Muzala Samukonga runs 43.91 for 400m in Botswana while there is a sub-60min half-marathon in Turkey despite windy conditions as we bring you our latest international round-up

FNB BOTSWANA GOLDEN GRAND PRIX, Gaborone, April 29

African and Commonwealth champion Muzala Samukonga clocked a huge world lead and Zambian record of 43.91 in the 400m at a Continental Tour meeting that had 1014m altitude.

Samukonga goes third on the African all-time list behind Wayde Van Niekerk and Isaac Makwala.

Former Olympic and world champion Kirani James was second in 44.76.

Double world under-20 100m champion Letsile Tebogo set a world lead in the 200m with 19.87/-0.3 ahead of Canadas Aaron Brown (20.00) with Olympic champion Andre De Grasse only seventh in 20.41.

Kenyan Commonwealth champion Ferdinand Omanyala clocked a wind-assisted 9.78/2.3 by easily winning the 100m ahead of Tebogo (9.91) and Kenya produced a national record in the 4x100m of 38.26 to move to a qualifying position in the Road to Budapest.

Nigerias Ese Brume set a world lead in the long jump with 6.77/0.6.

There was also a Kenyan record in the 400m by Commonwealth 800m champion Mary Moraa who showed impressive speed with 50.44

Marquise Dendy of USA won a good-quality long jump with 8.34/-0.1 ahead of Ingar Bratseth-Kiplesund Norwegian record of 8.21/-0.8).

Abel Kipsang had his best run since his return from a doping ban with a hand-timed 1:44.6 800m.

Men:
100 (2.3): 1 Ferdinand Omanyala KEN 9.78w; 2 Letsile Tebogo 9.91w; 3 Kenny Bednarek USA 10.02w; 4 Aaron Brown CAN 10.06w; 5 Kyree King USA 10.06w; 6 Emmanuel Matadi LBR 10.11w

200 (-0.3): 1 Letsile Tebogo 19.87; 2 Aaron Brown CAN 20.00; 3 Joe Fahnbulleh LBR 20.14; 4 Alexander Ogando DOM 20.22; 5 Brendon Rodney CAN 20.28; 6 Jerome Blake CAN 20.39; 7 Andre De Grasse CAN 20.41; 8 Antony Pesela 20.69

400: 1 Muzala Samukonga ZAM 43.91 NR; 2 Kirani James GRN 44.76; 3 Leungo Scotch 44.92; 4 Lythe Pillay RSA 45.07; 5 Bayapo Ndori 45.13; 6 Zakithi Nene RSA 45.53; 7 Gardeo Isaacs RSA 46.28; 8 Isaac Makwala 46.35

800 (hand timed): 1 Abel Kipsang KEN 1:44.6h; 2 Tshepo Tshite RSA 1:44.9h; 3 Koitalol Kitasi KEN 1:45.0h; 4 Tshepiso Masalela 1:45.4h; 5 Efrem Mekonnen ETH 1:45.6h; 6 Cornelius Tuwei KEN 1:45.6h; 7 Clayton Murphy USA 1:45.6h; 8 Ferguson Rotich KEN 1:45.6h; 9 Nicholas Kebenei KEN 1:45.7h; 10 Boitumelo Masilo 1:46.6h; 11 Ethan Hussey GBR 1:46.8h

400H: 1 Trevor Bassitt USA 48.43; 2 Sokwakhana Zazini RSA 48.58; 3 Wiseman Mukhobe KEN 49.29; 4 Thomas Barr IRL 49.79

LJ: 1 Marquis Dendy USA 8.34; 2 Ingar Bratseth-Kiplesund NOR 8.21 NR; 3 LaQuan Nairn BAH 8.10; 4 Jarrion Lawson USA 8.09; 5 Chenoult Coetzee NAM 8.04; 6 Thapelo Monaiwa 7.88; 7 Ruswahl Samaai RSA 7.67

SP: 1 Leonardo Fabbri ITA 21.32; 2 Zane Weir ITA 21.09; 3 Scott Lincoln GBR 20.32; 4 Kyle Blignaut RSA 19.80

National Events 100 (0.2): 1 Samwel Imeta KEN 10.10; 2 Benji Richardson RSA 10.15

200 (-0.3): 1 Benji Richardson RSA 20.40; 2 Boniface Mweresa KEN 20.76

400: 1 Laone Ditshetelo 45.73; 2 Zibani Ngozi 45.76

Women:
100 (0.4): 1 TeeTee Terry USA 11.05; 2 Bassant Hemida EGY 11.09; 3 Kiara Parker USA 11.16; 4 Javianne Oliver USA 11.40

200 (-0.5): 1 Kayla White USA 22.38; 2 ShaCarri Richardson USA 22.54; 3 Bassant Hemida EGY 22.7

400: 1 Mary Moraa KEN 50.44 NR; 2 Miranda Coetzee RSA 51.14; 3 Candice McLeod JAM 51.17; 4 Zeney Van Der Walt RSA 51.37; 5 Marlie Viljoen RSA 52.21

800: 1 Habitam Alemu ETH 1:59.35; 2 Prudence Sekgodisa RSA 2:00.39; 3 Frezewde Tesfaye ETH 2:00.52; 4 Naomi Korir KEN 2:00.70; 5 Nowe Oratile 2:01.71 NR; 6 Charne Swart RSA 2:03.31

LJ: 1 Ese Brume NGR 6.77; 2 Marthe Yasmine Koala BUR 6.69 NR; 3 Maryse Luzolo GER 6.61; 4 Esraa Owis EGY 6.50; 5 Lorraine Ugen GBR 6.50w (6,44m); 6 Diána Lesti HUN 6.44

SP: 1 Adelaide Aquilla USA 18.53; 2 Amelia Strickler GBR 17.24; 3 Jessica Inchude POR 17.11

National Events 400: 1 Rhodah Njobvu ZAM 51.96

N KOLAY ISTANBUL HALF-MARATHON, April 30

In windy conditions, Purity Komen was the surprise winner overtaking fellow-Kenyan and race favourite Ruth Chepngetich as she set a PB of 66:30. Course record-holder Chepngetich (who led through 5km in 15:16, 10km in 31:09) followed in second with 67:18 while Evaline Chirchir made it an all-Kenyan podium with 67:31.

My body did not respond after the early part of the race. I dont know why, but I assume that may be the race came a bit too soon after the Nagoya Marathon in March, said Chepngetich. I have not yet decided if I will run the World Championships marathon or an autumn race. The big goal is the Olympic Games next year and I hope to be selected for the team.

Komen said: This victory was unexpected. I was surprised when I suddenly saw Ruth in front of me and was then able to pass her, said Purity Komen. I had hoped to achieve a 65 minutes time, but it was too windy today. I now plan to run my marathon debut next year.

After 10 athletes passed 10km in 28:22, Daniel Ebenyo of Kenya was the mens winner of with 59:52 from Hicham Amghar (59:58) and Haftu Teklu (60:03).

Britains Marc Scott was the best European runner in 63:17 for 12th place as a record number of 12,300 runners competed in the 18th edition of the event.

Men:
1 Daniel Ebenyo KEN 59:52
2 Hicham Amghar MOR 59:58
3 Haftu Teklu ETH 60:03
4 Charles Langat KEN 60:07
5 Vincent Kipkemoi KEN 60:09
6 Boniface Kibiwott KEN 60:23
7 Benard Biwott KEN 60:47
8 Ashenafi Kiros ETH 61:21
9 Alfred Ngeno KEN 62:24
10 Alene Mekonen ETH 62:32
12 Marc Scott GBR 63:17

Women:
1 Purity Komen KEN 66:30
2 Ruth Chepngetich KEN 67:18
3 Evaline Chirchir KEN 67:31
4 Bosena Mulatie ETH 67:43
5 Tigist Gezahagn ETH 68:49
6 Betelihem Afenigus ETH 69:04
7 Beatrice Cheserek KEN 69:14
8 Bekelech Gudeta ETH 69:35
9 Shamilah Kipsiror KEN 69:38
10 Stella Rutto ROM 70:05

MADRID RACE WALKS, Spain, April 30

On a 1km circuit of Gran Via, Italian Francesco Fortunato and the Chinese 10km world record-holder Jiayu Yang won the World Athletics Race Walking Tour Gold Label competition over the 10km.

10km Walk
Men:
1 Francesco Fortunato ITA 38:56
2 Caio Bonfim BRA 39:03
3 David Hurtado ECU 39:06
4 Massimo Stano ITA 39:06
5 Paul McGrath 39:09
6 Christopher Linke GER 39:11
7 Karl Junghannß GER 39:25
8 Gabriel Bordier FRA 39:25
9 Diego García 39:50
10 Perseus Karlström SWE 40:04

Women: 10kmW:

1 Yang Jiayu CHN 43:20
2 Wu Quanming CHN 43:33
3 Alegna Gonzalez MEX 43:35
4 Clemence Beretta FRA 44:06 NR
5 Ana Cabecinha POR 44:16
6 Ma Zhenxia CHN 44:29
7 Ma Li CHN 44:36
8 Antigóni Drisbióti GRE 44:38
9 Antia Chamosa 44:49
10 Valentina Trapletti ITA 44:53

RABAT MARATHON, April 30

Home athletes Fatima Ezzahra Gardadi and Yassine El Allami won their respective events in world championships qualifying times (2:25:03 and 2:09:27).

Men: Mar:
1 Yassine El Allami 2:09:27
2 Mustapha Houdadi 2:09:34
3 Adane Kebede ETH 2:09:44
4 Solomon Mutai UGA 2:10:22
5 Hassan Toriss 2:11:01
6 Gilbert Muge KEN 2:11:48
7 Sammy Kigen KEN 2:12:02
8 Mountasser Zaghou 2:12:20
9 Soufiyan Bouqantar 2:15:11
10 Hamza Sahili 2:15:41

Women: Mar:
1 Fatima Ezzahra Gardadi 2:25:03
2 Rkia El Moukim 2:26:51
3 Kaltoum Bouaasayriya 2:26:54
4 Worknesh Alemu ETH 2:28:06
5 Kasu Bitew ETH 2:29:19
6 Meseret Hailu ETH 2:31:35
7 Aberu Mekuria ETH 2:32:10
8 Hanane Qallouj 2:32:50
9 Fatima Zahra Ouhrisse 2:34:17
10 Sabah Es-Seqally 2:39:50

DESENZANO DEL GARDA, Italy, April 30

American heptathlete Taliyah Brooks won the heptathlon with a world-leading outdoor total of 6330 points highlighted by a 6.65m long jump.

Great Britains Jade ODowda finished second with 6178 points.

Estonias Karel Tilga won the decathlon by more than 400 points with a European lead and Budapest qualifier 8482.

Men: Dec: 1 Karel Tilga EST 8482 (11.16/0.4, 7.66/-0.3, 16.19, 2.07, 48.71, 14.85/1.4, 45.46, 4.75, 64.05, 4:21.91); 2 Fredrik Samuelsson SWE 8070; 3 Devon Williams USA 7956; 10 Lewis Church GBR 7468 (11.44/+0.7 6.84/-1.1 13.47 1.95 50.27 14.84/+0.9 38.87 4.45 51.23 4:20.69)

Women: Hep: 1 Taliyah Brooks USA 6330 (13.23/0.6, 1.77, 13.01, 24.06/-0.9, 6.65/0.9, 39.00, 2:15.02); 2 Jade ODowda GBR 6178 (13.62/-0.7 1.77 13.19 24.87/-0.9 6.33/+0.7 40.51 2:12.07); 3 Chari Hawkins USA 6036; 4 Sarah Lagger AUT 6010

CORKY CROFOOT SHOUTOUT, Lubbock, USA, April 28-29

Taking advantage of the 3000 feet altitude, James Dadzie clocked a Ghanaian 200m record and world lead of 19.79/1.3 ahead of Courtney Lindsey (19.94) and under-20 Issam Asinga (19.97) which moved him to fifth all-time in the world junior lists.

Courtesy of a stiff 3.2m/sec tailwind, Asinga achieved a wind-assisted 9.89 for 100m which was matched by Dadzie with Briton Adam Clayton running 10.08 in fourth. The Scots legal best is 10.30 but a 6.63 60m during the winter suggests his 100m time is due for major revision.

Men:
100 (3.2): 1 Issam Asinga 9.89w; 2 James Dadzie GHA 9.89w; 3 Dondrea Swint 10.06w; 4 Adam Clayton GBR 10.08w

200 (1.3): 1 James Dadzie GHA 19.79 NR; 2 Courtney Lindsey 19.94; 3 Issam Asinga 19.97; 4 Tapiwa Makarawu ZIM 20.10 NR; 5 Takudzwa Chiyangwa ZIM 20.20; Adam Clayton GBR DQ

400: 1 Zarik Brown 45.38

110H (2.3): 1 Antoine Andrews BAH 13.46w; 2 Justin Guy TTO 13.57w

400H: 1 Rivaldo Leacock BAR 49.91

HJ: 1 Vernon Turner 2.20; 2 Kudakwashe Chadenga ZIM 2.20

LJ: 1 Nikaoli Williams JAM 7.87

Women:
100 (1.7): 1 Kennedy Blackmon 11.06; 2 Adaejah Hodge IVB 11.11 NR U20R

200 (5.0): 1 Adaejah Hodge IVB 22.31w; 2 Kennedy Blackmon 22.56w

400: 1 Grace Obour GHA 52.71; 3 Nayanna Dubarry-Gay GBR 54.25

100H (3.4): 1 Demisha Roswell JAM 12.89w

400H: 1 Michelle Smith ISV 56.66 NR

PV: 1 Olivia Lueking 4.50; 8 Natasha Purchas GBR 3.31

TJ: 1 Ruth Usoro NGR 14.12; 2 Rūta Lasmane LAT 13.85w; 3 Obamuwagun Onoara NGR 13.73w

SP: 1 Keayla Dove 17.79

CALIFORNIA v STANFORD, Berkeley, USA, April 29

Lithuanian European discus champion Mykolas Alekna set a European under-23 discus record with a 71.00m throw.

There was British success for Anna Purchase in the hammer (by almost 14 metres!) and Charles Hicks at 3000m.

Men:
1500: 3 Charles Hicks GBR 3:47.75

3000: 1 Charles Hicks GBR 8:09.51; 2 Cole Sprout 8:09.74

DT: 1 Mykolas Alekna LTU 71.00 Eur U23 rec; 2 Iffy Joyner 60.14

Women:
100 (1.1): 3 Olivia Okoli GBR 11.87,

400: 1 Maya Valmon 52.07

HT: 1 Anna Purchase GBR 69.69

LSU INVITATIONAL, Baton Rouge, USA, April 29

Aleia Hobbs won the 100m in 11.04/1.0 with Imani Lansiquot third in 11.16.

Shamier Little won the 400m in 50.61 and the 400m hurdles in 55.76.

Jamaican Ackera Nugent took the 100m hurdles in 12.52/0.2 while Tara Davis-Woodhall won long jump with a very windy 7.05/5.9, but also achieved a legal 6.86/0.8 though the world lead went to runner-up Quanesha Burks who achieved 6.95/1.6.

Men:
100 (3.3): 1 Godson Oghenebrume NGR 10.01w; 2 DaMarcus Fleming 10.10w; 3 Erriyon Knighton 10.13w; 7 Matthew Boling 10.26w; 8 Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake GBR 10.29w
Race B (1.6): 1 Brandon Hicklin 10.15 7 Ojie Edoburun GBR 10.32

200 (-0.2): 1 Vernon Norwood 20.41; 2 Javonte Harding 20.44; 3 Dorian Camel 20.56; 4 Matthew Boling 20.64; 5 Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake GBR 20.68,

400: 1 Ryan Willie 44.93; 2 Emmanuel Bamidele NGR 45.06; 3 James Benson II 45.57; 4 Elija Godwin 45.70; 5 Chris Bailey 45.77; 6 Khaleb McRae 45.90
Race B: 1 Chris Giles 45.34
Race C: 1 Chris Robinson 45.83; 3 Kevin Borlée BEL 46.62; 4 Dylan Borlée BEL 46.86

110H (-0.2): 1 Phillip Lemonious JAM 13.63; 2 Omar McLeod JAM 13.67
Race B (1.8): 7 Mayowa Osunsami GBR 14.67

400H: 1 Nathaniel Ezekiel NGR 49.47

TJ: 1 Jaydon Hibbert JAM 17.17

SP: 1 John Meyer 20.42; 2 Jordan West 20.18

DT: 1 Roje Stona JAM 67.02; 2 Ralford Mullings JAM 62.16

4100: 1 LSU 38.26

4400: 1 Georgia 3:04.57; 2 NGR 3:05.42

Women:
100 (1.9): 1 Aleia Hobbs 11.04; 2 Mikiah Brisco 11.15; 3 Imani Lansiquot GBR 11.16; 4 Kaila Jackson 11.23; 5 Favour Ofili NGR 11.28
Race B (1.5): 1 Jacious Sears 11.08; 2 Khamica Bingham CAN 11.22
Race D (1.8): 6 Alisha Rees GBR 11.58

200 (1.5): 1 Rosey Effiong 22.87; 2 Kenondra Davis 22.89; 3 Shamier Little 23.02; 4 Imani Lansiquot GBR 23.27

400: 1 Shamier Little 50.61; 2 Rosey Effiong 51.31; 3 Talitha Diggs 51.51; 4 Imeobong Nse Uko NGR 51.89; 5 Amber Anning GBR 52.30

100H (0.2): 1 Ackera Nugent JAM 12.52; 2 Alia Armstrong 12.56; 3 Michelle Harrison CAN 12.93
Race B (0.9): 1 Anna Hall 13.09

400H: 1 Britton Wilson 55.76

LJ: 1 Tara Davis Woodhall 7.05w; 2 Quanesha Burks 6.95; 3 Claire Bryant 6.52

TJ: 1 Shanieka Ricketts JAM 14.06; 2 Charisma Taylor BAH 13.82; 3 Jasmine Moore 13.77w

SP: 1 Ana da Silva BRA 17.62; 12 Anna Hall 13.94

4100: 1 Georgia 42.94; 2 Ole Miss 43.53; 3 LSU 43.56; 4 GBR 43.66

East Coast Relays, JACKSONVILLE, USA, April 28-29

Olympic champion Jasmine Camacho-Quinn won the 100m hurdles in a wind-assisted 12.29/3.2.

Men:
100 (2.9): 1 Cejhae Greene ANT 10.01w; 2 Xie Zhenye CHN 10.06w; 3 Muhd Azeem Fahmi MAS 10.14w; 4 Abdul Hakim Sani Brown JPN 10.16w
Race B (3.3): 1 Dominique Alexander 10.11w; 2 Yan Haibin CHN 10.11w; 3 Cole Beck 10.14w

200 (0.9): 1 Xie Zhenye CHN 20.31; 2 Joshua Hartmann GER 20.54,

400: 1 Trevor Stewart 44.95; 2 Rusheen McDonald JAM 44.97

800: 6 Robert Howorth GBR 1:50.85

110H (1.7): 1 Trey Cunningham 13.45

TJ: 1 Will Claye 17.13w

Women:
100 (3.9): 1 Natasha Morrison JAM 10.93w; 2 Melissa Jefferson 10.98w
Race B (2.3): 1 Dajaz Defrand 11.14w; 2 Rayniah Jones 11.17w; 3 Tia Clayton JAM 11.25w

200 (-0.5): 1 Dajaz Defrand 22.75

400: 1 Ronda Whyte JAM 52.00

100H (3.2): 1 Jasmine Camacho-Quinn PUR 12.29w; 2 Rayniah Jones 12.63w; 3 Lin Yuwei CHN 12.82w; 4 Alexis Glasco 12.83w; 5 Michelle Atherley 12.99w

400H: 1 Ronda Whyte JAM 55.32

TEXAS INVITATIONAL, Austin, USA, April 29

Olympic 200 m medalist Gabby Thomas improved her 400m PB while Olympic discus winner Valarie Allman threw 68.20m.

European indoor champion Sondre Guttormsen cleared a Norwegian outdoor record and world lead of 5.90m in the pole vault while Julien Alfred won the 100m in 10.95/1.8.

Men:
100 (2.7): 1 Ismael Kone CIV 9.98w; 2 Marcellus Moore 10.11w; 5 Tommy Ramdhan GBR 10.38w,

Race D (1.2):  3 Joseph Harding GBR 10.51

200 (2.5): 1 Amir Willis 20.35w; 2 Ismael Kone CIV 20.37w; 3 Diego Aldo Pettorossi ITA 20.50w; 4 Denzell Feagin 20.58w

1500: 1 Yusuf Bizimana GBR 3:47.77

PV: 1 Sondre Guttormsen NOR 5.9#

LJ: 1 Jeremiah Davis 8.02w; 2 Jacob Fincham-Dukes GBR 7.89w,

TJ: 1 OBrien Wasome JAM 16.80

4100: 1 Florida State 38.88

Women:

100 (1.8): 1 Julien Alfred LCA 10.95; 2 Kevona Davis JAM 11.14; 3 Ashanti Moore JAM 11.14; 4 Ezinne Abba 11.15; 5 Lanae-Tava Thomas 11.16; 6 Rhasidat Adeleke IRL 11.32
Race B (5.2): 1 Annie Tagoe GBR 11.38w

200 (1.2): 1 Gabby Thomas 22.21; 2 Lanae-Tava Thomas 22.38; 3 Rhasidat Adeleke IRL 22.47; 4 Ashanti Moore JAM 22.49; 5 Anavia Battle 22.62; 6 Lynna Irby-Jackson 22.69; 7 Ezinne Abba 22.86

400: 1 Gabby Thomas 49.68; 2 Lynna Irby-Jackson 50.40; 3 Charokee Young JAM 50.64; 4 Kennedy Simon 50.84; 5 Shiann Salmon JAM 51.99

100H (2.3): 1 Sharika Nelvis 13.05w

400H: 1 Shiann Salmon JAM 55.83

LJ: 1 Ackelia Smith JAM 6.69w

DT: 1 Valarie Allman 68.20

DRAKE RELAYS, Des Moines, USA, April 26-29

Ryan Crouser won the shot put with 22.39 after a 22.42m indoor competition.

Brooke Andersen threw 78.69m in the hammer.

There was a fast 100m hurdles for Tia Jones in 12.44/1.1.

Men: Indoor SP: 1 Ryan Crouser 22.42; 2 Adrian Piperi 21.45; 3 Chuk Enekwechi NGR 20.81; 4 Nick Ponzio ITA 20.59

Women: Indoor SP: 1 Chase Ealey 19.54; 2 Danniel Thomas-Dodd JAM 19.52 NR; 3 Maggie Ewen 19.45; 4 Jessica Woodard 18.10

Championship HJ: 1 Kyle Rollins 2.25

Invitational 800: 1 Isaiah Jewett 1:47.05

1500: 1 Paul Ryan 3:40.23; 2 Charlie DaVall Grice GBR 3:40.67; 3 Adam Fogg GBR 3:40.87

110H (2.0): 1 Jamal Britt 13.29; 2 Darius Luff 13.48; 3 Eric Edwards Jr. 13.56; 4 Hansle Parchment JAM 13.60; 5 Shane Brathwaite BAR 13.67

400H: 1  CJ Allen 48.78; 2 Amere Lattin 50.00; 3 Khallifah Rosser 50.27

SP: 1) Ryan Crouser 22.38; 2 Adrian Piperi 21.49; 3 Payton Otterdahl 20.83; 4 Nick Ponzio ITA 20.52; 5 Chuk Enekwechi NGR 20.12

HT: 1 Rudy Winkler 76.70; 2 Denzel Comenentia NED 74.67

Open 5000: 1) Edwin Kurgat KEN 13:34.11; 13 George Watson GBR 14:04.56

Unseeded 800 (29th): 4) Joseph Morrison GBR 1:49.44
Race C (29th): 4) Iestyn Williams GBR 1:51.34

5000: 3 Christopher McLeod GBR 14:06.62

Women:
400H: 1 Jacy Pulse 56.79; 2 Hannah Antkoviak 56.97

Inv 1500: 1 Nikki Hiltz 4:09.02

3000SC: 1) Madison Boreman 9:36.86; 2 Alicja Konieczek POL 9:39.46; 3 Simone Ferraz BRA 9:42.84

100H (1.1): 1) Tia Jones 12.44; 2 Tonea Marshall 12.61; 3 Nia Ali 12.67; 4 Tobi Amusan NGR 12.69; 5 Devynne Charlton BAH 12.71; 6 Danielle Williams JAM 12.99

400H: 1 Anna Cockrell 55.52; 2 Andrenette Knight JAM 56.17; 3 Gianna Woodruff PAN 56.62

SP: 1 Chase Ealey 19.12; 2 Maggie Ewen 18.76; 3 Axelina Johansson SWE 18.72; 4 Danniel Thomas-Dodd JAM 18.56

HT: 1 Brooke Andersen 78.69; 2 Maggie Ewen 72.47; 3 Janeah Stewart 71.60; 4 Annette Echikunwoke 70.57; 5 Stamatía Skarvélis GRE 69.57; 6 Beatrice Nedberge Llano NOR 68.82; 7 Erin Reese 68.75; 9 Tara Simpson-Sullivan GBR 65.22

Open 5000 (27th): 1 Ma Xiuzhen CHN 15:43.92; 2 Lindsay Cunningham 15:45.91; 7 Julia Paternain GBR 16:10.38

MUSIC CITY CHALLENGE, Nashville, April 29

Double world shot put champion Joe Kovacs opened the season with a 22.69m world lead.
Men: SP: 1 Joe Kovacs 22.69

Haspa Marathon Hamburg, April 22

Bernard Koech of Kenya won with a course record of 2:04:09. The 35 year-old tied his PB as fellow-Kenyans Joshua Belet and Martin Kosgei took second and third with 2:04:33 and 2:06:18 respectively. Germanys European champion Richard Ringer finished sixth in a PB 2:08:08 which is just inside the Olympic qualifying time.

Kenyas Dorcas Tuitoek took the womens race with 2:20:09 as long-time leader Tiruye Mesfin of Ethiopia struggled in the final section and fell. She finished second with 2:20:18. Third placed Stella Chesang clocked an Ugandan record 2:20:23 in her debut

Men: Mar:
1 Bernard Koech KEN 2:04:09
2 Joshua Belet KEN 2:04:33
3 Martin Kosgei KEN 2:06:18
4 Daniel do Nascimento BRA 2:07:06
5 Rhonzas Kilimo KEN 2:08:08
6 Richard Ringer GER 2:08:08
7 Martin Musau UGA 2:08:45
8 Haftom Welday GER 2:09:40

Women: Mar:
1 Dorcas Tuitoek KEN 2:20:09
2 Tiruye Mesfin ETH 2:20:18
3 Stella Chesang UGA 2:20:23
4 Tsige Haileslase ETH 2:22:10
5 Marion Kibor KEN 2:22:35
6 Giovanna Epis ITA 2:23:46
7 Zenebu Bihzong ETH 2:24:16
8 Fabienne Königstein GER 2:25:48

We look at the latest road racing footwear that can potentially take your running to the next level

Since Nike introduced their super shoes in 2016, rival brands have caught up and produced their own models with carbon plates in the midsole. At the recent London and Boston marathons, companies like Adidas and On enjoyed success with at the sharp end of the races, with thousands of good club runners also using them to help clock PBs.

British distance runner Chris Thompson estimates they can help an elite marathoner run around four minutes quicker compared to traditional shoes from a decade ago. Even Eamonn Martin, the last British man to win in London back in 1993, told AW that they represent the future of road running.

Martin didnt even wear a watch or socks when he won in London 30 years ago but says: I grew up in engineering where we would bring out the next car or a new material that would be better than the previous ones, so Ive lived in a world of progress. Athletics tracks have improved. Shoes got better in the 1980s due to the big marathons that took off. The javelin has also changed. So I progression in technology is something that I expect and embrace.

Here are the pick of the latest super shoes

Saucony Endorphin Elite 228

Taking their racing line one step further, the Elite sits above the Endorphin Pro in the Saucony carbon-plated race day offerings.

With a new midsole foam PWRRUN HG the shoe has a familiar, high-energy return feel but at the same time is a little more stable and slightly firmer than the Pro. The new carbon plate has a more aggressive toe-off and, combined with the Speedroll technology in the forefoot, creates a shoe that feels like its propelling you along the road. This all requires you to be operating at a decent pace to start with but, once up to speed, the Elite feels incredible.

The upper is striking, too, with a broad midfoot strap holding the foot in place and featuring large cutaway sections to reduce weight. Its a great fit and allows plenty of airflow.

While being one of the more aggressive models around its probably the easiest of this kind to get used to. Within a few miles it felt very natural and capable of covering the marathon distance without issue.

Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 2 175

The first version of Pumas carbon-plated racer was perhaps a little rushed to market but this updated model builds on that shoe and makes minor all-round improvements. Its lighter and the ride feels a little smoother, while the cushioning and energy-return comes from the Nitrogen-injected foam which also proves to be durable.

The full-length carbon plate is still there but feels a little less aggressive than in some models in this category, which makes the shoe better for the longer distance on the road, whereas some marathon shoes feel like theyre better suited to the 5km!

The super-thin upper keeps the weight down and is highly breathable, while the brands PWRTAPE technology adds structure and support for a great fit. 

Under Armour Flow Velociti Elite 225

This shoe may be the last of the big-brand carbon-plated racers to hit the market but its already race-proven thanks to a New York Marathon win last year from Sharon Lokedi.

With a carbon plate sandwiched between PEBAX-based and nitrogen-infused layers of foam, the cushioning is soft and smooth riding, while the plate provides the added spring. 

Again, the plate here isnt too aggressive but perhaps that reflects the brands focus on creating both a marathon shoe as well as one more capable of more frequent use.

The upper features a minimal and highly breathable mesh, with taped pieces added to create shape and support.

HOKA Rocket X 2 220

Finally, HOKA has delivered a shoe that combines a full-length carbon plate with modern foam. The dual-density PEBA-based foam is similar to that found in many of the brands and gives the shoe a responsive feel that puts the Rocket X2 on a more equal footing.

Its certainly HOKAs best racing shoe ever and instantly feels faster and more responsive than previous efforts. 

The relatively low 5mm drop in the heel, combined with the soft feel of the foam, does make it a little unstable at slower speeds but remember this is a race shoe so it feels much better when the pace is picked up.

The upper is a lightweight, translucent synthetic mesh with a relatively slim fit and, with midfoot straps incorporated into the tongue, it provides a snug hold on the foot.

Theres enough coverage on the sole from the rubber to provide good traction and ensure durability without adding weight.

With an existing large customer base from their current racing shoes, the Rocket X2 will be a welcome update and should prove popular.

Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 200

With a strikingly aggressive design, the Rebellion Pro stands out from the crowd.

While it features a carbon-infused plate running through the midsole, the propulsive effect comes largely from the geometry of the midsole with its cutaway heel and large forefoot rocker. 

At its deepest part, the stack of the shoe measures close to 50mm but the clever heel design ensures it meets World Athletics regulations. This deep stack and the rocker help create a pivot point that almost throws the foot forward.  

Its certainly a shoe that feels fast from the moment you put it on and one that requires you to get up to speed to get the most out of it.

This model is aimed at marathon runners and it has shown great promise with some early adopters of it. From our experiences with it so far, its certainly a fast and propulsive shoe over shorter distances and one in which were looking forward to venturing out over the longer event.

Brooks Hyperion Max 160

Whilst not carbon-plated, this model does feature a substantial nitrogen-injected foam midsole. The DNA FLASH cushioning has a great energy-return feel when on the move which, when combined with the shoes unique midsole geometry, creates a reasonably aggressive gait cycle.

This all combines for a fast-feeling shoe that can handle daily miles with comfort.

The nitro-foam used by Brooks isnt as soft as many of the competitors but that makes it more stable something that may be a blessing for many runners.

The upper is lightweight and features laser-cut holes for breathability, while its a great fit, too. This is a great option for those seeking a fast and stable ride from a shoe that can be used for more than race day.

New Balance Fuel Cell Supercomp Elite V3 220

More stable than the previous version of this shoe, the v3 feels the best yet. The FuelCell cushioning feels a little firmer and the overall shape has been tweaked. The foot seems to sit a little lower in the cushioning, almost cradled, and overall it feels more under control.

The EnergyArc carbon plate has a specific geometry and, combined with the voids in the midsole cushioning, it is allowed to sink a little into this space to create a better energy return.

A bootie design to the knitted mesh upper is beautifully shaped and wraps the foot incredibly well for a sock-like fit. Overall the balance of carbon and cushioning here feels spot on for the marathon distance. Its a soft but responsive ride.

ASICS Metaspeed Edge+ 225

With two very similar carbon plate models, the Metaspeed Sky+ and Metaspeed Edge+, ASICS say the former is intended for runners who increase their stride length to speed up, whereas the Edge+ is intended for those who up their cadence to gather speed.

Physically the Edge has a slighter higher heel drop, 8mm to the 5mm of the Sky, and the carbon plate of the Edge has a slightly more curve to it in the forefoot.

Ive found the Edge slightly better than the Sky in that it feels a little more aggressive and, with that higher heel drop, a little more suited to the longer distance. 

Otherwise, both shoes feature the same great fitting upper and weigh in at a super-light 200g. Whichever you choose for the marathon youll have the edge over a regular trainer.

Nike Alphafly 2 269.95

Still arguably the fastest marathon shoe on the planet, the Alphafly holds that crown thanks to Eliud Kipchoge. A new third generation of the shoe is on the way but, for now, the Alphafly features every piece of technology Nike have to help propel athletes to record-breaking performances.

ZoomX cushioning is soft and springy and, combined with a full-length carbon plate and twin Air unit, makes this model the king of the spring!

Dina Asher-Smith, Shericka Jackson and ShaCarri Richardson are among those in a red-hot womens 100m field in Qatar on Friday

The 2023 Wanda Diamond League season is ready to start with a bang on Friday (May 5) with strong line-ups at Doha, Qatar. These include a mouth-watering clash in the womens 100m.

Shericka Jackson, the world 200m champion from Jamaica, takes on former world 200m champion Dina Asher-Smith of Britain, plus Americans ShaCarri Richardson, Melissa Jefferson, Abby Steiner, Teahna Daniels and Twanisha Terry, while New Zealand record-holder Zoe Hobbs completes the field.

After starting my season with a few 400m races, Im excited to drop down in distance to race over 100m in Doha, said Jackson. I know Im in good shape after running my quickest 400m since 2019 this year, but now its time to sharpen up and run really fast.

Doha is the first of 14 Diamond League events this summer with the final over two days in Eugene on September 16-17.

Also in Doha the mens 200m sees Olympic champion Andre De Grasse of Canada taking on world 400m gold medallist Michael Norman plus fellow Americans Fred Kerley, the world 100m champion, and Kenny Bednarek, the Olympic and world 200m silver medallist.

In addition, the mens 200m includes Joseph Fahnbulleh, the NCAA champion over 100m and 200m and Liberian record-holder who finished fourth over 200m at the World Championships, together with Andrew Hudson of Jamaica, the NACAC champion.

There will be plenty of home interest in Doha, too, as three-time Diamond Trophy winner Mutaz Essa Barshim competes in the high jump.

Australias Nina Kennedy, the 2022 Diamond Trophy winner, is up against Olympic champion Katie Moon and fellow American Sandi Morris plus Britains Holly Bradshaw in the pole vault, Kenyas Faith Kipyegon headlines the womens 1500m and Moroccan steeplechaser Soufiane El Bakkali will be hoping to take his superb 2022 form into the new season.

El Bakkali isnt tackling the barriers in Doha, though. Instead he takes on a tough 3000m flat field that includes Ethiopians Berihu Aregawi, Lamecha Girma and Selemon Barega, plus former world 1500m champion Tim Cheruiyot of Kenya.

Having become the first Indian ever to win the Diamond Trophy last year, Neeraj Chopra will also be out for more Diamond League success in the mens javelin as he takes on world champion Anderson Peters of Grenada and Olympic silver medallist Jakub Vadlejch of the Czech Republic.

Kristjan Ceh of Slovenia and Daniel Stahl of Sweden are in a strong mens discus line-up that includes Brits Nick Percy and Lawrence Okoye.

The full start lists are here.

Doha promises to be a great season opener as this meeting 12 months ago saw five world leads, two meeting records plus three area and national records.

READ MORE: Doha Diamond League 2022 coverage

Recent days have seen a spate of athlete announcements relating to events later this summer and here are some of the promised highlights at the Diamond League events that follow hot on the heels of Doha.

Rabat May 28

The Meeting International Mohammed VI will be the first chance for athletes to earn points in the mens 100m, womens 200m and womens 400m hurdles among other events. Kenyan sprinter Ferdinand Omanyala is among the early entries. It would also be a surprise if Olympic and world champion El Bakkali doesnt compete on home soil either.

Rome/Florence June 2

The Pietro Mennea Golden Gala returns to Florence with Femke Bol expected to compete in the 400m hurdles. There is also a great womens long jump showdown between Diamond Trophy winner Ivana Vuleta of Serbia, Olympic champion Malaika Mihambo of Germany, Ukraines Maryna Bekh-Romanchuk, Nigerias Ese Brume, Florence-born Italian star Larissa Iapichino and Britains European indoor champion Jazmin Sawyers.

Paris June 9

The French event is set to be invaded by many of Britains leading athletes with world champion Jake Wightman, Keely Hodgkinson and Asher-Smith among those heading to the city. The latter is set to run the 200m at this Meeting de Paris, while Wightman is due to run 800m alongside fellow Brit Max Burgin.

Pole vaulter Holly Bradshaw is also expected to be in action together with Eilish McColgan, assuming she has recovered from her recent injury problems.

French fans will also have plenty of local talent to cheer, with European 800m silver medallist Rénelle Lamote and world decathlon record-holder Kevin Mayer also on the entry lists.

Avec la crème des Anglais !

BIENVENUE au 𝗠𝗘𝗘𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗗𝗘 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗦 Dina Asher-Smith (200 m), Jake Wightman (800 m) et Keely Hodgkinson (800 m) !

Venez les applaudir vendredi 9 juin au stade Charléty !

https://t.co/D5I0K0YaWJ#MeetingParis pic.twitter.com/Rl4MK72gQE

MEETING DE PARIS (@MEETINGPARIS) April 25, 2023

Oslo June 15

Pole vault world record holder Mondo Duplantis set to return to Oslo and South African star Wayde Van Niekerk set to make his Diamond League comeback in the 400m.

Oslo will also see Diamond Trophy winner Valarie Allman of the United States take on long-time Croatian rival Sandra Perkovic in the womens discus.

Jakob Ingebrigtsen has also signed up to several Diamond League events already including Oslo as he sets out to defend his Diamond Trophy.

Lausanne June 30

The Athletissima is set to see Swiss stars such as Simon Ehammer and Mujinga Kambundji joined by a number of leading international athletes such as Dutch hurdles star Bol, Olympic 1500m champion Ingebrigtsen and world 5000m and 10,000m record-holder Joshua Cheptegei.

Stockholm  July 2

Duplantis broke the world record here last year and hes set to return to this BAUHAUS-Galan meeting in 2023.

Silesia July 16

The Kamila Skolimowska Memorial meeting returns to the Wanda Diamond League circuit this year, having become the first ever series meeting on Polish soil in 2022.

Duplantis will return in the mens pole vault, while Ingebrigtsen is due to run the mens 1500m. In the mens high jump, meanwhile, joint Olympic champions Barshim and Gianmarco Tamberi will go head to head.

Monaco July 21

Duplantis is in action again but watch out for the middle-distance track events too as they traditionally feature super-fast times at this Herculis meeting on the French Riviera. In total this event has been elected best meeting in the world seven times in its history. Last year for example Jake Wightman won the 1000m and Lizzie Bird set a UK 3000m steeplechase record.

London July 23

World-class athletics returns to the London Stadium with world and Olympic 800m silver medallist Hodgkinson set to race there for the first time and looking for a good run with the World Championships just weeks away. You can guarantee the event will be announcing more world-class names in coming weeks too.

Were excited to announce @keelyhodgkinson as the first athlete who will be competing in London on 23 July 2023!

Over 34,000 people are coming to watch her London debut and YOU could be there too

Get your tickets now #DiamondLeague @LondonStadium @Diamond_League

London Diamond League (@London_DL) April 27, 2023

Zurich August 31

After a mid-season break in the Diamond League to allow the staging of the World Championships in Budapest, the series returns with the Weltklasse in Switzerland. Taking place just days after the World Championships, you can guarantee there will be a number of rematches and revenge showdowns.

Shenzhen  September 2

China has struggled to stage major events post-pandemic but this meeting will take place at the Baoan Stadium, a state-of-the-art arena which has previously hosted football at the 2011 Summer Universiade.

Brussels  September 8

World record-holders Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Duplantis plus Ingebrigtsen and Yaroslava Mahuchikh have already committed to competing at the Allianz Memorial Van Damme meeting. There is also likely to be home interest with heptathlete Nafi Thiam and distance runner Bashir Abdi.

Eugene September 16-17

The Diamond League finals will be held on US soil for the first time. This season finale at Eugenes Prefontaine Classic will be the only meeting to stage every single Diamond discipline, with all 32 Wanda Diamond League champions to be crowned over the course of two days.

Olympic champion in Rome 1960 and multiple world record-breaker from the United States was 83 years old

Tributes have poured in for Ralph Boston, the 1960 Olympic long jump gold medallist and former world record-holder, who died on Sunday (April 30) aged 83 following a stroke.

Carl Lewis, four-time Olympic long jump champion, said: Im devastated about Ralph Bostons passing. As a child I idolized him and he was a major influence in my life. Ill miss his voice and support. He changed the game as an athlete, advocate and mentor. Jumpers, Know his name!!! Rest with the greats.

USA Track & Field, meanwhile, said: Our sport has lost a legend with the passing of Ralph Boston. The greatest long jumper of his time, Boston broke the world record six times and was a member of the inaugural National Track & Field Hall of Fame. His legacy and contributions will live on for generations to come.

Jesse Owens held the long jump world record from 1935 to 1960 with 8.13m, but Boston was the man to break Owens brilliant mark with 8.21m. Competing at the Mt San Antonio College Stadium in Walnut, California, on August 12 in 1960, Boston leapt 8.07m in the third round before soaring out to 8.21m in the fifth.

The imperial measurements, which were popular at the time, saw the mark registered at 26ft 11 in and Boston said: I thought Id gone over 26ft but I didnt think it was that far!

Just three weeks later in Rome, the 21-year-old Boston took to the runway and won Olympic gold with 8.12m a distance that broke Owens long-standing Olympic record from the 1936 Berlin Games.

It was a close competition, though, as Bostons American team-mate Bo Roberson fell just one centimetre short with his final jump while Armenian Igor Ter-Ovanesyan jumped a European record of 8.04m for bronze.

The last of 10 children and the son of a farmer and handyman, Boston grew up in Laurel, Mississippi, and as a teenager he borrowed his fathers tools to build a track on a nearby lot that included a high jump set made from bamboo and a sawdust landing pit.

Laurel, however, was a focal point of Ku Klux Klan violence and after his victory in Rome he returned to his home town but was only able to use segregated restaurants and restrooms. I was a citizen of the world, he said, but not a citizen of Mississippi.

Following his Olympic triumph Boston broke the world record a further five times. In 1961 he jumped 8.24m at the California Relays in Modesto in May in doing so becoming the first man to jump 27ft and in July he leapt 8.28m at a Soviet Union vs United States match in Moscow.

Ter-Ovanesyan took the record back from Boston in 1962 with 8.31m but the American regained the mantle of world record-holder in 1964 by firstly jumping 8.31m in Kingston, Jamaica, then 8.34m at the US Olympic trials in Los Angeles. At those trials he also jumped 8.49m as well in the first round but it was ruled out due to a 2.6m/sec tailwind.

Finally he took the world record to 8.35m in Modesto in 1965 before Ter-Ovanesyan equalled his mark in 1967 and then Bob Beamon took long jumping to a new level with an altitude-assisted 8.90m at the 1968 Mexico Olympics.

Boston completed a full set of Olympic medals as he won silver in Tokyo in 1964 and bronze in Mexico in 1968.

In 1964 he jumped 8.03m behind Lynn Davies 8.07m as the PE teacher from Wales struck gold for Britain in wet and windy conditions. Bostons biggest jump came in the last round, too, with Davies covering his face with his hands and peeping through his fingers as the American fell just 4cm short.

Boston got his revenge one year later on Davies home patch in Cardiff, though. The head-to-head was the highlight of the Welsh Games with organisers flying Boston over from the United States for the clash.

Cardiff City Council dug a special long jump pit in front of the main grandstand to give the event maximum exposure and, with Ron Pickering on the commentary in the stadium, Boston won with a Welsh all-comers record of 8.18m

He slaughtered me in front of 10,000 Welshmen, Davies later said. It was so quiet when I jumped. I could hear my own footsteps on the cinders. Everybody was shouting for me as I jumped. But I was absolutely humiliated

In 1968 Boston jumped 8.16m for bronze at the Mexico Games, some distance behind Beamons winning leap, but Boston could claim some credit for his team-mates victory as he had been informally coaching Beamon during the run-up to the Games and, among other things, had advised him during a nervous qualifying round to relax and take off from a mark a few inches before the take-off board.

It was easy to end my career, Boston said. Id won a gold, silver and a bronze in that order. Theres nothing for fourth place, so I just said, okay, thats enough.