800m
The men’s 800m has always been dominated by one of three runners: David Rudisha, Mohammad Aman and, most recently, Nijel Amos. None of those three have managed to shine this season, leaving the the door open for other great talents. Ferguson Cheruiyot Rotich leads on 26 points thanks to victories in Shanghai and Stockholm, but Pierre-Ambroise Bosse has also been consistent, and is within touching distance on 16 points.
Three time Diamond Race winner Eunice Sum has dominated the women’s 800m in recent years, but her reign seemed to be at an end when Caster Semenya raced past her on the final bend in Doha. Semenya went on to win in Rabat and Rome, and leads by eight points at the top of the standings.
1500m
No stranger to winning the Diamond Race himself, Asbel Kiprop is after another Diamond Trophy this year after taking victories in Doha, Birmingham and Oslo. He still can’t shake off Elijah Manangoi, however, whose consistent top three finishes and victory in Rome sees him just eight points behind Kiprop in second place.
Asbel #Kiprop leads the men’s 1500m #DiamondRace
The women’s event has been dominated by Faith Kipyegon, who is well on course to win a first ever Diamond Trophy. Victories in Shanghai, Eugene and Oslo have put Kipyegon 18 points ahead of her closest pursuer Angelika Cichocka.
5000m
Almaz Ayana burst onto the scene at the beginning of last season with her impressive win in Shanghai. Her fine performances weren’t enough to beat Genzebe Dibaba off the Diamond Trophy, but Ayana is making it up this season. Three wins in the first three meetings of the season have given her a comfortable lead, and she is 12 points ahead of Mercy Cherono at the top of the standings.
Alamaz #Ayana was devilishly close to the world record. Still, not a bad run, eh? #RabatDL pic.twitter.com/FIOspu8uAh
— IAAF Diamond League (@Diamond_League) May 22, 2016
The men’s 5000m has seen Muktar Edris emerge as the prime candidate to take the Diamond Trophy. Victories in Shanghai and Eugene were followed by top three finishes in Oslo and Stockholm. Despite failing to win in Scandinavia, the competitiveness of the field behind him has helped Edris cling on to a convincing 18 point lead.
Asbel #Kiprop leads the men’s 1500m #DiamondRace