Sebastian Sawe, Tigst Assefa, and Agnes Ngetich are nominated for World Athlete of the Year. Sawe set a world record at the London Marathon. Assefa holds the women's marathon world record. Ngetich won the half-marathon world title.

World Athletics announced the nominees, including Sawe, Assefa, and Ngetich. Sawe's record run was the first sub-two-hour marathon. Assefa set a new women's marathon record. Ngetich won the half-marathon world title. Read more culture coverage.

Voting is open until Oct. 17. Fans, athletes, journalists, and an in-house group will vote. The top three nominees will be revealed on Nov. 10 and 11. Related: Amber Heard Completes First Half-Marathon in San Sebastián.

This original Runner World brief is based on reporting from Marathon Handbook. Visit the source for its complete reporting, context and any later corrections.