Athletics Africa Magazine

DALLAS (USA, Dec 5):  Kenyan James Kirwa won the Metro PCS Dallas White Rock Marathon in 2:18:40. With a record field of nearly 22,000 marathoners, half marathoners and relay runners, the marathon got under way with ideal conditions. Women winner Camille Herron clocked 2:42:30 ahead of Kenyan Evelyne Langat 2:45:43. MUREAUX (FRA, Dec 5): Kenyan wins at Cross International Les Mureaux. Paul Melly at 9 km got 24:59 ahead of Ethiopian Assefe Belete (25:03) and Eritrean Hunegaw Mesfin (25:16). Women´s 4 km winner Mary Wangari got 14:32 ahead of Sarah Chepchirchir (14:40) and Ethiopian Tizita Bogale (14:43). Marathon runner Martha Komu was 5th (14:59) and best European Karolina Jarzynska of Poland 7th (15:15). PUNE (IND, Dec 5) : Ethiopia's 23-year-old Gudeta Gemechu Biratu in his third race at the distance won the 25th Pune International Marathon timed with 2:13:20. Part of the event also 12th Asian Marathon Championships, here the gold medal for Qatari Mohammed Abduh who was 10th...

MAZATLAN (MEX, Dec 5): Kenyan Simon Kariuki won Gran Maraton Pacifico in solid 2:14:16. Second home runner of Mexico Daniel Vargas (2:14:51) and third another Kenyan Cosmas Kiplimo (2:18:07). Also in women race win for Kenyan Hyvon Ngetich after 2:44:12. Isaac Kimayo was the fastest at the half distance with good 1:02:48 ahead of Mexican Carlos Cordero who improved his life-time best to 1:02:59 and another home runner Oscar Ceron (1:03:00). KAMPALA (UGA, Dec 5): Kenyan wins at Kampala Marathon. Donald Sambu clocked 2:19:44 and Tabitha Kibet 2:43:44. Ugandan wins at least at the half distance by Stephen Kiprotich (1:03:22) and former steeple world medalist Docus Inzikuru (1:18:42 ALCOBENDAS (ESP, Dec 5): Terrain World champion Joseph Ebuya from Kenya is continuing in his domination this season and clearly won the 29th Cross Internacional de la Constitución in Alcobendas. At 10.1 km his winning time was 29:37. Second was his Eritrean rival and silver medalist from last World ...

Meselech Melkamu of Ethiopia winning at the Obudu Mountain Race (LOC) LORCA (ESP, Nov 28): Kenyan Joseph Kipkosgei achieved 1:02:25 to win the 23rd Half Marathon in Murcia region. Best woman Fatima Ayachi was timed at 1:13:54. GUJAN MESTRAS (FRA, Nov 28): Kenyan wins at 37th Sud Oest Cross (times not available). Mary Wangari beat Martha Komu and Ejegayehu Dibaba in women race, with best French steeple specialist Sophie Duarte 5th. In men´s 9.37 km win for Paul Melly over Mesfin Hunegaw of Eritrea and Mohamed Moustaoui of Morocco. Best French Driss El Himer was fourth. CORDOBA (ESP, Nov 28): Erick Kibet as another Kenyan posted similar winning time at 26th Half Marathon of Cordoba 1:02:47. But women winner was faster than in Lorca. Joyce Chepkirui clocked new course record 1:09:36. MT. OBUDU (NGR, Nov 28): Ethiopians Abebe Dinkesa (42:21) and Meselech Melkamu Haileyesus (48:57) claimed the win and the big 50 000 USD prizemoney at the 6th edition of the Obudu International ...

Joseph Ebuya comes home to win the BUPA Great Edinburgh International Cross Country ahead of Kenenisa Bekele (Mark Shearman) TERRE HAUTE (USA, Nov 22): NCAA first division CC Championships. Kenyans ruled in men´s 10 km. Defending champion Samuel Chelanga won in 29:23 over Stephen Sambu (29:27)with Luke Puskedra (29:38)in third place. Oklahoma State won the team title (73) ahead of Florida State, Wisconsin and Stanford. BANGKOK (THA, Nov 22): Standard Chartered Marathon was dominated by Kenyans. Winners were Lilan Kiprop in 2:16:10 and Fridah Lodepa 2:42:47. Informs Heinrich Hubbeling. SORIA (ESP, Nov 22): Kenya’s Joseph Ebuya and South Africa’s Dina Lebo Phalula capture victory at the 17th ‘Cross Internacional de Soria’ on Sunday in cold (6ºC) conditions with gusts of wind of up to 20 miles per hour. JOHANNESBURG (RSA): South African media are reporting that following intense pressure from various quarters to hand over the sport back to athletics, Sascoc announced on Friday...

MARSEILLE (FRA, Nov 21): Kenyan Philemon Limo achieved fast 27:58 at 10 km to win the La Provence race. Second Mangata Ndiwa (28:41). Women winner Hilda Tanui posted 33:40. CRETEIL (FRA, Nov 21): Ethiopian wins at Val de Marne CC race. Feyisa Bertukan was the best woman at 5.49 km (19:23) ahead of World junior 1500 m champion Tizita Bogale (19:25). Terefe Terefe was the best male runner at 9.32 km in 28:42 ahead of Kenyan Paul Meli (28:47) and Eritrean Samson Kiflemariam (29:12). VALENCIA (ESP, Nov 21): Kenyan John Mwangangi won the 20th Half Marathon of Valencia in solid 1:01:10 beating his team-mates Gilbert Masai (1:01:18) and Bernard Kipyego (1:02:08). On the women side new course record by Joyce Chepkirui (1:09:25) ahead of Ethiopian Atsede Habtamu (1:09:27) and Italian Anna Incerti as excellent third (1:10:41). PALERMO (ITA, Nov 21): Ethiopian Tsegaye Disasa won the Palermo Marathon in 2:18:57. Ethiopia had also best woman in Amelework Bosho clocking 2:47:50. BARCELON...

Ethiopia legend Haile Gebrselassie announced on Sunday that he will return to running.  The announcement came at a ceremony of the Great Nekemte Run and is confirmed by EthiopiaFirst and a report of Ethiopian TV. The TV report also says his main aim is to run at the 2012 London Games. Gebrselassie making the announcement at the ceremony of the Great Nekemte Run / EthiopiaFirst Haile was one of the honorary guests at the “Great Run in Nekemete” to help the fundraise activities to build Wollega Stadium. He urged all to partake for the completion of the stadium. According to The Guardian , the veteran Ethiopian tearfully announced his intention to retire after pulling out of the ING New York marathon with 10 miles remaining due to a knee injury earlier this month.  But the double Olympic gold-medallist, regarded by many as the greatest long-distance runner of all time, hinted via his Twitter account last week that he may have been too hasty and needed time to consider his...

SAN ANTONIO (USA, Nov 14): Kenyan Edward Tabut won the 2010 Rock ‘n’ Roll San Antonio Marathon in 2:17:14. Women’s winner Evelyn Lagat is the sister of US 2007 double world champion great Bernard Lagat and achieved 2:42:43. Scott MacPherson was the best in the half marathon with 1:04:27, best woman Molly Pritz achieved 1:12:14. AJO (ESP, Nov 14): Moroccan Hicham El Amrani won the 6.2 km race at 16th Costa de Ajo road race in 18:01. Second home legend Reyez Estevez got 18:02 and European 1500 m champion Arturo Casado was fourth (18:16). Dutch Adrienne Herzog was the best woman at 2.7 km (8:33). MADRID (ESP, Nov 14): Kenyan Evans Mayoyo clocked 28:33 to win the 31st Carrera Popular de Canillejas-Trofeo José Cano. Second was  Elijah Karanja (28:33) with best Spanish Manuel Penas as fourth (30:08). Women winner Lucy Karimi got 33:43. ORENSE (ESP, Nov 14): Portugal´s Berlin World Championships marathon 6th placer Marisa Barros won the 34th road race San Martino at 10 km with...

NAIROBI (KEN, Oct 31): Little-known David Tumo Barmasai and veteran Helena Kiprop claimed the Sh1.5 million prize (nearly $20,000) as they were crowned winners of the 2010 Standard Chartered Nairobi International marathon.  Barmasai clocked in this conditions impressive 2:10:31 ahead of Philemon Gitia (2:11:11) and Vincent Kiplagat Sittuk (2:12:09).  In women race Kiprop, the Prague Marathon champion, won her first local marathon in also very good 2:31:11. Second was another more than experienced runner Leah Malot 2:33:41 ahead of Frashiah Nyambura  (2:35.09) and Magdalene Chemjor (2:38:19). ATHENS (GRE, Oct 31): The unheralded Raymond Bett of Kenya broke the race record in the Athens Classic Marathon. In the 2500th anniversary year of the Battle of Marathon, Bett clocked 2.12.40, taking two seconds off the time run by his compatriot Paul Lekuraa two years ago.  Pre-race favorite Jonathan Kipkorir was second in 2:14:05 and third Edwin Kimutai got 2:15:...

DUBLIN (IRL, Mon 25): Course record for both the men’s and women’s winners at 31st adidas Dublin Marathon on Bank Holiday day. Kenyan Moses Kangogo Kibet and Russian Tatyana Aryasova, who both ran “negative split” races achieved that. Kibet was with four other contenders at the half-way point (1:05:22), and five other contenders at 30 km (1:32:24). He then quickened his pace to cover the second half of the race in 1:03:36 and won by 46 seconds in 2:08:58; course record holder Aleksey Sokolov finished fifth in 2:10:31 as best European. Second Ethiopian Fikadu Kedir (2:09:44), third and fourth Kenyans Maurice Mutinda (2:10:25) and Jonathan Chesoo (2:10:27). PORTSMOUTH (GBR, Oct 24): Cross World Champion Joseph Ebuya won the 21st Bupa Great South Run in Portsmouth. He clocked new course record at 10 miles 45:16 (before 45:56). Second steeple record holder Saif Saeed Shaheen of Qatar 46:37 and third Vincent Yator, another Kenyan 47:28. Fourth best European Briton World Indo...

BUCURESTI (ROU, Oct 17): Kenyan Duncan Koech (2:11 PB) won the 3rd Bucuresti City Marathon in 2:13:59 ahead of his team-mate James Cheruiyot 2:15:33. Belarus Svetlana Kovgan won the women category after 2:35:13. DES MOINES (USA, Oct 17): Kenyan James Kirwa won the Des Moines marathon in a lifetime best 2:14:23. Belarus runner Alena Vinnitskaya, 37, was the best woman in 2:41:23. GYEONGJU (KOR, Oct 17): Former Kosice marathon winner Dejene Yirdawe of Ethiopia won the 2010 Gyeonghu International Marathon in good 2:09:13. Second Abdellah Falil of Morocco improved to 2:09:24 and third Kipchirchir Kimali as unknown debuted at the distance with 2:09:44. AMSTERDAM (NED, Oct 17): The 35th edition of Amsterdam Marathon registered new course record and personal best for Ethiopian Getu Feleke 2:05:44 (before 2:08:04). His mark is the 30th fastest performance and 19th best performer ever. In ideal weather second Wilson debuted at the distance with extraordinary 2:06:12, the second faste...

BEOGRAD (SRB, Oct 13): Josphat Menjo of Kenya capped a historic breakthrough season by winning the Belgrade Race Through History this afternoon, taking five seconds from the long standing course record, with 16.53 for the six kilometre lap around the Kalemedgan fortress in the Serbian capital. Menjo, 31, outsprinted compatriots Eliud Kipchoge (16:55) and Stephen Tum (16:56), who finished second and third, while Saif Saaeed Shaheen of Qatar, in the first road race of his eventful career just outleaned Kenya-based New Zealander Jake Robertson for fourth (16:57). Robertson was timed at 16:58 ahead of best European Laszlo Toth of Hungary (17:00). Such was the quality of the field for the sun-soaked race, rather than the threatened rain, that the top five ran faster or equal to the record of 16.58, set by Brahim Lahlafi of Morocco at the inaugural event in 1996. NEW DELHI (IND) : In final medal rankings of athletics at Commonwealth Games Kenya is the leader with 11-10-8 (in total 29 medals...

CHICAGO (USA, Oct 10): Olympic gold medalist Kenyan Sammy Wanjiru defended his Bank of America Chicago Marathon title with a furious finishing kick to pass Ethiopian Tsegaye Kebede in one of the race’s greatest finishes. The 23-year-old Kenyan won in 2:06:24. Kebede was 2nd in 2:06:43 and Ethiopian Feyisa Lilesa was 3rd in 2:08:10. Wesley Korir, a Kenyan living in USA clocked 2:08:44 for fourth ahead of other Kenyans Vincent Kipruto 2:09:08 and Robert Kipruto Cheruiyot 2:09:28. EINDHOVEN (NED, Oct 10): Former track world champion Charles Kamathi won the Eindhoven marathon in pretty fast 2:07:38. In close finish the same time also for second Nicolas Chelimo 2:07:38. Third Paul Biwott achieved 2:07:40 and fourth Yared Dagnaw of Eritrea career fastest 2:08:13. Three more Kenyans dipped under 2:10. CARPI (ITA, Oct 10): New course record at 23rd Maratona d´Italia (Memorial Enzo Ferrari). Kenyan Paul Kosgei who is former world half-marathon champion achieved 2:09:00 what is also his lifeti...

AMSTERDAM (NED): Tariku Bekele has been announced as one of the favorites for the Dam tot Damloop in Amsterdam on September 19th. Bekele will replace Sileshi Sihine, who had to withdraw from the race. Previously announced were Moses Masai and Dutch top athletes Koen Raymaekers, Rens Dekkers and Patrick Stitzinger. In the women’s race Lornah Kiplagat and Hilda Kibet will toe the starting line. ABUJA (NIG): Former world junior champion and Nigerian relay member Uchena Emedolu has been banned by the Nigerian national sports commission. Emedolu allegedly dropped the baton on purpose at the 2008 African championships. “One cannot understand why Uchenna Emedolu decided to frustrate his teammates at the championships. The dropping of the baton was not just once” Director General Patrick Ekeji was quoted in Vanguard Nigeria newspaper. NAIROBI (KEN): Eliud Kipchoge has been called up to replace Edwin Soi in the 5000m at the upcoming Commonwealth Games in India. African champion Soi has pull...

GABORONE (BOT): Botswana´s 800m Olympian Onalenna Baloyi is reported to have failed a doping test and has been suspended for two years and will miss Commonwealth Games in India. In last edition 2006 in Melbourne he was a finalist. Baloyi clocked this year 1:46.32 and has a personal best of 1:46.06 from 2005. The country's top Olympic official, Mmegi Serufho said on Friday the positive test could have been avoided if Botswana had better facilities at home. PHILADELPHIA (USA): Olympic medallist and multiple world record holder Meseret Defar will make her half-marathon debut at the ING Rock ‚n‘ Roll Philadelphia Half-Marathon on Sunday, September 19, organizers told Race Results Weekly earlier this week. For Defar, 26, the race will be more than twice as long as her previous longest race on the roads, the World‘s Best 10-K in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in 2007. The two-time Olympic Marathon silver medallist Catherine Ndereba, Ethiopia‘s Derartu Tulu and Werknesh Kidane are also in th...

World 800m record holder David Lekuta Rudisha returned to a rousing reception at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi after an historic stint in Europe where he broke the world 800m records twice in one week. NTV brings you the homecoming reception.

NAIROBI (KEN): The World record holder and African champion at 800m David Rudisha will skip the Commonwealth Games due in Delhi next month, citing fatigue, reports The Nation . “I have come to realise that, in this profession, you do not need to wait for your body to tell you when to stop but rather have the instict to stop when it is required,” he was quoted. Athletics Kenya (AK ) has since agreed to the request and settled on Abraham Kiplagat, second at the national trials, to fill the place. AMSTERDAM (NED): Kenyan Moses Masai and Ethiopian Sileshi Sihine are the big names announced for the Dam tot Damloop in Amsterdam on September 19th. Masai won the World’s Best 10K in Puerto Rico earlier this year while Sihine is slowly building his career in road racing after being a double Olympic silver medalist on the track. In the women’s race, which starts exactly 5.46 minutes before the men’s race, Lornah Kiplagat and Doris Changeiywo have high hopes of winning the race. Also Hilda Kibet ...

"Last year I had a bad time in Berlin. The weather was not very good, and I did not make it into the final. So I did not want to talk too much about the world record before the race. But today I knew it is my day. I trained very hard, the weather was good. I told the pacemaker to run the first lap under 49 seconds. He did a great job," said Rudisha. Results: 800m Men - ISTAF Berlin 1) RUDISHA, David Lekuta (KEN) WR 1:41.09 2) LALANG, Boaz Kiplagat (KEN) 1:44.34 3) KIPLAGAT, Abraham (KEN) 1:44.49 4) MANZANO, Leonel (USA) PB 1:44.56 5) KIVUVA, Jackson Mumbwa (KEN) 1:44.91 6) KSZCZOT, Adam (POL) PB 1:45.07 7) ALI, Belal Mansoor (BRN) 1:45.28 8) MUTUA, David Mutinda (KEN) PB 1:45.97 9) YEGO, Alfred Kirwa (KEN) 1:46.84

Buoyed by a successful football World Cup in South Africa, sprint legend Frankie Fredericks pledged today to do all he could to make an Olympics on the continent a reality, AFP reports. The Namibian four-time Olympic silver medallist, in Singapore to offer advice to youngsters competing at the inaugural Youth Olympics, told AFP he was determined to play his part. "I will take up the challenge of improving athletics in Africa and take up the international challenge to make changes," he said. Fredericks, chairman of the International Olympic Committee's Athletics Commission, told AFP his mission included securing the Games for an African nation. "It would be nice to share our culture, to share our vuvuzelas, to share our food, to share the way we do things with the world," he said. "I do think we should get a chance to host the largest event in the world." The race to stage the 2020 Olympic Games opens next year, with South Africa set to throw its hat in...

It's only three days until the inaugural Youth Olympic Games ! This Saturday, 14 August 2010, some 3,600 talented young athletes between the ages of 14 and 18 from around the world will be eagerly awaiting the start of the opening ceremony of the first ever edition of the Youth Olympic Games. All of them will have travelled to Singapore to participate in a high-level sporting competition which mirrors the Olympic Games sports programme. The Youth Olympic Games, which will run from 14 to 26 August, differs from any sporting event that has come before it. They will feature exciting new sporting events, cultural and educational activities supported by a number of enthusiastic mentors, will use social media extensively to reach out and spark the interest of young people around the world. The Youth Olympic Games are, in a word, unique. The first Summer edition will be broadcast on television in over 160 territories across all five continents by the IOC’s rights holding broadcast partne...

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has awarded broadcast rights for the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games, the London 2012 Olympic Games and the Innsbruck 2012 Youth Olympic Winter Games to teleSUR, it was announced today. teleSUR has acquired over-the-air television, cable television and radio broadcast rights in Venezuela. IOC President Jacques Rogge said, “Through our partnership with teleSUR we will be able to provide coverage to sports fans in Venezuela of the inaugural Youth Olympic Games this August, the London 2012 Olympic Games and the first-ever Youth Olympic Winter Games in Innsbruck in 2012.” IOC Executive Board member Richard Carrión, who led the negotiations, said, “I would like to place on record my thanks to teleSUR for their cooperation in making this agreement possible and I look forward to working closely with them over the coming years.” The President of teleSUR, Andrés Izarra, said “Venezuela has significantly improved its performance in international s...

LIGNANO (ITA, Jul 18): At 21st edition of international meet in this sea resort, the highlights in the men's 400m was not the win of American Jamaal Torrance (45.85) but in the third place South African 'Blade Runner' Oscar Pistorius clocked a second career best time of 46.02 ( His life-time best was 46.02 seconds obtained on July 8 in Celle Ligure, Italy. He is based through summer in Italy (since May in Grosseto) and his next race is planned for August 8 in Nottwil, Switzerland at EA Classic Meeting. Rising U.S. star David Torrence ran an 800 meter personal best as second in 1:45.97 behind Mor Seck of Senegal (1:45.81). Jamaican talent Carrie Russell won the 100 m in close duel with US Mershevet Myers (both 11.22). NCAA Champion Blessing Okagbare of Nigeria improved her career best in the 200m with 22.71 (-0.1). She also placed 2nd in long jump (6.53m) beaten by American Funmi Jimoh (6.58m). Tiffany Ofili of USA won the 100 m hurdles in 12.85 (+0.7) beating Jamaican...

REPORT - KENYA ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS/AFRICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS TRIALS, NAIROBI (KENYA, June 24-26) World champion Vivian Cheruiyot won the 5000m on Saturday at Kenyan National Championships at Nyayo Stadium. But Olympic 800m champion Pamela Jelimo will not defend her Africa title after pulling out of the final of 800m. Her rival and 2007 world champion Janet Jepkosgei was the best in 1:58.95. Former world junior champion Winnie Chebet took the second automatic slot in 2:00.88. The men’s champion over the same distance David Rudisha and Richard Mateelong (steeple) moved a step closer to defending their titles with victory in their respective races. Rudisha won with a fast time of 1:44.23 to beat World and Olympic bronze medallist Alfred Kirwa Yego to second in 1:45.50 while Jackson Kivuva of the Armed Forces was third in 1:45.75. “I eye to challenge Wilson Kipketer’s record one day. But I am happy to have made the Kenya team today and now I will head to Europe to run two races and hope to...

TOMBLAINE (FRA, Jun 25): French Bouabdellah Tahri clocked at Meeting Stanislas de Nancy (part of French Alma Athle Tour) new all-time world best at 2000 m steeple with 5:13.47. Former top mark was 5:14.43 by Kenyan Julius Kariuki back in 1990. In ideal weather conditions Renaud Lavillenie cleared 582 in pole vault ahead of Jerome Clavier (570). Salim Sdiri leaped to 824 (+1.4) in long jump. In the 200 m new European leading time 20.38 by Martial Mbandjock who beat South African champion Simon Magakwe (20.44) and David Alerte (20.49). Leslie Djhone won the 400 m (45.72) and European steeple leader Benabbad Mekhissi won the 1500 m in 3:35.24. Fast also the 13.40 (+1.3) at 110 m hurdles by Garfield Darien beating Dimitri Bascou (13.48). Interesting to see 36-years old US record holder Dominique Arnold finishing 7th in 13.83. In women events fast 100 m by Ruddy Zang Milama of Gabun, she equalled her national record with 11.19 (+0.4). Second Veronique Mang clocked personal best 11.20 and ...

NAIROBI (KEN): Former 800m world champion Janeth Jepkosgei will lead over a thousand athletes as the country selects its best runners for the continental event next month. Jepkosgei, like many other elite athletes, have returned home to fight for places on Kenya team and the trials on Thursday will confirm who is fit enough to wear the national jersey come July 28 to August 1 when Nyayo National Stadium will stage continent’s premier event, the Senior Africa Athletics Championship. The first two athletes across the line will qualify while the third will be picked through the coaches’ wild card. Kenya will select a total of 144 athletes in all events. Jepkosgei will however seek another stage to end any doubt in the simmering rivalry with Olympic Champion Pamela Jelimo. Writes The Nation. World 5,000m champion Vivian Cheruiyot is struggling with a thigh strain leaving Sylvia Kibet, the world silver medallist as the favourite. Linet Masai, the world 10,000m champion will also line up as...

Ethiopia's Imane Merga took a photo finish victory in the men's 5,000m in 13:00.12 ahead of Kenya's Alex Sammy Mutahi who blocked everyone to nick second in a personal best time of 13:00.12. Moses Ndiema Kipsiro of Uganda was third in 13.00.15 with Tariku Bekele of Ethiopia fourth in 13:00.81. A superb controlled run in the women's 800m by Moroccan 'new kid on the block' Halima Hachlaf produces a World Leading time of 1:58.40 ahead of the Olympic Silver and Bronze medallists Kenya's Janeth Jepkosgei (1:58.85) and Briton Jenny Meadows (1:58.89); both with 2010 season's best times at the IAAF Diamond League in Rome. Kenya's Augustine Kiprono Choge won the men's 1,500m , despite taken ill earlier, in 3:32.21 ahead of compatriot's Daniel Kipchirchir Komen (3:33.08) and Geoffrey Kipkoech Rono (3:33.89). Antar Zerguelaine of Algeria was fourth in 3:34.82. In the women's Javelin Throw , South Africa's Sunette Viljoen finished se...

DIBABA AT 5K, DEFAR IN THE 1500m in NEW YORK (USA): The revealed start list of adidas Grand Prix in New York on Saturday shows that for example for first time this year main 200 m rivals will clash. World champion Allyson Felix with olympic gold medalist Veronica Campbell-Brown. A world leader looks like something for sure. Double olympic winner Tirunesh Dibaba will make her track debut 2010 at 5000 m. Her main rival Meseret Defar opted for shorter 1500 m where her best 4:06.12 comes from 2006. But she does not look like favorite there. Olympic champion Nancy Lagat is unbeaten so far, Ethiopian former world indoor champion Gelete Burka added by all top US runners Anna Pierce, Shannon Rowbury and Christin Wurth-Thomas. JELIMO WILL TRAIN AT HOME - NAIROBI (KEN): Olympic 800 m winner Pamela Jelimo after not being satisfied with her marks at meetings end of May continues in training. Her next competition will be the Kenyan Trials at the end of June. After that decision about her racing pr...

LONDON (GBR, May 31): European CC and indoor champion Mo Farah won the Bupa 10 km on the road in new national record 27:44. The official 5km split of 14:09 meant Farah covered the second 5km in 13:35, writes Athletics Weekly . Kenyan Micah Kogo finished second (27:49) and Chris Thompson third (28:17). World half-marathon champion Mary Keitany was the runaway winner in the women’s race and the Kenyan improved her lifetime best performance to 31:06. Fellow Kenyans Doris Changeywo (32:15) and Edith Chelimo (34:30) finished second and third. MARINGA (BRA, May 30): Nigerian Ajoke Odumosu surprisingly won the 400m hurdles in 55.66 over Olympic and World gold medalist Melaine Walker of Jamaica (55.96) as the Brazilian May Tour ended with last fifth meet in Parana State. In the close 800m race, Brazilian Kleberson Davide beat Kenyan Richard Kiplagat (1:46.26 - 1:46.28). Solid 4:09.91 in women 1500 m by Ethiopian Betukan Feyisa. BRUSSELS (BEL, May 30): Alemitu Bekele won the Brussels 20 km i...

Kenyan Daniel Chebii won the 10 miles in Bern in 48:52. Runner up Vasil Matviychuk from Ukraine (49:12) narrowly beat Eritrean Simon Tesfaye (49:22). Kenyan Paul Kipkorir was fourth in 49:29. In the women’s race Hungarian Aniko Kalovics easily won from Kenyan Tabita Gichia with 56:02 over 57:48. Olympic champ Nancy Lagat won her event the 1500m in 4:44.8 during second day of Kenyan Army Forces Championships. Former world steeple bronze medallist Jeruto Kiptum was second in 4:45.5 while Ines Chenonges third in 4:46.0. Lagat also won the 800 m (2:08.4). Jackson Kivuva secured a gold in the 800 m in 1:47.6 and coming in second to Gideon Gathimmba in the 1500 event (3:47.2). Gathimba achieved 3:46.8. World XC Champion Joseph Ebuya, who after collapsing in 10,000m race recovered 24 hours later to win the 5000 m in 13:46.7. The men steeple racee was a closely contested affair but the honours went to Linus Chumba who was timed 8:29.0. Chumba’s team-mate Abraham Chirchir managed 8:29.6 to clai...

ADDIS ABABA (ETH): Ethiopia will enter a strong team in the 17th African Athletics Championships in Nairobi. Haile Gebrselassie, the Ethiopian legend said: „I expect to see a strong Ethiopian team in Nairobi and I expect to see Meseret Defar, Tirunesh Dibaba and Kenenisa Bekele. „ said for nation.co.ke. The 17th African Athletics Championships in Nairobi will also be used to select Africa‘s team to the IAAF Continental Cup (formerly World Cup) to be held in Split, Croatia early September. RABAT (MAR, Apr 25): About 22,0000 women took part to the 3rd „Course de la Victoire“ organised by former 400H world champion Nezha Bidouane. Malika Assasah won the 8km race in 27:17 ahead of Zhor El Kamch, who is back to racing after a materniy live (27:20). Bouchra Salhi and Malika Belfakir finished 3rd and 4th in 27:25 and 27:42. Informs Carole Fuchs. MADRID (ESP): Current marathon world record holder Haile Gebreselassie believes he could become the first man to go under 2:02 in the marathon wri...

BRAZZAVILLE (CGO): African Confederation Golden meet in Brazzaville will be staged on May 30. 16 events will be on the programme with prize money in three categories p remium, classic and promotional ranging from 4000 to 2000 USD for individual wins. WURZBURG (GER, Apr 25): Kenyan success at 22nd Wurzburg 10 km road race. Jacob Cheshari in fast 27:56 over Titus Mbishei 28:16 and Charles Maina 28:27. Best Europeabn Sondre Nordstad Moen of Norway as 10th in 29:40. In women category Berlin 4th placer Grace Momanyi clocked 31:34 and had clear win over Jane Gakunyi (33:52). German Julia Viellehner was best European as 10th (36:45). KRAKOW (POL, Apr 25): Ethiopian Abebe Dagane won the 9th Cracovia Maraton in 2:16:13. Belarus Dmitriy Baranovski was second (2:22:16). Also in women category Ethiopia for Etaferahu Tarekegne in 2:37:22 beating Poland´s Agnieszka Gortel (2:39:16) and Russian Yuliya Vinokurova (2:40:23). NANCY (FRA, Apr 25): World CC Champion Joseph Ebuya won the 30th edition of...

CARLSBAD (USA, Apr 11): In windy conditions favorites were the winners, but did not touch world bests. Eliud Kipchoge clocked 13:11 to win the 25th edition of Carlsbad 5000 and missed the global mark set here by Sammy Kipketer in 2000 by 11 seconds. Ethiopians followed as Dejene Gebremeskel was second in 13:18 and Bekana Daba third in 13:24. Meseret Defar was competing without pacemaking help and against wind and clocked 15:04 at the end to win. Aheza Kiros was second in 15:26 ahead of another Ethiopian Meskerem Assefa (15:55). JOHANNESBURG (RSA, Apr 10): During first day of South African junior championships Cheyne Rahme improved his African junior pole vault record to 550. Luvo Manyonya leaped to 805 (+1.1) excellent personal best in long jump. Gideon Trotter achieved 10.41 in the 100 m and Jacques de Swart 46.08 in the 400 m. In the youth category impressive 10.50 (+0.3) by Rudolf Erasmus in the 100 m. REDUIT (MRI, Apr 10-11): Home record holder Stephane Buckland won the 100 m at...

Patrick Makau led a Kenyan one-two-three in the Rotterdam marathon on Sunday. The 25-year-old completed the course in 2hr 4min 47sec, 7sec ahead of Geoffrey Mutai, with Vincent Kipruto in third a further 19sec adrift. The trio, accompanied for much of the race by Ethiopian Feysa Lelisa, was on track to breaking Haile Gebrsselassie's world record of 2:03.59 before fading at the last. Ethiopian Aberu Kebede won the women's race in 2:25.29 ahead of American Magdalena Lewy Boulet, with Chinese favourite Xiaolin Zhu in third. Results Men 1. Patrick Makau (KENYA) 2hr 04min 47sec, 2. Geoffrey Mutai (KENYA) 2:04.54, 3. Vincent Kipruto (KENYA) 2:05.13 Women 1. Aberu Kebede (ETHIOPIA) 2:25.29, 2. Magdalena Lewy Boulet (USA) 2:26.22, 3. Xiaolin Zhu (CHINA) 2:29.42

Martin Mathathi has set his mind on the WR 10k. Interview Martin Mathathi Parelloop, The Netherlands [+ racefootage] Results 1 Martin Mathati Kenia 27:22 2 Micah Kogo Kenia 27:52 3 Berhanu Delale Ethiopië 28:08 4 Mike Kigen Kenia 28:09 5 Job Tanui Kenia 28:25 6 Abraham Rotich Kenia 28:26 7 Pius Kirop Kenia 28:52 8 Abdi Nageeye Nederland 29:14 9 Najim El Qady Marokko 29:21 10 Saji Abdelkabir Marokko 29:21

After putting up one of the most sensational performances in the glorious history of Kenyan athletics, the world cross country champions landed back in the country to a heroic welcome. Thousands thronged the Jomo Kenyatta International airport on Tuesday evening to welcome the champions who swept the tables clean in the world cross country championship staged in Poland over the weekend. Song and dance dominated the proceedings at the JKIA as the champions who picked every piece of gold in contention in Poland returned home. Eight times, they caused the Kenyan national anthem to be sung in a heroic afternoon that firmly returned Kenya to high table of world athletics. NTVs Rita Tinina was at the JKIA.

A dark cloud hovered the 2nd New KCC/AK track and field weekend meeting at Ruringu stadium in Nyeri when an athlete collapsed and later died after a race. Private Peter Isaboke Mogere of Nanyuki Airbase died moments after he finished the 5000m heat where he was battling to qualify for the finals

Stunning run by Sudan's Abubaker Kaki.

Athletics South Africa has announced the change of venues of two fixtures on the summer season calendar. The sixth and final leg of the Yellow Pages Series, scheduled to be held at the Pilditch Stadium in Tshwane on Tuesday, April 6, and the Yellow Pages SA Junior Track and Field Championships scheduled to take place at the University of Johannesburg on the weekend of April 10-11, will both take place at the Germiston Stadium, near Johannesburg, on the dates as stated. The change of venues was necessary after both the Pilditch Stadium and the University of Johannesburg Stadium were recently declared unavailable due to 2010 FIFA World Cup training camp commitments. Do you think this will have any effect on the preparations of the athletes? Have your say below.

A record field of close to 21 000 runners, including the men and women's defending champions, and over 1 000 international runners, will line up in Newlands on Easter Saturday April,3 for the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon. The Cape's biggest road running event has attracted a field of 8 700 runners in the 56km ultra marathon, making this the second biggest field in the history of the event. The record stands at just under 10 000 (9 766) runners, which was in 2004 when Chapman's Peak reopened. Some 35% of the ultra marathon field are novices who are running the event for the first time, an indication that the sport is growing and still attracting people to the longer distances. The 21.1km has attracted a field of 11 571 runners, which makes it the biggest half marathon in the country. Last year over 13 221 runners took part in the 21.1km event but race organisers decided to reduce this number for 2010 in the interests of runner safety, both out on the route and at the finis...

Paul Tanui cruised his way to victory in the 12km men's senior race at the National cross country trials held today at the Uhuru Gardens. In the women's senior race Linet Masai was too strong for her competition.

Hundreds of mourners turned up to lay silver medallist David Kiprono Lelei to rest on Friday. A contingent of elite runners, Athletics Kenya national officials and MPs Elijah Lagat, Peris Simam and Jushua Kutuny attended the burial ceremony in Kapsabet, Wareng District. Among them were four-time Boston Marathon winner Catherine Ndereba, World 3,000m record holder Daniel Komen and former Commonwealth Games 800m champion Japhet Kimutai. Athletics Kenya chairman Isaiah Kiplagat, a member at the IAAF Council, conveyed condolences from the world-athletics governing body, saying Lelei had left a mark in global athletics circles. Kiplagat called on retired athletes to take up agent roles claiming most foreign track and field agents had little understanding about the sport. “I am calling on you retired runners not to sit back and watch as foreigners mess up with athletics. You should take up responsibilities as agents and we will bring all the resources home,” said Mr Kiplagat. Former World 10...

UTEP's Nigerian athlete Blessing Okagbare has been honoured by the league as this week’s Conference USA Female Athlete of the Week Okagbare earned her second automatic bid to the NCAA Indoor Championships next month after clocking a time of 7.22secs in the 60m dash at the Frank Sevigne Husker Invitational. The Sapele, Nigeria native’s time broke a 10-year old meet record, tied for first in the nation, earning the Frank Sevigne Female Most Valuable Performance of the Meet. The All-American also posted an NCAA provisional qualifying time in the 200m dash, running a 23.52 and earning gold medalist honours. Okagbare earned her first automatic bid to the NCAA Championships in the long jump on Jan. 23 at the Texas Tech Invitational with a leap of 6.59m (21-7.50). This is Okagbare’s second athlete of the week honour this season and third of her career. Okagbare and the Miners return to action as they enter Aggie territory this Saturday 13th for the Texas A&M Challenge at College Sta...

Confederation of African Athletics has given the Africa Athletics Championships Local Organising Committee a nod of approval for its efforts. However, the head of delegation Frank Fredricks said David Okeyo's committee must work overtime in order to complete the preparations before the deadline.