Distance runners looking to qualify for the Paris Olympics in midsummer next year get two early opportunities in the United Arab Emirates, with the Dubai Marathon opening the athletics year on January 7, followed by the Ras Al Khaimah half-marathon, now under the same management, on February 24.
The Bangsaen21 Half Marathon, a prestigious World Athletics Platinum Label road race hosted in Chonburi, Thailand, witnessed an exhilarating showcase of Kenyan excellence as Gladys Chepkurui and Mathew Kimeli triumphed in their respective categories under demanding weather conditions.
Brigid Kosgei can revel in a joyous holiday season, having secured a significant win at the Abu Dhabi Marathon, accompanied by a lucrative prize.
Kosgei’s stellar performance rewrote history as she smashed the course record with an exceptional time of 2 hours, 19 minutes, and 15 seconds. Her commanding presence relegated Ethiopian contenders Hawi Feysa and Ethlemahu Sintayehu to second and third places, finishing with times of 2:24:03 and 2:25:36, respectively.
Eliud Kipchoge, the renowned Kenyan marathoner who secured Olympic triumph twice, is stepping into a new role as a mentor for young refugees gearing up for the 2024 World Athletics U20 Championships. Commencing in January 2024, Kipchoge will lend his expertise and life wisdom to the U20 World Athletics Athlete Refugee Team.
In the realm of marathons, Kelvin Kiptum has emerged as a beacon of relentless determination and unparalleled success. From his maiden marathon just over a year ago to securing the world record, Kiptum's story is one of extraordinary achievements.
The world of athletics celebrated six remarkable athletes - Tigist Assefa, Mondo Duplantis, Kelvin Kiptum, Faith Kipyegon, Noah Lyles, and Yulimar Rojas - as the standout performers of 2023. These exceptional individuals were recognized for their outstanding achievements at the prestigious World Athletics Awards ceremony, marking the culmination of a year filled with exceptional records and accomplishments.
In a challenging showdown against formidable weather and a demanding course, Kenyan runners Paul Lonyangata and Cynthia Limo exhibited exceptional patience and strategic prowess to secure commanding victories at the 51st Honolulu Marathon. Known for its grueling conditions with high humidity, relentless winds, and notorious hills, this marathon tested the mettle of all participants, resulting in slower finish times despite their remarkable efforts.
The prowess of Valencia in long-distance running has reached new heights, exemplified by the remarkable 10,000m world records set in 2021 by Joshua Cheptegei of Uganda and Letensebet Gidey of Ethiopia. Their record-breaking feats during a spectacular event reverberated across the global headlines, solidifying Valencia's position as a leading destination for extraordinary athletic achievements.
For those who missed the live broadcast of the 2023 Trinidad Alfonso Valencia Marathon, a riveting showcase of athleticism and determination unfolded in the early hours of the day, showcasing stellar performances and unexpected challenges.
In an exhilarating showcase of athletic prowess, Sisay Lemma made marathon history at the renowned Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso, securing victory in record-breaking fashion with a phenomenal time of 2:01:48. His remarkable performance not only secured the top spot but also etched his name as the fourth fastest marathoner on the men's world all-time list, reaffirming the event's status as a World Athletics Elite Platinum Label.
