STAUNCH ARSENAL SUPPORTER APHISA MASHI WATCHING ARSENAL BEAT CHELSEA AT THE EMIRATES | PICTURES | UEFA WOMEN’S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

 

FAITH KIPYEGON NAMES THE REAL HEROES OF HER FAILED BREAKING4 ATTEMPT

Faith Kipyegon and her pacemaker during the Breaking4. Photo: Imago

Faith Kipyegon failed in her bid to make history when she did not manage to run a mile under four minutes but she has reserved special praise for certain individuals.

Multiple world and Olympics champion Faith Kipyegon has achieved virtually everything over the 1,500m distance but she has still been testing the limits

One of those was in June when she attempted to be the first woman to run a mile under four minutes in a race dubbed Breaking4.

Donning a special gear and shoes, Kipyegon was backed by 13 pacemakers at the Stade Sebastien Charlety in Paris on June 26, but she failed in her attempt, clocking 4:06.42 after a great run.

Looking back four months later, Kipyegon says she might not have managed to make history but what made it more special is the fact that she was backed by an elite group of pacemakers who comprise some of the world’s top middle-distance runners.

The pacemakers included 11 men, led by American Grant Fisher, the world record holder in the short track 3000m and 5000m, as well as distance specialists such as Cooper Teare (12:54 in 5000m), Craig Engels (3:51.60 mile), Australia’s Stewart McSweyn (3:48.37 mile), Dutch stars Niels Laros (3:29 in 3,000m) and Stefan Nillessen (3:29 in 1,500m), Irishman Cathal Doyle (3:53 mile), and Briton Elliot Giles (3:49.16 mile).

Faith Kipyegon Reserved Special Praise for Her Pacers

Faith Kipyegon salutes fans after her failed Breaking4 attempt. Photo: Imago

Kenya’s Wycliffe Kinyamal, the two-time Commonwealth 800m champion, Olympics bronze medalist and world 800m silver medalist Georgia Hunter Bell with Ugandan 800m specialist Halimah Nakaayi (PB 1:57) also part of the lineup.

“I was so grateful to the pacemakers…the best runners in the world for coming to help me to dare the dream of running under four minutes,” said Kipyegon of her pacemakers who she has termed the ‘best team ever.”

“That was truly special to have Niels Laros inside the race and Grant Fisher and the rest of the team. That was so incredible, you know. I was not expecting to have such high-class athletes pacing the Breaking4,” she added, regarding the race that was organized and backed by her sponsors Nike.

“For them to just come and help me out and the ladies Georgia Bell and Jemma Reekie that was really special. I felt so grateful to think that they came out to help me.”

Kipyegon may have missed the mark but she expressed a willingness to try out again in the near future although she followed that disappointment with a new world record in 1,500m, a fourth world title over the distance, before defending her Athlos crown to end the season in style.

- Joel Omotto 

CHICAGO MARATHON WINNERS KIPLIMO, FEYSA EARN $100K IN PRIZE MONEY

Elite runners target the Chicago Marathon for record attempts because of the often-favorable weather and the flat course.
ILLUSTRATION BY SPORTICO, PHOTO BY MICHAEL REAVES/GETTY IMAGES

In his second-ever marathon, Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo won the men’s pro race at the 2025 Chicago Marathon, covering the 26.2 miles in 2:02:23. This was a personal best time by more than a minute for Kiplimo, who’s sponsored by Nike, and the seventh-fastest men’s marathon time ever.

It was also the second-fastest time ever run in Chicago behind the late Kelvin Kiptum, who won the 2023 Chicago Marathon in a world-record 2:00:35. 

Kenyan Amos Kipruto, sponsored by Adidas, finished in second in an unofficial 2:03:52, followed by countryman Alex Masai, a Nike athlete, in 2:04:37. American Conner Mantz, also sponsored by Nike, finished fourth in 2:04:43, breaking Khalid Khannouchi’s American men’s marathon record of 2:05:38.

“[Breaking the American men’s marathon record] was a great feeling,” Mantz said on the NBC5 Chicago broadcast after the race. “Those last few miles were really tough. Even with a few miles to go, I started doing the math about what pace I needed [to maintain to get the record]. Fortunately I got to work with Alex Masai those last 10 miles. … Unfortunately, I couldn’t beat him, but he got third place, first podium finish, big PR for him.”

Kiplimo will take home $100,000 for his win. Kipruto takes $75,000 for second place, and Masai earns $50,000. Mantz will get $30,000 for his fourth-place finish plus an additional $15,000 in prize money for being the top American finisher.

Ethiopia’s Hawi Feysa, sponsored by Adidas, won the women’s pro race at the 47th Chicago Marathon with a time of 2:14:56. Feysa ran side-by-side with Magdalena Shauri of Tanzania through the first 25 kilometers, but by the 30K mark, Feysa had opened up about a 10-second gap on the rest of the field. The Ethiopian continued to add to her lead, crossing the line two-plus minutes faster than countrywoman Megertu Alemu, who got second in 2:17:18. Shauri rounds out the women’s podium with a 2:18:03 finish.

“Winning here has been amazing. I worked really hard, I trained really hard to have this victory,” Feysa said after the race through a translator. “My coach has been extremely instrumental in this training block.He has given me really hard training that has helped me.”

Feysa earned $100,000 for her win, with $75,000 and $50,000 going to Alemu and Shauri, respectively, for their finishes.

Natosha Rogers was the top U.S. woman, finishing sixth overall in 2:23:28, a personal-best time. The 34-year-old Rogers was followed by fellow Americans Dakotah Popehn and Gabi Rooker in seventh and eighth. While they miss out on overall prize money, which only goes to the top five men’s and women’s finishers, the three women will take home $15,000, $12,000 and $10,000 for their finishes as the top Americans.

“Every ounce of everything you have goes into this to get to the start line, let alone the finish line, let alone finish as top American,” Rogers, who is sponsored by Puma, said post-race. “So much of it is mental, mind over matter.”

In the men’s wheelchair race, Switzerland’s Marcel Hug opened up a 93-second lead by the halfway mark and didn’t let up, breaking the tape in 1:23:20, four minutes and a full mile ahead of Great Britain’s David Weir in second. Hug’s time was less than a minute off of his Chicago Marathon course record of 1:22:37, set in 2023. 

“It was pretty tough, chasing for a course record,” Hug said after the race. “I was trying very hard, and I went all in. The last 10K, I was too tired.”

This was Hug’s fourth straight Chicago Marathon win and his sixth ever, making him the most decorated men’s wheelchair racer in Chicago Marathon history. “That was not in my mind, to be honest, but to beat this record is incredible,” he said. “It really means a lot to me.”

After leading for the duration of the race, American Susannah Scaroni won the women’s wheelchair race in 1:38:14, her second Chicago Marathon victory. Behind her, Switzerland’s Manuela Schär and American Tatyana McFadden crossed the line in 1:39:03 and 1:39:04 for second and third, respectively, in a sprint finish. 

Scaroni struggled in last year’s race with a flat tire at mile 3, so this year’s win provided redemption. “When I got to mile 3 today, I felt like, ‘We’re making it!’” Scaroni said post-race.

Hug and Scaroni will each receive $40,000 in prize money for their wins. Weir and Schär each earn $30,000 for second. Third through sixth places also take home prize money.

The total prize purse for the 2025 Chicago Marathon is $908,000, up from $890,000 in 2023 but down from $913,000 in 2024. This year, the winners of the Masters men’s and women’s divisions receive $2,000 each; in 2024, the second and third place masters runners took home a prize bonus as well, something not given this year. (The Chicago Marathon did not return an email request for comment on the reduction in prize money.)

Additionally, the top five runners receive points toward the Abbott World Marathon Majors elite series. At the end of the cycle, which ends with the New York City Marathon next month, the three runners with the most points will receive a prize bonus.

- BETTE CANTER

UGANDA'S JACOB KIPLIMO STUNS KENYAN DUO TO WIN 2025 BANK OF AMERICA CHICAGO MARATHON

Uganda's Jacob Kiplimo dominated the race from the 35 kilometer mark before going on to cross the finish line of the 2025 Chicago Marathon first in 2:02:23.

ATHLETICS
UGANDA'S JACOB KIPLIMO STUNS KENYAN DUO TO WIN

Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo delivered a masterclass on the streets of Chicago to win the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, clocking an astonishing 2:02:23 — a new personal best — and firmly stamping his authority among the world’s greatest distance runners.

The 24-year-old Ugandan, better known for his exploits over the half marathon, outclassed a star-studded field that included multiple world medallists from Kenya and Ethiopia. 

In doing so, he shattered his previous marathon best by over a minute, signalling his seamless transition to the full 42.195 kilometres.

How Race Unfolded

The men’s elite pack exploded off the start line at a blistering pace, hitting the 5km mark in 13:58, led by an all-Kenyan contingent of John Korir, Timothy Kiplagat, Amos Kipruto, Philemon Kiplimo Kimaiyo, and Jacob Kiplimo, who was then listed as Kenyan in early race data.

By the halfway mark, the lead quintet went through in 1:00:16, maintaining a predicted finish time of just above the two-hour barrier — dangerously close to world record territory.

At 25km, Korir and Kiplimo began to separate from the rest of the field, clocking 1:11:12, with Kipruto trailing by ten seconds. 

The two then exchanged surges, but it was Kiplimo who decisively broke away shortly after 30km, producing a devastating burst that left even the seasoned Kenyans unable to respond.

By 35km, the Ugandan had built a commanding 70-second lead and was still running on near world-record pace, clocking 1:39:53 to Kipruto’s 1:41:05. Though he slowed slightly in the final miles, his effort was enough to finish more than a minute clear of his nearest rival.

He crossed the line in 2:02:23, the second-fastest time ever recorded on American soil, and a mark that will resonate across the global marathon circuit.

Kenyans Settle For Second and Third

Kenya’s Amos Kipruto, the 2022 London Marathon champion, finished second in 2:03:54, while compatriot Alex Masai surged late to claim third in 2:04:37.

American Conner Mantz delighted the home crowd by finishing fourth in 2:04:43, breaking Khalid Khannouchi’s 23-year-old American record of 2:05:38. In a touching moment, Khannouchi — the Chicago legend — was on hand to congratulate Mantz at the finish line.

- Mark Kinyanjui 

UGANDAN STAR EMMANUEL OKWI RETIRES | 28 GOALS FOR UGANDA CRANES

 

OLYMPIC MARATHON RUNNER WHO WAS SET ON FIRE DIES IN HOSPITAL AFTER BEING VICTOM OF PETROL ATTACK

• Cheptegei, 33, suffered burns to 80 per cent of her body in the brutal attack
• Her organs failed last night and doctors were unable to save her, officials said

Ugandan Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei has succumbed to horrendous injuries sustained after she was doused in petrol and set alight in her home.

Cheptegei, 33, suffered burns to 80 per cent of her body in Sunday's brutal attack that was allegedly carried out by her ex-boyfriend, according to medical officials.

She was rushed to the intensive care unit at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya, in the hopes doctors could stabilise her.

But the facility's acting director Dr Owen Menach this morning confirmed Cheptegei died late last night.

'Unfortunately, we lost her after all her organs failed,' Menach told Kenyan press. 

The president of the Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) Donald Rukare said in a post on X today: 'We have learnt of the sad passing on of our Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei... following a vicious attack by her boyfriend.

'This was a cowardly and senseless act that has led to the loss of a great athlete. Her legacy will continue to endure,' he added. 

A press release from the UOC bearing Rukare's signature later urged law enforcement agencies 'to take swift and decisive action to bring the perpetrator to justice'.

The horrific incident took place just weeks after Cheptegei had taken part in the marathon at the Paris Olympics, where she placed 44th. 

Kenyan police confirmed the runner was attacked at her house in western Trans Nzoia County, close to the Ugandan border, where she had recently relocated to be closer to superior Kenyan training facilities. 

Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom said her former partner  Dickson Ndiema had bought a can of petrol, poured it on her and set her ablaze during a disagreement on Sunday.

Police discovered a five-litre jerry can, a bag, and a burned phone at the scene of the incident, according to Kenyan newspaper The Nation.

Rebecca's father Joseph Cheptegei, speaking earlier this week from hospital alongside his other daughter Evalyne Chelagat, claimed that the two were fighting over her land at Endebes in Trans Nzoia shortly before the alleged attack occurred. 

'They were just friends and I wonder why he wanted to take away things belonging to my daughter,' Cheptegei Snr told The Star, revealing also that his daughter's two children are fathered by a different man living in Uganda.

He went on to claim that Cheptegei and Ndiema — who he alleges have been separated for a long time — are involved in a case being investigated by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Kenya.

According to Cheptegei Snr and Police Commander Kosiom, the ex-boyfriend sneaked into his daughter's home to stage the attack.

'The boyfriend is believed to have sneaked into the compound at around 2pm on Sunday while the wife and the children were in Church,' Kosiom said, as per the Kenyan newspaper The Standard. 

'Upon returning, Dickson, who had procured petrol, began pouring it on Rebecca before he set her ablaze.

'The couple were heard quarrelling outside their house. During the altercation, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before burning her. 

'The suspect was also caught by the fire and sustained serious burns.'

According to Menach, the alleged ex-boyfriend attacker has also been admitted to the same hospital with 30 per cent burns.

A press release from the UOC bearing President Donald Rukare's signature urged law enforcement agencies 'to take swift and decisive action to bring the perpetrator to justice'

Meanwhile, Kenyan media reported that one of Cheptegei's daughters witnessed the assault at her mother's home.

'He kicked me while I tried to run to the rescue of my mother,' Kenya's The Standard reported her as saying.

'I immediately cried out for help, attracting a neighbour who tried to extinguish the flames with water, but it was not possible,' said the girl, who has not been named.

The Uganda Athletics Federation also reported Cheptegei's death and paid tribute to their athlete in a statement on X.

'We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei early this morning who tragically fell victim to domestic violence,' it said.

'As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest in peace.'

The fatal assault on Cheptegei comes two years after Kenyan-born athlete Damaris Mutua was found dead in Iten, a world-famous running hub in the Rift Valley.

And in 2021, record-breaking Kenyan runner Agnes Tirop, 25, was found stabbed to death at her home in Iten in October 2021. 

The promising young runner, who had won 10,000m bronze medals in two consecutive World Championships and came fourth in the 5000m at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, was found dead at her home in near Eldoret on October 13, 2021 in a pool of her own blood.

A coroner ruled she had died as a result of the massive blood loss from a series of savage stab wounds to her neck and abdomen.

The horrific discovery prompted authorities to launch a manhunt for her husband, Ibrahim Rotich.

He was detained hours later after a breathless late-night chase which only ended when the fleeing Rotich slammed his vehicle into a lorry as he sought to escape several police cars bearing down on him. 

Rotich is now on trial for the murder of his wife Tirop - a charge he denies. 

The trial only got underway in November last year, more than two years after Tirop's death, following a court's decision to release Rotich on bail following a lengthy period of detention.  

Everlyne Jepngetich, Tirop's younger sister, told the court late last year the deceased had suffered significant abuse at the hands of her husband and said she came home hours before the murder to find her sister had been badly beaten.

Latest figures from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics published in January 2023 found that 34 per cent of women in the country had experienced physical violence since the age of 15.

- David Averre and Michael Pavitt

BACK FROM OLYMPICS, UGANDA'S REBECCA CHEPTEGEI SET ON FIRE

NAIROBI, Kenya -- A Ugandan athlete living in Kenya was attacked and set on fire by her boyfriend and is receiving treatment for burns on 75% of her body, police said.

Rebecca Cheptegei, a distance runner who finished at the 44th position in the 2024 Paris Olympics, was attacked in her house in western Trans-Nzoia County.

Trans-Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom said Monday that Cheptegei's boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, bought a jerrican of petrol, poured it on her and set her ablaze during a disagreement Sunday. Ndiema also sustained burn wounds, and the two are receiving specialized treatment at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in the Kenyan city of Eldoret.

Cheptegei's parents said their daughter bought land in Trans-Nzoia County to be near its many athletic training centers.

A report filed by the local chief stated that the couple was heard fighting over the land where the house was built before the fire started.

In 2023, Ugandan Olympic runner and steeplechaser Benjamin Kiplagat was found dead outside of Eldoret with stab wounds. In 2022, Kenyan-born Bahraini athlete Damaris Muthee was found dead in nearby Iten, Kenya, with a postmortem report stating that she was strangled.

Trans-Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom said Monday that Cheptegei's boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, bought a jerrican of petrol, poured it on her and set her ablaze during a disagreement Sunday. Ndiema also sustained burn wounds, and the two are receiving specialized treatment at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in the Kenyan city of Eldoret.

Cheptegei's parents said their daughter bought land in Trans-Nzoia County to be near its many athletic training centers.

A report filed by the local chief stated that the couple was heard fighting over the land where the house was built before the fire started.

In 2023, Ugandan Olympic runner and steeplechaser Benjamin Kiplagat was found dead outside of Eldoret with stab wounds. In 2022, Kenyan-born Bahraini athlete Damaris Muthee was found dead in nearby Iten, Kenya, with a postmortem report stating that she was strangled.

- Associated Press

JOSHUA CHEPTEGEI IS THE.MOST DECORATED UGANDAN 🇺🇬 ATHLETE

Joshua Cheptegei has now won more Olympic medals than any other Ugandan athlete in history 🇺🇬

🥇 5,000 metres, Tokyo 2020

🥈 10,000 metres, Tokyo 2020

🥇 10,000 metres, Paris 2024

TANZANIA 🇹🇿 VS UGANDA 🇺🇬 | FIFA INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY MATCH