Ugandan distance-running sensation Jacob Kiplimo has strengthened his commitment to clean sport by voluntarily enrolling in an enhanced anti-doping programme ahead of his return to the streets of Chicago, where he will seek to defend his marathon crown on Sunday, October 11, 2026.

The reigning Bank of America Chicago Marathon champion has joined former marathon world-record holder Brigid Kosgei of Kenya in the athlete-led initiative administered by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU). The programme, funded by Nike and the athletes’ agency Rosa Associati, is designed to reinforce confidence in the integrity of elite marathon running through more frequent and comprehensive drug testing.

Kiplimo’s decision comes at a pivotal moment in his marathon career, with the Ugandan arriving in Chicago among the leading contenders following an impressive performance at the London Marathon in April, where he clocked 2:00:28 to finish third and become the third-fastest marathoner in history.

The enhanced programme goes beyond the standard testing requirements for athletes in the marathon testing pool. Participants must undergo at least 25 unannounced out-of-competition tests annually, generating between 100 and 120 analyses. By comparison, athletes in the regular testing pool average approximately six out-of-competition tests and 12–16 analyses per year.

All the required tests are conducted independently by the AIU in accordance with World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) standards. Additional testing is tailored to individual athletes using intelligence and data to determine the most appropriate testing methods and timing.

Kiplimo and Kosgei entered the programme immediately after their respective spring marathons, adopting an annual testing schedule that the AIU considers more sustainable than the compressed approach previously used by Kenyan marathon star Sabastian Sawe ahead of his Berlin Marathon campaign.

Sawe underwent his 25 required tests over a period of two to three months. For the 2026 programme, the AIU recommended spreading the same testing volume across an entire year, a model now being followed by Kiplimo and Kosgei.

For Kiplimo, the decision is rooted in a desire to protect the credibility of the sport and assure fans that performances on the road are achieved fairly. “For me, I decided on extra tests because I want clean sport and people can trust and know that we are running clean,” Kiplimo said.

Kosgei has similarly embraced the initiative, explaining that the frequent testing she has experienced in Kenya is intended to set an example for younger athletes.

“They’ve been testing me three times per week, sometimes two times per week, in Kenya. It’s to prove to the juniors and young generation that I am clean,” she said.

Their participation comes against a backdrop of heightened scrutiny in marathon running. Kosgei set a women’s world record of 2:14:04 when she won the Chicago Marathon in 2019, a mark that stood until Tigst Assefa improved it in 2023. Ruth Chepngetich subsequently lowered the record in Chicago in 2024 before later receiving a doping ban following a positive test.

By voluntarily submitting to more rigorous testing, Kiplimo and Kosgei are seeking to demonstrate their commitment to transparency and strengthen public confidence in elite distance running.

Beyond his commitment to clean sport, Kiplimo faces an important competitive challenge as he prepares to defend the title he claimed in 2025.

The Ugandan won last year’s Chicago Marathon in 2:02:23, an exceptional performance achieved during only his second career appearance over the marathon distance. His subsequent run at the London Marathon in April, where he registered a personal best of 2:00:28, further underlined his ability to compete among the very best marathon runners in the world.

Kiplimo’s credentials extend well beyond the marathon. He is a former half-marathon world-record holder, having established a ratified mark of 57:20 at the Lisbon Half Marathon in 2026. He also boasts an outstanding cross-country and track record, including senior World Cross Country titles in 2023, 2024 and 2026, alongside Olympic and World Athletics Championships medals.

His return to Chicago, therefore, presents an opportunity not only to retain his title but also to build on the momentum generated by his historic performance in London.

Kiplimo’s preparation for the title defence has reportedly involved substantial training volumes, reflecting the demands of competing at the highest level of marathon running.

The Ugandan has been covering approximately 220 kilometres (137 miles) per week, doubling on most days except during long-run sessions. His longest run has reached 40 kilometres, almost the full marathon distance.

The Chicago Marathon’s flat and fast route winds through 29 neighbourhoods in the American city, starting and finishing in Grant Park. The 48th edition is expected to attract approximately 55,000 runners and 1.7 million spectators, making it one of the major fixtures on the international road-running calendar.

Kiplimo will face a competitive field that includes Kenya’s Amos Kipruto, who finished second in Chicago in 2025 and third in 2024, with a personal best of 2:01:39. Ethiopia’s Milkesa Mengesha, the 2025 Shanghai Marathon champion, will also make his Chicago debut, while American Clayton Young arrives seeking strong home-country performances after competing at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

With the men’s course record standing at 2:00:35, set by Kelvin Kiptum in 2023, the race also offers the possibility of a historic time if conditions and competition align.

For Kiplimo, the immediate target is clear: successfully defend his Chicago Marathon title and become the first man to achieve that feat since the late Sammy Wanjiru won consecutive editions in 2009 and 2010.

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Five years ago, Kayinsola Ajayi was one of the young athletes emerging through athletics competitions organised in Lagos.

Today, he is Nigeria’s fastest man.

Ajayi returned to Lagos this weekend as the country’s men’s 100m record holder, with his journey from local competitions to the international stage providing another example of how quickly young Nigerian talent can develop when given an opportunity to compete.

Born in Ikorodu, Ajayi began attracting attention through Lagos State organised championships before his career moved beyond the domestic scene.

His rise has since taken him to some of athletics’ biggest stages.

Ajayi reached the men’s 100m semi-finals at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games before finishing sixth at the World Championships in 2025.

His progress continued in 2026, with appearances at the Diamond League, Commonwealth Games and World Ultimate Athletics Championship.

But his return to where that journey began also places attention on the competitions that first provide young athletes with opportunities to be noticed.

For every Nigerian athlete competing internationally, there are younger competitors still racing at school, state and grassroots events hoping for their own breakthrough.

Ajayi was one of them only a few years ago.

During his Lagos homecoming, the sprinter encouraged emerging athletes to remain disciplined, committed and ready to take advantage of opportunities.

His own career provides a clear example of that pathway.

Nigeria has a long history of producing elite sprinters, but discovering the next generation depends partly on creating enough competitive opportunities before athletes reach the international level.

Ajayi’s progression from Lagos competitions to national record holder shows how quickly that journey can unfold.

The young athletes who met him this weekend were not simply looking at an international star.

They were looking at someone who once stood where they now stand.

Five years changed Ajayi from a promising Lagos athlete into Nigeria’s fastest man.

The question is who could be next?.

The post From Lagos Tracks to Nigeria’s Fastest Man: Ajayi’s Five-Year Rise Shows Value of Grassroots Athletics * appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

With less than 24 hours to the fifth edition of the Abeokuta 10km Race, organisers, Nilayo Sports Management Limited (NSML), have assured participants and spectators of a hitch-free and memorable road race as preparations reach their final stage.

The 2026 Abeokuta 10km Race is scheduled to hold on Saturday, October 3, with the race expected to attract more than 3,000 participants to Abeokuta, Ogun State.

At the pre-race press conference held at the MKO Abiola Stadium on Friday, the managing director of NSML, Mrs Yetunde Olopade, expressed appreciation to the Ogun State Government, sponsors and partners for their support towards the successful staging of the race.

Mrs Olopade specifically acknowledged the contributions of the Ogun State Government, Phlo, Bet9ja Foundation, Aquafina and 7UP, describing their support as crucial to the growth of the event.

“The Ogun State Government has been of immense support. We run on their roads, and the Commissioner for Sports was meant to be here but had another very important state function, so we are very grateful,” she said, according to PeakPlay Media.

“Our sponsors and partners have been wonderful too, so we are grateful and glad to be doing this again.”

The race comes with a total cash prize structure in dollars for men and women, with the overall winner set to pocket $1,000, while the first and second runners-up will receive $750 and $500, respectively.

Beyond the prize money, every participant who successfully crosses the finish line will receive a commemorative medal.

Mrs Olopade also disclosed that the race will culminate in a post-race concert at the finish-line area.

Race director, Yusuf Alli, said the organisers had put adequate logistics in place to ensure the safety, comfort and smooth participation of all runners.

“All the arrangements have been put in place. We have looked at the route, the water points, medical support, security and every other aspect of the race to make sure that participants have a safe and enjoyable experience.

“We are expecting over 3,000 runners, so we are prepared for the numbers. We want everybody to come out, enjoy the race, compete fairly and, most importantly, finish safely.”

The race will commence at 7am from Macjob Grammar School, Onikolobo, with runners making their way through the designated route before finishing at the MKO Abiola International Stadium.

Alli explained that five water stations would be positioned along the route, with fruits also available to participants.

“We have five water stations strategically positioned along the route, and there will also be fruits for the runners. We are encouraging everyone to run at their own pace and make use of the facilities provided along the route.”

Also speaking, the managing director of Phlo, Mr Michael Ailuelohia, said the apparel brand identified with the Abeokuta 10km Race because of its commitment to initiatives that encourage movement, active living and community engagement.

Ailuelohia explained that Phlo is more than an apparel brand, describing it as a movement-driven brand that seeks to align with activities capable of getting people active and positively engaged.

“Phlo is not just an apparel brand; we see ourselves as a movement brand. We love to align with activities that get people moving and positively affect communities,” Ailuelohia said.

“For us, the Abeokuta 10km Race represents more than just a race. It is about bringing people together, encouraging active living and showing that movement can have a positive impact on individuals and communities. That is why we are proud to be part of this event.”

The fifth edition of the Abeokuta 10km Race is expected to bring together professional indigenous athletes, fitness enthusiasts and members of the public for a celebration of sports, fitness and healthy living in Ogun State.

The post Abeokuta 10km Race: Dollars up for grabs as organisers assure of hitch-free event appeared first on Made In Africa Sport.