The number of finishers at the Boston Marathon used to be consistent, plus or minus a couple of hundred runners. For the five Bostons between 2015 and 2019, the finishers ranged from 25 907 to 26 762 each year, according to the Boston Athletic Association, which puts on the event.

What’s happening? It appears the American majors are trying to add athletes.

But as demand for marathons – especially the World Marathon Majors – grew after the pandemic, the field size has spiked in the two most recent editions of the race: There were 28 409 finishers in 2025 and 29 033 in 2026. The 2026 total represents a 9 percent jump from the 2023 number (26 623), which was a post-pandemic high. Boston finishers dipped slightly in 2024. What’s happening? It appears the American majors are trying to add athletes.

“The process to determine optimal field size is led by our operations team, who – especially in recent years – has worked with a crowd scientist to look at efficiencies and flow of athletes to determine where we can better optimise numbers/potentially have a few more athletes,” Chris Lotsbom, a BAA spokesperson, wrote in an email to Runner’s World.

The Boston team also consults with the cities and towns along the route and analyses historical data to predict the number of athletes who register but who do not start the race.

“We’ve been able to accept more participants in recent years (looking at 2025 and 2026 in particular),” Lotsbom wrote. “At the end of the day, we only have so much space on the roadway, and we want it to be an optimal, positive race experience for all.”

Across-the-board growth
Boston is not alone in growing its numbers. Chicago and New York City have seen bigger jumps in finisher numbers since 2023. Chicago’s 2025 race was up 12.2 percent from the race two years earlier; New York’s was up 15.1 percent. Its 59 219 finishers last November make the NYC Marathon the largest in the USA, and the second largest (behind London’s 2026 race) in the world.

“We work closely with the Mayor’s Office, city agencies, and crowd scientists to determine an appropriate field size for our events,” said Liv Ren, a spokesperson for the marathon, in an email. “That analysis takes into account a range of operational factors, including transportation, start procedures, course flow, street closures, and the time required to safely and efficiently reopen city streets.”

The race’s current permitted capacity is approximately 60 000 participants, she said, and “we are continually evaluating operational improvements and working with our city partners to explore opportunities to responsibly accommodate more runners in the future.”

A Chicago spokesperson also said the race seeks to provide an event that is “safe and enjoyable” for athletes, spectators, and volunteers.

“Interest in participating in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon remains high, and we look forward to welcoming more than 55 000 participants this fall, our largest field to date,” Alex Sawyer said in an email. “In recent years, we’ve grown the field incrementally to accommodate the increasing demand for participation while also maintaining the world-class race experience Chicago is known for.”

Considerations when determining Chicago’s field size include course safety, city infrastructure, and the “overall experience for participants, volunteers, spectators, local businesses, and community members.”

Not always smooth
As the races’ spokespeople point out, adding more runners to the field is a complex undertaking. And it doesn’t always go perfectly. Pre-race transportation is a common sticking point. In New York, many runners take the Staten Island Ferry and then get on buses to the start in Fort Wadsworth. In Boston, the race buses runners from the Boston Common to the starting line in Hopkinton, 26 miles west.

This year in Boston, many runners encountered a bottleneck at the bus-loading spot. According to Lotsbom, between 70 and 75 percent of the field takes a race-provided bus to the start; the rest of the runners find other ways to get there.

One runner, Greta Broneill, told Runner’s World she waited 90 minutes to get on a bus for the 2026 race; in 2025, she had no problems. “This year was just total chaos, with people panicking about their start times and almost being aggressive in terms of where they were in line,” she said. “It just was a totally different feeling at the Commons trying to get on the bus.”

In response to an email query from Runner’s World, Lotsbom said: “As we’ve had time to dive deeper into our post-race analysis, we are aware that some athletes faced delays at bus loading in Boston, and we are working hard to further understand the issues and determine what improvements can be made going forward.”

Where to put more runners?
Could the races continue to grow? Marcel Altenburg, who is a UK-based crowd scientist who works with all the World Marathon Majors, said that as races seek to add additional runners, it would be “mathematically” possible to grow the fields even more by extending the window of time during which runners start the race.

But there is a human toll on both runners and workers. Runners would have to wait for hours to start, and if the weather is bad, they would be exposed to the elements. And on-site workers, many of whom are volunteers, would have even longer shifts.

In Boston, the various divisions went off between 9:06am and 11:21 am this year. In New York in 2025, the race began with the men’s professional wheelchair race at 8am and with Wave 5 at 11:30am.

Chicago has a more compressed timeline – the men’s pro wheelchair race begins at 7:20am and the last of the waves starts at 8:35am. But the baggage check opens at 5:30am. In Chicago and other races, people are out working in the dark for hours before the race begins.

So could additional runners start later? In theory, yes. Reality might be different. “You just need the staff that are getting up at 3am to keep doing, doing, doing,” Altenburg told Runner’s World. “And then, yes, you could go higher.”

Additional reporting by Theo Kahler

This article first appeared on Runner’s World USA.

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Against this spectacular backdrop, three of the event’s four course records were shattered as the fastest elite field ever assembled for an African marathon delivered world-class racing on the streets of Cape Town.

With the event entering the final phase of its candidacy to become an Abbott World Marathon Majors race, the performances in the Mother City underlined why the event is already regarded as Africa’s premier marathon.

…elite men’s race produced all the drama fans could have hoped for, with South African star Adrian Wildschutt setting a fearless pace…

The elite men’s race produced all the drama fans could have hoped for, with South African star Adrian Wildschutt setting a fearless pace that kept the field honest well beyond the 30km mark. His bold pacing strategy ignited the race and ensured a thrilling contest deep into the closing stages, adding even more excitement to an unforgettable day of racing, which had the other competitors wondering if he was going to finish the marathon and win it.

Ultimately, Ethiopia’s Mohamed Esa stormed to victory in a scintillating 2:04:55, smashing the previous course record of 2:08:16 set by fellow Ethiopian Abdisa Tola in 2024. Esa’s time is now the fastest marathon ever run on African soil, eclipsing the previous continental mark of 2:06:32 set in Morocco in 2020, while also establishing a new South African all-comers record.

Esa arrived in Cape Town as the fastest athlete in the field after his 2:04:49 performance at the 2025 Chicago Marathon, and he proved his pedigree in emphatic fashion. Locked in a leading pack of four deep into the race, the Ethiopian made his decisive move over the final three kilometres before surging again in the closing stages to secure victory. Countryman Yihunilign Adane followed just four seconds later in 2:04:59, with Kenyan Kalipus Lomwai completing the podium in 2:05:06.

The depth of the elite field was equally remarkable. The first 10 men all finished faster than the previous course record, with the top 10 featuring two 2:04 performances, three 2:05s, three 2:06s and two 2:07s – an extraordinary standard that transformed Cape Town into the stage for one of the greatest marathon races ever seen on African soil.

South Africa’s top performers also delivered strong performances, led by former three-time champion Stephen Mokoka, who crossed the line in 2:10:48 for 13th place. He was followed by Matlakala Bennet Seloyi, who clocked a personal best 2:12:17, while debutant Anthony Timoteus impressed with a solid 2:13:04 in his first attempt at the distance.

Kenyan legend Eliud Kipchoge, widely considered one of the greatest marathoners of all time, finished 16th in 2:13:29. Kipchoge stole the show on route as Capetonians came out in their thousands to support him and to capture images of the legend running for the first time in Cape Town.

He chose the event as the opening race of his global tour. Prior to this, Kipchoge had never competed in a competitive, official full marathon on the African continent, making it a monumental milestone in his career.

ETHIOPIAN DOMINANCE IN WOMEN’S RACE
In the women’s race, Ethiopian runners made it a clean sweep of the podium positions, with Dera Dida Yami taking the win in 2:23:18, just under a minute outside the course record 2:22:22 set by SA’s Glenrose Xaba in the 2024 race. Second over the line was Mestawut Fikir in 2:23:46, with Waganesh Amare third in 2:23:57.

Former women’s World Champion, Kenyan 46-year-old Edna Kiplagat, finished fifth in 2:25:44, and the first South African home was 15th-placed Mia Morrison in 2:49:52, followed by Melissa Laing (16th in 2:50:11) and Banele Mabizela (18th in 2:51:15).

WHEELCHAIR RECORDS SHATTERED
David Weir of Great Britain dominated the men’s wheelchair race and took the win in 1:30:20, well inside the course record 1:32:09 set by Dutchman Gert Schipper in 2023. The Brit was followed in by Dutchman Jetze Plat (1:33:12), while third position went to the 2024 winner in Cape Town, Sho Watanabe of Japan, who was given the nod for the final podium position in a photo finish with Chinese athlete Zhang Ying. Both were given the same finishing time.

The women’s wheelchair record now belongs to Switzerland’s Manuela Schär. She absolutely dominated the race to win in 1:43:25, obliterating the previous course record of 1:52:58, set by Brit Eden Rainbow-Cooper in 2023. Second-placed Chen Xiaochun (China) also finished inside the previous record, crossing the line in 1:52:21, with another Chinese athlete, Deng Yirun, taking third in 1:57:05.

Full results here.

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Back in January, the race organisation blamed the delay on the finalisation of drug test results. But according to local media, doping clearances were finalised by the South African Institute for Drug Free Sport in mid-January.

In a statement in February, the race organisation requested patience as they completed “the necessary paperwork and technicalities, which include a third party.” While it’s not clear what third party the Soweto Marathon NPC referred to, the race’s primary sponsor, Africanbank, confirmed that it had paid the race in full.

The delay in payments may be related to a complex dispute over the race’s ownership that unfolded last year, involving the Soweto Marathon Trust, which previously operated the race, and the more recently formed Soweto Marathon NPC, a nonprofit company. Central Gauteng Athletics, which sanctions the race, replaced the Trust with the nonprofit entity in response to several years of alleged financial mismanagement and leadership issues, sparking a court battle over who controls the race.

Andrew Booyens, who coaches Seutloali and third-place women’s finisher Gerda Steyn, demanded an update on the situation in a letter to Central Gauteng Athletics and threatened legal action should it not be resolved. His team, the Hollywood Athletics Club, also announced that they will not be participating in future Soweto Marathons.

Manfred Seidler, elite manager of Hollywood Athletics Club, recently told SportsBoom that they have not received any updates from the race since February. “Our elite athletes are professionals who dedicate their careers to running,” he said. “The prize money from races is a major contributor to their livelihoods.” He also pointed out that athletes “dedicate nine months to train, and forego other races where they could be winning cash prizes.” Winners are owed approximately R250 000.00, and runners-up are owed around R120 000.00.

Steyn expressed similar sentiments on a recent radio appearance. “It’s not just a loss of this prize money, it is also a loss of making income in other places,” she said. “I had to say no to various other races around the world to focus on the Soweto Marathon, and then I walked away with nothing to show for it, even though I finished on the podium.”

South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, told Sunday World that the government will temporarily take over the marathon and ensure athletes get paid, and that his department will be pursuing criminal charges against the organisers, who he said “disappeared and stole that money.”

“We cannot lose the Soweto Marathon; it is historic, and it is a race for our people in the townships, and that’s why I am stepping in,” he said. The race, known as “The People’s Race,” passes by many historic landmarks in Soweto, the site of much of the country’s anti-apartheid resistance, including Nelson Mandela’s former home.

But Central Gauteng Athletics has suggested that such a takeover could undermine the race’s compliance with World Athletics, which “requires that the sport remains independent and free from political interference.”

This isn’t the first time in recent history that a South African marathon has failed to pay out: Winners of the 2024 Mpumalanga Marathon are still waiting on their prize money, equivalent to approximately R1-million.

Article first published on Runner’s World USA.

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On 18 October 2026, the first chapter of this journey will unfold in Cape Town, where an expected 20 000 runners will gather across the 5K, 10K, half marathon and marathon distances. The popular Slave Route Challenge, which included a half-marathon and a 10km, will be incorporated into the event.

“The Nelson Mandela Marathon is an invitation to move through the values that defined Nelson Mandela’s life and leadership: dignity, courage, justice, equality, solidarity and freedom,” said organisers. “It is a chance to run for something bigger than oneself, and to carry these values forward.”

“Through this partnership with Golazo, we are creating a platform that brings people together not only to run, but also challenges them to remember, reflect and act in ways that advance us towards the more just society that Nelson Mandela worked for and that this time so badly needs,” said Dr Mbongiseni Buthelezi, Chief Executive of the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

Set against the energy, beauty, and spirit of Cape Town, the inaugural event marks the beginning of a much broader vision: using movement to connect people across cultures, generations, and borders.

The route has yet to be announced, but it is understood that Table Mountain will always be within sight of the runners no matter where they are on the route. Further details are due to be released on Monday, May 18.

From 2027, the movement will expand internationally through the Nelson Mandela Marathon Global Running Series, inviting cities around the world to join a shared global journey inspired by Mandela’s enduring values.

To watch the teaser video and join the journey, visit www.nelsonmandelamarathon.com

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The 2025 defending champion, who stormed to victory in 3:09:30 in 2024, looked set to claim back-to-back titles as he hit 50km with the leaders. But a cruel bout of cramps on the descent from Constantia Nek shattered his charge, forcing him out with less than 6km to go.

…and Khonkhobe is coming back to settle the score.

Nearly a year later, that moment still lingers, and Khonkhobe is coming back to settle the score. He is also competing for his share of a prize purse worth R2 177 400. The event boasts prize money totalling R2.6-million.

“I would like to win the Two Oceans as I did in 2024. Last year I couldn’t even make it into the top 10,” explains Khonkhobe, who is a two-time Two Oceans gold medalist who lives and trains in Klerksdorp, where he is coached by Piou Mpolokeng.

Determined to make it count, the 2025 City2City 50km Marathon champion has put in the work since the start of the season. After admitting he raced too often in 2025, the consistent performer, who also finished third at the African Bank Soweto Marathon and claimed victory at the Prince Mangosuthu 52km Ultra, has taken a more measured approach this year, racing less and focusing on peak performance when it matters most.

“I made the mistake of over-racing last year, and I made the decision not to repeat that mistake,” shares the 30-year-old who hails from Taung in the Northwest Province.

Khonkhobe did line up at the Motsepe Foundation Race to Gender Equality Half Marathon at the University of Pretoria on 15 March, clocking 1:05:07 to secure second place behind Kenya’s Joseph Koech, with Bennet Seloyi rounding out the podium.

“I started training early in January, but I haven’t raced much,” he says. “Motsepe was my first real test of the year. It was a solid run, though a tough climb around 12km checked me. I just needed to gauge where my fitness is ahead of Cape Town.

…There’s less pressure, so I can run freely.”

“Defending a Two Oceans title is never easy, and this year, I’m not the defending champion. There’s less pressure, so I can run freely.”

Chris Goldschmidt, Chairperson of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC: “Onalenna Khonkhobe is an exceptional athlete, and we know that competitors of his calibre always return stronger after a challenging race. The ultra event is known for producing dramatic and inspiring performances, and we’re excited to see how Onalenna approaches the race this year as he looks to make amends.”

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She won the race by almost eight minutes…

The 28-year-old started the race as the third-fastest women’s half-marathon runner in history and ended it by surpassing that feat over double the distance, finishing within a minute of the world marathon record.

Tsfay boasts stellar credentials that include running the third-fastest half marathon in world history (1:03:04, Valencia 2024), placing seventh in the 10K at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games and eighth at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in the 10 000m. She worked with two male pacemakers on Sunday, covering 10K in 31:05 and the halfway mark in 1:05:05. She passed 30K in 1:32 and 40K in 2:03:31, as windy conditions started to take their toll on the group.

Her target was the world record of 2:09:56 set by Ruth Chepngetich of Kenya in Chicago in 2024, and Tesfay looked determined as she went through 40km in 2:03:31. Chepngetich is currently serving a three-year ban for testing positive for hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic used to flush out prohibited substances from an athlete’s system. She tested positive in March 2025, and her results from then on were disqualified, but her world record still stands.

While Tesfay was unable to dip under 2:10 this time, she was rewarded with the fastest ever women’s marathon debut, an Ethiopian record and the second-quickest performance in history.

“Today was fantastic – not what I was expecting, but it is good,” she told the race broadcaster, speaking through an interpreter.

“I planned to attack the world record, but today there was a lot of wind, and I was not able to push in the last part of the race. Today I did not succeed, but in the next marathon I would like to try for the world record.”

She won the race by almost eight minutes ahead of Kenya’s Joan Jepkosgei Kiplimo, who ran 2:18:42, while Ethiopia’s Zeineba Yimer was third in 2:18:49.

In the men’s race, Uganda’s Abel Chelangat and Kenya’s Patrick Mosin broke away, and Chelangat tracked his rival through 40km in 1:58:40. Chelangat made his move as they reached a water station, and he looked in control as he strode away with two hours on the clock.

Mosin couldn’t respond, and Chelangat clinched the win unchallenged, clocking 2:04:57 to Mosin’s 2:05:01. Kenya’s Jonathan Samanayo Korir was third in 2:05:29.

Leading results

Women
1 Fotyen Tesfay (ETH) 2:10:51
2 Joan Jepkosgei Kiplimo (KEN) 2:18:42
3 Zeineba Yimer (ETH) 2:18:49
4 Chaltu Chimdesa Kumsa (ETH) 2:23:32
5 Yalganesh Eskamech Gedefa (ETH) 2:24:05

Men
1 Abel Chelangat (UGA) 2:04:57
2 Patrick Mosin (KEN) 2:05:01
3 Jonathan Samanayo Korir (KEN) 2:05:29
4 Moses Kipngetich Kemei (KEN) 2:05:53
5 Kaan Kigen Özbilen (TUR) 2:06:01

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The win marks one of the biggest victories of the South African distance runner’s career…

Wildschutt surged to victory in 59:30, pulling away late in the race to finish 11 seconds ahead of American Zouhir Talbi, who took second place. The race attracted a deep elite field and more than 30 000 runners on the popular 13.1-mile park-to-park course through New York City.

The win marks one of the biggest victories of the South African distance runner’s career and continues his impressive transition from track to road racing. Known for his strength over 5000m and 10 000m on the track, Wildschutt showed his range with a controlled and confident performance over the half marathon distance.

The race also featured Olympic track medalist Grant Fisher, who finished 14th in 1:00:53 in his half marathon debut. In the women’s race, Kenya’s Hellen Obiri delivered another standout performance, setting a course record of 1:06:33.

For South African running fans, Wildschutt’s victory is particularly significant. Winning a major international half marathon in sub-60 minutes places him among the elite road racers in the world and adds another milestone to a career that continues to gather momentum on the global stage.

Pro Men’s Top 10 Results

1. Adriaan Wildschutt, 59:30
2. Zouhair Talbi, 59:41
3. Gulveer Singh, 59:42
4. Alex Maier, 59:51
5. Peter Lynch, 59:52
6. Patrick Dever, 59:56
7. Rory Linkletter, 1:00:00
8. Patrick Kiprop, 1:00:01
9. Joe Klecker, 1:00:02
10. Shunsuke Kuwata, 1:00:13

Pro Women’s Top 10 Results

1. Hellen Obiri, 1:06:33
2. Sharon Lokedi, 1:07:10
3. Megan Keith, 1:07:13
4. Diane Van Es, 1:08:21
5. Fentaye Belayneh, 1:08:22
6. Emily Sisson, 1:09:06
7. Amanda Vestri, 1:09:22
8. Annie Frisbie, 1:09:25
9. Susanna Sullivan, 1:09:38
10. Emily Venters, 1:09:46

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“It’s never too late to begin anything…

Award-winning filmmaker Warrick Leach tells Admire’s inspiring story, proving it’s never too late to chase your dreams. Leach brings a finely-tuned blend of creative direction and brand strategy, sculpting visual narratives that make sport feel alive. His documentary work has been recognised internationally for its authentic storytelling approach.

Finding running at 35 while working as a private chef in Johannesburg, Admire’s story challenges conventional narratives about late starts in elite sport. What began with early morning runs with his employer, motivated as much by coffee and croissants as by fitness, has evolved into a career competing on the world stage as part of the ASICS Trail Team.

“It’s never too late to begin anything,” Admire reflects in the film. “I didn’t even think I was going to be in a running space. But at 35, I found myself running again and being in this state, being fit, consistently programming everything in the way that I want.”

The 23-minute documentary captures Admire’s participation in the RMB Ultra-Trail Cape Town (UTCT), one of the most challenging races in the World Trail Majors Series. Through intimate interviews and stunning race footage, the film reveals a story of endurance, steady courage, and choosing to keep going when the world expects you to stop.

Admire’s journey from Zimbabwe to South Africa in 2013 was driven by necessity and the need to support his family. His sister, already working in South Africa, helped him transition to Johannesburg, where he found work as a private chef. It was his employer, a keen cyclist, who first invited him to run.

“My boss said to me, ‘Admire, if I give you running gear and buy your shoes, would you run with me in the morning? I just want someone for company,'” Admire recalls. “At that time, it was very hard for me because we would run a kilometre and I would be panting.”

From those humble beginnings, Admire’s progression has been remarkable. His first marathon time wasn’t fast at all; he did a 4:13. Following that, he wrangled a substitute entry into the Comrades. Then, like for much of the world, everything changed in 2020 when COVID-19 halted road running. That’s when he discovered trail running, which was a natural fit for someone who grew up chasing cattle through the bush in rural Zimbabwe.

“When we grew up, we had cattle, so you’re running in the bush chasing cattle and goats. Trail running gave me that same feeling, like this is normal to me compared to the road,” he explains.

Since transitioning to trails, Admire has built an impressive résumé, including a UTD (Ultra-Trail Drakensberg) (GCU65) win, paired with victories at AlUla (100km) and Pass2Pass (100km) in 2025, as well as strong performances at events like Mountain Ultra Trail (170km – 2nd Place). His sights are now set on Ultra Trail Mont Blanc, the flagship race of the UTMB World Series.

“I didn’t grow up dreaming of running. I found it later in life,” Admire says. “I didn’t need to always be number one. I just want to run amongst the best in the world. And UTCT is a test to show that it’s never too late to begin.”

Samuel Kuhn, Co-Founder of Foolhardy, commented: “Admire’s story represents everything we believe in at Foolhardy: authentic impact, resilience, and the power of sport to transform lives. His journey from Warren Park to competing on the global stage isn’t just about athletic achievement; it’s about what’s possible when someone believes in you, and you refuse to give up on yourself. We’re honoured to help share this story with the world and showcase how late beginnings can turn into life goals.”

The documentary, directed by award-winning filmmaker Warrick Leach, takes a human-first approach to storytelling. Leach’s previous work, “Unleashed | Transforming Fear to Freedom Through Surf,” was awarded Best Emerging Film in The Art of Documentary One Day Doc Competition. 

“Never Too Late” features support from Admire’s sponsors ASICS, Wintergreen Sport, Boonies Sunglasses, and Revive, who allow Adie to do what he does best.

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“Kipchoge has confirmed that he will start in the elite field,” said event media spokesperson Renata Bossi. The 2026 race will mark the beginning of a two-year journey that will see the two-time Olympic champion run a marathon on all seven continents, inspiring healthier lifestyles while raising funds for the Eliud Kipchoge Foundation.

In addition to racing the marathon, Kipchoge will take part in several key events in Cape Town before and after race day – bringing one of the sport’s greatest athletes to compete on South African roads for the first time.

“To start this World Tour in Cape Town is very special.”

Starting in Africa carries special meaning for Kipchoge. “Africa is where my journey as a runner began,” he said. “To start this World Tour in Cape Town is very special. It celebrates the strength of African running and the next generation of runners.”

The Cape Town race continues to grow as a global event, with more than 27 000 runners expected on the start line in 2026 as the event pushes to become Africa’s first Abbott World Marathon Majors race.

For South African runners, it means a rare opportunity to watch the greatest marathoner in history and two-time Olympic champion take on the streets of Cape Town, setting up a thrilling moment for both local runners and fans.

Kipchoge’s appearance elevates an already iconic race, giving South Africans a rare chance to witness the man who redefined marathon running in action on home soil. The next countries in his tour destinations are to be announced within the coming weeks.

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In May, Cape Town steps onto the world stage with its own high-stakes showdown – a pivotal moment in its bid to earn Abbott World Marathon Major status and join one of the most prestigious series in distance running.

Brigid Kosgei sets course record in 2:14:28.

Just under 40 000 athletes competed at the Tokyo Marathon this past Sunday 1 March, with Brigid Kosgei and Tadese Takele taking the victories. The day started with 10 degrees Celsius – perfect running weather, and peaked at 15 degrees Celcius by the end of the elite race, with mild winds throughout.

Here are some of the highlights from the race.

Brigid Kosgei sets course record in 2:14:28
It took over 32 kilometres for 32-year-old Brigid Kosgei of Kenya to pull away from two-time defending Tokyo champion Sutume Kebede of Ethiopia, who also owns the top two fastest times in event history. But that’s no longer the case, as Kosgei’s winning time of 2:14:29 shattered Kebede’s course record of 2:15:55 set in 2024 and nearly broke her own personal best of 2:14:04, which established a new women’s-only world record in 2019.

In denying Kebede a record third straight victory, Kosgei joins her as one of just three women to win the race twice. Kebede faded to fourth in 2:17:39, just edged out for third by reigning Chicago Marathon champion Hawi Feysa. Fellow countrywoman Bertukan Welde set a one-minute personal best of 2:16:36 for runner-up honours.

Kosgei, once considered one of the top marathoners in the world, looks to be again at the top of her game after struggling with injuries for the past several years. Her World Marathon Major record now includes six victories: the 2018 and 2019 Chicago Marathons, the 2019 and 2020 London Marathons, and the 2021 and 2026 Tokyo Marathons.

Tadese Takele defends title in thrilling three-way sprint finish
Tadese Takele of Ethiopia defended his title at the 2026 Tokyo Marathon in an incredible three-way sprint finish with Kenyans Geoffrey Toroitich and Alexander Mutiso, as both Takele and Toroitich clocked 2:03:37 and Mutiso recorded a final time of 2:03:38 for third. Fellow Kenyan Daniel Mateiko made it four men under 2:04 with his 2:03:44 performance.

All four men were still together with 1 200 metres to go, weaving at top speed through the crowded streets of Tokyo. The 23-year-old Takele found redemption in the city, retaining his individual title (just 10 seconds off his winning time last year) after recording a DNF in the humid conditions at the World Championships marathon in Tokyo last September.

Sunday’s race featured the second near-miss in a row for Mutiso, who was nipped at the line by Benson Kipruto for victory at the New York City Marathon last fall. Meanwhile, Toroitich’s runner-up finish was a breakout moment for the new marathoner, whose debut in the distance last year in Tokyo resulted in a sixth-place finish in 2:05:46 and who went on to set a course record at the Amsterdam Marathon in 2:03:31.

The standout performances went down the list as Muktar Edris of Ethiopia, a two-time 5K world champion on the track, improved his personal best by nearly two minutes to run 2:04:06 for fifth place. Iliass Aouani of Italy set a new national record in 2:04:26, continuing his hot streak since earning bronze in this city at the World Championships last summer.

The top group of men did not take the lead until the final 12 kilometres of the race, as Japan’s Ryuichi Hashimoto attempted to go wire-to-wire in a gutsy solo effort that felt reminiscent of countryman Yuki Kawauchi’s famous 2018 Boston Marathon win. Hashimoto was accompanied by a pacemaker through 10K, before blitzing the streets with an opening half marathon of 1:01:29, then fading hard with a 1:09:52 back half. He ultimately finished 39th in 2:11:21.

Next up in the Series is Boston on 20 April, with the London Marathon taking place on 26 April.

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It’s hard to conceptualise the difficulty of some Winter Olympic sports. Hurtling oneself through a halfpipe on a snowboard, landing triple corks? It must be difficult, of course. Lacing up skates and landing a quad axel looks really hard, obviously. But how hard?

Norway’s Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo won all six Winter Olympic cross-country ski events…

If you have no experience in these sports, you can certainly respect what athletes are accomplishing at the Winter Olympics. But it’s almost impossible to have a real feel for it. However, if you’re a runner watching cross-country skiing, you have more ability to understand the history that’s being made at the 2026 Winter Games than you may think.

Norway’s Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo won all six Winter Olympic cross-country ski events, bringing his career Olympic gold medal count to 11 and setting a new record in the process. He has won a total of 13 Olympic medals, including one silver and one bronze. Swimmer Michael Phelps has 10 gold medals.

Sounds incredible, right? But put what Klaebo has achieved into running terms, and your jaw will hit the floor.

The running/cross-country skiing comparison first came up during these Olympics when a video of Klaebo hauling in the classic sprint went viral. On the final climb, he shifted into a gear only he can access, dropping the pack and securing gold. He was clocked running uphill, on skis, at a 3:18/kilometre pace. Putting Klaebo’s pace into running terms resonated. Avid runners and those who bowed out of their running careers with the middle-school mile test can all feel that sensation. We all know it’s like to push for a sub-3:30, 4:00 or 5:00 kilometre. And that’s without skis on.

Cross-country skiers know that this running comparison is a natural one. The aerobic demands of both sports make running a key aspect of cross-country ski training. Some elite skiers have even competed in both, like Sophia Laukli, who competed for the United States in cross-country skiing at the 2022 Olympics and is also a world-class trail runner.

Therese Johaug is a six-time Olympic medalist in cross-country skiing, and also won the 10 000-metres at Norwegian track nationals in 2019 and 2020. Before becoming a three-time Olympian in cross-country skiing, Dorcas Wonsavage was a dual-athlete at Middlebury College, winning the 1985 individual cross-country running NCAA title by 36 seconds.

Olympic running and skiing compete at similar distances, too. Klaebo’s goal at the Winter Olympics was to sweep the cross-country ski events – four individual races and two relays. He raced distances of 1.6, 7.5, 10, 20 and 50 kilometres. What he achieved is comparable to a runner trying to win the 1 500, 5 000, and 10 000 metre events and the marathon – all at the same Olympics.

The runner closest to achieving this is Sifan Hassan, one of the most versatile runners of the modern era. She took home bronze in the 1 500 metres and gold in both the 5 000 and 10 000 metres in the 2020 Tokyo Games. During the next Olympic cycle in 2024, Hassan won the marathon and earned bronze in the 5 000 and 10 000 metres.

If you dig further back into Olympic results, you can find a few other runners with this versatility and dominance. Like Czechoslovakian runner Emil Zatopek, who won the 5 000, the 10 000, and the marathon at the 1952 Games in Helsinki. Go back a few more decades, and you’ll find Paavo Nurmi. In the 1924 Olympics in Paris, the Finn won five gold medals in track and cross-country events (some of which are no longer in existence). His wins ranged in distance from 1 500 to 10 000 meters. He didn’t compete in the marathon that year.

Skiers grow up competing in both sprints and distance racing. Like runners, it’s natural to end up specialising to a degree. Some skiers predominantly compete in the sprints at the Olympics, while others will race the distance races and not enter Olympic sprint competitions.

Klaebo, however, does it all – better than anyone. To capture how wholly improbable this level of dominance is, think about Klaebo as if he were an Olympic runner. Your jaw is on the floor, right?

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…three extraordinary runners whose journeys embody the very soul of ultra-distance running…

At 75, Outeniqua Harriers’ Louis Massyn (BNC 35) is preparing to line up for a staggering 48th Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon, extending his record as the man with the most ultra finishes in the race’s storied history. Each year adds another chapter to a career defined by grit, consistency and an unbreakable love for the road.

“TTOM has shaped my life,” says Massyn. “Every year the body asks tougher questions, but the heart always knows the answer. As long as I can keep moving forward, I’ll keep coming back.”

With 50 Comrades Marathon medals already to his name, Massyn continues to chase milestones that few could ever imagine, proving that endurance is built over decades, not seasons.

Matching his legacy stride for stride are two incredible women in the ultra-running world. Sharon Bosch (BNC 1953) and Lucille Damon (BNC 1525) jointly hold the record for the most female Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon finishes, with 32 each, and both are set to chase their 33rd finish in 2026.

Their parallel journeys have forged a powerful shared story, cementing their status as two of the Blue Number Club’s most respected and enduring ambassadors.

“For me, TTOM is a moving meditation,” says Damon (66), who will represent Totalsports VOB Running Club in 2026. “Some years you fly, some years you grind, but every finish line feels like a victory earned honestly.”

Bosch (63), chairperson of Old Selbornian Road Runners in East London, echoes the sentiment, describing the race as a true test of character. “TTOM strips you down to who you really are,” she says. “It’s never been about numbers, but standing on that start line still feels like a privilege.”

Together, Massyn, Bosch and Damon embody the pure spirit of ultra-distance running – not the chase for minutes, but the courage to return, year after year.

As the 2026 Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon approaches, their records stand like permanent course markers, reminding runners everywhere that greatness isn’t measured in speed, but in steadfast miles gathered over a lifetime.

“Louis, Sharon and Lucille represent the heart of TTOM,” says Chris Goldschmidt, Chairperson of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC. “They inspire everyone around them, reminding us that this race is about resilience, passion and the joy of returning.”

Wade Bromfield, General Manager of the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon, agrees: “Watching these athletes line up year after year shows that greatness isn’t just about times or records – it’s about commitment, community and the enduring spirit of Two Oceans.”

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…the team descended 42.2km, pushing their physical and mental limits…

Only five of the original 16-strong running and support team made it to the start line, after winds gusting up to 100km per hour and a brutal wind chill of –30°C created extreme conditions on the mountain. From a staggering starting altitude of 6 893 metres on Ojos del Salado, the team descended 42.2km, pushing their physical and mental limits to complete the World’s Highest Marathon.

Given the severity of the conditions, the team crossed the finish line in two small groups. BecomingX CEO Paul Gurney, adventurer and TV personality Aldo Kane, and ultra-endurance athlete Mark Beaumont finished first at 5.01am, after 16 hours and 34 minutes of running. Combined with the overnight climb, they had been on the move for more than 28 hours, with no sleep for over 48 hours and minimal food.

South African adventurer Sibusiso Vilane and ultra-runner Sara Storey followed closely behind, crossing the line at 6.30am.

High above the clouds, with oxygen levels at less than half those at sea level, every breath was a battle. Nearly two weeks of acclimatisation proved critical before a final, gruelling 12-hour overnight climb to the start line, where exhaustion, altitude and cold converged.

The runners then descended through the night towards lower altitudes, carefully managing hydration, nutrition and frequent kit changes in rapidly shifting conditions. None of it would have been possible without the dedicated support team of climbers and guides, who trekked up the volcano alongside them and followed in a convoy of off-road Ford vehicles, providing vital medical care, equipment and logistical support throughout the race.

Ford supported the expedition by transporting runners, equipment and medical support up to 5 890 metres, using a fleet of capable off-road trucks and SUVs. In one of the most remote and unforgiving environments on Earth, the vehicles provided a vital lifeline – powering communications, delivering essential supplies and offering moments of refuge from the extreme conditions.

Ford is also supporting the development of a documentary chronicling the expedition. Through the project, BecomingX hopes to inspire people to challenge their own perceived limits and prove that, with commitment, belief and the right support, extraordinary achievements are possible.

This expedition is a reminder that even at the very edge of human endurance, belief, resilience and teamwork can carry us further than we ever imagined.

Paul Gurney (UK), CEO and Founder of BecomingX, and runner: “This event has to be one of the toughest on earth, pushing people to the absolute limits of human performance. This challenge was about showing what’s possible when people commit fully to a goal, even when it may seem challenging. Completing this marathon at such an extreme altitude required trust, teamwork, and resilience at every level. What we’ve achieved here will hopefully encourage others to challenge the limits they place on themselves.”

Aldo Kane (UK), TV adventurer and Ford ambassador: “That was one of the toughest things I have ever done in my life. We had such incredibly difficult conditions to climb Ojos del Salado before we’d even started the marathon. Even moving at that altitude is draining, and attempting a marathon there is unlike anything I’ve experienced. I can’t explain how much it took out of me and the team to pull that off, but I am so proud to have been part of this and get a world record in the process.”

Mark Beaumont (UK), multi-world record-holding ultra-endurance athlete: “That is the closest I’ll get to an expedition on Mars!  I wasn’t sure if a marathon from 6 893m was possible, and I am struggling for words to describe how incredibly hard both the climb and marathon have been. I’m just so proud of the team, the depths of endurance they went to and how we supported what is a truly unique piece of history-making.”

Sibusiso Vilane (South Africa), adventurer and the first black person to summit Everest: “The World’s Highest Marathon confirms what I have always believed – that we have no limitations other than those we place on ourselves, and that we can go so much further than we believe. This was the toughest physical and mental challenge I have ever done and reinforces my belief that our potential is limitless.”

Sara Storey (UK), ultra-runner: “This was an incredible experience, and I’m so grateful to my teammates for their support – climbing Ojos and then completing a marathon under extreme conditions, in one of the most inhospitable places in the world, was only possible as a team effort. This was the hardest thing I have ever done – it took every bit of determination and every ounce of effort I had to complete it.”

Gavin Bate (UK), elite climber and expedition logistics lead: “In the world of expeditions and challenges, there are few things more exciting than doing things for the very first time. This challenge was truly extraordinary, and it required the highest level of planning, preparation and teamwork in such an extreme environment. The potential for the unknown is very high, and it requires a certain attitude and faith to carry it through, and I’m so proud to have been part of the World’s Highest Marathon.”

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South African adventurer and climber Sibusiso Vilane is part of the team of 10 elite adventurers…

Ojos del Salado – the world’s highest volcano at 6 893 metres – presents challenges far beyond altitude alone. From the summit, the team will descend through some of the planet’s most unforgiving terrain, where thin air, freezing temperatures, and relentless winds will test every ounce of strength and resolve. 

At the start line, oxygen levels are just 44 percent of those at sea level, making the task of completing 42.2km at extreme altitude even more formidable. Reaching that point safely requires nearly two weeks of acclimatisation and close to nine hours of climbing before the marathon even begins.

South African adventurer and climber Sibusiso Vilane is part of the team of 10 elite adventurers, which includes globally recognised adventurer and TV personality Aldo Kane (UK), world-record-breaking cyclist Mark Beaumont (UK), elite climber Gavin Bate (UK), Chilean athlete Andrea Cornejo and BecomingX CEO Paul Gurney (UK). 

Alongside four other amateur participants, the team will be supported by a dedicated team of climbers and guides, who will trek to the summit and provide critical aid throughout the race.

Sibusiso, the first black person to summit Everest, had this to say ahead of Tuesday’s event: “It is a humbling experience to be here in Chile with such a wonderful group of people, all with the same spirit of camaraderie and adventure. We’re not here to conquer the mountain or the marathon, but to conquer our doubts and limitations. The World’s Highest Marathon is the ultimate proving ground.” 

This challenge has been set up by learning and development company BecomingX, and builds on their recent success of organising the World’s Deepest Marathon, where a team of 55 individuals ran a marathon in a Swedish mine 1 110 metres below sea level, setting two official world records in the process.

Ford is powering the mission and providing a fleet of capable off-road trucks and SUVs. The Ford Team is enabling the expedition by transporting the team, vital equipment, and medical support, while serving as mobile power sources throughout the acclimatisation process. Built for extreme conditions, the vehicles allow the team to focus on what matters most – achieving their goal and pushing human potential to new heights.

Ford is also supporting the development of a documentary to capture the adventure and inspire others across the globe.

Paul Gurney, CEO and Founder of BecomingX, and runner: “This is one of the toughest events imaginable and aims to challenge perceptions of what people think is possible. Despite some of the extraordinary characters and the vast experience we have on this expedition, nothing is certain. But we are giving ourselves the best chances of success. We hope that in the next week, we’ll be able to say we have run a marathon higher than anyone in history – encouraging people to aim high and follow their dreams for whatever it is they want to do.” 

Aldo Kane, TV adventurer and Ford ambassador: “What an incredible adventure! I’ve had the privilege of working and filming all over the world, and this is one of the most epic challenges I have ever done. We’ve got an incredible team and some phenomenal vehicles to really give us a shot at it. I’m excited and hopeful we might just be able to pull this off.”

Andrea Cornejo, Chilean marathon runner and world record breaker: “I’m so proud to welcome this wonderful team to Chile and to attempt this challenge on Ojos del Salado! Whilst I work and train at 4 400m, I’ve never been beyond 6 000m and have no idea if I can get up that high to even make the start line. Whatever happens, I’m proud to be part of such an elite international team that is trying to push the boundaries of what is possible.”

The adventure begins at sea level, and creates the opportunity to break an additional record for the greatest altitude change for a petrol-powered car as Paul Gurney and Aldo Kane will aim to take their Ford Ranger Raptor over 6 000m up Ojos del Salado. 

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On November 1, Byron O. Juma and Jules Woolf published a research paper titled “The hidden cost of doping sanctions: examining the experiences of Kenyan athletes sanctioned for violating anti-doping rules.” Juma, an assistant professor at Emporia State University, and Woolf, a doctor of philosophy at the University of Illinois, interviewed ten Kenyan track and field athletes, who are currently serving or served sanctions, and three anti-doping officials.

…athletes’ experiences reflect significant psychological trauma with little support to help them cope.

The interviews explored the personal, social, and professional effects of bans; conversations that revealed, at times, disastrous consequences for the athletes and people in their circles navigating the aftermath of sanctions.

Using pseudonyms for participants, the researchers spoke to athletes who specialised in sprints, endurance running, and jumps. Half of those interviewed completed their sanctions while the other half were still serving their bans. As Juma and Woolf outlined, they focused the study on athletes in Kenya because it’s an understudied area that’s considered a “high-risk country under World Athletics’ anti-doping compliance framework,” with over 135 Kenyan middle and long-distance runners currently serving anti-doping bans – nearly 40 per cent of global track and field doping cases.

The athletes’ experiences reflect significant psychological trauma with little support to help them cope. For example, when each athlete learned they tested positive for a prohibited substance, they said they felt shocked, lost, and overwhelmed. “I did not know where to start, who to talk to, where to go, or how to handle my case. I was one of the most confused people,” one athlete recalled.

The researchers noted the confusion “exposed gaps in anti-doping knowledge even among international competitors and those in AIU (Athlete Integrity Unit) or ADAK’s (Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya) registered testing pools,” with one athlete failing to request a therapeutic use exemption, being notified of the positive test, and continuing to train while assuming they’d eventually be acquitted after explaining by declaring their prescription medication.

Coping strategies: Researchers wrote that the bans were distressing for every athlete, with many expressing shame and embarrassment, fearing they would be viewed as deliberate cheaters. “I felt like I was an embarrassment to society. I was a disappointment to my family,” one athlete said.

Some athletes coped with the situation through avoidance and self-isolation, often for months at a time, which led to worsening psychological trauma. “Most of the time when you have issues like those happen, you isolate yourself, and the more you isolate yourself, the more you think a lot, and that will lead to stress and depression,” one athlete said.

Another athlete admitted to using alcohol as a way to cope. “I stayed alone. I did not want anybody in the house. I was just staying alone, drinking, and then trying to figure out things,” they said.

Many athletes suffered from anxiety about their future and the ability to financially support themselves and their families during the sanctions. Some even experienced physical manifestations of stress, with one athlete reporting they developed ulcers and needed to go to the hospital.

Because mental health remains stigmatised in Kenyan society, as one athlete noted, “When I am stressed, people think I am joking,” while explaining how cultural attitudes discourage people from seeking psychiatric help, many of the athletes interviewed also experienced a lack of social support at their lowest point.

“Athletes struggled with being sanctioned, and for some, this distress escalated into darker thoughts, highlighting the serious mental health consequences of being sanctioned,” the researchers noted.

Of the ten athletes interviewed, seven reported experiencing suicidal thoughts after being sanctioned. “I remember thinking, ‘Why don’t I just die?’ I even contemplated throwing myself from the top of the building and letting everything come to an end,” one athlete said.

After an extended period of isolation, one of the athletes tried to commit suicide in the third month of serving their ban. Her neighbours and friends intervened, and she was able to enter a mental health clinic for several weeks.

Social isolation: In interviews, many athletes said they felt stigmatised and marginalised within their community, an effect that extended to their immediate and extended family as well, with their reputations permanently damaged. Some said they were mocked with nicknames tied to the substance for which they tested positive, a form of harassment which becomes amplified on social media.

One of the most troubling findings from the study was that athletes shared how the sanctions often cause strain between immediate and extended family members, many of whom depend on financial support from the athlete. Several athletes noted that spousal separation and divorce are common after an athlete is sanctioned.

Facing immense shame, one athlete started to abuse alcohol. His wife and children, except for one son who stayed to care for him, left their shared home for a period of time. He said his son ultimately helped him recognise the effect of his actions on the family. Oftentimes, the athletes’ children also face public shame in the community, with classmates and friends associating them with their parents.

In addition to the economic fallout from professional contracts being terminated, many athletes said they felt abandoned by Athletics Kenya, the country’s track and field federation, in the wake of their ban. The anti-doping officials interviewed in the study admitted Athletics Kenya distances itself from sanctioned athletes and emphasised the lack of psychological support.

Though they faced huge social and career disruptions in the wake of their respective bans, several athletes noted they were able to reinvent themselves with new vocations, and in some cases, the experience strengthened their family ties.

Reflecting on their interviews with athletes and anti-doping officials, the researchers emphasised the need for policies that provide mental-health services to help athletes facing bans. They also called on sports organisations to prioritise the athletes’ families and aid in the athletes’ reintegration or separation from track and field, which would help “mitigate unnecessary harm,” they wrote.

“Such support will help sanctioned athletes rebuild their lives and contribute positively to society.”

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…it was a showcase of resilience, courage, and unforgettable performances…

Across the three-day festival, race organisers, athletes, and spectators were tested by extreme wind, logistical headaches, and the unpredictable beauty of Cape Town’s mountains. But in the end, it was a showcase of resilience, courage, and unforgettable performances that won the day.

Winds of Change and Chaos
As the UTCT race weekend began, strong overnight gusts of up to 90 km/h battered the event’s Race Village at the Gardens Rugby Club. These were not just blustery breezes, but extreme gale-force winds that caused extensive damage to marquee structures, tearing apart the village tents that usually form the beating heart of the race for the trail-running community.

Race organisers and the City of Cape Town made a tough but clear safety call: the Race Village was closed to the public for the weekend. Participants would still start and finish there, but supporters were advised that once runners crossed the line, they would “receive their finisher’s medal and must vacate the Race Village immediately.”

The decision wasn’t made lightly. According to race director Stuart McConnachie, safety was the top priority. Although the festival atmosphere was muted, the racing itself went ahead as scheduled. Organisers kept a close eye on weather conditions along the route, communicated updates rapidly, and had contingency plans in place, all while dealing with very real logistical challenges, brought about by the howling South Easter.

A Race Weekend Like No Other
The UTCT weekend featured a full slate of races: from the PT55 (55 km) and KS16 (16km) to the elite UT100 (100 km) and the gruelling UTCT 100 Miler (about 160 km), and finally the TM35. Against the backdrop of wind-whipped tents and logistical strain, elite athletes still showed up to deliver some of the most competitive racing the event has seen to date.

Douglas Pickard: A Dominating Miler Win
In the UTCT100 – the Miler – race, Douglas Pickard turned in a masterful performance, getting progressively stronger as the race got longer. The South African veteran covered the punishing 159.5 km course in 21:49:11, securing first place and reminding everyone why he’s one of the greats in South African ultra-running. Despite the blustery conditions at race headquarters, Pickard remained unflappable, pacing strongly through climbs, descents, and technical terrain to cross the finish line first, receiving an incredible welcome from the race crew, volunteers and support crews who were gathered at Race Village.

Back-to-back UTCT miler winner, Alexie Tolstenko, hoping to make it a hat trick, put up an excellent fight, but Pickard was the stronger runner on the day. Tolstenko admitted that it was a tough day out on the trails for him. He crossed the line in 22:40:48.

Zimbabwe-born Admire Muzopumbwa quietly added another feather to his cap this weekend when he rounded off the podium, crossing the line in third in 22:41:40. He was catching Tolstenko in the last few kilometres and finished less than a minute behind him. He has posted some excellent results over the past year, and his presence at the event underscored the depth of regional ultra-distance trail talent.

Nicolette Griffioen: Record-Breaking Brilliance
On the women’s side of the Miler, Nicolette Griffioen produced a breathtaking performance. She claimed victory in a time of 24:40:58, and in doing so, smashed the previous course record – underlining her dominance in ultra-distance racing. Griffioen’s run was a powerful testament to experience, consistency, and mental strength on some of Cape Town’s toughest terrain.

Behind the record-breaking performance of Nicolette Griffioen, the strength of South African women in the 100 Miler was on full display. Simone Malan delivered a fiercely determined run to secure second place (26:39:35), navigating the brutal distance and technical terrain with composure and resilience, while Kerry Ann Marshal followed closely in 27:26:30 to claim third, rounding out an exceptional showing for local athletes.

Their podium finishes not only highlighted the depth of female ultra-running talent in South Africa but also reinforced UTCT’s status as a proving ground for world-class endurance on home soil.

UT100: A Final Sprint to the Line
The UT100 (100km) race was no less dramatic. The men’s race boiled down to a thrilling finish: Dimitry Mityaev was finishing strong and looked like he had it in the bag, but Jeff Mogavero (USA) had other plans. In the last few kilometres, Mogavero took the lead, and it was a sprint to the finish. Mityaev gave it all he had, but he could not stay with the American who took line honours in 11:04:53 and collapsed on the finish line. Mityaev posted a time of 11:05:24.

Meanwhile, South African Matt Healy showed incredible grit to claim third place (11:11:26) in the 100km field. Healy, racing on home terrain, hung on with determination through the sun, steep climbs, and technical trails, delivering one of the most heartening performances of the weekend.

Sunmaya Budha Owns the UT100 Women’s Race
The women’s UT100 saw a masterclass performance from Sunmaya Budha, who delivered a commanding and untouchable victory in a blistering 12:25:55. From the early stages, Budha asserted control over the field, extending her lead kilometre by kilometre and never looking under pressure. She finished well clear of Antonina Lushina, who claimed second in 13:33:31, while American Tara Fraga rounded out the podium with a strong third-place finish in 13:47:04. Budha’s run was a clear statement of dominance and endurance, reinforcing her status as one of the most formidable forces in ultra-distance trail running.

Two New Champions in the PT55
One of the windiest days in the event’s eleven-year history produced two new champions in the Peninsula Traverse 55km on the opening morning of the event (Friday 21 November). German Johannes Wingenfeld, Southern Cape athlete, and Rebecca Kohne upset pre-race predictions and raced home to emphatic victories. Wingenfeld raced home in 5:13:26, seven minutes clear of three-times champion Robbie Simpson of Scotland, while Kohne crossed the line at Gardens Rugby Club in 6:11:44, five minutes clear of French athlete, Olivia Duberne.

Overcoming the Elements – A Testament to Planning, Resilience, and Running Spirit
What truly defined the 2025 Ultra-Trail Cape Town was the way organisers, runners, and supporters adapted to the challenges. The closure of Race Village was a significant blow to the usual festival energy, but it underscored a commitment to safety above spectacle. The logistical challenge of high winds necessitated swift and difficult decisions, but the show went on.

On the trail, elite runners didn’t back down. Pickard and Griffioen delivered brilliant, composed wins; Mogavero and Mityaev battled in a final sprint; Healy showed tenacity on home turf. Through it all, every runner carried more than just their hydration pack; they carried the spirit of Cape Town’s wild terrain, the uncertainty of nature, and the unwavering heart of the trail community.

Find all the results here.

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…You can’t make this stuff up…it’s fitting that something this absurd from the start ends in an equally surreal way.⁣

In September 2024, the 33-year-old professional trail runner, who is sponsored by The North Face, ran up and down Grand Teton (4198 metres), the tallest peak in the Teton Range of western Wyoming, in 2 hours, 50 minutes, and 10 seconds. On the descent, Sunseri cut a switchback to avoid casual hikers on a path that was marked closed for revegetation.

A few days after he set the fastest known time (FKT) on the trail, the National Park Service issued Sunseri a citation for shortcutting on federal trails – federal regulations meant to protect natural resources – a charge punishable by up to six months in jail and a $5,000 fine.

The situation escalated with heated debates and implications that extended far beyond trail running. In September, a Wyoming judge found Sunseri guilty of a misdemeanour.

On Monday, Sunseri shared the news of the pardon on his social media accounts, writing, “IT’S FINALLY OVER.”

“In an unbelievable twist that even Hollywood couldn’t write, I woke up this morning to find out I’ve been given a PRESIDENTIAL PARDON from Donald J. Trump, over the Grand Teton FKT and my use of the Old Climber’s Trail,” Sunseri wrote on Instagram.

“Seriously. You can’t make this stuff up. It’s only fitting that something this absurd from the start ends in an equally surreal way.⁣”

Before Trump’s pardon, prosecutors agreed to seek dismissal if Sunseri completed 60 hours of community service and a course on wilderness stewardship, Sunseri’s attorneys told the Associated Press. Sunseri’s attorney, Ed Bushnell, told the AP Democrats and Republicans alike have expressed concern about “overcriminalisation” of minor offences in national parks.

Days after Sunseri broke the previous FKT by almost three minutes, covering 21.4km up and down while gaining 2 000 metres in elevation, federal prosecutors filed charges against him, saying he had violated National Park Service regulations by not remaining on the designated trail, which can lead to erosion. In a statement, Sunseri’s legal team, the Pacific Legal Foundation, argued he ran the path “other record-holders had used without consequence.”

“We are thrilled that Michelino’s nightmare is over, but we’re not done fighting against unconstitutional regulations that give low-level park officials the power to criminalise harmless conduct,” Michael Poon, an attorney for the Pacific Legal Foundation, said in a statement after the pardon on Monday.

Sunseri, who lives in Idaho, currently holds eight FKTs, including the unsupported Teton Crest Trail standard route, according to the Fastest Known Time database. In September, he represented Team USA in the short trail event at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Canfranc-Pirineos, Spain.

“This case was a massive waste of taxpayer money and government energy from the start and something that should’ve easily been resolved back in September 2024 when I offered community service to close the trail for good,” Sunseri wrote on Instagram on Monday. “Unfortunately, instead of working with me, the system tried to make an example of me.⁣”

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They turned onto Central Park South side by side until Obiri made her huge move.

Sharon Lokedi, also of Kenya, had no response to Obiri’s move on Central Park South and finished second in 2:20:07. Lokedi, the 2018 10000-metre champion while at the University of Kansas, won here in 2021 in her debut. At Boston in April, she outkicked Obiri for the win and broke the Boston Marathon course record by more than two minutes. Defending champion Sheila Chepkirui placed third in 2:20:04.

Last year’s Olympic gold medalist, Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands, was also dropped for good at the 28km mark. She finished sixth in 2:24:43, nine weeks after winning the Sydney Marathon.

One prerace storyline was whether the course record of 2:22:31, set by Margaret Okayo in 2003, would finally fall. The impetus to do so would likely come from runners such as Chepkirui and Lokedi, who would want to be well free of Hassan and her unmatchable finish sprint. This approach made that much more sense given that Hassan was likely still feeling the effects of her Sydney victory.

Chepkirui was the first to act on that strategy, running the eighth and ninth kilometres at a 3:18 pace, before settling back into a 3:24 per kilometre groove. The real first move came from O’Keeffe, who pushed to a 3:15 19th kilometre. Chepkirui kept the momentum going through a halfway split of 1:11:01, with Hassan five seconds back. The push continued to the 22nd kilometre, except for Hassan, who ran even faster to slowly reattach herself to the back of the pack. O’Keeffe was holding her own amid the previous three New York City winners and the reigning Olympic champion.

Then came the Queensboro Bridge. Hassan lost touch during the uphill 24th kilometre, and then O’Keeffe was dropped as Chepkirui pushed to a 3:12 25th kilometre – a slightly downhill kilometre, but still! The lead trio of Chepkirui, Obiri, and Lokedi were now on a low 2:21 marathon pace.

Yet during the slightly downhill 27th kilometre on First Avenue, which is often the fastest of the race, the lead trio kept things moderate, with a 3:17 split. That allowed the persistent O’Keeffe to rejoin them and never-say-die Hassan to cut her gap behind them to only five seconds. Hassan rejoined the quartet thanks to a 3:17 for the 28th kilometre.

Chepkirui pushed again after the 30km hydration station, and this time O’Keeffe and Hassan were gone for good. The other significant event then was that, on the Willis Avenue Bridge in the 32nd kilometre, Lokedi moved ever so slightly to the lead for the first time.

The lead trio ran together until Lokedi pushed on the long downhill in the 40th kilometre, which dropped Chepkirui. Obiri tucked in, staring at the small of Lokedi’s back, hoping to be able to hang on for the sprint, while Lokedi had her head up, looking down the road.

After a 3:09 40th kilometre, the pair exited the park. Obiri pulled even on Fifth Avenue. They turned onto Central Park South side by side until Obiri made her huge move. Obiri earned $150 000 for her efforts. $100 000 for the win and $50 000 for breaking the course record.

The post Women’s Record Smashed by Helen Obiri at the New York City Marathon appeared first on Runner's World.

…averaged 3:02 minutes per kilometre…beating Mutiso by three-hundredths of a second…

On Sunday, November 2, the four-time World Marathon Major champion averaged 3:02 minutes per kilometre through the five boroughs, beating Mutiso by three-hundredths of a second in Central Park. Following a third-place finish last year, Albert Korir placed third again in 2:08:57.

“I was giving myself morale, saying, ‘Come on, you can win it, come on.’ And I was pushing so hard to make sure I win,” Kipruto told Lewis Johnson of ESPN after the impressive performance.

From the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, the lead pack started the race tightly packed at a conservative pace through the first 5km, with most covering the split between 15:11 and 15:14, on track for a 2:08:15 finish. Running together, the primary contenders, including Eliud Kipchoge, Korir, Kipruto, and Mutiso, were biding their time on a technical course to strike later.

In his marathon debut, Hillary Bor made his presence known early on, running shoulder-to-shoulder with veterans Kipruto and Kipchoge at the front, as the group made their way from Staten Island into Brooklyn.

After yo-yoing ahead of the lead pack for much of the first half, Yudai Fukuda of Japan brought the elite men through the first 13.1 in 1:05:18, on track for a 2:10:36 finish. Still running at a conservative pace, 21 athletes remained well within the top group when they hit the Greenpoint area.

On the Queensboro Bridge, about 24km into the race, Bor began to pull ahead, causing a sudden separation within the pack. Eight athletes responded to the move, including Korir, Mutiso, and Kipruto, eventually catching the former steeplechaser on First Avenue. Kipchoge led the chase pack a few seconds behind them.

For the next eight kilometres, Korir, Bor, and Abel Kipchumba attempted to break away at different times, but the group remained intact for the most part through the 32-kilometre mark. Korir, the 2021 winner and bronze medalist in 2024, tapped into his experience on the course, while Kipchumba channelled the same leader mentality that won him the NYC Half in March. Running boldly in his first marathon, Bor looked comfortable among seasoned marathon standouts as they closed in on Central Park.

Days after telling the media he wanted to complete a sweep of the U.S. World Marathon Majors, Kipruto looked strong within the pack, making its way through Manhattan. Since 2021, the Kenyan runner has earned six podium finishes in the global series, including victories at the Boston Marathon (2021), Chicago Marathon (2022), and Tokyo Marathon (2024).

At the 35-kilometre mark, the top group whittled down to four. With four kilometres remaining, Kipruto and Mutiso made a big push on the Upper East Side. Heading downhill in the park, Kipruto was just a few steps ahead of Mutiso. Seven months after placing third at the London Marathon, Mutiso continued to battle against Kipruto’s surges as the rivals neared the finish line.

In the last kilometre, the athletes were shoulder to shoulder until the final turn back into the park, where Kipruto pulled ahead. But the 2024 London Marathon winner continued to fight back, nearly passing Kipruto into the finish line with a massive kick. It was the closest finish in the history of the event.

“I was aware Mutiso was behind me. He was so close,” Kipruto said in the post-race press conference. “I never lose hope.”

Kipruto won $100 000 for the victory. Mutiso earned $60 000 for finishing runner-up, and Korir took home $40 000 for placing third overall.

Three Americans finished within the top 10. Joel Reichow placed sixth overall in 2:09:56 and won $25 000 in the U.S. division. In his marathon debut, Charles Hicks placed seventh in 2:09:59, earning $15 000. Also running his debut, Joe Klecker finished 10th in 2:10:37 and will take home $10 000. After fading late in the race, Bor finished 12th in 2:10:47.

Kipchoge placed 17th in 2:14:36. The former world record-holder completed his goal of finishing all seven World Marathon Majors after running the London and Sydney marathons earlier this year. Before the race, the two-time Olympic medalist, who turns 41 in three days, hinted that New York City could be his last World Marathon Major.

The post Benson Kipruto Wins the 2025 New York City Marathon appeared first on Runner's World.

Chepngetich’s three-year ban began on April 19, 2025, and will end on April 19, 2028.

The AIU said in a press release that, when interviewed in April, Chepngetich could not initially provide an explanation for the positive result and maintained her innocence. However, the AIU said Chepngetich later told the organisation in July that she had taken her housemaid’s medication without verifying if it contained a banned substance.

The AIU, which said it had obtained data from her mobile phone, ruled that her explanation showed “indirect intent,” which carries a four-year ban. The length of the suspension was reduced to three years after Chepngetich accepted the decision within 20 days.

HCTZ is banned year-round by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) because it can be potentially used to mask the presence of prohibited substances, according to the AIU. Chepngetich’s urine test showed that her estimated level of HCTZ (3800ng/mL) was 190 times more than the threshold for detection (20ng/ml), per the AIU.

Chepngetich’s results before the March 14 positive date currently stand, including her world record from the 2024 Chicago Marathon. At the race, the Kenyan improved on the previous mark – Tigist Assefa’s 2:11:53 – by nearly two minutes.

“The case regarding the positive test for HCTZ has been resolved, but the AIU will continue to investigate the suspicious material recovered from Chepngetich’s phone to determine if any other violations have occurred,” Brett Clothier, the head of the AIU, said in the press release. “In the meantime, all Chepngetich’s achievements and records pre-dating the March 14, 2025 sample stand.”

Chepngetich’s three-year ban began on April 19, 2025, and will end on April 19, 2028.

In the investigation process, the AIU collected medications and supplements that Chepngetich had in her possession to rule out contamination. On July 11, the AIU, using information found on her phone, notified Chepngetich that there was “a reasonable suspicion that her positive test may have been intentional,” according to the organisation. Her supplements and medications were analysed by a WADA-accredited lab but came back negative for HCTZ.

At the time, Chepngetich still did not have an explanation, but 20 days later, on July 31, the AIU said she claimed she had now remembered that she had gotten sick two days before testing positive, and she took her housemaid’s medication without verifying if it was prohibited. Chepngetich sent the AIU a photo of a “medication blister pack” which appeared to be labelled as HCTZ, according to the AIU.

However, the AIU said that it “considered her new explanation to be hardly credible” and that its anti-doping rulebook “treats the type of recklessness described by Chepngetich in taking her housemaid’s medication as being indirect intent.”

Originally, Chepngetich was facing a two-year ban for the diuretic, but she was charged in August with four years for indirect intent. Because Chepngetich accepted the proposed sanction within 20 days, it was reduced to three years.

David Howman, the chair of the AIU, said in a statement that “nobody is above the rules.”

“While disappointing for those who put their trust in this athlete, this is how the system is supposed to work,” he said. “The road-running industry should be commended for collectively funding anti-doping efforts capable of uncovering doping violations committed by elite athletes in their events.”

The decision could be appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Chepngetich has not yet indicated whether she intends to appeal the decision.

The post Marathon World Record Holder Banned for Three Years appeared first on Runner's World.

…she posted the fastest 10km time by a South African woman this year.

Deon-Lee Hendricks and Tayla Kavanagh successfully defend their 2024 titles, but Hendricks posted his best time in this race, while Kavanagh shattered her personal best by 16 seconds as she posted the fastest 10km time by a South African woman this year.

Repeat Winner Hendricks
In 2024, Hendricks took the win here in 29:50, having finished fourth in 2023 with a time of 29:53, and 12th in 2022 in 31:12. On Saturday, he clocked a substantially quicker 29:27, extending his impressive record in the Peace Run.

“This is such a high-profile race, so winning it twice in a row is really a blessing,” says Hendricks. “I know this course can be really fast if the wind is not there, but today we had to start slower because of the wind, and that meant we did over 15 minutes for the first half and under 14 minutes for the second half. I came here today to do my best, give it my all to defend my title, so I am blessed.”

Second over the line was Luan Munnik in 29:39, with Bruce-Lynn Damons third in 29:55. The top five positions were rounded out by Angelo Booysen (29:59) in fourth place, and Dylan van der Merwe was fifth in 30:15. Munnik is a Potchefstroom-based track specialist who is just beginning to branch into road running, and has already posted some notable wins on the road at shorter mile and 5km distances. However, today’s result ranks as one of his most impressive to date.

“This was my first time here, and what a crazy experience, nothing like being on the track, but it was great to be part of this,” says Munnik. “The first five kays were tactical, but then Bruce-Lynn pushed the pace, and after that Deon-Lee and I went to the front. It was in the last mile that he got away from me, but it was a nice experience running on the road with such competitive guys.”

Scintillating Kavanagh
Having only recently broken through the 32-minute barrier with a 31:53 personal best in August in Durban, Kavanagh came to Cape Town determined to improve on that mark. This saw her management team organise an official pacesetter for her, none other than SA Olympian on the track with a sub-28-minute 10km to his name, Ryan Mphahlele.

Kavanagh and Mphahlele have been team mates before, both representing SA at the 2023 World Road Running Champs in Riga, Latvia, and their teamwork today helped Kavanagh bring her best time down to 31:37. This moves her to 11th place on the all-time list of 10km times run by South African women, with only Glenrose Xaba, Elana Meyer and Colleen De Reuck having ever gone faster.

“Today I really wanted to go for the win again, because last year was such a great race, with great support out there, and I had a lot of fun again. I think the more fun you have, the faster you run,” says Kavanagh. “Even though it was a bit windy out there, I just tried to focus on my plan, which was to go out and run hard today, and I am super happy with the way I was able to execute that. Fortunately, I had Ryan to help me, and I was able to stick to him and run the time that I thought my form said I could.”

The women’s podium was rounded off by Carina Viljoen coming home second in 33:02, followed by 2022 winner of this race, Irvette van Zyl, in 33:29. Fourth place went to Kyla Jacobs in 33:57, with Cian Oldknow claiming fifth in 34:35. Another impressive fact about this top five is that all the women in the top five have represented South Africa on the world stage, at various World Championships or Olympics, and the class of the field shone through despite the windy conditions.

It was Kavanagh who deserves all the plaudits, says second-placed Viljoen. “Luckily, I heard what Tayla was aiming for today, so I knew I had to let her do her thing and just focus on my own race. I was second here last year as well, so I felt I had an idea of the course, but every race is different, and I really had fun. It was slightly windy out there, in your face on the way out but then behind your back later, so it was both helpful and not helpful, and there was an extra little hill that I wasn’t anticipating, but it went well and I’m really happy with another second here.”

The Peace Run 10km formed part of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon weekend, which saw a combined total of 41 000 participants across the 10km, 5km, trail events and the marathon, which was cancelled early yesterday morning due to gale force winds that destroyed parts of the race village and structures on route.

Peace Run 10km Results

Men:
1. Deon-Lee Hendricks (Athletics Academy) 29:27
2. Luan Munnik (Potch Track) 29:39
3. Bruce-Lynn Damons (Tymebank Langa) 29:55
4. Angelo Booysen (Correctional Services) 29:59
5. Dylan Van Der Merwe (Boxer) 30:15

Women:
1. Tayla Kavanagh (Hollywood) 31:37
2. Carina Viljoen (Temp) 33:02
3. Irvette Van Zyl (Hollywood) 33:29
4. Kyla Jacobs (Boxer) 33:57
5. Cian Oldknow (Hollywood) 34:35

Peace Run 5km Results

Men:
1. Nicolas Sebolai (South Africa) 15:27
2. Mduduzi Peter Chili (South Africa) 17:12
3. Grigorii Glebov (Russia) 17:30

Women:
1. Laura Antonia Rehberg (Germany) 19:38
2. Nosiphiwo Sixubane (South Africa) 19:49
3. Nikita Rushby (South Africa) 20:56

The post Impressive Repeat Wins in the 10km Peace Run appeared first on Runner's World.

When faced with adversity, Africans unite.

No refunds will be offered, but those who were registered for this year’s marathon can receive deferred entries into the 2026 or 2027 race. The specifics of this offer, and the entry process that 2025 entrants need to follow, will be announced in due course.

24 000 runners woke up early Sunday morning to make their way to the start of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, only to receive notification that the race had been cancelled due to infrastructure and route damage caused by the South Easter.

The race was cancelled at 04h45, an hour and a half before the scheduled 06h15 start time, after emergency meetings between the race organising team and the Joint Operations Committee (JOC), which consists of representatives from the City of Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management and Safety and Security portfolios, as well as medical services and the South African Police Services.

Both the route and start/finish venue were deemed unsafe for runners and spectators, and the difficult decision was taken to ensure the safety of everybody at the event.

“When faced with adversity, Africans unite. We find a way to create opportunity out of adversity, despite all obstacles and challenges,” says the Sanlam Group CEO, Paul Hanratty.

“We remain confident that the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon is on course to become an Abbott World Marathon Majors race. Following the disappointment felt by the marathon runners today, we feel that we need to support all of those who were not able to take part in the race.”

The marathon runner embodies resilience in its purest form. They are a testament to discipline, patience, and the ability to push through fatigue, doubt, and discomfort – and yesterday the runners certainly showed their ability to embrace the bad news, uniting to make something special out of the disappointment of not being able to do the race.

Many of the runners, carbo-loaded to the gills and well rested from a week of very little running in preparation for the marathon, took to the streets of Cape Town and the surrounding suburbs to do their own runs, with friends, their run crews, or solo. It was special to witness.

Sanlam has been the title sponsor of the event since 2014 and has played a leading role in the marathon’s rapid growth, while also supporting the event’s candidacy process to become an Abbott World Marathon Majors race.

Successfully passing this candidacy assessment would see the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon join the New York, Boston, Berlin, Chicago, Tokyo, Sydney and London Marathons in the Majors.

In reaction to Sanlam’s generous offer, event CEO, Clark Gardner, says, “We have been amazed by the support and understanding from our entrants, sponsors and community after the very difficult decision to cancel our event.

“This incredibly generous offer from Sanlam exemplifies their commitment to our event, even in our lowest moment. Now we will do our part to ensure the 2025 entrants return to our start line and enjoy a world-class marathon on African soil.

“We apologise to all the disappointed entrants, and will be making contact with all of them soon with more information about the sponsored entries for the 2026 or 2027 editions of the marathon,” adds Gardner.

The event team asks runners to please be patient while the details of the sponsored entry process are finalised.

The 2026 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon will take place on 24 May 2026. For more information, please visit www.capetownmarathon.com.

Cancellation Timeline for Sunday Morning: Following the cancellation of Sunday’s Sanlam Cape Town Marathon just an hour and a half before the scheduled 6:10am start, due to adverse wind conditions, the organisers have received many enquiries as to the decision-making process that led to the cancellation.

“After a near-perfect day on Saturday for our Peace Run 10km and 5km events, and our three Cape Town Marathon Trail Races, we were all looking forward to the biggest edition of the marathon to date, with the strongest field ever assembled for a marathon on African soil, and passing stage two of our candidacy assessment to achieve Majors status. Our team had worked for months on this event, planning for all scenarios, but a bigger force had the final say, and we once again apologise to all our Marathon entrants and their supporters, as well as our sponsors and partners, that the race was not able to take place.”

There have been questions asked by both disappointed marathon entrants and the media, given that the weather improved markedly during the course of the morning, leading to speculation that the race could have gone ahead after all.

In the spirit of transparency, the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon team would like to share more details of what happened in the early hours of Sunday 19 October, eventually leading to the extremely difficult decision to cancel the race.

What follows is a summary of events taken from notes made by the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Safety Officer, Phil Prinsloo of Eyethu Events. He was part of the event’s Joint Operations Committee (JOC), which consisted of representatives from the race organisers, the City of Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management and Safety and Security portfolios, as well as medical services and the South African Police Services (SAPS).

00h15 – First reports of high winds at the Race Village (including two start lines and the finish line) in Green Point, as well as at various points on the route.
02h00 – More reports of high winds at Race Village and along the route.
02h15 – Safety Walk inspection of Race Village observes damage at Start in Fritz Sonnenberg Road, with some infrastructure blown over. Damage was also observed at the Finish, with fencing blown over, and in the Hospitality Area, where most gazebos and some furniture was blown away. Wind meter readings taken of gusts up to 48km/h.
02h20 – Race organising team begins removing branding on fencing, repairing infrastructure (where possible) and clearing up race venue, in spite of ongoing strong winds.
02h30 – More damage in the race venue observed: Stretch tent torn and blown away, Medical Tent brace dislodged. More gusts of 48km/h were measured.
02h30 – Race Village officially shut down by safety officials and enforced by security staff. Event staff and volunteers, as well as vendors not able to access, pass through or set up in any part of the Race Village, or gain access to equipment or supplies stored in the Race Village and scheduled to be dispatched out onto the route.
03h00 – Route Safety Team deployed to various sectors of the route, report the following through regular feedback to the JOC:

• Sea Point: Fencing and infrastructure at Start in Beach Road have been blown over or shifted into the road. Period of high wind conditions from 03h00 to 06h30.
• Woodstock: Very high winds were experienced, and by 04h30, all signage was blown over, and traffic cones were blown out of position.
• Observatory & Rondebosch: Very high winds experienced, with gusts of more than 60km/h observed between 03h30 and 04h30, affecting fencing in this area.

04h15 – Report from the Start of further infrastructure movement and unsafe situation.
04h40 – Report from Race Village and Observatory that the wind situation has not changed since 02h00, with continuing gusts up to 46km/h. At this stage, nobody is able to predict if or when the wind will subside.
04h40 – Structural engineer reports that he cannot do final certification that the following structures are safe: Start towers on Fritz Sonnenberg, scaffold bridge on Vlei Road, hospitality marquee and shade stretch tents in Race Village, medical tents on route, pedestrian bridge on Vlei Road, and main medical marquee at finish.
04h45 – Decision taken by the Safety Committee to cancel the event, and JOC authorised the decision.
05h00 – Communication of cancellation goes out to all runners via direct WhatsApp messaging and on social media, urging them not to travel to the start venues. The cancellation announcement is also shared with local radio stations.
05h10 – Further reports of gusts up to 46km/h measured at Race Village and Observatory.
05h15 – Messaging displayed on all VMS boards, leading to the city notifying inbound motorists of cancellation.
06h30 – First press release from the race office about the cancellation sent to all media platforms and partners.

“The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon was managed in accordance with the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act (SASREA) of 2010. This Act was promulgated to safeguard the safety and well-being of individuals and property at sporting and recreational events in South Africa,” says Prinsloo. “The Act stipulates that the responsibility for ensuring safety and security lies with the event’s controlling body, organiser or venue owner, through its Event Safety Plan, which must consider all reasonably practicable duties, actions and operational procedures to mitigate the hazards and related risks that might arise.”

As such, the decision to cancel the race required a unanimous decision by all members of the JOC, taking into account all the reports received and the observations, concerns and opinions of a team of highly qualified and experienced people. Prinsloo adds, “Although the Event Safety Plan endeavoured to balance the likelihood and severity of risks with the amount of energy, effort, time and money required to mitigate these risks, it is important to note that the decision to cancel the race was all about the safety and security of the participants. Neither the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon nor its Abbott World Marathon Majors goals influenced the decision-making process.”

The post Sanlam Offers Cancelled Marathon Entrants Another Chance appeared first on Runner's World.

Her legacy will continue to inspire all who lace up their shoes and take to the road.

The Runner’s World team is deeply saddened by her sudden passing. Cheryl was a true legend of South African road running and a true inspiration to generations of runners. Her passion, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the sport left an indelible mark on the running community. Her legacy will continue to inspire all who lace up their shoes and take to the road. Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family, friends, and the countless athletes whose lives she touched.

Cheryl is best remembered for her many years of service to the Comrades Marathon, with many describing her as the event’s matriarch. Working alongside her late husband, himself a former chairperson of the CMA Board and Comrades Marathon legend, she filled several roles for the CMA. 

In 2017, she became the only former winner of the race to be elected chairperson of the CMA board, and when she stood down in 2021, she continued to serve the race as part of the finance, marketing and membership, and heritage and traditions committees, as well as the CMA elders committee.

Cheryl ran the Comrades Marathon six times from 1978 to 1984, never finishing lower than fifth position in the women’s race. Having finished fourth in her first race, she was runner-up twice in 1980 and 1981, then claimed the women’s title in 1982. 

While still running competitively, Winn became involved in the administrative side of the sport, initially at club and provincial level, and went on to play a leading role, alongside her late husband, Mick Winn, in the national federation, South African Road Running Association (SARRA), which later became Athletics South Africa (ASA).

CMA chairperson Mqondisi Ngcobo says, “Cheryl’s passing is a great loss not only to the CMA, but to the whole athletics family. From 1978, she dedicated her life to the service of the sport of athletics, and the Comrades Marathon in particular. Cheryl’s legacy in this 104-year-old ultra marathon is unparalleled, and her passing is a devastating loss to the CMA family. She remains the Comrades Marathon’s matriarch.

 “On behalf of the CMA Board, staff, race organising committee, our elders, sponsors, partners and participants, we pass our deepest condolences to the Winn family, and wish them strength as they deal with this tragic loss. May her beautiful soul rest in peace.”

The post Cheryl Winn: An Icon in SA Road Running appeared first on Runner's World.

Americans Jim Walmsley and Katie Schide confirmed their place as the top trail ultrarunners in the world this past weekend in Canfranc, Spain, as each captured gold medals for Team USA in the Long Trail race at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships.

Cape Town to Host the 2027 Championships
The 2027 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships were recently awarded to Cape Town, marking the first time the event will be held in Africa. Following a successful joint application by Golazo South Africa, Athletics South Africa and Western Province Athletics, Cape Town’s iconic Table Mountain will provide a stunning location for the championships, which will take place from 6 to 10 October 2027.

The organisers hope that this championship will not only highlight Africa’s immense potential in off-road running but also cement the continent’s status as a world-class host for endurance sports while also inspiring a new generation of African trail runners.

Jim Walmsley and Katie Schide Dominated Their Respective Fields
They both dominated the respective men’s and women’s fields of the 82km race, which included 5400 metres of elevation gain and descent as it wound through the Pyrenees mountain range in northern Spain and parts of southern France.

35-year-old Walmsley surged away from French runners Benjamin Roubiol and Louison Coiffet after the 47km point of the race and was never challenged again. He opened up a 7-minute lead by the 70km mark and won in 8 hours, 35 minutes, 11 seconds, more than 10 minutes ahead of the Frenchmen who finished together in 8:46:05 to tie for the silver medal.

Although a minor knee injury sidelined Walmsley from going for a fifth victory at the Western States 100 in June, he rebounded with a win at the Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc 61km OCC race in France in late August before winning his second world championship title Saturday in Spain. Walmsley also won the 42km race at the 2019 world championships in Villa La Angostura, Argentina.

“It’s still sinking in, but a lot’s gone into this,” Walmsley said. “My summer didn’t go as planned with Western States, but it turned into a really nice end of the year. Getting to win the Long Trail race six years later, that’s pretty cool. There are probably not many people who have won both short and long trial races at this point. The Pyrenees really tested me, and it tested everyone. It was a super rugged course, and I was happy to get through it smoothly today.”

33-year-old Schide, who has chosen to live in France for the past several years, turned in an even more commanding performance, winning the women’s race by a 25-minute margin in 9:57:59. She built a 38-second early lead through the first 4km and led by more than five minutes at the 25km mark.

From there, she expanded her lead to nearly 20 minutes at the halfway point and continued to increase the gap over Sunmaya Budha, a 27-year-old runner from Nepal, who took second in 10:23:03. Third place in the women’s race went to Italy’s Fabiola Conti (10:35:51).

Schide has been a dominant force on the trails over the past several years, winning and breaking Courtney Dauwalter’s course records at the Western States and the Ultra Trail du Mont-Blanc in 2024, and also the Hardrock 100 on July 12 earlier this year in Silverton, Colorado.

“It was definitely a super hard course, so if someone looks like they’re having a hard time, it’s for a good reason,” Schide said. “I just focused on my own effort, and I knew I had a bit of a gap throughout the race, so I just kept that in mind, and I knew it was better to just play defence more than offence at that point. It feels really great to win. It was just beautiful, and I really enjoyed it.”

France won the men’s team competition, edging Team USA based on the combined times of each country’s top three runners. In the women’s race, Italy took first place over Team USA.

The post World Mountain and Trail Running World Championships appeared first on Runner's World.

…the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 2…got there first.

In each race, the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 2, the newest R10 000+ super shoe, got there first. Surprisingly, not a Nike was seen among the first five finishers. Here are the running shoes that were on the feet of the top finishers.

MEN’S MARATHON:

1. Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 2 – Alphonce Simbu (TAN) 2:09:48.
2. Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 – Amanal Petros (GER) 2:09:48. The Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 made waves earlier this year when a study showed it improved running economy by up to 3.6 per cent. The racer has been hard to get a hold of, as it’s mostly been sold out since launch.
3. Asics Metaspeed Ray – Iliass Aouani (ITA) 2:09:53. The Asics Metaspeed lineup got a third model, the Ray. It’s all about reducing weight, as it checks in at about 75 per cent of the weight of the Sky and Edge Tokyo models. The FF Leap midsole foam is exceptionally soft and bouncy.
4. Asics Metaspeed Sky Tokyo – Haimro Alame (ISR) 2:10:03. The Metaspeed Sky is the shoe Asics designed for “stride” runners – those who speed up by taking longer steps. The unisex racer costs in excess of R5 000.
5. Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1 v2 – Abel Chelangat (UGA) 2:10:11. Chelangat was out front early, but settled for a fifth-place finish. He laced up version 2 of the Pro Evo 1. The shoe has a slightly thinner forefoot than the newly updated Pro Evo 2.

WOMEN’S MARATHON:

1. Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 2 – Peres Jepchirchir (KEN) 2:24:43. Like Simbu in the men’s marathon, Jepchirchir rode the newest lightweight marathon racer from Adidas to a first-place finish.
2. Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1 v2 – Tigst Assefa (ETH) 2:24:45. Not a huge surprise that Assefa laced up the Pro Evo 1. It’s the same model she wore when she ran a 2:11:53 at Berlin in 2023 to set the world record at that time.
3. Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 – Julia Paternain (URU) 2:27:23. Paternain was a surprise third-place finisher. The Saucony pro wore the company’s bounciest marathon racing shoe.
4. Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 PB – Susanna Sullivan (USA) 2:28:17. Sullivan wore the Hyperion Elite 4 PB, even though version 5 is out. Jess McClain, who finished eighth, wore the same shoe, but the third American, Erika Kemp, rolled with v5.
5. Asics Metaspeed Sky Tokyo – Alisa Vainio (FIN) 2:28:32. The Sky makes another top-5 appearance.

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…confirmation that the race will go ahead and the opening of entries are welcome news for the running community…

The Board of the Two Oceans Marathon NPC recently announced the appointment of Stillwater Sports as the official Staging and Commercial Partner. This partnership will hopefully ensure a world-class race experience for athletes, supporters, and the broader running community after the race was beset with problems in 2025. The future of the event was under serious threat after this year’s event, following a breach of event permit conditions issued by the City of Cape Town. The breach, caused by accepting more entries than permitted, resulted in the City withdrawing its financial support and placing the event’s long-term viability in jeopardy.

Since 2022, the event has suffered from a lack of resources, organisational experience, and repeated disregard for permit requirements. The overselling of entries by close to 1000 participants was the final breach that forced decisive intervention. In response, the City mandated that the Two Oceans Marathon Board secure a reputable, experienced event management company to safeguard the event’s continuation.

The 2025 organising board collapsed amid internal disputes, most notably the Stuart Mann vs Toni Cavanagh case, in which the race director’s CV and competency were questioned. Chairperson Cavanagh and the race sued blogger Mann for defamation, and the case went to court, with Cavanagh eventually losing and stepping down from her position at the TOM event. Mann has since been appointed to the board.

New directors were appointed from Celtics Harriers and Western Province Athletics to reform the board. Chris Goldschmidt was elected as interim chairperson in August to stabilise the situation, unite the board, engage with the City and oversee preparations for the election of a new, fully compliant board at the Annual General Meeting to be held on Thursday, 25 September.

The board invited several leading event companies to pitch for the role of organising the 2026 event. Stillwater Sports emerged as the successful candidate, presenting a compelling proposal that included a profit-sharing model designed to incentivise all stakeholders and ensure the event’s long-term success.

Stillwater Sports brings a proven track record in managing large-scale, mass participation running events across South Africa. The appointment process – from the creation of the new board and Goldschmidt’s interim leadership to the City’s briefing, company pitches, and final decision – was concluded in just seven days.

Going forward, the City of Cape Town requires regular reviews and progress updates to ensure full transparency and compliance in the planning of the 2026 event.

The confirmation that the race will go ahead and the opening of entries are welcome news for the running community, which has loyally supported the Two Oceans Marathon for more than 50 years.

Entry Dates and Ballot System:

• Blue Number Club Runners: Entries open Monday, 15 September.
• Ultra Marathon (56km) – Ballot System
  • Ballot Opens: Wednesday 17 September
  • Ballot Closes: Wednesday 24 September
  • Draw: Thursday, 25 September
• Half Marathon (21.1km) – Ballot System
  • Ballot Opens: Thursday 18 September
  • Ballot Closes: Thursday 25 September
  • Draw: Friday 26 September
• Rest of Africa Runners: Entries open Wednesday, 1 October
• International Runners: Entries open Wednesday 1 October

According to Goldschmidt, the board remains committed to ensuring that the event retains its local focus. “While we welcome international runners to participate, our priority is to ensure that South African runners have fair access to the event.”

For 2026, the ultra field will be capped at 14 000 runners, while the half-marathon will accommodate 17 000 runners.

Key Updates for 2026:

• The board is reviewing alternative venues for the Expo with a mandate to offer streamlined race pack collection and showcase key partners, sponsors, and running industry suppliers. The plan is to move away from Green Point to resolve the congestion issues previously experienced.
• Renewed focus on delivering a world-class runner experience, from registration through to post-race celebrations.
• Exclusive merchandise and official event T-shirts for both the Ultra and Half Marathon, presented in partnership with JOMA.
• Removal of the half-marathon dog leg for an improved race route.
• Additional and better-spaced refreshment stations along both courses.
• The return of the iconic fish horn will officially start the races.
• The batch starts are under review and will be scientifically managed:
  • Only key elites will start up front.
  • Age category contenders will run in a separate batch to ensure fairness and safety.

Goldschmidt concluded: “With the introduction of a professional event company, the board can now focus its energy on the Two Oceans Marathon Initiative, which supports charities and uplifts both the sport and the wider running community.”

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Seutloali’s time was just 11 seconds off his personal best of 1:01:56 for the distance…

Seutloali crossed the finish line in Green Point in 1:02:07, 24 seconds inside the previous race record, set by Joel Mmone in the 2015 race and 38 seconds clear of Stellenbosch-based Anthony Timoteus, with last year’s winner Lloyd Bosman third, a further 19 seconds back.

Seutloali’s time was just 11 seconds off his personal best of 1:01:56 for the distance, set in Gqeberha in 2019.

Chamane raced clear early in the race and stayed ahead of her closest challenger, Anel Terblanche, throughout the race to win in 1:17:45, 54 seconds clear of Nedbank Western Cape athlete, Terblanche, with Carla Johnson (ASICS Cape Town) third. 

“Joseph is in good shape at the moment,” said his coach, Andrew Booyens. “He’s been competing well over shorter distances. He finished just 13 seconds behind the winner, Kabelo (Mulaudzi), in the RYC 10km in Tshwane last month (Seutloali placed 4th).

“When the Olympic window opens next December, we will look for a fast marathon in Europe to qualify, but for now he’s doing well in local races and he will be back in Cape Town next year in a title defence of his Two Oceans Marathon title.”

Seutloali was content to stay with an eight-strong pack through 5km, which included Bosman, Timoteus, Two Oceans Half Marathon winner, William Kaptein, former Gun Run champion, Desmond Mokgobu, last year’s third-placed finisher Edward Jack and his Tymebank Langa teammate Yanga Malusi, and top steeplechase and trail athlete, Siboniso Soldaka.

Kaptein pushed the pace on the long climb from Sea Point to Camps Bay, and only Seutloali was still in contention through 10km. When the Lesotho athlete accelerated, Kaptein fell back, leaving the Seutloali to complete the race on his own, which he did in fine style.

KZN athlete from the Black Diamond Athletics Club, Chamane, started running in 2020 – the first time she had been involved in sport since her days playing soccer and volleyball in primary school. She’s moved fast through the ranks and was in control from the start, and raced through to her first major road running title in the Western Cape.

Gun Run 10km: Another KZN athlete, Adam Lipschitz, ran strongly to win the Gun Run 10km in 29:18, 14 seconds clear of Tymebank Langa’s Bruce-Lynn Damons, with Kaptein third. African triathlon champion, Shanae Williams, held off a fast-finishing Kyla Jacobs to win a close women’s contest in 33:30, with Jacobs, almost back to her best form, just 7 seconds back in second. Australian-based Olga Firsova was a further minute back in third.

Gun Run Trail: Philani Sengce made it a hat-trick of Gun Run trail wins, finishing more than two minutes clear of Khayelitsha’s Zibele Bala in 1:13:14, with Ebeth Marai a clear winner in the women’s race in 1:27:42 ahead of Anine Oosthuizen and former South African international star, Katya Soggot, back to racing in the Masters 50 years age group.

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Only when the official results flashed on the scoreboard did Simbu know he had won.

Simbu just squeezed past Amanal Petros of Germany at the line to win the 2025 title in 2:09:48. Petros, who looked to have a slight edge with 50 metres to go, was given the same time for his silver medal performance. Illiass Aouani of Italy, who entered the stadium with Simbu and Petros for the final 350 metres, took the bronze medal in 2:09:53.

The race with the most dramatic finish in world championship marathon history also got off to an odd non-start, when Vincent Ngetich of Kenya false-started and the field was called back within the first 100 metres. On the second attempt, the race started without incident, with the eager Ngetich leading the 87 other starters out of the stadium. (He finished 22nd in 2:13:28 after doing a lot of the early leading.)

At around the 14-kilometre mark, the big names moved to the front. Soon after, Young was clipped from behind and went down. He got up quickly and easily rejoined the lead pack while giving a thumbs up to the nearby cameraperson. The top 50 men were within 10 seconds of each other through 15km, with defending champion Victor Kiplangat of Uganda leading the pack. The pack stayed huge through halfway (1:05:19), with 34 men within 2 seconds of each other. The steady 2:10 marathon pace continued to whittle the pack, which was down to 19 at 30km.

The only significant casualty during that time was Tadese Takele of Ethiopia, whose winning time of 2:03:23 at the Tokyo Marathon in March made him the fastest this year in the field. Takele stepped off the course in the 34th kilometre, as Kiplangat set the agenda for what was down to a 15-man pack.

The weather remained brutal (81 degrees, 71 per cent humidity) as the leaders reached 35km in 1:47:47, a slight increase in pace. How brutal? A minute later, Deresa Geleta of Ethiopia, the seventh fastest marathoner in history, came to a complete stop. In all, 22 of the 88 starters dropped out.

Just before the two-hour mark, defending champion Kiplangat lost contact. Instead, it was his teammate, the improbable and implacable Abel Chelangat, at the front of the pack. The largely unknown 2:08 marathoner looked ready to take over Kiplangat’s mantle and was still fronting the now five-man pack with one kilometre to go.

But bad things can happen quickly in the final mile of a marathon, especially hot, humid ones. Chelangat suddenly lost contact in the next 400 metres, and the three medals seemed decided. But who would get which?

Simbu moved to the front with 600 metres to go, but then almost missed the left turn into the tunnel that would spill the men out onto the track. It was Petros who led as they entered the final 350 metres. Simbu collected himself and latched on; Aouani was starting to lose touch, approaching 200 metres to go.

Petros entered the final straightaway in the lead. Simbu challenged him once, which spurred the German to accelerate. He seemed to be pulling away, but couldn’t sustain his drive. Simbu closed, closed, and closed again until both men threw themselves at the tape. Only when the official results flashed on the scoreboard did Simbu know he had won.

World Athletics Championships – Men’s Marathon Top 10

1. Alphonce Felix Simbu (Tanzania), 2:09:48
2. Amanal Petros (Germany), 2:09:48
3. Iliass Aouani (Italy), 2:09:53
4. Haimro Alame (Israel), 2:10:03
5. Abel Chelangat (Uganda), 2:10:11
6. Yohanes Chiappinelli (Italy), 2:10:15
7. Gashau Ayale (Israel), 2:10:27
8. Samsom Amare (Eritrea), 2:10:34
9. Clayton Young (United States), 2:10:43
10. Isaac Mpofu (Zimbabwe), 2:10:46

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The elite women’s field is headlined by Gerda Steyn, the queen of South African ultra-running…

The race seeks to elevate running on the continent, and part of this is ensuring the race has a competitive elite athlete field, which includes six platinum and eight gold status elite athletes.  All 14 athletes hail from Africa, and each is capable of breaking the existing course records. 

Elite Women’s Field

The elite women’s field is headlined by Gerda Steyn, the queen of South African ultra-running, who is excited to be lining up for this year’s event.  Glenrose Xaba has the course record, which she set last year when she crossed the finish line in 02:22:22, breaking the previous Cape Town Marathon record of 02:26:25, which Steyn set back in 2021.  

The presence of Kenya’s Winfridah Moseti (2:16:56), Angela Tanui (2:17:57), also of Kenya, and Ethiopian 2024 runner-up Mare Dibaba (2:19:59) should ensure a fast time and a competitive edition. 

The four-time Comrades Marathon winner and six-time Two Oceans champion Steyn said she can’t wait to share the beautiful route with thousands of fellow runners.  “The event has always been close to my heart, and the last time I ran this race was in 2021. I can still remember crossing the finish line that day. I felt so proud that we have such an amazing race here on South African soil.” 

Elite Men’s Field

New South African marathon record holder Elroy Geland’s time of 2:05:36 is quick enough to worry the East African favourites, and is faster by a slender 4 seconds than the best effort of Ethiopia’s Boki Kebede Asefa. Kenyan Ronald Korit, with a personal best of 02:04:22, is the fastest man on the start list, just ahead of his countryman, Bethwel Chumba Kibet, who holds a 02:04:37.  

If they can get close to those times, the 02:08:16 course record, set by Abdisa Tola in 2024, will definitely be challenged. 

Africa’s status as the home of distance running’s best athletes deserves a race which allows the continent’s best to excel on home soil. 

Event CEO Clark Gardner added that with the City of Cape Town’s help, together with the citizens of the Mother City, the event achieved an unconditional pass for Stage 1 of their Abbott World Marathon Majors candidacy in 2024.

“In 2025, we are undertaking Stage 2 and have secured the best elite marathon field in the race’s history. Where London and New York vie to be the biggest marathons in the world, we believe the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon can be the best. Our beautiful route, the dedication of our sponsors and partners, and the enthusiasm of the city’s runners and residents are key to achieving this feat,” said Gardner.

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I’m so proud of my run today…to run 100km in under 6 hours was not easy…

Kubheka broke the barrier in 5:59:20, bettering the official world record of Lithuanian Aleksandr Sorokin (6:05:35) by 6 minutes and 15 seconds.

The time, however, cannot be ratified as an official world record. All the athletes were wearing the Evo Prime X, a shoe that does not comply with World Athletics regulations due to its midsole stack height and construction. The shoes have a heel stack height of about 50mm (10mm higher than the legal limit). The use of intermittent pacers, the uncertified course, and the high stack height of the unratified prototype shoes will exclude Kubheka’s time from being eligible for world record consideration.

The Adizero Evo Prime X shoes feature the brand’s pinnacle thermoplastic elastomer (TPEE) midsole foam, Lightstrike Pro Evo, and features Ultracharge technology, in which air bubbles are pumped into the empty gaps of the shoes’ midsole foam. Adidas has said more pressure means more energy return.

The Nardò Ring (Fiat’s Nardò test track) was built in 1975 and is a high-speed test track located north-west of the town of Nardò, Italy.

However, Kubheka was delighted that he managed to break the previously ‘impossible’ barrier: “I’m so proud of my run today. Becoming the first person to run 100km in under 6 hours was not easy, but thanks to the adidas partnership, their belief and bespoke technologies, we made it happen.”

Chasing 100 is the adidas campaign to explore what is possible when the fastest athletes are combined with the latest speed-focused innovations. All the competing athletes were wearing precision-engineered adidas footwear and state-of-the-art apparel.

Built for, and together with, each of the five athletes taking part – official 100km world record holder Aleksandr Sorokin (Lithuania), Jo Fukuda (Japan), Charlie Lawrence (USA), Ketema Negasa (Ethiopia), and Sibusiso Kubheka (South Africa) – adidas developed bespoke head-to-toe footwear and apparel with the latest in speed and cooling innovation.

Entering the event, Kubheka, 27, owned the fourth-fastest time (2:42:56) for 50km and has run 1:01:36 for the half-marathon; Sorokin, 43, ran the world record in May 2023; Lawrence, 30, has the world record for 50 miles (4:48:21); Negasa, 38, is the former 50km world record holder (2:42:07), and Fukuda, 34, is a 2:09:52 marathoner.

The group began running at 12:11am local time on Tuesday and was guided around a track by a black Mercedes G-class electric vehicle and lighting from a drone that hovered over the runners as they ran.

The group came through the 50km halfway split together in 2:58:57. Kubheka opened up a sizable lead before the start of the final lap and was still ahead of pace to break the 6-hour mark. He ran 20 seconds faster over the final 12.5km loop than the previous lap and widened his margin over the field with a strong sprint to the finish.

American athlete Lawrence ran his personal best (6:03:47), while Sorokin beat his current fastest time.

The results were:

1. Sibusiso Kubheka, 5:59:20
2. Charlie Lawrence, 6:03:47
3. Aleksandr Sorokin, 6:04:10

The post A South African Broke 6 Hours in the 100km – But the Record Won’t Count appeared first on Runner's World.

…Flower’s time is eight minutes quicker than Ann Trason’s 1994 record.

On Saturday night, 17 August 2025, David Roche broke the tape in a new course record of 15:12:30, bettering his course record from 2024 by over 14 minutes. A few hours later, Anne Flower came through in record time, easily winning the women’s race and finishing second overall in 17:58:19.

Both have taken down legendary marks at Leadville. Last year, Roche broke Matt Carpenter’s mark set in 2005, and Flower’s time is eight minutes quicker than Ann Trason’s 1994 record.

The two, in many ways, took different paths to the start line. Roche, 37, is a well-known name on the trail scene. He has a popular podcast and YouTube channel and is known for his unabashed positivity. In June, Roche competed at the Western States 100, but he dropped out at the 100km mark, citing mental struggles.

Flower, on the other hand, is not a household name. Leadville was the 35-year-old’s first 100-mile race. When she’s not logging miles, she’s working shifts as an emergency room doctor. The two had very different fueling strategies, too.

The Leadville course is situated at a high altitude, over 9,000 feet above sea level and has more than 15,000 feet of elevation gain. We took a look at the unbelievable stats behind Flower and Roche’s record-setting runs.

David Roche:

• 5:40: Average kilometre pace.
• 3:40: Roche’s fastest kilometre, according to his Strava. This was a downhill section at the beginning of the race.
• 150 grams: The rough number of carbs per hour that Roche was trying to consume. (For reference, an original Gu gel has 22 grams of carbs. So that would be 6 to 7 of those an hour. But Roche was using sports drinks for fuel, too.)
• 30 minutes, 29 seconds: Time difference between Carpenter’s longtime record (15:42:59) and Roche’s new time.
• 49: Days between Western States and Leadville.
• 6: Days before Leadville, Roche decided he was going to race.
• 280: Total kilometres Roche has raced in the last seven weeks. (Western States + Aspen Backcountry Half Marathon + Leadville.)
• 37: Kilometres Roche ran at Leadville alongside his wife and coach, Megan.
• 141 beats per minute: Roche’s average heart rate for the 15-hour event, per his Strava.
• 2 hours, 54 minutes, 4 seconds: His margin of victory over the second man to finish, Justin Grunewald.

Anne Flower:

• 6:42: Average kilometre pace.
• 12th: Flower’s overall place at the first aid station, MayQueen (20km).
• 8 minutes, 5 seconds: Difference between Flower’s time and Trason’s previous record (18:06:24).
• 1 hour, 38 minutes, and 23 seconds: Flower’s margin of victory over Imogen Ainsworth, who was second in the women’s division.
• 100 kilometres: The longest race Flower had done before Leadville (she won the 2024 Javelina Jundred 100km).
• 60 grams: The rough number of carbs per hour that Flower was trying to consume. (She said she probably went above that in the race.)
• 2:40:32: Her personal best in the marathon, which she ran at the 2016 Indianapolis Monumental Marathon.
• 113th: The place Flower got at the 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials, out of 355 women.

The post The Mind-Boggling Stats Behind David Roche and Anne Flower’s Leadville 100 Course Records appeared first on Runner's World.

It was the first 100-mile race Flower had ever run…

It was only when the 35-year-old emergency room doctor from Colorado Springs passed Justin Grunewald to move into second place overall, less than two miles from the finish line, that she learned Ann Trason’s 1994 women’s course record of 18:06:24 was actually within reach. It was the first 100-mile race Flower had ever run, so she said she had been trying to run her own race, maintain effective fueling and hydration, and just avoid falling.

Flower put in one final surge in the homestretch on the last hill along 6th Street in Leadville, and sprinted across the finish line in 17:58:19, breaking Trason’s previous mark with more than eight minutes to spare as the late-night crowd of about 200 people lining the finish chute cheered in approval.

Trason, an all-time ultrarunning legend who won the Western States 100 a record 14 times and the Leadville 100 four times during her career, set that mark 31 years ago while racing against several male Tarahumara runners from Mexico.

Flower’s Race Preparation

Flower won the Leadville Trail Marathon and Silver Rush 50-miler earlier this summer in Leadville and earned an entry into the Leadville 100, but only decided to go ahead and run it two weeks ago. She hadn’t been training specifically for it, but she said she’s been as fit as she’d ever been, so she figured she should give it a shot.

“I feel like I shouldn’t be in the same category as Ann Trason. She’s a goddess of running,” Flower said after finishing. “I was running my own race, especially at the start, because there were a few ladies who went out faster than me, and I knew I had to keep it controlled. I knew (the record) was low and I honestly thought it was in the 17s, but when we were coming up the boulevard, Justin and his partner told me it was 18:06, so I thought I should probably get it done.”

Flower didn’t take the lead in the women’s race until about mile 25, when she was seventh overall in the race. She ran the first 87 miles solo, but then was joined by pacer Gil Allgood at the May Queen aid station on the west side of Turquoise Lake for the final 13 miles back to Leadville.

Leadville 100 Background

The entire 100-mile course is at or above 9,200 feet above sea level, but the crux of the course entails going up-and-over 12,600-foot Hope Pass twice between miles 40 and 60. Flower averaged a 10:47 mile pace over the entire course, but ran under an 8-minute pace on many of the flatter sections.

Only two runners had come within an hour of Trason’s record before this year. Claire Gallagher had been the first one to get close when she won the race in 19:00:27 in 2016, but then Mary Denholm came even closer when she won last year in her debut 100-miler in 18:23:51. Imogen Ainsworth, 37, from Poncha Springs, Colorado, was the second woman to finish, placing seventh overall in 19:36:42. Two other women finished in the top 10 overall: Lea Mulligan, 26, from Chattanooga, Tennessee, (9th, 20:39:04) and Genevieve Harrison, 38, of Eagle, Colorado (10th, 20:57:23).

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Cape Town, known as the gateway to Africa, has a proven track record of staging major running events, including the Cape Town Marathon and the Two Oceans Marathon, one of the most scenic ultra-marathons in the world.

…highlight Africa’s immense potential in off-road running and cement the continent’s status as a world-class host for endurance sports…

Following a successful joint application by Golazo South Africa, Athletics South Africa and Western Province Athletics, Cape Town’s iconic Table Mountain will provide a stunning location for the championships, which will take place from 6-10 October 2027.

Africa’s potential to host world-class events

The organisers hope that this championship will not only highlight Africa’s immense potential in off-road running but also cement the continent’s status as a world-class host for endurance sports while also inspiring a new generation of African trail runners. It will also provide the perfect opportunity for fans and runners from around the world to experience the continent’s natural beauty and rich culture, all from the vantage point of one of the most recognised natural wonders on Earth.

Table Mountain and the trails around Cape Town are some of the most technical, yet scenic trails, which feature significant elevation changes. Runners will face steep ascents and descents, particularly on Table Mountain and Lion’s Head, presenting a tough yet rewarding challenge. There will also be a variety of terrains, from rugged, technical paths to fast descents, offering a diverse and challenging experience for runners of all levels. One of the biggest rewards will come in the form of the unparalleled panoramic views of the city, the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding mountains.

History behind the Championships

The World Mountain Running Championships began in 1985 and were an annual fixture, while 2007 saw the first World Trail Championships. The two events merged in 2021 to become the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships, and the event shifted to a biennial format with the first edition held in Chiang Mai, which was postponed by a year.

There are four senior championship races with individual and team medals awarded in each: classic (up and down), uphill, short trail and long trail. Along with an U20 championship race, there will also be mass participation and side events, allowing amateur runners to experience the thrill of the event. It is estimated that about 1200 runners from more than 80 nations will compete in the championship races in 2027, while more than 2000 runners will take to the start line for the mass participation events.

What the key role players had to say

“It is always exciting when a major athletics event is staged in a new continent for the first time, and this is no exception,” said World Athletics President Sebastian Coe. “Cape Town hosting these Championships marks not only an exciting opportunity for the local area, but also for the sport as a whole. This will be the fifth global athletics event held in Africa within 10 years, and I have every faith that Cape Town will prove to be a spectacular host of these championships.”

“On behalf of the partnership of the World Mountain Running Association, the International Association of Ultrarunners and the International Trail Running Association, we are delighted to bring the fourth World Mountain and Trail Running Championships to Africa,” the presidents of the three partner associations – Tomo Sarf, Nadeem Khan and Janet Ng – said in a joint statement.

“The sensational views of Cape Town and Table Mountain will form a fitting backdrop to the WMTRC 27, and we are sure it will build on the forthcoming WMTRC 25 in Canfranc, Spain. Cape Town has had plenty of success from being the host of a number of prestigious international events, and we are looking forward to enjoying the races on Table Mountain and the hospitality of the Cape. The standard of the bids for the event was very high, and we also thank all those who took the time to submit their interest in hosting the event.”

“The Western Cape Government is delighted to welcome this exciting event to Cape Town,” said Ricardo Mackenzie, Provincial Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Western Cape Government. “This continues to show that the Western Cape Government is fast becoming the hub for major sporting events. Events of this nature bring a boost to our local economy and assist in creating many jobs. We can’t wait to welcome runners for this event to our picturesque city, where we offer some of the best views for mountain and trail running.”

“We are so excited for the mountain and trail running world to descend on Cape Town in 2027 for the very first African staging of these Championships,” said Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis. “There is surely no better backdrop to this prestigious event than our very own Wonder of the Natural World, the iconic Table Mountain. But runners should not be fooled by her beauty and her fame – Table Mountain’s rugged trails and steep elevations will pose a stern challenge to elite runners and mass participants alike. I cannot wait to welcome this wonderful event to Cape Town and to show the world why the Mother City is rightly considered one of the mass participation sports capitals of the world.”

“We are thrilled to have been awarded the opportunity to host these Championships,” said Bob Verbeeck, CEO of Golazo, the delivery partner for the championships. “Following events like the Diamond League, the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold meet in Nairobi, and the European Road Running Championships in Belgium – along with many other athletics and (trail) running events – this marks not only an exciting new milestone for our company, but also for Cape Town and South Africa. It also represents an important step forward for Golazo as we open a new office in Cape Town around this time, paving the way for many more exciting running and sporting events in the future.”

The 2023 edition was held in Innsbruck and Stubai, while this year’s championships will take place in Canfranc-Pirineos, Spain, between 25 to 28 September.

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The philosophy that we hold dear in World Athletics is the protection and the promotion of the integrity of women’s sport…

The test, which an athlete will only have to take once in their career, will be administered by either a cheek swab or blood test — “whichever is more convenient,” according to a World Athletics press release. SRY tests can determine the presence of a Y chromosome and the organisation calls them a “reliable proxy for determining biological sex.” The tests will be administered by each country’s member federation.

If an athlete’s SRY test is positive for the male Y chromosome, then they will not be eligible to compete at “world-ranking competitions” in the female category. They would instead be allowed to participate in “non-world ranking competitions” or in the male or open categories.

“The philosophy that we hold dear in World Athletics is the protection and the promotion of the integrity of women’s sport,” Coe said. “It is really important in a sport that is permanently trying to attract more women that they enter a sport believing there is no biological glass ceiling. The test to confirm biological sex is a very important step in ensuring this is the case.”

The new policy could affect athletes who have differences in sex development (DSD), a rare condition where a person has male and female characteristics. Prominent examples of athletes competing on the international stage with DSD include Caster Semenya, Christine Mboma, and Francine Niyonsaba.

In 2023, World Athletics banned transgender women who had gone through male puberty from competing in the female category at international events.

World Athletics, in a press release on Wednesday, noted that “no transgender athletes currently compete in elite international competition.”

The Tokyo World Championships are scheduled for September 13 to 21.

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• Ruth Chepngetich, the marathon world record-holder, tested positive for the banned diuretic HCTZ in a urine sample collected on March 14, 2025.
• After an internal investigation, Chepngetich voluntarily accepted a provisional suspension on April 19 while the Athletics Integrity Unit continued its case.
• On July 17, the AIU formally issued a Notice of Charge and imposed its own suspension, citing HCTZ levels nearly 200 times the reporting threshold.

The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), the organisation that enforces anti-doping for World Athletics, announced on Thursday that Ruth Chepngetich, the current women’s world record in the marathon (2:09:56), has been provisionally suspended for the presence of Hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic that is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

A sample taken on March 14, 2025 triggered the positive test. The head of the AIU, Brett Clothier, said in a press release that Chepngetich, 30, was notified of the result on April 16 and cooperated with the investigation.

He explained further: “When there is a positive test for diuretics and masking agents, a provisional suspension is not mandatory under the World Anti-Doping Code. Chepngetich was not provisionally suspended by the AIU at the time of notification, however, on 19 April, she opted for a voluntary provisional suspension while the AIU’s investigation was ongoing.”

“In the intervening months, the AIU continued its investigation and today issued a Notice of Charge and imposed its own provisional suspension,” Clothier continued.

Chepngetich will be allowed to have her case heard before a Disciplinary Tribunal.

Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) is classified under “diuretics and masking agents” by WADA and is prohibited “at all times.” The minimum reporting concentration is 20 ng/ml. Chepngetich’s urine test reported an estimated level of 3800 ng/ml — 190 times the allowed limit.

The standard sanction for a “specified substance” violation is two years.

Chepngetich, who is Kenyan, set the marathon world record at the 2024 Chicago Marathon in October, running 2:09:56 to break Tigist Assefa’s previous mark — 2:11:53 from the 2023 Berlin Marathon — by nearly two minutes. Chepngetich won the 2019 World Championships marathon and is a three-time winner of the Chicago Marathon. She also competed in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics in the marathon, but did not finish.

Chepngetich has raced once in 2025, according to World Athletics. She ran 1:06:20 at the Lisbon Half Marathon on March 9 — five days before her positive sample was taken.

She was announced for the 2025 London Marathon elite field, but did not compete at the April 27 race. At the time, she told the BBC, “I’m not in the right place mentally or physically to race my best in London and I am therefore withdrawing.”

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While holding Pepper, who grabbed her mother’s crumpled race bib with curiosity, Case was diligent about her fuel intake — scarfing down watermelon slices, gels, and fluids — knowing she needed to maintain her milk supply while also keeping her own energy levels up for 100 kilometres.

It was Case’s first race postpartum and first competition in three years, a long-awaited return after struggling through multiple miscarriages and three rounds of in vitro fertilization (IVF). During that period, running became a source of guilt instead of joy while the 42-year-old navigated fertility challenges and a demanding job as a human rights lawyer.

But when she raced through the rugged terrain of Eryri National Park on May 17, Case said she finally felt the same happiness she experienced while running in her 20s, her legs picking up speed while flying down the final descent into the finish line.

For the entire race, the Canadian runner who lives in Chamonix, France, didn’t pay attention to her time. After starting in the last wave of runners, pace wasn’t a huge priority as she navigated upstream through the field. She was just happy to take part again with her daughter on the sidelines.

But a few minutes after she finished, Case received surprising news. Event organisers informed her that her time of 16:53:22 was the fastest of any woman in the race, meaning she claimed the title despite starting 30 minutes after the elites. In shock, Case thought they’d made a mistake at first. But the splits confirmed she finished more than four minutes faster than the runner-up who came through the finish ahead of her. More importantly, the victory marked a hard-fought resurgence she didn’t know was possible.

“I really felt like I had lost my identity with the loss of running through miscarriages and IVF, and I really didn’t know how it would all turn out,” Case told Runner’s World. “Now, getting to have both running back and the baby, it really feels like a privilege.”

A Tough Journey to Motherhood
While living in different war zones around the world, Case has been competing in ultramarathons for almost two decades and notching solid finishes at prestigious competitions, including Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) and the Western States Endurance Run. Combining her love for running with her profession, Case founded Free to Run in 2014 — a global nonprofit organisation dedicated to advancing gender equity through running.

In 2022, Case clocked one of her best performances to date with a runner-up finish at the Hardrock 100 Endurance Run. When she returned home from the 100-miler in Colorado, she realised her period was late. A pregnancy test came back positive. “I was 40, and at that age I really thought that stage was past me, but in that moment of finding out I was pregnant, I suddenly realised I really wanted to become a mom,” Case said.

After Case miscarried the first time, a few people asked her if she believed it happened because of ultrarunning, a notion that sent her into a dark place. “They made this association between running and having a miscarriage for no reason,” she said. “Even though there’s no research to really support that, it changed my relationship with running.”

Instead of feeling joy while adventuring out on the trails, Case felt guilt every time she went for a run. For a period of time, she scaled back her training and didn’t race at all. Later that year, she got pregnant and miscarried again.

Case and her partner, John, started IVF with two failed attempts. In the third round, they conceived Pepper, who was born in November 2024.

When she was pregnant, Case ran sparingly while still navigating concerns around maintaining a healthy pregnancy. Six weeks postpartum, her doctor cleared her to run with the support of a midwife — an invitation that Case needed at the time.

“From that first run, that association between potentially harming my baby and running was gone. I was running for me,” Case said. “Running was that constant part of me that existed before I was a mom through all the miscarriages, pain, and trauma. [Running] allowed me to build up from there.”

Running for Something Bigger
In her return to the sport, Case enlisted the help of a coach for the first time since 2008. She started working with Dr Megan Roche, and five-time ultrarunning national champion, who helped Case be more efficient with her training. In the winter, she started incorporating hill sprints, intervals, and strength training to her routine. Case believes the new workouts have helped her build previously untapped fitness and manage her time better as a new mom. She’s also working on a documentary film that will chronicle her fertility struggles and running progression in order to raise awareness for the needs of mothers around the world.

Early in the year, Case knew she wanted to return to Hardrock this summer, but she needed a tune-up race beforehand. Because she hadn’t raced in three years, Case had trouble finding an ultra she could run without a qualifying time. A connection with UTMB (Case is a commentator for the series) offered to help her gain entry into Snowdonia.

While feeding Pepper at the 20K, 50K, and 80K aid stations — a massive effort she also credits to John for supporting her throughout the race — Case was surprised to hear from male competitors who told her they were impressed by her performance. One athlete, a dad whose wife was 37 weeks pregnant at the time, said she’d be inspired by Case in her return to running.

But Case doesn’t consider what she’s doing a comeback. To her, it’s just the next phase of her running journey, incomparable to her times of the past — before the fertility struggles, miscarriages, and transformative joy of becoming a mother.

“The way to objectively measure how you’re doing isn’t by time or speed anymore,” Case said. “Whether you’re faster or slower, running longer or shorter races, or no races at all, you’re going to be a better runner because you’re becoming a role model for your kids.”

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The new Vomero 18 is Nike’s premium running shoe boosting a smooth, responsive ride for better pace and comfort, enhanced fit for all-day comfort and fresh new colourways that range from bold, high-energy hues to minimalist tones.

So come and try out the new Nike Vomero 18 at the Nike Booth and see how innovation translates into running performance.

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The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) has announced, along with the official distance, radical changes to the format of the 2025 race that include batch starts and a new street-style finish venue.

…the finish has been moved from the Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Cricket Stadium to an exciting new street finish outside People’s Park.

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For over a decade, CIOVITA has been synonymous with quality and sustainability, designing and manufacturing every piece of cycling apparel in-house. This commitment to excellence has enabled the brand to ensure complete product control, eliminate fast fashion, and prioritise authenticity. The Motion Series extends this philosophy to a broader audience, combining advanced fabrics with CIOVITA’s expertise in cycling.

The Motion Range is engineered for high performance across various activities, meeting the demands of athletes with a focus on comfort and durability. Designed for trail or road runners, gym enthusiasts, padel and tennis players, yoga practitioners and outdoor adventurers, each piece integrates breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics that keep athletes cool and comfortable during demanding physical activity. The range also features flexible, form-fitting designs that provide unrestricted mobility in every setting, from high-intensity training sessions to scenic weekend hikes.

Sustainability remains at the heart of CIOVITA’s ethos, and the Motion Range exemplifies this commitment. The range includes technical fabrics, such as training tights made from recycled Lycra, which reduce waste and deliver the same premium fit and performance CIOVITA is renowned for. This approach underscores the brand’s dedication to crafting products that support athletes while minimising environmental impact.

“We are excited to introduce the Motion Range as a natural extension of CIOVITA’s dedication to performance and innovation,” says Andrew Gold, CEO of CIOVITA. “This collection allows us to apply our extensive knowledge to a broader range of athletic pursuits while staying true to our values of sustainability, quality, and precision.”

As with all CIOVITA products, the Motion Range is crafted with the same unwavering attention to detail, making the brand a leader in the cycling industry. Produced in CIOVITA’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, each garment is designed to support athletes in achieving peak performance, blending technical fabrics with world-class craftsmanship. The Motion Range represents a bold step forward for CIOVITA, solidifying its place as a brand that transcends cycling and empowers athletes across disciplines.

CHECK OUT THE FULL RANGE HERE 

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With that impressive performance, the 24-year-old two-time world cross-country champion improved on Yomif Kejelcha’s previous world record of 57:30 by 48 seconds – the greatest single improvement on the men’s world half marathon record.

Racing in ideal weather conditions of 13ºC with no wind, Kiplimo became the first athlete to break 57 minutes for the distance and also set a world best of 40:07 for 15km en route to his world half marathon record.

In the women’s race, Kenya’s former world record-holder Joyciline Jepkosgei grabbed a convincing win in a lifetime best of 1:04:13 to retain her title in a course record and move to seventh on the world all-time list.

Despite not having announced a world record assault ahead of the race, the stellar form Kiplimo showed on 31 December in Madrid where he effortlessly clocked 26:32 for 10km suggested something great might happen in Barcelona. During the technical meeting held on Saturday afternoon a 2:45/km rhythm was agreed to be set by Kenya’s Edwin Kimosong for the opening kilometres, yet that 58-minute final pace proved too easy for Kiplimo as the Ugandan, eager to regain the world record he set in Lisbon back in 2021, took full command of the race some eight minutes into the event.

From then on Kiplimo offered an incredible display of strength, going faster and faster to reach 5km in 13:34, already on world record pace. By then, Kenyans Geoffrey Kamworor and Samwel Mailu travelled together some 19 seconds in arrears, while Italy’s European champion Yemaneberhan Crippa was a lonesome fourth in 14:02.

Kiplimo began to cover the following kilometres in the 2:40-2:42 range to go through the 10km checkpoint in 26:46, clearly inside the world record pace of 27:15, while Kamworor and Mailu clocked a still quick 27:39 to Crippa’s 28:02. The lonesome leader continued to pick up his cadence over the second half and his 15km split was initially recorded as 39:47 before it was confirmed after the race as 40:07, improving his own world best. By then it became clear that, barring disaster, he would become the world record-holder again as his splits suggested that even a sub-57:00 final clocking was more than feasible.

The Ugandan ace didn’t falter over the closing kilometres and was timed at 53:42 for the 20km mark to complete another 26:46 10km section. He finished in a blistering 56:42 – a ‘beamonesque’ performance as the previous world record stood at 57:30. Way back, Kamworor clinched the runner-up spot in 58:44 and Mailu completed the podium in 59:40.

“It has been the perfect race,” said Kiplimo. “Ideal temperature, no wind at all, fantastic circuit – everything went better than expected. The pacemaker set the agreed 2:45 pace but I found myself full of energy and decided to inject a brisker rhythm from the third kilometre, but I never imagined to perform under the 57 minute barrier, that’s astonishing.

“I won’t compete any more until my marathon debut in London on 27 April.”

Title defender Jepkosgei finds no opposition

Although overshadowed by Kiplimo’s feat, the women’s race witnessed a world-class contest led by Jepkosgei. The 31-year-old Kenyan had the company of her compatriot Gladys Chepkurui and the Ethiopian pair of Alemtsehay Zerihun and Addise Kebede for the opening kilometres, but she was a lonesome leader by the 5km point which she reached in 15:25 to Chepkurui and Kebede’s 15:30.

Taking advantage of the slightly downhill 5-10km section, Jepkosgei stepped up her rhythm to go through 10km in 30:08, a massive 37 seconds clear of Chepkurui who herself was well ahead of the Ethiopian duo, Zerihun (31:27) and Kebede (31:46).

The leader continued her relentless campaign over the second half, averaging 3:04 for the third 5km section to clock 45:27 for 15km some 1:14 clear of Chepkurui, who was more than a minute ahead of Zerihun and Kebede.

As she reached the tape, Jepkosgei managed a career-best by 16 seconds to take back-to-back titles in Barcelona in 1:04:32, while Chepkurui was a distant second in 1:06:23 to Zerihun’s third place in 1:08:19.

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The change is aimed at making the Comrades Marathon more inclusive and accessible to a broader range of runners, encouraging more athletes to qualify for and participate in this iconic event, come Sunday, 8 June 2025, organisers said.

The decision was made after careful consideration and consultation with various stakeholders, including athletes, coaches, and running clubs, they added.

The final date for submitting qualifying details for this year’s Comrades Marathon is Monday, 5 May 2025. Athletes must submit their qualifying race and time, running club details, provincial club licence number, and medical questionnaire.

Qualifying for the 2025 Comrades Marathon is applicable as of 10 June 2024 till 5 May 2025. The qualifying criteria for this year’s Comrades Marathon will be to complete a standard 42.2km marathon in under 5 hours.

The 2025 Comrades will be a Down Run on Sunday, 8 June 2025. The race starts at the Pietermaritzburg City Hall at 05h30 and ends 12 hours later at Durban’s People’s Park, covering an approximately 89km distance. This will be the 49^th Down Run.

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The RMB LIV2Run initiative – which forms part of the nationwide LIV villages concept, looking after orphaned and vulnerable children – was started by Lindi Meyer, back in 2010; and it continues to transform lives through sport, with the help of both sponsors and donations.

“Once opportunity is given, it can change lives,” says Meyer. “With LIV2Run we offer those opportunities not only to the children of the village, but also to the surrounding community.”

 LIV2Run athletes have been able to attend training camps in Lesotho and Kenya, to gain experience and learn from stars like Reilly and Madiba.

Within the Liv2Run community, athletes such as Khulekani Mbuyazi, Sinovuyo Ngcobo and Tsielo Tsanyane have not only been able to compete with the best at races like Ultra-Trail Cape Town and Ultra-Trail Drakensberg, but now play a pivotal role within the LIV2Run community as coaches to younger athletes.

“To be able to take the knowledge that I have learnt and to teach others is a dream come true,” says Ngobo. “It is a privilege to be part of LIV2Run. It is also great to see the young athletes who are now coming through as potential elite runners.”

With the help of the RMB sponsorship, LIV2Run athletes have been able to attend training camps in Lesotho and Kenya to gain experience and learn from stars like Reilly and Madiba, who mentor the athletes during the camps.

RMB, together with the FirstRand Foundation, remains committed to unlocking talent by helping to grow and develop the trail-running community.

For more details, visit https://www.liv-village.com/liv2run/

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Award-winning actor and runner Colin Farrell finished the Dublin Marathon in 4:06:45 while pushing his friend in a wheelchair for the last 4 kilometres, according to The Irish Times.

Farrell, 48, and Emma Fogarty, 40, have raised more than R12 million for the charity Debra Ireland, which supports those like Fogarty living with a rare skin condition called epidermolysis bullosa. In a video on X from Saturday’s race, he asks her, “Shall we go again?”

Farrell described Fogarty’s condition as more painful than running a marathon, explaining her body is “80 percent open wound,” while speaking with Seth Meyers last month. (Meyers is due to complete another marathon, by the way.)

“I have known Emma for many years and she epitomises bravery, she is what courage and pure determination are all about,” Farrell said in a statement after the race, according to the Irish Times.

Epidermolysis bullosa, also known as butterfly skin, is an excruciating blistering condition of the skin, for which there is no cure. The life expectancy for severe cases is from early infancy to about 35 years old. Fogarty just turned 40, and this marathon was a celebration of that milestone.

Farrell is heavily involved with charity. Earlier this year, he founded the Colin Farrell Foundation in honour of his son, who has Angelman Syndrome, a neuro-genetic disorder

The post Colin Farrell Finishes Marathon While Pushing Friend in Wheelchair appeared first on Runner's World.

Traditionally, this campaign was tied to the RMB Ultra-Trail Cape Town build-up, where Jack Black collected previously loved shoes in exchange for their signature beer. With over 1200 pairs of shoes collected by various running crews, the initiative has become an always-on effort in collaboration with NGOs in need.

The mission remains the same: To collect used and new running shoes to support those in need.

The Sneaker Shack will be stepping up to play a vital role, ensuring that each pair of donated running shoes is refreshed and ready for their new owners.

The mission remains the same: To collect used and new running shoes to support those in need. Each partner location will be choosing its own NGO to collaborate with to ensure that the support reaches a wide range of communities.

Donations are welcomed year-round at the following Cape Town and Johannesburg locations from September:

• The Nine Four

• Gonzo Running Crew

• Kom Run Club

• The Gone Store

• Must Love Hills

• Tuesday Trails

• The Sneaker Shack, Kloof Street

• Jack Black’s Taproom

JHB locations:

• The Sneaker Shack, Rosebank

• Benchwarmers

This initiative is an invitation to everyone to participate in a collective effort to support, uplift and empower. To keep up with Jack Black’s initiatives, follow the brand on Instagram or Facebook.

For more information visit Jack Black Beer

The post Jack Black’s ‘Shoes For Good’ Initiative Is Back – And It’s Here To Stay appeared first on Runner's World.

Tigst Assefa, the world record holder from Ethiopia, finished second in 2:22:58 to earn the silver medal. (Hassan and Assefa tangled in the final chute before the final kick to the finish.) Kenya’s Hellen Obiri, winner of the last two Boston Marathons, came across in 2:23:10 for bronze.

“I have no words. Every moment in the race I was regretting that I ran the 5000 metres and 10 000 metres,” she said afterward. “I was telling myself if I hadn’t done that, I would feel great today. From the beginning to the end, it was so hard. Every step of the way. I was thinking, ‘Why did I do that? What is wrong with me?’ If I hadn’t done it, I would feel so comfortable here.”

Every moment in the race I was regretting that I ran the 5000 metres and 10 000 metres…

To deal with the rising temps on the course (the race began at about 19 degrees Celsius, and the sky was crystal clear on the final day of Olympics), Hassan mirrored a handful of her competitors in wearing a headband cooling device seen on the heads of men like Eliud Kipchoge on Saturday.

By the 20K mark, Hassan had chipped away at the lead pack and hung off the back of them on the first block of uphills on course. By the 30K mark and final major climb, Hassan was still in the chase and used the large downhill to move up with them — Assefa, Obiri, Sharon Lokedi, and Amane Beriso Shankule — on their way back to central Paris.

“The moment I started to feel good at 20K, I felt so good. Then I knew I wanted gold,” she said. “But everybody else was fresh and all I was thinking was, ‘When are they going to break? They’re going to go hard, they’re going to go hard.’”

Within the final 5K, it was still down to five runners as they approached the finish line at Esplanade des Invalides. The podium and the gold medal would likely be decided by a sprint at the end between five of the best marathoners of all time.

Eventually, Hassan and Assefa separated themselves from the pack, even making contact with each other in the final sprint to the finish. Ultimately it was Hassan — with her strong track resume and patented kick — who won the race to the finish line.

“I feel like I am dreaming. I only see people on the TV who are Olympic champions,” Hassan said. “The marathon is something else, you know. When you do 42 kilometers in more than two hours and 20 minutes, then every single step you feels so hard and so painful.”

With the pressure, the 31-year-old Dutch wonder said she probably over-trained throughout the year to get ready, causing her to take extra recovery time. Throughout the week with media she regularly brought up how the marathon on Sunday was looming on her mind.

“To finish the marathon is a kind of hell. It’s not easy,” she said after the 10,000 metres. “The real one will start Sunday.”

Hassan is truly an adaptive runner who has won international medals in every distance from the 1500 mete#res up through the 10,000. In Tokyo, she ran the 1500-, 5,000-, 10,000-metre triple, earning three medals (bronze, gold, gold, respectively).

When she made the jump to the marathon in 2023, she instantly took to 42.2 kilometres as well. She debuted at the 2023 London Marathon with a win in 2:18:33. By the time she ran the 2023 Chicago Marathon, she had seemingly mastered the craft of the distance, winning with a 2:13:44 — the second fastest women’s marathon time ever.

Hassan had an incredible week of racing. With the marathon and her 10,000 metre run and two rounds of the 5,000 metres, she did just over 62 kilometres in Paris. If you ever wondered “is there a difference between 5K pace, 10K, pace, and marathon pace” for your own workouts, you could look at Hassan’s average pace per kilometre in each event to see that there’s not one pace for every hard run.

• 5000-metre final: 2:54 per kilometre
• 10 000-metre final: 3:05 per kilometre
• Marathon: 3:23 per kilometre

The post Sifan Hassan Caps Off 62 kilometres of Olympic Racing with Marathon Gold appeared first on Runner's World.

In making the announcement the South African Sports Confederation, Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SASCOC) also revealed the financial incentives available to all medalists from both the Olympics and Paralympics. Athletes who win gold will be awarded R400 000, with the coach receiving R100 000. Silver medalists will earn R200 000 and R50 000, while the bronze medal payouts will be R75 000 and R25 000 for the athlete and coach, respectively.

Simbine has finished in the top 5 twice at the Rio (5th) and Tokyo (4th) Olympics and has shown great early season form winning the 100m at the Diamond League event in China in April, while Van Niekerk was the only South African to reach a final at the World Athletics championships in Budapest in 2023. His world record of 43.03 from Rio still stands.

The women’s athletics representatives include three in the marathon – Gerda Steyn, 15th in Tokyo 2020, who has since lowered the South African record to 2:24.30 and is widely considered the world’s finest ultra-marathoner, Cian Oldknow, and Irvette van Zyl, who is attending her third Olympics.

One gold medalist from the recent African Games in Ghana has also been included in the initial squad and will be making her first Olympic appearance – women’s 400m hurdles athlete Rogain Joseph.

The full athletics team is:

Men: Luxolo Adams (200m), Stephen Mokoka (marathon), Zakhiti Nene (400m), Lythe Pillay (400m), Benjamin Richardson (200m), Akani Simbine (100m), Tshepo Tshite (1500m), Wayde van Niekerk (400m), Jovan van Vuuren (long jump), Adriaan Wildschutt (5000m, 10000m)

Women: Marione Fourie (100mH), Zeney Geldenhuys (400mH), Rogail Joseph (400mH), Cian Oldknow (marathon), Prudence Sekgodiso (800m), Gerda Steyn (marathon), Irvette van Zyl (marathon)

The post Akani, Wayde Head Up Olympic Team as Sascoc Announce Financial Incentives appeared first on Runner's World.

Among the remarkable stories was that of Jono Astle, a Londoner who not only ran the fastest marathon for someone with MS, but also raised a commendable R600 000 for the Multiple Sclerosis Society along the way.

Anthony Bryan, who lost the use of the left side of his body after having surgery to remove a brain tumour as a child, ran the fastest marathon by someone paralysed down one side of their body, beating the previous time of 5:50. (Bryan, a lifelong supporter of Tottenham Hotspur FC, even met up with Spurs defender Ben Davies before the marathon for some extra encouragement to help him get the record.)

For the costumed runners, the outfits were as varied as the times they ran.

Lee Baynton of Essex ran the fastest-ever marathon in an inflatable costume, clocking a 3:21:07 while raising money for a local hospice. It was Baynton’s sixth marathon, but he said this was his favourite. “All the kids, as soon as they see you, are smiling, high-fiving. Everyone’s cheering and chanting, it’s incredible — I should do this every year,” he told The Independent.

Stephen Cochrane broke the Guinness World Record for the fastest marathon dressed as a scientist, although science could not save him from overheating during the race. “The lab coat gets sweaty, heavy, and you overheat very quickly. By halfway, I was really struggling,” he told the paper.

Simon Killen of Holbeach, England, broke the record for the fastest marathon dressed as a video game character. Ironically, it was not Sonic, but Mario, that Killen chose to beat the previous record of 2:57. It was also Killen’s personal best. No word if he used a mushroom beforehand, though he did complain of cramps.

Some overheated runners could have used a visit from Marcus Mumford, who ran the fastest marathon while dressed as a water tap, with a time of 3:10. Mumford loves plumbing fixtures, previously running London in 2014 dressed as a toilet. “I’m working my way around the bathroom items,” he told The Independent. “People didn’t really know what I was. I was called a weather vane, radio station. It’s all in aid of Water Aid – a fantastic charity.”

You can see the complete list of record-breakers from London here.

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The long journey on foot began at South Africa’s southernmost point on April 22, 2023, and Cook called it a day upon reaching Tunisia’s northernmost point. His original plan was to finish 360 marathons in 240 days, but throughout the endurance feat, he was waylaid by visa complications in Algeria that nearly derailed the entire venture, experienced health scares and injuries, geopolitical issues, and was robbed at gunpoint in Angola.

Nicknamed the “Hardest Geezer,” and known for chewing off headline-grabbing endurance challenges like running 71 marathons in 66 days from Asia to London or that time he ran a seafront marathon while dragging a Suzuki Alto behind him, Cook really lived up to his name with Project Africa, donning swim goggles to run through a sandstorm, buoying himself with unrelenting optimism, and letting his red beard and locks grow wildly as he faced kilometre after kilometre of sun and exposure.

To commemorate the completion of his goal, Cook threw a finish line party at a hotel in Bizerte, Tunisia, complete with a set by the English punk rock duo Soft Play (formerly known as Slaves).

In an Instagram post five days before the end, he reflected on the experience, writing, “Very grateful for these experiences and would definitely encourage anyone out there to go get after that adventure, whatever it looks like for you.”

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So, here’s what we predict as the eight biggest running trends in 2024.

1. AI (and Not Just for Training)
Even if you’re still tracking your runs with a spiral notebook and No. 2 pencil, you won’t be able to avoid running-related AI in 2024. “There will be more use of artificial intelligence to help runners design programs and decide how to navigate the world of running,” predicts Noam Tamir CEO and owner of TS Fitness.

Running coaches (the human kind) will also lean on AI to help automate the more routine and time-intensive aspects of their services, potentially allowing them to scale their offerings and work with more runners. This could be in the form of answering questions or adjusting training plans.

2. Running for Connection
Despite everything that AI might offer the sport, we’re likely to see a bit of backlash against technology in the running community. Rather than perceiving their training as a set of metrics or a means to a PB, more people may begin to treat running as an opportunity to ground into their humanity and connect with something bigger than themselves.

“Nature, outdoors, and social fitness. Group workouts, hiking, run groups, sunshine — it’s all good for us but hard to monetise, so it’s not pushed by the industry,” says Anthony Vennare, founder of Fitt Insider. “As people become disillusioned with too much tech and data in their regular lives, they will seek out less [online] connectivity in their health routines and default to IRL social experiences and adventures.”

In other words, this may be the year you join (or start!) a running group. “We’ve seen it happen already in big cities,” Jessie Zapotechne, a coach with Adidas Runners and the founder of Girls Run NYC. “There is more and more interest in creating spaces for groups of people around a common interest, a small neighbourhood, or a social cause. People are organising themselves and just running.”

3. Easy Running
“More people are starting to buy into slow running or zone 2 training,” says Dr Todd Buckingham, triathlete, coach, and professor of movement science. He expects that some runners will nerd out on the science of how low-intensity training increases mitochondria and capillary production, while others will simply notice that they’re able to recover more fully when their easy runs are actually easy.

Beyond personal gains, easy running will inevitably impact the sport of running by lowering the barrier of entry and welcoming athletes of all abilities and levels of experience. “[The slow running movement] will make running more accessible and acceptable for people who want to enter races,” Tamir says. “It’s no longer about setting a PB but running with a community and for health.”

4. The Democratisation of Super Shoes
When the first few models launched, carbon-plated, ultra-cushioned “super shoes” were marketed to a relatively narrow segment of runners. The price point was well above that of the average running shoe, and many experts advised consumers not to bother investing in a pair unless they ran a kilometre in at least under 4 mins/km, as the speed-enhancing technology wouldn’t deliver at a slower pace. In other words, super shoes were for already fast runners who wanted to be faster (and only those who were willing to pay for it).

However, newer research suggests that recreational runners who stick to slower paces may gain physiological and biomechanical benefits from wearing super shoes. And while more brands launched these high-tech shoes last year, those features are becoming more available across shoe types.

“Now, we’re starting to see some of that top-end tech trickle down into ‘daily trainer’ versions,” says Morgan Petruny, Runner’s World test editor. “While these shoes are still not cheap — they’re more affordable than many super shoes. Plus, because these models are designed for daily training and not just race day, they have improved durability.”

The new trainers we’ll see this year might not be quite as fast as race shoes, she adds, but they’re still so fun, last for more kilometres, and make you feel good when you finish a run.

5. Gym Memberships for Recovery
Historically gym-averse runners may find themselves shelling out membership fees to gyms in the new year, but not necessarily for the treadmills and free weights. “Gyms are adding recovery programming, such as massage guns, cold therapy, infra-red saunas, and pressure cuffs for the legs, which can be used by runners,” says Pete McCall, author of Ageless Intensity: High-Intensity Workouts to Slow the Aging Process. “Runners may join a gym not for the exercise but for the recovery options that are available.”

After all, the recovery boom is still having a moment. “We have seen a big rise in recovery methods, such as ice baths, red light therapy, and massage guns,” Tamir says. And, as with super shoes, with more brands entering the marketplace, runners will have a wider array of products (at multiple price points) to choose from.

6. Shorter-Distance Racing
Despite what your Instagram feed might suggest, not every runner wants to run Comrades or Two Oceans. “The vast majority of runners, especially people who report that they jog or run casually, are not in that niche group,” says Zapotechne. “I think we will see more of an emphasis on coaching advice and topics that are important for beginners and people going after shorter distances, like 5-15K.” So keep an eye on the calendar for races like the Absa Run Your City series.

Also, Zapotechne reminds us, shorter distances will get plenty of hype thanks to the coverage of the 2024 Summer Olympics. “I think there will be a heightened emphasis and interest in track and field and those athletes who have been gaining larger followings through social media.”

7. Travel To Race
For many runners the strategy of using events as an excuse to travel is growing steadily. Whether it’s a niche event in KZN or a trail run in Mpumalanga, many runners are looking at the schedule of events for the year and planning holidays around them. Many South Africans travel to compete in international marathons and that trend is also likely to continue in 2024.

Even locally, there are so many races being held in remote areas that are ideal for weekend away. Think of events like the popular KZN Oxpecker Trail Run which is an ideal travel venue for both KZN and Gauteng athletes.

8. Runners in Non-Running Clothes
We love our technical gear, but sweat-wicking fabric won’t be the focus of 2024 running fashion. “On the world’s stage, we are seeing the importance of the ‘alk-in’ trackside looks for athletes, as popularised by Noah Lyles,” the Olympic and World Championship medalist who’s been encouraging track and field athletes to ditch their pre-race sweatpants for red carpet-worthy looks, says Zapotechne.

The fashion show element will likely capture the attention of new fans who come for clothes and stay for the competition. The trend may even influence how recreational runners dress. “Many brands that are fashion forward are adding in performance pieces and vice-versa,” Zapotechne says. “Think about how certain running pieces have become fashion staples and also how certain fashion brands have created running apparel.”

On the opposite end of the spectrum, a more inclusive 2024 may encourage new runners to forgo the expense of a high-performance running wardrobe and embrace a spirit of “come as you are,” Zapotechne speculates. “With all the new and young faces coming into the sport, we will see people running in non-running apparel like basic cotton tees,” she says.

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UT100 – 100km
In the men’s race, Dmitry Mityaev dominated, though he had to keep pushing hard to maintain the lead, with a determined Caleb Olson and others chasing, finishing in a time of 10:43:06. Mityaev had a fall after he reached the top of Table Mountain going downhill and experienced some pain, but kept going after he had already established a solid lead. He managed to stay ahead despite the strong challenge for first place that intensified at 70 kilometres, keeping the pressure on Mityaev.

You can’t ask for much more of a scenic race, but definitely for me it is a mean, crazy course. It’s relentless and technical, never a dull moment.”

Olson (11:02:28) slowed in the last stretch due to foot pain, widening the gap that had closed to just five minutes at the UCT aid station, 12 kilometres from the finish. Olson’s compatriot  Anthony Costales was third (11:24:08).

Mityaev says: “I am very happy to have won for a second time. It’s an amazing race, a very difficult and technical race. A very beautiful community with friendly people.”

Olson says he went out quite conservatively, and then after mile 12 [19km] was not feeling good and dropped back to about 9th place, but was able to move up on some of the technical climbs and even on the descents, as the technical sections suit him. He wanted to get a gap before the flatter runnable sections.

“I was 10-12 minutes behind Dimitry most of the time and managed to get closer at UCT, but I was pushing as hard as I could and on the very rocky terrain after that and my feet were blistering and painful, so I slowed. It has to be one of the coolest views of any race. It reminded me of some of the tall alpine areas near home, but it is right above the ocean in the city as well. It was a great day and I am super excited.”

Anthony Costales says “Cape Town is hard! I could tell from pretty early on it was not going to be my best performance but Caleb was doing well in front of me and we are friends from back home in Salt Lake City, and that kept my spirits high thinking we could both make the podium. I felt the pressure creeping on behind me so I had to keep pushing. You can’t ask for much more of a scenic race, but definitely for me it is a mean, crazy course. It’s relentless and technical, never a dull moment.”

Next in was Thibaut Baronian (FR) 11:36:29, then Simon Desvaux de Marigny (MU) 11:42:01, Mads Louring (DK) 11:48:35 and Johannes Löw (DE) 11:55:46. Local legend Ryan Sandes (ZA) took eighth place, and says he experienced bad cramping near the start of the race going up Platteklip after possibly going out too fast. He suggested that he should perhaps do the 100 miler next time: “There was such amazing community support that kept me going in some dark patches. This is a tough route with a high level of technicality, you can never get into any rhythm, especially when you are tired.”

Grobler Basson, another South African expected to do well, withdrew at Llandudno (41,5 km), and Konstantinos Paradeisopoulus withdrew at Hout Bay (56.6 km).

Ruth Croft (NZ) powered through the 100 kms achieving 10th place overall  in 12:12:20,  dominating the women’s race. “I just wanted to do my own race and I was being told the splits at the aid stations, so I knew I had a solid lead and just had to keep up the momentum. I had done a recce of the route and thought it was really technical, but I did not find it so bad today. That descent to Llandudno was pretty special, amazing to have the ocean right there. Up to Suther Peak was super tough, but I just tried to eat and drink a bunch and things turned around. It is a tough course, especially with the heat and no shelter.”

Marianne Hogan (CA), though not able to reach Croft, had a strong race to finish second:“It was an interesting day, I did not know what to expect as I am coming back from a year of injury. I am glad I came early this year to do the course again before the race. I twisted my ankle around 62 kms and had a tough time coming back from that, but then I saw Ekaterina and eventually was able to catch up to her. My favourite trails are when the mountain meets the ocean and that is why I love Cape Town, as we are served that almost the whole way.”

Ekaterina Mityaeva came fourth last year and was very happy to take third place. “It’s a wonderful race, I really like the technical course as I prefer technical parts. Early on I fell and hurt my knee so it hurt on the downhills. It is lovely to race with such strong girls and I am happy with my result. The views are amazing, in some parts you are so tired and then looking around you feel better.”

Varvara Shikanova, who was third last year, was fourth placed, with Sam Reilly (ZA) taking fifth. Kerry-Ann Marshall (ZA) was sixth. Leah Yingling withdrew at UCT (88km), and Lyndsey McDonald withdrew at Llandudno.

UTCT – 100 miler (166 km)
Aleksei Tolstenko won the second edition of the 100 miler event in a time of 21:53:04. While slower than the winning time of 21:30:17 set by Fotis Zisimopoulos at the inaugural UTCT last year, Tolstenko was well ahead of the next placed man, South Africa’s Douglas Pickard from KwaZulu-Natal, who finished in 23:53:23. Cape Town local Chris Ngaka had an incredible run to finish third in 25:53:33.

Vasily Korytkin, who had surged to the front in the early stages of the race, withdrew at Constantia Glen after 139 kms, and Vincent Viet, also in the front pack, withdrew at Noordhoek (119.6 km).

Tolstenko says that he had felt unwell in the week before the race, and even the day before was not sure if he would start. “So when I decided to start, I pushed in the first half, to get the gap between me and the others as much as possible, so that if I don’t feel good in the second half, I could maybe still keep the lead.

“This is one of the most technically difficult races in the world, the only thing similar is in Reunion. The most beautiful experience was running for six kilometres on the beach [Noordhoek], the sand was hard and it was great running. It is a very beautiful race and the views and landscapes are amazing. This was my second 100 miles at UTCT, and I think I will choose 100 km next time!”

Pickard sums up: “We started together quite nicely, Vince, Aleksei, Vasily and me, and when we got to Platteklip Vasily ran away from us. Aleksei, Vince and I had a nice pace going until Rocket Road and then it was awesome to watch how those guys ran up a Rocket road, like Formula One cars, they just really flew up there, which in a way worked well for me, because I was able to run my own run. I stuck to my game plan. I got tired at three, four o’clock in the morning, but when the sun started coming up, I got a second wind.

He says he passed Vince between Simonstown and Kommetjie and then caught Vasily going up Chapman’s: “I was feeling good along that section and was actually enjoying the climbs. I found it very technical between Alphen and UCT, so when I got to UCT and I was told that the other guys were not yet at Alphen, I spent time there with my family before heading off to finish. This is so different to what I am used to in the Midlands and the Drakensberg where it’s a lot softer underfoot. The climbs are big there, but easier. Here, the downhills are also extreme, its rock jumping and its jagged in all kinds of directions.”

Another South African, Anele Bans, was the fourth man in (26:22:54), taking fifth place. Luke Webster from the US was fifth, and sixth overall (26:48:38). Lucky Miya (ZA), Jock Green (ZA) and Mike McMonagle (US), also withdrew from the race.

Nicolette Griffioen was the first woman to cross the line after a long night and day in the mountains, in a time of 26:11:08, which earned her 4th place overall. Having withdrawn in the last stages of the race last year, this is a very pleasing result for Griffioen.

“I had a good day. I have had a couple of bad runs lately, so it was really great running at my full capacity both physically and athletically, and not having issues like nutrition or cramping. I had a great run and loved it. I came into the race with the mentality of hiking rather than racing. I took the descents easy, kept the intensity low, ate real food and hydrated properly.

I was behind Noami for quite a while and then passed her during the night in Silvermine [67 km], and  did not see her again. I love the night running section, I really enjoyed it. It is nice just to run by yourself and hear the calls out there. And then you are back into civilisation on suburban trails, which keeps you occupied and takes your mind off things. So it was a good experience.”

Noami Brand came into the finish late into Saturday night after a gruelling 29:47:09 on the trails. She says: “Today was a very long day, I lasted for 30 hours. I didn’t really train for this as I just got married two weeks ago , so I went into this undercooked. I was okay the first 80 kilometres and then had to hang in for another 80 kilometres, which is a long way! This is not the 100 miler to do that with, because it is so hard.”

Jo Keppler spent nearly 32 hours out there for her third place and says this was probably the most difficult 100 miler and ultra she has ever done: “I had to seriously dig deep after the Noordhoek aid station. When I thought I had nothing in the tank, seeing my husband Dave and son Leo in the aid stations certainly gave me strength. The route is spectacular but relentless, technical and with some big climbs, one after the next. I have the utmost respect for anyone who has completed the UTCT 100 miler, and can’t get my head around the times that some of the front runners come in. This race taught me that when I think I have reached my limit, there is still something left in the tank.”

Cornelia Oswald from Austria had featured up front early in the race, but withdrew at Noordhoek (119.6 km).

In the PT55, Robbie Simpson (GB) took the win convincingly in a time of  05:31:30, while Toni McCann from South Africa blitzed the course to take third place overall in 05:47:39.

 RESULTS

UT100 – 100 km

Men

1. Dimitry Mitaev  10:43:06
2. Caleb Olson (US) 11:02:28
3. Anthony Costales (US) 11:24:08
4. Thibaut Baronian (FR) 11:36:29
5. Simon Desvaux de Marigny (MU) 11:42:01
6. Mads Louring (DK) 11:48:35
7. Johannes Löw (DE) 11:55:46
8. Ryan Sandes (ZA) 12:02:58
9. Ricardo Chertas (ES) 12:11:55
10. Darren Thomas (US) 12:29:29 – 11th overall

Women

1. Ruth Croft (NZ) 12:12:20  – 10th overall
2. Marianne Hogan (CA) 12:39:53 – 12th overall
3. Ekaterina Mityaeva 12:44:07 – 13th overall
4. Varvara Shikanova 13:20:15 – 15th overall
5. Sam Reilly 13:31:09 – 18th overall
6. Kerry-Ann Marshall 14:46:08  – 24th overall

UTCT – 100 miler (166 km)

Men

1. Aleksei Tolstenko  21:53:04
2. Douglas Pickard (ZA) 23:53:23
3. Chris Ngaka (ZA) 25:53:33
4. Anele Bans (ZA) 26:22:54 – 5th overall

Women

1. Nicolette Griffioen (ZA) 26:11:08 – 4th overall
2. Naomi Brand (ZA) 29:47:09 – 9th overall
3. Jo Keppler (ZA) 31:59:37 – 13th overall

PT55 – 55 km

Men

1. Robbie Simpson (GB) 05:31:30
2. Mvusi Gcogco (ZA) 05:43:16
3. Joshua Chigome (ZA) 06:10:10 – fifth overall

Women

1. Toni McCann (ZA) 05:47:39 – third overall
2. Caitlin Fielder (NZ) 05:56:52 – fourth overall
3. Lisa Wimmer (DE) 06:27:48 – seventh overall

TM35 (35 km)

Men

1. Bastien Peres (FR) 03:53:14
2. Collin Kanyimo (ZW) 04:01:19
3. Brode Gleeson (ZA) 04:07:29 – fourth overall

Women

1. Bianca Tarboton (ZA) 04:04:57 – third overall
2. Holly Page (US) 04:22:42 – fifth overall
3. Rebecca Kohne (ZA) 04:31:29 – eighth overall

EX23 – 23 km

Men

1. Brandon Keeling (ZA) 02:10:42
2. Tsielo Tsanyane (ZA) 02:11:38
3. Thabang Madiba (ZA) 02:20:48

Women

1. Lijane Burger (ZA) 02:29:16 – fifth overall
2. Meg MacKenzie (ZA) 02:31:58 – seventh overall
3. Mila Geldenhuys (ZA) 02:35:06 – eighth overall

Full results are available at www.ultratrailcapetown.com

The RMB Ultra-trail Cape Town live footage can be watched on YouTube

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With a live broadcast on YouTube, the event showcases Cape Town’s beautiful trails to the world and is dubbed ‘the last dance’ of the year by the local trail community. An incredibly strong field of local and international elite runners has gathered in Cape Town, with the full field made up of 400 international visitors and over 2000 runners across the events.

UT100 – 100km
Dmitry Mityaev returns after a memorable win last year in the UT100 with Hannes Namberger, where they crossed the finish line together.  Among his many accomplishments in 2023 is a first place at Cappadocia Ultra-trail 100km, and fourth at Marathon Du Mont-Blanc 90 km. He says that despite winning last year: “I think I can run this race faster, so I have to go back and try again. The final 30 km of the race will be decisive, it is important to keep your strength in the first half and try to work out this section of the race.”

Ryan Sandes, South Africa’s most decorated ultra-trail runner, returns to RMB UTCT having not competed here since 2018.

The US contingent of Anthony Costales, Caleb Olson and Darren Thomas will add depth to the field. Costales will be coming to race in Cape Town for the first time, a few months after his first Western States podium.

2023 RMB UTCT will be Mads Louring’s (DK) third visit to Cape Town. He finished third at PT55 last year and is switching to the 100km distance. A number of European runners will be taking on RMB UTCT for the first time. Amongst them are Matthieu Simon, Thibaut Baronian and Matis Leray from France, and Johannes Low from Germany. Also starting are Konstantinos Paradeisopoulus (GR) and Ricardo Cherta (ES).

Ryan Sandes, South Africa’s most decorated ultra-trail runner, returns to RMB UTCT having not competed here since 2018, where he withdrew from the race. In 2017 he was second to Prodigal Khumalo who broke the record, a record Jim Walmsley claimed in 2021.

Sandes says: “I feel that the 100 km race has changed since I last raced it, it has become a lot more technical. I’m excited to have so many competitive runners in Cape Town making up this strong field.”

Grobler Basson is another local runner who could perform well at UT100. He is a UTMB CCC 2022 finisher, he won the Addo 76 km in May, and in September he broke the record for the Puffer 65 km, one of Cape Town’s oldest trail running races. Kyle Bucklow joins him as another promising local.

Amongst the women, Marianne Hogan (CA) was second in UT100 2021, so she is aware that the Table Mountain trails are highly technical. Other runners familiar with the course are Varvara Shikanova (third last year), and Ekaterina Mityaeva (fourth last year). Both are most likely looking to improve on that result.

Ruth Croft (NZ)  is the Western States 2022 women’s race winner as well as winner of UTMB OCC in 2018 and 2019. She will be a strong contender along with US athletes Leah Yingling, who has finished in the top 10 in both Western States Endurance Run and at UTMB, Lindsey McDonald, and Corrine Malcolm.

Kerry-Ann Marshall is a local favourite. Running on her home trails, she has placed first, second and fifth at previous UT100s, and last year she was the second female runner to finish the inaugural UTCT, taking fifth position overall. Another local to watch is Sam Reilly, who won the Cape Town Trail Marathon in October.

UTCT – 100 miler (166 km)
Aleksei Tolstenko will be the athlete to beat as he placed second last year to Fotis Zisimopoulos in a time of 21:30:17. Being familiar with the route and its technical nature will be an advantage, but Vincent Viet from France will recall the trails from his win at the previous format 65 km in 2017’s RMB UTCT. Mike McMonagle (US) will also be a visitor to watch.

Douglas Pickard exploded onto the South African trail running scene a couple of years ago. He won UTD160 in 2022, breaking the record that Ryan Sandes set the year before. He says UTD is very different and he has much less experience with RMB UTCT’s level of technical trails, and that to line up with runners who have taken the sport to the next level, like Vincent and Aleksei, is a huge privilege. “I am still quite new to running 100 miles, so I look forward to seeing if I can hang onto their heels for as long as possible.”

Other top local runners taking part are the young Robbie Rorich, Matt Bouch, and the experienced Jock Green. Lucky Miya, one of South Africa’s best trail runners for many years and perhaps best known for his 100 km Skyrun wins, will join the longer distance of UTCT.

South African women are set to shine in this race. Naomi Brand (South African, living in New Zealand) returns after placing third in the 100 miler women’s race last year, taking sixth position overall. Another seasoned local trail runner Nicolette Griffioen pulled out of this race after a gruelling 140 kms, so will definitely be looking to put her stamp on this year’s edition. She has RMB UTCT experience with a fourth place in the 100km in 2019, and having won the 2014 200km. Jo Keppler finished 10th in UT100 in 2021 and she is the 2022 UTD160 champion.

Cornelia Oswald from Austria and Anka Hausmann from Germany will challenge our local athletes.

PT55 (55km)
The Scot Robbie Simpson (GB) who won the 55 km in 2022, is a favourite to take the PT55 title. South Africans Gabriel Kriel, Josh Chigome, Joshua Blackshaw, Simon Purdon and Mvuyisi Gcogco will be looking to put their local knowledge to good use.

Local hero Toni McCann (UTMB OCC winner) is a 55 km favourite in the women’s race, but Caitlin Fielder (NZ) and Ynvild Kaspersen (who won UTMB CCC) will not make it easy for her. Sume van Heerden (ZA) placed second in this event last year, two minutes shy of the winner, so she is certainly someone to look out for.

TM35 (35km)
Collin Kanyimo finished second at last year’s TM35, so it will be interesting to see what he can do with race insight. It will be Etienne Schoeman’s (ZA) second RMB UTCT, with a previous third place. Bastien Perez (FR) will be lining up at RMB UTCT for the first time.

A powerful group of women will fight for the win in this race. Bianca Tarboton has not raced RMB UTCT since 2018, where she won the 21 km. Holly Page (US) won the TM23 last year, and both first and second placed women from last year’s TM35, Jasmin Nunige (CH) and Rebecca Kohne (ZA) respectively, are lining up again.

EX23 (23km)
The 23 km race will be an  exciting one, with a number of South African athletes, some with more of a road running background, being hosted by the RMB UTCT Trail Fund. The group includes Sipho Mbanywa, Andisiwe Njungaza, Philane Sengce and Busisiwe Chamane. Four LIV2Run Athletics Club runners will take part thanks to support from the First Rand Foundation, RMB’s social investment vehicle. They are Sipho Mbanjwa, Siboniso Soldaka and Tsielo Tsanyane. Another local runner Meg Mackenzie, now based in Chamonix, will tackle the shorter distance, along with Carla Molinaro (UK) and Laura Hampel (GER).

There are three official RMB UTCT Cheer Zones across the course. UCT Aid Station, Alphen Aid Station and Hout Bay Aid Station, where there will be food vendors, beer on tap, DJs and great activations. Look at www.ultratrailcapetown.com for further details, and come out and support the runners.

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Stuart McConnachie, Race Director, RMB Ultra-trail Cape Town (RMB UTCT), says: “RMB Ultra-trail Cape Town is very proud to be part of this association that celebrates diversity as one of the objectives. Independent races have their place in the world of trail running and by supporting, sharing and recognising each other’s place, we collaborate to continue the legacy of our sport in an independent way that is the root of this sport.”

Established in 2014, RMB UTCT has hosted runners from over 66 countries, with most international runners coming from France, Great Britain, United States, Germany and Italy. The event that sees runners traverse Table Mountain and the Peninsula,  has evolved from only 16 finishers in the 100 km in 2014, to over 2000 runners taking part. There are five distances of 23km, 35km and 55km, the UT100 (100 km), and UTCT (100 miles/166 km). The 2023 edition takes place from 24-26 November.

World Trail Majors wants to maintain and build an open and accessible ethos to help preserve the original values of the sport. The fundamentals of World Trail Majors are solid but simple:

1. Diversity is a core value of trail running, embracing difference as enriching and improving trail running as a sporting, cultural and social activity. Trail/ultra racing is an incredibly varied sport, each race is unique, the variety of distances, locations and terrains providing an infinite number of wonderful experiences.

2. Respect. An activity that takes place in nature must always treat the environment with respect. Understanding on a local and global scale that the effects of our actions reach far further than the sport itself. Allowing trail running to grow as an activity that enriches and is enriched by the local community and environment.

3. Identity, each race has its own distinct and individual personality that is inspired by its local environment and its own evolving story.

Involving local organisations, respecting local communities and boosting local economies,  the races must leave little trace on nature, but lifelong impact on the runners.

World Trail Majors is an open association, and the first edition will be held in 2024 and will include the following events:

• Hong Kong 100 Ultramarathon: One of the events that showcased trail running in Asian trail running to the world. 18th – 21st January 2024, 102 km, +5314 m. Hong Kong

• Black Canyon Ultras: Pure American trail running on native American trade routes and old stagecoach trails. 10th – 11thFebruary 2024. 100 km, +1250 m. Phoenix, Arizona, United States.

• The North Face Transgrancanaria: One of the classics on the world trail running calendar. 21st – 25th February 2024. 126 km, +6804 m. Canary Islands, Spain.

• Mt. Fuji 100: Japanese-style trail running with the great symbolic meaning of the highest mountain in the country. 26th – 27thApril 2024. 165 km, +7574 m. Fujiyoshida, Japan.

• MIUT – Madeira Island Ultra-Trail: Iconic event on the spectacular island of Madeira. 27th – 28th April 2024. 115 km, +7100 m. Madeira, Portugal.

• Swiss Canyon Trail: Founded in 1994, a bucket list and benchmark event in Central Europe. 7th – 9th June 2024. 111 km, +5350 m. Val de Travers, Switzerland.

• South Downs Way:  100 miles following the historic South Downs Way is a classic of the U.K. racing calendar. 8th – 9th June 2024. 161 km, +3800 m. Winchester, UK.

• Quebec Mega Trail: True wild trail running in the mountains near Quebec City. 5th – 7th July 2024. 160 km, +6500 m. Quebec, Canada.

• RMB Ultra-Trail Cape Town: Pure mountains next to one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Africa. 22nd – 24th November 2024. 166 km, +7516 m. Cape Town, South Africa.

Visit www.ultratrailcapetown.com and follow RMB UTCT on YouTube or Instagram stories to watch the event between 24 and 26 November.

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Kiptum became the first person in history to go under 2:01 on a record-eligible course. Here are a few fun facts in the wake of Kiptum’s mark:

• Kiptum’s average pace per kilometre: 2:52
• Kiptum’s average pace per 5K: 14:17
• Kiptum’s average pace for one lap of a standard outdoor track: 68.58 seconds
• Kiptum’s time at halfway: 60:48
• Kiptum’s split for his second half marathon: 59:47
• Number of Americans who have run faster than 59:47 for a half marathon on a record-eligible course: 1 (Ryan Hall’s U.S. record is 59:43)
• Average of Kiptum’s three career marathons: 2:01:17
• Number of people who have run one marathon faster than Kiptum’s three-marathon career average on a record-eligible course: 1 (Eliud Kipchoge)
• Amount by which Kiptum broke Eliud Kipchoge’s previous record of 2:01:09: 34 seconds
• Amount by which the men’s world record has fallen since Kiptum was born on December 2, 1999: 5:07

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Following the pacemakers, Kipchoge asserted his dominance from the start, blazing through the first 5K in 14:12. Just one runner – Ethiopia’s Derseh Kindie – stuck with him; by 10K, they were a full minute ahead of the chase pack.

The pair crossed the halfway mark in 1:00:22. Kindie, who previously had a personal best of 2:08:23, held on through 30K, then dropped out shortly afterward.

ODD ANDERSEN//Getty Images

The Berlin Marathon has been the site of some of the greatest moments of Kipchoge’s career. He has won there four times before, twice setting the world record. In 2018, he took more than a minute off the previous world record, running 2:01:39. And in 2022, he lowered it by another 30 seconds with his 2:01:09.

Kipchoge, 38, was coming off an uncharacteristically lackluster performance at the Boston Marathon in April, when he finished sixth in 2:09:23. Observers were interested to see if Kipchoge could return to his previous form or if age and multiple marathoners were – finally – starting to catch up to him.

With 18 victories in 21 of his marathon starts, which include his two attempts at breaking 2 hours, Kipchoge is considered the greatest of all time. He has two gold medals in the Olympic marathon and has won 11 World Marathon Majors.

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Kiki Grammatopoulos, a master’s student at Central Saint Martins in London, is the designer behind Rewild the Run. This bright blue outsole attaches to your running shoes and is covered in small loops that work as hooks, nabbing dirt, seeds and other outdoor debris as you run.

The loops on the outsole mimic how some seeds attach to animal fur, while the bottom is shaped like a bison hoof. Bison are a keystone species, meaning they play a vital role in maintaining their environment. Their feet also aerate the soil as they graze and press down seeds in the ground, which is the action the Rewild the Run outsoles mimic.

Grammatopoulos says the idea behind the outsole is that spreading the seeds will help with rewilding, allowing nature to restore itself with minimal human interference.

“Living in London, I felt very disconnected from our local environment and our nature,” Grammatopoulos told CNN. “So I started thinking about ways that I could replicate keystone species in London because obviously, I can’t really bring in bison or wolves into King’s Cross.”

Grammatopoulos used two seed types for inspiration when it came to the design of the loops: the cocklebur and the grapple plant, or devil’s claw. “The cocklebur has a straight spike, and the grapple plant has a slight curve,” she said. “I tried to incorporate them both.”

You may be familiar with another product that the cocklebur inspired — Velcro. “Before I did any 3D modelling, I’d cover my shoes in Velcro to just have a look at what my shoe would pick up and over what areas of the shoe,” Grammatopoulos said.

The outsoles will pick up smaller seeds when worn during a run and disperse them to other areas as the activity continues. Your regular running shoes may also pick up a seed or two, but fewer than the loop system used by the Rewilding outsoles. However, Grammatopoulos isn’t marketing them just yet. “I wouldn’t expect anyone to run in these as they are right now,” she said, “It’s more about exploring…the environment you’re running in, and also to allow people to feel a bit more comfortable in running in greenery and not be scared of it.”

She says she is interested in working with rewilding experts and different production technologies to develop the idea further but isn’t sure if the final product will be an outsole or a standalone shoe. So, if you want to rewild your local trails, you may be stuck applying velcro to your shoes for now.

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