Running News Daily

Study says that under training for a race can lead to injuries

For the past 11 years, a team of physicians and researchers at Mayo Clinic has been collecting data from athletes in an attempt to predict and prevent running injuries. “The most common injuries runners experience are lower extremity injuries – mostly knee pain, hip pain, and foot and ankle pain. In the early years, we obtained a lot of data on runners with race-related injuries and we found that under training for a race can lead to injuries during the event.” (03/10/2018) ⚡AMP

A London Marathon win will ensure Dibaba a Marathon Majors Win and $500,000

Three-time Olympic champion Tirunesh Dibaba has been named the Ethiopian Airline Brand Ambassador... She made her marathon debut in London in 2014, finishing third in 2:20:35 before returning last year and coming second behind Mary Keitany in an Ethiopian record of 2:17:56, putting her third on the world all-time list behind Paula Radcliffe and Keitany. She returned to the track last summer to win a silver medal in the 10,000m at the IAAF World Championships London 2017 before picking up her first marathon win at the Chicago Marathon in October (2:18:31). That victory put her joint top of the Abbott World Marathon Majors Series XI leader board which started with last year’s London Marathon and concludes after this year’s race, counting the results of the World Championship marathon plus the marathons in Berlin, Chicago, New York, Tokyo and Boston. A win for Tirunesh in London this year will ensure she would secure the AWMM Series XI title. (03/09/2018) ⚡AMP

Hasay and Huddle are going after Shalane Flanagan’s national 15k Record Saturday

In the women’s race, at the Gate River Run this Saturday, the key number is 47. That’s the time, in minutes, of Shalane Flanagan’s national record 15K time from 2014 (47:03). If everything falls into place with the expected high-octane showdown of Jordan Hasay (photo) and Molly Huddle, the race director believes that mark could go down. Hasay, 25, used last year’s victory as a stepping stone to success at April’s Boston Marathon. There, she placed third with the fastest-ever time (2:23:00) for an American woman in her marathon debut. Her chief challenger is Huddle, who finished second here in 2012 and now enters in the best form of her career. The 33-year-old from Providence, R.I. broke the American half-marathon record on Jan. 16 in Houston, running 1:07:25. That surpassed Gate River Run legend Deena Kastor, whose mark of 1:07.34 had stood for 12 years. (03/09/2018) ⚡AMP

Last year's Gate River Run men's finish was the closet in race history

For the first time since 2014, both reigning champions - Leonard Korir for the men, Jordan Hasay for the women - return to defend their crowns at the Gate River Run Saturday March 10. “People always like to pull for the winners,” race director Doug Alred said. History leans against a Korir-Hasay double repeat, something that’s happened at the Gate River Run only in 1986-87 (Arturo Barrios and Grete Waitz) and 2001-03 (Meb Keflezighi and Deena Drossin). Given Korir’s current form, though, he’s the clear men’s favorite. A 31-year-old U.S. Olympian who was born in Kenya and now runs with the U.S. Army Distance Project, Korir made his First Coast debut a memorable success last year by edging Shadrack Kipchirchir last year in the closest finish in race history. (03/09/2018) ⚡AMP

Eritrea´s Tadese chasing fourth Lisbon Half Marathon victory

World record holder Zersenay Tadese will be gunning for a fourth victory at the EDP Lisbon Half Marathon, an IAAF Gold Label road race. Once again, the Eritrean, who set the 58:23 world record on this course in 2010, is the principal name on the long elite entry list. But he can expect strong opposition from eight athletes who have covered the distance in under one hour, along with 2012 Olympic and 2013 world marathon champion Stephen Kiprotich of Uganda, who has never run under 61 minutes --his PB is 1:01:15-- but is this weekend aiming to join the sub-60 fraternity. On the list of favourites, we can include Kenyan Sammy Kitwara who as the winner in 2016 is quite familiar with the course and with a 58:48 lifetime best, capable of fast times. His compatriot Stanley Biwott, the winner of the 2015 New York Marathon, is also part of sub-59 club with a 58:56 lifetime best. (03/09/2018) ⚡AMP

Galen Rupp is going to be racing half marathon on Sunday in Italy

The IAAF has confirmed that "Galen Rupp will be in the spotlight at the 44th edition of the Huawei Roma-Ostia Half Marathon, an IAAF Gold Label road race, on Sunday March 11 in Rome, Italy."

“I am very happy to run in Rome, I have heard great things about this race,” Rupp said. “My goal is to run a fast time in my preparation for the Boston Marathon.”

“I like the Roma-Ostia course as it is flat and it will give me the chance to fulfill my potential. I think it will be a high-level race, where I will run to win. I am aiming to run my personal best. If I am fit I can attack the US record.”

That mark in 59:43, set by Ryan Hall in Houston in 2007. Rupp’s lifetime best in 1:00:30 set in 2011. However, since this is a point to point course it would not count as an official American Record.

(03/09/2018) ⚡AMP

Pioneering marathon runner Switzer to race London Marathon

Kathrine Switzer will compete in the London Marathon for the first time in April, 51 years after becoming the first woman to complete the Boston Marathon. Women were barred from running the Boston Marathon before Switzer challenged the ban, competing under her initials in 1967. She ran in Boston with the bib number 261, gained widespread recognition for completing the race, in a time of 4:20, despite an official’s attempt to remove her from the course. “The streets of London have been an important part of women’s running history as well as women’s rights,” She said in a statement released by London Marathon organizers. Switzer helped stage the Avon International Women’s Marathon in London in 1980, which helped convince the International Olympic Committee to sanction the women’s marathon at the Los Angeles Games in 1984. (03/09/2018) ⚡AMP

Jerusalem Marathon guest of honor was Haile Gebrselassie

Kipkogey Shadrack, 27, of Kenya won the Jerusalem Marathon in 2:21.26. The guest of honor at the marathon was Olympic medalist and long-distance running world champion Haile Gebrselassie from Ethiopia. Gebrselassie holds two Olympic gold medals in 10,000-meter running and four world titles for that same distance, and he was the first in the world to break the 2:04 time for the marathon. International runners came from 72 countries — including China, the US, Germany, Poland, Portugal, and Lithuania. The city of Hong Kong sent the greatest number of runners from outside Israel, followed by Los Angeles, Beijing and London. (03/09/2018) ⚡AMP

Kenyan´s Chesum returns to defend title in Barcelona

Jonah Chesum returns to defend his title at the Zurich Barcelona Marathon, an IAAF Bronze Label road race. Chesum was a pacesetter last year who went on to win the race in 2:08:57 in his debut over the distance. Later in the season the 29-year-old took fifth in the Gold Coast Marathon clocking 2:10:47. To help remember his surprise victory last year, Chesum spent part of his earnings from the race to buy a cow for his farm in Iten. “Of course,” he said with a laugh, “I named her ‘Barcelona’. Now she is pregnant and the calf will be named ‘Messi’.” (03/09/2018) ⚡AMP

Jake Robertson going for repeat win at Crescent City

Jake Robertson from New Zealand won the Crescent City 10k last year in 27:55. In many of past this year’s was dominated by runners from Kenya. Jake is returning this year and wants to again cross the finish line first. (03/08/2018) ⚡AMP

Olympic medalist Ethiopia's Kebede ready to break course record at Zurich

The 40th edition of the Zurich Marathon of Barcelona , which will be held March 11 in Barcelona, ​​will have a strong elite African participation, led by the Ethiopian marathoner Tsegay Kebede, 31 years old and with a personal best of 2 hours 04 minutes 38 seconds (Chicago 2012), bronze medal in the Olympic Games of Beijing 2008 and the 2009 World Cup in Berlin. Kebede will attempt to break the course recrod, which is held by the Kenyan Jackson Kotut in 2:07:30, since March 7, 2010. (03/08/2018) ⚡AMP

U.S. Rabbis to run 10K at Jerusalem Marathon to raise funds

This is the second consecutive year ten American rabbis will run the 10-km. at the annual marathon this weekend, via a program called RabbisCanRun launched by not-for-profit organization Kav L’Noar across North America. The organization helps youth at risk in Israel and their families build the relationships and skills they need to secure a more positive future. The participating rabbis have thus far raised $78,000 for the organization. Aside from supporting and raising awareness about a worthy cause, the initiative also seeks to encourage rabbis to improve their health. (03/08/2018) ⚡AMP

Ireland's team is set to run the World Half Marathon Championships

Paul Pollock and Kevin Seaward are among five Northern Ireland athletes named for the Ireland team for this month's World Half Marathon Championships. They will be joined by Stephen Scullion in the men's race in Valencia with Fionnuala Ross and Laura Graham both in the women's event. "This is perfect timing with regards to the Commonwealth Games," said Pollock. The Holywood man finished a superb 14th at the World Half in Cardiff in 2016. "When I looked ahead before last Christmas, the World Half was definitely a goal," added the 31-year-old medical doctor. "I know some of Northern Ireland's athletes will go out to Australia the week before then but I was really pleased Athletics NI recognised that it would be really beneficial for Kevin and me to go to Valencia." (03/08/2018) ⚡AMP

Comrades Marathon medalist passed away Friday at age 28 - not sure why?

The South African running community is mourning the death of 28-year-old Comrades Marathon medallist Siphiwe Ndlela. Ndlela finished top 10 in the Comrades Marathon and the Two Oceans in 2016 and 2017. The medallist was in the Drakensberg over the weekend for a training camp when he fell ill. Ndlela complained about abdominal pain, sweating and vomiting during the camp and passed away suddenly on Friday evening. Comrades Marathon chair Cheryl Winn says his death has come as a huge shock. “We’re devastated to hear of the passing of such an incredibly promising and rising star, and our sincere condolences to his family and friends.” (03/07/2018) ⚡AMP

Running can help you combat forgetfulness

Running may be the answer to jogging your memory as new research reveals it strengthens signals in the brain. Exercise has long been known to help combat stress, but a study by Brigham Young University suggests that it can also help combat forgetfulness. The researchers found that running helps protect against the negative effects of stress on the hippocampus - the part of the brain responsible for learning and memory. 'It's empowering to know that we can combat the negative impacts of stress on our brains just by getting out and running,' the study's senior author Jeff Edwards, PhD, said. (03/07/2018) ⚡AMP

Dathan Ritzenhein running NY Half ahead of Boston

Dathan Ritzenhein was interested in competing in a half marathon ahead of the Boston Marathon, and he found one of his favorites. Dathan and more than 22,500 other people are running the 2018 United Airlines NYC Half this weekend. Ritz has run the NYC Half four times previously, having finished on the podium twice. The race in NY will be a big one for Ritz as it comes four weeks before he returns to the marathon at the 2018 Boston Marathon for the first time since having to drop out of the 2016 TCS New York City Marathon after pulling his plantar. Boston will also represent Ritzenhein’s first marathon as a member of the Hansons-Brooks team. The Rockford resident will use the race in preparation for his second appearance at the Boston on April 16. Last time he raced it, in 2015, he finished seventh in 2 hours, 11 minutes, 20 seconds and was the top American finisher. (03/07/2018) ⚡AMP

A journey Into The Fabled World Of Japanese Distance Running

Six Japanese runners finished the 2018 Tokyo Marathon in under 2hr 9min. That might not mean much to you but to put it into context, in the history of British running only five men have run under that mark, and only eight Americans have done it. That strength in depth is a result of Japan being one of the most running-obsessed nations on Earth, especially long-distance running. In this fascinating book (The Way of the Runner), journalist Adharanand Finn explores the unique running culture in Japan... Thousands of professional runners compete for corporate teams in some of the most competitive races in the world. Adharanand spent six months immersed in this unique running culture to discover what it might teach us about the sport and about Japan. Published in 2015, The Way Of The Runner offers us insights on what did happen three years later. (03/07/2018) ⚡AMP
Recommended Books

Kenyan´s Aiyebei ready to make history at Nagoya Marathon

The 2016 Barcelona Marathon champion Valarie Jemeli Aiyabei has promised to break the jinx by winning the 2018 Nagoya International women’s Marathon set for this weekend in Japan. The Sunday race will see Aiyabei, the 2015 Kass Marathon champion, try her luck in the race that has never been won by a Kenyan athlete since inception in 1980."This will be my first time to compete at Nagoya but I want to win the race that no any other Kenyan runner has won in the 38 years of history,” said Aiyabei. The road queen, who won Valencia Marathon in 2016 with a course record of 2:24.48, is optimistic of winning the race as part of her 2018 resolution before embarking on other world marathons, hopefully the World Marathon Majors. (03/07/2018) ⚡AMP

Marathon Olympic champion Kiprotich ready for Hamburg

At the 33rd edition of the Hamburg Marathon on April 29 London Olympic champion Stephen Kiprotich (Uganda) wants to run again for the victory. The best time of the world champion from 2013 and last year's second from Hamburg is 2:06:33 hours. One of Kiprotich's strongest competitors is Kenya's Sammy Kitwara, whose personal record time is 2:04:28. (03/07/2018) ⚡AMP

‪Ditch the road and hit the trails running with these tips for beginners!‬

There’s some ridiculously fast trail runners out there. It’s like they glide over rocks and roots. I am not one of those people. You will run slower on trails than on the road, especially as a beginner. It takes time to build up your speed. Base your runs on how you feel rather than what your pace is. Going for time rather than mileage is also a good place to start. If it takes you 45 minutes to run 5 miles on the road, aim to run for 45 minutes on the trail. You may not make it to 5 miles but the effort will probably be the same. Pay Attention to the Trail: It’s very tempting to look around at all the beauty that’s around you while on the trails but once you do, you’ll probably end up doing a face plant. Look down at the ground and a few feet in front of you to pick your path of direction. And be sure to pick your feet up. No shuffling! If you do, you’ll be face planting non stop. Use your Arms: Of course we use our arms in road running but even more so in trail running. By keeping your arms out a little wider, it will help with balance as you change direct or if you need to hop over something...Whatever you do, have fun! There’s bound to be a trail system near you no matter where you live from urban to rural. Give it a try and maybe you’ll be a believer in the saying, “The road to hell is PAVED!” (03/06/2018) ⚡AMP
by Happy Fit Mama

Is Atlanta going to be the site of the 2020 US Olympic Team Marathon Trials?

The USA Track and Field site selection committee visited Atlanta Tuesday to see the Atlanta Track Club’s proposed accommodations and course for the 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Marathon. Atlanta is one of four sites being considered for the 2020 marathon trials hosting honor ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics along with Austin, Chattanooga and Orlando. The selection committee, which has already visited Chattanooga and will travel to Austin Tuesday night, concluded their tour under the Olympic rings and Atlanta Olympic Cauldron Tower in downtown Atlanta with a surprise visit by four-time Olympian and 2004 silver medalist Meb Keflezighi. The retired Keflezighi, 42, surprised the committee to advocate on behalf of Atlanta— a city that catalyzed his passion for the Olympics. The 2020 Olympic Trials will be held between January and March of 2020. The winner of the bid will be announced by USA Track & Field at the end of March 2018. (03/06/2018) ⚡AMP

Marathon monks trade their robes for running shoes

Swapping their maroon robes for running shoes, seven Buddhist monks take off at a sprint across the hills surrounding their remote village in the foothills of Nepal’s Himalayas. They are aspiring ultra-marathon runners, hoping the sport will put their remote village on the map and provide the funds needed to rebuild homes destroyed by a massive earthquake nearly three years ago. “We found out that we can get many opportunities through running and hope to do something from our monk team - make a name for our village and bring development here. That is why we are running,” says Man Bahadur Lama, 21, the fastest of the group. (03/06/2018) ⚡AMP

California’s oldest trail marathon is the 41st Annual Catalina Island Marathon

On Sat., Mar. 10, Catalina Island Conservancy will host this challenging and eventful marathon, beginning Catalina Harbor and ending at Sumner at Arcade Entrance. Considered a “bucket-list” marathon for runners, some of the challenges participants will encounter are rugged terrain and climbs, not to mention the beautiful scenery experienced darting across Catalina Island. (03/06/2018) ⚡AMP

Sea Coe says the IAAF takes the fight against doping very seriously

"Give athletics some kudo, my sport is not in tatters," IAAF President, Seb Coe response to the DCMS committee report on combating doping. "I sat in front of the select committee for well over three hours when I was asked to appear, going through the processes by which we, the IAAF, follow such procedures. We’ve made a set of wide-sweeping reforms to revamp the governance of the sport, made 200 changes to its constitution and set up the aforementioned integrity unit. Plus, there is the ongoing suspension of the Russian Member Federation. So, frankly I didn’t see athletics in tatters at the World Championships in London last summer nor did I at the World Indoors in Birmingham the past week." The IAAF World Half Marathon Championships takes place March 24 and they are enforcing the anti-doping program. This year’s event will be the 23rd edition of the championships and the second time it has been held in Spain. (03/06/2018) ⚡AMP

Uganda's Moses Kipsiro going after third consecutive Gold in Gold Coast

Uganda's Moses Kipsiro will be going all out to defend his 10,000m title at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in Australia this April, as he seeks a third consecutive gold in the event. "It is always a good feeling going back to the Commonwealth Games where I have run well in the past," Kipsiro said. Kipsiro will be among the 23 Team Uganda athletes in Australia. Further good news for the Ugandan team is the availability of Solomon Munyo Mutai, who has recovered from injury in time for the Games. The 2015 World Championship bronze medalist had been out of action for over two months. "Mutai ran in a half marathon in Morocco last month and since his body was responding well, he declared he can now make the team since he had already qualified (03/06/2018) ⚡AMP

Nikhil ran with two numbers at the Little Rock Half in memory of one of his patients

Completing the Little Rock Half Marathon was more than an athletic feat for Nikhil Meena, M.D.; it was a symbolic gesture as well. For the second year in a row, the UAMS interventional pulmonologist wore two numbers on the 13.1-mile course: one for himself and one in memory of a patient. “I want to let the families of my patients know that even though they are gone, they are not forgotten,” said Meena. She ran the March 4 race in memory of Grover West III, a lung cancer patient who died Nov. 20, 2016. Meena was part of the lung cancer team that treated West and remembers him as an upbeat person who always greeted her with a smile. “He knew he was very sick, but he had such a good spirit,” she said. (03/06/2018) ⚡AMP

Allie Kieffer is back from Kenya and ready to Race the NYC Half

This year’s women’s open division is highlighted by last year’s runner up Emily Sisson racing against Olympic Champion Vivian Cheruiyot, TCS NYC Marathon podium finisher Mamitu Daska and rising American star Allie Kieffer who placed 5th at the NYC Marathon in 2017. Allie has been running over 100 miles weekly in Kenya over the last seven weeks. Sisson had the fastest-ever debut by an American on a record standard half marathon course with a time of 1:08:21. For the men's race Ritzenhein has two podium finishes and, along with Abdirahman, is the most successful American male ever in this event with a PR of 60 minutes flat. (03/06/2018) ⚡AMP

Shalane Flanagan Has captured the hearts of so many after winning New York

“Focused, determined, and stubborn. Let’s crush this week,” posted Shalane Flanagan last week on Instagram.

Then Friday it was announced that Carrie Underwood's new music video "The Champion," showcases a series of inspiring moments in history including footage of Shalane winning the New York City Marathon to Martin Luther King Jr. giving a speech....

Shalane Flanagan then posted, “The lyrics and imagery gives me chills and makes me want to go crush a run and cry at the same time.” Wow, how can you not love her? The Boston Marathon is now only weeks away. There is a lot of pressure on Shalane but one thing is for sure, she is going to give it all she has.

(This photo Jeff Cohen took shows a very determined woman. As they say “a photo is worth a thousands words.”)

(03/05/2018) ⚡AMP
by Bob Anderson

Why a World Record set in the Boston Marathon doesn't officially count

No matter how fast the 2018 Boston Marathon leaders reach the finish line, their time will not be a world record. Not officially, anyway according to the IAAF. Established in 1990, the IAAF marathon rules require several factors for a world record that the Boston course fails to meet. First, Boston is a “point-to-point” marathon. The IAAF rule: "The start and finish points on the course, measured along a straight line between them, shall not be further apart than 50% of the race distance." The second issue with Boston’s course is that it changes elevation. Despite the presence of several prominent hills, Boston runners drop 459 feet. The IAAF rule: "The decrease in elevation between start and finish shall not exceed an average of one meter per kilometer." Why does this matter? When men’s winner Geoffrey Mutai smashed the then-world record, running a 2:03:02 marathon at the 2011 Boston he was the beneficiary of a helpful south-westerly wind. According to the Boston Athletic Association, such milestones are considered “world’s best,” but not world records. (03/05/2018) ⚡AMP

Robert de Castella recalls his Commonwealth Games moment as one of his greatest memories

The 2018 Commonwealth Games is an international multi-sport event for members of the Commonwealth. It will be held April 4-15 on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia... In 1982 when the event was held in Brisbane, Australia Rob de Castella won the marathon in 2:09:18 just six seconds off the Games record of 2:09:12 set by Ian Thompson in 1974 in Christchurch. Robert recalls the moment as one of his “great memories” from a career that included four Olympic Games and three top 10 finishes. De Castella, now 61, said he cannot return to Brisbane without thinking about his captivating performance in 1982. "The 1982 Games was a launching pad for my career. Everything changed for me after that. The privilege of running a marathon in front of my countrymen and women was incredible." ABC commentator Tim Lane says, “It’s a performance to remember for all time," as he neared the finish line. “These days the crowd could get close to the runners...that Brisbane race is one of the great memories I have of my athletics." (03/05/2018) ⚡AMP

Tia Stone Runs Sub-3, Wins Little Rock Marathon

More than 12,000 runners took to the streets of Little Rock for the 16th annual Little Rock Marathon. Racers competed in the marathon, half marathon and wheelchair events. The 39-year-old Tia Stone of Searcy won the women's race in just under 3 hours, marking her third marathon win in a row. Stone previously ran cross country and track at Harding University and has a daughter who runs cross country in middle school.“This was my fifth Little Rock Marathon and this was my fastest time," Stone said. "I’m 39 and I really wanted to go sub 3:00. I love winning this race, but if I had to choose between winning it and running sub 3 hours, I’d choose sub 3. I saw my kids throughout the course, they have been cheering for me because they know how much I have trained for this.” (03/05/2018) ⚡AMP

Running legend Ron Hill, has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease

Running legend Ron Hill has revealed he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Hill, aged 79, spoke with honesty and determination when announcing his condition, saying, “It won’t stop me in my tracks I’ll cheerfully carry on keeping active and, hopefully, this will give other people the impression that dementia is nothing to be frightened by.” One of the most popular figures in the running world, Hill won marathon gold medals at the European Championships in 1969 and the year after at the Commonwealth Games. He was the second ever man to break 2:10 over 26.2 miles, running a 2:09:28 in Edinburgh in 1970, and achieved a life-long goal of racing in 100 countries by the time of his 70th birthday. Until January, 2017 he ran at least a mile a day for 19,032 days. (03/05/2018) ⚡AMP
Inspirational Stories

Mo Farah almost did not run the London Big Half on Sunday due to bad weather

Sir Mo Farah's preparations for the London Marathon got a lift as he won the Vitality Big Half on Sunday. (However only five seconds separated the top three. London Marathon champion Daniel Wanjiru was second and Callum Hawkins finished third.) The four-time Olympic champion completed the half-marathon course in the capital in an unofficial time of 1:01.39, vindicating his decision to not pull out of the 13.1-mile race despite the bad weather which had affected the country. The 34-year-old, who is getting to grips with his new career on the road, has yet to make a decision over whether he will run the marathon for Team GB at the 2020 Olympics in Japan. However, Sunday's victory is a fillip for Farah ahead of the London Marathon, which takes place on April 22. (03/05/2018) ⚡AMP

40 years running through the Picturesque Napa Valley

The 40th anniversary of the Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathon (March 4) presented perfect conditions for racing 26.2 miles through California’s picturesque Napa Valley. Cool temperatures at the start in the mid-30s with little wind greeted over 2,100 entrants eager for fast times. Andrew Bauer, 34, of Martinez, Calif. ran way with the men’s overall victory while Casey Crosson, 19, of Los Angeles, Calif. earned the women’s title. Bauer crossed the finish line with a time of 2:24:04 and Crosson secured her win in 2:50:49. (03/05/2018) ⚡AMP

Jim Ryun and family mourns the passing of this giant of a man - Dr Roger Bannister

Jim Ryun posted this on FB today, “This signed photo of Dr Bannister’s breaking the four minute mile barrier graces our living room wall - a reminder that those of us who followed him stand on his shoulders. He made the massive break through that allowed us to imagine and dream of “what’s possible now?” It’s hard to fully appreciate the strength, both mental and physical, that it takes to be the first one who makes the breakthrough. The Ryun family mourns the passing of this giant of a man.” Jim Ryun won a silver medal in the men's 1500 meters at the 1968 Summer Olympics, and was the first high school athlete to run a mile in under four minutes. He is the last American to hold the world record in the mile run (3:51.1). Ryun later served in the United States House of Representatives from 1996 to 2007. (03/04/2018) ⚡AMP

Jake Robertson sets the New Zealand National Marathon Record on his first Attempt

Jake Robertson broke Rod Dixon's New Zealand marathon record at his first attempt on Sunday in Japan. Robertson completed the Lake Biwa Marathon in 2hour 8min 26sec. Hamilton-born distance runner looked strong early on, and stayed in the mix as the lead pack slowly shrunk. With 11 kilometres to go, he made a surge, setting the tempo and leaving only five runners remaining at the 35k mark. With the finish line nearing, and a trio of runners left in front, Robertson was dropped, but he paced himself well to claim third place, and the national record. His time is 33 seconds faster than Rod Dixon's previous record, which has stood since Rod won the New York Marathon in 1983. Remarkably, it was Robertson's first ever competitive marathon. Robertson is set to run the 10,000m at the upcoming Commonwealth Games. When he was 17 he moved to Iten, Kenya with his twin brother Zane who is also a world lass professional runner. (03/04/2018) ⚡AMP

Only seconds separated the top three in Mo Farah’s first race in six months

Callum Hawkins did most of the leading at the first London Vitality Big Half this morning, particularly from 10 miles onwards. He was clearly trying his best to pull away and take the sprint finish out of his legendary compatriot. However, Mo Farah looked comfortable and the crowds waiting at the finish alongside the Cutty Sark were treated to the customary sight of the British half-marathon record-holder sprinting to the line. It was the slowest of Farah’s 11 half-marathons, but he can take confidence from beating Wanjiru, a 2:05 marathoner who will be among his toughest opposition in a strong field back at the London Marathon on April 22. “I thought the race would be a bit faster than that,” Farah said. “It was nice to feel comfortable in myself. I know I’m in shape.” Farah winning time was 61:40, London Marathon champion Daniel Wanjiru (61:43) and Callum Hawkins (61:45) in a thrilling sprint finish. Having just spent six weeks training in Ethiopia, Mo believes he is set to perform well in London over the marathon distance next month. (03/04/2018) ⚡AMP

Roger Bannister’s achievement transcended sport, let alone athletics says Seb Coe

(Keith Burge on Twitter)...On the 6th of May 1954 Sir Roger Bannister did a shift at St Mary's Hospital in London, then sharpened his running spikes in the hospital lab, took the train to Oxford, grabbed some lunch, walked to the track and then ran a mile in under 4 minutes...(from NY Times) Paced by Chataway and Brasher and powered by an explosive kick, his signature, Bannister ran a mile in under four minutes — 3:59.4, to be exact — becoming the first man ever to do so, breaking through a mystical barrier and creating a seminal moment in sports history. (BBC Sports) IAAF president, Seb Coe, two-time Olympic 1500m gold medallist for Great Britain and three-time mile world record holder says, "His achievement transcended sport, let alone athletics. It was a moment in history that lifted the heart of a nation and boosted morale in a world that was still at a low ebb after the war. We have all lost a giant and, for many of us, a deep and close friendship.” Sir Roger Bannister passed away March 3, 2018 in Oxford, England. R.I.P. (03/04/2018) ⚡AMP

Rio Steeplechase Gold Medalist Embroiled in a Drug-Testing Scandal

Ruth Jebet, the reigning Olympic 3,000m steeplechase champion and world record holder, has become the highest-profile Kenya-born athlete to become embroiled in a drug-testing scandal. Although the news has not yet been confirmed, a number of prominent sources have suggested Jebet has tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug, believed to be the blood booster EPO. The Athletics Integrity Unit, which processes all doping tests in track and field, said it was unable to confirm the result of any tests under the World Anti-Doping code. Meanwhile, Jebet’s agent, Marc Corstjens, said he had not heard any news of a positive tests. “Honestly I am surprised and shocked. I am absolutely not aware of anything. I tried to reach Ruth but her phone is not answering. I have absolutely no official information.” (03/04/2018) ⚡AMP

Roger Bannister who was the first person to break four minutes for the mile has died

Sir Roger Bannister, the first athlete to run a sub-four minute mile, has died aged 88 in Oxford, his family have said.

A statement released on behalf of Sir Roger's family said: "Sir Roger Bannister, died peacefully in Oxford on 3rd March 2018, aged 88, surrounded by his family who were as loved by him, as he was loved by them.

"He banked his treasure in the hearts of his friends." British Prime Minister Theresa May led the tributes to the former athlete, who later became one of Europe's leading neurologists and was made a knight.

Sir Roger "made the impossible possible" and completed his record-breaking feat in 3 minutes 59.4 seconds at Iffley Road sports ground in Oxford on May 6, 1954

(03/04/2018) ⚡AMP

New Women’s Half Marathon Canadian National Record set Saturday in Texas

Canadian, Rachel Cliff ran 1:10:08 at the Woodlands Half-Marathon in the city of the same name in Texas on Saturday. The improvement was a huge jump for Cliff as her previous best was 1:11:52, set in January 2018. Pending ratification, her mark improves upon the previous national record of 1:10:47, held by Lanni Marchant, the Canadian women’s marathon record holder. (03/03/2018) ⚡AMP

Jake Robertson sets a new New Zealand National Record at Lake Biwa Marathon

New Zealand runner Jake Robertson placed third at the Lake Biwa Marathon in Japan today in 2:08:26 breaking the NZ national record held by Rod Dixon (2:08:59) for over 34 years. Jake has been training in Kenya, and has been described as a “white Kenyan.” This was his first marathon. In January he won the half marathon in Houston. The top four looked like this: 1. Macharia Ndirangu (Kenya) - 2:07:53 - debut 2. Albert Korir (Kenya) - 2:08:17 - PR 3. Jake Robertson (New Zealand) - 2:08:26 - NR, debut 4. Michael Githae (Kenya) - 2:09:21 - PR (03/03/2018) ⚡AMP

Wilson Kipsang will not be running the Tokushima Marathon afterall

We were informed from Japan Running News that Wilson Kipsang was running the Tokushima Marathon and we published that information. Today they posted the following: “Management for Kipsang states that he is only appearing at Tokushima as a guest and will not run, but the language used in the article reporting the official announcement is as translated above, that Kipsang is one of three Kenyan invited athletes as opposed to a guest runner.” So he is not running. But being in great shape he should run a marathon soon. A strong field has been confirmed for this marathon and it should produce solid performances. (03/03/2018) ⚡AMP

New Zealander Jake Robertson Long-awaited Marathon Debut Sunday

Jake Robertson (NZ), who has been training in Kenya will make his long-awaited debut over 26.2 miles when he lines up for the Lake Biwa Marathon Sunday, but the New Zealander faces a tough field at the IAAF Gold Label road race. As well as a strong international line-up, the race has plenty of domestic interest as it is one of the qualifying races for Japan’s 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials and an approved Project Exceed Marathon. The weather, however, could be a problem for the runners on Sunday with temperatures expected to reach 68F. Robertson has a half marathon PR of 1:00:01 which he recorded twice: at the 2017 Lisbon Half Marathon and at the 2018 Houston Half Marathon. He had been planning to make his marathon debut in Fukuoka last year, but he had to pull out just weeks before race day. (03/03/2018) ⚡AMP

Japan’s Project Exceed Program has Japanese Runners hyped up...next chance to be a millionaire is Sunday

The Lake Biwa Mainichi Marathon (men only) on Sunday in Japan (Saturday night at 7:30pm PST) promises to be a good one. This is a Project Exceed approved race too which means $93,000US bonuses will be paid out to any Japanese men who go sub-2:08. Defending champ Ezekiel Chebii (Kenya) and fellow 2:06 men Tadesse Abraham (Switzerland) and Abera Kuma (Ethiopia) are there to spur the fastest Japanese men on. Also running in his debut sub-61 half marathoners Jake Robertson (New Zealand) and Macharia Ndirangu (Kenya/Aichi Seiko) likely to be a part of the lead group. Warmer than usual temps may make it hard for a 2:06 race to materialize, but the best bet for a Japanese man to be in it at that pace is Kenta Murayama (Asahi Kasei), twin brother of 10000 m national record holder Kota Murayama and a sub-61 half marathoner doing his second marathon after an aggressive but ultimately unsuccessful 2:16:58 debut in Tokyo two years ago. Yuta Shitara is not running but his twin brother, Keita will be. Race info from Japan Running News (03/03/2018) ⚡AMP

Strava fitness app quietly added a new opt-out for controversial heat map

In January, the popular fitness app Strava ran into controversy over a global activities heat map that revealed details of military bases. To make matters worse, the path to opt out of the feature was not simple and required several clicks within the app. The company has, however, since made a design change to make the opt-out feature more prominent. Rather than requiring multiple clicks, a toggle for the heat map is now visible on the first page of privacy settings. The change appears, however to still require an opt-out, rather than an opt-in option. (03/03/2018) ⚡AMP

This Military Wife Dropped 60 Pounds and now runs everyday

“I see my running as a way to make friends and live a healthy lifestyle.” says Audrey Walsh 31 year old mother of two boys. My kids were born fairly close together, and I found it difficult to chase after a toddler and deal with the exhaustion of pregnancy. My husband’s work schedule left me alone with the boys for very long days and sometimes all alone if he needed to travel. This led to my weight topping out at 185 pounds...I joined the Air Force after high school, and I mainly ran to pass the mandatory physical fitness tests...While my husband was deployed last year, I racked up more than 200 stroller miles with the double stroller. It was a lifesaver....Now I run every day. I’ve been run-streaking since October 17. Living in Spokane offers many opportunities to be active in the outdoors...I like racing because it gives me a solid goal to work toward. I’ve run Bloomsday but I run some smaller local races with a group called Trail Maniacs, too. (03/03/2018) ⚡AMP
Inspirational Stories

Allie Kieffer trained in Kenya for seven weeks racking up 110 miles weekly

America’s marathoner Allie Kieffer has been training in Kenya the last seven weeks and posted this on Instragram: “On an whim my trip to Kenya has been one of the best experiences of my life. I wanted a real, or as close to it as I could, Kenyan experience. Instead of staying at a training camp, like most westerners that come to visit, I opted for an apartment. Thanks to that choice, I met the most amazing people that opened their arms, kitchens, hearts, and life to me. I will sincerely and deeply miss all the friends I made and can’t wait until I come back!” We follow her training on Strava and she has been running 110 mile weeks at high altitude. (03/02/2018) ⚡AMP

Lilac Blooomsday 12K Run on target to reach 50,000 participants

With a little over two months before the Lilac Bloomsday Run, organizers are excited about the early surge in signups for the 42nd edition of Spokane’s 12K Sunday May 6th. Over 8,000 runners have already entered since online registration opened on January 1, suggesting the final tally could reach 50,000 by race day....The elite competition promises to be fierce, as world-class runners battle for prize money, which includes a $20,000 U.S. citizen’s purse. Bloomsday is a member of the PRRO Circuit of major prize money races, and as such supports national and international competition while working in partnership with drug testing agency Clearidium to promote a drug-free sport. In addition to the elite racers at Bloomsday, top age-group runners will vie for specially designed medals. (03/02/2018) ⚡AMP

Charlotte Butler is set to take on the Cambridge Half Marathon

Butler is set to run the 13.1 miles to give back to the Cambridge hospital for the help and support that they have given to seven-year-old Harrison – who was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in September last year. Charlotte told the Crow: “On occasions, Harrison will be in Addenbrooke’s three to four times a week. One week he’ll be really good and the next he’ll be really bad. “Crohn’s is an incurable disease so he has spent a lot of time in hospital, and will be in and out of the children’s ward for the next 11 years.” This disease affects at least 115,000 people in the UK and millions more worldwide. Symptoms of Crohn’s disease include abdominal pain, diarrhoea, mouth ulcers, fever, tiredness, weight loss and anaemia. (03/02/2018) ⚡AMP