Reigning world champion Luke Kibet confirmed Thursday that he will run the Singapore Marathon next month, boosting an event that has plans to grow into a recognised international event.

Kibet, a prison guard, was the first Kenyan in 20 years to win the world marathon gold when he crossed the line in 2hrs 15mins 59secs at Osaka last year.

MEXICO CITY, Oct 11, 2007 (AFP) - A former Mexican presidential candidate denied that he had shortcut the Berlin marathon after stunning his countrymen by taking age-group honors with a time of two hours 40 minutes.

Roberto Madrazo, 55, admitted he dropped out about half way through the 42 kilometer (26 mile) race on September 30 but insisted he was directed to the finish line where he was filmed throwing up his arms as in victory.

CHICAGO, Oct 7, 2007 (AFP) - The Chicago Marathon was cancelled mid-run Sunday after a record-breaking heat wave killed one person and sent more than 350 to hospital, officials said.

But thousands of runners ignored official warnings and ploughed on through the race even as temperatures soared to 31 degrees Celsius (88 Fahrenheit) and overloaded aid stations ran out of water.

'We tried blocking the route and people just ran through the police line or jumped over their bikes,' said Joe Roccasalva, a spokesman for the Chicago fire department which oversaw race safety.

BEIJING, Aug 27, 2007 (AFP) - An eight-year-old girl has completed a nearly two-month trek across China, amid sharp criticism of the young prodigy's coach father for endangering her health, state media said Monday.

Zhang Huimei arrived in Beijing on Sunday after running 3,558 kilometres (2,210 miles) from the southern province of Hainan in a journey that began on July 3, the Beijing News said.

Zhang, who dreams of competing in the Beijing Olympic marathon next year, has earned headlines with strong performances in a series of long-distance races this year.