Sawe, Assefa, and Ngetich Nominated for World Athlete of the Year — image accompanying Marathon Handbook's report. Image accompanying Marathon Handbook’s report; reduced and presented for news commentary with the attributed report. View the complete source report.
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.
This original Runner World brief is based on reporting from Marathon Handbook. Visit the source for its complete reporting, context and any later corrections.
Reader questions
Questions about this report
What should runners know about Sawe, Assefa, and Ngetich Nominated for World Athlete of the Year?
Three marathon runners among nominees for World Athlete of the Year award 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.
When did Runner World publish this culture brief?
Runner World published this brief on October 7, 2026. The underlying Marathon Handbook report was dated October 6, 2026.
Where can readers find the complete original report?
This summary is based on reporting from Marathon Handbook. The attributed source link in the article leads to the publisher’s complete report.
THE WEEKLY BRIEFING
Start the week a step ahead.
A concise edit of the running stories worth knowing, sent every Monday.