Running News Daily
Top Ten Stories of the Week
6/17/2023
These are the top ten stories based on views over the last week.
RECORD-BREAKING WINS FOR TETE DIJANA AND GERDA STEYN AT 2023 COMRADES MARATHON
Dijana stripped more than four minutes off David Gatebe’s best time of 5:18:19, in 2019, while Steyn broke a 1989 record which was held by Frith van der Merwe.
Tete Dijana won the Comrades Marathon for the second consecutive year, with a record-breaking time of 5 hours, 13 minutes, and 58 seconds.
Dijana, who hails from the North West stripped more than four minutes off David Gatebe’s best time of 5:18:19, in 2019.
Meanwhile, Gerda Steyn won the women’s race of the 96th edition of the marathon, in a time of 5:44:56.
The Two Oceans winner also broke the down-run record, which was previously held by Frith van der Merwe in 1989 at a time of 5:54:43.
This year’s race was a downhill run from Pietermaritzburg to Durban, with about 17 000 runners taking part in the 87km race.
The Netherlands’ Piet Wiersma came in second, with Edward Mothibi taking the third spot in the men’s race, while Adele Broodryk came in second in the women’s race, with Carla Monilaro clinching the third. Prize money was awarded to the first ten men and women totaling $160,141US.
(06/11/23) Views: 100
The 22nd KATA Time Trail in Thika Kenya saw many seasonal bests for 10k
The June Kenyan Athletics Training Academy Time-Trial took place on Thursday in Thika with a majority of the athletes attaining their Season Best.
Peter Mwaniki clocked 29:33.6 to win the 10kilometres while upshot Levis Kuria clocked 14:59.6 as his Personal Best in ruling the 5Km when the monthly event were staged on the The Mang'u - Ndarugo Road on Thursday morning.
In Women, Catherine Njihia was unchallenged in the 10Km trial clicking 34:26.7 followed by Maureen Nairesiae who clocked 41:49.8 while Nancy Githaiga closed the category in 45:38.7
10Km
1. Peter Mwaniki 138 - 29:33.6
2. Peter Wanyoike 139 - 29:38.7
3. Zakaria Kirika 115 - 29:41.6
4. Raphael Gacheru 117 - 30:02.1
5. Peter Mburu 144- 30:16.5
6. Eston Mugo 136 - 30:29.0
7. John Kuria 142 - 31:05.0
8. Evans Kiguru 122 - 31:38.8
9. Anthony Mukundi 108 - 32:08.1
10. Alfred Kamande 126 - 33:06.0
11. Paul Nganga 135 - 34:22.2
12. Catherine Njihia 141 - 34:26.7
13. Inertia Mugethi 129 - 35:33.6
14. Maureen Nairesiae 140 - 41:49.8
15. Ismael Mburu 111 - 45:33.7
16. Nancy Githaiga 120 - 45:38.7
5Km
1. Levis Kuria 84 - 14:59.6
2..Fredrick Kiprotich 124 - 15:09.8
3. Amos Chirchir 114 - 16:31.5
4. Paul Kariuki 107 - 17:11.8
5..Peter Mukundi 17:26.5
6. Caren Chepkemoi 138 - 18:56.6
(06/15/23) Views: 99
France wins double gold at World Mountain and Trail Running Championships
French runners pulled off a tour de force at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Innsbruck, Austria, on Friday, with Benjamin Roubiol and Marion Delespierre winning gold in the men’s and women’s 86.9-km long-trail events.
Roubiol placed first in 9:52:59 and was joined on the podium by second-place Italy’s Andreas Reiterer (10:00:46), and Peter Frano from Slovakia in third (10:02:10).
Late comeback
The 23-year-old Rubiol’s gold-medal finish came as a surprise to many, as Reiterer had situated himself firmly in the lead for more than 45 kilometres. The Italian was running solo at times, leaving a changing field in pursuit up to six minutes behind. But after having passed three peaks and the flat approach to Kranebitten, the climb up to the Nordkette caused Reiterer trouble, allowing Roubiol to pass the Italian just before the Aspach hut.
France punctuated Roubiol’s stunning performance in Innsbruck by claiming two podium spots in the women’s long trail race. Delespierre won the event in 11:22:31; Germany’s Katharina Hartmuth ran 11:29:14 to place second, and France’s Manon Bohard Cailler finished third in 11:34:22.
How the Canadians did
The Canadian women’s team finished eighth overall out of 27 teams, led by Calgary’s Arden Young, who placed 34th overall in 13:10:54. Anne-Marie Madden and Mylene Sansoucy both landed inside the top 50 to solidify Team Canada’s top-10 result. The men’s team wound up 13th of 33 teams with all five men placing inside the top 70. Jean-Philippe Thibodeau of Quebec was the top Canadian in 46th place, an hour and 23 minutes back of the leaders. Thibodeau won the Quebec Mega Trail 50K in June 2022.
Thursday’s races
France’s impressive showing Friday came on the heels of the country taking gold in Thursday’s women’s 45.2-km short-trail event. Clementine Geoffray won the race, covering 3,121 verticle metres from Innsbruck to Neustift im Stubaital in 4:53:12 ahead of two Swiss runners; Judith Wyder placed second in 4:55:13, followed by Theres Leboeuf for third (5:09:29).
In Thursday’s men’s short-trail event, Norway’s Stian Angermund ran 4:19:00 to successfully defend his short-trail title against second-place British runner Thomas Roach (4:21:18) and Italy’s Luca del Pero, who finished third in 4:22:04. Angermund and Roach took the lead soon after the start in the centre of Innsbruck, running the first 14.15 kilometres in a trio with Britain’s Jonathan Albon before Angermund was able to pull away. The route to the Kalkkögel leads over slippery fields of snow, and Angermund managed to extend his lead to more than 90 seconds. It briefly appeared the race could get close again as Angermund slowed down to a walking pace just before reaching the route’s highest point at the Starkenberger hut. On the downhill, weaving through the avalanche barriers down to Neustift, Angermund accelerated again and was able to keep his competitors at bay, allowing him to run down the final switchbacks to Neustift without pressure.
(06/09/23) Views: 96Running Magazine
Ethiopia selects marathon squad for the marathon event at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest
The Ethiopian Athletics Federation has selected 12 athletes to compete in the marathon events at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, from August 19–27.
Leading the Ethiopian marathon squad are defending champions Tamirat Tola and Gotytom Gebreslase, who won the men’s marathon gold at the 2022 World Championships.
Following their world rankings and personal best times last year, the EAF selected 12 marathon competitors (six men and six women) to compete in the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest. Reigning world champions Tamirat Tola and Gotytom Gebreslase, who won the gold medal in the marathon at the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Oregon, are among them.
Tsegaye Getachew, Chalu Deso, Leul Gebresillassie, Seifu Tura, and Amhed Essa will represent the Ethiopian men’s squad, while Worknish Edessa, Megertu Alemu, Yalemzerf Yehualaw, Tsehaye Gemechu, and Amane Beriso will represent the women’s team.
The EAF has announced that all selected athletes will attend a training camp starting June 14, 2023, to begin their usual two-month preparation. The EAF has also appointed two national team coaches to oversee the athletes as they prepare for the competition.
The EAF stated that after the two months of training camps, three athletes will be chosen to join the two defending champions to represent Ethiopia at the World Championships.
EAF Technical Director Asfaw Dagne told The Reporter, “The two months of training will be followed by the selection of the top three athletes. Their health condition and performance after their training in those two months will determine the final selections.”
World Athletics published the qualification standards for the championships, including lists of courses and competitions that comply with the standards. According to the qualification standards, athletes must achieve qualifying performances on a course measured by World Athletics and graded by the Association of International Marathon and Distance Races (AIMS).
Athletes must meet a minimum time of 2:09:40 for men and 2:28:00 for women.
(06/10/23) Views: 96Dawit Tolesa
Jakob Ingebrigtsen shattered the two mile world record in Paris
Jakob Ingebrigtsen made history on Friday in Paris, running 7:54.10 in the two mile to break Daniel Komen’s mark that had stood since 1997.
Though the event isn’t frequently run, Komen’s time of 7:58.61 had taken on a mythical quality because of its longevity.
The distance was a perfect combination for Ingebrigtsen who has global gold medals in the 1500m and 5000m.
On Friday, the Norwegian was accompanied by two rabbits from the start and quickly separated himself from the rest of the pack. Ingebrigtsen never wavered from the pace, following the pacers through splits of 2:29.07 for 1000m and 4:56.95 for 2000m.
With 400 meters remaining, Ingebrigtsen only needed a 60-second close to get the record. He had much more to give than that, ripping off a 56-second 400m to obliterate the old mark.
En route, Ingebrigtsen passed 3000m in 7:24.07. That’s the third fastest time in history behind Komen and Hicham El Guerrouj
The race was just the second of Ingebrigtsen’s outdoor campaign. He opened his season with a victory in the Rabat Diamond League in 3:32.59.
Ingebrigtsen also owns the fastest time in history in the indoor 1500m, a 3:30.60 from Lievin.
(06/10/23) Views: 91Flo Track
Kipyegon, Girma and Ingebrigtsen make history in Paris
It will go down in history as one of the greatest nights in athletics.
Between them, Faith Kipyegon, Lamecha Girma and Jakob Ingebrigtsen broke two world records* and one world best at the Meeting de Paris on Friday (9), providing the standout moments at a highly memorable Wanda Diamond League meeting in the French capital.
A week after breaking the 1500m world record in Florence, Kipyegon etched her name into the record books for 5000m, winning in 14:05.20.
Ahead of the race, the world and Olympic champion hadn’t made too much noise about a possible world record attempt in tonight’s 5000m. It was, after all, just her third ever race at the distance, and her first 5000m outing in eight years.
But, as is always the case with Kipyegon, the 29-year-old Kenyan showed no fear as she navigated her way through the race, the early pace – 2:52.31 at 1000m and 5:42.04 at 2000m – seemingly no bother for the two-time world U20 cross-country champion.
Steeplechase world record-holder Beatrice Chepkoech was the third and final pacemaker, leading the field through 3000m in 8:31.91. At this point, world record-holder Letesenbet Gidey led from Kipyegon with Ethiopia’s Ejgayehu Taye, the world 5km record-holder, a few strides behind.
Kipyegon took the lead with about 600 metres to go, but Gidey kept close contact. They were about six seconds outside of world record pace, but Gidey also knew what Kipyegon is capable of. The world 10,000m champion knew that Kipyegon had the finishing speed to break Gidey’s world record.
Kipyegon – now speeding up with each and every stride – hit the bell in 13:04.1, needing a final lap of about 62 seconds to break Gidey’s record. She did exactly that, covering the last 400m in 61.1 seconds to cross the line in 14:05.20 – a 1.42-second improvement on Gidey’s mark.
Gidey, competing for the first time since her unfortunate episode at the World Cross Country Championships in Bathurst, finished second in 14:07.94, the third-fastest time in history. Taye was third in 14:13.31, while the next three women – Lilian Kasait Rengerek, Freweyni Hailu and Margaret Chelimo Kipkemboi – all finished inside 14:24.
“I didn’t think about the world record, I don’t know how I made it,” said a delighted and surprised Kipyegon. “I just focused on the green light and tried to stay relaxed and enjoy the race. When I saw that it was a world record, I was so surprised – I just wanted to improve on my PB, the world record was not my plan. I just ran after Gidey – she is an amazing lady.
“I do not know what will be next – I’ll have to discuss it with my coach and my management,” she added. “If my body is healthy, anything is possible.”
Girma had requested an ambitious pace for the men’s 3000m steeplechase – one that would result in a finishing time of about 7:52. The world and Olympic silver medallist almost got a bit carried away mid-race, though, and ran well ahead of the wavelights through the middle section of the race.
With two laps to go, the lights almost caught up with the Ethiopian – who by now was well ahead of the rest of the field. But the sound of the bell and the reaction of the crowd seemingly gave him added impetus on the final lap as he moved clear of the lights once more.
He sped around the final lap in about 64 seconds, crossing the line in 7:52.11, taking 1.52 seconds off the world record set 19 years ago by Said Saeed Shaheen.
“I feel so happy,” said Girma, who started his year world a world indoor record over 3000m. “I’m happy and very proud. I felt so fast during the race, so confident. The world record is not a surprise; it was my plan to beat it tonight in Paris. It’s the result of my full determination.”
Two miles not be an official world record distance, but that mattered not to Jakob Ingebrigtsen – or indeed the sell-out crowd at the Stade Charlety – as the Norwegian won the event in a world best of 7:54.10.
The race wasn’t a scoring discipline on this occasion, and as such was held outside of the main broadcast window. But that didn’t deter the world and Olympic champion, who stuck to the pacemakers throughout, passing through 1000m in 2:29.07 and then moving closer to the second pacemaker – and, significantly, ahead of the green wavelights.
Once the pacemakers had done their job, Ingebrigtsen maintained his tempo and breezed through 3000m in an official split of 7:24.00 – a European record and the third-fastest performance of all time for that distance. At this point he had a 13.5-second lead over Ethiopia’s Kuma Girma. Victory was Ingebrigtsen’s; his next target was Daniel Komen’s world best.
He charged through the final 218 metres, roared on by the crowd, and crossed the finish line in 7:54.10, winning by 15 seconds.
“Being able to break this mark feels amazing,” he said. “It is my first world best outdoors. The pace felt very smooth for me, coming out of the 1500m. The public was amazing; without their help, it would have been more difficult. I was a bit surprised by the time in the end.”
World leads for Hodgkinson, Wanyonyi and Holloway
World and Olympic silver medallist Keely Hodgkinson opened her outdoor season in stunning fashion in the women’s 800m, winning by more than two seconds in a world-leading national record of 1:55.77.
The European champion stuck to the pacemaker and covered the first lap in 57.7 seconds, already a stride or two ahead of the rest of the field. With 200 metres to go, there was clear daylight between Hodgkinson and Jamaica’s Natoya Goule, who was being pursued by world indoor champion Ajee Wilson.
But none of them could get near Hodgkinson, who eased down the home straight to cross the line in 1:55.77, taking 0.11 off the British record she set two years ago in Tokyo. Wilson finished second in 1:58.16 and Goule was third in 1:58.23.
(06/09/23) Views: 88World Athletics
Five elite women to watch in 2023 Grandma's Marathon
Back-to-back defending Grandma’s Marathon champion Dakotah Lindwurm will attempt to become the third woman to ever win the race three times this week, and the first to three-peat since Mary Akor in 2009.
Lindwurm, the former hockey goaltender out of Eagan, Minnesota, is the favorite again in the elite women’s field for the 47th Grandma’s Marathon, which gets underway at 7:45 a.m. on Saturday in Two Harbors. The winner is estimated to arrive at the finish line at Canal Park in Duluth around 10:10 a.m.
Akor, of the U.S., went back-to-back-to-back in 2007, 2008 and 2009, while Lorraine Moller of New Zealand was the first woman to three-peat from 1979-1981.
Here’s a look at the top contenders from the women’s elite field that are vying for the $10,000 first-place prize:
Five elite women to watch at 2023 Grandma’s Marathon
The Defending Champ
Dakotah Lindwurm, 28, United StatesPersonal record: 2:25:01 (2022 Grandma’s Marathon).
Two of Lindwurm’s fastest marathon times have come at Grandma’s, with her winning time last year being the second-fastest time in Grandma’s Marathon history — 33 seconds behind Kellyn Taylor’s record of 2:24:28 set in 2018. Lindwurm, who won in 2021 in 2:29:04, became the first Minnesotan to win Grandma’s Marathon that year since Janis Klecker in 1987. Lindwurm recently finished 26th at the Boston Marathon in 2:33:53.
The Past Champion
Pasca (Myers) Jerno, 36, United StatesPR: 2:33:43 (2014 Grandma’s Marathon)
Jerno is a 2014 Grandma’s Marathon champion, having posted a PR that still stands for her today. The Kenyan-born American beat out then-race record-holder Sarah Kiptoo (whose 2013 time still ranks fourth) for the title that year. Jerno has posted two top-10 finishes since winning in 2014, taking eighth in 2019 (2:36:13) and sixth in 2021 (2:36:48). In 2021, she also posted a seventh-place finish in the Chicago Marathon (2:32:51).
The Contender
Grace Kahura, 30, KenyaPR: 2:30:32 (2021 New York City Marathon)
Whether it’s been Grandma’s Marathon or Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon, Kahura has challenged for the podium, but only landed on it once. That was her Duluth debut in 2017 when she finished third in the half. Since then she’s finished fourth in her last three visits — Grandma’s in 2018 and 2021 and the Bjorklund a year ago. She ran Grandma’s in 2:33:34 back in 2021. That same year she set her PR in New York, finishing ninth.
The Up and Comer
Gabriella Rooker, 35, United StatesPR: 2:29:44 (2022 California International Marathon)
Like Lindwurm, Rooker wasn’t always a runner. Rooker is a three-time NCAA Division III individual and team gymnastics champion from Wisconsin-La Crosse. Grandma’s Marathon in 2021 was her running debut. She finished 26th with a time of 2:56:27, but came in 10th last year in 2:34:59. Her PR in California last year is the second best PR in the field behind Lindwurm, but still 4:43 back.
The Sleeper
Anne-Marie Blaney, 29, United StatesPR: 2:31:32 (2023 Boston Marathon)
Blaney bested Lindwurm back in April at the Boston Marathon, finishing two places higher in 24th and 2:21 faster. This will be Blaney’s first time in Duluth running Grandma’s Marathon, where she will need to shave another 6:31 to match Lindwurm’s winning time last year. Recent marathon results for Blaney include a fourth-place finish at the Ottawa International Marathon in 2022 (2:34:38) and 22nd place in the Chicago Marathon in 2021 (2:40:24).
(06/14/23) Views: 87Matt Wellens
2023 Trail World Championships 80k Women’s Race
As with the men’s race, some of the pre-race favorites bowed out of the race early on with Blandine L’Hirondel (pre-race interview) dropping on the “start loop” out of Neustift due to foot pain from an existing injury. The rest of the field charged on, led up the first climb by Marcela Vašínová (pre-race interview) of the Czech Republic, Martina Valmassoi (pre-race interview) of Italy, and Akiyama Honokaof Japan.
The top five, made up of Allison Baca of the U.S., Vašínová, Azara García of Spain, Valmassoi, and Honoka, all came back through the village of Neustift at 18k and headed out into the mountains toward Innsbruck within two and a half minutes of each other.
The front of the race continued to reshuffle up the day’s biggest climb, that 1,400-meter (4,600 feet) doozy. Vašínová continued to lead with a smile, opening up a sizable gap to Germany’s Katharina Hartmuth and Valmassoi, who were running within a minute of each other 36k into the race. Baca and Rosanna Buchauer of Germany rounded out the top five as the race approached the halfway point.
Vašínová’s and Valmassoi’s fast start seemed to take a toll on the two women as they traversed the following three climbs and descents high in the mountains, with Vašínová looking noticeably rougher than the quickly closing Hartmuth, who looked downright comfortable. By the top of the final 600-meter (2,000 feet) climb in the middle section of the course, the two women had dropped back in the standings with Hartmuth taking over the lead with a five-minute gap over second-place Manon Bohard Cailler of France. Buchauer and Marion Delespierre of France trailed second by less than half a minute now, 49k into the race and only one major climb left to go. Pre-race favorite Gemma Arenas of Spain continued to work her way up the field after a slow start and ran just inside the top 10 in ninth place.
The top five remained mostly unchanged except for a slight shuffle after the dramatic drop into Grinzens village at 54k, with Bohard Cailler, Delespierre, and Buchauer all running within 20 seconds of each other, four minutes behind Hartmuth, who continued to lead and look strong. She was clearly enjoying her day out in the mountains, but the descent seemed to take its toll. Bohard Cailler and Delespierre, who’d been chasing together after dropping Buchauer, finally closed the gap to the leader into the final drop to the town of Kranebritten at 66k. Now, with the top-three women within two minutes of each other with one massive climb to go, it was anyone’s race and all three started up the final incline focused and silent.
Delespierre seemed to be the one with the most gas in the tank for the final kilometers and huge climb as she quickly opened a three-minute gap on Hartmuth at 73k. The gap stayed steady over the top of the climb at 75k, with Hartmuth fighting hard to catch the leader on the final downhill run in to the finish. Bohard Cailler was a further six minutes behind at the top. From there, the gap opened significantly to Buchauer and Valmassoi.
The top-two women looked to be moving incredibly strongly on the final descent, but the distance to close the gap was rapidly running out for anyone giving chase. In the end, no one could touch a flying Marion Delespierre who would cross the finish line in first to win the 2023 Trail World Championships 80k. Hartmuth and Bohard Cailler held onto their respective positions about seven and 12 minutes back, and an elated Valmassoi finished fourth. Buchauer ran strong from start to finish to round out the women’s top five.
(06/10/23) Views: 84
Former Champions Highlight Strong 2023 Grandma’s Marathon Field
Several former champions will return to this year’s Grandma’s Marathon, highlighting a field that’s expected to include some of the best American distance runners ahead of next year’s U.S. Olympic Trials.
GRANDMA’S MARATHON
Defending champion and event record holder Dominic Ondoro returns on the men’s side, that after winning his second Grandma’s Marathon last summer. He’s joined by countrymen and former champions themselves, Milton Rotich and Elisha Barno.
Ondoro, who broke Dick Beardsley’s longtime event record with his winning run in 2014, will be trying to become just the second man to win three or more Grandma’s Marathons. The only to have done it so far is Barno, who won four straight titles from 2015-18.
NOTE: Elisha Barno will be officially inducted on Friday, June 16 into the Grandma’s Marathon Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2023, making him the first athlete inducted since 2017.
Kevin Lynch not only leads a pack of American men aiming to qualify for the U.S. Olympic Trials, but is also hoping to become the first American men’s winner of Grandma’s Marathon since Chris Raabe did it in 2009.
Minnesotan and fan favorite Dakotah Lindwurm returns on the women’s side as a favorite to win her third-straight Grandma’s Marathon, which would make her the third woman to accomplish that feat.
New Zealand’s Lorraine Moller won three straight women’s races from 1979-81, and American Mary Akor then did it from 2007-09.
Lindwurm’s personal record of 2:25:01, which she ran in last year’s winning effort at Grandma’s Marathon, is more than four minutes better than any other woman in the field, though Gabriella Rooker is back this year after finishing 10th place last summer in her Duluth debut.
GARRY BJORKLUND HALF MARATHON
Neither the men’s or the women’s defending champion is back in the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon, but 2016 winner Macdonard Ondara is back this year for his fourth run in Duluth. He will lead a strong group of returners on the men’s side, with each of the top five runners having been here before.
Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon rookie Lydia Mathathi leads things on the women’s side, and the Kenyan’s personal best is a time that, if repeated, would break the storied mark of Duluth native Kara Goucher. Followed by four Americans who are also making their debut in Duluth, Mathathi would be the first Kenyan to win this race since Monicah Ngige in 2018.
(06/10/23) Views: 83Running USA
Edward Zakayo shifts to 10,000m, eyes World championships
Former world under 20 5,000m champion Edward Zakayo has shifted from the 5,000m to the 10,000m as he seeks qualifying time for the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary.
The former Commonwealth Games 5,000m bronze medalist Zakayo, who is returning to competition battling injury, said he is targeting both Budapest and Paris but feels the world championships have come too soon.
“For now, my coach and I have bigger plans of competing at the Olympic Games. Missing the World Championships will not a big deal. But we have to do what is possible to make the Olympics team. That is our target. We have a project in the camp for the Olympics,” said Zakayo.
Speaking in Kitale after winning the 10,000m title during the Athletics Kenya North Rift region championships at the Ndura Sports Complex, Zakayo added: “Right now, I am focusing on the 10,000m race. I feel great to run the 10,000m since it is long and enjoyable."
"When I run 10,000m, I enjoy it unlike the 5,000m race, which ends as soon as I start enjoying it,” he said.
Zakayo said the season started badly for him since he was still in pain and had lost form. However, he said he has recuperated successfully and even returned to training camp in Kapsait under coach Erick Kimaiyo.
“I haven't qualified for the World Championships and so I don't see if I will make Team Kenya. I have been missing the World Championships and I don’t know why. I train, gets in good shape but I still miss out at the trials, even if I have the qualifying time," he said.
He says it will need a quality field and race at the national championships for him to hit the WA standards.
“If I get quality athletes at the national championships, it will push me to qualify. I feel I have not been challenged enough,” he said.
(06/12/23) Views: 76Emmanuel Sabuni
