Running News Daily
Top Ten Stories of the Week
9/13/2025
These are the top ten stories based on views over the last week.
World Athletics Championships Tokyo 2025: Final Entry Lists Confirm Historic Lineup
The countdown is on for the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 2025, set to take place from September 13–21 at Japan’s National Stadium. The final entry lists confirm that the event will be one of the largest in history, with more than 2,200 athletes from nearly 200 nations scheduled to compete across nine action-packed days.
A Global Gathering of Stars
The championships bring together the very best from every corner of the globe. From world record holders and Olympic champions to rising stars making their debuts on the sport’s biggest stage, Tokyo promises to deliver unforgettable performances. With such a deep and diverse field, the competition is expected to be fierce in every discipline—sprints, middle distance, long distance, field events, and relays.
Spotlight on Distance Running
For distance fans, all eyes will be on the men’s and women’s marathons, both of which will showcase stellar fields. Tokyo’s marathon routes are known for their fast sections and demanding late-race turns, setting the stage for potential record-breaking times. In the 10,000m and 5,000m, East African dominance will once again be tested by emerging talents from Europe, North America, and Asia.
History at the National Stadium
The National Stadium, originally rebuilt for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, will host tens of thousands of fans eager to witness world-class athletics. The venue carries a special significance as the heart of Japanese sport, blending cutting-edge facilities with a deep respect for tradition.
What’s at Stake
Beyond medals and records, the championships serve as a proving ground ahead of the next Olympic cycle. Athletes will not only chase global titles but also national pride, with team points and country standings closely watched. For many, a breakthrough performance here could define their careers.
The Road Ahead
With final entries now confirmed, the anticipation builds. The world’s fastest sprinters, strongest throwers, most daring jumpers, and toughest distance runners are all converging on Tokyo. Fans across the globe will tune in to see who emerges as champion when the best of the best go head-to-head.
One thing is certain: from September 13 to 21, Tokyo will be the epicenter of athletics, delivering drama, passion, and history in the making.
(09/06/25) Views: 1,702Boris Baron
Dreams in Motion, Roots in the Soil: Emmanuel Kiptoo Langat, the Runner Behind Potato Farming Projects
KERICHO, Kenya - At dawn in Kericho’s highlands, the red dirt roads echo with the rhythmic sound of running feet. Among the lean silhouettes slicing through the mist is Emmanuel Kiptoo Langat (Manuu), a 33-year-old road runner whose journey began in the rugged terrain of Chorwa, a small village in Nakuru County bordering Kenya’s vast Mau Forest. His story is not just about chasing personal bests but also about cultivating resilience—both on the track and in his community.
Roots in Chorwa
Chorwa is a remote village in Kuresoi, where life is as harsh as it is beautiful. The nearby Mau Forest shelters wildlife and rivers that feed the Rift Valley, but daily survival was a struggle.
“Life there was very hard—even getting food was a problem,” Emmanuel recalls. School added its own challenges: he often ran 10 kilometers each way just to attend class. What began as necessity became passion. “On sports day, I ran all the way to the national level. That’s when I knew I could run.”
His spark was fueled by Olympian Edwin Cheruiyot Soi, who runs a training camp in Kuresoi with support from the Kenya Athletics Training Academy (KATA). “He motivated me to believe running could change my life,” Emmanuel says.
First Strides in Athletics
In 2016, encouraged by a friend, Emmanuel joined a training camp in Kericho. His breakthrough came at a 10,000m race in Kisumu County. “That race gave me hope,” he says. A highlight followed at Nairobi’s Kasarani Stadium in a 5km race: “I enjoyed it so much. I will never forget that day.”
Challenges were constant. Running shoes were scarce, and he often relied on friends for gear. Yet his times speak volumes: 13:20 for 5000m, 28:04 for 10km, and 63:00 for the half marathon—marks that confirm his talent in Kenya’s deep distance-running field.
Balancing Running and Farming
While pursuing his running dreams, Emmanuel also supervises the KATA potato farming initiative, a project led by Bob Anderson, founder of Runner’s World magazine and the Kenya Athletics Training Academy.
“When I saw this project, I was happy because it could support many athletes,” he says. Emmanuel oversees planting, harvesting, and distribution—work that helps athletes cover food and camp needs. “It’s unique because it gives us stability, letting us focus more on training and performance.”
For him, farming mirrors running: “From athletics I’ve learned discipline and patience. From farming I’ve learned resilience and the value of hard work.”
A Bridge Between Sport and Sustainability
The synergy between running and agriculture provides athletes with more than meals—it provides a safety net. “Farming gives us a stable source of income beyond running. It offers security for the future,” Emmanuel says.
Transformation Through Running
Running has given Emmanuel confidence, friendships, and economic stability. His family, once burdened by poverty, now supports him wholeheartedly. “They see athletics and farming giving me direction and stability,” he explains.
Giving Back and Inspiring Others
In Chorwa, young runners now look up to Emmanuel as he once looked up to Edwin Soi. His message is simple: “Be disciplined, patient, and never give up, because success in running takes time.”
He hopes to mentor future athletes and be remembered not only as a runner but also as “a supervisor who supported others and a role model who uplifted the community.”
Life Beyond the Track
When not training or supervising farms, Emmanuel relaxes by watching football—he is a devoted Manchester United fan. Yet his heart remains tied to running, each stride reminding him of the Mau Forest, his beginnings, and the community he represents.
The Road Ahea
Emmanuel’s eyes are fixed on improving his half marathon and marathon times. His journey reflects more than athletics—it embodies resilience, sustainability, and shared success.
“Running is not just about speed or endurance,” he says. “It’s about rising from hardship, cultivating dreams like potatoes in the soil, and sharing the harvest with others.”
As the sun sets over Kericho’s hills, Emmanuel prepares for another early morning run—carrying not only his ambitions but also the hopes of a community where sport and sustainability run side by side.
(09/06/25) Views: 934Robert Kibet
Edwin Soi Going After the World Record at the 5th Annual KATA Double Road Race in Thika Kenya
Over 130 KATA athletes will compete alongside many other runners in a field expected to be the deepest yet, all chasing glory and a share of 100,000 KES in prize money.
When the 5th Annual KATA Double Road Race returns to Thika on September 20, it will not be just another date on the calendar. It will be a celebration of endurance, strategy, and Kenyan running tradition. And at the heart of it all will be Edwin Soi, the Olympic bronze medalist whose longevity and tactical brilliance have made him one of Kenya’s most respected distance runners.
This year’s event also offers a prize purse of 100,000 KES, making the stakes even higher.
“Over 130 KATA athletes are expected to be on the line, joined by many more competitors from across the country and beyond,” says KATA founder Bob Anderson. “I am so proud of our KATA family and what we are building. This is just the beginning—athletics fueled by hard work and growing KATA potatoes.”
The Challenge of the Double
The Double is unlike any other race. Athletes first run a 10K, then take a halftime break where food and drink are provided as they prepare for the second leg. They return to the start line for a 5K. This is a two-leg event, and the times from each leg are added together for the final score.
For Soi—still formidable with career bests of 27:14 (10,000m) and 12:51 (5,000m)—the race is as much about mental strength as physical preparation.
“While others might wonder if they can even start the second race, my mind is already on pacing, form, and tactics,” Soi says. “Years of hard training and the right mental approach make a world record achievable.”
A Visionary Race with Kenyan Roots
The Double Road Race was created by Bob Anderson, founder of Runner’s World, to combine endurance with strategy. After pilot events in Mexico, the first official Double took place in Pleasanton, California, in 2012 with nearly 1,400 runners (5th photo).
Kenya quickly became a natural home. In 2014, races in Thika and Nyahururu introduced the longer Double 21K. By 2021, the Kenyan Athletics Training Academy (KATA)—also founded by Anderson—hosted Africa’s first Double 15K. Last year, Shadrack Kenduiywo (4th photo) set the world best of 42:34 on the Thika course, cementing Kenya’s place as the epicenter of the Double.
Soi’s Enduring Fire
At 39, Soi has experienced the full arc of an elite career. His defining moment remains the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where he won bronze in the 5,000m behind Ethiopia’s Kenenisa Bekele.
“Just making the Kenyan Olympic team drove me to push beyond limits,” Soi recalls. “I carried the hopes of more than 30 million Kenyans on my shoulders, and that choice ultimately led to my Olympic medal. My life changed—and my legacy changed.”
Since then, Soi has collected world championship medals and road titles worldwide. But today, what sets him apart is not only his victories but also his willingness to mentor and build the future.
Building Futures at KATA
Soi now heads the Kuresoi training camp under the KATA umbrella, guiding a new generation of athletes. His mentorship blends running discipline with life lessons, extending beyond training sessions.
KATA supports athletes with housing, nutrition, and income from sustainable farming projects like potato cultivation—ensuring both food security and financial independence. For Soi, this holistic model is crucial.
“I was fortunate to be mentored, and I feel a deep responsibility to pass that on. My victory will be in their success,” he says.
He also stresses integrity. With doping controversies tarnishing Kenyan athletics, Soi is determined to show that excellence can come from discipline, clean sport, and mentorship.
Why Thika Matters
The Thika Double has become more than a race; it is a stage where Kenyan athletes showcase strategy and resilience to the world. For the community, it is a festival of pride. For Soi, it is a chance to extend his legacy—competing for the clock, for his athletes, and for the values he believes in.
When the starter’s gun sounds on September 20, Soi will not only be racing 10K, resting, and running 5K. He will be carrying with him the arc of his career—from Olympic glory to mentorship—and the hopes of a new generation ready to follow in his footsteps.
The Double demands more than speed. It asks for resilience, intelligence, and composure. And with Edwin Soi on the line in Thika, chasing the world record, it promises to be a race—and a story—that inspires far beyond the finish.
(09/10/25) Views: 464Robert Kibet
Running: The Best Therapy You Don’t Need a Prescription For
In a world where stress, uncertainty, and daily challenges often weigh us down, people search for ways to cope. Some turn to medication, others to expensive treatments, but runners know a secret that’s both simple and timeless: the road, the trail, or even the treadmill can be the best therapy of all.
The Healing Rhythm of Running
There’s something transformative about putting one foot in front of the other. As your stride settles into a steady rhythm, your breath begins to flow in sync, and suddenly the noise of the world quiets. Problems don’t vanish entirely, but they lose their sharp edges. What once felt overwhelming starts to seem manageable after a few miles in motion.
Science in Motion
The benefits aren’t just anecdotal—they’re scientific. Running triggers the release of endorphins, often called “feel-good hormones,” while also lowering cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. This powerful combination elevates your mood, sharpens focus, and combats anxiety. Unlike a pill, the side effects are positive: stronger muscles, a healthier heart, and greater resilience.
Perspective Found on the Run
Ask any seasoned runner and they’ll tell you: solutions often appear mid-run. That argument with a friend, the stressful deadline at work, or the worry that kept you up at night—all feel different once you’ve given your body and mind the gift of movement. Running is like a reset button, offering clarity and perspective that can be hard to find when sitting still.
Always Within Reach
Perhaps the greatest gift of this form of therapy is its accessibility. No appointments. No pharmacy. Just a pair of shoes and the willingness to step outside. The open road, the local park, or the quiet dirt trail all become spaces of healing and renewal.
The Runner’s Prescription
You don’t need a doctor’s note to take advantage of this therapy. Whether you run fast or slow, long or short, every stride carries you closer to a clearer mind and a lighter spirit. The prescription is simple: lace up, head out, and let the miles work their magic.
Running doesn’t just make you fitter—it makes you stronger in ways that matter most. It’s therapy for the mind, body, and soul. And the best part? Refills are unlimited.
(09/09/25) Views: 371Boris Baron
Kipchoge and Hassan Set for New York City Marathon Debuts
Eliud Kipchoge and Sifan Hassan, two of the biggest names in distance running, will make their New York City Marathon debuts on November 2 after both raced the Sydney Marathon on August 31.
Kipchoge, the 40-year-old Kenyan icon, is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and the second-fastest marathoner in history with his 2:01:09 from Berlin in 2022. His last victory over the 26.2-mile distance came at the 2023 Berlin Marathon. Since then, his results have been mixed: 10th at the 2024 Tokyo Marathon, a DNF at the Paris Olympic marathon, and sixth and ninth in London and Sydney this year. Remarkably, 2025 marks the first year of his marathon career in which he will line up for three marathons in a single calendar year.
Despite recent setbacks, Kipchoge’s career remains unmatched. He has won four of thekoopoo six long-standing World Marathon Majors—Berlin, Chicago, London, and Tokyo—leaving only Boston and New York City without victoriesok. He finished sixth in Boston in 2023. New York now offers him another chance to etch his name deeper into the sport’s most prestigious stages.
Dutch star Sifan Hassan, already an Olympic champion and one of the most versatile distance runners in history, will also make her New York debut. Known for her ability to dominate from 1500m on the track to the marathon on the roads, Hassan’s presence adds another layer of intrigue to a race that consistently delivers drama.
With both Kipchoge and Hassan in the field, the 2025 New York City Marathon promises to be one of the most anticipated races of the year, a true meeting of legends on one of the sport’s grandest stages.
(09/10/25) Views: 271Boris Baron
Noah Kipkemboi Has Victory in Mind at TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon
Noah Kipkemboi returns to the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon on October 19 with one clear objective—victory at this World Athletics Elite Label race.
Last year, the 32-year-old Kenyan produced a personal best of 2:07:31 to finish third in Toronto. He now looks forward to another showdown with his compatriot Dominic Ngeno, who edged him by just eight seconds for second place.
“I hope to win,” Kipkemboi says with a smile. “Because he [Ngeno] challenged me last year with two kilometres to go. I think this time I will be able to catch up with him. For sure we are training well.”
Kipkemboi arrives in confident form, having recently finished third at the Klagenfurt Half Marathon in Austria (62:09). “Last year I went to that race and then had a good race in Toronto. I think I will run my best in Toronto,” he adds.
Training With the Best
Kipkemboi is represented by Global Sports Communications, the Netherlands-based management company that also manages marathon icon Eliud Kipchoge. Based at the Global Sports camp in Kaptagat, Kipkemboi has long been a trusted pacemaker for Kipchoge, including during the Kenyan legend’s 2022 Berlin Marathon world record of 2:01:09.
“I am in the same camp as Eliud—we train together and race together,” Kipkemboi reveals. “Most of the races I have been pacing have been for Eliud. When you are a pacemaker, you have to be ready to help push, but not to a time he doesn’t want. I know how to run with him.”
Under the guidance of Coach Patrick Sang, the group trains from Monday to Friday at the camp, going home only on weekends. For Kipkemboi, the commitment comes with sacrifice: he has a wife and three young children in Eldoret, where he also owns farmland and runs a small shop.
“Things I sell in the shop are things human beings use—like soap, flour, sweets, perfumes,” he explains. “It’s preparation for life after running.”
Giving Back to the Community
Like many Kenyan athletes, Kipkemboi is committed to helping those around him.
“I am supporting some people who are in need. Right now I’m supporting some students in my village,” he says. “It is an opportunity to help whoever needs help. I have some kids in my village who need support now and after five years.”
That support includes paying school fees and providing food—efforts made possible by his racing success.
Toronto, he adds, has also provided lasting memories: “We went to see Kenyan people while there last year. In Toronto we were like at home because there were Kenyan people living there who came to say hi to us. We were as happy as if we were at home.”
Eyes on Victory
Now, as he fine-tunes his preparation, Kipkemboi is clear about his goals.
“I am now preparing for a win. It is my hope to win the race this time,” he declares. “My objective is just to win and improve my time. I ran my personal best in Toronto (2:07:31), but I want to improve upon that.”
The Toronto Waterfront course record stands at 2:05:00, held by his training partner Philemon Rono. With strong pacemakers and good conditions, Kipkemboi knows that mark could be in sight.
(09/09/25) Views: 269Paul Gains
Sawe and Wanjiru Lead Record-Setting Fields at Berlin Marathon
A world-class lineup is set for the 51st edition of the BMW Berlin Marathon on September 21. Kenyans Sabastian Sawe and Rosemary Wanjiru headline the fields with personal bests of 2:02:05 and 2:16:14, respectively, making them clear favorites. Yet the men’s race also includes defending champion Milkesa Mengesha of Ethiopia, who clocked his 2:03:17 PB on this course last year.
The men’s start list features 10 athletes with personal bests under 2:05, while six women have already broken 2:19. By the numbers, it is the strongest PO Berlin lineup in history. The flat and fast course has been the stage for 13 world records over the past five decades, and another swift contest seems inevitable.
Organizers also achieved something remarkable: both Japanese marathon record holders will compete. Kengo Suzuki holds the men’s national record at 2:04:56, while Honami Maeda is the fastest Japanese woman of all time with her 2:18:59 mark. For the first time in at least 25 years, a city marathon outside Japan has managed to bring together both record holders, underscoring Berlin’s global prestige in long-distance running.
Selected Top Entries
Men
• Sabastian Sawe (KEN) – 2:02:05, Valencia 2024
• Gabriel Geay (TAN) – 2:03:00, Valencia 2022
• Milkesa Mengesha (ETH) – 2:03:17, Berlin 2024
• Haymanot Alew (ETH) – 2:03:31, Berlin 2024
• Guye Adola (ETH) – 2:03:46, Berlin 2017
• Daniel Mateiko (KEN) – 2:04:24, Valencia 2024
• Kengo Suzuki (JPN) – 2:04:56, Otsu 2021
Women
• Rosemary Wanjiru (KEN) – 2:16:14, Tokyo 2024
• Degitu Azimeraw (ETH) – 2:17:58, London 2021
• Dera Dida (ETH) – 2:18:32, Dubai 2025
• Tigist Girma (ETH) – 2:18:52, Valencia 2022
• Honami Maeda (JPN) – 2:18:59, Osaka 2024
• Sharon Chelimo (KEN) – 2:19:33, Barcelona 2025
With such depth across both fields, the 2025 BMW Berlin Marathon is primed for fireworks—and perhaps even another historic performance on the sport’s fastest stage.
(09/10/25) Views: 259Boris Baron
