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Since Australia’s Derek Clayton ran history’s first sub—2:10 marathon in Fukuoka, Japan, on 3 December 1967, there have been a total of 4538 sub—2:10 marathons (as of 30 October 2024), 4537 by men, one by a woman.
As with any new ground-breaking performance, Ruth Chepngetich’s 2:09:56 in Chicago on 13 October has forced us to reassess all our past assumptions, or, like many, to doubt the validity of the performance itself. But no matter how we got here, to whatever you want to ascribe it, this is where we are now, 2:09:56 by a woman.
In this new reality, until proven otherwise, Ruth Chepngetich is the new Paula Radcliffe, just as Paula was the new Grete Waitz, one ground-breaker to the next, 1978 to 2003 to 2024.
There have been many talented women champions through the years besides those three, including all the pioneers who had to overcome centuries of gender bias that restricted women from even showing their stuff.
But in terms of pure ground-breaking, the 1978 New York City Marathon drew a bright line between what once was and what would be.
On 22 October 1978, Norway’s track and cross-country star Grete Waitz participated in the marathon for the first time, almost on a whim, as the trip was more of a honeymoon for her and husband Jack after the long track season.
The 2:32:30 world record Grete ran that day was totally unexpected by both the public and Grete herself. She wore bib #1173, wasn’t included on the list of elite women, and came with no specific marathon preparation (not a single run over 13 miles). In fact, she was so upset with husband, Jack, for suggesting she come run the marathon that she threw her shoes at him in the hotel room following her victory.
Still, like almost all debuting marathoners, after a short period of recovery and reflection, Grete concluded she could probably improve next time.
Thus, in New York 1979, following a more careful preparation, Grete ripped nearly five full minutes off her 1978 mark to record history’s first sub—2:30 by a woman at 2:27:33. Her margin of victory over England’s Gillian Adams was 11 minutes (2:38:33). The combination of the mild-mannered former geography teacher from Oslo and the raucous New York City crowds proved transformative, elevating women’s running to heights previously unimagined.
Though Japan’s Naoko Takahashi broke the 2:20 barrier for women in Berlin 2001, after Norway’s Ingrid Kristiansen (2:21:15, London ‘85), America’s Joan Benoit Samuelson (2:21:21, Chicago’85), and Kenyan Tegla Loroupe (2:20:43, Berlin ‘99) all challenged the barrier in the 1980s and ‘90s, it was England’s Paula Radcliffe who established new headlands in the marathon in London 2003 with her 2:15:25.
Nearly two minutes faster than her own 2:17:18 record from Chicago the year before, her 2:15 arced away from Catherine Ndereba’s 2:18:47 from Chicago 2001, completed just one week after Takahashi’s first sub-2:20 in Berlin.
The quality of Paula’s 2:15 can be seen in the 16 years and an entire shoe technology revolution that developed before Kenya’s Brigid Kosgei did Paula one better in Chicago 2019 at 2:14:04. That performance plowed new ground again. And now we have Ruth Chepngetich in Chicago 2024 with history’s first sub-2:10, just a year after Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa’s first sub—2:12 in Berlin `23 (2:11:53).
Twice before, Chepngetich had come to Chicago with world record intentions. In 2022, she won the race in 2:14:18, just 14 seconds off Kosgei’s record. In 2023 she finished second in 2:15:37. On both occasions she flew through halfway under 66 minutes, only to falter in the second half. Perhaps she was a close reader of Malcolm X.
“There is no better teacher than adversity. Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve your performance the next time.” – Malcolm x
In simple terms, making innovative strides in athletics requires time, experimentation, and reviewing, similar to how new scientific theories are examined before full acceptance. But women just haven’t been at the marathon game long enough to produce a large enough sample size to define their outer limits with any accuracy. They are barely two generations in since 1978.
Men have been competing for a much longer time with a much larger sample size.
Though Eliud Kipchoge surpassed the two-hour barrier in Vienna in 2019, that was accomplished as an exhibition, not a sanctioned race. In that sense, we are still awaiting the next barrier breaker on the men’s side in the Marathon.
Looking back, England’s Jim Peters stands as the first modern barrier breaker with his 2:18:40 win at the 1953 Polytechnic Marathon between Windsor and Chiswick in West London, England, history’s first sub—2:20.
Next was Ethiopia’s Abebe Bikila, the legendary double Olympic victor in Rome 1960 and Tokyo 1964. His 2:15:17 in Rome still stands as the barefoot marathon world record.
Next came Australia’s Derek Clayton, the first man under both 2:10 and 2:09. His 2:08:34 from Antwerp 1969 lasted for 12 years, holding off challenges throughout the entire Running Boom era headed by Americans Frank Shorter and Bill Rodgers.
Though never world record holders, the two Americans dominated the 1970s boom era, Shorter through the first half, Rodgers the second.
The Eighties were the last decade of international marathon champions: American (Al Salazar, Greg Meyer); European (Steve Jones, Carlos Lopes); Japanese (Toshihiko Seko and the Soh brothers); and Australian (Rob de Castella). Kenya’s Joe Nzau won Chicago in 1983 in a thrilling duel with England’s Hugh Jones when Chi-town was still developing its reputation as a world class event.
Ibrahim Hussein set new records in Honolulu and kick-started the Kenyan marathon revolution
The full East African deluge didn’t begin until 1987 and ‘88 when Kenya’s Ibrahim Hussein (already a two-time and soon to be three-time Honolulu Marathon champion) became Africa’s first New York City and Boston Marathon winner and Ethiopia’s Belayneh Dinsamo set the world record, 2:06:50, in Rotterdam 1988 that lasted over a decade.
The list of marathon stars from other nations scaled back markedly in the 1990s. Mexico had its turn at the top via greats like Dionicio Cerón (1994-`96 London champion), and back-to-back New York Ciy winner German Silva (1994 & 1995).
Moroccan-born American Khalid Khannouchi twice ran a world marathon record, first in Chicago 1999 (2:05:42), then three years later in London 2002 (2:05:38). And who could forget the personable Brazilian, Marílson Gomes dos Santos, who won New York City twice in 2006 & 2008, or Meb in NYC `09 and Boston 2014??
But the United Nations pickings get rather meager after that as East African athletes have had a stranglehold on the sport of marathoning, most dominatingly by Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge. His run of sustained excellence over 42.2 kilometers was, and is, unprecedented in its longevity, including double gold in Rio 2016 and London 2020. And his last world record of 2:01:09 in Berlin 2022.
Sadly, the current record holder, Kelvin Kiptum, died in a car accident in February 2024 after establishing the 2:00:35 world record in Chicago 2023.
With the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon scheduled this weekend, we don’t expect to see any record performances. Yet, all the above is why we follow the game, isn’t it, to witness the arc of improvement over time, while hoping to discover a new name to remember? It’s as valid a focus as any other in this life.
And despite its many flaws and corruptions, the sport of marathoning retains an innate dignity that many endeavors do not. People may have bruised, battered, and tarnished it in the name of glory and money. But it survives, nonetheless, as a simple reflection of the human drive to achieve more in the quest to discover our best.
Doesn’t always turn out that way, but I don’t think we are done with it quite yet. Onward!
(10/30/2024) Views: 51 ⚡AMPKelvin Kiptum’s untimely passing leaves his sub-two-hour marathon goal unfulfilled, but the evolution of marathon times, Kenyan dominance, and technological advancements signal the likelihood of sub-two-hour marathons becoming common.
The men’s marathon has experienced major shifts and if not for the untimely passing of Kelvin Kiptum, the world could have seen a sub-two-hour marathon this year.
The late Kelvin Kiptum had plans to shatter his own world record at the NN Rotterdam Marathon earlier this year but unfortunately, the world might never know the Kenyan’s full potential.
However, with the emergence of super shoes and strong athletes will definitely see the shift in times and very soon, the world might witness runners posting very fast times and sub-two-hour marathons might just be the order of the day.
Kenyans have been so dominant in the long-distance races and out of the nine fastest times from 2003, there is only one Ethiopian who has managed to penetrate through Kenyan dominance. Paul Tergat broke the world record in 2003 and since then, times have changed drastically with the late Kelvin Kiptum now having the world record.
1) Paul Tergat (2003)
It is not a surprise that Paul Tergat paved the way for Kenyan dominance as long as the marathon is concerned. Tergat proved to Kenyans and the whole world at large, that anything is possible and from his performance, marathon running became Kenya’s business.
At the 2003 Berlin Marathon, Paul Tergat clocked a stunning 2:04:55 to win the race and his time was the first world record for the men's marathon ratified by World Athletics.
Haile Gebrselassie threatened Kenya’s dominance in the marathon with his two world records over the distance. He first shattered the world record at the 2007 Berlin Marathon, clocking a stunning 2:04:26 to cross the finish line.
The legendary marathon runner then proceeded to shatter his own world record at the 2008 Berlin Marathon, clocking an impressive 2:03:59 to cross the finish line. However, his reign was not for long as another Kenyan rose to prominence.
The Berlin Marathon seemed to be a suitable course for breaking the world record as Patrick Makau shattered Haile Gebrselassie’s record at the 2011 edition of the event. Makau clocked a blistering 2:03:38 to cross the finish line.
Another Kenyan, Wilson Kipsang proceeded to shatter Patrick Makau’s world record at the 2013 Berlin Marathon. Wilson Kipsang clocked a stunning 2:03:23 to cross the finish line in one of the most historic showdowns.
Wilson Kipsang’s world record did not stay for long as a year later, Dennis Kimetto completely destroyed the record, becoming the first man to clock under two hours and three minutes to win a marathon.
Competing at the 2014 Berlin Marathon, Dennis Kimetto clocked 2:02:57 to win the race with his world record being one of the most long-standing records before Eliud Kipchoge’s rise to the top.
6) Eliud Kipchoge
In his prime, Eliud Kipchoge was undoubtedly one of the most consistent marathon runners and it was just a matter of when he would break the world record.
Eliud Kipchoge made his dream a reality at the 2018 edition of the Berlin Marathon where he clocked an astonishing 2:01:39 to cross the finish line and take top honours in the race, becoming the first man to clock under two hours and two minutes.
Eliud Kipchoge was not done with his dominant exploits as he proceeded to claim top honours at the 2022 Berlin Marathon in a new world record time of 2:01:09.
7) Kelvin Kiptum
The late Kelvin Kiptum was a rare talent and he would be the one to define marathon running following his resilience and hard work. In his debut at the 2022 Valencia Marathon, Kelvin Kiptum clocked the fastest time ever by a debutant. He crossed the finish line in a time of 2:01:53.
The world class marathoner then proceeded to claim the win at the London Marathon, clocking a personal best time and the second-fastest time then. He clocked 2:01:25 for a win.
Kelvin Kiptum was not done writing history as he shattered Eliud Kipchoge’s world record at the 2023 Chicago Marathon. He clocked 2:00:35 to win the race and before his demise, Kiptum was actually looking to run under two hours in the 42km distance.
(10/30/2024) Views: 44 ⚡AMPGeoffrey Kamworor is excited and confident about returning to the New York City Marathon, where he’s previously won twice, after overcoming past injuries.
Geoffrey Kamworor has expressed eagerness ahead of returning to one of his favourite course at Sunday’s New York City Marathon.
Kamworor, a two-time New York City marathon champion, has suffered a series of injuries that forced him to pull out of many races but has expressed confidence ahead of Sunday’s challenge and confirmed he will be on the starting line.
The five-time world cross country champion revealed that he is in great shape and ready to show the world what he is capable of, explaining that he believes in his abilities and having raced in the streets of New York a series of times.
He won the 2017 and 2019 editions of the New York City Marathon and proceeded to finish second in 2015 and third in 2018.
“I always believe in myself and I’ll never doubt my potential and whenever I’m healthy, I know I can do something. It will be an exciting moment for me, going back after sometime. I really wanted to go back last year and I trained very well but I had to pull out because of an injury,” Geoffrey Kamworor said.
“My preparations towards New York City Marathon are going really well and my memories of the course are really great because I’ve won there twice, finished second on one occasion and third in another. It has been nice for me and New York is really a great place and has a nice course especially towards the finish, the last 5km towards Central Park,” he added.
Geoffrey Kamworor added that he has mastered the course very well and has an idea of what to expect throughout the race. He has not done any special training ahead of the challenge as he admitted that the training course in Kenya looks like the one at the New York City Marathon.
He admitted that injuries have plagued him and finishing second at last year’s London Marathon was a sign that he is bouncing back slowly.
“The course is pretty well, sometimes very challenging…there is an uphill challenge and a little bit of downhill challenges. However, it’s nice to me and I don’t see any problem with the course and I think I like the course so much,” he said.
“Actually, I didn’t do any special training going into the race because where we train here in Kenya, it’s sometimes very hilly and some downhills. I was excited to finish second in London last year after coming back from a series of injuries.”
(10/30/2024) Views: 52 ⚡AMPThe first New York City Marathon, organized in 1970 by Fred Lebow and Vince Chiappetta, was held entirely in Central Park. Of 127 entrants, only 55 men finished; the sole female entrant dropped out due to illness. Winners were given inexpensive wristwatches and recycled baseball and bowling trophies. The entry fee was $1 and the total event budget...
more...Known for his iconic celebrations and world-record-breaking times, eight-time Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt shared a powerful piece of advice from his long-time coach on this week’s episode of the High-Performance Podcast.
Bolt credited his coach, Glen Mills—who led the Jamaican Olympic track and field team for two decades—for the advice that shaped the rest of his career. Mills began coaching Bolt after his Olympic debut in Athens 2004, where Bolt, then a rising talent, failed to advance from the men’s 200m heats.
After that, Mills told Bolt, “You have to learn how to lose before you can learn how to win.” As a teenager, Bolt didn’t fully grasp what Mills meant by it, but it became clear. “You will fail at some point,” Bolt said on the podcast. “What’s important is what you take away and learn from it. If you can be truthful and honest with yourself, you’ll realize what you need to do to get better.”
Bolt came to Mills as a 200m specialist and credits his coach with developing his explosive power in the 100m—a distance in which Bolt set a world record of 9.58 seconds in 2009, a record that remains unbroken.
Bolt went on to become the seventh man in history to win Olympic gold in both the 100m and 200m at the 2008 Games in Beijing, a feat he accomplished twice more in his career, at London 2012 and Rio 2016—making him the only athlete in history to achieve a three-peat in these two sprint events.
The 38-year-old officially retired after the 2017 World Championships and briefly tried his hand at professional soccer with Australia’s Central Coast Mariners in 2018.
(10/30/2024) Views: 51 ⚡AMPHe bravely journeyed through some lonely and terrifying intervals of his life.
Every marathon journey is ultimately about reaching the finish, but Hiko Tonosa's victory on October 27 in Dublin Marathon had a very different meaning.
Greeted on Mount Street with the same ecstatic yells as the outright winner, Hiko Tonosa crossed the finish line in third place overall, his 2:09:42 the fastest marathon ever run by an Irishman. Tonosa has unquestionably come a long way from the small Rastafarian town of Shashamane in the highlands of Ethiopia.
About 4,000 miles, he bravely journeyed through some lonely and terrifying intervals of his life; the murder and oppression of his native Oromo people, the peril of chasing a professional running career in Japan, the fear of being an asylum seeker in Dublin and the unknown of being almost two years in direct provision.
An Irish citizen since 2020, the 29-year-old Tonosa has already won a series of national titles on the track and the road, but this one felt special for many reasons, Dublin being his hometown since 2017. "I know I can hold this flag. This is the country that saved my life," an emotional Tonosa said. Kenya's Moses Kemei won the Dublin Marathon and crossed the line in a personal best time of 2:08.46 with Ethiopia's Abebaw Desalew second in 2:09.23.
For Tonosa, it was the proudest day in his adopted home city. He grew up in Ethiopia and came to Ireland in 2017 for two track races, but while in Dublin he was informed that his friend had been killed for protesting against the prosecution of the Oromo people.
Having been previously imprisoned for attending a similar protest, Tonosa was told his life would be under threat if he returned home and so he sought asylum in Ireland and was placed in direct provision. He was soon put in touch with the Dundrum South Dublin AC and he's since won a slew of national titles in their colors.
He gained Irish Citizenship in 2020 and represented Ireland at European and World Level but fell short of Olympic qualification at the London Marathon in April, Tonosa forced to drop out late in the race.
(10/28/2024) Views: 70 ⚡AMPThe KBC Dublin Marathon, which is run through the historic Georgian streets of Dublin, Ireland's largest and capital city.The course is largely flat and is a single lap, starting and finishing close to the City Centre. Conditions formarathon running are ideal....
more...AS RUNNING BOOMS and participation rates rise at races everywhere, people are looking to expand beyond their local fun runs for next-level experiences. International marathons in major cities—especially the six “World Majors” of Boston, Tokyo, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York—have attained bucket list status on par with the most exotic vacation destinations, and more competitors are trying to join in than ever. More than 840,000 people submitted entries to the 2025 London race (for only about 50,0000 bibs), and the recent 2024 Berlin Marathon broke the record for the largest field ever with 54,280 finishers. I was lucky enough to be one of them, thanks to a comped bib from event sponsor Adidas. The atmosphere on the course was electric, and as I legged my way through the streets of the German capital, I couldn’t help thinking that it might be the best way to experience a foreign city.
But gaining entry into one of these races is just the start of a complicated process—and I’m not only talking about the months-long training program (most start at about 16 weeks out) athletes need to prepare for a marathon. The average holiday trip doesn’t involveWhen I set out to run Berlin I had finished three other marathons, but had never raced outside the US. I knew I’d have to take some extra effort, since factors like the time change, language barriers, and even the lack of familiar foods in local stores could throw off my routine right before the big day. But I wasn’t exactly sure about the best way to go about building an itinerary, so I turned to some experts so that my bucket-list race wouldn’t end in disaster. How to Plan for an International Marathon
NO MATTER HOW well-prepared you think you are to run a marathon fitness-wise, traveling to another country to compete will be a challenge, says Jessie Zapotechne a NYC-based performance coach and US community leader of Adidas Runners. She has run the Berlin Half and Marathon multiple times since 2012, and says she uses her experience from all those races to counsel runners for their own jetset trips. “To be quite honest, I think about these tips because of all the mistakes I've made over the years,” Zapotechne says. “That helps me to be a better coach from learning the hard way.”
Tommie Runz is a content creator and runner from Detroit. While there are events in his local area, almost all of his races have required travel. “I've done 14 marathons, and only one of them was in my state,” he says. Since we spoke, he added another to that list (Chicago), and he’ll finish out the season with New York City, hitting all six Majors in 2024. He’s also vegan—so he understands the challenges that come while traveling for anyone who has dietary restrictions.
These experts have consideredHaving those extra days will be important to allow you to recover from the flight, adjust to time and climate differences, and set yourself up for a good night’s sleep ahead of the big day. Less practically, an earlier arrival will give you a chance to take part in as much of the marathon experience as you can.Zapotechne also advises that you make one other early booking to avoid last-minute scrambling and high costs: dinner the night before the race. Aim for carb-heavy meals that won't upset your stomach, so resist the urge to try a new type of cuisine, even though you're in a foreign city. “Find a place that's nearby or accessible [to your hotel] so that you're going to have an early dinner and get back to your hotel, get off your feet, and have all your stuff ready,” she says. Aim for a sit-down meal two or three hours before you plan to go to sleep. "You don't want to have a late night dinner before your race," Zapotechne cautions. "You [might still be] digesting it in the morning, or [maybe] you can't go to the bathroom in the morning because you ate too late. And that's never fun."
Race Gear Gets Packing Priority
One of the most common marathon truisms is “nothing new on race day.” You’ll put that to the test if you show up to your destination and your checked bags containing your race day kit don’t. Limit the chances of gear emergencies by making sure yourOnce you’re on the ground at your destination, don’t ditch your bottle so quickly, either. “Definitely carry your water bottle around with you when you are out and about in that city—not every country drinks a lot of water,” Zapotechne notes.
In Berlin, for instance, I was surprised to find that normal still water isn't always easy to find. I constantly found myself making extra requests in restaurants or sorting through bottles of sparkling water to stay hydrated. International races often offer fewer aid stations on the course than American events—every three miles, rather than every mile, according to Zapotechne—so if you’re the type of runner who needs a drink before the three-mile marker, she advises starting the race carrying a bottle, too. Sleep Smart—and Be Ready for the Time Change
Sleep might not be your main concern when you’re trying to enjoy every bit of your time in another country, but you’ll need plenty of it for the long run. Similar to hydration, you should aim to start off your trip on the right foot even before you’ve left. “If you know you're not a great sleeper during travel, try to sleep a lot the week before, so that you're already getting your body ready for wonky travel sleep,” Zapotechne advises. There's no magic number for everyone, but try getting two or three extra hours in the days leading up to the flight if you can.
Along these lines, you’ll have to adjust to a different time zone, which can be jarring especially if you don’t travel often. “You have to almost start being aware of the time change before you even leave,” Runz says. Try going to bed and waking up to match that time zone for a day or two before the trip to acclimate. Then if your flight lines up with night time at your destination, he recommends you use the trip to get extra rest. “Take advantageThe actual number will depend on the person, but she says that range will still allow you to take plenty of time on your feet for stuff you need to do, like visiting the expo to pick up your bib and even for a short shakeout run, since you will need to loosen up after the flight and get acclimated ahead of the race. Just don’t go overboard, and avoid extraneous steps by taking a cab instead of legging it or standing in long lines at tourist traps. “Danger Zone for sure is when you're getting close to 20,000. That's too many steps,” she says.
I was able to go to a Saturday shakeout run within this structure, but skipped out on walking to the Brandenburg Gate before the race when my steps creeped up near the 10K mark. When I wanted to meet a friend for coffee, I rode a bike the mile to the café instead of hoofing it on foot.
If you’re at an impasse and struggling to fit everything you want to do before your race, that might be a sign to plan time for sightseeing after you run. “If you are going to plug inAlongside real-time translation, some apps like Google Translate have features that can use the camera to translate text, so you’ll be able to decipher what exactly is on a nutrition label. You’ll have an easier time getting last-minute fuel without something you can’t eat if you’ve taken the step to download the app (and download your destination’s label for offline use, too) ahead of time. Read the Forecast, But Plan for Anything
Weather can be a challenge anywhere, but you’ll especially need to be mindful of the conditions ahead of your race. “Make sure to check the weather in the city you are traveling to a few days in advance—and prepare that weather can change when you arrive, so pack clothing for all types of weather,” she says. You can get a decent idea what the conditions will be at three or four days out, but even a rough 10-day forecast will be useful if your itinerary is on the longer side. “Also make sure to put a warm or comfortable change of clothes and slides in your checked back for after the race, as you'll want something comfortable to change into after running 26.2,” Zapotechne advises.
Don’t get too distracted by high temps, either. You’ll need to also keep an eye on what the lows are slated to be, especially considering that you’ll probably need to leave for the corral early in the morning when the full heat of the day will still be hours in the future. You’ll likely spend more time outside when it’s colder—while trying to conserve yourThis was especially important in Berlin, and I almost missed my wave because I didn't heed this advice. The race organizers had worked to make it the biggest marathon of all time—and in doing so, the staging area was a madhouse. People were packed in small areas, and signage wasn’t always clear. I arrived at the crush of people 15 minutes ahead of the gun, and found myself pushing through the crowd and climbing over barriers to get to my proper pace group. That took up a lot more energy and effort than I wanted before I was slated to run for three-plus hours.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to get to the starting line. Runz knows there are no hacks once you near zero hour and everyone is raring to go, especially as running has grown so much over the last few years. “Every race is going to be like this—until the streets get bigger,” he says.
(10/26/2024) Views: 62 ⚡AMPThe defending men’s IRONMAN World Champion versus a two-time fastest long distance record holder. Sam Laidlow and Magnus Ditlev are two of the strongest contenders set to take to the start line at the 2024 IRONMAN World Championship in Kona this weekend. Laidlow is looking to make it back-to-back World Championship titles. And Ditlev looks fired up with a score to settle after, in his words, Laidlow “dusted my ass the last two editions of this race.”
Kona is the stage for an epic showdown as the pair lock horns over the full distance for the first time since Nice 2023 but who could come out top trumps if it all comes down to a head to head in Kona? TRI247’s Jenny Lucas-Hill looks at how the pair stack up. Are we in for a battle of the ages?
Sam Laidlow vs Magnus Ditlev – who’s most likely to take the crown in Kona?
Laidlow and Ditlev will surely feature top of many people’s podium picks for the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona. Laidlow coming in with a title to defend. And Challenge Roth record-setter Ditlev arriving at the start line with a title to try and grasp. We’ve only seen Sam Laidlow and Magnus Ditlev at the same race twice this year – and the score is 1-1. Ditlev finished 1st to Laidlow’s 9th at Miami T100. And Sam took the win at London T100, with Magnus trailing in 4th.
So as we see the pair go head to head over the full Iron distance for the first time since Nice 2023, which of these superstar athletes is most likely to leave the Big Island wearing the Kona victory crown?
Magnus Ditlev 2024 performances and form
The 2024 race season got off to a strong start for Magnus Ditlev, who placed third at last year’s men’s IRONMAN World Championship in Nice. An early-season race at Miami T100 in March saw him take a resounding win. On a day where the extreme heat and humidity saw other athletes dropping like flies – there were 6 DNFs – the Great Dane was able to stay strong and finish top of the podium ahead of a storming Sam Long.
But that dominant start to the season was then scuppered a little over a month later, as a bike crash just days before Singapore T100 resulted in a broken wrist which took Ditlev off the start list. We didn’t see him race again until June, where he finished 4th behind the sprinting trio of Marten Van Riel, Rico Bogen and Kyle Smith at San Francisco T100.
With a focus on that 100km distance, we didn’t see Ditlev on a full distance start line until July. Magnus returned to Challenge Roth, a race where he set a record-breaking time for the 140.6 mile distance in 2023. And any doubts over Ditlev’s form were soon extinguished, as he took the win – and broke his own record in the process. We’ve become accustomed to seeing Ditlev have to make up time on the bike after the swim. But what will be alarming for competitors is the strong swim he had in Roth – exiting the water just 51s back from the leaders. Wet conditions slowed him down a touch on the bike compared to 2023, but he still covered the 112 miles in under 4hrs. And that characteristically strong bike split was backed up by an incredible run – completing the marathon in 2hrs 34 mins, to cross the finish line eight minutes ahead of the rest of the field. And while many might note the absence of uber-runner Patrick Lange, who surely would have been making his way up to somewhere near Ditlev’s shoulder on the run if he hadn’t been forced to pull out of the race after the swim. What’s noteworthy is that Ditlev also ran a full three minutes faster than his Roth 2023 run split. A Magnus Ditlev who can exit the water within striking distance, tear up the field on the bike, and hold strong on the run is a Magnus Ditlev to be scared of.
Ditlev has been consistently in the mix this season, with two wins backed up by two fourth place finishes. And don’t forget, with Kona being that much later this year, the Great Dane has had more time to recover from his Challenge Roth effort compared to 2023. We know from Miami T100, he’s an athlete who can keep his cool when the heat is on – in all senses of the phrase. That characteristically calm, controlled confidence sets him up in a good place for Kona.
Sam Laidlow – the reigning IRONMAN World Champion’s 2024 performances and form
We haven’t really seen where Sam Laidlow is at over the full distance yet this year. That DQ at IRONMAN Vitoria-Gasteiz meant he kept out of the race dynamics – getting to the finish line to validate his Kona slot.
Laidlow has also been a little hit and miss in the T100 series, with a 9th in Miami and a DNF in Singapore to start the season. Though his most recent win in London and 2nd place in Ibiza after going shoulder to shoulder with Marten Van Riel (despite the pair taking a wrong turn), suggest his form is shaping up just in time for Kona. And we learned in 2023 that an up-and-down season doesn’t mean you should count Laidlow out. Don’t forget that last year he took the win in Nice just a few weeks after his DNF at the PTO Asian Open.
We know that it’s typically harder to be the person on top returning to defend a title, versus being the person chasing. But what’s interesting about Sam Laidlow is that he’s proven his ability to shake off the doubters. Many dubbed his Kona 2022 podium finish as a one-hit wonder. And his hit-and-miss season in 2023 might have proven them right, were it not for a dominant victory at the IRONMAN World Championship in Nice. When it mattered, he pulled it out the bag.
He proved again that he can tune the doubters out at London T100. He came into the race far from being a favourite for the win. And set tongues wagging as he was the only athlete who chose to swim without a wetsuit – many mocking the choice as he exited the water significantly further back than we’re used to seeing. But his choice was soon vindicated as he put down a confidence-boosting performance to take the win.
Where many athletes would crumble under the scrutiny of doubters and the pressure of defending a title, Laidlow seems to thrive. In fact, speaking after that win in London Laidlow said: “Whatever happens next, it’s great. I’ve got a lot of years ahead of me and if I win Kona this year, great. If I don’t, doesn’t matter. Of course I want to win and I’m going to do everything for that. But yeah, I’ve got nothing to prove, I’ve proven myself over the T100 and I’ve proven myself over Ironman.”
That ‘nothing to prove’ attitude, while still acknowledging that there’s everything to win, could give him the edge when the Big Island of Kona turns the screws this Saturday.
Verdict
The World Championship race in Kona will be the first time this year we get to see Sam Laidlow and Magnus Ditlev go head to head over the full Iron distance since last year’s IMWC in Nice. On the twists and turns of the French climbs, we saw Magnus Ditlev almost bike his way up to the front of the race. But it wasn’t enough to reel in Laidlow.
Cast our minds back to Kona 2022, and a similar story played out. Ditlev made a phenomenal charge to the front of the race which left even the mighty Norwegian duo of Blummenfelt and Iden struggling to hold his wheel. But it wasn’t enough to shake Laidlow, who not only reclaimed the lead – but set a new bike course record in the process. Ditlev picked up a drafting penalty which took him out of contention. And a Kona win wasn’t meant to be for Laidlow, who was overtaken by Gustav Iden just three miles from the finish line.
All of that means Ditlev will want to make it third time lucky and finally get ahead of Laidlow for good on the World Championship stage. He said in a recent Instagram video that he’s been having ‘nightmares’ ever since Laidlow “completely dusted [his] ass the last two editions of this race.” And both athletes have unfinished business on the Big Island. As much as Laidlow says it doesn’t matter – there’s got to be a part of him that wants to follow in the footsteps of Jan Frodeno and Patrick Lange to make it two for two.
Of course, I have to take some poetic licence in this hypothetical head to head scenario here. The likes of Blummenfelt – who was blisteringly quick at IRONMAN Frankfurt and is said to be targeting the overall Kona course record. And Patrick Lange, a former Kona champion who’s got a score to settle with that sub-2:30 marathon goal, will in reality be shaking up the dynamics – and hopefully creating an epic multi-athlete battle charging towards the finish line.
But if it does come down to a head to head battle between Laidlow and Ditlev for the win in Kona this year… despite all the signs being there that Laidlow could have the edge, my money is on Magnus Ditlev. Cool-headed he might be, but he’s clearly got some white hot flames in his belly to get out there and beat Laidlow to the finish line. A fired up Magnus Ditlev is a force to be reckoned with. Go prove me right, Magnus!
(10/24/2024) Views: 113 ⚡AMPThe inaugural KONA™ race was conceptualized in 1978 as a way to challenge athletes who had seen success at endurance swim, cycling, and running events. Honolulu-based Navy couple Judy and John Collins proposed combining the three toughest endurance races in Hawai’i—the 2.4-mile Waikiki Roughwater Swim, 112 miles of the Around-O’ahu Bike Race and the 26.2-mile Honolulu Marathon—into one event. ...
more...Yalemzerf Yehualaw returned to winning ways at the TCS Amsterdam Marathon, winning the World Athletics Platinum Label road race in a course record of 2:16:52 on Sunday (20).
Tsegaye Getachew made it an Ethiopian double as he regained the title he won two years ago, winning the men’s race in 2:05:38 in a close finish from compatriot Boki Asefa.
Yehualaw, winner in London two years ago, was looking to rebound following her eighth-place finish in the British capital earlier this year. The 25-year-old set out with clear intent, passing through 10km in 32:23 before breaking away from her last remaining challenger, Bahrain’s Desi Jisa, and reaching the half-way point in 1:08:00.
Jisa managed to hold on to second place through half way, which she reached in 1:08:14, 30 seconds ahead of Haven Hailu, Winfridah Moseti and Bedatu Hirpa. But the chase trio managed to catch the Bahraini runner at 25km (1:21:15).
By this point, Yehualaw had a lead of almost a minute and was showing no signs of slowing down. She passed 30km in 1:36:23, 63 seconds ahead of Hailu and Moseti, and continued to pull away from the field.
The former world 10km record-holder went on to finish in 2:16:52, chopping 28 seconds from the course record set two years ago by Almaz Ayana. Moseti’s challenge faded in the closing stages, leaving Hailu to finish second in 2:19:29. Moseti was third in 2:20:27, just three seconds ahead of her fellow Kenyan Gladys Chesir.
The course record may never have been in jeopardy in the men’s race, but it was highly competitive throughout. A pack of 15 runners passed through 10km in 29:27 and 14 of those were still together at half way, which was reached in 1:02:31.
Getachew, the 2022 winner, was among the large lead pack, along with fellow Ethiopian Asefa, world silver medallist Maru Teferi of Israel, and Kenyan trio Justus Kangogo, Kennedy Kimutai and Felix Kipkoech.The pack started to whittle down throughout the second half, but three men – Getachew, Asefa and Teferi – entered Amsterdam’s Olympic Stadium just a few strides apart from one another.
Just as he had done two years ago, Getachew proved to have the stronger finish as he held off his opponents to win in 2:05:38. Asefa was a close second in 2:05:40, just two seconds ahead of Teferi.
(10/20/2024) Views: 114 ⚡AMPDo you want to enjoy Amsterdam in October and all that the city has to offer you? Want to feel a real athlete and start and finish in the historic Olympic stadium? Or run across the widely discussed passage under the beautiful National Museum? Then come to Amsterdam for the annual TCS Amsterdam Marathon in October! The TCS Amsterdam Marathon...
more...The TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon (TWM) returns on Sunday, doubling as the Canadian Marathon Championships. For our Canadian elite athletes, Sunday’s race provides a chance to qualify for the marathon at the 2025 World Athletics Championships, to be held in Tokyo. Canadian record holder Natasha Wodak will toe the line in Toronto for the first time in 11 years, setting her sights on her first-ever Canadian marathon title.
Wodak made her marathon debut here in 2013. The 42-year-old from Vancouver has been on a golden streak this year, winning the Vancouver Half Marathon in June and Vancouver’s Eastside 10K in September. But earlier this year, she fell short of her goal to qualify for Canadian Olympic team after completing four marathon builds and taking three attempts at the race in the span of 18 months.
“The marathon is a beast”
“Nothing is guaranteed,” Wodak says. “Never in a million years would I have thought that after running 2:23:00, I wouldn’t be able to come within four minutes of that, four different times in 18 months.” Wodak completed the 42.2K event at the 2023 Budapest World Championships, 2024 Houston and Hamburg marathon events, falling short of the Olympic standard each time, and had scratched from the 2023 London Marathon after coming down with a stomach bug. “The marathon is a beast; you’ve got to have the right day, the right fitness, the right weather–everything has to click on the right day.”
The two-time Olympian holds a personal best of 2:23:12, which has stood as the Canadian record since the 2022 Berlin Marathon. “The A goal is to win the Canadian marathon championships,” she says, hoping to add that title to her already impressive resume. “Everyone wants to be a national champion.”
After steering away from her original plan to race at the Valencia Marathon, Wodak is taking a different approach at Toronto’s big-city race; she can finally enjoy racing in Canada in front of family and friends without the pressure of hitting the Olympic standard. She adds that the generous prize purse offered by TWM was an incentive. She revealed she plans on starting out conservatively, with the hope of having a fast second half. “I’ll go out at 2:25 to 2:26 pace, and hope to catch a few of the women who go out too hard,” she says. “It would be really nice to place in the top three. If all goes well, maybe I can surprise myself and others by having a really fast last 10K.”
After her attempts to qualify for Paris 2024, Wodak says she has learned not to take anything for granted. She says she began to jump into workouts with friends, running because she wanted to and doing what felt good. “I did enjoy the process over time, so I have no regrets,” she says. “It’s a privilege to do this.”
Erin Mawhinney to make marathon debut
Defending TWM half-marathon champion Erin Mawhinney will be doubling her usual distance to make her first-ever attempt at 42.2K. The 28-year-old, a two-time winner of the Under Armour Toronto 10K, has been slowly building up her mileage while training for the past three years with coach and two-time Olympian Reid Coolsaet; at the peak of her build, she reached 190 km in one week–quite a contrast to the maximum of 43 km she used to run weekly in university. The increase in mileage means increased time dedicated to training, adding to her already-busy schedule; the Hamilton native works full-time as a nurse, with the occasional night shift. “My apartment is a mess all the time, and I’m always out of groceries, since I’m eating more to support that mileage,” she says.
“You go in a little bit blind,” Mawhinney says. “You can sort of predict from the half-marathon what might happen, but it’s also a completely different event.” Her half-marathon best stands at 1:11:50, which she ran in March. “Somewhere in the low 2:30s would be a great day, but I’m mostly just excited to try out a marathon.”
Anne-Marie Comeau to seek redemption
Anne-Marie Comeau of Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges, Que., is the reigning Canadian Marathon Championships silver medallist; the 2018 winter Olympian in cross-country skiing led for 42.1 kilometres of last year’s race before being passed by Quebec City’s Caroline Pomerleau, who nabbed the title. Comeau, who is 28, struggled over the last 10 km, and aims to pack her pockets with gels this year to avoid fading in the final stretch. “I had a rough year,” she says. “I’ve done a lot of marathon builds without actually racing.” Comeau was set to race the Houston Marathon and the Boston Marathon, but had to scratch from both, first due to Covid, and then to a shoulder dislocation while skiing.
Finally getting the chance to race, Comeau has set big foals for herself. “I want to get a personal best,” she says. “My marathon PB (2:34:51) is from last year on this course. I’m going to start a bit slower, at 2:31 to 2:32 pace, and see if I’m able to push harder toward the end.”
International field
Waganesh Mekasha of Ethiopia has her eyes set on the course record this year. The 32-year-old holds a personal best of 2:22:45 from the 2019 Dubai Marathon and took second in Toronto last fall, with a time of 2:23:12. “I enjoyed the race last year,” she says. “The course was great. The pacer dropped early and it affected us.” Her best time sits just off the course record of 2:22:16. The 2023 Ottawa Marathon champion feels as though she has prepared even better than last year. “If the pace goes out well and the weather is good, the course record is possible,” she says.
Ethiopia’s Roza Dereje comes into the race with the fastest personal best in the women’s field (2:18:30), and will also be fighting to take down the five-year-old course record. “I’m ready and prepared to challenge the course record,” she says. Dereje, 27, finished fourth in the marathon at the Tokyo Olympic Games, and became a mother in 2023. This is her first time visiting Canada.
For the first time in the race weekend’s history, the 5K race, traditionally held on the same day as the marathon and half-marathon, has been moved to Saturday; the race has already raised more than $3,000,000 for the TCS Charity Program.
How to watch
The 2024 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon and Canadian Marathon Championships can be streamed on Sunday, Oct. 20, on World Athletics Inside Track, CBC Sports, or the CBC Gem app. The TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon is one of the first North American marathons to be featured on the WA Inside Track worldwide feed. This year, 30,000 participants from 70 countries will take part in Toronto’s race weekend (a record). All runners can be tracked using the official TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon app, available for download on the App Store and Google Play.
(10/19/2024) Views: 146 ⚡AMPThe Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, Half-Marathon & 5k Run / Walk is organized by Canada Running Series Inc., organizers of the Canada Running Series, "A selection of Canada's best runs!" Canada Running Series annually organizes eight events in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver that vary in distance from the 5k to the marathon. The Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon and Half-Marathon are...
more...Curious about what elite marathoners eat to fuel their peak performance? From carb-loaded pre-race meals to post-race burger feasts, here’s an inside look at what the elites eat before, during, and after a marathon.
As runners and human beings, we’re naturally curious, slightly nosy people. With information instantly available with the twitch of a finger across our iPhone screens, this curiosity has never been easier to satisfy. Plus, many of our favorite runners are more transparent than ever about their training blocks, pulling back the blinds through social media to show what it takes to be the best. Which is why we’re ever-fascinated by the race-related nutrition strategy of elite runners, who often perform at superhero-like levels.
We asked a few elite marathoners what they eat surrounding race day—pre-race dinner, pre-race breakfast, and post-race celebration—so you don’t have to.
Note: One sentiment echoed among all of the athletes interviewed was that their diets are personal and have gone through lots of trial-and-error to be finessed to their specifications. No lifestyle should be replicated exactly.
35, Boulder, Colorado
About him: First American and ninth overall finisher in the 2019 Chicago Marathon (2:10:36). Placed second at the 2020 U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon (2:10:02); Finished 28th in Tokyo Olympics marathon (2:16:26). After a second round of double Haglund’s surgery in 2022, he’s back in top form and running the 2024 New York City Marathon on November 3.
The night(s) before a race:
“I start thinking about meals two nights out, and I go carb-heavy on both. For the first night, I like to have Thai food, usually a noodle dish, and a side of rice. The only thing I’ll really avoid is spice since I’ve had issues from it a couple times. The night before, I do pasta, usually a marinara (that’s what a lot of races provide for the elite athletes), but a good pesto sauce works well, too. I mostly stay away from the creamy sauces. I don’t like to get too much more specific—you never know exactly what’s going to be available, so I try not to make particular foods part of my routine.”
Race morning:
“Race mornings I’ll get up at least three hours before (I prefer four, but with 7 to 8 A.M. starts, that becomes a little counter-productive), I’ll go for a short walk with some skipping or something, just to get the body moving. My first choice for breakfast is oatmeal with peanut butter, honey, and a little fruit mixed in. And at least one, usually two cups of coffee. It’s not something to avoid, but I recommend making sure that you have more than just simple carbs (cereal, muffin, etc), I find that if there isn’t at least some protein, I start getting that ‘empty’ feeling during my warmup, and if that mixes with the adrenaline, I feel real queasy. If I’m taking gels, I take one on the start line, maybe five minutes before. I also like Generation UCAN, which I’ll sip as I’m going through my drills, maybe half an hour out.”
During the race:
“I like to get my calories from gels and have just electrolytes in my bottles. Most major marathons provide drink stations every 5K, and I’ll drink about 8-10 oz of SOS per bottle (there can be splashing, and you never get it all out). I’ll take Roctane gels before every other drink station (every 30 minutes or so).”
Post-race meal:
“Most races I want a hash—lots of potatoes with some eggs, bacon, cheese, and veggies all mixed up, but after marathons my stomach takes a while to settle down, so I’m more in a lunch mood. So my go-to post-race meal is a big bistro bacon cheeseburger, ideally with an onion ring and barbecue sauce, side of fries, and a beer. I mostly stay away from fried foods during a build up, but I always take at least a week off after a marathon and at this point, that beer and burger is almost a Pavlovian ‘vacation time’ signal for my whole body.”
41, Flagstaff, Arizona
About her: She’s the fourth-fastest American woman in history based on her personal best (2:20:2) at the 2020 Marathon Project; Second-fastest American female half-marathon runner and former American record-holder (1:07:15). Most recently, she was 18th overall and the women’s master champion in the 2024 Chicago Marathon (2:30:12).
The night(s) before a race:
“Rice with chicken. I skip the veggies to not risk having to make a bathroom stop in the race.”
Pre-race breakfast:
“Two scoops of UCAN energy powder with whey protein, and a little bit of almond butter.” Bonus, Hall credits her husband, Ryan Hall, as being the best coffee maker, brewing pour-over, medium roast coffee blended with butter.
During the race:
Ketone-IQ—peach flavored.
Post-race meal:
“My favorite post-meal race is Thai food. I’m usually eating a lot of boring food before the race, so I want something spicy and more flavorful after.”
Bonus—Lunch during training blocks:
“Two scoops of UCAN powder, two pieces of gluten-free bread with Kerrygold Butter.”
36, Boulder, Colorado
About her: Won the 2019 Grandma’s Marathon and finished ninth in the 2020 U.S. Women’s Olympic Trials Marathon in 2:30:39. She was the top American finisher in the Boston Marathon in 2021 (fifth, 2:27:12, ) and 2022 (10th, 2:25:57). In January, she placed ninth in the Houston Half Marathon in a new personal best of 1:08:52.
The night(s) before a race:
“I always have the same thing. Basically, a couple cups of white rice and a chicken breast is where I tend to fall. White rice is going to fuel the most carbs per serving. I used to mix up potatoes and white rice, but for me, I digest white rice well, I feel better, it’s easy to find, simple, and works well.
I don’t care about spices—and I’m usually not making it myself if I’m not at home. Typically, before races, there’s a pre-race dinner, and chicken is an option. I wouldn’t do any cream-based sauces. If it tastes good, great. If it doesn’t, great. I don’t care.”
Pre-race breakfast:
“Typically it’s oatmeal with a tablespoon of peanut butter, a banana, and maybe honey. I’m not 100 percent satisfied with my pre-race meal, because sometimes it can feel a bit heavy in my stomach, because oatmeal does have some fiber. So I try to play around with things. Sometimes I’ll do a couple pieces of toast with a banana and peanut butter. I can switch between those two. Try to get 500-600 calories in, mostly from carbs, two-three hours before the race. Plus, I drink coffee with half-and-half.
Post-race meal:
“Immediately after the race, I honestly will grab whatever is available. Typically, after a race, we’ll be shuttled to a post-race holding area where you’re waiting, so there are usually refreshments there. I’ll slam Gatorade—anything with sugar and electrolytes. Maybe there’s my own bottle with Skratch in it. Banana, a protein shake. I’m pretty open, as long as it’s immediate.
And as far as later, it completely depends. I’m trying to do a better job at this—especially after a major marathon—but it kind of takes a while. You might get drug-tested, then shuttled back to your hotel, shower, then six hours later you’re like, ‘I need to eat.’ If it’s a marathon, I love a big burger with fries—the classic stuff, lettuce, tomato, onion, and tons of ketchup and mayo. That’s something my body would crave. Fries are my favorite food ever that I don’t typically eat during a marathon cycle.”
35, Louisville, Colorado
About her: Finished sixth in the 2017 London Marathon (2:25:38), seventh in the 2019 New York City Marathon (2:28:23), eighth in the 2019 Chicago Marathon (2:29:06), eighth in the 2021 New York City Marathon (2:27:00). Most recently, an Achilles injury forced her to pull out of the 2024 Chicago Marathon days before the race.
The night(s) before a race:
“I do 72-hours of carb-loading. So, obviously, in the build to that, carbs are key. Three days out from the race is when I start it. It is always the same. The night before, I have pasta with marinara sauce, and I don’t do a lot of protein with that. I do love angel hair, that’s my go-to. I also like rigatoni. Plus, I’ll have some type of bread and salad.”
Pre-race breakfast:
“The morning of, I always do a plain bagel and peanut butter with a banana. I’ve done that since high school. And I do an Americano with two shots. I eat that threeish hours out from the race.
During the race:
“I’ll take my first gel 15 minutes before the start of the race. I’ve been all over the place with what I take, but right now, Neversecond. Big fan of their Cola C30 gels. They worked wonders for me during this build. I had some stomach issues earlier in the build with long runs and couldn’t quite figure out what was going on, so I switched up my nutrition during, so never second has been a godsend.”
Post-race meal:
“After the race, it’s hard because usually my stomach is a mess. Not only did you just run really hard for two and a half hours, but you’re taking all this fuel during, so I have a really hard time eating solids immediately after the race. My choice if I can get it is soda. I’m not a big soda drinker, but after a marathon, all I want is a Coke, Sprite, or Ginger Ale. I’m always really thirsty when I finish.
Then later when I feel like eating, I always do a burger (stacked with all the fixings—sometimes adding bacon) and sweet potato fries with ranch. I never opt out of Ranch. Anything I can dip ranch in is a plus for me. And I order a Blue Moon. I’m not a beer drinker, but that’s what I want after a marathon.”
(10/18/2024) Views: 176 ⚡AMP
Yalemzerf Yehualaw, Winfridah Moseti, Tsegaye Getachew and Philemon Kiplimo among the line-up for Sunday’s race
Yalemzerf Yehualaw and Winfridah Moseti are aiming to break Almaz Ayana’s women’s course record of 2:17:20 at the TCS Amsterdam Marathon on Sunday (Oct 20) while Tsegaye Getachew and Philemon Kiplimo will be hoping to get close to Tamirat Tola’s course best of 2:03:38.
Yehualaw, 25, already has a best of 2:17:23 – set in Hamburg last year – and the Ethiopian won the London Marathon in 2022.
She says: “I want to give my best on Sunday, and of course, I’ve come to win. I’m looking forward to the support from the Amsterdam crowd.”
Kenya’s Moseti, who set a PB of 2:18:25 earlier this year, adds: “Training has gone well, so I expect a good result.”
With conditions expected to be good for marathon running with temperatures of around 15C and a light southerly breeze, Kiplimo, whose best is 2:04:56, says: “Training has gone well, and I feel fit. I expect a good result.”
Getachew is perhaps the favourite in the men’s race, though, given the fact he won the race in 2022. “Amsterdam changed my life,” he says. “I remember not being able to run the last kilometre, but the incredible crowd really carried me.
“I’ve run in Tokyo and Paris, but Amsterdam’s course really suits me. I’ve trained well, and I have two goals: to win and to set a personal best.”
His personal best stands at 2:04:49.
The event will be shown on Discovery+ and Eurosport and starts 9am local time in the city’s Olympic stadium.
(10/18/2024) Views: 159 ⚡AMPDo you want to enjoy Amsterdam in October and all that the city has to offer you? Want to feel a real athlete and start and finish in the historic Olympic stadium? Or run across the widely discussed passage under the beautiful National Museum? Then come to Amsterdam for the annual TCS Amsterdam Marathon in October! The TCS Amsterdam Marathon...
more...Eliud Kipchoge believes has singled out one of his training partners and noted that he has a bright future in road running and could be the next big star, despite still mastering marathon racing.
Marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge believes his training partner Daniel Mateiko is the next big thing when it comes to road running.
The former world marathon record holder observed that Daniel Mateiko has a bright future ahead of him and despite not having mastered marathon running yet, the youngster is surely following in Eliud Kipchoge’s footsteps.
In an interview with Runner’s World, Eliud Kipchoge pointed out that Daniel Mateiko has all it takes to dominate and once he hits the ground running, people will be left dumbfounded in the stands.
“[He has] a huge, huge, future ahead of him. I’m putting all my money in Mateiko as the future,” Kipchoge said. “He’s the man to watch, actually, on the road,” Eliud Kipchoge said.
Meanwhile, Daniel Mateiko is one of the top half marathoners in the world with his personal best time of 58:26 he ran to finish third at the Valencia Half Marathon in 2021.
He is slowly following in the footsteps of his mentor, five-time Berlin Marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge, and he made his full marathon debut at the 2023 Chicago Marathon where he failed to finish the race but certainly had one of the best runs up to the 30km mark.
Before his full marathon debut, Daniel Mateiko was in action at the 2023 London Marathon as he helped pace the late Kelvin Kiptum to a course record of 2:01:25. This season, Mateiko hoped for a great outing at the London Marathon but also failed to finish the race.
However, he has attained a series of wins, like representing the country at the Paris Olympic Games in the 10,000m. However, Mateiko did not embrace his full potential as he could only manage an 11th-place finish in 26:50.83.
Before then, the 26-year-old had raced at the Prefontaine Classic where he won the race to secure a ticket to the Olympics and he had also won the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon prior to the London Marathon.
(10/17/2024) Views: 161 ⚡AMP
Yohan Blake has unveiled an exclusive new way for fans to follow his personal journey offering unique behind-the-scenes access.
Jamaican sprint icon Yohan Blake has introduced an innovative fan app that provides his supporters with unprecedented access to his training journey, mental preparation and personal reflections as a world-class athlete.
The app, available now for iOS and soon to be launched on Android, gives fans a rare glimpse behind the scenes of the sprinter’s career, offering exclusive content and updates straight from Blake himself.
The app aims to connect fans more closely with Blake's experiences, offering a real-time window into his daily training regimen, diet, and the mental resilience it takes to compete at the highest level of track and field.
"Hey guys! ? I’ve just launched my official fan app, available now on iOS and coming soon to Android! Stay connected with me for exclusive updates, content, and more. Download today and be part of the movement!" Blake announced in a message to his fans.
For Blake, the app is not just a platform to share his achievements, but also a tool to inspire others through the ups and downs of his athletic journey.
His fans will gain a close-up view of the hard work, dedication, and discipline required to reach the pinnacle of sprinting.
With the app, Blake shares both the highs and the lows of his pursuit for greatness, something that has been a hallmark of his career.
"What keeps me focused is the hunger and the drive to do much better than I’ve done in the past. I want to leave a mark and a legacy. I am running for a cause," Blake said in a past interview.
At 34, Blake’s storied career includes some of the most remarkable achievements in the history of track and field.
He famously shares the record for the second-fastest 100m time in history with American sprinter Tyson Gay, both clocking in at an astounding 9.69 seconds.
Blake’s prowess on the track has earned him two Olympic gold medals from the 4x100m relays at the 2012 London Games and 2016 Rio Games, alongside two silver medals in the 100m and 200m sprints in London.
Despite his extraordinary success, Blake has faced his fair share of adversity.
In 2014, a career-threatening injury left many questioning whether he would ever return to his peak form.
But through resilience and determination, Blake overcame the setback, proving his dedication to his sport.
Now, he seeks to use his app as a way to connect his journey with fans, giving them a deeper understanding of what it takes to bounce back and thrive in the face of challenges.
"I want people to remember Yohan and be inspired to put their best foot forward in spite of," said Blake in a past interview in March.
(10/17/2024) Views: 161 ⚡AMPI am a numbers’ guy. I’ve always been a numbers’ guy. I always want to see what the numbers tell me before I opine from an emotional standpoint.
Accordingly, I did a deep dive into the last five women to hold the marathon world record going back to Kenyan Catherine “The Great” Ndereba, in 2001. What I found was a changing world order.
Catherine Ndereba was the last of the old school road racers who then progressed to the marathon. Catherine came to compete on the U.S. road tour beginning in 1995, but really began winning convincingly in 1996 at age 24, winning four times in New York City; Spokane, Washington; Utica, NY; Flint, Michigan; and Philadelphia, Pa.
In 1999, she made her marathon debut in Boston, running to eighth place in 2:28:26. Later that fall, she finished second in New York City in 2:27:34. But she also had eight wins on the road circuit when you could still make money there and the marathon wasn’t yet as lucrative as it is today.
The following year, 2000, Catherine won her first Boston and Chicago Marathons, with another eight wins on the road circuit. She won Boston again in 2001 in 2:22:53, then set her world record in Chicago in the fall in her sixth career marathon, running 2:18:47, with another eight wins on the roads. Catherine was 29 when she ran her record and set her personal best by 2:46 seconds.
In all, she ran 23 marathons, finished 23, won 8.
Great Britain’s Paul Radcliffe broke Catherine‘s world record one year later in Chicago 2002 (2:17:18) then smashed her own record one year later in London (2:15:25), a record that would last 16 years, by far the longest standing women’s marathon world record in history. Before that, Paula had run her debut in the spring of 2002 in London, at age 28, winnng in 2:18:56, a debut record.
In all, Paula started 13 marathons, finished 12, won 8. She, like Catherine, was age 29 when she set her final record at 2:15:25.
But Paula had a long, distinguished career in cross country and track going all the way back to 1992 when won the IAAF World Cross Country U20 championship in snowy Boston before finishing fourth in the World Junior Championships in the 3000m, a circumstance that would repeat itself over the years until she moved up in distance.
Paula ran fifth at the 1996 Olympic 5000m final in Atlanta. Then fourth in the 1997 World Championships 5000 in Athens; second in the WC 10,000m in Seville; and fourth again in the 2000 Olympic 10,000 in Sydney. She just couldn’t finish the last 200-300m with the East Africans like Derartu Tulu and Gete Wami to nab gold.
She entered her first marathon in London 2002 after showing her ability at the half marathon, winning at the Great North Run and the World Half Marathon Championships in Vera Cruz in 2000, and again in Bristol in 2001 – though she still ran on the track at 3k, 5k and 10k. From there, it was clear sailing, as the world came to expect Paula’s 2:15:25 to last for a long, long time.
It wasn’t until Brigid Kosgei came along in Chicago 2019, running 2:14:04, that Paula’s mighty record fell. But that was a bit of a stunner, as people didn’t see it coming. That gave even more gravity to the super-shoe era, because Brigid was 25 years old running the ninth of her 17 career marathons when she set her record. It was a personal best by 4:16, very similar to what we saw with Ruth Chepngetich last Sunday in Chicago. Both were deep into their marathon careers before producing their other worldly record performances.
Between Brigid and Ruth came Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa. She ran her world record of 2:11:53 at age 26 in Berlin in the third of only five career marathons. And that WR was a personal best by 3:44 at age 26.
And now, of course, we have Ruth Chepngetich, whose 2:09:56 in Chicago last Sunday has had heads spinning faster than Linda Blair in the Exorcist.
Ruth has run 15 marathons, finished 13, won 9, while running her world record in her 15th marathon, seven years into her career, setting a PB by 4:22. That last stat is the one people have trouble getting their heads around. You don’t improve that much so late in your career; they say.
But Brigid Kosgei ran her world record in the ninth of 17 career marathons with a personal best by 4:16. So what Ruth did was not unprecedented, though taken from a tiny sample.
The ages when they produced their world records:
Catherine, age 29; Paula, age 28 and 29;Brigid, age 25; Tigst, age 26; Ruth, age 30.
The world is constantly spinning, changing. Catherine Ndereba and Paula Radcliffe came from an old world, not just pre-super shoes, but pre-only focusing on marathons and half marathons.
And with the super shoes and super nutrition and super coaching and super God knows what else, there has been a great stir in the running community. Some refuse to even consider the possibility of these record times. Others say “wait and see if any positive testing follows down the line”, as we have seen many times before. And very few say, “everything‘s on the up and up. There’s nothing here to see other than a great performance.”
That doesn’t leave the sport in a very good place. But guess what? We are kidding ourselves if we think 2:09:56 is going to last very long. Look at Chicago’s women’s splits: 15:00 at 5K = 2:06:46 pace; 45:32 at 15k = 2:08:16 pace; and 64:16 at halfway = 2:08:32 pace. You even out that effort just a little, and you’re looking at sub-2:09! It’s coming. You can count on it. Plus, once one-person shows what’s possible, it inspires many more to try.
Remember, we are still in the first two generations of world-class women’s distance running. We have no idea what their limits may be, notwithstanding all nefariousness that attends the sport these days.
And so the debate continues, even as the sport searches for leadership, which seems to be missing in action. It’s one hell of a Wild West show, isn’t it?
(10/16/2024) Views: 150 ⚡AMPDiscover the top 5 fastest female marathoners in the world, featuring record-breaking athletes from Kenya and Ethiopia who continue to redefine the sport.
Kenya and Ethiopia, long-standing powerhouses in long-distance running, are known for producing some of the greatest female marathoners of all time, consistently setting new records and redefining athletic excellence.
Athletes such as Ruth Chepngetich of Kenya and Tigst Assefa of Ethiopia have not only dominated the marathon world but have also broken significant barriers with their remarkable times.
The competitive landscape of the World Marathon Majors (WMM) — including iconic races like the Berlin Marathon, Chicago Marathon, and London Marathon — has seen historic performances from these and other top runners.
In this article, we review the top 5 fastest female marathoners in the world, analyzing their breakthrough races, their contributions to the sport, and how they continue to inspire future generations of athletes.
5. Amane Beriso Shankule (Ethiopia) – 2:14:58
Rounding out the top 5 is Amane Beriso Shankule of Ethiopia, whose incredible performance at the 2022 Valencia Marathon earned her a place among the fastest female marathoners. Shankule completed the race in 2:14:58, showcasing her strength and determination in long-distance running.
Although still relatively new to the elite marathon circuit, Shankule’s time places her in an elite group of women who have broken the 2:15 barrier. Ethiopia has long been a dominant force in long-distance running, and Shankule’s success further underscores the depth of talent in the country. Her performance in Valencia will likely serve as a stepping stone to even greater achievements in the future.
4. Brigid Kosgei (Kenya) – 2:14:04
Brigid Kosgei of Kenya is no stranger to marathon success, having made history during the 2019 Chicago Marathon. On October 13, 2019, Kosgei crossed the finish line in 2:14:04, breaking the previous world record and establishing herself as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
Kosgei’s performance in Chicago was groundbreaking, as she broke the world record that had stood for over 16 years. Her run was characterized by her smooth stride and exceptional stamina, which allowed her to dominate the race from start to finish. Her record time remained unbeaten until 2023 when Tigst Assefa surpassed it.
Kosgei’s marathon career has been illustrious, with multiple wins in prestigious events such as the London Marathon. Her success has further cemented Kenya’s reputation as a global leader in marathon running. Although her record was eventually broken, Kosgei’s achievements remain a significant chapter in the history of women’s marathoning.
3. Sifan Hassan (Netherlands) – 2:13:44
In third place is Sifan Hassan, a Dutch athlete known for her incredible versatility. Originally a middle-distance runner, Hassan shocked the world when she ran the 2023 Chicago Marathon in 2:13:44, marking her debut in the marathon with one of the fastest times ever recorded by a woman.
Hassan’s ability to transition from track events to the marathon is nothing short of exceptional. Her success in the 1,500m, 5,000m, and 10,000m events — where she has multiple Olympic and World Championship titles — clearly translated well to the marathon. Her 2023 performance in Chicago not only placed her among the fastest female marathoners but also demonstrated the potential for athletes to excel across different distances.
Hassan’s achievement has inspired many young runners, especially those who see her as a symbol of athletic versatility. By running one of the fastest marathons on her debut, Hassan proved that success in the marathon does not always require years of specialized training in the event.
2. Tigst Assefa (Ethiopia) – 2:11:53
Second on the list is Ethiopian sensation Tigst Assefa, who delivered a breathtaking performance at the 2023 Berlin Marathon. On September 24, 2023, Assefa finished the race in 2:11:53, setting a new course record and breaking the previous world record for female marathoners at the time. This monumental run placed her firmly among the fastest women in marathon history.
Assefa’s journey to the top has been remarkable. A former middle-distance runner, she transitioned to marathon running with great success, demonstrating her versatility across different distances. Assefa’s victory also highlighted Ethiopia’s dominance in marathon running, adding her name to a long list of world-class Ethiopian athletes who have left their mark on the sport.
With her record-breaking time, Assefa solidified her position as one of the greatest marathoners of all time.
1. Ruth Chepngetich (Kenya) – 2:09:56
Ruth Chepngetich stands as the fastest female marathoner in history, having recently shattered records at the 2024 Chicago Marathon. On October 13, 2024, Chepngetich clocked a stunning time of 2:09:56, becoming the first woman to break the 2:10 barrier. This incredible achievement has cemented her position as the top female marathoner globally.
Known for her aggressive pacing and strong endurance, Chepngetich’s performance in Chicago was nothing short of extraordinary. She had already been a prominent figure in the marathon world, having won the 2019 World Championships Marathon in extreme heat conditions. However, her 2024 run in Chicago redefined what was possible for women in the marathon, establishing her as a trailblazer in the sport.
Chepngetich’s ability to push boundaries continues to inspire countless female athletes, especially those from Kenya, where marathon running has become a symbol of national pride. Her record-breaking marathon will undoubtedly remain a benchmark for years to come.
(10/15/2024) Views: 135 ⚡AMPThe former world champion is raring to go again after enduring a lot of difficulties in recent years that have locked him out of major championships.
Former world champion Yohan Blake is promising a strong comeback after enduring a frustrating 2024 season.
Blake has not raced since July when he finished eighth at the London Diamond League, an outcome that saw him claim a lack of respect from Jamaicans.
That was after missing a ticket to the Paris 2024 Olympics when he could not go past the preliminary round of the 100m at the Jamaican trials and there has been uncertainty over his athletics future, especially after he opened a restaurant in Florida, early this month.
However, the 34-year-old seems not ready to hang his spikes just yet and remains determined to revive his career heading into the 2025 season.
“The journey continues. Focused, determined, and back where I belong. Stay tuned for what’s next. With God, all things are possible,” Blake posted on social media.
Blake, who has two Olympics silver medals in 100m and 200m and as many gold in 4x100m relay, has been struggling to get back to his former glories.
The sprinter was regarded as one of the big prospects when he burst onto the scene but after an early promise, his powers have been waning in recent years, casting doubts on whether he will return to winning ways.
His main task now is to be fit and qualify for next year’s World Championships in Tokyo, Japan.
(10/15/2024) Views: 125 ⚡AMPIf you’re planning a marathon, you’re on the road to becoming part of a select proportion of the global population – 0.01 per cent, to be exact. But that doesn’t mean running one is exclusive to the lycra-clad minority. With the right planning, training and dogged determination anyone can have a go. Here’s what you need to know if you’re gearing up to train for the race of your life.
Which marathon should I choose to run?
The London Marathon is special, with incredible atmospheric and historic appeal, but it’s notoriously tricky to get a place and is far from the only one to consider. All marathons are 26.2 miles, so if you’re a beginner, you might want to choose what seasoned runners call an “easy” marathon – one with a flat and paved course. While the Brighton Marathon is one of the most popular (and mostly flat) UK spring races, the Greater Manchester Marathon is known as the flattest and fastest UK option. The under-the-radar Abingdon Marathon is one of the oldest in the UK and also has a flat route – great for new runners and for those who are keen to beat their personal bests.
Around Europe, try the Berlin and Frankfurt marathons in Germany, or the Amsterdam Marathon in the Netherlands. More recently, the Valencia and Seville marathons in Spain have grown in appeal. For a great beginner list, visit coopah.com. It’s worth doing your research to ensure it’s a route you’ll enjoy (atmospheric, well populated, flat, historic… whatever piques your interest), as this will pay dividends when things get tough.
Training
How long does it take to train for a marathon?
“You need 16-to-18 weeks of training,” says Richard Pickering, a UK Athletics qualified endurance coach. “And if you’re starting from nothing, I think you need closer to six months.” This may sound like a long time to dedicate to one event but a structured plan will help you develop the strength, endurance and aerobic capacity to run longer distances. Not to mention work wonders for your overall health.
“Anyone can run a marathon if they are willing to put in the hard work,’ says Cory Wharton-Malcolm, Apple Fitness+ Trainer and author of All You Need Is Rhythm & Grit . “As long as you give yourself enough time and enough grace, you can accomplish anything.’
Ready to get running? Read on.
Five steps to preparing for a marathon
1. Follow a training plan and increase mileage gradually
“Even if it’s a simple plan, and that plan is to run X times per week or run X miles per week, it’s beneficial to have something guiding you,’ says Wharton-Malcolm. ‘It’s happened to me, without that guidance, you may overtrain causing yourself an injury that could have been avoided. And if you’re injured, you’re far less likely to fall in love with running.”
For authoritative plans online, see marathon event websites (try the Adidas Manchester Marathon or the TCS London Marathon websites) or from a chosen charity such as the British Heart Foundation. Most will consist of the key training sessions: speed work (spurts of fast running with stationary or active rest periods), tempo runs (running at a sustained “comfortably uncomfortable” pace), and long-distance slogs.
Most marathon plans will abide by the 10 per cent rule, in that they won’t increase the total run time or distance by more than 10 per cent each week – something that will reduce your risk of injury.
2. Practise long runs slowly
Long runs are your bread-and-butter sessions. They prepare your body to tolerate the distance by boosting endurance, and give you the strength to stay upright for hours. Intimidating as this sounds, the best pace for these runs is a joyously slow, conversational speed.
“People may think they need to do their marathon pace in long runs,” says Pickering, “but it’s good to run slowly because it educates the body to burn fat as fuel. This teaches it to use a bit of fat as well as glycogen when it goes faster on race day, and that extends your energy window so that you’re less likely to hit the ‘wall’.”
The caveat: running slowly means you’re going to be out for a while. With the average training plan peaking at 20 miles, you could be running for many hours. “When I did lots of long runs, I had a number of tools: listening to music, audio-guided runs, apps or audio books,” says Wharton-Malcom. “I used to run lots of routes, explore cities… You can also do long runs with friends or colleagues, or get a train somewhere and run back so it’s not the same boring route.”
3. Do regular speed work
Speed work may sound like the reserve of marathon aficionados, but it’s good for new long-distance runners too. “I think people misunderstand speed work,” says Wharton-Malcom. “The presumption is that the moment you add ‘speed’ to training, you have to run like Usain Bolt, but all ‘speed’ means is faster than the speed you’d normally be running. So if you go out for a 20-minute run, at the end of the first nine minutes, run a little faster for a minute, then at the end of the second nine minutes, run a little faster for a minute.”
Small injections of pace are a great way for novices to reap the benefits. “The idea is to find the sweet spot between ‘Ah, I can only hold on to this for 10 seconds’ and ‘I can hold on to this for 30-to-60 seconds’,” he adds.
Hill sprints are great for increasing speed. Try finding a loop with an incline that takes 30 seconds to ascend, then run it continuously for two to three lots of 10 minutes with a 90-second standing rest.
Interval work is also a speed-booster. Try three lots of three minutes at tempo pace with a 90-second standing rest. “The recovery [between intervals] is when you get your breath back and your body recirculates lactate [a by-product of intense exercise, which ultimately slows bodies down],” explains Pickering, “and this means you’re able to do more than you otherwise would.”
4. Run at marathon-pace sometimes
Every now and then, throw in some running at your chosen race pace. “You need to get used to a bit of marathon pace,” says Pickering, “but I wouldn’t put it into your programme religiously.”
Some runners like to practise marathon pace in a “build-up” race, typically a half-marathon. “It can give people confidence,” says Pickering. “Your half-marathon should be six-to-seven weeks prior to the main event, and have a strategy to ensure you’re not racing it because you need to treat it as a training run.”
5. Schedule in rest and recovery
Of course, no training plan is complete without some R&R. Rest days give your body a chance to adapt to the stresses you’ve put it through and can provide a mental break. “Active recovery” is a swanky term for taking lighter exercise such as an easy run, long walk, gentle swim, some yoga – crucial because you don’t want to do two hard sessions back-to-back. “A long run would count as a hard day, so if your long run is on Sunday, you could do an easy run such as 30-40 minutes at a conversational pace on a Monday, but don’t do anything fast until Tuesday,” says Pickering.
What about recovery tools?
Foam rollers, massage guns, ice baths – the list is long. Pickering says to keep it simple: “I would encourage foam rolling [relieving muscle tension by rolling over a foam tube] or sports massage, and they’re kind of the same thing.”
And Wharton-Malcom swears by the restorative power of a good rest: “From personal experience, sleep is our secret weapon and it’s so underrated. Getting your eight-hours-plus per night, taking power naps during the day… you can do so well with just sleeping a bit more.”
Race day
How to perform your best on race day – what to eat
“The marathon is going to be relying on carbohydrate loading [such as spaghetti, mashed potato, rice pudding], which should take place one-to-three days before an event,” explains performance nutritionist Matt Lovell. Other choices might include: root vegetables (carrots, beetroot), breads or low-fat yoghurts.
“On the day, the main goal is to keep your blood glucose as stable as possible by filling up any liver glycogen.” Which means eating a breakfast rich in slow-release carbohydrates, such as porridge, then taking on board isotonic drinks, like Lucozade Sport or coconut water, and energy gels roughly every 30-45 minutes.
How to stay focused
Even with the right fuel in your body, the going will get tough. But when you feel like you can’t do any more, there is surprisingly more in the tank than you realise.
“Sports scientists used to think we eat food, it turns into fuel within our body and, when we use it up, we stop and fall over with exhaustion,” says performance psychologist Dr Josephine Perry. “Then they did muscle biopsies to understand that, when we feel totally exhausted, we actually still have about 30 per cent energy left in the muscles.”
How do you tap into that magic 30 per cent? By staying motivated – and this ultimately comes down to finding a motivational mantra that reminds you of your goal and reason for running.
“Motivational mantras are incredibly personal – you can’t steal somebody else’s because it sounds good; it has to talk to you,’ explains Dr Perry, author of The Ten Pillars of Success. “Adults will often have their children as part of their motivational mantra – they want to make them proud, to be a good role model. If you’re doing it for a charity, it might be that.” Write your motivational mantra on your energy gel, drinks bottle or hand. “It doesn’t just need to come from you,” adds Dr Perry. “I love getting athletes’ friends and family to write messages to stick on their nutrition, so every time they take a gel out of their pocket, they’ve got a message from someone who loves them.” Perry is supporting the Threshold Sports’ Ultra 50:50 campaign, encouraging female participation in endurance running events.
Smile every mile, concludes Dr Perry: “Research shows that when you smile it reduces your perception of effort, so you’re basically tricking your brain into thinking that what you’re doing isn’t as difficult as it is.”
One thing is for sure, you’re going to be on a high for a while. “What happens for most people is they run the race and, for most of the race, they say ‘I’m never doing this again,’ says Wharton-Malcom. “Then the following morning, they think, ‘OK, what’s next?’”
What clothes should you wear for a marathon?
What you wear can also make a difference. Look for clothing made with moisture-wicking fabrics that will move sweat away from the skin, keeping you dry and comfortable. An anti-chafe stick such as Body Glide Anti-Chafe Balm is a worthy investment, or simply try some Vaseline, as it will stop any areas of the skin that might rub (under the arms, between the thighs) from getting irritated. Seamless running socks, like those from Smartwool, can also help to reduce rubbing and the risk of blisters.
Post-race recovery
What to eat and drink
Before you revel in your achievement, eat and drink something. Lovell says recovery fuel is vital: “Getting carbohydrates back into the body after a marathon is crucial. It’s a forgiving time for having lots of calories from carbohydrates and proteins, maybe as a recovery shake or a light meal such as a banana and a protein yoghurt.”
Have a drink of water with a hydration tablet or electrolyte powder to replenish fluid and electrolyte salts (magnesium, potassium, sodium) lost through sweat.
“You can have a glass of red later if you want, but your priority is to rehydrate with salts first, then focus on carbohydrate replenishment, then have some protein, and then other specialist items such as anti-inflammatories.” Choose anti-inflammatory compounds such as omega 3 and curcumin from turmeric, which you can get as a supplement, to help reduce excessive inflammation and allow for better muscle rebuilding.
Tart cherry juice – rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatories and naturally occurring melatonin – could also be useful, with the latest research reporting that it can reduce muscle pain after a long-distance race and improve both sleep quantity and quality by five-to-six per cent. “And anything that improves blood flow such as beetroot juice, which is a good vasodilator, will help with endurance and recovery,” adds Lovell. Precision Hydration tablets are very good for heavy sweaters.
Any other other good products to help with recovery?
The post-run recovery market is a saturated one, but there are a few products worth trying. Magnesium – from lotions and bath flakes to oil sprays drinks and supplements – relaxes muscles and can prevent muscle cramps, as well as aiding recovery-boosting sleep.
Compression socks boost blood flow and therefore the removal of waste products from hardworking muscles, and have been shown to improve recovery when worn in the 48 hours after a marathon. Arnica has anti-inflammatory properties that can help speed up the healing process after a long run, and can be used as an arnica balm or soak.
(10/14/2024) Views: 135 ⚡AMP30-year-old Kenyan Ruth Chepngetich destroyed the women’s marathon world record today (13 Oct. 2024) at the 46th Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Her time of 2:09:56 ripped 1:57 from the previous mark set in Berlin 2023 by Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa (2:11:53).
At this point, the athletics record book feels like it ought to be written in No. 2 Ticonderoga pencil. That’s how fast records fall in this age of technological and nutritional advances. This is especially true at the longer distances where such advancements create greater margins.
Still, Ruth Chepngetich’s new world record stands out as history’s first women’s sub-2:10, and first sub-5:00 per mile pace average. But Tigst Assefa’s 2:11:53 mark set last year in Berlin had us all cradling our heads, as well. That performance cut 2:11 off Brigid Kosgei‘s 2:14:04 record from Chicago 2019, which shattered Paula Radcliffe‘s seemingly impregnable 2:15:25 set in London 2003.
In each case: Radcliffe’s, Kosgei’s, Assefa’s, and now Chepngetich’s record have caused mouths to gape in the immediacy of their efforts. But nothing should surprise us anymore.
Racing is often a self-fulfilling prophecy determined by one’s build-up. Ruth Chepngetich said in her TV interview she came into Chicago off a perfect three-months of training after her disappointing ninth-place finish in London in April (2:24:36). Two previous wins in the Windy City (2021 and 2022) and a runner-up in 2023 meant Ms. Chepngetich arrived well seasoned on this course, with a keen understanding of what training was required to produce such a record run.
Of course, sadly, no record in athletics can be free of skepticism considering the industrial level of PED use that is uncovered, seemingly, every other Tuesday. Though understandable, cynicism should not be one’s default reaction.
To maintain any allegiance to the game, to follow it with any interest at all, we have to celebrate each record at face value. Just as rabid fans have to acknowledge some records to be ill-gotten, cynics accept that many special runs are exactly as they appear, above reproach.
Besides, when you break down Ruth’s 5k splits, each one from 5k to 35k was slower than the previous 5k. Not until the split from 35k to 40k (15:39) did she run faster than the split before (15:43 from 30 to 35k)
5k – 15:0010k – 30:14 (15:14)15k – 45:32 (15:18)20k – 60:51 (15:19)25k – 1:16:17 (15:26)30k – 1:31:40 (15:32)35k – 1:47:32 (15:43)40k – 2:03:11 (15:39)Fini – 2:09:56
1st half – 64:162nd half – 65:40
So congratulations to Ruth Chepngetich and her team for a marvelous run through a beautiful city. Now, let’s see how long this mark stays on the books before the No. 2 Ticonderoga pencil gets pulled out again.
BY THE NUMBERS
There have been 26 women’s world records set in the marathon since Beth Bonner‘s 2:55:22 in New York City in 1971. Over the ensuing 53 years, the average percentage change from one record to the next has been 1:26%. See WOMEN’S WORLD RECORD PROGRESSION.
Today’s record by Ruth Chepngetich, 2:09:56 (just one second slower than Bill Rodgers‘ American men’s record in Boston 1975!), lowered Tigst Assefa’s 2:11:53 mark by a healthy 1.5%. And Assefa’s time cut Brigid Kosgei’s 2:14:04 by 1.65%.
These latest records are still taking significant chunks off their predecessors and doing so in quick order. That suggests women are far from slicing everything they can from even this new record.
Yet, when comparing the women’s marathon world record to the men’s (2:00:35, set by Kelvin Kiptum in Chicago 2023), we see a differential of 7.2%. That is by far the best women’s record vis-à-vis the men’s throughout the running spectrum. Second place on that list is Florence Griffith-Joyner‘s 10.49 100m in relation to Usain Bolt‘s 9.58, a percentage difference of 8.675%.
The traditional rule of thumb has been a 10% gap between men’s and women’s records. But there are so many factors in play, it is difficult to make any definitive statement that explains one event, much less one athlete from another. I guess that’s why we keep watching.
(10/13/2024) Views: 222 ⚡AMPRunning the Bank of America Chicago Marathon is the pinnacle of achievement for elite athletes and everyday runners alike. On race day, runners from all 50 states and more than 100 countries will set out to accomplish a personal dream by reaching the finish line in Grant Park. The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is known for its flat and...
more...Ruth Chepngetich heads to the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on the hunt for a hat trick, while Birhanu Legese is the fastest in the men’s field for the World Athletics Platinum Label road race on Sunday (13).
The women’s race features a clash between Chepngetich, her Kenyan compatriot Joyciline Jepkosgei and Ethiopia’s Sutume Kebede – three sub-2:17 runners who form part of a field that includes another six women to have dipped under 2:20.
Chepngetich, the 2019 world marathon champion, won in Chicago in 2021 and 2022, and followed that with a runner-up finish to Sifan Hassan last year. She clocked 2:14:18 on that occasion, while her PB of 2:14:18 set in Chicago in 2022 makes her the fourth fastest women’s marathon runner in history.
She ran 2:24:36 for her most recent marathon, in London in April, and placed ninth, but then clocked 1:05:58 to win the 21k Buenos Aires half marathon in August.
Jepkosgei, who won the London Marathon in 2021 and New York City Marathon in 2019, finished fourth in Chicago last year in 2:17:23.
She improved by one place when returning to marathon action in London in April, setting a PB of 2:16:24.
It’s Kebede who leads this season’s top list, thanks to the PB of 2:15:55 she set to win the Tokyo Marathon in March. That puts her at No.8 all time and she will be hoping to make the most of the fast course in Chicago.
“After seeing what my teammate Kelvin Kiptum did last year, I want to come to Chicago to do something great,” said Kebede, who finished 15th in last year’s race.
Kiptum, who was part of Kebede’s training group, died in a road traffic accident in February, just four months after he set his world marathon record of 2:00:35 in Chicago. This year, the event will honour Kiptum’s legacy with a moment of silence at the start line.
Joining Chepngetich, Jepkosgei and Kebede on that start line will be three more women with PBs under 2:18 – Ethiopia’s Degitu Azimeraw, Ashete Bekere and Hiwot Gebrekidan – plus Kenya’s Irine Cheptai, who ran 2:18:22 in Hamburg in April.
The field also features the second and third fastest ever US women’s marathon runners, Keira D’Amato and Betsy Saina, who have also dipped under 2:20. They are joined in this competitive field by their compatriots Sara Hall and Emma Bates.
Ethiopia’s Legese leads the men’s field with the PB of 2:02:48 he ran in Berlin in 2019. That performance puts him sixth on the men’s world marathon all-time list but since then his highest marathon finish has been a third place, achieved in Rotterdam with a 2:05:16 run in April.
The two-time Tokyo Marathon champion will want to return to winning ways when he heads back to Chicago, where he placed 10th when making his World Marathon Majors debut in 2018, but he faces tough opposition.
Six other men in the field have PBs faster than 2:06, including Kenya’s Amos Kipruto, Vincent Ngetich and John Korir, and Ethiopia’s Dawit Wolde, Amedework Walelegn and Mohamed Esa.
Kipruto, the 2019 world bronze medallist, and Ngetich have matching PBs of 2:03:13. Kipruto won the London Marathon in 2022 and trains with Benson Kipruto, who won that year’s Chicago Marathon, while Ngetich was second in the Berlin Marathon last year, five places ahead of Kipruto. He was also third at this year’s Tokyo Marathon.
Korir ran his PB of 2:05:01 when finishing third in Chicago in 2022, while Wolde ran 2:03:48 in Valencia last year, Esa has a best of 2:05:05 from Amsterdam in 2022 and Walelegn clocked 2:04:50 in Rotterdam in April, finishing runner-up – one place ahead of Legese.
Looking to join them at the front of the field will be Kenya’s Daniel Ebenyo, the world 10,000m and half marathon silver medallist who makes his marathon debut. The 29-year-old ran a 59:30 half marathon in Berlin in April, 26 seconds off his PB set in Manama in 2022.
Ethiopia’s Jemal Yimer Mekonnen, who finished fourth in the half marathon at last year’s World Road Running Championships behind runner-up Ebenyo, is back in marathon action after his win in Seoul in March.
Among the athletes racing on home soil are USA’s Zach Panning, CJ Albertson and Brian Shrader.
Elite fields
WomenRuth Chepngetich (KEN) 2:14:18Sutume Kebede (ETH) 2:15:55Joyciline Jepkosgei (KEN) 2:16:24Degitu Azimeraw (ETH) 2:17:58Ashete Bekere (ETH) 2:17:58Hiwot Gebrekidan (ETH) 2:17:59Irine Cheptai (KEN) 2:18:22Keira D'Amato (USA) 2:19:12Betsy Saina (USA) 2:19:17Sara Hall (USA) 2:20:32Emma Bates (USA) 2:22:10Buze Diriba (ETH) 2:23:11Sara Vaughn (USA) 2:23:24Susanna Sullivan (USA) 2:24:27Gabi Rooker (USA) 2:24:35Lindsay Flanagan (USA) 2:24:43Stacey Ndiwa (KEN) 2:25:29 Lauren Hagans (USA) 2:25:56Annie Frisbie (USA) 2:26:18Jackie Gaughan (USA) 2:27:08Dominique Scott (RSA) 2:27:31Diane Nukuri (USA) 2:27:50Makena Morley (USA) 2:30:25Anne Marie Blaney (USA) 2:30:43Amy Davis-Green (USA) 2:33:09Aubrey Frentheway (USA) debut
MenBirhanu Legese (ETH) 2:02:48Amos Kipruto (KEN) 2:03:13Vincent Ngetich (KEN) 2:03:13Dawit Wolde (ETH) 2:03:48Amedework Walelegn (ETH) 2:04:50John Korir (KEN) 2:05:01Mohamed Esa (ETH) 2:05:05Jemal Yimer (ETH) 2:06:08Kyohei Hosoya (JPN) 2:06:35Toshiki Sadakata (JPN) 2:07:05Tatsuya Maruyama (JPN) 2:07:50Yuichi Yasui (JPN) 2:08:48Jorge Castelblanco (PAN) 2:09:24Zach Panning (USA) 2:09:28Brian Shrader (USA) 2:09:46CJ Albertson (USA) 2:09:53Tomoki Yoshioka (JPN) 2:10:03Reed Fischer (USA) 2:10:34Nathan Martin (USA) 2:10:45Colin Mickow (USA) 2:11:22Kevin Salvano (USA) 2:11:26Jacob Thomson (USA) 2:11:40Turner Wiley (USA) 2:11:59Shadrack Kipchirchir (USA) 2:13:02JP Flavin (USA) 2:13:27Charlie Sweeney (USA) 2:13:41Ben Kendell (USA) 2:15:49Phil Parrot-Migas (CAN) 2:15:53Aaron Gruen (USA) 2:15:56Daniel Ebenyo (KEN) debutPeter Lynch (IRL) debutAlex Maier (USA) debutAlex Masai (USA) debut
(10/11/2024) Views: 154 ⚡AMPRunning the Bank of America Chicago Marathon is the pinnacle of achievement for elite athletes and everyday runners alike. On race day, runners from all 50 states and more than 100 countries will set out to accomplish a personal dream by reaching the finish line in Grant Park. The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is known for its flat and...
more...Amos Kipruto will be seeking a comeback victory at the 2024 Chicago Marathon honoring late friend Kelvin Kiptum after injury setbacks.
The 2022 London Marathon champion Amos Kipruto is gearing up for a return to the world stage at the 2024 Chicago Marathon aiming for a victory that could re-establish his position among the elite long-distance runners.
After a year hampered by injuries and personal struggles, the Kenyan athlete is determined to make a statement on the streets of Chicago this Sunday, October 13.
For Kipruto, this race is not just another competition—it marks the end of a long road to recovery.
The bronze medalist from the 2019 World Marathon Championships revealed that an injury in early 2024 kept him sidelined for much of the season, forcing him to withdraw from races, including the London Marathon, where he had hoped to defend his 2022 title.
"I was supposed to race in London [2024], but it was late. I tried to treat it, but I decided to be patient and focus on the treatment," Kipruto explained in an interview with Olympics.com.
"Now, I am focused on the next race. I am back and injury-free."
A testing year and the mental toll
Kipruto’s journey back to fitness has not been easy and the athlete candidly shared how his physical setbacks also affected him mentally.
“In 2020, I got a tendon tear injury and I went through some low moments,” he recalled.
“It was difficult. I felt like I had more to prove after winning in London, but the injuries and the uncertainty that followed were challenging.”
The challenges, however, were not something Kipruto faced alone. He credits his coach, Claudio Berardelli, and his management team for keeping his spirits high during the difficult times.
"My coach Claudio and the management supported me, and gave me hope that I will be back. They kept telling me to be patient and that my time would come again."
A special race with extra motivation
The Chicago Marathon is set to be Kipruto's first major marathon race since his 2023 Berlin Marathon disappointment, where he was unable to reclaim the form that had made him a champion in London.
However, Kipruto enters this race not just with a desire to win, but with added emotional motivation.
The Kenyan star will also be running in honor of the late Kelvin Kiptum, the 2023 London Marathon winner, who passed away unexpectedly after his victory.
https://www.instagram.com/p/C_9jrc0K-Fq/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Kiptum’s death shook the running community, and Kipruto, a close friend and fellow Kenyan, wants to use the race as a tribute.
"This race is special for me," Kipruto said.
"I want to honor Kelvin’s memory with a strong performance. He was a friend and an inspiration to many."
Eyes on a personal best and redemption
While Kipruto has already secured his spot on Kenya’s 2024 Olympic team, this race will be critical in demonstrating that he is still a force to be reckoned with.
"My goal is to try to run a personal best,” he said.
“I want to show the world that I am still the kind of athlete who is capable of winning a major marathon.”
The Chicago Marathon will be Kipruto’s first competitive race on American soil, and he’s fully aware of the expectations.
"I have a big challenge and a big task ahead of me. I know I must work hard so that I can prove that I can still [win]," he said confidently.
After a quiet season filled with rehabilitation and only one documented 10km race in Gabon in June, Kipruto is ready to reclaim his place at the top.
As he lines up on Sunday, the world will be watching to see if the Kenyan star can cap off his season with the redemption he seeks.
"I'm going into the race fresh and focused.I know I’ve had setbacks, but now it's time to show the world I am back."
(10/10/2024) Views: 169 ⚡AMPRunning the Bank of America Chicago Marathon is the pinnacle of achievement for elite athletes and everyday runners alike. On race day, runners from all 50 states and more than 100 countries will set out to accomplish a personal dream by reaching the finish line in Grant Park. The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is known for its flat and...
more...The Kenyan will be targeting her third victory in Chicago whilst Ethiopia’s Birhanu Legese leads the men’s field.
This weekend, all eyes will be on Chicago as the city hosts the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Sunday (October 13), promising a thrilling showdown amongst top-tier athletes.
In the women’s competition, Kenya’s Ruth Chepngetich, a former Chicago Marathon winner in 2021 and 2022 and the fourth-fastest woman in marathon history, is set to return to the course, which winds through 29 neighborhoods.
The 30-year-old enters as the fastest woman in this year’s line-up after winning the title in 2022 by running her fastest time of 2:14:18. At the time, she was 14 seconds short of Brigid Kosgei’s world record of 2:14:04, before Tigist Assefa (2:11:53) and Sifan Hassan (2:13:44) went quicker in 2023.
The 2019 world champion secured a second-place finish in Chicago last year behind Sifan Hassan.
Yet, it will not be an easy run to victory for Chepngetich. Ethiopia’s Sutume Kebede, fresh off her Tokyo Marathon win, arrives with the fastest marathon time of 2024, having ran 2:15:55 in Tokyo.
Kebede has had a stellar year, setting a record time of 64:37 at the Aramco Houston Half Marathon – the fastest-ever women’s half marathon time on US soil.
Chepngetich and Kebede will be joined by Kenya’s Joyciline Jepkosgei, who has previously taken titles at the New York City Marathon in 2019 and London Marathon in 2021. Jepkosgei finished third this year in London where she clocked her personal best of 2:16:24.
American athletes Keira D’Amato (2:19:12) and Betsy Saina (2:19:17) join the list of athletes. D’Amato, a former American record holder in the marathon, is making a comeback as a competitor after working as a commentator. Meanwhile, Saina, who had to withdraw from the Chicago Marathon in 2019 due to illness, returns to make her mark.
The men’s race will also feature a highly competitive field with Ethiopia’s Birhanu Legese leading the charge. Legese, who recorded an impressive 2:02:48 at the 2019 Berlin Marathon is the fastest on paper.
A two-time Tokyo marathon champion, this will be his second time tackling the Chicago course after finishing 10th in 2018 with a time of 2:08:41. Most recently, Legese took third place at the 2024 Rotterdam Marathon.
Legese will be up against strong competition, particularly from Kenya’s Amos Kipruto and Vincent Ngetich, who both hold personal bests of 2:03:13.
Kipruto, a bronze medallist at the World Championships in Doha 2019, claimed victory at the 2022 London Marathon. Ngetich won bronze in the Tokyo marathon earlier this year.
(10/10/2024) Views: 140 ⚡AMPRunning the Bank of America Chicago Marathon is the pinnacle of achievement for elite athletes and everyday runners alike. On race day, runners from all 50 states and more than 100 countries will set out to accomplish a personal dream by reaching the finish line in Grant Park. The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is known for its flat and...
more...Excitement is building for this year’s Chicago Marathon that takes place on Sunday 13 October. Once again, a stellar field has been assembled including some of the best American runners operating today. Read on to find out which US athletes will compete in the 2024 Chicago Marathon.
It’s been seven years since the last American was victorious in the Chicago Marathon, with Galen Rupp crowned winner of the men’s race in 2017. In the women’s race, you need to go back almost 20 years to find the last US winner, when Deena Kastor became the first female American to claim victory on the streets of Chicago in almost a decade.
But with this year’s Chicago Marathon just days away, a strong group of elite American runners will take on the challenge of the 42.195km race, bringing with them experience, pedigree and the hopes of a nation as they battle for glory on home soil.
Read on to discover the top American athletes competing in the 2024 Chicago Marathon.
Top Americans in the 2024 Chicago Marathon women’s race
Keira D’Amato
Keira D'Amato, the former fastest female American runner of all time, has an exceptional track record in long-distance events. The 39-year-old still holds the fastest US women’s time in the half marathon at 1:06:39, set in the Gold Coast, Australia in 2023, while her best in the 42.195km race is an impressive 2:19:12, which she achieved in Houston in 2022.
This year, D’Amato will have speedy support by her side, as she revealed her pacer for the Chicago Marathon will be none other than Rio 2016 Olympic 1500m gold medallist Matthew Centrowitz. Can the addition to her race-day crew catapult D’Amato to glory in the Windy City? All will be revealed on Sunday.
Born in Kenya, Betsy Saina has since received her US citizenship and will be one of the favourites to hold the title of fastest American in this year’s Chicago Marathon women’s race. Saina became a mother in 2021 but has gone from strength to strength since then, becoming the fastest female American marathoner in 2023. While her dreams of making the Olympic team for Paris 2024 were not realised, she comes into this year’s Chicago Marathon showpiece with one of the fastest times among all US runners with a personal best of 2:19:17 set at the 2024 Tokyo Marathon.
A fan favourite and former American marathon record holder, Sara Hall has vast experience in elite marathon running, which includes a third-place finish in the 2021 Chicago Marathon.
Perhaps her most memorable performance was in the 2021 London Marathon where she produced a stunning all-out sprint finish to claim second-place in Britain’s capital.
At 41 years old, Hall will be among the older members of the elite field but she is showing few signs of slowing down. She finished fifth in the 2024 Olympic marathon trials and in April this year ended the Boston Marathon as the second-fastest American finisher in a time of 2:27:58.
Top Americans in the 2024 Chicago Marathon men’s race
Zach Panning
During the US marathon trials for the last Olympics, Zach Panning sent the crowd into a frenzy with a courageous run where he led from the front for almost three-quarters of the race. Panning eventually fell off the pace to finish the trials in sixth place, with only the top three nominated for the team.
However, the fearlessness of the 29-year-old, who holds a personal best of 2:09:28, makes him one of the most exciting runners in the field.
Following his 10th-place finish in the 2024 London Marathon, Brian Shrader is back on home soil hoping to impress on the streets of Chicago, where he finished 11th last year in a personal best time of 2:09:46.
While a DNF in the Olympic trials shattered Shrader’s dreams of going to Paris 2024 he enters this race with real aspirations of finishing as the top American and perhaps challenging the front-runners in the elite men’s race.
Perhaps best known for his exploits over distances that trickle into the category of ultrarunning, CJ Albertson’s pace over the legendary 42.195km distance makes him one of the top three American men in the Chicago Marathon field.
The former world record holder over 50km enters Sunday’s race with a best marathon time of 2:09:53 set at the 2024 Boston Marathon, where he finished seventh.
Albertson finished fifth in the 2024 Olympic trials but his recent form shows just why he is one of the most talked-about US athletes operating in the marathon today.
(10/09/2024) Views: 155 ⚡AMP
Running the Bank of America Chicago Marathon is the pinnacle of achievement for elite athletes and everyday runners alike. On race day, runners from all 50 states and more than 100 countries will set out to accomplish a personal dream by reaching the finish line in Grant Park. The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is known for its flat and...
more...Shanghai International Marathon joins Sydney and Cape Town as candidates to become the seventh world major.
On Thursday, Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM) announced that China’s Shanghai Marathon will be the newest race to join the majors candidacy process. Shanghai replaces the (previously nominated) Chengdu Marathon, joining the TCS Sydney Marathon and the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon in a bid to become the seventh marathon major.
This announcement marks the beginning of Abbott WMM’s multi-year evaluation process for Shanghai. To become a WMM, the race must meet specific criteria for participation, organization, certification, sustainability and legacy for two consecutive years over the next three years.
If successful, Shanghai will join an elite group of races—Tokyo Marathon, Boston Marathon, TCS London Marathon, BMW-Berlin Marathon, Bank of America Chicago Marathon, and TCS New York City Marathon—as a new member of the prestigious AbbottWMM series, as early as 2027.
AbbottWMM’s decision to potentially expand into China reflects its aim to explore and grow in one of the biggest and fastest-growing running markets worldwide.
AbbottWMM CEO Dawna Stone said in a press release, “This presents an exciting opportunity to expand our impact into Asia and further our mission to create, grow, and support opportunities for all to discover the power of the marathon community.”
For more than a decade, the Shanghai International Marathon, held in late November since 1996, has been categorized as a Platinum Label Road Race by World Athletics.
The course is flat and fast, and showcases the city’s most scenic and iconic landmarks. Last year, the Shanghai Marathon weekend attracted more than 30,000 participants across all distances. The 2024 Shanghai Marathon will take place on Sunday, Dec. 1.
(10/09/2024) Views: 161 ⚡AMPShanghai International Marathon has established itself as the marquee running event on China’s Marathon calendar. Every November, tens of thousand participants run passing the many historical places of this city such as Bund Bull, Customs House, Shanghai Museum, Shanghai Grand Theater, Shanghai Exhibition center, Jing’an Temple, Nan Pu Bridge, Lu Pu Bridge, Long Hua Temple, Shanghai Stadium. The course records...
more...Peres Jepchirchir has revealed her next step as she eyes redemption following her dissapointing 15th-place finish at the Paris Olympic Games.
Former Olympic marathon champion Peres Jepchirchir is targeting the world half-marathon record as she heads to the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon, a World Athletics Gold Label event, scheduled for Sunday, October 20.
Jepchirchir, the reigning London Marathon champion, has not raced since her exit from the Paris Olympic Games where she faded to 15th place in a time of 2:26:51. The Kenyan long-distance running ace will be looking to bounce back in a commanding way with a world record.
The women’s world record currently stands at 1:02:52 and was set by Letesenbet Gidey on October 24, 2021, at the Valencia Half Marathon and Peres Jepchirchir has plans to obliterate it and take back her crown when she steps on the track. A huge prize purse also awaits her as she seeks to make history in the Indian city.
The men’s race will be headlined by Joshua Cheptegei, the current world record holder in the 5000m and 10,000m. The reigning Olympic 10,000m champion will also be out to attack the world record and make an impact as he continues enriching his decorated athletics resume.
“This country holds a special place in my heart, as it’s where I made my international debut in 2014. It’s been a good season for me, and I am certainly looking at a course-record timing at the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon. The energy and passion of the Indian running community are truly inspiring, and I’m excited to be part of this prestigious event,” Cheptegei said ahead of his return to the streets of the Indian city.
Meanwhile, a total amount of $260,000 prize money has been set aside for top finishers with the winners set to walk away with $27,000. In addition to this, there is an Event Record Bonus of $12,000.
(10/09/2024) Views: 98 ⚡AMPThe Kenyan passed away in hospital, where he’d been receiving treatment for an illness
Kipyegon Bett, the former world under-20 800m champion, has sadly passed away at the age of 26.
The Kenyan, who also secured a bronze medal over two laps at the 2017 World Championships in London, was receiving treatment for an illness in hospital.
According to Nation, Bett was vomiting blood due to damage to some of his internal organs.
Purity Kirui, who is Bett’s sister and the 2014 Commonwealth 3000m steeplechase champion, told the outlet: “He’d been unwell for about a month and had been treated at AIC Litein Hospital as an outpatient. On Saturday (October 5), his condition deteriorated and was referred to Tenwek Hospital for further tests.”
Bett started competing internationally in 2015 and claimed respective gold and silver 800m medals at that year’s African and World Youth Championships.
The following season he became world under-20 800m champion in Bydgoszcz, clocking 1:44.95 to take the crown.
Bett also recorded his personal 800m best of 1:43.76 in 2016, with only world record-holder David Rudisha ahead of him at ISTAF Berlin.
It was therefore no surprise to see Bett make a global senior podium in 2017.
In a pulsating race at the World Championships, Bett clocked 1:45.21 and placed third behind France’s Pierre-Ambroise Bosse and Poland’s Adam Kszczot.
That year he also won the 800m at the Shanghai Diamond League, running 1:44.70 to win the event in China.
However, Bett tested positive for EPO in 2018 and subsequently received a four-year ban.
He only ever raced once after it ended and that was in the 400m hurdles two years ago.
(10/07/2024) Views: 143 ⚡AMPThe Scottish marathon record-holder will make his half-marathon return on home turf in Glasgow
Callum Hawkins is set to make his first half-marathon appearance of the year this Sunday (October 6) at the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run in Glasgow.
The 32-year-old hasn’t competed in any half-marathons this season, but he did race in the London Marathon back in April, finishing in 16th place with a time of 2:17:34.
In 2019, the Kilbarchan athlete set the Scottish marathon record at the London Marathon with a time of 2:08:14, securing a tenth-place finish. That same year, he was fourth at the 2019 World Championships over 26.2 miles.
In 2019, the Kilbarchan athlete set the Scottish marathon record at the London Marathon with a time of 2:08:14, securing a tenth-place finish. That same year, he was fourth at the 2019 World Championships over 26.2 miles.
In the women’s race, rising star Natasha Phillips – the U20 European and British Half Marathon record-holder – will hope to make her mark on home turf. The 19-year-old also claimed the Scottish U20 cross-country title earlier this year in Falkirk.
The Great Scottish Run will also feature a 10km race, where double Olympian Chris Thompson, who recently announced his retirement, will make his final professional appearance in Scotland.
The 43-year-old, who represented Great Britain at two Olympic Games and earned a European 10,000m silver medal, previously won the Great Scottish Run half-marathon in both 2017 and 2018.
Thompson’s final meet before officially retiring will be at the Great South Run on October 20.
The Great Scottish Run is set to be the largest ever, with over 30,000 participants taking to the streets of Glasgow.
The 10km race will begin at 8.30am with the half marathon beginning at 10am.
(10/05/2024) Views: 168 ⚡AMPExperience the inspiring atmosphere of Scotland’s biggest running event and achieve something great this autumn. This spectacular weekend of running is a celebration of sport that is suitable for the whole family and is televised live on the BBC. The Bank of Scotland Great Scottish Run half marathon welcomes thousands of runners to the city of Glasgow every year. The...
more...After missing selection the for Paris 2024 Olympics, the reigning Tokyo women's marathon champion - and fastest marathoner this year - is set to compete in Chicago on Sunday October 13th. You can watch the race on the Olympic Channel via Olympics.com.
As a world-leading marathoner, Sutume Kebede has accumulated training volumes of up to 700 hours weekly on forest paths and dirt roads around the world.
But there are some brief stints of her workouts that have stayed with her over the last few months.
The Ethiopian chose Chicago, where she trained last year in a group that included the late world marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum. It was a routine experience that is now etched forever in her memory.
She is hopeful that the utterly incredible run that changed the men’s marathon can inspire her to achieve her greatest marathon win.
“After seeing what my teammate Kelvin Kiptum did last year, I want to come to Chicago to do something great,” she said on setting her sights on winning a first World Marathon Majors in the U.S.
The fastest woman over the marathon distance this year headlines the Chicago Marathon on Sunday October 13, looking to continue making history with every stride.
Sutume Kebede looks to extend her strong form in Chicago after Tokyo win
When Kebede chose to race competitively, she looked up to one of the greatest track distance runners ever, Tirunesh Dibaba. She based herself at the legend’s Athletics Training Academy, training as a 5000m and 10,000m athlete.
And when she was ready for the international stage, the budding Ethiopian runner, who grew up as one of ten siblings, decided to forego the track and head straight to the roads.
In May 2015, the then 21-year-old achieved the world's best performance in the 25km with a time of 1:21:55, which was also an Ethiopian record.
This was a pivotal moment that gave her the courage to stay on the roads and make her debut at the Dubai Marathon in 2016.
A few years, and lots of half marathons and several marathons later, Kebede, now 29, has carved her name among the best marathoners. She is coached by her husband Birhanu Mekonnen, a retired roadrunner who prematurely ended his career to fully support hers. She is always quick to credit him as one who helped her reach this position.
Kebede has achieved a new level this year. She ran the fastest women’s half marathon on US soil when she won in Houston last January, beating a strong field that included Olympic silver medallist Hellen Obiri. Her unexpected victory of 1:04.37 set her up for her biggest win yet.
She returns to Chicago to run again, though with a heavy heart, but at the pinnacle of her career after winning the 2024 Tokyo Marathon in 2:15:55, the eighth-fastest woman of all time.
“I am extremely happy to come back to Chicago and run on a course that has proven to be very fast,” said Kebede, who is motivated to try again in Chicago, where she last met Kiptum. They were both managed by Marc Corstjens at Golazo Talent. The flashbacks of their training sessions around the Windy City and their ensuing races are still very fresh in her mind.
It’s been a year of highs and lows for the East African runner. As the fastest woman marathoner this year, she was banking on being an automatic pick for the Paris 2024 Olympics. But after missing out on selection, she opted to give the Chicago Marathon another shot. She was 15th last year when Olympic champion Sifan Hassan raced to the second-fastest time of the year.
"All the races I've won bring me joy, but my victory in the Tokyo Marathon, one of the world's major marathons, stands out as a highlight,” she told Ethiopian press.
She will face a strong field led by the two-time Chicago Marathon winner Ruth Chepngetich, runner-up last year, and 2021 London champion Joyciline Jepkosgei, who is coached by her husband Nicholas Koech and trains with American Betsy Saina. Saina is among the local stars tipped to shine alongside former American marathon record holder Keira D’Amato.
The races will also be broadcast live on Olympics.com in a number of territories.
(10/02/2024) Views: 153 ⚡AMPRunning the Bank of America Chicago Marathon is the pinnacle of achievement for elite athletes and everyday runners alike. On race day, runners from all 50 states and more than 100 countries will set out to accomplish a personal dream by reaching the finish line in Grant Park. The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is known for its flat and...
more...US marathon great Galen Rupp has not ruled out a career in coaching after experiencing it first-hand as a volunteer as he continues his recovery from surgery.
US marathoner Galen Rupp is not ruling out a career in coaching once he finally hangs his spikes as he comes to the end of his storied journey in track and road races.
America’s most prominent marathoner in the last decade has been struggling to produce his form of old with injuries also making his life difficult.
Rupp had surgery in April which has kept him out of action since them but as he continues his recovery, he seems to have found a love for coaching after joining his coach Mike Smith at the University of Arizona to work as a coach on volunteer basis.
“That’s TBD [to be decided], but definitely during cross country,” Rupp, who has been coaching men’s and women’s team at UNA told Flagstaff Running News.
“I was down here training and this just seemed like a good opportunity. It’s been really fun. The kids are amazing to work with,” he added, while revealing that he plans to continue coaching throughout the cross-country season.
Asked if the experience has got him thinking of a career in coaching when he finally retires, the 2017 Chicago Marathon winner said: “Yes, absolutely. I’m having a lot of fun doing it now.”
Rupp is coming off a difficult season when he missed out on the Paris Olympics after finishing 16th at the US Olympics trials in February in what would have been his fourth appearance at the Games.
His previous Olympics appearances yielded a silver medal in 10,000m at the 2012 London Games before clinching marathon bronze in Rio 2016.
The 38-year-old has, however, been waning in his powers and there are still doubts whether he can regain his form of old and win major marathons again.
(09/30/2024) Views: 160 ⚡AMPEliud Kipchoge believes the future of marathon running is promising, with athletes motivated to achieve faster times and carry forward the legacy as he looks forward to more races in 2025.
Five-time Berlin Marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge has explained the reasons behind his bold prediction about marathon running in the future.
Eliud Kipchoge is yet to think about where he will run next but is confident that even with his absence on the starting lines, athletes still have the hunger to run well and post faster times.
The four-time London Marathon champion added that people are still investing most of their time in training with the hope of making a great impact in running, insisting that he has already achieved a lot and it might be time for other people to continue from where he left.
“Tokyo is next year and I always plan my things…but I’ll know in the next one month. The future of marathons is great, the future of marathons is actually sweet enough to inspire people. People still have anger to run very fast, still have anger to win races, still have anger to motivate and to go for training,” Eliud Kipchoge said.
The marathon legend revealed his proudest moment in athletics, noting that he changed the mindset of a lot of people concerning marathon running.
Eliud Kipchoge also believes his ability to run under two hours was an eye opener to many, young and old and changed the perspective of the world.
“My proudest moment in athletics is running under two hours, trying to unlock the thinking that no human being can run under two hours. That’s my best moment ever that I feel that the whole team and I were successful to get a mark under two hours and above all, inspire many people and tell people that they could run under two hours,” Eliud Kipchoge said.
“Dare to dream and dare to do it and now many people are having the mentality that they can do their best and push themselves to the limit.”
(09/30/2024) Views: 151 ⚡AMP
he chances of you getting serenaded by a pop star during your run are low, but never zero. This particular runner went on her Tuesday run along Regent’s Canal in London when English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran (you may have heard of him) floated by on a boat and asked her for a song request–to which she responded, “Tenerife Sea.” The pop star, 33, immediately began strumming his guitar and singing as the jogger slowed to a walk alongside the boat.
Sheeran posted a video to his Instagram. “I was filming a video on the canal today, and played a request. If anyone knows the runner lemme know so we can have their POV video for the lols.”
After he finished the performance, Sheeran gave the runner a thumbs up and said “Have a good rest of your run!”
The jogger was later identified as Nikki Atkins, when her perspective of the private concert was shared on her Instagram story. Multiple cameras can be seen in the boat filming Sheeran. “This was so unexpected and so so beautiful. Thank you thank you,” she wrote in the caption. “This is why we run, girls,” she added.
“It was so randomIf you were ever looking for motivation to go on your run, this should be the “Perfect” reason.
(09/29/2024) Views: 136 ⚡AMPThe Chicago Marathon plans to honor the late Kenyan marathon runner Kelvin Kiptum at next month's race, a year after he smashed the men's world record in the Windy City.
Kiptum was aged only 23 when he put on a performance for the ages to break the tape in two hours and 35 seconds. He died in a car accident four months later, cutting short his promising career.
Organizers have planned a moment of silence at the starting line to honor Kiptum and a brief exhibit celebrating his career at the pre-race expo, with memorial stickers available for all participants.
"He's still prevalent in everyone's thoughts," Race Director Carey Pinkowski told Reuters. "He's with us and it's our plan to celebrate his life."
While the Chicago race is known for its flat course and fast times - six world records have been set there - Kiptum's achievement nonetheless was astonishing as he became the first man to run a record-sanctioned marathon faster than 2:01.
Pinkowski was at the finish when Kiptum crossed the line in Chicago and said the race was etched forever in his memory.
"I was so impressed by his biomechanics and his ability was just effortless, it was like something I've never seen before. And I've seen a lot of the greats," said Pinkowski.
It was the second of two major titles for Kiptum, who won in London in a course record of 2:01:25 earlier in 2023, and the Kenyan ran much of the second half of the Chicago marathon by himself, with the chasing pack well behind him.
"It was him against history, him against the stopwatch, him against the clock, and, he just ran," said Pinkowski. "I knew he was a magnificent athlete. In my opinion, the best I've ever seen."
The 2024 Chicago Marathon will take place on Oct. 13.
(09/28/2024) Views: 272 ⚡AMPRunning the Bank of America Chicago Marathon is the pinnacle of achievement for elite athletes and everyday runners alike. On race day, runners from all 50 states and more than 100 countries will set out to accomplish a personal dream by reaching the finish line in Grant Park. The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is known for its flat and...
more...Ethiopia’s Tigist Ketema and Tadese Takele start as the fastest in the fields and will be hoping to lead the way when they line up for the BMW Berlin Marathon, a World Athletics Platinum Label road race, on Sunday (29).
Ketema, previously better known as an 800m and 1500m specialist, made her mark in the marathon in Dubai in January as she ran 2:16:07, a time that places her ninth on the women’s world marathon all-time list. She then ran 2:23:21 to place seventh in London in April and Berlin will be her first race since then.
“I have prepared for a personal best and plan to run the first half on Sunday in around 68 minutes,” she said. “I hope it won't be too cold because I prefer to run in slightly warmer weather.”
Ketema is one of three women with sub-2:20 PBs on the entry list, as her competition includes her compatriots Genzebe Dibaba and Yebrugal Melese, who have respective PBs of 2:18:05 and 2:19:36.
Dibaba ran that PB on her debut in Amsterdam in 2022 and she clocked 2:21:47 in Chicago a year later. “I saw Haile Gebrselassie run two world records in Berlin on TV and since then I've always wanted to run in Berlin,” she said. “Now the time has come. It would be a success for me if I ran a personal best.”
Another eight women on the entry list have dipped under 2:22 for the marathon in their careers so far, including Mestawot Fikir (2:20:45), Azmera Gebru (2:20:48), Sisay Gola (2:20:50), Fikrte Wereta (2:21:32) and Aberu Ayana (2:21:54), as well as Japan’s Mizuki Matsuda (2:20:52) and Ai Hosoda (2:21:42).
Germany’s Melat Kejeta is also part of that group, having clocked 2:21:47 in Dubai in January. She placed sixth at the Tokyo Olympics but was unable to finish the Olympic marathon in Paris due to stomach problems.
A total of 13 world records have so far been set in the Berlin Marathon, the most recent being the 2:11:53 by Tigist Assefa – a training partner of Ketema – in last year’s women’s race.
The men’s title on that occasion was won by Eliud Kipchoge, as he claimed a record fifth victory.
Kipchoge does not return this year but Takele does, following his third-place finish in last year’s race in a PB of 2:03:24. That was his most recent race due to injury, but he says he is now fit and ready to run. “I’ve trained very well,” he said, “and expect to run a strong race.”
Another four men to have dipped under 2:05 feature on the entry list, including Kenya’s Cybrian Kotut, who ran his PB of 2:04:34 when finishing second in Amsterdam last year, and Ethiopia’s Hailemaryam Kiros and Bazezew Asmare, who respectively clocked 2:04:41 in Paris in 2021 and 2:04:57 in Amsterdam in 2022.
Kenya’s former world half marathon record-holder Kibiwott Kandie races the marathon for the third time and will be looking to build on the PB of 2:04:48 he set in Valencia last year as he hunts for a first win over the distance.
They will be joined by athletes including Kenya’s Samwel Mailu, the world half marathon bronze medallist who set a course record of 2:05:08 to win the Vienna City Marathon last year and continues his comeback after injury, and Ethiopia’s Milkesa Mengesha, who finished sixth at the World Championships last year and has a best of 2:05:29.
Elite fields
Women
Tigist Ketema (ETH) 2:16:07
Genzebe Dibaba (ETH) 2:18:05
Yebrugal Melese (ETH) 2:19:36
Mestawot Fikir (ETH) 2:20:45
Azmera Gebru (ETH) 2:20:48
Sisay Gola (ETH) 2:20:50
Mizuki Matsuda (JPN) 2:20:52
Fikrte Wereta (ETH) 2:21:32
Ai Hosoda (JPN) 2:21:42
Melat Kejeta (GER) 2:21:47
Aberu Ayana (ETH) 2:21:54
Calli Hauger-Thackery (GBR) 2:22:17
Bekelech Gudeta (ETH) 2:22:54
Lisa Weightman (AUS) 2:23:15
Betelihem Afenigus (ETH) 2:23:20
Veronica Maina (KEN) 2:24:46
Bosena Mulatie (ETH) 2:26:59
Alisa Vainio (FIN) 2:27:26
Sonia Samuels (GBR) 2:28:04
Nora Szabo (HUN) 2:28:25
Philippa Bowden (USA) 2:29:14
Pauline Esikon (KEN) debut
Men
Tadese Takele (ETH) 2:03:24
Cybrian Kotut (KEN) 2:04:34
Hailemaryam Kiros (ETH) 2:04:41
Kibiwott Kandie (KEN) 2:04:48
Bazezew Asmare (ETH) 2:04:57
Samwel Mailu (KEN) 2:05:08
Milkesa Mengesha (ETH) 2:05:29
Haymanot Alew (ETH) 2:05:30
Philimon Kipchumba (KEN) 2:05:35
Josphat Boit (KEN) 2:05:42
Dejene Megersa (ETH) 2:05:42
Enock Onchari (KEN) 2:05:47
Oqbe Ruesom (ERI) 2:05:51
Justus Kangogo (KEN) 2:05:57
Haimro Alame (ISR) 2:06:04
Ashenafi Moges (ETH) 2:06:12
Asbel Rutto (KEN) 2:07:04
Samuel Tsegay (SWE) 2:06:53
Yohei Ikeda (JPN) 2:06:53
Stephen Kiprop (KEN) 2:07:04
Hendrik Pfeiffer (GER) 2:07:14
Kento Kikutani (JPN) 2:07:26
Melaku Belachew (ETH) 2:07:28
Godadaw Belachew (ISR) 2:07:45Y
uhei Urano (JPN) 2:07:52
Guojian Dong (CHN) 2:08:12
Filimon Abraham (GER) 2:08:22
Haftom Welday (GER) 2:08:24
Sebastian Hendel (GER) 2:08:51
Olonbayar Jamsran (MGL) 2:08:58
Haftamu Gebresilase (ETH) debut
(09/27/2024) Views: 159 ⚡AMPThe story of the BERLIN-MARATHON is a story of the development of road running. When the first BERLIN-MARATHON was started on 13th October 1974 on a minor road next to the stadium of the organisers‘ club SC Charlottenburg Berlin 286 athletes had entered. The first winners were runners from Berlin: Günter Hallas (2:44:53), who still runs the BERLIN-MARATHON today, and...
more...The Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon, which is part of the World Athletics Gold Label Road Races, will be flagged off from Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Sunday, October 20.
Ugandan sensation Joshua Cheptegei and Kenya’s former Half-Marathon World record holder Peres Jepchirchir are all set to light up the streets of Delhi!
Joshua is the current world record holder for both the 5000 meters and 10,000 meters and holds the world’s best time over the 15-kilometer distance. He is the reigning Olympic champion in the 10,000 meters and won the gold with a new Olympic record of 26:43.14.
Joshua is also a three-time World champion in the 10,000 meters and claimed gold in both the 5000 meters and 10,000 meters at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and the 2019 IAAF World Cross Country Championships. Notably, Cheptegei is only the tenth man in history to simultaneously hold the 5000-meter and 10,000-meter world records, both of which he set in 2020.
Interestingly, Cheptegei made his international debut in India at the TCS World 10K Bengaluru 2014, finishing second. His return to India for the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon promises to be a highlight of this year’s race.
Speaking about his return to India Joshua said, “This country holds a special place in my heart, as it’s where I made my international debut in 2014. It’s been a good season for me, and I am certainly looking at a course-record timing at the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon. The energy and passion of the Indian running community are truly inspiring, and I’m excited to be part of this prestigious event.”
Kenya’s former Half-Marathon World record holder and three-time world half-marathon winner Peres Jepchirchir will lead the women’s contingent. Peres won the London Marathon 2024 with a time of 2:16:16 secs, breaking the women’s only Marathon world record. She also won the 2021 New York City and 2022 Boston Marathons.
Among the other notable participants, Asian Championship Bronze Medalist Sanjivani Jadhav stands out in the women’s category. Sanjivani, who won the 10,000-meter Portland Track Festival in the USA with a personal best of 32:22:77, recently claimed a silver medal at the 5000-meter event at the National Open Athletics Championships in Bangalore.
She has previously won gold at the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon in 2018 and 2022 and took silver in 2016 and 2020. Defending champion Kavita Yadav will provide Sanjivani with tough competition in pursuing the title.
“This will be my third Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon, and my aim will be to win this race once again. I have been training hard and I will try my best to break and create as many records as I can,” said Sanjivani Jadhav.
In the men’s category, Defending Champion and talented youngster Abhishek Pal, who recently won the 10,000-meter title in the National Open Athletics Championships 2024 in Bangalore, will take the lead. He will face tough competition from another youngster, Asian Games 2023 silver medalist in the 10,000 meters, Kartik Kumar.
He recently triumphed at the 10,000-meter USA Championship Track Fest 2024 with a remarkable time of 28:07:66. Kartik is also the VDHM 2022 and 2023 editions silver medalist.
“I am aiming to break the national record in what will be my fifth Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon. I have won the competition, but while I am once again, my mind is set on breaking the national record and going under 60 minutes,” said the defending champion Abhishek Pal.
(09/26/2024) Views: 183 ⚡AMPThe Airtel Delhi Half Marathon is a haven for runners, creating an experience, that our citizens had never envisaged. The streets of Delhi converted to a world-class running track. Clean, sanitized road for 21.09 kms, exhaustive medical support system on the route, timing chip for runners, qualified personnel to ensure smooth conduct of the event across departments. The race...
more...Joyciline Jepkosgei, the fourth-place finisher from the 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, is returning for the event.
Jepkosgei's most recent race was the 2024 London Marathon, where she earned a new personal best time of 2:16:24. She finished third.
A two-time Abbott World Marathon Majors Champion, the Ethiopian came into the marathon scene with a strong debut when she won the 2019 TCS New York City Marathon.
She followed that up with a second-place finish at the 2022 Valencia Marathon. Following that race, she won both the Berlin Half Marathon (1:05:16) and the London Marathon (2"17:43) in 2021.
(09/25/2024) Views: 157 ⚡AMPRunning the Bank of America Chicago Marathon is the pinnacle of achievement for elite athletes and everyday runners alike. On race day, runners from all 50 states and more than 100 countries will set out to accomplish a personal dream by reaching the finish line in Grant Park. The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is known for its flat and...
more...On Monday, Paris City Hall announced a ban on single-use plastic in all its races, including the Paris 20 km in mid-October and the Paris Marathon.
Didn't get to crisscross the Paris asphalt during the Paris 2024 Olympics' Marathon pour Tous ("Marathon for Everyone")? You'll have a chance to make up for it on October 13, with one of the many races taking place in the capital, the 46th annual Paris 20-kilometer race.
But don't forget your water bottle. At the press conference presenting the event on Monday, September 23, Pierre Rabadan, deputy mayor of Paris responsible for sports, confirmed that the ban on single-use plastic bottles would come into force.
"In Paris, you won't be able to organize a race if you use plastic bottles, it's as simple as that," assured the 44-year-old former rugby player, in remarks reported by sports paper L'Equipe. "It was one of the objectives of the Olympic legacy. We have to reduce the use of single-use plastic in our daily lives, and sport has to get on board. It's an evolution, and even a revolution for the organizers."
No fewer than 13 races will be held in Paris between now and December 31, for a total of some 50 events a year – including the Paris Marathon and Half Marathon, which attract around 50,000 runners. In these races, particularly the longer ones, over a million bottles are used each year to rehydrate runners – "who generally only take two or three sips before throwing it away.
I know because it's happened to me too when I used to take part in races," insisted Rabadan. So that's the end of the individual bottles cans, or cartons, which are to be replaced instead by reusable water bottles and reusable cups. The City of Paris has invested in a stock of 100,000 of these cups, which it can lend to race organizers.
Target 'zero single-use plastic' for the Olympics
During the Olympic marathon, however, competitors were granted a dispensation to continue using bottles – to avoid the risk of contamination, or even doping, according to the organizing committee – and elite athletes could continue to benefit from such policies. "It's all about the masses and all the other participants who aren't gambling their season on a race," said Paris's deputy mayor for sports.
Drawing inspiration from initiatives in Munich, Amsterdam and San Francisco, but above all from the refill London campaign (2018) across the Channel and the Brussels 20 km, the city has been working since 2019 to achieve the goal of "zero single-use plastic," for the hosting of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, which have claimed to be the greenest in history. This is a legacy that must live on.
Nevertheless, through the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) game of "world" sponsors, the American giant Coca-Cola – the world's leading "plastic polluter" according to the NGO Break Free from Plastic's 2023 ranking – was entrusted with the exclusive distribution of drinks at the 2024 Olympics. Numerous associations, including France Nature Environnement, Zero Waste France and No Plastic in My Sea, awarded the IOC partner the greenwashing medal.
The soda producer promoted its fountains, returnable cups and glass bottles. But over 40% of the total drinks distributed were poured into an eco-cup from... a plastic bottle. The kind of bottle that should no longer be seen at Parisian races.
(09/25/2024) Views: 190 ⚡AMPThe 20 Kilometers de Paris (Paris 20 km) is an annual road running competition over 20 kilometers which takes place on the streets of Paris, France in October. First held in 1979, the race attracts top level international competitors and holds IAAF Bronze Label Road Race status. The competition was the idea of Michel Jazy, a French runner who was...
more...Katie Snowden and Joe Wigfield produced stunning runs to take respective victories at the Vitality Westminster Mile (September 21).
Both Snowden and Wigfield beat the previous course records in London but produced their wins in slightly different ways.
Snowden, who finished fifth over 1500m the UK Athletics Championships and ninth at the European Championships, ran 4:23 for the mile outside Buckingham Palace.
The 30-year-old dominated and won by 25 seconds, with Lilly Hawkins and Hannah Kinane clocking 4:48 and 4:56 for second and third.
It was Snowden’s first road mile since her ninth place finish at last year’s New York Fifth Avenue Mile.
Her time of 4:23 shouldn’t be a surprise as the Brit’s personal best for the distance is 4:21.19, set at last season’s Millrose Games.
“I really enjoyed it to be honest,” said Snowden. “I haven’t done a road mile since New York last year but I haven’t raced at the Vitality Westminster Mile since 2017. I obviously wanted to run quicker than I did then [4:36]!
“It’s just been so much fun. I got here quite early and it was nice to get a feel for the event. I couldn’t believe the amount of people that have come out here. Looking at the young kids in the waves was just really inspiring.”
Joe Wigfield became the first ever person to run a sub-four minute mile on the current Vitality Westminster Mile course.
The 24-year-old clocked 3:59 and, in a pulsating race, won by two seconds to James Young and Jacob Cann.
During the summer, in an incredibly competitive domestic 1500m field, Wigfield finished seventh in his heat at the UK Athletics Championships and was also sixth over 3000m indoors.
The Brit also recorded personal 800m and 1500m bests of 1:46.11 and 3:36.09 this past summer and will no doubt look to lower those once again in 2025.
Wigfield’s previous mile best was 4:34.2 but that was all the way back in 2017.
It’s also worth noting that even though Wigfield’s 3:59 is the course record, the best mark on the old Westminster Mile course was Steve Ovett’s 3:56.1 from 1986, set in an international field that included Steve Cram.
Earlier on in the day, Clare Elms took an astonishing 12 seconds off her own UK W60 mile record with an incredible run of 5:21 at the Westminster Mile.
That run was also an unofficial world best over the distance and Elms, who has set a myriad of domestic and world age group records this season, continues to go from strength to strength.
“I am really delighted,” said Elms. “The atmosphere, having all the people around, and perfect conditions really helped as well. It was super warm and there was hardly any wind. That is definitely a British record, and I think it is a world best as well.
“It means a lot. I’ve had a bit of a niggle so I’ve been cycling this week. I wondered whether my legs might be a bit heavy so, without running this week, I was delighted. Maybe it gave me a rest. I am super happy and I couldn’t ask for more today.”
Elsewhere, Kirstie Booth set a W45 UK mile record and Mark Symes recorded a UK M55 mile record.
(09/22/2024) Views: 210 ⚡AMPEilish McColgan won the Vitality London 10,000 women's race, while Jack Rowe claimed victory in the men's event.
McColgan, who was 15th in the 10,000m at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, finished in a time of 31 minutes 36 seconds.
Lucy Reid (32:17) was second and Lily Reid (32:37) third.
Rowe crossed the line in 29:14, with Seyfu Jamaal second in 29:42 and Tewelde Menges third in 29:55.
David Weir won the men's wheelchair race in 22:13, while Martyna Snopek triumphed in the women's wheelchair event in 38:37.
The 10km race is held in central London on a route that passes famous landmarks including Nelson's Column, St Paul's Cathedral, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament before finishing at Buckingham Palace.
(09/22/2024) Views: 165 ⚡AMPThe Vitality London 10,000 takes you past many landmark sites, including the London Eye, Buckingham Palace and the Bank of England – so you even get to do a bit of sightseeing along the way! You will run alongside elite runners and have coverage from the BBC, making this 10km one of the highest in profile of its kind....
more...When you join a running community, you’re not just finding friends–you may also be significantly enhancing your race performance. According to a recent study in the peer-reviewed journal PLOS One of more than 200,000 London Marathon participants, runners who are members of clubs experience substantial benefits in terms of their running performance.
Groups equal powerful pace improvement
The data show that runners aged of 18 to 39 who belong to a running club run significantly faster than those without a club affiliation. Female club runners in this age group are an average of 43 seconds per kilometre faster, while male club runners enjoy an even bigger advantage of 58 seconds per kilometre. This performance boost isn’t limited to younger runners; the positive effects of club membership persist for women until age 55, and men up to 59. Over the course of a marathon, these time savings can add up to an impressive 30 minutes or more.
Notably, the pace benefit is more pronounced in males, but both genders experience significant improvements. For example, a 55- to 59-year-old male club runner can still be 10 seconds per kilometre faster than a non-club runner in the same age group.
Age is just a number for club members
Age-related slowing in running is well documented, but the research suggests that club membership helps delay this decline. For women, being a club member in their 50s can make them just as fast as a non-club runner in their 30s. The benefits of group training, structured programs and peer support seem to counteract the natural age-related performance drop, giving runners a real advantage as they grow older.
Size matters: club group size and performance
The study also found that the larger the running group, the better the performance. Each additional runner in the group contributes to a slight, but measurable, improvement in overall pace. While the effect diminishes as the group grows, it still highlights the power of community and teamwork in improving individual outcomes.
Why running clubs make such a big difference
So, what’s really behind this remarkable improvement? The secret lies in the power of social and group dynamics. Running clubs foster a supportive environment where motivation and accountability are at their highest. Being part of a group provides a structured training regimen, expert guidance and the collective wisdom of experienced runners. This environment helps members push their limits, adhere more closely to training plans and achieve personal bests. Running in a group can help reduce the psychological barriers to performance, as the camaraderie and shared goals often lead to enhanced focus and perseverance.
The takeaway
Whether you’re aiming to qualify for a major marathon (like Boston) or just trying to beat your personal best, joining a running club can make a world of difference. The structured training, sense of community and psychological boost from running with others could be the key to unlocking your potential—no matter your age. So, if you’re not part of a club yet, it might be time to find one. Who knows? Besides enhancing your social life, it could be the edge you need to take your marathon performance to the next level.
(09/21/2024) Views: 102 ⚡AMPA new study says joining a running club could help you take up to 30 minutes off your marathon time.
When you join a running community, you’re not just finding friends–you may also be significantly enhancing your race performance. According to a recent study in the peer-reviewed journal PLOS One of more than 200,000 London Marathon participants, runners who are members of clubs experience substantial benefits in terms of their running performance.
Groups equal powerful pace improvement
The data show that runners aged of 18 to 39 who belong to a running club run significantly faster than those without a club affiliation. Female club runners in this age group are an average of 43 seconds per kilometre faster, while male club runners enjoy an even bigger advantage of 58 seconds per kilometre. This performance boost isn’t limited to younger runners; the positive effects of club membership persist for women until age 55, and men up to 59. Over the course of a marathon, these time savings can add up to an impressive 30 minutes or more.
Notably, the pace benefit is more pronounced in males, but both genders experience significant improvements. For example, a 55- to 59-year-old male club runner can still be 10 seconds per kilometre faster than a non-club runner in the same age group.
Age is just a number for club members
Age-related slowing in running is well documented, but the research suggests that club membership helps delay this decline. For women, being a club member in their 50s can make them just as fast as a non-club runner in their 30s. The benefits of group training, structured programs and peer support seem to counteract the natural age-related performance drop, giving runners a real advantage as they grow older.
Size matters: club group size and performance
The study also found that the larger the running group, the better the performance. Each additional runner in the group contributes to a slight, but measurable, improvement in overall pace. While the effect diminishes as the group grows, it still highlights the power of community and teamwork in improving individual outcomes.
Why running clubs make such a big difference
So, what’s really behind this remarkable improvement? The secret lies in the power of social and group dynamics. Running clubs foster a supportive environment where motivation and accountability are at their highest. Being part of a group provides a structured training regimen, expert guidance and the collective wisdom of experienced runners. This environment helps members push their limits, adhere more closely to training plans and achieve personal bests. Running in a group can help reduce the psychological barriers to performance, as the camaraderie and shared goals often lead to enhanced focus and perseverance.
The takeaway
Whether you’re aiming to qualify for a major marathon (like Boston) or just trying to beat your personal best, joining a running club can make a world of difference. The structured training, sense of community and psychological boost from running with others could be the key to unlocking your potential—no matter your age. So, if you’re not part of a club yet, it might be time to find one. Who knows? Besides enhancing your social life, it could be the edge you need to take your marathon performance to the next level.
(09/20/2024) Views: 136 ⚡AMPDistance runners are part of 20,000-strong line-up the streets of London on Sunday with the Westminster Mile on Saturday
Fresh from her 67:45 at the Great North Run and victory at the Big Half earlier this month, Eilish McColgan heads the line-ups for the Vitality London 10,000 on the roads on Sunday (Sept 22).
About 20,000 runners will take part in the event the closed roads of the British capital on a route that travels past iconic landmarks such as Admiralty Arch, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Bank of England, Somerset House, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey, before finishing in front of Buckingham Palace.
Jack Rowe, the men’s winner at the Big Half and 2023 Vitality London 10,000 winner, leads the men’s fields.
Also taking part are Jo Pavey, a three-times winner of the Vitality London 10,000 and five-times Olympian, plus wheelchair racer David Weir.
The previous day, on Saturday (Sept 21), the Vitality Westminster Mile will see athletes of all ages and abilities take on the route around St James’s Park.
This includes the British Milers’ Club Bannister Mile where runners will try to break four minutes in the 70th year since Roger Bannister became the first person to run under that mark.
The inaugural BMC Bannister Mile features Joe Wigfield, ranked eighth-fastest man in the country over 1500m this year (having set a personal best of 3:36.09 in July), and Katie Snowden, fourth-fastest woman over the distance in the UK in 2024 who narrowly missed out on qualification for Team GB at the Paris Olympics.
There will also be some veteran records on the line with current masters indoor champion over 1500m, James Thie, and world-record setting hairdresser-turned-steeplechaser, Kirstie Booth, targeting history in the over-45 categories.
(09/19/2024) Views: 142 ⚡AMPThe Vitality London 10,000 takes you past many landmark sites, including the London Eye, Buckingham Palace and the Bank of England – so you even get to do a bit of sightseeing along the way! You will run alongside elite runners and have coverage from the BBC, making this 10km one of the highest in profile of its kind....
more...The 2024 Paris Olympics marked exactly two decades since double Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge made his Olympic debut.
The legendary marathoner first ran in the Athens Olympics in 2004, where he won the 5,000m bronze medal before upgrading to silver four years later in Beijing in the same event.
By 2008, Kipchoge was already an established name in distance running, boasting two world championship medals and two at the Olympics.
This year, the legendary marathoner led team Kenya to the Olympics together with a strong contingent that included 2024 TCS London Marathon champion Alex Mutiso and 2022 Chicago Marathon winner Benson Kipruto.
A painful exit for the marathon legend
Kipchoge, shy about his 40th birthday, was headed for another highlight in his celebrated marathon career.
He was aiming to get back to winning ways, or at least reach the Olympic podium for a fourth time in his fifth Olympic Games.
The running guru stayed at a touching distance of the leading pack up to the 15km mark. Then he began holding his waist, early worrying signs that all was not well for the defending Olympic champion.
The pain intensified, forcing him to decide to end his race about 12 km away from the finish point at Les Invalides.
That saw him record a Did Not Finish (DNF) for the first time in his illustrious career. Before the Olympics, Kipchoge’s worst marathon result was 10th place at the 2024 Tokyo Marathon.
It was a classy exit for the marathoner who set a world record in the 5,000m of the World Cross Country Championships junior race in 2003 and won gold. That would be the scene of the marathon’s great last Olympic parade.
Lessons from Paris
Reflecting on the recent Paris Olympics, Kipchoge outlined the key lessons learned, urging sports leaders in the country to take stock of past experiences and ensure they inform future strategies.
“One thing I learned and observed during the Olympics is that peace and education play a great role in our generation. The combination of the two is magical. Now we are done with Paris. Los Angeles is up next. Can we apply the lessons learned as we head to the next Olympics?” he posed to SportsBoom.com.
A call for change in sports culture
Kipchoge also expressed concern over how Kenyan athletes are often treated, drawing a parallel to weddings where people focus on celebrating the event rather than the bride and groom.
He pointed out that in sports, much like in weddings, the spotlight is frequently on the events themselves, while the athletes, who are the real protagonists, do not receive the recognition and support they deserve.
“That is how we operate. We celebrate the events and not our athletes, which should not be the case,” he offered.
The marathon star also challenged the traditional approach of simply rewarding athletes with trophies, urging for a more profound investment in their mental and emotional well-being. He added that equipping athletes with practical skills can sustain them beyond their sporting careers.
“It is the work of federations and the Ministry of Sports to make sure athletes are comfortable. Athletes should be taught literacy, and handling pressure in emotional and physical states. Do not just award them trophies. Work on their minds as well. Can we teach our athletes basic skills like using social media channels to earn money?” he posed.
A farmer’s patience: Advice to sports federations
Kipchoge also urged sports federations and the ministry to invest in athletes with the same patience and care that a farmer applies when planting a seed, waiting for it to germinate and eventually yield a good harvest.
“To our federation leaders, let us hold sports in the heart and mind. Train our athletes, invest in them and eventually wait for the results. What athletes do behind the scenes is commendable. They are the people who build the game by their hands,” he averred.
He concluded by calling on sports federations and sponsors to go beyond simply funding events and trophies, stressing the importance of investing in the well-being of athletes. “To our sponsors, I challenge you to include humanity in your budget. Finance these athletes for the good work they are doing,” he said. Despite the unexpected turn in his last Olympic hurrah, the two-time world record holder has no intentions to call time on his career, not just yet.
(09/18/2024) Views: 144 ⚡AMPThe Paris 2024 Paralympics is getting backlash for what is seen by fans as an unmerited disqualification. Just two metres from crossing the finish line in the women’s T12 marathon on Sunday, five-time Spanish Paralympian Elena Congost was disqualified for momentarily letting go of her tether to assist her guide, Mia Carol Bruguera, who was visibly struggling to continue running. Paris officials ruled the Spaniard ineligible to claim the bronze medal that was otherwise hers.
Bruguera, 57, cramped up near the end of the race; his extreme discomfort was unmistakable as the pair approached the final stretch of the event. Congost reached out to grab Bruguera’s arm just moments before crossing the line to keep him from falling as he struggling to continue moving forward–dropping her end of the tether in the process.
Congost was born with a degenerative vision impairment and competes in the T12 classification–runners in the T12 event must remain tethered to their guide for the duration of their race. The rules make no exceptions for these sorts of extenuating circumstances.
The 36-year-old took gold in the event at Rio 2016 and placed second in the 1,500m at London 2012. She recently returned to competition following the birth of her fourth child.
“I would like everyone to know that I have not been disqualified for cheating, but rather I have been disqualified for being a person and for an instinct that comes to you when someone is falling,” Congost told Marca. On Instagram, the Spanish athlete wrote that she has “no doubts or regrets”.
Fatima El Idrissi of Morocco took gold in the event and set a new world record of 2:48.36, while teammate Meryem En-Nourhi finished second.If not disqualified, Congost would have also gone home with a new personal best of three hours and 48 seconds–but was stripped of that achievement along with her hardware. The bronze medal was instead awarded to fourth-place finisher, Misato Michishita of Japan.
(09/15/2024) Views: 148 ⚡AMPWorld Marathon Majors will add a seventh race to its elite series if all goes well at the biggest marathon field assembled in Australia to race 42 kilometres across the streets of Sydney on Sunday.
If the Sydney Marathon meets the WMM requirements for the second year in a row, it will join the ranks of long-staRace director Wayne Larden declared: “We’re prepared, we’re ready. All of our plans look good on paper, I feel we’re ticking all the boxes. So we’ve just got to go out there now and deliver the event as per the plans and I’m sure we’ll meet the criteria.”
Larden has been the event director since 2005, when there were 2,300 finishers. Since then, he has let the number of runners grow to 25,000, who will compete on a course that has been redesigned. He added: “It’s taken me 18 years to build it to 5,000 and two years to get it to 25,000… So the trajectory has been very steep in the last two years since we became a candidate race, because there’s a lot of excitement about the world majors being in Sydney.”
With the field so large and the new start location—North Sydney Oval, the site of the 2000 Olympic marathon—the goal may be a little more challenging for Larden and his team, but he is optimistic they can pull it off.
“I’m feeling confident, but it’s a big event and anything can happen. But I think we’re well prepared for it… I will pretty well know on race day how we’ve gone, based on our plans and how we’ve delivered them,” Larden remarked.ndiLondon, Boston, Berlin, and Chicago, becoming the first to do since Tokyo in 2013.
(09/14/2024) Views: 203 ⚡AMPThe Sydney Marathon is a marathon held annually in Sydney, Australia. The event was first held in 2001 as a legacy of the 2000 Summer Olympics, which were held in Sydney. In addition to the marathon, a half marathon, 9 kilometres (5.6 mi) "Bridge Run", and a 3.5 kilometres (2.2 mi) "Family Fun Run" are also held under the banner...
more...Ethiopia’s 2022 world champion Gotytom Gebreslase and her compatriot Leul Gebresilase, the 2023 world bronze medalist, feature in the fields for the TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS, a World Athletics Platinum Label road race, on Sunday (15).
Gebreslase is a two-time world marathon medalist, having added silver in Budapest to the gold she gained in Oregon, while she won the Berlin Marathon in 2021 and finished third in the New York and Tokyo marathons in 2022.
The 29-year-old ran her PB of 2:18:11 in Oregon and 2:18:18 in Tokyo, and earlier this year she clocked 2:21:19 to finish third in Hamburg.
But Gebreslase is set to face a strong challenge, with four other sub-2:20 runners on the entry list. Her compatriot Tadu Teshome is fastest of them all with the PB of 2:17:36 she set when finishing fourth in Valencia in 2022. In 2023 she raced three marathons, finishing fifth in Chicago, sixth in Shanghai and eighth in London. In June she set a 10km PB of 31:13 in Durban.
Joining them are Ethiopia’s Ruti Aga and Buzunesh Getachew, plus Kenya’s Judith Jeptum Korir, who secured world silver behind Gebreslase in Oregon two years ago.
Aga won the Tokyo Marathon in 2019 and more recently finished second in Dubai in January in a PB-equaling 2:18:09 and first in Daegu in 2:21:07. Getachew set her PB of 2:19:27 when winning in Frankfurt last October, while Korir’s career best is the 2:18:20 she ran in Oregon. She went on to finish fourth in the London Marathon that year in 2:18:43 but did not finish when racing the Boston Marathon earlier this year.
Also entered are Kenya’s Viola Kibiwot, Sharon Chelimo and Beatrice Cheptoo, plus Japan’s Mao Uesugi.
Gebresilase is the fastest in the men’s field, thanks to the PB of 2:04:02 he set in Dubai in 2018. Since then he has become a global medallist, getting bronze in Budapest in 2023, the same year in which he finished fourth in the London Marathon. He ran 1:01:24 for the half marathon in Ras Al Khaimah in February but did not finish on his return to London in April.
In Sydney he faces three other sub-2:05 runners and another seven who have dipped under 2:08. His compatriot Chalu Deso is a strong contender, as he ran 2:04:53 in Valencia in 2020 and more recently won the Tokyo Marathon in March last year in 2:05:22. He raced the Paris Marathon in April, clocking 2:07:39.
Ethiopia’s Haftu Teklu ran 2:04:42 when finishing fifth in Berlin last year, while Kenya’s Brimin Kipkorir Misoi won the Frankfurt Marathon last October in a PB of 2:04:53.
They will line up alongside Ethiopia’s Tafese Delelegn and Tadu Abate, who finished third in Berlin in 2022, plus Kenya’s Laban Korir, Reuben Kerio and Michael Mugo Githae, and Japan’s Hidekazu Hijikata and Tetsuya Yoroizaka.
(09/13/2024) Views: 209 ⚡AMPThe Sydney Marathon is a marathon held annually in Sydney, Australia. The event was first held in 2001 as a legacy of the 2000 Summer Olympics, which were held in Sydney. In addition to the marathon, a half marathon, 9 kilometres (5.6 mi) "Bridge Run", and a 3.5 kilometres (2.2 mi) "Family Fun Run" are also held under the banner...
more...On Thursday, the organizers announced the signing of the best German marathon runner of recent years, Melat Kejeta, for the anniversary edition of the 50th BMW Berlin Marathon. In the men's race, Hendrik Pfeiffer will lead a group of strong German top runners.
Melat Kejeta will start at the BMW Berlin Marathon on September 29. It will be the first appearance for the then 32-year-old at the biggest German marathon spectacle since her impressive debut race in 2019. At that time, Melat Kejeta had surprised in Berlin in sixth place with 2:23:57 hours and made the fastest marathon debut of a German woman.
She then ran an excellent race in her second marathon at the 2021 Olympic Games. In Sapporo (Japan) she reached sixth place. In January 2024, Melat Kejeta improved to 2:21:47 in Dubai and finished in an excellent fourth place. However, she was unlucky at the Olympics in Paris in August. Due to stomach problems, she had to give up the race early. In Berlin, Melat Kejeta now wants to rehabilitate himself.
Hendrik Pfeiffer leads German top runners
Hendrik Pfeiffer (TK zu Hannover) had improved to 2:07:14 hours in a brilliant race in Houston (USA) in January in third place and thus became the fourth fastest German marathon runner in history. After he had set the pace almost entirely on his own, he was ten seconds short in the end to secure the third German Olympic starting place. In April, Hendrik Pfeiffer surprised with a seventh place at the marathon classic in London (Great Britain).
After he was unable to run a marathon for about one and a half years due to injury, Filimon Abraham (LG Telis Finanz Regensburg; PB: 2:08:22 h) in Berlin. Haftom Welday (TB Hamburg Eilbeck), who improved to 2:08:24 hours last year in Valencia (Spain), is in an identical performance range. While Sebastian Hendel (LG Braunschweig; 2:08:51 h) ran under 2:10 hours for the first time in Hamburg in April, Johannes Motschmann (Marathon Team Berlin) now wants to beat this mark for the first time in Berlin. He had surprised at the London Marathon in April with ninth place and improved to 2:10:39 hours.
Tom Gröschel (TC Fiko Rostock; 2:11:03 h), who finished eleventh as the best German marathon runner at the European Championships in Berlin in 2018, will be competing in what may be his last race as an elite athlete.
(09/12/2024) Views: 296 ⚡AMPThe story of the BERLIN-MARATHON is a story of the development of road running. When the first BERLIN-MARATHON was started on 13th October 1974 on a minor road next to the stadium of the organisers‘ club SC Charlottenburg Berlin 286 athletes had entered. The first winners were runners from Berlin: Günter Hallas (2:44:53), who still runs the BERLIN-MARATHON today, and...
more...Olympic gold medalist Morolake Akinosun announces her retirement at 30 after an illustrious career in track and field.
American sprinter Morolake Akinosun has announced her retirement from professional track and field at the age of 30.
The 2016 Olympic gold medalist and World Champion in the 4x100 meter relay bids farewell to a sport in which she has thrived for over a decade, leaving behind a legacy filled with victories, resilience, and a clear sense of purpose for her next chapter in life.
Akinosun, who earned international acclaim as part of Team USA's winning relay squad in the Rio 2016 Olympics, took to social media to confirm the news.
Akinosun, who earned international acclaim as part of Team USA's winning relay squad in the Rio 2016 Olympics, took to social media to confirm the news.
In a candid reflection on her career and her decision to retire, Akinosun shared that she felt a deep sense of peace about her decision following the 2024 Olympic Trials.
"Following the 2024 Olympic Trials, I had an overwhelming feeling and sensation immediately after that I was done. It felt so clear to me," she said as quoted by Citius Mag.
The Nigerian-born sprinter revealed that she prayed for clarity and soon found herself on a new path, meeting influential figures like Michael Johnson and Steve Gera.
Just a month later, she was headed to Paris to work as a consultant with Grand Slam Track and soon after joined the company full-time.
Akinosun’s track journey began with success at a young age, clinching gold medals in the 100 meters and 200 meters events at the 2011 AAU Junior Olympics.
She then ascended to the national stage as the 2013 USA Junior Champion in the 100 meters and silver medalist in the 200 meters.
Her collegiate career was equally groundbreaking, as she became only the second woman in history to score in four events at the NCAA Outdoor Championships in consecutive seasons.
Akinosun's true breakout on the global stage came when she won gold at the 2015 Pan-American Games in Toronto, setting the stage for her Olympic glory in 2016 and her World Championship triumphs.
She was part of the victorious 4x100m relay team at the 2017 World Championships in London and added a bronze medal from the 2019 World Championships in Doha to her extensive medal haul.
Despite her incredible success, Akinosun recognized early on the need to plan for life after track.
Outside of her athletic career she has already made a mark in the world of media and event management.
“I don’t know if anyone ever knows exactly what they want to do when they’re done,” Akinosun admitted.
“But I did start dabbling in other things to figure out what life could possibly look like for me post-track and field.”
(09/11/2024) Views: 181 ⚡AMPSpanish marathoner Elena Congost was stripped of her bronze medal after momentarily letting go of the tether connecting her to her guide.
The Paris 2024 Paralympics is getting backlash for what is seen by fans as an unmerited disqualification. Just two meters from crossing the finish line in the women’s T12 marathon on Sunday, five-time Spanish Paralympian Elena Congost was disqualified for momentarily letting go of her tether to assist her guide, Mia Carol Bruguera, who was visibly struggling to continue running. Paris officials ruled the Spaniard ineligible to claim the bronze medal that was otherwise hers.
Bruguera, 57, cramped up near the end of the race; his extreme discomfort was unmistakable as the pair approached the final stretch of the event. Congost reached out to grab Bruguera’s arm just moments before crossing the line to keep him from falling as he struggling to continue moving forward–dropping her end of the tether in the process.
Congost was born with a degenerative vision impairment and competes in the T12 classification–runners in the T12 event must remain tethered to their guide for the duration of their race. The rules make no exceptions for these sorts of extenuating circumstances.
The 36-year-old took gold in the event at Rio 2016 and placed second in the 1,500m at London 2012. She recently returned to competition following the birth of her fourth child.
“I would like everyone to know that I have not been disqualified for cheating, but rather I have been disqualified for being a person and for an instinct that comes to you when someone is falling,” Congost told Marca. On Instagram, the Spanish athlete wrote that she has “no doubts or regrets”.
Fatima El Idrissi of Morocco took gold in the event and set a new world record of 2:48.36, while teammate Meryem En-Nourhi finished second.If not disqualified, Congost would have also gone home with a new personal best of three hours and 48 seconds–but was stripped of that achievement along with her hardware. The bronze medal was instead awarded to fourth-place finisher, Misato Michishita of Japan.
(09/10/2024) Views: 153 ⚡AMPAll eyes will be on Ethiopia’s Yalemzerf Yehualaw during the TCS Amsterdam Marathon on Sunday, October 20. Her personal best of 2:17:23 is just three seconds shy of the current women’s course record (2:17:26, set by Almaz Ayana in 2022). In 2022, the former 10 km world record holder won the TCS London Marathon. Among the men, Guye Adola, Bernard Koech, Tsegaye Getachew, and Philemon Kiplimo will be battling for the top spot.
At just 25 years old, Yalemzerf Yehualaw is still at the beginning of her career. However, she has already recorded the second fastest half-marathon time ever (1:03:61, Valencia 2021) and the third fastest 10 km time ever, which was also a former world record (29:14, Castellón 2022). She won the 2022 Hamburg Marathon in one of the fastest debut times ever (2:17:23) and later that year claimed victory at the TCS London Marathon (2:17:26). Last year, the NN Running Team athlete finished fifth in London and also placed fifth at the World Championships marathon.
In Amsterdam, Yehualaw will face a strong challenge from Kenyan athlete Winfridah Moseti. Moseti has only run five marathons so far, but her progress has been remarkable. After her debut in Milan in 2021 (2:27:44), she finished fifth in Paris last year (2:23:38) and second in Frankfurt (2:20:55). This spring, she again finished second in Hamburg, setting a strong personal best of 2:18:25.
Behind these two world-class athletes, a competitive group of women will aim to break the 2:20 barrier: Selly Chepyego (PR of 2:20:03), Haven Hailu (PR of 2:20:19, set in Amsterdam), Desi Jisa (PR of 2:20:47), and Enatnesh Tirusew (PR of 2:20:48).
Tight Competition in Men’s Race
In the men’s race, the outcome is far from certain. The fastest man in the field is Ethiopian Guye Adola with a personal best of 2:03:46. However, both Koech and Getachew have previously made it to the podium in Amsterdam, and Kiplimo is also a strong contender with his impressive half-marathon personal best of 58:11, highlighting his speed.
Guye Adola’s track record is certainly impressive. He won the 2021 Berlin Marathon (2:04:45) and finished second in Berlin in 2017, where he set his personal best of 2:03:46. He has also stood on the podium in Valencia (third in 2019) and Paris (second in 2023). Adola trains in Ethiopia alongside Tamirat Tola, who holds the TCS Amsterdam Marathon course record (2:03:39, set in 2021).
Bernard Koech finished second behind Tola in that same year, with a time of 2:04:08. Koech is a two-time winner of the Hamburg Marathon, most recently this year with a time of 2:04:24, which ranks as the eighth fastest marathon time of 2024.
Tsegaye Getachew made his international breakthrough in Amsterdam, winning the race in 2022 with a time of 2:04:49. Since then, he has focused on the Abbott World Marathon Majors, with mixed success. His best results include a fifth-place finish in Tokyo in 2024 and a third-place finish in 2023. At last year’s World Championships marathon in Budapest, he finished 16th.
Philemon Kiplimo, with a half-marathon personal best of 58:11, has room for improvement over the full marathon. He set a strong personal best of 2:04:56 in Berlin last year and finished third in Hamburg this spring.
(09/09/2024) Views: 168 ⚡AMPDo you want to enjoy Amsterdam in October and all that the city has to offer you? Want to feel a real athlete and start and finish in the historic Olympic stadium? Or run across the widely discussed passage under the beautiful National Museum? Then come to Amsterdam for the annual TCS Amsterdam Marathon in October! The TCS Amsterdam Marathon...
more...Eilish McColgan bids to win the Great North Run half-marathon for the first time when she lines up alongside 60,000 other runners on Sunday.
The Scot returned from injury to compete for Great Britain at the Paris Olympics, finishing 15th in the 10,000m.
She enters this weekend's race in much better condition having won the Big Half marathon in London last weekend in 69 minutes and 14 seconds.
The 33-year-old British record holder will come up against two-time champion Vivian Cheruiyot, of Kenya, and Ethiopia's Senbere Teferi.
While McColgan's mum Liz won the Great North Run three times, Eilish's best result is second place in 2021.
"Returning from this year's Paris Olympics and on the road back from injury, I'm especially looking forward to the tens of thousands of spectators and supporters lining the streets, as well as the 60,000 runners taking part alongside me," said McColgan.
Britain's Marc Scott, the 2021 Great North Run champion, competes in the men's race against the likes of Olympic 10,000m silver medallist Berihu Aregawi and 2021 London Marathon winner Sisay Lemma, both from Ethiopia.
Leading the field in the men's wheelchair race is 2022 Commonwealth Games champion JohnBoy Smith, while fellow Briton Jade Hall will bid to add the 2024 Great North title to her triumph in 2021.
What is the Great North Run course?
The annual 13.1-mile race starts in Newcastle city centre, crosses the River Tyne and goes through Gateshead before finishing by the sea in South Shields.
Runners raise millions of pounds for charity and you can watch comprehensive coverage on BBC One from 10:00 BST on Sunday.
(09/06/2024) Views: 193 ⚡AMPGreat North Run founder Brendan Foster believes Britain is ready to welcome the world with open arms after the launch of the event's most ambitious plan to date. The Great World Run campaign seeks to recruit one runner from every country in the United Nations – 193 in total – to take part in the iconic half marathon in...
more...Marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge emphasised the importance of being “psychologically fit” during his educational visit to Manchester United.
Always eager to learn, Kenya’s world-renowned runner spent a day at Carrington to see our facilities, watch training and speak with the coaching staff. He then visited Old Trafford to attend the Reds’ Premier League match against Liverpool. The greatest marathoner of all time, Kipchoge won back-to-back gold medals at the 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games. He has also claimed victories in prestigious marathons around the world, including Berlin, Chicago, London and Tokyo.Kipchoge is best known for being the first person to run a marathon under two hours, clocking a time of 1:59:40 in 2019. His achievement wasn't recognised as a world record, as it was not run under open marathon conditions, but it signified a historic step forward in human performance.
During his visit to the Theatre of Dreams, the 39-year-old icon explained how mentality is just as important as physicality when it comes to achieving greatness. “Mindset is important for a sportsman and all the footballers,” said Eliud. “You must be physically fit but above all you must be psychologically fit.
“What drives a man, what drives a woman, is the mind. If you are able to control the mind then you can control your body and you are able to consume the right things. Then out of that will come good things.
“In training you must have a strong and a high-profile mind. Playing the game, you need the right mind. The right way. When you are tackling your opponent, if you have the right mind then you can tackle well.
“If you are sprinting for a ball, if you have the right mind then you can sprint further than your opponent. So, the key is to be positive in life, always positive every day. “That's the beginning of good results and that's the beginning of real professionals. If all of the sportsman, or living people, can have positivity with each other then they are successful.”
Asked about other sportsmen or women being receptive to his positive message, Kipchoge admitted that interaction fuels him to continue his illustrious career. “It is lovely, it gives me more to wake up and to still press on every day. It's a big motivation for me when people are inspired by what I am doing and when people consume the positivity and try to improve their minds. That's my happiness.”
(09/06/2024) Views: 157 ⚡AMP