Running News Daily

Few rivalries in women’s sprinting are as intriguing as the growing battle between American stars Melissa Jefferson-Wooden and Sha’Carri Richardson. They train in the same environment, line up against each other for individual glory, and then put their rivalry aside when the stars and stripes are on the line.

At the highest level, the difference between them can be measured in hundredths of a second.

Their story began to capture global attention at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where both played a crucial role in Team USA’s victorious 4×100m relay. In the individual 100m, Richardson took silver in 10.87, while Jefferson-Wooden claimed bronze in 10.92 behind Olympic champion Julien Alfred of Saint Lucia.

Since then, their rivalry has continued to develop into one of the most compelling storylines in American sprinting.

At the 2026 Prefontaine Classic, Jefferson-Wooden produced another narrow victory over Richardson, crossing the line in 10.78—just 0.01 seconds ahead of her American rival. The result underlined just how little separates the two when they meet at full speed.

Richardson responded at the USATF Championships, winning the national 100m title in 10.77, while Jefferson-Wooden captured the 200m crown, setting the stage for another season of battles between two athletes with ambitions of dominating the sprinting landscape.

When they met again at the Silesia Diamond League, Jefferson-Wooden once more had the edge. She stormed to victory in 10.78, with Julien Alfred second in 10.83 and Richardson third in 10.96.

But perhaps the most fascinating part of their relationship is what happens when they are no longer competing against each other.

In April, Jefferson-Wooden and Richardson joined forces for Team USA at the Tom Jones Memorial Invitational, helping the American quartet run a world-leading 41.70 in the 4×100m relay. Jefferson-Wooden led off before Anavia Battle and Kayla White carried the baton, with Richardson anchoring the team to victory.

That ability to transform from fierce competitors into trusted relay teammates adds another dimension to their rivalry. Individually, there can be no friendship with the clock—every hundredth matters. But in the relay, their speed becomes a shared weapon for the United States.

Their rivalry reached another major chapter at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest. Jefferson-Wooden delivered one of the defining sprint performances of the season, blazing to the 100m title in 10.62 seconds. The performance was just one hundredth outside her personal best and equalled the seventh-fastest time ever recorded by a woman. Richardson followed in third with 10.76, behind Jefferson-Wooden and Julien Alfred.

The Budapest victory further established Jefferson-Wooden as one of the dominant forces of the modern sprint era. She went on to complete the 100m–200m double at the Ultimate Championship, winning the 200m in 21.47.

Yet Richardson remains a formidable threat, and their battles are far from over.

What makes this rivalry particularly compelling is the contrast between the competitive tension of race day and the shared environment in which both athletes prepare. They train together, push each other daily and understand exactly what the other is capable of producing when the gun fires.

That closeness makes every meeting even more intriguing. When they step into neighboring lanes, they know each other’s strengths, weaknesses and racing patterns. There is no room for hesitation, because a single mistake—or a single explosive final phase—can decide everything.

From Olympic relay champions to national rivals, from training partners to opponents separated by fractions of a second, Jefferson-Wooden and Richardson represent two sides of the same American sprinting powerhouse.

One thing is certain: whenever these two stand on the same starting line, sprint fans have every reason to watch until the very last hundredth.

The rivalry is alive, the competition is fierce, and the next chapter is still waiting to be written.

So, who do you back in this battle for sprinting supremacy—Melissa Jefferson-Wooden or Sha’Carri Richardson?

At an age when most elite distance runners have long stepped away from the highest level of competition, Kenenisa Bekele continues to challenge the limits of longevity. At 44, the Ethiopian distance-running icon remains willing to line up against a new generation of younger athletes, even as injuries and difficult races have made the latest chapter of his remarkable career increasingly demanding.

Bekele’s recent journey has been a mixture of extraordinary resilience and frustrating setbacks. His 2024 campaign demonstrated both sides of that story. At the London Marathon in April, he produced one of the greatest performances ever recorded by a masters athlete, running 2:04:15 for second place behind Alexander Mutiso Munyao. The performance established a world record for the M40 age category and showed that, even beyond his 40th birthday, Bekele could still operate at a breathtaking level.

A few months later, however, the Olympic marathon in Paris offered a very different challenge. Bekele finished 39th in 2:12:24 after struggling with a hamstring problem during the race. He later explained that he felt the hamstring stretch around 15 kilometres, yet he continued to the finish rather than joining the growing list of athletes who abandoned the brutal Olympic course.

The setbacks continued into 2025, when Bekele recorded a DNF at the TCS New York City Marathon. Then came another obstacle in 2026. His highly anticipated return to the Berlin Marathon was halted after he suffered a left Achilles tendon injury in training only days before the race, forcing him to withdraw.

Rather than allowing another setback to end the conversation, Bekele returned to competition at the Valencia Half Marathon on October 25, 2026. The target was ambitious: breaking the 60-minute barrier for the first time in his career while pursuing the M40 world record of 59:53.

But the clock proved unforgiving. Bekele recorded 14:38 through the opening 5 kilometres before eventually dropping out of the race.

For an athlete whose career has been defined by extraordinary victories, records and comebacks, another DNF may look like a painful statistic. But judging Bekele solely by his most recent results would overlook the extraordinary body of work that has made him one of the greatest distance runners in history.

In December 2023, at 41, he ran 2:04:19 to finish fourth at the Valencia Marathon, setting a world masters record at the time. Four months later, he went even faster in London, producing the remarkable 2:04:15 that remains his M40 world record.

And his legacy extends far beyond the marathon. Bekele is a three-time Olympic champion, winning the 10,000 metres at Athens 2004 before completing the 5,000m and 10,000m double at Beijing 2008. He also collected five World Championship gold medals and 11 World Cross Country Championship titles.

His 2:01:41 victory at the 2019 Berlin Marathon remains one of the most extraordinary marathon performances ever produced. Although it is no longer the second-fastest marathon in history—as faster performances have since been recorded—it remains among the all-time great marks and currently sits seventh on the World Athletics all-time list.

That is what makes Bekele’s current journey so compelling. The 44-year-old is no longer competing simply to add another ordinary result to his résumé. Every appearance represents another test of how far experience, determination and an extraordinary athletic foundation can carry an athlete against the relentless passage of time.

Valencia did not deliver the sub-60 performance he was chasing. The Achilles injury disrupted his Berlin comeback. New York ended without a finish. Yet none of those moments can erase what Bekele has already achieved—or the remarkable fact that he continues to stand on start lines against athletes who are sometimes more than a decade younger.

Perhaps that is the most enduring part of Kenenisa Bekele’s story. Records eventually fall, races eventually become difficult, and the body eventually demands a price. But the competitive spirit that carried him from Olympic glory to world records has never disappeared.

At 44, Bekele may no longer be chasing the same version of himself who dominated the track and conquered Berlin. Instead, he is fighting a different battle—the battle to discover just how much of that greatness still remains.

And as long as Kenenisa Bekele keeps answering the starting gun, the running world will keep watching.

The 2026 TCS New York City Marathon is set to deliver a compelling men's contest on Sunday, November 1, with Sweden's Andreas Almgren preparing to make his marathon debut against defending champion Benson Kipruto of Kenya.

The two athletes arrive in New York with contrasting credentials but plenty of reasons to attract attention. Almgren has established himself as one of the world's leading distance runners on the track and roads, while Kipruto brings proven experience, tactical intelligence and a remarkable record of success at the highest level of marathon racing.

Almgren heads into the race in outstanding form following his victory at the World Athletics Road Running Championships half marathon in Copenhagen in September. The Swede clocked a European record of 58:06 to claim the global title, underlining his growing reputation as one of the most formidable distance runners in international athletics.

His speed was further demonstrated in January when he ran 26:45 over 10km in Valencia, setting a European record for the distance. He also holds the European 10,000m title, achievements that highlight his versatility and ability to compete against the world's best across different distances.

However, the biggest question surrounding Almgren is how effectively he can translate that speed and endurance into the marathon. New York will represent his first attempt at the classic 42.195km distance, presenting an entirely different challenge from the shorter races in which he has already excelled.

Standing in his way is Kipruto, one of Kenya's most accomplished marathoners and the reigning New York City Marathon champion. The 35-year-old produced a dramatic victory last year, edging compatriot Alexander Mutiso in a photo finish after both runners clocked 2:08:09. The margin between them was just 0.16 seconds, making it one of the closest finishes in the event's history.

Kipruto's experience extends far beyond New York. He owns a personal best of 2:02:16, recorded when he won the Tokyo Marathon in 2024, and has secured four major marathon victories, including triumphs in Boston in 2021, Chicago in 2022, Tokyo in 2024 and New York in 2025.

He also claimed the bronze medal in the marathon at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, confirming his ability to compete successfully on the sport's biggest stages. Earlier this year, Kipruto finished third at the Boston Marathon in 2:02:50, demonstrating that he remains a formidable contender among the world's elite marathoners.

The contrast between the two athletes makes their New York showdown particularly intriguing. Almgren possesses exceptional speed and arrives after a record-breaking season, but he must navigate the demands of his first marathon. Kipruto, meanwhile, knows what it takes to win a major race and has already demonstrated his ability to handle the pressure of a fiercely contested finish.

New York's demanding course, with its bridges, rolling terrain and challenging late stages, will test both runners' endurance, patience and tactical awareness. Unlike the flatter courses often associated with record attempts, the New York route frequently rewards athletes who manage their effort carefully and position themselves well for the decisive stages.

Although Almgren's recent performances make him an exciting prospect, Kipruto's experience gives him a significant advantage on paper. Nevertheless, the Swede's remarkable form means he cannot be overlooked as he prepares to test himself over the marathon distance for the first time.

With a strong international field assembled for the 50th edition of the race, the contest between Almgren and Kipruto offers one of the most compelling storylines of Sunday's men's race. Will the European distance-running star make an immediate impact on his marathon debut, or will Kenya's defending champion demonstrate once again why he is among the most successful marathoners of his generation?

The answers will emerge on the streets of New York, where ambition, experience and endurance will collide in one of the biggest races on the global road-running calendar.

The professional field for the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon has undergone several changes after New York Road Runners announced that a number of athletes have withdrawn from Sunday's highly anticipated race.

Among the notable names scratched from the lineup are Italian marathon star Iliass Aouani, Ethiopian distance runner Gotytom Gebreslase, American marathoner Casey Clinger and Olympic medalist Paul Chelimo, marking significant changes to the field ahead of one of the world's most prestigious marathons.

Aouani was among the most notable names on the withdrawal list. The Italian claimed bronze in the men's marathon at the 2025 World Athletics Championships and has also established himself as one of Europe's leading marathon runners, having won the European marathon title. His absence removes an experienced championship performer from the men's elite field.

Gebreslase is another significant withdrawal. The Ethiopian is a two-time World Championships marathon medallist and has consistently demonstrated her ability to compete at the highest level of international distance running. Her withdrawal represents a notable change to the women's professional lineup.

The American contingent has also been affected, with Clinger and Chelimo among those no longer scheduled to compete. Clinger, who owns a marathon personal best of 2:08:43, has emerged as a competitive presence in American distance running. His withdrawal removes another accomplished runner from the men's field.

Chelimo, meanwhile, brings an impressive track record to the list of withdrawals. The two-time Olympic medallist in the 5,000 metres has represented the United States on the biggest international stages, earning Olympic silver at Rio 2016 and bronze at Tokyo 2020. Although best known for his achievements on the track, his name had added further interest to the marathon's professional lineup.

The other athletes listed as scratched are Huseydin Mohamed Esa of Ethiopia, Erika Kemp, JP Trojan and Jared Ward of the United States. Their withdrawals further reshape the field as the final preparations continue for Sunday's race.

The New York City Marathon remains one of the most celebrated events on the global road-running calendar, attracting elite international competitors and tens of thousands of runners across its iconic five-borough course. With the race approaching, attention will now turn to the remaining professional athletes preparing to take on the demanding 26.2-mile challenge through New York City.

The latest withdrawals underline how quickly an elite marathon field can change in the days leading up to race day, leaving fans eager to see which athletes will ultimately line up for the 2026 edition.

Yaseen Abdalla delivered a remarkable performance at the Valencia Half Marathon on Sunday, October 25, 2026, running 59:12 to finish eighth overall and clock a time five seconds faster than the American half marathon record. However, despite producing a performance that would surpass the existing national record, the 25-year-old will not be officially recognised as the American record holder because he represents Sudan in international competition.

Born and raised in the United States, Abdalla has emerged as an exciting distance-running talent with the ability to compete against some of the world's best athletes. His performance in Valencia demonstrated his growing strength on the roads, taking him beyond the 59:17 American record established by Conner Mantz in Houston in January 2025.

Under USA Track & Field's eligibility rules, American records are reserved for athletes who are both United States citizens and eligible to represent the country at all levels of international competition. Although Abdalla was born in the United States, he competes internationally for Sudan, his parents' country of origin. Consequently, his outstanding performance cannot be recognised as an American record.

Instead, Abdalla's 59:12 stands as a Sudanese national record, improving the previous national mark by more than five minutes. The performance represents a significant milestone in his career and establishes him among the world's fastest half marathon runners in 2026.

His journey to this achievement has been shaped by years of development through the American collegiate athletics system. Abdalla competed for the University of Texas, where he helped the Longhorns win the NCAA indoor distance medley relay title in 2022, before continuing his collegiate career at the University of Tennessee and the University of Arkansas.

He has since progressed to international competition, representing Sudan at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games and the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. At the Paris Olympics, he finished 33rd in the marathon in 2:11:41, while he placed 21st at the World Championships in Tokyo in 2:13:32.

Valencia provided another opportunity to demonstrate his potential, this time over the half marathon distance. Competing against a deep international field on one of the world's fastest road-running courses, Abdalla maintained an impressive pace to complete the 21.1-kilometre race in less than one hour.

The result placed him eighth overall in a race won by Rodrigue Kwizera in 58:03. Abdalla finished ahead of several accomplished international competitors, underlining the quality of his performance on a morning that produced numerous outstanding times.

For American distance running, his achievement presents an unusual situation. A United States-born athlete has run faster than the country's existing half marathon record, yet the official record remains with Mantz because of Abdalla's international sporting allegiance.

Nevertheless, the significance of his performance extends beyond the record books. His 59:12 demonstrates the level he has reached as a distance runner and highlights his ability to compete among the world's elite.

For Sudan, the performance represents a major achievement, with Abdalla adding another national record to his growing collection. His existing records include 7:34.17 for 3,000 metres and 13:09.99 for 5,000 metres, both achieved indoors during his collegiate career.

At just 25, Abdalla still has considerable time to develop further across the longer distances. His latest performance suggests that the half marathon could become an important part of his future ambitions as he continues to build his international career.

In Valencia, Abdalla delivered a performance that would have rewritten American half marathon history under different eligibility circumstances. Instead, Conner Mantz retains the official United States record, while Abdalla takes home a Sudanese national record and a performance that speaks for itself.

The clock does not tell the entire story of Yaseen Abdalla's achievement. His 59:12 is a reminder that athletic excellence can transcend national borders, even when the rules governing record books draw a clear distinction between where an athlete is born and the country he represents.

British middle-distance star Keely Hodgkinson is proving that the impact of an Olympic champion extends far beyond the medals she wins, as her remarkable achievements continue to inspire young girls to believe in their own sporting dreams.

A heartwarming image of a young British girl recreating Hodgkinson’s iconic champion pose, dressed in a replica of her racing kit and proudly draped in the Union Jack, has captured the beautiful connection between sporting heroes and the next generation of athletes. It is a powerful reminder that what begins as admiration for a champion can eventually become the inspiration to follow in her footsteps.

Hodgkinson secured her place among Britain's greatest middle-distance runners at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where she won the women's 800 metres gold medal in 1:56.72. The victory marked the culmination of years of determination and perseverance, bringing Olympic glory to a career that had already seen her claim silver at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and the 2022 World Athletics Championships.

Her triumph in Paris was more than a personal milestone. It was a moment that allowed countless young athletes to see what was possible through dedication, confidence and a willingness to pursue ambitious goals.

For Hodgkinson, the power of inspiration is something she understands personally. As a nine-year-old girl, she watched Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill win heptathlon gold at the London 2012 Olympic Games. That unforgettable performance helped spark her own interest in athletics, setting her on a journey that would eventually lead her to the top of the Olympic podium.

Now, more than a decade later, Hodgkinson has become the very kind of sporting role model who can ignite that same ambition in another young athlete.

The young fan's recreation of her Olympic hero is a touching reflection of how sporting success can influence children long before they take their first competitive steps on the track. Wearing a champion's colours, adopting her winning pose and celebrating her achievements may seem like simple gestures, but they represent something much bigger: the beginning of a dream.

Hodgkinson has also developed a distinctive identity beyond her performances, with her confident race-day style, Union Jack-inspired details and unapologetic personality making her a recognisable figure in British athletics. For many young fans, she represents a modern champion who combines world-class ability with individuality and self-belief.

Her story also highlights the importance of visibility in sport. When young girls see women achieving extraordinary things on the world's biggest stages, they are given tangible examples of what determination and ambition can accomplish. Champions such as Hodgkinson help make athletics more accessible and exciting, encouraging the next generation to lace up their trainers, join a club and discover their own potential.

Of course, not every young admirer will become an Olympic medallist, but the influence of a sporting hero can extend well beyond competition. The confidence to try something new, the discipline to work towards a goal and the courage to keep going after disappointment are lessons that can shape a lifetime.

For Hodgkinson, her legacy will ultimately be measured by more than the gold medals she wins or the records she may break. It will also be reflected in the young athletes who find the courage to chase their ambitions because they watched her succeed.

Just as Ennis-Hill's triumph at London 2012 helped inspire a young Hodgkinson, the British 800m champion is now passing that inspiration forward, showing a new generation that today's dreams can become tomorrow's achievements.

Somewhere among the young fans proudly recreating her winning pose could be a future British champion, an Olympic medallist or even the next athlete to redefine the limits of the 800 metres.

Today, she may be a little girl looking up to her hero. Tomorrow, she could be the champion inspiring millions of others.

Swiss middle-distance star Audrey Werro has been named the 2026 Women’s European Athlete of the Year at the Golden Tracks awards in Lausanne, Switzerland, following a remarkable season in which she established herself as one of the most dominant forces in the women’s 800 metres.

The 22-year-old enjoyed an extraordinary outdoor campaign, remaining unbeaten over her specialist distance while collecting major titles, rewriting national records and producing performances that placed her among the fastest women ever to contest the two-lap event.

Werro’s outstanding season was highlighted by her triumph at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham, where she stormed to the women’s 800m gold medal in a championship-record time of 1:54.81. Her victory underlined her ability to deliver on the biggest stage and confirmed her status as one of the leading figures in European middle-distance running.

Her dominance extended well beyond the continental championships. Werro also claimed victory at the Diamond League Final in Brussels before adding another prestigious title at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest, completing an exceptional collection of honours against some of the strongest athletes in the world.

One of the defining moments of her season came in Zurich, where she clocked an astonishing Swiss national record of 1:53.70. The performance elevated her to third on the all-time women's 800m list, placing her among an elite group of athletes who have ever covered the distance at such remarkable speed.

Werro also achieved a rare milestone by breaking the 1:54 barrier three times in a single season, further demonstrating the consistency and exceptional form that distinguished her campaign.

Her European Athlete of the Year award represents recognition of a season built on speed, tactical intelligence and an ability to deliver when the stakes are highest. Rather than relying on a single outstanding performance, the Swiss star repeatedly demonstrated her class across major championships and elite international meetings.

At just 22, Werro has already established herself as one of the most exciting talents in global athletics. Her combination of championship success, record-breaking performances and remarkable consistency suggests that she has the potential to remain a leading contender in the women's 800m for years to come.

For Switzerland, her achievements represent another significant moment in its athletics history. For the rest of the world, they signal the emergence of a formidable middle-distance force capable of challenging the very best whenever she steps onto the track.

With the 2026 season now providing a powerful statement of her abilities, Werro has earned her place among the standout performers of the year. Her remarkable campaign has not only brought her individual recognition but has also raised expectations for what she might achieve in the seasons ahead.

The road to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic marathon is set to become even more competitive after World Athletics introduced a tighter qualification framework that reduces the number of available places in both the men's and women's races.

Each Olympic marathon field will be limited to 70 athletes, down from 80 at Paris 2024. The reduction means 20 fewer runners across the two races, raising the stakes for elite marathoners hoping to represent their countries on the world's biggest sporting stage.

With fewer places available, athletes will need to combine outstanding performances, strategic race selection and strong world rankings to secure their Olympic dreams.

The qualification window opens on November 1, 2026, and closes on April 30, 2028. World Athletics is expected to announce the official Olympic marathon entry standards in December 2026, giving athletes a clearer picture of the performances required to qualify directly.

Approximately 40 percent of the 70 places in each race will be allocated through the entry-standard pathway, while the remaining 60 percent will be determined through the World Athletics rankings system. However, achieving the qualifying time will not automatically guarantee an Olympic place. If more athletes meet the entry standard than there are available places through that pathway, selection will depend on the applicable qualification rules and the number of quota places available.

Athletes will also have an alternative route through designated Platinum Label marathons. Finishing among the top five at eligible races can count towards meeting the entry standard under the qualification regulations. These prestigious events include the Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, New York City and Tokyo marathons, providing elite runners with opportunities to strengthen their Olympic qualification prospects against world-class competition.

The qualification campaign will reach a decisive milestone on March 19, 2028, when athletes occupying the top 55 positions on the filtered quota list are set to secure their places under the published rules. That would leave the remaining 15 places in each race to be determined by the end of the qualification window on April 30, 2028.

For athletes outside the leading positions, the final weeks could prove decisive. Strong performances at major marathons, improvements in ranking points and carefully planned racing schedules may determine who makes the Olympic starting line. The smaller fields leave less room for error, particularly for runners whose qualification hopes depend on the rankings rather than a direct entry standard.

The competitiveness of the qualification process is underscored by the extraordinary depth of international marathon running. For comparison, the entry standards for the 2027 World Athletics Championships are 2:06:00 for men and 2:23:20 for women. During 2026 alone, 89 men and 82 women ran faster than those respective marks.

Although the World Championships standards differ from the Olympic entry standards yet to be announced, these performances illustrate how many athletes are already competing at an exceptionally high level. With only 70 places available in each Olympic race, runners from countries with several elite marathoners could face particularly intense domestic competition before even considering the international qualification battle.

The framework also provides a potential opportunity for eligible athletes who have not secured a place through the usual qualification routes. National Olympic Committees may be able to allocate a quota place to an otherwise unqualified athlete who records a marathon performance of 2:11:00 for men or 2:29:00 for women during the qualification period, subject to the applicable eligibility requirements and allocation rules.

This provision offers an additional pathway for countries seeking representation in the Olympic marathon. However, meeting the performance threshold does not automatically guarantee selection, as the relevant committee must follow the official qualification regulations.

Reducing the Olympic marathon fields from 80 to 70 athletes per gender represents a significant change for the world's leading distance runners. The combination of entry standards, Platinum Label marathon performances, world rankings and potential quota places creates several pathways to Los Angeles, but the reduced number of available positions will make every qualifying opportunity more valuable.

With the qualification window opening on November 1, 2026, and the official entry standards expected in December, marathoners will have nearly 18 months to build their cases for selection before the deadline on April 30, 2028.

For athletes dreaming of Olympic glory in Los Angeles, running fast will remain essential. However, choosing the right races, accumulating ranking points and delivering performances at the right time could prove equally important in a qualification campaign where every place counts.

Does the new LA28 qualification system reward the world's best marathoners, or could it disadvantage athletes from countries where opportunities to compete in major international races are limited?

Kenyan distance running has been rocked by a major development after Peres Jepchirchir, the reigning world marathon champion and 2021 Olympic gold medallist, was provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) following an adverse analytical finding for erythropoietin (EPO).

The 33-year-old reportedly tested positive for the prohibited substance in an out-of-competition sample collected in Kenya before the Sydney Marathon on August 30, 2026. The development has cast uncertainty over the future of one of the most accomplished female marathon runners of her generation, whose impressive career includes Olympic gold, a world championship title and victories at three of the sport's most prestigious marathons.

Jepchirchir returned to marathon competition in Sydney after a stress fracture forced her to withdraw from the London Marathon in April. Her comeback initially appeared to be another triumphant chapter in her career, as she stormed to victory in 2:18:31, finishing 3:40 ahead of compatriot Irine Cheptai.

However, the reported adverse analytical finding has placed that achievement under scrutiny, with the possibility that her Sydney victory could eventually be annulled depending on the outcome of the anti-doping proceedings.

Under anti-doping rules, results can be disqualified from the date of an adverse analytical finding or another applicable date determined under the regulations. If the relevant results are annulled, Jepchirchir could lose the Sydney Marathon title, which would have given her victories at four different World Marathon Majors, following her previous triumphs in New York, Boston and London.

EPO is a prohibited substance that stimulates red blood cell production, increasing the blood's capacity to transport oxygen to working muscles. Its performance-enhancing potential makes it particularly significant in endurance sports, including marathon running.

The substance is prohibited under anti-doping regulations, and a confirmed violation can carry serious consequences. Under the World Anti-Doping Code, a first violation involving a non-specified substance such as EPO generally carries a four-year period of ineligibility when the applicable conditions are met, although the final sanction depends on the circumstances of the case.

Jepchirchir's provisional suspension, however, is not a final sanction and does not itself establish that an anti-doping rule violation has been conclusively proven. The case must proceed through the relevant process, during which the athlete has the opportunity to exercise her rights under the applicable rules.

As of the information available, Jepchirchir has not commented publicly on the matter.

The Sydney Marathon has also acknowledged the seriousness of the situation while emphasising the importance of a fair process. In a statement, the event said Jepchirchir “is entitled to due process, and we will make no further comment on the case until that process has concluded.”

The case has attracted considerable attention because of Jepchirchir's standing in international athletics. She won Olympic marathon gold at the Tokyo Games in 2021 before claiming victory at the New York City Marathon later that year. In 2022, she conquered the Boston Marathon, adding another prestigious title to her growing collection.

Her success continued in 2024 when she won the London Marathon, becoming one of the few women to capture victories at New York, Boston and London. She subsequently reached another career milestone at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, where she won the women's marathon title by just two seconds in a dramatic finish against Ethiopia's Tigst Assefa.

Jepchirchir has also established herself among the fastest women in marathon history. Her personal best of 2:14:43 places her ninth on the all-time women's marathon list, underscoring the level of performance that has defined her career.

Beyond the immediate implications for her Sydney victory, the case could have wider consequences if an anti-doping rule violation is ultimately established. The World Marathon Majors' rules provide for lifetime exclusion from the series for athletes who receive a doping-related ban of three months or longer, meaning a sufficiently lengthy sanction could jeopardise Jepchirchir's future participation in all eight events.

For an athlete who has built her reputation through success on the sport's biggest stages, such an outcome would represent a significant setback. Nevertheless, any consequences for her results, eligibility or future participation will depend on the applicable rules and the final outcome of the proceedings.

The development also renews attention on Kenya's ongoing efforts to protect the integrity of distance running. The country has produced generations of exceptional marathon runners, but high-profile anti-doping cases continue to raise difficult questions about clean competition and the responsibility of athletes, coaches and support personnel.

For now, the focus remains on the AIU's proceedings and the evidence surrounding the reported finding. Jepchirchir's provisional suspension marks a serious moment in her career, but the distinction between an adverse analytical finding and a final ruling remains essential as the case moves forward.

Once celebrated for her Olympic triumph, world championship glory and victories in the world's most prestigious marathons, the Kenyan star now faces an uncertain period as the anti-doping process unfolds. The eventual outcome will determine whether her latest Sydney success remains part of her remarkable record or becomes one of the most consequential episodes of her career.

Botswana’s athletics community is mourning the sudden death of former national team sprinter Gaone Leaname Maotoanong, affectionately known as “Lux,” who represented his country at major international championships and played a significant role in its relay success.

The Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) announced his passing in a bereavement notice issued on October 22, 2026, paying tribute to an athlete whose dedication, talent and commitment to excellence earned him respect across the athletics fraternity. Maotoanong was born in 1991 and died in 2026.

Throughout his career, Maotoanong proudly wore Botswana’s national colours on some of the biggest stages in athletics, contributing to the country’s growing reputation in the men’s 4x400m relay. His international achievements included competing at the Olympic Games, World Athletics Championships, Commonwealth Games, World Athletics Relays and continental championships.

One of the standout moments of his career came at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast in Australia, where he was part of Botswana’s gold-medal-winning 4x400m relay team. The victory represented a major achievement for the southern African nation and reinforced its standing among the leading relay teams on the continent.

Maotoanong also represented Botswana at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, where the national 4x400m relay team reached the final and finished fifth. He subsequently featured in the country’s relay squad at the 2019 World Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar, having also competed at the 2015 edition in Beijing, China.

His experience on the global stage extended to the World Athletics Relays in the Bahamas in 2015 and 2017, where Botswana’s 4x400m relay teams reached the finals. These appearances reflected his place within a generation of athletes helping Botswana establish itself as a consistent presence in international relay competition.

At continental level, Maotoanong enjoyed further success, winning gold in the 4x400m relay at the African Championships in Marrakech, Morocco, in 2014 and again in Durban, South Africa, in 2016. He also helped Botswana secure silver in the relay at the 2015 African Games in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo.

His achievements were not limited to relay racing. Maotoanong demonstrated his individual ability in the 400m by winning silver at the 2015 World University Games in Gwangju, South Korea, adding another significant accomplishment to his international career.

Beyond his appearances at major championships, he competed at the Commonwealth Games, African Games, African Championships, Diamond League meetings and numerous other international competitions, building a career defined by service to his country and commitment to athletics.

A Legacy Beyond The Track

Maotoanong’s contribution to Botswana athletics extended beyond competition. According to the BAA, he served as a member of the Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC) Athletes’ Commission from 2022 to 2025, where he contributed to efforts to advance athletes’ interests and welfare.

The role reflected another dimension of his involvement in sport, demonstrating a commitment to athlete representation and sports development beyond his own performances on the track.

In its tribute, the BAA remembered Maotoanong as an athlete, leader, mentor and friend whose contributions had left a lasting mark on Botswana athletics. The association also extended its condolences to his family, friends, teammates and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

His passing represents a profound loss for Botswana’s sporting community, particularly those who shared in the country’s relay achievements and witnessed his dedication to representing the national team. His legacy will remain part of the story of Botswana’s development as a force in African and international athletics.

As tributes emerge, Maotoanong will be remembered not only for the medals and championships he helped his country achieve, but also for his service to fellow athletes and his contribution to the wider sporting fraternity.

Funeral arrangements are expected to be communicated by the Botswana Athletics Association in due course.

Gaone “Lux” Maotoanong’s name will endure in Botswana athletics as a reminder of a career spent representing his country with pride, both on the track and in service to the athletes who followed.

Kenyan marathon legend Edna Kiplagat is preparing to add another chapter to her remarkable career as she returns to the streets of New York for the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon on November 1, carrying the experience, resilience and competitive spirit that have defined her extraordinary journey in distance running.

At 46, Kiplagat remains a formidable presence in elite marathon racing, continuing to compete against younger athletes on the world's biggest stages. Her return to the Big Apple is another testament to her remarkable longevity and determination to remain competitive at the highest level of the sport.

The two-time world marathon champion heads to New York following an impressive fifth-place finish at the Cape Town Marathon, where she clocked 2:25:44. The performance underlined her enduring ability to deliver competitive results in a discipline that demands exceptional endurance, consistency and years of experience.

Kiplagat's personal best of 2:19:50 places her among the outstanding marathoners of her generation, while her achievements across major international competitions have secured her a lasting place in the history of women's distance running.

Her return to New York also brings her back to a course where she has previously enjoyed success, having won the women's title in 2010. That victory was one of the defining moments of a career built on patience, tactical intelligence and an ability to rise to the occasion when the stakes are highest.

Kiplagat's record in the World Marathon Majors is a story of sustained excellence. She won the New York City Marathon in 2010 before conquering London in 2014 and Boston in 2017 and 2021, establishing herself as one of the most accomplished marathon runners of her era.

Her second Boston triumph was particularly remarkable. Initially finishing second in 2021, she was subsequently declared the winner following the disqualification of the original champion for a doping violation. At 41, she became the oldest official winner of a World Marathon Major, adding another extraordinary milestone to an already distinguished career.

Beyond her major-marathon victories, Kiplagat has twice ruled the world marathon stage, winning gold at the World Athletics Championships in Daegu in 2011 and Moscow in 2013. She also claimed silver at the 2017 World Championships in London, further demonstrating her consistency across different competitive environments.

New York, however, remains a special destination in her career. After winning on her debut in 2010, she continued to return to the race, recording fourth-place finishes in 2017 and 2022 before placing seventh in 2024. Her latest appearance offers another opportunity to compete on familiar roads against a formidable international field.

The Kenyan veteran will line up alongside compatriots Hellen Obiri and Sheila Chepkirui, adding further depth to Kenya's challenge in the women's elite race. Obiri, a two-time New York City Marathon champion, and Chepkirui, the 2024 winner, bring formidable credentials of their own, setting the stage for an intriguing contest through the streets of the American metropolis.

For Kiplagat, the challenge will be about more than chasing another podium finish. It will be an opportunity to demonstrate once again that elite distance running can reward experience, discipline and resilience long after many athletes have stepped away from the highest level of competition.

At 46, she continues to carry the Kenyan flag with distinction, inspiring athletes across generations through a career that has spanned world titles, major-marathon victories and remarkable longevity.

As the world's leading marathoners prepare for the November 1 showdown, Kiplagat's presence adds a compelling story to the 2026 New York City Marathon. Whatever the final result, her return to the Big Apple is a reminder that greatness is not measured by age alone, but by the achievements, determination and enduring passion that define an athlete's journey.

Kenyan twin sisters Caroline and Purity Gitonga are preparing to take on a formidable international field at the Valencia Half Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Zurich in Spain on Sunday, October 25, 2026, as they look to make their mark on one of the world's premier road-running stages.

The sisters will carry Kenya's hopes into a highly competitive women's race featuring Ethiopian stars Yalemzerf Yehualaw and Tsigie Gebreselama, setting the stage for an exciting showdown over the 21.0975-kilometre distance.

Caroline heads to Valencia in impressive form following a breakthrough season that has elevated her profile on the international road-running circuit. She claimed silver in the women's 5km at the World Athletics Road Running Championships in Copenhagen before continuing her strong campaign with a commanding victory in the 10km race in Castellón, Spain, clocking 29:34.

Her performances have underlined her speed, consistency and growing confidence on the roads. The Valencia Half Marathon, however, presents a different challenge, requiring greater endurance and tactical discipline against some of the world's most accomplished distance runners.

Caroline will be particularly keen to translate her success over shorter distances into a strong performance over the half-marathon distance. With a personal best of 1:06:16, she has already demonstrated considerable ability over 21.1 kilometres and will be looking to build on that foundation against a world-class field.

Purity will join her twin sister on the starting line, adding an intriguing family dimension to Kenya's challenge in Spain. The two athletes have demonstrated their quality on the roads, and their participation in such a competitive race offers another opportunity to showcase their talent on the international stage.

Purity also brings valuable experience to the contest, having recorded a half-marathon personal best of 1:06:50. Her presence alongside Caroline gives the Kenyan contingent two capable competitors, each with the potential to produce an impressive performance against the elite opposition.

Standing in their way will be a formidable Ethiopian challenge led by Yalemzerf Yehualaw and Tsigie Gebreselama. Both athletes bring considerable international pedigree, making them important names to watch as the race unfolds. Their presence raises the competitive stakes and ensures the Kenyan sisters will need to deliver their best performances to contend for the leading positions.

The Valencia Half Marathon has established itself as one of the most prestigious races on the international road-running calendar, attracting elite athletes seeking fast times and strong competition. Its reputation makes it an ideal stage for runners looking to test their fitness, challenge their personal bests and measure themselves against the world's leading distance-running talent.

For Caroline, Sunday's race represents an opportunity to build on the momentum generated by her world championship silver medal and impressive Castellón victory. A strong performance would further strengthen her standing among Kenya's emerging road-running stars while demonstrating her potential over the longer distance.

For Purity, the challenge offers an equally important opportunity to make her mark in a race packed with international quality. Competing alongside her twin sister may add a special dimension to the occasion, but both athletes will ultimately be focused on executing their individual race strategies and producing their strongest possible performances.

With Kenya and Ethiopia set to feature prominently in the women's contest, the Valencia Half Marathon promises a compelling battle of speed, endurance and tactical judgment. The quality of the field means that every kilometre could prove decisive as the contenders position themselves for a strong finish.

Kenyan athletics fans will be watching closely to see whether Caroline can carry her outstanding shorter-distance form into the half marathon and how Purity fares against the experienced international opposition. Their participation adds another exciting storyline to a race renowned for its fast pace and elite competition.

As the countdown to Sunday continues, the Gitonga twins will be aiming to turn their preparations into memorable performances on Spanish soil. With Caroline arriving on the back of major international success and Purity bringing her own credentials to the challenge, the sisters will have a valuable opportunity to showcase Kenyan distance-running talent against some of the strongest athletes in the world.

From running barefoot on a school track in Kenya to competing on the international stage and signing a landmark deal with a global sportswear brand, Mercy Chepngeno Kosgei’s journey is a powerful story of determination, talent and unwavering belief.

In March 2024, then just 17 years old, Kosgei captured widespread attention when she won the 3,000m steeplechase at the Rift Valley Regional Secondary Schools Championships in Nandi — without a pair of racing shoes on her feet.

What could have been seen as a simple race became the beginning of something much bigger. Her barefoot victory quickly drew attention, shining a spotlight on a young athlete whose talent was already far greater than the resources available to her.

But the viral moment was only the opening chapter.

Kosgei continued to develop rapidly, proving that her success was not built on one extraordinary performance. In 2025, she claimed silver at the African U20 Championships in Nigeria, establishing herself among the continent’s promising young middle- and long-distance athletes.

She took another major step forward in 2026. At the Thika Weekend Meet, Kosgei produced a memorable double, winning both the 1,500m and 3,000m steeplechase.

Her progress continued at the African Championships in Accra, where she secured silver in the steeplechase and lowered her personal best to an impressive 9:30.47.

Later in the year, she reached an even bigger stage, representing Kenya at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon — another significant milestone in a career that has developed at remarkable speed.

Away from the track, February 2026 brought another defining moment. Kosgei signed a Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) agreement with Swiss sportswear company On, marking a major breakthrough for the young Kenyan and placing her among a new generation of athletes attracting international attention at an early stage of their careers.

Yet behind the medals, contracts and international appearances is a young woman who remains grounded in her ambitions beyond athletics.

Hailing from Lesirwo village in Kericho County, Kosgei continues to balance education with the demanding routine of training and competition. Her dream extends beyond becoming a champion athlete — she also hopes to become a medical doctor.

That combination of ambition makes her journey even more compelling.

Her story began without expensive equipment or the privileges often associated with elite sport. It began with bare feet, determination and a dream.

Today, those same dreams have carried Mercy Chepngeno Kosgei from the school fields of Kenya to the international stage.

And if her journey so far is anything to go by, the barefoot girl who once captured the imagination of Kenyan athletics fans may only be getting started.

Scottish athletics star Josh Kerr is preparing for a memorable return to his sporting roots when he delivers the match ball ahead of Scotland’s highly anticipated clash against New Zealand in the Nations Championship on November 7, 2026, at Murrayfield Stadium.

For the Edinburgh-born middle-distance runner, the occasion represents far more than a ceremonial appearance before an international rugby match. It brings him back to a stadium closely connected to his childhood dreams, his family’s sporting heritage and his lifelong admiration for Scottish rugby.

Kerr, 29, has established himself as one of the leading figures in world athletics, winning major championship titles and rewriting the record books. Yet, long before he became an internationally recognised runner, he grew up in a family where rugby occupied a special place.

His father, John Kerr, represented Scotland A, while his older brother, Jake Kerr, earned a senior Scotland cap in 2019. Growing up surrounded by the sport, Josh once dreamed of representing Scotland himself in front of a packed Murrayfield crowd.

Although his career ultimately took a different direction, his achievements on the track have now created an opportunity to return to the famous stadium in an extraordinary way.

Describing the occasion as a “huge honour,” Kerr will take centre stage before Scotland face the formidable challenge of the All Blacks, one of international rugby’s most celebrated teams.

The fixture carries considerable significance for the hosts, who will be seeking their first-ever victory over New Zealand. With Murrayfield expected to provide an electric atmosphere, Kerr’s involvement adds another personal story to an occasion steeped in sporting tradition.

His appearance also comes after a remarkable season in which he has continued to demonstrate his versatility and competitive strength at the highest level of athletics.

Kerr won the men’s 3,000 metres at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Poland before producing a historic performance in London, where he set a mile world record of 3:42.66. He later claimed victory in the 1,500 metres at the Ultimate Championship in Budapest, further underlining his status among the world’s elite middle-distance runners.

His world mile record carries a particularly interesting connection to New Zealand, the homeland of legendary runner John Walker, who held the previous world record for several years during the golden era of middle-distance running.

Walker’s achievements helped establish the mile as one of athletics’ most prestigious events, and Kerr’s ascent to the top of the same record books has created a remarkable link between two generations of champions.

Reflecting on that achievement, Kerr said: “To now hold that same record is something I’m incredibly proud of.”

The connection adds another layer of sporting significance to his appearance before Scotland take on the All Blacks. Although the two sports demand different skills, both celebrate the same qualities of determination, courage and the pursuit of excellence.

Murrayfield itself has witnessed numerous unforgettable occasions throughout its history. Among them is the emotional match-ball delivery by the late Doddie Weir in 2017, a moment recently voted the greatest in the stadium’s 100-year history. Weir, the former Scotland international who became a prominent campaigner for motor neurone disease awareness, left a lasting legacy that extended well beyond rugby.

Kerr’s appearance will provide another opportunity to celebrate the connection between sporting achievement and personal history, although his own story is distinct from Weir’s extraordinary legacy.

For the Edinburgh-born runner, the significance lies in returning to a place he once associated with a dream of representing his country in rugby. Instead, he will arrive as a world champion in another discipline, carrying the accomplishments of an exceptional athletics career.

From winning global titles to breaking the mile world record, Kerr has already created a lasting place for himself in Scottish sporting history. His visit to Murrayfield offers a different kind of milestone, bringing together his family’s rugby heritage and his own success on the international stage.

When Scotland welcome New Zealand on November 7, Kerr will not be lining up for a race or chasing another record. He will instead deliver the match ball before thousands of supporters, celebrating the sport that helped shape his childhood while representing a country whose colours he has carried to the summit of world athletics.

Sometimes, a sporting journey does not lead to the destination first imagined. For Josh Kerr, however, it has brought him back to Murrayfield with a world record, championship gold and a lifetime of memories behind him.

Kenyan marathon star Hellen Obiri is set to return to the streets of New York City on November 1, 2026, determined to defend her title at the TCS New York City Marathon and strengthen her place among the greatest women ever to grace the 26.2-mile distance.

The two-time Olympic bronze medallist produced a remarkable performance in 2025, winning in 2:19:51 and breaking the women's course record that had stood for 22 years. Her victory underlined her exceptional ability to combine speed, strength and tactical intelligence on one of the world's most demanding marathon courses.

Now, Obiri returns to a city where she has already established herself as a formidable force, carrying the pressure that comes with being the defending champion and the opportunity to achieve another historic milestone.

A third New York City Marathon victory would place the Kenyan among an elite group of women who have won the prestigious race three times, alongside legendary champions Grete Waitz, Mary Keitany and Paula Radcliffe. Such an achievement would further enhance a career that has already brought her Olympic medals, world titles and major marathon victories.

However, another triumph will not come easily. The women's field features several accomplished international athletes, each bringing a different set of strengths and ambitions to the race.

Fellow Kenyan Sheila Chepkirui will be among the leading challengers. The 2024 New York City Marathon champion returns with a personal best of 2:17:29, giving her the credentials to mount a serious challenge. Having already demonstrated that she can master the city's demanding course, Chepkirui will be eager to reclaim the title.

Ethiopian star Gotytom Gebreslase also adds considerable quality to the lineup. The 2022 world marathon champion owns a personal best of 2:18:11 and has the championship experience required to compete at the highest level. Her presence adds another layer of intrigue to a contest that could develop into a fierce battle among some of the world's leading marathon runners.

Kenya's Edna Kiplagat brings a wealth of experience to the field. A former world champion with an outstanding record on the international stage, the veteran remains a respected competitor whose patience and tactical awareness could prove valuable if the race develops into a closely contested affair.

Great Britain's Julia Paternain will also attract attention following her bronze-medal performance at the 2025 World Athletics Championships. Her championship credentials make her an interesting addition to a field in which experience, endurance and the ability to respond under pressure could determine the final outcome.

American hopes will be led by athletes including Weini Kelati and Jess McClain. Kelati is preparing to make her marathon debut after establishing herself among the leading American distance runners, while McClain will be looking to make her presence felt against a strong international opposition on home soil.

Beyond these prominent names, the depth of the women's lineup promises a competitive contest, with additional athletes hoping to upset the established favourites and seize their opportunity on one of marathon running's biggest stages.

The race will, however, proceed without two notable names. Dutch star Sifan Hassan and American Fiona O'Keeffe have withdrawn, removing two highly anticipated competitors from the women's contest.

Even with their absence, the defending champion faces a formidable challenge. New York's bridges, rolling terrain and late-race demands often reward runners who can manage their effort carefully and deliver when the decisive moments arrive.

For Obiri, the mission is clear: defend her crown, preserve her course record and move one victory closer to an exclusive place in the race's history. For Chepkirui, Gebreslase and the rest of the field, the objective is to prevent the Kenyan star from turning another appearance in New York into a celebration of her growing marathon legacy.

When the world's leading women line up on November 1, the spotlight will once again fall on Obiri. Yet the New York City Marathon rarely follows a predictable script, and the strength of this field suggests that the defending champion will have to earn every metre of her title defence.

One thing is certain: the battle for women's marathon supremacy in New York promises to deliver a compelling contest, with history within Obiri's reach and a determined group of challengers ready to stand in her way.

Olympic glory has already secured Athing Mu a place among the finest middle-distance runners of her generation, but the American star is now preparing for a life-changing milestone beyond the athletics track — becoming a mother for the first time.

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic 800m champion and her husband, Yegor Nikolayev, announced that they are expecting their first child together, sharing news that marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in their lives.

Mu revealed the joyful announcement on social media with a heartfelt message that captured the couple's excitement as they prepare to welcome their little one.

“Baby on board. Can't wait to meet our little Sunshine!” she wrote, sharing a glimpse of the happiness surrounding their growing family.

The announcement offers a more personal look into the life of an athlete whose career has been defined by remarkable talent, determination and success on the global stage. Having experienced the pressure of championship racing and the exhilaration of standing on the Olympic podium, Mu is now preparing for an entirely different journey, one that promises rewards no medal can measure.

Mu made history at the Tokyo Olympics, held in 2021 after being postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. She won the women's 800m gold medal in 1:55.21, becoming the second American woman to claim Olympic gold in the event after Madeline Manning-Mims first won in 1968 Mexico City Olympic Games. Her victory marked a defining moment in American middle-distance running and established her as one of the sport's brightest young stars.

She continued to demonstrate her class in 2022, winning the women's 800m title at the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon. That achievement further strengthened her reputation as a formidable championship competitor and added another major honour to her growing collection of accolades.

Away from the track, Mu's personal life has also been moving forward. She married Nikolayev in a private ceremony in March 2025, and the couple's pregnancy announcement now introduces another significant milestone in their relationship as they prepare to embrace parenthood.

The news comes after Mu remained absent from competition during the 2026 track season. Her future in athletics, including the possibility of a return ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, remains uncertain, with no official comeback plans announced.

Her absence has left questions about what the next phase of her sporting career might look like. However, the arrival of her first child will undoubtedly bring new priorities and experiences as she balances her personal life with any future ambitions on the track.

For an athlete who has spent years chasing excellence against the clock, this moment represents a different kind of anticipation. There will be no starting gun, no finishing tape and no championship podium — only the extraordinary experience of welcoming a new life and discovering the joys and responsibilities of motherhood.

Mu's announcement also serves as a reminder that athletes have lives and dreams beyond competition. Their journeys do not begin and end with medals, and some of their most meaningful milestones unfold far away from stadiums and cheering crowds.

As she prepares for this new chapter alongside Nikolayev, the Olympic champion has every reason to look towards the future with excitement. Whether her path eventually leads back to elite competition or takes a different direction for a time, her achievements on the track will remain an important part of her legacy.

For now, the focus shifts from the demands of elite athletics to the quiet anticipation of a family waiting to meet its newest member. The woman who once raced towards Olympic history is preparing for a journey that will test and transform her in ways no race ever could.

And perhaps that is what makes this chapter so special: some of life's greatest moments cannot be timed, measured or celebrated with medals. They are experienced one heartbeat at a time, through the love that grows before a child arrives and the memories that begin when a new life enters the world. For Athing Mu, a remarkable journey beyond the track is about to begin — one in which the most precious finish line will be the moment she finally holds her little Sunshine in her arms.

Long before he conquered world cross-country championships, dominated the half-marathon distance and lifted the New York City Marathon trophy, Geoffrey Kamworor was a young Kenyan student with an ambitious dream that had little to do with running: becoming a lawyer.

Growing up in Keiyo South, Kamworor developed the discipline that would later define his extraordinary athletic career. His daily routine involved running approximately five kilometres to school and another five kilometres back home. What might have seemed like an ordinary journey for a schoolboy was quietly laying the foundation for a future in international distance running.

He attended Chepsamo Primary School before proceeding to Lelboinet Secondary School, where he combined his education with a growing passion for athletics. At the time, his ambitions extended beyond the track and roads. He wanted to pursue a career in law, and that dream eventually brought him an opportunity to study at a college in the United States.

However, the young Kenyan faced a defining decision: follow the academic path he had envisioned or commit himself fully to the sport that was beginning to reveal his remarkable potential. Kamworor chose athletics, a decision that would ultimately place his name among the most accomplished distance runners of his generation.

His transformation from a promising schoolboy into an international contender began gathering momentum in 2010, when he joined the GSC training camp in Kaptagat. His development accelerated rapidly, and within a short period, an opportunity to compete in Finland exposed him to a higher level of international competition.

Still only 17, he reportedly competed nine times during that trip, demonstrating an impressive ability to adapt to the demands of competitive racing. Breaking the eight-minute barrier for 3,000 metres was an early indication of the talent that would eventually carry him to the highest levels of distance running.

His breakthrough on the international stage followed in March 2011, when he captured the junior men's title at the World Cross Country Championships in Punta Umbría, Spain. That victory announced the arrival of a young athlete whose future would extend far beyond the junior ranks.

Kamworor was not simply a runner with speed. He possessed the endurance, tactical intelligence and competitive determination required to succeed across different distances and racing surfaces. As his career developed, those qualities became the hallmarks of an athlete capable of challenging the world's best.

Cross country became one of the foundations of Kamworor's international success. In 2015, he won the senior men's title at the World Cross Country Championships in Guiyang, China, confirming his status as one of the leading distance runners in the world. Two years later, he returned to the top of the podium in Kampala, Uganda, defending his senior world cross-country crown in front of a home crowd. Winning consecutive senior world titles placed him in an elite category and demonstrated his remarkable command of the demanding discipline.

On the roads, however, Kamworor established an equally impressive legacy. He won the World Half Marathon Championships in Copenhagen in 2014, Cardiff in 2016 and Valencia in 2018, becoming a three-time champion at the distance. His achievements reflected a rare combination of strength, speed and race management, enabling him to prevail against formidable international opposition.

The half marathon became one of his signature events, but Kamworor's ambitions were never confined to a single discipline. He continued to demonstrate his versatility on the track, winning silver in the men's 10,000 metres at the 2015 World Athletics Championships in Beijing, China. From the grass of cross-country courses to the roads of major international races and the track of a global championship, he repeatedly demonstrated that his talent could flourish wherever the competition took him.

Among Kamworor's most memorable achievements are his victories at the New York City Marathon in 2017 and 2019. Winning one of the world's most celebrated marathons requires exceptional endurance, but winning it twice demands much more: tactical patience, resilience and the ability to navigate a demanding course against a deep international field.

Kamworor demonstrated those qualities in both victories, establishing a special connection with the New York race and adding the marathon to an already remarkable collection of honours. His success in the American city also illustrated his ability to move successfully between distances. An athlete celebrated for his cross-country and half-marathon dominance had shown that he could also conquer the 42.195-kilometre marathon, one of the most demanding challenges in road racing.

Now, as he sets his sights on another New York campaign, the Kenyan star has an opportunity to strengthen his legacy further. A third men's open-division victory would place him among a very select group of athletes to have won the prestigious race three times. Such a milestone would be more than another addition to his trophy cabinet; it would reinforce the story of a runner whose competitive range has extended across nearly every major discipline in distance running.

Behind Kamworor's achievements lies a training environment built around discipline, consistency and high-level competition. Working under the guidance of renowned coach Patrick Sang, he has trained alongside some of Kenya's most celebrated athletes, including marathon great Eliud Kipchoge and middle- and long-distance superstar Faith Kipyegon.

Sharing a training environment with athletes of such calibre provides a demanding daily standard. Yet Kamworor has built his own identity through a career defined by major championship victories and sustained success across different racing distances. His journey has also included difficult periods and setbacks, reminding the running world that even the most accomplished champions must continually work to return to their best. His longevity at the elite level reflects the importance of patience, dedication and the willingness to keep pursuing new goals.

For aspiring athletes in Kenya, his story offers an important lesson: extraordinary achievements are often built through ordinary routines repeated consistently over many years. Those five-kilometre journeys to school and back were not glamorous. They did not come with cheering crowds, television cameras or medals. Yet they formed part of the foundation of a career that would eventually take him to the world's biggest running stages.

Kamworor's story is ultimately about a choice that changed the direction of his life. The young student who once imagined himself arguing cases in a courtroom instead built his reputation by answering the toughest questions on the running track and roads. His achievements speak for themselves: world cross-country titles, three world half-marathon crowns, a global 10,000-metre silver medal and two New York City Marathon victories.

He may never have pursued the legal career he once envisioned, but his athletic record tells a compelling story of ambition, sacrifice and extraordinary accomplishment. His pursuit of another New York triumph offers a fresh chapter in a career that has already crossed the boundaries between cross country, track and road racing.

For Geoffrey Kamworor, the courtroom was a dream he left behind. The world of distance running became the stage on which he built his name. And while the law lost a prospective lawyer, athletics gained a champion whose achievements have helped define an era of Kenyan distance running.

Five years after the tragic death of Agnes Jebet Tirop, the Kenyan distance-running star remains a powerful symbol of sporting excellence, unfulfilled potential and the urgent fight against gender-based violence.

On October 13, 2021, the athletics world was plunged into mourning following the death of Tirop, who was found at her home in Iten, Kenya, at just 25 years old. Her life was cut short at a time when her career was flourishing, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate with athletes, fans and the wider community.

For Kenya, a country whose identity is deeply intertwined with distance-running success, Tirop represented a remarkable generation of female athletes taking the sport to new heights. Her achievements on the track, across country and on the roads had already secured her place among the country's outstanding distance runners.

Five years later, the sadness of her loss remains inseparable from the extraordinary story of what she accomplished in her short but memorable career.

A Champion Who Rose to the Top at 19

Tirop announced herself on the global stage in spectacular fashion at the 2015 World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Guiyang, China. At only 19, she won the senior women's race, becoming the youngest champion in the event since Zola Budd in 1985.

Her victory demonstrated not only her natural ability but also the composure and determination that would become defining features of her running career.

She subsequently established herself among the world's leading track athletes, winning bronze medals in the women's 10,000 metres at the 2017 World Athletics Championships in London and the 2019 edition in Doha.

Those back-to-back podium finishes confirmed her consistency at the highest level and underlined her ability to compete against the strongest distance runners in the world.

Tirop also demonstrated considerable versatility at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, held in 2021, where she finished fourth in the women's 5,000 metres. Although she narrowly missed the podium, her performance reinforced her reputation as one of Kenya's most accomplished emerging distance-running talents.

A World Record That Made History

Just weeks before her death, Tirop delivered one of the defining performances of her career.

On September 12, 2021, she clocked an astonishing 30:01 to win the women's 10km road race at the adizero Road to Records event in Herzogenaurach, Germany.

Her performance broke the then women's-only world record by 28 seconds, establishing a new benchmark for the distance. The record was subsequently ratified by World Athletics. It was aremarkable achievement that placed her name among the legends of distance running. Although her record has since been broken, the greatness of her achievement remains untouched, and no change in the record books can diminish the extraordinary talent, courage and determination she displayed that day. Time may bring new champions and faster performances, but it can never erase the mark she left on athletics.

In a race that demanded patience, tactical awareness and an exceptional finishing effort, Tirop broke away from compatriot Sheila Chepkirui during the closing stages and powered towards the finish line.

The performance was a remarkable demonstration of her endurance and competitive instinct. It also offered a glimpse of what might have followed had she been given more years to develop her career.

Her final competitive appearance came on October 3, 2021, when she finished second in a 10km race in Geneva, Switzerland. Ten days later, the world learned of her death.

The timing made the tragedy particularly difficult to comprehend: an athlete who had just rewritten the record books and was still competing at the highest level was suddenly gone.

A Tragedy That Reached Far Beyond Sport

Tirop's death was not simply the loss of an elite athlete. It also brought renewed international attention to violence against women and the need to create safer environments in which women and girls can live, train and pursue their ambitions.

Her story became a painful reminder that medals, records and international recognition cannot shield someone from violence in their private life.

In the years since her death, her name has continued to feature in efforts to promote women's empowerment, athlete welfare and the prevention of gender-based violence. Initiatives associated with her legacy, including Agnes Tirop Angels, reflect the continuing determination to transform grief into meaningful action.

Her story remains especially significant within athletics, where the pursuit of excellence must go hand in hand with respect for athletes' safety, dignity and wellbeing.

Five Years Later, Her Legacy Endures

For young runners who dream of representing Kenya on the international stage, Tirop's career remains an example of what dedication, talent and courage can achieve.

She rose from a promising young athlete to a world champion, a two-time World Championships medallist and a world-record holder. She excelled across different distances and surfaces, leaving an impressive body of achievements before reaching her 26th birthday.

Yet her legacy cannot be measured by statistics alone. It also lies in the conversations her death continues to inspire, the women whose safety must be protected and the determination to ensure that sporting success is never separated from human dignity.

Five years on, Agnes Tirop is remembered not only for the records she set or the medals she won, but also for the future that was taken from her.

Her achievements remain part of Kenya's rich athletics history, while her story continues to call for a world in which women can pursue their dreams without fear of violence.

Agnes Tirop's life was tragically short, but her impact reaches far beyond the finish line. Her achievements will remain in the record books, her memory will endure in the hearts of athletics fans, and her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

American sprint sensation Melissa Jefferson-Wooden has established herself as one of the most exciting names in women’s athletics, combining explosive speed with the ability to deliver on the sport’s biggest stages. Her remarkable championship performances have strengthened her reputation as a formidable force in the 100m and 200m, while placing her among the leading figures of a new generation of American sprinters.

Her achievements reflect a combination of consistency, technical excellence and the ability to produce exceptional performances when the pressure is at its highest. From sprinting supremacy over 100 metres to challenging the limits of the 200m, Jefferson-Wooden’s rise has captured the attention of athletics fans around the world.

At the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, she delivered an extraordinary series of performances, winning three gold medals in the women’s 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay. The treble represented a major milestone in her career and demonstrated her ability to excel across individual sprint events and team competition.

Jefferson-Wooden won the 100m in 10.61 seconds, setting a championship record and improving her personal best. The performance underlined her acceleration and top-end speed, securing her place among the fastest women in the history of the event.

She continued her winning run in the 200m, taking gold in 21.68 seconds. Her performance demonstrated that her abilities extended well beyond the shorter sprint, as she combined speed with the strength and composure required to maintain her pace around the bend and through the home straight.

The American then helped complete the golden sweep in the 4x100m relay, anchoring the United States team to victory in 41.75 seconds. Three gold medals at one championships represented a defining achievement, placing her in the company of the sport’s most versatile female sprinters.

Rather than allowing that success to become the high point of her career, Jefferson-Wooden continued to pursue excellence, with her performances in the 100m and 200m further highlighting her potential to leave a lasting mark on the sport.

Swiss middle-distance star Audrey Werro has strengthened her reputation as one of the world’s leading 800m runners after earning nominations for both the World Athletics Athlete of the Year and European Athletics Athlete of the Year awards following an outstanding 2026 campaign.

The 22-year-old has enjoyed a remarkable season, combining major championship victories with exceptional performances that have elevated her standing among the sport’s elite. Her achievements have made her a strong contender for international recognition as she continues to establish herself on the global stage.

Werro’s 2026 campaign has been defined by three major victories: the European Athletics Championships 800m title, the Diamond League Final crown and the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship 800m title. Winning across these prestigious competitions has underlined her ability to deliver when the stakes are highest.

Her performances have been particularly impressive over two laps, where she has demonstrated a powerful combination of speed, endurance and tactical maturity. Against some of the strongest competitors in the world, the Swiss star has repeatedly shown that she belongs among the leading figures in women’s middle-distance running.

One of the defining moments of her season came in Zürich, where Werro thrilled the home crowd with an extraordinary 1:53.70 performance in the 800m. The time was reported as the fastest women’s 800m performance in 43 years and the third-fastest in the event’s history, placing her among a select group of athletes to have reached such an exceptional level.

Werro’s season has also been notable for her sustained assault on the record books. She reportedly broke the Diamond League record three times during the campaign and produced three of the five fastest women’s 800m performances ever recorded, highlighting the remarkable consistency behind her breakthrough year.

Rather than relying on a single standout result, Werro has built her case for the sport’s highest individual honours through a series of performances at the highest level. Her success across European and international competitions has demonstrated both her competitive versatility and her capacity to thrive under pressure.

The dual nominations now offer recognition of a season in which Werro has moved beyond emerging-talent status to become one of the most compelling names in women’s athletics. A victory in either award would represent another major milestone in a career that continues to gather momentum.

With three major titles, a historic performance on home soil and a series of record-breaking displays, Werro has given herself a compelling case for year-end honours. Whether she ultimately claims the title of the world’s best female athlete remains to be seen, but her 2026 season has already established her as one of the outstanding performers of the year.

The 2026 Chicago Marathon will provide an important stage for two American distance runners approaching the race from very different circumstances. Emma Grace Hurley is preparing to make her debut over the classic 42.195-kilometre distance after establishing herself among the country’s leading half-marathon runners, while Clayton Young faces a race against time to overcome a hamstring injury that threatens to derail his ambitions.

Both athletes have compelling stories heading into Chicago, but their immediate objectives differ. Hurley is looking to gain valuable experience as she begins her marathon journey, whereas Young must contend with significant uncertainty surrounding his fitness and the potential consequences of racing while injured.

Emma Grace Hurley: A Promising Talent Ready for Her Marathon Debut

Hurley arrives in Chicago following an outstanding performance at the World Athletics Road Running Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark, where she clocked 1:06:23 to finish fifth in the women’s half marathon. Her performance established a women-only American record and contributed to the United States securing the team silver medal.

The result has generated considerable interest in what she might accomplish over the full marathon distance. However, despite the growing expectations, Hurley and her coach, Andrew Begley, have maintained a measured approach, understanding that the transition from half marathon to marathon requires more than simply extending the distance.

Her recent training has offered encouraging indications of her preparation. A demanding workout observed in Indiana, together with training activity shared on Strava, has provided further insight into the work she has undertaken ahead of her Chicago debut.

Nevertheless, the marathon presents a different set of challenges. Athletes must balance pace, endurance, nutrition and energy conservation while preparing for the demanding final kilometres, when even well-conditioned runners can experience unexpected difficulties.

For Hurley, Chicago represents an opportunity to learn those lessons firsthand rather than place unnecessary pressure on herself to produce an immediate breakthrough. Her long-term plan includes two marathons before the 2028 United States Olympic Marathon Trials, making this first appearance an important stage in her development.

Her approach is captured in a straightforward statement: “This one is for learning and the next is for nailing it.”

That philosophy reflects an understanding that building a successful marathon career takes patience, experience and careful progression. While her half-marathon record demonstrates considerable potential, Chicago will offer the first real test of how effectively she can translate that ability to the longer distance.

A strong debut would provide a valuable foundation for her future ambitions, but the experience itself will be equally important as she prepares for the next chapter of her marathon career.

Clayton Young: Hamstring Injury Casts Doubt Over Chicago Ambitions

Young, meanwhile, heads into the Chicago Marathon facing a far more complicated challenge after sustaining a significant hamstring injury during the final stages of the Great North Run.

The American revealed that he suffered a 12-centimetre split tear in his semitendinosus, one of the muscles that make up the hamstring group, during the final 250 metres of the race. The timing of the injury could hardly have been more unfortunate, arriving with the Chicago Marathon approaching and his competitive ambitions still firmly in focus.

Medical advice reportedly differed on how he should manage the injury. One doctor recommended taking four weeks off running, a period of rest that would have ruled him out of Chicago. Another advised a more cautious, day-by-day approach, which Young has chosen to follow.

His recent training activity on Strava and videos shared on YouTube suggest that he has continued to complete substantial workouts. However, evidence of training does not necessarily establish that a serious muscle tear has healed sufficiently to withstand the demands of a marathon.

The injury has placed considerable doubt over his hopes of challenging the American marathon record. More importantly, it has raised questions about whether attempting to race could aggravate the damage and compromise his preparations for the 2027 season and the build-up to the 2028 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials.

For an athlete with significant long-term ambitions, the decision carries consequences beyond a single race. A successful appearance in Chicago could represent another major achievement, but worsening the injury could potentially cost him valuable training time during a crucial period in his career.

Young is known for his ability to deliver under pressure, making his situation particularly intriguing as race day approaches. However, competing through a hamstring tear of this nature would present an unfamiliar challenge, even for an athlete accustomed to producing strong performances when it matters most.

For now, he remains entered in the race, but his participation and ability to compete effectively remain important questions. His recent workouts may offer encouragement, yet the true condition of the injured muscle and its response to marathon demands will be central to determining what is realistically possible.

Two Americans, Two Very Different Challenges

Hurley and Young illustrate the contrasting realities that elite runners can face ahead of a major marathon. One is entering the distance with momentum, enthusiasm and an opportunity to discover her potential. The other is attempting to navigate an injury that could influence not only his immediate performance but also his longer-term development.

For Hurley, Chicago is the beginning of a new chapter. Her record-setting half-marathon performance has created anticipation, but her emphasis remains on learning, gaining experience and building towards future goals.

For Young, the race presents a more difficult calculation. His competitive instincts and reputation for performing under pressure must be weighed against the risks of pushing through an injury that could have lasting consequences for his season.

Their respective stories will add another dimension to the American contingent at the 2026 Chicago Marathon. While Hurley seeks to establish herself over 42.195 kilometres, Young faces the challenge of determining whether his body is ready to meet the demands of one of the world's premier road races.

As race day approaches, the central questions remain clear: How will Hurley handle her first marathon, and will Young be able to compete without jeopardising his recovery and future ambitions?

The answers will emerge on the streets of Chicago, where preparation, patience and sound decision-making could prove just as important as raw talent and competitive determination.

South Africa has taken a major step towards potentially bringing the Olympic Games to Africa for the first time after formally entering the International Olympic Committee’s process as an interested party for the 2036 Summer Olympics and Paralympics.

The development could mark a historic moment for the continent, which has never hosted an edition of the Olympic Games despite its long and distinguished sporting tradition. South Africa’s interest now places the country among the potential candidates seeking to convince the IOC that Africa is ready to stage the world’s biggest multi-sport event.

A successful bid would represent a significant expansion of South Africa’s sporting legacy. The country has already demonstrated its ability to host major international competitions, most notably the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which brought football’s biggest tournament to Africa for the first time and showcased South Africa’s stadiums, infrastructure and capacity to welcome visitors from around the world.

The 2036 ambition also arrives at a time when Africa is gaining greater recognition as a destination for major global sporting events.

Kenya has already secured the right to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships in Nairobi, marking the first time the senior global championships will be staged on African soil. The breakthrough followed a competitive bidding process and represents another important milestone for the continent’s athletics movement.

South Africa’s Olympic interest therefore comes against a backdrop of growing confidence in Africa’s ability to organise and deliver events at the highest international level.

For South Africa, however, winning the right to host the Olympics would be a considerably larger undertaking. The Games require extensive sporting venues, accommodation, transportation networks, security arrangements and long-term financial planning, while the host must also present a compelling vision for the event’s wider legacy.

The country’s experience with the 2010 World Cup provides an important foundation, but an Olympic bid would require an even broader national strategy involving multiple sports and venues.

The IOC is expected to make its decision on the host of the 2036 Olympics later in the decade, with several countries expressing interest in entering the race. The process will ultimately determine whether Africa can finally break one of the biggest remaining barriers in the history of the Olympic movement.

For a continent that has produced generations of Olympic champions across athletics, swimming, boxing, cycling and numerous other sports, hosting the Games would carry significance far beyond the competition itself.

South Africa is now putting itself forward for that opportunity.

If the bid eventually succeeds, the 2036 Olympic Games could become a landmark moment — not only for South Africa, but for an entire continent that has waited more than a century to welcome the Olympic movement onto its soil.

For more than a decade, Usain Bolt defined Jamaican sprinting on the world stage. Now, a new generation is beginning to write its own chapter — and at the centre of that transition stands Oblique Seville, a sprinter whose journey is closely connected to the very people who shaped Bolt’s legendary career.

Seville announced himself as Jamaica’s new 100m champion in spectacular fashion at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. Running a lifetime best of 9.77 seconds, he captured the world title ahead of compatriot Kishane Thompson, who clocked 9.82, giving Jamaica a memorable one-two finish.

The significance of the victory was enormous. Seville became the first Jamaican man since Bolt to win the World Athletics Championships 100m title. And watching from the stands was Bolt himself, who celebrated enthusiastically as his compatriot delivered one of the biggest victories of his career.

But the connection between the two generations goes far beyond that unforgettable night in Tokyo.

A Dream That Began At 10

Long before Seville became a world champion, he already knew exactly who he wanted to coach him.

When he was around 10 years old, Seville reportedly told his mother that he wanted to train under Glen Mills — the renowned Jamaican coach who guided Bolt during the most dominant period of his career.

That childhood ambition eventually became reality. Seville joined the Racers Track Club and came under the guidance of Mills, establishing a relationship that has played a major role in his development as an elite sprinter.

Mills had already helped shape one of the greatest sprinters in history. Now, years later, he was helping another Jamaican talent reach the summit of the 100 metres.

Bolt Became More Than An Inspiration

Seville has also spoken about the influence Bolt has had on his life away from the track.

Following the death of his father, Gerald Seville, Bolt became an important source of encouragement and motivation for the young sprinter. Seville has described Bolt as a major motivator, adding another deeply personal dimension to a relationship that began with admiration from afar.

That makes the scene in Tokyo even more powerful: the athlete Seville grew up watching was there as he achieved the breakthrough that could define his own generation.

Bolt's presence was not simply symbolic. Before the final, he had spoken about Seville and Thompson as athletes capable of challenging for the gold medal. Seville ultimately delivered when the pressure was greatest.

From 9.77 To A New Challenge

Seville's Tokyo triumph was not the end of the story.

In 2026, he continued to establish himself among the world's leading sprinters, eventually claiming the men's 100m Diamond League title at the series final in Brussels. He also produced a season-best 9.82 in Kingston and recorded several victories during the Diamond League campaign.

The progression is significant. From an ambitious youngster dreaming of being coached by Glen Mills, to a World Championships gold medallist, and now a Diamond League champion, Seville is steadily building a career that belongs to him.

Yet he remains deeply respectful of the athlete whose footsteps he is following.

Seville has repeatedly acknowledged Bolt's greatness, while also believing that the next generation of Jamaican sprinters can push the event to another level. The ambition is clear: the future may eventually demand performances in the 9.6-second range.

For now, however, Seville's focus is not on becoming another Usain Bolt.

It is on becoming the best version of Oblique Seville.

The Torch Has Been Passed — But The Story Is Still Being Written

Jamaica's sprinting tradition has produced some of the most extraordinary athletes the sport has ever seen. Bolt took that tradition to an unprecedented level. Seville now represents a new generation determined to keep it alive.

The symbolism is difficult to miss.

The coach who helped guide Bolt is now guiding Seville. The champion who once inspired Seville as a young boy was there to watch him become a world champion. And the young Jamaican who once dreamed of joining Glen Mills is now collecting major titles of his own.

Seville has already secured a World Championships 100m title, a 9.77 personal best and a Diamond League crown.

The next chapter of Jamaican sprinting is no longer waiting to begin.

It is already underway.

And with Glen Mills in his corner and Usain Bolt among those who have helped inspire him, Oblique Seville is carrying the Jamaican sprinting tradition forward — while creating a legacy of his own. 

Jakob Ingebrigtsen brought his remarkable 2026 season to a fitting close on home soil, winning the men’s street 1500m at the inaugural Runfest Norway in Sandnes on Friday.

Competing in front of an enthusiastic hometown crowd, the Olympic and world champion took control of the race from the early stages and maintained his authority through the finish, stopping the clock at 3:40.7.

Andreas Fjeld Halvorsen followed in second in 3:43.3, while Sigurd Tveit completed the podium in 3:47.8.

The unusual street race added another dimension to the occasion, with 273 runners taking part on the same road and sharing the course with one of Norway’s most accomplished distance runners. For the recreational participants, it offered a rare opportunity to compete alongside Ingebrigtsen in an event that brought elite athletics and mass participation together.

The victory also provided a fitting final chapter to a season that began with significant uncertainty for Ingebrigtsen. After undergoing major Achilles surgery in February, the Norwegian was forced to miss a substantial portion of the summer campaign as he worked his way back to full fitness.

His return, however, quickly developed into another championship-winning chapter. In Birmingham, Ingebrigtsen captured European 5,000m gold before adding another major title at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest, where he won the 5,000m.

Those performances transformed what could have been a disrupted season into another year defined by championship success and a determined return to the highest level.

Now, with the Sandnes victory added to his 2026 record, Ingebrigtsen closes the year exactly where it began in spirit — overcoming adversity, rebuilding his form and once again competing at the front.

From Achilles surgery in February to major championship victories and finally a 1500m win before his hometown crowd, the Norwegian has given his 2026 season a memorable final scene.

Eliud Kipchoge has spent more than two decades chasing greatness on the world’s biggest stages. Now, the Kenyan marathon legend is taking on a different kind of challenge — helping shape the athletes who could one day follow in his footsteps.

The two-time Olympic marathon champion has been appointed a Global Ambassador for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, where he will use his experience at the highest level of sport to connect with and mentor young athletes from around the world.

Kipchoge will share the ambassadorial role with Brazilian skateboarding star Rayssa Leal, while also taking on a special mentoring role with the Refugee Olympic Team, which will make its first appearance at a Youth Olympic Games in Dakar.

For Kipchoge, the appointment represents a shift from competing for medals to investing in the future of sport.

“I’ve been in the sport for 24 years; it’s my time to give back to the next generation,” Kipchoge said.

The 41-year-old has already begun that work, meeting members of the Refugee Olympic Team at their training camp in Kaptagat, Kenya. His message has extended beyond running and competition, focusing on discipline, education, personal values and what success means both in sport and in life.

“When I go to Dakar, I’ll make sure I meet young athletes from across the world — meet them, have an honest talk, mentor them, and look at what the future of sport, and the world, looks like,” Kipchoge said.

The assignment carries enormous significance for Africa. Dakar 2026 will be the first Olympic sporting event ever staged on African soil, with the Youth Olympic Games bringing together approximately 2,700 young athletes across Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly.

It will also mark a historic moment for young refugee athletes, with the Refugee Olympic Team making its Youth Olympic Games debut. World Athletics has confirmed that young athletes hosted by the National Olympic Committees of Kenya and Uganda will form part of the team competing in Senegal.

For Kipchoge, Dakar is therefore about much more than ceremonies, appearances and titles. It is an opportunity to share the lessons accumulated through an extraordinary career and encourage a new generation to believe in its own potential.

“Dakar 2026 is a huge event on our young continent — something we’ve long waited for here,” Kipchoge said. He added that being part of the first Olympic sporting event in Africa would leave a lasting impression on young people across the continent.

From Athens 2004, where he won his first Olympic medal, to his marathon triumphs at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, Kipchoge has experienced virtually every level of Olympic competition. His next contribution will not be measured in seconds, medals or records.

This time, his impact will be measured by the young athletes he inspires.

The man who spent years showing the world how far a human being can push the limits is now preparing to help the next generation discover how far they can go.

Kipchoge is no longer simply chasing history. In Dakar, he will be helping the next generation write its own. 

The 2027 London Marathon is set to take on huge significance for British marathon runners, serving as the trial race for both the 2027 World Athletics Championships in Beijing and the LA 2028 Olympic Games.

For the Beijing 2027 World Championships, the first two British finishers in both the elite men’s and women’s races will be eligible for selection, provided they have achieved the required World Athletics qualifying standard either before or on the day of the London Marathon.

The qualifying marks are 2:06:00 for men and 2:23:20 for women.

That puts a premium on both position and performance in London, with athletes knowing that a strong finish could potentially secure them a place on Britain’s team for the global championships in Beijing later in 2027.

The stakes will be even higher for those targeting the LA 2028 Olympics.

The first British man and first British woman across the London Marathon finish line will be pre-selected for the 2028 Olympic marathon team, provided they achieve the Olympic qualifying standards, which are expected to be confirmed by the end of 2026.

However, pre-selection will not be the final step. Those athletes will still need to demonstrate their form through performances over different distances during the 2028 season before their Olympic places can ultimately be confirmed.

With London already one of the most prestigious marathons in the world, the 2027 edition now carries an added layer of national importance.

British marathoners will have more than a coveted London Marathon result on the line. For the leading athletes, the race could become the first major step towards Beijing 2027, while simultaneously opening the door to a potential Olympic journey ending in Los Angeles in 2028.

London 2027 is shaping up to be a defining race for Britain’s marathon ambitions — with Beijing and LA firmly on the horizon.

Kenya’s Simon Maywa and Ethiopia’s Yismaw Dillu are among the leading contenders for the men’s title at the 2026 Cardiff Half Marathon, with a fiercely competitive race expected when the action gets underway in Cardiff, Wales, on Sunday, October 4.

The men’s field is headed by Kenya’s Gideon Kiprotich, who arrives as the fastest entrant on paper with a personal best of 58:49. His sub-59-minute credentials make him one of the athletes to watch as he targets another major half-marathon victory.

Dillu, meanwhile, returns to Cardiff as the defending champion and course-record holder. The Ethiopian produced a superb 59:22 to win the 2025 edition, a mark that remains the official course record. His listed personal best for the 2026 race is 59:23, placing him firmly among the favourites once again.

Kenya’s Maywa will also line up with serious credentials. The 59:44 performer has already demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest level over the distance and will be looking to challenge the leading pair when the race unfolds over Cardiff’s fast and largely flat course.

The field also features Vincent Kipkorir, who owns a 59:30 personal best and won the Malaga Half Marathon earlier this year before finishing third at the Antrim Coast Half Marathon. Kenya’s Boniface Mulwa, Uganda’s Dillon Kipyeko and Denis Kiplangat, Bahrain’s Jonah Rutio and Japan’s Takato Suzuki add further depth to an international men’s field.

With three athletes boasting sub-60-minute credentials, the 2026 Cardiff Half Marathon could develop into a thrilling battle for victory and another assault on the course record. The race is the fourth fixture of the 2026 SuperHalfs Series and carries a World Athletics Elite Road Race Label.

The 23rd edition of the Cardiff Half Marathon will begin on Sunday, October 4, with the elite race forming part of a major weekend of running in the Welsh capital. More than 30,000 participants are expected across the weekend, underlining the event’s growing status on the international road-running calendar.

All eyes will now be on Kiprotich, Dillu, Maywa and the rest of the elite field as they prepare to battle for honours on one of Britain’s most prominent half-marathon stages.

Thirty-eight years ago, Florence Griffith-Joyner produced a performance in Seoul that would go on to become one of the most enduring records in athletics history.

On September 29, 1988, the American sprint sensation lined up for the women’s 200m final at the Olympic Stadium in Seoul, South Korea, carrying the confidence of an athlete who had already announced herself as one of the stars of the Games.

What followed was extraordinary.

Griffith-Joyner stormed around the bend before unleashing an astonishing finish, stopping the clock in 21.34 seconds with a legal following wind of +1.3 m/s. The performance secured Olympic gold and shattered the world record she had set earlier that same day in the semifinal, when she ran 21.56.

It was not simply another Olympic victory. It was a performance that immediately entered sprinting folklore.

The 21.34 remains the women’s 200m world record, 38 years after it was established. World Athletics continues to list Griffith-Joyner at the top of the all-time rankings, with her mark standing ahead of every performance that has followed.

And there have been some remarkable attempts to take it down.

Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson came closer than anyone in recent years, running 21.41 to win the world title in Budapest in 2023 — just seven hundredths of a second away from Griffith-Joyner’s legendary mark. Elaine Thompson-Herah ran 21.53 in Tokyo in 2021, while Gabrielle Thomas has gone 21.61.

Yet 21.34 has continued to stand.

Griffith-Joyner’s Seoul campaign was remarkable beyond the 200m record. She won three Olympic sprint gold medals at the Games and established herself as one of the defining athletes of the 1988 Olympics. World Athletics records her as a three-time Olympic champion and the current world-record holder in both the 100m and 200m.

Her career also left behind an unmistakable visual legacy. The long, flowing nails, striking racing outfits and explosive sprinting made Flo-Jo one of the most recognisable figures the sport has ever produced.

But decades later, it is the number 21.34 that continues to command attention.

Generations of Olympic champions and world-class sprinters have come and gone. The event has evolved, training methods have advanced and the level of women’s sprinting has continued to rise. Still, Griffith-Joyner’s Seoul masterpiece remains untouched.

38 years. One legendary record. Still standing. 

And with a new generation of elite 200m sprinters continuing to push the boundaries, the question remains fascinating: how much longer can Florence Griffith-Joyner’s 21.34 survive?

Sebastian Coe turns 70 today, marking seven remarkable decades for a man whose name has become inseparable from some of the greatest moments in middle-distance running.

Born on September 29, 1956, Coe grew from a talented youngster in Yorkshire into one of the most influential figures athletics has ever produced — first as an extraordinary competitor on the track and later as a leader at the highest level of the sport.

His journey began long before the Olympic medals and world records. As a teenager, Coe was already attracting attention, and his early appearances in Athletics Weekly offered a glimpse of the remarkable career that was beginning to unfold.

By the late 1970s, he had established himself as one of Britain's brightest middle-distance prospects. His rivalry with Steve Ovett became one of the defining storylines of the era, while Coe's extraordinary combination of speed, tactical intelligence and finishing power allowed him to compete successfully across the 800m, 1500m and mile.

In 1979, Coe announced himself to the world in spectacular fashion. In Oslo, he smashed the 800m world record with 1:42.33, becoming the first man to break 1:43. Just weeks later, he added a world record in the mile with 3:48.53 before ending the season as one of the sport's dominant figures.

The following years produced even more extraordinary performances.

On June 10, 1981, in Florence, Coe lowered his own 800m world record to 1:41.73. The performance was historic. The mark remained untouched for 16 years before Wilson Kipketer equalled it in 1997. It remains one of the most iconic performances in 800m history.

Coe's Olympic career was equally remarkable.

At the 1980 Moscow Olympics, he won gold in the 1500m and silver in the 800m. Four years later in Los Angeles, he repeated that extraordinary combination, again taking 1500m gold and 800m silver.

His second Olympic 1500m victory in 1984 cemented his place among the greats of the event. His personal best of 3:29.77, set in 1986, remains one of the fastest marks of his era. World Athletics lists Coe as a two-time Olympic champion and two-time Olympic silver medallist, with 12 world records accumulated during his career.

His record-breaking career extended beyond the 800m and 1500m. Coe set world records over 800m, 1000m, 1500m and the mile, demonstrating an extraordinary range that was rare even among elite middle-distance specialists.

He also collected major European honours, including the European 800m title in 1986 and the European Indoor 800m crown earlier in his career.

Yet Coe's story did not end when he left competitive athletics.

After retiring from the track in 1990, he moved into public life and sports administration. His leadership role in London's successful bid for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games became one of the most significant chapters of his post-athletics career. He later served as chairman of the London 2012 Organising Committee, helping oversee the preparation and delivery of the Games.

In August 2015, Coe took on perhaps his most influential role yet when he became president of World Athletics. He has since remained at the centre of global athletics, helping guide the sport through changes in competition, governance, commercialisation and athlete-focused initiatives. World Athletics currently lists him as president of the organisation.

Even at 70, Coe's connection with competition remains clear. His comments surrounding the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest in 2026 showed the same fascination with head-to-head racing that defined him as an athlete decades earlier.

From a young Yorkshire runner to an Olympic champion, world-record setter, London 2012 leader and now president of World Athletics, Coe's career has crossed almost every level of the sport.

His 1:41.73 may no longer be the world record, but the performance remains a permanent part of 800m history. His Olympic double-double remains extraordinary. And his transition from athlete to administrator has ensured that his influence extends far beyond the races he once dominated.

Seventy years on, Sebastian Coe's legacy is therefore not confined to medals, records or statistics. It is the story of a middle-distance pioneer whose impact has continued long after his final competitive race — and whose name remains firmly woven into the history of athletics.

Kenya continues to produce athletes capable of redefining the limits of distance running, and in 2026, two names have stood out above the rest: Sabastian Sawe and Agnes Ngetich.

Both Adidas-sponsored Kenyan stars have produced performances that have reshaped the global distance-running landscape, with Sawe conquering the marathon and Ngetich dominating across cross country, the half marathon and 10km.

Their paths are different, but the scale of their achievements is remarkably similar.

Sabastian Sawe: The Man Who Finally Broke Two Hours

Few performances in the history of marathon running can compare with what Sawe produced at the 2026 London Marathon on April 26.

The Kenyan stormed to 1:59:30, becoming the first athlete to officially break the two-hour barrier in a record-eligible marathon.

It was not merely a victory. It was a landmark moment for the event itself.

Sawe averaged approximately 2:50 per kilometre for the full 42.195km, sustaining a pace that had previously existed only as a theoretical boundary in competitive marathon running.

Remarkably, his historic London triumph was another chapter in an extraordinary marathon career.

Sawe first announced himself over the distance with a sensational 2:02:05 victory in Valencia in December 2024, establishing himself among the world's elite marathoners.

He followed that with a dominant 2:02:27 victory at the 2025 London Marathon, before returning five months later to win the 2025 Berlin Marathon in 2:02:16.

Those victories established Sawe as one of the most formidable marathoners of his generation.

His 2026 season then took another extraordinary turn.

In London, Yomif Kejelcha finished second in 1:59:41, becoming the second man under two hours in an official marathon, while Jacob Kiplimo completed the podium in 2:00:28.

Sawe had been scheduled to return to Berlin in September to defend his title, but an injury forced him to withdraw from the race.

Even without another appearance, his 1:59:30 has already secured its place among the defining performances in the history of the marathon.

Agnes Ngetich: From Cross Country To World Records

If Sawe has rewritten the marathon script, Ngetich has been doing something similar across several disciplines.

Her 2026 campaign began in spectacular fashion at the World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, United States, on January 10.

Ngetich dominated the senior women's 10km race, crossing the line in 31:28 to win her first individual global title.

That victory was only the beginning.

Later in the year, Ngetich added another global title at the World Athletics Road Running Championships in Copenhagen, producing another masterclass over the half marathon.

The Kenyan ran 1:05:15 to win the women's half marathon and break the women-only world record by one second.

The performance underlined her extraordinary consistency at the highest level and added another global title to a season already highlighted by her World Cross Country triumph.

But Ngetich's record-breaking credentials stretch far beyond the half marathon.

She owns the women's 10km world record in a mixed race at 28:46, set in Valencia in January 2024. That performance made her the first woman to break 29 minutes over the distance.

She also holds the women-only 10km world record of 29:27, set in Herzogenaurach in April 2025. She became the first woman to break 30 minutes in a women-only 10km race.

Ngetich's achievements therefore span the full spectrum of modern distance running — from the grass of cross country to the roads of the world's biggest championships and record-setting races.

Two Stars, One Kenyan Running Revolution

Sawe and Ngetich represent two different sides of modern distance running.

Sawe has pushed the marathon beyond a barrier that once seemed almost untouchable, while Ngetich has demonstrated extraordinary versatility, winning on the grass at World Cross Country and then moving onto the roads to rewrite the record books over 10km and the half marathon.

Their achievements also underline the remarkable depth of Kenyan distance running.

Sawe has established himself as one of the defining marathoners of his generation, while Ngetich has built an extraordinary collection of global titles and world records across several distances.

Two athletes.

Different distances.

Different challenges.

But the same Kenyan flag at the centre of some of the most extraordinary performances the sport has witnessed.

Sabastian Sawe and Agnes Ngetich are not simply winning races — they are expanding the boundaries of what Kenyan distance runners, and distance runners everywhere, can achieve. 

Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei has added another significant milestone to his remarkable distance-running career, securing bronze at the 2026 World Athletics Road Running Championships in Copenhagen with a personal best of 58:26 over the half marathon.

The performance marked a new chapter for the 30-year-old world record-holder, who had previously clocked 59:21 at the 2020 World Half Marathon Championships. In Copenhagen, Cheptegei improved that mark by 55 seconds while claiming his first individual medal on the road at a global championship.

The race was won by Sweden’s Andreas Almgren in a European record of 58:06, with Kenya’s Nicholas Kipkorir taking silver in 58:11. Cheptegei finished 15 seconds behind Kipkorir and 20 seconds behind Almgren, completing a tightly contested podium in which all three athletes broke 58:30.

For Cheptegei, the result carries particular significance because of what he has already achieved on the track. In 2020, he established the men’s 5000m world record of 12:35.36 in Monaco before lowering the 10,000m world record to 26:11.00 in Valencia later that year. Both marks remain the current world records.

His Copenhagen performance also came during an extraordinary period for the men’s half marathon. Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo ran 56:42 in Barcelona in 2025, although that performance was not ratified as a world record because the race conditions did not fully comply with World Athletics rules. Kiplimo later set the ratified world record at 57:20 in Lisbon in March 2026, before Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha lowered it again to 56:51 in Buenos Aires in August.

Against that rapidly evolving road-running landscape, Cheptegei’s 58:26 places him among an increasingly competitive generation of athletes moving from the track to the roads. His Copenhagen run was not simply a podium finish; it was the fastest half marathon of his career and a clear demonstration of his continued development over longer distances.

The marathon is already familiar territory for Cheptegei. He made his debut in Valencia in December 2023, finishing 37th in 2:08:59 after going through halfway in 1:00:36. The experience was an important learning step as the Olympic and world champion began exploring the longest Olympic distance.

Now, after returning to the half marathon and producing a substantial personal best, Cheptegei is once again preparing to take on the marathon. The Copenhagen race formed part of his preparations for a marathon in the coming weeks.

The progression is striking. Cheptegei spent years defining an era on the track, setting world records, winning Olympic gold and collecting world titles. Now the challenge is different: adapting that extraordinary speed and championship experience to the demands of 42.195 kilometres.

His bronze medal in Copenhagen therefore feels like more than another entry on an already decorated résumé. It represents another step in the evolution of one of Uganda’s greatest distance runners — from a dominant track champion to an athlete increasingly testing himself against the very best on the roads.

The records that made Cheptegei a track legend remain untouched. But the next chapter of his career is being written on the roads — and Copenhagen may have provided another important glimpse of what could come next.

Kenyan distance runner Isaia Kipkoech Lasoi is set to make his long-awaited marathon debut at the 2026 TCS Amsterdam Marathon on Sunday, October 18, stepping up to the 42.195-kilometre distance for the first time in what promises to be a high-quality international field.

Lasoi arrives in Amsterdam with an impressive credential over the half marathon, having clocked a personal best of 58:10. His transition to the marathon will therefore be one of the major storylines to follow as he takes on a distance more than twice as demanding as the half marathon.

The 26-year-old Kenyan will face a formidable lineup that includes several athletes with marathon personal bests below 2:05. Leading the field is compatriot Geofry Toroitich Kipchumba, the defending champion and current Amsterdam course-record holder after his 2:03:30 victory last year. Kipchumba will return to the Dutch capital looking to defend his title and challenge his own record.

Ethiopia's Haymanot Alew is another major name on the start list, boasting a 2:03:31 personal best from Berlin in 2024, just one second outside Kipchumba's Amsterdam course record.

His compatriot Tsegaye Getachew will also return to a race where he has enjoyed considerable success. Getachew won the Amsterdam Marathon in 2022 and 2024 before finishing second last year in a personal-best 2:04:18.

The field also features Ethiopian marathoner Lemi Berhanu, who owns a personal best of 2:04:33, while Israel's Maru Teferi brings a 2:04:44 personal best set in Valencia in 2024.

With the Amsterdam course known for its fast profile and the race carrying a World Athletics Platinum Label, the stage is set for another potentially fast edition. The marathon starts at the Olympic Stadium, with the course taking runners past landmarks including the Rijksmuseum, along the Amstel River and through Vondelpark before returning to the Olympic Stadium for the finish.

For Lasoi, however, the focus will be on answering one intriguing question: how will his exceptional half-marathon speed translate over the full marathon distance?

His debut will provide the first major indication of his potential at 42.195 kilometres, while placing him alongside an experienced group of elite marathoners capable of producing world-class performances.

The confirmed names currently include Isaia Kipkoech Lasoi, Geofry Toroitich Kipchumba, Haymanot Alew, Tsegaye Getachew, Lemi Berhanu and Maru Teferi, setting up a fascinating international contest in Amsterdam on October 18.

Alison dos Santos carries visible scars on his forehead and parts of his body, but behind them lies a remarkable story of survival that has become an important part of his journey in athletics.

When he was just 10 months old, the Brazilian suffered severe third-degree burns after boiling oil spilled onto him. The accident left permanent scars and could easily have changed the course of his life before it had even begun.

He survived the ordeal, and as he grew older, the scars became a visible reminder of an accident he had endured as a baby. For much of his childhood, they also brought unwanted attention and insecurity. But eventually, athletics gave him something far more powerful: confidence, purpose and an opportunity to define himself through his talent rather than his scars.

That transformation took him all the way to the world's biggest sporting stages.

Dos Santos announced himself among the world's elite 400m hurdlers with an Olympic bronze medal at Tokyo 2020, clocking 46.72 seconds. In 2022, he reached another milestone by becoming world champion, confirming himself as one of the leading figures in an event that had entered an extraordinary era.

Two years later, he added another Olympic bronze medal in Paris, continuing to establish himself among the very best 400m hurdlers on the planet.

Then came Zürich.

On August 27, 2026, dos Santos delivered the race that changed his place in history. He stormed to 45.80 seconds, breaking Karsten Warholm's five-year-old world record of 45.94 and becoming the first man in history to run under 46 seconds twice.

The moment carried another layer of significance because Warholm was in the race. The Norwegian had established the previous world record in the unforgettable Tokyo Olympic final in 2021, a race in which dos Santos himself had won bronze. Five years later, the Brazilian returned to the same record-breaking narrative — this time as the man rewriting history.

But dos Santos was not finished.

Just over two weeks after his historic run in Zürich, he travelled to Budapest for the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship, where the world's leading 400m hurdlers assembled for another highly anticipated showdown.

On September 13, dos Santos once again stood at the centre of the action. He produced another extraordinary performance, winning the men's 400m hurdles in 45.98 seconds and successfully defending his position at the top of an event filled with heavyweight names.

Rai Benjamin finished second in 46.40, while Warholm took third in 46.78. Dos Santos had once again beaten two of the athletes most closely associated with the modern history of the 400m hurdles.

The 45.98 also made him the first athlete to break 46 seconds twice, while ranking as the third-fastest performance ever recorded in the event at the time. His world record of 45.80 remained firmly at the top.

His latest victory therefore added another remarkable chapter to a season that had already produced a world record and a string of elite performances. Dos Santos has combined speed, consistency and resilience to turn 2026 into one of the defining seasons of his career.

And perhaps that is what makes his story so compelling. The hurdles he clears today are visible to the world, but some of the hardest obstacles he has overcome were faced long before he ever entered a stadium. His scars tell the story of what happened to him as a child; his achievements tell the story of what he chose to become.

The scars never disappeared. Neither did the determination of the boy who survived them.

Today, Alison dos Santos is not defined by the accident that marked his childhood. He is defined by the athlete he became — an Olympic medallist, a world champion, a world-record holder and now the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate champion in the 400m hurdles.

From surviving a devastating accident as an infant to standing on the highest level of his event, Piu has spent his life clearing hurdles — long before he ever started racing over them.

At just 19, Sha’Carri Richardson looked like a star destined to take over the sprinting world.

The speed was undeniable. In 2019, she announced herself on the collegiate stage with a 10.75-second NCAA record in the 100 metres, combining explosive acceleration with a fearless personality and a distinctive style that made her impossible to ignore.

She was young, confident and unapologetically herself.

But the road to becoming a champion was about to become far more complicated than anyone could have imagined.

In 2021, Richardson won the women’s 100m at the U.S. Olympic Trials in 10.86 seconds and appeared set for her Olympic debut.

Then everything changed.

A positive test for THC resulted in a one-month suspension, which ultimately ruled her out of the Tokyo Olympic 100m. USADA confirmed that Richardson accepted the sanction, which began on June 28, 2021.

The episode came at an especially difficult moment in her life. Richardson had publicly spoken about grieving the death of her biological mother and the emotional circumstances surrounding that period.

For an athlete who had seemed destined for Olympic glory, Tokyo became a painful chapter instead.

But it did not become the final chapter.

Richardson returned to the track with something to prove — not simply to the critics, but to herself.

The comeback became a championship story

In 2023, Richardson transformed her comeback into one of the defining performances of her career.

At the World Championships in Budapest, she won the 100m world title in 10.65 seconds, setting a championship record and defeating a field that included some of the greatest sprinters of her generation. World Athletics lists 10.65 as Richardson’s legal personal best, recorded on August 21, 2023.

She did not stop there.

Richardson also helped the United States win the women’s 4x100m relay gold in Budapest, adding another world title to a season that had completely changed the narrative surrounding her career.

The teenager who had once been celebrated for her raw talent was now a world champion.

Paris brought Olympic medals

A year later, Richardson arrived at the Paris 2024 Olympics carrying expectations of another major championship performance.

She delivered.

Richardson won silver in the individual 100m and then anchored the United States to gold in the women’s 4x100m relay. World Athletics records her as an Olympic champion and Olympic silver medallist.

The Olympic gold was particularly significant.

After missing Tokyo, Richardson had returned to the biggest stage in the sport and left Paris as an Olympic champion.

Her journey had gone from disappointment to the highest step of the podium.

2026: Still winning, still evolving

Richardson's story continued into 2026, and she closed the season in emphatic fashion at ATHLOS London.

On September 18 at StoneX Stadium, she won the 100m in 10.80 seconds with no wind assistance, finishing well clear of New Zealand's Zoe Hobbs, who ran 11.19. The performance was also an ATHLOS meeting record.

It was another reminder that Richardson remains one of the defining personalities of modern sprinting.

But the most compelling part of her journey cannot be measured entirely in seconds.

It is the evolution behind the performances.

The young sprinter who entered the global spotlight with enormous confidence has experienced public criticism, disappointment, grief, triumph and the enormous pressure that comes with being one of the world's most recognizable athletes.

Through it all, she has continued to shape her identity on her own terms.

Her story is no longer simply about speed.

It is about resilience, reinvention and the ability to return after a moment that could have permanently changed the direction of a career.

From a teenage sensation running 10.75 to a world champion running 10.65.

From missing the Tokyo Olympics to winning Olympic gold in Paris.

From one of the most difficult periods of her young career to becoming an established global sprint star.

Sha’Carri Richardson did not simply return to the track.

She returned with a different perspective, a bigger résumé and a story that belongs to her.

And perhaps that is the most powerful transformation of all: not becoming someone different, but growing into a stronger version of the person she always wanted to be.

Kenya’s Agnes Jebet Ngetich has added another remarkable chapter to the country’s extraordinary half-marathon history, breaking the women-only world half-marathon record in Copenhagen on Sunday, September 20, 2026.

Ngetich clocked 1:05:15 to win the women’s half marathon at the World Athletics Road Running Championships, lowering the previous women-only world record of 1:05:16 set by fellow Kenyan Peres Jepchirchir in Gdynia, Poland, in 2020.

Jepchirchir originally established the record on October 17, 2020, when she won the World Athletics Half Marathon Championships in Gdynia in 1:05:16. That performance came just weeks after she had first broken the women-only record in Prague with 1:05:34 on September 5, 2020.

Five years later, Ngetich finally moved the mark forward—but by the narrowest possible margin.

The Copenhagen race also provides an intriguing statistical contrast between the two record-breaking performances. Their final times are separated by only one second, yet their races unfolded in noticeably different ways.

Ngetich attacked from the beginning, passing the opening 5km in 15:12. She then maintained remarkable consistency, reaching the next 5km in 15:27, followed by 15:38 and 15:39 for the subsequent 5km segments. With the final section covered in 3:19, she stopped the clock at 1:05:15.

Jepchirchir’s 2020 record followed a different rhythm. She passed the corresponding stages in 15:20, 15:27, 15:37 and 15:40, before producing a dramatically faster final section of 2:36 to complete her historic run in 1:05:16.

The split comparison highlights the contrasting ways in which the two Kenyans reached almost identical finishing times. Ngetich established her advantage early and maintained it through the middle kilometres, while Jepchirchir gradually built her race and delivered a particularly powerful closing section.

That is what makes the comparison so fascinating. Ngetich’s 1:05:15 and Jepchirchir’s 1:05:16 were produced five years apart, in different races and under different circumstances, yet the two performances sit almost perfectly together in the record books.

The split comparison is not a direct race between the two athletes, but rather a look back at how two Kenyan champions produced historic performances through contrasting pacing strategies. Ngetich’s performance was built on an exceptionally fast opening and sustained consistency, while Jepchirchir’s record was characterized by a stronger acceleration toward the finish.

For Jepchirchir, the 1:05:16 in Gdynia represented a defining moment in 2020. For Ngetich, the 1:05:15 in Copenhagen marked the moment she finally moved that record forward.

One second separates them. Five years separate the performances. Together, the two times provide a striking statistical snapshot of two historic Kenyan half-marathons.

The women’s 800 metres has produced one of the most compelling storylines of the 2026 athletics season, with extraordinary times, fierce rivalries and a remarkable emergence that has transformed the event into one of the most closely followed races on the track.

At the centre of it all has been Switzerland’s Audrey Werro, who turned an already competitive event into a breathtaking display of speed and consistency. Werro finished the outdoor season unbeaten and established herself as one of the leading forces over two laps.

Her breakthrough reached another level in Stockholm in June, when she ran 1:53.98 to become only the third woman in history to break 1:54. She later improved to 1:53.80 in Paris before producing an astonishing 1:53.70 in Zurich in August. That performance moved her to third on the all-time list, behind only Jarmila Kratochvilova and Nadezhda Olizarenko.

Yet Werro was not the only athlete rewriting the story of the event.

Britain’s Keely Hodgkinson began the year in spectacular fashion by breaking the world indoor 800m record with 1:54.87 in Liévin. She followed that with victory at the World Indoor Championships, winning the title in a championship record of 1:55.30.

Hodgkinson also produced one of the season’s most memorable outdoor races when she ran 1:54.33 in Stockholm, finishing behind Werro but setting a British record and recording one of the fastest 800m performances ever run by a non-winner. The two athletes pushed each other deep into territory rarely seen in the event.

Then came one of the most unexpected developments of the season: Femke Broeders-Bol’s transformation.

The Dutch star, already a two-time world champion in the 400m hurdles, made the switch to the 800m in 2026 and rapidly established herself among the world’s best. What initially looked like an ambitious experiment quickly became a genuine championship challenge.

Broeders-Bol ran 1:55.54 to take bronze behind Werro and Hodgkinson at the European Championships in Birmingham, matching the Dutch record. She later improved to 1:54.71 in Zurich, becoming one of the fastest women in history at the distance.

The European final provided another glimpse of just how deep the event had become. Werro won in a championship-record 1:54.81, Hodgkinson followed in 1:55.01, while Broeders-Bol took third in 1:55.54.

Their rivalry continued into the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest, where the three again shared the spotlight. Werro produced another controlled performance to win the final in 1:55.88, ahead of Hodgkinson in 1:56.26 and Broeders-Bol in 1:56.74.

What made the 2026 women’s 800m particularly remarkable was not simply the number of fast times, but the different storylines unfolding at the same time. Werro’s explosive rise, Hodgkinson’s record-breaking indoor campaign and championship pedigree, and Broeders-Bol’s extraordinary transition from the 400m hurdles created a three-way battle that repeatedly produced world-class racing.

And behind them was an increasingly deep field, making the event far more than a contest between three athletes. With multiple runners capable of breaking two minutes and pushing the leaders, every major championship race carried the possibility of another breakthrough.

For Werro, 2026 became the year she moved from emerging talent to a dominant outdoor force. For Hodgkinson, it was another season of record-breaking performances and championship experience. And for Broeders-Bol, it was the beginning of an entirely new chapter.

Together, they made the women’s 800m one of the defining events of the 2026 season — a year in which records fell, rivalries intensified and the two-lap race produced drama almost every time the gun went off.

The United States enjoyed a remarkable day at the 2026 World Athletics Road Running Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark, securing team medals in both the men’s and women’s half marathon competitions.

The American men claimed bronze in the team standings, while the women produced a historic performance to win silver and secure Team USA’s first-ever women’s team medal at the World Road Running Championships.

Leading the way for the American men was Conner Mantz, who finished 12th individually in 1:00:08, clocking a season’s best to spearhead the American challenge over the 21.1-kilometre distance.

For Mantz, the performance carried added significance as he continues his comeback from injury. His 1:00:08 season’s best provided a strong return to championship-level competition and an important tune-up as he prepares to take on the New York City Marathon in November.

Mantz’s performance also proved crucial to Team USA’s team medal effort, with his 12th-place finish providing the foundation for the Americans to secure bronze in the men’s standings.

Ahmed Muhumed followed closely in 13th place, crossing the finish line in 1:00:15. The performance marked a significant breakthrough for Muhumed, who lowered his previous best by 48 seconds in a major championship setting.

Wesley Kiptoo completed the American scoring trio, placing 23rd in 1:01:11. Kiptoo also produced a season’s best, contributing another important performance to the United States’ team effort.

The combined performances of Mantz, Muhumed and Kiptoo were enough to place the United States third in the men’s team standings, securing a hard-earned bronze medal in Copenhagen.

For Muhumed, the race was one of the biggest breakthroughs of the day, with his 1:00:15 representing a 48-second improvement on his previous best. Kiptoo’s season-best 1:01:11 further strengthened the American challenge and helped convert three individual performances into a place on the global podium.

On the women’s side, Team USA made history by placing three athletes inside the top seven, earning its first-ever women’s team medal at the World Road Running Championships.

Emma Grace Hurley led the American women with a sensational fifth-place finish in 1:06:23. The performance was a huge personal best, taking more than a minute off her previous best of 1:07:35 and moving her to No. 3 on the U.S. all-time half marathon list.

Hurley also finished as the first American across the line, delivering one of the standout performances of the championship for the United States.

Weini Kelati Frezghi followed in sixth place, clocking 1:06:35 and ensuring that Team USA had two athletes inside the top six. Jessica McClain completed the scoring trio in seventh, stopping the clock at 1:06:53.

McClain’s performance represented another major breakthrough. She entered Copenhagen with a half marathon personal best of 1:08:37 but improved that mark by nearly two minutes, producing a remarkable 1:06:53 and moving to No. 6 on the U.S. all-time list.

With Hurley, Kelati Frezghi and McClain all finishing inside the top seven, the American women combined their individual performances to secure a historic team silver medal.

The achievement gave Team USA a remarkable double podium finish in the half marathon team competitions, with the men taking bronze and the women claiming silver.

Beyond the medals, Copenhagen provided a showcase of individual breakthroughs for the American distance runners. Hurley moved into the top three on the U.S. all-time list, while McClain made an equally significant leap into sixth, as Mantz added another season’s best during his return from injury.

For Mantz, the Copenhagen race now serves as an important stepping stone toward the New York City Marathon in November, giving him a competitive test and a confidence-building performance as he continues his return to top-level racing.

It was a memorable championship outing for Team USA, with strong individual performances translating into two team medals and a landmark first for the American women at the World Road Running Championships.

Sweden’s Andreas Almgren produced a breathtaking finish on the streets of Copenhagen, unleashing a perfectly timed late surge to win the men’s half marathon title at the 2026 World Athletics Road Running Championships in 58:06.

The Swedish star waited patiently through the decisive stages of the race before making his move with roughly 200 metres remaining, accelerating away from the field and producing a devastating sprint down the final straight.

Nicholas Kipkorir had controlled much of the race, dictating the pace and keeping the leading contenders under pressure. Almgren, however, remained close throughout, carefully conserving enough energy for the moment that would ultimately decide the world title.

When the race entered its final stretch, Almgren made his move. The Swede surged hard over the final 200 metres and then outsprinted Kipkorir over the last 100 metres, powering clear to cross the line first in 58:06.

The performance was not only enough to secure the gold medal but also delivered an Area Record, adding another extraordinary achievement to Almgren’s rapidly growing list of accomplishments.

His winning time makes the victory even more significant in the history of the championships. Almgren becomes the first non-African world half marathon champion since Italy’s Stefano Baldini in 1996, ending a remarkable 30-year period in which athletes from Africa had dominated the global title.

For much of the race, Kipkorir appeared to have control, but Almgren refused to be separated from the Kenyan. His patience proved decisive as the race entered its final kilometres, allowing him to remain within striking distance before producing the acceleration that ultimately settled the contest.

Behind the leading pair, Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei endured a gruelling battle to hold on to third position. The Olympic and world champion was pushed relentlessly in the closing stages and had to dig extremely deep to preserve his place on the podium. Despite the intense pressure from the athletes behind him, Cheptegei held firm to secure the bronze medal in a personal best of 58:26.

Ethiopia’s Tadese Worku also produced a personal best of 58:35 to finish fourth, while Kenya’s Gideon Kipkertich Rono followed in fifth in 58:57. The depth of the field was reflected by the fact that six athletes broke the 59-minute barrier, underlining the exceptional quality of the championship race.

Top 10 Men’s Half Marathon Results

1. Andreas Almgren (Sweden) — 58:06 — AR

2. Nicholas Kipkorir (Kenya) — 58:11

3. Joshua Cheptegei (Uganda) — 58:26 — PB

4. Tadese Worku (Ethiopia) — 58:35 — PB

5. Gideon Kipkertich Rono (Kenya) — 58:57

6. Hani Idriss Hersi (Djibouti) — 59:09 — NR

7. Yemaneberhan Crippa (Italy) — 59:18

8. Alex Nzioka Matata (Kenya) — 59:22

9. Daniel Simtu Ebenyo (Kenya) — 59:42 — SB

10. Othmane El Goumri (Morocco) — 59:53 — PB

The victory further strengthens Almgren’s remarkable 2026 campaign. The 58:06 performance gave the Swede an Area Record as he added the World Athletics Road Running Championships half marathon crown to his résumé, following his 10,000m triumph at the European Athletics Championships. His ability to combine sustained endurance with a devastating finishing kick once again proved decisive on the biggest stage.

For Almgren, the Copenhagen triumph also provides an intriguing glimpse ahead to his next challenge. With his New York City Marathon debut now on the horizon, the world half marathon title represents an important statement as he prepares to make the transition to the marathon. After demonstrating that he can handle the demands of championship racing over 21.1 kilometres while still possessing the speed to produce a decisive late surge, Almgren now turns his attention toward an entirely new distance.

The victory marks Almgren’s first global title, completing a remarkable transformation from European record-holder and leading continental distance runner into a world champion.

It also adds another spectacular chapter to an already outstanding 2026 season. Almgren has consistently demonstrated an exceptional combination of endurance, speed and tactical intelligence, and Copenhagen provided the perfect stage for all three qualities to come together.

With the clock showing 58:06, Almgren not only conquered the world championship field but also rewrote the European record books. His perfectly timed attack in the final 200 metres delivered Sweden a historic world road-running title and created one of the most dramatic finishes of the Copenhagen championships.

Kenya’s Agnes Jebet Ngetich produced a stunning performance in Copenhagen on Sunday, September 20, 2026, powering to women’s half marathon gold at the World Athletics Road Running Championships in a sensational 1:05:15.

Ngetich’s victory delivered far more than a global title. Her 1:05:15 surpassed the previous women-only half marathon world record of 1:05:16, putting her at the top of the record books with a performance that further underlined her growing status as one of the most formidable road runners in the world. The record remains subject to the usual ratification procedures.

What made the performance even more remarkable was the manner in which Ngetich controlled the race. The Kenyan dictated the pace across all 21.1 kilometres, taking command from the outset and never surrendering her grip on the contest as she raced relentlessly towards the finish.

From the opening stages, Ngetich imposed a relentless rhythm, using the aggressive front-running style that has become one of the defining features of her racing. Rather than waiting for the decisive moments, the Kenyan took control early and forced her rivals to respond to her pace.

The performance marked another extraordinary chapter in a remarkable 2026 campaign. Ngetich had already established herself as a global champion earlier in the year, adding another major international title to a season that has continued to demonstrate her exceptional consistency and versatility.

Her strength extends well beyond the half marathon. Ngetich is already the world record-holder over 10km, having produced a breathtaking 28:46, a mark that established her as one of the fastest women ever recorded over the distance and further cemented her reputation as a dominant force on the roads.

Copenhagen therefore became another defining stage in Ngetich’s rapid rise. With her ability to sustain an extraordinary pace while racing aggressively from the front, she has developed a style that leaves little room for her competitors to settle into their own rhythm.

The Kenyan’s latest triumph also adds another prestigious global honour to her collection and strengthens her position among the leading figures of the current generation of distance running. Her performances throughout 2026 have shown remarkable range, from shorter road distances to the half marathon, while maintaining an unmistakable hunger for major titles.

By the time she crossed the finish line in Copenhagen, Ngetich had transformed another championship race into a piece of history. A world title, a women-only world record and complete control over 21.1km now stand alongside her name as she continues to build one of the most remarkable distance-running seasons of 2026.

The championship also produced a strong international top 10, with Kenya taking three of the first four places. Veronica Loleo followed Ngetich in second in 1:06:05, while Rwanda’s Florence Niyonkuru finished third in a national record of 1:06:08. Daisilah Jerono completed the Kenyan presence in the top four in 1:06:13, while the United States placed three athletes inside the top seven.

Top 10 Women’s Half Marathon Results — Copenhagen 2026

1. Agnes Jebet Ngetich (Kenya) — 1:05:15 — World Record

2. Veronica Loleo (Kenya) — 1:06:05

3. Florence Niyonkuru (Rwanda) — 1:06:08 — National Record

4. Daisilah Jerono (Kenya) — 1:06:13

5. Emma Grace Hurley (USA) — 1:06:23 — Personal Best

6. Weini Kelati Frezghi (USA) — 1:06:35

7. Jessica McClain (USA) — 1:06:53 — Personal Best

8. Ftaw Zeray (Ethiopia) — 1:07:07

9. Fatima Ezzahra Birdaha (Morocco) — 1:07:33 — National Record

10. Esther Chebet (Uganda) — 1:07:38

As Copenhagen witnessed another unforgettable chapter in women’s distance running, Ngetich emerged as the central figure of the championship. Her world-record run, backed by fearless front-running and remarkable endurance, has further elevated her place on the global stage. With the 2026 season continuing to produce historic performances, Ngetich’s latest achievement stands as another powerful reminder of Kenya’s enduring excellence in distance running.

Dawn Harper-Nelson has already experienced the highest level of success an athlete can reach. Now, years after establishing herself as one of the finest hurdlers of her generation, the American Olympic champion is carving out an equally compelling identity behind the microphone.

Harper-Nelson won the 100m hurdles gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games before returning four years later to claim silver at London 2012. Her career also produced two World Championship medals — bronze in 2011 and silver in 2017 — while her personal best of 12.37 seconds, set in London in 2012, remains a defining mark of her distinguished career.

But her influence on athletics did not end when she stepped away from competitive sport.

In recent years, Harper-Nelson has successfully moved into broadcasting, presenting and athlete-focused media work, bringing with her something that cannot simply be learned in a studio: first-hand experience of competing under immense pressure on the world's biggest stages.

Her transition into media gained further momentum after she worked as an analyst during NBCUniversal's coverage of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, becoming part of an Emmy-winning broadcast team. She has also worked with USA Track & Field in roles including press moderator, emcee and broadcaster, extending her connection with the sport beyond the competition arena.

That experience has become particularly visible at some of athletics' newest and most ambitious events.

At the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest, Harper-Nelson served as an infield host throughout the three-day competition. World Athletics introduced the event with an emphasis on modern presentation, athlete storytelling and a television-focused experience, making the role of hosts and broadcasters increasingly important in connecting athletes with audiences.

Harper-Nelson was also involved in the championship's innovative pre-event programme, The Day Before, where athletes took part in interviews, content creation and other media opportunities ahead of the competition. Her presence alongside figures such as World Athletics President Sebastian Coe and Olympic sprint legend Usain Bolt underlined the experience she now brings to major athletics productions.

Her connection with ATHLOS has provided another prominent platform. The women's track and field series has developed a presentation style that combines elite competition with entertainment and athlete-focused storytelling, and Harper-Nelson has become one of the recognizable voices helping bring that experience to audiences. She previously hosted ATHLOS's long-jump competition in New York and has continued her association with the event as it expanded internationally to London in 2026.

What makes Harper-Nelson's media career particularly interesting is the perspective she carries from her own competitive journey. She knows the nerves before a major final, the pressure of championship competition, the disappointment of falling short and the discipline required to return stronger.

That background allows her to approach athlete conversations from a position of genuine understanding. Rather than simply describing what happens on the track, she can draw on her own experiences to explore the emotions, preparation and personal stories behind the performances.

Her evolution also reflects a wider change in modern athletics, where former champions are increasingly becoming storytellers, analysts, presenters and ambassadors for the sport. The ability to communicate an athlete's personality and explain the significance of a performance has become an important part of how major competitions reach new audiences.

For Harper-Nelson, the journey from the starting line to the broadcast platform has therefore been more than a career change. It has been a continuation of her relationship with athletics — only this time, she is helping tell the stories rather than creating them through her own performances.

From Olympic champion to accomplished broadcaster and event host, Dawn Harper-Nelson is showing that an athlete's influence does not have to end when the competitive career does. Her second chapter is giving her a new way to remain at the heart of the sport she once dominated on the track.

Eritrea’s Dawit Seare produced a sensational performance on Saturday, September 19, 2026, to claim the men’s 5km world title at the World Athletics Road Running Championships in Copenhagen, defeating Norway’s Olympic champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen in a dramatic battle that went down to the final metres.

Seare crossed the finish line in a national record of 12:56, with Ingebrigtsen taking silver in a Norwegian record of 12:59. Eritrea completed a remarkable double podium as Saymon Amanuel secured bronze in a personal best of 13:00.

The closing stages produced an extraordinary finish as Seare and Ingebrigtsen engaged in a fierce battle for the world title. With just 150 metres remaining, the lead changed hands three times, underlining the intensity of the contest. Ingebrigtsen briefly surged ahead and appeared to have taken control, but Seare responded with another gear, powering past the Norwegian before the finish line.

The Eritrean’s decisive acceleration carried him to victory by three seconds, turning what had been a tightly contested race into a remarkable championship triumph. Seare held his composure under immense pressure and produced the strongest finish when it mattered most.

The race had featured a large leading group through much of the early stages before the pace intensified approaching the final kilometres. As the runners entered the decisive phase, Seare remained firmly in contention, positioning himself perfectly for the battle that would ultimately determine the world champion.

For Seare, the victory adds another major achievement to an impressive 2026 season. Having already established himself as the African 5,000m champion, he has now transferred that success to the roads by securing a world title in Copenhagen.

Ingebrigtsen was forced to settle for silver despite producing a national record of his own. The Norwegian’s late surge demonstrated his determination to control the race, but Seare’s response in the final metres proved decisive in one of the closest and most dramatic finishes of the championships.

Eritrea’s success was made even more remarkable by Amanuel’s bronze medal. His 13:00 personal best ensured that two Eritrean athletes stood on the podium, giving the country both gold and bronze in a memorable men’s 5km championship race.

Australia’s Ky Robinson also delivered an outstanding performance, finishing fourth in 13:04 to set an Oceanian record. Uganda’s Keneth Kiprop matched the time in fifth, while Ethiopia placed two athletes inside the top seven through Addisu Yihune and Mezgebu Sime.

Kenya’s Mathew Kipchumba Kipsang finished eighth in 13:11, followed by Burundi’s Egide Ntakarutimana in ninth and South Africa’s Maxime Chaumeton in 10th.

Men’s 5km Top 10 Results

1. Dawit Seare — Eritrea — 12:56 NR

2. Jakob Ingebrigtsen — Norway — 12:59 NR

3. Saymon Amanuel — Eritrea — 13:00 PB

4. Ky Robinson — Australia — 13:04 AR

5. Keneth Kiprop — Uganda — 13:04 PB

6. Addisu Yihune — Ethiopia — 13:07

7. Mezgebu Sime — Ethiopia — 13:08 SB

8. Mathew Kipchumba Kipsang — Kenya — 13:11 SB

9. Egide Ntakarutimana — Burundi — 13:12 PB

10. Maxime Chaumeton — South Africa — 13:13

Seare’s victory capped an unforgettable finish in Copenhagen, where three changes of the lead in the final 150 metres set up a dramatic showdown. In the end, the Eritrean produced the crucial final surge to deny Ingebrigtsen and claim a historic world 5km title in a national-record 12:56.

ATHLOS London brought the 2026 athletics season to a spectacular conclusion at StoneX Stadium, with a collection of global stars delivering standout performances across the sprints and middle-distance events.

Among the biggest winners was Klaudia Kazimierska, who continued her extraordinary late-season run by claiming the women’s mile title in 4:19.43.

The Polish middle-distance star produced a powerful finishing kick to edge Britain’s Georgia Hunter Bell, who finished second in 4:19.54, while Kenya’s Dorcus Ewoi secured third in 4:19.84.

The victory completed a remarkable sequence for Kazimierska, who has now captured three major titles in succession. Her ATHLOS London triumph followed victories at the Diamond League Final and the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship, giving her a remarkable finish to the 2026 season.

Kazimierska was not the only athlete to leave London with a major title, however, as Keely Hodgkinson produced a dominant performance to successfully defend her ATHLOS London 800m crown.

The British star took command from the opening stages and controlled the race from the front, building a substantial advantage before powering across the line in 1:56.40.

Her performance established a new ATHLOS London meeting record, with Hodgkinson finishing more than two seconds ahead of Switzerland’s Valentina Rosamilia, who ran 1:58.75. France’s Rénelle Lamote was third in 2:00.15.

American Juliette Whittaker finished fourth in 2:00.46, Ireland’s Sophie O’Sullivan was fifth in 2:00.53, and American Raevyn Rogers completed the field in 2:01.12.

The victory provided Hodgkinson with a powerful ending to a turbulent outdoor campaign that had included a canal accident and a hamstring injury, alongside silver-medal finishes at the European Championships and the World Athletics Ultimate Championship.

She also attracted attention with her specially designed Nike racing suit, a futuristic full-length black hooded design with an open back, created with mobility and aerodynamics in mind, complemented by Nike sunglasses.

The sprint programme added even more star power to the night with Sha’Carri Richardson producing a meeting-record performance of her own in the women’s 100m.

Richardson stormed to victory in 10.80 seconds, with no wind assistance, to take the ATHLOS London title. New Zealand’s Zoe Hobbs finished second in 11.19, while American Anavia Battle claimed third in 11.25.

Britain’s Imani Lansiquot crossed fourth in 11.35, narrowly ahead of compatriot Daryll Neita, who clocked 11.36, while Canada’s Sade McCreath finished sixth in 11.47.

The American sprint success continued in the women’s 200m, where Gabby Thomas added another major title to her collection with a composed victory in 22.13 seconds.

Thomas held off fellow Americans Kayla White and Anavia Battle in a tightly contested final. White finished second in 22.40, while Battle, who had already secured third in the 100m, completed another podium appearance by taking bronze in 22.43.

Thomas’s victory further highlighted the depth of American sprinting at ATHLOS London, as the Olympic and world-level star produced another big-stage performance to close out her season with the 200m crown.

With Richardson and Thomas dominating the sprint headlines, Hodgkinson controlling the 800m and Kazimierska producing another decisive victory over the mile, ATHLOS London delivered an evening packed with major champions and fast performances.

For Kazimierska, the night completed an extraordinary run of three consecutive major titles. For Hodgkinson, it was a statement finish in front of her home crowd. Richardson and Thomas, meanwhile, ensured the American sprint contingent also left London with major victories.

ATHLOS London therefore closed the 2026 season in emphatic fashion, with several of the sport’s biggest names providing performances that will stand among the memorable moments of the year.

Ethiopia’s Likina Amebaw produced another outstanding performance on the global stage on Saturday, September 19, 2026, winning the women’s 5km title at the World Athletics Road Running Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Amebaw stormed to gold in 14:41, adding another global title to her remarkable season just six days after winning the women’s 5000m at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest.

The Ethiopian distance star once again demonstrated her ability to deliver when it matters most, producing a commanding performance over the fast Copenhagen course to claim the world 5km road title.

Kenya’s Caroline Makandi Gitonga delivered a brilliant performance to secure the silver medal in 14:48, giving Kenya a place on the global podium. Gitonga stayed firmly in contention throughout the race before crossing the finish line just seven seconds behind the newly crowned champion.

Australia’s Rose Davies completed the podium in 14:50, taking bronze and setting an Australian area record in an impressive display of front-running and determination.

The result also saw several athletes produce notable performances behind the leading trio, with Marta Garcia recording 14:59, Georgia Griffith running 15:01, Samiya Hassan Nour finishing in 15:04, Hannah Gapes clocking 15:06 and Hannah Nuttall stopping the clock at 15:08, while Mirriam Cherop followed in 15:09 and Allie Ostrander in 15:10.

With two global titles secured within just six days, Likina Amebaw has turned an extraordinary week into a defining chapter of her 2026 season.

Women’s 5km Top 10 Results — Copenhagen 2026

1. Likina Amebaw — Ethiopia — 14:41

2. Caroline Makandi Gitonga — Kenya — 14:48

3. Rose Davies — Australia — 14:50 — Area Record

4. Marta Garcia — Spain — 14:59 — PB

5. Georgia Griffith — Australia — 15:01 — PB

6. Samiya Hassan Nour — Djibouti — 15:04

7. Hannah Gapes — Australia — 15:06 — PB

8. Hannah Nuttall — Great Britain — 15:08 — PB

9. Mirriam Cherop — Kenya — 15:09 — PB

10. Allie Ostrander — USA — 15:10 — PB

The Copenhagen race was fiercely contested, with the leading athletes pushing the pace over the flat and fast 5km course. Amebaw, however, had the strength to separate herself from her rivals and hold on for another major championship victory.

What makes her achievement even more remarkable is the short turnaround between her two titles. Winning a world 5000m championship in Budapest and returning only six days later to triumph over 5km on the roads of Copenhagen is a remarkable demonstration of endurance, recovery and championship racing ability.

For Ethiopia, Amebaw’s victory adds another major international success to a season already filled with impressive performances. For Kenya, Gitonga’s silver medal provides another strong result on the world stage and confirms her ability to compete among the best road runners in the world.

With two global titles secured within just six days, Likina Amebaw has turned an extraordinary week into a defining chapter of her 2026 season.

France’s Agathe Guillemot produced a breathtaking final surge to claim the women’s mile title at the 2026 World Athletics Road Running Championships in Copenhagen, securing the first individual global championship gold medal of her career.

Guillemot remained composed through the early stages of a tightly contested race, staying within the leading group as the athletes patiently waited for the decisive moments. Rather than committing too early, the Frenchwoman conserved her energy and positioned herself perfectly for the closing stages.

As the race entered its dramatic final phase, Guillemot unleashed a powerful acceleration that immediately changed the complexion of the contest. Her devastating finishing speed carried her away from her rivals, allowing her to cross the line in 4:22.74 and celebrate a memorable world championship triumph.

The victory was made even more remarkable by the quality of the performance. Guillemot’s winning time was a world-leading mark and a European record, taking almost half a second off the previous European record and moving her to fourth on the world all-time list.

Ethiopia’s Freweyni Hailu delivered another strong championship performance to secure the silver medal in 4:24.35. Hailu remained firmly in contention throughout the race, but she was unable to respond to Guillemot’s explosive finishing burst. It was Hailu’s second consecutive silver medal at the World Road Running Championships after also finishing runner-up in the inaugural edition in Riga in 2023.

For Kenya, Mirriam Cherop produced a performance full of determination and patience to capture the bronze medal in 4:25.71, returning to the global podium eight years after her breakthrough on the world junior stage.

Cherop first announced herself as a major international talent at the 2018 World U20 Championships in Tampere, Finland, where she won silver in the women’s 1500m in 4:10.73. She finished behind Ethiopia’s Alemaz Samuel, with Switzerland’s Delia Sclabas taking bronze.

Now, eight years later, Cherop has added a senior global medal to that junior silver, completing a remarkable journey from the junior podium in Tampere to the senior podium in Copenhagen.

Her bronze in Copenhagen was also a season’s best, underlining the quality of her performance against a world-class field. Cherop remained in medal contention deep into the race before holding her position through the decisive final stages.

The Copenhagen race was a tactical battle for much of the distance, with the leading athletes refusing to make a decisive move too early. The pack stayed closely bunched through 800 metres before the race began to unravel in the closing stages.

Guillemot’s patience ultimately proved decisive. With little more than 20 seconds of racing remaining, the Frenchwoman moved to the front and accelerated hard, quickly creating daylight between herself and the chasing group.

Behind her, Hailu secured silver while Cherop fought her way to bronze, giving Kenya another moment to celebrate on the world stage.

The result represents another important chapter in Cherop’s career. From a World U20 silver medal in Tampere in 2018 to a senior World Road Running Championships bronze in Copenhagen in 2026, eight years have separated two global podium appearances — but the determination to remain among the best has endured.

For Guillemot, meanwhile, Copenhagen provided the perfect ending to a demanding season. The Frenchwoman had already competed at major championships and international meetings across track, cross country and road racing before producing her biggest moment of the year on the streets of Copenhagen.

The home crowd also had reason to celebrate as Denmark’s Annemarie Nissen finished fourth in a personal best of 4:26.78, while Kenya’s Naomi Korir followed in fifth with another personal best of 4:29.15.

In the end, Guillemot’s perfectly timed attack delivered France a world champion, Hailu claimed another global silver, and Cherop completed a remarkable eight-year journey back to the world podium.

From junior silver in Tampere to senior bronze in Copenhagen, Mirriam Cherop’s story has entered another memorable chapter — and Kenya once again has a global medal to celebrate.

Women’s Road Mile Top 5 — Copenhagen 2026

1. Agathe Guillemot (France) — 4:22.74 — World Lead, European Record

2. Freweyni Hailu (Ethiopia) — 4:24.35 — Season Best

3. Mirriam Cherop (Kenya) — 4:25.71 — Season Best

4. Annemarie Nissen (Denmark) — 4:26.78 — Personal Best

5. Naomi Korir (Kenya) — 4:29.15 — Personal Best

The women’s mile in Copenhagen delivered a compelling championship race, combining tactical patience, a dramatic late surge and a closely contested battle for the medals. Agathe Guillemot’s decisive finish secured the world title, Freweyni Hailu added another global silver to her résumé, while Mirriam Cherop completed the podium after a determined performance. With a world-leading time, a European record and a tightly fought medal battle, the race provided a memorable highlight of the World Athletics Road Running Championships.

Germany’s Robert Farken gave himself an unforgettable early birthday present in Copenhagen on Saturday, producing a devastating late surge to win the men’s Road Mile title at the World Athletics Road Running Championships.

Just one day before his birthday, Farken stormed to victory in a world-leading 3:51.80, timing his finishing move to perfection to edge American star Yared Nuguse in a thrilling battle over the closing stages.

The victory was not only a global road-running title for Farken but also a German road mile record, underlining the quality of his performance on the streets of Copenhagen.

Farken remained composed as the leading contenders battled for position, refusing to make his decisive move too early. With the finish approaching, the German unleashed his acceleration at exactly the right moment, opening a crucial gap on Nuguse and powering through the final metres to secure gold.

Nuguse, one of the leading contenders in the field, produced a season’s best of 3:52.33 to take the silver medal. The American remained in contention deep into the race but could not match Farken’s final burst.

Luxembourg’s Ruben Querinjean completed the podium in 3:52.83, adding another impressive chapter to his national record. His performance ensured that Luxembourg also left Copenhagen with a record-breaking result.

The victory marked a memorable moment for Farken, who turned the eve of his birthday into a celebration of global road-running success. Rather than waiting for the cake and celebrations, the German middle-distance specialist delivered his present on the road — a world title and a record-breaking performance.

The race also featured two Kenyan athletes. Brian Komen finished 14th, while Kyumbe Munguti placed 25th as the Kenyan representatives battled through a fiercely contested international field.

Men’s Road Mile Results

1. Robert Farken — Germany — 3:51.80

2. Yared Nuguse — USA — 3:52.33

3. Ruben Querinjean — Luxembourg — 3:52.83

Farken’s performance provided a fitting start to his birthday weekend. With the field separated by fractions of a second and the title ultimately decided by the final acceleration, the German showed remarkable patience before producing the decisive move when it mattered most.

One day before turning another year older, Farken had already given himself a gift that will be difficult to forget — world road mile gold in Copenhagen and a world-leading 3:51.80.

Australian youngster Cameron Myers may have taken an important step toward establishing himself among the next generation of 1500m stars after sharing the track with world-record holder Josh Kerr at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest.

Myers arrived at the high-profile race with plenty of promise already surrounding his name, but competing directly against one of the world's leading middle-distance runners offered him a different kind of test. Rather than being intimidated by the occasion, the young Australian embraced the challenge and showed that he is willing to measure himself against the very best.

As the race entered its decisive stages, Myers remained firmly in contention. With 200 metres remaining, he believed he had a genuine opportunity to challenge Kerr, setting the stage for a dramatic finish between experience and emerging talent.

However, Kerr demonstrated exactly why he has established himself at the top of the event. When the race reached its final 60 metres, the British star unleashed his trademark finishing speed and began to pull away, ultimately denying Myers the chance to fight for victory all the way to the line.

For Myers, though, the significance of the race went beyond the final result. The experience gave him a valuable glimpse of the level he hopes to reach in the coming years and, perhaps more importantly, strengthened his belief that he can eventually compete with athletes of Kerr's calibre.

“It was exciting to race him. He was just too strong and that shows why he is a world record holder. I think that's where I want to go in the future,” Myers said.

Those words underline the ambition of an athlete who is still at the beginning of his senior journey. Instead of viewing Kerr's late surge simply as a defeat, Myers appeared to see it as a lesson — a first-hand demonstration of the strength, confidence and finishing ability required to succeed at the highest level.

The Australian now knows exactly what separates him from one of the world's elite 1500m runners. That knowledge could prove invaluable as he continues to develop, gain experience and sharpen his own finishing speed.

Myers' journey is therefore one worth watching closely. He has already shown that he is prepared to line up alongside established champions, and his willingness to learn from those encounters could become one of the defining features of his progression.

For now, Josh Kerr remains the benchmark Myers wants to reach. But if the young Australian continues developing at his current trajectory, today's challenger could eventually become tomorrow's target for the rest of the 1500m field.

Cameron Myers has already seen the level he wants to reach. The next chapter will be about closing the gap.

Some rivalries create champions. Others change an entire sport.

For Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Dalilah Muhammad, their extraordinary rivalry did both.

As Muhammad took the final 400m hurdles race of her remarkable career at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship Budapest 26, McLaughlin-Levrone paid tribute to the woman who helped push her to another level — not only as a competitor, but as one of the athletes who helped redefine what was possible in the event.

“Dalilah, you truly did just change the game for all of us.”

Those words carry particular weight because few athletes understand Muhammad’s impact better than McLaughlin-Levrone.

Their rivalry became one of the defining stories of modern women’s athletics. In 2019, Muhammad broke a world record that had stood for almost 16 years, clocking 52.20 seconds at the US Championships. Later that year, she lowered it again to 52.16 while winning the world title in Doha, with McLaughlin-Levrone finishing second in 52.23.

But Sydney was not content to simply chase Muhammad.

She kept coming.

At the Tokyo Olympics, McLaughlin-Levrone broke the world record with 51.46 seconds to win gold, while Muhammad followed closely in 51.58. Their performances demonstrated how dramatically the event had evolved in just a few years.

McLaughlin-Levrone continued to push the limits, eventually taking the world record down to 50.68 seconds in 2022 before producing an astonishing 50.37 at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Yet behind those numbers was something more meaningful than a succession of records.

There was respect.

Muhammad had established a standard that forced McLaughlin-Levrone to chase something greater, while McLaughlin-Levrone’s rise helped create another level of competition for everyone following them.

That is the essence of “iron sharpens iron.”

One athlete pushes.

The other responds.

And the sport moves forward.

Their relationship also extended beyond individual competition. They represented the United States together and shared Olympic success as teammates, including the American women’s 4x400m relay gold medal at Tokyo 2020.

Now, years after their most memorable battles, Muhammad has taken her final bow.

At the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest, the former Olympic champion and world record-holder finished fourth in 53.11 seconds, just 0.02 behind fellow American Anna Cockrell.

Jasmine Jones won the title in a season-best 52.45 seconds, with Emma Zapletalová taking second in 52.68 and Cockrell finishing third in 53.09.

For Jones, the victory represented the biggest breakthrough of her career. After finishing fourth at the Paris 2024 Olympics and claiming silver at the 2025 World Championships, she finally reached the top of a major international podium.

And there was something particularly fitting about Muhammad sharing her final race with an athlete from a younger generation.

The baton was not literally being passed, but the symbolism was impossible to miss.

Muhammad helped establish a new standard.

McLaughlin-Levrone took that standard even higher.

And now athletes such as Jones are beginning to write their own stories in an event transformed by those who came before them.

For Muhammad, the legacy goes far beyond medals and world records. She became one of the defining figures in the history of the women’s 400m hurdles, helping elevate the event through years of extraordinary competition.

That is why McLaughlin-Levrone’s tribute feels so much bigger than a farewell.

“Thank you for pushing me and so many others to be better. A true competitor in every sense of the word!!”

There was a time when Sydney was chasing Dalilah.

Then Sydney became the athlete everyone else had to chase.

But their story was never simply about one athlete replacing another. It was about competition creating excellence — about two extraordinary athletes raising the standard until the impossible began to look achievable.

Muhammad pushed the door open.

McLaughlin-Levrone ran through it.

And now a new generation is stepping forward.

As Muhammad leaves the track for the final time, the records will remain in the history books and the medals will become part of her remarkable legacy. But perhaps her greatest contribution will be found in the athletes she inspired, challenged and helped make better.

One pushed.

One answered.

Both changed the game.

That is what iron sharpens iron truly means.

And for one unforgettable era, Dalilah Muhammad and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone showed the world exactly what happens when two great competitors refuse to let each other settle for ordinary.

The stage is set for a spectacular men’s half marathon at the World Athletics Road Running Championships Copenhagen 26, with some of the world’s leading distance runners preparing to battle for global honours on Sunday, September 20.

Kenya’s Nicholas Kipkorir headlines the field with a remarkable personal best of 58:08, the fastest mark among the athletes entered.

Kipkorir will face a formidable challenge from compatriot Gideon Kipkertich Rono, who owns a 58:38 personal best. Sweden’s Andreas Almgren also brings an exceptional 58:41 to the start line, while Ethiopia’s Tadese Worku has a 58:59 personal best.

Italy’s Yemaneberhan Crippa adds another major name to the field with a national record of 59:01, while Kenya’s Daniel Simiu Ebenyo enters with a 59:04 personal best and valuable championship experience.

Ebenyo won silver at the 2023 World Road Running Championships in Riga and will be looking to challenge for another medal in Copenhagen.

Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei will bring enormous championship pedigree to the race. The Olympic and multiple world champion has a half marathon best of 59:21, making him another athlete capable of featuring prominently in the battle for the medals.

The American challenge will be led by Conner Mantz, who owns a 59:15 personal best. France’s Etienne Daguinos, Portugal’s Samuel Barata, Ethiopia’s Bereket Nega, France’s Jimmy Gressier, Canada’s Rory Linkletter, Australia’s Jack Rayner and Morocco’s Mohamed Reda El Aaraby further strengthen an already formidable international field.

Kenya will have particular interest in the championship, with several of its leading road runners lining up against some of the best athletes from Europe, Africa, North America, Asia and Oceania.

The race will be contested over the traditional 21.0975-kilometre distance, with the elite men scheduled to start at 9:45 a.m. local time on Sunday, September 20.

Leading Athletes And Personal Bests

1. Nicholas Kipkorir (Kenya) — 58:08

2. Gideon Kipkertich Rono (Kenya) — 58:38

3. Andreas Almgren (Sweden) — 58:41

4. Tadese Worku (Ethiopia) — 58:59

5. Yemaneberhan Crippa (Italy) — 59:01

6. Daniel Simiu Ebenyo (Kenya) — 59:04

7. Alex Nzioka Matata (Kenya) — 59:11

8. Conner Mantz (USA) — 59:15

9. Joshua Cheptegei (Uganda) — 59:21

10. Etienne Daguinos (France) — 59:27

11. Samuel Barata (Portugal) — 59:40

12. Bereket Nega (Ethiopia) — 59:43

13. Jimmy Gressier (France) — 59:45

14. Rory Linkletter (Canada) — 59:49

15. Peter Lynch (Ireland) — 59:52

16. Jack Rayner (Australia) — 59:53

17. Mohamed Reda El Aaraby (Morocco) — 59:54

18. Hillary Bor (USA) — 59:55

19. Zerei Kbrom Mezngi (Norway) — 1:00:01

20. Bastien Augusto (France) — 1:00:09

21. Mande Bushendich (Uganda) — 1:00:14

22. Jack Rowe (Great Britain) — 1:00:17

23. Cameron Levins (Canada) — 1:00:18

24. Ogikubo Tomoya (Japan) — 1:00:22

25. Bayelign Teshager (Ethiopia) — 1:00:22

26. Elroy Gelant (South Africa) — 1:00:22

27. Célestin Ndikumana (Burundi) — 1:00:23

28. Said Mechaal (Spain) — 1:00:24

29. Nishizawa Yuma (Japan) — 1:00:26

30. Namiki Neo (Japan) — 1:00:29

31. Othmane El Goumri (Morocco) — 1:00:30

32. Inyasi Nicodemus Sulley (Tanzania) — 1:00:31

33. Wesley Kiptoo (USA) — 1:00:34

34. Haftu Strintzos (Australia) — 1:00:36

35. Filmon Tesfu (Netherlands) — 1:00:38

36. Mustapha Akkaoui (Morocco) — 1:00:38

With such remarkable depth, the championship could remain finely poised until the closing stages. The presence of multiple sub-59-minute runners, experienced championship performers and strong finishers sets the scene for a race in which positioning, tactics and the ability to respond to late surges could prove decisive.

For Kipkorir, Ebenyo and their Kenyan teammates, Copenhagen provides an opportunity to turn impressive personal credentials into championship medals. But with a world-class field assembled behind them, the final outcome will only be determined when the leading runners reach the finish line.

The stage is set for a spectacular women’s half marathon at the 2026 World Athletics Road Running Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark, with a deep international field ready to battle for the world title on Sunday, September 20.

The elite women’s race will begin at 9:10 a.m. local time, with the 21.0975-kilometre championship race taking runners through the streets of Copenhagen before the finish on Øster Allé.

At the head of the entry list is Kenya’s Agnes Jebet Ngetich, who brings a sensational 1:03:04 personal best into the championship. She will lead a powerful Kenyan contingent that also includes Lilian Kasait Rengeruk, whose 1:03:32 is among the fastest times ever recorded over the distance.

Ngetich has established herself as one of the leading distance runners in the world, and her combination of speed and endurance makes her one of the major names to watch when the championship race gets underway.

Rengeruk provides another formidable Kenyan threat, while Daisilah Jerono, with a 1:05:21 personal best, and Veronica Loleo, with 1:05:35, add further depth to the Kenyan line-up.

Ethiopia will also arrive with serious firepower. Tsigie Gebreselama owns a remarkable 1:04:21 personal best, while Ftaw Zeray comes into Copenhagen with a 1:05:12 lifetime best.

The battle will not be restricted to the leading African nations, however. Weini Kelati Frezghi heads the American challenge with a 1:06:04 personal best, while Esther Chebet of Uganda has run 1:06:33.

Europe will be represented by several accomplished athletes, including Slovenia’s Klara Lukan, who owns a 1:06:43 personal best, and Norway’s experienced Karoline Bjerkeli Grøvdal, whose best stands at 1:06:55.

South Africa’s Glenrose Xaba is another prominent name on the list with a 1:07:03 personal best, while Great Britain’s Samantha Harrison enters with 1:07:10.

Uganda has further depth through Rebecca Chelangat at 1:07:18, Annet Chemengich Chelangat at 1:08:12 and Rispa Cherop at 1:08:53.

The international field also includes Ethiopia’s Melat Siyoum and Baraky Redae, Rwanda’s Florence Niyonkuru and Emeline Imanizabayo, Mexico’s Laura Galván, Belgium’s Chloé Herbiet and Lisa Rooms, the United States’ Emma Grace Hurley, Ednah Kurgat, Carrie Ellwood and Jessica McClain, France’s Mekdes Woldu, Alessia Zarbo and Mélody Julien, Italy’s Sofia Yaremchuk and Elvanie Nimbona, China’s He Wuga and Liang Tiantian, and New Zealand’s Georgie Grgec.

Women’s Half Marathon Entry List

1. Agnes Jebet Ngetich — Kenya — 1:03:04

2. Lilian Kasait Rengeruk — Kenya — 1:03:32

3. Tsigie Gebreselama — Ethiopia — 1:04:21

4. Ftaw Zeray — Ethiopia — 1:05:12

5. Daisilah Jerono — Kenya — 1:05:21

6. Veronica Loleo — Kenya — 1:05:35

7. Weini Kelati Frezghi — United States — 1:06:04

8. Esther Chebet — Uganda — 1:06:33

9. Klara Lukan — Slovenia — 1:06:43

10. Karoline Bjerkeli Grøvdal — Norway — 1:06:55

11. Glenrose Xaba — South Africa — 1:07:03

12. Samantha Harrison — Great Britain — 1:07:10

13. Rebecca Chelangat — Uganda — 1:07:18

14. Melat Siyoum — Ethiopia — 1:07:21

15. Florence Niyonkuru — Rwanda — 1:07:22

16. Baraky Redae — Ethiopia — 1:07:31

17. Laura Galván — Mexico — 1:07:31

18. Chloé Herbiet — Belgium — 1:07:32

19. Emeline Imanizabayo — Rwanda — 1:07:35

20. Emma Grace Hurley — United States — 1:07:35

21. Annet Chemengich Chelangat — Uganda — 1:08:12

22. Mekdes Woldu — France — 1:08:20

23. Alessia Zarbo — France — 1:08:20

24. Ednah Kurgat — United States — 1:08:25

25. Sofia Yaremchuk — Italy — 1:08:27

26. He Wuga — China — 1:08:31

27. Liang Tiantian — China — 1:08:33

28. Carrie Ellwood — United States — 1:08:34

29. Jessica McClain — United States — 1:08:37

30. Elvanie Nimbona — Italy — 1:08:38

31. Lisa Rooms — Belgium — 1:08:40

32. Rispa Cherop — Uganda — 1:08:53

33. Georgie Grgec — New Zealand — 1:09:13

34. Mélody Julien — France — 1:09:15

With so many athletes separated by relatively small margins on paper, the championship race could develop into a fascinating tactical contest. Personal bests provide an indication of speed, but championship racing often comes down to positioning, patience and the ability to respond when the decisive moves arrive.

For Ngetich, Rengeruk, Gebreselama, Zeray and the rest of the field, the opportunity is clear: 21.0975 kilometres through Copenhagen with a world championship title waiting at the finish.

The World Athletics Road Running Championships Copenhagen 26 take place on September 19–20, with the women’s elite half marathon taking centre stage on Sunday, September 20, at 9:10 a.m.

Copenhagen is ready for a major championship showdown — and the women’s half marathon promises to be one of the highlights of the weekend.

Botswana’s Collen Kebinatshipi has made it clear that Wayde van Niekerk’s legendary 400m world record is already part of his long-term ambitions.

The 22-year-old capped a remarkable 2026 campaign in spectacular fashion at the World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest, storming to a stunning national record of 43.39 seconds to win the men’s 400m title. The performance moved him to fifth on the world all-time list and left him just 0.36 seconds behind Van Niekerk’s 43.03 world record, set at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

But for Kebinatshipi, the chase is not simply a distant dream. The Botswana star admitted after his Budapest triumph that the world record is something he regularly thinks about.

“I would be lying if I said no. Obviously it’s always running through my mind,” Kebinatshipi said.

His ambition is already shaping the way he views the next stage of his career. When asked when serious world-record discussions could become realistic, the 22-year-old pointed towards the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, suggesting that the biggest target could come into focus by then.

What makes the prospect particularly intriguing is that Kebinatshipi does not believe he has reached his physical or technical peak.

The Botswana star has identified his back straight as an area where he still wants to improve. Even after producing a sensational 43.39 in Budapest, he believes there is more work to be done, while he has also acknowledged that he is still developing physically.

That leaves an exciting question hanging over the next few seasons: how fast can Kebinatshipi become when those improvements begin to come together?

His Budapest performance was already extraordinary. He attacked the race with confidence from the opening stages, built a commanding advantage and held his form all the way to the finish to stop the clock at 43.39.

The victory capped a season in which Kebinatshipi has repeatedly demonstrated that he belongs among the world’s elite 400m runners. Before Budapest, he had already established himself as one of the most consistent performers in the event, including a 43.40 clocking in Brussels.

Then came Budapest — and an even faster performance.

His 43.39 placed him level with the legendary 43.39 recorded by Michael Johnson in 1995 and firmly established him among the fastest 400m runners in history.

And perhaps that is what makes his world-record ambition so fascinating. Kebinatshipi is not talking about chasing 43.03 from a position of uncertainty. He has already run 43.39 at just 22 years old, while openly acknowledging that there are still technical and physical areas he wants to develop.

Van Niekerk’s record has stood since August 14, 2016. For a decade, 43.03 has remained the ultimate benchmark in the one-lap event. Now, a new generation is beginning to look directly at that barrier.

Kebinatshipi is only 0.36 seconds away.

Whether the record eventually falls remains a question for the future, but one thing is already clear: 43.03 is no longer just a number in the record books for Collen Kebinatshipi — it is a target.