Running News Daily
Top Ten Stories of the Week
5/27/2023
These are the top ten stories based on views over the last week.
For over 100 years San Francisco has hosted the Bay to Breakers
Attire on Sunday at the Bay to Breakers ranged from a Hot Cheetos bag outfit to shark and bovine costumes -- to proudly worn birthday suits -- as thousands of runners raced across San Francisco in the annual Bay to Breakers footrace from the city’s eastern side to Ocean Beach .
With attendance for the 7.5-mile race rebounding from pandemic doldrums, organizers reported 17,000 registered runners, up from 12,000 last year. The walkers, runners and revelers started off at 8 a.m. from Main and Howard streets near the Embarcadero and filled the streets westward, chugging up the Hayes Street Hill and racing through Golden Gate Park to the shore.
Colin Bennie of San Francisco won first place and completed the race in 35 minutes and 49 seconds (photo). The fastest women was Sarah Anderson, who finished in 43 minutes and 2 seconds.
At the halfway mark Sunday, near Fell and Broderick streets, the scent of sizzling bacon-wrapped hot dogs and pop music blaring from speakers filled the air as families and onlookers cheered from the sidelines. As is customary, most runners were in wacky costumes, including the likes of a furry Elmo suit and bee and duck attire.
Among the numerous “centipede” runner teams was one group dressed in a Golden Gate Bridge outfit. Other participants were naked, wearing only hats and tennis shoes in 55-degree weather. For most, the idea was not to win the race, and many racers stopped to take a break and photos with their friends or gobble down hot dogs.
“It’s just such an iconic San Francisco event,” said Seth Cotterell, who donned a Hamilton-inspired dress, pearl necklace, black dangly earrings and black sneakers. It was his first time back running Bay to Brakers since he first ran it nearly 20 years ago, he said.
Although C.J. Timloy did not sign up for this year’s race, she dressed up anyway in a Where’s Waldo costume to get in the spirit. Timloy, her wife and a friend trekked from the Mission District to the Panhandle park for a picnic, grabbing a front-seat view of the race.
“We just love to party and take part of the festivities,” Timloy said, adding that she grew up attending the race because her parents ran it. Her mother, she said, always dressed up as a hula dancer.
Timloy said she plans to run the race next year.
The Breakers have run yearly since 1912, pausing only in 2020 and 2021 as a pandemic precaution.
Bay to Breakers is an annual footrace in San Francisco, California typically on the third Sunday of May. The phrase "Bay to Breakers" reflects the fact that the race starts at the northeast end of the downtown area a few blocks from The Embarcadero(adjacent to San Francisco Bay) and runs west through the city to finish at the Great Highway(adjacent to the Pacific coast, where breakers crash onto Ocean Beach). The complete course is 7.46 miles (12 km) long.
Course records
Men: 33:31 (2009)Sammy KitwaraWomen: 38:07 (2010)Lineth Chepkurui
Very little if any prize money is now paid to the winners.
(05/21/23) Views: 108
Kenyan’s Sabastian Sawe and Ethiopia’s Tsehay Gemechu were the winners in Bengaluru
Bengaluru, 21 May 2023: In what will go down as a classic in Indian road running history, Sabastian Sawe (Kenya) took the men’s title and Ethiopia’s Tsehay Gemechu the women’s crown in the Elite category of the landmark 15th edition of the Tata Consultancy Services World 10K Bengaluru on Sunday.
Among the Indian elite, Murli Gavit, making only his second appearance at the iconic race, dashed to a sensational finish to bag the Indian men’s title while debutant Tamshi Singh won the women’s category.
Sawe, who clocked the world’s fifth fastest 10K time in Germany last month, ran a superbly-paced race to win in a close contest and Gemechu was equally impressive in the way she kicked on at the end in the prestigious USD 210,000 World Athletics Gold Label Road Race. The winners took home an equal prize cheque of USD 26,000 each in what is possibly one of the greatest road races in Asia. Sawe won in a time of 27:58.24 and Gemechu in 31:38.
It was an Ethiopian 1-2-3 in the women’s race with Fotyen Tesafe finishing four seconds behind Gemechu and the experienced Dera Dida only seven seconds shy of the winner.
It came down to the final kilometre after the trio grippingly ran almost similar times through 2.5 km, 5 km and 7.5 km splits and it was a strong finish by Gemechu that saw this year’s Tokyo Marathon runner-up take the crown.
In her previous visit to Bengaluru in 2019 Gemechu had finished sixth. “I was determined to get this victory. In 2019, I had made one mistake, this time I had the experience so this was an easier race. I think my track experience came in handy today,” she told reporters after her sensational win.
Three Kenyans finished in the top four in the men’s race that saw last year’s winner and course record holder Nicholas Kipkoekir come fourth, as his countryman Sawe won in spectacular style after kicking on at the finish.
Sawe won milliseconds ahead of Rodrigue Kwizera (Burundi) after the latter was ahead moments earlier in what was a gripping race. “It’s my first time here. I was feeling confident coming into the run because I’m coming off a victory in Germany. The last two kilometres was really tough. I told myself I have to push really hard, even the last 500m was very challenging,” he said.
In the race for the Indian elite athletes, India's most promising distance runner Murli ensured a brilliant finish clocking 29:58.03 with Harmanjot Singh giving a close contest for the top spot. He finished with a time of 29:59.10 and Uttam Chand finished third with a time of 29:59.24.
The Indian men’s race followed a similar template as the international one with the athletes running together as a pack from the get-go. Initially, it was Uttam Chand who led the charge, with Gaurav hot on his heels.
While Uttam was being chased by Gaurav for most of the race, it was Harmanjot Singh and Murli Gavit who powered through the pack in the latter stages of the contest. The rankings changed significantly in the final couple of kilometres as the likes of Harmanjot and Murli went through the gears and took the contest down to the wire.
It was Murli who had just the right amount of fuel in the tank to power through the home stretch as he stormed into the lead and finished ahead of Harmanjot and Uttam. “This was my second race here. I last took part in TCS World 10K in 2015. The weather didn’t matter much to me, I have been training well. Although this wasn’t my personal best, I am happy with the big win,” stated an elated Murli.
Among the Indian women, it wasn’t as much of a tight contest, as the 19-year-old Tamshi Singh produced a personal best performance in only her first appearance here. She timed 34:12 while Poonam Sonune was second with a time of 34:29, and Seema finished third with the clock reading 34:30.
Both Murli and Tamshi walked away with a grand cash purse of INR 2,75,000 each.
The start of the women’s race, however, was a different story. It was Neetu Kumari and Bharti Nain who led the pack for the first 12 minutes, with Tamshi staying on their shoulders. But soon after, it was Tamshi who broke away just after the mid-way stage, and continued to build on.
Soon enough, the youngster had a lead of about 50 metres. With no one coming close to challenging her, Tamshi continued in her merry ways finishing off the contest in style. “It feels great to win in my debut race here. I’ve never ran the 10K before. The prize money here will definitely help me in my career to buy shoes and other gear. Next, I’m going to prepare for All India University meet, that is my next target,” stated Tamshi.
The 15th edition held in India’s running capital of Bengaluru also witnessed over 27,000 amateurs participate in a road race that has changed the fitness paradigm of the country and grown into one of the greatest road races in Asia.
(05/21/23) Views: 93
These adjustments can help you maximize your workouts when the temperature rises.
Scorching weather awaits on the summer calendar. If you’re a runner, so do many training miles.
Workouts when the temperature climbs can put additional – and even dangerous – stress on your body. Heat illnesses that can develop during exercise in the sizzling outdoors include heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Hot and humid weather warrants caution and recalibration for runners looking to maintain their fitness routine, says exercise physiologist Katie Lawton, MEd. Here are some tips to stay safe while keeping to your training schedule.
Best times to run when it’s hot
The coolest part of the day typically occurs around sunrise, so rising before dawn to run works as an ideal solution to beat the heat. (Not a morning person? Read what a psychologist and behavioral sleep medicine specialist recommends to shift your circadian rhythm.)
Evening runs also offer a bit of a respite from the heat, even if the temperatures don’t dip as low as in the a.m. hours.
Either time slot offers more ideal running conditions than midday, when daily temperatures crest and the sun punishes those moving below. “Some people can do it,” Lawton says, “but you won’t find me running at 1 p.m.”
What to wear running in the heat
There’s an outfit for every occasion, including a 5-miler under the summer sun. Running shirts and shorts for a hot day should be:
Loose-fitting or vented to allow air to pass over and cool your skin.
Made of a moisture-wicking fabric (typically polyester-based) to aid the evaporation process. Avoid cotton garments, which quickly turn into heavy, wet apparel that trap heat against your body.
Light-colored, as dark hues absorb the sun’s heat.
Runners also may want to invest in a lightweight, moisture-wicking hat, visor or headband to absorb sweat and cool their head. Sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays are recommended, too.
Find shaded running routes when it’s hot
Pavement absorbs heat, making streets and sidewalks akin to a frying pan above a stovetop flame. (That helps explain the countless YouTube videos of people trying to cook an egg on sun-baked walkways.)
The lesson here is to shift your runs away from these inadvisable cooking surfaces to park trails, where miles of natural track await beneath a cool, leafy canopy.
Should you run as fast in the heat?
Running on a blistering hot day brings a definite physiological response. Your heart rate spikes as your body works to combat the effects of overheating. This survival mode instinct diverts energy away from muscles to focus on cooling.
Every sweaty step will take more effort as fatigue builds – and that will be reflected in your pace. For every 5-degree increase above 60 degrees, the typical runner can expect to slow 20 to 30 seconds per mile.
The impact can be even greater as the seasons change and runners acclimated to the cold suddenly face warmer temperatures. You should anticipate an adjustment period of one to two weeks to feel comfortable.
On the hottest days, Lawton suggests that you should ignore your pace-tracking GPS watch and run more by effort: “It’s a mindset adjustment,” she says. “Go by how you feel.”
How much to drink before and after hot weather runs
Runners don’t just drip sweat when the weather heats up. They gush it. The mass loss of fluid can lead to dehydration if you don’t take proper steps before and after your workout.
Make sure to drink 16-20 ounces of water or sports drink a few hours ahead of any training run or race, Lawton says. Top that off by downing another 8-12 ounces within 15 minutes of the activity.
Plan on drinking fluids during any run lasting longer than an hour. Lawton said a good rule of thumb is to try to consume 3-5 ounces of liquid every 30 minutes of exertion. Carry drinks on longer runs or arrange routes with access to water fountains.
Afterward, rehydrate with at least 16 ounces of fluid for every pound that melted off in sweat during the workout. Sports drinks can help restore electrolytes. Chocolate milk, juice or fruit smoothies also are excellent options. Water is always good, too.
Monitor the color of your urine to determine whether you’re properly hydrated. If it’s not pale yellow or clear, drink more fluids.
Warning signs to watch for when running in the heat
It’s important to listen to your body if you’re struggling during a run in the sun, says Lawton. More importantly, don’t ignore them. Stop your workout, get out of the heat and focus on cooling your body down if you experience symptoms such as:
Cramps or muscle spasms.
Dizziness or fainting.
A headache.
Extreme fatigue.
Skin that feels cold and clammy or hot and dry.
Be flexible with summer running plans
Don’t force a run when the weather or your body dictate a different approach, says Lawton. Consider cutting a long run in half or replacing a planned run with a cross-training activity, such as swimming or lifting weights.
If possible, use the weather forecast to plan your weekly run and schedule rest days or other activities on the hottest days.
“With the right planning and approach, runners can get their miles in throughout the summer,” says Lawton. “Be cautious, though, and don’t push it.”
(05/22/23) Views: 92Health Essentials
Standard Chartered Marathon extends partnership with Athletics Kenya
Standard Chartered Bank has entered a new five-year partnership deal with Athletics Kenya to deliver the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon on October 29.
The partnership, which ends in 2027, will see the athletics body assist the organisers to ensure efficient running and coordination of the event.
The event's Local Organizing Committee (LOC) chairman Peter Gitau said, “For nearly 20 years, the event has provided a stage for national and international athletes' stardom.
"This has only been achieved through the support of our partners, key among them, Athletics Kenya.
"Today, we are proud to extend our partnership with the athletics body and look forward to progressing our goal to deliver a collaborative, inclusive, sustainable, and premium marathon in the region."
Gitau cited the likes of former world marathon record holder Dennis Kimetto, Irene Jerotich, Chemutai Rionotukei, Fridah Chepkite Lodepa, and Elisha Kiprop among others as some of the products of StanChart Marathon.
He said AK have linked athletes to the Standard Chartered Marathon since 2003 and helped launch their careers.
Besides, the association has helped to design the race specificities including timings, and running tracks, and catered for athletes' welfare checks.
Athletics Kenya (AK) president, Lt Gen (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei said he is proud to extend the partnership with Standard Chartered Marathon for the next five years.
He said over the past 20 years, the event has not only nurtured sporting talent but also helped create a benchmark for other marathons in the region.
"We are excited to continue working with the Stan Chart Marathon LOC to deliver a top-notch and unmatched event experience. We are also excited to see more athletic careers being launched and nurtured through the marathon.”
He further thanked United Nations Environment Programme and the Stockholm Environment Institute for their efforts and revealed that they will use the platform to conduct real-time air quality monitoring.
This year's event targets to register 25,000 runners and will start at the Uhuru Garden. The satellite marathons will start a week earlier prior to the main event (October 22).
The event will feature seven race categories thus; 42km (men and women), 21km (men and women), 21km wheelchair (men and women), 10km (men and women), 10km CEO challenge, 5km Family Fun Run race and the Corporate Relay Challenge.
The registration portal is now open on www.nairobimarathon.com at a fee of Sh2000 and individual and corporate participants are encouraged to register early.
Last year, Elias Chelimo and Sheila Chepkech won the 42km individual men and women categories.
(05/22/23) Views: 89William Njuguna
Manchester stage set for speedy 10km contests
Mo Farah set for penultimate race while Hellen Obiri returns to defend her crown on city streets.
Mo Farah will tackle what is set to be the penultimate competitive race of his storied career as the 20th edition of the AJ Bell Great Manchester Run is staged on Sunday (May 21), but it won’t just be the multiple global track champion who will be attracting attention on the city streets.
Last year’s 10km event produced a spectacular women’s race as Hellen Obiri surged to a brilliant win in 30:15, four seconds ahead of Eilish McColgan’s British record-breaking performance.
The Kenyan returns to defend her title this year, fresh from winning the Boston Marathon last month, but the former 5000m world champion and 2022 Great North Run winner won’t be joined by McColgan who is continuing her recovery from the knee problem which prevented her from making her marathon debut in London.
Instead, the strongest challenge is set to come from Peres Jepchirchir, the Kenyan Olympic marathon champion who was third in London, and Ethiopia’s 2015 5000m world championships silver medallist Senbere Teferi.
Steph Twell will lead the home charge as part of a British contingent which also features the likes of Mollie Williams, Monika Jackiewicz, Lily Partridge, Rose Harvey and Natasha Cockram.
On paper, the fastest man in the men’s field is Callum Hawkins, though how close he can come to his 10km road PB of 28:02 remains to be seen following his injury problems in recent years. The Scot, who has twice finished fourth over the marathon at the World Championships, will be looking to make more progress back towards top form.
Fellow Brit Marc Scott, the winner of this event in 2021, has a PB of 28:03 and will want to make his mark in his first outing since coming 12th in the Istanbul Half Marathon at the end of last month. Farah can expect plenty of support again, having last been seen in action when coming ninth in the London Marathon, where he confirmed his intention to retire at the end of this year. The four-time Olympic champion also clocked 30:41 for 10km in Gabon last month.
The home athletes will be up against the Australian duo of Jack Rayner – runner-up in Manchester last year and the current national 10km record holder – plus Stewart McSweyn, the national 1500m and 3000m record-holder who has an identical road PB to Scott.
Last year’s Osaka Marathon champion, Japan’s Gaku Hoshi, plus Uganda’s Commonwealth marathon champion Victor Kaplangat, add to the strength of the international field.
The men’s wheelchair race should be a tight contest, too, featuring Sean Frame, Johnboy Smith and Commonwealth marathon bronze medallist Simon Lawson.
As well as the popular 10km, the event schedule also features a half marathon plus the Mini and Junior Great Manchester Run.
(05/19/23) Views: 88Euan Crumley
Mo Farah eighth in penultimate race of career
Four-time Olympic champion Mo Farah finished eighth at the Great Manchester Run, the penultimate race of his career.
The 40-year-old Briton completed the 10km course in 29 minutes 11 seconds - 44 seconds behind winner Eyob Faniel of Italy.
Kenya's Hellen Obiri defended the women's title in 31 minutes 14 seconds.
Farah's final competitive race will be the Great North Run in Newcastle on 10 September.
"I'm so proud of what I've achieved throughout my career," he told BBC Sport.
"I was a bit nervous at the start, but this city has some great history and the support I got was amazing."
Farah won 5,000m and 10,000m gold at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics.
He has also won six world and five European golds, and was knighted in 2017.
Faniel, who was born in Eritrea but moved to Italy as a child, beat Briton Marc Scott by four seconds, with Australia's Stewart McSweyn a further four seconds back. Britain's Jonny Mellor was 10th.
Obiri, who won the Boston Marathon last month, finished 45 seconds ahead of compatriot Peres Jepchirchir in second.
Calli Thackery was third - 1min 37secs behind Obiri - one of five Britons in the top 10.
Stephanie Twell was fourth, Rose Harvey fifth, Natasha Cockram seventh and Rachael Franklin 10th.
Britain's Commonwealth 10,000m champion Eilish McColgan was absent as she recovers from a knee injury.
(05/21/23) Views: 88
Five misconceptions new runners need to forget
When you first start running, your inexperience could lead to unnecessary worries. Any ideas you have about the sport are probably based on assumptions or things you’ve heard from other people. Well, we’re here to help you relax, because most of these worries are unfounded. There are plenty of misconceptions you’ll discover to be false as you progress in the sport, but here are five you can forget about right away.
1.- You have to run a marathon
Everyone always talks about the marathon, and as a result, new runners can get the feeling that they should run one. That’s not the case at all. If the marathon was the only race that mattered, it would be the only race—period. There are so many other race distances and options to choose from, however, so you should never feel like you have to run any one in particular. You may one day choose to run a marathon, but it’s a big commitment (about four months of training), and if you never feel that pull to do so, it’s perfectly fine.
2.- Running is expensive
Yes, running can be expensive if you let it, but it really doesn’t have to break the bank. You should invest in a good pair of shoes (these will not only help you perform well, but the right shoe can also go a long way in preventing injuries), and one or two pieces of technical apparel certainly make the experience more comfortable, but that’s pretty much where the list of “must-haves” ends.
There’s also the matter of races, which can also get pricy. The great thing about running is that there are races everywhere, and while you can drop a pretty penny on a major race in a big city, there will always be smaller local races for a fraction of the price. A 5K in a big city surrounded by thousands of other people is the same distance as a 5K in your hometown, so if you want to race inexpensively, opt for smaller events close to home.
3.- You need to be fast
Speed is, of course, a significant component of running, but while plenty of people will discuss their average pace and their race times, you don’t have to be fast to have fun in the sport. It’s great if speed and fast times motivate you to run and to chase PBs, but it’s perfectly fine to run for the fun of it and to forget about your pace altogether.
4.- Running is a solo sport
While running is a solo competition on race day, it doesn’t mean you have to run alone at all times. You can run with a friend or a group every day if you like; an online search will usually yield groups and clubs you never knew existed–or you might opt to simply run with friends.
5.- You have to race
Just as you don’t have to ever run a marathon, you also don’t have to race. If you find joy in running for its own sake and don’t need competition to drive you, that’s great. Don’t let anyone try to convince you that you have to race if it’s not your thing.
(05/19/23) Views: 81Ben Snider-McGrath
Toroitich, Poltavska take men's, women's titles in Cellcom Green Bay Marathon
The University of Minnesota runner and former Valders cross-country and track star celebrated turning 19 in style Sunday, winning the Cellcom Green Bay half marathon in 1 hour, 12 minutes, 30 seconds and taking home $750 in winnings as a present.
It was the second time Griepentrog has run Cellcom’s half marathon after finishing third in 2022.
He was faster by more than a minute this year, averaging 5:32 per mile during the 13.1-mile race.
His goal again was to finish among the top three, but he was feeling so good toward the end of the race he figured he’d push himself a little harder and go for the win.
Not only did he win, but he did so in commanding fashion.
Runner-up Riley Martin of Pickett finished in 1:15.27, while Kyle Peotter of Appleton was third in 1:17:08.
Griepentrog was the best of 1,195 runners competing in the half marathon.
“It went really well,” Griepentrog said. “It was beautiful weather. Can’t complain about that. Just finished up my track season, so I said I might as well use my fitness for a little fun half marathon.
“Came out this morning and had a blast.”
Griepentrog signed a letter of intent in January 2022 to compete for the Gophers in both cross-country and outdoor track.
He was one of the best high school runners in the state during a decorated career at Valders, leading his team to the WIAA Division 2 state team titles in 2018 and 2019 and a D3 championship in 2021, when he also captured the individual state championship.
Griepentrog was just as dominant in track. He won both the 3,200-meter run and 1,600 state championships as a senior, one year after winning a title in the 3,200 and finishing runner-up in the 1,600.
His older brother, Nate, runs for UW-Milwaukee.
Griepentrog and his fellow freshmen all redshirted at Minnesota this year. They competed in some area meets but did not travel with the team for road trips.
“Kind of just a year to get some big training under our belt,” Griepentrog said. “Maybe not feel the greatest, but just go out there and gain the experience and race with the big dogs a little bit and just kind of soak in your first year.
“This year was not so much like competing, competing, competing. It was get better, get used to it and mold into the university standards.”
Griepentrog already can see there is a big difference between competing in the Big Ten and what he faced in high school, but he will be ready to help the Gophers this year.
“We did race at a couple of the big meets for cross-country,” said Griepentrog, whose track season ended last week while the cross-country season starts at the end of August. “It’s definitely a different animal. Something I have to get used to. In high school, you are used to running in the front pack with a couple guys. It’s strung out.
“In college, you are just in a massive 80 people. You can’t even see where you are on the course. It takes a lot to get used to.”
(05/22/23) Views: 81Scott Venci
Nicholas Kipkorir Kimeli and Irene Cheptai will defend titles against quality fields in Bengaluru
One year after setting course records at the TCS World 10K Bengaluru, Nicholas Kipkorir Kimeli and Irene Cheptai return to the World Athletics Gold Label road race with the aim of becoming back-to-back winners on Sunday (21).
Kipkorir Kimeli won last year in 27:38, while Cheptai clocked 30:35. Kipkorir Kimeli, who has a PB of 26:51, is the fastest in the men’s field, but there are three athletes in the women’s line-up with a PB quicker than Cheptai’s (30:16).
“I’m excited to be defending my title,” said Kipkorir Kimeli, who finished fourth over 5000m at the Tokyo Olympics. “I’ve prepared well and am feeling confident.”
The 24-year-old Kenyan came close to his PB last month in Herzogenaurach, where he finished third in 26:54. Earlier in the year, he finished 13th at the World Athletics Cross Country Championships Bathurst 23.
Twelve athletes in the men’s field have a PB quicker than the course record, and Kipkorir Kimeli is one of three runners with a sub-27-minute best.
Sebastian Sawe actually heads to Bengaluru in better form, having beaten Kipkorir Kimeli in two clashes earlier this year. Sawe was seventh at the World Cross, and then won over 10km in Herzogenaurach in a PB of 26:49. In between those races, Sawe also won the Berlin Half Marathon in 59:00 – his fifth sub-60-minute half marathon in just over 14 months.
Burundi’s Rodrigue Kwizera, one of the winners of the World Athletics Cross Country Tour, is the third athlete in the field with a sub-27-minute PB. The 23-year-old finished just behind Sawe at the World Cross, and more recently he won over 10km in Camargo.
Other contenders include Ethiopian duo Gemechu Dida and Birhanu Legesse, and Uganda’s Stephen Kissa.
Legesse is a two-time winner of the Tokyo Marathon, and in 2019 he clocked a marathon PB of 2:02:48 in Berlin, making him the fourth-fastest man in history at that distance. More recently he set a half marathon PB of 58:59.
“I’m feeling very positive but I hope that things fall my way,” said Legesse, who has raced in Bengaluru on five previous occasions, achieving three podium finishes.
Dida won over 10km in Lille in March in a PB of 27:12, while former track specialist Kissa clocked 2:04:48 on his marathon debut in Hamburg last year.
Cheptai, the 2017 world cross-country champion, enjoyed one of her best seasons to date last year. She took silver over 10,000m at the Commonwealth Games, then went on to win over 10km in Prague (30:16) and at the New Delhi Half Marathon (1:06:42), setting PBs on both occasions.
“I’m thrilled to be back in Bengaluru and I have fond memories of India,” said the 31-year-old Kenyan. “I’ve trained well, but a lot depends on how you feel on race day.”
The four fastest runners in the women’s race have PBs faster than the course record.
Jesca Chelangat is still relatively new on the international scene, but she has made a mark already, winning over 10km in Durban last year and finishing runner-up in Valencia in January in 30:01, making her one of the fastest women of all time.
Compatriot Vicoty Chepngeno finished more than a minute behind Chelangat in Valencia, but she is a 30:14 performer at her best, and should be in contention in Bengaluru.
Ethiopia’s Tsehay Gemechu is also one to watch. She finished second at the Tokyo Marathon this year in 2:16:56 who took second place at this year’s Tokyo Marathon in 2:16.56, moving to eighth on the world all-time list.
Other contenders include world 5000m bronze medalist Dawit Seyaum, and fellow Ethiopian Dera Dida, the 2019 world cross-country silver medallist, who won the Dubai Marathon earlier this year in a PB of 2:21:11.
(05/19/23) Views: 78World Athletics
Peres Jepchirchir will compete in the Great Manchester Run 10km race on Sunday
Olympic marathon champion Peres Jepchirchir and Hellen Obiri will compete in the Great Manchester Run 10km race on Sunday.
Jepchirchir will be using the race to train for the next marathon season where she is optimistic of good results.
The Kapsabet-based Jepchirchir will battle it out with defending champion Hellen Obiri, who is fresh from winning the Boston Marathon last month in the USA, among other athletes.
“Competing in the race on Sunday is just part of my training as we start another marathon season. I’m still waiting for confirmation from my management on which race I will be competing in next,” said Jepchirchir.
She said that it feels good competing once again after being out for a long period due to injuries. She has set her eyes on performing well in the forthcoming assignments.
“Competing in the London Marathon and finishing on the podium was something sweet for me. I was running to see how my body would react and I was elated by my performance. I believe I will be able to compete well in the forthcoming events,” added Jepchirchir.
Obiri has risen to stamp authority in the road races after graduating from track where she ruled in the 5,000m and 10,000m. She said that she has just resumed her training and prepared for only two weeks.
“I will be competing on Sunday but I don’t have anything in mind despite having ran a course record last year. I will be eyeing a good race because I have just trained for two weeks,” Obiri told Nation Sport on phone from UK.
Her debut in marathon saw her emerge sixth in the 2022 New York Marathon in a time of 2:25:49 before winning her second marathon race, Boston Marathon in a personal best of 2:21:38.
Also in the mix is Ethiopia’s former world silver medalist in the 5,000m Senbere Teferi, British athletes, Mollie Williams, Steph Twell, Rose Harvey, Lily Patridge among others.
In last year’s race, Obiri ran a course record of 30:15 winning ahead of British Eilish McColgan who clocked 30:19 while Kenya’s Ruth Chepng’etich settled for third place in 30:29.
(05/20/23) Views: 78Bernard Rotich
