Faith Kipyegon Takes Center Stage at the 2023 World Athletics Road Running Championships in Riga

In the world of athletics, few names shine as brightly as Faith Kipyegon’s. With six global titles on the track, including recent gold medals in the 1500m and 5,000m events, Kipyegon has been nothing short of sensational this year. Now, she’s set to chase yet another world title, and there’s a chance she might even set her fourth world record of 2023 at the inaugural World Road Running Championships.

This Kenyan superstar, arguably the standout athlete of the year, will be competing in the women’s mile on Sunday in the picturesque city of Riga, Latvia. What makes this event even more exciting is that, for the first time ever, global titles in the mile, 5km, and half marathon will all be contested at a single road championships.

Team Great Britain has thrown its hat in the ring with a strong squad of 12 athletes. Among them are Big Half winners Calli Thackery and Jack Rowe. Thackery, accompanied by Abbie Donnelly, Clara Evans, and Samantha Harrison, will be racing in the women’s half marathon. Meanwhile, Mahamed Mahamed and Jonny Mellor will join forces with Rowe in the men’s race.

Verity Ockenden is set to make her mark in the women’s 5km, while Scott Beattie and Tom Mortimer will carry the hopes of the British contingent in the men’s event. And not to be forgotten, Sarah McDonald and Callum Elson will proudly represent GB over one mile.

The excitement doesn’t stop there; all six elite races will take place on Sunday, alongside mass-participation races over each of the three distances. So, whether you’re a seasoned runner or just lacing up your shoes for the first time, there’s something for everyone at the World Athletics Road Running Championships.

The action kicks off at 09:40 BST, and you can catch all the live coverage on BBC Red Button, iPlayer, and the Sport Newes Center website.

World Athletics president Lord Coe couldn’t be more thrilled about this event: “This is the first time we have staged an event that celebrates road running in all its guises, from the elite runners to dedicated recreational runners, to runners who are just starting out, including the kids.”

“With races over the mile, 5km, and half marathon, this event showcases the great middle distance and endurance road runners of the world together for the first time, and features the primary entry points for a recreational runner’s journey.”

Lord Coe’s sentiments highlight the accessibility and inclusivity of running, making it a sport for everyone. So, whether you’re inspired by elite athletes like Kipyegon or taking your first steps on the road, this event promises to be a celebration of running in all its forms.

Competition at the World Athletics Road Running Championships promises to be fierce, with five world record holders among the 347 athletes representing 57 nations. Faith Kipyegon, the unstoppable force, has already set world records over 1500m, the mile, and 5,000m on the track in a remarkable season. Now, she has her sights set on adding the road mile record to her list of achievements.

In the women’s mile, Kipyegon faces tough competition from Ethiopia’s world 1500m silver medallist Diribe Welteji and Kenya’s world 3,000m steeplechase record holder Beatrice Chepkoech.

The men’s 5km event features three of the four fastest men in history: Ethiopia’s world record holder Berihu Aregawi, compatriot Yomif Kejelcha, and Kenya’s Nicholas Kipkorir Kimeli.

Kenyan Peres Jepchirchir, the Olympic marathon champion and women-only half marathon world record holder, is set to defend her title in the half marathon. She’ll be challenged by Uganda’s men’s record holder Jacob Kiplimo.

The schedule for the World Athletics Road Running Championships is packed with thrilling races:

• 09:50 – Women’s 5km (featuring Verity Ockenden)
• 10:15 – Men’s 5km (with Scott Beattie and Tom Mortimer)
• 11:00 – Women’s mile (where Sarah McDonald will compete)
• 11:10 – Men’s mile (with Callum Elson)
• 11:30 – Women’s half marathon (featuring Calli Thackery, Abbie Donnelly, Clara Evans, and Samantha Harrison)
• 12:15 – Men’s half marathon (with Jack Rowe, Mahamed Mahamed, and Jonny Mellor)

The World Athletics Road Running Championships promise to be a spectacular event, celebrating the diversity and excitement of road running. Whether you’re a dedicated athlete, a recreational runner, or simply a fan of the sport, this is an event you won’t want to miss.

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