The past week in the running world delivered a mix of highs and lows, featuring a new half marathon world record, severe sanctions for a 100m World Champion, and an escalating financial scandal within the GST league. The global running scene currently finds itself balancing between athletic triumphs and a mounting institutional image crisis.
Jacob Kiplimo Reclaims the Half Marathon World Record
On March 8, 2026, Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo set a stunning new world record in the half marathon, clocking 57:20 in Lisbon. He shaved 10 seconds off the previous official mark, finally moving past the disappointment of last year’s unratified performance in Barcelona. Kiplimo dominated the field, finishing nearly 50 seconds ahead of runner-up Nicholas Kipkorir.
→ Read more: Kiplimo Shatters Half Marathon WR
Fred Kerley Suspended for Anti-Doping Violation
American sprinter Fred Kerley has been handed a two-year ban following three whereabouts failures within a seven-month period. The suspension is set to run until August 11, 2027, effectively ruling him out of the World Championships and stripping him of all results achieved since December 2024. In a defiant response, Kerley announced he is joining the Enhanced Games, a commercial league that does not conduct drug testing.
→ Read more: Fred Kerley Banned for 2 Years
Financial Scandal and Bankruptcy Fears for Grand Slam Track
Michael Johnson has been accused by creditors of secretly transferring $500,000 from Grand Slam Track funds into his personal account in June 2025. Court documents reveal the league’s debts exceed $40 million, while annual revenues totaled less than $2 million. Creditors are now seeking $25 million in damages, accusing league leadership of fraud and gross management incompetence.
→ Read more: Inside Michael Johnson’s $500,000 GST Scandal
Eliud Kipchoge Embarks on Seven-Continent Global Tour
The legendary marathoner has unveiled “Eliud’s Running World,” a two-year project during which he aims to complete seven races across seven continents. Confirmed stops include Cape Town (May 24, 2026), Porto Alegre (July 19, 2026), and Melbourne (October 11, 2026). The initiative seeks to promote healthy living while raising funds for the Kipchoge Foundation’s educational and environmental goals.
→ Read more: Kipchoge to Run Seven Continents
Bashir Abdi Sets New Masters European Record
Belgium’s Bashir Abdi set a new M35 European Record at the Ghent Half Marathon with a time of 59:28. This performance improved his own national record by 23 seconds and ranks him fifth on the European all-time list. However, the event was marred by a measurement error, as the official timing mat was mistakenly placed 250 meters before the stadium gates.
→ Read more: Bashir Abdi Smashes Belgian HM Record
Controversy Over Finishes and Medals in Los Angeles
The Los Angeles Marathon saw its closest finish ever, with Nathan Martin edging out Michael Kimani Kamau by just 0.01 seconds. However, the event sparked a heated debate after organizers awarded official medals to amateurs who stopped at Mile 18 (32 km) due to extreme heat. Critics argued the move undermines the spirit of the sport, while officials defended it as a necessary health and safety measure.
Read more: LA Marathon: Photo Finish & “18-Mile Medal” Controversy
Record Times in Paris and Chepkirui’s Dominance in Nagoya
At the Paris Half Marathon, Ethiopia’s Ftaw Zeray set a new course record of 1:05:12, besting the previous mark by nearly 50 seconds. Meanwhile, Sheila Chepkirui successfully defended her title at the Nagoya Women’s Marathon, winning in 2:21:54. The Japanese race, which featured over 17,000 women, took place under challenging, windy conditions.
→ Read more: Paris Half Marathon 2026
A Running Rollercoaster
The running world showcased its many faces this week—from pure athletic excellence to financial and reputational disasters. While Kiplimo reclaimed his record, Kerley lost his future, and Johnson may lose his league. The question remains whether global athletics structures can keep pace with the very changes they’ve set in motion.
