Berlin, September 24, 2023 - September 24, 2023, will forever be etched in the annals of women's marathon history as the day Tigst Assefa, hailing from Ethiopia, not only won the 2023 BMW Berlin Marathon but also obliterated the existing world record. Running under ideal conditions in Berlin, Assefa crossed the finish line in an astonishing 2 hours, 11 minutes, and 53 seconds, a staggering two minutes and eleven seconds faster than Brigid Kosgei's previous world record of 2 hours, 14 minutes, and 4 seconds. In a groundbreaking achievement, Assefa became the first woman in history to complete a marathon in under 2 hours and 12 minutes, setting a new standard in the sport.
Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County — A well-known New Zealand athlete, Zane Robertson, aged 33, renowned for his prowess in middle and long-distance running, has landed in legal trouble as local authorities uncovered an unlicensed AK-47 rifle and 23 rounds of ammunition at his residence on the outskirts of Iten, a town celebrated for nurturing world-class athletes.
Amanal Petros stole the spotlight at the BMW Berlin Marathon on a Sunday morning, making headlines not only in Germany but across Europe by obliterating the German marathon record.
Anticipation mounts as the Valencia Marathon introduces its initial roster of international athletes, reaffirming its commitment to ambitious goals for the Ciudad del Running event.
In Sunday's thrilling race, Kenya's Peres Jepchirchir, a seasoned favorite, once again displayed her remarkable talent by securing her third World Half Marathon title. Her previous triumphs in 2016 and 2020 had already cemented her reputation as a dominant force in the sport. Just three weeks ago, she delivered a stellar performance at the Great North Run, winning decisively with a lead of over a minute and a finishing time of 66:45.
The world of half marathon racing witnessed an emphatic display of Kenyan excellence at the World Athletics Road Running Championships in Riga on Sunday. Kenya left an indelible mark by securing the top three spots in the men's race, a feat reminiscent of their stellar performance in the women's category.
In the domain of American long-distance running, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon is an eagerly anticipated fixture, particularly in pre-Olympic years. With the US Olympic Trials in Orlando just four months away, the Chicago Marathon is the chosen battleground for American Olympic hopefuls. This strategic timeframe allows athletes to conquer Chicago's challenging course, followed by a well-deserved rest, and then commence focused preparations for the Trials.
In an impressive show of speed on the Antrim Coast in Northern Ireland, Daniel Mateiko made history by running the world's fastest half-marathon this year. Now, the 25-year-old runner is getting ready for his very first marathon at the famous Chicago Marathon, one of the world's biggest marathons. It's happening this Sunday in Chicago, Illinois, USA.
The seismic impact of Tigst Assefa's remarkable 2:11:53 women's marathon world record in Berlin, just two weeks ago, is still sending shockwaves through the running community. However, the upcoming Chicago Marathon promises to provide a fresh perspective, as elite athletes prepare to compete within the same time frame and under similar conditions.
As we approach the 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, the running world is abuzz with excitement. Tigst Assefa's recent incredible achievement, completing the Berlin Marathon in just 2:11:53 a mere two weeks ago, has left everyone wondering: was it a unique feat or a sign of even greater accomplishments in the world of marathon running?
