Running News Daily

Peres Jepchirchir reveals what worries her ahead of Olympic title defence

Olympic marathon champion Peres Jepchirchir has explained why she is concerned as she prepares to defend her title at the Paris Games.

Olympic marathon champion Peres Jepchirchir is worried that she might not have enough time to fully prepare for her title defense in Paris.

Jepchirchir won the London Marathon last month and had to take a mini break before resuming her preparations for the Olympics.

Now just getting back, the former Boston and New York Marathon champion says she has limited time to get in proper shape but she is counting on her past experiences to lead her to glory on the tough course in Paris.

“I resumed fully my training for Olympics last week on Monday but the time is limited. Three months is not much for us marathoners, now I’m rushing to go through my programme,” said Jepchirchir.

“The way I see and I have heard about the course, it is a little bit difficult, but I have run New York and Boston which are hard courses but so long as I am in good shape, free from injuries. I will make it.”

Jepchirchir admits she cannot push her body so much at the moment after putting in so much for the London Marathon that she won in a new women’s-only world record of 2:16:16.

“I started resuming slowly, now I am doing 20km running and I think by the end of this month, I will be fully in my programme,” she added.

She has, however, shrugged off suggestions that Team Kenya will have it rough especially from Ethiopians, backing herself and her team-mates Hellen Obiri and Brigid Kosgei to triumph over their bitter rivals.

“I know the team is strong and to win Olympics again is not easy. It means extra hard work but I know we are going to make it. Team Kenya is strong, Ethiopia is strong but not stronger than us,” remarked the mother of one.

Jepchirchir was speaking after being awarded the Sports Personality of the Month for April by the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya in conjunction with electronics giants LG.

How motherhood turned Peres Jepchirchir into the marathon force to be reckoned with

The reigning Women's marathon Olympic champion has revealed how her daughter helped her take her running back to the next level.

Peres Jepchirchir is one of the most recognisable and well accomplished athletes in the world of marathon.

The 30-year-old has been conquering road races for quite a while now ever since she launched her running career in 2013, when she ran two 10k road races in South Africa and then took part in the Kisumu marathon and cross country running, alongside a certain Faith Kipyegon.

It was in 2016 that she really starting becoming consistent after a few struggles, as she started dominating in half-marathons. She continued on  her trail and even broke two half-marathon records. It was after that that she was blessed with a daughter, Natalie.

As the world recently celebrated mother’s day, Jepchirchir believes becoming a mother has made her a much better athlete, as it motivated her to go beyond her limits, knowing there was now someone in her life looking up to her and depending on her.

“It has changed my life since Natalie was born. You have to work extra hard because now you know you have someone who is depending on you,” Jepchirchir told Olympics Kenya.

Although motherhood is a beautiful thing, it did not come without its challenges, as it effectively meant her life was not her own anymore.

“There were some challenges, but it was mostly good. When Natalia was young, sometimes it would be difficult as she would get sick sometimes. You do not know if she is feeling pain and sometimes, it would be difficult to go for races. 

“I returned to action when Natalia was one year and two months old, which made it difficult for me. I was uncomfortable traveling without my daughter because you just could not tell if she was healthy.”

Getting back to action was no easy streak. Jepchirchir had to shed off her weight, but also had to balance and find a way to solve the issues her baby went through, including the occasional illness.

“It is not easy. Losing weight was a tall order. It was also difficult to sleep. When you want to wake up, she also wants to wake up, when the baby is unwell, its issues, but challenges are there. You just have to commit yourself, love it and enjoy it.”

Jepchirchir has gone on to win the Olympic Games, and recently set the women’s-only world record in the marathon, finishing in two hours, 16 minutes and 16 seconds in London.

She attributes it to the motivation her daughter has instilled in her, describing her as her biggest cheerleader.

“They are playful. Sometimes she will tell me, ‘mommy, you are going to be okay! Mommy, you are going to win!’ Kids are comforting sometimes if you are down.

“Like the other day at the London Marathon, Natalia got emotional. People were cheering me on, but she was crying. She is used to seeing me winning.

"So the one time I got third in London, she was crying ‘Mommy, why did you not win?’ and you end up asking yourself why.”

As she continues to pursue excellence on the marathon course, Peres Jepchirchir exemplifies the extraordinary balance of motherhood and athletic achievement, proving that with dedication and love, anything is possible.

Controversy Arises Over Boston’s Moving 6-Hour Results Cutoff

For back of the packer, heartbreak is learning their finishes are not official, even though they have times.

Laura Caster wants to be clear: She knew what the Boston Marathon rule was about official finishers. 

She was aware she had 6 hours from the time the last finisher crossed the starting line to finish the race in order to be considered official. 

Her problem? She didn’t know what time the last finisher crossed the starting line. 

Caster, 52, from Idlewild, California, was in corral 7 of Boston’s final wave, wave 4. And she crossed the starting line at 11:25 a.m. So for how many more minutes were runners crossing the starting line behind her? “Are they a minute behind me? Five minutes?” she wondered. 

Every minute would count for her. 

As it turned out, the final starter crossed the line at 11:28 a.m., so Caster needed to finish by 5:28 p.m. to be considered official.

Caster typically runs about 5:40 for a marathon. She finished Tokyo on March 3 in 5:41:50. Tokyo was her fifth of the World Marathon Majors six-star challenge. Boston was to be her sixth. 

To gain entry to Boston, she had run for a charity, Team for Kids. She raised more than $5,000—part of the more than $40 million Boston Marathon organizers say the race raises through charity runners every year. And she treated Tokyo as a long run for Boston. 

But the weather was warm on Marathon Monday, April 15. The slower runners start later in the day. And from early on, Caster knew she was in trouble. Her stomach was upset. She couldn’t take in all the fluids she needed. She was grabbing ice every time a spectator offered it. 

Still, she plugged along, hitting every timing mat—even though the mats are rolled up along the course on pace with the 6-hour finish time. She passed halfway in 2:58:40.

At numerous points, Caster became aware of a vehicle trailing runners like her, who were going at about 6-hour pace. And she asked a volunteer at one timing mat, “How do I know if I’m going to be official?” Caster said he pointed at the car and told her she needed to finish in front of it. 

“I was like, okay. That’s a definite answer,” she said. “I’m not going to look at my watch. I’m going to focus on not throwing up and being in front of that car.” 

Caster was well ahead of the car on Commonwealth Avenue when she turned right onto Hereford Street. Just to be safe, as she approached the finish line on Boylston, Caster took a final look behind her. No sign of the official car. She crossed at 5:31 p.m., in 6:05:59. Volunteers put her in a wheelchair and sent her to the medical tent. From there, she was transported to a hospital with low blood potassium levels. She was released later that evening. 

At the hospital, she looked at the results and realized she was not official. She had a gun time and a net time, but no place. 

Caster was devastated. All the training, all the time and expense of pursuing the six stars, and she wasn’t really done. “I’ve worked for years, was so excited to have gotten to this point,” she said of her progress. “I was just leveled.” 

Caster’s coach is Meb Keflezighi, an Olympic silver medalist and the 2014 Boston Marathon champion. On the phone with him, she broke down. 

He told her, “I couldn’t be prouder of you. You missed it. We both know that you completed all six. You’re not official. But you showed grit, you showed determination.” 

Allowing roads to reopen

Caster was not alone. Chris Lotsbom, a BAA spokesman, wrote in an email to Runner’s World that 497 people appeared to have crossed the Boston finish line this year after it officially closed. Volunteers staffed the area and handed out medals for approximately 4 hours, or until 9:45 p.m., longer than the race has ever continued to note times before. 

Of those 497, many were within a few minutes or seconds of 5:28 p.m. 

Cortney Blackburn, also in pursuit of her sixth star at Boston, missed by 37 seconds. 

In an email exchange after the race with BAA officials, she asked how she was to know what the cutoff time was after she had started running. She, too, was told about the car, with flashing lights on the top, going at 6-hour pace and alerting runners if they were falling behind. Blackburn never saw the car—she finished well ahead of it—and she, too, recorded a split at every finish line mat along the way. 

Lotsbom confirmed the car was there—a “road reopening vehicle”—he called it, meant to inform runners that roads were reopening and aid stations were shutting down. 

“Without knowing specifics, I can’t comment on the individual instances referenced,” he wrote. “I can say that we are reviewing our processes and procedures in regards to final finishers for future Boston Marathons.”

Blackburn crossed the finish line and picked up two medals: the Boston Marathon medal and the World Marathon Majors six-star medal. Only later did she realize she wasn’t official in Boston’s results and therefore isn’t official in the WMM results, either. She has the medals, but no online record of her achievement.

But if the finish line remains open, and the timing continues, why not allow runners to be official? Or at least communicate a time—for example, 5:30 p.m.—that is consistent from year to year? Why use a moving target? 

Boston’s strict cutoff is part of the agreement the race has with the cities and towns along the route. The 6-hour time limit is in place “to support the communities throughout which the race runs, to allow their road reopening program to commence as planned,” Lotsbom wrote. 

“We understand we could do even more in communicating the closing time on race day and we are looking to enhance that messaging to all runners for next year to ensure everyone is clear [on] the time limit and time that the finish line will officially close on race day,” Lotsbom wrote. 

A grace period

A few runners who are much slower than 6 hours get to start in earlier waves, which gives them more time to finish. For some runners close to the 5:28 p.m. cutoff, starting in an earlier corral of wave 4 would have meant the difference between an official and unofficial finish. 

In 2015, some members of Boston’s Quarter Century Club, people with 25 or more consecutive Boston finishes, were concerned about the 6-hour limit, which was imposed for the 2016 race. So race officials moved them to Wave 2. Problem solved. 

For others, the problem remains. And the moving cutoff appears to affect more women than men, older runners more than younger ones, and many runners of color.

Hector Espinal, like Blackburn, only discovered well after the race that he wasn’t official. He wrote on Instagram on April 18, “Despite crossing the finish line, finishing the race and receiving my medals, this morning I was informed that I did not complete the Boston Marathon in the time allotted to be considered an official finisher and @wmmajors 6 Star Marathoner.” 

The post has more than 10,000 likes, and 1,000 comments, the majority of them supportive. Elite runner Mary Ngugi of Kenya, who was sixth in 2:24:24, wrote, “No no, you are a 6 time world major marathoner and a hero.”

Boston is a race that has at times struggled with its image, which critics call elitist. Spectators last year accused the race of over-policing enthusiastic fans, most of whom were people of color, at a mile 21 cheer zone, which prompted a lawsuit. Runner’s World reported in 2022 about the B.A.A.’s obscure, largely white, invitation-only membership group, which is involved with governance of the organization. 

To many observers in the running community, setting a fixed finish time would be an easy way to help the race’s image as concerned about runners of varying abilities, not just the front of the pack.

Other races in the World Marathon Majors are much more lax about their finishing times, with the exception of Tokyo, which has nine cutoff points along the route, and runners are stopped if they lag behind. There are no questions, however, about where they stand. 

But finishers of London, New York, and Chicago appear in results with times hours slower than the races’ published cutoff times. Berlin, which has a posted cutoff time of 6:15, stays open for an extra 15 to 20 minutes before the Brandenburg Gate closes, according to previous finishers. 

Blackburn won’t be back to Boston anytime soon. “I don’t know honestly if I would do it again without major changes to actually be inclusive of non-qualifying athletes,” she wrote in a message to Runner’s World. “I think [B.A.A. officials] are putting out ‘we are trying’ vibes without actually trying.”

Caster, on the other hand, plans to try again. The uncertainty while she was on the course—and the wrong information she was given about the official vehicle—were what upset her. She doesn’t know if it would have made a difference for her had she been aware of the time she had to beat. 

“But I would have liked to the opportunity to have tried,” she said. “That’s the part that I’m sore about.” 

Salzburg prepares for duel between Murithi and Herzog

The Salzburg Marathon is ready for its 21st edition on Sunday, May 12th. A new starting area, the historic flair of the “Mozart City”, the participation of the Austrian national record holder and a truly international field with runners of 85 nationalities provide all the ingredients for an unforgettable event.

Austrian national record holder Peter Herzog and Kenyan Peter Wahome Murithi are the headliners in the marathon race. An exciting duel is on the cards. Herzog has a personal best of 2:10:06 from London 2020 and made a return to good shape this spring after a year and a half full of injuries. Murithi even ran 2:09:40 in Graz 2023, a time that has to remain unofficial, as this event was not registered in the World Athletics Global Calendar.

Both athletes are coming to Salzburg bringing their personal running experience from the recent Vienna City Marathon three weeks ago. Herzog made a fine comeback in 2:15:29 in Vienna, while Wahome was on course for a sub-2:10 time, but dropped out after 30 km due to health problems. He is now hoping to make the most of his second chance to achieve a good result in this spring marathon.

Local hero Peter Herzog explains: “It was a decision of desire, not necessarily one of logic. I have rediscovered my marathon euphoria and am delighted that I will be able to enjoy this special marathon feeling a second time.”

The marathon field will be sent off at a new start area on the “Staatsbrücke“ bridge with a great view on the historic city center and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Salzburg. “Over the past two decades, we have gradually put Salzburg on the international map of running and anchored it there. Today, we are an international event that attracts participants of 85 different nationalities from all over the world. Our aim is to ensure that they arrive in Salzburg with anticipation and a good feeling and return home with outstanding personal experiences“, say the race organizers.

Compared to previous years, the start has been brought forward by half an hour. This will give amateur runners in the marathon in particular the opportunity to run in the cooler morning hours for 30 minutes longer and 30 minutes less in the time when the highest temperatures of the day are expected.

Public transport to and from the race is available free of charge for all participants within the region of Salzburg on the day of their race. Salzburg Marathon is certified as an ecologically sustainable event by Austrian control authorities. Runners enjoy high quality organic food made from local products at the marathon village. The use of renewable materials and an integrated programme for the reduction of transports and natural resources is in place.

Kosgei believes she can go one step further and win title in Paris

Tokyo 2020 Olympics women's marathon silver medalist Brigid Kosgei believes she can go one step further and nail the title in Paris this year. 

In an exclusive interview on Wednesday Kosgei said she is ready to annihilate the rich field of competitors in the cut-throat 42km race on her way to the winner's dais. 

The two-time world champion constitutes the starry eight-member Team Kenya marathon delegation for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games unveiled by Athletics Kenya last week. 

"I'm happy to be part of the team. The biggest dream of any athlete is to don the national colours and I'll do everything within my power to make the country proud," Kosgei remarked.

 "It's one great opportunity I cannot take for granted. Several brilliant Kenyan athletes deserved to be on board but were left out. My goal is to steer the nation to victory," she added. 

Kosgei will be gunning for the women's accolade alongside compatriots Peres Jepchirchir and Hellen Obiri. Sharon Lokedi is the reserve in the squad. 

"We have a strong team of marathoners and I'm certain we can achieve something positive results if we put our heads together," Kosgei stated. 

Her performance at the London Marathon on April 21 was, however, disappointing after she clocked two hours, 19 minutes, and two seconds to fizzle out to a disappointing fifth. 

She will, nevertheless, find comfort in her masterclass act on March 17, 2024, where she stormed to the Lisbon Half Marathon title.

Kosgei is well aware she has a lot to pan out in Paris after her inclusion in the starting lineup ahead of Lokedi ruffled some feathers, with a section of fans arguing that she ought to have been the reserve runner judging by their recent performances. 

Born on February 20, 1994, in Elgeyo-Marakwet County, Kosgei has demonstrated her gumption as a course diva since her inauguration, having bagged five World Marathon Majors. 

She gleamed to the Chicago Marathon title in 2018; and took the  2019 London Marathon gold medal, becoming the youngest woman to win the event. The feat saw her record the third-best time after Paula Radcliffe in 2005 ( 2:17:42) and Mary Keitany in 2017 ( 2:17:01).

She went on to replicate her conquering exploits at the 2019 Chicago Marathon. Her credentials were boosted further by a first-place finish at the 2020.

London Marathon and another gold medal at the  2021 Tokyo  Marathon. 

This will be her second appearance at the Olympics after wrapping up second behind Jepchirchir at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and ahead of compatriots Cheruiyot and Ruth Chepng'etich.

Mississauga runner Sergio Raez wins BMO Vancouver Marathon

For the first time since 2022, a Canadian runner has won the BMO Vancouver Marathon. After finishing third last year, Sergio Raez Villanueva of Mississauga, Ont., broke the tape in Vancouver on Sunday with a time of 2:22:45, marking the fastest time ever by a Canadian on the course.

It was a weekend to remember for Raez Villanueva, who chalked up his first career marathon win, which happened to be the morning after he saved another elite marathoner from choking.

Raez Villanueva told Canadian Running he had to perform the Heimlich maneuver. “He was choking on some food, and it helped,” says Raez Villanueva. “The experience left me very shaky afterward, but I guess that extra adrenaline translated well for the marathon.”

Raez Villanueva ran with McMaster University during his collegiate career and made the move up to the marathon in 2022, with a 10th place finish at the 2022 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon in 2:18:04, which still stands as his personal best. Raez Villanueva returned to Toronto this past year, finishing as the third Canadian in 2:20:48.

Finishing behind Raez Villanueva for second on Sunday was Chris Balestrini of London, Ont., in 2:23:53. Matthew Neumann of Canmore, Alta., rounded out the podium with a time of 2:24:46.

The women’s race saw two international athletes cross the finish line in first and second. Argentina Valdepeñas of Guadalupe, Mexico, won the women’s marathon by nearly a minute over Kate Landau of Tacoma, Wash., in 2:39:38. Landau crossed the finish line exactly 56 seconds later for a time of 2:40:35. Vancouver’s own Emily Andrews rounded out the top three with a time of 2:45:02.

More than 23,000 participants gathered for the annual event starting in Vancouver’s Queen Elizabeth Park and finishing in the downtown Coal Harbour neighbourhood. Participants for this year’s race ranged from seasoned athletes to first-time marathoners, and collectively raised more than $360,000 for charity via the RUN4HOPE program.

World record holder Tigist Assefa named to her first Olympics

World record holder, Tigist Assefa, has been named to her first Olympic Games for Ethiopia. Assefa set the running world on fire last September with a jaw-dropping world record at the 2023 Berlin Marathon–two hours, 11 minutes and 53 seconds. 

Assefa has had a well-polished marathon career so far, winning two of her four races and finishing on the podium in three. Most recently, she finished second to Kenya’s Peres Jepchirchir (the defending Olympic champion) at the 2024 London Marathon, with a time of 2:16:23. This was Assefa’s first loss at an Abbott World Marathon Major.

All eyes will be on the 27-year-old as she tackles the daunting Paris course, which features more than 400 meters of elevation gain. This will be Assefa’s toughest challenge to date.

Joining Assefa on the Ethiopian team are two experienced marathoners: 2023 world champion Amane Beriso and 2022 world champion Gotytom Gebreslase. Beriso has finished in the top three of her last six marathons and has thrived in warmer race conditions, taking wins in Budapest, Mexico City and Valencia. Gebreslase has been on the podium in the marathon at the last two world championships.

Like the men, the Ethiopian women’s team looks to end the streak of their East African rival, Kenya. Ethiopia has not won gold in the women’s marathon since Tiki Gelena at the London 2012 Olympics.

Kenenisa Bekele named to Ethiopian Olympic marathon team

Ethiopia's Kenenisa Bekele and Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge will square off in the marathon at the Paris Olympics.

It’s been 12 years since Ethiopian distance runner Kenenisa Bekele last put on his country’s singlet at an Olympic Games, but he has officially earned his spot on the Ethiopian marathon team for Paris 2024. 

As reported by ESPN, Bekele is one of three men selected by the Ethiopian Athletics Federation to represent Ethiopia in the marathon at the 2024 Paris Olympics. This will be Bekele’s fourth Olympic Games and the first time he has represented his country in the marathon. He has previously won four Olympic medals (three gold, one silver) across the 5,000m and 10,000m events, at Athens (2004) and Beijing (2008).

Bekele earned his spot on the Ethiopian team after an excellent showing at the 2024 London Marathon, where he placed second behind Kenya’s Alexander Mutiso, in 2:04:15 (a men’s 40+ world record). His time was four seconds faster than his previous master’s best, from the 2023 Valencia Marathon in December (2:04:19). 

Bekele will face his long-time rival, Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge, at one final Olympic Games in the streets of Paris, almost exactly 20 years after their first Olympic matchup in Athens. Kipchoge and Bekele are two of the fastest marathoners in history, and are part of the exclusive club of four men who have gone under the 2:02 marathon mark.

Joining Bekele on the Ethiopian team is another athlete in that exclusive club, Sisay Lemma. Lemma has a personal best of 2:01:53 from the Valencia Marathon in December. Most recently, Lemma won the 2024 Boston Marathon in 2:06:17, ending Evans Chebet of Kenya’s two-year reign. 

2022 world marathon champion and 2023 New York City Marathon champion Tamirat Tola rounds out the Ethiopian squad. The difficult 2024 Paris Olympic course suits Tola’s style of racing well, and he’ll certainly be one of the favorites to win gold and end Kenya’s streak of champions. Ethiopia has not won gold in the men’s marathon since Gezahegne Abera in Sydney in 2000.

Jepchirchir is confident with her finishing kick ahead of the Olympic Games

The reigning Olympic women’s marathon champion Peres Jepchirchir reckons she has the allure to hypnotize her way to another crown at the upcoming 2024 Paris Games in August.

Jepchirchir, 30, heads to the French capital inspired by her mind-blowing act of genius at the 2024 London Marathon, where she smashed the women’s only world record at a searing pace of two hours, 16 minutes, and 16 seconds.

In an exclusive interview on Wednesday, Jepchirchir expressed optimism in her determination to crack a back-to-back title at the Olympic Games.

She spoke moments after Athletics Kenya unveiled the official list of eight men and women marathoners who will hold forte for the nation at the Paris Games.

“I know it won’t be easy. I’m expecting a tough contest but I’m confident I’ll accomplish my pursuit at the Summer Olympics in Paris. I’ve equipped myself adequately for the enormous assignment ahead,” Jepchirchir remarked.

Jepchirchir said she would replicate the tactical blueprint that fired her to glory in previous races including her momentous triumph at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

“I have adopted a strong finishing kick that comes in handy on the home stretch. I’ve always made it impossible for my opponents to overtake me in the final 800m. That’s exactly what I intend to do,” Jepchirchir stated.

Reflecting on her historic windfall in the frigid streets of England last month, the diminutive runner said her record-smashing exploits caught her by surprise.

“I was thrilled by the victory. I was not expecting to shatter the world record. I remotely believed someone would smash it but it hardly crossed my mind that person would be me.”

The conquest served to embellish an astral career set in motion by two World Half Marathon victories in 2016 and 2020.

She went on to storm the 2021 New York City and 2022 Boston Marathon titles before wrapping up third at the 2023 London Marathon.

Jepchirchir headlines a starry roster of Kenyan marathoners tasked with hoisting the nation’s flag at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

According to a list unveiled by the National Olympic Committee of Kenya on Wednesday, Jepchirchir’s teammates include reigning Boston and New York Marathon champion Hellen Obiri, Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Brigid Kosgei, and 2022 New York Marathon champion Sharon Lokedi who has been incorporated as a reserve runner.

Double Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge headlines the men’s list that also boasts the recently crowned London Marathon champion Alex Mutiso,  Benson Kipruto and Timothy Kiplagat who has earned a spot on the team as a reserve.

The women’s Olympic race slated for August 11, will cover a 42,195km loop linking Paris and Versailles.

The marathon will begin at the Hôtel de Ville in Paris and ends at Les Invalides, passing through nine districts including the Paris— Boulogne-Billancourt, Sèvres, Ville d’Avray, Versailles, Viroflay, Chaville, Meudon and Issy-les-Moulineaux.

London Marathon receives world record 840,000 applications for 2025 race

London Marathon organisers said they have received 840,318 applications for the 2025 race, breaking the world record of 578,374 set in last year's public ballot.

More than 53,000 runners completed the 44th edition of the marathon last week, a record for the event.

"This is an absolutely phenomenal total," event director Hugh Brasher said on Monday.

"Furthermore, the increase in applications from women, up from around 43% last year to 49% this year, is exceptional and takes us close to parity for applications for the first time.

"We want to inspire people of all ages and abilities to get active and these amazing record-breaking figures show how the TCS London Marathon is doing that and how many people want to be part of it," Brasher added.

The 2025 London Marathon is scheduled for April 27.

Here are some of the Guinness World Records set at the 2024 London Marathon

Could you beat Lee Baynton’s new record of “fastest marathon in a full-body inflatable costume?”

Each year, the London Marathon sees several Guinness World Record attempts, bizarre and wonderful feats like “the fastest female dressed as stationery (2022)” and “fastest marathon in dressed as a film character (Forrest Gump, 2018),” make history books—and 2024 was no exception. But of the 44 world records set or broken during the race, not all were just for costumed runners.

Among the remarkable stories was that of Jono Astle, a Londoner who not only ran the fastest marathon for someone with MS, but also raised a commendable $25,000 for the Multiple Sclerosis Society along the way.

Anthony Bryan, who lost the use of the left side of his body after having surgery to remove a brain tumor as a child, ran the fastest marathon by someone paralyzed down one side of their body, beating the previous time of 5:50. (Bryan, a lifelong supporter of Tottenham Hotspur FC, even met up with Spurs defender Ben Davies before the marathon for some extra encouragement to help him get the record.)

For the costumed runners, the outfits were as varied as the times they ran.

Lee Baynton of Essex ran the fastest-ever marathon in an inflatable costume, clocking a 3:21:07 while raising money for a local hospice. It was Baynton’s sixth marathon, but he said this was his favorite. “All the kids, as soon as they see you, are smiling, high-fiving. Everyone’s cheering and chanting, it’s incredible—I should do this every year,” he told The Independent.

Stephen Cochrane broke the Guinness World Record for the fastest marathon dressed as a scientist, although science could not save him from overheating during the race. “The lab coat gets sweaty, heavy, and you overheat very quickly. By halfway, I was really struggling,” he told the paper.

Simon Killen of Holbeach, England, broke the record for the fastest marathon dressed as a video game character. Ironically, it was not Sonic, but Mario, that Killen chose to beat the previous record of 2:57. It was also Killen’s personal best. No word if he used a mushroom beforehand, though he did complain of cramps.

Some overheated runners could have used a visit from Marcus Mumford, who ran the fastest marathon while dressed as a water tap, with a time of 3:10. Mumford loves plumbing fixtures, previously running London in 2014 dressed as a toilet. “I’m working my way around the bathroom items,” he told The Independent. “People didn’t really know what I was. I was called a weather vane, radio station. It’s all in aid of Water Aid – a fantastic charity.”

The full list of new Guinness World Records titles:  

Peres Jepchirchir: Fastest marathon (female, women-only race) - 02:16:16

Richard Whitehead: Fastest marathon (LA3) (male) - 02:42:01

Simone Carniglia: Fastest marathon by a type 1 diabetic (male) - 02:44:33

Stephen Cochrane: Fastest marathon dressed as a scientist (male) - 02:48:51

Simon Killen: Fastest marathon dressed as a videogame character (male) - 02:52:57

Sam Hull: Fastest marathon dressed as a tennis player (male) - 02:59:38

Warren Parish: Fastest marathon dressed as a cheerleader (male) - 03:03:51

Holly Brownlee: Fastest marathon dressed in pyjamas (female) - 03:06:18

Jonathan Astle: Fastest marathon with multiple sclerosis (male) - 03:07:34

Marcus Mumford: Fastest marathon dressed as a tap/faucet (male) - 03:10:50

James Whistler: Fastest marathon dressed as a harlequin (male) - 03:12:00

Alison Stewart: Fastest marathon dressed as a videogame character (female) - 03:19:10

James Applegarth: Fastest marathon in pilot uniform (male) - 03:20:25

Ian Howard: Fastest marathon dressed as a rotating puzzle cube (male) - 03:20:31

Lee Baynton: Fastest marathon in a full-body inflatable costume (male) - 03:21:07

Matt Everett: Fastest marathon dressed as a traffic cone (male) - 03:22:16

Douglas O’Neill: Fastest marathon dressed as a sweet food (male) - 03:28:16

Gilles Dufosse: Fastest marathon dressed as a monarch (male) - 03:32:16

Kate Baldock: Fastest marathon dressed as a Star Wars character (female) - 03:33:12

Toby Norman: Fastest marathon dressed as a three dimensional aircraft (male) - 03:34:27

Ollie Shortt: Fastest marathon dressed as a body part (male) - 03:43:00

Laura Baker: Fastest marathon dressed as a sweet food (female) - 03:45:57

Tom Hall: Fastest marathon dressed as an emoji (male) - 03:50:17

Claire Casselton: Fastest marathon dressed as a skeleton (female) - 03:51:01

Ben Kellett: Fastest marathon carrying a bicycle - 03:54:52

Kimberly Siano: Fastest marathon dressed in a safari suit (female) - 03:54:58

Uilszaya Bodikhuu: Fastest marathon dressed in traditional Mongolian dress (female) - 03:59:56

Jennifer Stack: Fastest marathon dressed as a flag (female) - 04:01:02

Charlie Fitton: Fastest marathon dressed as a snowperson (female) - 04:05:52

Karen Stebel: Fastest marathon dressed as a mobile phone (female) - 04:08:42

Joanne Bridle: Fastest marathon dressed as a clown (female) - 04:16:36

Jani Barré: Fastest marathon in a non-racing wheelchair (female) - 04:19:21

Adrian Bebb: Fastest marathon dressed as a road vehicle (male) - 04:21:41

Andrew Roberts: Fastest marathon wearing chainmail (upper body) - 04:22:24

Alexandra Fresco-Sumner: Fastest marathon dressed as a mechanic (female) - 04:28:58

Caroline Duncan: Fastest marathon dressed in a flight suit (female) - 04:36:16

Emma Whatley: Fastest marathon dressed as a road vehicle (female) - 04:38:30

Andy Fountain: Fastest marathon dressed as a rocking horse (male) - 05:04:52

Phillip Beer: Fastest marathon dressed as a book (male) - 05:08:04

Georgina Box: Fastest marathon in a full-body inflatable costume (female) - 05:10:31

Anthony Bryan: Fastest marathon (CIH) (male) - 05:49:04

Brendan Matthews: Most T-shirts worn during a marathon (male) - 100 T-shirts 

Jackie Scully, Frances Walker, Petr Maslov, Aileen Rice-Jones, Daniel Smith, Alex Weight, James Read, Kate Rham, Cameron Sharpe, Michael Edwards: Fastest marathon in a ten-person costume – 06:32:05

Lloyd Martin: Youngest person to complete a marathon (II2) (male) - 06:46:10 

British man runs 4-hour marathon while drinking 25 glasses of wine

A British man and TikToker combined two of his favourite things–running and wine–at this year’s London Marathon to complete an epic challenge for charity. Instead of opting for a flashy costume or a Guinness World Record, Tom Gilbey of London, an Internet wine connoisseur, took on the challenge of blind tasting a different glass of wine at every mile of the 26.2-mile course–and he still finished in a respectable time.

While most marathon participants focus on pacing themselves and staying hydrated with water or electrolyte drinks, Gilbey was fuelled by 25 different wines from around the world, savouring both white and red varieties along the route. Despite the unconventional and do-not-try-this-at-home approach, Gilbey completed the London Marathon in four hours and 41 minutes, finishing 22,316 overall in a field of 30,000-plus.

To make the marathon more challenging, Gilbey guessed each wine he was drinking at each mile, and despite the mental and physical fatigue (from the drinking and the marathon), he guessed 21 of the 25 wines correctly. Gilbey said he even had a glass of champagne waiting for him at the finish line, but his friend’s phone died (who was shooting the video for him).

Gilbey wasn’t just in it for the (dubious) accomplishment; he also ran for a cause close to his heart. The TikTok wine expert raised money for the Sobell House Hospice Charity in Oxfordshire, U.K., in memory of his mother, Caroline.

Gilbey posted updates on TikTok under the username @tomgilbeywine, garnering over 2.5 million views in 24 hours. The online community was astounded by Gilbey’s accomplishment, with many expressing admiration for his ability to combine two seemingly disparate passions—running and wine. One user hilariously commented, “I did this last night without the running.”

Besides being a wine-drinking marathoner, Gilbey has spent his entire life working with wine, and also runs his own wine business—so it makes sense why he was able to identify so many of them correctly.

His goal was to raise £2,000 (CAD $3,400) for Sobell House Hospice, and he’s gone well beyond his fundraising goal, raising nearly £14,000 (CAD $23,800). If you’d like to contribute to Gilbey’s fundraiser for Sobell House, you can do so here.

76 year old Jeff Aston has run every London Marathon

There are only six people who can say they have run every London Marathon and Jeff Aston is one of them. 

In 1980 he spotted an advert for the event due to take place the following year and decided to go for it. 

Now, four decades later, Jeff, 76, from Cardiff, is celebrating completing is 44th and has no plans on stopping. 

When he was younger, Jeff enjoyed playing squash and football until the River Taff flooded the courts where he played and he started running around the playing fields.

While leafing through a magazine in 1980, he came across an advert for the first London Marathon, held the following year, and decided to go for it. 

"I always wanted to run a marathon when I was a teenager," he said.

"When the first London Marathon came on to the scene, back then it was the biggest marathon in the UK."

Just six months before the event, Jeff started Les Croupiers running club in Cardiff.

Looking back on his first race, when only 7,000 people took part compared with 53,000 now, he remembers the atmosphere: "I remember it was a drizzly and windy day, with the noise of the crowds. 

"By then I had run a few marathons and races so I knew what was coming. But it was the first time I had been to such a mass event at that time."

By 1983, Jeff had recorded his best time after completing the course in 2:29:31. 

During the pandemic in 2020 the event was open for a select few to take part in the race where they lived. 

That year, Jeff raised money for the City Hospice in memory of his late wife Val, who died in 2016 after being diagnosed with cancer.

Jeff signed up for the first London Marathon after seeing an advert in the national running magazine

An "ever-present" runner is someone who has run every London Marathon.

In 1995, organisers recognised these runners by awarding them a special commemorative medal and guaranteed acceptance for future events.

Now, there is only Jeff and five other ever presents left. 

In last Sunday's race, Jeff clocked a time of 8:06:27, finishing 61st in his age category.

So why does Jeff take on the challenge every year? 

"It's the challenge of the marathon distance that keeps me going. Going back every year and trying to meet your personal best.

"I'm a lot slower than what I was at my peak but I think 'what can I do to be better this year than I was last year?'

"While I still can do it, I will do it."

Jeannie Rice not only won the W75-79 age category at the London Marathon by 30 minutes–she also would have won the men's category

At the 2024 TCS London Marathon, 76-year-old running sensation Jeannie Rice shattered her own world record in the women’s 75-79 age group, clocking in at an impressive three hours, 33 minutes and 27 seconds. She surpassed her previous world record set just last October in Chicago (at age 75) by more than a minute.

Rice not only won the W75-79 age category at the TCS London Marathon by 30 minutes, she also would’ve won the men’s 75-79 category by 11 minutes. She averaged a ridiculous 5:03/km (or eight-minute mile pace) at age 76 for 42.2K. 

Rice told the media post-race that she was happy to have run an age-group record, but was hoping to finish closer to three hours and 30 minutes. “I fell off in the first few miles… I guess I’ll have to figure it out and run better in Berlin,” she said.

Alexander Munyao Wins Men’s Race at the 2024 London Marathon

The 27-year-old broke away from Kenenisa Bekele, who finished second in a new masters world record.

For the second time in the past week, the men’s winner at a World Marathon Majors crossed the line in survival mode. Six days ago, it was Sisay Lemma holding on to win Boston. This morning, it was Alexander Munyao in London. The Kenyan survived a strong move in the 18th mile to win in 2:04:01.

Kenenisa Bekele, arguably the greatest male distance runner in history, placed second in 2:04:15, four seconds faster than the masters world record he set in Valencia last December. The 41-year-old Ethiopian superstar was, surprisingly, largely responsible for the 4:35 18th mile that broke up what had been a nine-man pack.

By 35K (21.7 miles), the race was down to Munyao and Bekele. The two shared the lead more because of doing the best job of recovering after the earlier push than because they were speeding up. Munyao then got half a step on Bekele early in the 22nd mile, and broke him for good over the next mile.

Once they were dropped by Munyao and Bekele, the other earlier members of the lead pack that hit halfway in 61:29 suffered significantly. Tamirat Tola of Ethiopia, the 2022 world champion who broke the New York City course record last November, had looked eager to take over after the final pacer exited the course a little before 30K. Instead, Tola lost more than 20 seconds to the leaders before 35K, and dropped out before 40K.

The severe disintegration of the lead pack led to third and fourth place going to British runners who had been paced more moderately early on. Emile Cairess finished third in a personal best of 2:06:16 after being in 13th place at halfway (62:50). Mahamed Mahamed placed fourth in 2:07:05, also a personal best. Both men are now likely to be named to the British team for the Olympic Marathon, which will be held on August 10.

Munyao and Bekele were also running in part to secure spots on their Olympic teams. Munyao’s win, combined with his 2:03:13 PR and runner-up finish in Valencia in December, makes a good case. Bekele’s bid is even stronger. With Tola’s poor showing and Bekele’s second strong marathon in a row, will Ethiopian selectors recognize that a three-time Olympic and 19-time world champion deserves to toe the line in Paris?

Brian Shrader, the lone U.S. elite entrant, placed tenth in 2:10:50.

Kepchirchir breaks women-only world marathon record in London

Olympic champion Peres Jepchirchir smashed the women-only world record by 45 seconds at the TCS London Marathon, winning the World Athletics Platinum Label road race in 2:16:16* on Sunday (21).

In what was widely regarded as one of the deepest and highest-quality women’s fields ever assembled, the three-time world half marathon champion sprinted away from world record-holder Tigist Assefa, 2021 London winner Joyciline Jepkosgei and last year’s runner-up Megertu Alemu – all of whom finished inside 2:17 – to notch up her third victory in a World Marathon Majors race.

Jepchirchir’s compatriot Alexander Mutiso Munyao made it a Kenyan double, winning the men’s race in 2:04:01 to defeat Ethiopian distance legend Kenenisa Bekele by 14 seconds.

No secret had been made of the fact that breaking Mary Keitany’s women-only world record of 2:17:01 was the big target for the women’s race. With that at the forefront of their minds, a lead pack comprising all the big contenders soon detached themselves from the rest of the field and blazed through the first 5km in 15:44 – comfortably inside 2:13 pace.

They maintained that tempo through 10km, covered in 31:26, and at this point they were 67 seconds ahead of Ethiopia’s Tsige Haileslase, the closest challenger to the lead pack.

The front group – which included Assefa alongside past London winners Jepkosgei, Yalemzerf Yehualaw and Brigid Kosgei – got to 15km in 47:37. Soon after, Sheila Chepkirui – the runner-up in Berlin last year – started to drift off the pack.

Not long after passing the drinks station at the 20km point, 2019 world champion Ruth Chepngetich lost contact with the leaders. It meant that just seven women remained in the pack as they reached the half-way point in 1:07:04 – the second-fastest half-way split ever recorded in London, and putting them on schedule to smash the women-only world record by almost three minutes.

Kosgei was the next to drift back, and with the pacemakers having done their job, it left six women out in front: Jepchirchir, Assefa, training partner and Dubai marathon champion Tigist Ketema, 2022 London winner Yehualaw, 2021 London champion Jepkosgei, and 2023 London runner-up Megertu Alemu.

The sextet ran together through 25km (1:19:38) and 17 miles, but Ketema and Yehualaw were unable to hold on for much further and started to lose contact, leaving four women – Assefa, Jepchirchir, Jepkosgei and Alemu – to battle it out for the three podium places.

The difference between 25km and 30km, 16:18, was the slowest 5km section of the race. The lead quartet was either starting to feel the effects of their early efforts, or they were starting to bide their team for an anticipated surge in the closing stages.

With 1:44 on the clock, the four leading women managed to navigate their way around the two lead vehicles that had been forced to stop due to a wheelchair racer who was experiencing some technical difficulties.

Assefa and Jepchirchir both took turns testing the waters by making subtle surges to see how their opponents would respond, but their overall pace continued to drop and they reached 35km in 1:52:48, putting them on course for a 2:16 finish.They passed 40km in 2:09:13, still running side by side. It was clear that no one else other than these four would be claiming places on the podium, but predicting a winner – and, indeed, the athlete who’d miss out on the podium – was still impossible with less than two kilometres to go.

As the clock ticked to 2:15, with little more than a minute of running left, Alemu was finally dropped. Seconds later, Jepchirchir unleashed her trademark finish to leave behind Jepkosgei and Assefa.

The diminutive Kenyan charged through the finish line in 2:16:16, finishing seven seconds ahead of Assefa. Jepkosgei (2:16:24) and Alemu (2:16:34) followed soon after, making this the first marathon in which four women have finished inside 2:17.

Jepchirchir will now turn her attention to defending her Olympic title in Paris in less than four months’ time where she’ll aim to become the first ever back-to-back women’s marathon gold medallist in the history of the Games.

The men’s race played out in similar fashion with a surprisingly large group remaining together into the second half before the final few contenders were left to battle it out in the closing stages.The late Kelvin Kiptum’s world (2:00:35) and course (2:01:25) records were not being targeted by the elite men, but a lead pack of 12 nevertheless set off as a respectable pace, going through 5km in 14:35 and 10km in 29:03.

They remained together through 15km (58:20) with the likes of Munyao, Bekele, 2022 world champion Tamirat Tola and 2021 Chicago winner Seifu Tura all in the lead pack.

They reached half way in 1:01:29 with 10 men still running together, more than 80 seconds ahead of Britain’s Emile Cairess, who was running alone in 13th place. France’s Hassan Chahdi soon drifted off the lead pack, and eight men were in the pack at the 30km point (1:27:20).

With 1:30 on the clock, big changes started to happen. The lead pack was down to five men: Munyao, Bekele, Tola, Ethiopia’s Dawit Wolde and compatriot Milkesa Mengesha.  Less than 10 minutes later, Tola and Wolde had dropped back, leaving Bekele, Munyao and Mengesha as the lead trio. Mengesha lasted five more minutes before he, too, succumbed to the pace, unable to stick with Munyao and the 41-year-old Bekele.

Just before the clock ticked over to 1:55, Munyao finally dropped multiple world and Olympic gold medallist Bekele, who was visibly struggling to match the Kenyan’s pace.

Munyao maintained his lead to the finish, eventually winning in 2:04:01 to Bekele’s 2:04:15, the fastest time ever by an athlete over the age of 40.

With several of the leading contenders dropping out in the closing stages, Cairess came through to take third place in 2:06:46 ahead of fellow Briton Mahamed Mahamed, who clocked 2:07:05, both setting huge PBs.

Tamirat Tola aims to follow New York success with victory in London Marathon

Tamirat Tola feels a carefully planned build-up will give him every chance of adding the London Marathon title to his success in New York.

The 32-year-old Ethiopian – world champion from 2022 in Oregon – clocked a new course record of two hours, four minutes and 58 seconds when he won in Manhattan during November last year.

Tola hopes his meticulous preparations will allow him to again hit top form as he aims to be the first over the finish line on the Mall on Sunday afternoon, having come third last year.

Tamirat Tola of Ethiopia is the men's open-division winner, setting a course-record time of 2:04:58. #TCSNYCMarathon pic.twitter.com/VZRtRRrZxa

— TCS New York City Marathon (@nycmarathon) November 5, 2023

“(Winning in) London is not easy, but I worked hard to win New York and my training has all been OK since then, so I am ready,” said Tola, who also took the 2023 Great North Run title.

“Everything is good with what my coaches have prepared for me to win, so we can hope for a good result on Sunday.”

The late Kelvin Kiptum, who was killed in a car accident in February at the age of 24, set a new London Marathon record with victory last year.

While that mark of 2hrs 1min and 25secs is unlikely to be tested on Sunday, Tola is still confident of a swift pace.

“If we go together to help each other, then we will run with a better time,” Tola said.

“It depends on a pacemaker, but it is OK for me to go fast, and if it is a normal (pace) then that is also OK for me.”

Emile Cairess will lead Britain’s hopes in the elite men’s race, having finished sixth on his debut last year.

Cairess is aiming to better the Olympic qualifying mark to join training partner Phil Sesemann in the Team GB squad for Paris.

The 26-year-old, though, also has one eye on a long-term target of breaking Sir Mo Farah’s six-year-old British marathon record, which was set in Chicago.

“I have a time in my head. I will be trying to run maybe about three-minute kilometres,” Cairess said.

“Mo’s British record is something I definitely want to beat in the near future, but I am not looking at that this weekend.”

Scottish marathon record-holder Callum Hawkins will make his return in London following a number of injury setbacks, which included ankle surgery after the Tokyo Olympics.

Marc Scott, winner of the Great North Run in 2021, is set for a marathon debut, along with Mahamed Mahamed.

Kenenisa Bekele honors Kelvin Kiptum ahead of London Marathon

Kenenisa Bekele has honored the late Kelvin Kiptum's legacy ahead of a poignant London Marathon, reflecting on his profound impact on running.

Ethiopia's Kenenisa Bekele has expressed profound sentiments as he prepares for the upcoming London Marathon set for Sunday.

The marathon will be marked this year by the absence of world record holder Kelvin Kiptum whose life tragically ended in a car accident in February.

Kiptum, only 24 at the time of his death, had set a staggering course record at last year's London Marathon and had become a prominent figure in the sport.

Speaking to reporters, Bekele underscored the deep respect and admiration he and his fellow athletes hold for Kiptum.

“Kelvin of course, all of us miss him. Even within his short time, he has been setting an amazing history,” Bekele reflected.

 “The course record is also under his name and we are all remembering him."

Bekele added that Kiptum’s impact transcends his record-setting performances.

 “We put him in a special place in our heart because in a really short time he has done a lot for our sport,” he said.

With the race ahead, Bekele is aware of the challenges in surpassing the benchmarks set by Kiptum. 

The course in London demands a strategic approach, something Bekele is well accustomed to. 

“Most of the time in London, maybe the first half is a very fast start because of pacing, but with me it can depend,” he explained.

Other top contenders, such as Ethiopia’s Tamirat Tola, the reigning New York Marathon champion, are also entering the race with high expectations. 

Tola, optimistic about his preparation, remains focused on the present challenge. 

“My training is OK and my body is okay, so we will see (what happens) on Sunday,” he noted.

Before the race starts, memory of Kiptum will be honored with 30 seconds of applause a moment meant to reflect on his contributions and celebrate his life. 

Ruth Chepngetich set to conquer 2024 London Marathon amidst elite competition

Ruth Chepngetich is targeting victory and a record at the London Marathon against a strong field as she eyes Olympic selection.

Two-time Chicago Marathon champion Ruth Chepng’etich is poised for a challenging race at the 2024 London Marathon this Sunday. 

Chepng’etich, a formidable competitor who secured third place in the 2020 edition of the event, is aiming for a strong performance, although she has not discounted the possibility of setting a new record. 

The pacemakers in the marathon will play a crucial role in maintaining the pace for the women's group, aiming to beat the women-only world record—a distinct possibility in London where the elite women compete in a separate event from the elite men and the larger mass of runners.

In a press conference ahead of the race, Chepng’etich expressed both enthusiasm and realism about her prospects against a competitive field. 

"I’m happy to be back after that race in 2020. I’m ready to run well, but the field is so strong," she stated. 

Her main rivals include Ethiopia's Tigst Assefa, Kenya's Brigid Kosgei, Olympic champion Peres Jepchirchir, and Yalemzerf Yehualaw from Ethiopia, who won the London Marathon in 2022.

"Everybody here is chasing something. For me it’s about winning first, then I’ll think about setting records," she added. 

The London Marathon has been a stage for numerous world records since its inception, with seven records broken to date, including Paula Radcliffe's unmatched 2:15:25 in 2003. 

The marathon’s route, largely unaltered since 1981, takes runners through some of London’s most scenic landmarks, such as the Tower of London and the Houses of Parliament, starting from Greenwich Park and concluding on The Mall in front of Buckingham Palace.

Chepng’etich also touched upon her Olympic aspirations, noting the importance of the upcoming race for her selection to the Kenyan national team for the Paris Olympics. 

"The Federation will make its selection after Sunday so we’ll see. But winning in London will be harder than in Paris," she noted.

Should trail running be an Olympic sport?

Did you know that off-road running was part of three historic summer Olympic Games, including the 1924 Olympics in Paris? One hundred years on, runners from four different clubs in Britain have come together to launch a campaign to bring trail running (as we now call it) back to the Olympics. The next Games to include new sports is Brisbane 2032, and the group of passionate trail runners feel strongly that trail running deserves a spot.

“At Paris 2024, four new sports are being added that include breakdancing, surfing, skateboarding and sport climbing,” runner Jimi Harrison said in an interview with British media outlet The Star. “We feel that new Olympic sports should reflect the trends and popularity of the current day and believe the time has come for trail running to be adopted at future Olympics.”

To raise awareness for the cause, Harrison and the group ran a relay of more than 455 km, from London to Paris. Their feat ended on Sunday in the French capital.

Backed by running shoe brand Merrell, the group are calling on Olympic decision-makers. They have written an open letter to representatives of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and International Trail Running Association (ITRA) to support their cause. (Merrell recently signed Olympian Alexi Pappas to its athlete roster. Pappas, who raced the 10,000m at Rio in 2016, setting a national record for Greece, ran two big trail ultras in 2023: the Black Canyon 100K and the Leadville 100.)

Some would argue that cross-country running is a more obvious fit for inclusion in the Olympics. With shorter, looped, spectator-friendly courses, cross-country could be more attractive to broadcasters, thus generating more interest. And cross-country usually features track runners. There is less crossover between track and trail running, though it’s not unheard of for track runners to transition to trails, as we have seen.

This is not the first attempt to bring trail running to the Olympics. In 2021, a trail running company from Spain launched its own campaign to bring it to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. (They were not successful.)

Trail running has increased significantly in popularity in recent years, thanks partly to events like the Barkley Marathons, UTMB (Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc) and the Golden Trail Series, which make international news headlines.

Big changes ahead for TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon weekend

The Toronto TCS Waterfront Marathon will now be a full-fledged race weekend, with the 5K event moving to Saturday.

October’s TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon can now call itself a race weekend. On April 16, Canada Running Series announced it has been granted a permit from the City of Toronto to host the annual Waterfront 5K race on Saturday, rather than on marathon Sunday.

The 5K event will still be run in conjunction with Sunday’s marathon and half-marathon, but will now be held on Saturday morning, bringing a true event weekend vibe to Toronto this fall as the race celebrates its 35th anniversary.

In the past, the 5K event has followed a point-to-point course, starting at Ontario Place on Toronto’s Lakeshore Blvd. and finishing in front of Toronto City Hall in Nathan Phillips Square. According to race director Alan Brookes, the 2024 5K route has not yet been finalized, but will likely be a looped course starting and ending at Nathan Phillips Square.

Registration for the Toronto race weekend 5K opened on Tuesday and will have a cap of 8,000 participants. Runners can also enter multiple events, combining Saturday’s 5K with Sunday’s marathon or half-marathon. Those already registered for the marathon or half-marathon will receive an email with a $10 discount code if they choose to register for the 5K.

“We are thrilled with this development and believe it will take the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon to the next level,” said Charlotte Brookes, national event director for Canada Running Series. “It signals the next era of running in Toronto, with a complete weekend of races, as seen at other world marathons in New York City, Boston, London and Chicago, and here in Canada in Montreal, Ottawa, Halifax and Regina.”

Registration for the Toronto race weekend 5K opened on Tuesday and will have a cap of 8,000 participants. Runners can also enter multiple events, combining Saturday’s 5K with Sunday’s marathon or half-marathon. Those already registered for the marathon or half-marathon will receive an email with a $10 discount code if they choose to register for the 5K.

“We are thrilled with this development and believe it will take the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon to the next level,” said Charlotte Brookes, national event director for Canada Running Series. “It signals the next era of running in Toronto, with a complete weekend of races, as seen at other world marathons in New York City, Boston, London and Chicago, and here in Canada in Montreal, Ottawa, Halifax and Regina.”

This year’s Toronto Waterfront Marathon and Half-Marathon will take place on Sunday, Oct. 20, with the 5K on Saturday, Oct. 19. For more information and to register for Toronto race weekend, visit www.torontowaterfrontmarathon.com.

World record holder Tigst Assefa out to make history in first London Marathon

World record holder Tigst Assefa hopes to set a new women’s-only best time in the TCS London Marathon on Sunday and believes it will be tougher to win than this year’s Paris Olympics.

Ethiopian Assefa smashed the world record in September when she finished the Berlin Marathon in two hours, 11 minutes and 53 seconds.

Next in Assefa’s sights is success in her maiden London Marathon and the women’s-only record, which is 2:17:01 and was set by Kenyan Mary Keitany at the 2017 event.

“I am very happy to be in London for the first time,” Assefa said via a translator.

“I did train very well for Berlin and I have trained well for this one. God will show how good I am on Sunday.

“I have prepared very well for this race and I am sure I can beat the course record here. As I am sure all my competitors here will feel as well.

“Regardless of whether it is London or Berlin, it will not change my strategy at all.

“I am here to win.”

Assefa took part in pre-race press duties on Thursday and was joined at the media centre in St James’ Park by Brigid Kosgei, Ruth Chepngetich and Peres Jepchirchir.

Kosgei of Kenya held the world record until Assefa broke it in September but has won the London Marathon twice.

All four athletes were asked if victory in Sunday’s 26.2-mile race would be harder than winning the marathon at the Paris Games after London Marathon race director Hugh Brasher suggested that would be the case on Wednesday.

Only Kosgei felt the Paris Games would be harder with Assefa, Chepngetich and Jepchirchir all in agreement this weekend’s strong field made Sunday’s race the most difficult to win.

After Kosgei failed to finish last year’s race due to injury, she revealed preparation this time had gone well.

“I am happy to be here again this year,” Kosgei said. “Last year when I reached here I was not feeling well.

“I have been preparing well in Kenya and I am ready.”

Olympic champion Jepchirchir finished third in 2023 and backed a women’s-only record to be set this weekend.

Jepchirchir added: “On Sunday I know the field is strong and I know it is not easy. We are running with strong ladies.

“For myself, when I see the field is strong, I see the (course) record on Sunday. Yes, may the best win.”

Shock as Geoffrey Kamworor withdraws from London Marathon

Multiple World Cross-country champion Geoffrey Kamworor has withdrawn from the London Marathon.

Three-time World Cross-Country champion Geoffrey Kamworor has pulled out of the 2024 London Marathon due to persistent hip flexor irritation. 

The Kenyan long-distance runner, who clinched second place at last year’s London Marathon, confirmed that his current physical condition has hampered his training and ultimately led to his withdrawal.

His absence is a blow to the marathon, where he was among the favorites to win.

The athlete's management team noted that Kamworor had been experiencing discomfort during his training sessions and opted for a conservative approach to avoid long-term damage. 

They confirmed that he did not travel to London and would be undergoing further medical evaluation and treatment.

As the elite runners adjust to the news of Kamworor’s withdrawal, the spotlight shifts to the champions of the recent Boston Marathon wheelchair races, who are now heading to London with hopes of back-to-back victories in the Abbott World Marathon Majors.

Among them is Britain’s Eden Rainbow-Cooper, fresh from her historic win at Boston, where she became the first Briton to clinch a wheelchair race at the prestigious event. 

Rainbow-Cooper, who finished third at last year’s London Marathon, shared her excitement about competing again in her home country. 

“Winning in Boston was surreal, and competing in London feels like coming home. I’m ready to give my all once again,” she said.

Rainbow-Cooper’s victory in Boston was a remarkable feat, finishing the course in 1:35:11, ahead of seasoned competitors like Manuela Schär of Switzerland and Australia’s Madison de Rozario, the defending London Marathon champion.

In the men’s wheelchair category, Swiss athlete Marcel Hug is also eyeing another major win after setting a new course record in Boston.

Despite a crash at Mile 18, Hug completed the race in an impressive time of 1:15:33, continuing his dominant streak with 11 consecutive marathon victories.

Edna Kiplagat opens up on how she managed to seal a podium finish in Boston

Kiplagat is still flying high at 44 years of age and is not showing signs of slowing down.

At 44, many athletes would be winding down their careers or already retired. However, for Edna Kiplagat, the journey continues.

The Kenyan distance running icon continues to defy age and expectations, delivering a stellar performance at the Boston Marathon on Monday that left spectators in awe.

Returning in the iconic streets of Boston, Kiplagat crossed the finish line in a remarkable 2:23:21, clinching a well-deserved third-place finish. What makes her achievement even more impressive is the fact that she was competing against athletes nearly half her age.

Like a vintage wine that only improves with time, Kiplagat's career trajectory showcases that age is merely a number. Her unwavering passion for the sport and relentless work ethic have enabled her to remain at the forefront of distance running, challenging and even outperforming her younger counterparts.

In a recent interview with KTN News, Kiplagat shared her reflections on the Boston Marathon and the challenges she encountered during the race.

"It was an exhilarating race, and I am delighted that we achieved a Kenyan podium sweep," Kiplagat remarked. "The competition was intense, with many athletes at their peak. I knew I had to be at my absolute best to remain competitive."

Expressing her gratitude for her podium finish, Kiplagat acknowledged the rigorous training that prepared her for the demanding race. "Standing on the podium is a testament to hard work, dedication, and ultimately, God's grace," she added.

Kiplagat's journey in the world of marathon running is nothing short of inspirational. She first burst onto the big city marathon scene by winning the New York Marathon io her debut 14 years ago. Since then, her career has been a fairytale journey across continents and championships.

With two World Marathon Majors trophies to her name and two World Championship marathon titles, Kiplagat's accolades speak volumes about her prowess as a distance runner. Her personal best of 2:19:50, achieved at the 2012 London Marathon, stands as a testament to her exceptional talent.

While many athletes might find it challenging to maintain peak performance over the years, Kiplagat continues to defy expectations. Known for her late-race surges, she has a knack for dramatically overtaking her opponents in the latter stages of a race, leaving them trailing in her wake.

As the world continues to marvel at her achievements, Edna Kiplagat remains a timeless legend in the world of distance running, inspiring generations of athletes with her resilience, determination, and unyielding spirit.

London Marathon: Alexander Mutiso leads Kenyan charge against Ethiopian rivals

Elite runners aim to honor Kelvin Kiptum's legacy in a fiercely competitive 2024 London Marathon with a record-breaking field.

One of the most underrated Kenyan runners is Alexander Mutiso is set to headline an incredibly strong field at the 2024 London Marathon as elite runners converge with hopes of claiming the title previously held by the late Kelvin Kiptum. 

This year’s race promises to be a thrilling contest with some of the fastest marathoners in history lining up at the starting line on Sunday, April 21, 2024.

Among the distinguished athletes is the reigning 2024 New York City Marathon champion, Tamirat Tola from Ethiopia, who holds a personal best of 2:03:39. 

Joining him is Mosinet Geremew, also from Ethiopia, who boasts a staggering personal best of 2:02:55, making him the seventh-fastest man ever in marathon history.

Mutiso, who was runner-up at the 2023 Valencia Marathon with a time of 2:03:11, also aims to make a significant impact.

The event will also witness the return of multiple world champion and track legend Kenenisa Bekele. Bekele, who is the third-fastest marathoner ever with a personal best of 2:01:41.

The British contingent will be represented by Emile Cairess, the third-fastest Briton who made a remarkable debut last year. 

Alongside him, Callum Hawkins, who finished fourth at the World Championships, will compete, as well as Marc Scott and Mahamed Mahamed, both of whom are set to make their marathon debuts.

As the runners prepare, Kamworor looks to improve on his second-place finish from the previous year and aims for the top spot. 

Meanwhile, Bekele seeks not only to showcase his legendary status but also to prepare for the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris.

After a change in management, Bekele is especially motivated to demonstrate his prowess following a challenging race at last year’s Valencia Marathon.

The course, stretching 42km from Greenwich Park to The Mall, will guide runners past iconic London landmarks such as Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace, setting a picturesque backdrop for what is expected to be a fiercely competitive race.

This marathon is particularly poignant as it comes after the stunning performance by Kelvin Kiptum, who set the current course record of 2:01:25 at last year’s race. 

His untimely passing has left a legacy that the participants aspire to honor by pushing the limits of endurance and speed.

With such a loaded field, the 2024 London Marathon is not just about winning; it is about etching names into the annals of marathon history. 

The athletes are set to provide a riveting display of endurance, speed, and strategy, each hoping to step into Kiptum’s shoes and carve out their own legacy on the storied streets of London.

Kosgei, Chepngetich, Jepchirchir headline stellar Kenyan cast in London Marathon chase

Three Kenyan women aim to break the women’s-only marathon world record at the 2024 TCS London Marathon.

Three of the top four fastest women in marathon history, all from Kenya, are set to take center stage at the 2024 TCS London Marathon, aiming to break the women's-only world record. 

This elite trio, comprised of Brigid Kosgei, Ruth Chepngetich, and Peres Jepchirchir, are gearing up for what could be a historic race on the streets of London.

Brigid Kosgei, who previously set the world record at the 2019 Chicago Marathon with a time of 2:14:04, is the veteran of the group. 

She has been in top form since breaking Paula Radcliffe's longstanding record and is no stranger to the pressures of big-city marathons. 

Joining Kosgei is Ruth Chepngetich, the fourth-fastest woman of all time with a personal best of 2:14:18. 

Chepngetich's aggressive racing style and ability to maintain a blistering pace make her a serious threat to the current record.

Rounding out the trio is Peres Jepchirchir, the reigning Olympic champion. 

Jepchirchir's tactical acumen and proven track record, especially in championship races, position her as a key challenger in this record-breaking attempt. 

Her victory at the Tokyo Olympics showcased her endurance and determination, qualities necessary for a successful run in London.

The current women's-only world record was set by Mary Keitany during the 2017 London Marathon, with a time of 2:17:01. 

However, with advancements in training and competition, this record has been under threat, particularly with the recent performances of these Kenyan athletes.

Hugh Brasher, Event Director of the TCS London Marathon, emphasized the significance of this race in the context of marathon history. 

"We are in a golden age of women’s marathon running," said Brasher. He added, "Despite the incredible achievements in recent years, Mary Keitany’s record has remarkably stood the test of time.

However, with athletes like Kosgei, Chepngetich, and Jepchirchir in the field, alongside ten other women who have all run under 2:17:30, that record is under serious threat."

The race strategy for Kosgei, Chepngetich, and Jepchirchir will likely involve a collaborative effort with pacemakers to ensure a fast, consistent pace throughout. 

The London Marathon's unique setup, with elite women running separately from the men, provides an optimal environment for record-breaking performances. 

Additionally, the event will feature other top-tier athletes, including Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa, the current world record holder, and Yalemzerf Yehualaw, the 2022 TCS London Marathon champion.

Who is Sisay Lemma, the winner of the 2024 Boston Marathon?

Sisay Lemma was born in 1990 in the Oromia Region of Ethiopia. He is the winner of the 2024 Boston Marathon, with a time of 2:06:17.

Sisay Lemma is an Ethiopian long-distance runner who specializes in the marathon. He is the winner of the 2024 Boston Marathon, with a time of 2:06:17.

This was his first victory at the Boston Marathon, but he has previously won other major marathons, including the 2021 London Marathon and the 2023 Valencia Marathon. Lemma is also a three-time bronze medalist at the World Athletics Championships.

Lemma was born in 1990 in the Oromia Region of Ethiopia. He began running at a young age, and quickly showed promise. He made his international debut in 2013, and won his first major marathon in 2018, when he won the Rotterdam Marathon.

Lemma is known for his strong finishing kick. He has often won races by coming from behind in the final stages. He is also a very consistent runner, and has never finished a marathon outside of the top 10.

Lemma is a rising star in the world of marathon running. He is still relatively young, and has many years of good running ahead of him. He is a strong contender for medals at the major marathons, and the Olympic Games.

Here are some of Sisay Lemma’s career highlights:

Winner of the 2024 Boston Marathon

Winner of the 2021 London Marathon

Winner of the 2023 Valencia Marathon

Three-time bronze medalist at the World Athletics Championships

Winner of the 2018 Rotterdam Marathon

Personal best of 2:01:48 for the marathon

The Boston Marathon: The King of Marathons

The Boston Marathon is an annual foot race held in Boston, Massachusetts, United States. It is considered to be the most prestigious marathon in the world, and is one of the world’s oldest continuously run sporting events. The race is traditionally held on the third Monday in April, and it follows a 26.2-mile (42.2 km) route through the streets of Boston and the surrounding towns.

The Boston Marathon was first held in 1897, and it was inspired by the success of the marathon race at the 1896 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece. The race was originally intended to be a qualifier for the 1897 Summer Olympics, but it quickly became a popular event in its own right. The Boston Marathon has been held every year since 1918, with the only exceptions being in 1918 due to World War I, and in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Boston Marathon is known for its challenging course, which features several hills, including the infamous Heartbreak Hill at mile 20. The race is also known for its large and enthusiastic crowds, which line the streets throughout the course to cheer on the runners.

The Boston Marathon has been won by some of the greatest marathon runners in history, including Dick Hoyt, Bill Rodgers, Joan Benoit Samuelson, and Kathrine Switzer. The race has also been the site of several world records, including the first sub-2:00 marathon in 1978 by Geoffrey Hirt.

The Boston Marathon is more than just a race; it is a tradition and an institution. The race is a symbol of Boston’s resilience and spirit, and it is a source of pride for the city’s residents. The Boston Marathon is also a major fundraiser for charity, and it has raised millions of dollars for local charities over the years.

Abdi Nageeye reclaims Rotterdam Marathon title and sets new Dutch national record

Runners and fans honored world marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum by observing a moment of silence before the race.

Runners and fans at the Rotterdam Marathon observed a poignant moment of silence on Sunday morning before the race, in memory of world marathon record-holder, Kenya’s Kelvin Kiptum, who died tragically in a car accident earlier this year. Many runners also paid tribute to his legacy by wearing black ribbons in his honour.

Kiptum, 24, had been slated to compete in Rotterdam, and had been hoping to challenge the 2:00 barrier. He made history by breaking the men’s marathon world record at the 2023 Chicago Marathon, in an astonishing time of 2:00:35, becoming the first man to run under the 2:01 mark.

Abdi Nageeye strikes gold again

Olympic silver medalist Nageeye reclaimed his Rotterdam Marathon title from 2022 and set a new Dutch national record in the process, crossing the line in 2:04:45 and besting his PB by 11 seconds. Nageeye secured victory by a mere five-second margin ahead of Ethiopia’s Amedework Walelegn, the 2020 world half marathon champion, with Birhanu Legese of Ethiopia claiming the third spot in 2:05:16.

The race began in near-perfect conditions, with a group of nine runners closely trailing the pacemakers through the initial kilometers. By the time the runners hit the 30K mark only seven runners remained in contention. With tactical precision, Nageeye surged ahead in the final kilometers to clinch his second victory in the race.

In 2022, Nageeye became the first Dutch runner to win the Rotterdam Marathon, setting what was at the time a new Dutch record of 2:04:56. The Somali-born runner, 35, took third in the New York City Marathon in the same year, and captured silver at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic marathon. The course record at the Rotterdam Marathon is 2:03.36, set three years ago by Tokyo Olympics marathon bronze medalist, Belgiums’s Bashir Abdi.

Ethiopia’s Ashete Bekere dominates women’s field

In the women’s race, 2019 Berlin Marathon winner Bekere also reclaimed her title as Rotterdam Marathon champion (Bekere won the race in 2019 in 2:22:55), capturing the win in 2:19:20. Kenya’s Viola Kibiwot was second in 2:20:57, followed by Kenya’s Selly Chepyengo in 2:22:46.

Bekere led from start to finish, followed by a lead pack of Sisay Meseret Gola of Ethiopia, Chepyengo and Kibiwot—the group cruised at course-record speed through the early kilometers of the race. Bekere surged ahead and had an eight-second lead by the 30K mark, and steadily built a commanding from there to secure the win.

Bekere,35, took third at the London Marathon in 2021, and second at the 2022 Tokyo Marathon.

Here Are the Celebrities Running the 2024 Boston Marathon

Zdeno Chara and Meb are a few of the big names toeing the line in Hopkinton this year.Every year, the Boston Marathon attracts celebrities from various fields, from athletes to actors, and this year is no different. Last year, former Boston Red Sox players Brock Holt and Ryan Dempster took to the streets alongside legendary quarterback Doug Flutie, who won the Heisman while at Boston College.

This year, things kick off with former Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski serving as grandmaster for the race. Gronkowski will also receive the Patriots' Award from the Boston Athletic Association, which honors a “patriotic, philanthropic, and inspirational” individual who “fosters goodwill and sportsmanship.”

This year, spectators will see not only a few returning faces in the streets but also a few first-timers. So, what notable names can we expect to see lining up in Hopkinton this year for the Boston Marathon? 1

Meb KeflezighiMeb Keflezighi, now with New Balance, announced his return to the race earlier this year. In 2014, Keflezighi became the first American to win the men’s race since 1983.

Keflezighi, 48, will run the race to support his MEB Foundation, which supports “health, education, and fitness worldwide.”

“I will be returning to the streets of Boston, taking on the prestigious race and celebrating my victory from 2014,” Keflezighi said on Instagram. “Together, we can light the path for those in need and show the world the power of compassion and community. Let’s run with purpose and inspire others to join us in spreading kindness and hope.”2

Zdeno CharaChara, the legendary Bruins hockey player who stands a mighty six feet, nine inches and helped bring the Stanley Cup to Boston in 2011, is again running in support of the Thomas E. Smith Foundation and the Hoyt Foundation.

“I’m excited to be running the 2024 Boston Marathon to raise money and awareness for @thomasesmithfoundation & @teamhoytofficial!,” Chara said on Instagram. “These two amazing foundations impact the lives of those living with disabilities through financial and emotional support.”3

Nicolas KieferKiefer’s Boston Marathon run will see the former tennis pro complete the last of the big six, having previously run Berlin, Chicago, London, New York, and Tokyo.

Kiefer, who won silver in the 2004 Olympics, wrote on Instagram that he felt “extremely good” during his final training run before the marathon.4

Chris NikicAt 22, Chris Nikic completed his first Boston Marathon in 2021. He is the first person with Down Syndrome to finish the Hawaii Ironman and all Big Six marathons. Nikic aims to improve his Boston time to 5:35 in 2024, his third time running the race.

“Last long run (20 miles) before @bostonmarathon next weekend and @londonmarathon in 2 weeks,” Nikic said on Instagram on Sunday. “Looking to see if I can do better each marathon.”5

Daniel HummDaniel Humm, the chef behind NYC’s three-Michelin star restaurant Eleven Madison Park, hoped to run the New York Marathon but had to drop out due to an Achilles injury. Instead, he will be running in Boston, hoping to beat his time in the same race last year when he ran a 2:58:53.6

Matt WilpersFamed Peloton instructor Matt Wilpers will be running the marathon as a long-time personal goal and as a way to inspire others as he does during his popular workouts.

“My success is when my athletes are successful, so if I can push them to be stronger, better versions of themselves by going out and leading by example, like, I love this stuff,” Wilpers told Boston.com. “I’ll have fun racing a marathon, I’ll have fun racing a 5K. Whatever it is, this is what I do for fun. And so if this is going to get people excited, let’s go do it.”

Paris Olympics to feature vibrant purple track for athletics events

A new look is coming to athletics at this summer’s Olympic Games in Paris. The track at the Stade de France will be a vibrant purple instead of the traditional terracotta color, which organizers hope will stand out to a global audience and produce record performances for the world’s best athletes.

Italian rubber manufacturer Mondo has begun the production of the 17,000-square-meter purple track, which will be packed and transported to the French capital in the coming weeks for the start of the Olympic Games in July. The Paris Olympic organizing committee chose the color to honor the Games being the first to achieve full gender parity on the field of play.

The track will be made of three colors: two shades of purple (one a lighter lavender, and the other a darker shade), and grey, which will be used on the outer side of the track. Mondo has supplied track and field surfaces for the last 10 Olympic Games, dating back to the 1984 Games in Los Angeles.

Following in the footsteps of the Olympic medals for 2024, the track will be made from nearly 50 per cent renewable or recycled materials, which is 30 per cent higher than for the London Olympics in 2012.

Mondo claims the purple track will be faster than the one used at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where three world records were broken, including the men’s and women’s 400m hurdles set by Norway’s Karsten Warholm and American Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone.

“We have changed the design of the cells in the lower layer of the track compared to what was used in Tokyo,” said Maurizio Stroppiana, vice president of Mondo’s sports division to Olympics.com. “This reduces the loss of energy for the athletes and returns it at the best possible point in their movement.” 

The cost of the purple track is estimated to be around three million euros (CAD $4.5 million). Forty-six of the 48 athletics events will be held on this track (the marathon and the race walk are held on a road course). The race walks will be contested at Pont d’Iena, and the marathon events will begin at the Hôtel de Ville (city hall) and end at Les Invalides, with runners traversing many of the city’s most iconic sites and Olympic venues throughout the historic French revolution route. 

Pamela Jelimo set to receive Olympic silver after Ekaterina Guliyev's doping ban

South Africa's Caster Semenya has been elevated to gold with Kenya's Pamela Jelimo set for silver after doping reshuffle in 2012 Olympics 800m.

Former Olympic 800 champion, Pamela Jelimo, is poised to be awarded the 2012 London Olympic 800m silver, marking a significant shift in the event's final standings due to doping violations.

This development comes after the Russian Athletics Federation (RusAF) announced a four-year ban for Ekaterina Poistogova-Guliyev for historic doping offences, leading to a reshuffle of the medal positions from the London games.

The ban, which results from violations between July 2012 and October 2014, voids all of Poistogova-Guliyev's results from that period, according to a RusAF statement. 

The athlete, who initially competed for Russia before switching allegiance to Turkey, was implicated in the use or attempted use of banned substances, with evidence drawn from the Moscow anti-doping laboratory.

The case has had far-reaching implications, not only for Poistogova-Guliyev but also for other athletes in the 2012 Olympic 800m event. 

Pamela Jelimo, the London Olympic bronze medallist, will be elevated to silver, and American Alysia Montano, who finished fifth, is set to inherit the bronze, pending official confirmation.

This adjustment stems from a broader investigation into systematic doping within Russian athletics, spearheaded by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). 

WADA had initially recommended a lifetime ban for Poistogova-Guliyev in 2015, alongside the stripping of her London medal, as part of its findings on state-sponsored doping.

Although the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) imposed a two-year ban on Poistogova-Guliyev in 2017, her results were initially voided only back to October 2015, allowing her to retain her Olympic medal temporarily. 

The recent decision by RusAF to extend the voiding of her results to July 2012 effectively strips her of the medal, subject to final approval by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

The women's middle distance events at the London Olympics have been notably affected by doping, with three runners in the 800m final, including Poistogova-Guliyev, Mariya Savinova, and Elena Arzhakova, having their results voided due to doping offences. 

Jelimo's elevation to the silver medal position comes after a long wait; it took 10 years for her to be awarded the bronze medal for the same event, following the disqualification of Maria Savinova for doping violations. 

The reallocation of medals in cases of doping violations is a complex and often slow process, involving multiple organisations including WADA, CAS, RusAF, and the IOC. 

The final decision on the redistribution of medals from the 2012 Olympics will be closely watched by the athletics community and represents a critical step in the ongoing fight against doping in sport.

Poistogova-Guliyev's ban, which lasts until 2026, reflects a deduction for the time served under her previous CAS-imposed sanction. 

In addition to her case, RusAF has announced a two-year and six-month ban for 3,000m steeplechaser Nikolay Chavkin for similar doping offenses.

Rotich spearheads Kenyan quest at Paris Marathon on Sunday

Kenyan marathoners face a stern test at the Paris Marathon on Sunday as Elisha Rotich spearheads the country's charge.

Rotich, who won the event in 2021 and is currently the course record holder with a time of 2:04:21, returns to the event after a two-year absence.

Rotich won the 2016 Cannes Marathon in France; the 2017 Chuncheon Marathon in South Korea and the 2018 Eindhoven Marathon.

Hillary Kipsambu, who finished third and sixth in the French Capital in 2021 and 2022, will be aiming to go one place better this time round.

Kipsambu, who won the Kosice Marathon in Slovakia in 2019 in 2:09:33,  will fancy his chance of going all the way. 

The 2023 Frankfurt Marathon champion Brimin Kipkorir is also in the mix for the title.

The Kenyan trio will be up against a formidable contingent from Ethiopia including the defending champion Gisealew Ayana.

The Ethiopian will be seeking to become the third person to defend the crown after Britain’s Steve Brace (1989 and 1990) and Kenya’s Paul Lonyangata (2017 and 2018).

Ayalew will have Mekuant Ayenew and Bazezew Asmare – all with PBs under 2:05:00 for the company in what is expected to be a competitive race

Japan’s Yuki Kawauchi will aim to challenge the African dominance while France’s Freddy Guimard will hope to impress on home turf. In the women's category, Vivian Cheruiyot lines up as a contender. Her last win was the 2018 London Marathon, where she clocked 2:18:31.

The 2016 Olympic 5000m champion will bounce back to marathon running at the age of 39 as her last marathon dates back to 2019.

Cheruiyot will have her work cut out against a strong Ethiopian field. Buzunesh Getachew, winner in Frankfurt last October, will lead the Ethiopian team and will be joined by Rahma Tusa, Etagena Woldu, Hailu Haven and Gelete Burka, winner of the 2019 Paris Marathon. More than 54,000 runners are set to take part in the event.

Following tradition, participants will set off from the Champs-Élysées to cover the gruelling distance of 26.2 miles, passing through some of the most beautiful Parisian spots.

The route will include the Place de la Concorde, the Opéra Garnier, the Louvre, Notre-Dame de Paris, the Musée d’Orsay, the Eiffel Tower, the Grand Palais and the Hippodrome d’Auteuil to name a few.

Defending champ Gisealew Ayana and Vivian Cheruiyot lead fields for Paris Marathon

More than 54,000 runners are set to gather at the starting line of the 47th Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris this Sunday (April 7).

Following tradition, participants will set off from the Champs-Élysées to cover the gruelling distance of 26.2 miles, passing through some of the most beautiful Parisian spots.

The route will include the Place de la Concorde, the Opéra Garnier, the Louvre, Notre-Dame de Paris, the Musée d’Orsay, the Eiffel Tower, the Grand Palais and the Hippodrome d’Auteuil to name a few.

The marathon has attracted a strong field of elite athletes who will be aiming to clinch the title and walk away with the prize money, which stood at €50,000 last year.

Gisealew Ayana, a 21-year-old Ethiopian who secured victory last year, will lead the men’s race as he will aim for a double that only Britain’s Steve Brace (1989 and 1990) and Kenya’s Paul Lonyangata (2017 and 2018) have achieved.

Ayana will face tough competition as he goes up against two previous Paris winners, 2022 champion Deso Gelmisa and Elisha Rotich, winner of the 2021 Pairs Marathon and event record holder (2:04:21). Rotich, 33, will return to the marathon after a two-year absence.

A strong contingent of Kenyan and Ethiopian runners will join the trio of recent winners in leading the field including Hilary Kipsambu (2021 bronze medallist), Brimin Kipkorir (2023 Frankfurt Marathon winner), Mekuant Ayenew and Bazezew Asmare – all with PBs under 2:05:00.

Japan’s Yuki Kawauchi will aim to challenge the African dominance while France’s Freddy Guimard will hope to impress on home turf.

In a change from previous years, the elite women will start on the same line as the men rather than having a separate start. The adjustment provides the women with an earlier start time, aimed at allowing them to take advantage of favourable conditions to achieve faster times.

Kenya’s Vivian Cheruiyot lines up as a favourite. Her last win was the 2018 London Marathon where she clocked 2:18:31.

The 2016 Olympic 5000m champion will bounce back to marathon running at the age of 39 as her last marathon dates back to 2019.

Cheruiyot will have her work cut out against her rivals as there is a strong Ethiopian field. Buzunesh Getachew, winner in Frankfurt last October, will lead the Ethiopian team as she will be joined by Rahma Tusa, Etagena Woldu, Hailu Haven and Gelete Burka, winner of the 2019 Paris Marathon.

There is more than just the marathon on offer this weekend as ASICS, partner of the Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris, is hosting a three-day Festival of Running event.

The unique festival will feature elite 5km and 10km speed races on Friday evening, with Eilish McColgan being one of the athletes set to run. A pre-marathon shake-out run is scheduled for Saturday.

Kenya announces Paris 2024 Olympics women's marathon squad

Athletics Kenya has finally unveiled the deep women's field that will don the Kenyan jersey in the women's marathon at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Athletics Kenya has finally unveiled the women’s marathon team to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games through the National Olympic Committee of Kenya.

Defending champion Peres Jepchirchir headlines the strong field as she attempts to win her second successive marathon title at the Olympic Games. Jepchirchir will hope to bounce back from injury woes stronger and she will be joined by a strong team.

She will build up for the global showpiece at the London Marathon, hoping to improve on her third-place finish last season.

Also included in the team will be reigning New York City and Boston Marathon champion Hellen Obiri who seeks to make history with Team Kenya. Obiri aired her interest to win gold and as she joins Jepchirchir, she is also eyeing the coveted title.

Obiri will be building up for the Olympics at the Boston Marathon where she is the defending champion and she seeks to have a great run in the streets where she claimed her first victory in the marathon.

In an interview with Citius Mag, Obiri exuded confidence ahead of the event, revealing that her body is now used to training for the marathon.

Another strong athlete who adds depth to the field will be former world marathon record holder Brigid Kosgei who was runner-up at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

Kosgei has been down with injuries but bounced back this season with a win at the Abu Dhabi Marathon and she now heads to the Olympic Games, hungry for the title. Sharon Lokedi, the 2022 New York City Marathon champion will also be among the stars to descend on the course for the Olympic Games as she has made the cut to the team.

Two-time Chicago Marathon champion Ruth Chepng’etich has also not been left behind and she hopes to also claim her first Olympic title. Chepng’etich has been in great form and she will certainly not disappoint when it comes to representing Kenya.

The 2023 Tokyo Marathon champion Rosemary Wanjiru has also been included in the team, thanks to her great form and fighting spirit.

Pulse Sports: Kenyan media caught some people with this April Fools' prank

Eliud Kipchoge has not suffered any injury or withdrawn from the Paris 2024 Olympics with the marathon GOAT having put the disappointments of Tokyo behind him.

You might have fallen for our April Fool’s Day story about two-time Olympics champion Eliud Kipchoge withdrawing from the Paris 2024 Games.

Well, the marathon GOAT is very much on the road to Paris as he has not withdrawn or suffered any injury.

Kipchoge will be heading to Paris with the aim of becoming the first man to win three straight Olympics marathon gold medals and is back in training ahead of the Games.

ipchoge was selected among Team Kenya’s provisional squad for the Olympics alongside with 2024 Tokyo Marathon champion Benson Kipruto, Timothy Kiplagat and Vincent Ngetich, who finished second and third in Tokyo, Bernard Koech, two-time New York Marathon champion Geoffrey Kamworor, Cyprian Kotut, 2022 London Marathon champion Amos Kipruto and Titus Kipruto.

With Athletics Kenya set to add another name to the roster before naming the final three, Kipchoge is hot favourite to be on the list that will head to Paris and he is fully focused on making history in the French capital.

“My aim is to inspire as many people as I can. I am aiming for three gold medals consecutively,” Kipchoge told the LOAF Podcast.

“Back-to-back-to-back. This is in my mind. I will try my best to push myself to win it three times and tell the next generation that longevity is the key and you can make a goal, pursue it and make it happen.”

Kipchoge is coming off a disappointing outing in Tokyo where he managed a 10th-place finish, having started well, something that saw some observers doubt whether he can win Olympics gold.

While he has put the disappointment behind him, he admits the defeat took its toll on him after toiling for so long to ensure he achieved success.

“I have learnt that you can train in a good way, be in a good shape but putting in it practice, something will remain unlocked and disappointments will come in but a coin has two sides but in life, it has three sides, that is thinking big,” he added.

“I did not succeed as far as Tokyo marathon is concerned. I feel disappointed to train for four, five months without getting the real results but it is not the end of life.”

With the marathon being the last event on the Olympics programme on August 11, Kipchoge has four months to prepare for what could be his final appearance at the Games and possibly right the wrongs of Tokyo in Paris.

Shock as Eliud Kipchoge withdraws from Paris 2024 Olympics

Five-time Berlin Marathon Eliud Kipchoge has released a statement explaining why he will not be defending his marathon title at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

In a shocking turn of events, two-time Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge will not be defending his Olympic title at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games scheduled for later this year.

In a heartfelt message to his fans, Kipchoge announced his withdrawal from the global showpiece. The decision, which has sent shockwaves throughout the sports world, comes as a surprise to many fans and analysts alike.

Kipchoge cited personal reasons, noting his desire to focus on other endeavours. The five-time Berlin Marathon champion issued a statement earlier today expressing his gratitude for the support he has received throughout his career, but also his need for a change in direction.

"It is with a heavy heart that I announce my decision to withdraw from the Paris 2024 Olympics. Competing at the Olympics has always been a great thing and I was looking forward to winning my third successive title.

“However, at this juncture in my life, I feel compelled to explore new opportunities and challenges,” a part of the statement from the four-time London Marathon champion read.

Kipchoge has achieved so much on the track and the roads with numerous accolades to his name, including multiple Olympic medals and a world record to his name that was shattered by the late Kelvin Kiptum at last year’s Chicago Marathon.

Kipchoge has long been regarded as one of the greatest marathon runners of all time and his decision has not been taken lightly by his fans who were hoping to see him descend on the start line one more time.

Fans of the sport have taken to social media to express their disappointment at the news, with many expressing their admiration for Kipchoge's accomplishments and wishing him well in his future endeavours.

While Kipchoge's absence will undoubtedly be felt at the Paris 2024 Olympics, the event is expected to showcase a new generation of talented athletes vying for glory on the world stage.

Why 10k is the perfect distance, according to these running experts

The Greek messenger Pheidippedes has a lot to answer for. Had his journey of glory been over the far more user-friendly distance of 10k rather than the 40k it was, there’d likely be so many more runners.

Back in 490BC he ran from the coastal town of Marathon back to Athens to report a Greek victory over Persia, and then promptly collapsed and died (in his defence, he had run 240km beforehand, so was understandably exhausted).   

From his memorable final 40k – the distance from Marathon to Athens – the modern-day 42.2k (26 miles, 385 yards) marathon developed, and has become the go-to event for tens of thousands of runners worldwide.

What makes 10k so perfect – by Saga Exceptional’s resident running expert

I’ve been running for more than 50 years and can confirm that taking part in marathons comes at a high price.

Running that kind of distance can take a heavy toll on your body, as well as time – which is where 10k events come in. The distance offers all the glory and kudos of the marathon – as well as the camaraderie, buzz and general excitement – but none of the significant muscle damage. And many experts believe that 10k can be the perfect distance for older runners. 

Marathon races such as London, Berlin and New York grab all the headlines and yes, on the surface they do appear exciting, tempting even. You find yourself watching the London Marathon on TV and saying: ‘That’ll be me next year.’ But, as any finisher will tell you, there’s a cost. 

As a runner, I’ve completed many 10k races – all the way from the incredible Borobudor race in Indonesia, which finishes at the foot of an ancient temple, to a more apparently mundane sounding (but it isn’t) Southend 10k, which finishes by the mile-long pier.

As such, I can say with no word of exaggeration, that a 10k can match a marathon in many departments – and even outdo it in others. I once ran the Crescent City Classic in New Orleans and then the spent the rest of the day running around the city taking in all the sights. Try doing that after a marathon!  

There are some fabulous 10k races around. The Asics London 10k on July 9, for example, takes in all the classic sights from Big Ben to Piccadilly Circus. They deliver everything a big city marathon can offer. Or you can choose a local event, of which there are hundreds up and down the country every weekend. Everybody is welcome, the atmosphere is always great, and should you get the bug, well, there’s always another one next week. Plus, your body won’t mind.  

Longtime New Hampshire resident Mike Beeman, set to running in his 47th consecutive Boston Marathon this year

When it comes to running the Boston Marathon, any runner who has done it for at least the last 25 straight years is part of the “Quarter-Century Club.”

There are 121 people in that club right now, including longtime New Hampshire resident Mike Beeman, who is set to run his 47th consecutive Boston Marathon in April.

Beeman is a Pinkerton graduate and a former teacher and coach at Salem High School and Londonderry High School.

He lives in Georgia now and he is fifth on the list of quarter-century runners.

“I’ve run just about everywhere. Boston is just so special. The fanbase, the knowledge of the people out there on the course, it is great. The people change, but the cheering and the excitement, especially towards the end, never changes,” Beeman said.

Beeman said he would like to get to 50 straight Boston Marathons, which would put him in the even-more-exclusive “Half-Century Club” of Boston Marathon runners.

Why Eliud Kipchoge is assured of his slot in Kenya’s Olympics team

Two-time Olympics champion Eliud Kipchoge’s recent form has seen some doubt whether he will be able to defend his title in Paris but Athletics Kenya looks set to have him on the team.

Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge will definitely be at the Paris 2024 Games despite his indifferent form in his recent races.

Kipchoge has won one of his three marathons [Berlin 2023], coming after a sixth-place finish in Boston the same year, before a 10th placing in Tokyo this month.

That has seen doubts emerge from some observers who feel the GOAT might not have enough to claim a third straight Olympics gold while others have even called for the 39-year-old to give way but athletics coach Julius Kirwa feels it would be ill advised to write him off.

“Kipchoge is good and we depend on him,” Kirwa, who is among those who will select Kenya’s final marathon squad to Paris, told Pulse Sports.

“We encourage him to ignore everything that is being said about him and only concentrate on representing the country. I know he is ready and capable of representing the country as he has always done,” added Kirwa.

Kirwa insists Kipchoge has to be on the plane to Paris due to his status and the fact the he is one of the most reliable athletes for Kenya even if emerging stars are threatening to dethrone him.

“Eliud is a defending champion and is always available to represent the country,” said the veteran coach. “We cannot say because there are others who have come and run better than him we are going to leave him out.”

“We give them an opportunity to represent the country based on knowledge, capabilities, strength and discipline, which is very important.”

Kipchoge was part of a strong 10-man provisional team unveiled last December that had the late Kelvin Kiptum, with 2024 Tokyo Marathon champion Benson Kipruto, Timothy Kiplagat and Vincent Ngetich, who finished second and third in Tokyo, Bernard Koech, two-time New York Marathon champion Geoffrey Kamworor, Cyprian Kotut, 2022 London Marathon champion Amos Kipruto and Titus Kipruto.

Following Kiptum’s demise, Athletics Kenya intend to add another name to the list before the final three are unveiled by May with the women’s team having defending champion Peres Jepchirchir, former world record holder Brigid Kosgei, Boston and New York Marathon champion Hellen Obiri, 2019 world champion Ruth Chepng'etich, 2024 Tokyo Marathon runners-up Rosemary Wanjiru, Joycilline Jepkosgei, Sheila Chepkirui, Judith Korir, Seley Chepyego and Sharon Lokedi.

A Navy Dentist Trained for and Ran a Marathon While Out at Sea—All on a Treadmill

For 16 weeks, he followed Runner’s World’s training plan while deployed and ending up breaking four hours.

I always despised the treadmill. I was never able to run on it, partially because I was afraid that if my foot slipped too far off left or right, I would end up face-planted. Plus, what I love about running is being out in the wilderness and not having to run in a perfectly straight line, which is everything the treadmill isn’t: It’s confined and claustrophobic.

But I didn’t always love running the way I do now. As a kid, I played baseball and golf, so when I pivoted to running in high school, it was quite demanding physically and mentally at first. I ran both cross-country and track, and because I was part of a successful team—we won the state championship in track in 2003, and cross country in 2004 and 2005—it was challenging and took a lot of hard work. But even then, I enjoyed the mental challenge of pushing myself hard: No one can make you run, no one can force you, it’s all on you.

And for that reason—because I love to challenge myself—part of me always wanted to conquer my fear of the treadmill. Plus, when my buddy said I could not possibly train for and run a marathon on a treadmill during our back-then-upcoming deployment out at sea, it just made me want to do it all the more. But above all, there was one special person who motivated me to train: My wife, Jessee, and her recent BQ.

Jessee and I were both runners long before we met in college. We take the sport with us wherever we move with the Navy, joining group runs, and even racing together. But while Jessee has been getting faster, in late 2022, I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis, followed by months of rehab and uncertainty about whether I’d ever run another marathon again. However, I was determined to fully recover, following my physical therapist’s recommendations to a T.

While I was healing, Jessee was training for the Wilmington Marathon in February 2023, following the Runner’s World break 3:30 plan, hoping to beat the 3:35:00 cutoff for her age group and make it her Boston qualifier. Her final time was 3:31:33. I was there for the race, spectating, and the whole experience—from training to the race—awakened new determination in me. Could I qualify for Boston as well?

By then, I already knew I would be deployed in July 2023. As I slowly started to feel better, getting back to some easy runs, a plan formed in my head: I would commit to the same training plan Jessee had followed for her BQ—except my training would be solely on a treadmill on the Navy ship. 

To qualify for Boston in 3:05:00 for my age group, I knew I’d have to gradually improve my time from my existing PR of 3:58:17. I started training on the first day of our deployment, which set my treadmill marathon date for October 28, 2023. 

It was not an easy training block for sure. There had been a handful of days where the ship was rocking and pitching, which brought some surprising, unintentional hill workouts to my treadmill runs. There are no windows, so you just have to be aware and try to anticipate the next move. 

In the end, running in a straight line was the least of my worries—the toughest stage was handling the hot days while we were in the Persian Gulf. The heat index was 120 to 130 Fahrenheit outside, and the ship was very hot as well. But one of my favorite quotes is: “Smooth seas don’t make skilled sailors.” I knew that come marathon day, I’d be able to look back on those runs for motivation, knowing that I can do hard things.

In general, I don’t listen to music while running; I like to know what’s going on around me. But the treadmill doesn’t provide much excitement, so I came up with a plan. I read some Runner’s World articles that mentioned the physiological benefits of listening to music while running. I thought if I get through about 16 miles without music and then run the last 10 miles with music on, that should give me a good boost. I practiced it first for a few miles at the end of each long training run, figuring out what songs I wanted on my marathon playlist.

On the day of the marathon, the gym was 76 degrees, about 20 degrees more than all my previous marathons, so I expected the temperature to be a factor going into it. Around mile 18, I started to feel that heat seep in. And then, at mile 22, I felt a sharp pinch in my left groin, so I backed off a little bit. I was hoping for 3:30, but in the end, I finished at 3:43:58 (pure run time, as I had to restart the treadmill every 60 minutes). I ran almost 15 minutes faster than my previous PR though, and was now 15 minutes closer to Boston.

Overall I discovered this marathon training block supported my mental health. Out at sea, it can feel like Groundhog Day—every day is the same. Having a goal helped bring structure to my days. Having a plan gave me a focus and direction. The Runner’s World training plan included a description of what to do each day, running tips, nutrition, and sometimes a little pep talk. I didn’t have to think about it; I was just following what it prescribed.

Since the marathon, I’ve been running three or four times a week, focusing more on strength training, and figuring out what could be next. 

Besides Boston, Jessee and I also hope to eventually run a marathon on every continent. We will be moving to Washington D.C. soon, so for now, I hope to run the Marine Corps Marathon this fall and keep shaving time off my PR. 

While I’m glad I conquered the treadmill, I doubt I’ll do another treadmill marathon—I’m very much looking forward to running outdoors again, as soon as I return from my deployment.

These tips have made my running journey a success:

1. Work foam rolling into your routine

After my injury following the London Marathon, my physical therapist showed me some foam-rolling techniques for my quads and calves. Before and after every run, I get things loose and warmed up, and it really made a huge difference. By the time I did the treadmill training block, the injury was essentially nonexistent. It’s definitely changed the way I approach running.

2. Make yourself a playlist to boost your mood

Music is quite personal so I’d recommend checking out RW playlists and Spotify playlists, then make your own based on your taste. All genres—rock, rap, pop—can give you a boost in a different way.

3. Find a training plan

Even if you have never run competitively or are brand new to running, Runner’s World can help you figure out the smartest and safest way to start so you don’t do too much too soon and help avoid injury.

4. Find your running people

Googling “local running club” can help you find a community of like-minded people near you. This is a great way to make friends and learn more about running. My wife and I always find a running community every time we move with the Navy. We have made some lifelong friends and look forward to meeting more runners wherever the Navy takes us!

Mike's Must-Have Gear

→ Garmin Forerunner 55: I try to keep my running minimalistic, so I only use the watch for pace, time, and heart rate. There are probably a million other things the watch can do, but that’s enough for me.

→ Brooks Sherpa 2-in-1 running shorts: The boxer brief lining makes these the most comfortable running shorts I’ve ever worn. It’s kinda pricey, so I have only one pair that I wear on my long runs (maybe I'll invest in a second pair one day). The waistband is also very comfortable and the pockets are a perfect storage for my needs.

→ Balega socks: My wife got me a couple of pairs for this deployment, and I absolutely love them. They are a little pricey but so worth it.

Paula Radcliffe to open Brighton Marathon

Three-time London Marathon winner Paula Radcliffe and Paralympic gold medallist David Weir are the official starters of this year’s Brighton Marathon weekend.

Radcliffe, who set a new world record for the London marathon in 2003, will signal the start of the race in East Sussex on 7 April.

She said the start of a marathon was “inspirational” and conveyed “the warmth, empathy and power of the marathon family”.

Brighton Miles, an accessible running event on 6 April, will be launched by wheelchair athlete Weir.

About 13,000 people are expected to run in this year’s Brighton Marathon, which is now in its 15th year.

“I’m delighted to be coming back to Brighton to start the 2024 Brighton Marathon,” said Radcliffe, who is an ambassador for Children with Cancer UK.

Weir praised the inclusivity of the Brighton Miles event, saying: “No matter your age, ability or disability, the Brighton Miles is for you.”

Entries for the Brighton Miles and the 10k are still available, however the Brighton Marathon is sold out.

World Athletics to raise marathon standards for 2025 World Championships

The men's standard is expected to go up to 2:06:30, and the women's standard will be 2:23:30

On Tuesday, the marathon entry standards for the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo were leaked to social media, and the men’s and women’s marathon qualification marks seem to be getting a lot tougher.

The women’s marathon entry standard is expected to be increased by three minutes and 20 seconds, to 2:23:30, from the previous 2:26:50 mark for the Paris Olympics. With the number of female athletes recording sub-2:20 times, most expected to see an increase in the women’s standard.

The men’s marathon standard is expected to see an increase of one minute and 40 seconds, to 2:06:30, from its previous mark of 2:08:10. Only 91 athletes have hit this new mark in the Paris Olympic qualifying window (November 1, 2022 to April 30, 2024). Sixty-five of those 91 athletes are Kenyan and Ethiopian.When the women’s marathon entry standard was released for the Paris Olympics, World Athletics intended for a near 50/50 split in runners hitting the entry standard and the rest of the field qualifying via the World Athletics rankings and points system. The number of women who will qualify on points for the Paris Olympics will be zero, with 82 women of the (soft cap) of 80 spots hitting the Olympic standard of 2:26:50.The new standard of 2:23:30 is a mark only two Canadian female marathoners have surpassed (Natasha Wodak’s Canadian record of 2:23:12 from the 2022 Berlin Marathon and Malindi Elmore’s 2:23:30 from Berlin in 2023). One hundred and fifteen female athletes have run under this mark in the Paris Olympic qualifying window, with the top mark being Tigist Assefa’s world record of 2:11:53 in Berlin. Even though Elmore’s mark equalled the Tokyo WC qualifying mark in September 2023, her time will not get her into the 2025 World Championship marathon, since the qualifying window did not open until November. 

Only four North American men have ever run under the proposed 2025 World Championship standard: Canada’s Cam Levins (2:05:35–Tokyo 2023) and three Americans: Khalid Khannouchi (2:05:38–London 2002), Galen Rupp (2:06:07–Prague 2018) and Ryan Hall (2:06:17–London 2008).World Athletics’ tougher standards come with the organization’s goal to create a dual pathway of qualification, with 50 per cent of athletes qualifying through entry standards and the remaining 50 per cent qualifying through World Rankings and its points system.

Brigid Kosgei fires warning to London Marathon rivals after impressive ‘warm up’ in Lisbon

Kenya’s Brigid Kosgei has put her rivals on notice ahead of next month’s London Marathon after warming up for the race with a dominant performance at the Lisbon Half Marathon.

Brigid Kosgei is gearing up for a triumphant return to the London Marathon on April 21, following an impressive victory at the Lisbon Half Marathon on Sunday.

Kosgei, a former world marathon record holder, used the Lisbon race as a tune-up for the upcoming London Marathon and demonstrated her exceptional form by clinching victory in commanding fashion.

Despite narrowly missing the course record, Kosgei showcased her dominance by clocking a remarkable time of 1:05:51, securing the win with a lead of over three minutes ahead of her closest competitor.

The 30-year-old athlete surged into the lead past the halfway mark and maintained an unrelenting pace, leaving her rivals struggling to keep up.

While Kosgei had hoped to lower her personal best in the half marathon, she nonetheless proved too formidable for the rest of the field. Ethiopian Bosena Mulatie finished in second place with a time of 1:09:00, followed by Kosgei's compatriot Tigist Mengistu in third place with a time of 1:09:14.

Having previously triumphed in the London Marathon in 2019 and 2020, Kosgei is determined to rectify her fourth-place finish in 2021. Her dominant performance in Lisbon serves as a promising indication of her readiness for the upcoming challenge in London.

"This was a preparation for London Marathon next month,” said Kosgei. “I'm really happy, I appreciate what I have run today [Sunday]. Thanks to organisers, I appreciate what you have done"

The victory in Lisbon held special significance for Kosgei, who celebrated her win with her two children at the finish line.

"I'm feeling very happy, because I csme with my kids. They celebrated with me when I won the race. They were really, really happy for what I did," she added

As she sets her sights on the London Marathon, Kosgei's stellar form and determination sets the stage for an exciting and competitive race in April, where she will undoubtedly be one of the top contenders vying for victory.

Ethiopia's Dinkalem Ayele and Kenya's Brigid Kosgei became victorious at the 33rd Lisbon Half Marathon

After covering the race's more than 21 km in 01:00.36 hours, Dinkalem Ayele emerged victorious, surpassing German competitor Amanal Petros by 20 seconds and Kenyan Dominic Kiptarus by three seconds.

Brigid Kosgei finished the women's race alone in 1:05.51 hours, crossing the finish line in front of the Belém Cultural Center in the Belém neighborhood. Ethiopia's Bosena Mulatie, who placed second with a timing of 1:09.00 hours, and Tigist Menigstu, who finished 14 seconds ahead of her country mate, completed the women's podium.

In front of her two kids, Kosgei who seemed to be warming up for next month’s women showdown at the London Marathon was in ecstasy and confirmed her status, sealing the win before the 10km mark to finish with a comfortable on the streets of Lisbon for the World Athletics Elite Label road race.

“This was preparations for London Marathon next month. I am happy and I appreciate what I have ran today. I am also grateful to the organizers for a good race,” Kosgei said.

The 2024 Lisbon Half Marathon included competitors from several nations, and over 30,000 people enrolled for the weekend's events, 10,000 of which were foreigners.

Hope for Geoffrey Kamworor and Alexander Mutiso as Kenenisa Bekele expresses London Marathon uncertainty

Geoffrey Kamworor and Alexander Mutiso might have to worry less about Ethiopian legend Kenenisa Bakele at next month’s London Marathon after he admitted he is far from ready.

Ethiopian long-distance running legend Kenenisa Bekele has voiced doubts about his potential success in the upcoming London Marathon following his seventh-place finish at the New York Half Marathon on Sunday.

Bekele clocked 1:03:59 for seventh place in a race won by Kenya’s Abel Kipchumba, who timed 1:00:25, with Morocco’s Zouhair Talbi (1:00:41) and Ethiopian Yemane Haileselassie (1:01:37) completing the podium.

The race was part of Bekele’s pre-London preparations but he looked to have bitten more than he could chew in the streets of New York.

Reflecting on the challenges encountered during the New York race, Bekele acknowledged the demanding nature of the course and emphasised the need for additional preparation to assess his fitness levels.

"The course was tough. This race was important to see how my shape is so I think I need more preparations," Bekele remarked.

Despite his determination to excel in the London Marathon on April 21, Bekele admitted that he is still in the process of building up his form and fitness for the upcoming challenge.

"I am still on the build-up because my big goal is success in London but this race was important to see my shape so I think I need more preparations," he explained.

Acknowledging the importance of both time and positioning in the London Marathon, Bekele emphasised his commitment to being fully prepared for the prestigious event.

"Not only time but the position is really important in London. I think I will be ready. I have a couple of weeks to prepare and try to be ready to do something," he asserted optimistically, despite his reservations.

As Bekele looks ahead to the London Marathon, he faces the challenge of fine-tuning his preparation and performance to meet the high expectations set for himself.

The Ethiopian great will be up against a formidable cast in London that includes Kenya’s Geoffrey Kamworor, two-time New York Marathon champion and second in London last year, and Alexander Mutiso, who finished second in Valencia last year.

He also has Ethiopian compatriots Tamirat Tola, the New York Marathon champion, and Mosinet Geremew, the seventh-fastest man in history.

This is also part of the two-time Berlin Marathon champion’s preparations towards the Olympics although he still not sure if he will make Ethiopia’s marathon team to the Paris Games.

“They can select based on time, and position is also very important,” Bekele said when asked about his chances of making the Olympics team.

“It will depend on the competitors and they have their own method of selection. There are many Ethiopian marathoners so they have their own plan. I think my chance is 50-50 so I have to try my best.”

Bekele has been to London six times, managing second place in 2017 after third a year earlier, but could only finish sixth in 2018 and fifth in 2022. He, however, had a setback in 2020, when he was forced to withdraw with a calf injury, before failing to finish last year’s race.

Brigid Kosgei sets lofty ambitions at Lisbon Half Marathon as big bonus awaits

Kenya’s Brigid Kosgei is keen to make history at the Lisbon Half Marathon on Sunday as she seeks to use the race to tune up for next month’s London Marathon.

Kenya’s Brigid Kosgei is keen to break her half marathon personal best during the Lisbon Half Marathon on Sunday.

The former marathon world record holder is using the Lisbon Half Marathon to gauge her level of preparedness for the London Marathon set to take place on April 21 and she feels she can lower her half marathon personal best of 1:04:49.

"I'm really happy to be here again. I wanted to run this race because I want to test my speed for London Marathon in April,” Kosgei said on Friday.

“I come here to see how my body respond. I'm feeling good, I'm happy, did a good preparation. The course is very fast and I hope to have a good race on Sunday. If the weather is good, I will try to break my personal best in half marathon.”

The 30-year-old is no stranger to the Portuguese capital having won the 2016 Lisbon Marathon but she will come up against a stellar field on Sunday, in want has been termed the fastest half marathon in the world.

Seeking to upstage her is compatriot Vivian Cheruiyot, the 2018 London Marathon champion, whose last race was the Valencia Marathon in 2019 when she finished fourth.

There are also Kenyans Betty Chepkemoi, Pauline Esikom and Vivian Melly, Ethiopia’s Bosena Mulatie, fourth at the 2023 Istanbul Half Marathon and Senayet Getachew, the 2023 Junior World Cross-Country champion, who will be keen to upstage her.

The men’s field has attracted 10 athletes with the best marks under one hour. Abraham Kiptum will be returning and he is the biggest highlight, with a personal best of 59.09.

He will face a stern test from Ethiopians Solomon Berihu (59.17) and Dinkalem Ayele (59.30), but also compatriots Brian Kwemoi and Bravin Kipkogei Kiptoo (both with 59.37).

American Leonard Korir, third in the last month's US Olympic Marathon Trials, will also be in the race.

Korir achieved the needed spot in the podium, but not the time to guarantee the place in Paris. That's why he chose Lisbon to try to run a fast time, and maybe break the American record (59:43).

"I heard so many good things about the race, I heard that it's super fast. There were some guys that run fast here, like Jacob Kiplimo. I wanted to run something faster, and I told myself 'let me try to go to Lisbon',” said Korir.

“I heard the organisation is very good, the course is very nice. I just want to see if I can run a quick time, to see how my body feels before running a marathon in the near future,” added the 37-year-old American.

Lisbon Half Marathon oragnisers have set aside a €150,000 (Ksh22,044,775) bonus for new world records with the times to beat being 57:31 set by Ugandan Jacob Kiplimo, at this same race in 2021, and 1:02:54 by Ethiopian Letesenbet Gidey in Valencia.

London Marathon: Rachel Hodgkinson nervous ahead of first elite start

Distance runner Rachel Hodgkinson says being able to compete in next month's London Marathon as an elite athlete has made her nervous.

The 31-year-old was the second fastest British woman in last year's London Marathon having not started as part of the elite athlete's cohort.

She has since won gold at the Tokyo Marathon and finished fifth in the IAU 50km World Championship.

"Just getting there is an achievement," she told BBC Radio Merseyside.

"I'm excited and also quite nervous.

"Last year I came second for the British women, so I already knew at that point that I probably wouldn't be able to run with the masses and with the men again. So I knew I'd be making that step up into the women's only race.

"It was a shock last year when I came in second because I didn't start with the elite women. I didn't know I was in second, I only found out when I crossed the line that some of the elite women had dropped out."

With Olympic qualification for this summer's Games out of reach and question marks over the future of the Commonwealth Games, Hodgkinson's competitive aims have been pushed to the distant future.

"I'm not going to make the Olympics this year but they come around every four years so why not go again and have a shot?" she added.

"The Commonwealth Games is in question at the minute and may or may not happen. I'd like to represent England as I haven't done that, but that's generally some shorter distance stuff and speed is not necessarily my strength. I'm an endurance runner but we'll see.

"I could easily go down the ultra running line and step up to 50km or 100-milers."

Pamela Rotich headlines Los Angeles Marathon

Kenya’s Pamela Rotich will be the lady to watch at the 39th edition of the Los Angeles Marathon slated for Sunday (17) in Los Angeles, California, U.S.

Rotich who is the oldest and fastest athlete on the entry list, comes to this race with a life time best of 2:22.43 that she got two years ago at Daegu International Marathon, where she took the silver medal.

The 40 year-old will not have an easy time as she will face-off with Olga Mazuronak of Belarus who is the second fastest athlete on paper with a time of 2:23.54 that she got at the 2016 London Marathon where she finished in fourth place and the former Commonwealth Games 10,000m silver medallist, Stacy Ndiwa of Kenya who holds a personal best of 2:31.00 that she got last year at the Chicago Marathon.

Another title contender is Olympian Silvia Paredes from Ecuador of personal best 2:40.58 and the 2015 Pan American Games marathon bronze medalist, Rachel Hannah from Canada who holds a personal best of 2:32.09 that she got at the 2016 Houston Marathon, where she finished in sixth place.

LEADING TIME

42KM WOMEN

Pamela Rotich       (KEN) 2:22.43

Olga Mazuronak   (BEL) 2:23.54

Stacy Ndiwa          (KEN) 2:31.00

Rachel Hannah      (CAN) 2:32.09

Silvia Paredes        (CAN) 2:40.58

Brigid Kosgei fine tuning for London Marathon at Lisbon Half Marathon

Former world marathon record holder Brigid Kosgei will be keen to gauge her form at the Lisbon Half Marathon ahead of her return to the London Marathon.

Former world marathon record holder Brigid Kosgei is the star attraction for the Lisbon Half Marathon, where she intends to have a great build-up for the London Marathon.

The 30-year-old will use the 21km race scheduled for Sunday, March 17 to gauge form and pace for the marathon that takes place in the capital city of England.

In addition to Kosgei, there will be other big names in the ladies' elite in Lisbon, with six more women with personal bests under 68 minutes.

Bosena Mulatie (65.46), Tigist Menigstu (66.20), and Betty Chepkemoi Kibet (66.37) will be hoping to stop Kosgei who suffered an injury last season and was forced to withdraw from the London Marathon.

Pauline Esikon (67.15), Vivian Melly (67.35) and Zewditu Aderaw Gelaw (67.25) are the other highlights beyond Kosgei.

The men’s field has attracted 10 athletes with the best marks under the hour. Abraham Kiptum will be returning and he is the biggest highlight, with a personal best of 59.09.

He will face a stern test from Ethiopians Solomon Berihu (59.17) and Dinkalem Ayele (59.30), but also compatriots Brian Kwemoi and Bravin Kipkogei Kiptoo (both with 59.37).

Meanwhile, several European athletes like the Norwegian Sondre Nordstad Moen (59.48), the Germans Amanal Petros (60.09) and Hendrik Pfeiffer (62.05), the Irish Stephen Scullion (61.08), Hélio Gomes and Rui Pinto have also confirmed participation. Brazilian Daniel do Nascimento, with a personal record of 61.03, will also be present, in what is his first race with Nike.

Why Benson Kipruto is Kenya’s best bet for marathon gold at Paris 2024 Olympics

Pulse Sports details the reasons that make 2024 Tokyo Marathon champion Benson Kiptruto Kenya’s best bet for marathon gold at the Paris Olympics.

Tokyo Marathon champion Benson Kipruto appears to be the early favorite to win Kenya gold at the Paris Olympics given his recent form.

Kipruto is still basking in the glory of his win in Tokyo last week when he clocked 2:02:16 to break the course record ahead of countrymen Timothy Kiplagat (2:02:55) and Vincent Ngetich (2:04:18).

That was Kipruto’s fourth win in his last seven marathons, having also won in Prague and Boston in 2021 and Chicago in 2022. During that period, the 32-year-old has also not finished outside the top three, third in Boston in 2022 and 2023, as well as a second place in Chicago last year.

Looking at the provisional Team Kenya marathon team to Paris Olympics selected last December, only Kelvin Kiptum had better numbers, but the world marathon record holder is now deceased, which leaves Kipruto with a head start.

Kenya’s provisional squad of 10 had Kipruto, Kiptum, two-time Olympics champion Eliud Kipchoge, Ngetich, Timothy Kiplagat, Bernard Koech, two-time New York Marathon champion Geoffrey Kamworor, Cyprian Kotut, 2022 London Marathon champion Amos Kipruto and Titus Kipruto.

With Athletics Kenya (AK) making their selection based on World Athletics Road to Paris Marathon Rankings, two-time Boston Marathon champion Evans Chebet and Alexander Mutiso, third in Valencia in 2:03:29 on his debut in 2022, winner in Prague last year (2:05:09), before second place in Valencia 2023 (2:03:11) did not make the team.

Mutiso had not run Valencia when the team was unveiled while Chebet has been very consistent. After his marathon debut in 2013 in Seoul (2:11:26), Chebet has managed top four placings in all 15 marathons he has finished, including six wins and six runner-up finishes.

He won in Boston and New York in 2022 before defending his Boston title and he will be back again in April in a bid to make it three straight wins.

Athletics Kenya has yet to indicate if there will be alterations to the team in light of Kiptum’s demise, which could give Chebet or Mutiso a ticket to the Olympics, if they do well in Boston and London respectively next month.

If AK sticks to the original list, then Kipruto will be seen as the hot favourite given the recent form of defending champion Kipchoge.

Kipchoge finished a disappointing 10th in Tokyo after clocking 2:06:50, having come in as favorite following his win in Berlin last year (2:02:42) and the fact that he also won in the Japanese capital in 2021 (2:02:40).

However, his sixth place in Boston last year (2:09:23), which was blamed on the lack of pacemakers and the hilly course, and the latest in Tokyo prove that he is human after all, hence the need to look beyond him for gold in Paris.