Running News Daily

Kenny Bednarek, Letsile Tebogo, and other top track athletes line up for the 200M sprint at the Prefontaine Classic

The 200-meter division is the subject of much discussion as the Olympic season develops further. While many athletes have talked about breaking the world record set by Usain Bolt, Kenny Bednarek is the one who recorded the fastest 200-meter time in 2024. However, he still has a long way to go and will be facing athletes of equal caliber at the Prefontaine Classic 2024.

Track Gazette took to X to post the list of athletes who will compete in the annual 200-meter sprint at the Prefontaine Classic 2024. It begins with Bednarek, who just won the Doha Diamond League, setting a world lead, a meet record, and a personal best. His time of 19.67 seconds has since become the standard, but the track world moves fast, and other athletes will soon be closing the gap.

Erriyon Knighton, a 20-year-old American prodigy, is also scheduled to compete at the tournament while being heavily favored for a spot in the Olympics. Furthermore, the list includes Botswanan sprinter Letsile Tebogo, who broke the 300-meter world record earlier this season. The 20-year-old has been confident since his ASA Grand Prix Tour and has not underperformed in any event.

Even at the World Relays, Tebogo had the fastest time among all of the other teams in the finals and won the gold medal, making Botswana and the entire continent of Africa proud.

Meanwhile, Tebogo’s rival Courtney Lindsey will also compete in the Prefontaine Classic, as he was the first person to defeat the 20-year-old  in the 200 meters at the Kip Keino Classic. On the other hand, Aaron Brown, a Canadian sprint standout, has registered for the tournament and hopes to have a successful 200-meter seasonal debut.

Another standout name on the list is Kyree King who ran an outstanding 20.21 with a +1.7 tailwind on the Qatari circuit and might pose a major threat to other runners, including his fellow Team USA athletes. In addition, Liberian sprinter Joseph Fahnbulleh, who delivered many inspiring words at the World Relays after securing his country’s ticket to the Paris Olympics, has also registered for the 200-meter sprint alongside Jeremiah Curry of the United States and Alexander Ogando of the Dominican Republic.

The event’s lineup of athletes with diverse talents has naturally gotten fans excited. The Prefontaine Classic has never disappointed and from the looks of it, 2024 will definitely take the legacy forward.

At the same time, fans can have varying expectations, and many took to X to make their feelings known.

American athletes Bednarek and Knighton will undoubtedly give their all, but for this fan, the Botswanan athlete appears to be the clear winner.

This season, the entire grid has demonstrated their prowess and this user believes there will be a new world lead.

U.S. star Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone will run the 400m hurdles at Paris Olympics

American track star Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone will compete in her fourth meet of the season on Saturday in Los Angeles, matching the total number of races she ran last year. Ahead of the race, McLaughlin-Levrone and her coach, Bobby Kersee, addressed her training focus for the 2024 Paris Olympics, stating that her plans are only to run the 400m hurdles at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials next month, returning to her signature event after racing the flat 400m in an injury-shortened 2023.

Kersee confirmed Friday that McLaughlin-Levrone’s plans for U.S. Trials is to stick to the 400m hurdles, which take place June 21-30 in Eugene, Ore. The top three finishers in each event (if they have the standard) will make Team U.S.A. for Paris. When Kersee was asked what went into the decision, he said: “That’s her main event. That’s what we want to defend our Olympic championship in.”

“I think Sydney’s love is the 400m hurdles, and so that’s the number-one event,” Kersee told NBC Sports. “My job is to make sure that she gets ready for the one that she wants to do the most.”

McLaughlin-Levrone won the 400m hurdles at the Tokyo Olympics and lowered the world record on four separate occasions between 2021 and 2022, bringing it down from 52.16 seconds to 50.68. After the 2022 season, McLaughlin-Levrone said she wanted to expand to the flat 400m to see what was possible in that event, while not giving up the 400m hurdles.

The 24-year-old did not contest the 400m hurdles in 2023. McLaughlin-Levrone won the U.S. title in the flat 400m last July in 48.74 seconds, the world’s fastest time last year, and the second-fastest time in American history. She planned to race the flat 400m at the world championships in August, then announced her withdrawal eight days before the event, due to a small tear in her left knee that led to patella issues and tendonitis.

In McLaughlin-Levrone’s absence, Femke Bol of the Netherlands won the 400m hurdles event in Budapest last August in 51.70 seconds. Bol is the second-fastest woman in history in the event, with a personal best of 51.45. The 400m hurdles final could be the first matchup between Bol and McLaughlin-Levrone since the world record was last broken, at the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Eugene.

McLaughlin-Levrone has already raced three times this season in events outside the hurdles, and is on the entry list for the 200m at the USATF Los Angeles Grand Prix on Saturday, where she will face her U.S. teammate, Gabby Thomas.

Kersee also said that McLaughlin-Levrone, if she qualifies for the Olympics and is healthy in Paris, will also be available to run the mixed-gender 4x400m relay (final Aug. 3) and the women’s 4x400m relay (final Aug. 10).

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.

Kipruto excited to run side by side with legendary Kipchoge

The 2024 Tokyo Marathon champion Benson Kipruto reckons he has polished his act satisfactorily to reap immensely at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Kipruto emphatically stated his desire to light up the French capital with a sublime performance. 

“I’m looking forward to competing in the Paris Games. Being named to the team is a great privilege and I cherish the rare chance to represent the country in the Olympics,” Kipruto stated.

“I’m ready to fight bravely for my country. I believe I’m in good shape and ready to make the nation proud in Paris,” he added.

Kipruto said the thought of being on the same team as his role model Eliud Kipchoge fascinates him a lot, adding that the double Olympic champion has always been his key source of inspiration.

The duo mske up the quintet of Kenyan male marathoners tasked with flying the country’s flag at the quadrennial global multisport showpiece set for July 26 to August 11.

Kipruto tipped Kipchoge to spearhead Kenya’s lofty hunt for a podium sweep but vowed to give him a run for his money.

“He is a brilliant athlete, one who has always inspired me a great deal. I desire to be as great as him and step into his shoes once he calls time on his career,” Kipruto remarked.

Kipruto reiterated an earlier call made by his teammates for a concerted effort, pointing out it was the only way to ensure a podium sweep.

“I believe in the strength of team effort. Away from competition, we train together reside in the same camp, and interact like a family. I don’t see what should prevent us from going for an Olympic as a team,” Kipruto stated.

He said they would do away with their pre-race favourites tag to stave off complacency, adding that it would be tactically suicidal to underrate their opponents.

Kenya will be defending the title that Kipchoge stashed away at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in Japan and Kipruto has tipped the nation to replicate the feat in the French capital.

“We can’t afford to head to the competition with a superior mentality. I’ll appreciate that we have a solid team but we should be careful not to take our opponents for granted,” Kipruto said. “Marathon is a tricky venture and anything is bound to happen in competition,” he added.

Kipruto heads to the Games buoyed by impressive credentials as the winner of the Boston Marathon in 2021, the Chicago Marathon in 2022, and the Tokyo Marathon earlier this year.

Faith Kipyegon withdraws from Prefontaine Classic amidst injury concerns

Two-time Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon unexpectedly withdraws from Prefontaine Classic.

Two-time Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon has made an unexpected withdrawal from the Eugene Diamond League commonly known as the Prefontaine Classic.

Scheduled to compete in the 5,000m on Friday May 24 Kipyegon’s departure comes as a sudden pivot in her preparation for the upcoming Paris Games.

The Kenyan middle-distance star expressed her decision through a heartfelt announcement.

 "I’ve been building in a great way during the past months for a beautiful season ahead. Some weeks back I got a small muscle problem that was handled well," Kipyegon revealed. 

Despite the setback, she confirmed her continued dedication to her training regime. 

"I’m now back in full training, focusing to start my season in four weeks' time at the Kenyan Trials for the Olympic Games," she added.

The anticipation for Kipyegon at the Prefontaine Classic was high, especially given her stellar track record and her history with the event.

"I saw my name announced for @preclassic, it’s one of the greatest competitions in the circuit and I plan to compete there again in 2025," Kipyegon stated.

Kipyegon’s decision is particularly poignant as it follows her world record-breaking performance in Paris last June where she clocked an astonishing 14:05.20 in the 5,000m.

Unfortunately, this record fell outside the Olympics qualification window, necessitating another qualifying run to secure her spot for Paris. 

The qualifying standard for the 5,000m is set at 14:52.00, a mark Kipyegon has previously surpassed but must achieve again within the designated window from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024.

The 2023 season saw Kipyegon ascend to new heights in athletics, breaking three world records across various distances. 

Starting with the 1,500m in Florence, she continued her record-setting spree in Paris before topping the one-mile world record at the Monaco Diamond League. 

Her victories at the World Championships in Budapest, where she clinched gold in both the 1,500m and 5,000m, further cemented her dominance in middle-distance running.

However, her 5,000m world record was short-lived, as Ethiopia's Gudaf Tsegay surpassed it at the Prefontaine Classic in September with a time of 14:00.21.

Eugene, the host city for the Prefontaine Classic, holds a special place in Kipyegon’s career. It was here she won her second world title in the 1,500m in 2022 and secured last season’s Diamond League Trophy over the same distance. 

Her withdrawal not only impacts her preparations for Paris but also leaves her fans and fellow competitors in a state of surprise and anticipation for her next move.

Emmanuel Korir reveals when he will make long-awaited return

Olympic 800m champion Emmanuel Korir has announced when he will return to action as he seeks to return to shape ahead of his title defense in Paris after a poor 2023 campaign.

Olympic 800m champion Emmanuel Korir will make his long return to action at the Marrakech Diamond League in Morocco on May 27.

Korir has not been in competitive action since his disappointing outing at the 2023 World Championships when he was eliminated at the heats and subsequently failed to defend his title.

The 28-year-old was just returning after a long injury layoff but found the going tough after which he went downlow perhaps to tune up for his Olympic title defense.

Nine months on and Korir will be hoping for a good outing in Marrakech where he will run in the 800m but faces stiff competition from compatriots Emmanuel Wanyonyi and Wycliffe Kinyamal.

World 800m silver medalist Wanyonyi is the man of the moment and will head into the race on confidence having shown no signs of rustiness at the Kip Keino Classic last month, when he ran a world leading time of 1:43.57 to win what was his first race of the season.

Another extra motivation for Korir will be the need to hit the Olympic qualifying time given his 1:46.78, clocked at the World Championship was out of the set standard of 1:44:70.

Korir is hoping to get back to the heights of 2022 when he won the world title in 1:43.71 which will also get him closer to his rivals ahead of the Olympics.

With new runners emerging, such as world champion Marco Arop of Canada and Wanyonyi in his absence, the 28-year-old has a lot of work on his hands to regain his old form.

Korir, who has had to deal with a calf injury, also opened his 2023 season in Morocco, starting in Rabat, where he finished eighth, before proceeding to Paris, France, only to finish 10th.

He followed that up with another eighth-place finish in Stockholm, Sweden before his poor showing at the World Championships.

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.

Why Faith Kipyegon is under pressure to deliver at Prefontaine Classic

Multiple world champion Faith Kipyegon will open her season at the Prefontaine Classic, where she will run the 5,000m, but there is little margin for error given what is at stake.

Two-time Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon will open her season at the Eugene Diamond League, popularly known as the Prefontaine Classic, but the event holds more significance for her as far as the Paris Olympics is concerned.

Kipyegon will be running the 5,000m in Eugene on May 24 where she is seeking to hit the Olympic qualifying standard even though she has not made up her mind on whether she will double at the Paris Games.

Kipyegon run a world record 14:05.20 in Paris, France in June last year but that was outside the Olympics qualification window which means she will have to do it all over again to be in contention for a place at the Paris Games over the 5,000m.

The Olympic qualifying window for individual events, other than the 10,000m and combined events, is from July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024 and Kipyegon and Co will need to clock 14:52.00, which is the mark set for Paris Olympics qualification.

That will give the world 5,000m champion some extra pressure heading to Eugene but she will be counting on her experience to get her over the line.

Kipyegon had a wonderful 2023 season that saw her break three world records, starting with her specialty 1,500m in Florence, Italy last June before the 5,000m in Paris a week later.

She would lower the one-mile world record at the Monaco Diamond League in July before winning gold in 1,500m and 5,000m at the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary a month later.

Her 5,000m world record was, however, broken two months later by Ethiopia's Gudaf Tsegay who ran 14:00.21 at the Prefontaine Classic in September.

Eugene holds special memories for Kipyegon who won her second world title in 1,500m in the US city in 2022 as well as last season’s Diamond League Trophy over the distance.

Kenyans outsprint locals and the rest in yet another Absa Run Your City race

Kenya’s Vincent Langat and Diana Chepkorir made it two wins in as many Absa Run Your City Cape Town 10K Series starts when they crossed the finish line first in the men’s and women’s races, respectively, in Sunday’s race in the Mother City.

Just five weeks after winning the Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, leg of the popular 10km race, Langat produced his first sub-28-minute clocking on South African soil when he won the Cape Town contest in 27:52.

Said Langat after the race:

I was excited when I made my move with 1km to go. This was my best win. Elroy is a strong guy. I like him and I appreciate the competition. I will now go and prepare for the Olympics in the 10 000m.

South Africa’s Elroy Gelant grabbed the second spot.

The two-time Olympian stopped the clock at 27:55, while Francis Abongo ran a personal best of 28:16 to claim third place in his first official 10km road race outside his native Kenya.

With three personal bests over 10km, 21km and 42km over the last nine months, 37-year-old Gelant says he feels more confident than ever. He had wanted to attack Precious Mashele’s 27:35 national record, even though the wind had other ideas.

He walked away with R85 000 in prize money—R25 000 for second place and R60 000 for breaking 28 minutes.

Said Gelant:

The wind was a factor. I just told myself, like a skipper who’s on a boat when there’s wind, you just need to change your sails, so I just changed by angle of running. But I knew that I would run well. I set my watch to SA record. I didn’t get there, but I’m still happy with the race.

Meanwhile, Chepkorir emulated her compatriot with her second victory in a row.

She clocked 31:47 to win in Cape Town after her victory at the Gqeberha race early in April.

Lesotho’s Neheng Khathala was the runner-up in 32:16, while Getenesh Sase Agafew of Ethiopia came in third in 32:48.

Comedian Leslie Jones Will Be A Commentator At the Paris Olympics

The former Saturday Night Live cast member is a major fan of Team USA and will be covering her third Olympics as “chief super fan commentator.”

Comedian Leslie Jones will be an official commentator for the 2024 Paris Olympics, rejoining NBCUniversal’s coverage as “chief superfan commentator.” The former Saturday Night Live cast member will provide segments for a variety of events on NBC, Peacock, other NBCU channels and platforms, and will be posting updates on her own social media accounts as well. 

“I’m pumped to be heading to Paris to report on Team USA,” Jones said in a statement. “These athletes train for years to compete at the highest level, and I’m so excited to be back in the seat with NBCUniversal, cheering for Team USA and serving as chief super fan commentator. USA!! SLAY ALL DAY!! LET’S GOOOOOO!!”

Jones was first invited to become a part of NBCU’s Olympic coverage in 2016 after she live-tweeted day one of the Summer Games in Rio, offering hilarious commentary as she rooted for Team USA. She also provided commentary for the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics. 

Showcasing the energy, enthusiasm, and comedy Jones brings to track and field coverage, Citius Mag posted a reminder of the time in 2021 that the Ghostbusters actress recorded herself discovering the steeplechase event, spouting expletives and yelling in disbelief, “Is that like a roadblock they jumpin’ over? That’s not a hurdle! Okay, so like, they horses? I’ve never seen no sh*t like that.”

“We are excited to welcome Leslie back to our Olympic team,” said Rebecca Chatman, coordinating producer for NBC Olympics. “She is a passionate fan of Team USA, and we can’t wait to hear from her at events and sites across Paris.” The Olympics will take place from July 26 through August 11, and NBC will include live events in its daytime coverage and a mix of highlights and other segments in primetime. In an unprecedented scope of programming, Peacock will be streaming every sport, including live coverage of all 329 medal events.

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Ben Flanagan and Rory Linkletter to headline Canadian 10K

On Monday, Run Ottawa revealed the headliners for the 2024 Canadian 10K Championships, which is part of the Ottawa Marathon weekend on May 25-26. This year’s 10K race promises to be one to remember, with two of Canada’s best road racers and upcoming Olympians gearing up for a head-to-head matchup on the banks of Ottawa’s Rideau Canal—Ben Flanagan and Rory Linkletter.

Flanagan, who holds the the Canadian 10K record, returns to Ottawa after missing last year’s epic showdown between Cam Levins and Moh Ahmed due to a scheduling conflict. This will be Linkletter’s third consecutive year competing in the Ottawa 10K. This time he is coming off a marathon personal best 2:08:01 performance in Seville and looking for his first Canadian national title.

“I love Ottawa race weekend and I think the organizers and city put on an amazing event, says Linkletter. “So long as it fits my schedule, I intend to make it a tradition.” 

Both Flanagan and Linkletter have qualified to represent Canada at the Paris Olympics this summer, and the Canadian 10K Championships at Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend is an opportunity for the two to face off in the lead-up to the Games. Their last appearance together in the nation’s capital (the 2022 Canadian 10K Championships) saw Flanagan run away with first in 28:40, Linkletter second in 29:02.

“I’m excited to compete against Ben in Ottawa. He’s one of Canada’s greatest distance runners—especially at the 10K distance,” says Linkletter. “I would consider Ben one of my greatest rivals and friends in Canadian running. It’s an honour any time we can compete head to head.”

For Canadian fans, seeing two of Canada’s Paris Olympians compete on home soil is a rare treat. The Ottawa 10K, with its rich history and enthusiastic crowd, provides the perfect stage for such a showdown. The women’s elite race kicks off at 6:15 p.m. ET, followed by the men’s start at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 25.

For those who want to be part of the action, registration is open to join Canada’s fastest distance runners at this year’s Canadian 10K Championships. As Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend celebrates its 50th year of running in 2024, don’t miss the chance to be a part of it!

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.

Fiona O’Keeffe, Emily Sisson, and Dakotah Lindwurm to headline New York Mini 10K

Fiona O’Keeffe, Emily Sisson, and Dakotah Lindwurm to headline world’s original women-only road race, which has garnered more than 200,000 finishers since 1972.

New York Road Runners (NYRR) has recruited the 2024 U.S. Olympic Women’s Marathon Team – Fiona O’Keeffe, Emily Sisson, and Dakotah Lindwurm – to headline its Mastercard® New York Mini 10K taking place Saturday, June 8 in Central Park.

O’Keeffe won the 2024 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in February with an event record in her 26.2-mile debut and will now make her NYRR race debut. O’Keeffe joined the professional ranks in 2021 after a decorated career at Stanford University, where she was a six-time NCAA All-American.

“I’m excited to step to the line of my first road race since the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials at the Mastercard New York Mini 10K on June 8,” O’Keeffe said. “It’s my first time running the Mini and I’m looking forward to running alongside a great group of women, some of whom I’ll be seeing in Paris later this summer.”

Sisson, the American record-holder in the marathon, finished runner-up at the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials to qualify for her second Olympics and first in the 26.2-mile distance. She is a six-time national champion and has been successful in New York, finishing as runner-up at the United Airlines NYC Half twice and winning the USATF 5K Championships. Sisson was fourth at last year’s Mastercard® New York Mini 10K.

“The Mastercard New York Mini 10K is one of those special races that I always have circled on my calendar,” Sisson said. “Although my summer will look a little different this year with a marathon in Paris in August, I wouldn’t miss the chance to race with New York Road Runners in Central Park with my Olympic teammates and thousands of women from around the globe.”

Lindwurm finished third at the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials and first gained notoriety after winning back-to-back titles at the Grandma’s Marathon in 2021 and 2022. Her highest finish at an NYRR race previously was sixth place at the 2023 United Airlines NYC Half.

“I’m really excited to join my Olympic teammates Fiona and Emily for the Mastercard New York Mini 10K,” Lindwurm said. “I’ve heard great things about the Mini my entire career, but it’s never quite worked with my racing and training schedule. This year, it works as a great step toward the starting line in Paris.”

New York Road Runners started the Mini 10K in 1972 as the first women-only road race, known then as the Crazylegs Mini Marathon. Seventy-two women finished the first race, and three weeks later Title IX was signed into law, guaranteeing girls and women the right to participate in school sports and creating new opportunities for generations of female athletes.

The Mastercard® New York Mini 10K is now one of non-profit NYRR’s 60 adult and youth races annually and has garnered more than 200,000 total finishers to date.

The 2024 Mastercard® New York Mini 10K will offer $39,500 in total prize money, including $10,000 to the winner of the open division.

Mastercard® will serve as title sponsor of the event for the fourth year, and as part of its ongoing partnership with NYRR will also serve as the presenting sponsor of professional women’s athlete field.

The event will be covered locally in the tri-state area by ABC New York, Channel 7 with live news cut-ins. The professional race will be covered by a livestream, distributed by ESPN+, abc7ny.com, and NYRR’s digital channels beginning at 7:40 a.m. ET.

The full professional athlete field for the Mastercard® New York Mini 10K will be announced later this month.

U.S. Olympic Marathoners Will Race the Bolder Boulder 10K as a Pre-Paris Tune-Up

Conner Mantz, Clayton Young, and Leonard Korir will run in the International Pro Team Challenge on May 27.

Memorial Day is always an exceptional celebration for runners in Boulder, Colorado, but this year, it will have some extra special Olympic flair.

On Monday, May 27, more than 40,000 runners will run through the city that’s known for the iconic Flatirons rock formations, the Pearl Street pedestrian mall, and an exceptionally active population in the annual Bolder Boulder 10K. Now in its 44th year, it’s been one of the top road running races in the U.S. since its inception, and this year will serve as one of the final tune-ups for the men’s U.S. Olympic marathon squad before racing in the Paris Olympics later this summer.

Conner Mantz, Clayton Young, and Leonard Korir, the top three finishers in the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials who will be racing the marathon in the Paris Olympics on August 10, will be competing as Team USA Red in the Bolder Boulder’s International Pro Team Challenge that follows the citizen’s races. (Korir is expected to officially be named to the U.S. team in early May based on final pre-Olympic international rankings.)

The pro race, which has a prize purse of $83,700 before potential bonuses, is one of the things that makes the Bolder Boulder so unique. After all the runners in 98 citizen waves have completed the race, professional men’s and women’s international teams from more than a dozen countries compete on the same course for team and individual titles. The races feature a staggered start, with women beginning 15 minutes before the men so the winners of each race will finish about 10 minutes apart inside the University of Colorado’s Folsom Field football stadium.

The finishing moments are among the thrilling spectacles in American running. By that point, the stadium is filled with a near-capacity crowd of roaring runners, family, and friends who have been watching the action play out on the massive video screens.

“The finish in the full stadium is like nothing else in the sport,” says Mantz, 27, who won the men’s race last year in 29:08 with a thrilling late-race surge to pass Kenya’s Alex Masai in the final 200 meters before the finish. “It was pretty electric. It took away all the pain you’re feeling mid-race. I was like, ‘Just race as hard as you can.’”

Team USA Red will have plenty of competition, from Team USA White, the secondary American team of Jared Ward, Futsum Zienasellassie, and Sam Chelanga, as well as teams from Kenya, Ethiopia, Mexico, and Rwanda. Teams are scored like a cross country race, with points awarded on the basis of finishing place, which means the team with the lowest combined score for all three runners is the winner. Ties are decided by the positions of the third-place finishers.

The women’s Team USA Red team will be led by defending champion Emily Durgin, along with Sara Hall and Boulder native Nell Rojas. Durgin finished ninth at the U.S. Olympic Trials in February and won the USATF 10 Mile Championships on April 7 in Washington D.C. At last year’s Bolder Boulder, she stormed to victory in 33:24, winning by 24 seconds over Kenya’s Daisy Kimeli.

Hall placed fifth in the U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon on February 3 in a U.S. master’s record (2:26:06) and 15th in the Boston Marathon on April 15. The women’s Team USA White roster will be composed of an all-University of Colorado alumnae squad—Makena Morley, Sara Vaughn, and Carrie Verdon.

“I can’t wait to be back in Boulder for the best day of the year,” says Durgin, 29, who will compete in the U.S. Olympic Trials 10,000 meters on the track in late June with the hopes of making the U.S. Olympic team. “Competing with Nell and Sara will make the experience even better.”

The women’s U.S. Olympic marathon team of Fionna O’Keefe, Emily Sisson, and Dakotah Lindwurm were invited to race in the Bolder Boulder but each runner declined, citing scheduling timing conflicts or a disinterest in racing at Boulder’s lofty altitude (5,430 feet). All of the runners who are racing for the U.S. teams in Boulder live at 4,500 feet or higher.

An Olympic Legacy

Boulder is known as one of the top running  meccas in the U.S., in part because elite-level American and international runners have made it their training base since Olympic gold medalist Frank Shorter arrived in the early 1970s. Emma Coburn, Jenny Simpson, Yared Nuguse, Joe Klecker, Jake Riley, Hellen Obiri, and Edna Kiplagat are among the many top-level runners who are currently training in Boulder.  Shorter, the 1972 marathon gold medalist, was a co-founder of Bolder Boulder 10K in 1979, and helped it grow into one of the country’s largest races. 

Since then, numerous U.S. Olympians have raced in the Bolder Boulder, including Deena Kastor (a three-time women’s champion), Aliphine Tuliamuk (the 2022 women’s winner), Alan Culpepper, Elva Dyer, Ryan Hall, Abdi Abdirahman, Jorge Torres, Shalane Flanagan, Amy Cragg, Magdalena Boulet, and Libby Hickman, as well as Korir (who won it in 2022), and Ward (who was fourth in 2022).

Thanks to Boulder’s robust running community and the prestige of the race, the Bolder Boulder has also always featured fast sub-elite runners competing in the early citizen waves. Yet, the race has also celebrated dedicated middle-of-the-pack runners, as well as the first-time runners and walkers in the later waves. It was one of the first races to have bands playing along the course (as well as belly dancers and other entertainers), runners dressed up in costumes, elite wheelchair races, and in recent years, it has been known for a mid-race slip-and-slide and unofficial bacon aid station.

For the past 25 years, the Bolder Boulder has organized a special Memorial Day tribute—one of the largest in the country—that honors military veterans and new cadets.

The U.S. men’s Olympic marathon team competing in this year’s Bolder Boulder will be a legacy moment for the race, says Bolder Boulder race director Cliff Bosley.

“Having the three men that will represent our country in the marathon at this summer’s Paris Olympic Games is something we are extremely proud of,” Bosley says. “All three ran here last year, and to have them back is just incredible for the race, the city of Boulder, and the sport of running.”

World champion Kiplangat to lead Uganda marathon team in Paris

World marathon champion Victor Kiplangat will lead Uganda’s athletics team at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Dominic Otuchet, President of the Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF), confirmed in an interview with Xinhua on Monday that despite multiple athletes meeting the qualifying standards, only the top three men and women have been selected for the team.

The 24-year-old Kiplangat, who clinched gold at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, will be joined by Stephen Kissa and Andrew Kwemoi.

“I continue to work hard because there is still some time left before the Olympics,” said Kiplangat, who finished 15th at the Tokyo Marathon in March.

The women’s team has Stella Chesang, the 2019 Commonwealth Games 10,000m champion, Mercyline Chelangat and Rebecca Cheptegei.

“I am very happy that I have made the team. This will be my first time to compete in such a highly formidable race,” said Chesang.

Otuchet expressed confidence in the selected athletes, noting their extensive experience and ongoing preparations. He emphasised that the six marathon runners representing Uganda are all seasoned athletes capable of winning medals at the Olympics.

Kenyans dominate Belfast City Marathon with record-breaking performances

Kenyan athletes triumph at Belfast City Marathon setting new records and demonstrating their dominance in long-distance running.

Kenyan athletes reigned supreme at the Belfast City Marathon by smashing records and leaving their competitors in awe on Sunday.

Beatrice Jepkemei and Mathew Kiplimo emerged as the champions in the women's and men's races respective.

Jepkemei, 26, delivered a stunning performance breaking the women's race record with a remarkable time of two hours, 35 minutes, and three seconds. 

Her outstanding achievement shaved off one minute and 47 seconds from the previous record set in 2012 by Ukrainian Nataliya Lehonkova. 

Despite facing a fierce challenge from Morocco's Lalla Aziza Alaoui Selsouli in the final stretch Jepkemei held her nerve to secure victory, finishing 17 seconds ahead of her rival.

In the men's race, debutant Mathew Kiplimo showcased his potential by claiming victory in a time of 2:14:44.

Kiplimo's triumph was all the more impressive as he overtook long-time leader Aweke Ayalew of Bahrain in the final mile, crossing the finish line a mere eight seconds ahead of Ayalew. Moses Kilmulwo of Kenya completed the men's podium, finishing in 2:15:10.

Last year's women's champion, Ethiopian Shewaye Woldemeskel, put in a commendable performance to secure third place with a time of 2:39:58, holding off a challenge from Glady Ganiel, the 2022 winner from North Belfast, who finished fourth.

The ideal running conditions set the stage for outstanding performances, with over 5,000 runners participating in the full marathon and an additional 12,000 taking part in the relay event. 

Jepkemei and Woldemeskel dominated the women's race from the outset, with Jepkemei surging ahead after the 22 kilometers mark to secure her lead.

In the men's race, Kiplimo, Ayalew, and Kenyans Matthew Kemboi and Moses Kimulwo formed a leading quartet until the halfway mark. 

Ayalew and Kimulwo then broke away, with Ayalew appearing poised for victory until Kiplimo unleashed a remarkable burst of speed in the final mile to claim the title.

Local athletes also made their mark on the event, with Annadale Striders' Eskander Turki finishing as the top Northern Ireland-based athlete in ninth place, clocking an impressive time of 2:22:22 in his marathon debut. 

Additionally, 64-year-old Tommy Hughes delivered a standout performance finishing 25th overall with a time of 2:36:37. 

Hughes who represented Ireland at the 1992 Olympics has set numerous world age-group records in recent years.

Emma Coburn to miss Olympics with broken ankle

American steeplechase star Emma Coburn shared on Instagram that her “dream of Paris” is over after she broke her ankle at the Shanghai Diamond League last month.

The 2016 Olympic bronze medalist and 2017 world champion landed heavily during a jump in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the event in China, forcing her out of the race, and was diagnosed with a fracture in her right ankle.

Coburn had been gearing up for the U.S. Olympic trials in Eugene, Ore., next month and was a favorite to make her fourth American Olympic team in Paris this summer.

“I don’t know what to say,” she wrote in her post, which shows her fall at the Shanghai race, initially believing the damage was just a sprain. “When I got home, images showed torn ligaments, damaged cartilage, and a fracture in my medial malleolus.”

The 33-year-old shared that she had surgery on Wednesday and hopes to return to “jogging” some time in the next six weeks.

Coburn’s post shares videos of her in a cast, beginning her rehab with strength exercises and riding the stationary bike. A well-loved figure on the U.S. track and field scene, her post garnered supportive messages from several fellow running stars, such as marathoner Kara Goucher and decorated track star Allyson Felix, who wished her well in her recovery and expressed support for her comeback.

“I love this sport and nothing heals a broken heart like working hard and getting back,” she says in her post. “See ya out there later this year.”

Coburn placed 14th in the steeplechase at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics before learning her result was disqualified when she stepped off the track after a last-lap stumble over the barrier. 

How Emil Zátopek helped create the Prague International Marathon

Founder of Prague International Marathon Carlo Capalbo opens up about meeting in 1995 that changed everything

This weekend’s Prague International Marathon will be the 29th edition of the event and, courtesy of organizers RunCzech, has become one of Europe’s fastest-growing road races.

It was founded back in 1995 by Carlo Capalbo, alongside 1988 Olympic men’s marathon champion Gelindo Bordin and quadruple Olympic gold medalist Emil Zátopek.

Zátopek, nicknamed the “Czech Locomotive”, is one of the country’s greatest ever athletes. He is best known for being the only person in history to claim three Olympic gold medals over the 5000m, 10,000m and the marathon in the same Games, at Helsinki 1952.

Incredibly, Zátopek’s gold in the marathon came in his first ever race over 26.2 miles.

The Czech athlete was also the first runner in history to go sub-29 minutes in the 10,000m and went undefeated in his first 38 races over the distance from 1948 through to 1954.

Zátopek’s legacy isn’t just defined by his athletics achievements though. The 8000-plus runners that will take to the streets on Sunday (May 5) for the Prague International Marathon – starting and ending around the Old Town Square – can thank Zátopek, Capalbo and Bordin for their vision back in 1995.

“You know, nearly 30 years ago I had this simple and beautiful dream,” Capalbo tells AW. “A friend of mine [Bordin] said to me that we should organize a marathon. So we went to see Mr Zátopek. That was the start of everything.

“When we went and met Mr Zátopek, we started off with a coffee and bábovka. At the end we tasted some lovely brandy that Mr Zátopek had. After that, we’d devised the marathon but we needed to work out where the people would run.

“So Mr Zátopek decided to draw the course for the Prague International Marathon on a napkin. The rest is history.”

The elite winners in the inaugural year of the event were Ethiopian Turbo Tummo (2:12:44) and Ukrainian Svetlana Tkach (2:38:33).

Since then, the course records have plummeted and are currently held by Alexander Mutiso (2:05:09 – 2023) and Lonah Salpeter (2:19:46 – 2019), although sadly Zátopek did not live to see the recent races as he died in 2000 aged 78.

Prague is a historically quick meet and the fact that the IOC have extended the qualification period for the Olympic marathon past the April 30 date, to include the Prague International Marathon, says a lot.

It means runners from a multitude of continents have flocked to the Czech Republic to meet the standard.

“The Prague International Marathon is a very prestigious event for both the IOC and World Athletics,” Capalbo says.

“There are so many people running to get the standard. The Olympics is the pinnacle of sport and it’s a celebration.”

Capalbo is also keen to stress of the importance of the masses. He states that running is much more than just one individual and his mission is to create sports events to make “people happy and healthy”, plus making the sport “more watchable for the general public”.

“This is not a normal job and running is not a normal sport,” he adds. “It’s a little bit specific. We wanted to give the perception that the winners of running are those who finish the race, not just those first across the line. The marathon is a fantastic advertisement for the city and it’s great for people’s mental health.

“We are a small country in the Czech Republic and many people come from abroad to the marathon. It’s a great income for Prague. This generates happiness and love for an event which is a tradition for us.”

There will also be the added element of “Battle of the Teams”. Successfully introduced last year, the idea is that both masses and elites are split into teams. It means that the placing of every runner matters.

This year, there will be four teams: Team Mattoni, Team Prague Airport, Team Turkish Airlines and Team Volkswagen.

“There is still the elephant in the room,” Capalbo says. “The masses don’t know the name of the winners. It’s why we’ve done Battle of the Teams so the people taking part in the marathon can look at the names of the elite athletes.

“We want to get the people close to the elite athletes. They also need European legends like Paula Radcliffe, Sebastian Coe and Rosa Mota to look up to. When you go to watch a football match you go crazy for your team and that’s what I need to see in running.”

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.

Cleveland Marathon winner Ashton Swinford looks to defend title for third year

Hudsonites might have caught a glimpse of Ashton Swinford in December as she dashed by the competition and snagged first place in the local Frosty 5-Mile race for the third year in a row (and with a 2023-course personal record of 28:53.)

But they might not have realized that they were also witnessing the running gait of a two-time Cleveland Marathon champion. This month, Swinford prepares to “flee to the Cleve” once again, to defend her title on Sunday, May 19.

Swinford credits her late-bloomer love of running to a stint on the cross-country team at Ohio Northern University. Her athleticism, however, was already prevalent during childhood, when she reached level 10 – the highest level – of the USA Gymnastics Junior Olympics Program.

“My athletic journey started as a gymnast in second grade, and I stuck with gymnastics throughout all of high school,” she said. “I thought I was going to do gymnastics in college, but after my senior year, I decided, ‘I feel satisfied. I did what I wanted to do. I’m healthy. I want to focus on school.’”

While studying biology at ONU, Swinford began making friends with members of the university’s track and cross country teams. After some convincing, she joined the track team as a sprinter, but it didn’t take long to discover her knack for distance running. 

“Being a gymnast made me a pretty good hurdler and sprinter,” she said. “But the team convinced me to start trying longer distances. I joined the cross country team for social reasons, and from there, the rest is history.”

In 2018, Swinford and her husband welcomed twins into the world. She had continued running and was inspired by the women just like her – amateur runners with a diversified life outside of running – that she witnessed qualifying for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. Less than a year after the babies arrived, Swinford could run a marathon non-competitively with a casual 3:12 pace. 

“Post-collegiately, and one of the things that I’m most proud of, is that I’m actually a much better runner now than I was in college. I have stuck with it, and each year I tend to get a little bit better than the year before,” she said.

Her budding distance prowess combined with an admiration for fellow “normal” runners competing on the world stage was the impetus for Swinford to start competitive running again. In 2019, after training harder and going further than she ever had, Swinford ran a marathon in 2:58, only 13 minutes shy of Olympic qualifying time. Her personal record marathon time is 2:44, which she ran at the Columbus marathon in 2023. 

Originally from Bowling Green, Swinford settled in the Cleveland area with her husband in 2015, after obtaining her graduate degree in physical therapy from the University of Dayton. Now a Hudson resident, she splits her time evenly between the roles of parent, part-time physical therapist and avid runner. She has mastered the art of multitasking: She fits in runs while her kids are in morning preschool, for example, and sometimes even squeezes in an afternoon workout.

Swinford’s community in Northern Ohio extends beyond her immediate family to her chosen family, CLE Racing, an “elite female running team representing Cleveland.” She serves as one of the team’s captains and values the supportive environment whether it’s race day, a group trail run or a kind comment on the group’s Facebook page.

“We all live in different parts of the Cleveland area,” Swinford explained. “We’ll meet at different parks or trailheads to train together and talk about races we want to do. We do volunteer events by supporting other local running events. It’s been a whole lot of fun to have a community of people with the same interests as me who can support each other in our running goals.”

Swinford looks forward to competing alongside her teammates in the upcoming Cleveland Marathon. Before the challenge of safeguarding her title in “The Land,” however, Swinford and some of her teammates are headed east to participate in what she said is the “first race people ask about when they learn you’re a marathon runner” –  the Boston Marathon.

“I’m glad to finally say that I’m finally doing my first Boston Marathon,” she said. “I don’t have a strong time goal because it’s such a tough course. I just want to finish feeling really good about myself.”

Despite her excitement to compete in Boston, Swinford’s most anticipated race is still at home, in Cleveland, which she refers to as “my hometown race.” As she crosses the finish line this May, Swinford hopes to run to victory with some of her biggest sideline fans: her CLE Racing teammates, her husband and, of course, her twins. 

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.

Ekwam looks to leave a mark at the Paris Olympics

Zablon Ekwam is keen to leave his mark in the 400m event at the Paris Olympics after securing his qualification time at the Kip Keino Classic last week. 

Ekwam powered to fourth place in 44.69 seconds, closely trailing Botswana’s Leungo Scotch at 44.54. Bryce Deadmon of the USA took second (44.41), while Botswana’s Bayapo Ndori clinched the title (44.10).

With the 2024 Olympic mark set at 45.00 for men and 50.95 for women, Ekwam’s performance puts him in prime position for the global showdown.

 “The Olympics is the climax of any sporting event and every athlete's dream is to make it to the global showpiece. I look forward to making my mark in Paris,” Ekwam remarked.

Ekwam highlighted the privilege of representing the country in an event where few Kenyan athletes qualify. “Representing the country in an event where there are not as many athletes qualifying is a nice feeling,” he stated.

Kenya has only secured two medals at the Olympics in the 400m, first at the 1972 Olympics in Munich, where Julius Sang clocked 44.92 to secure bronze and in 1992 in Barcelona, where the late Samson Kitur also won bronze in 44.24.

The last athlete to represent the country at the Olympics in the 400m was Emmanuel Korir at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where he was disqualified for a false start.

 Despite missing out on the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Ekwam remains determined to post impressive results this time around. 

 “I have been fighting for this spot for four years. I missed out on the 2020 Tokyo Olympics because I did not make the cut,” he stated.

He pointed out that consistent training was the key to making the Olympic team. “I went back to training consistently for three years to make the 2024 Olympics.”

Ekwam’s dedication paid off, as he recently contributed to shattering two African records with the 4x400m men’s relay team at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow, Scotland in March.

He was in the company of Wiseman Were, Boniface Mweresa and Kelvin Tauta.

Looking ahead, Ekwam is also set to represent Kenya at the World Relay Championships in Nassau, Bahamas as he seeks to showcase his prowess in the 4x400m mixed relay.

He will be joined by Were, Kennedy Kimeu, Mercy Chebet, Mary Moraa and Maureen Thomas as they hunt for a top-14 finish that will secure Olympic qualification for the relay team.

Jakob Ingebrigtsen’s father could face six years in prison for physical abuse

Gjert Ingebrigtsen has been charged by Norwegian police with one count of physical abuse after allegedly hitting one of his seven kids in the face with a wet towel in 2022.

On Monday, Norwegian police announced that Gjert Ingebrigtsen, father and former coach of 1,500m Olympic champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen, faces charges of domestic violence against a family member. Gjert could face up to six years in prison if found guilty.

In October 2023, Jakob, 23, and his older brothers Henrik, 33, and Filip, 31, who are also Olympic-level athletes, told the Norwegian newspaper VG that their father, who had coached them until 2022, had been physically violent.

The 58-year-old denied the allegations, but Norwegian police, who had been investigating the case, said on Monday that Gjert had been charged with one count of physical abuse. According to a report in VG, the alleged abuse took place between 2018 and early 2022 and included threats, coercion and hitting one of his seven kids in the face with a wet towel.

Gjert Ingebrigtsen’s lawyer, John Christian Elden, told VG that his client disagrees with the presentation of the events and does not admit any criminal wrongdoing.

The police did not disclose the name of the child to the public. If found guilty, Ingebrigtsen could be facing up to six years in prison. No date for a trial has been set.

Gjert Ingebrigtsen was named the Norwegian sports coach of the year in 2018 after Jakob, Henrik, and Filip all won medals at the European Championships that year. The family had also been the subject of a TV documentary series, “Team Ingebregtsen,” aired by public broadcaster NRK for the five years leading up to the Tokyo Olympics.

Jakob is one of the biggest international stars in track and field, and was coached by his father since he began running. He broke ties with his father in 2022, and has been coached by his brother Henrik since then. 

Gjert Ingebrigtsen recently started coaching another Norwegian runner, Narve Gilje Nordås, who won bronze in the men’s 1,500m behind Ingebrigtsen in Budapest. Gjert Ingebrigtsen was told by the Norwegian sports federation that he would not be allowed to be part of the Norwegian coaching staff at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He was also denied accreditation for the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, where Jakob won gold in the 5,000m and silver in the men’s 1,500m.

Agnes Ngetich reveals what cost her Agnes Tirop's world record by two seconds

Agnes Ngetich has reacted after missing out on the late Agnes Tirop's women's-only world record at the Adizero Road to Records.

Former World Cross Country bronze medalist Agnes Ngetich has expressed disappointment after missing the women’s-only 10km world record at the Adizero Road to Records on Saturday morning.

Ngetich cut the tape in 30:03 to cross the finish line ahead of reigning World Cross Country bronze medalist Margaret Chelimo who crossed the line in 30:39. Jesca Chelangat completed the podium, clocking an astonishing 30:46 to cross the line.

With her time, Ngetich missed the late Agnes Tirop’s world record of 30:01 by two seconds. The late Tirop set the record during the 2021 edition of the Adizero Road to Records that has stood since then before Ngetich threatened it.

Following her win, she complained about having worked alone and pushed herself throughout the race, something that cost her the world record.

“My race was good, though I struggled alone and pushed alone and that’s why I missed the world record…I’m happy with the result but I really wanted the world record.

“However, now that I have missed it, I’m content with my win because I worked alone. I normally train my mind to always keep going and target to lower my time and I want to go for the Olympics…my target for this year,” Ngetich said.

Meanwhile, Ngetich started the race comfortably and was in charge from the 3km mark, looking very poised as she competed.

The 23-year-old showcased her skills and kept checking her watch throughout the race and after covering 7km, she had opened up a wide gap between herself and her competitors and was looking very strong.

As she passed the ninth-kilometer mark, she was pushing hard as fans cheered her to keep going. With the finish line in sight, Ngetich then sprinted to the finish line, clocking 30:03 to cross the finish line first.

Hamburg Marathon: Benard Koech and Irine Cheptai win men's and women's titles

Defending champion Bernard Koech and fellow Kenyan Irine Cheptai won the Haspa Marathon Hamburg with world-class times. Koech crossed the line in a brilliant 2:04:24 and clocked the eighth fastest time in the world this year. Missing his own course record and PB by just 15 seconds Koech became the first man to successfully defend the title in Hamburg since Julio Rey of Spain in 2006. Ethiopia's Haymanot Alew took second with 2:05:30 and Philemon Kiplimo of Kenya was third in 2:05:37. There was a thrilling duel in the women's race. Irine Cheptai won the battle and produced one of the fastest marathon debuts in history with 2:18:22. Fellow Kenyan Winfridah Moseti smashed her PB with 2:18:25 for second place. These are the second and third fastest times in the history of the race. Ethiopia's Gotytom Gebreslase took third with 2:21:19.

Organizers registered a record entry number of 38,210 athletes for the 38th edition of the Haspa Marathon Hamburg. This includes races at shorter distances. 15,000 marathon runners were among the entries. “It was a superb race which produced some of the fastest times ever in Hamburg. However for many athletes conditions became tough when it suddenly warmed up strongly during the race,” said Chief Organizer Frank Thaleiser.

For long periods of the race the leading group was on course to break the course record of 2:04:09 which Bernard Koech established a year ago. After a 1:28:14 split time at 30k the last pacemaker dropped out and then Koech took off, immediately leaving behind Haymanot Alew, Philemon Kiplimo and fellow-Kenyan Ronald Korir. Koech covered the next 5k section in a breathtaking 14:17 and when he went through 35k in 1:42:31 it looked like he might finish in around 2:03:30. “But then I had a difficult section and because of that I missed the course record,” Bernard Koech explained later. “But this is sport, I am not at all disappointed. It was a great race and I might well come back again next year.” For the second time since 2022 four athletes ran sub 2:06:00 in Hamburg.

Germany's Sebastian Hendel finished in a strong tenth place with a huge PB of 2:08:51. The 28 year-old had a personal record of 2:10:14 before and now became the ninth fastest German marathon runner ever.

For over 30 kilometers Gotytom Gebreslase, the Marathon World Champion from 2022, ran together with Kenyans Irine Cheptai and Winfridah Moseti in the leading group. However with 10k to go the Ethiopian dropped back. With the leaders out of sight her dream of competing in the Olympics probably vanished. In the end Gotytom Gebreslase finished a distant third in 2:21:19. The battle for victory continued right into the home straight. Then the 2017 World Cross Country Champion Irine Cheptai opened a small gap and crowned her strong marathon debut with a win in 2:18:22. She was three seconds ahead of Winfridah Moseti. The two Kenyans managed to run the second half quicker than the first (69:44) and placed themselves on positions eleven and twelve in the 2024 world list.

“I never expected to win the race. I had hopes to maybe finish second or third,” said Irine Cheptai. “Perhaps I can now run between 2:14 and 2:15 in my next marathon. I would like to run here in Hamburg again next year.” In seventh place Argentinian Daiana Ocampo was the only athlete in Hamburg to achieve Olympic qualification. There was very bad luck for Katharina Steinruck once more. The German, who hoped to break her mother's PB (Katrin Dörre-Heinig, the Olympic bronze medalist from 1988, ran 2:24:35 in Hamburg 25 years ago), had to side step at a refreshment point when a pacemaker stepped into her way. She then collided full speed with a drinks table, fell and had to give up injured shortly after that. This happened shortly before the half way point and she had been running 2:23 pace. Rabea Schöneborn was the best German with 2:35:07 in 13th place.

Results, Men:

Bernard Koech KEN 2:04:24

Haymanot Alew ETH 2:05:30

Philemon Kiplimo KEN 2:05:37

Ronald Korir KOR 2:05:41

Tsedat Ayana ETH 2:06:40

Oqbe Ruesom ERI 2:06:50

Brimin Misoi KEN 2:07:06

Getaneh Molla ETH 2:07:38

Martin Musau UGA 2:08:42

Sebastian Hendel GER 2:08:51

Women:

Irine Cheptai KEN 2:18:22

Winfridah Moseti KEN 2:18:25

Gotytom Gebreslase ETH 2:21:19

Jackline Cherono KEN 2:21:40

Aminet Ahmed ETH 2:23:27

Cynthia Limo KEN 2:25:10

Daiana Ocampo ARG 2:26:24

Kidsan Alema ETH 2:26:50

Ayantu Kumela ETH 2:27:19

Neheng Khatala READ 2:28:37

Lululemon unveils Team Canada athlete kits for Paris 2024

It was an exciting morning in Toronto as sports media members from across Canada gathered for the unveiling of the athlete uniforms for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This marks the first summer kit design and the second Team Canada kit by Lululemon since becoming the official outfitter of the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Teams in 2021.

Lululemon faced high expectations following the popularity of their kits for the Beijing 2022 (winter) Olympics, both online and among Canadian athletes. To design the summer kit, Lululemon collaborated with 19 Olympic and Paralympic athletes across 14 different sports to understand their needs during the Games. Unsurprisingly, the athletes prioritized comfort, adaptability and national pride.

For Paris 2024, Canadian Olympians will be outfitted with five different pieces for five different purposes: Travel, Opening Ceremony, Podium, Media, and Closing Ceremony. Each piece incorporates proprietary technology and sweat-wicking yarns to ensure moisture is effectively moved away from the body, guaranteeing comfort. Products like the convertible jacket and pant allow athletes to personalize their look while remaining prepared for all conditions. Lululemon emphasized that each kit was designed with both form and function in mind, maximizing versatility.

“We heard from all the athletes that comfort is key and being in the right headspace to compete,” says Lululemon chief product designer Sun Choe. “Our athlete kit is intentionally designed to allow athletes to combine pieces to fit their own personal style and uniquely express national pride.”

Here’s an overview of the five kits Canadian athletes will be donning in Paris.

Reaction to the kit

Numerous current and former Canadian athletes attended the unveiling of the uniforms on Tuesday, among them 1996 Olympic gold medallist and Canadian 100m record holder, Bruny Surin, who will serve as the official Chef de Mission for Team Canada at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Sporting the Closing Ceremony kit, adorned with a pattern of the northern lights, Surin voiced his enthusiasm for the athletes’ anticipation of the upcoming event. “This is one of those pre-Games days you eagerly anticipate,” remarked Surin. “You can sense the excitement building among the athletes.”

Reflecting on the evolution of Olympic attire over the past two decades since his last appearance for Canada in Sydney 2000, Surin praised the design’s focus on athlete fit and comfort. “I particularly appreciate that they were crafted with athletes’ comfort and fit in mind,” he noted. “They incorporated feedback from 19 athletes to create this final product.”

Canadian para long jumper Jesse Zesseu echoed Surin’s sentiments, lauding the comfort and versatility of the Team Canada x Lululemon kit. “It’s fantastic,” exclaimed Zesseu. “I’m amazed by how breathable and comfortable it feels.”

Zesseu, the Canadian T37 long jump and discus throw record holder and a top contender for a medal in his event in Paris, eagerly anticipates the opportunity to don the Team Canada kit. “I’m counting down the days until I can wear this Team Canada kit—only 135 to go,” he said with a smile.

Future legacy program

For the first time at Paris 2024, Lululemon has introduced a Future Legacy program with all new styles, including the Team Canada Future Legacy Mini Belt Bag, Team Canada Future Legacy Ball Cap, and Team Canada Future Legacy Scarf. Ten per cent of sales from Future Legacy products will help the next generation of Canadian athletes access the resources, equipment, and funding they need to experience the power of sport—from dreams to podium, and beyond.

World-class fields will go for course records and target Olympic qualification in Sunday’s Haspa Marathon Hamburg

Kenya’s defending champion and course record holder Bernard Koech, who tied his personal best with 2:04:09 a year ago, is back while Gotytom Gebreslase, the World Champion from 2022, is the favorite in the women’s race.

The Ethiopian, who has a PB of 2:18:18, wants to secure the third spot for the Paris Olympic race in Hamburg. Fellow-Ethiopian Yalemzerf Yehualaw holds Hamburg’s course record of 2:17:23. Late entry Nienke Brinkman will also try to qualify for Paris. The Dutch runner is the bronze medalist from the European Championships in Munich in 2022.

Organizers of Germany’s biggest and fastest spring marathon have registered a record total of 38,210 runners. Among them are 15,000 athletes who will compete in the classic event. “If all goes well on Sunday and the pacemakers run a bit more even and slightly faster we could see similar results to last year. I am curious to see if Gotytom Gebreslase manages to qualify for Paris and if she is able to break the course record. But even a sub 2:20 time is something special since we only have one so far,“ said chief organizer Frank Thaleiser, who introduced an additional bonus of 20,000 Euros for the course records. All runners – men and women – who finish inside the course records share this amount. If there would be one man and three women who clock faster times than the previous records they would each receive 5,000 Euros. “This way we want to encourage the runners in a leading group to go for a fast time after the last pacemaker has dropped out,“ explained Frank Thaleiser.

“Training was going well and compared to last year in Hamburg I have reached the same level. So if the weather conditions are fine then a fast time is possible,“ said Bernard Koech. It is highly unlikely that he could still be selected for the Olympic marathon, but he said: “I will give everything and if they should select me then I will be ready.“ Bernard Koech is one of seven runners in the race who feature personal bests of sub 2:05:00. While Ethiopia’s Getaneh Molla is the fastest on the start list with 2:03:34 he has not reached such times in recent years.

Brimin Misoi and Philemon Kiplimo are tipped to be among the strongest challengers for defending champion Koech. Both have done very well on German roads in the past. Misoi has won the Frankfurt Marathon twice in a row. When he defended his title last autumn the Kenyan improved to 2:04:53 despite windy and rainy conditions. He now intends to run faster in Hamburg. “I ran the Paris Marathon at the beginning of April. But because of breathing problems I dropped out and then decided to go for Hamburg,“ said Misoi. It was in Berlin last year, where Philemon Kiplimo improved to 2:04:56 and finished eighth in a very competitive race. “German roads are good for me, so I am looking forward to Sunday. I want to run with the leading group and improve my time,“ said Kiplimo, who has a superb half marathon PB of 58:11.

“We are planning a pace in the region of the course record, may be slightly faster. Additionally there will be a really big group of probably 25 athletes who will target the 2:08:10 Olympic qualifying time“, said Hamburg’s Elite Race Coordinator Jurrie van der Velden of Jos Hermens’ Global management. “We are not quite sure yet, but the women’s leading group might run a pace somewhere between 2:16 and 2:18. There is a group as well which targets Olympic qualification, running sub 2:26:50 pace.“

“It is my goal to qualify for the Olympics on Sunday,“ said Gotytom Gebreslase, who surprisingly won her debut marathon in Berlin in 2021, then went on to become World Champion in the following year and took the silver medal at last year’s global championships in Budapest. Jurrie van der Velden explained that the Ethiopian federation usually selects the two fastest runners during the qualifying window and then picks the athlete who performed best at major championships as long as that athlete confirms good form. When Gebreselase ran the Nagoya Marathon in March she did not finish. “I got stomach problems during the race and dropped out after 35k. Then I trained well and decided to run in Hamburg. I am in good form now and want to run sub 2:18 here. Perhaps I can attack the course record. I would think such a performance should be enough to get selected,“ said Gotytom Gebreslase.

Nienke Brinkman joined Hamburg’s elite field at short notice. The European bronze medalist from 2022 has still not achieved the qualifying time for the Olympics. She ran her PB of 2:22:51 in 2022, but that was outside the qualifying period. A year ago Brinkman clocked a fine 2:24:58 in Boston, but this course is not record eligible and results do not count as qualifying times. However it is a far easier task for Brinkman to achieve qualification in Hamburg than for Gebreslase. Reaching the qualifying standard of 2:26:50 should be enough for the former Durch record holder.

A debutant could well be in the mix for at least a place on the podium: Irine Cheptai is the World Cross Country Champion from 2017. “I started preparing for my marathon debut in January and training went very well. I think I will go with the second group on Sunday,“ said the Kenyan who has already run a very fast and promising half marathon time of 64:53.

Among a number of German runners Katharina Steinruck is probably the one who could produce the national highlight in Hamburg. She improved to 2:24:56 this winter and now hopes to break the family record: It was exactly 25 years ago when Katrin Dörre-Heinig, the bronze medalist of the 1988 Olympic marathon in Seoul, won the Hamburg Marathon with 2:24:35. For many years this remained the German marathon record. “It is my aim to break my Mum’s record and it would be great if I could do it in Hamburg,“ said Steinruck.

Reddit founder Alexis Ohanian to create a women-only track event

In a move to advance women’s track and field, Reddit founder Alexis Ohanian has announced the launch of a groundbreaking women-only track event called the 776 Invitational, set to take place this September. The invitational aims to become the flagship event for women’s track and field by offering the largest-ever purse for a women-only competition.

According to Sportico, the winner of each event will take home USD $60,000, surpassing the prize money for winning a Diamond League race ($10,000) and even Olympic gold in Paris ($50,000). Second and third place will also be rewarded with a $25,000 and $10,000 purse, respectively.

Ohanian isn’t going into this venture alone; he will partner with two-time Olympic medallist, Harvard graduate and American sprinter Gabby Thomas for the launch. “We believe in the power of sports to drive positive change and inspire future generations,” Ohanian said in a statement to Sportico. “By investing in women’s track, we aim to build a best-in-class event that elevates the profile of top women athletes and creates a more equitable sporting landscape.”Thomas echoed Ohanian’s sentiments, stating, “Through this investment, we hope to not only provide athletes with the resources and visibility they need to have enduring careers but also to inspire fans worldwide with a reinvented format to experience the best of our sport.”While an exact date for the 776 Invitational has yet to be revealed, it comes amid a busy year in the track and field calendar, with the Paris Olympics less than 100 days away. The motivation for the 776 Invitational stems from the lack of attention track and field receives outside of the Olympics.

Thomas recently voiced her dissatisfaction with visibility in the sport stemming from a new media deal between the Wanda Diamond League (track and field’s premier circuit) and American online broadcaster FloSports.The 776 Invitational would offer the highest purse for any single-day track and field event. Winners of each of the 14 Diamond League meets are awarded USD $10,000, while athletes who win the annual Diamond League final are awarded $30,000.Ohanian, husband of tennis legend Serena Williams, has long supported women’s sports. The announcement of the 776 Invitational marks the second significant move by Ohanian in support of women’s sports this week.

On Monday, Ohanian and his foundation announced their investment in a women’s Portland sports bar to aid its national franchise expansion.

Kipchoge expects tough test in Paris

Two-time Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge anticipates a fierce battle at the Paris Olympic marathon, even tougher than when he won the first of his two titles in Rio 2016.

“It will be a tough race. 106 countries will be participating. Everyone at the start line is a champion in their rights. I do not underrate anybody. I am not the same as when I won my first title,” Kipchoge noted.

Last month, Kipchoge ran at the Tokyo Marathon, where he placed 10th in 2:06:50.

In a post-race interview, Kipchoge stated that it was a bad day in office for him but he hopes to build on the lessons learned.

The legendary Olympian said his sights are set solely on the Olympics, ruling out any other race as he puts all his energy and focus into securing a hat-trick of titles.

“I have no plans to race in any other marathon. I am putting all my mind and training into the Olympics. I want to win a third title,” he noted.

Confident in his abilities, the 39-year-old is determined to earn his spot to make his fifth appearance in the global extravaganza. 

“I trust I will make the final three to represent Kenya in Paris. This will be my fifth appearance in the Olympics,” he noted.

Athletics Kenya presented a list of five male athletes to the National Olympics Committee of Kenya to undergo training in readiness for the Olympics. Only three will go to Paris.

Kipchoge is joined by the Tokyo Marathon champion Benson Kipruto, Kagawa Half Marathon silver medalist Alexander Mutiso and Tokyo Marathon silver and bronze medalists Timothy Kiplagat and Vincent Ngetich.

 “Representing Kenya at such a stage feels good. This is the only way I can give back to my country. I can’t build bridges or roads. This is how I show my patriotism to my country,” he noted.

Kipchoge’s first appearance at the Olympics was in Athens 2004, where he won bronze in the 5,000m clocking 13:15.10. He upgraded it to silver at Beijing 2008 in a time of 13:02.80 — behind Ethiopia’s Kenenisa Bekele (12:57.82).

In Rio 2016, he clocked 2:08:44 to bag the marathon title and defended it at Tokyo 2020, clocking 2:08:38.

NOC-K secretary general Francis Mutuku tipped Kipchoge to achieve his dreams, especially with the determination and discipline he has shown in training under Patrick Sang.

“Sang told us that when he says training starts at 5 am, Kipchoge is ready at that time. He is devoted and disciplined in his training,” he noted.

Despite facing criticism, Kipchoge remains grounded, believing that humility is the ultimate key to triumph.

“The longest tree receives all the wind. The tree can lose all its leaves and endure the winter and still be firm. Being humble has been and will always be the key to success,” he added.

Natasha Wodak on her last dash for the Paris Olympics

With her final attempt at qualifying for this summer’s Paris Olympics just days away, Canadian marathon record holder Natasha Wodak says she feels proud of her marathon build and confident going into Sunday’s Hamburg Marathon. After falling short of the Olympic standard at the Houston Marathon in January, Wodak quickly embarked on another marathon build.

Wodak, who is 42, runs less mileage than some other elite athletes, and her builds include a lot of cross-training, which provides an aerobic hit while minimizing the risk of injury. Wodak’s favourite mode of cross-training is to use the elliptical trainer, and she shared three ways the elliptical aids her training, for the benefit of newcomers and seasoned runners alike.

Injury prevention 

In 2020, after facing a series of injuries that resulted in Wodak developing arthritis in her toes, her coach at the time, 1984 Olympic bronze medallist Lynn Kanuka (she is currently coached by physiologist Trent Stellingwerff) decided to mix things up. “We were like, ‘if we’re going to do the marathon, it’s a big injury risk, so we’re going to do a lot of cross-training,’” Wodak says. That’s when Wodak started getting on the elliptical trainer two or three times a week, which significantly benefited her aerobic fitness without stressing her joints or soft tissues. (Studies show that low-impact exercise modalities, such as the elliptical trainer, provide a great way to avoid injuries to bone, tendon, muscle, or ligaments). With the elliptical, Wodak explains, “I know it’s going to feel good; it’s not going to hurt.”

Changing things up

Unlike other elite female marathoners, who typically hit 200 kilometres a week and do double workouts, Wodak normally runs 140 kilometres weekly and supplements doubling with workouts on the elliptical trainer. “I do feel somewhat unique as an elite marathoner,” Wodak says, “but you just have to find what works for you and not get carried away with the numbers … I’m not losing a lot of mileage this way, and it works for me,” she says.

In addition to changing up the mode, Wodak likes to find ways to change her scenery. Wodak’s hometown, North Vancouver, rains an average of 157 days a year. For Wodak, the elliptical provides a break from the often unpredictable and rainy climate. “We have an elliptical at home, so on a day when it’s pouring outside, I can watch TV set up across from me… it’s nice!” Wodak says with a laugh. 

Lowering the impact 

Compared to running outdoors or on a treadmill, research shows that the impact on leg muscles is reduced through elliptical training. “It uses many of the same muscles without the same impact, and it’s not hurting my toes,” Wodak explains. While running in Houston, she suffered an injury to her hamstrings, and a cramp in her right calf late into the race. To prevent any chance of injury this time, she stuck to the formula that works best for her: lower mileage and lots of cross-training. So far, it’s doing the trick. “The marathon build went well–better than I could have hoped for with the short turnaround, and it seems to be getting better with tapering,” says Wodak.

Just days before hitting the start line in Hamburg, Wodak says her body feels much more ready than in Houston. She recalls, “The week leading up, I had a gut feeling that the race wasn’t going too well, my body didn’t feel good, and I thought about postponing.” This time, Wodak says she feels at ease, enjoying quality time with her team in Germany instead of worrying. “You don’t want to sound cocky, but you really have to believe it wholeheartedly, so I’m trying to do that,” says Wodak. “I’m excited, ready to go, and going to run standard; it’s happening.” 

Ethiopian Gudaf Tsegay targets 10,000m world record at Prefontaine Classic

Ethiopian Gudaf Tsegay is aiming to break the 10,000m world record that was set by by Letesenbet Gidey in June 2021.

Ethiopian Gudaf Tsegay has officially thrown her hat into the ring for what promises to be an electrifying showdown at the upcoming Prefontaine Classic in Oregon, United States. 

The reigning 10,000m world champion has set her sights on rewriting the record books by aiming to break Letesenbet Gidey's remarkable 10,000m world record of 29:01.03, set back in June 2021.

Tsegay boasts a personal best of 29:29.73 achieved during her triumphant run at last year's Ethiopian national championships. 

Her stellar performances have solidified her reputation as a force to be reckoned with in long-distance running, culminating in a gold medal victory at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest.

The road to success has not been without its challenges, as evidenced by Tsegay's silver medal finish in the 3000m final at the World Indoor Championships, where she narrowly missed out on the top spot. 

However, undeterred by setbacks, Tsegay kicked off her outdoor season with a bang at the Xiamen Diamond League, coming tantalizingly close to breaking Faith Kipyegon's 1500m world record.

In a stunning display of her versatility, Tsegay concluded the 2023 outdoor season by smashing the 5000m world record at the Diamond League final, further cementing her status as one of the sport's brightest stars. 

With the Paris Olympics on the horizon, Tsegay finds herself at a crossroads, contemplating which events to focus on for the prestigious competition.

"Which one? I don’t know. I will see with my coach…Maybe three or maybe two," she said as per Citius Mag.

The possibility of emulating Sifan Hassan's remarkable triple at the Tokyo Olympics looms large, with Tsegay considering the 1500m, 5000m, and 10,000m as potential battlegrounds for Olympic glory.

If Tsegay opts to pursue the triple challenge, she will undoubtedly be following in the footsteps of Hassan, who clinched gold in the 5000m and 10,000m events, alongside a bronze in the 1500m. 

The prospect of such a feat adds an extra layer of intrigue to Tsegay's Olympic journey, as she seeks to etch her name in the annals of athletics history.

With the Prefontaine Classic looming large on the horizon, all eyes will be on Tsegay as she takes her first steps towards rewriting the record books and etching her name in sporting immortality.

How mismanagement cost Kenya's race walkers spot at Paris Olympics

Kenya's race walking team faced unexpected setbacks en route to a crucial Olympic qualifier in Antalya.

Kenya's aspirations for a strong showing at the Paris Olympic Games suffered a severe blow due to a logistical nightmare that prevented the national race walking team from competing at the World Athletics Race Walking Team Championships in Antalya, Turkey.

The team, which included notable athletes like 2022 world bronze medalist Samuel Gathimba and African Games champion Emily Ngii, embarked on their journey from Nairobi to Antalya, anticipating to secure their spots at the upcoming Olympics. 

However, a critical error in their travel arrangements led to unexpected detours and delays that ultimately dashed their hopes.

The ordeal began when the team, under the guidance of Athletics Kenya, boarded a Turkish Airlines flight at midnight on Thursday, destined for Istanbul. 

After a seven-hour and twenty-minute flight, they were supposed to catch another flight directly to Antalya. Instead, they were rerouted to Ercan International Airport in Northern Cyprus, adding unnecessary travel and complications.

Upon arriving in Cyprus, the situation worsened. The team was detained at Ercan International Airport due to the lack of necessary transit visas. 

As a result, they were forced to spend two nights sleeping at the airport, a distressing experience that left the athletes disheartened and exhausted.

“It’s quite disappointing that we had to go all the way only to be detained in Cyprus where we slept at the airport for two days,” said a team member in a statement to Daily Nation.

The confusion stemmed from the Ministry's oversight in flight arrangements, which inexplicably included a layover in Cyprus instead of a more straightforward route from Istanbul to Antalya.

“The ministry was in charge of the flight arrangement and we don’t know why they rerouted us to Cyprus when it was easy to connect from Istanbul to Antalya,” the source added.

While the Kenyan team struggled with bureaucratic red tape and logistical errors, the championships proceeded without them. 

The event saw stellar performances from athletes like double world champion Kimberly Garcia of Peru and Sweden's Perseus Karlstrom, who claimed the 20km women and men's titles respectively. 

Meanwhile, Spain and the People's Republic of China took home the men’s and women’s team titles, with Italy winning the inaugural Marathon Race Walk Mixed Relay gold.

This misadventure not only cost the athletes a chance to compete on a global stage but also the opportunity to qualify for the Paris Olympics. 

Athletics Kenya is reported to have promised to prepare a formal statement addressing the issue and to reassess their travel coordination strategies in light of the repercussions of this incident.

Ethiopian Olympic steeplechase finalist banned five years for EPO

Zerfe Wondemagegn, 21, will miss the next two Olympic Games due to a positive EPO test.

Zerfe Wondemagegn, an Ethiopian runner who reached the women’s 3,000m steeplechase final at the Tokyo Olympics and narrowly missed the world championship podium last year in Budapest, has been banned for five years by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) after testing positive for two banned substances.

The 21-year-old was provisionally suspended by the AIU last November after traces of testosterone and erythropoietin (EPO) were found in an out-of-competition sample. According to the AIU, it received emailed testimony from an Ethiopian doctor stating that Wondemagegn had been given EPO as medicine to treat severe anemia and a kidney infection, but it “remained satisfied” she had broken anti-doping rules. The organization added that it had received a signed admission from the athlete last week.

Wondemagegn finished eighth at the Tokyo Olympics and fourth at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest. Two of the three samples in her case were taken while she was in Hungary (at worlds), and her result will be disqualified. Her fourth-place finish in Budapest earned her USD $16,000 in prize money.

Her suspension will leave her out of the 2024 Paris Olympics and run through October 2028, meaning she will also miss the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Wondemagegn’s case is the latest in a series of doping cases in the women’s steeplechase event. The 2022 world champion, Norah Jeruto of Kazakhstan (previously of Kenya), is facing a doping hearing in June, five weeks before the Paris Olympics. World Athletics is appealing against an earlier decision to clear the runner. Jeruto has argued that ulcers and COVID-19 explain her irregular blood test results.

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.

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.

Kipruto confident ahead of Paris Olympic Games debut

Kenyan long-distance runner Benson Kipruto has vowed to light up the 2024 Paris Olympic Games on his way to a podium finish.

Kipruto pledged a master-class act at the Games, saying he would be out to prove the nation’s mettle as an athletics powerhouse

Kipruto, 33, comprises the talent-laden list of Kenyan male marathoners tasked with flying the country’s flag at the premier quadrennial global showpiece.

He will hold forte for the East African athletics powerhouse alongside compatriots Eliud Kipchoge, Alexander Mutiso, Vincent Kipkemoi Ngetich and Timothy Kiplagat.

He heads to the French capital booted by impressive credentials in his stellar career having previously tucked away the 2021  Boston Marathon, the 2022  Chicago Marathon as well as the Tokyo Marathon earlier in the year.

Kipruto, who will be testing his grit for the first time in the official Kenyan colours, has pledged to stamp authority in his maiden assignment for the East African nation.

“I consider it a special honour to compete for my country in the Olympics because I’ll be doing it for the first time in my career. This means a lot to me,” Kipruto remarked.

It will also be the first time he will be involved in a team effort having battled on his own in the past. Kipruto, however, said he is not quaking in the boots at the thought of navigating the unfamiliar waters.

“It will be a whole new experience because I’m used to battling for individual effort as opposed to teamwork. I’m trying as much as I can to learn the new ropes.”

Kipruto said he is not under the pump to stamp his authority in Paris.

“I don’t feel any pressure since I know what the race entails. I have participated in many other races and, therefore, appreciate the significance of remaining calm.

“I’m ready for the challenge and up to the task ahead,” Kipruto stated. Kipruto said he will adopt a mental strategy in the cut-throat competition while acknowledging he will require a lot of resilience and fortitude to get the job done and dusted.

“The secret is to maintain your composure until the very end of the marathon. Therefore, it is crucial to always forget everything when you are at the starting line. The race is 42km long and requires one to exercise a lot of patience and refrain.”

The athlete said he draws inundated inspiration from his childhood hero Eliud Kipchoge whom he will unfortunately trail his guns on this time around.

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.”

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.

Hellen Obiri executes proper strategy to defend her Boston Marathon crown as Kenyan women sweep race

Hellen Obiri made it back-to-back titles at Boston Marathon with fellow Kenyans Sharon Lokedi and Edna Kiplagat completing a podium sweep.

Kenya’s Hellen Obiri defended her Boston Marathon title after running a tactical race to fend off the challenge of compatriot Sharon Lokedi on Monday April 15.

It was an all Kenyan affair as Obiri led a 1-2-3 for the country with Lokedi finishing second while veteran Edna Kiplagat managed an impressive third place but the three waited until late before showing their claws.

Obiri, Lokedi and Kiplagat would exchange leads but stayed close to each other in the final stretch.

The 44-year-old Kiplagat appeared set to pull an upset, and perhaps win her third title in Boston, but she ran out of gas when Obiri and Lokedi pulled away.

Obiri then waited until the tail end to sprint away from Lokedi to win her second straight title in a time of 2:22:37 and defend her crown.

Obiri became the sixth woman to make it back-to-back titles in Boston in what is now becoming her favorite course after her maiden marathon victory last year.

The New York Marathon champion has effectively sealed her place in Team Kenya to the Paris Olympics after being named in the final team of six over a week ago.

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.

Hellen Obiri in her best shape ever heading into the Boston Marathon

Hellen Obiri is bubbling with confidence ahead of the Boston Marathon and feels like she is in her best marathon running shape ever.

Reigning New York City Marathon champion Hellen Obiri is ready to rumble at the Boston Marathon after enjoying her training and working on some of her major undoings.

Speaking to Citius Mag, the defending champion feels like she in her best shape and is ready for the challenge as she eyes a slot in the Olympic team ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

The two-time World 5000m champion disclosed that she has also worked on her bottle-handling technique, an issue that has affected her a lot since she tends to miss taking water at certain points of the race.

“I feel so excited and nothing has changed…I’m so healthy and I’m ready for Monday. I’ve been doing the bottle handling and I am now much better.

“I think I’m in the best marathon shape and we normally compare my training from last year and now I can say I’ve been running so fast and I feel good,” Obiri said.

The former World 10,000m silver medalist also admitted that there is a lot of pressure coming from her fans and friends since she is the defending champion.

She noted that, however, going to the race, she will embrace a strong mindset and give her all since she is also competing against very strong women. Obiri also explained that it would be a great thing if she wins the race because it would place her in a better position to be selected in the Olympic team.

“This year I have a lot of pressure since I’m the defending champion and everyone will be looking at me to see what I’m going to do. I have a big task and I know we have strong ladies here but I will give my best and stay mentally focused.

“Nowadays I’m a bit nervous when starting because I have never raced with some ladies before but I’m trying to do my best to avoid that.

“I think it would be best if I win but I’m sure they will observe how the race will be…this is a marathon and it’s Boston, the course being the same as the Paris 2024 Olympics. However, I want to win,” Obiri said.

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.”

Benson Kipruto reveals what representing Kenya at Paris 2024 Olympics would mean to him

Kipruto has never represented Kenya at a global championships, but the fifth fastest marathoner in history hopes to shine bright at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Reigning Tokyo marathon champion Benson Kipruto has revealed what it would mean for him to represent Kenya at the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic games.

Kipruto, 33, is approaching the twilight of his career, but even though he has won quite a lot in his career, has never participated in either the World Championships or Olympic games.

He also won the Boston Marathon in 2021, the Chicago Marathon in 2022 and has been named on Kenya’s provisional marathon squad for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Athletics Kenya already handed the list of five athletes to NOC-K who will later on trim down the number to three, with Kipruto part of the quintet. 

The others are defending champion Eliud Kipchoge , 2022 Abu Dhabi Marathon champion Timothy Kiplagat,  2023 Prague Marathon champion Alexander Mutiso and Vincent Kipkemboi who finished second at the 2023 Berlin Marathon.

Speaking on a documentary released by World Athletics, Kipruto has expressed just how much it would mean for him to don the national colors at the quadrennial tournament for the first time.

“Competing at the Olympics will mean alot to me having in mind that I have never ran for my Kenyan team,” Kipruto said on World Athletics.

“If I qualify, I will do my best to represent my country. It would be something new to me. I am learning. I will be privileged to represent my country for the first time.

“It would mean so much. I love my country.”

Representing Kenya would naturally put a lot of pressure on him to do well, but Kipruto is adamant he is not feeling it as the team is expected to do well at the games anyway.

“I do not have any pressure because I understand what it means. I am the one running so I know you do not have to (go through) pressure but my followers and my teammates, I tell them I am ready.”

Mu, Moraa and Hodgkinson confirmed for 800m clash in Eugene

Athing Mu, Mary Moraa and Keely Hodgkinson – the three women who’ve claimed the 800m medals at the past two World Championships – will clash at the Prefontaine Classic when the Wanda Diamond League reaches Eugene on 25 May.

Mu won in Eugene last year when Hayward Field hosted the Wanda Diamond League Final. Having finished third at the World Championships three months prior, the Olympic champion gained revenge on home soil and kicked to victory in a US record of 1:54.97.

Hodgkinson – as she had done at the Olympics in 2021, as well as at the 2022 and 2023 World Championships – finished second on that occasion in a British record of 1:55.19.

Moraa wound up fourth in that race, but the Kenyan had won the biggest prize of the year in Budapest, taking the world title in a PB of 1:56.03.

The trio have clashed just three times in the past, with Mu coming out on top in two of those encounters.

It’s the second big middle-distance clash announced by the Prefontaine Classic, following the news last month that Olympic 1500m champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen will take on world champion Josh Kerr and North American record-holder Yared Nuguse in the Bowerman mile.

Olympic champions to receive prize money for first time at Paris 2024 Games

Olympic champions will receive prize money for the first time this year after World Athletics announced gold medalists at the Paris 2024 Games would be paid $50,000 (£39,400) each.

Athletics is the first sport to financially reward its stars for success at the Olympics, which has stayed true to its amateur ethos by never offering prize money.

Winners of all 48 athletics events will receive a payout from the world governing body, which says it will extend the benefit to silver and bronze medalists from the LA 2028 Olympics.

“The introduction of prize money for Olympic gold medalists is a pivotal moment for World Athletics and the sport of athletics as a whole, underscoring our commitment to empowering the athletes and recognizing the critical role they play in the success of any Olympic Games,” said World Athletics president Lord Coe.

“While it is impossible to put a marketable value on winning an Olympic medal, or on the commitment and focus it takes to even represent your country at an Olympic Games, I think it is important we start somewhere and make sure some of the revenues generated by our athletes at the Olympic Games are directly returned to those who make the Games the global spectacle that it is.”

The size of the payouts is modest compared to those on offer elsewhere in sport – the average salary of a Premier League footballer is around £3m, for instance.

But the move is nonetheless a milestone for the Olympics, and recognition that it will be increasingly difficult to justify asking the stars of its core events to compete for glory alone.

Many Olympic hopefuls rely on funding grants and personal sponsorship deals to train full-time, while others have to retain careers in order to make ends meet.

Meanwhile, athletes are being offered million-dollar incentives to defect to the doping-friendly Enhanced Games, a project Coe has derided as “bollocks”.

While winners of individual athletics events at Paris 2024 will receive $50,000, that sum will be divided up among team members for winners of the relay races. 

“This is the continuation of a journey we started back in 2015, which sees all the money World Athletics receives from the International Olympic Committee for the Olympic Games go directly back into our sport,” Coe added.

“We started with the Olympic dividend payments to our Member Federations, which saw us distribute an extra $5m a year on top of existing grants aimed at athletics growth projects, and we are now in a position to also fund gold medal performances for athletes in Paris, with a commitment to reward all three medallists at the LA28 Olympic Games.”

Evans Chebet still hopeful of making marathon team ahead of Paris 2024 Olympics

Two-time Boston Marathon champion Evans Chebet hopes to be selected in the final squad of the men's marathon ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics despite not making it to the Athletics Kenya squad that was handed over to the National Olympic Committee of Kenya.

The 2022 New York City Marathon champion Evans Chebet is still hopeful of making the cut to the Olympic marathon team ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games despite not being included in the previous list.

Chebet, the two-time Boston Marathon champion, however, noted that he will accept the decision from the National Olympic Committee of Kenya. Athletics Kenya already handed the list of five athletes to NOC-K who will later on trim down the number to three.

Defending champion Eliud Kipchoge leads the field and he will be joined by the reigning Tokyo Marathon Benson Kipruto, the 2022 Abu Dhabi Marathon champion Timothy Kiplagat, the 2023 Prague Marathon champion Alexander Mutiso, and Vincent Kipkemboi who finished second at the 2023 Berlin Marathon.

"I hope to make it to Kenya's Team for the Paris Olympics, but again, if the selectors choose someone else, I will respect their decision,” Chebet told Sports Brief.

In order to prove that he is capable of bagging a medal at the global bonanza, Chebet seeks to win his third successive title at the Boston Marathon, after winning two titles in 2022 and 2023.

He admitted there will be tough competition but the Kenyan is ready for the challenge and he explained that his body is feeling great. Chebet withdrew from his title defense at last year’s New York City Marathon due to an injury and has not raced since.

"The competition is tough. I am the person with a target on his back. Every other athlete will come with the idea of beating me and denying me another chance to win the title, but I feel good and I am ready," Chebet added.

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.