Running News Daily

The gear shop owner is the new president of the Prezzies

It was already 9:15 P.M. on August 8 when Andrew Drummond and his friend, Matt Hart, set out along the Appalachian Trail from Madison Spring Hut, a small shelter in New Hampshire’s Presidential Range. The two men had two goals for their outing. The first was to serve as support crew for a thru-hiker attempting an FKT on the 2,198-mile trek. The second was to climb six miles to the top of 6,288-foot Mount Washington, to fulfill Drummond’s own goal. 

The minutes ticked by as they picked their way through rocky terrain in the fog with only headlamps for light. It was impossible to make out cairns and faint trail signs. Hart’s pole snapped, further slowing their progress. Drummond was checking his watch constantly, both for navigation and to check that they were going to make it before midnight. 

“There’s really no reason I should have been pushing it that close,” said Drummond. “I was pretty concerned about making the summit in time.” 

It was the 79th consecutive day that Drummond, 42, had set out to reach the peak’s summit, and this was the closest he came to falling short of reaching it. His overall goal was to ascend Mount Washington 100 times in as many days. The two men hurried up the mountain in the dark, trudging through wind gusts that reached 71 miles per hour. Eventually, they tapped the summit sign with half an hour to spare.

Drummond had a pretty good idea of the size and scope of the challenge when he decided to take on the project earlier this year. He grew up in Conway, New Hampshire—New England’s tallest peak was basically in his backyard. Drummond moved back to the area in 2014, and estimates he hiked the peak approximately 50 times before embarking on his challenge.

Drummond got the idea earlier in the spring talking with Todd Nappi, a friend and local crusher who had just this summer made his 250th summit of Mount Washington.“Anything I do, I can rationalize that there’s always someone crazier,” Drummond said, naming the positive feedback loop that inflates the baseline level of intensity in many mountain towns. 

Drummond began his challenge on May 22 with a round trip on skis—the only ascent that wasn’t on foot. “I don’t think it was until I was 10 or 12 weeks in that my body finally got a handle on what was going on,” said Drummond. “And then I could start turning it up a little bit—if I wanted to run some sections uphill, I could. I had some really good hikes where I was able to push it, and feel like I was moving a lot more efficiently.”

The 100-ascent challenge appealed to Drummond for several reasons. He was running a trail marathon in Switzerland in September, so the challenge seemed like perfect preparation for the race. Plus, the mountain sits ten miles from his house, making the trek “a manageable distance and elevation gain.”

Climbing the peak that many times appealed to him for other reasons. “Seeing all the natural phenomenon of the weather, the wilderness experiences, and just being outside—I gravitate towards that, and it lived up to expectations. It’s one of the most beautiful places in the world,” he said.

The trails up Mount Washington are rugged and rocky, making for arduous climbs and tricky descents. In the first week, Drummond developed a neuroma (a painful lump on the ball of the foot) and had to swap out his shoes to better protect his feet from impact. “It’s like every rock wants to kill you,” said Drummond. He also rolled his ankles and fell “more times than I’d like to admit.” His worst injury came a month in, when he slipped while descending and cut his palm on a rock—the injury required an emergency room visit and 22 stitches.

But as the weeks ticked by, Drummond’s body held up to the wear and tear, as well as the early wake-ups and occasional midnight climbs. “When I felt overuse pains coming on I’d push a hike into the evening and take a 36 hour break. That would help,” he said. Usually, though, he was at the trailhead first thing in the morning. 

New England’s tallest mountain is famous for having some of the most intense weather in the world, including gale-force winds. This summer was the wettest on record, and Drummond often trekked in conditions that would keep most people inside, including 80 mile-per-hour gusts and snow into early June. “The really memorable days are the hardest ones,” he said. But Drummond also recalls beautiful moments that were equally as intense. “I had some days where I could just see straight into Vermont, and all the way to the Atlantic Ocean while a full moon was rising,” said Drummond. 

Drummond isn’t a professional athlete—he owns a gear store in Jackson, New Hampshire, called Ski the Whites, and keeps active in the area skiing, biking, and running local trails. For years, he’s supported other athletes who go for big records in the Whites, and over the summer he crewed for thru-hiker Kristian Morgan during his southbound Appalachian Trail FKT attempt.

“He’s definitely the hub of the community here,” said Nappi, who attends weekly runs and other events Drummond puts on. “His shop is directly on the main road. You can go in there anytime and there’s like, five people on his couches hanging out,” said Nappi. According to Nappi, Drummond’s achievement of 100 summits in as many days fits in the spirit of competition in the area, where instead of race results, “everyone’s dreaming up something big, something interesting and a little niche,” said Nappi. 

Drummond’s friends often kept him company on his daily trek. “I probably had almost 50 unique people come out with me over the whole thing,” reflected Drummond. “And you know, a lot of them wouldn’t have come out on those days either. So I’ve gotten other people out there, and that feels good.”  

On August 29, Drummond reached the peak for the 100th time. He kept the celebration pretty low-key—a few friends accompanied him to the top, and he took some time to reflect on the achievement. “It was a Tuesday morning, so I didn’t want to make an event out of it,” said Drummond. “But I had taken a video every time I touched the summit sign, and so I went through my camera roll and made a little reel and sort of re-lived everything. I just feel very proud I got to have all those experiences.” 

Drummond recommends athletes pursue a local challenge—even if it doesn’t involve climbing a peak 100 times. “It’s your backyard—that’s meaningful,” he said. “Something right out the door, easy access—whether it’s your bike commute or a local trail, you’ll certainly look at it in a new light. And that will probably make you better as a result.”

So, has climbing Mount Washington 100 times satiated his appetite for the peak? “I felt a little bit of a draw to go back up today,” Drummond told me on August 30, the day after completing the challenge. There are other trails he’s excited to check out, on his upcoming trip to Europe and elsewhere in the Whites, but he still hasn’t had his fill of Washington. “I was in such a rhythm, so it’s really strange to stop. I think that I need to take it easy for a bit, but yeah, I’ll be going back up. Probably pretty soon.” 

The prospect of seeing one of athletics' biggest stars back on the track is growing stronger, with Jakob Ingebrigtsen reportedly targeting a return to competition later this summer following his recovery from Achilles tendon surgery.

According to comments made by his agent, Daniel Wessfeldt, in an interview with Norwegian media, the double Olympic champion could make his long-awaited comeback at one of three major European meetings in July. The leading options under consideration are the Monaco Diamond League on July 10, the Hungarian Athletics Grand Prix on July 14, and the London Diamond League on July 18.

For athletics fans, the possibility of Ingebrigtsen lining up in London would add another layer of excitement to an already highly anticipated Diamond League meeting. The Norwegian middle-distance sensation has become one of the sport's most dominant figures in recent years, collecting Olympic, world and European titles while consistently rewriting record books.

His 2026 campaign was put on hold after he underwent surgery on his Achilles tendon earlier this year, forcing him to focus on rehabilitation rather than competition. Since then, questions have surrounded when the 24-year-old would be ready to return to racing.

The latest update suggests that decision will largely depend on how his training progresses over the coming weeks. If recovery continues according to plan, July could mark the beginning of his return to elite competition ahead of the latter stages of the season.

A comeback at either Monaco, Budapest or London would immediately place Ingebrigtsen back among the sport's biggest storylines. Each meeting is renowned for producing world-class performances, and any appearance by the Norwegian would attract significant attention from fans eager to see how quickly he can regain top form after his injury setback.

While no final decision has been confirmed, the signs are increasingly positive. After months away from competition, Jakob Ingebrigtsen appears to be edging closer to a return, with London's Diamond League meeting emerging as one of the most intriguing possibilities on his road back to the track.

Should his recovery continue smoothly, athletics could soon welcome back one of its brightest and most influential stars.

What should have been the defining moment of Emad Bashir-Mohammed's young running career instead turned into one of the most talked-about controversies in American road racing this year.

The 23-year-old crossed the finish line first in the men's citizen's race at the prestigious Bolder Boulder 10K on Memorial Day in Colorado, stopping the clock at an impressive 29:50. His performance was not only a commanding victory but also one of the fastest winning times ever recorded in the event's long and celebrated history. Bashir-Mohammed finished eight seconds clear of his nearest challenger and appeared to have secured a breakthrough triumph.

For nearly two hours, he was the undisputed winner.

Then everything changed.

Race officials announced that Bashir-Mohammed had been disqualified after determining that he had started in the wrong wave. According to Bolder Boulder regulations, he had been assigned to the AA wave but lined up with the faster A wave, which began earlier. Event rules allow runners to move backward into a slower wave, but prohibit athletes from advancing into a faster one.

As a result, Bashir-Mohammed's victory was erased from the record books.

The citizen's title was subsequently awarded to Nickolas Scudder, who crossed the line second in 29:58. The promotion handed Scudder back-to-back citizen's race victories, while Bashir-Mohammed was left to grapple with the disappointment of losing a win he believed he had earned on the road.

The disqualification has since ignited widespread debate across the running community.

Bashir-Mohammed maintains that he did not intentionally violate the rules. He claims that after collecting his AA bib, he spoke with race personnel and was permitted to start with the A wave after presenting evidence of his recent performances. In a statement shared after the race, he expressed frustration over the decision, arguing that his goal was simply to compete against the strongest field available and produce the fastest time possible.

Race organizers, however, stood firmly behind their ruling. Officials stated that wave-assignment regulations are clearly communicated in pre-race information and reiterated during packet collection. They also noted that hundreds of participants are disqualified each year for moving into faster start groups, emphasizing that consistent enforcement is necessary to maintain fairness for all competitors.

The incident has divided opinion among runners and fans alike. Some believe the rules must be applied equally regardless of an athlete's finishing position, arguing that wave assignments are a fundamental part of race organization. Others feel the punishment is harsh, particularly if Bashir-Mohammed genuinely received approval to move up before the start.

What remains undisputed is the quality of his performance. On the roads of Boulder, Bashir-Mohammed demonstrated the fitness and speed required to outrun the field by a significant margin. Yet in road racing, crossing the finish line first is only part of the equation. Compliance with race regulations carries equal weight.

For Bashir-Mohammed, the day will be remembered as a painful lesson in the fine margins that can define elite competition. A remarkable run delivered a memorable victory, but a dispute over wave placement ultimately overshadowed the achievement, leaving behind a controversy that continues to fuel discussion throughout the running world.

A fast race, a costly administrative error, and a debate that may linger long after the finish-line tape has been packed away.

The men's 100 metres at the 2026 Rome Diamond League is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated sprint races of the season, with an exceptional field featuring some of the fastest men in the world.

Scheduled for Thursday, June 4, at the iconic Stadio Olimpico in Rome, the race will bring together reigning stars, established champions and emerging talents in a contest that promises fireworks from the moment the gun goes off.

Kenya's Ferdinand Omanyala headlines a world-class lineup that includes American sprint sensation Noah Lyles, Botswana's Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo, Jamaica's explosive Ackeem Blake, South Africa's ever-consistent Akani Simbine and Italy's hometown hero Lamont Marcell Jacobs. With personal bests ranging from 9.77 to 9.97 seconds, the field is packed with athletes capable of producing something special on the Diamond League stage.

Omanyala, the African record holder with a blistering personal best of 9.77 seconds, arrives in Rome eager to continue his strong early-season form and prove he can challenge the very best on the global circuit. The Kenyan star has built a reputation as one of the fastest starters in world sprinting and will be looking to make a statement against an elite field.

Standing in his way is world champion Noah Lyles, whose personal best of 9.79 seconds places him among the fastest athletes in history. The American remains one of the sport's biggest attractions and will be determined to add another Diamond League victory to his impressive résumé.

The race also marks a major test for Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo. The Botswanan star has rapidly become one of athletics' most exciting talents, while Ackeem Blake continues to establish himself as a serious contender on the international sprint scene.

Adding further intrigue is the presence of Italy's Lamont Marcell Jacobs. Competing on home soil, the Tokyo Olympic champion will enjoy passionate local support as he seeks to deliver a memorable performance in front of the Roman crowd.

South Africa's Akani Simbine, Cameroon's Emmanuel Eseme, Great Britain's Jeremiah Azu and rising American talent Jordan Anthony complete a field that boasts remarkable depth and quality.

Men's 100m Entry List – Rome Diamond League 2026

Ferdinand Omanyala (Kenya) – PB: 9.77

Noah Lyles (USA) – PB: 9.79

Lamont Marcell Jacobs (Italy) – PB: 9.80

Akani Simbine (South Africa) – PB: 9.82

Letsile Tebogo (Botswana) – PB: 9.86

Ackeem Blake (Jamaica) – PB: 9.88

Jordan Anthony (USA) – PB: 9.91

Emmanuel Eseme (Cameroon) – PB: 9.96

Jeremiah Azu (Great Britain) – PB: 9.97

With multiple national record holders, global champions and Olympic medal contenders sharing the same start line, the Rome Diamond League men's 100m could deliver one of the fastest races of the year. For sprint fans around the world, all eyes will be on Rome as a stellar cast battles for supremacy over athletics' blue-riband distance.

Audrey Werro announced her arrival as one of the early stars of the 2026 outdoor season with a commanding victory in the women’s 800 metres at the Rabat Diamond League, producing a performance that exceeded even her own expectations.

The Swiss middle-distance talent surged to victory in a brilliant 1:56.56, breaking the meeting record and delivering one of the fastest times recorded worldwide this season. In a race packed with quality, Werro displayed exceptional composure, confidence, and finishing strength to separate herself from the field and stamp her authority on the event.

What made the performance even more remarkable was the athlete's surprise at the level she had already reached so early in the campaign.

"I was not expecting such a strong start to the season," Werro admitted after the race.

The race unfolded at a relentless pace, but Werro remained perfectly positioned throughout. As the athletes approached the bell lap, she glanced at the clock and immediately sensed something special was within reach.

"When I saw the time at the bell, I felt really confident," she said. "I'm really happy with the Meeting Record and looking forward to the rest of the season."

Her confidence proved justified. Maintaining her rhythm over the final 400 metres, Werro powered down the home straight to secure the victory and rewrite the Rabat meeting record books in the process.

The performance sends an early warning to her rivals ahead of a season that promises major championships and high-profile Diamond League battles. Beyond the record-breaking time, Werro's display highlighted her growing maturity as a racer, combining tactical awareness with impressive speed and endurance.

With the outdoor season only beginning, the 1:56.56 clocking suggests that even faster times could be on the horizon. If Rabat is any indication, Audrey Werro may be poised for the biggest season of her career.

Her emphatic victory in Morocco was more than just another Diamond League win—it was a statement of intent from an athlete determined to challenge the world's best throughout 2026.

The city of Boston is set to welcome back one of its most celebrated champions as Kenya’s Sharon Lokedi headlines a world-class field for the 2026 B.A.A. 10K presented by Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute on June 21.

Fresh from another remarkable victory at the Boston Marathon in April, Lokedi returns to the streets of Boston and Cambridge carrying both momentum and confidence as she aims to defend the title she captured in dominant fashion last year.

The two-time Boston Marathon champion has developed a special connection with the historic race city. In 2025, she produced a course-record performance of 2:17:22 to win the Boston Marathon before returning this year to claim another victory in 2:18:51, the second-fastest winning time in the event’s storied history. Her success has cemented her status as one of the premier road runners in the world.

Lokedi will be making her first competitive appearance since her marathon triumph and arrives as the reigning B.A.A. 10K champion after clocking 31:39 over the challenging 6.2-mile course in 2025.

“Boston has become a very special place for me,” Lokedi said ahead of the race. “The atmosphere created by the fans and the community is unlike anywhere else. I’m excited to return and give everything I have to defend my title.”

The women’s race promises to be highly competitive. American Olympian Rachel Smith, who finished second at the Boston 5K in April, leads the domestic challenge. Kenya’s strong contingent includes African 10,000m champion Gladys Kwamboka, former B.A.A. 10K runner-up Stacy Ndiwa, and experienced road racer Viola Cheptoo. British Olympian Jessica Warner-Judd adds further international depth to a field packed with proven performers.

The men’s race is equally impressive, featuring elite athletes from 13 nations.

Ethiopia’s Dawit Seare enters as one of the leading contenders after capturing the 2025 Boston 5K title and bringing the fastest 10K personal best in the field at 27:21. Kenya will be represented by an accomplished group led by Alexander Mutiso, winner of the 2024 London Marathon and runner-up at last year’s New York City Marathon.

Patrick Kiprop also arrives in outstanding form after securing victory at the prestigious BolderBoulder 10K on Memorial Day, while Alex Masai returns looking to continue his strong record in Boston. Masai recently finished ninth at the Boston Marathon and has earned three top-ten finishes at the B.A.A. 10K.

Among the international stars making their mark is South Africa’s Adriaan Wildschutt, who makes his race debut after an impressive season highlighted by victory at the NYC Half Marathon in 59:30. Ethiopia’s Olympic bronze medallist Hagos Gebrhiwet adds further quality to the field, bringing a wealth of championship experience and previous success in Boston.

Canadian national 10K champion Andrew Alexander, two-time U.S. Olympian Hillary Bor, marathon standout Ryan Ford, and reigning USA 25K champion Andrew Colley complete a field stacked with talent and depth.

With defending champions, Olympic finalists, national champions and rising stars all converging on Boston, the 2026 B.A.A. 10K is shaping up to be one of the most competitive editions in recent memory. For Sharon Lokedi, however, the mission is simple: return to the city where she has repeatedly excelled and add another memorable chapter to her growing Boston legacy.