Athletics

Kenyan long-distance runner Caroline Gitonga on Sunday, 22 February, moved inside the top 10 of the world all-time list in the women’s 10 kilometers road running, after setting a new personal best in Spain.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsGitonga, twin sister to another Kenyan athlete, Purity, won this year’s 10K Facsa Castellón in a time of 29:34, to move into ninth spot on the world all-time list.By doing so, the 29-year-old, who was taking part in her first race of 2026, also took seconds off her previous personal best in the distance – 30:46, which she set during last year’s edition of the World Athletics Label road race.Caroline Gitonga 🇰🇪🇰🇪 wins after running a 29.34 at the 10k FACSA Castellón. Congratulations 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 Caro 😍😍!#running #kenya #sports #athleticskenya pic.twitter.com/o0SvYGv7HW— Evangeline Mukua. (@mukua_karimi) February 22, 2026 Caroline won by 11 seconds ahead of her compatriot Nelvin Jepkemboi, who came second in 29:45, with Ethiopia’s Chaltu Dida third ..

The 2026 edition of the Kip Keino Classic could make a return to Nyayo National Stadium on Friday, 24 April, as organizers push for a bigger and more electrifying showpiece.Last year’s event was staged at the Ulinzi Sports Complex due to renovation works at both Nyayo and Kasarani Stadiums. Follow our WhatsApp channel for newsHowever, Athletics Kenya Youth Development chairman Barnaba Korir has revealed that discussions are at an advanced stage to confirm Nyayo as the venue for this year’s World Continental Tour Gold meeting.“Today at the Nyayo National Stadium, I met with Sports Stadia Director General Mr. Timothy Kilimo, Julius, Diana, and Jimmy as we work on confirming the venue for the Kip Keino Classic on April 24. The chances are very high that we’ll host it here,” Korir shared on X.##NAJAVA_MECA_9536847##He added that preparations are already in full swing to ensure the meet delivers a world-class experience.“We are now working full throttle as a federation with the government a..

The men’s pole vault world record holder, Mondo Duplantis, has sent fans into a frenzy with his pitch-perfect voice.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsThe Louisiana-born Olympic champion, who competes for his mother’s homeland, Sweden, recently had a live performance of his song Feeling Myself released by a Swedish streaming service on Saturday, 20 February. Magical Kenya Open golfers thrilled after experiencing Kenya’s wildlife and hospitalityKnown globally for soaring over record-breaking heights, Duplantis displayed a smooth, laid-back vocal style that mirrors the calm confidence he exudes in competition.The performance comes just months after the 26-year-old set the pole vault world record for the 14th time, clearing a staggering 6.30 meters (20 feet 8 inches) at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo in August 2025. ##NAJAVA_MECA_9537391##Already widely regarded as the greatest pole vaulter of his generation, Duplantis continues to raise the bar.Music, it turns out, is n..

Kenyan marathoner Mathew Samperu has received a three-year ban by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) after testing positive for the presence/use of a prohibited substance, testosterone.The 32-year-old tested positive after winning (1:04:23) the Pertamina ECO Runfest half-marathon in November last year. He went on to pick silver (2:15:46) at the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon on 7 December, a result that has also been disqualified.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsAdditionally, the ban includes the forfeiture of any medals, titles, awards, points, prizes, prize money, and appearance money.On 23 November 2025, Samperu provided an in-competition urine sample at the Pertamina ECO Runfest held in Jakarta, Indonesia. On 19 January 2026, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) accredited laboratory in Bangkok, Thailand, reported the Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) in the sample based on the presence of testosterone and its metabolites, androsterone, etiocholanolone, SaAdiol, and 5ẞ..

Former World Cross Country bronze medalist (2017) and Africa Games 5000m (2019) champion Lilian Kasait announced herself in the marathon world with a course record at Sunday’s Daegu Marathon, clocking a sub 2:20 on her debut in the classic distance.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsKasait clocked 2:19:35 to cross the finish line 19 seconds ahead of Ethiopia’s Buze Diriba (2:19:54), despite taking a nasty fall just 400m from the finish line. Another Kenyan, Evaline Chirchir, closed the podium places in 2:20:51, as all three women went under the previous course mark of 2:21:08 set by Ruti Aga in 2024.For her exploits, Kasait bagged Ksh28.8 million ($200,000), the winning prize for this year’s event, which makes it the largest in Daegu Marathon history. This is a 25% increase from last year’s Ksh20.5 million ($160,000) and exceeds the Ksh19.2 million ($150,000) prize of the Boston Marathon in the U.S., known for its high prize money.Auditor-general reveals Talanta Stadium illegally..

Four-time world 1500m champion Faith Kipyegon has expanded her endorsement portfolio after securing a new ambassadorial partnership with leading Kenyan maize milling company 210 (Two Ten).Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsThe three-time Olympic champion and 1500m world record holder announced the collaboration through her social media platforms, marking another significant commercial milestone ahead of what promises to be a demanding 2026 season.Hull City’s Harambee Stars prospect nears return after one year injury layoffThe partnership represents a strategic win for both parties. For 210, aligning with one of Kenya’s most decorated athletes enhances its brand visibility locally and internationally, tapping into Kipyegon’s global reputation and strong digital presence.For the athlete, the deal not only strengthens her growing list of endorsements but also provides greater financial stability as she prepares for another competitive campaign on the world stage.##NAJAVA_MECA_954698..

Olympic silver medallist Timothy Cheruiyot has set his sights on a statement 2026 season, declaring his intention to challenge for top honours at the Commonwealth Games, dominate the Diamond League circuit and make a strong push at the World Ultimate Championships.Follow Our WhatsApp Channel For More NewsThe 30-year-old signalled that intent early on Saturday, 14 February at the Sirikwa Classic Cross Country Tour, where he opened his campaign with a solid performance in the men’s 2km race.Cheruiyot clocked 5:54 to finish third behind rising star Reynold Cheruiyot (5:52) and Daniel Munguti (5:54) after a sharp sprint finish that underlined both his fitness and competitive edge.##NAJAVA_MECA_9547090##For an athlete rebuilding momentum after a demanding season, it was a measured but meaningful start.“I am happy with the results. It was a good start for me and a good opener to the season,” Cheruiyot said.With the cross-country outing behind him, the former world champion has already shifte..

Reigning World 800m champion Lilian Odira will renew her rivalry with Britain’s Georgia Hunter Bell and Keely Hodgkinson when the trio headline a mouth-watering showdown at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene on Saturday, 4 July.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsThe clash reunites the entire podium from last year’s World Athletics Championships, where all three dipped under 1:55 in a dramatic final.Timothy Cheruiyot plots 2026 global dominance and 5,000m switchOdira, Hunter Bell, and Hodgkinson will meet again at Hayward Field in a race named in honour of 800m great Maria Mutola, promising another high-octane showdown at the Eugene leg of the Wanda Diamond League.Reigning Olympic champion and two-time Diamond League winner Keely Hodgkinson arrives with history in her sights.##NAJAVA_MECA_9546927##The Briton has set her sights on the women’s 800m world record of 1:53.28, a mark set by Jarmila Kratochvilova in 1983 and the longest-standing world record in track and field.After clock..

Olympic legend and national hero Kipchoge Keino will, on Saturday, 7 March, flag off the inaugural Daystar University Charity Run, dubbed the L.A.P Run, at the Nairobi Arboretum.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsThe L.A.P (Laban Ayiro Peter) Run is a fundraising initiative aimed at raising scholarships for students facing financial challenges.The maiden 2026 edition is expected to bring together students, staff, alumni, and members of the wider community in a shared mission to uplift underprivileged learners within the Daystar University community, including students living with disabilities and international students experiencing financial difficulties while studying away from home.Lilian Odira among star-studded 800m contingent confirmed for Prefontaine ClassicParticipants will have the option to run or walk distances of 5km, 10km, or 21km, with all routes starting and finishing at the Nairobi Arboretum.According to the organizers, the event has been designed to encourage part..

Former Citizen TV presenter Janet Mbugua is beaming with pride after her son became the first beneficiary of a new sprint development program spearheaded by Africa’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsThe youngster is set to enroll at the newly launched Omanyala Sprint Club at Crawford International School, a program designed to nurture budding sprinters from a young age.The launch marks the second school-based sprint club under the Omanyala Foundation, coming just days after the first was unveiled at Merishaw School in December 2025.Speaking during the launch, Mbugua described the initiative as a timely solution for parents seeking structured sprint training for their children.Lilian Odira among star-studded 800m contingent confirmed for Prefontaine Classic“I was very honored to be here today as Ferdinand Omanyala launched a sprinting club for students, something that I’ve always wanted. One of my sons has shown a lot of potential in sprinting fro..