In a surprising turn of events, Ethiopian long-distance legend Kenenisa Bekele has severed his ties with the NN Running team after over two decades of being part of their stable, marking the end of an era. Bekele, the first and only athlete to achieve the remarkable feat of being crowned an Olympic, World Outdoor, World Indoor, and World Cross Country champion, has left behind his long-standing partnership with the team that also manages Kenyan marathon great Eliud Kipchoge.
Buze Diriba displayed a phenomenal performance at the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, significantly surpassing her personal best with an astounding time of 2 hours, 23 minutes, and 11 seconds. Diriba, along with her compatriots Waganesh Mekasha, Afera Godfay, and Amid Jemal, closely shadowed the pacemaker for the initial 30 kilometers, passing the halfway point in a remarkable 1 hour, 11 minutes, and 1 second. While Mekasha experienced a fuel bottle mishap at the 30-kilometer mark, Diriba's confidence only grew as the finish line drew near.
A member of the board from the United States representing the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Victor Okorie, has strongly advised Divine Oduduru, a prominent sprinter, to initiate an appeal against the six-year ban handed down by World Athletics. Victor Okorie, who serves as AFN's Director of Performance, conveyed his perspective to The Guardian, emphasizing the paucity of substantial evidence to substantiate any doping allegations against Oduduru, thus making a compelling case for his exoneration.
In an electrifying showcase of sporting prowess, Ethiopia's Meseret Belete and Kenya's Joshua Belet clinched victory at the TCS Amsterdam Marathon this past Sunday. The esteemed World Athletics Platinum Label road race witnessed exceptional performances, with Belete clocking in at 2:18:21 and Belet finishing in a remarkable 2:04:18. These two extraordinary athletes now hold the distinction of achieving the third-fastest winning times ever witnessed in the historic Dutch capital.
Following a remarkable display at the Chicago Marathon, where he broke the 2:01 barrier with a record-setting time of 2:00:35, speculation has arisen regarding Kelvin Kiptum's inclination toward taking on the formidable sub-two-hour marathon challenge.
Amidst the breathtaking backdrop of Sky Gran Canaria, athletes hailing from Great Britain, the United States, Kenya, and Spain showcased their remarkable mountain running prowess during the Valsir Mountain Running World Cup Finalissima. This sporting event witnessed outstanding performances and unexpected hurdles, making it a riveting spectacle.
Dina Asher-Smith, the 27-year-old sprint sensation, has unveiled a significant transformation in her coaching and training landscape, heralding a fresh chapter in her illustrious career. Asher-Smith, who clinched the 100m bronze at the 2021 Tokyo Games, has opted to part ways with her longstanding coach, John Blackie, and settle in Austin, Texas, under the mentorship of Edrick Floreal.
Ferdinand Omanyala, Africa's fastest man, is savoring the sweet fruits of his tireless dedication as he enjoys a well-earned off-season. Omanyala's journey through the past season was nothing short of extraordinary, marked by numerous achievements and commendable performances.
Amsterdam, Netherlands - The eagerly anticipated TCS Amsterdam Marathon is poised to be a remarkable showcase of talent, featuring two standout athletes, Birhanu Legese and Bernard Koech, at the helm. On Sunday, October 15, this prestigious World Athletics Platinum Label road race promises to deliver thrilling competition. Meanwhile, Ashete Bekere, the women's contender, is seeking to etch her name in the annals of marathon history.
In a remarkable demonstration of stamina and resolve, Kilian Jornet, one of the world's most lauded mountain and ultra-distance athletes, has accomplished a truly astonishing feat that has captivated adventure enthusiasts and sports aficionados alike. Recently, Jornet undertook the incredible challenge of summiting all 177 peaks exceeding 3,000 meters in the Pyrenees during an epic eight-day adventure, an endeavor he candidly described as "one of the most formidable trials I've ever faced." Such sentiments carry tremendous weight coming from an athlete renowned for his multifaceted skill set and his penchant for embarking on lengthy, often solitary, mountain exploits.
