Running News Daily
Top Ten Stories of the Week
12/6/2025
These are the top ten stories based on views over the last week.
Kosgei Shatters Course Record as Mengesha Leads Ethiopian Sweep at the 2025 Shanghai Marathon
The 2025 Shanghai Marathon delivered the kind of fireworks organizers were hoping for on Sunday, November 30—fast times, dominant front-running, and a powerful statement that Shanghai is ready to join the World Marathon Majors.
More than 23,000 runners started at the Bund at 7 a.m., racing through one of the world’s most iconic skylines before finishing at Shanghai Stadium. Both the men’s and women’s races produced standout performances.
Kosgei Back on Top With a Historic Run
Former world record-holder Brigid Kosgei returned to the top of the podium in commanding style. The 31-year-old Kenyan surged early, hit halfway under 69 minutes, and never looked back, winning in 2:16:36—
• the fastest marathon ever run on Chinese soil,
• a new Shanghai course record, and
• the third-fastest performance of her career.
Only compatriot Irine Chepet Cheptai could stay close in the early miles, eventually taking second in 2:18:51. Ethiopia’s Tiruye Mesfin finished third in 2:20:38, followed closely by fellow Ethiopian Bekelech Gudeta at 2:20:59.
China’s top star Zhang Deshun placed fifth in 2:25:13, continuing her impressive streak of top domestic finishes.
Ethiopia Sweeps the Men’s Podium
The men’s race unfolded differently—a large, aggressive pack early on before Ethiopia dominated the final 10K. In a furious sprint to the line, Milkesa Mengesha broke the tape in 2:06:25, edging compatriot Dawit Wolde by two seconds. Deresa Geleta finished third in 2:06:36, completing an all-Ethiopian podium.
Five Ethiopians broke 2:07, underscoring the depth at the front.
China’s Feng Peiyou delivered the best domestic performance of the day, clocking 2:08:36, the fastest marathon ever run by a Chinese athlete in Shanghai. Countrymen Yang Kegu, Li Dalin, and Ma Rui also cracked the top ten.
Top 10 Results
Men
1. Milkesa Mengesha (ETH) – 2:06:25
2. Dawit Wolde (ETH) – 2:06:27
3. Deresa Geleta (ETH) – 2:06:36
4. Haftu Teklu (ETH) – 2:06:57
5. Challa Gossa (ETH) – 2:08:06
6. Feng Peiyou (CHN) – 2:08:36
7. Solomon Kirwa Yego (KEN) – 2:09:42
8. Yang Kegu (CHN) – 2:12:00
9. Li Dalin (CHN) – 2:13:11
10. Ma Rui (CHN) – 2:13:26
Women
1. Brigid Kosgei (KEN) – 2:16:36 (course & Chinese all-comers record)
2. Irine Chepet Cheptai (KEN) – 2:18:51
3. Tiruye Mesfin (ETH) – 2:20:38
4. Bekelech Gudeta (ETH) – 2:20:59
5. Zhang Deshun (CHN) – 2:25:13
6. Veronicah Njeri Maina (KEN) – 2:26:33
7. Wu Shuang (CHN) – 2:27:17
8. Yao Miao (CHN) – 2:31:13
9. Shen Jiayao (CHN) – 2:31:57
10. Ma Xuexian (CHN) – 2:34:51
Shanghai’s Road to Becoming a Major
For the second straight year, organizers staged the race under the “Run Beyond Borders” banner, showcasing deep elite fields, expanded medical and volunteer support, and international broadcast coverage. Shanghai is currently undergoing World Marathon Majors evaluation, with the earliest possible inclusion in 2027.
(12/01/25) Views: 349Boris Baron
Stacked Fields Set for Sunday’s Shanghai Marathon as Kosgei and Kipchumba Return
The 2025 Shanghai Marathon — a World Athletics Platinum Label event — is set for Sunday (30), and both the women’s and men’s races are shaping up as some of the strongest in the event’s history. Former world record-holder Brigid Kosgei and defending men’s champion Philimon Kiptoo Kipchumba headline a deep international lineup chasing fast times on one of Asia’s premier courses.
The mass start field in Shanghai will once again deliver the energy and depth that has become a signature of this Platinum Label event, with tens of thousands of runners pouring through the city streets behind one of the strongest elite line-ups of the season. Local club runners, age-group veterans, first-time marathoners, and international amateurs will all share the course with the world’s best, creating a fast, colorful, and highly competitive atmosphere from start to finish.
With ideal late-November conditions expected and Shanghai’s reputation for producing personal bests, the mass field is poised for another year of standout performances and unforgettable marathon moments.
Kosgei Targets First Win in Two Years — and a Course Record
Brigid Kosgei, whose 2:14:04 stood as the world record from 2019 to 2023, lines up for her third marathon of the year. The 31-year-old Kenyan has been consistently sharp in 2025—second in Hamburg (2:18:26) and again in Sydney (2:18:56).
A victory in Shanghai would be her first since Abu Dhabi 2023, but the stakes go beyond winning:
• The course record stands at 2:20:36 (Yebrgual Melese, 2018).
• Pacers have been asked to roll out at 2:17:50 pace, fast enough to challenge both the course mark and the Chinese all-comers’ record (2:18:09 by Ruti Aga, 2023).
Kosgei will not be alone. Two sub-2:20 performers stand in her way:
• Irine Cheptai (KEN) — PB 2:17:51, coming off strong runs in Chicago and Boston.
• Tiruye Mesfin (ETH) — PB 2:18:35, part of Ethiopia’s long history of dominance here.
Ethiopian women have won 10 of the last 14 editions, and Mesfin leads their charge again.
China brings a serious contender as well.
• Zhang Deshun, the No. 3 all-time Chinese marathoner (2:20:53 at Tokyo), returns just two weeks after winning the National Games.
Add in Bekelech Gudeta (ETH) — who won marathons in Seoul and Mexico City this year — and the women’s race becomes one of the most competitive in Shanghai’s history.
Four Sub-2:04 Ethiopians Lead Men’s Lineup
The men’s race may be even deeper. Ethiopia sends a quartet capable of pushing into all-time territory:
• Deresa Geleta (ETH) — 2:02:38, fastest in the field
• Birhanu Legese (ETH) — 2:02:48, two-time Tokyo champion
• Milkesa Mengesha (ETH) — 2024 Berlin winner
• Dawit Wolde (ETH) — former Xiamen champion
Geleta has been brilliant when healthy, clocking 2:02:38 in Valencia and 2:03:51 in Tokyo this year, though he dropped out of Wuxi and the World Championships. Legese tuned up with a 1:00:54 at the New Delhi Half.
But Ethiopia is far from guaranteed victory.
Kiptoo Kipchumba Returns to Defend His Title
Kenya’s Philimon Kiptoo Kipchumba, the 2023 champion, owns the Chinese all-comers’ record of 2:05:35 set in Shanghai. He hasn’t raced since placing 10th here last year, but he returns with unfinished business.
He is joined by a strong Kenyan contingent:
• Titus Kipruto — 2:04:54
• Solomon Kirwa Yego — 2:05:42
• Kenneth Keter — 2:05:53
• Edmond Kipngetich — 2:06:47
China’s biggest hope is Feng Peiyou, the second-fastest Chinese marathoner ever (2:07:06). A small improvement would break the national record of 2:06:57.
Pacers will target 2:58/km (≈2:05:00) — fast enough to threaten Kiptoo’s all-comers’ record.
Leading Entries
Women
• Brigid Kosgei (KEN) – 2:14:04
• Irine Chepet Cheptai (KEN) – 2:17:51
• Tiruye Mesfin (ETH) – 2:18:35
• Selly Chepyego Kaptich (KEN) – 2:20:03
• Zhang Deshun (CHN) – 2:20:53
• Bekelech Gudeta (ETH) – 2:21:36
• Veronicah Njeri Maina (KEN) – 2:24:46
• Xia Yuyu (CHN) – 2:25:45
• Wu Bing (CHN) – 2:26:01
• Li Meizhen (CHN) – 2:27:51
• Shen Ni (CHN) – 2:28:47
• Huang Xuemei (CHN) – 2:29:51
Men
• Deresa Geleta (ETH) – 2:02:38
• Birhanu Legese (ETH) – 2:02:48
• Dawit Wolde (ETH) – 2:03:48
• Haftu Teklu (ETH) – 2:04:42
• Titus Kipruto (KEN) – 2:04:54
• Philimon Kiptoo Kipchumba (KEN) – 2:05:35
• Solomon Kirwa Yego (KEN) – 2:05:42
• Kenneth Keter (KEN) – 2:05:53
• Edmond Kipngetich (KEN) – 2:06:47
• Feng Peiyou (CHN) – 2:07:06
• Challa Gossa (ETH) – 2:07:32
• Wu Xiangdong (CHN) – 2:08:04
(11/29/25) Views: 289World Athletics
Stephen Mokoka Breaks 37-Year-Old SA Veterans Marathon Record at Big Hole Marathon
South African marathon legend Stephen Mokoka continues to prove that age is no barrier to excellence. On Saturday, November 22, 2025, the 40-year-old star shattered the South African veterans (40+) marathon record at the Big Hole Marathon in Kimberley, finishing second overall in a brilliant 2:15:31.
The previous record — 2:17:40, set by Paulus Masilela in 1988 — had stood untouched for 37 years. Mokoka didn’t just dip under it; he demolished it.
Adding to the historic moment, fellow veteran Lucky Mohale also broke the old mark with his fourth-place finish in 2:17:19. Two over-40 athletes surpassing a decades-old national record on the same day is a rare and remarkable achievement in distance running.
Top Veterans Results
• Stephen Mokoka — 2:15:31
• Lucky Mohale — 2:17:19
A Masterclass in Longevity
Mokoka, one of South Africa’s most decorated distance runners, has been a model of consistency for nearly two decades. His record-breaking run in Kimberley underscores not only his exceptional endurance but also his continued drive to compete at the highest level well into his 40s.
With performances like this, Mokoka solidifies his place as one of the most durable marathoners of his era.
What’s Ahead?
With the veterans record now rewritten, fans are already asking:
Can Mokoka target even more age-group records in 2026?
Given the shape he showed in Kimberley, nothing seems out of reach.
A historic day for South African distance running — and a powerful reminder of what is possible when talent, experience, and longevity come together.
(11/28/25) Views: 117Boris Baron
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Named Women’s Track Athlete of the Year
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has been named the Women’s Track Athlete of the Year for 2025 by World Athletics, capping off a season where she once again redefined what excellence looks like in the 400 meters.
Already one of the most gifted athletes in the sport, McLaughlin-Levrone delivered a dominant year highlighted by her 400m world title and a world-leading performance in the flat 400m—a rare double few athletes have even attempted. Her speed, form, and command over both the hurdles and the flat event continue to elevate her into all-time territory.
McLaughlin-Levrone’s season was not simply about winning races. It was about how she won them—control from the opening strides, unmatched top-end speed, and the kind of precision that has become her signature. Every time she stepped on the track, she looked untouchable.
Her rivalry with Dutch star Femke Bol fueled global attention throughout the year, but when it came to the biggest stage, McLaughlin-Levrone delivered once again.
With this award, she solidifies her place as one of the defining athletes of her generation—and one of the most complete 400m runners the sport has ever seen.
(12/02/25) Views: 90Boris Baron
Emmanuel Wanyonyi Named Male Track Athlete of the Year
Kenya’s Emmanuel Wanyonyi has been named Male Track Athlete of the Year, a recognition that felt inevitable after a season marked by dominance, composure, and electrifying performances on the global stage. At just 20 years old, Wanyonyi has already rewritten expectations in the men’s 800 meters—and 2025 proved to be his breakthrough year.
Wanyonyi consistently displayed the kind of front-end speed, race intelligence, and finishing strength that separates champions from contenders. His victories across the Diamond League circuit, combined with his commanding global championship run, made him the clear favorite for the award.
What sets Wanyonyi apart is his ability to take control of races early and maintain a pace that leaves even seasoned competitors scrambling. Whether he was pushing the tempo from the break or waiting to unleash a decisive final burst, Wanyonyi showed maturity well beyond his age.
Could anyone else have challenged him?
In truth, only a handful came close. Canada’s Marco Arop, the reigning world champion from 2023, mounted a strong season and pushed Wanyonyi in several marquee races. Algeria’s Djamel Sedjati also delivered standout performances. But no one matched Wanyonyi’s consistency, his fearlessness, or his results across the year’s biggest stages.
Wanyonyi’s rise is also seen as a resurgence for Kenya’s middle-distance dominance, echoing the eras of David Rudisha and Wilson Kipketer. Coaches and analysts agree: we may only be seeing the beginning.
As 2026 approaches, Wanyonyi now stands as the man to beat—and the face of the next generation of 800m excellence.
Boris Baron
John Korir Set for Valencia Marathon Showdown After Boston Glory and Chicago DNF
The streets of Valencia—long known as a launchpad for marathon breakthroughs—will welcome another major storyline this Sunday as Boston Marathon champion John Korir lines up for one of the fastest races in the world.
Korir, who claimed the 2024 Boston Marathon title, heads to Spain looking to reset his momentum after a disappointing DNF at the Chicago Marathon. Valencia, however, has a reputation for revitalizing careers and producing history-making performances. It was here that Kelvin Kiptumastonished the running world with his 2:01:53 debut, and where Sebastian Sawe delivered his own blazing introduction to the distance.
This year’s edition will test Korir against another powerhouse field.
A Clash With Sisay Lemma and a Deep Kenyan Contingent
Leading the opposition is Sisay Lemma, the Ethiopian star and one of the most consistent marathoners on the international circuit. Lemma, who has repeatedly delivered world-class marks, will be targeting a major statement run in Valencia.
The Kenyan challenge will be formidable as well, with a trio of established athletes joining Korir on the start line:
• Hillary Kipkoech – former track standout making waves on the roads
• Edward Cheserek – the 17-time NCAA champion continuing his marathon evolution
• Justus Kangongo – a proven performer capable of big breakthroughs
Each arrives with something to prove—and Valencia’s flat, rapid course has a way of rewarding ambition.
Why Valencia Matters
The Valencia Marathon has earned its reputation as the fastest marathon outside of the World Marathon Majors, regularly producing:
• Course records
• National records
• Top-10 all-time performances
• Breakout debuts for emerging stars
For Korir, the race presents the perfect environment to reestablish his position among the world’s elite and build momentum heading into the 2025 season.
What’s at Stake
A strong performance would reinforce Korir’s Boston victory as a sign of lasting form—not a one-off moment. With Olympic selections and global rankings in play, every second in Valencia matters.
As fans await Sunday’s race, one question stands out:
Will the City of Running deliver yet another defining chapter in marathon history?
My Best Runs will have full coverage and results as the race unfolds.
(12/04/25) Views: 55Boris Baron
