Running News Daily

Ethiopia delivered a remarkable double victory at the 2026 Bank of China Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Half Marathon on Sunday, November 15, with Wede Kefale and Addisu Gobena emerging victorious in the women's and men's races respectively.

Staged along the spectacular Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, the event brought together some of the finest distance runners from Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa and other nations for a fiercely contested 21.097-kilometre challenge across one of the world's most recognisable sea-crossing structures.

The competition produced impressive performances, with Ethiopia showcasing its depth in distance running while Kenyan athletes also secured several places among the leading finishers.

In the women's contest, Kefale produced a composed and determined performance to secure the biggest prize of the day. She crossed the finish line in 1:09:01, holding off a strong challenge from South Africa's Glenrose Xaba, who finished second in 1:09:09. Ethiopia's Fantu Worku completed the podium in 1:09:14, making it an exceptionally close battle among the leading three women, who were separated by just 13 seconds.

The Ethiopian victory was particularly impressive given the quality of the field. Xaba, one of South Africa's leading distance runners, pushed hard throughout the contest but ultimately had to settle for second, while Worku demonstrated Ethiopia's remarkable strength by securing another podium position.

Kefale's victory was supported by an impressive Ethiopian presence throughout the top 10. Baraky Redae finished fourth in 1:09:51, followed by compatriot Asmarech Anley in fifth with 1:10:21. Kenya's Miriam Chebet was sixth in 1:11:05, ahead of Morocco's Fatima Ezzahra Birdaha, who clocked 1:11:23. Kazakhstan's Daisy Jepkemei placed eighth in 1:11:42, while Ethiopia's Zewudie Wudu finished ninth in 1:12:08. Kenya's Priscah Jepleting Cherono completed the top 10 in 1:12:29.

The men's race provided another memorable moment for Ethiopia as 22-year-old Addisu Gobena claimed the overall victory, He clocked 1:01:33 to finish ahead of compatriot Aliyi Kasim, who secured second place in 1:02:29.

Kenya's Alex Lenalepisho delivered a strong performance to take third in 1:02:47, preventing a complete Ethiopian sweep of the men's podium. Morocco's Othmane El Goumri finished fourth in 1:03:07, while Kenya's Abel Kiplimo followed in fifth with 1:03:33

Kenyan representation remained particularly strong throughout the men's top 10. Ezra Kipketer Tanui finished sixth in 1:05:32, followed by Ethiopia's Tafere Adisu in seventh with 1:05:35. Kenya's Meshack Kipchirchir placed eighth in 1:06:01, Benard Kipkorir was ninth in 1:06:15, and compatriot Sena Ledama completed the top 10 in 1:06:21.

Gobena's triumph adds another impressive achievement to Ethiopia's growing presence on the international road-running circuit, while the performances of Kasim and Lenalepisho underlined the competitive depth of the men's field.

The 2026 edition was also significant for the event itself, having earned World Athletics Platinum Label status, placing it among the highest-rated road-running competitions internationally. The bridge provided a spectacular setting for the contest, bringing together elite athletes from different countries for a memorable day of long-distance racing. 

Beyond the podium, the results highlighted the international character of the competition, with athletes from Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa, Morocco and Kazakhstan featuring prominently in the leading positions.

Ethiopia therefore left Hong Kong with both overall titles, while Kenya had plenty of reasons to take encouragement from its strong representation across both races.

For the organisers, the successful staging of this Platinum Label competition represents another important milestone in the development of road running in Hong Kong. For the athletes, it was an opportunity to test themselves against international opposition on a distinctive course that offered a memorable backdrop to the racing.

Kenyan distance-running star Joyciline Jepkosgei delivered a commanding performance at the 2026 Cardiff Half Marathon, storming to victory in 1:05:40 and rewriting the women’s course record in impressive fashion.

Jepkosgei produced a composed and powerful run at the front of the race, eventually pulling clear of a strong Ethiopian challenge to secure the title. Her winning time gave her a 14-second advantage over Ethiopia’s Wede Kefale, adding another prestigious road-racing victory to her accomplished career.

Kefale mounted the strongest challenge to the Kenyan, crossing the finish line in 1:05:54. She remained firmly in contention throughout the race, but Jepkosgei found the decisive strength when it mattered most to claim both victory and the course record.

The final podium position went to another Ethiopian, with Tigist Tesema making an impressive half-marathon debut in 1:07:23. Her performance completed a podium dominated by Kenya and Ethiopia and underlined the depth of talent competing at the front of the race.

For Jepkosgei, the Cardiff triumph adds another significant achievement to a career that has already produced major victories and world-class performances over the half-marathon distance. Her experience, controlled pacing and ability to deliver under pressure once again proved decisive on race day.

The 2026 Cardiff Half Marathon provided far more than a thrilling elite women’s contest. Gideon Kiprotich secured the men’s title stopping the clock at 59:34 giving Kenya a memorable double victory in the Welsh capital, while the elite wheelchair races and Welsh Championship events added further excitement to an action-packed programme.

The event also provided a platform for some of Wales’ leading athletes to compete on home soil, while runners across the field contributed to the atmosphere of a race that brought together elite competitors and thousands of participants.

From the sharp end of the elite races to the final finishers crossing the line, Cardiff produced another memorable celebration of road running. For Jepkosgei, however, the headline belonged to her: a commanding victory, a new course record and another impressive mark on her distinguished career.

Jepkosgei’s performance was ultimately a statement of class and consistency, as the experienced Kenyan turned a fiercely contested international field into another memorable triumph. With a new course record now attached to her name in Cardiff, she once again demonstrated the speed, resilience and tactical intelligence that have made her one of the most respected figures in modern women’s road racing.

The 2026 Cardiff Half Marathon is set for an exciting women’s showdown on Sunday, October 4, with former world-record holder Joyciline Jepkosgei leading a strong international field in the Welsh capital.

Jepkosgei, one of Kenya’s most accomplished road runners, heads the elite entries with a personal best of 64:13 over the half marathon distance.

The Kenyan star brings considerable experience and pedigree to Cardiff, having established herself among the world’s leading road racers throughout her career. Her presence adds significant depth to a women’s field that features athletes from both Kenya and Ethiopia.

Ethiopia’s Wede Kefale is expected to provide one of the biggest challenges to Jepkosgei. Kefale owns a personal best of 65:20 and will be looking to translate her impressive speed into a strong performance on the streets of Cardiff.

Kenya’s Winnie Kimutai is another athlete to watch, entering the race with a 67:03 personal best, while Ethiopia’s Emebet Kebede completes the leading quartet with a best of 69:01.

The top women’s entries are:

1. Joyciline Jepkosgei — Kenya — 64:13

2. Wede Kefale — Ethiopia — 65:20

3. Winnie Kimutai — Kenya — 67:03

4. Emebet Kebede — Ethiopia — 69:01

The presence of Jepkosgei gives the race a proven championship pedigree, but the depth behind her means the contest could develop into a fascinating battle from the opening kilometres. Kefale will be eager to test herself against one of the most experienced names in the field, while Kimutai and Kebede will have their own ambitions of making an impression.

With four leading athletes separated by just under five minutes on paper, Cardiff promises a race where pace, patience and positioning could prove decisive. The fast-moving action is likely to build as the kilometres tick away, setting the stage for an intriguing finish on the streets of the Welsh capital.

All eyes will be on Cardiff on October 4 as the leading contenders take on the course, with the Kenya-Ethiopia rivalry adding another layer of excitement to what is expected to be a highly competitive women’s contest.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Strong Rivals Await on a Fast Course

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

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

A Race Built on Speed and Records

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

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

Men’s Elite Field (Personal Bests)

• Geoffrey Kamworor (KEN) – 58:01

• Jemal Mekonen (ETH) – 58:33

• Brian Kibor (KEN) – 58:39

• Amedework Walelegn (ETH) – 58:40

• Antenayeh Dagnachew (ETH) – 59:17

• Yismaw Dillu (ETH) – 59:23

• Birhanu Balew (BRN) – 59:41

• Enos Kales (KEN) – 60:17

• Bayelign Teshager (ETH) – 60:22

• Mao Ako (TAN) – 60:28

• Benson Kiplangat (KEN) – Debut

Women’s Elite Field (Personal Bests)

• Wede Kefale (ETH) – 65:21

• Gladys Chepkurui (KEN) – 65:46

• Jesca Chelangat (KEN) – 66:13

• Magdalena Shauri (TAN) – 66:37

• Gete Alemayehu (ETH) – 66:37

• Cynthia Chepkwony (KEN) – 67:20

• Bertha Gebreslasie (ETH) – 67:26

• Orba Chemurgor (KEN) – 67:56

• Wudinesh Alemu (ETH) – 68:08

• Debash Kelali (ETH) – 68:10

• Annet Chelangat (UGA) – 68:12

• Melknat Wudu (ETH) – 68:53

A Full-Circle Moment

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

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

Edinah Jebitok and Ronald Kwemoi achieved a Kenyan double at the Cross Internacional de Italica, the fourth World Athletics Cross Country Tour Gold meeting of the season, held on the outskirts of Seville on Sunday (12).

Making their debuts at the event, Jebitok and Kwemoi claimed the titles on a sunny and pleasant afternoon after respective sprint finishes against Ethiopia's world U20 champion Senayet Getachew and Kenya's Hillary Chepkwony.

In the absence of pre-race favourite Beatrice Chebet, who withdrew on the eve of the event because of illness, the women's 9918m contest opened at a brisk pace set by Jebitok, who only had her compatriot Winnie Jemutai, Ethiopians Getachew and Wede Kefale, and Uganda's Annet Chelangat for company just one minute into the race. Way back, Britain's Amelia Quirk, Kate Axford and Phoebe Barker led the chasing group alongside Spain's European U20 champion Maria Forero and her compatriot Carolina Robles.

Jebitok broke away from the rest of the lead group at the start of the second 2450m circuit and built a five-second margin over Getachew midway through that lap. Getachew was another four seconds clear of Jemutai and gradually she reeled in Jebitok, until they were running together at the helm midway through the race. Jemutai was a lonesome third, while Kefale and Chelangat were further back. Behind them, Quirk and Forero took turns leading their group, followed by Robles and Axford.

Throughout the penultimate loop, Jebitok and Getachew tried to lose each other but neither managed to do so. By the bell, the pair had built a 20-second margin ahead of Jemutai, while Forero and Quirk were in sixth and seventh place, and would fight to be the first European home.

Already on the closing lap with the clock reading 25:40, Jebitok unleashed another kick and was able to leave Getachew behind for the second time, opening a six-second margin with 1000m remaining. Much to the delight of the large crowd watching, the Ethiopian bounced back and passed Jebitok with some 500m remaining. Jebitok then found another gear and reached the narrow final bend a few metres ahead, but to the astonishment of the crowd she stopped in the belief that she had crossed the finish line.

Getachew took advantage and overtook her, entering the home straight in the lead, but Jebitok – a 1500m specialist – didn't surrender and passed her rival in the final metre to win by the narrowest of margins. Both athletes were credited with a finishing time of 32:39, well clear of Jemutai who was third in 33:37. Chelangat was fourth and Kefale fifth, while 20-year-old Forero got the better of Quirk to secure sixth.

“I'm so satisfied with my European tour as I have won twice and was runner-up in Atapuerca,” said Jebitok. “My main goal is to be the overall victor of this season's Cross Country Tour.”

Kwemoi maintains momentum

The men's race was also held over 9918m and witnessed an early lead by the in-form Kwemoi, as the 28-year-old – who set the world U20 1500m record in 2014 – set a brisk pace that could only be followed by his compatriots Chepkwony and Ishmael Kipkurui, the world U20 champion, plus Burundi's Rodrigue Kwizera and Uganda's Martin Kiprotich. The opening lap was covered in 7:07, with the lead group also featuring the Spanish pair of world 5000m silver medallist Mo Katir and Abdessamad Oukhelfen, the 2019 European U23 cross country bronze medallist.

Clocking 7:17 for the second lap, Kiprotich, Kwemoi and Kwizera took on most of the pacing duties and Kipkurui and Chepkwony tucked behind. Some 6.7km into the race first Oukhelfen and then Katir could not live with the increasingly quick lead pace and lost ground. By the bell (7:13 for the penultimate lap), five men remained in contention while Katir and Oukhelfen travelled five and seven seconds in arrears, respectively.

The closing lap became more than thrilling as Kwizera pushed hard, trying to avoid a massive sprint, but the Burundian’s efforts only managed to leave Kiprotich behind, while Kwemoi, Kipkurui and Chepkwony, who ran conservatively always at the back of the main group, remained at Kwizera's shoulder.

The next casualty was Kipkurui and the race turned into a fascinating three-horse battle. Chepkwony moved to the front for the first time with around 500m remaining and his change of speed could not be replicated by Kwizera. Chepkwony reached the final bend still ahead of Kwemoi, but the latter finally prevailed after an epic battle for the win.

The Cross Internacional de Itálica in Santiponce on the outskirts of the Spanish city of Seville – the fourth Gold standard meeting in the current World Athletics Cross Country Tour – always boasts a mouth-watering line-up, and this year’s race on Sunday (12) is no exception.

Entries for the women’s race, contested over 9.9km, are headed by Kenya’s world cross-country and 5km champion Beatrice Chebet. The 23-year-old triumphed in Atapuerca two weeks ago and will be looking for her first victory here after her runner-up place in 2020 and a third place the following year.

The world 5000m bronze medalist will be joined by her compatriot Edinah Jebitok, who was eighth at the World Cross in Bathurst and third in Atapuerca. The 1500m specialist was also a clear winner in San Sebastian last weekend.

World U20 cross-country champion Senayet Getachew and fellow Ethiopian Wede Kefale – who was 15th in the senior women’s race at this year’s World Cross – will also be in contention for a podium place.

Uganda's Anne Chelangat, 13th at the World Cross and third last week in San Sebastián, is another strong contender.

World and Olympic finalist Nadia Battocletti will be racing in Santiponce for the first time. She recently placed fifth in the 5km at the World Road Running Championships in Riga, finishing just 10 seconds shy of Chebet, so will be trying her best to stay in contention with the Kenyan on Sunday.

The line-up also includes Spanish steeplechasers Irene Sánchez-Escribano and Carolina Robles plus European U20 cross-country champion María Forero and Britain's Amelia Quirk, who was 25th in Bathurst.

The men’s 9.9km contest looks set to be a three-way battle between the Kenyan pair of Ronald Kwemoi and Ishmael Kipkurui plus Burundi's Rodrigue Kwizera.

The 28-year-old Kwemoi will compete for the third consecutive time on Spanish ground after his runner-up spot in Atapuerca two weeks ago and a narrow win over Kipkurui last Sunday in San Sebastián. On that occasion, world U20 cross-country champion Kipkurui pushed hard for most of the race but he couldn't avoid being overtaken by world U20 1500m record-holder Kwemoi in a thrilling sprint finish with the two men being separated by one second.

Their Kenyan compatriot Hillary Chepkwoni, fresh from a huge PB of 58:53 at the Valencia Half Marathon three weeks ago, will also be on the start line.

Kwizera, co-winner of the 2022-2023 World Cross Country Tour, finished eighth at the World Cross Country Championships in Bathurst at the start of 2023. More recently he placed third in Atapuerca where he was beaten by Kwemoi over the closing stages but grabbed an easy victory last weekend in his Spanish base of Castellón at a low-key cross country race.

Eritrea’s Aron Kifle, the 2018 world half marathon bronze medalist, will be making his 2023 cross country debut on Sunday. He’ll be joined by compatriot Merhawi Mebrahtu, the world U20 5000m silver medalist, who finished second in Amorebieta and ninth in Atapuerca the following week.

Uganda’s 2022 world 5000m bronze medalist Oscar Chelimo, who recently finished third in San Sebastian, will contend for a top-five finish on Sunday. The 21-year-old will be joined by his compatriot Martin Kiprotich, who finished 18th at the World Cross in Bathurst.

The Spanish contingent will be headed by Mohamed Katir. The world 5000m silver medalist has been training in the altitude of Sierra Nevada since mid-October and will be back there right after the race for another week. He has planned a quiet cross-country campaign with only a few appearances.

Other Spaniards in the line-up include the in-form Abdessamad Oukhelfen, who was fourth in San Sebastian behind Chelimo, 2017 European cross-country silver medalist Adel Mechaal and national silver medalist Sergio Paniagua.

Adrian Ben, who finished fourth over 800m at this year’s World Championships, could also be in contention. The 25-year-old was a 1500m specialist at the beginning of his career and there's talk of a potential move back up in distance ahead of the Paris Olympics. Ben is fresh from a cross country victory over 5km in his native Lugo last Sunday when he defeated steeplechaser Víctor Ruiz.

Other noteworthy middle-distance specialists in the line-up include European U20 1500m and 5000m champion Niels Laros of the Netherlands and Britain's newly-minted world mile silver medalist Callum Elson.

Famous previous winners in Santiponce include Kenenisa Bekele (2003, 2004 and 2007), Fernando Mamede (1984 and 1985), Paul Kipkoech (1987 and 1988), Paul Tergat (1998 and 1999), Moses Kipsiro (2008 and 2009), Leonard Komon (2010 and 2011), Linet Masai (2010 and 2012) and Paula Radcliffe (2001), among others.

Weather forecasters predict a sunny and windless day with temperatures in the 20-22C range by the time of the event.