The Kenyan will be targeting her third victory in Chicago whilst Ethiopia’s Birhanu Legese leads the men’s field.

This weekend, all eyes will be on Chicago as the city hosts the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Sunday (October 13), promising a thrilling showdown amongst top-tier athletes.

In the women’s competition, Kenya’s Ruth Chepngetich, a former Chicago Marathon winner in 2021 and 2022 and the fourth-fastest woman in marathon history, is set to return to the course, which winds through 29 neighborhoods.

The 30-year-old enters as the fastest woman in this year’s line-up after winning the title in 2022 by running her fastest time of 2:14:18. At the time, she was 14 seconds short of Brigid Kosgei’s world record of 2:14:04, before Tigist Assefa (2:11:53) and Sifan Hassan (2:13:44) went quicker in 2023.

The 2019 world champion secured a second-place finish in Chicago last year behind Sifan Hassan.

Yet, it will not be an easy run to victory for Chepngetich. Ethiopia’s Sutume Kebede, fresh off her Tokyo Marathon win, arrives with the fastest marathon time of 2024, having ran 2:15:55 in Tokyo.

Kebede has had a stellar year, setting a record time of 64:37 at the Aramco Houston Half Marathon – the fastest-ever women’s half marathon time on US soil.

Chepngetich and Kebede will be joined by Kenya’s Joyciline Jepkosgei, who has previously taken titles at the New York City Marathon in 2019 and London Marathon in 2021. Jepkosgei finished third this year in London where she clocked her personal best of 2:16:24.

American athletes Keira D’Amato (2:19:12) and Betsy Saina (2:19:17) join the list of athletes. D’Amato, a former American record holder in the marathon, is making a comeback as a competitor after working as a commentator. Meanwhile, Saina, who had to withdraw from the Chicago Marathon in 2019 due to illness, returns to make her mark.

The men’s race will also feature a highly competitive field with Ethiopia’s Birhanu Legese leading the charge. Legese, who recorded an impressive 2:02:48 at the 2019 Berlin Marathon is the fastest on paper.

A two-time Tokyo marathon champion, this will be his second time tackling the Chicago course after finishing 10th in 2018 with a time of 2:08:41. Most recently, Legese took third place at the 2024 Rotterdam Marathon.

Legese will be up against strong competition, particularly from Kenya’s Amos Kipruto and Vincent Ngetich, who both hold personal bests of 2:03:13.

Kipruto, a bronze medallist at the World Championships in Doha 2019, claimed victory at the 2022 London Marathon. Ngetich won bronze in the Tokyo marathon earlier this year.

A mix of highly experienced marathon runners with strong personal records and younger challengers could produce some fascinating races at the 46th Türkiye Is Bankasi Istanbul Marathon on November 3rd.

Ethiopia’s Abebe Negewo and Kenneth Kipkemoi of Kenya head the current start list with personal bests of sub 2:05:00. Kenya’s former World Championships’ marathon bronze medalist Sharon Cherop is the fastest woman on the list with 2:22:28. Cherop, Negewo and Kipkemoi have all turned 40 this year, but they are still going very strong. They will have to hit top form if they want to challenge for victory in Istanbul. Ethiopians Kelkile Gezahegn and Sentayehu Lewetegn will be among their rivals while 24 year-old debutante Betty Kibet of Kenya could produce a surprise.

A total of 42,500 runners have entered the race that leads the athletes from the Asian side of the city onto the July 15 Martyrs Bridge and then into the European part of Istanbul. 7,500 of them will run the classic distance on 3rd November. The event is a World Athletics Gold Label Road Race, which guarantees high standards in every aspect. Entries will still be accepted until next Monday (October  14th) at: https://maraton.istanbul

“No marathon is run in a city that bears the traces of three great empires that have left a significant mark on world history. No marathon passes over a bridge that connects continents above a magnificent strait. Thanks to this unique feature, we believe that the Türkiye Is Bankasi Istanbul Marathon is the best thematic marathon in the world,” said Race Director Renay Onur.

There are now many examples of runners who have turned 40 and still going strong: Kenenisa Bekele, Tadesse Abraham or Edna Kiplagat are among them. With a personal best of 2:04:51 Abebe Negewo is the runner with the fastest PB in the Istanbul field. He ran this time in Valencia in 2019 when he was fourth. While Negewo, who is also known as Abebe Degefa, has not raced as often as during his early career he produced one excellent marathon in each year: 2:05:27 in Valencia in 2021, 2:06:05 in Hamburg in 2022 and 2:08:12 in Rotterdam last year. Negewo has not competed yet this year, so if he wants to continue this streak of strong results Istanbul will be his best chance.

Kenneth Kipkemoi is the other top-class marathon runner in Istanbul’s men’s field who turned 40 this year. The Kenyan’s last three marathons were consistently fast: Kipkemoi ran 2:08:15 in Rotterdam in 2023 and then won the Eindhoven Marathon in the autumn with a personal best of 2:04:52. This year he returned to Rotterdam where he was fourth with 2:05:43.

Two Ethiopians who are more than ten years younger will be among the favourites as well. 28 year-old Kelkile Gezahegn, who has a PB of 2:05:56, is a runner who focusses fully on the classic distance. Since the start of his international career in 2016 he competed only in city marathons. He managed to win all his first four marathons in the year 2016, all in China. “The marathon is my distance,“ said Kellie Gezahegn when he won the Frankfurt Marathon in 2018. Dejene Debela is 29 years old and ran his personal best of 2:05:46 when he was runner-up in Chicago in 2019. After a two year-break, which seems to have been injury related, he came back this year with 2:09:33 in Taiyuan, China.

Sharon Cherop is the most prominent athlete in the elite field of the Türkiye Is Bankasi Istanbul Marathon. The 40 year-old Kenyan took the bronze medal in the marathon at the World Championships in Daegu, South Korea, in 2011. A year later Cherop won the prestigious Boston Marathon and in 2013 she clocked her PB of 2:22:28 when she was runner-up in Berlin. This PB makes her the fastest woman on the start list in Istanbul. Sharon Cherop is still going strong. Last year she won the Milan Marathon and this spring she was second in Hannover with 2:24:41. “I think I can run for a couple of more years,“ she said after the race in Germany.

Sentayehu Lewetegn will be among Sharon Cherop’s challengers. The Ethiopian ran a strong debut in Frankfurt in 2018 with 2:22:45 for sixth place. The 28 year-old could not improve this PB yet, but she came close in Ljubljana: Two years ago she was second there with 2:22:36.

Betty Kibet is an athlete who could have an immediate impact in the marathon. The 24 year-old Kenyan will run her debut over the classic distance in Istanbul. While she has a promising 66:37 half marathon PB she ran the Türkiye Is Bankasi Istanbul Half Marathon this April and finished sixth with a fine 68:39. Betty Kibet, who was a world-class junior athlete in her early career, has a strong 10k PB of 31:08 and ran 1:21:43 in Kolkata, India, for 25k in December last year.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bekere is searching for her first marathon victory in the United States.

Ashete Bekere has never won a marathon in the United States but hopes to check off that box at the 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon.

Bekere won her most recent marathon in April, taking the victory in the Rotterdam Marathon with a 2:19:30 finish.

Bekere is looking to make Chicago her first finish and potential victory in the United States. In 25 marathon finishes since 2013, Bekere has never finished below ninth place.

She's won Rotterdam (twice), Berlin, Valencia, Lanzhou, the Košice Peace and the See Genezareth Tiberias Marathon.

Kenya’s Barnaba Kipkoech and Great Britain’s Natasha Cockram took the honors in emphatic fashion at Sunday’s Moy Park Belfast Half Marathon, leading home over 6,600 competitors in the largest event of its kind in Northern Ireland.

30-year-old Kipkoech was in world class form following a sub two hour and 11 minute marathon run in Rotterdam. He also ran under 63 minutes in the recent Malaga Half Marathon.

On a beautiful Belfast morning, Kipoech repeated this form from an early stage producing a sizzling pace to leave the opposition in his wake. He shattered the course record by over two minutes with a time of 63 minutes and 48 seconds. This was over three minutes ahead of North Belfast’s Finn McNally who took the runner-up spot in 67.04. The Brighton based runner is the current Northern Ireland Cross Country champion .

Annadale’s Brhane Gebrebrhan - the Northern Ireland 5,000 metres champion - took third place in 68.24 ahead of Spain’s Abdenasser Oukhelfen. Only two seconds further back was CNDR’s Conor Gallagher. Newcastle’s Robert Hagen ran a personal best of 70.22 to finish sixth.

In the women’s event US-based Cockram wasted little time in showing her dominance over last year’s winner Anne Marie McGlynn.

Cockram competed for Great Britain in the last World Championships, and has a marathon personal best of two hours and 26 minutes.

She forced the pace from early to finish in 72 minutes and 47 seconds. This was over a minute ahead of Letterkenny’s McGlynn who was also well ahead of third placed Monica Silva of Portugal in 74.59. Ivana Anderson was fifth with 79.29 followed by Sarah McNutt on 80.49.

The back-to-back winner of the 2022 and 2023 Seoul Marathons, Amdework Walelegn, will make his Abbott World Marathon Major debut with the 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon.

After winning consecutive Seoul Marathon wins from 2022 and 2023, Walelgn followed his victories up with a personal-best race in the 2024 Rotterdam Marathon, running 2:05:50 for a second-place finish.

Walelgn is on a hot streak coming to Chicago. He's won back-to-back Seoul Marathons from 2022 and 2023.

He recently set his personal best time at the 2024 Rotterdam Marathon. He also took a victory between his Seoul Marathon victories, earning the gold at the Serville Half Marathon with a 1:00:8 finish.

The 25-year-old has run a slew of half- and full marathons in his career. He ran his first marathon in 2015, finishing 15th in the Amsterdam Marathon with a 2:07:48 finish. His best half-marathon time of 58:40 comes from the 2022 Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, where he finished fourth place.

The 2022 World Marathon silver medalist Judith Korir is set to rekindle her rivalry with the 2022 World Champion Gotytom Gebreslase of Ethiopia at the Sydney Marathon on September 15.

During their last meeting at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene, Gebreslase edged out Korir by nine seconds to claim the title in a course-record time of 2:18:11. Israel’s Lonah Chemtai was third in 2:20:18.

Race organizers have touted this year’s lineup as one of the most competitive as athletes eye glory in one of Australia’s most iconic cities.

“The calibre of athletes participating this year is a testament to Sydney’s allure as a world-class marathon destination. We’re excited to witness these extraordinary competitors race through our new course, against the backdrop of our iconic city,” said Sydney Marathon race director, Wayne Larden.

Korir, 28, takes a wealth of experience and success to Sydney, having won the 2022 Paris Marathon (2:19:48), 2021 Abu Dhabi Marathon (2:22:30) and Lugano Half Marathon (1:06:25), 2019 Venice Marathon (2:29:21) and the 2020 Izmir Marathon (2:33:59).

She finished sixth at last year’s London Marathon (2:20:41) and settled for fourth at the 2022 edition (2:18:43).

Gebreslase is a world marathon silver medalist from last year’s championships in Budapest, Hungary, in a time of 2:24:34, behind compatriot Amane Beriso (2:24:23) and ahead of Morocco’s Fatima Ezzahra (2:25:17).

The Ethiopian has victories from the 2021 Berlin Marathon (2:20:09) and the 2021 Bahrain Half Marathon (1:05:36).

At last year’s Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, she finished second in 1:05:51. She has finished third at the Hamburg Marathon (2:21:19), the 2022 Tokyo Marathon (2:18:18), 2022 New York Marathon (2:23:39) and the 2022 Liboa Half Marathon (1:07:11).

Korir will be joined by a formidable group of compatriots including Beatrice Cheptoo, the 2022 Istanbul Marathon champion, Rotterdam Marathon runner-up Viola Kibiwot and Sharon Chelimo, third place finisher at last year’s Frankfurt Marathon.

Two-time Frankfurt Marathon champion Brimin Kipkorir spearheads the Kenyan charge in the men's race.

Kipkorir bagged the 2022 Frankfurt title in 2:06:11 and defended it last year in a personal best of 2:04:53.

The 35-year-old is a two-time Nairobi Standard Chartered Marathon champion — 2017 (2:12:39) and 2019 (2:10:43).

He will be joined by Fukuoka Marathon champion Michael Mugo, 2017 Rotterdam Marathon third-place finisher Laban Korir and three-time Kosice Marathon winner Reuben Kerio.

They will face stiff competition from Ethiopia’s Leul Gebresilase, the 2022 world marathon bronze medalist, Seoul Marathon third-place finisher Haftu Teklu and last year’s Tokyo Marathon champion Deso Gelmisa. 

Seoul Marathon's second runner-up Visiline Jepkesho will start as the favorite in the elite women’s race on Sunday during the Gold Coast Marathon on the Eastern Coast of Australia.

Jepkesho is competing in her second marathon this year after finishing third in South Korea with a time of 2:22:52 on March 17.

The 34-year-old also boasts victories from the 2018 Rotterdam Marathon, where she clocked 2:23:47 and the 2016 Paris Marathon (2:25:53).

She also placed third in the 2015 edition of the Paris Marathon clocking 2:24:44 and placed second at the 2017 Istanbul Marathon (2:22:40).

Other top performances include the 2019 Nagoya women’s Marathon (2:22:58) and the 2017 Lille Half Marathon (1:08:12).

The seasoned long-distance runner will face stiff competition from Japan’s Rie Kawauchi and Misato Horie.

Kawauchi boasts titles from the Nagano Marathon (2:33:16) and last year’s Tokushima Marathon (2:33:50).

Horie is the 2016 Gold Coast champion, where she claimed the title in a time of 2:26:40. She also holds a title from the 2022 Osaka Marathon (2:32:10).

Jepkesho will be joined by compatriot Irene Jerobon, the Castellon Marathon runner-up (2:30:51).

She is also the Alpes-Maritimes Nice-Cannes Marathon champion with a time of 2:41:18. Milly Clark, the 2021 Melbourne Marathon champion, will be seeking to make a mark for the host nation.

Clark’s achievements include winning the 2021 Launceston Half Marathon (1:11:09) and securing silver at the 2019 Oceania Marathon (2:28:08) and 2017 Gold Coast Half Marathon (1:11:15).

The men’s field will be spearheaded by 2015 Praha Marathon Champion Felix Kandie.

Organizers termed the men’s race as the strongest in the event’s history with 12 athletes having run sub 2:10 times.

“ Twelve male athletes have sub 2:10 performances. This will be the strongest field to ever jump to the starting gun in the 44-year history of the ASICS Gold Coast Marathon,” the statement from the organizers read.

Kandie is a silver medalist in the 2017 Seoul Marathon (2:06:03) as well as the 2016 edition of the Praha Marathon (2:08:14).

He is a bronze medalist at the 2015 Valencia Marathon (2:07:07) and the 2018 Toronto Waterfront Marathon (2:08:30).

Kandie will be joined by fellow Kenyans Timothy Kattam, the 2023 Milano Marathon silver medalist (2:07:53), Geoffrey Birgen and Kenneth Omulo.

Japan’s Yuki Kawauchi, the 2016 Gold Coast runner-up (2:09:01), will provide formidable competition along with Uganda’s Kibet Soyekwo, the 2013 Dronten Half Marathon champion (1:03:45) and Ethiopia’s Belay Tilahun.

The 2019 Abu Dhabi Marathon champion has gotten himself in bad books with the Athletics Integrity Unit following his recent charge.

The 2019 Abu Dhabi Marathon champion Reuben Kipyego has been provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit for whereabout failures.

The AIU, in an announcement on Tuesday, June 4, noted that Kipyego has been suspended temporarily from participating in any competition or activity in athletics prior to a final decision at a hearing conducted under the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules or the Integrity Code of Conduct.

Kipyego’s final race was the NN Rotterdam Marathon in 2022 where he finished an impressive third. He has also competed in three races in 2021 where he struck with a win at the Milano Marathon and later finished eighth at the Chicago Marathon before finishing second at the Abu Dhabi Marathon.

He has been competing sparingly and launched his career with the marathon, hence no record of him competing on the track. He started off his career with the full marathon at the 2019 Maratón de Buenos Aires Ñandú where he finished second.

Meanwhile, for a provisional suspension, the AIU further noted that some of the cases remain under investigation, while others are the subject of a notice of charge and so will also appear on the list of Pending First Instance cases.

AIU further noted that a provisional suspension is mandatory under the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules following an adverse analytical finding for any non-specified substance on the Prohibited List.

A Provisional Suspension may be imposed in other doping cases depending on the nature and circumstances of the case in question. It is imposed in a non-doping case does not in any way abrogate the presumption of innocence and it is not an early determination of guilt. Rather, it is an order made on a precautionary basis to safeguard the interests of the sport.

Kenya's Mildred Kinyanja returns to the Netherlands on Sunday to defend her Leiden Marathon title against a formidable lineup of female athletes. 

Last year, Kinyanja clocked 2:32:40 to claim the race ahead of Linet Chebet ( 2:32:47) and Gladys Chemutai (2:36:26), who finished second and third respectively. 

She boosts a person best (PB) of 2:37:57 set in 2023 at the Eindhoven Marathon, where she placed sixth in a race largely dominated by Belgian athletes.

In the same year, she clinched a bronze medal at the Dodoma Marathon, clocking 2:45:22, amidst tough competition from Naum Kebenei (2:45:20) and Tanzania’s Sara Makera (2:43:05) who secured second and first position respectively.

Adding to her accolades, Kinyanja also claimed the Kuching Marathon crown in Malaysia in 2019 with a time of 3:08:56.

Joining her in the quest for glory is Janeth Kiptoo, boasting a PB of 2:40:14 from the Kigali International Peace Marathon, where she finished eighth.

The Kenyan duo will face fierce opposition from Ethiopia's contingent, led by 2022 Jo'burg 10km Road Race bronze medalist Meskerem Tesfaye. 

Tesfaye holds a PB of 3:00:24 from the 2018 Khon Kaen Marathon, where she finished fourth. She will be accompanied by Dadi Alemu, who achieved a PB of 2:51:35 at the 2017 Stara Zagora Marathon, securing fifth place.

In the men's elite race, Generali Koln Marathon silver medalist Anthony Ekai will spearhead Kenya's charge.

Ekai, 28, finished second last year with a time of 2:15:21, just behind Amos Kipkorir, who clinched the title in 2:14:43.

Ekai will be joined by John Mungai, Isaac Yego, and Emmanuel Kipchumba, forming a formidable Kenyan lineup.

However, the Kenyan contingent faces tough competition from Uganda's Bernard Cheptoch, boasting a PB of 2:14:06 from the 2019 Rabat Marathon, where he finished 14th.

Cheptoch secured the Muscat Marathon title in 2022 with a time of 2:19:28 and claimed bronze at the 2018 Libreville Marathon in 2:21:28.

Representing the hosts is seasoned athlete Bjorn Koreman, with a PB of 2:10:32 set at the 2022 Rotterdam Marathon, where he finished ninth.

The 2022 Rotterdam Marathon bronze medalist Reuben Kipyego will flex his muscles against 2022 French Riviera Marathon champion John Langat at the  Madrid Marathon on Sunday.

The marathon will feature a full marathon, half marathon and 10km race with the event organizers noting a huge turnout in the half marathon.

“The biggest race will be the half marathon with 20,000 participants, followed by the full marathon with 11,000 and the 10km with 9,000,” a statement from the organizers read.

Kipyego holds a personal best of 2:03:55 set while winning the 2021 Generali Milano Marathon in Italy.

The 28-year-old is also the 2019 Abu Dhabi Marathon champion where he clocked 2:04:40. Also in that year, he won silver at the South American Marathon Championships in Buenos Aires, Argentina, clocking 2:05:18.

Langat holds a personal best of 2:07:11 set at the Eindhoven Marathon in the Netherlands in 2019, where he placed third.

In 2016, he clocked 2:10:49 to finish second at the Daegu Marathon in South Korea. The 30-year-old is also a bronze medallist at the Adidas Stockholm Marathon in Sweden clocking 2:12:39.

Joining the fray is Bernard Kimani, a bronze medalist at the 2020 Loop Den Haag Half Marathon.

The Ethiopian duo of Mumbai Marathon champion Haymanot Alew and 2022 Rome Marathon champion Fikre Bekele will prove a tough test for the Kenyans.

Also in the lineup is Taiyuan Marathon bronze medalist Hicham Laqouahi of Morocco.

The 41st Vienna City Marathon has its winner. The Ethiopian Chala Regasa won on Sunday in 2:06:35 hours. The best Austrian was Mario Bauernfeind, who crossed the finish line after 2:14:19 hours. Nazret Weldu triumphed in the women's race in 2:24:08.

Regasa secured the first Ethiopian VCM victory since 2015, when Sisay Lemma won in 2:07:31. Regasa himself had only competed in one marathon before that, finishing fifth in Rotterdam in April 2023 in 2:06:11. However, he had already been to Vienna in 2019 when he paced Eliud Kipchoge in his 1:59 "lab race" in 2019, including on parts of the VCM course. "I'm not here to hold back," Regasa said on Thursday - and put his plan into action.

Bauernfeind beats HerzogIn the end, he had a huge lead of more than four minutes over the second-placed Kenyan Leonard Barsoton. Bauernfeind clearly won the duel with ÖLV record holder Peter Herzog for the best ÖLV athlete and was also ranked among the European leaders in this race. Herzog was a good minute behind his compatriot. "This is a dream come true for me," said a delighted Bauernfeind.

Mayer defies her periodJulia Mayer was unable to match her ÖLV record, but her performance was almost as impressive as the magnificent 2:26:43 in Valencia. "Unfortunately, I'm going through a difficult phase at the moment, I'm on my period," Mayer reported at the finish. "But I've already been able to prepare myself mentally for it. But it was a really good performance today and I'm proud of it." She finished tenth and second best European in 2:31:25. "That's also a respectable result."

Austrian victoryThere was an Austrian victory in the half marathon. The 19-year-old Timo Hinterndorfer from Vienna ran with the marathon leaders and completed the distance in a new personal best time of 1:03:05 hours, just two seconds slower than the VCM leaders. Just two weeks ago, Hinterndorfer had won the Linz half marathon in 1:03:25. Timon Theuer in 1:05:45 and Thomas Messner in 1:06:29 completed an Austrian triple victory.

The race took place in better conditions than had been feared from the forecast. Even at the start area, the 35,000 athletes, including the side events, were greeted by sunshine, temperatures were in the low single digits and the wind was not as disruptive as expected.

Sisay Lemma was born in 1990 in the Oromia Region of Ethiopia. He is the winner of the 2024 Boston Marathon, with a time of 2:06:17.

Sisay Lemma is an Ethiopian long-distance runner who specializes in the marathon. He is the winner of the 2024 Boston Marathon, with a time of 2:06:17.

This was his first victory at the Boston Marathon, but he has previously won other major marathons, including the 2021 London Marathon and the 2023 Valencia Marathon. Lemma is also a three-time bronze medalist at the World Athletics Championships.

Lemma was born in 1990 in the Oromia Region of Ethiopia. He began running at a young age, and quickly showed promise. He made his international debut in 2013, and won his first major marathon in 2018, when he won the Rotterdam Marathon.

Lemma is known for his strong finishing kick. He has often won races by coming from behind in the final stages. He is also a very consistent runner, and has never finished a marathon outside of the top 10.

Lemma is a rising star in the world of marathon running. He is still relatively young, and has many years of good running ahead of him. He is a strong contender for medals at the major marathons, and the Olympic Games.

Here are some of Sisay Lemma’s career highlights:

Winner of the 2024 Boston Marathon

Winner of the 2021 London Marathon

Winner of the 2023 Valencia Marathon

Three-time bronze medalist at the World Athletics Championships

Winner of the 2018 Rotterdam Marathon

Personal best of 2:01:48 for the marathon

The Boston Marathon: The King of Marathons

The Boston Marathon is an annual foot race held in Boston, Massachusetts, United States. It is considered to be the most prestigious marathon in the world, and is one of the world’s oldest continuously run sporting events. The race is traditionally held on the third Monday in April, and it follows a 26.2-mile (42.2 km) route through the streets of Boston and the surrounding towns.

The Boston Marathon was first held in 1897, and it was inspired by the success of the marathon race at the 1896 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece. The race was originally intended to be a qualifier for the 1897 Summer Olympics, but it quickly became a popular event in its own right. The Boston Marathon has been held every year since 1918, with the only exceptions being in 1918 due to World War I, and in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Boston Marathon is known for its challenging course, which features several hills, including the infamous Heartbreak Hill at mile 20. The race is also known for its large and enthusiastic crowds, which line the streets throughout the course to cheer on the runners.

The Boston Marathon has been won by some of the greatest marathon runners in history, including Dick Hoyt, Bill Rodgers, Joan Benoit Samuelson, and Kathrine Switzer. The race has also been the site of several world records, including the first sub-2:00 marathon in 1978 by Geoffrey Hirt.

The Boston Marathon is more than just a race; it is a tradition and an institution. The race is a symbol of Boston’s resilience and spirit, and it is a source of pride for the city’s residents. The Boston Marathon is also a major fundraiser for charity, and it has raised millions of dollars for local charities over the years.

Runners and fans honored world marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum by observing a moment of silence before the race.

Runners and fans at the Rotterdam Marathon observed a poignant moment of silence on Sunday morning before the race, in memory of world marathon record-holder, Kenya’s Kelvin Kiptum, who died tragically in a car accident earlier this year. Many runners also paid tribute to his legacy by wearing black ribbons in his honour.

Kiptum, 24, had been slated to compete in Rotterdam, and had been hoping to challenge the 2:00 barrier. He made history by breaking the men’s marathon world record at the 2023 Chicago Marathon, in an astonishing time of 2:00:35, becoming the first man to run under the 2:01 mark.

Abdi Nageeye strikes gold again

Olympic silver medalist Nageeye reclaimed his Rotterdam Marathon title from 2022 and set a new Dutch national record in the process, crossing the line in 2:04:45 and besting his PB by 11 seconds. Nageeye secured victory by a mere five-second margin ahead of Ethiopia’s Amedework Walelegn, the 2020 world half marathon champion, with Birhanu Legese of Ethiopia claiming the third spot in 2:05:16.

The race began in near-perfect conditions, with a group of nine runners closely trailing the pacemakers through the initial kilometers. By the time the runners hit the 30K mark only seven runners remained in contention. With tactical precision, Nageeye surged ahead in the final kilometers to clinch his second victory in the race.

In 2022, Nageeye became the first Dutch runner to win the Rotterdam Marathon, setting what was at the time a new Dutch record of 2:04:56. The Somali-born runner, 35, took third in the New York City Marathon in the same year, and captured silver at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic marathon. The course record at the Rotterdam Marathon is 2:03.36, set three years ago by Tokyo Olympics marathon bronze medalist, Belgiums’s Bashir Abdi.

Ethiopia’s Ashete Bekere dominates women’s field

In the women’s race, 2019 Berlin Marathon winner Bekere also reclaimed her title as Rotterdam Marathon champion (Bekere won the race in 2019 in 2:22:55), capturing the win in 2:19:20. Kenya’s Viola Kibiwot was second in 2:20:57, followed by Kenya’s Selly Chepyengo in 2:22:46.

Bekere led from start to finish, followed by a lead pack of Sisay Meseret Gola of Ethiopia, Chepyengo and Kibiwot—the group cruised at course-record speed through the early kilometers of the race. Bekere surged ahead and had an eight-second lead by the 30K mark, and steadily built a commanding from there to secure the win.

Bekere,35, took third at the London Marathon in 2021, and second at the 2022 Tokyo Marathon.

Bethwell Yegon returns to the Vienna City Marathon where he was runner-up in unusually warm conditions last year. The Kenyan hopes to go one better this time and win his first marathon on 21st April. He will be challenged by Ethiopia’s Chala Regasa, who is also targeting a first major marathon triumph.

Both athletes have personal bests of slightly over 2:06 and head the competitive men’s field of the Vienna City Marathon. Over a dozen athletes on the current start list have personal records of sub 2:10 and a number of them hope to qualify for the Olympic marathon in Paris this summer.

With over 40,000 entries the Vienna City Marathon is Austria’s biggest one-day sporting event and the only road race in the country that features a World Athletics Elite Label. The figure includes entries for shorter races staged parallel to the marathon.

Bethwell Yegon ran a stunning marathon race in Berlin in 2021, when he came from far behind, overtook Ethiopia’s superstar Kenenisa Bekele and almost challenged for victory in the final stages. Yegon finished second and improved his personal best by more than two minutes to 2:06:14. This remains the fastest time of the 31 year-old who trains in Iten, the heart of Kenyan long distance running. “I am happy to return to Vienna and my goal is to fight for victory and take a place on the podium. Hopefully the weather conditions will be fine and there will be a strong group to run with,” said Bethwell Yegon, who clocked 2:06:57 a year ago, which is the fifth fastest time ever run in the history of the Vienna City Marathon.

Chala Regasa has already run on Vienna’s roads as well, though in a different role. The 26 year-old Ethiopian was part of the pacemaking team that supported Eliud Kipchoge when he sensationally broke the two hour marathon barrier in 2019. It was a year ago when Regasa finally ran his marathon debut in Rotterdam with a fine 2:06:11 for fifth place. With this time he is currently the fastest runner in the field. Vienna will be his second marathon and his strong half marathon PB of 59:10 suggests that there is some room for improvement. His biggest career win so far came in the New Delhi Half Marathon in 2022, where Regasa clocked 60:30 and beat a strong field.

Felix Kibitok is another runner who features both, a personal best of sub 2:06:30 and a very fast half marathon PB. The Kenyan was fifth in Barcelona in 2022 with 2:06:28 and achieved 59:08 in the Prague Half Marathon back in 2019. On two more occasions Kibitok ran sub one hour half marathon times. Samsom Amare from Eritrea, who won his marathon debut in Abu Dhabi in 2023 with 2:07:10 and was ninth at the World Half Marathon Championships in 2023, plus Kenyans Albert Kangogo (2:07:48) and Leonard Barsoton (2:09:06) could well challenge for a place on the podium as well.

The Vienna City Marathon is one of the last few races during the second half of April giving athletes a chance to qualify for the Olympic Games’ marathon in Paris this summer. The official qualifying time is 2:08:10 and the qualifying window shuts on 30th April. There are a number of athletes who will try to fulfill their Olympic dream in Vienna: Belgium’s Lahsene Bouchikhi has a personal best of 2:08:36 from Valencia last year while Daniel Paulus is the national record holder of Namibia. He clocked 2:08:40 in his debut in Daegu, South Korea, in 2023. Juan Pacheco from Mexico is also expected to try to qualify for Paris. He has a personal record of 2:09:45 while Tiidrek Nurme from Estonia has run 2:10:02.

The Vienna City Marathon will also be hosting the Hungarian national marathon championships for the second time in a row. Around 40 of the best athletes from the neighbouring country will come to Vienna to determine their champions.

A Belgian long-distance runner has opened up about how training in Kenya has changed his mindset ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Koen Naert, a Belgian long-distance runner loves training in Kenya and he also has a favorite spot he loves training at as he gears up for the Olympic Games in Paris, France later this year.

The 34-year-old already qualified for the Olympic Games, clocking a stunning personal best of 2:06:56 at last year’s Rotterdam Marathon.

The Belgian is targeting a top-eighth finish after finishing 22nd at the 2016 Rio Olympics and then improved that with a 10th-place finish at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

To achieve the goal, Naert has been burning the midnight oil in Kenya, and in an interview with Athletics Weekly, he explained how it feels training in his new-found spot in Iten.

He explained that being in Kenya has helped him work on different aspects of his training since he is away from family and has time to work.

“It depends on the build-up. I think right now I’m doing 100km of running and a 50/60km alternative on the Elliptical Machine. In between my marathon blocks, I’ll do a lot of alternative training like aqua jogging but during the marathon block itself – the 12 weeks preceding my marathon – I’ll run 200km a week. Sometimes even 240km or 250km.

“I meditate at least twice a day and when I’m on camp at altitude I do a lot more sessions of meditation. That’s one advantage of being in Kenya. I also like to train in the US and have been to train with Deena Kastor’s group on occasion.

“Since 2021 however, I’ve found my spot in Iten. I waited a long time to go to Kenya because I was a little bit afraid of the food and life there but once you are on the ground, there’s no distraction and it’s a bit like living like a monk on a mountain,” he told Athletics Weekly.

He added that Olympic success for him would be to have to be honest with himself and he explained that he would need a little miracle to get on the podium.

“However, sometimes miracles exist and you never know. It will be challenging with the weather and the course. I will prepare myself the best I can but the top eight is my absolute goal. I was pretty close in Tokyo but we will see and every race/championship is different,” he said.

There are a lot of training camps in Kenya.  One of the best is the KATA Running Retreat located near Thika.  At any one time there are 20 or more athletes training at the Kenyan Athletics Training Academy (KATA).

Leonard Korir, who finished 3rd at the US Olympic Marathon Trials on February 3, will run the EDP Lisbon Half Marathon on Sunday in Portugal in an attempt to improve his world ranking and gain Olympic selection. His coach Scott Simmons also told LetsRun.com that Korir will run the Rotterdam Marathon on April 14. If Simmons runs the 2:08:10 Olympic standard in that race, he will clinch a spot in the Olympic marathon in Paris.

Simmons said Korir has recovered well from the Trials, where he ran 2:09:57 in Orlando. Rotterdam comes 10 weeks after the Trials.

“If you’re 100% prepared for the marathon, then you recover well,” Simmons said. “If you’re not prepared, even if you run well, then it takes a bit of time to come back. It was within two weeks and he was back to doing workouts.”

The question of whether USATF would allow Korir to run a spring marathon to chase the Olympic standard had been a matter of confusion both before and after the Trials. In a January 13 Zoom call ahead of the Trials (skip to 1:04:40 mark), USATF director of long distance running programs Amy Begley said that anyone who finished in the top 3 at the Trials would not be able to run a spring marathon.

“[The USATF Long Distance Running committees] decided that they wanted to send the best team to the Olympics and so they did not want anyone that was in the top three to go and try to run another marathon between the Trials and the Olympics to try to better their time to ‘chase the standard,'” Begley said in the call.

Then, two days before the Trials, USATF sent an email to competitors saying that an athlete would not be removed from the Olympic team for competing in a spring marathon as long as they had “met the qualification standards or have achieved the performance standard by the conclusion of the Trials.” The email was an attempt to clarify the situation but still left some athletes and coaches confused.

The selection procedure posted on USATF’s website states the following:

Please note, finishers at the Selection Event will not be permitted to “chase” the time qualifying standard following the Selection Event if they have not already met the Qualified Athlete standards or have achieved at least a 2:29:30 (women)/2:11:30 (men) performance during the Qualification Period as of the conclusion of the Selection Event.

But Korir had run under 2:11:30 by the end of the Trials, and there was nothing in the published selection procedure that prohibited him from chasing the time — despite what had been said on the Zoom call. In 2019, Simmons successfully appealed against USATF when the organization did not follow its published selection procedure for that year’s Pan American Games. He knew that the published selection procedure was what mattered, and that Korir would be allowed to chase the Olympic standard if he wanted — something Begley confirmed to Simmons after the Trials.

“It’s a matter of them not understanding their own selection procedures,” Simmons said. “At that point, by the end of the Trials, it was a contract that they couldn’t back out of, even if they wanted to.”

There are 17 weeks between Rotterdam on April 14 and the Olympic marathon on August 10, which Simmons believes is plenty of time to recover for the Games — indeed, it is common for athletes to run a spring marathon before the Olympics. The bigger challenge for Korir will be the cumulative fatigue of the Trials and Rotterdam — the Olympics would be his third marathon in seven months.

Looking to Lisbon: “For him to change his standing, it’s going to take a really good half marathon, a really remarkable half marathon”

Because Korir does not currently have the standard, Olympic status is currently in limbo. In order to be selected for the Games, he, or a third American besides Young or Mantz, needs to be in the top 80 of the Road to Paris list when the qualification period ends on May 5. Currently, Korir is the highest ranked American on the list in 71st*, though the list does not include universality spots that have yet to be awarded.

With only a few major spring marathons still to come, it is looking more and more likely that Korir will be at the Olympics. For Korir to be left out, 10 men would need to pass him in the next two months.

“As far as Paris, it’s looking really good for him,” Simmons said.

Still, Korir can increase his odds by moving up the Road to Paris list. And he can do that by running a fast half marathon.

Eritrean duo Nazret Weldu and Dolshi Tesfu head the current women’s start list of the Vienna City Marathon on 21st April, race organizers have announced.

Weldu and Tesfu, who are by some distance the fastest Eritrean women marathon runners in history, may be challenged by Kenyans Shyline Toroitich and Rebecca Tanui. There are hopes that the 41st edition of Austria’s major road race will see an attempt to break the course record, which currently stands at 2:20:59.

Including races at shorter distances, the organizers of the Vienna City Marathon expect to register over 40,000 entries for the 41st edition. Around 10,000 of them will be marathon runners. The Vienna City Marathon is a World Athletics Elite Label Road Race.

It took 19 years until the women’s course record of Italy’s late Maura Viceconte was finally broken in the Austrian capital in 2019. Kenya’s Nancy Kiprop improved the mark to 2:22:12. However Kiprop’s time lasted much shorter than Viceconte’s. In 2022 fellow-Kenyan Vibian Chepkirui clocked 2:20:59.

Nazret Weldu and Dolshi Tesfu have both already run faster than Vienna’s course record: 34 year-old Weldu clocked a national record of 2:20:29 when she took a very strong fourth place in the World Championships’ Marathon in Eugene in 2022. She won the Daegu Marathon in South Korea with 2:21:56 in the same year and then placed sixth in Boston in 2023 with 2:23:25. Competing in a hot World Championships’ race in Budapest last summer Weldu finished eighth with 2:27:23. Despite this series of strong performances Nazret Weldu still has not achieved the Olympic qualifying standard for Paris. She will want to make sure in Vienna that she runs fast enough to get into the Olympic race.

Dolshi Tesfu features a personal best of 2:20:40. The 24 year-old, who is just 1.56 m tall and weighs just 42 kg, ran this time in her debut marathon when she finished ninth in Valencia in 2022. During the race Dolshi Tesfu ran the first half in 68:53, which is by far the fastest half marathon time ever run by an Eritrean woman. Dolshi Tesfu then showed fine performances in her two marathons in 2023 as well: First she was runner-up in Rotterdam with 2:21:35 and then she finished 10th in a hot World Championships’ marathon in Budapest in August. She is already qualified for the Olympic marathon.

When Weldu and Tesfu will come to Vienna for the first time they could attack two records in one go: While the course record stands at 2:20:59 for the two athletes the national record of 2:20:29 would probably be even more significant.

There is an athlete on the start list with a sub 2:20 PB, but at the age of 43 Helalia Johannes is not expected to challenge for victory. The Namibian ran 2:19:52 in 2020 and holds the masters world record since then.

Two Kenyan women could be the main challengers for Weldu and Tesfu: Shyline Toroitich and Rebecca Tanui both know how to win a city marathon. Toroitich took the Enschde Marathon last year with a personal best of 2:22:45 while Tanui was the winner of the San Sebastian Marathon in 2022 with a PB of 2:23:09 and then also won in Venice last autumn. Tanui will have the advantage of knowing the course of the Vienna City Marathon since she was fourth here last year with 2:26:34 in warm weather conditions.

For Andrea Ramirez Limon the Vienna City Marathon presents the last chance to achieve qualification for the Olympic Games’ marathon this summer. The Mexican has a personal best of 2:26:34. However she ran this back in 2020, so it does not count as an Olympic qualifier for Paris. While the qualifying time is 2:26:50, Andrea Ramirez Limon would need a faster time to succeed since the Olympic race will have a limit of 80 starters.

Austria’s record holder Julia Mayer has achieved qualification since she was among the 64 pre-qualified athletes at the end of January with her PB of 2:26:43. She will be among a group of runners who target the Olympic qualifying standard.

Abdi Nageeye won the half marathon as part of the 48th NN CPC Run The Hague on Sunday, setting a Dutch record. The Netherland’s best road athlete won the opening classic half marathon race completing it in 1.00.21. In doing so, despite bowel and hamstring problems, he improved his own record by three seconds.

Ethiopian Charlie Kedir (1.00.48) and Israel’s Tadesse Getahon (1.01.01) joined Nageeye on the podium of honour. Khalid Choukoud, ambassador of the NN CPC Loop Den Haag in his hometown, finished in sixth place as the second Dutchman in 1.03.31. He was 25 seconds ahead of Tom Hendrikse.

Among the women, Susan Chembai from Kenya triumphed in a PR of 1.07.12. Lornah Kiplagat’s course record (1.06.56) remained out of reach. Germany’s Katharina Steinruck captured second place (1.09.58). Finishing third, was Dutch competitor Anna Luijten. The reigning national champion in the half and full marathon, improved her time, completing in 1.10.39. A year ago, she set her personal record of 1.12.12.

Nageeye was not the only athlete to run a Dutch record at the NN CPC Loop Rotterdam. So did 76-year-old Rietje Corstens from Bergen op Zoom. In the women 75+ category, she set a time of 1.59.22.

Kenyan marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge has arrived in Tokyo ready for Sunday’s marathon where he is seeking a third victory in Japan.

Eliud Kipchoge has arrived in Tokyo ahead of Sunday’s race where he will be seeking to claim a second win in three years in the Japanese capital.

Kipchoge is hot favourite to win the Tokyo Marathon in what is part of his build up towards the Paris Olympics and will lined up against a stellar cast that includes compatriots Vincent Ngetich and Timothy Kiplagat.

The Kenyan marathon great holds the fastest time in Tokyo after clocking 2:02:40 to win the 2021 race and there are hopes that he can lower it on Sunday.

Tokyo also holds good memories for Kipchoge as he struck his second Olympics gold in Japan at the delayed 2020 Olympics, although the marathon was run in Sapporo, and he also claimed a 5000m silver medal on the track at the 2007 World Championships in Osaka.

“Japanese people love running, their culture is instilled in running, and they love marathons. It’s a good city, I can say it is a marathon city. I am looking to running fast again and enjoy,” Kipchoge said during his preparations.

Kipchoge has enjoyed a good preparation and is excited by the prospect of pursuing what will be the 12th Marathon Major of his extraordinary career that includes five wins in Berlin, four in London and victories in Chicago, Hamburg and Rotterdam.

A fast, flat course, the field of 37,500 marathon runners will start their quest at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building before heading gently downhill for the first 5km.

The course then flattens out for the remainder with no major hills to overcome as the runners make their way to the finish at Tokyo Station.

Kipchoge’s 2:02:40 is the men’s course record while the women’s mark of 2:16:02 is held by Kenyan Brigid Kosgei, recorded the same year.

With the arrival of Abdi Nageeye, the 48th CPC Run The Hague will take on a special character. The fastest road athlete in the country wants to attack his Dutch record in the half marathon on Sunday, March 10 in the royal city. 

That record has been in his name since 2019 with 1.00.24. Nageeye achieved that feat in Marugame, Japan. In the years that followed, the 34-year-old athlete has developed into an international star. 

In 2021, he won silver in the marathon during the Tokyo Olympic Games and also 'dragged' his Belgian friend Bashir Abdi to bronze in a controversial manner. A year later, Nageeye became the first Dutchman to win the NN Marathon Rotterdam, with an astonishing national record of 2:04:56. In New York he finished third and fourth among other world top players over the past two years.

Nageeye would now like to improve his top time in the half marathon. The CPC Loop The Hague is an ideal opportunity for this. Many participants achieved their personal record on the attractive and fast course, such as Nienke Brinkman who won this distance among the women last year. Nageeye is one of the favorites for victory this year.

The course has been further improved in some areas. The official measurement took place successfully last weekend. "We are ready for new record times," says Marc Corstjens, who traditionally puts together the field of athletes with a lot of knowledge. "We are happy with Nageeye's participation and will soon announce the names of other top players."

If Nageeye manages to improve his Dutch top time in the half marathon, the record will be back in The Hague. Before the athlete of Somali origin took possession of it, it was in the name of Greg van Hest for no less than twenty years, who set a time of 1.01.10 for the 'CPC' in 1999. 

The CPC Run The Hague is an important stopover for Nageeye on the way to the Olympic Games that are scheduled for next summer in Paris. He has already met the time limit for the Olympic marathon.

Running party

The CPC Loop The Hague is the largest running party in the residence and attracts more than 30,000 participants every year in an unprecedentedly atmospheric atmosphere. In addition to being a top sporting event, it is a fun and sporty 'outing' for the whole family. With distances up to and including the half marathon, the event is known as a spring classic. 

Wilbert Lek, Director of CPC Run The Hague: “In addition to the arrival of top athletes from home and abroad, I look forward to welcoming tens of thousands of athletes at the start of the various distances. In addition to the NN Half Marathon, we also offer a 5 KM and 10 KM Run a great challenge for every recreational runner.”

All distances start and finish at the Malieveld. The courses run through the crowd-filled streets of The Hague. The main part, the Half Marathon, goes from the city to the iconic Pier in Scheveningen and then finishes back in the city. 

Program

The 48th edition of the CPC Loop The Hague starts on Sunday, March 10 at 9:15 am with the group-up Youth Run of 1 km. This will be followed by the CPC4ALL of 1 km (10 a.m.), the group Youth Run of 2.5 km (10.30 a.m.), the 5 KM Run (11 a.m.), the 10 KM Run (12 p.m.) and the Half Marathon (2 p.m. o'clock). 

In addition, you can participate in the City Pier Night Walk on Friday, March 8 (starts between 6:00 PM and 6:30 PM), a pleasant evening walk of 8 or 12 kilometers. 

On Friday in Chepkorio, Kenya, thousands gathered for the funeral of marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum, who died at the age of 24 in a car accident on Feb. 11 with his coach, Gervais Hakizimana.

Kiptum will be remembered as one of the biggest rising stars in the sport for his record-breaking two-hour and 35-second run to break the world record at the 2023 Chicago Marathon.

Kiptum’s widow, Asenath Rotich, led the mourners at the funeral for the Kenyan marathon star. According to BBC Africa, she broke down when revealing that the couple had been planning a big wedding celebration in April. He had stunned the world in his short marathon career, and figures from sports and politics came to pay tribute to a man whose life had promised so much.

Kenyan president William Ruto was in attendance, as well as World Athletics president Sebastian Coe, who believed Kiptum would have become the first person to run a competitive marathon in under two hours. “It is a frustration to all of us that we won’t witness what I truly know he was capable of,” Coe told BBC Africa. “For sure he would have broken it. It would have been (Roger) Bannister and Edmund Hillary, both of them, wrapped into one.”

Kiptum was looking to better his world record time at the 2024 Rotterdam Marathon in April.

Also in attendance were notable Kenyan athletes Faith Kipyegon, former world record holder Paul Tergat, and 2022 London Marathon champion Amos Kipruto, who was one of Kiptum’s pallbearers at the service. Eliud Kipchoge did not attend as he continues to prepare for the Tokyo Marathon on March 3.

“Since he arrived… he has rewritten history,” said Tergat. “He has a legacy that we’ve never seen in this world. We are here to celebrate what he has achieved in a very short time.”

Before Kiptum became one of the world’s biggest marathon stars, he had worked as a livestock herder and trained as an electrician in Chepkorio. The government in Elgeyo-Marakwet County plans to honor the late marathoner by building an athletics stadium in his name.

Last Sunday, the running world lost marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum at the age of 24 after he lost control of his car in Kaptagat, Kenya. Kiptum was one of the most promising athletes in the sport, setting the marathon world record of 2:00:35 at the 2023 Chicago Marathon, and was slated to challenge the two-hour barrier at the 2024 Rotterdam Marathon.

In memory of Kiptum, the running community has come up with an idea to honour his legacy: a virtual two-hour run on April 14, the day he was scheduled to run Rotterdam.The challenge isn’t asking runners to go out and try to break the world record, but they can use the challenge as a long run for their upcoming race or see how far they can run in the elapsed time.The two-hour challenge also does not have to be a run; it could be a ride, or even a walk. Just be sure to tag #TwoHours4Kiptum on your Strava or social media post.

Kiptum had a rapid rise to superstardom in the sport, recording the fastest-ever marathon debut at the Valencia Marathon in 2022. Five months later, he broke Eliud Kipchoge’s course record at the 2023 London Marathon, where he ran an impressive negative split of 2:01:25. Then came the one he’ll most be remembered for–setting a world record of 2:00:35 at the Chicago Marathon last fall.“Athletics world mourns death of marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum” — Canadian Running Magazine

After his world-record run, Kiptum said he never felt he was challenged by the marathon distance, and there was a fascination around what he might run in Rotterdam–a topic that will forever be debated, and a question that the world will never know the answer to. The running community will forever remember Kiptum and his drive to show people that anything is possible.

Kenya-born Bahranian Eunice Chumba will go head to head against 2022 World champion Gotytom Gebreslase of Ethiopia when the two clash at the Nagoya women’s marathon slated for March 10.

Nagoya women’s marathon is held annually in Japan and it is the largest women’s race in the world certified by the Guinness World Records.

It was launched on March 12, 2012 with an initial participation of 13,114. It has since grown to be recognized by World Athletics as a Platinum label race averaging 20,000 participants.

Chumba was a silver medalist in the 10,000m at the 2018 Asia Games in Jakarta, Indonesia, where she clocked 32:11.12.

Before that, she had also placed second in the same event in the 2015 Asia Championships held in Wuhan, China in 32:22.29. The 31-year-old further won the 2023 NN Rotterdam Marathon, Netherlands, clocking 2:20:31.

She followed it up with a bronze medal during the Shanghai Marathon, China, in November clocking 2:22:20.

Chumba has also won titles in the Abu Dhabi Marathon (2:20:41) in 2022 and the Copenhagen Half Marathon (1:06:11) in 2017.

In 2021 Gebreslase made her debut in the marathon with an overwhelming victory at the Berlin Marathon, Germany, clocking 2:20:09.

She followed it up with a bronze medal in the Tokyo marathon in 2022 (2:18:18) before winning the title at the 2022 World Athletics Championship (2:18:11)  in Eugene, USA.

 The 29-year-old also has a title in the Bahrain Half Marathon (1:05:36) and a silver medal in the Ras Al Khaimah marathon (1:05:51).

The two will be joined by the 2020 Napoli half marathon champion Violah Lagat and Kenyan-born Romanian Delvine Meringor.

Meringor won a title at the 2022 Los Angeles Marathon, USA, where she clocked 2:25:04.

The local contingent will be led by Ai Hosaoda who boosts a personal best of 2:21:42. She will be joined by 2016 Japanese champion in the 10,000m Suzuki Ayuko.

Organizers of the Rotterdam Marathon have planned a special tribute for Kelvin Kiptum who was eyeing history in the Dutch city in April before his tragic death.

Rotterdam Marathon plans to have a special tribute for world record holder Kelvin Kiptum who died alongside his coach Gervais Hakizimana following a road accident on Sunday.

Kiptum had been preparing for the Rotterdam Marathon on April 14 where he had declared his intentions to become the first man to break the two-hour barrier in an official marathon.

Following his death, the race has now been robed of its star attraction but organizers plan to honor him during the event.

Organizers have announced that all the over 50,000 runners who have signed up for the race will wear a special ribbon in memory of Kiptum on race day.

The NN-organized event had expressed its excitement when Kiptum agreed to grace this year’s race in what was going to be his first race before he heads to the Paris 2024 Olympics.

“Continuing the rich history of records is another aim: national and European records were broken in recent editions but Rotterdam is also the fourth city worldwide when it comes to marathon world records,” Rotterdam marathon said on its website in November.

“Attracting the ambitions of world record holder for the 2024 edition is also part of that plan. Kiptum knows the NN Marathon Rotterdam. Back in 2019 he made his first appearance here as a pacer! He was keen on returning but Covid showed up.

“He should have started in April 2022 but some small injuries kept him away from his marathon debut. In the past 10 months, he wrote history but he did not forget he wanted to return to Rotterdam.”

Kiptum had been working towards lowering his own world record of 2:00:35, set in Chicago last October in the Dutch city, and also possibly complete an official marathon under two hours before death struck.

“He had told me that he was feeling his body was in good shape and ready to run 1:59 or 1:58,” his father Samson Cheruiyot said on Monday while recounting his last conversation with his son.

Pulse Sports explains how the careers of marathon sensations Kelvin Kiptum and Samuel Wanjiru followed the same path before they met their death in tragic fashion.

The world is still coming to terms with the untimely death of world marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum, who passed away alongside his coach, following a road accident on Sunday.

Kiptum and his Rwandan coach Gervais Hakizimana had big plans for the year that included an attempt at running a sub-two at the Rotterdam Marathon as well as winning Olympics gold but that is now water under the bridge.

The athlete’s death has robbed not just Kenya but the world an incredible talent who was set to dominate the marathon, bringing back memories of the late Samuel Wanjiru, who passed away similarly in tragic fashion in May 2011.

The two men’s careers and the manner in which they died have very striking similarities which will leave many surprised.

Died in tragic fashion

While Kiptum lost control of his car before hitting a tree, along the Elgeyo Marakwet-Ravine road, killing him on the spot, Wanjiru died following a mysterious fall off a balcony at his house in Nyahururu on May 15, 2021.

Just like Kiptum, the incident happened at night and his death remains a mystery that is yet to be unraveled to date.

Both died at 24

What is more heartbreaking is that the two runners died aged just 24 when they were just getting started.

Wanjiru had won the Chicago Marathon in 2009 and 2010 as well as the London Marathon (2009).

He was also the reigning Olympic marathon champion after winning gold in Beijing 2008 in an Olympic record time of 2:06:32.

For Kiptum, he held three of the six fastest times by the time he died, having broken the world marathon record in Chicago last year, clocking 2:00:35.

That came after an incredible win in London last April where he timed 2:01:25, coming close to the world record. Kiptum had run the fastest debut marathon in history when he won in Valencia in December 2022 in a time of 2:01:53.

Careers just taking off

Following their heroics in a short period of time, the two had the world at their feet by the time they died.

Wanjiru had been seen as the next big thing in marathon and was tipped to break the world record as well as retaining his Olympics gold in London the following year but he did not live to do it.

Kiptum was similarly tipped to be the man to take the mantle from legendary Eliud Kipchoge, especially after his astonishing run in London.

He was also seen as the man who would make history by running an official marathon under two hours and considered favourite to win Olympics gold in Paris, France this year.

Course records in London

In April 2009, Wanjiru won the London Marathon in a time of 2:05:10, a new personal record and also a new course record. That achievement saw him state that he was going to break Haile Gebrselassie's world record in the near future.

Fourteen years later in the English capital, Kiptum did the unthinkable, winning decisively with the second-fastest mark in history at 2:01:25, a course record which was only 16 seconds outside Kipchoge’s world record.

He would break the world record six months later in Chicago.

Sub-two-hour ambitions

Back in February 2008, Wanjiru declared he would become the first man to run a marathon under two hours.

"In five years' time, I feel capable of clocking a sub two hour-time for the marathon,” Wanjiru said at the Granollers Half Marathon which he won.

Meanwhile, since last year, the world has been waiting for Kiptum to run an official marathon under two hours.

He had already expressed his intentions of doing it at the Rotterdam Marathon in April.

“He had told me that he was feeling his body was in good shape and ready to run 1:59 or 1:58,” his heartbroken father Samson Cheruiyot told Citizen TV on Monday while recounting his last conversation with his son.

Last race in Chicago

The other striking similarity between Wanjiru and Kiptum is that Chicago Marathon was their last race before they died.

Wanjiru went to Chicago in October 2010 bidding to retain his title but a stomach problem had affected his preparations and his camp were just hoping for a podium finish.

He, however, surprised them when he defended his crown in a time of 2:06:24.

For Kiptum, Chicago was his third race in under a year and while he had set incredible times, not many expected a world record.

He delivered in style, clocking 2:00:35, to become the first man to break the 2:01 barrier, igniting hope that a sub-two-hour race was on the cards before death struck.

Kiptum's death is thought to be an accident but his father (pictured with Kelvin wife and children) suspects foul play

He urged authorities to investigate circumstances surrounding his son's death 

The shocking death of Kenyan marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum this weekend has left his family wracked with grief - and suspicious that their superstar was killed in circumstances tainted by foul play. 

Kiptum, 24, died in a brutal car accident, which also killed his Rwandan coach Gervais Hakizimana, in the heart of the high-altitude region of Kaptagat in Western Kenya, long renowned as a training base for the best distance runners the world over.

His death prompted an outpouring of grief and heartfelt tributes from family, friends, fellow competitors and sporting greats, including the likes of Sir Mo Farah, who spoke of his 'amazing, special talent' and said the world record holder had been robbed of 'an incredible career'.

The fatal smash was quickly chalked up as an accident by the authorities, who said the dad-of-two had lost control of his car and veered off the road, hitting a tree.  

But now Kiptum's father has called for an investigationinto the circumstances surrounding his son's death, claiming a group of unidentified men had come looking for the athlete not long before the horror car crash.

Speaking to Kenya's Citizen TV, Kiptum's father Samson Cheruiyot said four men descended on his house unannounced one day and said they were looking for the runner.

'There are people who came home who were looking for Kiptum but they refused to identify themselves,' Cheruiyot said.

'I asked them to provide identification, but they opted to leave. It was a group of four people.'

The suspicious father said the men refused to say why they were looking for his son, and left when they realised Cheruiyot would not provide any details until they revealed their identities. 

He is now pushing the authorities to investigate his son's death, believing the two incidents may have been linked - though he has given no evidence to explain why the men may have been looking for his son. 

Horrendous images showed the extent of the damage to Kiptum's car following the collision with a tree. 

The front of the blue Toyota Premio was completely crumpled and the windscreen smashed in, while the roof had been torn in two, such was the force of the impact. 

According to Kenneth Kimaiyo - one of the first responders at the crash site - via Nation, Kiptum's body was found under the vehicle with the runner already dead.

Coach Hakizimana had managed to climb free of the wreckage and had crawled to the top of a nearby mound in an attempt to attract attention, but he later died of his injuries. 

The car has now been towed to a police station for further investigation while the bodies of Kiptum and Hakizimana undergo post-mortem examinations.  

However, a third passenger named Sharon Chepkurui Kosgei, somehow survived the incident with relatively minor injuries. The 24-year-old, who works in Civil Aviation Management according to LinkedIn, was taken to nearby Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret for treatment, and according to Kenyan press has now been discharged.

But it is unknown why she was in the car with the athlete and his coach, and she is yet to issue a statement to the press about the incident. 

Kiptum's wife, Asenath Cheruiyot, said her husband had planned to take her to Rotterdam in April, where he hoped to become the first man to run a marathon in less than two hours under standard race conditions. 

She added that Kiptum was also financing her business ventures, and was in the process of renovating the family home. 

'At times I would tell him he's working out too much,' she said. 'He loved his children so much, I don't know what I would tell them.'

Revealing the pair's last phonecall prior to the crash on Sunday just hours before his death, Asenath said Kiptum had promised to buy their children new watches after he had to cancel a planned family day out.

Having gone to bed, she was later awoken around 11pm by her mother-in-law frantically knocking on the door and was informed of her husband's death. 

'He hoped to run in sub-two hours. He was working hard and sometimes I told him he trained too much and when the time comes he will be too tired,' she said.

'But he would say 'no, it's fine' and that he is supposed to go 10 laps. I used to tell him to rest on Sundays, but he would refuse.

'We had planned to go with him to Rotterdam in April - and now it is not possible,' Asenath told African outlet Nation. 

While the world awaits to see more details of Kiptum's death unravel, tributes continue to pour in for the fallen athlete.

The world of athletics has come together to pay tribute to Kelvin Kiptum after he died in a horrific car crash in Kenya.

Kiptum died alongside his coach Gervais Hakizimana, 36, on Sunday after the car he was driving came off the road and hit a tree. Police said he had "lost control [of the vehicle] and veered off-road entering into a ditch on his left side" before he “drove in the ditch for about 60 metres before hitting a big tree”. A young woman was rushed to hospital after being injured in the crash.

The 24-year-old Kenyan is the men’s marathon world record holder, having run a staggering time of two hours and 35 seconds in Chicago in October. Kiptum had only run his first marathon in 2022 yet had rapidly emerged as a world-class talent to challenge the great Eliud Kipchoge.

His loss has left the sport reeling and Sir Mo Farah was among those to pay tribute to the immensely gifted runner. "Kelvin was an amazingly talented athlete and had already achieved so much," Farah said.

"He truly had a special talent and I have no doubt he would have gone on to have had an incredible career. I send all my sympathies and condolences to his and Gervais' family and friends at this tragic time."

British running great and World Athletics president Seb Coe wrote on Twitter : “We are shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the devastating loss of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana. On behalf of all World Athletics we send our deepest condolences to their families, friends, teammates and the Kenyan nation.

“It was only earlier this week in Chicago, the place where Kelvin set his extraordinary marathon World Record, that I was able to officially ratify his historic time. An incredible athlete leaving an incredible legacy, we will miss him dearly.”

Kipchoge is widely considered the greatest marathon runner of all time, yet Kiptum broke his world record in Chicago last year. The 39-year-old wrote: “I am deeply saddened by the tragic passing of the Marathon World record holder and rising star Kelvin Kiptum.

An athlete who had a whole life ahead of him to achieve incredible greatness. I offer my deepest condolences to his young family. May God comfort you during this trying time.”

Kiptum was a natural marathon runner and showed his talent right from the off when he ran fourth fastest time on record (2:01:53) to win the Valencia Marathon in 2022. He then set a course record of 2:01:25 at the London Marathon in April 2023 before taking a gigantic 34 seconds of Kipchoge’s world record time six months later.

London Marathon event director, Hugh Brasher, said: “Kelvin had the sport of marathon running in his feet and at his feet. He was a 'once in a generation' athlete who was set to redefine the boundaries of our sport.

“Three marathons, three wins. The fastest marathon debutant in Valencia, London's course record holder and the world record holder in Chicago, all within the space of less than 12 months. His was a flame that burned so bright and last night was tragically put out.

“As a sport we mourn for a life so tragically cut short, a talent and a work ethos that was only starting to be appreciated and a man that we had only just started to know. Our thoughts are with his family and friends and those of his coach Gervais. We hope that Sharon Chepkirui Kosgei, who was travelling with them, makes a full and speedy recovery.”

Kiptum had only recently announced his intention to run the marathon in under two hours in Rotterdam in April. Kipchoge has run a marathon in one hour 59 minutes 40 seconds, but that time does not count as an official record as it was in a specifically arranged sponsored event with pacemakers.

British marathon runner Emile Cairess said Kiptum could have become "Usain Bolt-esque" as a "figurehead of athletics". He told the BBC : "It's a massive blow because at his level, someone can really capture the attention of people outside of the sport.

"Many people thought they would never see a sub two-hour marathon in their lifetimes but since he came along, it's like it was just a given that he would do it because of his exceptional performances so far. It was almost certain that he would have done it. It's terribly sad and a real shame that we won't get to see him again or to attack that barrier."

Reigning Chicago Marathon champion Kelvin Kiptum will be seeking to become the first man to run a marathon in under two hours and be recognized by World Athletics.

World marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum is not resting on his laurels as he looks to dethrone the marathon kings and make history this year.

Kiptum, the reigning Chicago Marathon champion will be opening his season at the Rotterdam Marathon where he hopes to break the sub-two-hour marathon barrier.

Speaking to Gulf Times, the Kenyan explained that for now, his training and thoughts are on the marathon and he will be seeking to become the first man to ever run the marathon in under two hours with the recognition of World Athletics. 

Eliud Kipchoge was the first man to run a marathon in under two hours, however, his effort did not count as a new world record under World Athletics rules due to the setup of the challenge.

“It’s already known, the Rotterdam Marathon on April 14. I would like to grow further, and so, inevitably, break the barrier," the reigning London Marathon champion said.

"I’ll go there to run fast; the course is ideal and the crowds in the streets push you to give your best. I would love to be a part of the rich history of this marathon.

“If the preparation goes in the right direction, with peaks of 270 kilometers per week, and the weather conditions permit, I will go for it [sub-two]."

Kiptum has enjoyed a remarkable 2023, breaking the men’s marathon world record where he took 34 seconds off the previous record in winning the Chicago Marathon in two hours and 35 seconds.

He also won the London Marathon in April in 2:01:25, which at the time was the second-fastest time ever.

He noted that he will be competing at the Rotterdam Marathon because the organizers of the race are linked to his management.

“In 2022 I was supposed to run it, to make my debut but a slight injury stopped me. This will be the right time,” he said, adding that one of his other goals is to compete at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

“As a team, we will collaborate, but then everyone looks out for themselves.

“I could also aim for the Tokyo 2025 World Championships, I saw the race in Budapest which fascinated me,” he added.

2023 Rome Marathon champions Betty Chepkwony and Rotterdam and Osaka Marathons winner Haiven Hailu Desse of Ethiopia lead the list of athletes set to feature in the 2024 Dubai Marathon.

The marathon is slated for January 7 in Umm Suqeim and Chepkwony, 28, will be keen to improve having gained international recognition with her triumph in the Rome Marathon, securing a personal best time of 2:23:02.

Betty Chepkwony rival

On the other hand, Hailu, a 25-year-old marathon prodigy, has already made her mark with impressive wins and holds a personal best of 2:20:19 from the 2019 Amsterdam Marathon.

In the men's category, Ethiopians Workineh Tadese Mandefro and Kebede Tulu Wami aim to clinch their first Dubai Marathon titles.

Tadese achieved a notable personal best of 2:05:07 at the Hamburg Marathon in 2022, while Kebede Tulu has consistently improved his marathon times since the 2020 Mumbai Marathon, culminating in a personal best of 2:05:19 at the Seville Marathon in February 2023.

Event Director Peter Connerton expressed excitement about the strong elite field, with more names expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks.

“The elite field is looking strong with several more names to be confirmed in the coming weeks,” Connerton said.

“The athletes are excited about the event returning to the flat and fast course around Umm Suqeim, the Burj Al Arab and the Jumeirah Beach Road, which is renowned for delivering fast times.”

Distance runners looking to qualify for the Paris Olympics in midsummer next year get two early opportunities in the United Arab Emirates, with the Dubai Marathon opening the athletics year on January 7, followed by the Ras Al Khaimah half-marathon, now under the same management, on February 24. 

Heading the Dubai women’s entries so far are Haven Hailu Desse of Ethiopia and Betty Chepkwony of Kenya. Hailu Desse scored two notable victories in the last 18 months, taking the Rotterdam title in 2022, in 2hr 22min 01sec, and the Osaka Women’s Marathon two months ago in 2:21:13; while her best remains 2:20:19 from Amsterdam 2019. Chepkwony made her breakthrough on the international marathon scene by winning in Rome nine months ago in a personal best of 2:23:02.

In the men’s field, Ethiopians Workineh Tadese Mandefro and Kebede Tulu Wami lead the way with the former’s personal best of 2:05:07 coming in Hamburg 2022. Tulu is only a few seconds slower, his best of 2:05:19 earned him second place Seville in nine months ago.

Traffic restrictions in downtown Dubai last year saw the first post-pandemic marathon staged around Expo City, where the COP 28 climate conference has just concluded. But next month’s race sees a return to the flat, fast, coast-hugging course, which has proved such a hit in the past. Peter Connerton, race director for the organising company PACE Events, says, “The athletes are excited about the event returning to the flat course around Umm Suqeim, the Burj Al Arab and the Jumeirah Beach Road, which is renowned for delivering fast times. The elite field is looking strong with several more names to be confirmed in the coming days”.

The Dubai Marathon was inaugurated in 1998, and the Ras Al Khaimah ‘half’, in one of the smaller, coastal emirates half a dozen years later. Both races have become celebrated for fast times, with the latter results regularly under 59 minutes.

For the first time, both races come under the umbrella of PACE Events, who are adding an RAK international 10k to the programme. Race Director Connerton says, “We are honoured to be entrusted with organising the Ras Al Khaimah Half-Marathon. Over the years, the race has produced some fast times and world-class winners; and with 2024 being an Olympic year, we expect to have an even better field. Similarly, by adding a 10k to the schedule we aim to make race day in RAK bigger and better than ever”.

The veteran coach has explained the challenges he had to overcome to settle on the provisional marathon squad that will represent Kenya at the Paris 2024 Olympics

Veteran athletics coach Julius Kirwa has revealed how he faced a difficult time narrowing down to 20 athletes who will represent Kenya at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Athletics Kenya (AK) named a provisional squad of 20 (10 men and as many women) with marathon great Eliud Kipchoge, world record holder Kelvin Kiptum, Boston and New York Marathon champion Hellen Obiri as well as three-time world half marathon champion Peres Jepchirchir among the big names included.

While the selection was based heavily on world ranking and athletes’ performances in major marathons, Kirwa admits it was a herculean task given the many good runners in the country.

“We are selecting them based on their time and world ranking. We are allowed to field three athletes only and in Kenya, we have about 120 athletes who are capable of representing the country,” said Kirwa.

“Other countries have a few to pick from but here, it has not been easy. I have taken a lot of time monitoring and some are still coming up like Alexander Mutiso ran very well in Valencia [finished second in 2:03:11 on Sunday] but it was too late to put in someone.

“We followed the world ranking and in Kenya we have Kiptum leading then Eliud so there was no need of jumping. We follow that way unless someone withdraws and you go to the next best ranked runner.”

Besides Kipchoge and Kiptum, Vincent Ngetich, second at the Berlin Marathon this year, Rotterdam Marathon runners-up Timothy Kiplagat, former Chicago and Boston Marathon champion Benson Kipruto, Bernard Koech, two-time New York Marathon champion Geoffrey Kamworor, Cyprian Kotut, 2022 London Marathon champion Amos Kipruto and Titus Kipruto also made the list.

The women’s team has Obiri and Jepchirchir as well as former world record holder Brigid Kosgei, Tokyo Marathon champion Rosemary Wanjiru, former world champion Marathon Ruth Chepng’etich, former world half marathon record holder Joycilline Jepkosgei, Sheila Chepkirui, Judith Jeptum Korir, Selly Chepyego and Sharon Lokedi.

However, world ranking was not the only consideration given Joshua Belet and Ronald Korir, who who are ahead of Kamworor on the rankings, missed out same as Dorcas Chepchirchir and Jackline Chelal.

AK explained that they also looked at consistency, championship mentality and the attitude of the athletes before setting on the squad.

It’s no secret that the Trinidad Alfonso Valencia Marathon in Spain boasts one of the fastest courses and deepest marathon fields in the world. For the second consecutive year, the men’s and women’s winner in Valencia has recorded a time under 2:01 and 2:16. While Valencia isn’t part of the six Abbott World Marathon Majors, it continues to attract some of the world’s fastest-distance runners.

To set Valencia apart, organizers have an added incentive to the 2024 race—one million euros (US $1,079,000 CDN $1,400,000) for the man or woman to break the marathon world record on the course.

The announcement came on Monday from Juan Roig, the president of the Trinidad Alfonso Foundation, who said to Spanish news that it is his dream to witness the marathon world record shattered in Valencia: “We want to announce that whoever breaks the world record will receive one million euros, if they break it in Valencia.” This amount would mark the largest prize purse/bonus from a marathon to date, surpassing the Nagoya Women’s Marathon in Japan, which awards USD $250,000 to the champion.

At this year’s Valencia Marathon, over 30 men ran under the Olympic standard of 2:08:10. A time, which would have placed them inside the top 10 at most marathon majors this year. Valencia has grown over the past decade and has become a hub for distance running, evidenced by the world records set by Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei and Ethiopia’s Letensebet Gidey in the 10,000m in 2021.

At this year’s race, Cheptegei made his marathon debut, falling slightly short of his sub-2:04 goal, finishing in 2:08:59 for 37th place overall. The event also featured one of the most illustrious distance runners in history, Ethiopia’s Kenenisa Bekele, who took fourth in a new masters 40+ world record of 2:04:19.

The men’s marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum has already revealed his racing plans for 2024. The 24-year-old, with a personal best of 2:00:35, will attempt the world record at April’s Rotterdam Marathon before gearing up for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games with Team Kenya. Kiptum came onto the scene at the Valencia Marathon last year, winning the race in 2:01:53, marking the fastest men’s marathon debut.

According to Forbes, Roig is one of the richest men in Spain, with a net worth of $3.6 billion. Roig and his business partner, Valencia race director Paco Borao, remain confident that the world record will someday come to them, and they are committed to doing whatever it takes to attract the world’s fastest athletes to compete there. “One day it will come,” said Roig to Spanish news. “We will fight for it.”

Selly Chepyego highlights the Kenyan contingent at Sunday's Shanghai marathon, a World Athletics Platinum Label road race.

The trio of Betty Chepkwony, Emily Arusio and debutant Sandrafelis Chebet are also in the mix as Kenya's quest for glory takes them to the Asian continent.

The quintet of sub-2:21 runners will be gunning for the course record of 2:20:36 set by Ethiopian Yebrgual Melese in 2018.

The 22-year-old Tadu Teshome of Ethiopia, owning a PB of 2:17:36, is the favourite in Shanghai.

The 2022 Copenhagen Half Marathon champion, who is also a former winner of marathons in Barcelona and Riyadh, achieved her career-best mark last year in Valencia. She clocked 2:20:04 to finish fifth last month in Chicago.

Bahrain’s national record-holder Eunice Chumba and Chepyego could be the biggest threats to Teshome.

The 30-year-old Chumba, a 2:20:02 performer, has remained unbeaten after two races in 2023, clocking 2:20:31 to win in Rotterdam in April and winning the gold medal at the Asian Games in Hangzhou early last month.

Apart from her victory in Hangzhou, Chumba has gained vast experience of winning in China, claiming titles in Dongying and Liupanshui, and at the 2019 Military Games in Wuhan.

Now aged 38, Chepyego is still making progress. The 2014 World Half Marathon bronze medallist set a PB of 2:20:03 to finish second in Barcelona in March and clocked 2:27:09 to place seventh at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest.

Other title contenders include Ethiopian Etagegne Woldu, who set her PB of 2:20:03 last year in Valencia, and Eritrea’s Nazret Weldu, who finished eighth, one place behind Chepyego, in 2:27:23 in Budapest. Before that she improved the national record to 2:20:29 to finish fourth at the World Championships in Oregon in July 2022.

Defending champion Zhang Deshun of China is also toeing the line. Last year Zhang produced a 2:28:17 victory in Shanghai. In March, she improved her PB to 2:24:05 to finish fourth in Nagoya before finishing second behind Chumba at the Hangzhou Asian Games in 2:27:55.