Sunday March 9th, 2025
Lisbon, Portugal
Distance: Half Marathon · 7k
Offical Race Web Site
EDP Lisbon Half Marathonis an annual internationalhalf marathoncompetition which is contested every March inLisbon,Portugal. It carries World Athletics Gold Label Road Racestatus. The men's course record of 57:31 was set byJacob Kiplimoin 2021, which was the world record at the time.
Kenyanrunners have been very successful in the competition, accounting for over half of the total winners, withTegla Loroupetaking the honours in the women's race on six separate occasions. The Lisbon Half Marathon is not to be confused with LusoPortugal Half Marathon, another prominent half marathon race which is also held in Lisbon in October.
The Lisbon Half Marathon grew from the desire of a small group to see Lisbon invaded by people who, by crossing the Bridge in 25th April, would discover and enjoy places usually monopolized by cars in a totally different way. It was a huge challenge for the time.
Looking at the big bridge, impressive in its steel structure and giant feet plunging into the Tagus River, the idea arose in the mind of Carlos Móia in a restaurant.
This had already been done abroad, but in Portugal, a country of conservative habits, the challenge would have to overcome many barriers. “I remember crossing the bridge on foot was a dangerous idea. As the subject had to pass through government, I soon realized this would be a long, bureaucratic process.
I spoke to my friend and companion of other adventures, Francisco Lucas Pires, who knew which paths to follow to execute this ‘crazy’ idea. He scheduled a hearing with the President of the Republic at the time, Mário Soares, who then took the matter to the Minister of Public Works, Ferreira do Amaral.
From there on came many days of silence. I didn’t give up, so I asked a hearing to the Minister, who told me to wait for an opinion by the office responsible for constructing the bridge in the United States, whether the structure could cope with an event such as this. Impossible without it! I thought there was no political will and felt disappointed, but I didn’t quit and insisted so much that the Minister eventually told me he would give his authorization if, as a replacement for the request opinion, I assumed responsibility for it. I obviously didn’t. I admit fear was greater than the desire to advance. If the Minister himself felt the need to request a technical opinion to the Eiffel company that built it, who was I to assume such responsibility?
“The information I longed for arrived soon: there was no danger, the bridge deck could cope with the challenge without problems. I assembled the team in a lightning quick operation: Mário Machado, Rafael Marques, Reinaldo Gomes were the mainstays, others joined in.”
After the bridge crossing was approved, it was time to get support from the Mayor of Lisbon, Jorge Sampaio. “He was a safe haven,” recalls Carlos Móia, “soon realizing the importance the event could have in projecting the city and always believing in the Half Marathon’s potential over the years”. And so it went, Sampaio was linked to the start of the event that, years later, he would participate in as President of the Republic.
On March 17th, 1991, began the official history of the Half Marathon, as the Minister of Education, Roberto Carneiro, who also oversaw sports, was in the first group of people ever to walk across the Bridge 25th of April.
| Division | Time | Name | Age | Home |
| Male | 59:44 | Abdi Waiss | dji | |
| 2nd Male | 59:49 | Shadrack Kipkemei | ken | |
| 3rd Male | 59:54 | Mohamed Ismail | dji | |
| 4th Male | 59:58 | Benard LANGAT | ken | |
| Female | 1:04:21 | Tsigie Gebreselama | eth | |
| 2nd Female | 1:06:20 | Ruth Chepngetich | ken | |
| 3rd Female | 1:06:36 | Abeba Aregawi | swe | |
| 4th Female | 1:07:31 | Fantaye BELAYNEH | ethi |
| Division | Time | Name | Age | Home |
| M 40-49 | 1:10:26 | Manuel Fonseca | fra | |
| M 50-59 | 1:11:27 | Anis Chefirat | por | |
| M 60-69 | 1:20:56 | Alois Radlmayr | at | |
| M 70+ | 1:38:27 | Leonardo Tramonti | ita | |
| F 40-49 | 1:20:02 | Laura Grilo | por | |
| F 50-59 | 1:26:59 | Bénédicte Blanc | fra | |
| F 60-69 | 1:38:31 | Glynis Boyle | gbr | |
| F 70+ | 1:27:14 | Edna Rodrigues | por |
The course was judged as non-permissible for records until 2008, in which year the organisers changed the elite course to allow for records. The new course begins atsea levelon the north side of the river Tagus, a change which made the course entirely flat. The course for the mass participation race, which has attracted almost 30,000 runners in previous years, remained unchanged and begins by crossing the Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge before linking up with the new elite course. Since 2008 a 50,000 Euros bonus has been set aside for either a man or woman who sets a world record.
EDP Lisbon Half Marathon
The course race was measured officially by approved measurers of AIMS and IAAF and has an official distance of 21, 097 MTS.
- The race start will take place at 10h 30 on the Bridge (Ponte 25 de Abril) a little after the toll barriers.
- The Lisbon Half Marathon race course is very flat and it has a different point of start and finish, (point to point) This race is one of the fastest of the world
Winning the Gold Road Race title confirms the Lisbon Half Marathon as one of the most attractive in the world.
Friday April 4th, 2025
Jerusalem, Israel
Distance: Marathon
Offical Race Web Site
First held in 2011, the Jerusalem International Winner Marathon has become a major event with 30,000 participants, of which hundreds are elite competitors and runners from abroad.
The course was especially selected to recount Jerusalem's 3,000-year historical narrative since the beginning of its existence. The race challenges runners while exposing them to magnificent views, exquisite landscapes and fascinating historical sites that illuminate 3,000 years of the history of Jerusalem, Israel's capital.
Participants run past the Israeli Knesset (or parliament), Machane Yehuda Marketplace, Mount Scopus, the Old David, David's Tower, Hass Promenade and more. Organizers of the race say: "It is guaranteed of be a challenging, thrilling and unforgettable experience for all runners."
| Division | Time | Name | Age | Home |
| Male | 2:18:13 | Noah Kiprotich KIGEN | KEN | |
| 2nd Male | 2:25:45 | Chakib LACHGAR | ESP | |
| 3rd Male | 2:28:30 | Melkam JAMBER | ISR | |
| Female | 2:52:44 | Margaret Njugna | KEN | |
| 2nd Female | 2:55:31 | Elena Tolstykh | RUS | |
| 3rd Female | 2:59:12 | Noa Berkman | ISR |
| Division | Time | Name | Age | Home |
Starting line:
Start at the junction between the Knesset and the Israel Museum, Hamagbit Sq. on Rupin Rd., heading northwest.
Finish line:
The southern end of Sacher Park, enter the finishing funnel from the south, via the Valley of the Cross and the tunnel at the entrance to the city.
The course:
Start the race near the Knesset building and run towards the Israel Museum, Israel's largest and most significant museum and the tenth largest in the world. From there, continue towards the center of town via Bezalel and Ben Yehuda St.and savor the aromas of the nearby Machane Yehuda marketplace. Head northwest towards Ammunition Hill, site of one of the bloodiest battles in IDF history waged during the Six-Day War.
After circling the Mount Scopus Hebrew University campus, run back towards the Old City, past the exclusive shopping mall and luxury hotel at Mamilla, the neighborhood that links the Old City with Jerusalem's new neighborhoods. Take in the historical architecture, narrow alleyways, and the sense of the ancient Jerusalem stone beneath your feet as you enter the Old City through Jaffa Gate. Behold the glorious Tower of David, part of the fortress built in the second century BC to protect the city.
Run through the Armenian Quarter, the smallest of the four quarters of the Old City and recall Jesus' final journey down Via Dolorosa located just several hundred meters to the left. The course will then take you alongside the Jewish Quarter for a glimpse of the Western Wall, the holiest site for the Jewish nation and remnant of the Second Temple. Send a silent prayer over to the holy stones as you run towards Zion Gate, also known as David's Gate, on your way out of the Old City.
The sight of the ancient archeological City of David coming into view on the left is the perfect opportunity to hum a marching tune. Continue west towards Sultan's Pool, built over 500 years ago. This former water reservoir now quenches Jerusalem's thirst for culture with the many outdoor performances that it hosts. Next, you'll pass Mishkenot Shaananim, a cultural and international convention center that promotes tolerance and pluralism. Send an authoritative wave towards the President of Israel as you pass his official home in Talbia, and then continue running towards the charming Emek Refaim neighborhood, built by the Templars in the 19th century and now a cultural hotspot for Jerusalem residents and visitors alike.
The route continues alongside the First Station, a new culture and recreation site established at the old train station where Israel's first train set out en route to Jaffa. Proceed to southeastern Jerusalem and run along the Armon Hanatziv Promenade which connects three walkways – the Haas, Goldman and Sherover Promenades. Make a U-turn at the UN building and run back towards Gaza St. The final stretch of the marathon runs through the enchanting Valley of the Cross, near the ancient Greek monastery and straight towards Ben Zvi Blvd. on the opposite end of the tunnel, where hundreds of spectators are waiting to cheer you on as you cross the finish line.
Friday April 4th, 2025
Ouarzazate, Morocco
Distance: 156 Miles · Ultra
Offical Race Web Site
The Marathon des Sables is ranked by the Discovery Channel as the toughest footrace on earth.
Seven days 250k
Known simply as the MdS, the race is a gruelling multi-stage adventure through a formidable landscape in one of the world’s most inhospitable climates - the Sahara desert. The rules require you to be self-sufficient, to carry with you on your back everything except water that you need to survive. You are given a place in a tent to sleep at night, but any other equipment and food must be carried.
Started in 1986 by Patrick Bauer, the race continues to grow in popularity every edition. Places are much sought after, but those who do make it to the start line are richly rewarded. Under the scorching Moroccan sun, life-long friendships are fostered through a shared experience of unforgettable days spent running across saltpans, up desert-mountains, through ruined towns and through the occasional sand storm.
The Marathon des Sables is open to individuals and teams of individuals, amateur and elite runners. With runners coming from all over the world, the MdS is a truly international event that has a positive impact on the local environment and in local communities. Through the MdS foundation Solidarite, runners have raised funds to help hundreds of families through education and improve their quality of life.
| Division | Time | Name | Age | Home |
| Male | 18:33:28 | Rachid El Morabity | Morocco | |
| 2nd Male | 18:34:34 | Mohamed El Morabity | Morocco | |
| 3rd Male | 18:37:46 | Aziz Yachou | Morocco | |
| 4th Male | 21:12:33 | Merile Robert | France | |
| Female | 24:18:33 | Anna Comet | Spain | |
| 2nd Female | 25:32:34 | Sylvaine Cussot ( | France | |
| 3rd Female | 26:31:52 | Aziza El Amrany | Morocco | |
| 4th Female | 27:29:35 | Aziza Raji | Morocco |
| Division | Time | Name | Age | Home |
Imagine yourself in the Sahara desert with nothing but rolling sand dunes for miles around. When you plough your feet through the sand, a fine dust kicks up. You can’t feel the sweat dripping down your face because it’s evaporating in the baking heat. Your lungs feel parched. Today’s temperature is over 100 degrees Fahrenheit (50 degrees centigrade).
Part of your brain is screaming at you to stop, right now, to drop out of the race, but the other part of your brain is stronger. The other part of your brain knows that when you complete the final stage of the Marathon des Sables, you will have run the equivalent of five and a half marathons in five or six days, a total distance of some 251 km – 156 miles*. (*Subject to the race route)
No one can deny that finishing the MdS is an incredible accomplishment. But more importantly, you will walk away with a new slant on life - that you can achieve anything you set your mind to do.
Join us for the event that defined the word ULTRAMARATHON
Prize money is 34,000 Euros
The MdS is a multi-day ‘ultra-marathon’ or ‘ultra’ run in six days over a course of between 150 and 156 (254km) miles. Which by the way is the equivalent of Running from London to Dover deciding not to go to France after all and running back again in 120 degree heat. with a backpack on and voices in your head talking about cold beer!
As an example of what lies beyond the starting line, the longest single stage in 2012 was 51 miles (81.5km). Typical distances are 156 miles (251 km) broken down as follows:
DAY 1: 33.8KM
DAY 2: 38.5KM
DAY 3: 35.0KM
DAY 4: 81.5KM
DAY 5: 42.2KM
DAY 6: 15.5KM
The actual routes and formats change every year. The Race Director and his team spend a month meticulously planning routes that are held secret until the day before the event starts. There is a rest day after the longest stage, but it may well take you into that day before you get to the finish. Competitors stay overnight in a bivouac village, comprised of tents that sleep about 8 competitors per tent. Once you get your ‘bivvy’ your bivvy team become your family, your support team, your nursing team and invariably they become long-term friends. The most memorable sound of an evening is the rumble of weary laughter that echoes around the village.
Saturday April 5th, 2025
Prague, CZECH
Distance: Half Marathon
Offical Race Web Site
Start the RunCzech season with one of the biggest running events in the Central Europe! Every year the Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon excites spectators with performances of elite athletes breaking records. Enjoy a course with incomparable scenery in the heart of historic Prague that follows along the Vltava river and crisscrosses five beautiful bridges.
Take in majestic views of the Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, the Rudolfinum Concert Hall, the National Theater, Vyšehrad Castle, and the Dancing House. If you are hoping to improve your time, the Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon offers fantastic speed; in 2012 it set the record as the fastest half marathon in the world! Half distance, full satisfaction!
| Division | Time | Name | Age | Home |
| Male | 58:24 | Sabastian Sawe | KEN | |
| 2nd Male | 1:00:01 | Geofry Toroitich Kipchumba | KEN | |
| 3rd Male | 1:09:30 | Nigsti Haftu | ETH | |
| 4th Male | 1:09:33 | Vivian Jepkemei Melly | KEN | |
| Female | 1:08:10 | Gete Alemayehu | ETH | |
| 2nd Female | 1:08:13 | Jesca Chelanga | KEN | |
| 3rd Female | 1:09:30 | Nigsti Haftu | ETH | |
| 4th Female | 1:09:33 | Vivian Jepkemei Melly | KEN |
| Division | Time | Name | Age | Home |
Kenyan Kibiwott Kandie shines at the Prague half marathon
Kenya Defence Forces’ Kibiwott Kandie won the 2020 Prague men’s Half Marathon in 58 minutes and 38 seconds on Saturday morning.
It was a largely lone affair for the soldier after he broke away from the Kenyan-dominated field at the 10km mark under a hot atmospheric condition.
“It's difficult to run alone,” said Kandie whose performance makes him the fifth fastest man over the distance with the sixth fastest performance of all-time.
Kandie staged a good run early in the year, winning the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon in February with a world-leading 58:58, six days after his triumph at the fiercely competitive National Cross-Country Championships. But then the Coronavirus pandemic staggered his momentum. In March, Kandie was also named to the Kenyan team for the World Athletics Half Marathon Championships.
“My wish is to run again when this pandemic is over. It will be a pleasure to continue competing,”he added.
Kandie’s performance relegated Philemon Kiplimo to second place with a time of 59:56 as Benson Kipruto came in third in 1:00:06.
Making it to the top 10 finishers were Amos Kurgat who clocked 1:00:20 for the fourth position, Felix Kipkoech was fifth in 1:00:40 and Timothy Kibet stopped his timer on 1:00:47 for the sixth place. Others are Benard Kimeli who timed 1:01:00, Abel Kipchumba (1:01:02), Bravin Kipkogei (1:01:23) and Alfred Chelal (1:01:32).
Saturday April 5th, 2025
Charleston, South Carolina
Distance: 10K · Kids Race
Offical Race Web Site
The Cooper River Bridge Run provides a world-class 10-K foot race held in Charleston, S. Carolina. The race promotes continuous physical activity and a healthy lifestyle through education and opportunity. On Sunday morning, April 2, 1978, the starting gun was fired for the First COOPER RIVER BRIDGE RUN and the race began. Even at that time it was successful beyond the organizers wildest expectations. The categories were: open male, open female, masters male and masters female. Today this race has established itself amongst the best courses in the world.
The Cooper River Bridge Run is the best organized and the best conducted 10-K race in the world. It includes world-class competition in a unique setting with unparalleled participant satisfaction. It broadens community cooperation and participation in healthy events throughout the year. The Cooper River Bridge Run serves as a model of health motivation for other communities throughout the world.
CRBR_2022_Montage.mp4 from The Chart Group on Vimeo.
Race City Location Map - zoom in · zoom out · big map
displays approximate race location · Charleston SC 29401
| Division | Time | Name | Age | Home |
| Male | 27:53 | Ali Abdilmana | KEN | |
| 2nd Male | 27:54 | Peter Njeru | ETH | |
| 3rd Male | 28:09 | Alex Masai | KEN | |
| 4th Male | 28:29 | Reuben Mosip | KEN | |
| Female | 31:41 | Sarah Naibei | KEN | |
| 2nd Female | 32:06 | Betty Sigei | KEN | |
| 3rd Female | 32:35 | Joyline Chemutai | KEN | |
| 4th Female | 32:44 | Atsede Bayisa | ETH |
| Division | Time | Name | Age | Home |
For the first time in 26 years, an American crossed the finish line of the Cooper River Bridge Run first.
Shadrack Kipchirchir of Colorado Springs, Colorado completed the 6.2-mile course Saturday in 28 minutes, 12 seconds.
"That's the best feeling you'll ever get," Kipchirchir told the media after winning the race.
The Cooper River Bridge Run is the best organized and best conducted 10-K race in the world. It includes world-class competition in a unique setting with unparalleled participant satisfaction. It broadens community cooperation and participation in healthy events throughout the year. The Cooper River Bridge Run serves as a model of health motivation for other communities throughout the world.
Massive, well organized, lights up the town, an entire weekend is built around the event.....you still see folks in their race gear downtown at midnight.