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2009
Yelling Wins Comeback and Bezabeh Wins for Spain in Dublin
Britain’s Hayley Yelling and Alemayehu Bezabeh of Spain upset pre-race favorites to win the European Cross Country titles in Dublin.
Tsegaye Kebede Breaks Course Record at the Fukuoka Marathon
Ethiopian Tsegaye Kebede won the 63rd edition of the famous Fukuoka Marathon, while elite director for the London Marathon, Dave Bedford, has assembled another world-class field for next year’s race.
Günther Weidlinger Triumphs at the Great Australian Run
Austrian record holder in the marathon, Günther Weidlinger is having a fantastic autumn. Last month, he ran a 2:10 marathon in Frankfurt and on Sunday he won the Great Australian Run.
34,000 Runners: Record Turnout for Africa’s Largest Race
In the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa on Sunday, 34,000 runners took part in the continent’s largest race.
Tirunesh Dibaba Breaks 15K World Record
The Ethiopian, Tirunesh Dibaba, broke the world record for 15K this weekend on an incredibly challenging course in the Netherlands. Her husband, Sileshi Sihine, won the men’s race.
Josephat Ngetich Scores His First Win in Athens
Josephat Ngetich of Kenya and Akemi Ozaki of Japan triumph in the 27th edition of the Athens Classic Marathon, winning on the tough historical course from Marathon to Athens.
Meb Keflezighi and Derartu Tulu Make History in New York
Olympic silver medallist in 2004, American Meb Keflezighi won the 40th New York City Marathon, while Derartu Tulu is the first Ethiopian woman to be crowned in laurels in New York. In the wheelchair division, a photo finish decides the men’s race, while the woman’s race is decided in the final kilometers.
Best Marathon Field Ever Assembled for New York
The 40th edition of the New York City Marathon is sure to be an exciting one with one of the toughest fields ever assembled for the men and the world-record holder, Paula Radcliffe, headlining the women. In the wheelchair division, Paralympic medalists and marathon champs will square off.
Kirwa and Weidlinger Enjoy Record-Breaking Spree in Frankfurt
With 350,000 people lining the streets, Gilbert Kirwa breaks the Frankfurt Marathon course record, while Agnes Kiprop takes the women’s title. Meanwhile in England, Mo Farah wins the Bupa Great South Run. At the Venice Marathon, John Komen triumphs for Kenya.
Yegon Breaks Gebrselassie’s Course Record in Amsterdam
The Kenyan dominance of large-city marathons continues as Gilbert Yegon wins in Amsterdam. Meanwhile in Frankfurt, a large elite field has been assembled, while in Beijing, World Champion Xue Bai wins one in front of a hometown crowd.
Tadese and Keitany Win World Half-Marathon Titles
Zersenay Tadese and Mary Keitany win gold with outstanding times at the World Half-Marathon Championships, while Dathan Ritzenhein wins America’s first medal. At the Boston Half-Marathon, Martin Fagan misses record, but just by one second.
Wanjiru Breaks Record; Shobukhova Succeeds at the Chicago Marathon
With temperatures barely above freezing, 45,000 runners took part in the 32nd running of the Chicago Marathon. Sammy Wanjiru of Kenya won the men’s race, while Liliya Shobukhova of Russia proved victorious in the women’s race.
Wanjiru, Mikitenko, and Kastor Ready for the Windy City
The 35th running of the Chicago Marathon takes place this Sunday. Approximately 45,000 runners will participate. Irina Mikitenko—who is interviewed in this article—and Deena Kastor are expected to compete for the women’s title, while Sammy Wanjiru is the men’s favorite.
Kenyan Triumph in Portugal; Americans Run Well at Home
Kenyans dominate the men’s and women’s half-marathon in Lisbon while in the United States, Olympic silver medalist, Meb Keflezighi won the Rock ‘n’ Roll Half-Marathon in San Jose and Andy Baddeley and Shanon Rowbury proved victorious in the Fifth Avenue Mile.
Martin Lel Wins Half Marathon in Newcastle
Three key races took place this weekend—all marathon tune-up races on fast courses. Martin Lel won the Great North Run. Siblings Moses and Linet Masai triumphed at the “Dam tot Dam” run, while Ryan Hall proves his fitness for the ING New York City Marathon by winning the Philadelphia Distance Run.
Haile Gebrselassie Wins the Berlin Marathon Title for Fourth Time
The Ethiopian Haile Gebrselassie continues his long-standing dominance in the marathon, winning for the fourth time—a new record. Fellow countrywomen Astede Besuye took the women’s race.
Gebrselassie and Kibet Take on the World Record in Berlin
The fall marathon season kicks off Sunday with one of the largest match-ups in marathon history when Haile Gebrselassie faces Duncan Kibet at the Berlin Marathon. A record 41,000 runners from 122 countries will be taking part in the marathon.
Meseret Defar Doubles in Thessaloniki
Ethiopian runners did incredibly well at the World Athletics Final in Thessaloniki as Meseret Defar doubles and Kenenisa Bekele wins the 3,000m. Meanwhile in Rotterdam, Sammy Kitwara runs the sixth-fastest half-marathon of all time.
Kenenisa Bekele Triumphs in AF Golden League Finale
Kenenisa Bekele won the 5,000m in Brussels, while the Kenyan team smashes the 32-year-old World Record in the 1500m relay. In other news, Eliud Kipchoge won the Bupa Great Yorkshire Run and Vivian Cheruoyot was victorious in the women’s 5K in London.
With a Win in Zurich, Bekele on Track to Win AF Golden League Series
Kenenisa Bekele won the 5,000m in Zurich this past weekend. In the same race, Dathan Ritzenhein broke the American record, while in Frankfurt, a world-class field has been compiled for the marathon in October.
WCh Results: Kenenisa Bekele Made Championship History
Kenenisa Bekele won the 5,000m final on Sunday, which was the first time anyone has won gold at both distance events on the track at the World Championships. In the women’s 1500m final, an inadvertent tripping incident near the end gives Maryam Yusuf Yamal the gold.
WCh Results: Xue Bai’s Dreams Come True in Berlin
In warm conditions, 71 of the best women marathoners in the world gave their all at the World Championship Marathon in Berlin. China’s Xue Bai won the race in a dramatic finish.
WCh Results: Kenya Upsets Ethiopia in the 5,000m
Like the 10,000m final, Kenya upsets Ethiopia in the 5,000m final as Vivian Cheruiyot makes good with her pre-race prediction.
WCh Results: Abel Kirui Wins Marathon Gold for Kenya
A great day for Kenya as Abel Kirui wins the gold medal and sets a new World Championship record in Berlin on a very warm day.
WCh Results: Yusuf Saad Kamel on the Verge of a Double
The men’s 1500m champion, Yusuf Saad Kamel (Bahrain) has now reached the final of the 800 metres. Will the son of the Kenyan former double world 800m champion Billy Konchellah achieve the double?
WCh News: Can Kara Goucher Take on the Africans?
America’s best hope for a marathon medal, Kara Goucher, has been training hard and racing well as she prepares to take on an African powerhouse on Sunday.
WCh Results: Kenenisa Bekele Wants to Make World Championship History
All Ethiopian eyes are on Kenenisa Bekele as he prepares to make world championship history by winning the 5,000m and 10,000m events. He qualified easily for the 5,000m final, winning the first heat on Thursday.
WCh Results: Konchellah’s Son Kamel Triumphs in the 1500m
The son of a two-time world champion, Yusuf Saad Kamel won the 1500m final. South Africa has a new champion in the 800m while the women’s 5,000m is shaping up to be an exciting race.
WCh News: From Mixing Records to Breaking Them—Meet Ezekiel Kemboi
Twenty-seven-year-old Ezekiel Kemboi just won the steeplechase gold in Berlin. But he’s not your run-of-the-mill world-class Kenyan. He’s a talented runner with a unique personality.
WCh News: Kenenisa Bekele Brings Gold Back to Ethiopia
After winning four consecutive world championships titles over 10,000m, Kenenisa Bekele may go for championship history on Sunday by being the first to win the 5,000m and 10,000m events.
WCh Results: Two Medals for Kenya, European Record for France
Kenya wins two medals in the men’s steeplechase with Ezekiel Kemboi setting a championship record. In addition, Bob Tahri of France ran a new European record.
WCh Results: Bekele Makes It Four, Dominguez Triumphs
Ethiopian distance phenomenon Kenenisa Bekele surged in the bell lap to win his fourth title in the 10,000m, while Spanish runner Marta Dominguez brings home the gold for Spain in the women’s steeplechase.
WCh News: Paul Koech Hungry for Big Race in Berlin
Paul Koech is on a mission to win the steeplechase gold in Berlin. The youngest of seven children from a small village in Kenya, Koech is not only just a world-class runner, but also a generous philanthropist and wonderful coach as well.
WCh Results: Kenyans Dominate Steeplechase Heats
The Kenyan runners are on track to dominate the men’s 3,000m steeplechase after their impressive performance at the preliminary heats on Sunday.
WCh Results: Linet Masai Makes Kenya Proud
In the final stretch of the 10,000m in Berlin’s Olympic stadium, Kenya prevailed in a hard-fought race against rival Ethiopia.
World Championship Preview (Part 4): Will Paula Radcliffe Run the Marathon?
Will Paula Radcliffe compete in the marathon? Can Kara Goucher surprise the field or will the medals go to the Ethiopian squad? With the withdrawal of Irina Mikitenko, the women’s marathon is now wide open.
World Championship Preview (Part 3): High Expectations for the Men’s Marathon
The men’s World Championships marathon, always an exciting event, will take place next Saturday on a fast course that loops around Berlin’s historic Brandenburg Gate.
World Championship Preview (Part 2): Will Ethiopian Women Win Again?
Ethiopian fireworks are sure to take place in the women’s 5,000m and 10,000m as two of the fastest distance runners, Tirunesh Dibaba and Meseret Defar, face off in Berlin.
World Championship Preview (Part 1): Bekele on the Brink of Another Record
Kenenisa Bekele will be taking center stage in the long distance track events at the World Championships—the Ethiopian could make World Championship history.
Kenya Selects its World Championship Team
Slots for the Kenyan World Championship team were up for grabs in Nairobi this weekend while Tirunesh Dibaba made a successful return to racing in London.
Berlin Marathon Awarded Historic Honor from AIMS
The Berlin Marathon has just been named the “Marathon of the Decade” by the AIMS, a first in the history of racing. Bekele continues his undefeated streak in the Golden League matches, and a terrific Kenyan showdown is shaping up in Frankfurt.
Defar Triumphs in the Rain Again and Dips Under 30 Minutes
Ethiopian Meseret Defar qualifies for the World Championships with a sub-30 minute 10,000m. Siblings Catherine and Cirus Ndereba both win a 10K in England, while Bekele goes under 13 minutes for 5,000m in Rome.
KIMbia’s Lineth Chepkurui Continues Strong Winning Streak in Atlanta
55,000 people celebrated Independence Day weekend in Atlanta by participating in the Peachtree 10K Road race. Kenyans Lineth Chepkurui and Sammy Kitwara emerged victorious in one of the largest 10K races in the world.
Thunderstorms Can’t Stop Bekele and Defar in Oslo
The athletes battled each other and the elements in Oslo, with Meseret Defar overcoming stomach cramps to claim victory.
All Eyes Look to Berlin, as IAAF Trials Begin across the World
Across the world, athletes gear up for the World Championships in Berlin. Kara Goucher wins in the U.S. Women’s 5,000m in Eugene. Linet Masai and Sammy Kitwara secure slots on the Kenyan national team. More results, and the winning times from Seattle’s inaugural half-marathon and the 100K in Torhout, Belgium.
Races to Watch During This Year’s USATF Outdoor Championships
With a trip to the World Championships in Berlin on the line, America’s top athletes have arrived in Eugene, Oregon for the USATF Outdoor Championships. As the excitement builds, Take The Magic Step looks at four races that should prove memorable.
Melkamu Lights up the Track in Utrecht
Last weekend was a great weekend for Ethiopian runners. Meselech Melkamu set a new African record in the 10,000m and Kenenisa Bekele made a victorious comeback in the 5,000m.
Team KIMbia Shines at the 33rd Annual Bellin Run
Team KIMbia ran well at the 33rd annual Bellin Run in Green Bay, Wisconsin on Saturday—finishing first and second in the men’s division and taking second and third in the women’s division. In the 50-54 year-old age group, Joan Benoit Samuelson broke a 20-year-old record.
Kosgei Goes Under 33 Minutes at the New York Mini 10K
Haile Gebrselassie (Ethiopia) will be going for his world record at the Berlin Marathon in September; Sammy Wanjiru of Kenya has decided not to run it and will instead run a fall marathon in the United States. In New York City’s Central Park, Rose Kosgei (Kenya) won the New York Mini 10K in commanding fashion.
Erkesso Overcomes Aches and Pains to Win Freihofer’s Run for Women
The Ethiopian Teyba Erkesso wins one of the largest women’s only races in the world despite a headache and backache. Haile Gebrselassie goes for another one of his world records. In Puerto Rico, KIMbia’s John Yuda places in the top three again, rounding a fantastic running month.
Korir and Petrova Run Outstanding Races in Los Angeles
Wesley Korir of Kenya triumphs at the Los Angeles Marathon, breaking the course record and setting a five-minute personal best. In Ottawa and Boulder, the Ethiopians dominate at the 10K. In London, Mo Farah sets a new British record.
Gebrselassie and Cheruiyot Brave the Winds in Manchester
A summary of the top three road races—Bupa Great Manchester Run, Healthy Kidney 10K and Bay to Breakers 12K—held on 16-17 May.
KIMbia’s Athletic Hopefuls Take to the Roads
An overview of the KIMbia team and their upcoming performances on the U.S. road racing circuit.
Deena Kastor and Micah Kogo Triumph in Edinburgh
Deena Kastor (USA) took the Bupa Great Edinburgh Run (10K) and therewith made a perfect comeback to the international road racing scene. Micah Kogo (KEN) was the winner of the men’s race. In Dusseldorf, David Langat (KEN) and Susanne Hahn (GER) triumphed at the Metro Group Marathon.
Pre-Race Favorites Wanjiru and Mikitenko Triumph in London
Sammy Wanjiru (KEN) won the men’s London Marathon after a thrilling duel with Tsegay Kebede (ETH). His time was a course record and the ninth-fastest marathon in history. In the women’s race, Irina Mikitenko (GER) won for the second straight time—with the fastest time in the world this year.
Big Names, Big Expectations in Store for London
On April 26th some of the best marathoners in the world will toe the line at the London Marathon. Among the favorites in the men’s race will be Martin Lel (KEN) and Sammy Wanjiru (KEN), as well as Irina Mikitenko (GER), Constantina Dita (ROU), Catherine Ndereba (KEN) und Zhou Chunxiu (CHN) in the women’s race.
Merga and Kosgei Crowned in Laurels at the 113th Boston Marathon
The Boston Marathon’s historic setting was once again a race of superlatives: it did not just provide the closest finish in history in the open women’s field, but the open men’s field held surprises and twists and turns that kept spectators riveted.
Gilbert Kirwa and Andrea Mayr Win the Vienna Marathon
Gilbert Kirwa (Kenya) won the Vienna Marathon in warm conditions with third-fastest time in its history. In the women’s race, Andrea Mayr celebrated a home win and broke the national record. She is the first Austrian champion in the women’s race since 1987.
The 2009 Boston Marathon Preview
What will unfold when the starting gun goes off and who will cross the finish line as the winner of the 113th running of this storied race? Take The Magic Step® writer Duncan Larkin provides a preview of the top runners facing this challenging course.
Boston Set to Kick Off the World Marathon Majors
The Boston Marathon on April 20th will be the first race in the World Marathon Majors (WMM) series this year. Among the favorites in the men’s race will be Ryan Hall (USA) and Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot (KEN), as well as Kara Goucher (USA) and Dire Tune (ETH) in the women’s race.
Marathon History as Kibet Sets New Kenyan Record in Rotterdam!
Duncan Kibet triumphed at the Rotterdam Marathon on Sunday—he set not only a Kenyan record for the marathon, but also ran the third-fastest time for the marathon ever. The Paris Marathon was taken by Vincent Kipruto of Kenya and Atsede Bayisa of Ethiopia.
April: The Biggest Marathon Month of the Year!
Take The Magic Step® previews the biggest and best marathons being held around the world during the next four weeks.
Africa’s Runners Dominate the World Cross-Country Championships
Once again, African runners have proven their domination of cross country; they decided the outcome in all four races of the World Cross-Country Championships in Amman, Jordan. On Sunday, Micah Kogo (Kenya) set a world record for 10K on the roads in Brunssum, Netherlands—improving the seven-year-old record held by Haile Gebrselassie.
35,000 Runners Battle the Wind in the Tokyo Marathon
In windy conditions, Salim Kipsang (Kenya) and Mizuho Nasukawa (Japan) won the Tokyo Marathon. At the Rome Marathon, Benjamin Kiptoo of Kenya broke the course record. Meanwhile, Martin Lel (Kenya) and Kara Goucher (USA) triumphed at the Lisbon Half-Marathon and gave a clear sign that they are in top form for their April marathons.
Kitwara Edges Out Gebrselassie in the City-Pier-City Half-Marathon
The Kenyan, Sammy Kirop Kitwara, won the 35th “City-Pier-City” half-marathon in The Hague. He won after a sprint duel with Haile Gebrselassie at the finish. In South Korea, the Kenyan, Moses Arusei, and Robe Tola of Ethiopia were the winners at the Seoul Marathon.
Mo Farah Sets New 3,000m Championship Record in Turin
Mo Farah (Britain) won the 3,000-meter final in a championship record setting time at the European Indoor Championships in Turin. The Japanese Yoshiko Fujinaga triumphed at the Nagoya Marathon during which her compatriot and national heroine Naoko Takahashi was running her farewell marathon. Takahashi was the first woman to break the 2:20 hour barrier in marathon.
Paul Tergat Returns to Greatness in Japan
Paul Tergat (Kenya) took the Lake Biwa Marathon in Japan on Sunday—his first win in the marathon since his New York triumph in 2005. Meseret Defar (Ethiopia) won the 2-mile race at the meet in Prague on Thursday and along with that broke her second world indoor record in eight days!
Five Runners Dip under the Hour at the Ras Al Khaimah Half-Marathon
En route to his win at the RAK Half-Marathon, Patrick Makau Musyoki (Kenya) set a world best for 20 kilometers. In the women’s race, Dire Tune (Ethiopia) ran the fastest time this year and broke the course record. This past week in Stockholm, Meseret Defar (Ethiopia) set a new 5,000-meter world indoor record.
A Big Week for Surprises and Broken Records
The French, Mehdi Baala, broke his country’s 1,500-meter record in Karlsruhe, Germany, while Italian runner Elisa Cusma ran the fastest 800-meter time in the world this year and broke the Italian record. In Fayetteville, Arkansas, Galen Rupp ran to a new indoor 5,000m American record.
Indoor Excitement Abounds in Europe and Boston
There were some phenomenal performances indoors this weekend. In Stuttgart, Meseret Defar went after her own 3,000 meter World record and nearly got it, while Bernard Lagat won the men’s 5,000m. In Boston, Shalane Flanagan broke the American record for the 5,000m. And in Gent, Haron Keitany set the fastest time of the year at 1,500m.
Lucky Seven for Lagat at the 102nd Annual Millrose Games
Bernard Lagat made Millrose Games history this weekend when he recorded his seventh win in the mile event. His win tied legendary Irish runner, Eamonn Coghlan’s record for the most wins at Millrose.
Yoko Shibui Makes a Comeback in Osaka
29-year-old Japanese Yoko Shibui took the Osaka Marathon in 2:23:42 hours—a World Championship-qualifying time. Fellow countrywomen Yukiko Akaba (2:25:40/debut) and Yumiko Hara (2:26:57) placed second and third respectively.
Despite the Conditions, Haile Gebrselassie Shows Courage in Dubai
Haile Gebrselassie emerged as the clear winner of the Dubai Marathon, running blazing 2:05:29 hours—in spite of unusual weather in Dubai. There was also a clear-cut champion in the women’s race: Bezunesh Bekele of Ethiopia won in 2:24:02.
Egmond Half Marathon Attracts 13,000 Beach Runners
Wilson Kipsang (Kenya) won the men’s race of the 37th Annual Egmond Half-Marathon in 65:36 minutes. 21-year-old Ethiopian Workitu Ayanu got the better of pre-race favorite, Hilda Kibet, and won the women’s race by a big margin in 1:16:33 hours.
Xiamen Marathon in China Attracts 33,000 Runners
One of the first marathons in 2009, the Xiamen Marathon, was held on Saturday. Samuel Muturi, a Kenyan, won the men’s race and broke the course record in 2:08:51 hours. The 20-year-old relatively unknown Chinese runner Chen Rong took the women’s race in 2:29:52.
