Runner's Tribe

Sebastian Coe, President of World Athletics, has emphasized the sport’s commitment to innovation after a successful 2024. The year saw record-breaking performances, growing fan engagement, and the debut of a Netflix series that increased the sport’s visibility. At the 236th World Athletics Council Meeting in Monaco, Coe highlighted that athletics regained its position as the top Olympic sport in broadcast reach and outlined plans to maintain this momentum through the Pioneering Change strategy.

The 2024 IAU 100k World Championships, held in Bengaluru, India, witnessed exceptional performances from Japan’s Jumpei Yamaguchi and France’s Floriane Hot. Yamaguchi triumphed in the men’s race with an impressive time of 6:12:17, while Hot defended her 2022 title in the women’s event, finishing in 7:08:43. The race, held on December 7, 2024, took place under challenging conditions marked by high humidity and rising temperatures, which made for a thrilling but demanding contest.

Eldoret, Kenya – December 7: Ugandan rising star Loice Chekwemoi and Kenyan talent Samwel Chebolei Masai clinched stunning victories at the Great Chepsaita Cross Country. This World Athletics Cross Country Tour Gold event drew thousands of spectators eager to witness elite competition in the heart of Kenya's running hub.

A remarkable achievement was made at a recent masters meet in Dublin when 60-year-old Anne Gilshinan, from Wexford, Ireland, set a new world record in the indoor mile for the 60+ age category. She completed the race in 5 minutes and 27 seconds, surpassing the previous record of 5:30.73, set by American runner Sue McDonald earlier this year.

At just 16 years old, Australian sprinter Gout Gout is making waves in the athletics world, with experts dubbing him a once-in-a-generation talent. Known for his smooth stride and electrifying speed, the Queensland teenager has already etched his name into record books. Gout, the son of South Sudanese immigrants, is determined to pave his own path.

Beatrice Chebet, the world cross-country champion, and Berihu Aregawi, the silver medallist, demonstrated their supremacy at the Cross Internacional Juan Muguerza, proving their elite position. Taking place in Elgoibar, Spain, on Sunday (7), the competitors showed remarkable expertise in navigating the difficult course due to the continuous rain.

Catriona Bisset ended a 49-year drought as she was named in the world top-10 in Track&Field News magazine’s annual rankings for 2023, one of ten Australian athletes to garner a top-10 ranking.

San Giorgio su Legnano witnessed a display of exceptional athleticism as Daniel Simiu Ebenyo and Francine Niyomukunzi claimed victory at the prestigious Campaccio, part of the World Athletics Cross Country Tour Gold series.

In a display of extraordinary talent at the Dubai Marathon, Tigist Ketema and Addisu Gobena, both from Ethiopia, marked their debut in the World Athletics Label road race with breathtaking victories.

Kibrom Weldemicael, the winner of the 2024 Geneva Marathon, has been disqualified and handed a six-year ban after testing positive for banned substances. The Eritrean athlete, who finished the race in 2:09:57, will be ineligible to compete until 2030, tarnishing what had been an impressive season.