Running News Daily
Top Ten Stories of the Week
1/31/2026
These are the top ten stories based on views over the last week.
Crowned by the Streets of Osaka: Marathon Queens Clash for 2026 Glory
As dawn breaks over Osaka, the city will transform into a grand stage of endurance, elegance, and elite ambition. On Sunday, January 25, the 2026 Osaka Women’s Marathon returns with a promise that goes beyond distance — a promise of history, pride, and fierce competition among the world’s finest women marathoners.
The clock will strike 12:15 PM local time in Japan, while Africa awakens to the drama at 6:15 AM, and the Pacific coast watches under Saturday night lights. When the starting gun fires, all eyes will be fixed on the flowing rhythm of champions chasing both victory and legacy.
At the heart of this year’s spectacle stands Workenesh Edesa of Ethiopia, a runner already woven into Osaka folklore. Champion in 2024 and 2025, Edesa arrives seeking a rare and remarkable third consecutive title. Calm, composed, and devastatingly efficient, the 33-year-old brings with her a personal best of 2:17:55, set in Hamburg in 2025 — a statement of form that makes her the woman to beat once again.
But history does not go unchallenged.
From Uganda, Stella Chesang steps onto the Osaka roads with quiet menace. At 29, she blends patience with explosive strength, owning a 2:18:26 personal best from Valencia. Her presence ensures that any moment of hesitation could be punished, and that the race will demand courage as much as conditioning.
Completing the African trio is Ethiopia’s rising force, Bedatu Hirpa. At just 26, Hirpa represents the new generation — fearless, relentless, and hungry. Her 2:18:27 from Dubai signals readiness to step fully into the spotlight, and Osaka could be the stage where promise turns into authority.
Yet this marathon is not solely an African affair.
Japan answers with depth, discipline, and home-ground resolve. Mizuki Matsuda, racing for Osaka-based Daihatsu, leads the domestic charge. Her 2:20:42 from Berlin places her among Japan’s most reliable contenders, and the roar of local support may fuel something special. Alongside her, Mao Uesugi and Mizuki Nishimura embody consistency and youthful ambition, while veterans like Chiharu Suzuki, Madoka Nakano, and Nanaka Izawa bring experience carved from countless kilometers.
The Japanese lineup is rich in contrast — youth beside wisdom, patience beside boldness — each runner chasing her own definition of success on these familiar streets.
Osaka has always been more than a marathon course. It is a proving ground. A place where champions are tested not only by pace, but by pressure; not only by rivals, but by expectation. Every corner, every crowd, every silent stretch of road asks the same question: Who is ready to rule today?
On Sunday, the answer will be written step by step, breath by breath, across 42.195 unforgiving kilometers.
Three-time glory or a new queen’s coronation — Osaka is ready.
(01/23/26) Views: 348Erick Cheruiyot for My Bestruns.
Femke Bol Set for 800m Debut at Athelor Meeting in Metz
The moment many athletics fans have been waiting for has finally arrived. Two-time world 400m hurdles champion Femke Bol is set to make her much-anticipated 800m debut at the Athelor Meeting in Metz, France, on February 8, meet organizers have confirmed.
The announcement was made on Moselle TV, sparking excitement across the track and field world as the Dutch superstar prepares to test herself over a new distance. Bol took the decision to explore the 800m back in October, shortly after sealing her second consecutive world title in the 400m hurdles in Tokyo, further cementing her dominance in the event.
Meet director Dominique Abisse explained why Metz was chosen as the venue for this important career moment, highlighting both familiarity and comfort as key factors.
“She has chosen a place that reassures her, where she is on known ground, and a land that she appreciates,” Abisse said, speaking to French media.
The choice of Metz also makes sense from a performance perspective. The city proved it can deliver fast middle-distance races last season, when Ethiopia’s Tsigie Duguma edged Britain’s Jemma Reekie in a thrilling 800m showdown, clocking 1:58.97 to Reekie’s 1:59.72. That race underlined the meet’s reputation as a stage capable of producing high-quality times.
Bol’s move to the 800m will be closely watched, given her exceptional speed, endurance, and tactical intelligence—qualities that have made her nearly untouchable over the one-lap hurdles. Whether this debut signals a long-term shift or a strategic experiment remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: all eyes will be on Metz on February 8 as one of the sport’s biggest stars takes on a bold new challenge.
(01/26/26) Views: 324Erick Cheruiyot for My Bestruns.
Josh Hoey Shatters 28-Year-Old Indoor 800m World Record in Boston
Josh Hoey arrived in Boston with belief, preparation, and a bold target — and left with a world record.
At the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix, the opening World Athletics Indoor Tour Gold meeting of the season, the American middle-distance star delivered a performance for the ages, storming to a world 800m short track record of 1:42.50. In doing so, Hoey erased a mark that had stood untouched for 28 years, rewriting indoor history on Saturday (24).
The run confirmed what many had sensed for weeks. Just seven weeks earlier, on the same Boston track, Hoey had set a world best in the 600m indoors. That momentum carried seamlessly into this race, where he sliced 0.17 seconds off the legendary Wilson Kipketer’s 1:42.67, set at the 1997 World Indoor Championships in Paris.
Hoey entered the race already ranked as the second-fastest indoor 800m runner of all time, thanks to his North American record of 1:43.24 from last year’s US Indoor Championships in New York. But this time, there was no doubt. With precision pacing and supreme control, he elevated himself to the very top of the all-time list — and did so emphatically, winning by more than two seconds.
The race unfolded like a perfectly scripted plan. Paced by his brother Jaxson Hoey, Josh surged through the opening 200m in 24.81, reaching 400m in a controlled 50.21. As Jaxson stepped aside, the record attempt became a solo mission. Josh powered past 600m in 1:16.19, holding his form and composure all the way to the finish line, where the clock confirmed history: 1:42.50.
Afterward, Hoey credited months of disciplined preparation and trust in the process.
“We did a lot of pacing work,” he said. “We just kept steadily improving — week by week, block by block — and it all came together.”
For the 26-year-old, the moment carried deeper meaning. After narrowly missing selection for the U.S. teams at last year’s World Championships and the Paris Olympic Games, this performance felt less like a peak and more like a launchpad.
“This is far from the end of the journey,” Hoey reflected. “Honestly, it feels like we’re just getting started.”
With a world record now to his name and momentum firmly on his side, Josh Hoey has not only reclaimed lost ground — he has announced himself as the defining indoor 800m force of this generation.
(01/24/26) Views: 263Erick Cheruiyot for My Bestruns.
Stella Chesang Stuns the World in a Thrilling Osaka Marathon Victory
OSAKA, JAPAN — January 25, 2026 — The Osaka International Women’s Marathon 2026 delivered a spectacle of speed, endurance, and drama, as Uganda’s Stella Chesang powered to a remarkable victory in 2:19:31. From the opening kilometer to the final sprint, the race captivated fans and showcased some of the finest talent in women’s distance running.
Chesang’s triumph was the result of perfect pacing and relentless determination. She broke away at key moments, maintaining a steady, punishing rhythm that left her competitors chasing in her wake. Her win marks another milestone in an already stellar career and adds her name to Osaka’s list of marathon greats.
Ethiopia’s two-time defending champion Workenesh Edesa fought valiantly for silver, finishing 23 seconds behind Chesang in 2:19:54. Close behind, her compatriot Bedatu Hirpa crossed third in 2:19:56, completing an impressive East African sweep of the podium.
The race also had a historic moment for Japan. Mikuni Yada, in her marathon debut, ran courageously against the world’s best, finishing fourth in 2:19:57. Her time set the fastest marathon debut in Japanese women’s history, a performance that promises a bright future for the nation’s distance running scene and earned thunderous applause from fans.
The depth of talent in Osaka was on full display. Japanese athletes like Mao Uesugi (2:23:07), Rie Kawauchi (2:24:16, PB), Mizuki Matsuda (2:26:16), and Nanaka Izawa (2:27:45, PB) proved that the country’s marathon scene is strong and rising, while international stars added fierce competition at the front.
From the first kilometer to the final finish line, the 2026 Osaka Marathon was a showcase of endurance, strategy, and heart. Chesang’s victory, Yada’s historic debut, and the tight finishes across the top positions made this edition a race to remember — a perfect example of why Osaka remains one of the world’s premier women’s marathon events.
Top 10 Finishers:
1. Stella Chesang (UGA) — 2:19:31
2. Workenesh Edesa (ETH) — 2:19:54
3. Bedatu Hirpa (ETH) — 2:19:56
4. Mikuni Yada (JPN) — 2:19:57 (Debut NR)
5. Mao Uesugi (JPN) — 2:23:07
6. Rie Kawauchi (JPN) — 2:24:16 (PB)
7. Mizuki Matsuda (JPN) — 2:26:16
8. Nanaka Izawa (JPN) — 2:27:45 (PB)
9. Mizuki Nishimura (JPN) — 2:28:21
10. Madoka Nakano (JPN) — 2:29:29
The Osaka International Women’s Marathon 2026 will be remembered as a race of courage, records, and unforgettable performances — a true celebration of elite women’s distance running.
(01/25/26) Views: 224Erick Cheruiyot for My Bestruns.
Age-16 World Record: Sam Ruthe Rewrites Mile History
Sixteen-year-old Sam Ruthe of New Zealand has delivered one of the most remarkable middle-distance performances in recent memory, clocking 3:53.83 for the mile — the fastest mile ever run by a 16-year-old.
Ruthe’s time eclipses the previous age-16 best of 3:55.44, set by Australian standout Cameron Myers in 2023, and firmly establishes the young Kiwi as one of the most exciting prospects in global athletics.
Beyond the age-group significance, Ruthe’s performance carries even greater weight. His 3:53.83 places him inside the top 20 on the world U20 all-time mile list, a benchmark typically reserved for athletes several years older and far more physically mature.
Running under control and with impressive composure, Ruthe showed a blend of speed, efficiency, and tactical awareness rarely seen at such a young age. The time signals not just raw talent, but a level of development that suggests long-term potential on the international stage.
New Zealand has a rich middle-distance tradition, and Ruthe’s breakthrough adds another chapter to that legacy. While patience and careful progression will be key, performances like this inevitably draw comparisons with the sport’s great teenage prodigies — athletes who went on to shape the future of distance running.
For now, the numbers speak loudly:
3:53.83. Age 16. World best.
The running world will be watching closely to see what comes next.
(01/25/26) Views: 209
Boris Baron
Track Titan to Road Challenger: Grant Fisher Targets NYC Half Debut
The roads of New York City are about to welcome a familiar name—this time from a new angle.
American distance star Grant Fisher is set to make his half marathon debut at the iconic 2026 United Airlines NYC Half, marking a major milestone in one of the most impressive careers of modern U.S. distance running. The race will take place on March 15, 2026, through the heart of New York City, a place that has already played host to some of Fisher’s greatest moments on the track.
For Fisher, this is more than just another race. It is his first professional road appearance, a deliberate and bold step beyond the oval and into the unpredictable rhythm of the streets.
The two-time Olympic bronze medalist has never shied away from challenge. Speaking about the move, Fisher emphasized his desire to explore new limits—drawn by curiosity, ambition, and the unique energy of New York. After rewriting record books on the track in the city, he now looks forward to seeing it from a completely different perspective, chasing possibility over 21.1 kilometers of asphalt.
That curiosity is backed by extraordinary credentials.
On the track, Fisher has built a résumé few can rival. He owns multiple American records, including the outdoor 10,000 meters (26:33.84) and 3,000 meters (7:25.47), and has proven equally dominant indoors with world records in the 3,000 meters and 5,000 meters. His range—from the mile to the longest track distances—speaks to rare versatility, efficiency, and tactical intelligence.
At the global level, Fisher has delivered when it matters most. At the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, he claimed bronze medals in both the 5,000 meters and 10,000 meters, confirming his status among the world’s elite. Earlier Olympic and World Championship appearances laid the foundation; Paris cemented the legacy.
Now, the half marathon presents a different kind of test.
Unlike the controlled environment of the track, the roads demand patience, adaptability, and rhythm over time. Pace judgment replaces lap counting. Strategy stretches over kilometers, not seconds. For an athlete known for precision and strength in the closing stages of races, the question is not whether Fisher belongs—but how far his talent can travel.
The United Airlines NYC Half offers the perfect stage. Fast, competitive, and electric with atmosphere, it has launched and reshaped road careers before. For Fisher, it represents the opening chapter of a new narrative—one that bridges elite track dominance with long-distance road ambition.
From American record-holder to Olympic medalist.
From stadium lights to city streets.
A new distance. A familiar hunger.
On March 15, 2026, Grant Fisher doesn’t just race New York—he begins his road story.
(01/24/26) Views: 204Erick Cheruiyot for My Bestruns.
When Time Finally Gave Way: Hobbs Kessler’s 4:48.79 and the Night Indoor History Fell
There are records that feel temporary, and then there are records that begin to feel permanent. For nearly nineteen years, Kenenisa Bekele’s 2000m indoor mark belonged to the second category—a time etched into the sport’s mythology, respected, feared, and largely left untouched. On a charged night at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix 2026, Hobbs Kessler proved that even the most stubborn pieces of history eventually yield to courage, rhythm, and belief.
From the opening laps inside the packed arena, the race carried a different energy. The pace was honest, relentless, and daring, drawing the field into unfamiliar territory. Kessler, calm and composed beyond his 22 years, stayed patient as the laps unwound, shadowed closely by a deep cast of world-class talent. The moment arrived with one lap remaining. As the bell rang, Kessler shifted gears, surging past fellow American Grant Fisher with a move that felt both explosive and inevitable. There was no panic, no dramatic gesture—just precision, power, and an unbreakable line toward the finish.
When Kessler crossed the line, the clock delivered the verdict: 4:48.79. Bekele’s long-standing 4:49.99 from 2007 was gone. Not chipped away, not narrowly surpassed—beaten decisively. In the same breath, Kessler claimed the American indoor record as well, eclipsing a mark that had been set just one day earlier by Olympic champion Cole Hocker, a detail that perfectly captured the extraordinary momentum of American middle-distance running.
Behind him, Grant Fisher followed in 4:49.48, also inside the old world best, while Belgium’s Pieter Sisk and Great Britain’s Jake Wightman rounded out a race that will be remembered as one of the deepest and fastest in indoor history. Multiple careers were elevated in a single night, but it was Kessler who owned the moment.
The significance of the performance stretches far beyond one race. Kessler’s name now sits above a list populated by giants—Bekele, Haile Gebrselassie, Eamonn Coghlan, Bernard Lagat—athletes who shaped eras and redefined what was possible indoors. To surpass them at just 22 years old is not merely a breakthrough; it is a declaration.
The New Balance Indoor Grand Prix has long been a place where bold athletes chase ambitious ideas. On this night, ambition caught up with history. The record fell, the crowd roared, and time itself seemed to pause in respect.
Some performances win races. Others reshape belief. Hobbs Kessler’s 4:48.79 did both—and in doing so, reminded the world that no record is forever.
(01/24/26) Views: 193Erick Cheruiyot for My Bestruns.
Dorcus Ewoi Claims World Lead as She Becomes Second-Fastest Kenyan Woman Indoors
Boston, USA — Kenya’s middle-distance depth was on full display as Dorcus Ewoi delivered a commanding victory in the women’s 1500 metres at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix, clocking a world-leading and personal-best 4:01.22.
The performance places Ewoi as the second-fastest Kenyan woman in history over the indoor 1500m, moving her within 0.05 seconds of the national record 4:01.17, set by Olympic and world champion Beatrice Chepkoech.
Running with confidence and control, Ewoi stayed composed through the early stages before asserting herself decisively in the latter laps. Her smooth acceleration and sustained pace proved decisive on the tight indoor track, where tactical awareness is as crucial as raw speed.
Ewoi’s time not only secured victory against a quality international field but also currently stands as the fastest indoor women’s 1500m time in the world this season, underlining her growing status on the global stage.
Indoor 1500m racing is widely regarded as one of the most demanding events on the circuit, requiring athletes to balance positioning, rhythm, and endurance within confined conditions. Ewoi handled the challenge with maturity, demonstrating both technical precision and competitive courage.
The result further strengthens Kenya’s dominance in middle-distance running and signals the emergence of another serious contender as the athletics calendar builds toward major outdoor championships later in the year.
While the national record narrowly remained intact, Ewoi’s breakthrough performance marks a significant milestone in her career and suggests that further history-making runs may be imminent.
For Dorcus Ewoi, Boston was more than a victory — it was a clear announcement of intent.
(01/24/26) Views: 176Erick Cheruiyot for My Bestruns.
Seville Half Marathon 2026 Delivers Sprint Drama and a Course Record
The 2026 Seville Half Marathon, held on Sunday, 25th January, delivered everything elite road racing promises — raw speed, fearless competition, and moments that will linger long after the finish tape was broken. On the fast streets of Seville, the world witnessed a men’s race decided in the final strides and a women’s performance that redefined the course itself.
From the opening kilometers, the men’s elite field set an uncompromising tempo, with a tightly packed lead group refusing to give an inch. As the kilometers clicked away, it became clear that victory would not be earned early, but fought for to the very end.
That prediction proved true in dramatic fashion. With just 300 meters remaining, France’s Emmanuel Roudolff-Levisse summoned a perfectly timed kick, surging clear in a furious sprint to snatch victory in 1:00:24. His move caught the field at full stretch, and although Kenya’s Owen Korir Kapkama responded instantly, the line arrived a fraction too soon. Kapkama finished second in 1:00:25, separated from gold by the narrowest of margins. Fellow Kenyan Jonathan Kipkoech Kamosong completed the podium in 1:00:33, capping a race defined by intensity and precision.
Behind the leaders, the international depth of the race was on full display. Eritrea’s Melkeneh Azize Abebe and Belgium’s Simon Debognies rounded out the top five, while the home crowd found its moment of celebration as Spain’s Roberto Alaiz emerged as the leading Spanish finisher in 1:03:55, drawing loud applause along the course.
As the echoes of the men’s sprint finish faded, the women’s race unfolded with a different but equally compelling narrative — one of control, confidence, and historic speed.
Ethiopia’s Zeineba Yimer Worku asserted her authority early, running with smooth efficiency and relentless rhythm. Kilometer by kilometer, she extended her advantage, turning the race into a personal exhibition of elite road-running excellence. When she crossed the finish line in 1:06:33, it was more than a victory — it was a statement. Her performance established a new Seville Half Marathon course record and stood out as one of the finest women’s road-running displays of the season.
In one unforgettable morning on 25 January, the Seville Half Marathon 2026 delivered drama measured in hundredths of a second and history written in bold new numbers — a true celebration of global road racing at its finest.
(01/26/26) Views: 162Erick Cheruiyot for My Bestruns.
Athletics Kenya Cancels World Indoor Trials, Turns to Merit-Based Selection for Poland 2026
Athletics Kenya has officially cancelled the World Athletics Indoor Trials that were scheduled to take place in Nairobi on January 30–31, 2026, dealing a significant change to the country’s indoor season plans. The federation confirmed the decision through an official notice addressed to athletes, officials, and key stakeholders.
According to Athletics Kenya, the trials were called off due to unavoidable circumstances, making it impossible to stage the event as planned. While specific details were not disclosed, the federation emphasized that the decision was made after careful consideration, prioritising organisational, logistical, and competitive integrity concerns. The move underscores the challenges involved in hosting high-level indoor competitions and the need to ensure proper conditions for fair athlete selection.
Despite the cancellation, Athletics Kenya reassured athletes that the process of selecting Team Kenya for the upcoming global championships remains firmly on course. Instead of trials, the federation will adopt a time-based and merit-based selection system, relying on verified performances achieved during the official qualification window. Athlete monitoring will continue closely across approved competitions listed on the Athletics Kenya calendar.
The selection process will cover key indoor disciplines including 60m (men), 60m hurdles (women), 400m, 800m, 1500m, and 3000m for both men and women. Final team selection will only be confirmed after the World Athletics qualification period closes on March 8, 2026, ensuring all eligible performances are fully assessed.
Athletes have been advised to remain focused on training and competition, as strong and consistent performances during the qualification period will now play an even more decisive role in securing national team slots. The federation also pledged to issue further updates should any changes arise.
Attention now turns to the global stage, where Kenya will aim to make a strong impact at the World Athletics Indoor Championships Kujawy Pomorze 26. The championships will be held in Toruń, Poland, from March 20–22, 2026, bringing together over 2,000 athletes from approximately 150 countries for one of the biggest indoor athletics events on the calendar.
The Toruń championships will mark a historic milestone for the host nation — the second time Poland has staged a World Athletics Indoor Championships, and notably the first time the event will be hosted in the Kujawy and Pomorze Region. With elite global competition and high stakes, Team Kenya will be aiming to arrive fully prepared, despite the absence of national trials, ready to compete on one of athletics’ biggest indoor stages.
(01/26/26) Views: 151Erick Cheruiyot for My Bestruns.
