Samwel Mailu was glued to the TV screen in Kenya when in October 2019 his idol Eliud Kipchoge broke the two-hour marathon barrier in Vienna’s Prater Park. The sensational achievement made worldwide headlines. It was exactly on the same stretch of road in the Prater, where Samwel Mailu broke away from his remaining rivals on Sunday during the 40th Vienna City Marathon. “But I did not think about Eliud at this moment as I was not aware that it was exactly on this road where he was running in 2019,“ said Samwel Mailu. With around 10 kilometers left in the race, the 30-year-old went on to break the nine-year-old course record of the Vienna City Marathon with a time of 2:05:08 in warm conditions.
Mo Farah, one of the most successful long-distance runners in British history, has announced that he will retire from competitive racing after the Great North Run in September. This news comes after the athlete finished in ninth place in his final London Marathon and has previously stated that this year's event would be his last.
Ruth Chepngetich, one of the world’s leading long distance runners, will be the star attraction of the N Kolay Istanbul Half Marathon on Sunday. The Kenyan, who broke the world record on this course with 64:02 two years ago, has a unique win streak in Istanbul. The 28 year-old competed five times in Turkey’s two major international road races, the half marathon and the marathon. She always won and broke the course record on each occasion.
The Sydney Marathon has today announced two new Australian Championship events, open to athletes across Australia. The inaugural Australian Age Group Marathon Championships and the Australian Clubs Marathon Championships will be added to the traditional Australian Open Marathon Championships at this year's Sydney Marathon on Sunday, 17 September 2023.
In an eagerly awaited announcement, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon revealed a stellar cast of elite runners set to compete in this year's edition of the prestigious race. The list boasts an array of top-tier talent, featuring notable names like Ruth Chepngetich, the two-time defending champion from Kenya with an impressive personal best of 2:14:18 (#2 all-time). Joining her are Sifan Hassan, the reigning London Marathon champion, and Emily Sisson, the American record holder who blazed a trail with her remarkable time of 2:18:29 in Chicago last year. Mark October 8 on your calendars because this thrilling marathon promises an outstanding demonstration of athletic talents.
Nairobi, Kenya - Titus Ekiru, a renowned Kenyan marathoner, may be handed a 10-year ban following four violations of anti-doping rules, as disclosed by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU).
Gold Coast, Queensland - In a devastating turn of events, the Gold Coast Marathon, one of Australia's most prominent running competitions, was marred by the sudden and untimely passing of a competitor due to a "medical episode." This marathon tragedy unfolded during this year's highly anticipated event, sending shockwaves through the running community, and leaving everyone involved in a state of disbelief and sorrow. The Gold Coast Marathon, renowned for its scenic beauty along the captivating coastline of Queensland's Gold Coast, attracts athletes from around the world, providing a challenging and exhilarating experience for both professionals and amateurs alike.
The best marathon runner of all time is returning to run the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON: Eliud Kipchoge has reached agreement with the organizers to compete in Germany’s most spectacular road race. The 38-year-old Kenyan superstar will be running the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON for the sixth time. The double Olympic Marathon champion from his triumphs in 2016 and 2021 has already set two world records on this fast course, running 2:01:39 in 2018 and performing even faster last year to take exactly half a minute off that time with 2:01:09.
In a poignant conclusion to his illustrious career, Mo Farah celebrated as one of Britain's most exceptional athletes of all time, marking the end of an era with a fourth-place finish in his final race at the Great North Run. The 40-year-old four-time Olympic champion found himself trailing early in the renowned 13.1-mile race, a captivating journey from Newcastle to South Shields. As the dust settled, he crossed the finish line, a full three minutes and 30 seconds behind Ethiopia's Tamirat Tola, who seized victory with an impressive time of 59 minutes and 58 seconds.
Bill Cooksey, a 102-year-old World War II veteran, has achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the oldest person to complete a half marathon. He accomplished this incredible milestone at the AJ Bell Great North Run on a rainy Sunday, finishing the 13.1-mile race in just over five hours and 40 minutes. Guided by his friend Gavin Iceton, Cooksey's determination and resilience were on full display as he persevered through torrential thunderstorms.
