In a highly anticipated event, the Aramco Houston Half Marathon is poised to witness the presence of two illustrious names in the world of distance running. Hellen Obiri, the reigning champion of both the TCS New York City Marathon and the Boston Marathon, and Galen Rupp, a decorated figure in American distance running, will spearhead an impressive lineup for the marathon on January 14.
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.
Daniel Ebenyo and Sutume Asefa Kebede showcased an unparalleled display of athletic brilliance, rewriting records and etching their names in history at the Tata Steel Kolkata 25K, a distinguished World Athletics Elite Label road race. Their exceptional performances not only secured victories but also set new benchmarks, registering among the fastest 25km runs ever witnessed in the realm of road racing.
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.
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.
Yared Nuguse marked a stellar year by clinching a spectacular win at the Kalakaua Merrie Mile, his debut in road racing. This event featured a unique mixed-sex pursuit format, with professional women kicking off the race 30 seconds ahead of the men on the Waikiki course, resulting in combined prize money rankings.
Kenya, known for its formidable presence in marathon running, has revealed the initial list of 20 athletes as a part of its preliminary squad for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The lineup boasts esteemed names such as Eliud Kipchoge and Peres Jepchirchir, both previous Olympic champions.
Jacob Kiplimo, the reigning world cross-country champion from Uganda, made an emphatic return to the racing scene by delivering an outstanding performance at the NN Zevenheuvelenloop in Nijmegen on Sunday. Kiplimo's display equaled the world's 15-kilometer record, clocking an impressive time of 41 minutes and 5 seconds.
Agnes Ngetich, the holder of the World Cross-country bronze medal, displayed an exceptional performance in the recent 10km road race in Lille, France, held on November 18.
