Gesa Felicitas Krause on 20. November was named 2016 Women’s Runner of the Year by Deutsche Leichtathletik Verband, the track & field federation of Germany. It was her second straight year winning this award. The highlights of Krause’s ’16 season included winning the 3000m Steeplechase at the European Championships (Amsterdam) and finishing 6th in the Rio Olympic Games 3000m Steeple final in a German record and ’16 European top time of 9:18.14. Krause during the ’16 season also established personal bests in the 1500m (4:06.99) and Mile (4:29.58).
Annual awards announced by Athletics Kenya in Nairobi on 8. December included 2016 Cross Country Runners of the Year Alice Aprot Nawowuna (National and African cross country champion) and James Rungaru (African cross country champion), and 2016 Young Athletes of the Year Celliphine Chespol (IAAF World Junior Champion in 3000m SC, ISTAF 3000m SC winner) and Kipyegon Bett (IAAF World Junior Champion in 800m and 2nd places in 800m at ISTAF and Brussels DL).
Finally, Louise Carton on 17. December at the annual Sports Gala was recognized by the Belgian sports press as the 2016 Rising Star of the Year. The 22-year-old Carton finished 7th in the 5000m at the European Championships (Amsterdam) and also made her Olympic debut at the Rio Games, finishing 11th in the opening round of the 5000m. Carton won the ’16 Belgian cross country championships, as well as being the overall points winner of the ’15-’16 CrossCup series.