AthleticsAfrica

11/01/2026

WXC Tallahassee 26 kicks off action-packed year of global athletics.

The opening press conference for the World Athletics Cross Country Championships Tallahassee 26 brought together past and present champions and provided World Athletics President Sebastian Coe the perfect platform to reinforce the importance of the event and the discipline, particularly in such a busy year for the sport.

The competition on Saturday (10) kicks off an action-packed international athletics calendar. The World Cross Country Championships is the first of six World Athletics Series events taking place in 2026 – a year that will also feature the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest in September and the new World Treadmill Championship.

Saturday’s event in Tallahassee, Florida, sees the United States host the World Cross Country Championships for the third time, following editions in New York in 1984 and Boston in 1992. It will feature more than 450 athletes as they compete for individual and team titles across a programme of five races.

“The local organising committee has really set some extraordinary standards here,” said Coe during the press conference at the Apalachee Regional Park on Friday. “Thank you to our local dignitaries and thank you to Tallahassee for being such gracious hosts.

“Cross country is one of the core pillars of our sport. I joined the World Athletics Council in 2003 and from that moment, I've been pushing the cause of cross country. It's an inseparable part of the journey that distance and endurance athletes make.

“We have royalty in the house this morning,” added Coe, who was joined at the press conference by Kenya’s five-time world cross-country champion Paul Tergat. “Five straight world cross-country titles, and any number of medals on the track, which goes to show that, yes, you can do cross country and run track at the same time.”

Reflecting on his cross-country career, Tergat said: “Cross country is such a unique event. It is where some of us built our careers, through cross country. Winning five times in a row was a major milestone in my career.”

With world champion Jimmy Gressier of France also speaking at the press conference, Tergat was asked about Gressier’s performance in Tokyo – one that saw him win the 10,000m by just six hundredths of a second – and if it reminded him of his own fierce battles.

“It gave me memories of what it used to be in 2000, at the Olympic Games, between me and Haile Gebrselassie,” Tergat said. “This is what sport is all about. Between me and Haile, we were fighting when it came to the competition, but immediately after that, we would hug each other and say we'll meet the next day. Sport is an opportunity to bring people together, for generations. I'm very proud that I have been part of the sport for many years, and I'm still able to see what the sport has given to the newer generations like these guys who are competing tomorrow.”

Gressier is among them and during the press conference he explained how his runner-up finish at the European Cross Country Championships in December left him even more motivated for the competition in Tallahassee.

“Yes, it is true that I fell in the last few metres at the European Championships, and it was really frustrating,” explained Gressier, speaking through an interpreter. “But it just pushed me even more to train harder, as I have a clear objective here, which is to go home with a medal.”

Gressier was sitting alongside Australia’s Olympic and world 1500m medallist Jessica Hull, who was asked about her versatility. As well as the World Cross Country Championships, she is targeting the World Indoor Championships, the Ultimate Championship and the World Road Running Championships in 2026.

“When you have different things to focus on, it keeps it exciting,” said Hull, who claimed bronze as part of the mixed relay team at the 2023 World Cross Country Championships on her home soil in Bathurst. “The 800m was my kind of fun event last year and getting ready to start the year with some 2km cross country, you need to be versatile. Versatility is pretty important to me, and I think it's going to be the key to a long career.”

Weini Kelati Frezghi will be racing for the host nation after winning the trial race in Portland in December, extending her cross-country career.

“I love cross country, but as I’m thinking of moving up the distances, my focus was going to be on longer distance training,” explained Kelati Frezghi, who finished 14th at the 2024 World Cross Country Championships. “But when I heard this event was going to be in the United States, I thought why not give it a try – to race with a home crowd on home soil.”

Local organising committee co-Chairs Taylor Wheaton and Amanda Heidecker hope the experience leaves all athletes with lasting memories.

“As a former athlete, I understand that tomorrow will be a day that these athletes will carry with them forever,” said Wheaton. “From the beginning, our vision for this event went beyond just staging a world-class competition. We set out to really have an immersive destination experience that reflects Florida's global tourism, one that's defined by energy, accessibility and unforgettable moments.”

Heidecker added: “This venue has become a world-renowned cross-country facility. We have hosted over 75 championships on every level and tomorrow marks a milestone unlike any other. Beyond this event, and what it means to Tallahassee and Leon County, we hope that it continues to elevate the sport of cross country and showcase why it deserves a place on the Olympic stage.”

The press conference opened with a welcome from Leon County Commission Chairman Christian Caban and Leon County Administrator Vincent S Long.

“This event is the first time that the World Cross Country Championships has been held in the United States in over 30 years, and it was chosen to be here at home for us and our neighbours in Leon County,” said Caban. “That is something for myself, my colleagues on the county commission and our entire community, our neighbours at home, to be so extremely proud of.”

Long added: “In my 30-plus years at Leon County, we're not supposed to have favourites, but this cross-country facility is one of my favourite projects. It's not just because of the result, it's not just because of big events like this, but it's because of how we got here. Runners built this course for runners.”

(Photo credits: Morgan Tencza and Sergio Mateo María for World Athletics)

11/01/2026

Ghana signs MoU to host 24th CAA African Senior Athletics Championships - Accra 2026

The Government of Ghana has agreed to host the 24th African Senior Athletics Championships. This decision was made official with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) and Ghana Athletics.

The MoU was signed by Ghana's Minister for Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Iddie Adam. This confirms that Ghana will host the event from May 12 to 17, 2026, at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium in Accra.

The signing ceremony took place at the Ministry of Sports and Recreation. Important guests included the President of CAA, Hamad Kalkaba Malboum, and the CEO, Lamine Faty. Chief Tonobok Okowa, the First Vice President of CAA and President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, was also present.

Ghana Athletics was represented by its President, Bawah Fuseini. Other key sports organizations, like the Ghana Olympic Committee and the National Sports Authority, were also present. They all showed confidence in Ghana's ability to host a successful event.

The MoU shows that Ghana is ready to meet all the requirements needed to host the Championships successfully.

11/01/2026

11/01/2026

The University of Arkansas Track & Field programme has officially welcomed South African Karabo Letebele, the fastest junior sprinter in African history, signaling a powerful and symbolic changing of the guard in Fayetteville.

LETEBELE TAKE IT FROM HERE!

Arkansas Track & Field Announces a New Era as Coach Doug Case Secures African Junior Sprint Phenom Karabo Letebele

FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS — The University of Arkansas Track & Field program has officially welcomed Karabo Letebele, the fastest junior sprinter in African history, signaling a powerful and symbolic changing of the guard in Fayetteville. Letebele joins the Razorbacks following the departure of one of the most decorated collegiate sprinters ever, Jordan Anthony, ensuring the program continues its tradition of developing world‑class speed.

From One Generational Talent to the Next

Jordan Anthony leaves Arkansas as a bold, electrifying figure—tattoos, braids, gold teeth, and a presence that matched his performances. His achievements place him among the greatest sprinters in NCAA history.

Jordan Anthony’s Collegiate Achievements
•⁠ ⁠NCAA Indoor 60m Champion
•⁠ ⁠NCAA Outdoor 100m Champion
•⁠ ⁠SEC Indoor 60m Champion
•⁠ ⁠SEC Outdoor 100m Champion
•⁠ ⁠SEC Outdoor 200m Champion
•⁠ ⁠SEC Outdoor Team Champion

All-Time NCAA Marks
•⁠ ⁠No. 2 fastest all-conditions 100m in NCAA history
•⁠ ⁠No. 3 fastest 60m in NCAA history

In contrast, Karabo Letebele arrives with a clean-cut look, a shy demeanor, and an unmistakably bright smile—but beneath that calm exterior lies a fierce competitor with world-class potential.

Karabo Letebele’s Junior Achievements
•⁠ ⁠100m: 10.11
•⁠ ⁠60m: 6.53 — Second-fastest junior in world history and African Junior Record

Letebele’s signing represents not just continuity, but evolution.

Coach Doug Case: A Proven Architect of Champions

Now in his 18th season at Arkansas and 35th year in collegiate coaching, Coach Doug Case stands as one of the most accomplished sprint and hurdles coaches in the NCAA. His track record of developing elite athletes at every level underscores why Arkansas remains a global destination for speed.

Coach Case’s Career Achievements
•⁠ ⁠2 Olympic Gold Medalists
•⁠ ⁠8 Olympians and 1 Paralympian
•⁠ ⁠4 World Championships Gold Medals
•⁠ ⁠1 Bowerman Trophy Winner and 2 Bowerman Finalists
•⁠ ⁠5 Jamaican National Champions (400m, 800m, 110H, 400H)
•⁠ ⁠20 NCAA Individual Champions
•⁠ ⁠32 SEC Individual Champions
•⁠ ⁠199 All-American honors at Arkansas (246 overall)
•⁠ ⁠3 NCAA Records (60H, 110H, 4×400m Relay)
•⁠ ⁠14 Arkansas Program Records across sprints, hurdles, relays, and pole vault

Coach Case expressed full confidence in Letebele’s readiness:

⁠“Karabo is a phenomenal junior athlete who is already ready to do big things in university.”

World Wide Scholarships: “He Hasn’t Even Scratched the Surface.”

Letebele’s management team at World Wide Scholarships (WWS) believes the teenager’s potential is far from fully realized.

WWS CEO and Letebele’s manager, Munya Maraire, emphasized the massive upside:

⁠“We still have not gone through a full cycle of training with him. He is also still a teenager, meaning so much more muscle development can happen. Very exciting times ahead!”

Two Athletes Who Walked Away From Their First Loves

•⁠ ⁠Karabo Letebele gave up soccer/football.
•⁠ ⁠Jordan Anthony stepped away from American football.

Different continents. Different sports.
But both ultimately chose the track—and Arkansas.

Letebele even jokes that he is “the fastest Manchester United supporter on earth.”

A New Chapter for the Razorbacks

With Jordan Anthony’s historic chapter complete, Arkansas now turns the page to the rise of Karabo Letebele. Under the guidance of Coach Doug Case—one of the most decorated sprint coaches in collegiate history—the Razorbacks are poised to continue shaping the future of global sprinting.

Different personalities. Different stories.
But the same Razorback standard: elite speed, discipline, and championship ambition.

⁠

11/01/2026

Karabo Letebele signs with the University of Arkansas.
Announced at Copperleaf with ASA, SA Schools Athletics, U.S. Embassy reps, and national media in attendance.
A major win for African sprinting development.

KaraboLetebele

11/01/2026

Great initiative! Joshua Cheptegei 👏👏

03/01/2026

RAS AL KHAIMAH HALF MARATHON ANNOUNCES THREE-YEAR PARTNERSHIP WITH ASICS

Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon has announced a new three-year partnership with global brand ASICS to become the event’s official footwear and apparel partner from 2026.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon will return for its 19th edition on Saturday 14th February 2026, offering races at 2km, 5km, 10km and the 21.1km half marathon.

“We are naturally delighted to have ASICS join the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon as a Sponsor and look forward to working together with the brand over the coming years,” said Race Director Peter Connerton.

With decades of supporting world-class marathons, ASICS will introduce innovations inspired by leading international events, from pre-race preparation to post-race recovery, ensuring a truly world-class experience for all participants.

21/12/2025

TSW Kolkata 25K: Uganda’s two-time Olympic champion Joshua Cheptegei dominated the 2025 men's elite race while Degitu Azimeraw of Ethiopia won the women’s elite title.

2025 Tata Steel World Kolkata 25K Results:

Men’s elite 25k:

1. Joshua Cheptegei (UGA) - 1:11:49
2. Alphonse Felix Simbu (TAN) - 1:11:56
3. Tebello Ramakongoana (LES) - 1:11:59
4. Collins Kipkorir (KEN) - 1:12:02
5. Gulveer Singh (IND) - 1:12:06
6. Fikadu Liche (ETH) - 1:12:09
7. Wisley Yego (KEN) 1:12:12
8. Haymanot Alew (ETH) 1:14:35
9. Niguse Abera (ETH) 1:14:38
10. Harmanjot Singh (IND) 1:15:11

Women’s elite 25k:

1. Degitu Azimeraw (ETH) - 1:19:36
2. Sutume Kebede (ETH) - 1:20:28
3. Meselech Alemayehu (ETH) - 1:20:48
4. Kuftu Tahir (ETH) - 1:23:32
5. Demilew Zemenaw (ETH) - 1:23:34
6. Netsanet Tafere (ETH) 1:23:56
7. Rediet Daniel (ETH) 1:24:18
8. Aberash Minsewo (ETH) 1:24:48
9. Ergat H***e (ETH) 1:24:59
10. Seema (IND) 1:26:04

(📸credits: and )

16/12/2025

🚨SAVE THE DATE: The dates for the 24th CAA African Senior Athletics Championships Accra 2026 has been confirmed. Join us at the University of Ghana Legon Stadium from 12-17 May, 2026.

Schedule:
May 10-11 - CAA Council Meeting
May 12-17 - CAA Senior Championships

15/12/2025

Kibiwott smashes Turkish Allcomers’ record at Mersin Marathon

Vitalis Kibiwott smashed the Turkish Allcomers’ record when he became the surprise winner of the Mersin Marathon. The 27 year-old Kenyan clocked a big personal best of 2:07:14 and improved the mark and the course record by almost one minute.

“My training was very good, so I was expecting to run a sub 2:08 and fulfilled my expectations. The young Eritrean was ahead by quite a distance during the race, but I gradually closed the gap. I did not hurry, I felt strong towards the end and made my move,” said Kibiwott who added: "The Mersin Marathon has a completely flat and very fast course.“

In contrast a pre-race favourite took the women’s race in excellent weather conditions: Rebecca Tanui of Kenya crossed the line in 2:25:35.

Tanui took the lead early in the race. When she passed half way in 72:30 the Kenyan was still followed closely by Genet Robi.

The Ethiopian held on for some more time, but around the 30k mark Tanui moved away and then won with 2:25:35.

While the 2:23:08 course record was out of reach it was the fastest marathon time run in Türkiye this year. And for 33 year-old Rebecca Tanui it was another fine performance at the classic distance.

A year ago she was the winner of the Kosice Marathon with a strong PB of 2:21:08, this spring Tanui was runner-up at the Vienna City Marathon.

The Mersin Marathon is a World Athletics Elite Label Road Race.

Leading Results:

Men:
1. Vitalis Kibiwott KEN 2:07:14
2. Albert Kangogo KEN 2:07:26
3. Abraham Embaye ERI 2:08:29
4. Samuel Naibei KEN 2:08:59
5. Abebaw Desalew ETH 2:09:14
6. Isaac Kibet UGA 2:10:19

Women:
1. Rebecca Tanui KEN 2:25:35
2. Genet Robi ETH 2:26:07
3. Peninah Jerop KEN 2:30:52
4. Millicent Kibet KEN 2:31:05
5. Letebrhan Gebreslasea ETH 2:35:35

(Photo credit: Mersin Marathon)

13/12/2025

30-day countdown begins for the World Athletics Cross Country Championships Tallahassee 26.

More than 500 athletes from over 60 countries are set to compete on a redesigned course at Apalachee Regional Park – marking one of the most significant international sporting events the US will host in 2026.

The world-class venue has been transformed specifically for this championship, featuring terrain inspired by Florida’s natural landscape, including sand, water, mud and a signature “rollercoaster” element that will challenge even the sport’s elite.

“More than 15 years of dedication and preparation have led to this historic moment,” said Kerri Post, executive director of the Leon County Division of Tourism. “Hosting the World Athletics Cross Country Championships is an extraordinary honour, and we are committed to creating an unforgettable experience for both athletes and spectators alike.”

Event organisers are delivering a fan-first experience unlike anything the sport has seen before. Spectator tickets are only $10, offering fans an affordable experience with access to multiple viewing areas, jumbo screens showing the action live and a family-friendly fan zone filled with food trucks, music and interactive activities.

Fans can get in on the action, too. Immediately after the elite races, the public is invited to run or walk 2km or 4km in the Worlds Fun Run: Florida Edition. Registration is $30, with children 12 and under running for free.

More:

In just 30 days, the world’s premier cross-country athletes will descend on Tallahassee as the World Athletics Cross Country Championships Tallahassee 26 sees the global event return to the United States

11/12/2025

Timetable for the World Athletics Relays Gaborone 26 has been published, as Botswana’s capital prepares to welcome the world’s fastest athletes on 2-3 May.

The ‘road to’ tracking tool has also been launched, to help athletes, media and fans follow the qualification process for the global event. Searchable by discipline, federation and qualification status, the tool provides a real-time view of each event over the course of the qualification period.

The programme includes six events:
Women’s 4x100m relay and 4x400m relay
Men’s 4x100m relay and 4x400m relay
Mixed 4x100m relay and 4x400m relay

The weekend will kick off with the heats of the mixed 4x100m and the mixed 4x400m, and conclude with the women’s and men’s 4x400m finals.

The top eight teams in the relay events at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25 secured their spots for Gaborone. The remaining places will be filled via top lists from 1 January 2025 to 5 April 2026, with host nation Botswana automatically entered in all events. A maximum of 24 teams will be entered in each event. In the mixed 4x100m, all 24 teams will be selected from top lists.

As well as World Relays titles, teams will be racing for qualification for both the 2026 World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest and the 2027 World Athletics Championships in Beijing.

There are qualification opportunities on both days of competition in Gaborone. Six teams in both the mixed 4x100m and mixed 4x400m in Gaborone will qualify for the 2026 Ultimate Championship, while 12 teams in every event in Gaborone will qualify for the 2027 World Championships.

Timetable: https://worldathletics.org/competitions/world-athletics-relays/gaborone26/timetable?xnpe_tifc=4.n8OIo7hfnJbI1dh.1Zx9psafeWaeiWhFW8adJARfU1bMQ6akUlRf4DbfhZRf4Ltu4vaMpsOIHpOfYJ4Dz8xI4sx.su