Wishing you all a Happy and Wonderful New Year in 2012

Nominees for the 2012 Laureus World Sports Awards

The names of the nominees for the 2012 Laureus World Sports Awards, the ceremony of which will be held on 6 February in London have been announced:

Individual:
Sportsman:
Usain Bolt (JAM) - Athletics
Lionel Messi (ARG) - Football
Novak Djokovic (Serbia) - Tennis
Cadel Evans (AUS) - Cycling
Dirk Nowitzki (GER) - Basketball
Sebastian Vettel (GER) - F1 Racing

Sportswoman:
Vivian Cheruiyot (KEN) - Athletics
Carmelita Jeter (USA) - Athletics
Yani Tseng (Taiwan) - Golf
Maria Höfl-Riesch (GER) - Skiing
Petra Kvitova (Czech) - Tennis
Homare Sawa (JPN) - Football

Paula Radcliffe set for her 5th Olympics

Women Marathon World Record holder Paula Radcliffe has been selected to represent Team Great Britain in the marathon event along with Scott Overall (the only male representative, did 2:10:55 in his Berlin debut) and Mara Yamauchi at the London 2012 Olympics.

This will be the 5th Olympics for the 37-year old world record holder of 2:15:25 (London 2003). Her last marathon race was the Berlin Marathon of last September when she finished 3rd placing at 2:23:46 and she is yet to win an Olympic medal.

2:07:36 - Josphat Ndambiri of Kenya won the Fukuoka International Marathon in his debut this morning

26-year old Josphat Ndambiri of Kenya, who has been based in Japan since his teenage years,won the 65th Fukuoka International Marathon, Japan this morning in his debut by clocking 2:07:36.

The Kenyans made a 1-2 finish when fellow countryman Mwangi, 27, came in second at 2:08:38 while local Yuki Kawauchi finish third at 2:09:57.

Tsegaye Kebede of Ethiopia set the course record of 2:05:18 in 2009

Usain Bolt and Sally Pearson are 2011 IAAF Athletes of the Year

Usain Bolt of Jamaica and Sally Pearson of Australia were named the IAAF World Athletes of the Year for 2011 at the 2011 World Athletics Gala held in Monte Carlo yesterday.

Bolt, 25, holder of 100m and 200m world records, who despite being penalised for disqualification due to a false start in defending his 100m world title in Daegu last August, holds a string of achievements including successfully defended his 200m world title in 19.40, 2nd fastest of the year and anchored his Jamaican team to a new world record of 37.04 in the 4x100m relay in Daegu, he is also the world leader in 100m, clocking the fastest time of the year 2011 at 9.76 in Brussels on 16 September.

This is the 3rd title for the fastest man on earth, equalising the record of Moroccan great middle distance runner Hicham El Guerrouj who won this honour 3 times in a row from 2001

Sally Pearson, also 25, World champion in 100m hurdles at 12.28, 4th fastest all time, has been dominating the event this year, winning ten out of her 11 outings while producing 7 of the 11 world leading times of the season.

This is the 1st time she won this glorious trophy on her 1st time being nominated.


Other award winners:

Performance of the Year :
Men – Yohan Blake (JAM) - 200m 19.26 - 2nd fastest in history, Brussels 16 September
Women – Vivian Cheruiyot (KEN) 5000m and 10,000m double World Champion

Rising Stars :

Men – Kirani James (GRN), 400m World champion

Women – Christin Hussong (GER), World Youth Javelin Throw champion

Coaching Lifetime Achievement Award :

John Velzian (KEN)

Journalist Lifetime achievement award :

Alain Billouin (FRA)

World Athletics City Award :

Daegu, South Korea

Ref. IAAF

World Athletics Gala on YouTube

Australia's Gold Coast will host the 2018 Commonwealth Games

Gold Coast of Australia has been chosen to host the 2018 Commonwealth Games at a Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) meeting in St. Kitts and Nevis yesterday, beating the only other candidate Hambantota of Sri Lanka by a 43-27 margin.

The Games will be held in April 2018

London beat Doha as host city of 2017 IAAF World Championships

London beat Doha of Qatar in the bids for the right to host the 16th edition of the IAAF World Championships 2017, the result of the selection was announced in Monaco today.

History of the championships:
1st - 1983 - Helsinki
2nd - 1987 - Rome
3rd - 1991 - Tokyo

4th - 1993 - Stuttgart
5th - 1995 - Göteborg
6th - 1997 - Athens
7th - 1999 - Sevilla
8th - 2001 - Edmonton
9th - 2003 - Paris
10th - 2005 - Helsinki
11th - 2007 - Osaka
12th - 2009 - Berlin
13th - 2011 - Daegu

Upcoming:
14th - 2013 - Moscow
15th - 2015 - Beijing
16th - 2017 - London

Doha and London to bid for IAAF World Champioship 2017 in Monaco tomorrow

London and Doha are in final countdown to bid as host city to the 16th IAAF World Championships 2017 which will be decided in Monaco Friday tomorrow


The 13th edition of the championships was held in Daegu in last Aug/Sept.
The 14th and the 15th editions will be held in Moscow and Beijing in 2013 and 2015 respectively.

IAAF made a U-Turn and Paula Radcliffe's 2:15:25 remains as the oficial Women Marathon World Record

The IAAF have reversed the decision they made 2 months ago of downgrading the 2003 Paula Radcliffe's 2:15:25 women marathon world record to a "World Best" as male pacemakers were used, following a recent meting between the record holder and IAAF.

"He is capable of running faster than I did in Berlin." said Patrick about Geoffrey

Patrick Makau PB 203:08 (WR)
Geoffrey Mutai, PB 2:03:02

Marathon World Record holder Patrick Makau, 26 of Kenya (2:03:38 Berlin last September) was a spectator at last Sunday's New York City Marathon which was won by his compatriot Geoffrey Mutai, 30 (who ran the fastest marathon ever in 2:03:02 at Boston last April) in 2:05:06 and this was what Patrick said about Geoffrey after the race, quote:

"Seeing my friend run here yesterday, I think he can definitely get the world record,"
"He is capable of running faster than I did in Berlin."

Magnificent Men’s Marathon Milestone Memories in 2011 Review

What a marvelous 'marathoning' year it was with the conclusion of New York City Marathon yesterday, the finale of the global major marathon events in the 2011 calendar.

The year 2011 so far has seen male professional marathon runners, the Kenyans in particular, progressively challenging the human speed limit to finish the 42.195km distance in astonishing new records upon new records.

As expected the Kenyans continue to dominate in the marathon arena around the world and with their abundant resources of young aspiring runners, and close to 200 men have run sub 2:06, the trend will likely remain in many years to come. The Ethiopians pose to be their worthy rivals thus far.

Highlights of Men's marathons in 2011:

Sub 2:06 Achievers and Ranking of Fastest runners :
All Kenyans unless otherwise stated
in bracket : [World Ranking regardless of conditions]
1. [1] 2:03:02 - Geoffrey Mutai - Boston 18 April
2. [2] 2:03:06 - Moses Mosop - Boston 18 April
3. [3] 2:03:38 (WR) - Patrick Makau - Berlin 25 September
4. [4] 2:03:42 - Wilson Kipsang - Frankfurt 30 Oct
5. [8] 2:04:40 - Emmanuel Mutai - London 17 April
6. [9] 2:04:53 - Gebregziabher Gebremariam (ETH) - Boston 18 Apr
7. [12] 2:04:58 - Ryan Hall (USA) - Boston 18 April
8. [17] 2:05:16 - Levy Matebo - Frankfurt 30 Oct
9. [22] 2:05:25 - Albert Matebor - Frankfurt 30 Oct
10. [23] 2:05:27 - Wilson Chebet - Rotterdam 10 April
11. [26] 2:05:33 - Vincent Kipruto - Rotterdam 10 April
12. 2:05:45 - Martin Lel [16] - London 17 April
13. 2:05:48 - Jafred Chirchir Kipchumba - Eindhoven 9 October


Chronology of some notable New Course Records established:
02 Jan - 2:08:07 - Xiamen - Robert Kipchumba (KEN)
16 Jan - 2:09:54 - Mumbai - Girma Assefa (ETH)
06 Mar - 2:06:13 - Lake Biwa, Japan - Wilson Kipsang (KEN)
20 Mar - 2:06:35 - LA, Los Angeles - Markos Geneti (ETH)
10 Apr - 2:08:08 - Daegu, S. Korea - Yusuf Songoka (KEN)
17 Apr - 2:04:40 - London - Emmanuel Mutai (KEN)
17 Apr - 2:10:58 - Madrid - Moses Arusei (KEN)
18 Apr - 2:03:02 (Fastest Ever) - Boston - Geoffrey Mutai (KEN)
03 July- 2:10:01 - Gold Coast - Nicholas Manza (KEN)
25 Sep - 2:03:38 (WR) - Berlin - Patrick Makau (KEN)
09 Oct - 2:05:48 - Eindhoven - Jafred Chirchir Kipchumba (KEN)
09 Oct - 2:05:37 - Chicago - Moses Mosop (KEN)
23 Oct - 2:07:03 - Chosunilbo Chuncheon, S.Korea - Stanley Biwott (KEN)
30 Oct - 2:03:42 - Frankfurt - Wilson Kipsang (KEN)
31 Oct - 2:08:33 - Dublin - Geoffrey Ndungu (KEN)
06 Nov - 2:05:06 - New York City - Geoffrey Mutai (KEN)

(WMM components)

2:05:06 - Geoffrey Mutai won the New York City Marathon in new CR

Geoffrey Mutai, 29 of Kenya, who ran the fastest marathon ever of 2:03:02 in Boston last April, won the ING New York City Marathon today in a new course record of 2:05:06.

Emmanuel Mutai, 26 also of Kenya and Tsegaye Kebede of Ethiopia was 2nd and 3rd in 2:06:28 and 2:07:14 respectively, all the top 3 finishers broke the ten-year old course record of 2:07:43 and won an additional cash bonus of RM70,000 each for breaking the old course record, on top of the placing winnings.

By finishing 2nd in this closing venue of the 2010-2011 World Marathon Majors championship series , Emmanuel Mutai won the title of the 2010-2011 World Marathon Majors series, beating compatriot world recorder holder Patrick Makau, who was leading in the WMM standings before NYC, and won a USD500,000 reward.
(Liliya Shobukhova of Russia is the champion in the 2010-2011 WMM women's competition series which also carries a bonus of USD500,000)


Firehiwot Dado of Ethiopia won the women category in 2:23:15 whilst Buzunesh Deba also of Ethiopia finished second in 2:23:19 and favourite Mary Keitany of Kenya was third in 2:23:38.

A record number of 47,107 participants started the race.

Who Are the Finalists of the 2011 Athletes of the Year Awards

The IAAF have announced the following three male and three female athletes who are in contention to win the 2011 World Athlete of the Year during the 2011 World Athletics Gala to be held in Monaco on the 12 of November :

Male:

Yohan Blake (JAM) : sprinter

Usain Bolt (JAM) : sprinter

David Rudisha (KEN) : middle distance in 800m

Female:

Valerie Adams (NZL) : shot-put

Vivian Cheruiyot (KEN) : long distance in 5000m

Sally Pearson (AUS) : 100m Hurdles

David Rudisha and Blanka Vlasic of Croatia were last year's winners
.

A Galaxy of Stars to shine at the field of ING New York City Marathon coming Sunday

The 2011 ING New York City Marathon which falls on coming Sunday 6 November will see a strong line up of elite runners :

Men: (Course record - 2:07:43 Tesfaye Jifar [ETH] 2001)
(WR 2:03:38 Patrick Makau [KEN] Berlin 2011)

Geoffrey Mutai (KEN), 29 -- 2:03:02 Boston 2011 - fastest marathon ever run
Gebre Gebremariam (ETH) - PB 2:04:53 Boston 2011
Emmanuel Mutai (KEN),27 - PB 2:06:40 London 2011
Tsegaye Kebede (ETH), 24 - PB 2:05:18 Fukuoka 2009
Feyisa Lilesa (ETH), 21 --PB 2:05:23 Rotterdam 2010
Jaouad Gharib (MOR), 39 -- PB 2:05:27 London 2009




Women: (Course record - 2:22:31 Margaret Okayo (KEN) 2003)

Mary Keitany (KEN), 29 - WL 2:19:19 London 2011, Half Marathon 1:05:50 WR
Caroline Kilel (KEN), 30 - PB 2:22:36 Boston 2011
Buzunesh Deba (KEN), 24 - PB 2:23:31 San Diego 2011
Galina Bogomolova (RUS), 33 - PB 2:20:47 Chicago 2006

The New York City Marathon, run every first Sunday of November annually since 1970 is the largest marathon in the world attracting more than 100,000 applicants for the limited places and and last year saw an all time record number of 44,977 finishers


http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/york-city-marathon-growing-larger-a-two-day-event-article-1.971188

2:03:42 - Wilson Kipsang just missed the World Record by 4 seconds in Frankfurt Marathon this morning

Defending champion Wilson Kipsang, 29 of Kenya, in his attempt to break the world record of 2:03:38 set by his compatriot Patrick Makau in Berlin 5 weeks ago missed narrowly by 4 seconds when he won in a brilliant time of 2:03:42 at the 30th edition of BMW Frankfurt Marathon this morning and making him the 4th fastest marathon runner in history behind his countrymen Geoffrey Mutai (2:03:02 Boston 2011), Moses Mosop (2:03:06 Boston 2011) , Patrick Makau (2:03:38 WR Berlin 2011).

The Kenyans took the top 10 finishers' spot with Levy Matebo (2:05:16) and Albert Matebor (2:05:25) finished 2nd and 3rd places respectively

Mamitu Daska of Ethiopia won the women's race in 2:21:59 (PB)

1:01:29 - Haile Gebrselassie won Bupa Great Birmingham Run Half Marathon this morning

Haile Gebrselassie, 38 of Ethiopia was back to winning form when he won the inaugural Bupa Great Birmingham Run Half Marathon in 1:01:29 this morning.

Top finishers:
Men
1) 1:01:29 - Haile Gebrselassie (ETH)
2) 1:02:28 - E Rashed (Qatar)
3) 1:03:57 - A Bouramdane (MOR)

Women
1) 1:12:21 - G Steel
2) 1:13:51 L Damen
3) 1:15:30 - L Macalister

2:07:03 - Stanley Biwot set course record at Chosunilbo Chuncheon International Marathon, S Korea

Stanley Biwott, 25 of Kenya won the 65th Chosunilbo Chuncheon International Marathon, the second oldest marathon in South Korea, inaugurated in 1946 after the Seoul International Marathon, this morning in a new course record of 2:07:03 improving the previous best of 2:07:54 set by countryman Benjamin Kolum Kiptoo last year.

Top finishers:
Men
1) 2:07:03 - Stanley Kipleting Biwott (KEN)
2) 2:07:27 - Yared Asmerom (ERI)
3) 2:10:46 - Nelson Kirwa Rotich (KEN)

Women
1) 2:41:23 - Oh Jung Hee (KOR)
2) 2:43:57 - Kim Sun Jung (KOR)
3) 2:51:17 - Lee Se Jung (KOR)

Online Registration of 39th BMW Berlin Marathon commences tomorrow 20 Oct

The 39th BMW Berlin Marathon will be held on 30 September 2012 and the online registration will commence tomorrow 20 October.

Standing ovation to 100-year-old Fauja Singh

Fauja Singh,100, born 1 Apr 1911 in Punjab, then British India.
A British centenarian marathon runner of Indian Sikh origin.
Earned a spot in the Guinness World Book of Records as the oldest person to complete a full marathon when he finished the 42.195km distance in Toronto Waterfront Marathon, Canada on last Sunday in 8:25:17 (official gun time ; net time 8:11:06) at the age of 100.

3 days earlier at the Birchmount Stadium,Toronto, he attempted and set 8 world age group records in one day :
100m in 23.14, 200m in 52.23, 400m in 2:13.48, 800m in 5:32.18, 1500m in 11:27.81, the Mile in 11:53.45, 3000m in 24:52.47 and 5000m in 49:57.39.

He was born in India and moved to UK in the 60's and had a love for running when he was a farmer in Punjab. He took up running seriously only 11 years ago after the death of his wife.

He achieved the feat of finishing the 2003 Toronto Marathon in a remarkable time of 5:40:01 at the age of 92.

The next running destination for this 100-year-old hero will be the 30th BMW Frankfurt Marathon on 30 Oct, just 2 weeks after his Toronto feat, where he will participate in the marathon relay.

Fauja Singh, a vegetarian had said :
"I won't stop running until I die. The next target, God willing, is to be the oldest marathon runner ever."

watch on YouTube

The Return of Great Three to the 30th BMW Frankfurt Marathon on 30 October

Wilson Kipsang won in last year in CR 2:04:57












The 30th anniversary edition of BMW Frankfurt Marathon, to be held on 30 Oct, will see the return of "Great Three" course-breaking winners from Kenya :

Wilson Kipsang, 29 - PB 2:04:57 (course record 2010)
Gilbert Kirwa, 26 - PB 2:06:14 Frankfurt 2009
Robert Kiprono Cheruiyot, 23 - PB 2:05:52 Boston 2010

Deriba Merga, 31, from Ethiopia who has a PB of 2:07:52 Houston 2009 will be another strong contender in the field

The 15,000 capacity of this 30th jubilee edition has been sold out.

The Frankfurt Marathon had produced 4 new course records in the last 4 editions:
2007 - 2:07:58 - Wilfred Kigen (KEN)
2008 - 2:07:21 - Robert Kiprono Cheruiyot (KEN)
2009 - 2:06:14 - Gilbert Kirwa (KEN)
2010 Oct 31 - 2:04:57 - Wilson Kipsang (KEN) which made:
Frankfurt Marathon having the 6th fastest course record in the world and
Wilson Kipsang the 11th fastest marathoner in history

Amsterdam Marathon held this morning - Tiki Gelana won in new course record for women while Wilson Chebet finished first in men

Tiki Gelana of Ethiopia set a new course record in the women category when she won the 36th TCS Amsterdam Marathon held this morning in 2:22:08 (PB) beating the old record of 2:22:19 set by Gete Wami of Kenya in 2002.

Favourite Wilson Chebet, 26 of Kenya won the men's category in 2:05:53 just 9 seconds shy of the course record of 2:05:44 set by Getu Feleke of Ethiopia last year.

Top finishers:
Men

1) 2:05:53 - Wilson Chebet (KEN)

2) 2:06:05 (PB) - Laban Korir (KEN)

3) 2:06:07 (PB) - Eric Ndiema (KEN)

4) 2:06:34 (PB) - Nicholas Manza (KEN)

5) 2:06:53 - Elijah Keitany (KEN)

6) 2:06:54 (PB) - Paul Biwott (KEN)

Women

1) 2:22:08 (PB) (CR) - Tiki Gelana (ETH)

2) 2:24:55 (PB) - Eyerusalem Kuma (ETH)

3) 2:25:52 - Lornah Kiplagat (NED)

4) 2:25:57 - (PB) Genet Getaneh (ETH)

5) 2:26:39 - Nailya Yulamanova (RUS)

2:09:00 - Francis Kiprop won the 2011 Beijing International Marathon this morning

Francis Kiprop Kipkorir, 29 of Kenya, the runner-up of the Berlin Marathon 2009 won the 2011 Beijing International Marathon this morning.

Top finishers:
Men

1) 2:09:00 - Francis Kiprop (KEN)

2) 2:09:43 - Samuel Muturi (KEN)

3) 2:10:15 - Benson Barus (KEN)

4) 2:12:12 - Raji Assefa (ETH)

5) 2:12:58 - Peter Kamais (KEN)

Women

1) 2:28:05 - Wei Xiaojie (CHN)

2) 2:29:29 - Yeshi Esayias (ETH)

3) 2:30:14 - Catherine Ndereba (KEN)

4) 2:30:27 - Jin Lingling (CHN)