Eliud Kipchoge snubbed as three Kenyans shine in Out of Stadium Athlete nominations

Kenyan trio Ruth Chepngetich, Agnes Ngetich and Kipruto have earned for the coveted Out of Stadium Athlete of the Year 2024 Award.

In a year marked by memorable performances on the global stage, these Kenyan athletes have proven their mettle, capturing significant wins and breaking records across major marathon, road and cross-country events.

has consistently raised the bar in marathon running and 2024 has been no

The 2018 Milano Marathon champion faces her ex-husband in court over her estate, revealing struggles with trust, betrayal and resilience behind her success.

With a blazing victory at the Chicago Marathon, she not only clinched the title but did so in a world-record-breaking fashion.

Joining her is Agnes Jebet Ngetich, who has emerged as a formidable force on the road-running circuit.

Ngetich’s performances have been nothing short of spectacular; she now holds the world records in both the 5km and 10km races, marking her dominance in these shorter yet equally grueling distances.

Alongside these accomplishments, she led the world in the half marathon this year, rounding off a stellar season that has left her mark on the world stage.

Benson Kipruto, another Kenyan powerhouse, also finds himself in contention for the Men’s Out of Stadium Athlete of the Year.

Kipruto’s year has been filled with triumphs, most notably his victory at the Tokyo Marathon.

A seasoned marathoner, he managed to secure the bronze medal in the Olympic marathon.

His nomination places him among the top marathoners globally, underscoring Kenya’s prowess in long-distance running.

The Kenyan trio will face strong competition in their quest for the title.

The shoes were also won by the late Kelvin Kiptum as he shattered the marathon world record at the 2023 Chicago Marathon.

Among the women, Ethiopian rivals Sutume Asefa Kebede and Tigist Ketema bring their own remarkable records into the fray.

Kebede clinched the title at the Tokyo Marathon and holds the second-fastest marathon time of 202.

Meanwhile, Tigist Ketema had a phenomenal year, with wins at both the Berlin and Dubai Marathons, solidifying her position as a marathoner of global acclaim.

Adding to the challenge is Sifan Hassan from the Netherlands, whose Olympic marathon victory and record-breaking performance in Paris have placed her as a strong contender for the title.

Agnes Jebet Ngetich made a stunning half marathon debut in Valencia, clocking 1:03:04—the second-fastest time ever—while expressing pride in her milestone achievement and hopes of setting future records.

On the men’s side, Kipruto will contend with Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha, who set the world half marathon record and led the 10km standings, underscoring his dominance over these distances.

Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo, who captured at the World Cross Country Championships and triumphed in the Valencia 10km, also brings formidable credentials.

Two men have been found guilty by the Eldoret High Court for the murder of Ugandan steeplechase athlete Benjamin Kiplagat, with CCTV and forensic evidence linking them to the crime.

Ecuador’s Brian Daniel Pintado, known for his excellence in race walking, made history as the Olympic 20km race walk champion and secured a silver in the mixed relay event.

Another Ethiopian, Tamirat Tola, with an Olympic marathon title and record to his name, rounds off the list of men’s nominees, each of whom brings an outstanding track record to the competition.

Voting is set to close on November 3 adding an element of anticipation and excitement.