Running News Daily

Fast times are expected at the Ottawa 10K

Ottawa is unique in that it has two IAAF Gold Label races on the same weekend and the sight of the elite marathon runners huddled together near the start of the Ottawa 10k on Saturday evening has become a familiar one. The assembled 10k field is incredibly well balanced with no clear favorite. Mohamed Ziani, the 2016 winner, sports a personal best of 27:28 set in Casablanca two years ago. This year he resigned his post with Morocco’s Royal Guard to focus on training. He will face a pair of young Kenyans, Benard Kipkorir Ngeno and Japan-based Benard Kimeli. The latter won the 2017 Prague 10k in a brilliant 27:10 the equal the seventh best performance ever. More recently he ran 59:47 to win the Prague Half Marathon. Having arrived from Japan on Wednesday, a day earlier than his competitors, he might have an advantage. Ngeno, 22, has been on a winning streak of late taking the Azalea Trail 10km (27:45) and setting course records in both the Fresh 15km (43:37) in Texas and Dismal Swamp Half Marathon in Virginia, clocking 1:02:28. Not to be discounted is 19-year-old Andamlak Belihu Berta who represented Ethiopia at the 2017 World Championships where he ran a personal best 27:08.94 in the 10,000m. For the women’s race Edith Chelimo of Kenya personal best is just 31:07 but she can run much faster. Last November she won the Cardiff Half Marathon in a stunning 1:05:52 passing the 10k mark in 30:56. This is not her first visit to Ottawa. Shortly after arriving in the Canadian capital a year ago she was diagnosed with a serious kidney infection and confined to a hospital bed for a couple of days. Now she is eager to get the job done. (05/25/2018) ⚡AMP

Strong elite women's field set for World 10K Bengaluru 2018 on Sunday

A strong women's field with elite runners from across the globe has been assembled to challenge Ethiopias IAAF World Half Marathon Valencia 2018 winner Netsanet Gudeta at the TCS World 10K Bengaluru 2018 Sunday. Gudeta's rivals this weekend will include the Kenyan pair of Agnes Tirop and Pauline Kamulu. Tirop, still only 22, won the 2015 world cross country title and has proven herself to be a formidable competitor on the track as well. She won the IAAF World Championships 10,000 metre bronze medal in London last summer and showed she is in excellent form earlier this month when she finished second over 3000m at the IAAF Diamond League meeting in Doha with a personal best of 8:29.09. Kamulu, 23, has spent several years based in Japan but this will be her first trip to India. She surprised many when she took the bronze medal at the IAAF World Half Marathon Valencia 2018. A third Kenyan, Caroline Kipkirui, doesn't have the international championships credentials of her two compatriots but has shown stunning form recently while winning the Doha 3000m in a personal best of 8:29.05 and also running a 10km best of 30:28 when finishing second in Prague last month, which makes her the fastest woman in Bengaluru and the equal-seventh fastest ever. (05/21/2018) ⚡AMP

Both the men's and women's course records were broken at the Lattelecom Riga Marathon

Ayana Tsedat of Ethiopia broke away from Kenyan's Silas Kiprono Too over the final two kilometers en route to his 2:11:00 victory.  The previous men's record of 2:11:45 was set in 2016.  The men's race was a three-man battle between Tsedat, Too and Joseph Kyengo Munyoki, who were all well within race record pace at the halfway point, reached in 1:05:09. They ran together for nearly 14 more kilometers when Munyoki began to drift back as they approached kilometer 35. At that point the leaders forged on nearly stride-for-stride until the 22-year-old Tsedat made his move. Too couldn't respond but held on for second, clocking 2:11:13. Rono, the pre-race favorite on the women's side, had just her pacesetter for company for most of the race, eventually winning in 2:28:22. The previous women's mark, 2:31:22, was set last year by Bekelech Bedada Daba of Ethiopia.Rono, 34, was the clear class of the women's field, building a two-second lead by five kilometers, and extending it to 11 at 10, reached in 33:47. She clocked 1:11:31 at the midway point, nearly a minute-and-a-half clear of her nearest competitor. When she reached the line, she was more than four minutes ahead of runner-up Ethiopian Tigist Teshome. It was Rono's fastest performance since 2014 and the fourth fastest of her career. Teshome clocked 2:32:46 with Pauline Nujeri Kahenya of Kenya third in 2:34:41. (05/21/2018) ⚡AMP

Mo Farah and Tirunesh Dibaba win Great Manchester 10K Sunday May 20

Britain's Olympic and world 10,000m champion Mo Farah said he felt "tired" after his first victory in the 10km Great Manchester Run. Farah, who finished third at the London Marathon last month, raced past Ugandan Moses Kipsiro with 100 metres left to win in 28 minutes 27 seconds. Abel Kirui of Kenya finished third, 25 seconds behind Farah. Ethiopian Tirunesh Dibaba won her third straight women's race, well ahead of Kenya's Joyciline Jepkosgei.  

Farah, who was appearing in the race for the first time since 2007, took part in a minute's silence before the race in tribute to the 22 people who died in last year's Manchester Arena bombing. For most of the race, the 35-year-old looked comfortable in warm conditions as he kicked past Kipsiro with 100 metres to go. But he said he was still recovering from breaking the British record at last month's marathon - his first event over the distance since switching his focus to road racing.

"I've got great speed and I know that at the end of the races I can use it if the guys haven't hurt me enough, so today was a matter of hanging in there," he told BBC Sport. "I was pretty tired. Having competed in the marathon not so long ago, today was hard work."

(05/20/2018) ⚡AMP

Tirunesh Dibaba had to drop out of the London Marathon but is now ready to defend her title in Manchester

The Simplyhealth Great Manchester Run this weekend has a top-class women’s elite field.  Ethiopian superstar Tirunesh Dibaba (pictured) returns to an event she has won no fewer than four times and to the course upon which she was impressively dominant last year. The triple Olympic champion will be in action for the first time since being forced to stop 30km into last month’s London Marathon, however, and will Face fierce opposition. Her toughest opponent will come in the form of Kenyan multiple world record-holder Joyciline Jepkosgei, the only woman ever to run 10km in under 30 minutes. The 24-year-old initially broke the world record for the distance, as well as the marks for 15km and 20km on her way to also smashing the half-marathon world record in Prague in April last year. She clocked 30:04 for 10km on that occasion but returned to the Czech capital in September and lowered it further when she ran 29:43 at the Prague Grand Prix. Jepkosgei also improved on her half-marathon mark by a second when she ran 64:51 in Valencia last October. (05/18/2018) ⚡AMP
by Euan Crumley/ Athletics Weekly

Champion Alex Korio will return to defend his crown at the TCS World 10K May 27

The Kenyan, Alex Korio will have to contend with compatriot and World half marathon champion Geoffrey Kamworor, whose entry had already been confirmed, as well as two-time winner Mosinet Geremew of Ethiopia. Geremew, who won here in 2015 and 2016, was among the favorites for last year’s race but slipped to 10th. However, he has been in fine form in 2018, winning both the Yangzhou Half Marathon and the Dubai Marathon, the latter in 2:04:00. The fastest man in the field is another Ethiopian in Birhanu Legese, who has a personal best of 27:34. Leading the Asian challenge will be Bahrain’s Abraham Cheroben, who finished second behind Kamworor at the World half marathon championships in Valencia, and holds the Asian half-marathon record. As many as five sub-28-minute runners are part of the men’s elite field at the TCS World 10K in Bengaluru, Indiia May 27th. (05/16/2018) ⚡AMP

Wilson Kipsang is going after sub 59 minutes at Gothenburg Half Marathon

Kenya's former world marathon record-holder Wilson Kipsang will have his first competitive race after almost three months when he takes part in the Gothenburg Half Marathon on May 19. Kipsang, 34, had to let his Tokyo Marathon title go without much fight after he developed problems just 15 kilometers into the race back in February.

However, he has recovered from his injury and will be trying to gauge himself against some of the fastest half marathon runners in the Swedish race on Saturday.

"During my last race, I really wanted to go fast, but after suffering from stomach problems just days before the race, I didn't have the power to run a decent race. I'm still disappointed, I was really ready for it," said Kipsang on Tuesday from Iten, Kenya.

The former world marathon record holder (2:03:23) and Olympic bronze medalist believes he has the strength to challenge his personal best time of 58:59 when he lines up in Gothenburg, the second-largest city in Sweden.

"I have done well since pulling out of Tokyo Marathon and will be keen to test my limits again," he said. Kipsang will be out to use the race in Gothenburg as part of his preparations before the latter half of the year, where he is expected to race in Berlin, Chicago or New York. 

Kipsang faces a strong line-up including Kenyan teammates Leonard Langat (59:18) Peter Kirui (59:22), Albert Kangogo (59:25), Richard Mengich (59:35) and Ethiopia's Abera Kuma (60:19). Former world 10,000m champion Ibrahim Jeilan, who has a best time of 61:47 will also compete. T 

(05/15/2018) ⚡AMP

Course record holders return to Ottawa Marathon, Sara Hall top American Female

Canada's largest running event is the Scotiabank Ottawa Marathon and Half Marathon is coming up May 27 in Ottawa, Canada.  Yemane Tsegay, the Ethiopian star who set the Ottawa course record with a blistering time of 2:06:54 in 2014, heads the list of marathon speedsters. Tsegay will be challenged by Eliud Kiptanui, the Kenya native who claimed last year’s title with a 2:10:14 clocking. Don’t be surprised to see three other Ethiopians joining them in the lead group, either. Haile Lemi Berhanu, who won the 2016 Boston Marathon, owns a personal best time of 2:04:33. Deriba Robi has completed the marathon in 2:05.58 and Adugna Takele Bikila owns an all-time best of 2:08.51. On the women’s side, course record holder Tigist Tufa is also returning, hoping to challenge her 2014 time of 2:24:31. Tufa also won the 2015 London Marathon. Tufa will have her hands – and feet – full with Gelete Burka, who ran a 2:20:45 marathon earlier this year. Joining Tufa in the women’s field is U.S. Marathon champion Sara Hall. Hall has improved in nearly every marathon she has run over the past year, placing sixth at Tokyo in 2017 before winning the U.S. Championships later that year.  (05/14/2018) ⚡AMP

Kenyan Sylvia Kiberenge is expected to finish strong on Sunday at Copenhagen Marathon

Last year’s Telenor Copenhagen Marathon saw a new record set when Julius Ndiritu Karinga broke the tape with a time of 2:12:10. Karinga’s time at the top may be short-lived, as this year’s field features the largest group of elite runners ever to take part in the event, with at least three having personal best times faster than Karinga’s record-setter. Henry Sugut from Kenya and Abraham Girma from Ethiopia have both posted marathon times below 2:07:00, making them the fastest runners ever to tackle the Telenor Copenhagen Marathon. And it is not only the men that are expected to burn up the streets of the capital. This year’s field of women is also historically strong, with Sylvia Kiberenge expected to lead the way. The current women’s mark for the Telenor Copenhagen Marathon stands at 2:30:51.  Kiberenge finished the Frankfurt Marathon with a time of 2:29:09 last year.   (05/12/2018) ⚡AMP

Two-Time Olympian, Goucher will compete in Bjorklund Half Marathon at Grandma's

Kara Goucher will compete in the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon for the second straight year. The Duluth native and two-time U.S. Olympian announced on Twitter that she will return to her hometown to run in the race, which is part of Grandma's Marathon Weekend. In 2017, she finished fifth with a time of 1:15.11. Ethiopian Biruktayit Degefa won with a time of 1:11:26. (05/12/2018) ⚡AMP

Heavy rains slowed down the field at the 6th annual Okpekpe 10K on Saturday

Kenyan runners under heavy rains on Saturday won the first, second and third positions at the 6th Okpekpe International 10km Road Race at Okpekpe in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo.   The rain almost marred the 2018 edition as it slowed down the athletes. Kibet said that it was very difficult to run under the rain but that he was happy to emerge the winner. Yami Dida from Ethiopia won the female elite category in 33:01 while Tuei Chebet from Kenya came second in 33:33.  Kipyojei Chemtai also from Kenya emerged third in 34:24. The winner of the female elite category got $20,000 while Chebet and Chemati got $13,000 and $9,000 for their efforts.     (05/12/2018) ⚡AMP

Galen Rupp was selected as USATF Athlete of the Week after winning the Prague Marathon clocking 2:06:07

Galen Rupp, the bronze medalist at the 2016 Olympic Games, ran 2:06:07 to win the Prague Marathon May 6 by almost a minute over Sisay Lemma of Ethiopia.  

He sliced more than three minutes off his previous lifetime best of 2:09:20, set in winning Chicago last year. His time ranks him second only behind American record-holder Khalid Khannouchi, who ran 2:05:38 in 2002, on the U.S. all-time list. (Not including Ryan Hall’s time on the point-to-point Boston course.)

Rupp has never placed lower than third in any of the five marathons he has finished. He has also improved his PR on each marathon he has finished.  Rupp (Portland, Oregon) won the Prague Marathon and became the second-fastest U.S. man ever in the event to earn USATF Athlete of the Week. 

Now in its 17th year, USATF’s Athlete of the Week program is designed to recognize outstanding performers at all levels of the sport.

(05/11/2018) ⚡AMP

Fast times are expected at the TCS World 10K May 27 with $213,000 in prize money

The world’s richest 10 Km run has seen participation from top elite athletes in the world.  Having completed a decade as one of the most sought-after road races in the world, Bengaluru, India is all set to be perfect hosts yet again for the 11th edition of the Tata Consultancy Services World 10K May 27.  

This year world Champions Geoffrey Kamworor of Kenya and Ethiopian Netsanet Gudeta will head the mens and womens elite fields respectively. For both the runners, who were recently crowned the world champions at the IAAF World Half Marathon Championships in Valencia, it will be their first competitive outing since their global triumphs in March.

Kamworor, 25, has established himself as one of the world's leading distance runners in recent years, winning the last two world cross country and the world half marathon titles.

"I took some rest after Valencia and then started my preparations towards Bengaluru. I hold the course record at this race (27:44) so I know about the course and the city," commented Kamworor from his home in Kenya.

Gudeta, 27, has also been preparing hard for her return to Indian soil. "Since Valencia, I have just been training and focusing on Bengaluru. Even though the race has been put back two weeks, that hasn't affected me. In fact, it's allowed me to prepare slightly better," she said. "I have been to India on a number of occasions in the past, including this race. I know after winning in Valencia that people will be talking about a fast time and perhaps the course record (held by Kenya's Lucy Kabuu at 31:46 since 2014), but this year there are no pacemakers.

"Of course, I set the women-only world record for the half marathon (1:06:11) in Valencia. I have also run times for 10,000m on the track (personal best 30:36.75, 2016) and 10km on the road (31:35, 2017) that are better than the course record." she reflected.

The TCS World 10K Bengaluru 2018 has a total prize fund of $213,000.  Besides the elites, thousands take part every year and many set PR's on the fast course.

(05/09/2018) ⚡AMP

Kip Keinoa grandson Julius Keter won Chip Gaines New Marathon and $15,000

Julius Keter comes by running naturally since his grandfather is Kip Keino, the legendary Kenyan who won the 1,500 meters in a famous race against Jim Ryun of the United States in the 1968 Summer Olympics. Keter is also a fan of “Fixer Upper,” so running in the inaugural Silo District Marathon was perfect for him Sunday morning.

Running strong from start to finish, Keter won the marathon against a talented international field for the $15,000 first-place prize. He clocked 2:16:26.    

The event drew 6,000 entrants with total prize money of $88,000, a big purse which attracted runners from all 50 states and seven countries. While 3,150 competitors entered the 5-kilometer race and 2,150 runners signed up for the half-marathon, the marathon featured 750 entrants that included some top-shelf talent from across the world. “Fixer Upper’s” Chip Gaines also ran his first marathon, which held great appeal to an estimated crowd of 18,000 that crammed into the Silos area beginning at 6 a.m.

Gaines stood on a table wearing a tool belt with wife Joanna at the start of the race.  The women’s marathon winner was  Shewarge Alene Amare who has a goal to compete in the 2020 Olympics for Ethiopia. Like Keter, she brought home $15,000 in prize money after coming in at two hours and 38 minutes. “I’m so proud to be in the first marathon here and I’m so happy for the victory,” Amare said. “I entered the race two weeks ago. I’ll do some races and then go back to Ethiopia.”

(05/07/2018) ⚡AMP

Few could have predicted the winner of the women’s race in Prague

Bornes Jepkirui Kitur of Kenya ran to victory at the Volkswagen Prague Marathon on Sunday, May 6.  Few could have predicted the results in the women’s race.  Kitur wasn’t even considered in the favorite's group before the race, but she managed to hold off all challenges en route to a clear victory in 2:24:19. “I had a really good race, the only slight issue I found were the cobblestones," she said. "I managed to shave more than four minutes off my personal best and am really delighted to have won.” The 30-year-old set her previous personal best of 2:28:48 in Mumbai in January where she finished second. The second and third podium spots went to Ethiopians Belaynesh Oljira and Amane Gobena who clocked 2:27:43 and 2:25:13 respectively. The event's 24th edition featured 9778 runners. IAAF President Sebastian Coe started the race. (05/07/2018) ⚡AMP

Galen Rupp smashed his PR and won the Prague Marathon by nearly a minute clocking 2:06:07

American’s Galen Rupp did as promised and the weather did not get in his way at the 24th Annual Volkswagen Prague Marathon Sunday morning May 6.  

He ran an even pace the whole way reaching the half way point in 1:03:02.  Ethiopian’s Sisay Lemma stayed close through 30k but Galen took control and clocked 1:03:05 for his second half finishing in 1:06:07.  

This smashed his previous best by three minutes and 13 seconds. This makes Galen the third fastest American ever and his time was only 29 seconds off the official American Record held by Khalid Khannouchi.  

Ryan Hall’s 2:04:58 clocked in Boston is not considered official since Boston is a point-to-point course.  Galen has now finished five marathons setting a PR each time. The Prague Marathon kicked off at 9am local time from the Old Town Square.  

Sisay finished second clocking 2:07:02.  Thousands of runners from all over the world enjoyed the perfect weather and the beautiful course.   

(05/06/2018) ⚡AMP
by Bob Anderson

Sisay Lemma is out for revenge in Prague after being beaten by Galen Rupp at last year’s Chicago Marathon

Sisay Lemma and Galen Rupp will line up for the 24th Volkswagen Prague Marathon on Sunday May 6 in the hopes of breaking the course record of 2:05:39 at the IAAF Gold Label road race. Just 20 days after respiratory problems forced Galen to withdraw from a wet and windy Boston Marathon, USA’s Rupp will be on the streets of the Czech capital. The Olympic bronze medallist has reached the podium in all four marathons he has completed to date and he will be looking to continue that record on Sunday. “I’m excited to be running in Prague and thankful for another opportunity to race,” said Rupp, who competed in the city’s half marathon in 2017. “I’ve done a lot of great training in the last few months and I’m looking forward to the race.” Lemma, who ran 2:04:08 earlier this year in Dubai, will be wearing the No.1 bib. The Ethiopian will also be out for revenge after being beaten by Rupp at last year’s Chicago Marathon. Amane Gobena is the fastest in the women’s field. The Ethiopian set her PB of 2:21:51 when finishing second at the 2016 Tokyo Marathon, and earlier this year she won the Mumbai Marathon in 2:25:49.  The start time is at 9am local time or Midnight (PST) Saturday night. (05/05/2018) ⚡AMP

Elite 10K field is set to go after the $112,000 purse at the Okpekpe 10K in Nigeria

Ethiopia’s Amedework Walelegn and Kenya’s Sandrafelis Chebet Tuei will lead a truly world class elite field at the IAAF Silver Label sixth annual Okpekpe International 10km road race scheduled for May 12 in Okpekpe near Auchi in Edo State of Nigeria. Walelegn is the third fastest man over the 10km race over the last year clocking 27:37 seconds he ran last March to win the Laredo 10km road race in Bilbao Spain.  He also clocked a 59:50 half marathon in Istanbul April 8 of this year.  He will be challenged for the $20,000 top prize money for men by the Kenyan trio of Timothy Kiplagat who came third (27:52) behind the Ethiopian at the Laredo race, Josphat Kiprono Menjo who came fifth (28:28) at the Valencia 10km road race in January and holds the fourth fastest time of all-time (27:04) and 2016 winner Simon Cheprot, who will be coming to chase history as the first man to win two Okpekpe titles.  For the women, Kenya’s Tuei will be the athlete to beat. She is the fastest woman over the distance so far this year clocking 30:57 at the  Valencia 10km road race in January.  Her time is the 36th joint fastest on the all-time list and she will be hoping to become the fourth Kenyan woman to win the title. Tuei will be hotly challenged for the top prize of $20,000 by compatriot Mary Waithera who won the Laredo 10km race last March with 31.48,the ninth fastest time in the world over the last 12 months. Also in with a chance is 2016 winner Paulline Njeku Wanjiku who, like Cheprot will be seeking a slice of history as the second woman to win two Okpekpe titles. (05/01/2018) ⚡AMP

Galen Rupp is set to hit the streets of Prague May 6 and do battle in the Marathon

Galen Rupp is set to hit the streets of Prague just 20 days after cold, windy, and rainy weather and his resulting respiratory problems forced him out of the 2018 BAA Boston Marathon. His prior record in marathons found him on the podium four times in four starts (including two victories and a Bronze medal in the Olympics) and he will be looking to return to that form with a redeeming run in the 2018 Volkswagen Prague Marathon on May 6th.   This will be Rupp’s second visit to the city after the Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon in 2017 which he used as a tune-up for his second place finish in the 2017 Boston Marathon. “I’m excited to be running in Prague. I’ve done a lot of great training in the last few months and I’m looking forward to the race on May 6,” said Rupp.   The American will face strong competition trying to beat him to the tape. Ethiopia’s Sisay Lemma who ran 2:04:08 earlier this year in Dubai will be wearing the No. 1 bib. Rupp did defeat Lemma in the Chicago Marathon in 2017 with a fast final 10 kilometers.    Amongst the invited African, European, and Japanese runners there will be many others looking to claim the win including the 24 year old Barselius Kipyego a 59:14 half marathoner. Kipyego’s win in the Mattoni Usti nad Labem Half Marathon last September bodes well for a faster finish than his current marathon personal best of 2:13:06.   (04/27/2018) ⚡AMP

A world class elite field set for the UAE Healthy Kidney 10K Sunday

In Central Park on Sunday, April 29, will be headlined by Ethiopia’s Buze Diriba, the 2018 United Airlines NYC Half Champion, and USA’s Laura Thweatt, the top American woman at the 2015 TCS New York City Marathon and 2017 Virgin Money London Marathon. In total, 13 athletes representing five countries will chase the $10,000 first-place prizes, leading 8,000 runners through Central Park on race day.  “We are thrilled to have a world-class group of professional distance runners join us in Central Park this year, with Buze returning after winning here just over a month ago and Laura racing for her first time in New York City after coming back from a year-long of injury rehab,” said Peter Ciaccia, president of events for New York Road Runners and race director of the TCS New York City Marathon. “NYRR has a successful long-standing partnership with the UAE to put on this race since 2005, and we are excited to team up with them again to bring in this strong group of professional athletes who viewers around the world will be able to watch on USATF.TV.” (04/23/2018) ⚡AMP

Vivian Cheruiyot wins the hottest London Marathon on record

Vivian Cheruiyot wins women’s London Marathon after Mary Keitany fades The 34-year-old from Kenya finishes in 2hr 18min 31sec. Mary Keitany and Tirunesh Dibaba fail in world record attempt. Kenya’s Vivian Cheruiyot sprang a major surprise in the women’s London Marathon, surging from way back at halfway to win in a massive personal best of 2hr 18 min and 31 seconds. The race had been billed as a shootout between the Kenyan Mary Keitany and the Ethiopian Tirunesh Dibaba, who had spent the build-up talking up their ambitions of beating Paula Radcliffe’s world record of 2hr 15min 25sec, which has stood imposing and impenetrable for the past 15 years. Yet both went out too quickly in some of the hottest conditions in the race’s 37-year history and paid a steep price. Dibaba dropped out not long after 30km, while the pre-race favorite Keitany shuffled painfully over the line over five minutes back. (04/22/2018) ⚡AMP

Kipchoge wins London Marathon, Mo Farah finishes third and smashes British Record

Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya has won the 2018 men’s London Marathon clocking 2:04:17. The 33-year-old, winner in 2015 and 2016, made it a hat-trick of victories with Ethiopia’s Shura Kitata Tola second clicking 2:05:00. Great Britain’s Sir Mo Farah broke the British marathon record with a time of two hours, six minutes and 32 seconds to finish third. Farah, who won gold in the 5,000 meters and 10,000m in the past two Olympic Games, admitted his second full marathon had taken its toll in a race where there was a world record pace at the halfway point. He told the BBC: “I am knacker-ed. The guys went for it, they were on for world record pace, so it was do or die. I went with it and hung in as much as I could. “It’s so different to the track. It’s incredible. It’s different pain, different training but I’ve really enjoyed it. I gave it all, 110 per cent as I normally do. “I’ve got a long way to go in the marathon. You get heavy legs. Mentally you’ve just got to be strong, take your drink and just pace yourself.” (04/22/2018) ⚡AMP

Will Ethiopia's Geremew powerful finishing sprint help him win Yangzhou for third time?

Mosinet Geremew set a Chinese all-comers’ record of 59:52 in Yangzhou in 2015, five months after he set a PR 59:11 in New Delhi. Although his times in 2016 and 2017 were outside 60 minutes, the Ethiopian’s powerful finishing sprint has carried him to two narrow victories in Yangzhou over the past two years. Last year, he emerged from a four-man contest and took a thrilling win by only 15 hundredths of a second. The in-form Geremew has enjoyed a successful start to 2018. He trimmed more than two minutes off his marathon personal best in January to win the Dubai Marathon with a world-leading 2:04:00 to break the course record. On Sunday Geremew will face four other runners with sub-60-minute PBs so he will have to be at his best to retain his title. Bahrain’s Abraham Cheroben, who finished third in Yangzhou last year, could be Geremew’s biggest threat. The 25-year-old set an Asian record and world-leading mark of 58:40 from his victory in Copenhagen last September, making him the third fastest man in history over the distance. (04/20/2018) ⚡AMP

Mary Keitany wants to follow in the footsteps of the legend Paula Radcliffe

Kenya's Mary Keitany, three-time London marathon winner and the current women's world record-holder (women only), will make an attempt to break Paula Radcliffe’s world record at the 2018 Virgin Money London Marathon on Sunday April 22. Last year, Keitany beat Radcliffe's world best of 2:17:42 by 41 seconds, which inspired her to take the bar higher and go for the ultimate prize of running under 2:15:25. "At last year's London Marathon, I was feeling good but it was hard to run nearly half the race on my own. By having male pacemakers, I will be able to have the support throughout the race," Keitany, 36, said on Thursday. During her win last year, Keitany’s halfway split in 2017 was 66:54 – the fastest ever in a marathon – but she was unable to sustain that pace when running solo in the latter stages of the race. This time the 36-year-old hopes a “systematic” pace will help her, but she is under no illusions about the scale of the task ahead. “It is not easy – 2:15 is something else,” she said. “We will try to follow in the footsteps of the legend Paula. We are ready to try our best to see if we will be able to go that far. The race has been billed has a head-to-head between Keitany and Ethiopian great , who placed runner-up behind her Kenyan rival in London last year with a time of 2:17:56. While Keitany is keen to find out what she might be capable of with the support of male pacemakers, Dibaba said her preparations and the competition she will face could prove more significant. “I know that the organizers have put on good pacemakers but what is more important is my own condition,” she said, speaking through an interpreter. “If I have prepared well then I will race well,” she added, explaining that she feels in even better shape this year than she did in 2017. (04/19/2018) ⚡AMP

If Mo Farah tries to stick with the lead group at the London Marathon, it could blow him apart

Mo Farah has a marathon-sized gap on his record. In his only attempt, in London four years ago, he finished eighth in two hours eight minutes 21 seconds - far from a disastrous debut, but nowhere close to the debuts of those two Ethiopian greats, Haile Gebrselassie and Kenenisa Bekele. Now, track career over, at the age of 35, Mo is back in London. With the marathon only days away, lets take a closer look. Bekele ran 2:05:04 on his own marathon debut in Paris in 2014. Gebrselassie led London on his 2002 debut until the 25th mile, and it took a world record from Khalid Khannouchi to beat him. Eliud Kipchoge, faster now than both of them, ran 2:05:30 in his own marathon bow, in Hamburg in 2013. There is a significant gap back to Farah, who also has a 10,000m best slower than both the Ethiopians. But there is much he learned on that warm April day in 2014, and much he is trying to improve. "I don't think Mo should be judged a failure if he doesn't win. I do think he should be judged a failure if he doesn't significantly improve his personal best. And I mean significantly," says Dave Bedford. Up against the brilliant Kipchoge, against Bekele, who has run 2:03, as well as 2017 London winner Daniel Wanjiru, Farah is competing in one of the most stacked fields in marathon history. In 2014 he could not stick with the lead group. If he tries to this year, at a possible world record pace, it could blow him apart. "It's a loaded race, so I need to make sure I don't make any mistakes, to save as much energy as I can, but to mix it with the other guys too, not to be afraid of them," he says. "He should keep them in sight," is Bedford's advice. "He shouldn't get too agitated with them at the start. If it were me, I'd have them within eyesight - maybe 60 or 70 meters at the most, concentrate on how he is feeling, get to halfway and then go for it." (04/19/2018) ⚡AMP
by Tom Fordyce BBC Sports

Ethiopian Gebretsadik and Kenyan Kipketer are favorites at the EDP Rock 'n' Roll Madrid Marathon

The Rock 'n' Roll Madrid Marathon is one of the most important races in Spain and is part of the Rock 'n' Roll series takes place this Sunday April 22. The course takes runners through the city of Madrid. In the elite field, Ethiopian's Gebretsadik Abraha and the Kenyan's Valentine Kipketer are the favorites in the men's and women's categories. Abraha and Kipketer have the best times, with 2:06:23, and 2:23:02. Over 40,000 participants have signed up for either the full marathon, half or 10K. (04/18/2018) ⚡AMP

Kenya´s Defending champion Nancy Kiprop heads strong women’s field for Vienna Marathon

In one of the strongest women’s fields ever assembled for Austria’s number one road running event four athletes feature personal bests of sub 2:25. Kiprop is one of them with a PB of 2:24:20 but Helen Tola of Ethiopia has been well over a minute faster with a record of 2:22:51. In a thrilling battle for victory Nancy Kiprop was just five seconds ahead in the Vienna City Marathon 2017, clocking her personal best. It was the closest women’s finish in the history of the event. And it could well end similar on 22nd April. Despite the wind she ran the second fastest time ever recorded in the race. With 2:24:20 the Kenyan missed the course record by just 33 seconds. Italy’s Maura Viceconte clocked 2:23:47 back in the year 2000. Kiprop may have to further improve in Vienna to defend her title. Despite being already 38 years old she did just that last September in a half marathon. She was second in Usti nad Labem, Czech Republic, when she smashed her PB with a time of 67:22. (04/16/2018) ⚡AMP

America’s Desiree Linden beats the weather and is first American to win the Boston Marathon in 33 years.

America's Desiree Linden took the lead at the 35K mark (2:12:22) with Kenya's Gladys Chesir right behind. Mamitu Daska from Ethiopian was elven seconds back in third place. Shalane Flanagan is not handling the weather well but is still hanging in there. There were four American's in the top ten at 35K. Des still lead the pack at the 40K mark of with an elapsed time of 2:31:13 and lead to the finish. Des went on to win in a time of 2:39:54. In the end seven American women finished in the top ten. Shalane Flanagan hung on to finish 7th. Desiree splashed her way through icy rain and a near-gale headwind to be the first American woman to win the Boston Marathon since 1985. The two-time Olympian and 2011 Boston runner-up pulled away at the end of Heartbreak Hill and ran alone through Brookline to finish almost four minutes ahead of second place. That's the slowest time for a women's winner since 1978. (04/16/2018) ⚡AMP

Ethiopian Dino Sefir faces WR Holder Dennis Kimetto at Vienna Marathon

World record holder Dennis Kimetto will face some strong challengers at the 35th Vienna City Marathon, an IAAF Gold Label road race, on April 22. Dino Sefir is the next fastest man in the field after the the world record holder dennis Kimetto. The 29-year-old smashed his PB at the 2012 Dubai Marathon where he clocked 2:04:50, finishing second. A year earlier he had improved significantly in the half marathon when he clocked 59:42. While he hasn't matched those time in recent years, he has been consistent in the 2:08-2:09 range, collecting victories in Barcelona and Ottawa two years ago. More recently he was eighth in the 2017 Boston Marathon. One year ago, Bushendich was involved in the closest race ever in the history of the Vienna City Marathon, crossing just behind fellow Kenyan Albert Korir in 2:08:42. While he knows the course well, he'll return with added confidence after taking the Lisbon Marathon last autumn with 2:10:51. The 26-year-old has already won five marathons during his career: Enschede and La Rochelle in 2012, Ljubljana in 2014, Toronto in 2015 and Lisbon last October. Another contender with a marathon victory under his belt is Abrah Milaw. The 30year-old Ethiopian, who has a 2:07:46 from the 2014 Dubai Marathon, won the Stockholm Marathon last year in 2:11:36. (04/11/2018) ⚡AMP

Kenya Michael Kunyuga was nearing the finish line of the Hannover Marathon when the unexpected happened

Kenya Michael Kunyuga was nearing the finish line of the Hannover (Germany) Marathon on Sunday April 8 when the unexpected happened. The Kenyan had been keeping a steady pace throughout the entire Marathon and was in the lead pack with the finish line in sight. Kunyuga was heading towards victory when he began to wobble and stagger.

Soon, he collapsed, but miraculously continued to the finish line on his hands and knees. Crowds began to cheer and watched in amazement as he crossed the line to finish second in 2:10:16. Kunyuga managed to barely hold off his compatriot Duncan Koech who clocked 2:10:19 and his determination was rewarded with a personal best as well as the runner-up spot.

The race characterized by sunny conditions and rising temperatures was won by Ethiopia’s Seboka Negusse clocking 2:09:44. An eight-strong group reached halfway in 1:04:12. The pacemakers had fulfilled their task to the letter, putting the field at this point on target to attack the course record of 2:08:32.

As temperatures rose the lead group slackened their pace and the prospect of attacking the course record slipped out of reach.

(04/10/2018) ⚡AMP

America's Ben True and Ethiopia's Buze Diriba are back to Defend Their Titles at BAA 5K Saturday

The Boston Athletic Association (BAA) announced Monday the elite field for the BAA 5K and Invitational Mile, to be held on Saturday, April 14 two days before the Boston Marathon. New Hampshire’s Ben True will return to Boston looking to earn his fifth BAA. 5K title, while Ethiopia’s Buze Diriba will defend her 2017 crown. Canada’s Nicole Sifuentes and American Drew Hunter will lead world-class fields at the tenth annual BAA Invitational Mile. A $39,900 prize purse will be distributed to the top finishers of the BAA 5K, while a $14,500 prize purse will be available in the BAA Invitational Mile. True is a veteran and New England favorite on the roads of Boston, having broken the American record twice at the BAA 5K in both 2015 and 2017. A year ago, True timed 13:20 en route to his fifth win in seven years. Coming off a win at the NYC Half in March, True will drop down in distance and face a tough field that includes fellow Americans Eric Jenkins, Tommy Curtin, and Scott Fauble. Jenkins, a native of New Hampshire, is a two-time NCAA champion and was runner-up at last year’s USA Championships 5000m on the track. (04/10/2018) ⚡AMP

Ethiopians Yimer And Diriba Cherry Blossom Ten Mile winners but the wind slowed down everyone

On his first trip to America, 21-year-old Jemal Yimer broke away from a dwindling lead group in the last mile of Sunday's Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run to win the race in a time of 46:17. His compatriot Buze Diriba won the women's race in 53:45 after finishing second here the past two years. In a race full of stories, another highlight was 60-year-old Joan Benoit Samuelson's single-age and 60-64 age group record for women of 1:07:56. Given the dire weather forecast of snow on Saturday night earlier in the week, runners and race organizers were delighted to awake to clear blue skies and peak cherry blossoms this morning. While it was a cold 35 degrees at the start, conditions were ideal for racing, though it was a bit too windy for really fast times up front. (04/09/2018) ⚡AMP

19-year-old Walelegn sets a Turkish all-comers record at the Vodafone Istanbul Half Marathon

Ethiopian's Amdework Walelegn, clocked a personal best of 59:50 in his second half marathon at the Vodafone Istanbul Half Marathon Sunday. Walelegn, who turned 19 last month, arrived in Istanbul with a modest 1:02:00 lifetime best, a time he ran in his half marathon debut in Riyadh in February. However, he had proved that more was coming when he finished in a world-leading time of 27:36 at the Laredo 10km three weeks ago. The Ethiopian was in the leading pack going hard from the gun. The fast opening 2:43 kilometre led to a 14:10 split at five kilometres with an 11-man pack at the front. Along with Walelegn, Asefa Tefera of Ethiopia, Kenyans Leonard Langat and Evans Cheruiyot, and the Turkish duo Kaan Kigen Özbilen and Polat Kemboi Arıkan were still in contention when the group passed the 10-kilometre mark in 28:09. Arikan was the first to start losing ground after the 12th kilometre, but the rest held together at 15-k, reached in 42:15 and still well in line with the targeted pace of sub-60. (04/09/2018) ⚡AMP

Tura running his third marathon in five months wins Milano Marathon in 2:09:04

Seyefu Tura of Ethiopia and Kenyan Lucy Kabuu took the honours at the 18th edition of the EA7 Emporio Armani Milano Marathon,In his third marathon of the past five months, Tura, 21, crossed the finish line in 2:09:04. He was second in Seoul in his debut over the distance in 2:09:26 and seventh in Dubai with an impressive 2:04:44 last January. Kabuu, 34, came from behind to take a close win in the women’s race in 2:27:02 holding off her compatriot Vivian Jerono Kiplagat by six seconds in the final two kilometres. “I am happy with the win, but I struggled with a cramp problem," Tura said. "The final time was not good, but the conditions were not ideal because of the wind." (04/09/2018) ⚡AMP

Erick Kiptanui was just 19 seconds off the world record at Berlin Half Marathon

Kenya’s newcomer Erick Kiptanui clocked a sensational course record of 58:42 in the Berlin Half Marathon, equalling the fastest time in the world this year. Running only his third race in Europe and winning for the third time, Kiptanui moved to equal fifth in the all-time performances for the distance. His impressive running on Berlin’s fast course left him just 19 seconds short of the world record. Kenyans dominated the event and took the first seven places. Emmanuel Kiprono and Richard Mengich finished second and third with 60:29 and 60:36 respectively. The best non-Kenyan runner was Germany’s Homiyu Tesfaye who took eighth place in 62:13. Ethiopia’s Melat Kejeta won the women’s race in sunny but windy conditions with 69:04. Switzerland’s Martina Strähl was second and set a Swiss record of 69:29, improving her personal best by more than two minutes. Anne-Mari Hyryläinen of Finland took third with 71:04, also setting a personal best. At her second attempt the European steeplechase champion Gesa Felicitas Krause of Germany finished the distance for the first time and placed fifth. Her time of 72:16 was the fastest time by a German woman this year. (04/08/2018) ⚡AMP

For six miles there were 20 Runners in the Lead Pack at the Cherry Blossom Ten Miler

As the elite men’s racers took off in the Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run, the large pack that typically separates into smaller groups of runners at different paces didn’t budge. Instead, for the first half of the 46th annual race, which has a course that features views of the city’s monuments amid the newly bloomed cherry blossom trees, the men stayed together. Until about the sixth mile, there were about 20 runners in the lead group, proving the deep talent pool this year’s competition offered. But in the last stretches of the course, a few pulled ahead and as Ethiopia’s Jemal Yimer, 21, reached the nine-mile marker, he made his move to the front of the lead group. Yimer, who had never been to the United States before entering this race and is excited to go sightseeing, used the burst to win the elite men’s division in 46 minutes and 17 seconds. Aweke Ayalew Yimer finished five seconds behind as runner-up in 46:22, while Philip Langat (46:25), James Kibet (46:36) and Chris Derrick (46:53) rounded out the top five. In the women’s race Buze Diriba, 24, representing Ethiopia, won in 53 minutes and 45 seconds. Diriba had been second in the previous two Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Runs and avenged last year’s runner-up finish by 15 seconds to Hiwot Gebrekidan. Gebrekidan, last year’s winner, crossed the line three seconds after Diriba at 53:48. Hiwott Yemer (53:51), Alemitu Hawi (53:53), Diane Nukuri (53:56) and Vicoty Chepngeno (53:59) completed the top six. (04/08/2018) ⚡AMP

Four runners go under 2:06 at the Rotterdam Marathon this morning

It was a good day for Kenyans in Rotterdam as Kenneth Kipkemoi and Visiline Jepkesho dominated to win their respective races during the 38th edition of the Rotterdam Marathon in the Netherlands on Sunday April 8. Kipkemoi clocked 2 hours, 05 minutes and 44 seconds to win and locked out Ethiopians Abera Kuma and Kelkile Gezahegn from the top podium place. Kuma, the 2015 winner was forced to settle second in 2:05:50, beating Gezahegn to third place by sevens second in 2:05:57. Kenya’s Laban Korir came in fourth in 2:05:58 followed by the 2016 champion Marius Kipserem in 2:07:22. Under sunny circumstances, the 33-year-old Kipkemoi finished solo on the Coolsingel Street in his European marathon debut. After the start at the Erasmus Bridge, a group of 14 athletes distanced themselves from the rest and halfway, there were 10 leaders left. In the final kilometers, Kipkemoi proved to be the best to edge out Kuma and Kelkile. Jepkesho, the 2016 Paris Marathon champion, ended Kenyan women’s long drought at the championship, winning her race in 2:23:47, missing the course record of 2:23:27 held by disgraced doper Jemima Sumgong by 20 second (04/08/2018) ⚡AMP

Kipchoge wins the Rome Marathon this morning in 2:08:03

Kenyan Cosmas-Jairus Kipchoge Birech won the Rome marathon on Sunday April 8 with Ethiopian Rahma Tusa winning the women's race for the third straight year. Kipchoge clocked 2hr 08min 03sec in the Italian capital to finish just ahead of Bahraini Abdi Ibrahim with another Kenyan Paul Kangogo third. Tusa, 24, clocked 2hr 23min 46sec in the women's race with Bahrain's Dalila Gosa three minutes behind and Kenya's Alice Kibor in third. (04/08/2018) ⚡AMP

Joan Melly runs 1:05:04 to win the Prague Half Marathon today, her first 5k was 14:51

Kenya’s Joan Melly won the Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon clocking 1:05:04 in the Czech capital to highlight the 20th running of this IAAF Gold Label road race Saturday April 7. Melly passed the opening five kilometres in 14:51, reached 10k in 30:14 and 15 in 45:54, an ambitious pace that came back to haunt the 27-year-old Kenyan in the waning stages. Her performance nonetheless elevated her to the No. 4 position all-time with the fifth fastest run. “The first five kilometres were exceptionally fast with us running it in under 15 minutes, but I didn’t look at my watch at all, I just followed the pacemakers," said Melly, who set her previous lifetime best of 1:05:37 at the RAK Half in Ras Al Khaimah in February, where she finished fourth. "I felt my strength wane a bit towards the end, but it was still enough to break a new personal best and secure a win.” Her compatriot Caroline Chepkoech Kipkirui was second in 1:06:09 followed by Worknesh Degefa from Ethiopia, the runner-up last year and winner in 2015, who clocked 1:08:10. (04/07/2018) ⚡AMP

Sister Lloyd dresses a little different when she runs her many races for Orphans Rising

For weeks, runners have been training for the Cooper River. Ridge Run. One runner is dressing for the run a little different than others. “Some people when they pass me, say ‘Oh good, I beat the old nun,’” Sister Mary Beth Lloyd said. She is from New Jersey and is no stranger to running races like this. “I always run with a rosary, and this rosary was made right here at Christ Our King church,” Sister Lloyd said. She says the Cooper River 10K is no big deal. She usually runs longer races—like 50 miles, 60 miles, even 100-mile runs. “I don’t go fast, I get to the end,” she said. “That’s the trick.” But along the way, she spreads awareness of her cause. She said she runs for children, in countries like Ethiopia, who have become orphans because their parents died from AIDS. “They have very little to eat, very little clothing, education, and so we’re trying to provide for them,” Sister Lloyd said. She runs for an organization called Orphans Rising. She said she meets people while she runs, which encourages them to donate to the children she’s helping. (04/07/2018) ⚡AMP

Bekele has made it very clear unlike some of the other elites, his goal is to win London

Kenenisa Bekele said today, “My goal is to win the London Marathon.” The three greatest distance runners of their generation will race the Virgin Money London Marathon. Ethiopian legend Kenenisa Bekele will join Mo Farah and Eliud Kipchoge on the start line for the IAAF Gold Label road race on April 22. Bekele is the world record-holder for 5000m (12:37:35) and 10,000m (26:17:53), the second fastest marathon runner in history (2:03:03) and the owner of three Olympic and five World Championship gold medals. Bekele has run the past two Virgin Money London Marathons. He finished third in 2016 in 2:06:36 when he admitted he was at just 90 per cent fitness, and was then second last year in 2:05:57 behind Daniel Wanjiru. “I am thrilled to be returning to London for the third year in a row and would love to go one better than last year and win the race,” said Bekele. (04/06/2018) ⚡AMP

Can Kenyan´s Paul Lonyangata win the Paris Marathon Again?

The Paris Marathon course starts at the Champs-Elysees and then heads toward the Place de la Concorde and continue through the city to finish at Foch Avenue. Along with the Berlin Marathon and the London Marathon, it is one of the most popular marthons in Europe. For this years race this weekend Kenya's Paul Lonyangata will be looking to retain his title. The Kenyan could become the first man to win back-to-back titles since Steve Brace of Great Britain in 1989 and 1990. Last year, he improved his personal best to 2:06:10. On the women’s side, the battle for the victory should, on paper, come down to a duel between Amane Gobena of Ethiopia and Ruth Chepngetich of Kenya. Gobena, second in the event three years ago, clocked a best of 2:21:51 in Tokyo in 2016. She also won in Mumbai in January. (04/06/2018) ⚡AMP

Ethiopian women's runners looking at dominating the Rome Marathon Again

The 24th edition of the Rome Marathon route start and finish at the Fori Imperiali. The race circle around Ostiense up to Ponte Milvio in Flaminio, zig-zaging across the Tevere. It is perhaps one of the most scenic marathon routes, runners will pass by major monuments such as St. Peter’s and Piazza del Popolo. For this year's race Ethiopia will be looking to add to its success. In the women’s race, runners from the east African nation have won on nine occasions and look set to continue their proud tradition. Twenty-four year-old Rahma Tusa will be looking to win the women’s race for the third consecutive year after triumphs in 2016 in 2:28:49 and in 2017 in 2:27:21. If she achieves this feat, she would tie her compatriot Firehiwot Dado, who won in the Eternal City consecutive titles in 2009, 2010 and 2011 and went on to win the New York Marathon in 2011. Tusa set her personal best of 2:25:12 in Guangzhou in 2017. Tusa will face a strong field led by Kenyan runners Sharon Cherop and Angela Tanui and Ethiopia’s Berha Afera Godfay. Cherop finished runner-up in the 2013 Berlin Marathon setting her personal best of 2:22:28 and won the world marathon bronze medal in Daegu 2011. She reached the podium three times in Boston winning in 2012 and finishing third in 2011 and 2013. (04/06/2018) ⚡AMP

A stronge elite field is ready to take on the Vodafone Instanbul Half Marathon

One of the fastest runners in the men’s field is Leonard Langat who has a lifetime best of 59:18 from 2016. The Kenyan has run a half marathon each month this year, finishing second in 59:41 at The Hague City-Pier-City Half Marathon in March. Eyes will also be on Albert Kangogo, also from Kenya, keeping in mind the 59:25 he ran at the Copenhagen Half Marathon last year. Amdework Walelegn of Ethiopia, the youngest in the field, may be a newcomer to world-class road running but he is still one of the athletes to watch on Sunday. The 19-year-old won the Laredo 10km in March in a world leading time of 27:36, showing the potential to go fast for the 21.1km distance. Evans Kiplagat of Azerbaijan, who achieved a time of 59:56 back in 2009, is no stranger to the race course. He will be running the Istanbul Half Marathon for the fourth consecutive year. (04/06/2018) ⚡AMP

The Prague Half Marathon course is notoriously fast with a World Record Last Year

The 20th Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon is a thing of beauty. Not just because of our breathtaking scenery. But because of who comes out to participate. Over 11,000 runners have registered. Kenyans James Rungaru and Caroline Chepkoech Kipkirui are two of the favorites racing this Saturday April 7. The course, which winds through the historical heart of the Czech capital, is notoriously fast, evidenced last year when Joyciline Jepkosgei broke the world record with a sizzling 1:04:52 run, while picking up world records for 10km (30:04), 15km (45:37) and 20km (1:01:25) en route. While the latter two are now considered world bests and Jepkosgei has gone on to further improve the 10km and half marathon marks, her performance was nonetheless one of the most memorable road running achievements in recent memory. The men's course record is fast too. Atsedu Tsegay clocked 58:47 to win the 2012 edition, still the seventh fastest performance in history and Ethiopian national record. The 27-year-old returns to Prague hoping to bounce back into sub-one hour territory for the first time since 2013. He showed reasonably good form last month in Lisbon, where he clocked 1:00:28 in windy conditions to finish fifth in the Portuguese capital. (04/05/2018) ⚡AMP

Kenyan´s Julius Keter will be eyeing new course record in Nagano marathon

Julius Keter will be eyeing to return to the winner's podium and break the course record at the Nagano Marathon on April 15. "I have cleared my training program and am working on speed this week. Hopefully, we will go through this preparations without a hitch and focus on winning the race in Japan," said Keter. Keter will face stiff competition from Uganda's Jackson Kiprop, who holds a personal best time of 2:09:32 and Ethiopia's Abdela Godana (2:09:45) while Japanese-based Ethiopians Abiyot Abinet and Yeneblo Biyazen, who have recorded fast time in 10,000m races will be making their marathon debuts. Kenya's Beatrice Jepkemboi and Pauline Wangui will be leading women course eyeing to add the city's marathon to her collection. (04/04/2018) ⚡AMP

Ethiopian legend Tirunesh Dibaba explains her passion for running

“I was motivated and inspired to run from a young age because of the success my older sisters and my cousin Derartu Tulu the 1992 and 2000 Olympic 10,000m champion, enjoyed in the sport.

I started running at school. I used to win all the races. In fact, I was so successful I was regularly assigned to race against the boys!.

“I later developed into a professional runner and enjoyed my first major senior success when winning the World 10,000m title at the 2003 IAAF World Championships in Paris. That was the moment for me when I knew I possessed a gift for running.

“Running has given me so much throughout my life. It is always a thrill for me. It makes me happy and my passion is such that nothing else in life can match that same high I get when running.

“I also love the competitive side of the sport and nothing beats that feeling of winning after putting in many months of hard training in the countdown to a big race," Tirunesh Dibaba says.

(03/29/2018) ⚡AMP

Kenyans steal the show at the Warsaw Half Marathon on Sunday

Kenyans stole the show in the men's and women's races at the 13th edition of the PZU Warsaw Half Marathon on Sunday. It was a double victory for the African country as Ezrah Sang and Pauline Njeru won in 1:01:37 and 1:10:02 respectively. Sang, one of the pre-race favourites, attacked three kilometres from the finish to run away from Kassa Mekashaw of Ethiopia, with Hillary Maiyo, a regular on Polish roads, taking third place. Returning to Warsaw after four years, course record-holder Njeru became the first repeat winner of the women’s contest in the history of the race. After having lost all her rivals just after the halfway point, she was never in danger of being caught. Birhan Mihretu and Marege Hayelom, both of Ethiopia, followed her home in second and third. (03/27/2018) ⚡AMP

A strong Elite Field will take on the 24th Annual Rome Marathon

On April 8, Ethiopian's Rahma Tusa, 24, will be targeting her third straight victory at the ACEA Rome Marathon. Rahma has a 2:25:12 lifetime best, clocked 2:28:49 in 2016 and 2:27:21 last year. A third victory will equal the feat of her countrywoman Firehiwot Dado, who won in 2009, 2010 and 2011. She'll be facing Kenyans Sharon Cherop (2:22:28) and Angela Tanui (2:26:31), Ethiopian Afera Berha Godfay (2:28:46) and 19-year-old Bahraini Dalilah Abdulkadir Gosa, who'll be making her debut over the distance. The leading contenders in the men's race are Kenyan Jafred Chirchir Kipchuma (2:05:48 PR) and Ethiopian Girmay Birhanu (2:05:49). 14,100 runners have registered for the marathon which this year celebrates its 24th edition. Last year over 13,000 runners crossed the finish line, of whom 7,399 were Italian and 5,913 foreign. (03/27/2018) ⚡AMP

Hot and humid weather slowed the times at Chongqing Marathon

Ethiopia’s Meseret Legese and Kennedy Cheboror of Kenya took the women’s and men’s titles respectively at the Chongqing International Marathon, an IAAF Gold Label road race on Sunday (25). The 30-year-old Legese led a four-woman leading group in the first 15 kilometres and enjoyed a comfortable sole lead in the final stages of the race after passing the 30-kilometre mark in 1:45:48, 35 kilometres in 2:03:29 and 40 kilometres in 2:21:22. Cheboror upset a quality field that included several sub-2:10 runners to achieve his first career win over 26.2 miles. His winning time of 2:13:41 is 3:20 shy of the personal best he set in Brescia 12 months ago, but today’s race was held in humid and foggy weather conditions. (03/25/2018) ⚡AMP