Running News Daily
Top Ten Stories of the Week
9/5/2026
These are the top ten stories based on views over the last week.
Ben Dhiman Shatters UTMB Course Record As 19-Hour Barrier Falls In Epic Mont-Blanc Triumph
Ben Dhiman has delivered a performance for the ages at UTMB Mont-Blanc, rewriting the history of the iconic 100-mile race with a stunning course-record run of 18:16:29.
The American ultrarunner took control of the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc at La Balme, 41 kilometres into the race, and once he moved to the front, he never surrendered the lead. More than 130 kilometres later, Dhiman arrived in Chamonix on Saturday afternoon to complete a remarkable journey through the Alps in 18:16:29 — becoming the first man to finish UTMB inside 19 hours.
It was an extraordinary display of endurance, strength and determination, but Dhiman’s achievement becomes even more impressive when placed in the context of the conditions surrounding this year’s race. Organizers altered the course on the eve of the event, removing the Pyramides Calcaires section on the Italian side and delaying the start by two hours because of forecast thunderstorms.
Those changes left the field facing a 173.6-kilometre course with approximately 9,700 metres of elevation gain. Despite the demanding terrain and the revised race conditions, Dhiman maintained an astonishing level of consistency from the moment he took control.
His winning time demolished the previous course record of 19:18:58, set by Britain’s Tom Evans in 2025, by an astonishing 1 hour, 2 minutes and 29 seconds. This was not a marginal improvement to an already formidable mark; it was a seismic leap that has dramatically reset the benchmark for one of the world’s most prestigious and demanding ultramarathons.
The scale of Dhiman’s progression is perhaps best illustrated by what happened 12 months ago. He finished second at UTMB last year in 19:51:37 on a nearly identical course. This time, he returned to Mont-Blanc and was 1 hour, 35 minutes and 8 seconds faster, transforming a runner-up finish into one of the most dominant performances in the race’s history.
Even more remarkable was his efficiency over the enormous distance. Dhiman spent just 9 minutes and 23 seconds stopped across the entire race, allowing him to maintain momentum while his rivals battled the relentless demands of the mountain course.
For years, the UTMB course record has represented the outer limits of human endurance. Vincent Bouillard’s 19:54:23 in 2024 and Jim Walmsley’s 19:37:43 in 2023 demonstrated the extraordinary level required to attack the race at record pace, while Kilian Jornet’s 19:49:30 in 2022 further underlined the rapid evolution of elite trail running.
Tom Evans then raised the standard to 19:18:58 in 2025.
Now Dhiman has taken it to an entirely different level.
Behind the runaway winner, Baptiste Chassagne produced a superb performance to finish second in 18:47:38. Caleb Olson completed the podium in 18:48:24, but his fight for second provided one of the race’s most dramatic closing chapters.
Olson was still 6 minutes and 32 seconds behind Chassagne with seven kilometres remaining, yet he unleashed a remarkable final descent, covering the closing section in just 29:08. His late surge brought him within touching distance of second place, ultimately finishing only 46 seconds behind Chassagne.
Beyond the clock and the final standings, Dhiman’s triumph was a powerful demonstration of what it takes to master ultra-trail running. The challenge demanded patience, concentration and an extraordinary ability to keep moving when fatigue was at its most unforgiving. Every climb, descent and technical section tested his limits, but Dhiman remained composed when it mattered most.
For Dhiman, crossing the finish line after such a gruelling Alpine journey represented the culmination of a remarkable transformation. After 18 hours, 16 minutes and 29 seconds of relentless effort, he could finally celebrate not only becoming the 2026 UTMB champion, but also establishing a new benchmark that could stand for years.
And his record-breaking run has immediately opened another fascinating chapter for the sport.
Can anyone break the 18-hour barrier?
With more than an hour removed from a record that had stood at 19:18:58, the once-unthinkable 18-hour mark suddenly feels closer than ever. Yet breaking it would require another extraordinary combination of sustained speed, climbing power, descending skill, nutrition, favourable weather and near-perfect execution across the immense Alpine course.
Dhiman has set the bar exceptionally high.
The 19-hour barrier has fallen.
The 18-hour barrier is now the next frontier.
Dhiman’s historic victory brought the men’s race to a spectacular conclusion, capping an extraordinary day of ultra-trail running in which the American not only claimed the UTMB crown but also shattered a record that had appeared almost untouchable. His 18:16:29 will now stand as the new benchmark at Mont-Blanc, setting an imposing challenge for the elite field that will return in search of glory in the years ahead.
Mont Blanc has a new king, and the next chapter of UTMB history has already begun.
(08/29/26) Views: 379Erick Cheruiyot for My Best Runs.
Athlos Nyc 2026 Cancelled As Series Sets Its Sights On A New Global Calendar
ATHLOS has announced a major change to its 2026 plans, confirming that the third edition of ATHLOS NYC will not take place as originally scheduled on October 2 at Icahn Stadium in New York City.
The decision marks a significant change for the rapidly growing women’s track and field series, which had been preparing to return to New York for another high-profile edition. ATHLOS said the move is part of a broader strategy to align its future events more closely with the global athletics calendar.
The organisation explained that it will not stage ATHLOS NYC in October 2026, with the goal of restructuring its schedule from the 2027 season onward. The new approach is intended to give the world’s best female athletes greater opportunities to compete in a healthier and more sustainable schedule while allowing them to perform at their peak.
When ATHLOS was launched, the series deliberately created a new competition window at the end of the traditional athletics season. However, as the event has grown, ATHLOS says it has become increasingly clear that its long-term home should be within the main international athletics calendar.
The cancellation of ATHLOS NYC, however, does not signal a retreat from the organisation’s global ambitions.
ATHLOS London remains firmly on the calendar for September 18, 2026, at StoneX Stadium in London, marking the series’ highly anticipated first event outside the United States. The London meeting is expected to bring together some of the biggest names in women’s athletics for what promises to be a spectacular night of elite competition.
ATHLOS has built its reputation around putting female athletes at the centre of the experience, combining world-class competition with significant prize money and an energetic event atmosphere. Its programme features several of the sport’s most exciting disciplines, including the 100m hurdles, 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, mile and long jump.
While the decision to cancel the New York edition will come as a disappointment to fans who were expecting another major night at Icahn Stadium, ATHLOS insists that its commitment to women’s track and field remains stronger than ever.
The organisation is now turning its attention to London and to building a more sustainable international calendar from 2027. The latest decision could therefore prove to be less an ending than a strategic reset as ATHLOS looks to strengthen its position on the global athletics stage.
ATHLOS NYC may be absent from the 2026 calendar, but the series’ international ambitions are only getting bigger.
(08/28/26) Views: 370Erick Cheruiyot for My Best Runs.
Blandine L’hirondel Creates French Magic In Chamonix With Historic UTMB Triple Crown
Pure goosebumps in Chamonix.
Blandine L’Hirondel has conquered the 2026 UTMB Mont-Blanc in extraordinary fashion, completing one of the rarest achievements in trail running while becoming the first woman ever to break the 22-hour barrier on the iconic 100-mile course.
The French star stopped the clock at a sensational 21:54:49, smashing the previous women’s course record and etching her name into the history of the sport.
The scale of her performance becomes even clearer when placed alongside the recent record progression. L’Hirondel’s 21:54:49 eclipsed Katie Schide’s 22:09:31 from 2024, Ruth Croft’s 22:56:23 from 2025, Courtney Dauwalter’s 23:29:14 from 2023, and Schide’s 23:15:12 from 2022.
Most significantly, L’Hirondel became the first woman to run under 22 hours at UTMB.
But this was about far more than a number on the clock.
L’Hirondel’s victory was forged through a monumental battle of endurance, pain and determination. In the final kilometres, with exhaustion taking hold, the Frenchwoman suffered several heavy falls. Each time, she picked herself up and continued her relentless charge toward Chamonix.
Nothing was going to take the finish line away from her.
As she finally entered the streets of Chamonix, the home crowd erupted. Surrounded by roaring support, L’Hirondel fought back the emotion, raised her arms and crossed the finish line in 21:54:49, completing an unforgettable victory.
Falling down. Getting back up. Winning. That is trail running.
The achievement becomes even more remarkable because L’Hirondel has now completed a rare UTMB Mont-Blanc triple crown, winning all three of the event’s iconic races: the OCC, CCC and UTMB.
She first triumphed at the OCC in 2021, followed by victory in the CCC in 2022, before finally claiming the ultimate prize at UTMB.
With this achievement, L’Hirondel becomes only the third athlete in history — and the second woman — to complete the OCC, CCC and UTMB sweep.
It is a feat that demands extraordinary versatility, consistency and resilience across different distances and challenges. L’Hirondel has now conquered all three.
Her road to this moment had not been straightforward.
She finished third on her first UTMB appearance in 2023 and returned in 2024 to place fifth. But she kept coming back, determined to go one step further.
In 2026, everything came together.
With patience early in the race, resilience through the toughest sections and an extraordinary fighting spirit when her body was crying out for rest, L’Hirondel produced the performance of her life.
And she did it on home soil.
Ten years after Caroline Chaverot became the last French woman to win UTMB, L’Hirondel has brought the title back to France — and done so by breaking a barrier no woman had ever breached before.
From OCC to CCC to UTMB, Blandine L’Hirondel has completed a journey that very few athletes can even dream of making.
The triple crown is complete.
The 22-hour barrier is broken.
The women’s course record is hers.
And beneath the towering peaks of Mont-Blanc, in front of a roaring Chamonix crowd, L’Hirondel has written another unforgettable chapter in the history of trail running. 21:54:49, a historic triple crown and a record that now belongs to her — a truly remarkable moment for France and a breathtaking triumph on the world’s biggest trail-running stage.
(08/29/26) Views: 318Erick Cheruiyot for My Best Runs.
Keely Hodgkinson Set For Brussels Return As 800m Showdown Reaches Fever Pitch
Keely Hodgkinson is ready to step back onto the track in Brussels, and her return could add another explosive chapter to one of the most compelling women’s 800m rivalries of the 2026 season.
The British Olympic champion is scheduled to line up in the women’s 800m at the Wanda Diamond League Final at the Allianz Memorial Van Damme on Saturday, September 5, after deliberately sitting out the Zurich Diamond League meeting to give her body more time to recover. Hodgkinson had been due to face Audrey Werro in Zurich but withdrew, explaining that she was not yet ready to race.
That decision underlined just how carefully the 24-year-old has been managing her season. After a demanding European Championships campaign in Birmingham, where she was beaten to the 800m title by Werro, Hodgkinson chose recovery rather than forcing another race before she was fully prepared.
Now, Brussels presents an entirely different proposition.
The stage is set for a spectacular clash featuring some of the biggest names in the event. Hodgkinson will have to contend with Werro, the Swiss sensation who has transformed herself into one of the most formidable 800m runners in the world, while Femke Bol brings another dimension to the field following her remarkable transition from the 400m hurdles to the two-lap event. Reigning world champion Lilian Odira of Kenya is also confirmed for the Brussels showdown.
And there is plenty of unfinished business.
Werro has been operating at an extraordinary level this season. In Zurich, while Hodgkinson watched from the sidelines, the Swiss star produced a stunning 1:53.70 personal best and national record — one of the fastest performances ever recorded over 800m. Bol followed her home in a personal best, making the gap between the leading contenders even narrower.
Hodgkinson, however, has already demonstrated that she belongs in that conversation. Earlier this season in Stockholm, she ran 1:54.33, placing herself sixth on the all-time 800m list. Her championship pedigree is equally formidable: she is the reigning Olympic champion and a former Diamond League champion, with years of experience performing when the pressure is highest.
That makes Brussels far more than another race.
For Hodgkinson, it is an opportunity to answer questions raised by her European Championships defeat and prove that a carefully managed return can put her back at the centre of the 800m battle. For Werro, it is another chance to confirm that she has moved from rising star to genuine global force. For Bol and Odira, it is an opportunity to disrupt the established order.
With four elite names bringing different strengths to the same two-lap battlefield, the slightest tactical mistake could decide everything.
The King Baudouin Stadium is therefore set for an 800m final loaded with speed, rivalry and unfinished business. Hodgkinson has taken the patient route back. Now comes the moment when she must show what that patience has prepared her for.
Brussels is waiting — and the women’s 800m could deliver one of the defining races of the 2026 Diamond League season
(09/01/26) Views: 302Erick Cheruiyot for My Best Runs.
Sydney Marathon 2026: World Champions, Record Hunters And A Star-Studded Showdown
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA — August 30, 2026
Sydney is preparing for a spectacular morning of marathon racing as reigning world champions Peres Jepchirchir of Kenya and Alphonce Simbu of Tanzania headline a world-class elite field at the TCS Sydney Marathon on Sunday, August 30.
The race is set to provide another defining moment for Australian distance running, with more than 40,000 participants expected to take on the streets of Sydney and a remarkable collection of elite athletes competing for victory on one of the world's newest Abbott World Marathon Majors.
Jepchirchir and Simbu will bring an added layer of prestige to the occasion as the reigning women's and men's world marathon champions. Their presence ensures that the spotlight will be firmly fixed on Sydney as some of the world's finest distance runners battle for one of the most coveted titles on the international marathon calendar.
There will also be records in the crosshairs. The men's course record stands at 2:06:06, while the women's benchmark is 2:18:22, meaning the quality of the field has created genuine anticipation that both marks could come under threat.
In the men's race, Simbu arrives with considerable confidence and an ambitious target. The Tanzanian produced one of the most dramatic finishes of the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, holding off Germany's Amanal Petros to claim the world title. With a personal best of 2:02:47, Simbu has the speed, championship experience and belief to challenge the very best, and he has made no secret of his desire to attack Sydney's course record.
However, standing in his way is an elite group led by Ethiopia's Sisay Lemma, whose outstanding 2:01:48 personal best makes him the fastest entrant in the field. A former London and Boston Marathon champion, Lemma brings a wealth of experience at the highest level and will be one of the principal threats to Simbu's ambitions.
Kenya will also have a strong presence, with Timothy Kiplagat and Vincent Ngetich adding further firepower to an already formidable men's lineup.
Perhaps the most intriguing storyline, however, belongs to Ethiopian track star Hagos Gebrhiwet, who is set to make his highly anticipated marathon debut. A former Olympic 5,000m medallist and one of the world's fastest track distance runners, Gebrhiwet has already shown extraordinary endurance over shorter distances, including a 57:41 half-marathon personal best. His transition to the marathon will be closely watched, with fans eager to discover whether his world-class track speed can be converted into success over 42.195 kilometres.
The depth of the men's field is remarkable. No fewer than 25 athletes have broken 2:10, while 19 have already recorded times faster than Sydney's existing course record, setting the stage for a race that could develop into a battle of extraordinary pace and tactics.
The women's contest promises just as much drama, with Jepchirchir leading the way. The Kenyan superstar arrives in Sydney as the reigning world champion and Olympic champion, carrying a 2:14:43 personal best, the fastest among the women entered.
Yet victory will not come easily. Jepchirchir faces a powerful Kenyan challenge from Irine Cheptai, who owns a 2:17:51 personal best and has already established herself as a major force on the international marathon circuit.
Tanzania's Magdalena Shauri, the country's national record holder with a personal best of 2:18:03, will provide another serious threat, while the experienced Vivian Cheruiyot of Kenya adds further championship pedigree to an already impressive women's field.
Ethiopian stars Shure Demise and Haven Hailu, alongside Uganda's Stella Chesang, will also be looking to make their mark as the race unfolds through Sydney's iconic streets.
The setting could hardly be more spectacular. Starting in North Sydney, the marathon takes runners across the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge before heading towards the unforgettable finish at the Sydney Opera House. With the city providing a breathtaking backdrop, the race has all the ingredients for another historic chapter in its rapid rise on the global marathon scene.
For the elite athletes, however, the beauty of Sydney will quickly become secondary once the gun goes off.
The champions will be chasing victory. The record hunters will be chasing history. And for Gebrhiwet, an entirely new chapter of his career will begin.
Two reigning world champions. Multiple sub-2:05 contenders. A world-class women's field. A highly anticipated marathon debut. And course records that could be under serious threat.
Everything is in place for an unforgettable Sunday in Sydney.
Will Alphonce Simbu turn his ambition into a new course record?
Can Sisay Lemma's 2:01:48 experience carry him to victory?
Will Hagos Gebrhiwet announce himself as a future marathon superstar?
And can Peres Jepchirchir add the Sydney Marathon crown to her already extraordinary list of achievements?
Sydney is ready.
The champions have arrived. The records are waiting. The stage is set for a spectacular showdown.
(08/28/26) Views: 272Erick Cheruiyot for My Best Runs
Peres Jepchirchir Conquers Sydney As World Champion Claims Fourth Major Marathon Crown
Kenya’s Peres Jepchirchir has added another prestigious chapter to her remarkable marathon career, claiming victory at the TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS in an impressive 2:18:31.
The reigning world champion and former Olympic champion produced a commanding performance on the streets of Sydney, securing another major victory and further strengthening her reputation as one of the most accomplished marathoners of her generation.
Jepchirchir’s winning time was just nine seconds shy of Sifan Hassan’s Sydney course record of 2:18:22, set at the 2025 edition. Although the record remained intact, the Kenyan once again demonstrated her ability to perform with precision and confidence on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
She won the race with a performance defined by patience, poise and remarkable composure. Rather than being drawn into unnecessary battles in the early stages, Jepchirchir appeared to run with confidence, gradually asserting her authority as the kilometres passed. Her rhythm remained smooth and controlled, her focus unwavering, and when the decisive moments arrived, she had the strength and composure to take command. It was a victory crafted with intelligence, executed with elegance and finished with the unmistakable authority of a true champion.
More significantly, the triumph marks Jepchirchir’s fourth Abbott World Marathon Majors victory. She had previously conquered New York, Boston and London, and her Sydney success now adds another prestigious Major title to an already extraordinary résumé.
Behind the champion, compatriot Irine Cheptai completed an impressive Kenyan one-two, crossing the finish line in 2:22:11. Ethiopia's Shure Demise secured the final place on the podium with a strong run of 2:22:32, as Kenya and Ethiopia once again demonstrated their extraordinary depth in elite women's marathon running.
Ethiopia's Haven Hailu finished fourth in 2:22:56, followed by compatriot Meseret Abebayehu in fifth with 2:23:40. Kenya's Priscah Cherono took sixth place in 2:23:49, narrowly ahead of Uganda's Stella Chesang, who clocked 2:23:51 for seventh.
The race also featured a notable performance from home favourite Ellie Pashley, who battled her way into the top 10. The Australian finished ninth in 2:28:27, giving the home crowd a strong athlete to celebrate in an elite field dominated by East African runners.
2026 Sydney Marathon – Top 10 Women's Results
1. Peres Jepchirchir (Kenya) – 2:18:31
2. Irine Cheptai (Kenya) – 2:22:11
3. Shure Demise (Ethiopia) – 2:22:32
4. Haven Hailu (Ethiopia) – 2:22:56
5. Meseret Abebayehu (Ethiopia) – 2:23:40
6. Priscah Cherono (Kenya) – 2:23:49
7. Stella Chesang (Uganda) – 2:23:51
8. Fikrte Wereta (Ethiopia) – 2:25:18
9. Ellie Pashley (Australia) – 2:28:27
10. Aberu Ayana (Ethiopia) – 2:28:29
For Jepchirchir, Sydney represents far more than another race victory. It is another demonstration of the consistency, resilience and championship mentality that have defined her career. From Olympic glory to world championship success and now another Major triumph, she continues to strengthen her place among the most accomplished marathoners of her era.
The Sydney Marathon has rapidly established itself as one of the most significant races on the global marathon calendar, and Jepchirchir’s victory adds another memorable chapter to its growing history.
As the champion crossed the finish line beneath Sydney’s iconic skyline, she celebrated another remarkable achievement in a career that continues to evolve with every major challenge.
From Olympic champion to world champion, from New York and Boston to London and now Sydney, Peres Jepchirchir continues to turn the world’s greatest marathons into stages for her brilliance. Sydney has a new champion, and another extraordinary chapter has been added to the story of one of marathon running’s finest competitors.
Four Abbott World Marathon Majors conquered. One extraordinary legacy still being written.
From Jepchirchir's dominant victory to another fiercely competitive East African showdown and Pashley's determined top-10 finish on home soil, the 2026 Sydney Marathon delivered a memorable showcase of world-class women's distance running. And at the centre of it all stood Peres Jepchirchir—once again wearing the crown.
(08/29/26) Views: 254Erick Cheruiyot for My Best Runs.
Addisu Gobena Edges Epic Sydney Marathon Thriller as Course Record Falls and Ramakongoana Makes History
Addisu Gobena has completed a remarkable transformation from javelin thrower to marathon champion, returning to Sydney one year after finishing runner-up and this time producing a spectacular victory in a new course-record time of 2:04:42.
The 21-year-old Ethiopian delivered a performance to remember at the 2026 Sydney Marathon, breaking away from a fiercely competitive field and crossing the finish line in 2:04:42 to claim the men's title.
In the process, Gobena obliterated the previous course record of 2:06:06, improving it by 1 minute and 24 seconds. The result represents another extraordinary step in the rapid rise of an athlete whose path to marathon success is anything but conventional.
Gobena was still competing as a javelin thrower until 2023 before turning his attention fully towards distance running. What followed has been an astonishing transformation. Within a remarkably short period, the young Ethiopian progressed from the field-event sector to the highest level of road racing, developing into a formidable marathoner.
His breakthrough came at the 2024 Dubai Marathon, where he won on his marathon debut in 2:05:01. He then continued to establish himself among Ethiopia's promising young distance runners, eventually returning to Sydney in 2025, where he finished second behind compatriot Hailemaryam Kiros.
That runner-up finish clearly left unfinished business.
One year later, Gobena returned to the streets of Sydney with a different objective — and this time, he finished the job. His 2:04:42 not only secured the victory but also rewrote the course record in emphatic fashion.
The battle behind him was equally extraordinary.
Fellow Ethiopian Chimdessa Debele Gudeta produced a phenomenal run to finish second in 2:04:46, just four seconds behind Gobena. Behind them, Tebello Ramakongoana of Lesotho delivered another outstanding performance, taking third place in 2:04:57 and setting a new national record. His achievement was particularly remarkable as he finished on the same time as fourth-placed Alphonce Simbu of Tanzania, underlining just how extraordinary the battle for the podium had become.
The depth of the elite field was evident throughout the race, with the top five athletes all breaking 2:05. Ethiopia's Jemal Mekonnen took fifth in 2:04:59, while compatriot Hailemaryam Kiros followed in sixth with 2:05:16.
Kenya's Vincent Ngetich produced a strong performance to finish seventh in 2:05:27, while Ethiopia continued its impressive presence in the leading positions. Kenyan athletes Kennedy Kimutai and Gilbert Kibet also finished inside the top 10.
Australian hopes were led by Andrew Buchanan, who delivered a commendable home performance to finish 16th in 2:10:14.
2026 Sydney Marathon – Top 10 Men's Results
1. Addisu Gobena (Ethiopia) – 2:04:42 – Event Record
2. Chimdessa Debele Gudeta (Ethiopia) – 2:04:45
3. Tebello Ramakongoana (Lesotho) – 2:04:57 – National Record
4. Alphonce Simbu (Tanzania) – 2:04:57
5. Jemal Mekonnen (Ethiopia) – 2:04:59
6. Hailemaryam Kiros (Ethiopia) – 2:05:16
7. Vincent Ngetich (Kenya) – 2:05:27
8. Dawit Wolde (Ethiopia) – 2:06:41
9. Kennedy Kimutai (Kenya) – 2:06:50
10. Gilbert Kibet (Kenya) – 2:07:13
For Gobena, the significance of the victory goes far beyond a medal and a course record. Just a few years ago, his athletic ambitions were centred on throwing the javelin. Today, he stands at the top of one of the world's major marathon stages, having produced a performance that places his name firmly among the sport's emerging stars.
His Sydney story has also come full circle. Last year, he had to settle for second. This time, he returned stronger, faster and determined to seize the moment.
From the javelin runway to 42.195 kilometres of marathon glory, Addisu Gobena has written one of the most remarkable chapters of his young career — and at only 21, his best may still be ahead of him.
Sydney witnessed marathon racing of the very highest quality, with records falling, national pride soaring and the podium decided by the narrowest of margins. Gobena ultimately claimed the biggest prize, but the 2026 Sydney Marathon will be remembered for the extraordinary depth and intensity of a race that delivered one of the most thrilling finishes in the event's history.
(08/29/26) Views: 244Erick Cheruiyot for My Best Runs.
26 Years Later, Vivian Cheruiyot Returns To Sydney As A Kenyan Distance-Racing Legend
Twenty-six years ago, a 17-year-old Vivian Cheruiyot arrived in Sydney carrying the dreams of a young Kenyan athlete and the promise of a remarkable future.
Today, she returns to the same Australian city as something far greater — an Olympic champion, four-time world champion, world cross-country champion, London Marathon winner, Laureus Sportswoman of the Year and one of Kenya’s most accomplished distance runners.
At 42, Cheruiyot will line up for the TCS Sydney Marathon on Sunday, August 30, completing an extraordinary full circle in a career that has stretched across more than two decades and transformed her from a teenage Olympian into one of the defining figures of her generation.
When Cheruiyot first competed in Sydney at the 2000 Olympic Games, few could have imagined the heights she would eventually reach. Still only 17, she advanced to the 5000m final and finished 14th — an experience that became the first chapter of an Olympic journey that would eventually span four Games.
The years that followed brought an extraordinary collection of victories.
Cheruiyot became world 5000m champion in 2009, then produced one of the greatest championship performances of her career in Daegu in 2011, winning both the 5000m and 10,000m titles while also claiming World Cross Country gold earlier that year. She added another world 10,000m title in Beijing in 2015, taking her tally to four senior world championships.
But the Olympic gold medal remained the one prize missing from her collection.
That changed dramatically in Rio in 2016.
After winning silver in the 10,000m, Cheruiyot returned to the track for the 5000m final and delivered a masterclass in championship racing. She surged away from Ethiopia’s Almaz Ayana in the closing stages to win Olympic gold in 14:26.17, finally completing the collection of major titles she had chased for so many years.
“I said I want to win,” Cheruiyot recalled after that historic victory. “This was my fourth Olympics and I’ve been dreaming about this since the very start.”
Her brilliance was not confined to the track.
After moving into marathon running, Cheruiyot established herself among the world’s best over 42.195km. She finished fourth in her London Marathon debut in 2017 before returning the following year to produce a stunning victory in 2:18:31 — a performance that placed her fourth on the world all-time list at the time and remains her marathon personal best.
She also finished runner-up in the New York City Marathon in 2018 and second in London in 2019, further demonstrating that her extraordinary competitive instinct had successfully followed her from the track to the roads.
Away from competition, Cheruiyot’s story has also evolved with her life. She became a mother, welcomed her daughter Arielle in 2021 and returned to competitive racing in 2023. In 2024, she claimed third place at the New York City Marathon, followed by fifth at the 2025 London Marathon.
Now Sydney offers her another opportunity to write her name into the city’s sporting history.
“I look back on my career with pride. I was able to win almost everything and have been at the top for a long time,” Cheruiyot said ahead of her return.
She also remembers the extraordinary generation in which she competed — an era that included global icons such as Usain Bolt, Tirunesh Dibaba and Meseret Defar.
“I was running in a great era and had a close-up view of athletes like Usain Bolt setting the world alight,” she reflected.
Yet perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Cheruiyot’s return is not simply the passage of time, but her willingness to keep challenging herself.
She arrives in Sydney having put considerable work into rebuilding her fitness, knowing that the marathon demands something entirely different from the explosive championship races that defined her track career.
“I am very excited to go back to Sydney,” she said. “It has been 26 years since I was there, and a lot has changed in my life since then. I hope to have a good run — I have put in a lot of work to regain fitness and hope my body will stand up to the 42km.”
Twenty-six years ago, Sydney introduced the world to a fearless Kenyan teenager chasing an Olympic dream.
Now, the same city welcomes back a woman who went on to conquer the track, cross country and marathon — and to leave an indelible mark on Kenyan athletics.
From teenage Olympian to Olympic champion. From world champion to marathon winner. From rising talent to mother and enduring icon.
Vivian Cheruiyot has come full circle — and Sydney is once again the stage.
(08/29/26) Views: 231Erick Cheruiyot for My Best Runs.
Cristhian Pacheco Conquers Mexico City Marathon as Peruvian Star Claims Victory in 2:10:03
Peru’s Cristhian Pacheco produced a magnificent performance to win the 2026 Mexico City Marathon, overcoming a strong international field and the demanding conditions of one of the world’s highest-profile high-altitude marathons.
Pacheco crossed the finish line in 2:10:03, securing a memorable victory on the streets of Mexico’s capital. Racing at an altitude of approximately 2,240 metres above sea level, the Peruvian had to contend with reduced oxygen availability and a course that places considerable demands on even the most experienced marathoners.
The race developed into a fascinating battle between Pacheco and a group of leading Ethiopian and African runners. However, the Peruvian remained composed as the kilometres accumulated and eventually established himself at the front, producing a strong finish to secure the title.
Behind Pacheco, Ethiopia’s Anbesa Tesfaye finished second in 2:11:25, followed by compatriot Balew Derseh in 2:11:58. Bolivia’s Héctor Garibay was fourth in 2:12:37, while Ethiopia’s Workneh Tasew completed the top five in 2:17:11.
For Pacheco, the triumph adds another important chapter to an already distinguished marathon career. The Peruvian has established himself as one of South America’s leading long-distance runners, and victory in Mexico City once again demonstrated his ability to compete successfully against some of the strongest marathoners from Africa and beyond.
The demanding altitude made Pacheco’s achievement even more impressive. Rather than allowing the conditions to dictate the outcome, he managed his effort intelligently, stayed patient during the crucial stages and found the strength required to separate himself from his rivals when the race entered its decisive phase.
His victory also carries special significance for Peru, continuing the country’s proud marathon tradition on the Mexico City stage. Pacheco’s performance showed a combination of experience, resilience and tactical discipline, qualities that proved decisive over the final kilometres of a race where every second and every ounce of energy mattered.
Pacheco’s success is therefore more than simply another entry in the results book. It is a powerful reminder that great marathon performances are built not only on speed, but also on patience, preparation and the ability to withstand adversity. In Mexico City, the Peruvian delivered all three—and walked away as champion.
2026 Mexico City Marathon — Men’s Top 10
1. Cristhian Pacheco (Peru) — 2:10:03
2. Anbesa Tesfaye (Ethiopia) — 2:11:25
3. Balew Derseh (Ethiopia) — 2:11:58
4. Héctor Garibay (Bolivia) — 2:12:37
5. Workneh Tasew (Ethiopia) — 2:17:11
6. Boit Mike Kiptum (Kenya) — 2:17:32
7. Cornelius Kibiwott (Kenya) — 2:17:38
8. Fernando Tapia (Ecuador) — 2:21:12
9. Emmanuel Reyes (Mexico) — 2:21:35
10. Bett Kiprotich (Kenya) — 2:22:38
Cristhian Pacheco has conquered Mexico City—and in doing so, delivered a performance of Peruvian pride, determination and marathon excellence.
(08/31/26) Views: 231Erick Cheruiyot for My Best Runs.
Femke Broeders-Bol’s Stunning 800m Transformation: From Hurdles Star to Dutch Record Breaker
Femke Broeders-Bol has spent much of her career dominating the 400m hurdles, but in 2026 the Dutch star has opened an entirely new chapter — and her transformation into a world-class 800m runner is becoming one of the most fascinating stories in athletics.
What initially looked like an intriguing experiment has rapidly developed into something far more serious.
Broeders-Bol is now running times that place her firmly among the elite of the women’s 800m.
Her breakthrough has been remarkable in both its speed and scale. After making the transition to the two-lap event, she quickly demonstrated that the qualities that made her one of the world’s best 400m hurdlers could be transferred to the longer distance.
Her 2026 progression tells the story.
She clocked 1:55.60 in Paris on June 28, followed by 1:57.13 in Ostrava, before producing 1:55.54 at the European Championships in Birmingham. That performance equalled Ellen van Langen’s long-standing Dutch record of 1:55.54, a mark that had stood since the 1992 Olympic Games.
Just days later, Broeders-Bol went even faster.
At the Lausanne Diamond League on August 21, she ran 1:55.41, lowering the Dutch record outright and finishing second behind Switzerland’s Audrey Werro.
Then came Zürich.
On August 27, Broeders-Bol produced another extraordinary performance, stopping the clock at 1:54.71 to break her own national record by 0.70 seconds in less than a week. She finished second to Werro, who ran a spectacular 1:53.70 — the third-fastest time ever recorded in the women’s 800m.
For Broeders-Bol, however, the biggest headline was her own transformation.
Her 400m hurdles background has provided an exceptional foundation for the 800m. Years of racing over barriers have developed her speed, strength, rhythm, speed endurance and ability to maintain efficient mechanics when fatigue sets in. Those qualities are particularly valuable over two laps, where the ability to combine raw pace with endurance can separate the very best from the rest.
The challenge has been converting that 400m speed into sustained 800m pace.
And she is doing exactly that.
A 1:54.71 performance is no longer the result of an athlete simply testing herself in another event. It is the mark of a genuine 800m contender.
What makes the development even more intriguing is that Broeders-Bol herself has appeared surprised by just how quickly she has adapted to the distance.
In Zürich, she showed once again that her ceiling over 800m may be considerably higher than anyone initially expected.
At just 26, the Dutch star now finds herself at the beginning of a potentially extraordinary second chapter in her career. Her established reputation as a 400m hurdles powerhouse has already been transformed by a new national record over 800m — and she is continuing to improve at a breathtaking rate. World Athletics lists her 1:54.71 as her current personal best and ranks her among the leading women over the distance.
The question now is no longer whether Broeders-Bol can run the 800m.
It is how fast she can ultimately go.
If this remarkable progression continues, the road towards the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics could become one of the most intriguing storylines in women’s middle-distance running.
Femke Broeders-Bol has already proven that she can conquer the hurdles.
Now, she is showing that two laps of the track may belong to her too.
(08/28/26) Views: 229Erick Cheruiyot for My Best Runs
