Running News Daily
Top Ten Stories of the Week
6/20/2026
These are the top ten stories based on views over the last week.
George Kusche Creates Comrades Marathon History With Record-Breaking Up Run Victory
History was rewritten on the legendary roads of the Comrades Marathon as George Kusche delivered a performance for the ages at the 2026 Up Run, storming to victory in a sensational course-record time of 5:15:56.
Kusche produced a masterclass in ultra-running, showing incredible strength, confidence, and determination over the demanding route from Durban to Pietermaritzburg. After making a decisive move away from the chasing pack, he maintained his relentless pace and held his advantage through the toughest sections of the race, including the brutal final climbs towards the finish.
His remarkable display not only secured the Comrades title but also erased the previous Up Run course record, placing his name among the greatest athletes ever to conquer “The Ultimate Human Race.”
Every kilometre reflected years of dedication, sacrifice, and belief. The early attack, the endurance through the toughest moments, and the ability to finish stronger under pressure showcased a champion performing at the highest level.
Kusche’s victory will be remembered as one of the defining moments in Comrades history, a day when courage, preparation, and ambition came together on the biggest stage of ultra-running. His performance captured the true spirit of the race — pushing beyond limits and chasing greatness over one of the world’s most demanding endurance challenges.
With thousands of spectators witnessing the drama unfold and the ultra-running community celebrating a remarkable achievement, George Kusche has secured his place among the elite names of the Comrades Marathon. The record books have been rewritten, and a new champion has announced himself on the historic Up Run stage.
George Kusche’s record-breaking triumph marks a memorable day in Comrades Marathon history, with the 2026 Up Run now officially remembered as the race where a new legend was born.
(06/14/26) Views: 1,708Erick Cheruiyot for My Best Runs.
DRAMA IN EUGENE: Doris Lemngole’s NCAA 5000m Triumph Overturned as Jepngetich Claims Crown
The NCAA Outdoor Championships delivered one of the most dramatic twists of the season as the women’s 5000m final ended in unexpected heartbreak and a new champion being crowned after the finish line.
Alabama’s Kenyan star Doris Lemngole looked set to celebrate a historic moment after storming to victory in a brilliant 15:11.71, crossing the line first and appearing to secure another national title for the Crimson Tide. The performance looked like the perfect ending to a dominant race — until officials made a decision that changed everything.
Race officials later issued a disqualification against Lemngole under rule 15.5-3g, citing multiple steps on or over the inside track curb. Alabama immediately challenged the ruling through an appeal, but after review, the protest was rejected, confirming the disqualification and removing the race winner from the official results.
With Lemngole’s result erased, New Mexico’s Marion Jepngetich moved into the championship position, producing a spectacular performance of her own to claim the NCAA 5000m title in a personal best of 15:13.01.
The final standings showed just how competitive the race was, with several athletes delivering outstanding performances and multiple personal bests. Mercyline Kirwa of Iowa State finished second in 15:13.72, while Florida’s Judy Chepkoech completed the podium in 15:14.05 — both recording lifetime bests.
The top ten was dominated by incredible depth, with Betty Kipkore (Iowa State) taking fourth in 15:14.43, Pamela Kosgei (New Mexico) fifth in 15:15.88, and Hilda Olemomoi (Florida) sixth with a season best of 15:16.23. Edna Chelulei of Eastern Kentucky, Katie Bohlke of Virginia Tech, Jane Hedengren of BYU, and Juliet Cherubet of Oregon completed the top ten.
For Lemngole, it was a painful reminder of how unforgiving elite sport can be. After producing the fastest time of the night and crossing the finish line as the apparent winner, a technical ruling outside the excitement of the finish changed the entire outcome.
Jepngetich, meanwhile, now celebrates a championship victory earned on one of the most dramatic evenings in NCAA distance running history — a race where the final result was decided not only by speed, but also by the smallest margins of competition.
The NCAA 5000m final will be remembered not just for the incredible performances on the track, but for the unforgettable twist that came after the race was already over.
(06/14/26) Views: 575Erick Cheruiyot for My Best Runs.
Nobukhosi Tshuma’s Comrades Breakthrough: Zimbabwe’s New Ultra-Distance Star Announces Herself to the World
The 2026 Comrades Marathon produced many remarkable performances, but few were as inspiring as the breakthrough run of Zimbabwe’s Nobukhosi Tshuma, who delivered the race of her life to claim a stunning second-place finish in one of the most prestigious ultra-marathons on the planet.
On the unforgiving 85.77-kilometre Up Run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg, Tshuma crossed the finish line in an outstanding 5:53:36, finishing behind only South African legend Gerda Steyn and ahead of a world-class field packed with proven marathon and ultra-distance talent.
For Zimbabwean distance running, it was a landmark moment.
The Comrades Marathon is not a race that rewards luck or circumstance. It is a relentless examination of endurance, patience, strength, and mental resilience. Every athlete who reaches the podium must conquer thousands of metres of climbing, punishing gradients, and nearly six hours of sustained effort. Tshuma did exactly that, producing one of the finest performances ever recorded by a Zimbabwean woman at the iconic race.
While Steyn once again demonstrated why she remains the undisputed queen of Comrades, much of the attention turned to the athlete who chased her home. Tshuma ran with confidence, composure, and remarkable determination, refusing to be intimidated by a field that included some of the strongest ultra-runners in South Africa and beyond.
Perhaps most impressive was her ability to withstand the pressure from behind. South Africa’s Irvette van Zyl, a multiple-time Olympian and one of the country's most accomplished road runners, was among the athletes battling for the podium. Yet Tshuma never surrendered her position, matching experience with courage as the kilometres ticked away.
The Up Run is widely regarded as one of the toughest challenges in road running. It demands intelligent pacing and extraordinary physical preparation. Countless athletes have seen their ambitions unravel on its steep ascents. Tshuma, however, appeared to grow stronger as the race progressed, managing the course with maturity beyond her years and proving she belonged among the elite.
Her runner-up finish is more than just a personal achievement. It represents a significant moment for Zimbabwean athletics, showcasing the country's growing presence in ultra-distance running and demonstrating that its athletes can compete with the very best on the biggest stages.
In a race defined by suffering and perseverance, Tshuma delivered a performance that combined both. She earned every kilometre, every minute, and every accolade that came with standing on the Comrades podium.
The result firmly establishes her as one of Africa’s rising ultra-distance stars and places her name on the global endurance running map. For many fans, 2026 may be remembered as the year Gerda Steyn won another Comrades title. But it may also be remembered as the day Nobukhosi Tshuma announced herself to the world.
Zimbabwe has a new running heroine, and the future suddenly looks very exciting.
(06/16/26) Views: 404Erick Cheruiyot for My Best Runs.
84 and Unstoppable: Johannes Mosehla's Historic Comrades Marathon Journey Continues to Inspire South Africa
Some records are measured in minutes and seconds. Others are measured in courage, perseverance, and an unwavering belief that age should never define human potential.
At 84 years old, South Africa's Johannes Mosehla has once again achieved what many thought impossible, becoming the oldest finisher in the history of the Comrades Marathon for a third consecutive time. Crossing the finish line in an impressive 11:12:27, Mosehla completed the gruelling ultramarathon with nearly 50 minutes to spare before the official cutoff, proving that determination can outlast time itself.
The remarkable athlete from Polokwane, Limpopo, continues to redefine the limits of endurance. Having already set the age record at 81 in 2023 and extended it at 83 in 2025, he has now raised the bar once more at 84, adding another unforgettable chapter to one of the most inspiring stories in distance running.
Yet Mosehla's journey to Comrades greatness began long before his record-breaking finishes. He first discovered his passion for running in 1963 as a 21-year-old young man with big dreams. However, the social realities of the era denied him opportunities that many runners take for granted today. During the early 1980s, black athletes were not permitted to participate in the Comrades Marathon, forcing him to put his ambitions on hold.
Rather than allowing disappointment to defeat him, Mosehla remained patient. He continued running, joined the Polokwane Athletic Club, and quietly prepared for the day when his opportunity would finally come.
When that chance arrived, he embraced it wholeheartedly.
Since making his Comrades debut, Mosehla has become a symbol of consistency and resilience. Remarkably, he has completed every Comrades Marathon he has entered since 2016, a streak that reflects not only physical endurance but also extraordinary discipline and commitment.
His approach remains refreshingly simple. He trains three times a week to keep his body strong while allowing adequate recovery. Despite tackling one of the world's most demanding ultramarathons, he believes in working smart rather than chasing excessive mileage.
Asked about the race itself, Mosehla admits he prefers the famous Down Run, joking that he performs better because he is lighter. Even after decades of running, the notorious Polly Shorts climb remains his toughest challenge, a reminder that every athlete, regardless of age or experience, still faces obstacles to overcome.
What stands out most, however, is his attitude toward the future. While many people his age have long since retired from competitive sport, Mosehla has no intention of stepping away. When asked about retirement, his response was simple and powerful: he is not thinking about it.
That mindset may be the secret behind his enduring success.
In an era obsessed with youth, Johannes Mosehla offers a different perspective. His story is not merely about running marathons; it is about patience rewarded, barriers overcome, and the refusal to surrender dreams despite the passage of time.
At 84, he is still moving forward, still inspiring thousands, and still proving that greatness has no expiration date.
Johannes Mosehla is more than a Comrades finisher. He is a living reminder that the human spirit remains strongest when it refuses to give up.
(06/15/26) Views: 333Erick Cheruiyot for My Best Runs.
Gudaf Tsegay Handed Four-Month Suspension Following Positive Doping Test
Ethiopian middle-distance star Gudaf Tsegay has been handed a four-month suspension after testing positive for a metabolite of Letrozole, a substance prohibited under anti-doping regulations.
The positive result stemmed from an out-of-competition test conducted on 5 December 2025, casting an unexpected shadow over one of the most accomplished athletes in global athletics. Tsegay, a two-time world champion and one of Ethiopia’s most decorated distance runners, was formally notified of the adverse analytical finding in January 2026.
Following the notification, Tsegay maintained that the medication had been prescribed by medical professionals to treat a diagnosed health condition. She subsequently provided supporting medical documentation to anti-doping authorities and later submitted a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) application.
The World Athletics Therapeutic Use Exemption Committee reviewed the evidence and concluded that her treatment satisfied the criteria required for a TUE. However, because the exemption had not been obtained before the use of the medication, an application for a retroactive TUE was submitted. That request was ultimately rejected by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
As a result, Tsegay entered into a Case Resolution Agreement with the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) and WADA, acknowledging anti-doping rule violations related to both the presence and use of a prohibited substance.
Despite the violation, authorities determined that a reduced sanction was appropriate. The decision took into account Tsegay’s prompt admission of the violation, the absence of significant fault or negligence, and the finding that she likely would have received a valid TUE had the application been made before treatment began.
Under the terms of the agreement, Tsegay will serve a four-month period of ineligibility from 1 June 2026 through 30 September 2026.
The suspension temporarily sidelines one of the sport’s most recognizable talents, whose achievements include world titles and standout performances on the global stage. While the ruling represents a setback in her career, the case has also highlighted the importance of athletes securing the necessary exemptions before using medications that contain prohibited substances, even when prescribed for legitimate medical reasons.
Tsegay is expected to return to competition once her suspension concludes at the end of September, aiming to resume a career that has already established her among Ethiopia’s most successful athletes of her generation.
(06/12/26) Views: 324Erick Cheruiyot for My Best Runs.
South Africa's Queen Of Ultra-Running Delivers Stunning Record Run To Reclaim Comrades Glory
History has been rewritten once more on the brutal climbs between Durban and Pietermaritzburg, as South Africa’s ultra-running icon Gerda Steyn delivered yet another performance for the ages at the Comrades Marathon.
On a demanding up-run edition defined by punishing ascents, relentless rhythm changes, and unforgiving terrain, Steyn produced a masterclass in endurance running, powering away from the field and never looking back. With trademark composure and unshakable control, she surged into Pietermaritzburg alone, stopping the clock in a sensational 5:44:53, setting a new up-run course record and once again stamping her authority on the “Ultimate Human Race.”
From the opening kilometres, Steyn looked composed and intentional, gradually dismantling the challenge of the hills one section at a time. As the race unfolded, her dominance became unmistakable—every climb conquered with precision, every kilometre reinforcing her status as the defining force of women’s ultra-running.
When she crossed the finish line, arms raised and that familiar calm smile breaking through the exhaustion, it was not just a victory—it was a statement. A reminder that greatness in this race is not only about strength, but about control, patience, and belief over nearly six hours of suffering.
This latest triumph further deepens her legacy as the undisputed Queen of the Up-Run, a champion who continues to redefine what is possible on South Africa’s most iconic endurance stage.
This victory will be remembered not only for the record itself, but for the manner in which it was achieved—calm, controlled, and commanding from start to finish. Once again, Gerda Steyn has turned one of the world’s toughest road races into her personal stage, leaving fans, rivals, and the wider athletics world in awe of her consistency and greatness. As the dust settles on another historic Comrades up-run, one thing remains clear: her legacy is not just growing—it is accelerating into legend.
(06/14/26) Views: 259Erick Cheruiyot for My Best Runs.
Adaejah Hodge Storms Into History With Stunning 10.63 NCAA Sprint Masterclass
Adaejah Hodge has announced herself as one of the fastest women the sport has ever seen, producing a breathtaking performance at the NCAA Track and Field Championships to clock an astonishing 10.63 seconds in the women's 100 metres.
The 20-year-old sprinter's remarkable run elevated her into rare company, making her the fifth-fastest woman in history and placing her performance among the greatest ever recorded over the distance. Her 10.63 stands as the ninth-fastest time of all time and rewrites the NCAA record books, eclipsing the collegiate mark of 10.75 set by Sha'Carri Richardson in 2019.
Hodge's performance was more than just a record-breaking run—it was a statement. Displaying exceptional acceleration and composure under pressure, she delivered a race that will be remembered as one of the defining moments of the collegiate athletics season. The time instantly established her as a major force on the global sprinting stage and highlighted her immense potential heading into the next phase of her career.
What makes the achievement even more remarkable is the journey that preceded it.
In 2024, Hodge was handed a 17-month ban by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) after testing positive for the prohibited substances GW501516 sulfone and GW501516 sulfoxide. By the time the AIU publicly announced the sanction, however, she had already completed the suspension period.
Importantly, the AIU stated that its investigation found no evidence that Hodge had knowingly ingested the banned substances. The case was therefore viewed differently from instances involving intentional doping, with the governing body acknowledging the circumstances surrounding the violation.
Since returning to competition, Hodge has focused on rebuilding her career and allowing her performances on the track to tell the story. Her record-breaking run at the NCAA Championships now represents a dramatic chapter in that comeback.
Few athletes have faced such scrutiny at such a young age, and even fewer have responded with a performance of this magnitude. Yet Hodge did exactly that, producing a time that not only shattered a long-standing collegiate record but also placed her among the fastest women ever to sprint 100 metres.
With history already made and her best years potentially still ahead, Adaejah Hodge has transformed herself from a promising talent into one of the most compelling figures in world athletics. Her stunning 10.63 was not merely a victory—it was a performance that reverberated across the sport and ensured her name will be etched into the record books for years to come.
(06/12/26) Views: 250Erick Cheruiyot for My Best Runs.
Speed, Power and Pride: Tebogo Headlines Star-Studded Men's 100m at the LA Grand Prix
The countdown is on for one of the most anticipated sprint clashes of the season as the 2026 LA Grand Prix prepares to showcase a world-class men's 100m field on Sunday, June 14 in Los Angeles, USA.
With Olympic champions, world medalists, and some of the fastest men on the planet set to line up, fans can expect a race packed with speed, drama, and fierce competition from the moment the starter's gun fires.
Leading the field is Botswana's sprint sensation, Letsile Tebogo, whose rise to global stardom has transformed him into one of athletics' most exciting figures. Known for his composure, explosive finishing speed, and ability to deliver on the biggest stages, Tebogo arrives in Los Angeles carrying the expectations of a nation and the attention of the athletics world.
Standing in his way is a formidable American contingent led by Kenneth Bednarek, the versatile sprint star who continues to prove himself among the world's elite. While best known for his success over 200 metres, Bednarek has shown that he possesses the raw speed necessary to challenge the very best in the shorter sprint.
The United States will also field experienced speedsters Trayvon Bromell and Christian Coleman, two athletes whose careers have been defined by lightning-fast performances. Bromell remains one of the quickest starters in the sport, while Coleman has built a reputation as one of the greatest 100m specialists of his generation. Their presence guarantees that no margin for error will exist in this race.
Adding further intrigue is Ghana's rising talent Abdul-Rasheed Saminu, who continues to establish himself as a serious contender on the international circuit. Against such elite opposition, the Ghanaian sprinter will have an opportunity to measure himself against some of the sport's biggest names.
The depth of the field is strengthened by American athletes Courtney Lindsey, Brandon Hicklin, and Sam Blaskowski, all capable of producing breakthrough performances when the stakes are highest.
(06/13/26) Views: 230Erick Cheruiyot for My Best Runs.
History Rewritten in Aichi: 17-Year-Old Taiju Goto Runs 48.31 to Shatter U18 World Best
Japanese sprint hurdling has witnessed a seismic moment of brilliance as 17-year-old Taiju Goto delivered a performance for the ages at the Japanese Athletics Championships in Aichi Prefecture, rewriting the global U18 record books in spectacular fashion.
In a race that defied expectations and dissolved the boundaries of age-group performance, Goto stormed to a personal best of 48.31 seconds in the 400m hurdles, a time that not only secured him victory in his heat but also sent shockwaves through the senior ranks he was competing against.
Against a field stacked with experienced national-level hurdlers, the teenager displayed remarkable composure, rhythm, and power between barriers, executing a race far beyond his years. His explosive finish down the home straight sealed a statement win and a place in the final, but it was the clock that told the real story.
With this run, Goto has obliterated the U18 world best, becoming the first athlete under 18 years old in history to break the 48.50-second barrier in the event. It is a landmark achievement that elevates him into entirely uncharted territory for junior sprint hurdling.
Beyond age-group dominance, the performance carries even greater statistical weight. His 48.31s now places him 6th on the all-time U20 global list, a staggering feat that underscores just how exceptional this breakthrough truly is when measured against older and more physically developed athletes.
What makes the run even more compelling is the context: Goto did not simply win against his peers—he outperformed senior competitors on one of Japan’s biggest national stages, announcing himself as a generational talent in the making.
As the championships continue, all eyes will now turn to the final, where anticipation builds around whether the teenage sensation can once again rise to the occasion. One thing is already certain—Taiju Goto has stepped into the global spotlight, and he has done so with record-breaking authority.
(06/13/26) Views: 225Erick Cheruiyot for My Best Runs.
Noah Lyles Makes History With Blazing 150m World Record In Ostrava
Noah Lyles has once again rewritten the sprinting history books, delivering a stunning performance in the 150m at the Ostrava Golden Spike meet as he stormed to a new world record of 14.67 seconds.
The American sprint superstar produced a flawless display of speed and power, stopping the clock at 14.67 (0.0) to break the previous world best mark of 14.92 set by Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson.
Lyles’ victory came in a high-quality field that saw South Africa’s Sinesipho Dambile push him all the way, finishing second in an impressive 14.78 seconds. Australia’s teenage sensation Gout Gout continued to show why he is regarded as one of the sport’s brightest young talents, completing the podium with a remarkable 14.96.
The 150m race, which combines the explosive acceleration of the 100m with the speed endurance required for the 200m, provided another opportunity for Lyles to showcase his rare sprinting ability.
Known for his dominance over 200m and his Olympic success, Lyles continues to expand his legacy with performances that underline his status as one of the greatest sprinters of his generation.
The record-breaking run in Ostrava adds another historic chapter to Lyles’ career and sends a powerful message ahead of the major international competitions ahead.
(06/17/26) Views: 225Erick Cheruiyot for My Best Runs.
