Running News Daily

Bobbi Gibb’s entry was not accepted but Fifty Two years Later over 12,000 woman will be running

In February of 1966, Bobbi Gibb received a letter in her mailbox from the organizers of the Boston Marathon. She expected to find her competition number inside the package. Instead she found herself reading a disqualifying letter. It stated that women are “not physiologically able to run a marathon.” The Amateur Athletics Union prohibited women from running farther than 1.5 miles, and the organizers just couldn’t “take the liability” of having her compete. Refusing to take no for an answer, two months later the 23-year-old hid in a forsythia bush near the marathon start line. Disguising herself in a hoodie and her brother’s Bermuda shorts, she joined the field once half the men had already started running. Her identity was soon obvious, but she only received encouragement, spectators yelling, “Way to go, girlie!” Three hours, 21 minutes, and 40 seconds later, Gibb tore through the finish line ahead of two-thirds of the male competitors. (03/18/2018) ⚡AMP

Jake and Zane Robertson are the world’s Fastest Twins in the Half Marathon

Jake and Zane Robertson moved from New Zealand to Kenya to live and train ten years ago. When they arrived they found it very hard but then they found Shaheen [world record holder in steeplechase] training in Iten.

He heard their story and said, “That’s a poor life. Tomorrow I’ll get you a house next to me. You’re on me in Iten.” They moved to Iten with Shaheen’s training group. He didn’t charge then rent.

The twins lived, ate and trained like the Kenyans, who run 2-3 times a day six days per week. Running is the number one most important thing for most Kenyan runners.

Did this change of life help them become two of the fastest runners in the world? They think so. Jake has run two 1:00:01 half marathons and Zane has run 59:47.

Looks like their life in Kenya is working for them. Jake is running the Cresent City Classic 10K March 31...going for a repeat win.

Photo: Jake Robertson training in Kenya

(03/18/2018) ⚡AMP

Japan’s Yuki Kawauchi is very versatile winning marathons in both Cold and Hot conditions

Yuki Kawauchi won the New Taipei City Wan Jin Shi Marathon, an IAAF Silver Label road race, on Sunday. It was 75 degrees and 85% humidity so running a good time became less important than winning. However, Yuki clocked 2:14:12, identical to the time he ran in this race two years ago, but this time he was the first across the line. Yuki lead from the gun, opening with a nine-second lead after five kilometers, he extended it to 37 seconds at the 10K point before reaching the midway point in 1:04:44, more than two minutes clear of his nearest pursuer, Kenyan Johnstone Maiyo. Maiyo made up some of that ground in the second half, but couldn't challenge Kawauchi, who went on to win by 28 seconds. Maiyo clocked 2:14:40 in second with Aredom Degefa of Ethiopia third in 2:14:54. The heat and high humidity slowed everyone down the second half. Normally Yuki runs negative splits but not Sunday. "I was the runner-up in 2016, so this time I really wanted to win the title,” said Kawauchi, who clocked his 2:08:14 lifetime best in Seoul in 2013. (03/18/2018) ⚡AMP

Ben True is the first American to ever win the NY City Half Marathon

Ben True out sprints Dathan Ritzenhein to win the United Airlines New York City Half Marathon this morning. Running his first half marathon Ben posted a 1:02:39 beating 35-year-old Ritzenhein who finished three seconds back.

True said after the race that he questioned whether he could hang with Ritzenhein after the 35-year-old made his move. It wasn’t until the last mile of the race when True, 32, felt confident that he could prevail.

“When Dathan pulled away, probably around mile 10, I wasn’t quite sure I was going to be able to reel him back in,” True said.

“And even when I started reeling him back in, I didn’t know if I was then going to be able to get around him. It really wasn’t until the very end that I was like, ‘All right, I can get this.’”

The real challenge of the day was the weather, 29 degrees and headwinds up to 14mph. The women’s race was also a sprint to the finish. Ethiopian Buze Diriba (1:12:23) out kicking America’s Emily Sisson by just one second.

True's first place finish in the men's open division represents the first time an American man won the open division in the event's history.

(03/18/2018) ⚡AMP

Here are the Best Poles for Trail and Ultrarunning

Poles have long been considered essential equipment by many backpackers, but runners have been slower to adopt them. The value of poles in an ultra depends on several things: Individual fitness, Course length, Amount of vertical climbing, and if the course is rough and tough. Here are some poles that are good: 1. Black Diamond Carbon Z (10 oz; $160), 2. CAMP Xenon 4 (10 oz; $110), 3. RaidLight Compact Folding Carbon (12 oz; $150) These models pack down much smaller and are therefore less clumsy to carry. (03/18/2018) ⚡AMP

It has to be hard to stop but at times it is the best decision

Wow- did she battle! Camille Herron decided to stop at Hour 11 after persistent stomach issues would not subside- even after running through them for over an hour. There will be other 24 Hour races! But still nine Hours of sub 8 minute miles on the track was incredible to watch. (03/17/2018) ⚡AMP

Yuki Kawauchi targeting course record in New Taipei City and his 27th sub 2:12

When Yuki Kawauchi last raced the New Taipei City Wan Jin Shi Marathon, it took a course record to beat him. That was two years ago. The prolific racer from Japan will return to the IAAF Silver Label road race seeking not only victory but an improvement on the course record on Sunday (18). The 31-year-old, who has won more than 30 international marathons, has a best of 2:08:14. In New Taipei City in 2016 he was beaten by Kenya’s William Chebor, who clocked a course record of 2:13:05 to Kawauchi’s 2:14:12. Since then, Kawauchi has gone on to win several other marathons and place ninth at last year’s World Championships. This will be his third marathon of the year, following victories in Massachusetts in January and Kitakyushu last month. (03/17/2018) ⚡AMP

2:05:47 Marathoner Marius Kimutai going for his 7th major win at Seoul Marathon

Marius Kimutai will line up for the Seoul Marathon with the aim of achieving his third successive victory over 26.2 miles, but the Kenyan faces a tough challenge. Since setting his PB of 2:05:47 in Amsterdam in 2016, Kimutai won both of his marathons last year, clocking 2:06:04 in Rotterdam and 2:08:33 in Ljubljana. In between those runs, he also set a half marathon PB of 1:00:07. For what can often be an unpredictable event, the 26-year-old has an impressively consistent record at the marathon distance. He has finished on the podium at 11 of his 12 marathons to date, winning six of those races. (03/17/2018) ⚡AMP

The love and support of 100-year-old Orville Rogers family is what keeps him Going

100-year-old Orville Rogers set a new age group record in the men's 60m in 19.13 at USATF Masters Indoor Championships today. He has set many world records including running 2:17.45 400m when he was 95....Orville has been a runner for the last 50 years, and he wasn’t going to change that on his 100th birthday. He and his family ran a combined 100 miles-- to celebrate every year of the his life. Rogers has had quite the journey, serving in World War II, running marathons, and even writing a book about his life and secrets to success. However, it’s his four kids, 14 grandkids, and 11 great grandkids that are his true legacy. “Oh my, it's overwhelming, I am so grateful, God has been so good to me, especially with family members.” It’s the love and support of his family that keeps him going. (03/17/2018) ⚡AMP

It’s a pity the half marathon is not an Olympic Event says four time world record holder Elana Meyer

South Africa’s Elana Meyer was a pioneer of the half marathon. She set four world records for the distance, and in 1994 she became the first African woman to win a world half marathon title. Meyer’s deep-rooted passion for the half marathon distance began early. At age 13 Elana ran her first half marathon. Describing herself as “unprepared”, she nonetheless ran a hugely impressive 1:27. Meyer emerged on the global scene at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics when she became the poster-girl of a new post-apartheid era for South Africa. The image of her as the Olympic 10,000m silver medallist hand-in-hand with gold medallist Derartu Tulu remains one of the most symbolic athletics images of its time. But her favorite event was the half marathon. In 1999 Meyer arguably achieved the high point of her career when setting a world half marathon record of 1:06:44 in Tokyo. Meyer (now 51) retired in 2004 at the age of 37. Today a mother-of-two, Christopher, 10, and Ené, 7, she can look back on a proud and accomplished endurance career which brought success on all surfaces and at a range of distances. But there is no doubt what was her favorite distance. “Of all the events, the half marathon was the one which came easiest to me,” says Meyer. “It’s a pity the half marathon wasn’t an Olympic event.” (03/17/2018) ⚡AMP

How to Get Adidas’ Limited-Edition Adizero Trainers in Time for Boston

The completely redesigned Adizero Boston 7 is here — just in time for the 2018 Boston Marathon, on April 16. Adidas’ new limited-edition sneaker takes stylistic cues from the Adizero Adios, adding lightweight support along with its signature Boost technology. The redesigned Adizero Boston 7 is set to release on March 23 at Adidas.com as well as the Boston Marathon Adidas RunBase at the John Hancock Sports & Fitness Expo on April 13 for a retail price tag of $120. Additional shoe colors will be available in June. Along with the shoe, Adidas, the BAA and The Woolmark Co. have teamed up to create replicas of their Best in Class tee, made up of 75 percent Merino wool and 25 percent nylon, which can also be purchased on April 13 at the RunBase for $100. (03/17/2018) ⚡AMP

The best Half Marathon time in the last 12-months on US soil is 1:00:04. Can that change Sunday?

Kenyan Olympic 5000m champion Vivian Cheruiyot said that she expects to run a fast time at the New York Half marathon on Sunday. The elite men's field looks strong. Kenyans Wilson Chebet (59:15) and Stephen Sambu (60:41), Ethiopia's Teshome Mekonnen (60:27) with Dathan Ritzenhein (60:00), Abdi Abdirahman (60:29) leading the American charge and also Ben True who will be running his first half. But it is the women's race that has the real top names. Cheruiyot, 34, is stepping up her campaign in marathon after graduating from the track competition and will be using the race in New York as part of her preparations for the London marathon on April 22. "It is always a pleasure to race against some of the world's best runners because it brings out the best in you. I know the organizers in New York have assembled a big team of elite runners and I am excited to run the New York Half Marathon this Sunday,” she said before her departure on Thursday night. She will face Ethiopians Mamitu Daska and Buze Diriba and her compatriot Betsy Saina. (03/16/2018) ⚡AMP

Camille Herron will burn over 20,400 calories on her 24-Hour record attempt

Have you ever wonder what Camille Herron eats before attempting to break the World 24-hour Record tommorow in Oklahoma. During the 24 hour event she will burn over 20,400 calories. She posted this on FB, “Conor cooks a lot of Irish food, but this feels a little extra special! I ate fried catfish w/okra and potatoes before TH100 and chocolate chip pancakes before DS, plus my usual Taco Bell and Subway! Whatever floats your boat! “. Good luck Camille this weekend. (03/16/2018) ⚡AMP

This new Bullet train is faster, has more features and will be operational for 2020 Toyko Olympics

Just in time for the 2020 Toyko Olympics the Shinkansen Supreme is not some new street-style collaboration. It's a new, sleeker, lighter, more eco-friendly Japanese high-speed train that will start running test routes between Tokyo and Osaka later this month. The train—which will run on the Tokaido Shinkansen Line, the most popular bullet train line in Japan, Inside the train, passengers in all seats will have access to outlets to charge their devices on the two-and-a-half-hour train ride (compared to a six-hour drive). Lights have also been added to luggage racks, and will illuminate when the train stops to remind passengers of their bags left above. (03/16/2018) ⚡AMP

Athletes declare that they “learned so much” about themselves in the course of these events says Eva Holland

The Montane Yukon Arctic Ultra is billed as the world’s coldest and toughest ultramarathon. When I signed up for the 2018 race, I expected the race to end like this. I travel across 100 miles of frozen, snow-packed trail through the Yukon wilderness, towing a sled loaded with everything I need to survive. I arrive, exhausted but elated, at the finish line; my friends greet me there with a cold beer. I kneel, pull down my frost-covered balaclava to kiss the finish-line banner, and can barely stand up again afterwards. I was in the best shape of my life; my winter-travel systems had been well and truly stress-tested. And I understood, now, why the racers I’d interviewed four years earlier kept coming back for more punishment, even if they hadn’t been able to articulate it to me then. I’d always have the memories of that giant moon swinging above me as I traveled up the frozen Takhini. But, had my frostbitten fingers not thwarted me, could I have finished? I still didn’t have the answer to my question, the riddle of the finish line and the failure. I still don’t. The only way to find out, I suppose, is to try again. (03/16/2018) ⚡AMP

Poland’s Gdynia Half Marathon is already in the lime light in just three years

The third annual Gdynia Half Marathon has Hillary Maiyo and last year’s runner-up Christine Oigo on the starting line. This year’s race took on new significance after Gdynia was chosen to host the 2020 IAAF World Half Marathon Championships. A field of nearly 7000 runners will be competing. The race may not have a long history, but Maiyo has already become a repeat winner, taking victories in both 2016 and 2017, the former in a course record of 1:02:41. In recent years, the Kenyan has raced prolifically in Poland, with more than a dozen half marathon victories, including six in 2017 alone (with two of them coming on consecutive days). Poland's Marcin Chabowski will be hoping to keep pace with the leading contenders. The 2005 European U20 steeplechase champion has in recent years been Poland's top half marathon specialist. While his best of 1:02:26 dates back to 2011, he has been successful over the distance more recently with a fourth-place finish at the 2016 European Championships and wins in Poznan and Warsaw last year. (03/16/2018) ⚡AMP

Kenyan runners are set to dominate the LA Marathon Again

Champions from the last three years are set to compete, eyeing to set fast times and beat the standing course record of 2:06:35 set in 2011 by Markos Geneti. The 2017 winner Elisha Barno, Weldon Kirui, who won in 2016 and the 2015 champ Daniel Limo all from Kenya will be the men to beat as they return to put claim to the title and test their experience against a deep international field. "It was a good run last year and looking at the rivals I have against me this time round, I need to be on top form to be able to retain the medal. We will see how the race progress after the 30km mark and decide if I will need to push for fast time," Barno said on Friday. The Kenyans will be seeking to dominate the Los Angeles marathon for the 15th time. Last year, Barno clocked 2:11:53 after battling with Daniel Limo for most of the race. Limo finished 24 seconds behind Barno, while Wily Koitile was the third Kenyan on the podium. (03/16/2018) ⚡AMP

Chris Zablocki has trees for teammates yet he has won 19 of 47 marathons he has run

One of the fastest American marathon runners right now is a 29-year-old doctor in rural Connecticut who doesn’t have a coach, doesn’t have a sponsor and doesn’t run with a watch. He trains alone, as long as feels right, with “only the trees for teammates,” he says. In the past seven years he has raced 47 marathons, winning 19 of them. “I just go as long as I can before my legs get too heavy and my head gets in a haze,” said Chris Zablocki, the best marathoner most elite marathoners have never heard of. Zablocki is the rare athlete who is able to pull off quality races in astounding quantities, emerging as a maverick of the American distance running scene. Zablocki’s strategies are indisputably extreme: he once ran three marathons in three countries in three weekends, winning or medaling in all. And he keeps getting faster: He ran his best marathon ever last December, a 2:13:45. It was the 19th fastest time in the United States in 2017 — and his 11th marathon that year. (03/16/2018) ⚡AMP

These are the three signs of runner's “shoe death”

It is important that runners do not run in worn-out shoes. The cause of many injuries is shoe related. Here are signs your shoes are showing signs of "Shoe Death" 1) Look at the top of your shoe when it's not on your foot If the upper looks exactly like your own foot without being in the shoe, the material is worn in, or it’s not bouncing back the way it should, that’s your first sign. 2. Flip the shoe over and look at the medial side of the shoe. If there are cracks or fissures perpendicular to the tooling, or the midsole isn’t rebounding as it once did, that’s your second sign. 3.Hold the shoe five inches above a hardwood surface and drop it. If it rocks back and forth or front to back from a gentle drop for more than half a second, that’s a sign the cushioning isn’t bouncing back the way it once was. The shoe has probably started to depress, and can alter your biomechanical form...If your shoes don’t pass the test, you need to buy a new pair or better yet get two pairs and alternate wearing them. (03/16/2018) ⚡AMP

Mary Keitany wants the world marathon record and $500,000 in five weeks

Kenya’s Mary Keitany will have her work cut out for her when she lines up for the London marathon in April. The Kenyan, who was second at the New York marathon, has already announced her intent to shatter Paula Radcliffe's world record of two hours, 15 minutes and 25 seconds, which she set at the London event in 2003. However, she also has another target of firming her grip on the women's World Marathon Majors (WMM) leaderboard, which will see the winner walk away with 500,000 U.S. dollars. "I have raced before in London and the crowd supported me. I hope they will be behind me in my challenge and help drive me on to achieve something incredible in London," said Keitany. “I want to make my family proud,” Mary said yesterday. Training with her husband/coach Charles in Iten, Kenya. (03/15/2018) ⚡AMP

I told my training partner 10 years ago, I'll never run an ultra says Camille Herron

Camille Herron is going after the 24 Hour World Record starting Saturday March 17 at the Lhotse 24 Hour Endurance Run at the Owasso High School Track in Owasso, Oklahoma. The current record is 161.55 miles. Camille shattered the 100 mile world record last November in Illinois with a time of 12 hours, 42 minutes and 40 seconds (7:38/mile pace) On March 7 Camille posted this on FB, "I clearly remember telling my training partner 10 yrs ago, “I’ll never run an ultra! Those sound bad for your body!” In 2017 she won the Comrades Marathon (89K). She is simply an amazing ultra runner... Thanks Brian Hoover (03/15/2018) ⚡AMP

Lottie Bildirici a cancer survivor ten years in remission just recently told the world

Lottie Bildirici is a tri-athlete, a health coach, a chef, a cooking show host, recipe developer and blogger. Lottie Bildirici recently revealed to her 68,000 followers, she's a cancer survivor. “I was diagnosed with stage 3 Hodgkins lymphoma when I was 14 years old," she said, adding that she is ten years in remission. Lottie marked the decade by deciding to speak out about overcoming cancer. She's running the United Airlines Half Marathon this weekend to raise money with Team in Training. As a teenager she endured chemotherapy and radiation and then turned to clean eating and strength conditioning to stay healthy inside and out. "Simple is best, whole food, nothing processed, no white sugar, no white flour so it's really back to the basics." But it's through her fundraising for leukemia and lymphoma research where Lottie hopes to make a difference.. (03/15/2018) ⚡AMP
Inspirational Stories

Time marches on but I just keep going says 102-year-old Ida Keeling

Ida Keeling is just 4-foot-6, weighs 83 pound and is 102-years-old. Ida rides an exercise bike, lifts weights, and runs up and down the hallways of her apartment building or on a treadmill.

Her daughter, Shelley, is the one who actually got her to start running – at the age of sixty-seven after some incredible hardships. They ran a 5K that year and Ida says, "I thought that race was never going to end...however I felt so good (afterward) and have been running ever since."

In 2011 she set a 60 meters world record of 29.86 seconds in her 95 year-old age group. At 99-years-old (in 2014), Ida set the fastest known time for a woman of her age in the 100-meter-dash posting 59.80. In 2016: 100-year-old Ida Keeling became the first woman in history to complete the 100-meter dash in one minute 17 seconds. Shelley could not be prouder of her mother.

“The biggest thing with my mom," says Shelley, "is that she never lets anything get her down. If somebody said to her, ‘I’m going to put you in a box and you’re never going to get out,’ she’s say, ‘Just you wait.’”

“You see so many older people just sitting around," says Ida, "well, that’s not me. Time marches on, but I keep going.”

(03/15/2018) ⚡AMP
Inspirational Stories

Run Faster by Adding Strength Training to Your Regimen like Mo Farah

A comprehensive research review finds that "neuromuscular" gains boost your speed and efficiency, in the wake of Mo Farah’s stunning double gold-medal performance at the 2012 London Olympics, running fans were eager to learn the secret. How had he gone from also-ran to champion after joining Alberto Salazar’s Nike training group in Oregon? One answer is that he hit the weight room with a vengeance. “Now he is not just a skinny guy, he’s a strong wiry guy,” Salazar told the Guardian’s Sean Ingle in 2013. “And he’s not gained more than a pound or two despite lifting heavy weights for power. People have always thought distance runners should lift light. Don’t you believe it.” (03/15/2018) ⚡AMP

The Boston Marathon is unlike any other in the world..the energy indescribable

There is a reason everyone wants to run Boston says Diana Linn... Boston Marathon is unlike any other in the world. The city is electric, the energy indescribable. It is the oldest marathon in the country and to be apart of that is nothing short of amazing. I have the extreme privilege of running the Boston Marathon on behalf of the amazing organization Hoops and Homework! Hoops and homework is a local, non-profit organization that provides support to at-risk kids in the Framingham, Mass. area. Everything from food, clothing, academic tutors, athletic coaches, emotional guidance, a safe harbor for our children! I first started running when we moved to Boston seven years ago. I watched the Boston Marathon and was so drawn to the energy I started running myself. (03/15/2018) ⚡AMP

Kristen Laubner suffered a stroke in 2010 and running Boston to help others

Kristen Laubner suffered a stroke in 2010 at age 35, just two weeks after delivering her second daughter. Fortunately, she has no lasting impact from the stroke, but they still don’t know what caused it. It took Laubner a few years to trust her body enough to start running again, and she is now taking on the Boston Marathon. The North Andover Mass. resident will run Boston as a member of “Tedy’s Team,” led by retired New England Patriot and stroke survivor Tedy Bruschi, to raise money for the American Stroke Association. (03/14/2018) ⚡AMP
Inspirational Stories

Seb Coe may need to make tough decisions that don’t favor Nike, then What?

“No conflict of interest as far as I'm concerned,” says Carla van Kampen in response to Nike naming a building in Seb Coe’s name. “Coe was one of the greatest runners of all time (800/1500),” Carla continued.

“If Coe shows any favoritism towards Nike in the future, well then that's something else. I met Coe a couple of years ago while he was in Rome for the World Race Walking Championships before the Rio Olympics, and he was a class act, so engaged and friendly.”

Bob Anderson, the founder and publisher of Runner’s World for 18 years (1966-1984) and now MBR answered, “I agree, Lord Seb Coe is a class act. But if he needs to make some decisions on matters that does not favor Nike, he needs to be able to do this without Nike retaliating.

"Many years ago when we published that, at the time, Brooks made a better shoe in our shoe issue, Nike retaliated by not attacking RW (since everyone loved our magazine) but Nike attacked me.

"They sent out a press release to all their dealers questioning my integrity and then pulled out one million dollars of advertising.

"They were our largest advertiser but we published the shoe ranking results in the order as our Penn State lab presented them to us. (Nike's action caused the FTC to do an investigation. After a year or so they announced no company was favored unfairly.) What is important now is that the IAAF runs our sport not Nike. However, Nike’s support (just like their support of RW from 1966 to 1980) is very valuable to our sport. It is a fine line.” Bob says.

(03/14/2018) ⚡AMP
by Bob Anderson

Shaun Bacon, 54, training for fifth Marathon des Sable in Sahara Desert

Slogging through the sand with a 6.5kg pack on his back is “a night off” for marathon man Shaun Bacon. The Frankston teacher, 54, is in the final stages of training for his fifth Marathon des Sables. Regarded as the Olympics of the ultra-marathon, the 251km event is the equivalent distance of six regular marathons. And it’s held in southern Morocco in the Sahara Desert with temperatures ranging from -2C at night up to 47C during the day. “I do a lot of training on the sand at Frankston beach. It might look hard, but I’m only uncomfortable for less than an hour,” he said. He is hoping to finish in the top 100 at the April 6-16 event. “Finishing is a no-brainer for me — I don’t even consider any other outcome — but I would like a top 100 place,” he said. (03/14/2018) ⚡AMP

Jen French Wins lottery to run 2018 New York City Marathon

Running is Jen French’s escape. The 34-year-old mother of two, and a runner for the past 11 years, treats the activity as “me” time — time to be alone, and time to think. Her decision to register for the New York City Marathon was a gamble. Every year a lottery is held and just four to five thousand runners are selected from more than 120,000 entries. “It’s really exciting,” she said. “It’s the biggest marathon in the world and the hardest one to get in to...They ask you some questions (through email) like why you like running, how many marathons you’ve done, your times and what your goals are for this year. You kind of just send it off and you hope for the best.” On Feb. 28, French got an e-mail notifying her she’d been accepted. French’s passion for running began after she had her first child 11 years ago. She started off with short distances just as a way to get out of the house for some time to herself. That’s when she got hooked. “When I start to run harder and deeper into the loneliness, further away from the world and busyness, structure and routine of life I being to feel strangely elated, detached and, at the same time, connected,” she described. “More connected to my body — it helps me realize the simplicity of life and gain perspective. Everything that seems overwhelming in a day is more manageable after a good run.” (03/14/2018) ⚡AMP

Knoxville marathon mom qualifies for 2020 Olympic trials while juggling family obligations

Gina Rouse runs her kids from place to place, runs her household and runs 100-plus miles every week. This marathon mom puts in the work, and it has paid off in a big way. Not only has Gina Rouse been the top female in the last two Covenant Health Knoxville Marathons, she also recently qualified for the Olympic trials for the 2020 Tokyo Summer Games. Running is in Gina's blood. I really found a connection to running and teammates and chasing goals," she said. "It wasn't until after having kids that I tried the marathon," the mother of three said. "After that I was hooked so with each subsequent kid we've had I've just gotten more and more competitive and that drive has just continued." It turns out, marathons are her thing! Not only has she won the last two Covenant Health Knoxville Marathons in the female category, she also recently qualified for the 2020 Olympic Marathon trials. This kind of success takes dedication, especially while juggling family obligations. (03/14/2018) ⚡AMP

Ultra Runners Attempt Record on 870-Mile Himalaya Trail

Ryan Sandes and his running partner, Ryno Griesel, find themselves ahead of the current fastest known time on the Great Himalaya Trail. On Feb. 28, the duo set off to best Andrew Porter’s 28-day FKT on the Great Himalaya Trail (GHT). The trail presents a Cannonball Run of sorts through an amalgam of various trails connecting the upper (GHT High) and middle (GHT Cultural) routes. According to the pair’s live tracker, they are 84 km ahead pace at the 209-hour mark. At this moment, Sandes and Griesel are 421 km into the 1,400-km attempt (about 261 of 870 miles). They will only stay in local lodges and inns. And according to production company Wandering Fever‘s documentation of the attempt, Sandes and Griesel will be “completely dependent on [the Nepali people] for food and shelter.” This has to be one of the toughest ultras. (03/13/2018) ⚡AMP
Epic Running Adventures

Claire Lomas wants to finish the Greater Manchester Marathon in 10 days

Paralysed from the chest down Claire Lomas will walk the Greater Manchester Marathon with the help of a ‘robotic suit’... and she reckons it will take her up to 10 days.

Inspirational Claire Lomas will take on the 26.2 mile course on April 8 along with thousands of runners. The 37-year-old was injured in a freak horse riding accident in 2007, which affected her spine and left her paralysed. Since then, Claire has set about inspiring others by taking on endurance events.

She has raised more than $700,000 for research into spinal cord injuries. Claire completed the London Marathon in 2012, finishing in 17 days. She is now preparing to take on the Greater Manchester marathon - and hope to finish seven days quicker.

(03/13/2018) ⚡AMP

Is there a conflict of interest - Nike just dedicated a building to Sebastian Coe

Yesterday Nike dedicated a building on their Global Campus to Sebastian Coe. A little more than three years ago Coe severed his ties with Nike. The Nike Oregon Project is still part of an on going doping investigation, but the sportswear giant announced they would name a new building after the president of the IAAF on the same Nike Campus where Alberto Salazar coaches. In November 2015, Coe terminated his agreement as a $140,000-a-year ambassador for Nike in the face of accusations that a conflict of interest existed over the controversial award of the 2021 athletics World Championships to Eugene, Oregon. Maybe Nike named a building in his name because of what he did as an athlete? Sebastian Coe is a two time Olympic gold medalist (1,500 meters, 1980, 1984) and Olympic silver medalist (1980, 1984, silver medalist 800 meters). Very impressive and of course he is the current President of the IAAF. (03/13/2018) ⚡AMP

Nesbitt will make her Commonwealth Games debut for Wales

Welsh half marathon champion Jenny Nesbitt will join a talented group of welsh women’s distance runners in Australia, that includes Eli Kirk, Caryl Jones and Melissa Courtney. “I couldn’t believe it when I was told that I’d been selected, and I am just so, so happy to be given the opportunity to represent Wales on the Gold Coast,” said the Worcester based athlete after receiving the last minute selection last week. Following the last minute call-up to Gold Coast 2018, Nesbitt will fly out to Australia on Monday for the Commonwealth Games. Her best Half Marathon is 1:12:54. (03/13/2018) ⚡AMP

Is Todd Williams 15k American Record he set in 1995 unbreakable?

Todd Williams ran the Gate River Run in 1995. His crowning achievement, is a still-standing American Record of 42:22 for the win. By 5k he was at 13:47; he came through 10k at 28:07. This split — in a non-paced, solo road effort — was less than 30 second slower than his fastest track 10,000m at the time. And that was with another 5k and a monster hill to go. He finished with a new American Record 42:22, Williams was only about 8 seconds off of Paul Tergat’s world record at the time. That’s lofty company to be in. In fact, this record remains one of the more untouchable American distance records today. In 1993 he ran a 60:11 Half Marathon in Tokyo. The retired professional runner personal bests are 13:19.50 5000m and 27:31.34 10,000m. He ran his marathon best of 2:11:17 in the 1997 Chicago Marathon. (03/13/2018) ⚡AMP

Kenyan Geofrey Kamworor will be the man to beat at World Half Championships

Kenyan star Geoffrey Kamworor will be running the IAAF World Half Marathon Championships in Valencia March 24. The long-legged Kenyan has, arguably, proved the most versatile distance runner of his generation. Besides his twin success at the biennial World Half Marathon Championships he has also scooped back-to-back World Cross Country titles, claimed 2015 world silver on the track over 10,000m and proved a formidable competitor over 42.2km as evidenced by his victory in November’s New York City Marathon... “I have run 58 minutes for the half-marathon, I always believe in myself. I am focused and want to win,” he says. Boasting an impressive half-marathon record of eight wins and three second places from 12 international races over the distance, Geofrey will be the man to beat in Valencia later this month. (03/13/2018) ⚡AMP

How come you think everything is funny? Just seems funny to me!

"I can always count on Gary Fanelli Sr. to see the humor in my FB posts," says Bob Anderson. "It is refreshing." I asked him about this.

He says, "Growing up I had an unusually keen sense of humor... it runs in my family on my Mom's side aka Irish wit . I saw humor in just about everything. It got me in trouble in school. Sometimes my Mom would ask "Gary, how come you think everything is funny?"

I'd answer "Well I don't know, it just seems funny to me." He was one of the first to wear a costume in a race. After running 25 flat in a five mile race as Elwood Blues his next stop was the New York City Marathon.

He said, "Fred Lebow liked the idea...The reaction at NYC was fabulous... I enjoyed so much running races as Elwood Blues.

"I felt I was truly entertaining people." Gary started racing in 1961 as a 10 year old in the Philadelphia area. Gary kept on running until he reached World Class level.

He participated in two US Olympic Marathon Trials and has a marathon best of 2:14:15 set in 1980 in Montreal.

(03/12/2018) ⚡AMP

A Chance Encounter with Rupp and Salazar on a Roman Holiday

Carla van Kampen posted this Saturday on FB, "Had a chance encounter with lifelong running idol, the great Alberto Salazar and his Olympic silver and bronze medal athlete Galen Rupp! Galen had just finished an easy three mile run and was doing exercises as Salazar showed up from his two mile run.

After a quick dash into their hotel to get a change of sneakers for Galen for his 100 meter strides, Salazar measured the distance by his steps and used a broken pair of glasses on the road as his marker.

Salazar told him to run them in 14 seconds.....and Galen did just that." ...The next day Galen ran the second fastest Half Marathon ever run by an American...59:47.

(03/12/2018) ⚡AMP
by Carla van Kampen (in Rome)

Mother-of-four to undertake the ultramarathon across Sahara Desert

A mother-of-four will undertake one of the toughest physical challenges of her life when she tackles a 251-kilometre ultramarathon this April. Sabrina Humphreys, 40, has signed up for the notoriously Marathon Des Sables which takes place in southern Morocco. She will run for six days across the baking hot Sahara Desert with the event taking place from April 6 to 16. The race is completely self-sufficient and is become known as the "toughest foot race on Earth." Sabrina will be running in aid of Allsorts, a Gloucestershire-based (UK) charity that gives support to families who have children with disabilities. This charity is very close to Sabrina’s heart as her niece Destiny, eight, and nephew Kyle, 15, have varying forms of Autism Spectrum Disorder. (03/12/2018) ⚡AMP

Is the 2021 World Championship going to be in Track Town USA?

USA Track and Field has placed its president, Vin Lananna, on temporary leave to avoid potential conflict of interest concerns over an investigation into the awarding of the 2021 world championships to Eugene, Oregon. The Department of Justice is investigating possible racketeering, money laundering and fraud charges related to the awarding of both the Eugene championships and the 2019 championships to Doha, Qatar. Lananna has long served as president of TrackTown USA, the nonprofit that hosts events in Eugene. He led Eugene's efforts to land the championships, which were awarded without a bid process. USATF chairman Steve Miller said nobody at the federation believes Lananna committed wrongdoing, but the move was made to avoid any appearance of conflict of interest. On March 8th the IAAF says there might be a scheduling issue in Eugene to hold the World Championships there, the first time in the US. Stay tuned... (03/12/2018) ⚡AMP

Only 32 people have finished the Arctic Ultra Race Ever

Romanian endurance athlete Tibi Useriu has “a commanding lead” in this year’s Arctic Ultra, one of the toughest ultra-marathons in the world. Useriu won the Arctic Ultra in 2016 and 2017 and is now the only Romanian still competing in the race, after Avram Iancu, Polgar Levente, and Florentina Iofcea all had to drop out. “As this report is written, Tibi Useriu, previous champion and all round legend, has a commanding lead on the ice road having passed through Mid Peel River check point and well on his way to Aklavik." The race takes place in extremely harsh conditions, at temperatures ranging between -50 and -30 degrees Celsius. Throughout the nine editions of the race, only 32 participants made it to the finish line. The race started on March 9 in Yukon. It will end at Tuktoyaktuk, on the banks of the Arctic Ocean (03/12/2018) ⚡AMP
Epic Running Adventures

Kenyan Erick Kiptanui wins at the EDP Lisbon Half Marathon

Battling high winds, Kenyan Erick Kiptanui and Etagegn Woldu of Ethiopia prevailed in their respective races at the EDP Lisbon Half Marathon. Despite the wind and rain, the men's race still witnessed deep results with the first 12 running under 61 minutes. The challengers tried to make up ground at different points in the waning different stages, but they couldn't catch Kiptanui who closed with a 2:47 final kilometre end route to 1:00:05 victory in his debut over the distance. "I’m really happy with this result," said Kiptanui, whose biggest career win came at the San Silverstre 10km in Madrid last New Year's Eve. "I must thank the organisation for inviting me and trusting that I can run at this level. I think I could have achieved a better result if there were no strong wind. (03/12/2018) ⚡AMP

Sekine 3rd in Nagoya Women's Marathon Debut

Hanami Sekine took a step toward appearing in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics on Sunday, when she led the Japanese runners at the Nagoya Women's Marathon, finishing third behind winner Meskerem Assefa of Ethiopia. In her marathon debut, Sekine clocked 2 hours, 23 minutes, 7 seconds, while Assefa cut the tape at Nagoya Dome at 2:21:45 for a personal best ahead of Kenya's Valary Jemeli, who was second in 2:22:48. By being one of the top three Japanese, Sekine booked a spot in next year's marathon Grand Championship, Japan's qualifying race for 2020. (03/12/2018) ⚡AMP

Galen Rupp runs first sub 60 to win 44th annual Roma Ostia Half Marathon

Galen Rupp ran a personal best to win the 44th edition of the Roma-Ostia Half Marathon on Sunday (March 11, 2018).

The US distance runner won the Rome race in 59:47 as he went sub 60 minutes for the first time and takes 43 seconds off his 2011 best.

He had Ryan Hall’s 2007 US record in his sights and came very close only missing Hall’s time by four seconds.

However, if he had dipped under the 59:43 mark it would not have stood as an American record however because the course is a point to point race and not record-eligible....

Rupp launched his decisive attack between 15th and 16th kilometers when, after a tactic of waiting during which he vented his most credited opponents, he lengthened the pace by breaking the Kenyans Moses Kemei, second place in 1:00:44, and Justus Kangogo, third in 1:01:02....

The female race saw Ethiopian’s Hftamenesh Haylu in first with 1:09.02 and compatriot Dera Datta close behind in 1:09:21. Third place went to Kenya’s Rebecca Chesir, who finished in 1:11:04.

(03/11/2018) ⚡AMP

Bend Oregon ranks with any Town in America as a Trail running destination

This Pacific Northwest gem sports miles of trails and open road for runners.Situated in central Oregon on the eastern flanks of the Cascade Mountains, it has both numerous nearby trail running options around town and a seemingly endless array of long-haul routes at higher elevations. Because of its small-town convenience, adventure-oriented population and 300 days of sunshine per year, Bend ranks with any town in America as a trail running destination.“Bend is an amazing place to live as a runner,” says Max King, elite trail, road and track runner. “For me it’s the combination of trails right from town; an amazing outdoor community where you get runners that bike and swim and do everything; and two great specialty running stores with several events a week that tie everything together.” (03/11/2018) ⚡AMP

New Half Marathon Record for a Mom pushing a Triple Stroller with three kids onboard

Ashlee Eskelsen set a new world record for pushing a triple stroller with her 3 sons on board in Saturday’s Montgomery Half Marathon.

“We had some hard hills out there,” says Eskelsen. Her motivation? She ran in last year’s Boston Marathon. “I was 14 weeks pregnant with my little son and it’s always been a dream of mine to do it and once I did I was looking for something else,” she said.

The previous Guinness world record was 1:47:59. The combined stroller and kids weighed about 150 pounds. But she still was able to beat the old record with a time of 1:47:29.

“Those last few miles were hard. I don’t know if I have ever had miles that hard before. I had to stay strong mentally... no one else was allowed to touch the stroller,” says Eskelsen.

(03/10/2018) ⚡AMP

Huddle and Korir ran away from the fields at the River Gate Run this morning

In her final race before next month’s Boston Marathon, Molly Huddle put on a dominating display in the women’s race at the USATF 15 km Championships (River Gate Run in Jacksonville Florida) while fellow Olympian Leonard Korir repeated as men’s champion Saturday morning. With the women starting six minutes ahead of the men, with an equalizer bonus on the line, Huddle and fellow frontrunners Jordan Hasay and Molly Seidel shot to the lead, running by themselves well ahead of the rest of the field. With the finish in sight, Huddle raised her arms in victory, crossing the line in 47:50. Running her own Boston Marathon tune-up, Hasay came in second with a mark of 48:40, well ahead of Seidel, who earned third in 49:20. (03/10/2018) ⚡AMP

Tips on battling depression from a legendary ultra runner who exercises to avoid the next attack

After suffering her first serious case of depression at 22, Nikki Kimball found that distance running was not just something she was good at – she needed it to survive.

Now she teaches others how to combat depression though exercise. Extreme physical effort triggers massive production of dopamine, a natural painkiller that the body needs to pull through the pain. After the pain is gone, the cells are still flush with dopamine.

This causes the euphoric “runners’ high”, which is also one of the most effective cures for depression. Kimball needs these regular injections of extreme physical and mental shock to vaccinate herself against the next episode of depression.

As she has learned over the years, these may suddenly arrive unannounced and with overwhelming force, enough to confine her to a fetal position in bed for 18 hours a day.

(03/10/2018) ⚡AMP

Why don’t Kenyans run ultramarathons? Is it lack of prize money or what?

Kenyans, along with their neighbors in Ethiopia, dominate the world of long-distance running in distances up to and including the marathon. But not beyond the marathon. Why? Asking people at the center of the Kenyan running world, in the town of Iten, about ultrarunning brings mostly puzzled looks. What is this thing you speak of, they ask? Running further than a marathon? Is that possible?The big barrier to this is, of course, was money. In Kenya, there are no managers looking for ultrarunners, no one willing to pay for a plane ticket to a race in the hope of cashing in on a share of the winnings. This is because the winnings are small or non-existent. Money is a key motivator for many Kenyan athletes: running offers them a way to change their lives, to escape poverty and to help their families and communities.Yet, as the sport of ultrarunning grows, so do the opportunities to earn money. A handful of top ultrarunners now have agents securing them big sponsorship deals and a few races are putting up big cash prizes in the hope of luring the top competitors (03/10/2018) ⚡AMP

Did 4200 Marathoners cheat to get the medal or did the timing company screw up?

Mexico City Marathon officials disqualified 4200 runners after an investigation revealed widespread cheating at their August 2017 race.

There were 28,260 finishers. There were Facebook posts showing runners allegedly cheating by taking shortcuts, beginning the race along the course (officials are now saying most everyone crossed the starting line?) or even allegedly boarding trains (this was never confirmed).

Marathon Investigation reported that most of the cheaters did not do so in order to qualify for the Boston Marathon. Rather, Derek Murphy wrote, they did it for the collectible medal. Or was this a timing company technical issue.

"I think if it turns out to be a timing error and they disqualified a bunch of runners for an error on their end, that would be really bad for them," Murphy said.

For the 2018 race the director says, “We are not handing over any medals at the end of the marathon, until we have thoroughly reviewed that [all runners] have completed the full race course,” De La Vega says.

He believes that one of the major reasons for concern is runners' desire for completing the word "Mexico." Since 2013, the medals feature a different letter from the word. This year's event will complete the letter "O."

(03/10/2018) ⚡AMP