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Uruguayan distance sensation Santiago Catrofe delivered the performance of his life in spectacular fashion, rewriting South American athletics history with a breathtaking run in the men’s 3000m. Competing against some of the world’s strongest distance runners, Catrofe crossed the finish line in an astonishing 7:29.72 to finish 13th overall — a result that carried enormous historical significance far beyond the final placing.

With that extraordinary performance, Catrofe became the first South American athlete in history to break the legendary 7:30 barrier in the 3000m. In the process, he shattered the South American record and lowered the Uruguayan national record, producing one of the greatest distance-running performances ever seen from the continent.

Although the race was loaded with world-class talent and relentless early pace, Catrofe refused to be intimidated. He remained composed throughout the contest before producing a powerful closing effort that ensured his name would forever be etched into athletics history.

The historic run represents a major breakthrough for South American distance running and further establishes Catrofe as one of the region’s brightest stars on the global stage. His achievement sends a strong message that South American athletes are capable of competing at unprecedented levels in elite middle- and long-distance events.

For Uruguay, the performance is nothing short of monumental. Catrofe’s remarkable run is expected to inspire future generations of athletes across the continent, proving that barriers once considered impossible are now meant to be broken.

On a night where the stopwatch told an unforgettable story, Santiago Catrofe did far more than finish a race — he changed the history of South American athletics forever.

The 2026 Yangzhou Half Marathon unfolded as a dramatic battle not only among the world’s finest distance runners but also against unforgiving heat and suffocating humidity. In conditions that demanded absolute resilience, tactical precision, and unshakable mental strength, two commanding performances rose above the rest—Kenya’s Alex Nzioka Matata and Miriam Chebet delivering masterclasses to claim the men’s and women’s titles respectively.

In the men’s race, the tempo was fierce from the outset, as elite contenders pushed the pace despite the oppressive climate. Yet it was Matata who ultimately seized control with authority. Displaying a perfect blend of patience and power, the Kenyan star surged through the latter stages to cross the finish line in a stunning 59:11, setting a new course record and stamping his dominance on the race. His performance was as composed as it was explosive, marking a defining moment in his rising career.

Ethiopia’s Jemal Yimer Mekonen mounted a strong and consistent challenge, clocking 59:30 to secure second place after staying within reach for much of the race. Fellow Kenyan Geoffrey Toroitich Kipchumba completed the podium with an impressive 59:57, ensuring a double podium finish for Kenya and reinforcing East Africa’s continued supremacy in distance running.

Further down the field, Uruguay’s Santiago Catrofe finished fourth in 1:00:58, while Kenya’s Solomon Yes claimed fifth in 1:02:07. China’s Jiang Fakun led the home charge in 1:03:09, followed by compatriot Athlete A0012 (1:03:30) and Kenya’s Felix Kiptoo (1:03:39), rounding out a deeply competitive top eight.

The women’s race mirrored the intensity of the men’s contest, unfolding at a relentless pace from the opening kilometers. A tightly packed lead group battled through the heavy air and rising temperatures, but as the race wore on, one athlete began to separate herself with quiet authority.

Miriam Chebet proved unstoppable when it mattered most.

With remarkable composure, the Kenyan gradually broke away from her rivals in the closing stages, her stride remaining fluid and controlled despite the punishing conditions. She powered to victory in 1:06:27, a performance that combined strength, intelligence, and impeccable timing. Once she made her निर्णसive move, there was no response—her command of the race was absolute.

Ethiopia’s Ftaw Zeray Bezabh ran a determined race to secure second place in 1:07:02, holding firm under pressure. Kenya’s Gladys Chepkurui finished strongly to take third in 1:07:15, completing a highly competitive podium.

Ethiopia’s Wede Belew placed fourth in 1:07:38, maintaining consistency throughout, while compatriot Megertu Alemu Kebede finished fifth in 1:09:42. Uganda’s Stella Chesang followed closely in sixth with 1:09:45, as China’s Tsering Tsomo (1:10:10) and Zheng Xiaoqian (1:10:52) completed the top eight, highlighting the event’s international depth.

Held on March 29, 2026, the Yangzhou Half Marathon once again delivered a spectacle of world-class distance running, where brutal conditions only amplified the quality of competition. From Matata’s record-breaking brilliance to Chebet’s commanding triumph, the event became a powerful testament to endurance, excellence, and the unyielding spirit of elite athletes.

In the face of extreme adversity, they did more than compete—they redefined it.

The 78th Marugame International Half Marathon once again proved why it’s one of the fastest and most respected early-season races in the world.

On a cool winter morning in Kagawa, athletes took full advantage of the flat, quick course, turning the race into a showcase of smart pacing, sharp tactics, and pure speed. Marugame isn’t just about fitness — it’s about execution. And the athletes who got it right set the tone for the 2026 road season.

Kenya’s Richard Etir led the charge, winning the men’s race in 59:07. Known for his strength on the track at 5,000m and 10,000m, Etir ran with patience early before tightening the pace over the final kilometers. Once he moved, no one could respond.

“The conditions were perfect for a fast race,” he said. “I felt strong from the start.”

Emmanuel Moi Maru followed in 1:00:06, running a controlled, tactical race, while Uruguay’s Santiago Catrofe continued his strong transition from track to road with a 1:00:21 for third.

Japan’s depth was equally impressive. Tomoya Ogikubo (1:00:22) and Yuma Nishizawa (1:00:26) stayed close to the podium, highlighting the strength of the domestic program and giving the home crowd plenty to cheer.

The women’s race belonged to Kenya’s Dolphine Nyaboke Omare, who clocked 1:06:15. Comfortable and composed from the front, she used her experience on the course to control the pace and steadily pull away.

“It’s always special to run here,” Omare said. “You have to respect every kilometre.”

Great Britain’s Eilish McColgan finished second in 1:07:08, using the race as a stepping stone following her marathon debut year, while Susan Kamotho completed the podium in 1:07:56, reinforcing Kenya’s continued dominance in women’s distance running.

Year after year, Marugame delivers the same message: fast roads reward smart racing. For many athletes, it’s the first big statement of the season — and this year’s performances made it clear that 2026 is already shaping up to be quick.

Official Results

Men (Top 10)

1. Richard Etir (KEN) — 59:07

2. Emmanuel Moi Maru (KEN) — 1:00:06

3. Santiago Catrofe (URU) — 1:00:21

4. Tomoya Ogikubo (JPN) — 1:00:22

5. Yuma Nishizawa (JPN) — 1:00:26

6. Neo Namiki (JPN) — 1:00:29

7. Daisuke Sato (JPN) — 1:00:40

8. Sondre Nordstad Moen (NOR) — 1:00:46

9. Haruka Yamamoto (JPN) — 1:00:46

10. Takuma Ohama (JPN) — 1:00:48

Women (Top 10)

1. Dolphine Nyaboke Omare (KEN) — 1:06:15

2. Eilish McColgan (GBR) — 1:07:08

3. Susan Kamotho (KEN) — 1:07:56

4. Isobel Batt-Doyle (AUS) — 1:08:51

5. Yuka Ando (JPN) — 1:09:28

6. Kana Kobayashi (JPN) — 1:10:29

7. Hikaru Kitagawa (JPN) — 1:10:50

8. Mirai Waku (JPN) — 1:11:00

9. Ayumi Morita (JPN) — 1:11:16

10. Kaede Hagitani (JPN) — 1:11:38

Boston’s Emerald Necklace once again set the stage for one of the country’s most scenic and competitive half marathons on Sunday morning. Over 7,000 runners lined up at Franklin Park for the 2025 Boston Half Marathon, where Ethiopia’s Fantaye Belayneh successfully defended her women’s title and Kenya’s Isaia Lasoi powered to an impressive victory in the men’s race. Each champion earned $15,000 for their wins.

Men’s Race – Lasoi Dominates in 1:00:59

Kenya’s Isaia Lasoi delivered a commanding performance, clocking 1:00:59 to capture the men’s crown and the $15,000 winner’s prize. The race unfolded at a fast but controlled pace through the park-lined streets, with Lasoi making his decisive move in the final 5K. Uruguay’s Santiago Catrofefollowed in 1:01:23, while Kenya’s Andrea Kiptoo secured third in 1:01:30.

Lasoi’s sub-61 performance on Boston’s undulating course reinforced his growing status among Kenya’s new generation of road racing talent. His powerful stride and tactical patience over the final stretch left no doubt about his supremacy.

Women’s Race – Belayneh Holds Off Wudu in a Thrilling Finish

In the women’s division, Ethiopia’s Fantaye Belayneh out-kicked her compatriot Melknat Wudu in a dramatic finish, crossing the line in 1:08:51 — just two seconds ahead of Wudu (1:08:53). Kenya’s Evaline Chirchir completed the podium in 1:09:01. Belayneh’s repeat win also earned her $15,000, matching Lasoi’s prize.

Her victory made her the first woman since Joan Chelimo Melly (2017–2018) to win back-to-back Boston Half titles. With calm focus and a perfectly timed surge in the final meters, Belayneh turned a shoulder-to-shoulder battle into a defining moment of determination and poise.

Course and Conditions

Runners traversed Boston’s “Emerald Necklace,” a 13.1-mile loop of winding parkways and rolling roads connecting the city’s most picturesque green spaces. Conditions were ideal — cool temperatures and light winds — creating the perfect backdrop for fast times and fierce competition.

Race Legacy and Global Field

The Boston Half Marathon continues to attract elite international athletes alongside thousands of passionate runners from around the world. With its blend of competition, camaraderie, and New England charm, the event remains one of the premier fall half marathons in the United States.

Belayneh and Lasoi’s victories underscored the enduring global depth of distance running — and confirmed once again that Boston’s roads remain among the finest proving grounds for champions.

French long-distance runner Jimmy Gressier made history on March 16, 2025, by becoming the first European to complete a 5km road race in under 13 minutes. Competing at the Lille 5km, Gressier clocked an impressive time of 12:57, surpassing his previous European record of 13:12 set in 2023.

Race Highlights

The event showcased exceptional performances:

• Jimmy Gressier: 12:57 (Personal Best, European Record)

• Santiago Catrofe: 12:58 (Personal Best, National Record for Uruguay)

• Yann Schrub: 13:01 (Personal Best)

Gressier’s remarkable time positions him as the fifth-fastest athlete globally in the 5km road race, underscoring his elite status in long-distance running.

Career Milestones

Born on May 4, 1997, in Boulogne-sur-Mer, France, Jimmy Gressier has steadily risen in the athletics arena. His accolades include:

• European Under-23 Championships 2019: Gold medals in both the 5000 meters and 10,000 meters. 

• European Cross Country Championships: Three consecutive Under-23 titles, highlighting his dominance in the category. 

• National Records: Gressier holds French records in the 5000 meters (12:54.97) and 10,000 meters (26:58.67), achieved in 2024. 

Looking Ahead

Gressier’s recent performance in Lille not only cements his place in European athletics but also sets the stage for future international competitions. As he continues to break barriers, the global athletics community eagerly anticipates his next achievements.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Leading results

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Women, going all out 

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

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

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

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

The Cross Internacional de Itálica in Santiponce on the outskirts of the Spanish city of Seville – the fifth Gold standard meeting in the current World Athletics Cross Country Tour – always boasts a quality line-up, and this year’s race on Sunday (17) features the most prominent line-up so far this season.

Entries for the women’s race, contested over 7.5km, are headed by Kenya’s two-time world cross-country champion and double Olympic gold medalist Beatrice Chebet. The 24-year-old has enjoyed a superb season, topped by her 5000m and 10,000m titles at the Paris Olympics, three months after becoming the first woman to dip under the 29-minute barrier for the latter distance thanks to a 28:54.14 clocking in Eugene on 25 May.

Chebet, who is also the reigning world champion and world record holder for the road 5km, will be making her third appearance here following her runner-up spot in 2020 and her third place in 2021. It will be her first race since her 14:09.82 5000m victory at the Diamond League Final in Brussels.

She will start as the overwhelming favourite for the victory, though she’ll face quality opposition in the form of compatriot Mercy Chepkemoi and Kazakhstan’s Daisy Jepkemei. The latter finished seventh at this year’s World Cross Country Championships in Belgrade, and more recently she captured a commanding win in Atapuerca last month.

Chepkemoi is fresh from a fine win in Cardiff last Saturday. She placed fourth over 5000m at the World U20 Championships in Lima in August, finishing just behind bronze medalist Charity Cherop of Uganda, who will also be racing in Santiponce this weekend.

The line-up also comprises Diana and Sharon Chepkemoi, who finished third and seventh respectively in the steeplechase in Lima. Both also competed in Soria last Sunday where they finished third (Diana) and fourth (Sharon).

Meanwhile, France’s Alice Finot, who set a European record of 8:58.67 when finishing fourth in the steeplechase at the Paris Olympics, will be contesting just her second cross-country race in the past seven years.

Portugal’s Mariana Machado recently finished sixth in Atapuerca, sandwiched between Spanish cross-country champion Carolina Robles and Olympic 1500m finalist Agueda Marques who finished fourth and seventh respectively there, closely followed by Maria Forero, the 2022 European U20 cross-country champion. All of them will renew their rivalry this weekend.

European 5000m bronze medalist Marta García, meanwhile, will be making her only cross-country outing of the winter before focusing on the indoor season.

The men’s race has been reduced to 7.5km which plays into the hands of the middle-distance specialists. But that shouldn’t be a problem for Olympic 10,000m silver medalist Berihu Aregawi, as the Ethiopian is also the third-fastest man in history over 3000m.

The 23-year-old opened the year in style by retaining his silver medal at the World Cross Country Championships in Belgrade before setting a 10,000m PB of 26:31.13 in Nerja. Following his Olympic silver in Paris, he clocked an Ethiopian record of 7:21.28 for 3000m and won the 5000m at the Diamond League Final in Brussels.

Sunday’s race will be Aregawi’s first cross-country outing this season, but fellow Etiopians Ayele Tadesse and Wegene Addisu have already made a mark on the tour, finishing second and fourth respectively in Soria last weekend.

Yet Aregawi’s fiercest opposition should come from Burundi’s Rodrigue Kwizera and Spain’s Thierry Ndikumwenayo. Kwizera is still unbeaten this cross-country season, having won in Amorebieta, Atapuerca and Soria. He has successively finished first, second and third on his appearances in Seville over the past three years.

Meanwhile, his training partner Ndikumwenayo – winner in Seville in 2022 – is the European 10,000m bronze medallist and lowered his 10,000m PB to 26:49.49 for ninth place at the Paris Olympics. Ndikumwenayo will travel to Seville from his altitude stint in Sierra Nevada where he’s building up for the European Cross Country Championchips in Antalya on 8 December.

Watch out too for Uruguay’s Santiago Catrofe. He boasts PBs of 7:37:15 for 3000m and 13:05.95 for 5000m and was a surprise winner in San Sebastian two weeks ago when he kicked away from Uganda’s Martin Kiprotich, who’ll also be in contention on Sunday.

Kiprotich will be joined by his compatriots Kenneth Kiprop, Dan Kibet and Hosea Kiplangat. The former is the world U20 5000m bronze medallist and triumphed in Cardiff where Kibet had to settle for third.

The Spanish charge will be led by European indoor 3000m silver medallist Adel Mechaal, US-based Aarón Las Heras, national 10km record-holder Abdessadam Oukhelfen, and the always consistent Nassim Hassaous.

Past winners in Seville include Fernando Mamede (1984 and 1985), Paul Tergat (1998 and 1999), Paula Radcliffe (2001), Kenenisa Bekele (2003, 2004 and 2007), Faith Kipyegon (2016), Joshua Cheptegei (2018) and Jacob Kiplimo (2019).

Temperatures between 22-24C are predicted for the time of the elite races on Sunday.

Double Olympic champion Beatrice Chebet is set to bring her fierce form to the 42nd Italica International Cross Country meeting on November 17, a highlight event on the World Athletics Cross Country Tour Gold circuit.

Chebet stunned the world in Paris in August with her dual gold-winning performances in the 5,000m and 10,000m.

She secured the 10,000m gong in a time of 30:43.25 leading Italy’s Nadia Battocletti ( 30:43.35 ) and Olympic marathon champion Sifan Hassan of Netherlands ( 30:44.12 ).

Chebet went on to add the 5,000m title, finishing in 14:28.56 outpacing three-time Olympic 1,500m champion Faith Kipyegon ( 14:29.60 ) and Hassan ( 14:30.61 ).

Chebet is no stranger to cross-country success.

She captured the World U20 Cross Country title in Denmark in 2019 in 20:50.

In 2021, Chebet placed second at the Atapuerca 8km Cross Country event in 25:04 behind Eritrea’s Rahel Ghebreneyohannes ( 25:03 ).

That same year, she clocked 24:35 for a third-place finish at the Seville 7km cross-country meeting.

In 2022, she returned to Atapuerca, this time claiming the title in 25:39.

Last year, she claimed the World Cross Country Championships title in Bathurst, Australia clocking 33:48 with Ethiopia’s Tsigie Gebreselama ( 33:56 ) in second and Agnes Ngetich ( 34:00 ) completing the podium.

She defended her title this year in Belgrade, Serbia, finishing in 31:05 ahead of compatriots Lilian Kasait ( 31:08 ) and Margaret Chelimo ( 31:09 ).

Her illustrious track career boasts silver and bronze medals in the 5,000m during the 2022 (Eugene) and 2023 (Budapest) World Championships.

She boasts gold from the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games as well as the Saint Pierre African Games, both in the 5,000m.

Chebet is the 2018 World Junior 5,000m champion as well as the 2019 African 5,000m junior champion.

In Italy, Chebet will be in the company of 2024 World U20 3,000m steeplechase bronze medallist Diana Chepkemoi as well as the 2018 World 3,000m steeplechase champion Daisy Jepkemei.

The trio will face off against European 3,000m steeplechase record holder Alice Finot of France as well as the World U20 5,000m bronze medallist Charity Cherop of Uganda.

Sweden’s Sarah Lahti, Portugal’s Mariana Machado and Spain’s Carolina Robles will add depth to the field.

In the men’s field, Olympic 10,000m silver medallist Berihu Aregawi from Ethiopia will lead the charge.

His main rivals will be the 2024 Rome Half Marathon champion Yemaneberhan Crippa of Italy as well as Ugandan’s Dan Kibet, Hosea Kiplangat and Kenneth Kiprop.

Portugal’s Etson Barros, Uruguay’s Santiago Catrofe and Spain’s adel Mechaal add depth to the field.