The world witnessed the tragic loss of 24-year-old Kelvin Kiptum on February 11, taking with him the hope of being the first person to finish a competitive marathon in under two hours. Sebastian Coe, president of World Athletics, considers Kiptum's remarkable accomplishments and the significant influence he may have had on the sports world as the world mourns the passing of this remarkable Kenyan athlete.
At the prestigious World Athletics Gold Label road competition, the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, on Saturday, Daniel Mateiko and Tsigie Gebreselama triumphed in an impressive feat of athletics. Mateiko, competing in Ras Al Khaimah for the third time, illuminated the misty morning with an outstanding performance, clocking in at a world-leading time of 58:45. His five-second lead over compatriot John Korir secured him the top spot, while Isaia Lasoi completed the Kenyan sweep by finishing third with a time of 58:55.
In a compassionate gesture, President William Ruto has instructed professionals to expedite the construction of a new residence for the grieving family of the late marathon great, Kelvin Kiptum, within the next seven days. The government has committed to fulfilling this obligation, aiming to provide a fitting farewell to the departed world marathon record holder.
A significant development is that the burial plans for the world marathon record holder, Kelvin Kiptum, have been moved from their originally announced Saturday date to this Friday. Because of his scheduled travel to Namibia on Saturday, President William Ruto is anticipated to be present.
The 39-year-old Kenyan runner Sarah Chepchirchir has been suspended for eight years by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) for her second anti-doping rule violation. She was previously banned from 2019 until 2023.
In a heart-breaking turn of events, the running community mourns the loss of Kelvin Kiptum, the 24-year-old Kenyan marathon sensation, whose untimely death has been confirmed by his family. The tragic incident unfolded in a fatal traffic accident on the Eldoret-Kaptagat road in Kenya, claiming not only Kiptum's life but also that of his coach, Rwanda's Gervais Hakizimana.
Paul Chelimo, recently opened up about his debut full marathon at the US Olympic trials after an unexpected withdrawal from the race. The Olympic 5000m bronze medallist had high hopes of securing a spot on the Olympic team but faced disappointment in his inaugural marathon.
Following the Olympic Marathon Trials on February 3, the primary focus shifted to the fate of Leonard Korir, the third men's finisher, and the ambiguity surrounding his potential Olympic participation. World Athletics' intricate rules for allocating the 80 spots in the Olympic Marathon left Korir in suspense as he clinched the third spot in the Trials with a time of 2:09:57, falling short of the automatic qualification time of 2:08:10.
Defending champion and course record holder Bernard Koech will return for the 38th edition of the Haspa Marathon Hamburg on 28th April. The 36 year-old Kenyan, who improved the course best to 2:04:09 last year, will face very strong opponents in Germany’s major spring marathon. Samwel Mailu of Kenya and Ethiopia’s Abdisa Tola, who both produced breakthrough performances in 2023, will challenge the defending champion. In Martin Musau there will be another former winner of the Haspa Marathon Hamburg returning to the race: The Ugandan was the winner in 2021.
In a stunning demonstration of athletic prowess, Workenesh Edesa shattered the course record at the Osaka Women’s Marathon, claiming victory in the World Athletics Platinum Label road race with a remarkable time of 2:18:51 on Sunday (28).
