Running News Daily

Cherop, Negewo and Kipkemoi are set to challenge for victory in Istanbul

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Six American runners to watch in the 2024 Chicago Marathon

Excitement is building for this year’s Chicago Marathon that takes place on Sunday 13 October. Once again, a stellar field has been assembled including some of the best American runners operating today. Read on to find out which US athletes will compete in the 2024 Chicago Marathon. 

It’s been seven years since the last American was victorious in the Chicago Marathon, with Galen Rupp crowned winner of the men’s race in 2017. In the women’s race, you need to go back almost 20 years to find the last US winner, when Deena Kastor became the first female American to claim victory on the streets of Chicago in almost a decade.

But with this year’s Chicago Marathon just days away, a strong group of elite American runners will take on the challenge of the 42.195km race, bringing with them experience, pedigree and the hopes of a nation as they battle for glory on home soil.

Read on to discover the top American athletes competing in the 2024 Chicago Marathon.

Top Americans in the 2024 Chicago Marathon women’s race

Keira D’Amato

Keira D'Amato, the former fastest female American runner of all time, has an exceptional track record in long-distance events. The 39-year-old still holds the fastest US women’s time in the half marathon at 1:06:39, set in the Gold Coast, Australia in 2023, while her best in the 42.195km race is an impressive 2:19:12, which she achieved in Houston in 2022.

This year, D’Amato will have speedy support by her side, as she revealed her pacer for the Chicago Marathon will be none other than Rio 2016 Olympic 1500m gold medallist Matthew Centrowitz. Can the addition to her race-day crew catapult D’Amato to glory in the Windy City? All will be revealed on Sunday.

Betsy Saina

Born in Kenya, Betsy Saina has since received her US citizenship and will be one of the favourites to hold the title of fastest American in this year’s Chicago Marathon women’s race. Saina became a mother in 2021 but has gone from strength to strength since then, becoming the fastest female American marathoner in 2023. While her dreams of making the Olympic team for Paris 2024 were not realised, she comes into this year’s Chicago Marathon showpiece with one of the fastest times among all US runners with a personal best of 2:19:17 set at the 2024 Tokyo Marathon.

Sara Hall

A fan favourite and former American marathon record holder, Sara Hall has vast experience in elite marathon running, which includes a third-place finish in the 2021 Chicago Marathon.

Perhaps her most memorable performance was in the 2021 London Marathon where she produced a stunning all-out sprint finish to claim second-place in Britain’s capital.

At 41 years old, Hall will be among the older members of the elite field but she is showing few signs of slowing down. She finished fifth in the 2024 Olympic marathon trials and in April this year ended the Boston Marathon as the second-fastest American finisher in a time of 2:27:58.

Top Americans in the 2024 Chicago Marathon men’s race

Zach Panning

During the US marathon trials for the last Olympics, Zach Panning sent the crowd into a frenzy with a courageous run where he led from the front for almost three-quarters of the race. Panning eventually fell off the pace to finish the trials in sixth place, with only the top three nominated for the team.

However, the fearlessness of the 29-year-old, who holds a personal best of 2:09:28, makes him one of the most exciting runners in the field.

Brian Shrader

Following his 10th-place finish in the 2024 London Marathon, Brian Shrader is back on home soil hoping to impress on the streets of Chicago, where he finished 11th last year in a personal best time of 2:09:46.

While a DNF in the Olympic trials shattered Shrader’s dreams of going to Paris 2024 he enters this race with real aspirations of finishing as the top American and perhaps challenging the front-runners in the elite men’s race.

CJ Albertson

Perhaps best known for his exploits over distances that trickle into the category of ultrarunning, CJ Albertson’s pace over the legendary 42.195km distance makes him one of the top three American men in the Chicago Marathon field.

The former world record holder over 50km enters Sunday’s race with a best marathon time of 2:09:53 set at the 2024 Boston Marathon, where he finished seventh.

Albertson finished fifth in the 2024 Olympic trials but his recent form shows just why he is one of the most talked-about US athletes operating in the marathon today.

Kenya's Charles Kipkkurui Langat issued with two-year ban for doping offence

Kenyan road runner Charles Kipkkurui Langat has received a two-year ban for violating World Athletics anti-doping regulations.

Kenyan road runner  Charles Kipkkurui Langat been banned for two years from competing after being found to have violated World Athletics anti-doping rules.

The 28-year-old athlete, who won the eDreams Mitja Marató Barcelona in 2023 with an impressive time of 58:53, provided an out-of-competition urine sample in Iten, Kenya, on August 6, 2024.

The sample tested positive for the prohibited substance Furosemide a diuretic commonly used as a masking agent.

The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), the body responsible for managing doping-related issues in athletics, confirmed the violation in a statement released this week.

The AIU’s findings state that Langat did not have a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) for Furosemide, and after reviewing his case, it was determined that no procedural errors occurred during the sample collection and testing process.

“The AIU has no evidence that the Anti-Doping Rule Violations were intentional, and the mandatory period of Ineligibility to be imposed is therefore a period of two (2) years,” the AIU said in its decision.

Langat admitted to the use of Furosemide in an explanation provided to the AIU, stating that he had been suffering from inflammation since September 2023 and had sought medical treatment in the Netherlands earlier this year.

He claimed a doctor advised him to use the substance.

“On 31 July 2024, he contacted a doctor that he knew, who, based on the Athlete’s symptoms, advised him to try using Furosemide for four (4) days to help reduce the inflammation he was experiencing and to ‘help the kidney and the adrenal glands,’” the report detailed.

Despite his explanation, Langat’s admission was enough for the AIU to impose sanctions.

The AIU outlined that his ineligibility would begin from September 11, 2024, when he was provisionally suspended, and his results since August 6, 2024, would be disqualified.

This includes the forfeiture of any titles, awards, and appearance money accumulated during this period.

Langat's case is the latest in a growing number of doping violations involving Kenyan athletes.

Just days ago, another Kenyan runner, Emmaculate Anyango Achol, was provisionally suspended after failing a doping test for testosterone and the blood-boosting hormone EPO.

Anyango, who made headlines by becoming the second woman to complete a 10km race in under 29 minutes, is currently awaiting the outcome of her case.

Kenya,has been grappling with a string of doping scandals in recent years.

The Athletics Integrity Unit has intensified its testing efforts, particularly in high-altitude training regions like Iten, where many elite athletes train.

Langat’s acceptance of the two-year ban and his decision not to contest the charge has drawn attention from both the global athletics community and his home country.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) have the right to appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Peres Jepchirchir reveals her next stop following dissapointing Paris 2024 Olympics showdown

Peres Jepchirchir has revealed her next step as she eyes redemption following her dissapointing 15th-place finish at the Paris Olympic Games.

Former Olympic marathon champion Peres Jepchirchir is targeting the world half-marathon record as she heads to the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon, a World Athletics Gold Label event, scheduled for Sunday, October 20.

Jepchirchir, the reigning London Marathon champion, has not raced since her exit from the Paris Olympic Games where she faded to 15th place in a time of 2:26:51. The Kenyan long-distance running ace will be looking to bounce back in a commanding way with a world record.

The women’s world record currently stands at 1:02:52 and was set by Letesenbet Gidey on October 24, 2021, at the Valencia Half Marathon and Peres Jepchirchir has plans to obliterate it and take back her crown when she steps on the track. A huge prize purse also awaits her as she seeks to make history in the Indian city.

The men’s race will be headlined by Joshua Cheptegei, the current world record holder in the 5000m and 10,000m. The reigning Olympic 10,000m champion will also be out to attack the world record and make an impact as he continues enriching his decorated athletics resume.

“This country holds a special place in my heart, as it’s where I made my international debut in 2014. It’s been a good season for me, and I am certainly looking at a course-record timing at the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon. The energy and passion of the Indian running community are truly inspiring, and I’m excited to be part of this prestigious event,” Cheptegei said ahead of his return to the streets of the Indian city.

Meanwhile, a total amount of $260,000 prize money has been set aside for top finishers with the winners set to walk away with $27,000. In addition to this, there is an Event Record Bonus of $12,000.

Deep women’s elite field to compete in Frankfurt Marathon

Six women who have personal bests of sub 2:23:00 are on the start list for the 41st Mainova Frankfurt Marathon on 27th October. Because of the great depth of the women’s field the 2:19:10 course record could become a target. Ethiopians Tigist Abayechew and Yeshi Chekole are the two fastest entrants while two and a half months after competing at the Olympic Games Germany’s Laura Hottenrott leads the European challenge.

Organisers of Germany’s oldest city marathon race expect more than 14,000 entries. Adding races at shorter distances this figure is expected to rise above 25,000. The Mainova Frankfurt Marathon is a World Athletics Elite Label Road Race. In contrast to many major international autumn marathons entries are still accepted at: www.frankfurt-marathon.com

"With such a fine women’s field we hope for a thrilling race and possibly sub 2:20:00 times. If weather conditions will be suitable may be the course record, which Kenya’s Valary Aiyabei established five years ago, can be broken,“ said Race Director Jo Schindler.  

With a personal best of 2:18:03 Ethiopia’s Tigist Abayechew is the fastest woman ever entered for the Mainova Frankfurt Marathon. It was in Berlin two years ago, when she smashed her personal best and improved to 2:18:03 for third place. Fellow-Ethiopian Yeshi Chekole ran 2:21:17 in Sevilla two years ago.

Four more women have personal bests of sub 2:23:00 and want to use the fast Frankfurt course for good times: Ethiopians Shuko Genemo (2:21:35), Kidsan Alena (2:22:28) and Meseret Meleka (2:22:52) as well as Kenya’s Magdalyne Masai (2:22:16). Another one to watch will be Hawi Feiysa. The Ethiopian has a PB of 2:23:36 and produced a superb performance at last year’s World Cross Country Championships when she finished sixth. She also features a very fast half marathon PB of 65:41.

Germany’s Laura Hottenrott is the fastest European woman on the start list. Last year she smashed her personal best with 2:24:32 in Valencia. She competed in the Olympic marathon in Paris and finished 38th. 

The Chicago Marathon has a strong history

First run in 1977, this Sunday, Chicago hosts its 46th marathon (it lost 2020 to the Covid-19 pandemic; 1987 to sponsorship issues). One of the six Abbott World Marathon Majors, the history of the BofA Chicago Marathon has been one of rising, falling, and rising again.

In 2023, it witnessed its third men’s marathon world record, 2:00:35, gloriously produced by the late Kenyan star, Kelvin Kiptum, who tragically died in a car accident on February 11, 2024 (age 24 years), in Kaptagat, Kenya.

But the roots of the modern Bank of America Chicago Marathon traces back to 1982 when, in its sixth year, known as America’s Marathon/Chicago, the event rebooted, much as New York City 1976 was a reordering for the Big Apple 26-miler.

In America’s bicentennial year, the New York Road Runners expanded their event from four laps of Central Park to all five boroughs. It was a gamble. But in one fell swoop, the event grabbed the public’s attention, took on international importance, and ushered in a new era of urban marathons, even though they had run six previous marathons under the same banner. 

In 1982, Chicago’s move from a regional marathon to the big time came about because of two things: one, the $600,000 budget put up by race sponsor, Beatrice Foods, and the hiring of one Robert Bright III of Far Hills, New Jersey to serve as athlete recruiter.

Bob Bright (left) at the Litchfield Hills Road Race in Connecticut with Nike east coast promo man, Todd Miller.

Recommended to the event by Olympians Frank Shorter and Garry Bjorlund, Bright had successfully elevated a modest 15K road race in Far Hills, New Jersey, called the Midland Run, to international prominence in 1980. So loaded was the Midland Run elite field, Sports Illustrated sent a reporter and photographer to cover the event.

What Bright brought to Chicago was zeal and a vision. Before Bright, there had been very little orchestration of competitive marathon racing. The Bright idea was simple: actively recruit a field of international athletes who came ready to run, so elite competition would become the hallmark of the event.

First, a brief history. For many decades, Boston dominated the marathon scene as essentially the only game in town. Yes, there was the Yonkers Marathonin New York, first contested in 1907; the Polytechnic Harriers’ Marathon for the Sporting Life trophy in England, which began in 1909. The Košice Peace Marathon in Slovakia joined the club in October 1924; Enschede and Fukuoka in 1947; Beppu in ’52.

But the Boston Athlettic Association’s attitude from its marathon’s inception in 1897 up to the mid-1980s remained, “We’re running our race on Patriots’ Day starting in Hopkinton, Massachusetts at noon. It will cost you three bucks to enter. See you at the bus line for the ride out to the start.” No bells, no whistles, no invitations.

When New York City debuted in 1970, it spun four laps of Central Park to total its 26.2 miles. But in 1976, with the city in a major financial difficulty amidst America’s Bicentennial, the New York Road Runners boldly took its marathon from the confines of Central Park and expanded it through all five boroughs hoping to attract more tourists. 

Race Director Fred Lebow recruited a few big guns upfront to entice press coverage, Olympic gold and silver medalist Frank Shorter along with Shorter’s rival, American record holder from Boston 1975, fellow Olympian, Bill Rodgers. Everyone else filled in from behind, with the City of New York being the true star attraction. 

First considered a onetime gimmick, the five-borough experience proved so successful, the NYRRs embraced it as the path forward. Still, the actual races in NYC were never very competitive. Rodgers won by three minutes over Shorter in ‘76, 2:10:10 to 2:13:12. Then dominated for the next three years, as well.

Chicago 1982 would be the first, full–blown, orchestrated marathon race, as Bright had a specific recruitment strategy.

“We wanted six guys who thought coming in that they had a chance to win,” said Bright. “Then we wanted six more behind them who figured they had a shot at the top 10. So, right away we didn’t go after a guy like Alberto Salazar (who was ranked number one in the world after wins in New York City in 1980, a short-course world record in ‘81, and a Boston title in 1982.)

“And if you figure that a top race has a main pack of 10 to 15 athletes, you’re going to double that number in invitations. That guarantees that even if two of every five don’t run well for one reason or another, you still have a big group ready to race.”

Redundancy was the key, the money, the magnet. The total amount taken home by runners from Chicago in 1982 was $130,000. 

This was when Boston was still embracing its amateur roots, stiff-arming the new breed of runners looking to get paid for their craft. In New York, Lebow had to keep his payments under the table in order to avoid being billed for city services on race day. 

Chicago put up $48,000 in prize money for the men in 1982, with $12,000 going to the winner, 600 for 15th place. The women’s split was $30,000, with $10,000 awarded for the win through $500 for 10th. The remaining $52,000 represented the grease in upfront, under-the-table appearance fees.

“We wanted the money to be respectable, but not overwhelming the first year,“ explained Bright, whose history as a dog sled racer and thoroughbred horse trainer made him one of the best judges of the running animal. “We didn’t want it to appear like the race was store-bought, like the Atlantic City pro race a few years ago, where the money was good, but no one took the race seriously. 

“So, we put up $78,000 in prize money, which, to the public, doesn’t sound like all that much. But when you added on the appearance money, it represented as much as any other race handed out.“

For the money on offer, and the prestige of doing well against a field of that caliber – as good as the group assembled at the 1980 Moscow Olympics, according to Sweden’s Kjell Eric Stahl – what came down in Chicago 1982 was a new course record by University of Michigan grad Greg Meyer (2:10:59), along with 22 more sub -2:220s, and nine personal bests out of the first 11 finishers. 

The top five women followed suit, led by Northampton, Massachusetts’s Nancy Conz, whose 2:33:33 also represented a new course record for Chicago, some 12 minutes faster than the old mark.

The event treated the athletes well; offered a new opportunity in the fall, competing with New York City; Chicago witnessed its first truly world-class marathon; the sponsor, Beatrice Foods, received enormous visibility for its dollars; and a new professionalism attended the art of marathon orchestration. Chicago was now the new kid on the block, with toys to match anyone’s.

But now the pressure was on, not just to maintain its pace, but to top itself in 1983. The story continues.

Kenyan Irene Cheptai will make her Abbott World Marathon Majors debut at Chicago Marathon

Kenyan marathoner Irene Cheptai will make her Abbott World Marathon Majors debut at the 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon in October.

Cheptai made her marathon debut at the 2024 Hamburg Marathon and didn't disappoint. She won the race, running a new personal best of 2:18:22 in the marathon.

Cheptai has been collecting medals and podium finishes for a long time. Most recently, she won the Copenhagen and Delhi half marathons in 2022 and 2023, respectively.

Her half marathon best comes from the 2023 Valencia Half Marathon, where she ran 1:04:53 for a second-place finish.

She represented Kenya in the 2020 Olympics, where she finished sixth in the 10,000-meter run. She also won a silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in the 10,000-meter run.

Former world U20 800m champion Kipyegon Bett dies aged 26

The Kenyan passed away in hospital, where he’d been receiving treatment for an illness

Kipyegon Bett, the former world under-20 800m champion, has sadly passed away at the age of 26.

The Kenyan, who also secured a bronze medal over two laps at the 2017 World Championships in London, was receiving treatment for an illness in hospital.

According to Nation, Bett was vomiting blood due to damage to some of his internal organs.

Purity Kirui, who is Bett’s sister and the 2014 Commonwealth 3000m steeplechase champion, told the outlet: “He’d been unwell for about a month and had been treated at AIC Litein Hospital as an outpatient. On Saturday (October 5), his condition deteriorated and was referred to Tenwek Hospital for further tests.”

Bett started competing internationally in 2015 and claimed respective gold and silver 800m medals at that year’s African and World Youth Championships.

The following season he became world under-20 800m champion in Bydgoszcz, clocking 1:44.95 to take the crown.

Bett also recorded his personal 800m best of 1:43.76 in 2016, with only world record-holder David Rudisha ahead of him at ISTAF Berlin.

It was therefore no surprise to see Bett make a global senior podium in 2017.

In a pulsating race at the World Championships, Bett clocked 1:45.21 and placed third behind France’s Pierre-Ambroise Bosse and Poland’s Adam Kszczot.

That year he also won the 800m at the Shanghai Diamond League, running 1:44.70 to win the event in China.

However, Bett tested positive for EPO in 2018 and subsequently received a four-year ban.

He only ever raced once after it ended and that was in the 400m hurdles two years ago.

Trento Half Marathon 2024: Ugandan Kiplangat triumphs, Ethiopian Mekuriaw wins in the women's category

Great success for the 2024 edition of the half marathon that takes place in the city center: 1500 participants in the Trento Half Marathon and Trento 10k del Concilio. President Gianni Valler: "First time that several days before we declare sold out. We are extremely satisfied, everything was beyond the rosiest expectations"

Triumphing in the 2024 edition of the Trento Half Marathon is the Ugandan born in 2000 Hosea Kiplangat, who showed up on the finish line in Piazza Duomo in a brilliant and very valid 1h00'15". The women's race was won by the Ethiopian Yalemeget Yaregal Mekuriaw, who won with a real solo in 1h07'56", just 8 seconds from the course record held by the Ethiopian Worknesh Debele.

Great emotions this morning in Trento, which proves to be the Italian capital of running for a Sunday of sport of the highest technical level: on the second day of the Trento Running Festival - after the thrills and adrenaline of Saturday evening with the 77th edition of the Giro al Sas - it was the turn of the 1500 participants of the Trento Half Marathon and Trento 10k del Concilio, which recorded as many as 20 percent more attendance than in 2023, with 25 nationalities represented and 25 percent female.

Returning to the competitions, the Trento Half Marathon record to beat has been held since 2022 by the multi-titled Ethiopian Tamirat Tola with 59'49", but today it was really fast thanks to Kiplangat who showed up at the finish line with an extraordinary time that for the Ugandan also counts as a personal best.

"I improved my personal best on the half marathon by almost two minutes and I am really happy with the final result - said Kiplangat at the end of the race -. I arrived today inthe best possible physical condition and the race went really well, I thank Trento for the warm affection at the finish line".

Behind Kiplangat, a Kenyan double with the youngclass of 2005 Dennis Kororia and Zacharia Krop: respectively second in 1h01'11", conquering a personal best, while Krop, at his debut on the distance of 21 kilometers, third in 1h01'19".

As for the women's race, despite the triumph, Yalemeget Yaregal Mekuriaw did not get a "personal best" (time at the Berlin Half Marathon 2023 of 1h06'27", ed.) but the Ethiopian athletestill entered a great time, with 15 kilometers run alone where she distanced the runner-up by a good three minutes.

In second place was the Kenyan Nelly Jeptoo in 1h10'58" and on the third step of the podium in 1h11'34" her compatriot Nancy Jepleting.

Sixth place instead for Luna Giovanetti of Atletica Valle di Cembra, already Italian champion Promesse di corsa in montagna, who therefore becomes the first Italian of this Trento Half Marathon stopping the clock in 1h20'35", her first real official result on the certified half marathon distance.

At the same time, the Trento 10k del Concilio was also run, a race that recorded the success of Damiano Casagranda of Atletica Valle di Cembra with 33'53", while among the women the victory went to the South Tyrolean Tanja Scrinzi in a time of 38'19".

To make a final assessment of this Trento Running Festival 2024 is the new president of Asd Città di Trento Gianni Valler: "It is the first time that several days before we declare the sold out of registrations, we are extremely satisfied with this, everything has been beyond the rosiest expectations".

"Great chronometric performances have further rewarded us, gratifying our work and that of over three hundred volunteers who have set up the route impeccably – concluded Valler -. The Giro at the Sas was also a spectacle with a great Yeman Crippa, a home athlete cheered by all the Trento public who loves him and obviously congratulations also to last night's winner Charles Rotich who ran really fast, he will be a great champion in the future, we are sure of it".

More shock as Kenyan steeplechaser Clement Kemboi found dead in Iten

Kemboi, who won the 2015 All African Games, was found hanging from a tree at St.Patrick's High School, Iten.

Kenya's athletic community is once again in mourning following the tragic loss of another talented runner, Clement Kemboi on Monday.

The 32-year-old athlete was found dead, his body discovered hanging from a tree in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County. Elgeyo Marakwet Police Commander Peter Mulinge confirmed the incident, with Kemboi's body located in the St. Patrick’s High School Farm in Koisungur village.

The heartbreaking news comes just hours after Kenya woke up to the devastating announcement that former world U20 champion Kipyegon Bett had passed away at Tenwek Hospital in Bomet County.

Kemboi was a highly regarded middle-distance runner who excelled in the 3000m steeplechase. Born in 1992, he made his mark on the international stage when he clinched the gold medal at the 2015 All-Africa Games in Brazzaville. His talent shone brightly, and he was seen as one of the nation's rising stars in the discipline.

Kemboi achieved his personal best time of 8:10.65 in the 3000m steeplechase at the prestigious Doha Diamond League in 2016, further cementing his status as one of Kenya’s top athletes in the event.

Patrick Mosin and Miriam Chebet rein supreme as Kenyans sweep Cardiff Half Marathon

Patrick Mosin and Miriam Chebet were the winners of the Cardiff Half Marathon on Sunday in race Kenyans swept all the top three positions in both men and women.

Kenyan athletes were dominant at the Cardiff Half Marathon as Patrick Mosin and Miriam Chebet claimed top honours in the Welsh capital on Sunday.

It was an all-Kenyan affair in the women’s race where Chebet won in a time of 1:06:42, setting a new personal best, to improve on her previous best time of 1:07:14.

Chebet was followed by Kenyan compatriots Grace Nawowuna (1:07:15) and Caroline Nyaga (1:07:16) who came home in second and third positions respectively.

In the men’s category, Mosin claimed the win after coming come in 1:00:01, finishing 31 seconds off compatriot Leonard Langat's record of 59:30 set in 2019.

More than 29,000 runners signed up for the event, with organisers describing this year's edition as the "biggest year ever".

"This is our biggest year ever with over 29,000 people registered to take part across the weekend," said Matt Newman, chief executive of Run4Wales.

Mosin (59:31) came into the race as the second fastest, having won the 2023 Lille Half Marathon, but more notably third at the Prague Half Marathon that was won by the current World Half Marathon Champion Sebastian Sawe in April.

Meanwhile, the women’s race had two-time European Cross Country Champion Fionnuala McCormack (69:32) who was making her Cardiff debut and Nelly Jepchumba (67:00) the fastest entrant, who won at the Rio De Janeiro Half Marathon in August.

However, the victory went elsewhere on Sunday and Chebet ran a tactical race to claim the win which will be a big confidence booster ahead of her next races.

Veteran Kenyan marathoner dies after armed attack at his home in Eldoret

The former Vienna and Sapporo Marathon winner was attacked by thugs at his home in one of Eldoret’s exclusive estates.

Former Kenyan marathoner Samson Kandie has reportedly passed away following an armed attack at his home in Eldoret on Thursday.

Reports claim, Kandie, who represented Kenya at the 2001 World Championships, succumbed to his injuries following an attack by thugs at his Elgon View house in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu county.

The motive of the attack is yet to be known but police in Eldoret are pursuing the matter with a view to nabbing those responsible.

The former Vienna and Sapporo Marathon winner was attacked by thugs at his home in one of Eldoret’s exclusive estates.

Former Kenyan marathoner Samson Kandie has reportedly passed away following an armed attack at his home in Eldoret on Thursday.

Reports claim, Kandie, who represented Kenya at the 2001 World Championships, succumbed to his injuries following an attack by thugs at his Elgon View house in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu county.

The motive of the attack is yet to be known but police in Eldoret are pursuing the matter with a view to nabbing those responsible.

It was his second third place finish in successive years after doing the same at the 1998 edition of the event, when he clocked 2:09:11.

Kandie also recorded third place at the Xiamen Marathon in China in 2000 and at the 2003 Prague Marathon after clocking 2:11:48 and 2:14:02 respectively.

His other marathon win came in San Sebastian Spain in 2001 after clocking 2:10:21.

Competitive elite fields will contest the 21st edition of the Cardiff Half Marathon

A string of established Kenyan athletes will be chasing fast times somewhere underneath the course record of 59:30 in the men’s race. Meanwhile, a strong field that includes two-time European Cross Country Champion Fionnuala McCormack is set to contest the women’s race.

Cardiff is the penultimate venue in the 2024 Superhalfs Series. It holds a prestigious World Athletics Elite Road Race Label and hosts the Welsh Half Marathon Championships annually.

Elite Men

Benard Ngeno (59:07) is the fastest athlete on paper owing to an impressive lifetime best set at the Trinidad Alfonso Valencia Half Marathon in 2019, finishing second at the world’s top race over the distance. Cosmas Boi (59:29) comes to the City following a solid block of training that indicates a new P.B. could be possible. Perhaps his greatest accolade to date was a victory at the 2023 Stramilano Half Marathon.

Patrick Mosin (59:31) is the next fastest and was the winner of the 2023 Lille Half Marathon but more notably third at the Prague Half Marathon that was won by the current World Half Marathon Champion Sebastian Sawe in April.

Bravin Kiptoo (59:37) is the 2019 African U20 Champion over 10,000m showing winning pedigree and then finishing as the third placer at the Birrell Grand Prix later that year and is joined by Antony Kimtai (59:45), the winner at Stramilano for 2024 and the runner-up at Napoli Half Marathon setting his P.B. a month earlier.

Vincent Kigen (59:48) was second at the Seville Half Marathon in January and again at the Malaga Half Marathon in March and Vincent Mutai (60:20) will make a third trip to the City as last year’s surprise winner and with a second place at the Cardiff Cross Challenge from November to his name.

Kento Nishi (61:09) of Japan, Ethiopian Man Enyew Nigat (61:17) and Tanzania’s Josephat Gisemo (64:27) will add further International flavour to a mainly Kenyan front of the field. Nishi is a 2:08:11 Marathon man, Nigat was seventh at the Yangzhou Half Marathon earlier this year and Gisemo was the runner up at the 2024 Generali Geneva Marathon.

Ben Connor (60:55) is the fastest British man and tackles the Cardiff course for the first time. Connor is the sixth fastest Briton in history and has shown recent fitness with an impressive second place at the re-scheduled English National Cross Country Championships in September.

Jonathan Collier (64:37) and William Bryan (64:58) are the remaining British Athletes who have dipped under 65 minutes in the past. Ciaran Lewis (65:17) is the fastest Welshman in action but is likely to face stiff opposition to the National title from Dan Hamilton (65:57) and Dan Nash (66:16).

Elite Women

Twice European Cross Country Champion Fionnuala McCormack (69:32) will make her Cardiff debut on Sunday. McCormack claimed her titles at Valenje, Slovenia in 2011 and at Budapest in 2012. Since then the Wicklow woman has become the second fastest Irish athlete in history over half marathon and over the full marathon distance. She became the first female Irish athlete in history to compete at five Olympic Games’ in Paris this summer.

Nelly Jepchumba (67:00) is the fastest entrant and was the winner at the Rio De Janeiro Half Marathon in August and the winner at the prestigious 2021 Madrid Half Marathon. Miriam Chebet (67:14) was the runner up at the Istanbul Half Marathon and notably the winner at the Ibiza 10k in 30:40.

Ethiopian Anchinalu Dessie (67:30) is another winner of the Stramilano Half Marathon in action here and was fourth at the Valencia Ibercaja 10k in 2022 with 31:01, an event that has recently been acknowledged as the World’s top annual road race.

Caroline Nyaga (67:36) is an exciting late edition to the race and will be chasing a huge new lifetime best. Nyaga is the 2022 African Champion over 10,000m and has a best over 5,000m of 14:30 set finishing fifth at the Diamond League final in Brussels last month. Daisy Kimeli (68:34) was the winner at the 2019 Trabzon Half Marathon and Adane Anmaw (69:47) was third at the Yanzhou Half Marathon.

Perhaps the most exciting prospect in  women’s race however is Grace Nawowuna (debut) who will make her debut here but was fourth at the World Cross Country Championships in Bathurst in 2023 and has a 29:47 best for 10,000m. Nawowuna is likely to chase the early pace with Nyaga.

Polish Athlete Sabina Jarzabek (72:42) will be making the trip to Cardiff. She is a former Polish champion over 5km and 10km.

Olivia Tsim (73:38) claimed Bronze medals at the Welsh Half Marathon Championships here in 2022 and 2023. The Pontypridd Roadent will be in racing action after giving birth this summer. Alaw Evans (75:00) was the winner of the Cardiff 10k last year and is likely to be contesting for the Welsh title this time.

Australia’s Isabelle Pickett (75:36), Charlotte Taylor (75:46) and Ellen Feringa (75:54) of Philadelphia Runners Track Club are next fastest.

Emmaculate Anyango faces four-year ban following provisional suspension over doping

Kenya’s long-distance runner Emmaculate Anyango faces the prospect of a four-year ban after being handed a provisional suspension for doping as the net nabs another big fish.

Kenya’s long-distance prodigy Emmaculate Anyango has joined the list of shame following her provisional suspension for a doping violation.

The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) announced Anyango’s provisional suspension on Friday for the presence/use of a prohibited substance (Testosterone and EPO).

It means Anyango will remain suspended until her case is heard and determined and she faces a minimum of a four-year ban if she is found culpable.

It is a blow to the 24-year-old who was already making waves having been one of the standout athletes in the early months of the 2024 season.

The Sirikwa Classic Cross-country champion was awarded the Sports Personality of the Month award for February by the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) after coming close to breaking the world 10km world record in February.

Anyango recorded the second fastest 10km time in history when she clocked 28:47 in Valencia, Spain, improving Ethiopian Yalemzerf Yehualaw’s world record (29.14) but unfortunately for her, compatriot Agnes Ngetich won the race in a better time of 28.46.

She would go on to finish fourth at the World Cross-Country Championships in Serbia followed by second place at the BAA 5k Road Run in Boston and in 10km Road in Bengaluru, India.

She, however, missed a place in team Kenya to the Paris Olympics after finishing sixth in the 10,000m trials which was held at the Prefontaine Classic, the Eugene Diamond League in May.

Back-to-back second places finishes would follow in 10km in Atlanta and in 15km in New York in July.

'You will not be an athlete forever'- When double Frankfurt Marathon champion Brimin Misoi explained life on and off the track

A reflection on Brimin Kipkorir Misoi's remarkable journey over the last decade, from humble beginnings as a farmer to marathon champion, overcoming injuries and challenges.

Often, the simplest people harbor the most extraordinary stories.

In the high-altitude village of Kapkitony, Keiyo South, Brimin Kipkorir Misoi, a two-time Frankfurt Marathon champion lives a life that reflects his humility and resilience.

You might mistake him for an ordinary farmer as you pass through his village, spotting him shelling beans or herding cattle.

But beneath the unassuming exterior lies a man who has conquered the world of long-distance road racing despite facing overwhelming hurdles along the way.

"You will not be an athlete forever," Misoi said with a smile during a January 2024 interview with The Standard.

"That’s why I still farm—because one day, I’ll retire."

At 34, Misoi stands at the peak of his career. His back-to-back victories at the Frankfurt Marathon in 2022 and 2023 have established him as a formidable force in global athletics, yet his journey was far from smooth.

Misoi’s rise to stardom was not a product of instant success; rather, it was built on perseverance, patience, and a will to overcome setbacks.

Misoi began his marathon journey in local Kenyan races known for being some of the most grueling in the world.

"Local races in Kenya are the toughest. Anyone who wins here can win anywhere in the world," he says.

But his early years were marred by injuries and stiff competition from more experienced athletes as his humble beginnings in Kapkitony meant that resources and professional training were hard to come by.

In 2016, he finished 50th in the Kass Marathon and later placed 11th in the same race, a position that almost drove him to quit athletics.

"I was thinking of giving up after finishing 11th in the Kass Marathon, but I couldn’t. My family depended on me, and I came from a humble background. I needed to keep going," recalled the father of three.

Misoi’s fortunes changed in 2017 when he won the Nairobi Standard Chartered Marathon.

That victory marked his breakthrough, paving the way for international opportunities. However, his career remained fraught with challenges. Injuries sidelined him in races like the Lille and Gold Coast Marathons, forcing him to drop out.

Yet, each setback fueled his determination. His relentless pursuit of success culminated in his first Frankfurt Marathon win in 2022, a triumph that he would repeat the following year with a personal best of 2:04:53.

"When I’m at home, I’m just a farmer," Misoi said, his voice imbued with pride.

Farming, for him, is more than a livelihood; it is a connection to his family and community.

"It helps me recover after tough races. It’s also a reminder that life isn’t all about running."

Despite his modest demeanor, Misoi harbors big ambitions as his dream is to wear the Kenyan colors at an international championship.

"If the opportunity to represent Kenya comes, I’ll take it," he says.

Though injuries have haunted his career, Misoi remains optimistic about the future, particularly with advancements in shoe technology that could reduce the risk of injuries.

"Good shoes can make a big difference. Our roads are rough, and when shoes wear out, they put us at risk," he explains.

For now, Brimin Misoi is focused on the races ahead determined to make the most of his athletic career.

Yet, as he shells beans in his village he remains grounded by the reality that one day he will hang up his running shoes and return to the farm where his story first began.

'I always have faith in myself'- When Beatrice Chebet revealed her grandmother's influence on her historic athletics journey

Kenya's Beatrice Chebet credits her grandmother's influence for inspiring her historic Olympic double gold and world record-breaking success.

If your grandmother is still alive, she often holds a unique place in your heart—offering wisdom, support and encouragement.

For Beatrice Chebet, her grandmother has been far more than that. The two-time Olympic gold medalist and world record holder credits her grandmother, Pauline Lang’at as the driving force behind her remarkable athletics career shaping her into one of the most dominant figures in women’s long-distance running.

Reflecting on her journey, Chebet describes her grandmother’s pivotal role in motivating her to reach unimaginable heights.

Lang’at, who took Chebet to her first athletics club in 2016, was also among the emotional crowd that welcomed the newly crowned double Olympic champion back to Kenya.

“I am lost for words when I look at where I have reached, when I look or talk to my grandmother,” Chebet said with a smile during an August interview with Daily Nation as quoted by Olympics.com.

“She is my rock and the reason I never gave up, even when the challenges seemed insurmountable.”

Chebet’s meteoric rise is built on years of determination, inspired by her grandmother’s belief in her potential.

At just 24 years old, the Kenyan sensation has rewritten the history books, becoming the first woman to break the 29-minute barrier in the 10,000m and the third woman in history to win both the 5,000m and 10,000m golds at the same Olympic Games.

Her journey has not been without setbacks as after missing out on the 5,000m world title in Budapest last year, where she settled for bronze, Chebet turned to road running as a path to redemption.

In Riga, she claimed the women’s 5km title at the inaugural World Athletics Road Running Championships, but that was just the beginning.

On the last day of 2023, Chebet shattered the world record for the women’s 5km in Barcelona with a time of 14:13, cementing her place among the legends of the sport.

“I always have faith and belief in myself,” Chebet shared with Olympics.com after winning the 5,000m in Paris.

“I had never won a track title before, but after breaking the 10,000m world record in Eugene at the Kenyan Trials for the Olympics, I felt an unusual strength and motivation. That’s when I decided, ‘I want to double in Paris.’”

This bold decision led to one of the most remarkable achievements of her career, winning both the 5,000m and 10,000m at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Despite her unprecedented success, Chebet remains humble, attributing much of her accomplishments to her grandmother’s unwavering support.

Lang’at’s influence stretches beyond the track, instilling in Chebet the discipline and resilience needed to thrive in one of the most competitive sports in the world.

She is determined to restore Kenya’s dominance in women’s track running, and with her eyes set on breaking Gudaf Tsegay’s 5,000m world record, Chebet shows no signs of slowing down.

As she looks back on her career, from her first global title at 18 to her recent Olympic triumphs, Chebet remains grounded by the love and guidance of her grandmother.

Her story is one of resilience, determination and the power of family—a true testament to how inspiration can come from the most cherished of relationships.

For now the sky’s the limit for Beatrice Chebet but one thing remains constant: her grandmother’s enduring influence on her path to greatness.

Jepkosgei donates world title singlet to Museum of World Athletics

Kenyan running legend Janeth Jepkosgei made a historic contribution to the Museum of World Athletics (MOWA), donating the singlet she wore on 28 August 2007 when winning the 800m title at the World Championships in Osaka.

It was the first ever world title won by a Kenyan woman in a middle-distance event, paving the way for eight more titles claimed by her successors in subsequent editions up to 2023.

Jepkosgei, who is now head coach of the U20 Athlete Refugee Team, made the donation to the MOWA during the World Athletics U20 Championships Lima 24, presenting her singlet to World Athletics CEO Jon Ridgeon.

‘Inspiring the sport of running’

“I’m very happy to present my 2007 World Championships singlet to the Museum of World Athletics (MOWA),” said Jepkosgei. “When it is displayed in the online museum and exhibited around the world, I hope it helps to inspire and promote the wonderful sport of running, which, in my role as head coach for the U20 Refugee Team, I know is a powerful force for good.”

Ridgeon added: “Thank you to Janeth for her work with the Athlete Refugee Team and for the enormous generosity she has shown by donating her 800m world title-winning uniform to our museum’s collection. The support and encouragement of champions like Janeth is crucial to the success of our heritage programme, which helps preserve and promote our sport’s inspiring history to athletes and fans alike.”

From world champion to global role model

Janeth Jepkosgei Busienei, born in 1983 in Kabirirsang village (Rift Valley Province), was one of the most consistent 800m runners of her decade. Her journey began as a hurdler, but after transitioning to middle-distance running, she won the world U20 800m title in 2002.

Known for orchestrating races with fast starts, Jepkosgei stood on a major championship podium every year from 2003 to 2011, earning the 2007 world 800m title, 2008 Olympic silver, and two more world silvers in 2009 and 2011.

Off the track, Jepkosgei was deeply involved in her community, serving as the Kenyan team captain at numerous championships, sponsoring students, and supporting local projects. After the birth of her daughter Becky Olympia Jepchirchir and her retirement in 2016, Jepkosgei became even more involved in the sport’s development by hosting training camps and becoming one of the few female coaches in the athletics world.

She notably discovered young Emmanuel Wanyonyi, whom she coached to his world U20 800m title in 2021, and then mentored alongside her former Italian coach, Claudio Berardelli, to his Olympic title in 2024.

Since 2022, Jepkosgei has also been the head coach of the U20 Athlete Refugee Team (ART), a women-driven programme based near the South Sudan border in East Africa. She has embraced a mentorship role, passing on her vast experience to the next generation, a journey marked by her iconic victory in Osaka in 2007.

A soaring victory in Osaka

In Osaka, Jepkosgei astonished everyone as early as the semifinals, with a world-leading time and Kenyan record of 1:56.17, also the fastest prelim in 800m history.

In the final, she set a blistering pace right from the start, exiting the first turn with a three-metre lead and hitting the 100m mark in 13.0, an unprecedented achievement in a championship.

Neither the efforts of Belarusian Svetlana Usovich, Russian Olga Kotlyarova, Mozambican Maria Mutola, nor Moroccan Hasna Benhassi could keep up with the Kenyan’s solo race, as she easily won in 1:56.04, further improving the best time of the year.

Jepkosgei’s winning singlet will sit alongside the shoes and clothing of other world 800m champions in the Heritage Collection of MOWA, including Ana-Fidelia Quirot, Maria Mutola, Willi Wülbeck, Wilson Kipketer and David Rudisha.

Defending champion breaks course record to win Loch Ness Marathon in Inverness

Moray Pryde became the fastest ever champion in the history of the Loch Ness Marathon as he set a new course record to successfully defend his title.

The 29-year-old from Broxburn retained his crown as he claimed victory in a time of two hours 19 minutes and 26 seconds.

The Lothian Running Club athlete broke the course record by 47 seconds which was previously 2:20:13 by Simon Tanui from Kenya back in 2009.

Inverness athlete Shaun Cumming, representing both Highland Hill Runners and East Sutherland Athletics Club, was in second place in a time of 2:31:15 with Tom Charles from Chorlton Runners in third place with 2:31:58.

Pryde won the 2023 Loch Ness Marathon in a time of 2:22:08 and in May also claimed victory in the Edinburgh Marathon winning in a time of 2:23:14.

Pryde says it was ideal conditions for racing, and was proud to break the course record which he was confident he could target after setting a quick pace early on.

He said: “Three of us went out for the first five miles and then someone dropped off.

“We flew through the first 10 miles, but at mile 14 Tom had dropped off, and then from mile 14 to the finish I didn’t really look behind me. I was chasing a car for 12 miles.

“I dropped bang where I wanted to be at a sub 2:20 pace and it was squeaky bum time from there until the end to make sure to get some time back.

“It was a nice feeling on the final straight and everything went to plan.”

Speaking about breaking the record, Pryde said: “I thought it was on after 2:22 last year. It was three minutes this time so we will see what we can do next time.

“I have been fortunate as the racing has been going my way and hopefully I can keep that luck going. I used to play football three times a week but stopped doing that. Lothian Running Club have given me a lot of support and long

was delighted to move up a place from finishing in third last year to take second this year. He managed to catch Charles in the final straight of the race to claim the silver medal.

“I didn’t know until the last half mile that I was close to second place,” he said.

“He looked like that he was flagging and I was in the position to take him.

“There was a battle in the first half of the race where I hung back and worked together with others. After Dores we managed to pull away and at half way there was about five or six of us.

“It is nice to be on the podium, I looked around at the start of the race and I thought it would be a well earned place, so to get second I am happy with that.”

Mengesha and Ketema claim Berlin Marathon crowns

Milkesa Mengesha and Tigist Ketema achieved an Ethiopian double at the BMW Berlin Marathon, a World Athletics Platinum Label road race, on Sunday (29).

Racing at the 50th edition of the event, held on a sunny morning in Germany’s capital, Mengesha kicked away from Cybrian Kotut in the closing stages to win the men’s title in a PB of 2:03:17, while Ketema solo ran her way to a 2:16:42 triumph in the women’s race.

Kenya’s Kotut finished five seconds behind Mengesha, securing second place in 2:03:22, with Ethiopia’s Haymanot Alew third in 2:03:31. Ketema led an Ethiopian top four in the women’s race, winning by more than two minutes ahead of her compatriots Mestawut Fikir (2:18:48), Bosena Mulatie (2:19:00) and Aberu Ayana (2:20:20).

After a fast start Mengesha, who finished sixth in the World Championships marathon last year, was part of a lead group of 11 that followed the pacemakers through the halfway mark still on sub-2:02 pace, in 1:00:57.

Kenya’s former world half marathon record-holder Kibiwott Kandie was to the fore as the pacemakers stepped aside just after 25km. The group had reduced to eight and was bunched together by the time 30km was reached in 1:27:21, and seven were still in contention – including Ethiopia’s Tadese Takele, the fastest man in the field – as they passed the 35km mark in 1:42:14.

Kandie, Takele and Ethiopia’s Dejene Megersa couldn’t hold on and the race was down to Mengesha, Kotut, Kenya’s Stephen Kiprop and Alew with around 5km to go. They reached the 40km mark in 1:56:59 before Mengesha and Kotut strode ahead.

Mengesha dropped his rival with the Brandenburg Gate finish line in sight, crossing it to win in 2:03:17, the third fastest time in the world so far this year and a PB that improves the previous best he set in Valencia in 2022 by more than two minutes.

He dropped to his knees and was followed over the finish line by Kotut in 2:03:22, also a PB by more than a minute.

Ketema was a dominant winner of the women’s race. The 26-year-old, who ran 2:16:07 when making her marathon debut in Dubai in January, is a training partner of Tigist Assefa, who set a world record of 2:11:53 when winning in Berlin last year.

This time Ketema was in control and she was joined by her compatriot Azmera Gebru and a group of men’s race runners as 5km was reached in 16:06 and 10km in 32:14.

Ketema was 12 seconds ahead at halfway, which she hit in 1:07:53, and she only increased her advantage from there. She reached 30km in 1:36:59, by which point Gebru had been overtaken, with Ketema’s closest challengers being Mulatie, Fikir and Ayana who were running together 1 minute and 53 seconds back.

Ketema continued to forge ahead and she reached 40km in 2:09:24, with a gap of 2 minutes and 20 seconds. While Fikir closed slightly, Ketema was well clear and she won in 2:16:42, the third fastest time in the women’s race at the Berlin Marathon.

Fikir was second in 2:18:48, a PB by almost two minutes, while Mulatie was third in 2:19:00, taking almost eight minutes off her previous best set on her debut in Houston in January.

Chicago Marathon plans to honor late record-holder Kiptum

The Chicago Marathon plans to honor the late Kenyan marathon runner Kelvin Kiptum at next month's race, a year after he smashed the men's world record in the Windy City.

Kiptum was aged only 23 when he put on a performance for the ages to break the tape in two hours and 35 seconds. He died in a car accident four months later, cutting short his promising career.

Organizers have planned a moment of silence at the starting line to honor Kiptum and a brief exhibit celebrating his career at the pre-race expo, with memorial stickers available for all participants.

"He's still prevalent in everyone's thoughts," Race Director Carey Pinkowski told Reuters. "He's with us and it's our plan to celebrate his life."

While the Chicago race is known for its flat course and fast times - six world records have been set there - Kiptum's achievement nonetheless was astonishing as he became the first man to run a record-sanctioned marathon faster than 2:01.

Pinkowski was at the finish when Kiptum crossed the line in Chicago and said the race was etched forever in his memory.

"I was so impressed by his biomechanics and his ability was just effortless, it was like something I've never seen before. And I've seen a lot of the greats," said Pinkowski.

It was the second of two major titles for Kiptum, who won in London in a course record of 2:01:25 earlier in 2023, and the Kenyan ran much of the second half of the Chicago marathon by himself, with the chasing pack well behind him.

"It was him against history, him against the stopwatch, him against the clock, and, he just ran," said Pinkowski. "I knew he was a magnificent athlete. In my opinion, the best I've ever seen."

The 2024 Chicago Marathon will take place on Oct. 13.

Kibiwott Kandie draws inspiration from Paul Tergat as he eyes winning return in Berlin

Former World Half Marathon record holder Kibiwott Kandie is poised for a major showdown at the Berlin Marathon and will be drawing inspiration from Kenyan legend Paul Tergat.

It is make or break for former world half marathon record holder Kibiwott Kandie ahead of Berlin Marathon showdown on Sunday, September 29.

The marathoner is set to make a return to the grand stage after an absence since May 2023 following an injury that forced him to pull out of the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary.

The absence marked the second consecutive time the Commonwealth Games 10,000m bronze medallist missed out on the global showpiece.

Kandie is now poised for a make or break race as he gets back on the road for the first time since his injury.

The former world half marathon record holder has revealed he is in good shape, having kept to his training routine with the competition in mind.

“I carried on training knowing that one day there would finally be a race. I stayed in good shape," he told World Athletics.

Kandie is drawing inspiration from his hero and former long distance runner Paul Tergat ahead of his return.

“When I was young, I used to hear everyone saying, Paul Tergat, world records. This has stayed in my mind,” he revealed.

“He became a kind of role model and I used to think when I grow up I would like to be like him, I would like to run like him, I would like to do the things he has done. He still inspires me, he’s still a role model for me. The work that I am doing is because of him. I feel I can’t let him down.”

The Kenyan is one of only seven men to ever complete a half marathon in under 58 minutes, with his personal best of 57:32. He won the Valencia half marathon three times, including when he set the world record in 2020.

Ketema and Takele head entries for 50th Berlin Marathon

Ethiopia’s Tigist Ketema and Tadese Takele start as the fastest in the fields and will be hoping to lead the way when they line up for the BMW Berlin Marathon, a World Athletics Platinum Label road race, on Sunday (29).

Ketema, previously better known as an 800m and 1500m specialist, made her mark in the marathon in Dubai in January as she ran 2:16:07, a time that places her ninth on the women’s world marathon all-time list. She then ran 2:23:21 to place seventh in London in April and Berlin will be her first race since then.

“I have prepared for a personal best and plan to run the first half on Sunday in around 68 minutes,” she said. “I hope it won't be too cold because I prefer to run in slightly warmer weather.”

Ketema is one of three women with sub-2:20 PBs on the entry list, as her competition includes her compatriots Genzebe Dibaba and Yebrugal Melese, who have respective PBs of 2:18:05 and 2:19:36.

Dibaba ran that PB on her debut in Amsterdam in 2022 and she clocked 2:21:47 in Chicago a year later. “I saw Haile Gebrselassie run two world records in Berlin on TV and since then I've always wanted to run in Berlin,” she said. “Now the time has come. It would be a success for me if I ran a personal best.”

Another eight women on the entry list have dipped under 2:22 for the marathon in their careers so far, including Mestawot Fikir (2:20:45), Azmera Gebru (2:20:48), Sisay Gola (2:20:50), Fikrte Wereta (2:21:32) and Aberu Ayana (2:21:54), as well as Japan’s Mizuki Matsuda (2:20:52) and Ai Hosoda (2:21:42). 

Germany’s Melat Kejeta is also part of that group, having clocked 2:21:47 in Dubai in January. She placed sixth at the Tokyo Olympics but was unable to finish the Olympic marathon in Paris due to stomach problems. 

A total of 13 world records have so far been set in the Berlin Marathon, the most recent being the 2:11:53 by Tigist Assefa – a training partner of Ketema – in last year’s women’s race.

The men’s title on that occasion was won by Eliud Kipchoge, as he claimed a record fifth victory.

Kipchoge does not return this year but Takele does, following his third-place finish in last year’s race in a PB of 2:03:24. That was his most recent race due to injury, but he says he is now fit and ready to run. “I’ve trained very well,” he said, “and expect to run a strong race.”

Another four men to have dipped under 2:05 feature on the entry list, including Kenya’s Cybrian Kotut, who ran his PB of 2:04:34 when finishing second in Amsterdam last year, and Ethiopia’s Hailemaryam Kiros and Bazezew Asmare, who respectively clocked 2:04:41 in Paris in 2021 and 2:04:57 in Amsterdam in 2022.

Kenya’s former world half marathon record-holder Kibiwott Kandie races the marathon for the third time and will be looking to build on the PB of 2:04:48 he set in Valencia last year as he hunts for a first win over the distance.

They will be joined by athletes including Kenya’s Samwel Mailu, the world half marathon bronze medallist who set a course record of 2:05:08 to win the Vienna City Marathon last year and continues his comeback after injury, and Ethiopia’s Milkesa Mengesha, who finished sixth at the World Championships last year and has a best of 2:05:29.

Elite fields

Women

Tigist Ketema (ETH) 2:16:07

Genzebe Dibaba (ETH) 2:18:05

Yebrugal Melese (ETH) 2:19:36

Mestawot Fikir (ETH) 2:20:45

Azmera Gebru (ETH) 2:20:48

Sisay Gola (ETH) 2:20:50

Mizuki Matsuda (JPN) 2:20:52

Fikrte Wereta (ETH) 2:21:32

Ai Hosoda (JPN) 2:21:42

Melat Kejeta (GER) 2:21:47

Aberu Ayana (ETH) 2:21:54

Calli Hauger-Thackery (GBR) 2:22:17

Bekelech Gudeta (ETH) 2:22:54

Lisa Weightman (AUS) 2:23:15

Betelihem Afenigus (ETH) 2:23:20

Veronica Maina (KEN) 2:24:46

Bosena Mulatie (ETH) 2:26:59

Alisa Vainio (FIN) 2:27:26

Sonia Samuels (GBR) 2:28:04

Nora Szabo (HUN) 2:28:25

Philippa Bowden (USA) 2:29:14

Pauline Esikon (KEN) debut

Men

Tadese Takele (ETH) 2:03:24

Cybrian Kotut (KEN) 2:04:34

Hailemaryam Kiros (ETH) 2:04:41

Kibiwott Kandie (KEN) 2:04:48

Bazezew Asmare (ETH) 2:04:57

Samwel Mailu (KEN) 2:05:08

Milkesa Mengesha (ETH) 2:05:29

Haymanot Alew (ETH) 2:05:30

Philimon Kipchumba (KEN) 2:05:35

Josphat Boit (KEN) 2:05:42 

Dejene Megersa (ETH) 2:05:42

Enock Onchari (KEN) 2:05:47 

Oqbe Ruesom (ERI) 2:05:51

Justus Kangogo (KEN) 2:05:57

Haimro Alame (ISR) 2:06:04

Ashenafi Moges (ETH) 2:06:12

Asbel Rutto (KEN) 2:07:04

Samuel Tsegay (SWE) 2:06:53

Yohei Ikeda (JPN) 2:06:53

Stephen Kiprop (KEN) 2:07:04

Hendrik Pfeiffer (GER) 2:07:14

Kento Kikutani (JPN) 2:07:26

Melaku Belachew (ETH) 2:07:28

Godadaw Belachew (ISR) 2:07:45Y

uhei Urano (JPN) 2:07:52

Guojian Dong (CHN) 2:08:12

Filimon Abraham (GER) 2:08:22

Haftom Welday (GER) 2:08:24

Sebastian Hendel (GER) 2:08:51

Olonbayar Jamsran (MGL) 2:08:58

Haftamu Gebresilase (ETH) debut

Delhi Half Marathon: Joshua Cheptegei to headline elite field

The Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon, which is part of the World Athletics Gold Label Road Races, will be flagged off from Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Sunday, October 20.

Ugandan sensation Joshua Cheptegei and Kenya’s former Half-Marathon World record holder Peres Jepchirchir are all set to light up the streets of Delhi!

Joshua is the current world record holder for both the 5000 meters and 10,000 meters and holds the world’s best time over the 15-kilometer distance. He is the reigning Olympic champion in the 10,000 meters and won the gold with a new Olympic record of 26:43.14.

Joshua is also a three-time World champion in the 10,000 meters and claimed gold in both the 5000 meters and 10,000 meters at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and the 2019 IAAF World Cross Country Championships. Notably, Cheptegei is only the tenth man in history to simultaneously hold the 5000-meter and 10,000-meter world records, both of which he set in 2020.

Interestingly, Cheptegei made his international debut in India at the TCS World 10K Bengaluru 2014, finishing second. His return to India for the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon promises to be a highlight of this year’s race.

Speaking about his return to India Joshua said, “This country holds a special place in my heart, as it’s where I made my international debut in 2014. It’s been a good season for me, and I am certainly looking at a course-record timing at the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon. The energy and passion of the Indian running community are truly inspiring, and I’m excited to be part of this prestigious event.”

Kenya’s former Half-Marathon World record holder and three-time world half-marathon winner Peres Jepchirchir will lead the women’s contingent. Peres won the London Marathon 2024 with a time of 2:16:16 secs, breaking the women’s only Marathon world record. She also won the 2021 New York City and 2022 Boston Marathons.

Among the other notable participants, Asian Championship Bronze Medalist Sanjivani Jadhav stands out in the women’s category. Sanjivani, who won the 10,000-meter Portland Track Festival in the USA with a personal best of 32:22:77, recently claimed a silver medal at the 5000-meter event at the National Open Athletics Championships in Bangalore.

She has previously won gold at the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon in 2018 and 2022 and took silver in 2016 and 2020. Defending champion Kavita Yadav will provide Sanjivani with tough competition in pursuing the title.

“This will be my third Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon, and my aim will be to win this race once again. I have been training hard and I will try my best to break and create as many records as I can,” said Sanjivani Jadhav.

In the men’s category, Defending Champion and talented youngster Abhishek Pal, who recently won the 10,000-meter title in the National Open Athletics Championships 2024 in Bangalore, will take the lead. He will face tough competition from another youngster, Asian Games 2023 silver medalist in the 10,000 meters, Kartik Kumar.

He recently triumphed at the 10,000-meter USA Championship Track Fest 2024 with a remarkable time of 28:07:66. Kartik is also the VDHM 2022 and 2023 editions silver medalist.

“I am aiming to break the national record in what will be my fifth Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon. I have won the competition, but while I am once again, my mind is set on breaking the national record and going under 60 minutes,” said the defending champion Abhishek Pal.

Koech eyes Amsterdam title in third attempt

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nagoya Women’s Marathon 2025 opens doors to Kenyan runners

Nagoya Women’s Marathon invites Kenyan runners to join its 2025 race, offering virtual participation and luxurious finisher awards.

Organizers of the Nagoya Women’s Marathon have extended a special invitation to Kenyan runners encouraging them to participate in the highly anticipated 2025 race.

Recognized by Guinness World Records for hosting over 20,000 participants, the event is set to take place in Nagoya, Japan, with an online virtual marathon for international participants unable to travel to the race site.

Registration for the virtual marathon opens on October 18 and will remain available until October 31 allowing 500 entrants to join the race from their home countries.

With Kenya’s rich history of marathon champions, the invitation is expected to draw considerable interest.

“We will be delighted to open entries to international runners for Nagoya Women’s Marathon 2025, recognised by Guinness World Records as the largest women’s marathon in the world with over 20,000 participants,” the Marathon’s Race Director said.

“As a sport, running has the ability to bring together people from different countries, backgrounds and cultures, and we look forward to opening our doors to runners from Kenya, which has a world-famous runner community."

Kenyan athletes have long dominated the world stage in distance running, with runners like Brigid Kosgei and Peres Jepchirchir consistently achieving impressive marathon victories.

With this invitation, the organizers of the Nagoya Women’s Marathon hope to add a new level of competition and excitement to the event by allowing Kenyan women to compete alongside elite Japanese and international athletes.

For those who may not be able to make the journey to Japan, the event’s organizers are offering a virtual alternative for 500 women worldwide.

The Nagoya Women’s Online Marathon 2025, which will take place between February 9, 2025, and March 31, 2025, allows runners to complete the full 42.195 kilometers on a smartphone application, providing an opportunity to compete from any location.

“We recognize the importance of sustainability and accessibility in modern sports,” the Race Director explained.

“This virtual race option, born during the travel restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic, allows women from around the world to engage with the event, even if they cannot physically attend in Nagoya. We believe this alternative offers a world-class platform for women to shine, no matter where they are."

All participants, whether competing in person or virtually, will receive the same prestigious finisher prizes, including a special commemorative tumbler from Baccarat, a French luxury lifestyle brand.

To mark its 260th anniversary, Baccarat has collaborated with the Nagoya Women’s Marathon to provide a unique gift, celebrating the success of every runner.

The elegant tumbler’s design, kept under wraps until now, will be unveiled at the Marathon Expo the day before the race.

The Nagoya Women’s Marathon, launched in 2012, has become a symbol of excellence in women’s running, featuring elite athletes from around the world.

It holds a World Athletics Platinum Label designation, attracting top-tier competitors and fans alike.

Last year, Yuka Ando made headlines by becoming the first Japanese winner in three years, setting a personal best time of 2:21:19.

The organizers are optimistic that the inclusion of Kenyan athletes will add an exciting layer of competition to the race, further elevating its international reputation.

50th BMW Berlin-Marathon Sunday: Deep fields promise fast and exciting races in Berlin’s jubilee marathon

The 50th edition of the BMW Berlin Marathon promises fast and exciting elite races. Deep fields will be assembled with 14 men who have already run sub 2:06:00. While there is no strong favourite among them it is different with the women: Ethiopia’s Tigist Ketema heads the list with her stunning 2:16:07 debut time, which makes her the ninth-fastest marathon runner ever.

Ten more women have personal bests of sub 2:22:00. Thirteen world records were broken in the history of the BMW Berlin Marathon, many more than in any other marathon. The jubilee edition of Germany’s most spectacular road race will have a record number of around 50,000 participants. 

Men’s field

Without Kenya’s superstar Eliud Kipchoge, the winner of the past two editions, the fastest on paper is Tadese Takele. The Ethiopian was third in Berlin a year ago when he improved to 2:03:24. Since another fast race is expected Takele will probably have to run quicker to be in contention for the prestigious marathon victory at the Brandenburg Gate.

Fellow Kenyan Kibiwott Kandie could well challenge for his first triumph over the classic distance. The Kenyan is the former world half marathon record holder (57:32) with great potential. Germany’s Hendrik Pfeiffer leads a group of strong domestic runners. He improved to 2:07:14 early this year in Houston.

Women’s field

Tigist Ketema stormed to a sensational victory in Dubai at the beginning of the year, clocking an unofficial world debut record of 2:16:07. Coming to another very fast course now the training partner of Tigst Assefa, who smashed the world record here with 2:11:53 a year ago, might look to improve her personal best.

The women’s field includes a former world record holder as well, but at a much shorter distance: Genzebe Dibaba ran 3:50.07 in the 1,500m in 2015. When she switched to the marathon she ran a fast debut with 2:18:05 in Amsterdam two years ago.

Unfortunately, Kenya’s Rosemary Wanjiru had to cancel her start due to injury. But Germany’s Melat Kejeta is a late addition to the field. She dropped out of the Olympic Marathon early because of stomach problems and now hopes to bounce back in Berlin with a personal best. Kejeta might well try to become the second German woman after Irina Mikitenko (2:19:19 in Berlin in 2008) to break 2:20:00.

MEN

Tadese Takele ETH 2:03:24

Cybrian Kotut KEN 2:04:34

Hailemaryam Kiros ETH 2:04:41

Kibiwott Kandie  KEN 2:04:48

Bazezew Asmare ETH 2:04:57

Samwel Mailu KEN 2:05:08

Milkesa Mengesha ETH 2:05:29

Haymanot Alew ETH 2:05:30

Philimon Kipchumba KEN 2:05:35

Josphat Boit  KEN  2:05:42 

Dejene Megersa  ETH  2:05:42

Enock Onchari  KEN  2:05:47 

Oqbe Ruesom  ERI  2:05:51

Justus Kangogo  KEN  2:05:57

Haimro Alame  ISR  2:06:04

Ashenafi Moges  ETH  2:06:12

Asbel Rutto  KEN  2:07:04

Samuel Tsegay  SWE  2:06:53

Yohei Ikeda  JPN  2:06:53

Stephen Kiprop KEN  2:07:04

Hendrik Pfeiffer  GER 2:07:14

Kento Kikutani JPN 2:07:26

Melaku Belachew ETH 2:07:28

Godadaw Belachew  ISR 2:07:45

Yuhei Urano  JPN 2:07:52

Guojian Dong CHN 2:08:12

Filimon Abraham GER 2:08:22

Haftom Welday GER 2:08:24

Sebastian Hendel GER 2:08:51

Olonbayar Jamsran  MGL 2:08:58

Haftamu Gebresilase ETH Debut

WOMEN

Tigist Ketema ETH 2:16:07

Genzebe Dibaba ETH 2:18:05

Yebrugal Melese ETH 2:19:36

Mestawot Fikir ETH 2:20:45

Azmera Gebru ETH 2:20:48

Sisay Gola ETH 2:20:50

Mizuki Matsuda JPN 2:20:52

Fikrte Wereta  ETH 2:21:32

Ai Hosoda  JPN  2:21:42

Melat Kejeta GER 2:21:47

Aberu Ayana  ETH  2:21:54

Calli Hauger-Thackery GBR 2:22:17

Bekelech Gudeta  ETH  2:22:54

Lisa Weightman  AUS  2:23:15

Betelihem Afenigus  ETH  2:23:20

Veronica Maina   KEN  2:24:46

Bosena Mulatie ETH 2:26:59

Alisa Vainio FIN 2:27:26

Sonia Samuels  GBR 2:28:04

Nora Szabo  HUN 2:28:25

Philippa Bowden USA 2:29:14

Pauline Esikon KEN Debut

Barnaba Kipkoech and Natasha Cockram take the spoils as over 6,000 runners enjoy Belfast Half Marathon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yves Nimubona (Atletica Casoni Noceto) and Sara Nestola (Calcestruzzi Corradini) are the winners of the 24th edition of the Udine City Half Marathon

Yves Nimubona (Atletica Casoni Noceto) and Sara Nestola (Calcestruzzi Corradini) are the winners of the 24th edition of the Udine City Half Marathon, which took place this morning, Sunday 22 September. The Rwandan and the Italian completed the 21.097 km of the Friulian race in 1.00’56’’ and 1.12’16’’, adding their names to the roll of honor of the event organized by the Udine Half Marathon Association for the first time.

Completing the men’s podium are the Italians Yohanes Chiappinelli (Carabinieri) and Pietro Riva (Fiamme Oro), reigning European team champions over the distance. The former completed the race in 1.01’00’’, while the latter, individual continental vice-champion, stopped the clock at 1.01’55’’. Among the women, behind the Italian Nestola, the Kenyans Teresiah Omosa Kvamboka and Sharon Chebichiy close, capable of a time of 1.14’35’’ and 1.25’47’’ respectively.

The men’s race is exciting, with Riva in the lead in the early stages. Pulled by the hares, the policeman from Alba passes in 14’31’’ at 5 km and in 29’04’’ at 10 km, to then remain in the lead together with the duo formed by Chiappinelli and Nimubona. The trio runs at a pace of 2’50’’ until the sixteenth km, when the first turning point of the race is recorded. Riva loses contact with the two rivals, who take the lead of the race maintaining the pace of 2’50’’ per km. It’s neck and neck until the twentieth kilometer, when Nimubona (born in 1998) accelerates and manages to leave the Carabinieri standard-bearer behind him.

Thus, the African, 21st at the Paris Olympic Games in the 10,000 meters, raises his arms to the sky in the heart of Udine. Behind him, the two Italians, at the start of the Friulian race in preparation for the Valencia marathon on December 1st.

Among the women, the favorite of the eve, Sara Nestola, arrives in front of everyone, also in Friuli to carry out a test in view of her debut in the marathon, scheduled in Valencia. The race run by the student of Stefano Baldini is of great importance: the Italian, always in the lead, passes in 34'09'' at 10 km and in 51'03'' at 15 km, arriving at the finish line in a time one minute less than her personal best of 1.11'16''. The girl from Emilia, born in 2001, 35th at the European championships over 21.097 km, is the first Italian to win in Udine six years after the last time (in 2018 Sara Dossena won).

Great performance also for the Friulians Steve Bibalo, of Altetica Buja, who ranked tenth (1h 08'01"), and Mariangela Stringaro, of Keep Moving (1h 30'01"): they were awarded the Faustino Anzil Prize, a gold medal introduced in 2023 to honor the memory of the late Professor Faustino Anzil, a leading figure in regional and national sport - in his role as dean of athletic trainers of Friuli Venezia Giulia - as well as councilor, with the delegations for education and sport, in the Municipality of Udine: Anzil was, among other things, one of the most convinced supporters of the "Udine Half Marathon project".

A thousand participants in the Udine half marathon, which as always put on a show. 

Among the half marathon runners, this year too, was the scientist from Udine Mauro Ferrari, at his fifth participation in the Half Marathon.The youngest athletes were 18-year-olds Tamer Al Halabi and Nicole Cos, the oldest were Giorgio Zuzzi, 77, and Graziella Minetto, 68. Fausto Finocchiaro turned 35 on the day of the 2024 Half Marathon; 174 teams competed. The largest was Run Card, with 291 participants.

The most represented nations were (in order of participants) Italy, Austria, United Kingdom, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Belgium, United States, Israel.Among the members of the StraUdine (about 600) were the two actors - Daniele Fior and Marco Rogante - busy these days, at the Teatro S. Giorgio in Udine, in the rehearsals of the show "Maratona di New York", the new version of the famous text by Edoardo Erba, translated into Friulian by Paolo Patui and directed by Rita Maffei. On stage they run and act for 65 minutes: therefore they could not miss the city race, to continue the long training before the debut, scheduled for 11 and 12 October in the Season Teatro Contatto.

This At the StraUdine the largest group was the Mostro Run (18 participants); the youngest member was a six-month-old baby, the oldest Aderina Kraghel, 87 years old; the sympathy award went to a little girl who ran with a cast.

THE CLIMB OF THE CASTLE. The weekend of the Half Marathon, never so long - the first of the many events scheduled took place on Thursday evening -, came to life, at a competitive level, with the always spectacular men's and women's invitation time trial "Salita del Castello Autotorino": the speed record on the ramp that leads to the top of the hill was set by Lorenzo Brugnizza (San Marino Athletics Academy), with a time of one minute and 6 seconds; second place for Andrea Lamparelli (Atletica Malignani Libertas Udine), who arrived in one minute and 9 seconds, third for Alessandro De Marco (1 minute and 10 seconds), of the Atletica 2000 team.

First among the women was Miriam Sartor (of Atletica Ponzano), who climbed the hill in 1 minute and 27 seconds; silver for Lisa Rivetta, of Trieste Atletica (1 minute and 28), bronze for Emily Grace Campanelli (also Trieste Atletica), with 1 minute and 1 minute and 32.

Bethwell Biwott Yegon, winner of the Buenos Aires Marathon

The Buenos Aires International Marathon has come to an end, with a new edition of the South American Championship for that distance taking place. The winner was Kenyan Bethwell Biwott Yegon, after a time of 2:09:04. The podium was completed by Isaac Kipkemboi Too, in second place, and Eliasa Kibet, in third.

This was the marathon with the largest number of participants in Latin America, with 15,000 runners. This was achieved after having surpassed last year's record of 11,500 participants. Among the thousands and thousands of runners, almost five thousand of them were foreigners. On the other hand, the Marathon had no less than 16 long-distance runners from African powers.

The first South American to reach the finish line was the Peruvian Ulises Ambrocio. Then, the Argentine Ignacio Erario and the Paraguayan Derlys Ayala, respectively. In the women's category, the first was the Ethiopian Yenenesh Tilahun Dinkesa.

ETHIOPIAN MUKTAR EDRIS AND ASAYECH AYICHEW DEFEATS ALL FAVORITES AT THE NN DAM TOT DAMLOOP

With Olympic champion Joshua Cheptegei at the starting line, a world-class athlete was present at today’s NN Dam tot Damloop. However, at the end of the 10-mile race from Amsterdam to Zaandam, a surprising winner stood on the podium.

Muktar Edris impressively outpaced all the major favorites. He won the 38th edition of the NN Dam tot Damloop in 44:51 minutes, the fastest time in the world this year. Asayech Ayichew also shocked the field with her victory. The 19-year-old athlete ran a smart race and finished as the first woman in 51:18 minutes.

The best Dutch performances came from Filmon Tesfu (47:48) and Maureen Koster (54:32).On this beautiful late summer day, the women started 6 minutes and 4 seconds ahead of the men. As is tradition, the women kicked off the race from the Prins Hendrikkade in Amsterdam and ran towards the finish in Zaandam.

In the IJtunnel, which was specially illuminated for the first time this year, the women’s group quickly split into two. Diana van Es and Maureen Koster briefly managed to keep up with the pace of the African runners but soon decided to run at their own rhythm.At that moment, the men’s race also started, and the chase began. Three-time World Champion and Olympic champion in the 10,000 meters, Joshua Cheptegei, set the pace alongside last year’s winner, Mathew Kimeli.

A leading group of nine runners formed, with Filmon Tesfu being the only Dutch runner among them. After just 4 kilometers, Muktar Edris made his move, disregarding the two favorites. He surged ahead at a blistering pace, opening up a significant gap. Cheptegei briefly closed in after 11 kilometers, momentarily bringing tension back into the race. However, Edris’ lead was too large to overcome.

At Dam Square, about 600 meters before the finish, Edris even had time to wave to the cheering crowd, which had gathered en masse for the race’s final stretch. After a final sprint, he finished with a time of 44:51. Although this was the fastest time of the season for this distance, Leonard Patrick Komon’s sharp course record from 2011 (44:27) remained unthreatened.

After the race, Edris thanked the spectators for their support: “After a long injury, this was my first race back. Thanks to all the encouragement, I was able to keep pushing throughout the race. The atmosphere was fantastic.” Cheptegei could not meet the high expectations today and had to settle for second place (45:18), while Kenyan Ismael Kiprono claimed third place (45:44).Filmon Tesfu impressed as the best Dutch runner with a time of 47:48 and was pleased with his seventh-place finish overall:

“I expected to perform at this level. For the first 3 kilometers, I kept up with the lead group, but then I switched to my own pace and managed to overtake more runners towards the finish. Being the top Dutch runner here is nice, but my main goal is the TCS Amsterdam Marathon next month, where I’ll be making my marathon debut.” Richard Douma finished as the second Dutchman (48:38), followed by Gianluca Assorgia in third (48:44).

The man-vs-woman competition remained close for a long time, but Edris eventually overtook Asayech Ayichew after 15 kilometers. By that point, Ayichew had already been running solo towards the finish, having smartly let the favorite, Gladys Chepkurui, lead for much of the race. Ayichew crossed the finish line shortly after Edris on Peperstraat with a time of 51:18.

Chepkurui followed closely behind (51:36), and third place went to Mebrat Gidey (52:17). The Dutch women's podium consisted of Maureen Koster (54:32), Jasmijn Lau (54:42), and Silke Jonkman (55:04).

2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon Elite Athlete: Daniel Ebenyo will make his long-awaited marathon debut

Kenyan long-distance runner Daniel Ebenyo will make his long-awaited marathon debut at the 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon.

Ebenyo has yet to run a competitive marathon. But in his most recent race, he won the 2024 Berlin Half Marathon, running a scorching 59:30.

Ebenyo, 29, is the reigning World silver medalist in the 10,000-meter run and in the World Championship Half Marathon.

He's a three-time Kenyan national champion in the 5,000-meter run; he competed at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in the same event, finishing 10th.

He's run a slew of half-marathons. His best time of 59:14 came from the World Athletics Running Championships, where he took second place.

Kibii leads Kenyan charge at Hengshui Lake Marathon

Fresh from winning the 2024 Stockholm Marathon triumph, Fredrick Kibii will spearhead a formidable Kenyan lineup at the Hengshui Lake Marathon in China on Sunday.

The 28-year-old triumphed at the Stockholm Marathon in June, crossing the line in 2:14:17, leading a Kenyan top-five finish.

Robert Ng'eno (2:14:30) and Benard Kipkorir (2:15:41) completed the podium with Kennedy Kipyeko (2:15:53) and Abednego Cheruiyot (2:16:46) in tow.

In April, Kibii clocked 2:08:56 to finish fourth at the Linz Marathon, trailing Eritrea’s Goitom Kifle (2:08:15), Denis Chirchir (2:08:28) and Ethiopia’s Dejene Debela (2:08:38).

Kibii's impressive resume boasts a third-place finish at the 2023 Hannover Marathon, clocking 2:08:09 behind Germany’s Amanal Petros (2:07:02) and Chirchir (2:07:17).

He finished a solid seventh-place finish at the Frankfurt Marathon later that year (2:09:33).

Joining Kibii in China is Boaz Kipkemei, who finished second at this year’s Hannover Marathon in April in a time of 2:07:06.

Gevin Kerich, who was three seconds (2:06:52) behind last year’s Doha Marathon winner, Morocco's Mohcin Outalha, is also in contention.

Kerich grabbed second place at the 2022 Eindhoven Marathon (2:07:07).

Boniface Kimutai rounds off a strong Kenyan contingent, who face stiff competition from Ethiopian runners, led by 2020 Seville Marathon champion Mekuant Ayenew, Copenhagen Marathon runner-up Gadisa Birhanu and Daegu Marathon third-place finisher Berhane Tsegay.

Hannover Marathon third-place finisher Lilian Jebitok will headline the women’s elite field.

Her resume includes a victory at the 2019 Casablanca Marathon (2:31:31) and a third-place finish at the 2018 Nairobi Standard Chartered Marathon (2:42:23).

She is joined by Tallinn Marathon champion Mercy Kwambai, second at the Copenhagen Marathon in May (2:28:12) and runner-up at the 2022 Bregenz Marathon (2:30:15).

Ethiopia will once again provide the competition with 2021 Stockholm Marathon champion Atalel Anmut leading the charge.

She has Seville Marathon third-place finisher Urge Diro and Xuzhou Marathon champion Derartu Hailu for company.

Why are track running and road running so different?

In case you missed Jakob Ingebrigtsen’s half-marathon debut at the Copenhagen Half Marathon last weekend, it didn’t quite unfold as expected. Many believed the Norwegian middle-distance star would challenge the world record of 57:30 and easily break the one-hour mark for 21.1 kilometres. However, as even the most talented runners have learned, the transition from track to road racing is far from simple. Ingebrigtsen, like so many before him, fell victim to a classic mistake—going out too fast–which led to him walking at the halfway point.

Despite this, Ingebrigtsen still finished 34th, with a time of 63:13—a strong debut, though well below expectations for the reigning Olympic 5,000m champion; his time was more than five minutes behind winner Kenya’s Sebastian Sawe, who ran a blistering 58:05.

Ingebrigtsen has been one of the most dominant middle-distance runners in the world over the past four years, racking up numerous titles and accolades between 1,500m and 5,000m. Even though his mile personal best of 3:43.73 is the second-fastest in history, the leap from track to long-distance road running, particularly the half-marathon (or marathon), requires a completely different approach. While both distances demand physical and mental strength, marathoning and long-distance events call for more patience and experience.

On the track, Ingebrigtsen is accustomed to controlled environments, with perfect surfaces, consistent pacing and distances that are short enough that errors can be overcome with a kick. In contrast, the half-marathon requires not just endurance, but precise pacing and energy management over a much longer period. These skills become second nature to the world’s most experienced distance runners, but for a track star dipping his foot into the world of road racing, it presents new challenges. Starting too fast, as Ingebrigtsen did (coming through 10K in 27:27) is a detriment in longer road races, where proper pacing is crucial to avoid bonking.

The 24-year-old admitted as much after the race. In an interview with Olympics.com, he confessed, “Twenty-one km is definitely too long! I’m definitely not going to try again for a couple of years. It’s fun but tough. I tried to stay with the leading group for as long as I could.”

He also revealed he doesn’t ever run more than 21 km in training, and had this to say on Instagram: “My deepest respect to all you long-distance runners! Just realized the meaning of the term ‘run like hell.’ And thank you, Copenhagen Half, for the warm welcome!”

Building mileage and incorporating long runs are fundamental to half-marathon and marathon training, as they prepare both the body and mind for the prolonged strain of going the distance. Long runs are valuable practice for developing race-day strategies, establishing a rhythm and managing nutrition/fluid intake. If Ingebrigtsen wasn’t covering the distance in training, expecting a record time on race day would have been a very tall order.

His debut serves as a reminder that dominance on the track doesn’t guarantee instant success on the roads. Road racing takes time to master, and his performance in Copenhagen likely taught the 24-year-old some valuable lessons, should he choose to revisit the half-marathon distance in the future.

Top athletes look ahead to the 38th Dam tot Damloop

Cheptegei confesses to have a soft spot for the 10 English Mile race.

Today, during the press conference in the Zaantheater, the top athletes of the Dam tot Damloop were presented. Organizer Le Champion, together with the contenders, looked ahead to the 10 English Mile race from Amsterdam to Zaandam.

Absolute eye-catcher and Olympic Champion Joshua Cheptegei spoke highly of the event: "My career on the road practically started here and I would like to return one last time for the people who have always supported me. Never say never, but the marathon is waiting for me." The start of the 38th Dam tot Damloop is this Sunday, September 22 at 10:18 a.m. and can be followed live via NH and AT5.

The 28-year-old Cheptegei was last at the start of the Dam tot Damloop in 2018 and won it. Of course, that is also the goal on Sunday, although he expects a big game. "After winning Olympic gold in the 10,000 meters, I took some time off and celebrated the success in my country.

That, in combination with the strong field of participants, makes it an exciting race. In any case, I'm very happy to be back."With Kenyan Mathew Kimeli, the Ugandan Olympic Champion has a formidable opponent. Last year's winner recorded a very fast time of 45.20, but is in awe of Cheptegei. Laughing, he said: "When you're fighting for victory against such a big name, you get a little scared.

I'm going to do the best I can, but I know which of the two of us is the best. Together with Ethiopian Muktar Edris, former world record holder in the 5,000 meters, it promises to be an exciting battle for victory.

In the women's race, all eyes are on Kenyan Gladys Chepkurui, who will be at the start of the Dam tot Damloop for the first time. The 30-year-old admits that he finds it exciting to start from the special Damloop concept, in which the women start 6.04 minutes earlier than the men, the difference between the men's and women's course record.

"It's going to be a challenge, but I came here to do the best I can." For the runner who crosses the finish line first, an extra cash prize awaits.

Dutch top field

Diane van Es is a fan of such road races: "You have no idea where the men are on the course and that gives an extra dimension to the Dam tot Damloop." Van Es is having an excellent season.

In June, she surprised friend and foe at the European Championships by winning the silver medal in the 10,000 meters. "For me personally, that's the highlight of the year. During the Olympics I finished 16th at the same distance, but that was mainly due to the many tempo changes." Van Es has been at the start twice before and finished sixth twice.

So she is ahead, but has no illusions of an international victory. "I've competed against Chepkurui before and got pretty beaten, but that's been a while." In addition to van Es, Jill Holterman and Maureen Koster will also be at the start.In the Dutch men's competition, Filmon Tesfu, Frank Futselaar and Lucas Nieuweboer, among others, will compete with each other.an.

The latter is having a great year because in January, after 18 years, he again ensured Dutch victory at the Egmond Half Marathon. "After that, I had some aches and pains. I expect to be fit again on Sunday just in time, in any case I'm going into it uninhibited and see where the ship strands".

Heat expected: urgent advice for participants

Participants in the 10 English Mile will be confronted with rising temperatures to a maximum of 23 degrees Celsius on Sunday and a possible danger of overheating during the run. Le Champion therefore calls on all participants to run sensibly and to keep an eye on fellow runners.

In addition, the organization has taken extra measures to ensure that the event runs as smoothly as possible, such as extending the start, an extra water station and extra coolants along the route. For the detailed advice and measures, visit www.damloop.nl.

Marathon legend Kipchoge calls for a change in sports culture

The 2024 Paris Olympics marked exactly two decades since double Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge made his Olympic debut.

The legendary marathoner first ran in the Athens Olympics in 2004, where he won the 5,000m bronze medal before upgrading to silver four years later in Beijing in the same event.

By 2008, Kipchoge was already an established name in distance running, boasting two world championship medals and two at the Olympics.

This year, the legendary marathoner led team Kenya to the Olympics together with a strong contingent that included 2024 TCS London Marathon champion Alex Mutiso and 2022 Chicago Marathon winner Benson Kipruto.

A painful exit for the marathon legend

Kipchoge, shy about his 40th birthday, was headed for another highlight in his celebrated marathon career.

He was aiming to get back to winning ways, or at least reach the Olympic podium for a fourth time in his fifth Olympic Games.

The running guru stayed at a touching distance of the leading pack up to the 15km mark. Then he began holding his waist, early worrying signs that all was not well for the defending Olympic champion.

The pain intensified, forcing him to decide to end his race about 12 km away from the finish point at Les Invalides.

That saw him record a Did Not Finish (DNF) for the first time in his illustrious career. Before the Olympics, Kipchoge’s worst marathon result was 10th place at the 2024 Tokyo Marathon.

It was a classy exit for the marathoner who set a world record in the 5,000m of the World Cross Country Championships junior race in 2003 and won gold. That would be the scene of the marathon’s great last Olympic parade.

Lessons from Paris

Reflecting on the recent Paris Olympics, Kipchoge outlined the key lessons learned, urging sports leaders in the country to take stock of past experiences and ensure they inform future strategies.

“One thing I learned and observed during the Olympics is that peace and education play a great role in our generation. The combination of the two is magical. Now we are done with Paris. Los Angeles is up next. Can we apply the lessons learned as we head to the next Olympics?” he posed to SportsBoom.com.

A call for change in sports culture

Kipchoge also expressed concern over how Kenyan athletes are often treated, drawing a parallel to weddings where people focus on celebrating the event rather than the bride and groom.

He pointed out that in sports, much like in weddings, the spotlight is frequently on the events themselves, while the athletes, who are the real protagonists, do not receive the recognition and support they deserve.

“That is how we operate. We celebrate the events and not our athletes, which should not be the case,” he offered.

The marathon star also challenged the traditional approach of simply rewarding athletes with trophies, urging for a more profound investment in their mental and emotional well-being. He added that equipping athletes with practical skills can sustain them beyond their sporting careers.

“It is the work of federations and the Ministry of Sports to make sure athletes are comfortable. Athletes should be taught literacy, and handling pressure in emotional and physical states. Do not just award them trophies. Work on their minds as well. Can we teach our athletes basic skills like using social media channels to earn money?” he posed.

A farmer’s patience: Advice to sports federations

Kipchoge also urged sports federations and the ministry to invest in athletes with the same patience and care that a farmer applies when planting a seed, waiting for it to germinate and eventually yield a good harvest.

“To our federation leaders, let us hold sports in the heart and mind. Train our athletes, invest in them and eventually wait for the results. What athletes do behind the scenes is commendable. They are the people who build the game by their hands,” he averred.

He concluded by calling on sports federations and sponsors to go beyond simply funding events and trophies, stressing the importance of investing in the well-being of athletes. “To our sponsors, I challenge you to include humanity in your budget. Finance these athletes for the good work they are doing,” he said. Despite the unexpected turn in his last Olympic hurrah, the two-time world record holder has no intentions to call time on his career, not just yet.

Seven runners under 2:07 are set for Frankfurt

Seven runners with personal bests of sub 2:07 are on the start list of the 41st edition of the Mainova Frankfurt Marathon on October 27th.

It looks very likely that the eventual winner will come from one of the two great running nations, Kenya and Ethiopia. While Herpasa Negasa of Ethiopia remains the number one on the list with his world-class personal best of 2:03:40 Elisha Rotich is among the new additions. The Kenyan has a PB of 2:04:21.

Organizers expect a total of more than 25,000 athletes on the last Sunday of October. Among them will be over 14,000 marathon runners which is significantly more than in 2023. The Mainova Frankfurt Marathon is a World Athletics Elite Label Road Race. Entries are still accepted at: www.frankfurt-marathon.com

Parts of the men’s elite field were announced today. The women’s field will be released next month. For years Elisha Rotich has produced strong marathon races. His best race so far was at the 2021 Paris Marathon. The Kenyan won the race with 2:04:21 which remains his personal best and still stands as the Paris course record. On the route through the French capital, which is not considered very fast, he ran another strong race this spring. Rotich was third with 2:06:53 in April. Together with Eric Kiptanui (PB: 2:05:47), whose participation had been announced earlier, he looks to be the strongest Kenyan in the elite field of the Mainova Frankfurt Marathon. However a surprise might come from Benard Biwott, a Kenyan debutant who has run a 59:47 half marathon this year.

Besides Herpasa Negasa Ethiopia will have four more runners with personal bests of sub 2:07 on the start line: Lencho Tesfaye (2:06:18), Aychew Bantie (2:06:23), Boki Asefa (2:06:46) and Birhan Nebebew (2:06:52) could attack their PBs on the fast Frankfurt course where Kenya’s Wilson Kipsang clocked the 2:03:42 course record in 2011.

“We expect a very open race since there is no major favorite. It is difficult to predict what might be possible with regard to times. But the field surely has the potential for a surprise,“ said Race Direktor Jo Schindler.

While Spain’s Abdelaziz Merzougui is the fastest European runner on the start list with a personal best of 2:08:00 there is a novelty in the history of the Mainova Frankfurt Marathon: Married couple Jake Robertson and Magdalyne Masai will be among the elite runners. New Zealand’s Robertson has a personal best of 2:08:26 and could achieve a strong finishing position while his Kenyan wife has a PB of 2:22:16 and will be among the favorites in Frankfurt.

Trio looks to extend Kenya's dominance in Munich

The trio of Cosmas Birech, Dominic Nyairo and William Kibor are set to extend Kenya’s dominance at the Munich Marathon as they line up in the German city on October 13.

Kenya has ruled the men’s event for the past two years, with Philemon Kipchumba clinching victory in 2022 in 2:07:28, ahead of Ethiopia’s Mengistu Gezahagn (2:07:56) and Eritrea’s Berhane Tesfay (2:08:10).

Last year, Kenyan athletes swept the podium, led by Bernard Muia, who won in a time of  2:09:17, with Benson Nzioka (2:09:21) and Mica Cheserek (2:09:26) completing the podium.

Cosmas Kiplimo (2:10:07), Amos Birgen (2:11:15) and Luke Kibet (2:11:41) finished fourth, sixth and seventh respectively.

Race organizers expect a fast-paced event in the men’s race with a target of a 2:08 finish.

“We have produced the fastest times in the history of our event in the past two years. I hope we will once again see results in the region of 2:08 to 2:09,” said Gernot Weigl.

Birech comes with an impressive resume, boasting wins at the 2018 Roma Marathon (2:08:03) and the Lugano Half Marathon (1:01:02). 

Nyairo, on the other hand, is the 2021 Hofu Marathon champion (2:09:34) as well as the runners-up from the Aveiro Marathon (2:09:57) in April.

Kibor hold victories from the 2014 Verona Half Marathon (1:00:51) and the 2016 Las Vegas Half Marathon (1:01:21).

In the women’s race, Shamilah Kipsiror, the 2023 Ghent Half Marathon champion, will be looking to defend Kenya’s title.

In 2023, Kenyans secured the top five positions in the women’s event led by Catherine Cherotich (2:31:34). Teclah Chebet (2:32:13), Flomena Ngurasia (2:33:17), Caroline Chepkwony (2:36:32) and Beatrice Cheburet (2:46:42) followed in that order. 

During the 2022 edition, Agnes Keino cruised to victory in 2:23:26 besting Ethiopia’s Dibaba Hurssa (2:24:12) and Morocco’s Souad Kanbouchia (2:27:35).

The target for the women’s event is 2:25; “In the women’s race, times between 2:25 and 2:27 should be possible,” added Weigl.

Kipsiror’s resume includes a third-place finish at the 2023 Bucharest Half Marathon (1:19:19), a fourth-place finish at the Roma Marathon (2:27:33) in March and a fifth-place finish at the Riyadh Half Marathon (1:14:09) in February.

Beatrice Chebet: How Sifan Hassan inspired my record-breaking 2024 season

Double Olympic champion Beatrice Chebet has opened up about how Dutch woman Sifan Hassan motivated her history-making season in 2024.

Beatrice Chebet has opened up about drawing her inspiration from Sifan Hassan, a move that has enabled her to break barriers and make history this season.

The double Olympic champion pointed out that two-time Boston Marathon champion Hellen Obiri has also been a vital part of her career growth but Hassan has stood out for her this season. Chebet explained that Hassan, the reigning Olympic marathon champion, is never afraid of making bold moves and she is a source of motivation to the Kenyan distance sensation.

At the Paris Olympic Games, Hassan competed in the women’s 5000m, 10,000m and marathon and she claimed bronze medals in the 5000m and 10,000m and a gold in the marathon, a feat that has never been achieved in the history of the Olympic Games.

“Hellen Obiri has always been a role model to me but for now, I’ll talk about Sifan Hassan. She is a lady who believes in herself and when she says that she will go for something, then she will pursue it, be it the 1500m or the marathon. Sifan has always motivated me and she gives me the confidence that I can do it,” Chebet said.

At the Olympic Games, Chebet claimed the gold medal in the women’s 5000m and 10,000m. It was a historic feat as no woman has ever won double gold over the two distances on the Olympic stage and she was also the first woman to win gold over the 25-lap race.

She explained that going into the Olympics, she wanted to do something unique since she had yet to win a gold medal at the World Championships. Chebet added that after winning the 5000m, the toughest of the two races, she knew the 10,000m would not be difficult.

After the Olympics, Chebet still had it in her as she went on to win the Diamond League Meeting in Zurich before claiming the Diamond League trophy in Brussels.

“This season has been great, especially going to the Olympics as a debutant and winning two gold medals. I can say it was not easy but I had to remain focused and believe in myself. When I entered the 10,000m race, I just wanted to win a medal but making history motivated me to go for a gold medal,” Chebet said.

“I had been to the World Championships but never won a medal and I wanted to do something great in Paris. The 5000m was the hardest event and going into the 10,000m, I knew I could do it. After the Olympics, I had to believe in myself and since I was the Olympic champion, I knew I had to do it,” she added.

Kenyan’s Shadrack Kenduiywo breaks the nine year old world record for the Double 15k

The sport of Double Racing was created by Bob Anderson in October 2010. The sport, governed by the Double Road Race Federation (DRRF) is a two leg race with an established break between the legs.  

The featured event is the Double 15k.  The first leg is 10k. The second leg is 5k  The second leg starts one hour and 45 minutes after the start of first leg.  Times from the two legs are added together for scoring.  You must complete both legs to get an official time.  

Over 120 Double 15k races have been held around the world.  On May 10, 2015 Julius Koskei from Kenya broke his own world record clocking 43:11 in Pacific Grove California USA.  He clocked 29:11 for his 10k leg and 14:00 for his 5k leg.  

That record held for nine years and a few months.  On September 14, 2024 that record was not only broken but it was smashed at the fourth annual KATA (Kenyan Athletics Training Academy) Double Road Race 15k. KATA Kenya is located in Thika.  The second KATA is located in Central Portugal and is opening officially Oct 19, 2024.  "We train the Kenyan Way at both locations," says owner/director Bob Anderson.  

24-year-old Shadrack Kenduiywo clocked 42:34 taking 37 seconds off the record.  He attacked the record right from the start clocking 28:33 for the 10k leg.  

He told us after the race, "This was my first double race and I was happy.  My 10k leg was close to my best time this year so I knew the record was in sight.  I had ran 28:18 in march in kapsabet betika and I was happy for this start today."

He told us he was in top form and that he lead from the second kilometer.  His splits: 2:52, 2:50, 2:57, 2:59, 2:57, 2:47, 2:41, 2:45, 2:55 and 2:50. 

We asked him what he did during the break. "During the break," he said "i just relax, drink water ate some fruits and then did a warm up of 20 minutes before the second leg."

His splits for the second leg were 2:47, 2:48, 2:51, 2:47, and 2:44.

After clocking the best time ever he said, "Yes if the weather could have cooler, i could have ran faster."  It was about 21c (71 F) at the start.  

We wanted to know a little more about Shadrack and he wrote, "In the half marathon, I have a personal best of 61:24 this year Italy padova, 25 km Berlin 1h15, 8km    23:43 and 5km 13:55 in Udeni."

The new world record holder says, "i hope to ran faster than this next time.  I will train next time focusing for it."

Shadrack was followed by Martin mumo who clocked 43:18 which is the third best time ever.  Only Shadrack and Julius Koskei have run faster.

KATA's Zachary kirika finished in third place clocking 43:37 which is the fourth best time ever.  Very impressive considering the heat and he was unwell. 

Alice koigi took the crown in the women's race in a time of 49:30. She was followed by Monica wanjiku who posted 51:30 and Susan njuu stopped the clock at 53:07 which was good enough for third place.

In addition to the Double race, nearly 100 kids ran the Bob Anderson's Kids Mile.  12-year-old Benjamin ndaro clocked 4:54 with John Mwangi close behind clocking 4:59.  There was also a 5k for kids and 16-year-old Denis chege won in 17:48.  

Men's Double 15k Results

1. Shadrack Kenduiywo 24yrs Bib no. 250 10km 28.33mns 5km 14:01m Total time 42:34

2. Martin Mumo 26yrs Bib no. 222 10km 28:56, 5km 14:22, Total time 43:18

3. Zachariah Kereka 22yrs, Bib no. 236, 10km 29:13, 5km 14:24, Total time 43:37

4. Collins Kiplagat 18yrs, Bib no. 249, 10km 29:53, 5km 14:46, Total time 44:39

5. John Njuguna 25yrs, Bib no. 226, 10km 30:18, 5km 14:53, total time 45:11

6. Hillary Komen, 30yrs, Bib no. 242, 10km 30:19, 5km 14:57, Total time 45:16

7. Michael Chege, 18, 218, 30:37, 15:01, 45:38

8. Kenneth Gichoya, 27, 211, 30.51, 15.28, 46:19

9. Joshua Kibet, 27, 248, 30.53, 15.30, 46.23

10. Gabriel Kahura, 41, 219, 30.54, 15.34, 46.28

11. Fredrick Kiprotich, 24, 238, 30.56, 15.35, 46.31

12. Charles Mwangi, 17, 229, 31.34, 15.42, 47.16

13. Peter Wanyoike, 27, 230, 31.43, 15.45, 47.28

14. Boniface Mungai, 26, 227, 31.45, 15.48, 47.33

15. Shadrack Kiprotich, 26, 247, 31.49, 16:14 48:03

16. John Kuria 39 245 32.07 16.31 48.38

17. David Muriuki 38 209 32.42 16.36 49.18

18. Amos Chirchir 240 24 33.14 17.14 50.28

19. Alfred Kamande 24  000  33.16   17.24   50.40

20. Lewis Kamau   36   000   34.13   17.31   51.44

21. Lawrence Matheka   27   244   34.34   18.11   52.45

22. William Mbugua 21   212   34.56   18.40   53.36

23. Fredrick Mwenda   18   241   37.35   19.29   57.04

24. Jonathan Kyallo   18   481   37.36   20.46   50.22

25. Namisi Elias  17  000  39.32  21.07  60.39

26. Peter Musembi  17   467   41.14   21.53  63.07

27. Jeff Maina  15  489  43.32  23.00  66.32

28. Bernard Makuto  18  411  44.17  23.10  67.27

29. Joseph Muchai  16  358  44.18  23.11  67.29

30. Francis Muinde  17  468  45.02  23.14  68.16

31. Anthony Muthanga  17  332  45.21  23.58  69:19

32. Harrison Mwangi  20  228  45.22  24.10  69.32

33. William Joseph  18  299  45.25  26.20  71.45

34. James Garang'  17  500  45.38  28.11  73.49

35. Bruno John  17  499  46.24  28.11  74.35

36. Simon Mogere  16  497  47.08   29.00  76.17

37. Samson Mbugua  17  493  49.08  32.00   81.08

38. John Kamau  16  465  49.25  33.10  82.35

39. Gerrishon Ngugi 18  397  51.32  34.11  85.43

40. Maurice Kinyua  18  412  51.33  36.10  87.43

Men masters 

1. Charles ndirangu 64 246 37:37 18:58 56:21

2. David mwangi 70 289 42:36 22:13 64:49

3. Joseph kiraio 72 235 45:39 28:01 73:40

Women 

1 Alice koigi 33 223 33:24 16:36 49:30

2 Monica wanjiku 22 225 34:26 17:24 51:30

3 Susan njuu 36 217 35:31 17:36 53:07

4 Virginia wanjiru 22 221 36:58 17:52 54:50

5 Lois wambui 23 214 36:18 17:56 54:14

6 Cynthia chacele 24 216 36:42 17:40 54:22

7 Jacinta kamau 22 213 36:24 18:31 54:55

8 Karen chepkemoi 22 220 37:59 18:26 56:25

9 Lilian nyamai 23 215 39:54 19:47 59:41

10 Ruth maina 22 232 42:07 20:11 63:22

11 Karen kirwa 23 208 43:12 22:38 65:50

12 Lucy muritu 39 243 47:07 24:25 71:32

Women masters 

1 Julia njari 47 224 40:32 20:11 60:43

2 Sheila mbaku 54 233 41:32 20:58 62:30

3 pennina mugure 53 234 47:49 23:51 71:40

Edesa and Misoi break course records at Sydney Marathon

Ethiopia’s Workenesh Edesa and Kenya’s Brimin Misoi made significant improvements on the course records at the TCS Sydney Marathon, winning the World Athletics Platinum Label road race in 2:21:40 and 2:06:17 respectively.

Edesa took almost three minutes off the previous course record in a race where the top four women finished inside Stella Barsosio’s former mark of 2:24:33, set five years ago.

A group of seven women ran together through the first 10km in 33:44, putting them on course record pace from the outset. Just four women – Edesa, Valary Jemeli Aiyabei, Ruti Aga and 2022 world champion Gotytom Gebreslase – remained in the lead pack as the half-way point was reached in 1:11:11.

The quartet ran together for another six or seven kilometres before Edesa and Aga made a break. The Ethiopian duo reached 30km in 1:41:16 with a 16-second lead over Gebreslase. Aga was next to fade, leaving Edesa as the sole leader.

The Ethiopian had a 22-second lead at 35km and was picking up the pace as the race went on. She reached the finish line in 2:21:40, 89 seconds ahead of Aga. Gebreslase completed the Ethiopian sweep in third with 2:24:16.

The men’s race set out at a steady pace with a large lead pack going through 10km in 29:58, inside course record schedule. By the time the half-way point was reached in 1:03:13, just four men remained in the lead group – Misoi, Geoffrey Toroitich, Ezra Tanui and Chalu Deso Gelmisa – while four or five other runners were strung out behind.

By 30km, reached in 1:29:49, Leul Gebresilase had joined the leaders to form a quintent, but they only ran together for a few kilometres before Misoi forged on ahead. The Kenyan got to 35km in 1:44:41, still comfortably inside course record pace, with a 53-second lead over Kirwa. Tanui and Toroitich, meanwhile, dropped out.

He continued to extend his lead through the closing stages and reached the finish line in 2:06:17, taking 46 seconds off the course record set two years ago by compatriot Moses Kibet. Gelmisa was a distant runner-up in 2:08:01, just ahead of Kirwa (2:08:17).

Sawe and Kipkemboi claim Copenhagen Half Marathon crowns

Sabastian Sawe outkicked Jacob Kiplimo to win the men’s race in a world lead, while Margaret Kipkemboi solo ran her way to victory in the women’s race at the Copenhagen Half Marathon, a World Athletics Gold Label road race, on Sunday (15).

Uganda’s world record-holder Kiplimo, Kenya’s world champion Sawe and his Kenyan compatriot Isaia Lasoi were all in contention in the closing stages, but Sawe had the strongest finish. He managed to get a gap on Kiplimo with the finish line in sight and won in a PB of 58:05, four seconds ahead of Kiplimo. Lasoi was one second further back in a PB of 58:10.

Kenya’s world half marathon silver medallist Kipkemboi was joined by her compatriots Judy Kemboi, Catherine Reline Amanang'ole and Sheila Chelangat plus Ethiopia’s Ftaw Zeray through 10km but she left her rivals behind during the second half of the race to win by more than half a minute in 1:05:11. Kemboi was second in a PB of 1:05:43 and Amanang'ole, the world half marathon bronze medallist behind Kipkemboi, was third in a PB of 1:06:09.The men’s race also featured Norway's Olympic and world 5000m champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen, making his half marathon debut just two days after winning the Diamond League 1500m title in Brussels.

He formed part of a large lead men’s group that passed 5km in 13:53, but that pack quickly whittled down to six – pacemaker Berihu Aregawi, the 5000m champion in Brussels two days ago, leading ahead of Kiplimo, Sawe, Lasoi, Amos Kurgat, Kennedy Kimutai and Ingebrigtsen.

But Ingebrigtsen couldn’t maintain that pace and he pulled up at 10km, reached in 27:27 – a national record for the Norwegian on the roads. His rivals strode ahead and although he stopped a couple more times, Ingebrigtsen did continue to the finish and clocked 1:03:13.

After letting Sawe take the lead for a spell, Kiplimo was back in front at 15km, passed in 41:17. From there it was a battle between the trio of Kiplimo, Sawe and Lasoi. They were together through 20km in 55:13, before Sawe took control in the closing stages and went on to win in a time that improves his own world lead and is just four seconds off the race record, which was a world record when it was set by Geoffrey Kamworor in 2019.

Having won his world half marathon title in Riga last year, Sawe will have the opportunity to return to Copenhagen in 2026, when the city hosts the World Athletics Road Running Championships.

Another athlete who could be there is his compatriot Kipkemboi, who secured silver in Riga. This time in Copenhagen she ran as part of a group that reached 5km in 15:22 and she had Kemboi, Amanang'ole, Chelangat and Zeray for company through 10km in 30:52. The race was down to Kipkemboi and Kemboi by 15km, which they reached in 46:14, 15 seconds ahead of Amanang'ole. 

Kipkemboi then made her break and ran the final section of the race alone, getting to the 20km mark in 1:01:42 and extending her advantage to win in 1:05:11.

Global medalists Gebreslase and Gebresilase head Sydney Marathon fields

Ethiopia’s 2022 world champion Gotytom Gebreslase and her compatriot Leul Gebresilase, the 2023 world bronze medalist, feature in the fields for the TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS, a World Athletics Platinum Label road race, on Sunday (15).

Gebreslase is a two-time world marathon medalist, having added silver in Budapest to the gold she gained in Oregon, while she won the Berlin Marathon in 2021 and finished third in the New York and Tokyo marathons in 2022.

The 29-year-old ran her PB of 2:18:11 in Oregon and 2:18:18 in Tokyo, and earlier this year she clocked 2:21:19 to finish third in Hamburg.

But Gebreslase is set to face a strong challenge, with four other sub-2:20 runners on the entry list. Her compatriot Tadu Teshome is fastest of them all with the PB of 2:17:36 she set when finishing fourth in Valencia in 2022. In 2023 she raced three marathons, finishing fifth in Chicago, sixth in Shanghai and eighth in London. In June she set a 10km PB of 31:13 in Durban.

Joining them are Ethiopia’s Ruti Aga and Buzunesh Getachew, plus Kenya’s Judith Jeptum Korir, who secured world silver behind Gebreslase in Oregon two years ago.

Aga won the Tokyo Marathon in 2019 and more recently finished second in Dubai in January in a PB-equaling 2:18:09 and first in Daegu in 2:21:07. Getachew set her PB of 2:19:27 when winning in Frankfurt last October, while Korir’s career best is the 2:18:20 she ran in Oregon. She went on to finish fourth in the London Marathon that year in 2:18:43 but did not finish when racing the Boston Marathon earlier this year.

Also entered are Kenya’s Viola Kibiwot, Sharon Chelimo and Beatrice Cheptoo, plus Japan’s Mao Uesugi.

Gebresilase is the fastest in the men’s field, thanks to the PB of 2:04:02 he set in Dubai in 2018. Since then he has become a global medallist, getting bronze in Budapest in 2023, the same year in which he finished fourth in the London Marathon. He ran 1:01:24 for the half marathon in Ras Al Khaimah in February but did not finish on his return to London in April.

In Sydney he faces three other sub-2:05 runners and another seven who have dipped under 2:08. His compatriot Chalu Deso is a strong contender, as he ran 2:04:53 in Valencia in 2020 and more recently won the Tokyo Marathon in March last year in 2:05:22. He raced the Paris Marathon in April, clocking 2:07:39.

Ethiopia’s Haftu Teklu ran 2:04:42 when finishing fifth in Berlin last year, while Kenya’s Brimin Kipkorir Misoi won the Frankfurt Marathon last October in a PB of 2:04:53.

They will line up alongside Ethiopia’s Tafese Delelegn and Tadu Abate, who finished third in Berlin in 2022, plus Kenya’s Laban Korir, Reuben Kerio and Michael Mugo Githae, and Japan’s Hidekazu Hijikata and Tetsuya Yoroizaka.

Evans Chebet has plans to reclaim his New York City marathon

Evans Chebet has made his intentions clear ahead of his return to the Big Apple on Sunday, November 3.

Two-time Boston Marathon champion Evans Chebet has plans to reclaim his New York City marathon title as he goes up against a stacked field on Sunday, November 3.

Chebet was forced to withdraw from last year’s edition of the race due to an injury hence he could not defend his title. Reigning Olympic champion Tamirat Tola claimed the title but the Kenyan long-distance ace will return to take what rightfully belongs to him.

After missing the Paris Olympic Games, Chebet is hoping to end his season on a high, racing in the streets of New York City. He won the title at the 2022 New York City where he debuted in the streets of the Big Apple. As reported by The Star, Chebet expressed eagerness to return to one of his favourite courses with eyes on the prize.

“I was keeping my cards close so as not to reveal anything to my competitors. My resolve to reclaim the New York title is still on course and I am confident,” Chebet said.

He disclosed that he is now injury free and ready to rumble as he gears up for the gruelling task against his opponents. Tola, who is still basking in Olympic glory will be Chebet’s greatest challenger in the race.

Belgium’s Bashir Abdi has also entered the race and he will be out to end his season on a high. Abdi won a silver medal in the Paris 2024 Olympic marathon. The 2021 champion of the New York City Marathon Albert Korir will also be in the mix to reclaim his title.

The 2019 and 2017 champion Geoffrey Kamworor who has raced sparingly this season has also confirmed to be lining up for the race. The 2024 United Airlines NYC Half champion Abel Kipchumba who is fresh from winning the Great North Run will also be lining up.

“This was my first race after my injury. I have now fully recovered and my body is now up to the task,” he said.

Chebet added that after the New York City Marathon, he will not be resting for long as he will start training for the Boston Marathon with plans to win his third title. The 35-year-old expressed his desire to compete in the marathon at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo.

“After New York, I will start preparing for next year’s Boston Marathon, where I am looking to win a third title. If I make the qualifying time and make Team Kenya for the World Championships, I will be happy to participate and fight for the title,” he added.

Could the women's American marathon record fall at this year's Chicago Marathon?

The 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Oct. 13 poses an exciting opportunity for elite runners to capture record-breaking times -- and this year is no different. Could a women's record fall during the race?

The lineup, which was released earlier this summer, is highlighted by two of the "10 fastest women of all time" and the the second and third fastest American women of all time.

“We are accustomed to making history at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon,” Executive Race Director Carey Pinkowski said in a statement. “With some of the fastest athletes in the world joining us this fall, we are hopeful to build on the tradition of great performances this year.”

For the Americans, Keira D'Amato and Betsy Saina headline the country's best.

D'Amato, the former American marathon record holder, will return to the starting line after being part of the broadcast team for the past two years.

“I have a special history with the Chicago Marathon,” said D’Amato who finished fourth in 2021. “The past two years I’ve run my mouth in the lead vehicle for NBC. I’m excited to get back to running my legs.”

D'Amato first broke the American marathon record in 2022 in Houston, topping a time that had stood for 16 years.

Emily Sisson broke that same record shortly after during the 2022 Chicago Marathon. D'Amato was among the long line of legendary female runners celebrating Sisson at the Chicago finish line that year.

Saina, who placed fifth in this year’s Tokyo Marathon, will look to record her first Chicago finish after dropping out of the race in 2019 due to illness. She's run the third-fastest marathon time of any American woman, one spot behind D'Amato.

Sara Hall and Emma Bates are also in the field for the Americans. Hall's best time of 2:20:32 comes from Chandler in 2020. Bates ran her best time in 2022 at the Boston Marathon with a 2:22:10 finish.

Among the most notable names at the starting line will be Sutume Kebede, of Ethiopia, who holds the fastest marathon in the women's field and whose finish at the 2024 Tokyo Marathon made her the eighth fastest of all time.

“I am extremely happy to come back to Chicago and run on a course that has proven to be very fast,” Kebede, who had a disappointing finish in the 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, said in a statement. “After seeing what my teammate Kelvin Kiptum did last year, I want to come to Chicago to do something great.”

Kenya's Ruth Chepngetich will also return to the start line in October. She won the race in both 2021 and 2022 while finishing runner-up during last year's 2023 race. Her 2:14:18 from the 2022 Chicago Marathon stands as the fourth-fastest time by a woman in history.

Here is the lineup for the women's elite division.

Bank of America Chicago Marathon Professional Field – Women’s Open Division

The Chicago Marathon is not immune to seeing record-breaking times.

Kenya's Kelvin Kiptum obliterated the men's marathon world record at the 2023 Chicago Marathon, running it in 2 hours and 35 seconds. He overcame Eliud Kipchoge's previous record by 30 seconds with his time. Tragically, Kiptum later died shortly after in a car accident in February. He was 24.

At the 2022 Chicago Marathon, Emily Sisson defeated the women's American marathon record in 2 hours, 18 minutes and 29 seconds. She finished second place in the race to Kenya's Ruth Chepngetich, who ran 2:14:18; the second-fastest marathon time by a woman in history.

Let's not also forget Joan Benoit Samuelson broke the women's American marathon record in 1985 with a time of 2:21:21. The time still stands as the seventh-fastest time by an American woman today.

Three of the four fastest marathon times in women's history were run at the Chicago Marathon. Will spectators see another on Oct. 13?

Hicham El Guerrouj’s 26-year reign at risk as 1500m titans eye world record in Brussels

Three top middle-distance runners are set to challenge the long-standing 1500m world record at the Brussels Diamond League.

The men's 1500m world record set back in 1998 by Morocco’s Hicham El Guerrouj will come under serious threat as three of the most promising middle-distance runners—Jakob Ingebrigtsen, Cole Hocker and Yared Nuguse—are set to clash in the Diamond League final in Brussels this Saturday.

El Guerrouj’s incredible time of 3:26.00 has stood the test of time for 26 years with no one able to break the mark that many thought would be surpassed by now.

However, the trio of Olympic and World Championship medalists are all in peak form and ready to challenge this long-standing record making this one of the most highly anticipated 1500m races in recent memory.

The Tokyo Olympic champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen, enters the race as the favorite. The Norwegian sensation boasts a personal best of 3:26.73, a mere 0.73 seconds shy of El Guerrouj’s historic mark.

Ingebrigtsen’s dominance over the distance has been unmatched this season, and he has made it clear that breaking the world record is on his radar.

“I feel like I’m in the best shape of my life.The world record is something that has always been in the back of my mind, and I believe this is the best chance I’ve had to go for it," said Ingebrigtsen.

Pushing him to the limit will be the American duo of Cole Hocker and Yared Nuguse. Hocker, fresh off an Olympic season that saw him claim a gold medal in the 1500m is ranked seventh on the all-time list with a personal best of 3:26.73 matching Ingebrigtsen’s time.

Hocker’s confidence has been building all season, and the 23-year-old has openly expressed his desire to break into history.

“I hope to take a stab at the world record, whether it’s this season or next year,” said Hocker.

“But right now, I’m focused on leaving a lasting legacy. The Olympic gold was the first goal, and now it’s time to chase something even bigger.”

Yared Nuguse, ranked ninth on the all-time list, is another strong contender. Nuguse has steadily risen through the ranks with a personal best of 3:27.80 and a season-best of 3:27.80 as well.

The 25-year-old has proven himself capable of competing against the best in the world and could be poised to surprise both Hocker and Ingebrigtsen in Brussels.

The race, however, will be missing one key figure in Josh Kerr, the British 1500m specialist who recently confessed that the mental toll of the season has led him to opt out of the final. Kerr’s absence opens the door for a fascinating showdown between Ingebrigtsen, Hocker, and Nuguse.

In addition to the leading trio, the race will feature strong competition from the likes of Kenya’s Reynold Cheruiyot, a rising star who has posted a season-best of 3:28.28, and Timothy Cheruiyot, the former World Champion.

France’s Azzedine Habz and Great Britain’s Elliot Giles will also be in the mix, having both posted times in the 3:29 range this season.

El Guerrouj’s record-breaking performance in 1998 was the first time a runner had managed to average under 55 seconds per lap for the 1500m.

With athletes now regularly running sub-3:30 times, the level of competition has never been higher. Whether it’s tactical brilliance, pure speed, or a combination of both, this race has all the ingredients to produce fireworks on the track.

Elvis Cheboi Aiming to Win TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon for Second Time

Much was expected of Kenya’s Elvis Cheboi when he arrived in Toronto last year for the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon. He did not disappoint.

Crossing the finish line first to claim the $20,000 winner’s prize he beat several international athletes who  have run two to three minutes faster than his winning time of 2:09:20.

By today’s standards his personal best is not a quick time. But a victory at this World Athletics Elite Label Race against a terrific field - and by over a minute - has 

increased his prowess in the sport. Now he returns to Toronto hoping for favourable conditions and a world-class field where he can also run a time more representative of his ability.

Indeed, he ran a personal best of 59:15 at the 2022 Barcelona Half Marathon indicating he might be capable of a time closer to the Toronto Waterfront course record of 2:05:00 held by his countryman, Philemon Rono (2019).

Winning Toronto was a milestone in his career nonetheless.

"That (Toronto) race made me a great memory because I had never won a marathon or any race abroad,” he says from his living room in Kenya. “So it was memorable. That was my second marathon race and I won it.”

As he speaks, his two children - daughter Shaline, 6, and son Shalom, 2 - are watching a television program and he instructs them to lower the volume. Then he smiles.

“Tomorrow the small boy is two years old,” he reveals laughing. “There is a cake here. He is still young so doesn’t know it’s a birthday but I will sing ‘Happy Birthday’to him.”

Family is of the utmost importance and running, in order to earn money is a priority. Yet, Cheboi has not raced since Toronto.

He and his management team at Demadonna Athletics Promotion had him lined up to race in the Vienna Marathon this past April.  But he had slight issues with both his hamstrings which interrupted his buildup. So the decision was made by him and his coach, Gabriele Nicola, to put all their energies into having him fully prepared for a Toronto Waterfront Marathon title defence.

For many years now Cheboi has lived in Mororia which is about three kilometres from the famed ‘running town’ of Iten. A local hotel serves as the Demadonna team camp and houses several of the twelve strong marathon training group during the week. They go home on weekends.  But, since Cheboi has a young family, it was felt

it was better for him to drive in for the training sessions and for massage therapy three times a week.

Several of his training partners have run much faster than Cheboi’s best - led by Philemon Kiplimo (2:04:56) - so he is benefiting from being in such a talented group.

Like most Kenyan runners he sees his running profession as a means for a brighter future for himself and his young family. He maintains a farm where he grows maize which is used to make the Kenyan staple, ugali. He also plants wheat and potatoes while keeping goats, sheep and cattle. It’s an exhausting lifestyle and so he has enlisted help from family members.

“Yes I have help with my farm. My relatives help; my brother and also my parents,” he reveals adding he doesn’t expect to rely on farming after he retires from competition.

"God willing, I will not depend on the farm only. I think I will also find another way. 

Somehow I will do another thing.”

Several times during the video call from Canada he thanks the caller for taking interest and expresses his gratitude for being invited back to Toronto Waterfront Marathon.

“I’m looking forward to coming back to Toronto very much. Yes,” he declares. 

“Firstly, I want to thank the organizers for inviting me back. I think I will try to win for the second time but I can’t promise.

“The good weather on the day will determine if I can run my best time.”

Shock as Ethiopia steeplechaser is denied visa for Diamond League final in Brussels

Belgian authorities have denied an Ethiopian athlete a visa for the Diamond League final leaving Ethiopia with only one competitor.

Ethiopia will have only one chance in the women’s 3000m steeplechase at the Diamond League final in Brussels on September 14 after one of its star athletes Sembo Almayew was denied a visa.

Almayew, the newly crowned 2024 U20 3000m steeplechase gold medalist had to withdraw from the competition leaving Lomi Muleta as Ethiopia's only competitor.

The 18-year-old rising star’s absence will make the competition tougher for Muleta, who will face strong competitors from global steeplechase powerhouses such as Bahrain’s Winfred Yavi and Uganda’s Peruth Chemutai.

According to Almayew’s agent, Elite Running Team, the athlete failed to secure her visa in time due to new restrictions by the European Union (EU) on Ethiopian citizens.

The visa denial has sparked outrage in Ethiopian sporting circles especially given Almayew’s stellar performance this year including a fifth-place finish at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

"We are very disappointed to announce that the newly crowned 2024 U20 3000mSC Gold Medalist, Sembo Alemayew of Ethiopia, will not be able to participate in next week's Diamond League Final at the Memorial Van Damme Meeting in Brussels due to a lack of visa," Elite Running Team said in a statement.

Almayew had been viewed as a strong contender in the 3000m steeplechase event having already established herself as a Diamond League Meet winner and a U20 national record holder for Ethiopia. However, despite her impressive accolades, she was unable to obtain the necessary visa to compete in Brussels.

"In April 2024, the European Union announced it will make it more difficult for Ethiopian citizens to receive European visas; in an attempt to leverage on the Ethiopian government, which is accused of failure to cooperate in taking back citizens found to be living illegally in the Schengen Zone," the statement added.

The agent went on to express frustration at how these visa restrictions were affecting Ethiopian athletes, particularly young talents like Almayew.

"This situation is hurting the opportunities and lives of many athletes, and we strongly hope it can be solved as quickly as possible; so that situations like this do not happen to any more athletes going forward," the statement concluded.

With Almayew unable to participate, Ethiopia's hopes now rest solely on Lomi Muleta. She will need to perform at her best to compete against the race favorite, Winfred Yavi of Bahrain.

Yavi enters the race with an impressive personal best of 8:44.39. She will be aiming to shatter her world record and cement her dominance in the steeplechase event.

Also competing is Uganda’s Peruth Chemutaic who holds a national record of 8:48.03. Chemutai has been in fine form, and many are eager to see whether she can reclaim the top spot on the podium.

Kenya’s Faith Cherotich, another promising contender with a personal best of 8:55.15, brings a youthful and strategic approach to the race, making her a potential threat to the established favorites.

From the USA, Valerie Constien is also set to compete, with her personal best of 9:03.22. While less experienced than some of her rivals, Constien has displayed incredible determination and could surprise the field.

Germany will be represented by Olivia Gürth and Gesa Felicitas Krause, the latter being a seasoned competitor with a personal best of 9:10.68.

The absence of Sembo Almayew will be felt, as her presence could have added an additional layer of excitement and competition to the Diamond League final.

However, for Ethiopia, the focus now shifts to Lomi Muleta who will aim to challenge the top contenders and prove that Ethiopia remains a force to be reckoned with in the steeplechase event.

Kenyans aim to continue Munich’s success story

With the help of a strong African elite field organisers of the GENERALI MUNICH MARATHON hope to continue their recent success story on 13th October. Three Kenyan runners with personal bests slightly over 2:08:00 will be on the start line besides the Olympic Stadium. The women’s race will feature two runners who have clocked good half marathon times and could be in for a breakthrough over the full distance in Munich. 

Including races at shorter distances a record total of over 25,000 runners is expected to compete in the 38th edition of the GENERALI MUNICH MARATHON, which is an increase of around 20 percent compared to last year. About 7,000 will run the marathon. Registration is still possible at: www.generalimuenchenmarathon.de 

“We are really happy with the strong development of our entry figures. This shows that our concept is working and bearing fruit,“ said Race Director Gernot Weigl.

Parts of the elite fields were announced today. Kenya’s Cosmas Birech is currently the fastest runner on the start list. He won the 2018 Rome Marathon in 2:08:03. In the same year he also clocked a half marathon PB of 60:06. While there were hardly any races during the pandemic Cosmas Birech was unlucky once the period of lockdowns was over. The Kenyan was injured for a longer time. At the age of 38 he now wants to give it another go and hopes to get back to his best. 

Dominic Nyairo, who has a personal best of 2:08:13, produced fine performances in his recent marathons. The 27 year-old will be one of the main favorites on 13th October. In 2021 Nyairo won his debut in Hofu, Japan, with a sprint finish in 2:09:34. In 2023 the Kenyan came back to Japan and placed 16th in the highly competitive Tokyo Marathon, improving to 2:08:13. He then ran the Berlin Marathon and finished 19th in a fine 2:08:47. In contrast William Kibor achieved his personal best quite some time ago. He clocked 2:08:32 when he was fifth in the Vienna City Marathon in 2012. After a longer break, which was partly due to the pandemic, he came back running a couple of half marathons last year. The GENERALI MUNICH MARATHON will be Kibor’s first race at the classic distance since 2019. 

“We have produced the fastest times in the history of our event in the past two years. And I hope that we will once again see results in the region of 2:08to 2:09,“ said Gernot Weigl. „In the women’s race times between 2:25 and 2:27 should be possible.“

Two women who can still be regarded as newcomers could produce a surprise at the GENERALI MUNICH MARATHON. Shamilah Kipsiror only started her career last year when she was already 36 years old. When she competed outside Kenya for the first time she had instant success, winning the Ghent Half Marathon in a fine 67:53. Kipsiror then ran a 2:28:13 marathon debut in Venice last October. She was fourth in that race and fourth again when she returned to Italy for the Rome Marathon this spring, improving to 2:27:33. 

One of Kipsiror’s strongest rivals will be Uganda’s Viola Chemos. She has only run one marathon so far, but that was in high altitude in Eldoret, Kenya. While she clocked 2:36:38 the 31 year-old followed this up with a fine race in July. Chemos took the Kaptagat Half Marathon in Kenya’s well-known high altitude training region with 69:23. Because of their strong half marathon performances Shamilah Kipsiror and Viola Chemos could improve significantly at the GENERALI MUNICH MARATHON.

Double Olympic champion Beatrice Chebet reveals when she will fully transition to road racing

Chebet, who won gold medals in both the 5000 and 10,000 meter races at te Paris Olympics, has revealed when she is going to fully transition into marathon racing.

Fresh off her dominating performance in Zurich, where she marked her return to action with a win in the 5000 meters, double Paris 2024 Olympic champion Beatrice Chebet has disclosed when she plans to fully transition into marathon running. 

Chebet, who has had a stellar year, has been eyeing the marathon as her next frontier after conquering the track.

Chebet’s 2024 season has been nothing short of extraordinary. She claimed gold in both the 5000 meters and 10,000 meters at the Paris Olympic Games, cementing her status as one of the premier long-distance runners of her generation. 

Earlier in May, Chebet also broke the world record in the 10,000 meters, clocking an impressive 28:54.14 in Eugene, Oregon. Her dominance extended to the road as well, where she set a world record in the 5-kilometer road race in Barcelona with a time of 14:13.

However, the 5000-meter world record, held by Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay at 14:00.21, remains elusive for Chebet. She attempted to break the record at the Zurich Diamond League but fell nine seconds short under challenging rainy conditions. Despite the near miss, Chebet's eyes are firmly set on new goals, particularly in road racing and eventually marathon running—a natural progression for the long-distance star.

In a recent interview, Chebet revealed her long-term plans, stating that she is taking a gradual approach to marathon running, drawing inspiration from fellow Kenyan marathon legends like Hellen Obiri and Vivian Cheruiyot.

“We are going slowly. Everything now has its own time so we have to go gradually until we reach the marathon,” Chebet told Citius Mag.

Chebet, who won gold medals in both the 5000 and 10,000 meter races at te Paris Olympics, has revealed when she is going to fully transition into marathon racing.

Fresh off her dominating performance in Zurich, where she marked her return to action with a win in the 5000 meters, double Paris 2024 Olympic champion Beatrice Chebet has disclosed when she plans to fully transition into marathon running. 

Chebet, who has had a stellar year, has been eyeing the marathon as her next frontier after conquering the track.

Chebet’s 2024 season has been nothing short of extraordinary. She claimed gold in both the 5000 meters and 10,000 meters at the Paris Olympic Games, cementing her status as one of the premier long-distance runners of her generation. 

Earlier in May, Chebet also broke the world record in the 10,000 meters, clocking an impressive 28:54.14 in Eugene, Oregon. Her dominance extended to the road as well, where she set a world record in the 5-kilometer road race in Barcelona with a time of 14:13.

However, the 5000-meter world record, held by Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay at 14:00.21, remains elusive for Chebet. She attempted to break the record at the Zurich Diamond League but fell nine seconds short under challenging rainy conditions. Despite the near miss, Chebet's eyes are firmly set on new goals, particularly in road racing and eventually marathon running—a natural progression for the long-distance star.

In a recent interview, Chebet revealed her long-term plans, stating that she is taking a gradual approach to marathon running, drawing inspiration from fellow Kenyan marathon legends like Hellen Obiri and Vivian Cheruiyot.

“We are going slowly. Everything now has its own time so we have to go gradually until we reach the marathon,” Chebet told Citius Mag.

Reflecting on her remarkable performances this season, Chebet expressed her satisfaction, especially with her ability to maintain her form late into the season. “It was amazing because it was the beginning of the season so you feel stronger and energetic, but in the 5000, coming here at the end of the season, I just said, ‘let me go and try’,” she explained.

Chebet’s 14:09 finish in Zurich was impressive, given that she ran 2.5 kilometers alone in the race. “I am so happy. A good performance after Paris. Running 14.09 is not easy, especially after running 2.5 kilometers alone,” she added.

As the season winds down, Chebet is looking forward to taking a well-deserved break. “Take part in the Diamond League, get back and relax, and then prepare the season again for next year,” she said.

Chebet had earlier expressed her admiration for Ethiopian-born Dutch runner Sifan Hassan, whose versatility across multiple events has inspired Chebet’s future ambitions. Hassan took bronze in both the 5000 and 10,000 meters in Paris before striking gold in the marathon, a feat that left a lasting impression on Chebet.

“She always motivates me. She has personal bests in the 800m, 1500m, 5000m, 10,000m, and even the marathon. She’s a great athlete and makes me believe that you can do anything if you believe in yourself,” Chebet said.

Looking ahead, Chebet hopes to follow in Hassan’s footsteps, testing her capabilities in the marathon. “I want to follow in her footsteps too. In some years to come, I will also try the marathon,” she hinted.

Marco Arop runs North American record over 1,000m

Arop’s time of 2:13.13 is the fifth-fastest of all time.

On Sunday evening at the Boris Hanžeković Memorial meet in Zagreb, Croatia, Canadian Olympic 800m silver medalist Marco Arop narrowly missed the world record for 1,000 metres. His winning time of 2:13.13 set a new Canadian and North American record and is the fifth-fastest time in history.

Arop was looking to break Noah Ngeny of Kenya’s world record of 2:11.92 from 1999, but he faced challenges early on. His tall frame struggled with the “waterfall” start, and he lagged behind the pace in the opening 400m, leaving him unable to fully catch up to the pace lights. However, Arop’s performance still shattered the previous North American record of 2:13.90 set by American Rick Wohlhuter 50 years ago.

The 25-year-old Edmonton native improved upon his previous personal best of 2:14.35. This was his second bid for the 1,000m world record, having fallen just short over the same distance indoors this year at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix. Arop now holds the North American (area) records in the 800m and 1,000m events.

Next up, Arop will head to the Diamond League final in Brussels on Sept. 13-14, where he plans to challenge the men’s 800m world record of 1:40.91, a goal he says has been on his mind for some time.

Arop was one of three Canadian athletes competing at the Boris Hanžeković Memorial on Sunday. Olympic hammer throw champion Ethan Katzberg suffered his first loss of the season, losing to Olympic bronze medallist Mykhaylo Kokhan, who threw a new personal best of 81.14 to take the win. Canadian 4x100m relay gold medallist Jerome Blake finished fourth in the men’s 100m in 10.15 seconds.