Running News Daily

Calvin is set to take on the Jungle Ultra, a gruelling 147-mile run over the Andes and into the Amazon

Some of us struggle through a one-mile jog each morning, and to others the London Marathon is a test of their mettle, but one man is set to go beyond even that, taking on the Peruvian Jungle by running not just one, but seven marathons over five days. Calvin Barnard, 46, who works as a chef at Friar’s Vaults on Castle Square, will fly to Cuzco, Peru, on May 30, to take part in the Jungle Ultra, a gruelling 147-mile run over the Andes and into the Amazon between June 2 and 7. “I am going on something where people do die,” said Calvin. “You don’t want to think you could die but at the end of the day you are doing something extreme, and it is nice to be surrounded by people as crazy as you because you are all in the same boat!” All the money raised from sponsors of his race will go towards Green Acres Animal Rescue. (05/09/2018) ⚡AMP

Olympic Triathlon Gold Medalist disappointed with her 4th Place at USATF Half

Olympic triathlon gold medalist Gwen Jorgensen continued her road to the marathon with a disappointing, for her, 4th place in the USA Track & Field Half Marathon Championships in Pittsburg, PA. on Sunday May 6. She finished in 1:10:58, behind Aliphine Tuliamuk's 1:10:04 for the win. It was Gwen’s first half-marathon and she felt the pain of a torrid early pace. Notwithstanding her sense that it wasn’t her day, it’s the third impressive performance for the new pure runner in as many races, with a 15:15 indoor 5000, a 31:55 outdoor 10,000 (for the win) and now this. Gwen has a way of lasering in on the weakness in her game, as she did while shoring up her swim and bike in triathlon, and one expects her just to get better. Whether her best event is the marathon or something shorter is still an open question, but that’s a good problem to have. (Photo: Gwen in red singlet with hat) (05/09/2018) ⚡AMP
by Dan Empfield/ Slowtwitch.com

Anne Crawford-Nutte Has run 80 Marathons after being told she would never walk again

Anne Crawford-Nutte is a determined woman. Or, in her words, "stubborn". Tell her she cannot do something and she will prove you wrong. When she was told by a doctor after a serious car crash in 1984 that she would never walk again the Anna Bay, Australia resident fired back: "I'll show you". Eighteen months later she marched back into the hospital and showed the same doctor the medal she had recieved for finishing a 32k race. "I've always been very stubborn. I always hated anyone telling me I can't do something. The doctor telling me I'd never walk again made me more determined than ever,” Anne said.   "I wanted to do it within the year but it took me 18 months." Crawford-Nutte, originally from Johannesburg in South Africa, began running in 1983. Following her divorce, she had been living in a share house with runners. After five weeks of them banging on her door to join them on an early morning run, she gave in. The same year she completed her first marathon. The year after, however, Ms Crawford-Nutte's life as she knew it came to a screeching halt when she fell asleep behind the wheel of her car and crashed into a electricity pole. The crash left her unable to move in a Johannesburg hospital, facing a life living in a wheelchair.  But, determined to get back on her feet, she threw herself into rehabilitation and recovery and within a month she left the hospital on crutches. Once home, she immediately began training for a marathon. (05/09/2018) ⚡AMP

Doha’s 2019 world championship marathon to start at midnight

The International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF) has announced an innovative and fan-centered schedule for the 2019 IAAF World Championships.

The spectacular Midnight Marathon is the highlight of the competition schedule for the IAAF World Championships Doha 2019. The new championship format enables spectators to have an exciting and engaging event experience.

Details for the IAAF World Championships’ first-ever Midnight Marathon have also been announced with a stunning setting that will showcase the events like never before. The spectacular midnight marathon will take place along Doha’s iconic Corniche with the city’s iconic night skyline as a beautiful backdrop, providing stunning imagery for TV’s global audience.

Lights along the entire route will bring the full marathon to life with spectators enjoying family-friendly activations to give the event a festival atmosphere for athletes and fans alike, the IAAF has reported on its official website.

The popularity of night running events has grown considerably over recent years with Doha 2019 embracing the latest trend of the biggest global movement to bring a unique and different element to the World Championships. 

Canada’s Reid Coolsaet, who was ninth at the Boston Marathon said, “I just don’t understand why it’s not at like 10 PM. Unless maybe by midnight the roads have actually cooled down, I imagine the sun’s so hot there, the heat coming off the roads you’ll still feel it hours after the sun goes down.”

The world championships will be held from Sept. 28 to Oct. 6, 2019 in Doha, Qatar, when temperatures typically see nighttime lows of 71F to daytime highs of 92F.

(05/08/2018) ⚡AMP

The Hottest Race On Earth happens June 16 in Scottsdale where temperatures have reached as high as 122F degrees

Hoping to claim some of the prize money from the most lucrative road race in Arizona, Jim Walmsley, has registered to compete in Scottsdale Beat the Heat taking place on June 16 in Scottsdale, Arizona. The Hottest Race on Earth, is a 5k and 10.22-kilometer race taking place during the middle of the day.  The hottest day ever recorded in the Phoenix metro area (June 26, 1990), when the temperatures reached 122F degrees. Some of Walmsley’s career highlights include: UltraRunning Magazine and Runner’s World 2016 Ultra Runner of the Year and UltraRunning Magazine’s 2017 Ultra Runner of the Year, the fastest record for running across the Grand Canyon and back, plus many more. “This is definitely going to be a completely different race than anything I have ever run before,” said Walmsley. “With the race taking place in the middle of the day with a start time of 2:47pm, I am training and looking forward to the challenge of the extreme Arizona summer temperatures.” The first race was held in 2013 and 1,300 runners braved the hot temperatures.  There is $8,000 of prize money. With temperatures potentially this hot all runners should be prepared to run in hot weather.  (05/08/2018) ⚡AMP

Caster Semenya breaks four minutes for 1500m at IAAF Meet, 30 seconds slower than men

Caster Semenya and Carina Horn struck a blow for South African female athletics when they both breached magical barriers at Friday evening’s Diamond League meeting in Doha. The opening meeting of the 2018 Diamond League series saw Semenya break through four minutes in the 1500m while Horn became the first South African female to dip below 11 seconds in the 100 metres. Semenya stuck it to the IAAF on Friday night when she smashed the South African record she set at the Commonwealth Games last month by clocking a 3:59.92. Semenya could be affected by the new controversial female classification rules the IAAF introduced on April 26 and will go into effect on November 1. The amended regulations will attempt to regulate women who naturally produce testosterone levels above five nanomoles per litre and are limited to athletes that compete in events ranging from the 400m to the mile.  (The men’s world record for 1500m is held by Hicham El Guerrouj of 3:26.00 in Rome in 1998.) (05/08/2018) ⚡AMP

Top Finishers from Boston Marathon Des Linden, Sarah Sellers and Krista DuChene to Headline NYRR New York Mini 10K

The top three finishers from this year’s Boston Marathon Des Linden, Sarah Sellers, and Krista DuChene – will line up together again in Central Park on Saturday, June 9 at the NYRR New York Mini 10K.  “The NYRR New York Mini 10K started in 1972 as the world’s original all-women’s road race and has developed into an annual star-studded event,” said Peter Ciaccia, president of events for NYRR.  “New York City is in for a real treat this year with Des, Sarah and Krista all lining up together at the start line for the first time since racing to the podium in Boston."  Linden, 34, of Washington Township, MI, became the first American to win the women’s open division at the Boston Marathon in 33 years last month, clocking in at 2:39:54 in the face of rain and blustering winds. Previously, Linden had finished at runner-up at the 2010 Chicago and 2011 Boston marathons and fifth-place in Berlin in 2013 and New York in 2014. She will be racing the NYRR New York Mini 10K for the fifth time. Sellers, 26, of Tucson, AZ, is a full-time certified registered nurse anesthetist who finished in a surprising second place behind Linden at the Boston Marathon in what was just her second attempt at the 26.2-mile distance.  A former track and field athlete at Weber State, Sellers was a nine-time Big Sky champion from 2009-13 and earned Big Sky All-Conference honors 15 times in track and field and cross country. DuChene, 41, of Canada took third place at the Boston Marathon and first in the master’s division, crossing the finish line in 2:44:20. In 2016, the mother of three placed 35th at the Rio Olympic Marathon behind teammate Lanni Marchant; they were the first Canadian women to run in the Olympic Marathon since 1996. (05/08/2018) ⚡AMP

A man paralysed from the waist down after the Manchester Arena bombing is taking part in the Simplyhealth Great Manchester Run

Martin Hibbert, from Bolton, whose injuries were described as the equivalent of ‘being shot 22 times at point blank range’, suffered a T10 complete spinal injury when he was stood just 30 feet away from the bomb when it detonated. But the 41-year-old football agent has defied the odds and will line up on the start line in Manchester city center this month determined to finish the 10k distance in under an hour. He will take part in a racing wheelchair alongside former Paralympian Richie Powell and best friend Lee Freeman. He said: “Anyone who knows me knows how determined I am. “It’s going to be a huge challenge for me to use my arms to push myself around the course, but I will do it. “Richie and Lee have been a huge support and have been at my side throughout the whole of my training and it will be a proud moment for me personally when we cross the finish line. The Simplyhealth Great Manchester Run will take place just two days before the anniversary of the attack, and a one minute’s silence will be observed as a mark of respect to the victims. (05/08/2018) ⚡AMP

The most famous long-distance runner of Latvia, Jelena Prokopchuk, is going to hit the road again

Last September Jelena became the mother of her second son, but now a 41-year-old has decided to return to the road. Prokopchuk won the Riga Half Marathon five times in a row from 2012 to 2016, but last year, due to her pregnancy, she did not run.  She holds six outdoor and one indoor Latvian record, ranging from 3000 meters to the marathon.  She was the top-performing European at the 2012 Lisbon Half Marathon, coming fifth overall.  She was tenth at the 2012 London Marathon and won the Riga Half Marathon. She surprised the elite field at the Great North Run, leading the women from the start, and although she fell to fourth she ran a national record of 68:09 minutes. Her final outing of the year came at the Yokohama Marathon, where her season's best time of 2:26:55 hours brought her fourth place.  She is now ready to hit the road again.  (05/08/2018) ⚡AMP

70-year-old Bob Anderson will be running his 60th Double Racing Event on August 5

Bob Anderson ran his first "official" Double Racing event in October, 2010,  "That was the Double Road Race in Cabo Mexico," says 70-year-old lifetime runner Bob Anderson. 

"It was very hot and humid and the second 5k leg was tough but I did it."  For that Double, runners first ran 10K and then one hour and forty-five minutes ran a 5K.  Times are added together for scoring. Since then Bob has run 59 Double Racing events of different lengths. 

On August 5 in San Francisco, Bob will be running the 4th Annual Golden Gate Double 8K.  The first leg is a 5K and the second 3K leg starts one hour and 15 minutes later. 

"It is always hard getting started on the second leg but once I get going I get back into the rhythm" says Bob. 

"My pace is always faster the second leg.  I have had some sciatic nerve issues this year but that seems to be behind me now.  I can't wait to run the Golden Gate Double 8K and on September 30th the Pacific Grove (California) Double Road Race.  I am hoping to win my division at both."

(05/08/2018) ⚡AMP

Jerry Johncock has been racing for forty years and he didn’t start until he was 50

Jerry Johncock didn’t start running until he was 50-years-old. Now he smiles with every stride. “A lot of people think that after you're 40 or 50 you can't run anymore,” Johncock said.  It all started when Johncock’s sons wanted their dad to run a race with them in Delton, Michigan. “They said why don't you run that 8-miler with us? I said I can't get in shape in a month like you kids can.” Little did Johncock know, that was only the beginning of an incredible racing career that would span four decades. “The more I ran, the easier it became,” he said. Johncock would go on to set records at races across the country. “This picture is from the 2002 Boston marathon, I got 4th in my age group that time,” Johncock said, showing off old race photos and awards. “This one (from the Detroit Marathon) is when I was in my 60’s. I won that race twice in my age group.” He's accomplished more after the age of fifty than most runners in a lifetime. “How many races? Five or six hundred. I've run 116 marathons,” Johncock said. He believes racing is what has kept him going strong over all these years. “It's the best thing I've ever done for my health, I haven't been sick in 10 or 15 years,” Johncock said. Jerry ran the Kalamazoo Half Marathon on Sunday and clocked 3:55:36.  (05/07/2018) ⚡AMP
by Jake Berent/ Newschannel 3

Kip Keinoa grandson Julius Keter won Chip Gaines New Marathon and $15,000

Julius Keter comes by running naturally since his grandfather is Kip Keino, the legendary Kenyan who won the 1,500 meters in a famous race against Jim Ryun of the United States in the 1968 Summer Olympics. Keter is also a fan of “Fixer Upper,” so running in the inaugural Silo District Marathon was perfect for him Sunday morning.

Running strong from start to finish, Keter won the marathon against a talented international field for the $15,000 first-place prize. He clocked 2:16:26.    

The event drew 6,000 entrants with total prize money of $88,000, a big purse which attracted runners from all 50 states and seven countries. While 3,150 competitors entered the 5-kilometer race and 2,150 runners signed up for the half-marathon, the marathon featured 750 entrants that included some top-shelf talent from across the world. “Fixer Upper’s” Chip Gaines also ran his first marathon, which held great appeal to an estimated crowd of 18,000 that crammed into the Silos area beginning at 6 a.m.

Gaines stood on a table wearing a tool belt with wife Joanna at the start of the race.  The women’s marathon winner was  Shewarge Alene Amare who has a goal to compete in the 2020 Olympics for Ethiopia. Like Keter, she brought home $15,000 in prize money after coming in at two hours and 38 minutes. “I’m so proud to be in the first marathon here and I’m so happy for the victory,” Amare said. “I entered the race two weeks ago. I’ll do some races and then go back to Ethiopia.”

(05/07/2018) ⚡AMP

A Green Bay man is trying to break a world record with 100 lbs on back

William Kocken’s backpack weighs in at over 100 pounds. He’s wearing it on his back during the Cellcom Green Bay marathon, and it could be his ticket to setting a Guinness World Record, as long as he finished the 26.2 miles In less than six hours, 47 minutes and three seconds, setting a new world record and helping veterans in the process. “It's not about me breaking the world record; it's about what we can do in our community, how we can help veterans and how we can help our fellow brothers and sisters in our community,” Kocken said. Kocken leads a group called "Fourth Hooah Wisconsin" which raises money to help local veterans. It brought in over $200,000 last year, but this year is a different approach. "This idea came about over probably more cocktails than you're supposed to have. We were sitting up one night after one of the ruckmarches and discussing the fact that some of these records might be breakable,” said friend, Jason Braun.  (05/07/2018) ⚡AMP

Few could have predicted the winner of the women’s race in Prague

Bornes Jepkirui Kitur of Kenya ran to victory at the Volkswagen Prague Marathon on Sunday, May 6.  Few could have predicted the results in the women’s race.  Kitur wasn’t even considered in the favorite's group before the race, but she managed to hold off all challenges en route to a clear victory in 2:24:19. “I had a really good race, the only slight issue I found were the cobblestones," she said. "I managed to shave more than four minutes off my personal best and am really delighted to have won.” The 30-year-old set her previous personal best of 2:28:48 in Mumbai in January where she finished second. The second and third podium spots went to Ethiopians Belaynesh Oljira and Amane Gobena who clocked 2:27:43 and 2:25:13 respectively. The event's 24th edition featured 9778 runners. IAAF President Sebastian Coe started the race. (05/07/2018) ⚡AMP

Victoria Crisp, a 65-year-old veterinarian from Nashville, is the oldest elite runner at River Bank Run

The starting line of the 25K Fifth Third River Bank Run will be full of elite athletes, many of whom have set running records. Victoria Crisp, is the oldest elite runner in this year’s race. “I had early success and really liked it, so I never quit. I’ve been running since the ‘70s,” Crisp explained. This year marks her fourth year running in the Fifth Third River Bank Run. “I like the course. It’s relatively flat with one long grade, but it’s very scenic and very nice,” Crisp said. The first time she ran the race was in 2010 when she won her age group. Then in 2014 she set an American record. “It was a masters record time for my age group, 60-65. I think my time was 1:51:46 or something like that,” Crisp recalled. Someone eventually broke the record, but Crisp would love to set a new one — this time in a new age group.  She trains almost every day, averaging six miles most days with longer runs between 15 to 18 miles. Much like putting on her scrubs in her veterinary hospital, running is simply a part of her daily routine. “I feel like if I get my run in, the whole day's going to take care of itself and everything will be good,” she said. (05/07/2018) ⚡AMP

Another Look at the Elite women’s field and prize money at the Boston Marathon

The BAA has to realize that no matter how many times it explains the difference between the open racing in the elite women’s start at the Boston Marathon and the time trialing among sub-elite women in Wave 1, no matter how many times you talk about Chichester, Jackson, and Snelson being outliers in a bad-weather year, the status quo still smacks of women being treated unequally and unfairly. And they have to do something. But if the BAA expands the elite women’s start, how many women should be eligible? What should the new cutoff time be? What kind of fluid support will be offered to sub-elites who now find themselves part of the elite start? With more runners, how much earlier will the elite women’s start need to take place? And how will the race ensure that any sub-elites who have breakthrough performances are held to the same anti-doping standards as their competitors? That’s a big one. “I don’t think any elites like myself who are sponsored have any issue increasing the size of the field,” said Flanagan. “But in order to accept that money, you need to be drug-tested.”  If they were part of the elite women’s start, Chichester, Jackson, and Snelson might have run much different races. Instead, they’ll have a special place in race history, though 2018 wasn’t the first time that sub-elite women finished in the top 15. In 2004, the year the elite women’s start made its debut, the 14th- and 15th-place finishers were sub-elites. Since then, sub-elite women have come close to a top-15 finish on three other occasions. On the men’s side, since 2004, sub-elites have twice finished in the money — 14th in 2008 and 11th in 2012.    The B.A.A. awarded prize money to the three women that started in wave one but they have not made a decision going forward yet because it is complicated.  (05/07/2018) ⚡AMP
by Shira Springer/ Boston Globe

Tanaya Gallagher obliterated the women’s record at the tough Whiskey Row Marathon

Tanaya Gallagher of Sedona, Arizona not only broke her own course record for women in the Whiskey Row Marathon on Saturday morning. She obliterated it. Gallagher, who had already posted three of the fastest female times in the race’s glorious 40-year history, crossed the finish line in 3:08:55 for her seventh Whiskey Row Marathon win since 2008. That time’s nearly 11 minutes faster than her previous record time of 3:19:38, set in 2013. “I actually am humble,” a jubilant, albeit emotional Gallagher said. “I’m just really happy.”  The Marathon is run on a grueling 26.2-mile course at mile-high elevation, which climbs the city’s hillier streets and some tree-lined portions of the Prescott National Forest.  Gallagher, 32, entered Saturday healthy. In 2017, Gallagher ran the marathon two months after undergoing successful surgery to remove an ovarian cyst, which had been sapping her energy. “I just wanted to come out and remember the joy of running, to be honest,” Gallagher said. “Last year was just such a surprise, time-wise. I can’t say this felt any harder than any other year. It’s always hard. But it was great.”  Peter Davidson of Tucson was the overall winner clocking 3:07:37.  “It’s such a brutal course — it feels so good to come out on top,” said Davidson, instantly recognizable by his bright yellow-framed sunglasses. “I’m really impressed with [Gallagher]. She was so close behind me, and that’s amazing. It’s really cool.” (05/06/2018) ⚡AMP

A cyclist in Australia purposely ran over Runners as he yelled out profanities

I read about some student runners who were intentionally run over by a cyclist and I thought I should share it.   I know I have had many close calls with cyclists both on city streets and on paths met for both cyclists, runners and walkers.  Some cyclists don’t seem to be concerned as they pass by with only inches to spare.  I have heard stories from other runners who have had encounters with cyclists too.  This event happened in Australia recently. “Four students running in a cross country event in Canberra, Australia were run over by a cyclist, with two sustaining injuries.   Police say the man yelled profanities at the students as they ran on a shared public path about 9.30am on April 13. The cyclist allegedly swerved close to several students, colliding with one and knocking both himself and the student, who was injured, to the ground. It is then the man got back onto his bike and knocked down another three students, riding over one's foot and causing injuries. The man is described as Caucasian, about 25-30 years old, of thin build, with a light beard, and with a deep voice.”   (05/06/2018) ⚡AMP
by Bob Anderson

Galen Rupp smashed his PR and won the Prague Marathon by nearly a minute clocking 2:06:07

American’s Galen Rupp did as promised and the weather did not get in his way at the 24th Annual Volkswagen Prague Marathon Sunday morning May 6.  

He ran an even pace the whole way reaching the half way point in 1:03:02.  Ethiopian’s Sisay Lemma stayed close through 30k but Galen took control and clocked 1:03:05 for his second half finishing in 1:06:07.  

This smashed his previous best by three minutes and 13 seconds. This makes Galen the third fastest American ever and his time was only 29 seconds off the official American Record held by Khalid Khannouchi.  

Ryan Hall’s 2:04:58 clocked in Boston is not considered official since Boston is a point-to-point course.  Galen has now finished five marathons setting a PR each time. The Prague Marathon kicked off at 9am local time from the Old Town Square.  

Sisay finished second clocking 2:07:02.  Thousands of runners from all over the world enjoyed the perfect weather and the beautiful course.   

(05/06/2018) ⚡AMP
by Bob Anderson

Trail running and racing is more popular than ever and it does requires you to be more alert

Trail running is a fantastic way to soak up the great outdoors. The uneven nature of trails requires a decent level of awareness which - in the long run - may help improve balance and coordination. The surfaces are often softer than the pavement, which will take the stress off joints. It may require a journey out of suburbia, but the serenity is worth the trip alone.  However, several risks present themselves with trail running. A constant level of alertness is required with the rough terrain to avoid slipping and tripping on obstacles.  Specially designed shoes will help and here is why: trail running shoes are generally more sturdy than the average Running shoe.  The Mountain Safety Council suggests when planning a trail run you should consider how long you are running for, the terrain you are running on, what the weather is doing and your fitness level. Other items worth carrying include: water, sunscreen, a First Aid kit, a communication device and perhaps some insect repellent.   (05/05/2018) ⚡AMP

Routine, discipline and consistency are all so important when training for any distance says James Westlake

James Westlake completed this year's London Marathon in 2:24:19 and finished 8th overall not including the elite runners.  His first experience of marathon running was at the London Marathon in 2012.  His mum was also running and through her training it inspired James to give it a go.  Much to his amazement, he ran 3 hours 14 minutes and the bug grew from there. He has now run nine marathons and offers this advice as I am getting ready to run my first half marathon. James told me, "Get to know your body and try to understand what it can and can’t cope with training wise.  Routine, discipline and consistency are all so important when training for any distance. Get yourself into a routine that works for you around your work and social life. Be disciplined and stick to what you know but be clever if you are struggling with an injury, cross train (swim or cycle) and take the pressure off your body. Consistent training is going to improve your body and prepare it for what is ahead on the day." I asked him what is his motivation?  James said, "I’m naturally a competitive person. Whether it be in training or racing, I always want to win or improve my personal best. I also enjoy that feeling when you cross that finish line, all the training and the sacrifices that are made to achieve that goal all just builds into one moment."    (05/05/2018) ⚡AMP
by Mark Dunford/ On Your Marks

Sisay Lemma is out for revenge in Prague after being beaten by Galen Rupp at last year’s Chicago Marathon

Sisay Lemma and Galen Rupp will line up for the 24th Volkswagen Prague Marathon on Sunday May 6 in the hopes of breaking the course record of 2:05:39 at the IAAF Gold Label road race. Just 20 days after respiratory problems forced Galen to withdraw from a wet and windy Boston Marathon, USA’s Rupp will be on the streets of the Czech capital. The Olympic bronze medallist has reached the podium in all four marathons he has completed to date and he will be looking to continue that record on Sunday. “I’m excited to be running in Prague and thankful for another opportunity to race,” said Rupp, who competed in the city’s half marathon in 2017. “I’ve done a lot of great training in the last few months and I’m looking forward to the race.” Lemma, who ran 2:04:08 earlier this year in Dubai, will be wearing the No.1 bib. The Ethiopian will also be out for revenge after being beaten by Rupp at last year’s Chicago Marathon. Amane Gobena is the fastest in the women’s field. The Ethiopian set her PB of 2:21:51 when finishing second at the 2016 Tokyo Marathon, and earlier this year she won the Mumbai Marathon in 2:25:49.  The start time is at 9am local time or Midnight (PST) Saturday night. (05/05/2018) ⚡AMP

Kipsang said doping will ruin the country’s athletics glory if proper education is not conducted

Reports of three-time world champion and 2008 Olympic gold medalist Asbel Kiprop (photo) failing doping test is very concerning.  It is a menace that can only be spoken in low tones in training camps. Kiprop, on Wednesday denied the allegations of testing positive for blood-boosting drug erythropoietin (EPO), saying there was an error in his sample taken at a competition in late 2017. But even amid the denial, the allegations have re-opened debate over doping. A Moi University Sports lecturer and Iten-based athletics trainer, Byron Kipchumba, said the doping incidents are raising in magnitude, adding that some managers are to blame. Kipchumba said most Kenyan elite runners are likely to fall victim since they are managed by foreign managers and companies that are not closely monitored by Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya.  Two weeks ago, former world marathon record holder Wilson Kipsang said athletes lack adequate training on which drugs to use and which to avoid, often falling prey to greedy managers, who end up ruining their athletics careers. During an doping seminar spearheaded by the Adak in Iten, Kipsang said doping will ruin the country’s athletics glory if proper education is not conducted. He said Kenyan athletes always comply with anti-doping rules (05/04/2018) ⚡AMP

Prize Money in major races like the Boston Marathon should be awarded based on Gun Time

The weather at this year's Boston Marathon was horrible.  Many elite runners and others just could not handle these conditions and did not finish.  For the first time I can remember, several female runners that started in wave one placed. 

With all the pressure of the media, the B.A.A. is going to hand out cash awards based on chip timing.  This year's race should be looked at as unique and I do endorse the B.A.A. decision. 

But to change things in the future would not be a good idea.  Chip timing works for age-group but most major road races use gun time to award prize money. 

In fact, gun time is the only time accepted by both USA Track & Field and the International Association of Athletics Federation. 

David Monti, publisher of Race Results Weekly, wrote Sports Day, "To score an elite race based on chip times is both rare and risky.  It's risky, because it is possible for an athlete to purposely start well behind the elites, say five minutes, then compete for prize money clandestinely and out of view. 

“It's very possible that the first man or woman to break the tape will not actually be the race winner if the race is scored on chip time. How would that look?" 

We also know that there are people who cheat.  It is much easier to keep track of the smaller elite fields than a field of thousands.  I think we do need to stick with gun time in the future for the overall top open places.     

(05/04/2018) ⚡AMP
by Bob Anderson

Co-Stars of Fixer Upper Chip and Joanna Gaines Silo District Marathon in Waco is set for Sunday

Co-Stars of Fixer Upper, Chip Gaines and his wife, Joanna, met Gabrielle Grunewald last fall in Central Park. Gabe is a professional mid-distance runner who’s been fighting a rare cancer since 2009.

She convinced Gaines that he could train for a marathon in about six months. Grunewald also shared how she's battled adenoid cystic carcinoma since 2009. Gabe’s story left such a mark on Chip that he quickly moved past his goal of running a marathon to actually hosting one in Waco as well. 

He and the Magnolia team created Sunday's event the Silo District Marathon to benefit Grunewald's Brave Like Gabe Foundation, which raises funds for research on rare cancers.

"I didn't want to spend another second standing on the sidelines," Gaines wrote in a Jan. 10 blog post announcing the event. "Given what she's gone through, I didn't have any excuse not to give this a shot."

He invited his social media followers to join him.  100% of the profits from the race will be donated to the Brave Like Gabe Foundation in order to further the much-needed research on rare cancers.

It is our honor to come alongside Gabe and others with similar diagnoses to find answers, solutions and, ultimately, cures. Also thinking of the runners as well, the race will present $88,000 in prize money to the top three overall men and women in the half and the full.

The overall marathon winners will receive $15,000 and the half champions will earn $10,000.  The prize money is going to be given out based on chip time and not gun time.  Hopefully the best time will be the first person to cross the finish line too.  

(05/04/2018) ⚡AMP

Tracktown USA hopes to be selected to host the USATF 2020 Olympic Trails

The University of Oregon says work will begin in June on a renovation of Hayward Field, to be completed in 2020. The plans include a 165-foot, 9-story tower named in honor of Bill Bowerman, the coach who brought Steve Prefontaine to campus and helped Phil Knight launch Nike. The work will be funded by Penny and Phil Knight and more than 50 other donors.  Tracktown USA made it clear Wednesday that they'll be making a bid to bring the 2020 Olympic Trials back to Hayward Field. USATF pulled its original bid from Mount SAC in California, due to concerns over the stadium construction.  Construction on the new Hayward Field will start this summer.  Tracktown USA CEO Michael Reilly says the new-look Hayward Field will be completed in plenty of time to host the 2020 Trials. "We understand everything is going to be ready to go for an entire Track and Field season in 2020," said Reilly. "I can't think of a better way to welcome America's top athletes than to bring them to a new Hayward Field."      (05/04/2018) ⚡AMP

Sometimes I want to stop as I push myself to the absolute limit but I keep going for the kids

The head of real estate for a global law firm in Australia is currently in training for an upcoming ultramarathon across Indonesian in support of primary school children.  David Jones, who has been with the firm Baker Mckenzie for over 20 years, will be taking part in The Bali Hope Ultramarathon, an 84km run across Bali, in partnership with the Classroom of Hope and Bali Children Foundation. Ultra-distance running has become a passion of David since he started running 10 years ago, he said. “For me, the harder the better — I love mountain running, pushing myself to the absolute limit and finding out what the body is actually capable of when the mind is strong enough to ignore the pain and the constant mantra that sometimes creeps in telling you to stop,” he said. “My passion for fitness and what I have seen it achieve for me personally and for others, both directly and as a tool for raising funds and awareness, led me to setting up a fitness business with my running mate to help train others and encourage them on this journey.” He has always felt that as a member of society with a roof over his head, a steady job and a healthy family, he has a moral obligation to do whatever he can to help others who aren’t as fortunate, he explained.  “An ultra [marathon] allows you, however briefly, to put yourself in a situation where you are suffering and where all you want to do is give up,” he mused. “Then, you think about who you are supporting — kids who live with an undiagnosable condition their whole life, who have never had a day of education in their lives, etc. and you realize that you will of course conquer that last volcano climb or the last few hours of running in darkness covered in blisters and mud.” (05/04/2018) ⚡AMP

The date was May 1, 2010, the place Stanford and on the track running the race of his life was Chris Solinsky

“I just watched the video of this race again on Flo Track.  Wow, what an amazing race it was,” says Bob Anderson. On May 1, 2010, Chris Solinsky ran his first 10,000 meter race at the Payton Jordan Invitational in Stanford, California. Although the race was marketed as an American record attempt by fellow American Galen Rupp, Solinsky finished first and set the American Record of 26:59.60 (bettering Meb Keflezighi's 2001 mark of 27:13.98 by fourteen seconds).  His last 800 meters was timed at 1:56.  He looked so strong the entire race and passed Galen with a little more than two laps to go.  Galen faded to fourth but still clocked 27:10.  Solinsky was the first non-African to break the 27-minute barrier for the 10,000 meters.  At 6'1" and 165-pounds, Solinsky was also the first man over 6 feet or over 141 pounds to break the 27-minute barrier. Beginning in 2011, Solinsky suffered a series of injuries. He developed a chronic left hamstring strain, which became an avulsion after Solinsky tripped over his dog. The injury required surgery, making it impossible for him to compete in the 2012 US Olympic Trials. In 2015, Solinsky suffered from an injury to his Achilles tendon, which led to a calf problem which interfered with his ability to train for the 2016 US Olympic Trials. Solinsky chose to retire from professional running in April 2016. (05/03/2018) ⚡AMP

The world's richest 10K is coming up May 27 in Bengaluru, India

Looking at the success of the Mumbai Marathon and the Delhi Half Marathon, Procam International decided to spread the distance running revolution to the garden city of Bengaluru, India in 2008. Today, the event is the world’s richest 10 Km run and has seen participation from top elite athletes in the world.  Prize money for this year is $188,000 if all bonuses are earned.  This year's sold out race is set for May 27, 2018.   This year's international event ambassador is Mary Pierce.  She is the last French citizen - man or woman - to have won a Singles Title, at the prestigious clay-court Grand Slam - the French Open.   Pierce reached her career high ranking of World #3 in 1995, post her first Grand Slam Singles title - that of the Australian Open in January 1995. Mary had a career that lasted from the early nineties to 2005 until a knee injury forced her to stop.  Mary says this about the TCS World 10K,  "I am excited to be the Ambassador for the upcoming TCS World 10k race..I always enjoyed running, it was a part of my training. It not only builds you physically, but it also improves your health and strengthens your mind."    (05/03/2018) ⚡AMP

U.S. Team set for Mountain Running Championships in Poland

The USATF Mountain, Ultra, Trail (MUT) Council is proud to announce members of Team USATF scheduled to compete at the 15th WMRA Long Distance Mountain Running Championships June 24, in Karpacz, Poland. 

The double loop course covers 36 kilometers (22.4 miles) with 6890 feet of ascending and descending. The route will challenge the five women and five men of Team USATF by climbing and descending the peak of Mt. ŚNIEŻKA twice.

Mt. ÅšNIEÅ»KA rises just under one mile above sea level at 5250 feet. The top three US finishers will score for the team in each gender division. 

The 10 members this year’s team range in age from 21 to 36. The women’s Team USATF is comprised of Addie Bracy, Ashley Brasovan, Renee Metivier, Sandi Nypaver and Kathryn Ann Ross. The men of Team USATF will be Anthony Costales, Joseph Gray, Tatye Pollmann, David Sinclair and Andy Wacker.

(05/03/2018) ⚡AMP
by Richard Bolt

Montreal Marathon race director wants to make his race a world-class event

“We’re an Olympic city and my goal is to build this race to the point where it’s one of the top-10 marathons in the world,” Dominique Piché said after revealing details for the 2018 event at a news conference on Wednesday May 2.  “We would like to be in the same category as New York or Boston,” said Piché, who serves as the race director. “We have a long way to go, but there’s no reason why we can’t be as big as Ottawa or Toronto.” One step toward that goal is to attract elite runners. Piché has handed that task to Laurent Godbout, a former journalist who has also served as executive director of the Quebec Track and Field Federation.  “Our prize money is modest, only $50,000 total, but we have to start somewhere,” said Godbout.  The Sept. 23 race has been rebranded as MIMO — an acronym for Montreal International Marathon Oasis — and will feature a series of new courses with activities taking place around the Quartier des Spectacles.   Piché said he and his colleagues drew on the city’s history when they laid out the course for the 42.32-kilometre marathon. “We tried to highlight some of the most interesting neighbourhoods,” said Piché     (05/03/2018) ⚡AMP

Dave Bedford Who helped build the London marathon into one of the best in the world is stepping down

Dave Bedford has announced his decision to leave his role as a consultant with London Marathon Events, which includes recruiting the elite fields. He will step down in November. Bedford, a legendary runner on the track and the former 10,000m world record holder, has played a pivotal role with the London Marathon for more than three decades. He famously ran the first edition of the race in 1981 following a bet in his night club. Over the years, he served on the Board of Directors from 1986 – 1988, representing British Athletics and in 1989 was appointed to recruit the London Marathon elite field. He became London Marathon Race Director in 2000, a role he held until 2012 when he became a part-time consultant. He also played a leading role in the formation of the World Marathon Majors. Nick Bitel, CEO of London Marathon Events Ltd, said: “The London Marathon is deeply indebted to Dave for all that he has done for the event over the years. During his tenure as Marketing and Sponsorship Director and then as Race Director, he was instrumental in developing the London Marathon into the world’s greatest marathon. He will be greatly missed and we wish him well.” Bedford said: “I have been fulfilled working with the London Marathon for many years. London Marathon’s growth and success was only possible because of the great team I worked with. We should not forget, however, that the success of the London Marathon was only possible because of the hard work done by Chris Brasher and John Disley in founding the event.” (05/02/2018) ⚡AMP

Indian team is ready for the Trail World Championships

Trail running in India received a much-needed boost from the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) after the sports body selected six Indian ultra runners, up from two last year, to represent the country at the 2018 Trail World Championships to be held at Penyagolosa, Castellon in Spain on May 12 this year. The AFI selected team is Aakriti Verma, Kieren Dsouza, Ajit Singh Narwal, Ullas Hosahalli Narayana, Lokesh Kumar Meena, and Sampathkumar Subramanian for the Championships.  Ultra trail runner Ajit Singh Narwal says, “It’s a fantastic feeling to see the sport gaining traction in the country. And this is merely the championship team. The number of people starting to run trails has increased manifold in last few years in India, that’s great news. So excited for the future of the sport in India.”  (05/02/2018) ⚡AMP

Gina Whitmore donated a kidney to her father and now is ready to tackle Lincoln Half Five months later

There was no doubt in Gina Whitmore's mind. She would be a match for her father who needed a kidney. "If it was my place to do this, we would know," the Lincoln, Nebraska  woman said. Blood work and scans came back in the father-daughter duo's favor. Whitmore, 37, was a match and in December, she donated her left kidney to her father Wilton Schlecht. On Sunday, dad, fully recovered from the transplant, will be the one giving something to his daughter — a finisher's medal after she completes the Lincoln Half Marathon.  "That is something special," said Schlecht, who has a progressive kidney disease.  Whitmore will be among more than 12,300 runners tackling the 41st annual Lincoln Marathon and Half Marathon. She and her father are both doing well after surgery. Schlecht, 71, has lived with kidney disease for about 30 years. Within the last five years, Schlecht's kidneys started to deteriorate.  Whitmore started running marathons about 10 years ago. This will be her eighth time running the Lincoln course. Now her dad has a new kidney and his daughter is running Lincoln Half marathon for him.   (05/02/2018) ⚡AMP
by Kelsey Stewart

Running can cure depression and anxiety!

Recent studies have shown a link between exercise and reduced depression. A 2011 survey of 11 previous studies, for example, found that exercise appeared to be a significant help to those with depression and suggested doctors begin incorporating it into treatment plans. “I view balanced exercise as an important component in treating anxiety, depression and other mental-health disorders,” she said. “If clients are depressed, I educate them that the two best self-help strategies are exercise like running and social support. For anxious clients, I teach them how exercise helps reduce worry, panic and other symptoms.” says Jennifer Carter, a clinical assistant professor of family medicine and the director of sport psychology at Ohio State University, (05/02/2018) ⚡AMP

David Luy goal is to run sub 2:20 this weekend in Eau Claire and qualify for the Olympic Trials

When the Eau Claire Marathon begins on Sunday, May 6, in Eau Claire Wisconsin, runners from 27 states, plus Canada and Malaysia, will be at the starting line. One runner to watch is David Luy but be sure to get there early. David Luy, 26, of Brookfield, Wisconsin is the defending two-time Eau Claire Marathon winner, having beat the field last year with a 2:25:57 finishing time — 23 minutes ahead of the next runner. He has an ambitious goal this year — to trim six minutes off that time and finish below 2:19:00 so he can qualify to compete at the Olympic Trials.  Avid runner Michael Olson said he’s thrilled that Luy is trying to reach this milestone at the Eau Claire Marathon. He said the city is perfectly placed for holding a marathon in early spring. “I think Eau Claire is getting noticed,” Olson said. “If we have someone hit the Olympic standard, that just boosts our race that much more.” To finish in under 2:19:00, Luy will need to run about a 5:18 pace per mile for 26.2 miles. Luy said he has been running all his life and ran at Brookfield East High School but wasn’t in the upper tier. He didn’t run for the UW-Madison team while attending school there. However, he continued to run and got faster. “I’d run the campus and go further and further,” Luy said. He decided to compete in the Chicago Marathon in 2012. “It was such a surreal experience, it just jump-started my passion for the sport,” he said. (05/02/2018) ⚡AMP

Time is already running out to get entered into the 2019 London Marathon

The ballot to enter the 2019 London Marathon is underway.   But you'll have to be quick, since the process will close at 5pm (London Time) on Friday, May 4, 2018. During that time anyone wanting to run has to visit the London Marathon 2019 ballot website and fill in their details. It costs £39 to enter, or £35 if you are a member of an athletics club. All those who enter the ballot will find out whether or not they have been successful in early October. Other ways to get a place include running for a charity or via the 'Good For Age' category, which is open to those who have already run a full marathon in a particularly fast time. The Queen started the 2018 race from Windsor Castle, which saw Eliud Kipchoge and Vivian Cheruiyot, both from Kenya, in the fastest combined winners time for a marathon.  It was hot for this year’s marathon but that is not the norm.  However, there still were many fast times in this bucket-list event.   (05/01/2018) ⚡AMP

The USATF finally realized they need to find a new host for the U.S. 2020 Olympic Trials

The USATF said today it has reopened bidding to host the 2020 Olympic Trials amid litigation surrounding the construction of a new stadium at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, Calif., where the trials were originally awarded. USA Track and Field hopes to reward the trials no later than June. The Los Angeles area college originally beat out Eugene, Ore., and Sacramento for the right to host the 2020 Olympic Trials, USATF announced last June Eugene hosted the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Olympic Trials. Sacramento hosted in 2000 and 2004. Mt. SAC previously hosted the 1960 Olympic Trials and annually hosts a popular relays meet in April.  “The USATF Board of Directors unanimously authorized the move amid continuing litigation surrounding construction of a new Hilmer Lodge Stadium at (Mt. SAC) in Walnut, California, and the resulting delays on planning for a successful 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials,” USATF said in a statement.  Mt SAC President William T. Scroggins said: “While we are disappointed, we accept that the terms of the agreement give USATF the authority to withdraw from this commitment.” (05/01/2018) ⚡AMP

Should Caster Semenya be forced to lower Testosterone levels to compete in Tokyo?

Caster Semenya is very much in the news lately. We have already published two stories about the new IAAF rule which will require Caster to take testosterone-lowering medication in order to compete on an international level. 

Per the report: "The IAAF, will reportedly announce the creation of a new female classification to be known as Athletes with Differences of Sexual Development, which includes those with Hyperandrogenism, such as Semenya.

"From November 1, 2018, athletes who fit into that classification will be forced to undergo testosterone-lowering treatment."  

Caster was born with this medical condition.  Caster is a South African middle-distance runner and a gold medalist and for sure could easily pass for a man on the outside. 

Last August Caster shared this story about her love story with her wife Violet Raseboya in a TV interview.  "We met in a restroom in 2007. She was a runner and was being escorted by doping officials.

She thought I was a boy and said 'What is a boy doing in here?'" "I'm not a boy. You think I'm lost? You think I can just walk in here?" It took a while for them to start dating and Caster said it was her that told Violet about her feelings for her. 

"We were in denial. She had a past. She had a boyfriend. (She) was trying to deny being in love with a woman"  They got married in 2017.  

This is a tough situation for the IAAF.  Seb Coe just wants the competition to be fair.  However, this is a medical condition a person is born with. Penalizing  an athlete for a natural trait of her body does not seem right.   

(05/01/2018) ⚡AMP
by Bob Anderson

USA 25K Open Championships has a strong field, $112,400 in prize money and fun for all

The Fifth Third River Bank Run 25K coming up May 12 in Grand Rapids, Michigan is also the USA 25K Open Championships with prize money of $112,400. Competing again will be two-time champion Aliphine Tuliamuk going after a third win. The 29-year-old from Santa Fe, New Mexico, dominated last year's race clocking 1:24:34. She finished 36 seconds ahead of Neely Gracey to take the $10,000 first prize for the women's event, along with another $2,500 for being the first to cross the finish line in the staggered start "race within the race" against the men.  Greg Meyer, the elite race coordinator, announced Tuesday, "Three notable names are missing on the men's side. Christo Landry, who won in 2016 and was second last year and in 2015, will miss the race due to an Achilles' injury. Likewise, Jared Ward, who won in 2015 and was second in 2016, is out with a hamstring injury. Also, defending champion Dathan Ritzenhein will not be back. He is recovering from an injury suffered just before he was to run the Boston Marathon early last month. Without them, the top returner is Parker Stinson, who finished third last year (1:15:03).  He's a nine-time All American at University of Oregon who most recently was sixth at the 12K U.S. Championships."   Other notable runners include:   Samuel Kosgei, former Kenyan and now U.S. citizen who ran a 2:13 marathon and was fifth at the U.S. Marathon Championships. Tyler McCandless, who finished second at the U.S. Marathon Championships in 2:12, and finished seventh in the 2014 River Bank Run.  Scott Fauble, "My dark horse in this race," Meyer said of the 26-year-old who ran a 2:12.35 in his marathon debut in Frankfurt, Germany last October. Sam Chelanga, Meyer called him "the man to beat" with a 60:37 best in the half marathon and holder of the NCAA 10,000-meter record (27:08). (05/01/2018) ⚡AMP

Elite 10K field is set to go after the $112,000 purse at the Okpekpe 10K in Nigeria

Ethiopia’s Amedework Walelegn and Kenya’s Sandrafelis Chebet Tuei will lead a truly world class elite field at the IAAF Silver Label sixth annual Okpekpe International 10km road race scheduled for May 12 in Okpekpe near Auchi in Edo State of Nigeria. Walelegn is the third fastest man over the 10km race over the last year clocking 27:37 seconds he ran last March to win the Laredo 10km road race in Bilbao Spain.  He also clocked a 59:50 half marathon in Istanbul April 8 of this year.  He will be challenged for the $20,000 top prize money for men by the Kenyan trio of Timothy Kiplagat who came third (27:52) behind the Ethiopian at the Laredo race, Josphat Kiprono Menjo who came fifth (28:28) at the Valencia 10km road race in January and holds the fourth fastest time of all-time (27:04) and 2016 winner Simon Cheprot, who will be coming to chase history as the first man to win two Okpekpe titles.  For the women, Kenya’s Tuei will be the athlete to beat. She is the fastest woman over the distance so far this year clocking 30:57 at the  Valencia 10km road race in January.  Her time is the 36th joint fastest on the all-time list and she will be hoping to become the fourth Kenyan woman to win the title. Tuei will be hotly challenged for the top prize of $20,000 by compatriot Mary Waithera who won the Laredo 10km race last March with 31.48,the ninth fastest time in the world over the last 12 months. Also in with a chance is 2016 winner Paulline Njeku Wanjiku who, like Cheprot will be seeking a slice of history as the second woman to win two Okpekpe titles. (05/01/2018) ⚡AMP

Alberto Salazar still holds one American Road Record which he set in 1981

DID YOU KNOW: The American Road Record for 8K is 22:04.  It was set over 37 years ago.  On January 4, 1981 Alberto Salazar ran that time in Los Altos, California at the Runner's World Five Mile Invitational (5 miles is 154 feet longer than 8K). 

It is a distance that is not run very often but that is a long time for the record to still be on the books.  That same year Alberto won the New York City Marathon in 2:08:13 as he did the following year and 1980 as well. 

He also won Boston in 1982 in 2:08:52.  A race that would be known later as the "Duel In The Sun." 

Dick Beardsley and Alberto (photo) battled right up to the end.  Alberto was born in Cuba in 1958 and immigrated to the United States as a child with his family.  Salazar currently is the head coach of the Nike Oregon Project in Portland, Oregon.

(05/01/2018) ⚡AMP
by Bob Anderson

Boston Marathon director gives out medals that say, My next goal is to earn my own medal

Every time I give a speaking appearance, I asked who has not run in a race before but would like to someday. I then pick one person from the audience and give them a medal. The medal says “my next goal is to earn my own medal."  I then tell them when they run a race and get their own medal they have to mail this one back to me so I can someday give it to someone else. I have received hundreds of these medals back in the mail. The idea is that when they raise their hand and I give them the medal, it is a reminder of their “commitment” to pursue this goal and the medal actually encourages them and incentivizes them to actually do it. Of all the medals I have given away over the years, I probably have received 90% of them back, meaning that they actually did make the commitment and eventually participated in a race and received their own medal. Pretty cool. Just received another one in the mail yesterday! (05/01/2018) ⚡AMP
by Dave McGillivray

Sarah Sellers focus is now to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics after Boston

Sarah Sellers who came out of nowhere to finish second at the Boston Marathon, is turning her attention to trying to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Sellers, an Ogden (Utah) High School and Weber State graduate, initially wanted to hit the 'A' standard Olympic qualifying time of 2 hours, 37 minutes earlier this month in Boston.

As soon as she saw the weather — wet, windy and miserable — she abandoned that goal, but still hit the 'B' standard with her time of 2:44:04 (the 'B' standard is 2:45:00).  

"I still don't feel like it's quite a reality yet, but I'm really excited because it's definitely very motivating to try really hard and to train smart, because there's a lot of really good marathoners in the U.S.," she said.

Sellers, a nurse anesthetist at Banner-University Medical Center in Tucson, Arizona, qualified for the Olympic trials, which will be held Feb. 29, 2020.

"I don't know what my potential is there, but I think I'm definitely motivated to do everything I can to do the best I can at the trials," she said. Sellers is taking it easy for a while to help her body recover from the marathon. She will try to incorporate things like strength training and biking, but doesn't anticipate running a race for awhile as she recovers.

(04/30/2018) ⚡AMP

Johannesburg's Sports Minister says IAAF new rule is very sexist, racial and homophobic

The Sports and Recreation Minister, Tokozile Xasa in Johannesburg, South Africa believes that Caster Semenya is being targeted by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) for her continued success on the track. Semenya made history at the recent Commonwealth Games held on Australia’s Gold Coast by winning gold medals in the 800m and 1 500m races, and setting a new 1 500m record of 4:00.71. Last week, in a surprise decision, the IAAF announced that women athletes who compete in 400m, 800m, 1 500m and mile events, would in future have to take medication that would decrease their natural testosterone levels. Xasa complained that this was a “targeted approach”. “We see this as a targeted approach by the IAAF,” she said. “This new initiative comes after she (Semenya) broke records at the Commonwealth Games. “It is also Africans that are participating in long-distance races, therefore we view it as a target,” the minister said. “To compound the argument, she’s also a woman, hence this becomes sexist. This should have come a long time ago, not only when she wins medals as a way to discourage her. “We take this as very sexist, racial and homophobic. “We are angry and we want the entire country to rally behind us. Since Africans are doing well in these races, there are now a lot of questions that are surrounding them, thus we are very disappointed.” Now in the prime of her career, as a result of her physique, Semenya has also had her sexuality questioned by the IAAF. She has already taken tests for gender traits to check whether she is female or male.  Caster married her longtime girlfriend in January 2017. Same-sex marriage has been legal in South Africa since 2006. (04/30/2018) ⚡AMP

Kate Landau win's Eugene Marathon after being forced to drop out of Boston

Two weeks after hypothermia forced her to drop out of the Boston Marathon, Tacoma's Kate Landau added another big win to her resume. Landau, 41, won the Eugene Marathon on Sunday morning in a personal-best time of 2 hours, 35 minutes, 44 seconds. Her time was the second best for a woman in the 12-year history of the event.  She beat the second-place woman (Becki Spellman of Ohio) by more than six minutes. Only six of the more than 800 male runners were faster than Landau. Landau's time earned the top qualifying standard for the 2020 Olympic Trials in Atlanta.  Eugene's historic Hayward Field seemed like a fitting place for Landau to accomplish this goal. It was there in 1996, that she finished second in the 10,000-meter race and sixth in the 5,000 at the NCAA championships while running for Georgetown. She went on to compete at the trials for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.  (04/30/2018) ⚡AMP

Five family members coming together to run the One America 500 Festival Mini Marathon

"One day (four years ago) we were up with my grandparents in Michigan and I just decided I wanted to go out for a run," said 14-year-old Gabe Lingenfelter.  28 races later, he hasn't stopped. He never lacks for encouragement. Kris, his mom, is a serious runner too, as is his grandfather. He's been running the mini marathon for years. You might say it's in the family DNA. When the Lingenfelters showed up for the OneAmerica 500 Mini three years ago, they showed up three generations strong. "The first year that Gabe and my dad and I all ran it, it was really neat. We had a sign that said three generations of mini runners and that was kind of a special thing to see, my dad there running it with my son," said Kris. This year, they add more family members to the race. Kris' 11-year-old daughter Bella made a pact to run the mini with her grandmother. "Last year we did the 5K together, and this year when she said she wanted to do the mini," Bella said. "I decided I would do it with her as well." If you're keeping track, that makes five family members coming together for the One America 500 Festival Mini Marathon. "I don't know too many 14 and 11 year olds who want to go out and run 13 miles with their mom and grandparents," Kris said. "They're quite special kids." And they're building a bond that goes far beyond the first Saturday in May. (04/30/2018) ⚡AMP
by John Stehr/ 13 WTHR

Nicole’s daughter could run six miles faster than she could walk 3/4 of a mile, that prompted her to lose 92 pounds

Nicole Klan used to enjoy cheering on her children and husband as they competed in cross country, track and field and road races. On Sunday, however, Klan will lace up her running shoes and run in the half-marathon at the Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon. It will be the second half-marathon Klan has completed in the year and four months since she tackled a weight-loss program on which she has lost 92 pounds. “I’ve tried literally everything to lose weight, multiple times,” said Klan, 47.  But a turning point came in October 2016, when Klan traveled to Columbus, Ohio, to watch her daughter, Tricia, compete in the Columbus half-marathon. In the time it took Klan to walk three-quarters of a mile to see Tricia at mile 6, her daughter had already passed that point. “She was faster running six miles than I was walking three-quarters of a mile, and then after walking there and back I couldn’t walk for three days,” said Klan. She also had grown concerned about her health – her blood pressure and cholesterol levels were high. On Jan. 7, 2017, Klan walked into a Weight Watchers meeting, committed to losing weight. She was shocked when she stepped on the scale and saw she weighed 255 pounds. There, one of the instructors told her she would be more successful if she participated in a physical activity she enjoyed. “All of my family members are runners – my dad ran his first marathon at 60 and they always seem like they’re having a good time, so I thought I’d give it a try."  She began walking, and when she was able to walk 45 minutes without pain, she started Couch to 5K, a program designed to help beginner runners run a 5K in nine weeks. It took Klan a little longer – five months – but in July 2017 she completed the Whiskey Rebellion Run/Walk. (04/30/2018) ⚡AMP
by Karen Mansfield/ Observer-Reporter

Let's understand how fast 18-year-old Phonex Kipruto ran today in Central Park

From the starting horn at the 14th UAE Healthy Kidney 10K run in Central Park in New York City today April 29, two runners—Kenyan training partners Rhonex Kipruto and Mathew Kimeli—set off to chase the bonus prize money, in addition to competing for the $10,000 first-place prize.

Passing the 5K split in approximately 13:39, the two were on track to break the event record, and they would only pick up the pace from there. 

On the fourth mile, the 18-year-old Kipruto began to pull away from Kimeli, and he reached the 8-kilometer checkpoint in a world-best time of 21:45, breaking the previous mark by 17 seconds. Kipruto would then lower the UAE Healthy Kidney 10K event record by 27 seconds, crossing the finish line in 27:08; that time is also the fastest in the world this year to date, the fastest road 10K ever run in the United States on a record-eligible course, and the seventh-fastest road 10K of all-time (also on a record-eligible course). Kimeli would finish second in 27:19. 

This is a New York Road Runners event.  Prior to this race, Phonex finished 3rd at the Birell 10K last September in Prague clocking 27:13.

(04/29/2018) ⚡AMP

The first High School Runner to run a sub four minute mile in 1964, Jim Ryun is 71 today

DID YOU KNOW:  Today is Jim Ryun’s 71st birthday.  Jim was the first prep runner to run a sub-4:00 mile which he did in 1964 in 3:59.0. His 1965 time of 3:55.3 stood as a high school record for 36 years. A three-time Olympian in 1964, 1968 and 1972, Jim won the Silver Medal in the 1968 Olympic 1,500 meters in Mexico City, set World Records in 1966 of 1:44.9 for 880 yards (1:44.3 for 800m en route) and the mile (3:51.1). In 1967 he set World Records of 880 yards indoors (1:48.3), mile (3:51.1) and 1,500 meters (3:33.1), he tied Tom O’Hara’s indoor mile WR of 3:56.4 in 1971, was five-time NCAA champion at the University of Kansas, at Wichita East High School was three-time Kansas State mile champion, was 1966 Sports Illustrated ‘Sportsman of the Year’, 1966 Sullivan Award honoree, 1966 ABC's Wide World of Sports Athlete of the Year, and Track and Field News 1966 and 1967 Athlete of the Year.  Jim was one of my heroes that got me started running in 1973 and remains one of my heroes.  Last summer Jim was awesome to be my milestone 100th interviewee at Gary Cohen Running. (Click on link to read the interview.) (04/29/2018) ⚡AMP
by Gary Cohen