Running News Daily

The stage is set for one of the greatest women's marathon races ever assembled.

When the BMW Berlin Marathon returns on September 27, 2026, the streets of the German capital will welcome an extraordinary cast of distance-running royalty led by Ethiopia's Tigst Assefa, Kenya's Rosemary Wanjiru and fellow Ethiopian star Amane Beriso. With three of the fastest women in marathon history confirmed for the race, anticipation is already building around what could become another landmark chapter in Berlin's rich marathon legacy.

Adding even greater intrigue to the occasion is the return of Tigst Assefa, who will be chasing a remarkable hat-trick of victories in Berlin. Having already established herself as one of the course's most dominant champions, the Ethiopian star returns to a venue where she has repeatedly showcased her extraordinary talent. Few athletes in the modern era have forged such a powerful connection with the Berlin Marathon, and another victory would further cement her place among the event's all-time greats.

Standing in her path is defending champion Rosemary Wanjiru, the Kenyan star who captured the Berlin crown with a display of strength, patience and tactical brilliance. Wanjiru has consistently proven she belongs among the world's elite marathoners, and her return as defending champion adds another compelling storyline to what is already shaping up to be an unforgettable contest.

Completing the star-studded trio is Amane Beriso, one of the most accomplished marathon runners of her generation. With a personal best of 2:14:58 and a reputation for thriving under pressure, Beriso possesses all the credentials required to challenge for victory on one of the sport's biggest stages.

The numbers alone highlight the quality of the field. Assefa's astonishing personal best of 2:11:53 remains one of the fastest performances ever recorded by a woman, while Wanjiru's 2:16:14 and Beriso's 2:14:58 underline the exceptional depth assembled for this year's race.

Yet this race is about more than personal bests. It is about the collision of champions, the pursuit of greatness and the possibility of witnessing history unfold on Berlin's famously fast roads. The German capital has become synonymous with marathon excellence, producing countless record-breaking performances over the years. Whenever the world's finest athletes gather there, expectations naturally rise.

With Assefa seeking a third consecutive Berlin title, Wanjiru defending her crown and Beriso determined to add another major triumph to her résumé, the ingredients are in place for a spectacular battle from the opening kilometres to the finish line.

The marathon world has already begun counting down the days. Fans, analysts and athletes alike recognize that opportunities to witness a field of this calibre are rare. Three champions, three distinct stories and one iconic course create the perfect formula for a race that could redefine what is possible in women's marathon running.

On September 27, all roads will lead to Berlin. And if these three superstars push one another to their limits, the clock may once again become the biggest casualty of all.

The 2026 Berlin Marathon already has its biggest headline. World record holder Sabastian Sawe has officially announced he will return to Berlin on September 27, setting the stage for another possible assault on marathon history.

Sawe stunned the running world in April when he won the London Marathon in a breathtaking 1:59:30, becoming the first athlete in history to officially run a marathon under two hours. Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha followed closely behind in 1:59:41, making London the first marathon in history where two men officially broke the two-hour barrier. To date, Sawe and Kejelcha remain the only athletes ever to achieve the feat in official competition.

Now Sawe heads back to Berlin, widely regarded as the fastest marathon course in the world. The flat layout, cool September temperatures, and precision pacing have helped produce nine men’s marathon world records over the past quarter century. Legends including Eliud Kipchoge used Berlin as the stage for some of the greatest performances in distance running history.

“Berlin is a fast course with several world records set there. With perfect weather we could again see a sub-two-hour marathon,” says Bob Anderson, lifetime runner and editor of My Best RunsSawe is no stranger to success in Berlin. He captured the 2025 title in 2:02:16 despite unusually warm temperatures approaching 25C, a performance many viewed as one of the finest warm-weather marathons ever run. But after what happened in London, expectations are now on an entirely different level.

So far, Sawe is the only major elite men’s athlete officially confirmed for Berlin, though organizers are expected to announce additional top contenders in the coming weeks. The possibility of another historic showdown has already created enormous anticipation within the running world.

At the beginning of what could become one of the most remarkable marathon careers ever seen, Sawe has already changed the sport. Berlin may now offer the perfect stage for the next breakthrough.

A new chapter in European marathon running was unveiled on February 25, 2026, when organizers introduced the European Marathon Classics, a series linking eight of the continent’s most established races into one long-term challenge for runners. 

The announcement was made in Vienna at the historic Schönbrunn Palace, bringing together race directors and organizers from across Europe. The concept is simple: one distance, eight cities, and a shared journey through some of Europe’s most celebrated marathon courses.

The new series connects races that already have strong identities of their own. By linking them together, organizers hope to inspire runners to explore different countries, cultures, and running traditions while pursuing a personal challenge. 

To earn the title European Marathon Classics Finisher, runners must complete five of the eight marathons, each in a different city. There is no time limit, allowing participants to build their journey over several seasons.

The eight races in the series form a calendar stretching from early spring to autumn:

2026 European Marathon Classics Schedule

March 22 – Rome Marathon (Italy)

April 19 – Vienna City Marathon (Austria)

April 26 – London Marathon (United Kingdom)

April 26 – Madrid Marathon (Spain)

May 10 – Copenhagen Marathon (Denmark)

September 27 – Warsaw Marathon (Poland)

October 10 – Lisbon Marathon (Portugal)

October 25 – Frankfurt Marathon (Germany)

Runners who complete five races will receive a commemorative medal designed to reflect the journey. The medal includes magnetic elements that allow athletes to add a marker for each marathon they finish.

One unusual feature of the project is that past results will count. Organizers say runners will be able to register historical performances from earlier editions of the races, recognizing the long traditions behind these events.

London Marathon Event Director Hugh Brasher said the idea is meant to highlight what connects runners across the continent.

The global marathon spotlight will once again circle the world in 2026 as the Abbott World Marathon Majors return with a powerful seven-race series that stretches from Asia to Europe, Australia to North America. Each stop carries its own personality, history, and racing rhythm — but together they represent the highest level of marathon competition on the planet.

Here is the confirmed 2026 World Marathon Majors calendar:

Tokyo Marathon – March 1, 2026

Boston Marathon – April 20, 2026

London Marathon – April 26, 2026

Sydney Marathon – August 30, 2026

Berlin Marathon – September 27, 2026

Chicago Marathon – October 11, 2026

New York City Marathon – November 1, 2026

Seven races. Seven cities. One global championship narrative.

Season Opener in Asia

The series begins with the Tokyo Marathon on March 1. Known for its flat layout and disciplined organization, Tokyo has become a consistent stage for fast times and tactical early-season showdowns. Elite athletes often use Tokyo to set the tone for the year — and occasionally to chase course records.

April: Marathon Royalty Month

April remains the heart of the marathon calendar.

The Boston Marathon on April 20 returns to Patriots’ Day tradition. With its point-to-point course from Hopkinton to Boylston Street, Boston remains the ultimate test of racing intelligence, strength, and patience. You don’t just run Boston — you compete Boston.

Six days later, the London Marathon on April 26 brings a different dynamic: deep elite fields, aggressive pacing, and often the fastest head-to-head racing of the spring season. London has become a proving ground for Olympic champions, world record holders, and breakout stars alike.

The April double — Boston and London — continues to define legacies.

Sydney’s Growing Influence

The Sydney Marathon on August 30 strengthens the Majors’ global footprint. As the newest addition to the series, Sydney represents the expansion of the championship to Oceania and adds a late-summer championship feel before the traditional fall European and American races.

Its presence reshapes how athletes build their seasons. With Sydney now in the mix, the Majors truly span the globe.

Fall Speed Season

The Berlin Marathon on September 27 remains synonymous with world records. Its flat, fast course has witnessed some of the greatest performances in distance running history. If athletes are chasing the clock, Berlin is often the chosen battlefield.

Two weeks later, the Chicago Marathon on October 11 continues the speed theme. Chicago’s downtown course has produced extraordinary times and dramatic finishes. It blends American racing culture with global elite competition in one of the sport’s most electric settings.

The Grand Finale in New York

The New York City Marathon closes the 2026 series on November 1. Five boroughs, 26.2 miles, and more than two million spectators lining the course. New York is rarely about world records — it’s about resilience, atmosphere, and championship racing. It’s the ultimate test of strength over speed.

The hills of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and the roar in Central Park ensure that the season ends with drama. 

The Bigger Picture

The 2026 calendar highlights the evolution of the World Marathon Majors into a truly global championship. With seven events spanning three continents, the series now demands strategic planning from elite athletes and offers recreational runners the opportunity to pursue the coveted Six (now Seven) Star journey.

For professionals, the Majors series often determines annual rankings, sponsorship leverage, and historical standing. For age-groupers, it represents bucket-list achievement. For fans, it offers nearly nine months of high-level marathon drama.

From Tokyo’s precision to Boston’s grit, London’s speed, Sydney’s emergence, Berlin’s records, Chicago’s rhythm, and New York’s spectacle — the 2026 World Marathon Majors promise another unforgettable season.

The road to greatness is mapped out.

Now it’s time to run it.

Canfranc, Spain — September 27, 2025. It was a historic day for U.S. trail running in the Pyrenees as Jim Walmsley and Katie Schide stormed to victory in the Long Trail race at the 2025 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships. Both dominated the grueling 50.9-mile course that packed in nearly 17,750 feet of elevation gain and loss across technical, mountainous terrain.

Walmsley’s Men’s Triumph

Walmsley, already celebrated as one of the best ultra runners of his generation, played his cards perfectly. After running with France’s Benjamin Roubiol and Louison Coiffet through the opening stages, he surged clear just past 47 km. By the 70 km mark he had carved out a commanding lead and never looked back.

He broke the tape in 8:35:11, more than ten minutes ahead of Roubiol and Coiffet, who shared silver in 8:46:05. For Walmsley, who became the first American man to win UTMB in 2023, this victory further cements his legacy as the standard-bearer for U.S. trail and ultra running.

Schide’s Commanding Performance

On the women’s side, Katie Schide delivered a masterclass in front-running. She built a gap of 38 seconds within the first 4 km, stretched it to five minutes by 25 km, and by the halfway point was nearly 20 minutes ahead of her nearest rival.

Schide crossed the finish in 9:57:59, winning by more than 25 minutes. Already a champion of UTMB, Hardrock, and Western States, her latest triumph adds a world title to a résumé that ranks among the most impressive in the sport.

A Landmark for U.S. Trail Running

Together, Walmsley and Schide showcased American dominance on one of the world’s toughest stages. Their wins highlight not only physical endurance and technical skill but also tactical brilliance and unwavering mental strength.

For fans and fellow athletes alike, their victories in the Pyrenees are a reminder of what’s possible when preparation meets opportunity on the world stage.

San Diego is set to become the epicenter of the running world as it hosts the World Athletics Road Running Championships from September 26 to 28, 2025.

This prestigious event marks the first time the championships will be held on U.S. soil, bringing together elite athletes and running enthusiasts from around the globe.

Event Overview

The three-day festival will feature a series of races, including the one-mile, 5km, and half marathon events. Each race offers both elite competitions and mass participation opportunities, allowing runners of all levels to experience the thrill of competing alongside world-class athletes.

Race Schedule

Friday, September 26, 2025: One-Mile Race

The event kicks off with the electrifying one-mile race, inspired by New York City's iconic 5th Avenue Mile. Races will be held approximately every ten minutes, catering to various age groups and specialty divisions. The day culminates with the World Championship Women's and Men's Mile races, showcasing top middle-distance runners vying for the coveted title.

Saturday, September 27, 2025: 5km Race

Modeled after the renowned Carlsbad 5000, the 5km event features multiple races throughout the day, each tailored to specific age groups and categories. The format allows participants to compete against their peers, fostering a competitive yet inclusive atmosphere. The day's highlight is the World Championship 5km races for both women and men.

Sunday, September 28, 2025: Half Marathon

The grand finale is the half marathon, uniting 30,000 participants, including elite World Championship athletes and recreational runners. To ensure a smooth start, runners will be released in waves based on seed times, allowing for an enjoyable race experience for all.

Multi-Race Challenges

For those seeking an extra challenge, the championships offer multi-race options:

Triple Crown Challenge: Participate in the one-mile, 5km, and half marathon events over the weekend.

Middle Distance Challenge: Combine the one-mile and 5km races.

Long Distance Challenge: Take on the 5km and half marathon events.

Book End Challenge: Run the one-mile and half marathon races.

These challenges are designed to test endurance and versatility, with adequate rest periods scheduled between races.

Virtual Participation

Recognizing the global running community, organizers offer virtual race options for the one-mile, 5km, and half marathon distances. This initiative allows runners worldwide to participate remotely, fostering inclusivity and broad engagement.

Registration and Additional Information

Runners interested in joining the event can register through the official World Athletics Road Running Championships website. Early registrants may receive exclusive benefits, including discounted pricing and limited-edition training shirts. All participants will receive an official ASICS event t-shirt and a commemorative finisher's medal.

San Diego's Role as Host City

Selected by World Athletics in August 2023, San Diego is honored to host the 2025 championships, highlighting the city's status as a premier global destination for sports tourism. Mayor Todd Gloria expressed pride in showcasing San Diego's vibrant running community and welcoming athletes from nearly 200 countries.

The 2025 World Athletics Road Running Championships in San Diego promise an unforgettable celebration of athleticism and community, uniting runners from around the world in a shared passion for the sport.

“We had no idea the gravity of what was coming,” said Olympian Abbey Cooper.

On a typical Tuesday, Abbey Cooper usually tackles a threshold workout before leading practice as the coach of a youth cross-country team in Boone, North Carolina. 

Last week, the 2016 Olympic 5,000-meter runner was working as a volunteer, answering phones at her church, Alliance Bible Fellowship. For hours, the new mom helped survivors of Hurricane Helene obtain generators and other necessities in the wake of a natural disaster. 

When Helene made landfall in Florida as a Category 4 storm on September 26, it created a 500-mile path of destruction across the southeast. Homes were washed away, roads were destroyed, and electricity was wiped out in communities across six states, where the death toll has risen to 227. Many are still unaccounted for or missing, according to The AP. 

In the rural mountain towns of western North Carolina, the hurricane decimated communities with unrelenting rain and devastating floods. And emergency response was made more difficult due to hundreds of damaged roads and downed bridges. 

Now as people begin to recover and rebuild, several elite runners in Boone and Blowing Rock, North Carolina, are taking major steps to give back and raise awareness for the organizations working tirelessly to support those in need. From cleaning up trails to delivering meals and disaster kits, professional and collegiate athletes who train in the area are providing critical aid and urging others to help in recovery efforts. 

“We had no idea the gravity of what was coming”

Cooper, her husband, Jacob, and their 20-month-old daughter, Mercy, live in a valley about 15 minutes from downtown Boone. In the days leading up to the storm hitting their town on Friday, September 27, a downpour descended on the area. At the height of the storm, Cooper remembered seeing waterfalls flowing off the hill and rushing toward their house. 

Though they had to dig a trench to reroute water that was flowing into their garage, there was minimal damage done to the Coopers’ home. Cooper said they were lucky. One of their neighbor’s homes located next to a creek was destroyed, but the owner made it out safely. “All of us were really humbled. We had no idea the gravity of what was coming,” she said. 

They lost power and water, relying on a portable camping stove and water filter to sustain them at home for three days. The couple considered driving to their friend’s house in Raleigh but decided to stay after the power was turned back on. 

Tristin Van Ord Colley had a similar terrifying experience at her home in Blowing Rock, located about eight miles from Boone. The professional marathoner, who runs for Zap Endurance, was in her apartment when a tornado hit the street behind her complex on Wednesday, September 25. Without receiving any warning of the tornado, the Appalachian State University alum and her husband, fellow pro runner Andrew Colley, took shelter last minute in a room without windows. The next day, the rain started to pick up. By Friday, it became catastrophic. 

Tristin said Andrew was watching a teammate’s dogs across town when water started flooding into the house. With the water rising rapidly and the electricity still on, Andrew fled with the dogs in his car and drove to their apartment. Tristin said he was forced to avoid road closures and drive through deep water as the storm progressed. “If [Andrew] had waited any longer, I’m not sure he would’ve been able to make it,” she said. 

Though the basement of their apartment building flooded up to four feet, the water didn’t reach their unit on the second floor. After the power went out—and didn’t turn back on for nine days—Tristin and Andrew braved the few roads that were open but riddled with fallen trees, to drive to her mom’s house in Chapel Hill. 

Recovering and rebuilding

Once they stabilized at home, Abbey and Jacob started volunteering with local relief efforts led by the Red Cross and Samaritan’s Purse in partnership with their church. Jacob, who works as the Associate Athletics Director for Sports Psychology and Mental Wellness at Appalachian State, is making deliveries to families in need and serving meals at the university. Abbey is assisting with administrative

“The people of Appalachia I feel are forgotten about a lot…Being someone who was extremely lucky in this situation, it’s hard for me to watch this community that I’ve grown to love so much crumble because of poverty and maybe not being prepared or not warned,” she said, while noting the messaging about the severity of the storm could have been better communicated in advance. 

“It’s important to have eyes on this area and have people recognize that these people here matter too.”

Zap Endurance elite coach Peter Rea and his family are doing their part by volunteering at local churches and public schools, which have become distribution centers for aid since the hurricane hit. Rea, his wife—cofounder of Zap Endurance Zika Rea—and their two children are helping people get necessities, like diapers, toothpaste, bottled water, blankets, and hot meals in the aftermath of their homes getting destroyed. 

The Rea family home saw minimal damage in Blowing Rock compared to other communities sitting at lower elevation, but four Zap runners were flooded from their houses, he said. Several of the athletes stayed with Rea immediately after the hurricane. They had to run on treadmills because the team’s primary training venue, Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, was severely damaged from the storm. 

“There are just hundreds of trees down in the national park on all of the carriage trails that we run on,” Rea said. “A couple of our rolling dirt loops are completely flooded out. There’s lots of housing destruction on the road because it’s right next to the Watauga River, which went 12 feet over its banks.”

Most of the team left Blowing Rock and Boone to continue their respective training blocks in their hometowns. Though the team is displaced right now, Rea has encouraged the athletes to stay connected as they pursue their running goals from afar. “We’re trying to impress upon them to be excited about getting out the door everyday, and go out of your way to create community when you’re back home,” he said. 

Rea is hoping the athletes will be able to

A portion of the trail clean-up effort is being led by the cross-country team at Appalachian State. Seeing the widespread damage prompted the men’s and women’s squad to pick up trash blown onto the paths they utilize every day, said Appalachian State women’s distance coach Annie Richards. 

“As a distance runner, you’re out running the trails or running around town, you really have a unique connection to the place,” Richards said. “In some ways, it’s harder because a lot of the trails that we’ve been running on have been really impacted by the storm, but also I think our team has been able to really understand the scope of the disaster.”

Last week, the team volunteered to sort through donations and build disaster relief kits, which included items to help people kill mold in their home caused by water damage. Richards said they plan to do more volunteer projects while the team is in season for cross-country this fall. 

Though the community has received aid from different organizations in town and around the country—Cooper said she got “chills” when she saw hundreds of camper vans belonging to volunteers who traveled many miles to assist—there’s a long period of recovery ahead. 

“The people of western North Carolina have never seen anything of this magnitude,” Rea said. “Anything people can do to help is greatly appreciated.”

To learn more about Hurricane Helene relief efforts and different ways to give back, visit the following nonprofit organizations recommended

Peres Jepchirchir has shared her insights on why it will take longer for the women's marathon world record to be broken.

The streets of Berlin witnessed a historic moment on September 27 when Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa shattered the women-only world record.

Assefa clocked 2:11:53 to completely obliterate Brigid Kosgei’s world record time of 2:14:04. Having clocked that time, the Ethiopian became the first woman in history to have run under 2:12:00.

Kosgei had set the world record in 2019 and in less than five years, it has already been shattered. However, Olympic champion Peres Jepchirchir has admitted that lowering Assefa’s world record time will definitely take more time.

“For now, it’s difficult, 2:11:00 is a very difficult barrier to break. Maybe it will take some years to break that barrier.

It took time to break Kosgei’s record and it was 2:14…but for this world record, it will take more time. I know we are strong ladies and we will break it one day.

If it will not be me, then my colleagues will definitely break it and make history,” Jepchirchir explained.

The 2022 Boston Marathon champion will be heading to the streets of New York for the New York City Marathon on November 2.

She noted that she does not intend to go for a world record on the course since it is not suitable for a world record. However, she is bullish about reclaiming her title that she won during the 2021 New York City Marathon.

She missed out on last year’s edition of the event due to an injury setback but she has since announced her comeback. She opened her season at the London Marathon where she finished third.

She then bagged a win at the Great North Run before defending her World Half Marathon title at the World Road Running Championships.

Former European indoor 3000m champion Yelena Korobkina has been banned from international competition for four years for violating anti-doping rules, the Russian Athletics Federation reported.

Yelena Korobkina was suspended by a decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on September 27. The reason is the use of prohibited stimulants.

In addition to the penalty, which expires on September 26, 2027, Yelena Korobkina’s results between July 2, 2013 and July 24, 2016 have been voided. Thus, the new European 3,000m champion for 2015 becomes Sviatlana Kudzelich from Belarus, but this has not yet been announced by the international federation.

The CAS decision most likely officially ends the career of Yelena Korobkina, who is already 32 years old.

Yelena Korobkina is a Russian distance runner who competes in events from 1,500m to 10,000m. She won the silver medal in the 1,500m at the 2013 Summer Universiade in Kazan.

Bill Anderson has passed away.  He has been fighting prostate cancer since 1999.

"He was a fighter," says his brother Bob Anderson (director of My Best Runs).  "I know he would be proud to know that he was able to run a mile just ten days before his death.  R.I.P. The world will miss you."  

In 2018 he shared his secrets with MBR.  Bill Anderson (72) started his running streak on September 27, 1976 in Fort Worth Texas. He has run at least one mile everyday since then. He is currently number ten on the Official USA Active Running Streak List.

"My brother Bill has never been injured," says Bob Anderson. Asked why he has never been injured he says, "Shoes are the hidden secret to avoid injuries. I make sure they are always fresh," Bill says.

"Secondly I always run within my capacity. Thirdly, I make sure I enjoy every run. Fourth, I know myself well enough to anticipate a potential issue before it happens."

His daughter (Barb) posted this on FB on December 23, 2020.  

“The Streak has ended…

My dad did not do something yesterday that he’d done the past 16,000 + days – he did not go run at least one mile.

On September 27, 1976, he went for a run…I was 2 years old.  He continued that for 44 years, 2 months and 25 days and ended his running career with the 10th longest documented running streak in the United States.

The rules?  At least one mile, outside, in running shoes.

At some point the streak became another family member that we’ve all formed a complicated relationship with, especially my mom, who has worried about him, followed him in the car in the hail or after a little too much to drink, cursed the inconvenience of the “damn streak” on occasion and supported him every day. 

When I was in high school, I started running with him.  The first time I ran four miles, I was with my dad and we had about a third of a mile to go, all uphill.  I was ready to quit when he calmly said, “At this point it’s really just a matter of one’s character.”  I didn’t stop.

I’ve run with him numerous distances, in numerous locations, sometimes in formal races and sometime just around the hood. But my dad’s run in every state, dozens of countries and incredible ranges of temperatures and weather conditions, juggling time zones, international date lines, snow, wind, rain, prostate cancer surgeries, bladder cancer, Parkinson’s, nine chemo cycles, a ruptured appendix and age. 

On Monday the 21st my mom practically pushed him out the front door and followed him in the car one last time, this time for concern of his mental acuity.  

I ran with him on Tuesday the 22nd, not knowing but somehow feeling the final curtain call.  We reminisced about our most memorable runs together – like the one time, a very low-to-the-ground bulldog joined us from nowhere and ran at least a mile right between us.  We both thought that dog would go into cardiac arrest.  At some point he bailed on us but when we got back to the house, we jumped in the car to try and find him because we were convinced that he was dead, lost or both.  We never did find him. 

On Wednesday the 23rd after being rushed to the hospital, he announced with dignity, strength and no regret, that the streak was over. 

He made the right decision.  But I can’t help feeling like we lost a family member yesterday.  

My dad has always been my hero.  Dad, today I went for a run and even though I cried through half of it, I ran with new purpose and I crushed it.  I love you.”

Click on link (the title) to listen to Bill talk about his streak.  

A study released on September 27 by Katsuhiro Miyamoto, professor emeritus of theoretical economics at Kansai University, estimated that the cancellation or postponement of 460 marathons and road races in Japan from the fall of 2020 through the spring of 2021 due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis would result in an estimated economic loss of 710 billion yen (USD 6.74 billion, EUR 5.75 billion).

For races with more than 2000 participants, apart from direct losses such as entry fees and accommodation costs, the study’s calculation included linked losses such as reduced purchases of supplies and materials, and secondary losses such as reduced spending by vendors due to decreased income. After performing the calculation for a number of representative races, numbers for other races were estimated based on their field sizes.

The loss due to the cancellation of November’s Osaka Marathon was estimated at 18 billion yen (171m USD, 145m EUR). Its 2019 race attracted 33,000 participants from across the country, making it the second-largest in Japan. The Kobe Marathon, likewise cancelled, is expected to face losses of 7 billion yen (66.5m USD, 56m EUR). Whether the 2021 Tokyo Marathon goes ahead as scheduled in March is yet to be decided, but with 38,000 entrants in 2020 its losses should it be cancelled are expected to total 29 billion yen (275m USD, 235m EUR).

Since the beginning of the 2000s the number of mass participation marathons across Japan has increased dramatically. The races help promote the region in which they are held and boost tourism and related consumption. Many attract foreign runners to make the trip to run in Japan. Professor Emeritus Miyamoto noted, “As an economic loss, the cancellation and postponement of marathons represents a negative stimulus to regional economic revitalisation.”

According to R-bies Inc., the Tokyo-based operator of an online race entry site, of the races in its system scheduled after the end of September, more than 130 have already cancelled. Doshisha University professor Hiroaki Ninomiya, a specialist in sports economics, commented, “Even if races are able to go ahead there is a risk of major deficits. Moving forward, rather than just going ahead with an event no matter what, it will be essential to develop income streams other than entry fees to make races profitable.”

The study estimates only losses for the upcoming year and does not include losses for the hundreds of races cancelled between February and September this year.

Are you ready for the 2:01:39 Challenge on September 26 and 27, 2020? How many kilometers can you cover in 2:01:39 hours, the world record time set by Eliud Kipchoge in the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON 2018? No matter where in the world you may find yourself, be a part of the #berlin42united community and run your personal record. #20139

But you can become part of the 2:01:39 Challenge from September 26 to 27, 2020. How many kilometers can you cover in 2:01:39 hours, the world record time set by Eliud Kipchoge in the 2018 BMW BERLIN-MARATHON 2018. No matter where in the world you may find yourself, be a part of the #berlin42united community, achieve your personal record and immortalize yourself in a ranking.

The only cost to participate is your sweat and muscle power. The 2:01:39 Challenge App provides the needed support. Starting in mid-September, the free app will be available for download for iOS and Android devices.

In addition, on September 27, 2020, a team of German top runners in the form of a relay is trying to break the time of 2:01:39 hours over the marathon distance around the Berlin Victory Column (Siegessäule). Due to the current situation, viewers can only follow this action, which takes place in compliance with the current hygiene regulations, on the screen.

The motto of September 27 is “Berlin bewegt sich” and will be broadcast live on rbb television from 9 am to 11.30 am.

In the next few weeks we will present more detailed information.Until then we wish you continued success in training for your 2:01:39 Challenge.

Stay tuned! #20139

The 2020 Volkswagen Prague Marathon, which had been postponed from May 3, to October 11 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, has now been cancelled. In addition two other important road races in Prague which are also organized by the Czech Republic’s most important race organizer RunCzech, the Sportisimo Prague International Half-Marathon and Birell Grand Prix, have also been cancelled. All three events had received World Athletics Gold Label status.

“We were ready with our races,” wrote RunCzech president Carlo Capalbo in an open letter to the runners and other stakeholders involved in his organization’s events. “Everyone was in place. Our team. Our volunteers. Our partners and suppliers. Everything was ordered and most of it in our warehouse. And then? COVID.”

Capalbo continued: “We hoped against hope that autumn would be better. But it was not to be.”

Large sporting events will not be permitted in the center of Prague, Capalbo explained, forcing the cancellations. He said that all registered runners will have the option to transfer their entries to the 2021 or 2022 editions of these events for no additional cost.

“The decision taken is extremely difficult for us,” Capalbo added. “But we take comfort knowing that Czech government officials had the foresight and the wisdom to take action designed to keep us safe. We take comfort knowing that our health care professionals were tireless and brilliant in helping to treat the virus. We take comfort knowing that when it hurts this bad we must be doing something good. And we take comfort knowing that we will run again.”

The Sportisimo Prague International Half-Marathon, part of the international SuperHalfs race series, was originally scheduled for Saturday, March 28, but was then postponed until Sunday, September 6. The Birell Grand Prix, a 10-K with a women’s 5-K, was always scheduled for Saturday, September 5. Collectively, these events had 26,192 finishers in 2019, according to the Race Results Weekly Athletes Performance Database. The half-marathon was the largest event with 10,517 finishers.

Capalbo emphasized that RunCzech’s other races outside of Prague were still scheduled to happen on the revised schedule his organization issued earlier this year: the Mattoni Olomouc Half-Marathon (August 30), Mattoni Ústí Half-Marathon (September 19), Mattoni Karlovy Vary Half-Marathon (October 24), and Mattoni České Budějovice Half-Marathon (October 31).

These cancellations in Prague follow closely the cancellations of three of the running industry’s most important events: the Boston Marathon (postponed from April 20, to September 14, before being cancelled), the BMW Berlin Marathon (September 27) and the TCS New York City Marathon (November 1). Dozens of other fall road races have also been cancelled across the Americas, Europe and Japan including large and important events like the Great North Run Half-Marathon in England, Buenos Aires Marathon in Argentina, the Dam tot Damloop 10 Mile in the Netherlands, the Paris-Versailles 16-K in France, and the Osaka Marathon in Japan.

Capalbo, an Italian who has lived in the Czech Republic for decades, remains optimistic. “Very often, over the course of our 27-year history, when we’ve faced adversity, we’ve looked for inspiration from our guiding spirit, Emil Zatopek,” Capalbo wrote. “A man who famously said that when you feel like you can’t go on, ‘go faster.'”

The 2020 Volkswagen Prague Marathon, which had been postponed from May 3, to October 11 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, has now been cancelled. In addition two other important road races in Prague which are also organized by the Czech Republic's most important race organizer RunCzech, the Sportisimo Prague International Half-Marathon and Birell Grand Prix, have also been cancelled. All three events had received World Athletics Gold Label status.

"We were ready with our races," wrote RunCzech president Carlo Capalbo in an open letter to the runners and other stakeholders involved in his organization's events. "Everyone was in place. Our team. Our volunteers. Our partners and suppliers. Everything was ordered and most of it in our warehouse. And then? COVID."

Capalbo continued: "We hoped against hope that autumn would be better. But it was not to be."

Large sporting events will not be permitted in the center of Prague, Capalbo explained, forcing the cancellations. He said that all registered runners will have the option to transfer their entries to the 2021 or 2022 editions of these events for no additional cost.

"The decision taken is extremely difficult for us," Capalbo added. "But we take comfort knowing that Czech government officials had the foresight and the wisdom to take action designed to keep us safe. We take comfort knowing that our health care professionals were tireless and brilliant in helping to treat the virus. We take comfort knowing that when it hurts this bad we must be doing something good. And we take comfort knowing that we will run again."

The Sportisimo Prague International Half-Marathon, part of the international SuperHalfs race series, was originally scheduled for Saturday, March 28, but was then postponed until Sunday, September 6. The Birell Grand Prix, a 10-K with a women's 5-K, was always scheduled for Saturday, September 5. Collectively, these events had 26,192 finishers in 2019, according to the Race Results Weekly Athletes Performance Database. The half-marathon was the largest event with 10,517 finishers.

Capalbo emphasized that RunCzech's other races outside of Prague were still scheduled to happen on the revised schedule his organization issued earlier this year: the Mattoni Olomouc Half-Marathon (August 30), Mattoni Ústí Half-Marathon (September 19), Mattoni Karlovy Vary Half-Marathon (October 24), and Mattoni Ceské Budejovice Half-Marathon (October 31).

These cancellations in Prague follow closely the cancellations of three of the running industry's most important events: the Boston Marathon (postponed from April 20, to September 14, before being cancelled), the BMW Berlin Marathon (September 27) and the TCS New York City Marathon (November 1). Dozens of other fall road races have also been cancelled across the Americas, Europe and Japan including large and important events like the Great North Run Half-Marathon in England, Buenos Aires Marathon in Argentina, the Dam tot Damloop 10 Mile in the Netherlands, the Paris-Versailles 16-K in France, and the Osaka Marathon in Japan.

Capalbo, an Italian who has lived in the Czech Republic for decades, remains optimistic. "Very often, over the course of our 27-year history, when we've faced adversity, we've looked for inspiration from our guiding spirit, Emil Zatopek," Capalbo wrote. "A man who famously said that when you feel like you can't go on, 'go faster.'"

In a surprising turn of events, the postponed Haspa Marathon Hamburg will be allowed to take place with both elite and mass races on Sunday, September 13.  The event, which was originally scheduled for April 19, has been granted an exemption by German authorities –who had implemented a ban on all large events through October 24– because organizers have agreed to implement a rigorous anti-COVID hygiene plan.  The event is a World Athletics Gold Label Road Race.

“We are optimistic that the Haspa Marathon Hamburg will be started on 13 September,” said chief organizer Frank Thaleiser through a statement.  “We have the plans and the infrastructure required.  We will now make detailed plans together with the city to realize the race.”

Organizers are expecting 10,000 runners for the marathon, plus an additional 4,000 in a companion half-marathon (last year’s marathon had 10,079 finishers).  The marathon and half-marathon will have different start and finish areas.  Runners in the half-marathon will start in several groups between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m., while the marathon runners will begin racing at 9:30 a.m. with a starting time window of just under two hours. The athletes will be sent on the course in “batches” of 1,000 per starting group in roughly ten-minute intervals.

To ensure physical distancing before the race, runners will assemble in predetermined groups in different halls of the Expo building.  There, and also in the finish areas, a total of 120,000 square meters of space will be available to the organizers and under their control; spectators will not be allowed to enter.  Disinfection stations will be set up both in the event areas and along the course.

Moreover, all participants will be given a tubular scarf with a breathing filter.  These must be worn over the nose and mouth in the event area including the start and finish areas.  During the race runners must have these with them and put them over mouth and nose after they cross the finish line.  No open drinks or individual food offerings will be available in the finish area; instead all participants will receive a refueling package.  Other facilities which are usually on offer, such as massage and showers, will not be available.

“The organizational and hygiene policy should demonstrate that a running event with up to 14,000 participants within a city environment can be carried out responsibly while respecting the restrictions on contact and current hygiene guidelines since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Thaleiser added.

The elite field will be scaled down to about 30 athletes, organizers said.  These will be the only athletes standing together on the starting line. These athletes will have to undergo testing for the novel corona virus before the race, and will only be drawn from certain countries given travel restrictions.  Participation by athletes from countries where the novel corona virus poses a higher risk will not be allowed, either in the elite or the mass field.

The detailed hygiene policy was developed with the help of Manchester Metropolitan University in England which offers a masters degree in Crowd Safety and Risk Analysis.

The Haspa Marathon Hamburg was founded in 1986.  Ethiopians Tadu Abate (2:08:26) and Dibaba Kuma (2:24:42) were the race champions in 2019.  The course records are 2:05:30 by Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge in 2013, and 2:21:54 by Ethiopia’s Meselech Melkamu in 2016.

Separately, the massive BMW Berlin Marathon, scheduled for Sunday, September 27, has yet to announce how their event will be staged this year, if at all.  Their most recent statement, dated May 27, said that officials were continuing “to put all our energy into considering various options” for the race.  An announcement is expected, soon.

SCC Events had previously announced that the World Marathon Major would not take place on its original September 27 date, leading to many publications reporting the race as cancelled.

This was due to restrictions put in place by the local Government, which placed a ban on gatherings of more than 5,000 people until October 24.

A decision is still to be made by SCC Events on this year's race, however, with further information to be released by the end of June at the latest.

Many major marathons around the world have faced a similar fate with the races in Boston and London, which are also part of the World Marathon Majors, postponed to September and October respectively. 

"Due to the size of the event and the large number of people involved, we need a little more time to examine different options for this implementation of the further procedure," SCC said.

"In addition, at the moment we cannot work on the upcoming tasks in full team strength; like many others, the SCC Events team is currently on short-time work.

"Nevertheless, as usual, we put all the available energy into this process and will contact you by the end of June at the latest with details on the further procedure relating to the BMW Berlin Marathon. 

"If we have new information beforehand, we will of course let you know immediately."

In Germany, there are more than 172,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 nationwide, resulting in the deaths of more than 7,600 people.

The 2018 edition of the race saw Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge smash the men's marathon world record in a time of 2 hours 1min 39sec.

This was nearly bettered by Ethiopia's Kenenisa Bekele last year, who was two seconds short on his way to victory.

Calgary Marathon organizers have announced that the event (which includes a 5K, 10K, half and full marathons and a 50K) will take the virtual route for the 2020 season.

Organizers had postponed the race weekend—which had originally been set for May 31—until the fall, but given the uncertainty of COVID-19, they have decided to go virtual instead. In addition to the marathon race weekend, Run Calgary will hold several other virtual events throughout the rest of 2020.

Over 6,000 people have already signed up for the Calgary Marathon Race Weekend, and on May 4, registration will re-open for anyone else who would like to enter the virtual events. Entrants in each of the races will have from May 31 to September 27 to complete their runs.

After completion, runners upload their results to the RunKeeper app, where race leaderboards will be compiled. Anyone who had already registered for the race weekend and doesn’t want to compete in the virtual event has the option to defer their run until the 2021, 2022 or 2023 events.

The new virtual race series, which is called the 2020 Run Calgary Virtual Running Festival, features six events. The virtual festival starts with the Calgary Marathon on May 31 and has events throughout the summer and fall until December.

Participants won’t just get to race and see where they stack up against other runners—they will also receive race swag and medals, bibs and finishers’ certificates. Run Calgary organized a virtual event in 2019, well before COVID-19, and it did extremely well, selling out in just three hours.

The decision was made after the Germany government banned group gatherings of more than 5,000 people until after October 24.

On April 21, the Berlin Marathon announced that the race will not happen as planned on September 27, due to coronavirus restrictions on group sizes in Berlin.

The announcement did not mention whether the race is canceled outright or will be postponed for a later date.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact a huge number of lives across the globe, large races set for the fall have begun to seem less and less likely to happen. And on April 21, the unfortunate news came: the Berlin Marathon, scheduled for September 27, has been canceled due to coronavirus restrictions.

According to an announcement on the race’s event page, the marathon can’t be run as scheduled because of an ordinance set in place by the German government prohibiting all events with more than 5,000 people from now until October 24.

The announcement did not mention whether the race is canceled outright or will be postponed for a later date. It also didn’t mention whether or not registered runners will be able to receive a refund for their race bib or roll over their registration to 2021.

The announcement did not mention whether the race is canceled outright or will be postponed for a later date. It also didn’t mention whether or not registered runners will be able to receive a refund for their race bib or roll over their registration to 2021.

“We will now deal with the consequences, coordinate the further steps, and inform you as soon as we can. Let us remain strong together,” said the Berlin Marathon event team in an Instagram post.

Eliminating the Berlin Marathon from the fall race schedule is especially sad news for the running community, as the fast course has hosted spectacular performances over the years, including Eliud Kipchoge’s current marathon world record of 2:01:39.

The cancellation also puts into question the likelihood of whether the other World Major Marathons—Boston, London, Chicago, and New York City—will happen as planned later this year.

The Chicago Marathon, still scheduled to run on October 11, recently announced a cancellation option for runners registered for the 2020 race. Meanwhile, Boston and London—which were originally planned for this month but postponed until September 14 and October 4, respectively—as well as New York City, scheduled for November 1, have not yet made announcements about coronavirus-related schedule changes.

Gladys Cherono has been forced to defer her dream for a fourth Berlin Marathon title with the 2017 World marathon champion, Geoffrey Kirui also putting on hold his debut in the race.

The organisers of the race that was due for September 27 have been forced to cancel the marathon after the Berlin Senate, the executive body that governs the city, extended the ban on gatherings of more than 5,000 participants until October 24 due to the novel coronavirus.

"We have learned from the press conference of the Berlin Senate on April 21, 2020, that according to the Containment Ordinance, all events with more than 5,000 persons will be prohibited until October 24, 2020. This applies to many of our events, but especially to the Berlin Marathon,” said a statement on the event’s website.

This is the first cancellation of a World Marathon Majors race this year owing to coronavirus, and it raises questions about the likelihood of other races taking place around the same time, including the rescheduled London Marathon, which is to take place on October 4.

Cherono, the 2014 World Half Marathon champion, was due to make her fifth appearance in Berlin where she won on her debut in 2015 before capturing the title again in 2017 and 2018.

Last year, the 36-year-old Cherono failed to finish the race after she fell sick just before the race.

Perhaps Cherono’s memorable victory was in 2018 when she triumphed with the fourth fastest time in marathon by then of 2:18:11, which still remains the course record.

“You can only understand what is happening across the world as nations battle to not only control the spread of Covid-19 but also get a cure for the disease,” said Cherono. “It’s impossible to plan for a race until October or November there.”

Cherono, who is now training alone in Eldoret under her coach-cum-husband Joseph Kwambok, said if all goes well she could compete in London due October or New York City Marathon planned for November 1.

Ethiopia's Kenenisa Bekele (left) and Kenya's marathon world-record holder Eliud Kipchoge will have to wait until October 4 to face off.

The London Marathon scheduled to take place on April 26 has been postponed to October 4 due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

The organisers made the announcement on Friday, with event director Hugh Brasher citing health as a priority as the world continues to battle with containing the virus.

“The world is in an unprecedented situation grappling with a global pandemic of COVID-19 and public health is everyone’s priority,” Brasher said.

World record-holder Eliud Kipchoge was among the first top athletes to react to the news of the cancellation of the marathon on social media, expressing his disappointment while still sharing a message of positivity.

"It is unfortunate news that the London Marathon has been postponed but I fully respect the decision made by the organization as safeguarding the health of the world always takes our top priority. To the thousands of runners who with me, have devoted the last months of our lives towards this goal I would like to say: Be proud of the work you have put into this journey, keep smiling and seek your next goal on the horizon to continue running in a smooth and positive way. I hope to share the starting line with you again soon," said Kipchoge. 

Eliud Kipchoge and Brigid Kosgei pose for a picture with Prince Harry while holding their awards in last year's marathon.

Kipchoge and Ethiopia's Kenenisa Bekele were set to go head to head in a contest for the ages, as was Kenya’s women's record-holder Brigid Kosgei.

Kipchoge broke the two-hour marathon barrier in Vienna last October in the INEOS 1:59 Challenge.

The marathon was intended to be an Olympic qualifying event for Team Great Britain. British Athletics said it would hold a separate marathon trial for the Tokyo Games “in a closed location, with limited numbers” potentially around April 25 to 27.

The Boston Marathon, another one of the six World Marathon Majors, has also been postponed to mid-September.

These developments come days after the Kenyan Ministry of Sports banned athletes from travelling to any international sports events for the next month following the global outbreak of Covid-19.

The decision to push this year’s London Marathon to October 4, means the race will now take place on the same day as the Cardiff Half Marathon.

Brasher, thanked every institution that came to support them during this time and expressed optimism of finding the best dates for future races.

“We are extremely grateful for all the support we have received from City Hall, the London boroughs of Greenwich, Lewisham, Southwark, Tower Hamlets, the City of Westminster and the City of London, Transport for London, the emergency services, the Royal Parks, BBC TV and many others as we worked to find an alternative date. The 40th race is scheduled to go ahead on Sunday, October 4, 2020.”

Here are the new major marathon schedules:

Boston Marathon – September 14

Berlin Marathon – September 27

London Marathon – October 4

Chicago Marathon – October 10

The fast, flat marathon is known for its record-breaking history

As the home of Kipchoge’s amazing world-record of 2:01:39, Berlin Marathon is known to be one of the fastest marathons in the world, with Kenenisa Bekele missing the world record by 2 seconds at this year's race. Here's what you need to know about entering the 2020 ballot.

When does the 2020 Berlin Marathon ballot open?

The 2020 Berlin marathon ballot opened on October 1 2019 and will remain open until 31 October 31 2019. With a limit of 44,000 runners, Berlin marathon spots are in high demand.  You will receive an email confirming your entry into the ballot straight away.

When will the 2020 Berlin Marathon take place?

The 2020 Berlin Marathon will take place on Sunday September 27 2020.

How much does it cost to run the 2020 Berlin Marathon?

If you are successful in the ballot, the registration fee for the Berlin Marathon is €125 which at the time of writing coverts to £110.13 or $150US.  

When will the ballot results be announced?

The results of the ballot will be released from November 27 2019 onwards.

How does the ballot work?

The Berlin Marathon uses the same entry drawing procedure as other marathon events at the Abbott World Marathon Majors Series.

In the single runners entry, you will be required to submit all your relevant data during the registration phase, including your payment details. If you are successful in the ballot, your card will be charged and it will not be possible to transfer or cancel your race entry, so make sure you’re 100% certain before submitting your entry. If you are not successful in the ballot, your payment information will be deleted.

How can you get a guaranteed place for the 2020 Berlin Marathon?

If you’re 100% sure you want to run next year’s Berlin Marathon, you can enter under a guaranteed starting spot. 

There are two options when it comes to getting a guaranteed place – entering with a tour operator, or getting a charity place. Tour operators offer race spots as part of a holiday package, which you can often pay for in instalments up to the race.

Similar to other major marathons, charity places are also available, giving you a guaranteed marathon place in exchange for fundraising for a good cause.

What are the Good for Age options at the 2020 Berlin Marathon?

Known as the ‘fast runners’ route, fast runners can secure a guaranteed place for the 2020 Berlin Marathon if they can prove they have finished an AIMS-certified marathon in the last two years (2017/2018) in a certain time. These times are as follows:

Male runners:

18-44 (DOB 2001-1975): under 2:45 hours

45-59 (DOB 1794-1960): under 2:55 hours

60 and above (DOB 1959 and older): under 3:25 hours

Female runners:

18-44 (DOB 2001-1975): under 3:00 hours

45-59 (DOB 1794-1960): under 3:20 hours

60 and above (DOB 1959 and older): under 4:10 hours

The ballot for fast runner places also opened on October 1 2019 and close on October 31 2019.

When will I get my number for the Berlin Marathon?

Similar to other marathons, you will be required to pick up your bib number at the Berlin Marathon expo, which will be open from Thursday September 24 2020 to Saturday September 26 2020. 

The course is not confirmed but most likely it will be similar to the course run in 2019 (photo).  

Hundreds of ultramarathon runners from all over the world, on Friday, September 27, will gather at the foot of the Acropolis in Athens, for the start of the 37th Spartathlon race.

According to organizer International Spartathlon Association, approximately 400 long-distance runners from 50 countries have registered for this year’s international race. A total of 60 runners have signed up from Greece.

As every year, Spartathlon will follow the footsteps of ancient Athenian long-distance runner Pheidippides across the 246 kilometers from Athens to Sparti.

“After many months or even years of intensive training, participants will attempt to reach the statue of King Leonidas in Sparti within 36 hours,” Sparthalon Board President Vangelis Polymeris told reporters during a press conference earlier this month.

The 37th Spartathlon will wrap up on Saturday, September 28.

This year’s race will host champions of previous events including last year’s 2nd winner Czech Radek Brunner, as well as American Bitter Zach, who recently set a world record by running 100 miles in the stadium, in 11 hours and 59 minutes.

Furthermore, Spartathlon will once again welcome Greek-American Dean Karnazes and Greek Georgia Manta.

Hundreds of volunteers, doctors and physiotherapists will once again offer their services to support the participants.

The race is taking place under the auspices of the Ministries of National Defense and Tourism, the supervision of the International Association of Ultrarunners (IAU) and the support of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation.

World and European indoor gold medalist is keen to share his “experience and enthusiasm” with the squad at the IAAF World Championships

Sprinter Richard Kilty has been voted captain of the Great Britain & Northern Ireland team for the IAAF World Championships taking place in Doha starting September 27.

Kilty, who won the world indoor 60m title and European indoor gold medals in 2015 and 2017, received the most votes after every member of the 73-strong British team was given the chance to nominate their choice of captain.

“It feels incredible,” said Kilty, who also recently captained Team Europe at The Match in Minsk. “It’s always a huge honor to represent the British team but to be selected as captain feels amazing. It will definitely go down as a special moment in my athletics career.

“The squad is so talented with many star athletes. A lot of the athletes in the squad have leadership skills and would do an amazing job at being captain so to think that they have voted me in is a huge honor and I’m over the moon with being captain.”

A European gold medalist in the men’s 4x100m relay from 2014 and reigning Commonwealth champion in the event, Kilty won the 200m at the European Team Championships last month and this season has also come within 0.05 of his 20.34 PB set in 2013.

Selected for his fourth successive world championships as part of the world champion men’s 4x100m relay squad, Kilty is the sixth British athlete to have been voted as captain by his fellow athletes and, as part of his role, will deliver the pre-championships captain’s speech at the British team meeting.

“It makes it extra special that my fellow athletes have selected me as their captain,” Kilty added. “I have lots of experience and enthusiasm, which I be sharing with the squad.

“I will bring energy and confidence to everyone around me from the athletes to the team staff. I’ve got a great story to tell and I will try my best to inspire the team every moment from my team speech and on a daily basis over the course of the championships.”

At 39, two-time marathon World Champion Edna Kiplagat is going for gold and nothing less in the forthcoming Doha edition, having narrowly missed the title in 2017.

Kiplagat will lead a strong team that has Ruth Chepng’etich and Visiline Jepkesho in clean podium sweep mission, admitting Doha is not the best place for records but titles.

The London 2017 silver medalist and former New York marathon champion interestingly says she eyes up to 2021 world championships glory, when she will be 41.

The women marathon team will to open Kenya’s medal hunt, when they hit the road shortly after the opening ceremony at the Khalifa International Stadium, on September 27.

The 2017 Boston Marathon champion is set to make history as the first woman to win the world title three times. She is however conscious of the tough conditions expected in Doha.

“We are preparing well so far. We have done a few changes in training our training program because we are told the will be too much heat in Doha. We are therefore training hard in the day to get ready for the conditions there,” said Kiplagat.

With her personal best time of 2:19.50 set during the London Marathon in 2012, the former New York City Marathon champion is however not looking to better her time in Doha.

“In 2017 I tried my best, my target was to make history and win the third gold but fatigue derailed me in the last kilometers. This year I want to bring home the gold medal, the rest can come as a plus,” explained a confident Kiplagat.

The Daegu 2011 and Moscow 2013 marathon queen thinks she has unfinished business at the Worlds, and can do more beyond the Doha edition.

“I still believe I have energy to compete up to 2021, so Doha is not the last stop. If I make it there I can still push further in the next edition,” the decorated runner revealed.

She says a six-year wait for another gold is long enough and hopes to culminate into a glamorous end, after her dream for a third title was quashed by Kenyan born Bahrain’s Rose Chelimo in London.

“I leave it all to God, I believe in this team and with good team work we can conquer the world gain,” concluded Kiplagat, who almost quit after the 2017 loss.

The IAAF World Championships are happening when the season should already be over.  Normally, at this point in the year, the summer track and field season would be a wrap.

Things are a little different in 2019. The biennial IAAF World Championships, which are usually held in mid-August, will this year take place in late September to early October. This is because they are happening in the runner’s paradise that is Doha, Qatar. While the small, oil and gas-rich emirate has been a fixture on the Diamond League circuit for years, the IAAF decision to stage a global championships in the country has been controversial, to put it mildly.

Here’s why.

The Heat Is Brutal

One could be forgiven for thinking that the Persian/Arabian Gulf isn’t the best place to stage an outdoor sporting event during the warmer months of the year. (The Doha Diamond League meet is always in early May.) In September, the average daily high in Doha still hits triple digits. That’s why the World Championships are taking place from September 27 to October 6. Even so, it is still likely to be quite warm, as evidenced by the fact that the marathon will start at midnight.

The Timing Is Not Ideal

“It always looked like a really strange choice for the IAAF to make,” Ed Warner, the former head of UK Athletics and chairman of the last World Championships in London, told the BBC in 2017 about the decision to bring the championships to Doha. At the time, Warner expressed concerns that postponing Worlds until the fall would mean that the event would have to compete with hugely popular broadcasts of Champions League and English Premier League soccer. By the same token, from an American perspective, one of the benefits of past IAAF championships is that they took place during a mid-to-late summer sports vacuum, before football season and baseball playoffs could hijack a potential viewership. 

Migrant Workers Have Been Exploited

The decision to stage the championships in Qatar leaves the IAAF vulnerable to criticism that the organization is turning a blind eye to human rights abuses. In 2010, Qatar was picked to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which means that the country has been getting a double dose of media scrutiny for years. As a consequence, there have been reports from Amnesty International of widespread exploitation of migrant workers, who, according to the NGO, make up 95 percent of the Qatari labor force. Khalifa Stadium, which will be also major venue for the 2022 World Cup, has been a particular focal point. Construction workers on the site have complained to Amnesty International about having their pay withheld for months, only to eventually receive far less compensation than they were originally promised. 

There Have Been Allegations of Corruption

The 2019 World Championships are also a stark reminder of a legacy that the IAAF is desperately trying to leave behind. The decision to award the championships to Doha was made back in 2014, when the IAAF was led by Lamine Diack, the Senegalese businessman who has since been accused of, among other things, accepting bribes to cover up athlete doping violations. As with Qatar’s successful bid to host the World Cup, where a number of prominent FIFA officials have since been arrested on corruption charges, there is reason to be suspicious that bribery may have also played a role in bringing the World Championships to the emirate. 

Of course, one could argue that it’s not worth dwelling on the potential downsides of a decision that was made years ago and can’t be undone. Like it or not, in just over two weeks, the World Champs will be kicking off in Doha. 

But given the public relations power of mega-events like the Olympic Games and the World Cup (and, yes, even the humble IAAF World Championships) we should be skeptical, even as we allow ourselves to be seduced by the drama of what’s happening on the track.

So I’ll still be watching the World Champs in Doha. It’s better than football in any case.

African Games 5,000m champion Lilian Kasait employed an explosive kick in the last 400m to win women's 5,000m race to qualify for the World Championships due September 27 to October 6 in Doha.

Kasait timed 15 minutes and 43.55 seconds to win beating former Africa 5,000m champion Margaret Chelimo to second place in 15:.46.65.

National champion Sheila Chelagat settled third to seal the last place in the 5,000m team.

The trio will join defending World 5,000m champion Hellen Obiri in the race. Obiri, who is the Olympic 5,000m silver medallist, will double up in 10,000m.

"I wanted to test my final kick in the last 400m and it came out well," said Kasait. "We have a strong team capable of defending the title."

Kasait, the 2017 World Cross Country bronze medallist, will be making her maiden appearance at the World Championships.

Chelimo, who will be making her second appearance at the World event, promised to make the podium in Doha after finishing fifth in 2017 London event.

A new star was born when little-known Michael Kibet from Iten stormed to victory in men's 5,000m on Thursday to qualify for the World Championships set to run from September 27 to October 6 in Doha, Qatar.

Kibet, who has never represented Kenya at any level, stayed behind the pack before bolting out with 300m to go to triumph in 13 minutes and 26.83 seconds.

Kibet edged out National 5,000m champion Daniel Simiyu to second place in 13:27.95.

Nicholas Kimeli came in third in 13:27.99 as favourite and World Under-20 5,000m Edward Zakayo, who is still recovering from pneumonia, finished a distant ninth in 14:02.44.

"It's a great feeling beating such a strong field to get to represent Kenya for the first time ever," said the 21-year-old Kibet. "I am not surprised since i trained and planned well for the race."

"He told me to stay behind and go for the kill with two laps to go and it worked," Kibet said of his coach, William Koila.

However, there is the likelihood of Athletics Kenya doing away with the 1-2-3 selection for the World Championships.

AK director for Competition Paul Mutwii said they are likely to give a will card when they name the final team on Friday.

It wasn’t unbearably humid, or midnight for that matter, but winning the National 10,000 metres title has further convinced Stephen Scullion to run the marathon at the World Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar.

After safely defending his title – in the pleasant Santry sunshine and temperature of 20 degrees – Scullion promptly outlined why he was willing to tackle the 26.2-mile distance in Doha, when many other runners have already decided against it.

The championships take place from September 27th to October 6th, the men’s marathon set for the final day, starting at midnight to offer some relief from the typically searing heat and crippling humidity. It averages 35 degrees in Doha in October, with 85 per cent humidity.

“It was actually a little warmer out there than I thought,” said Scullion, who took the win in 29:36.33, the south Belfast native now running with Dublin club Clonliffe Harriers.

“Obviously it will be a lot warmer in Doha, and it was tough to decide between the World Championships and a fast marathon like Berlin. I could have looked at Dublin in October as well. But I keep talking to my coach, and really believe I can come top-10 in Doha, if I prepare well. I’ve been back and forward on it, but it’s the World Championships, and you’re selected to run for your country, how can you turn that down?

“I’ve trained in humidity, and it is unpredictable, if a thunderstorm rolls in, it can bounce around. It being midnight there won’t be any sun either. I know as well if you break 2:25 in Doha, it mightn’t be a bad day. It mightn’t be a great day, but because it will be tough.

“I just have a feeling, in Doha, if you f-it up, there’s no going back, and a lot of people will think it’s easy, and start going backwards. You will have to train differently, in the heat, and not super fast. It’s about running fast in the heat and humidity.”

Scullion, now 30, ran a personal best of 2:14.34 in Houston in January, the fastest marathon by any Irish man since 2011, and Doha also offers the chance to qualify for next summer’s Tokyo Olympics, the top 10 assured of selection.

The IAAF World Athletics Championships will be the biggest sporting event to take place in the Middle East when over 2,000 of the world’s best athletes compete in the Khalifa International Stadium for the ten-day event being held from September 27 to October 6, 2019. 

“We’re very excited to be supporting this major sporting event and contributing to its success by enhancing spectators’ experience and providing world-class technology that will ensure everyone at the stadium stays connected and enjoys the Internet,” said Waleed Al Sayed, Chief Executive Officer, Ooredoo Qatar at the press conference held yesterday at Ooredoo headquarters at West Bay. 

“We recognise how important this event is, and are very happy to be working with the IAAF to bring such a world-renowned tournament to Doha. We’re looking forward to some incredible athletics and a successful event for all involved,” he added. 

Dahlan Al Hamad, Vice Chairman and Director General of the Organizing Committee of IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha 2019, said: “Sport is about connecting people and bringing everybody together, sharing their love for the game. The IAAF World Athletics Championships will see more communities come together than ever before in Doha, which is an exciting milestone.”

“As a specialist in communications, it is the perfect collaboration to have Ooredoo as a partner for the competition, telling the story of athletics to more people, connecting fans directly to the Championships this September,” he added.

Fans can buy tickets online now to ensure that they don’t miss out on any of the action of the IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha 2019.

"For now I want to train hard because I target to qualify for the World Championships. Then I will see how it goes on in Doha," said Jepkosgei on Wednesday.

The 25-year-old transited from half marathon to the ultimate distance at the London marathon in April, but could not withstand the pace and had to drop out.

But she is keen to make amends and will start from scratch with an attempt to win a medal in 10,000m race at the World Championships.

"The marathon program is on hold at the moment, but it is something I will certainly watch to return to and conquer," she said.

Jepkosgei on Wednesday took advantage of the absence of World 5,000m champion Hellen Obiri to win in the race when she clocked 15:19.3 ahead of Dorcas Kimeli and Sheila Chepkirui during the Kenya Defence Forces Championships in Nairobi.

Jepkosgei now targets making the Kenya team in 10,000m but has to face the final hurdle that is the national trials later this month to select the team to the World Championships.

"It was a tough race especially from my opponents who were as well prepared for the race. I now shift my focus to the trials with my main target is to make it to the national team," said Jepkosgei.

Jepkosgei last featured in the track competition back in 2015 when she won bronze medal at the Africa Games in the 10,000m race.

"I have to wait and see how my body reacts to the training. Once I'm certain I will see what kind of form I am in then I will determine my final goal for the season," she added.

A picture-perfect day awaited the nearly 400 competitors at the 18th WMRA/WMA World Masters Mountain Running Championships in Zelezniki, Slovenia today.  After several days of afternoon or evening rain storms, the weather held from the first race start at 10:00 a.m. to the awards ceremony later in the day. Even with clouds threatening at the summit of Ratitovec at 1678 meters, which served ast the finish line, the rains never came delighting both spectators and runners.   There were two challenging courses, the long route of 10.8 kilometers with 1184 meters of height difference for men up to 54, and the shorter route of 7.2 kilometers with 869 meters of height difference for the men ages 55-79, and all women (ages 35-79). The terrain included a short stretch on pavement at the start of each race, and then a combination of wide forested path, single track trail, rocky steps, a section to the finish line in a meadow filled with wildflowers and an amazing view. The fastest time of the day on the long course was posted by 50-year-old Miran CVET (SLO) who raced 1:02:22.  The short course top times were from 36-year-old Monica KOLLIGAR (SLO) in 52:04, and Franco TORRESANI (ITA) timed in 47:31. On site were nine members of the local organizing committe for the 2019 event which will be held in Gagliano del Capo, Italy, September 27-29. 

Bill Anderson (72) started his running streak on September 27, 1976 in Fort Worth Texas. He has run at least one mile everyday since then. He is currently number nine on the Official USA Active Running Streak List.

"My brother Bill has never been injured," says Bob Anderson. Asked why he has never been injured he says, "Shoes are the hidden secret to avoid injuries. I make sure they are always fresh," Bill says.

"Secondly I always run within my capacity. Thirdly, I make sure I enjoy every run. Fourth, I know myself well enough to anticipate a potential issue before it happens."