Ethiopian runner misses world record

Don’t look now but, Ethiopian runner Yomif Kejelcha almost  broke the 5K world record but came in short by one second. Kejelcha ran 12:50 but failed to break compatriot’s Behiku Aregawis record of 12:49.  In the Semi-Marathon De Lille in France, Keljeca is a two-time world indoor champion in the 3,000m and in 2019, set  the indoor mile world  record with an amazing 3:47:01.  Kenya’s Reynold Kipkorir Cheruiyot finished second in 13:14 while another Ethiopian Telehum Haile Beke, wound up third in 13:07

United Airlines NYC Half Marathon

World Cross Country Champion Jacob Kiplimo of Uganda,ruled the United Airlines NYC Half Marathon in 1:01:31, but was well off his own half  marathon world record of 57:31. Another Ugandan, Joshua Cheptegei, was second in 1:02:09 while Morocco’s Zouhair Talbi settled for third in 1:02:18.  Two-time world champion  Helen Obiri of Kenya clocked 1:07:21 as she broke Ethopian Marik Teferi’s record set in 2022.  Teferi on the orher hand, broke Molly Huddles course record of 1:07:35 in 2016.  Karoline Bjerkeli Groval pocketed third in 1:09:53.

More sports casualties

As I write this column, I could not help but be teary eyed.  Twenty four school children from Northern Cyprus, died after the hotel  where they stayed, collapsed after being hit by a strong earthquake in Adiyaman, Turkey recently.  The children aged 11 to 14 were volleyball players from Maarif College who were competing in a tournament there. The casualties also included 10 parents and a trainer who accompanied the team.