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These mysterious bumps can cause discomfort and pain, but prevention and early treatment can help you stick to your training schedule.

Picture this: You’re blissfully clocking your miles on a Saturday morning until you feel a small but growing pressure on top of your foot. It’s slight, so you ignore it, but over time that discomfort starts to become more noticeable—and once you take your running shoes off at home, you notice a bulb-like bump on your foot.

What gives? You could have what’s known as a ganglion cyst. These sometimes painful bumps aren’t often talked about in the running community, but they’re one of the most common soft tissue masses found in the foot and ankle, per a 2023 review in the Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics and Trauma. Plus, they can derail your training if not addressed.

Here’s everything you need to know about ganglion cysts as a runner, including how to prevent and treat them. 

How might a ganglion cyst show up in runners?

A ganglion cyst develops slowly over weeks or months, but it may grab your attention during a run. 

“There will be some soreness associated with a ganglion during a run due to shoe pressure against it,” says Karen A. Langone, D.P.M., a Southampton, New York-based spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association and podiatrist who specializes in sports and fitness medicine. “You might notice a lump on the foot, which can worsen during the run.” 

That lump on your foot can be easy to confuse with a number of other conditions. Found along a tendon or near a tendon, a ganglion cyst can be mistaken for an exostosis, for example, which is a benign (noncancerous) bone tumor, per the Cleveland Clinic. 

“It might also be confused with a stress fracture of a metatarsal bone,” says Alex Kor, D.P.M., a spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association, a podiatrist at Hendricks Regional Health in Danville, Indiana and team podiatrist for the athletic programs at Butler University. A metatarsal stress fracture is a break in the bone from repeated injury or stress, which can be caused by running. 

What is a ganglion cyst?

On the other hand, ganglion cysts are noncancerous bumps that usually appear along your tendons or the joints of the wrists or hands, but they can also occur in ankles and feet, according to the Mayo Clinic. They’re filled with a jellylike fluid. 

“A ganglion cyst, like any mass, makes the runner’s foot feel tight,” says Kor. “The pain can be characterized as dull or sharp if mileage is extended or there is increased shoe pressure.” 

This cyst is usually caused by a bony point that’s exacerbated by shoe pressure (and possibly by your foot swelling at the end of a run), a tendon that gets overused (which may be the result of tendonitis), or from acute trauma. The fluid in the tendon sheath can “leak out” after overuse or trauma to form the ganglion cyst, adds Kor.

Once one of these things occurs, the inflammation within the tendon sheath accumulates in one area and worsens, forming the ganglion cyst. 

Although they’re filled with fluid, they can feel firm to the touch, per Yale Medicine. They can be as small as a pea or as large as an inch in diameter. Sometimes, they can affect joint movement and cause pain if they press against a nerve. 

The majority of ganglion cysts occur on the top of the foot or the front of your ankle, says Kor. They are rare on the bottom of the foot.

Risk factors for these cysts include sex and age (most often, ganglion cysts occur in women between the ages of 20 and 40) and osteoarthritis (particularly when they occur in the hands), per the Mayo Clinic. 

Should you run with a cyst?

You can continue to run with a ganglion cyst, especially if there is no pain. Even if there is some pain, your level of discomfort will determine the best steps for treatment.

“This is not a condition that will significantly worsen [if you run on it],” says Kor. “In other words, it is not like a stress fracture that can ‘break’ to the point that surgery is needed.” 

However, it’s important to check with a doctor to make sure the bump is a ganglion cyst and not something more serious, and to determine ways to avoid discomfort.

Being a runner alone does not increase your risk of ganglion cysts, but your foot shape may play a role. “They are a little more common in very high arched feet and very flat feet,” says Kor.

How can runners treat ganglion cysts?

First, visit your doctor, who may conduct imaging tests like an X-ray and ultrasound to confirm that it is a ganglion cyst (and not something else). 

Once the bump has been identified as a ganglion cyst, there are a few treatment options, starting with these less invasive methods:

Padding

This can be placed around (not on) the ganglion cyst to avoid pressure from a running shoe. “A pad or blister bandage directly over the ganglion cyst may worsen the pain,” says Kor. “Typically, a horseshoe pad or donut pad is applied to offload the cyst.”

Icing

You can also ice your foot after a run and on a daily basis for 20 to 30 minutes. Place a towel between your foot and the ice pack to avoid skin irritation. “Ice can cause vasoconstriction to reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain,” says Kor. 

Changing Shoes

A supportive shoe has the potential to reduce overuse, which may help in the initial stages of a ganglion cyst, says Kor. A supportive shoe should not bend at the sole (typically, this has nothing to do with the brand name or price of the shoe).

Taking Breaks from Footwear

When you’re not running, avoid shoes that exacerbate the ganglion cyst area. For instance, skip the one-strap sandal that directly rubs the cyst area. Unsupportive footwear, like flip-flops with a flexible sole, can also worsen the cyst. 

Adjusting Your Shoe Laces

If the ganglion is on the top of the foot, your shoelace pattern can be changed to avoid direct pressure on the ganglion. For instance, your podiatrist might recommend a lacing pattern often used for patients with high instep (the bony structure on top of your foot). 

In this case, cross your laces as usual toward the bottom of the tongue, skip crossing them over in the middle (and instead create a line along each side of the tongue), then finish lacing near the top of the tongue. This offloads the top of the foot that may be affected by the cyst. See an example of how to do it here. 

Take Anti-Inflammatory Medication

If approved by your doctor, you can take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications to ease the discomfort of a ganglion cyst.

If you’re in pain, it’s worth speaking with your doctor about longer-term solutions for treating the cysts. Kor notes that many runners may see little to no improvement with these conservative options. 

If these steps don’t help, your podiatrist might suggest an in-office procedure in which the fluid is withdrawn and sometimes injected with a small amount of cortisone to shrink the remaining cyst—or complete surgical removal of the cyst.

Even surgery isn’t a magic bullet: The recurrence of ganglion cysts after surgical removal ranges from 4 to 40 percent, according to a 2021 study in The Archives of Bone and Joint Surgery. 

Clearly, it’s important to speak with your doctor transparently about your pain levels to determine the pros and cons of each treatment. Fifty percent of the time, ganglion cysts resolve on their own, according to a historic study in Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine. 

How can runners prevent ganglion cysts?

Some of the methods described above for treating an early-stage cyst can also be used to prevent one in the first place, starting with your running shoe.

“Ganglions are often found over areas where the bone is prominent and there is aggravation from shoe pressure,” says Langone. “A well-fitting running shoe is an important part of avoiding ganglions, as is altering lacing patterns to avoid painful pressure.”

If your doctor has already aspirated your ganglion cyst and you want to prevent recurrence, a well-fitting shoe and altering lacing patterns may still help—along with icing after runs. 

“Over-the-counter or custom-made orthotics can also indirectly help with a ganglion cyst,” says Kor. “There is some indication that increasing support within the shoe can reduce the overuse on a tendon, which may in turn reduce the irritation that contributes to a cyst.” 

Your podiatrist can prescribe custom orthotics based on your foot’s specific shape. That said, if a ganglion cyst is already significantly symptomatic, an over-the-counter orthotic will typically not help.

As with most things, prevention and early detection are key. If you start to notice discomfort or an unusual bump, make an appointment with your doctor to discuss treatment options—so you can get back to pain-free miles.

At 67, Canadian runner Pete Benson is preparing to take on one of the most extraordinary endurance challenges in marathon running: completing seven marathons across seven continents in just seven days while raising money for a cause that reaches far beyond the finish line.

Hailing from Grand Manan, New Brunswick, Benson is set to participate in the Great World Race, an ambitious event that combines the physical demands of marathon running with a demanding journey around the globe. The challenge will require him to complete seven full marathons, each covering 42.195 kilometres, while travelling between continents on a tightly scheduled itinerary.

The challenge is scheduled to begin on November 15, 2026, with pre-event activities expected to start around November 12. Benson's adventure will begin in Antarctica, where the icy terrain and harsh conditions will provide a formidable introduction to the week ahead.

The opening marathon is scheduled for Wolf's Fang in Antarctica, where Benson will face the unfamiliar and potentially unforgiving conditions of the frozen landscape. Reflecting on the prospect of running through the ice and snow, he admitted that the experience is intimidating.

"That's pretty, pretty scary in itself," he said. "Through the ice and snow."

From Antarctica, Benson will travel to Cape Town, South Africa, for his second marathon on November 16. The journey will then continue to Perth, Australia, on November 17, followed by Singapore on November 18. On November 19, he is scheduled to race in the Algarve, Portugal, before heading to Cartagena, Colombia, on November 20. The challenge will conclude in Miami, United States, on November 21.

The demanding itinerary will leave little time for conventional recovery. After each marathon, Benson will need to travel to the next destination, navigate changing time zones and prepare for another 42.195 kilometres. Managing fatigue, nutrition, hydration and sleep will be essential as he attempts to complete the seven races within a single week.

Benson described the unusual routine that awaits him, highlighting the relentless cycle of running and travelling that defines the challenge.

"We run the race, get back on the bus, back on the plane, head to the next one and away we go around the world," Benson said. "That plane becomes our hotel and restaurant for the week, pretty much."

Beyond the physical demands, Benson recognises that taking part in such an ambitious international adventure comes at a considerable financial cost. He describes running as a personal investment, one that has provided him with valuable experiences and opportunities to discover more about himself.

"It's certainly a want, not a need," he said. "Some people go on river cruises and other things that they spend their money on and I spend my money on running and I've learned a lot from it."

Despite the expense, Benson believes the experience is worth the investment.

"So I think the investment is worth it, but it is extravagant," he said.

However, his motivation extends beyond personal achievement. Benson is also using the challenge to raise money for a nonprofit organisation that funds clean-water projects in countries around the world. The fundraising initiative is voluntary and is not a requirement for participating in the event.

By connecting his running adventure to a cause with a tangible impact on communities, Benson hopes to give every kilometre a greater purpose. His effort demonstrates how an individual sporting challenge can also become an opportunity to support work that improves lives.

"I'm happy that there's a purpose behind every mile that I run," he said.

That purpose adds another dimension to Benson's ambitious undertaking. While the seven marathons will test his physical strength, mental resilience and ability to recover between races, his fundraising mission will allow him to contribute to efforts aimed at improving access to clean water around the world.

As November 15 approaches, Benson is preparing for a demanding week that will take him from the ice and snow of Antarctica to the streets of Miami, with five other destinations in between. Each marathon will bring a new test, requiring careful preparation, determination and the ability to keep moving forward despite accumulating fatigue.

At 67, Benson is setting out to complete an extraordinary endurance challenge while supporting a cause beyond himself. Seven marathons, seven continents and seven days will test his limits, but his journey will carry a purpose that extends far beyond the finish line.

Kenyan twins Caroline and Purity Gitonga delivered outstanding performances at the 2026 Valencia Half Marathon in Spain, with both athletes setting new personal bests in a memorable display of endurance, determination, and sibling excellence.

Caroline led the way, clocking an impressive 1:04:59 to finish sixth in the women's race. The performance marked a significant breakthrough for the talented Kenyan, who improved her previous personal best of 1:06:26 by 1 minute and 27 seconds, underlining her continued progress among the world's leading half-marathon runners.

Her twin sister, Purity, was equally impressive, crossing the finish line in 1:05:56 to secure 11th place. She shaved 1 minute and 35 seconds off her previous personal best of 1:07:31, completing a remarkable day for the sisters as they both reached new milestones in their athletic careers.

Their performances highlighted the strength of Kenya's distance-running tradition while showcasing the individual talent and shared determination that have made the Gitonga twins athletes to watch. Competing on one of the world's fastest half-marathon courses, Caroline and Purity demonstrated their ability to translate hard training into significant improvements on the international stage.

Having a twin sister who understands the demands of elite athletics can provide a unique source of motivation. From the discipline required during training to the challenges of competing against the world's best, the sisters share a journey that extends beyond the finish line. Their latest achievements in Valencia offer another inspiring example of how ambition, perseverance, and mutual encouragement can drive athletes toward new heights.

For Caroline, finishing sixth in 1:04:59 represents another important step in her development, while Purity's 1:05:56 performance confirms her own impressive progress. Although they finished several places apart, their achievements tell the same powerful story: two athletes pushing their limits and continuing to improve against a highly competitive international field.

Valencia once again provided a stage for exceptional distance-running performances, and the Gitonga twins made the most of the opportunity. Their personal bests are not only a testament to their hard work but also an encouraging sign of what they could accomplish as they continue to gain experience and pursue even greater ambitions.

Two sisters, two personal bests, and one unforgettable day on the roads of Valencia. Caroline and Purity Gitonga have given Kenyan athletics another reason to celebrate, and their latest performances will undoubtedly strengthen interest in what the talented twins can achieve in the seasons ahead.

Australian endurance athlete Mick Marshall has achieved an extraordinary milestone at the 2026 Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C., setting a world record for the fastest marathon completed on crutches after crossing the finish line in an incredible 5:35:50.

Representing Altra as an elite athlete, Marshall demonstrated remarkable determination and perseverance throughout the 26.2-mile (42.195-kilometre) race, turning one of the world's most celebrated marathon events into a stage for an inspiring display of human resilience.

Completing a marathon is a demanding physical challenge for any athlete, requiring months of preparation, mental strength and the ability to push through fatigue. Covering the same distance on crutches presents a different set of challenges, placing considerable demands on the upper body, coordination and endurance. Marshall's achievement highlights the dedication required to overcome obstacles and pursue goals that many might consider beyond reach.

The Marine Corps Marathon, renowned for its patriotic atmosphere, enthusiastic spectators and scenic course through the nation's capital, provided a memorable setting for the record-breaking performance. As thousands of runners pursued their own finish-line goals, Marshall carved out a special place in the event's history with his remarkable effort.

Beyond the record itself, Marshall's achievement carries a message that resonates far beyond the running community. Every movement toward the finish line required determination, patience and an unwavering commitment to the challenge before him. His performance is a reminder that greatness is not measured solely by how quickly someone reaches a destination, but also by the courage it takes to pursue a goal despite the difficulties along the way. For aspiring athletes and anyone facing personal challenges, his accomplishment offers a powerful lesson in perseverance, self-belief and the importance of refusing to give up when the journey becomes difficult.

His performance also serves as a reminder that marathon running is about far more than finishing times and podium positions. It is a test of courage, commitment and the willingness to redefine personal limits. Marshall's accomplishment demonstrates that the spirit of distance running extends beyond conventional expectations, inspiring athletes and spectators alike to reconsider what is possible through determination and hard work.

Marshall's remarkable run also reinforces the inclusive spirit of distance running, where the finish line belongs to everyone willing to take on the challenge. Whether competing for a championship, chasing a personal best or simply striving to complete the distance, every runner has a story worth celebrating. By setting a world record on crutches at one of America's prominent marathon events, Marshall has added an unforgettable chapter to that story, encouraging others to look beyond perceived limitations and pursue their ambitions with renewed confidence.

For Marshall, the 5:35:50 finish represents more than a time on the clock. It marks an extraordinary personal achievement and a moment that celebrates perseverance, resilience and the determination to keep moving forward. His performance has brought renewed attention to the remarkable possibilities within endurance sport and the many different ways athletes can challenge expectations.

Marshall's achievement at the Marine Corps Marathon stands as a powerful testament to the human spirit, demonstrating that success is not always about having the easiest path, but about finding the strength to keep going. His 5:35:50 performance is a reminder that the finish line can represent much more than the completion of a race: it can symbolise courage, possibility and the extraordinary things people can accomplish when they refuse to give up.

The 23rd edition of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon delivered a spectacular celebration of endurance, determination and competitive excellence on Sunday, October 25, 2026, as Abraham Kiptum and Mercy Kandie Rotich claimed the men's and women's 42km titles in a memorable showcase of Kenyan road-running talent.

With thousands of runners taking to Nairobi's Southern Bypass, the full marathon provided a compelling test of physical strength, tactical discipline and mental resilience. For the elite athletes at the front, every kilometre presented an opportunity to gain an advantage, while the demanding distance required unwavering concentration from the starting gun to the finish line at Uhuru Gardens.

In the men's race, Kiptum produced an impressive performance to secure victory in 2:10:35, narrowly missing the course record by just 23 seconds. The 37-year-old Kenyan demonstrated his experience and endurance throughout the contest, ultimately establishing himself as the strongest performer over the 42.195-kilometre distance.

Kiptum's victory was particularly significant given his recent return to competitive marathon running. The athlete from Kapsabet had continued rebuilding his career and arrived in Nairobi following victory at the CRDB International Marathon in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in August. His latest triumph provided another encouraging chapter in his return to the forefront of distance running.

The men's contest produced an exceptionally close battle for the remaining podium positions. Fellow Kenyan Amos Kipkemoi Cheruiyot finished second in 2:10:37, just two seconds behind the champion, while Mark Kibiwott secured third place in 2:11:05.

Dismas Kiplimo finished fourth in 2:11:15, followed by Henry Kiprono Togom, who completed the top five in 2:11:55. The depth of the leading performances underlined the quality of competition on a morning when the front-runners pushed each other towards impressive finishing times.

Kiptum's performance also highlighted the importance of consistency and preparation in marathon running. Having invested months in training, the experienced Kenyan delivered when it mattered most, navigating the course with the composure required to emerge victorious against a competitive field.

The women's 42km race was equally captivating, with Mercy Kandie Rotich claiming the championship in 2:31:25 after a determined performance over the challenging distance.

Rotich demonstrated resilience and composure as the race unfolded, maintaining her challenge through the later stages before securing the victory. Her performance earned her a place among the latest champions of one of Kenya's prominent annual road-running events.

The battle for the women's title was decided by the narrowest of margins. Peris Jerono finished second in 2:31:27, only two seconds behind Rotich, while Ruth Wakabu completed the podium in 2:31:36. The three leading women finished within just 11 seconds of one another, providing a dramatic conclusion to the contest.

Shyline Jepkorir placed fourth in 2:34:55, while Dorothy Kipkilach finished fifth in 2:36:38, rounding out the leading performers in the women's division.

The narrow margins between the leading athletes reflected the unpredictable nature of marathon racing, where pacing, endurance and the ability to respond under pressure can determine the outcome after more than 42 kilometres of competition.

Beyond the podium battles, the full marathon represented a celebration of the determination that defines long-distance running. Every athlete who took on the distance faced the challenge of managing energy, overcoming fatigue and maintaining the mental strength necessary to reach the finish line.

The Southern Bypass provided the setting for these performances, with the runners navigating the Nairobi course before completing their challenge at Uhuru Gardens. The event brought together elite competitors and recreational athletes, united by the ambition to test their limits over the classic marathon distance.

The 2026 edition once again demonstrated the enduring appeal of road racing in Kenya, a country internationally recognised for producing exceptional distance runners. It also offered a platform for athletes to pursue personal ambitions, compete for prestigious honours and showcase the depth of talent within Kenyan athletics.

For Kiptum and Rotich, however, the day belonged to the pursuit of victory. Their respective performances secured them the coveted men's and women's marathon crowns, while the fiercely contested podium finishes ensured that the 42km races delivered the drama and excitement expected of a major road-running championship.

As the 23rd Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon concluded, the achievements of the two champions stood out as the defining moments of the full-marathon competition, celebrating not only speed and endurance but also the preparation, perseverance and competitive spirit required to conquer 42.195 kilometres.

The true spirit of marathon running was beautifully displayed at the 2026 Mainova Frankfurt Marathon, where the celebration extended far beyond the elite athletes who crossed the finish line first. In a heartwarming tradition, the race's men's and women's champions waited inside the historic Festhalle Frankfurt to welcome the final finisher, reminding the world that every marathon journey deserves recognition.

As the final runner entered the magnificent venue, the atmosphere transformed into an unforgettable celebration. Confetti filled the air as music, dazzling lights and a red-carpet welcome created a moment usually associated with the sport's biggest stars. Standing alongside the champions, the last finisher received a hero's reception, demonstrating that the achievement of completing a marathon deserves to be celebrated regardless of finishing position.

Ethiopia's Jirata Lelisa Dinki, who won the men's race in an impressive 2:05:26, and compatriot Zeineba Yimer Worku, the women's champion in 2:19:45, were among those celebrating the final runner's remarkable achievement.

Their presence sent a powerful message about the values that make marathon running special. While elite athletes push the limits of human performance in pursuit of victory and fast times, thousands of other runners take on the same 42.195-kilometre challenge for deeply personal reasons. For some, the goal is to achieve a personal best; for others, it is to overcome adversity, fulfil a lifelong ambition or simply reach the finish line.

The final finisher's journey may have taken longer than that of the champions, but the determination required to keep moving forward deserves equal admiration. Every kilometre represents effort, sacrifice and perseverance, and crossing the finish line marks the successful completion of a challenge that demands both physical endurance and mental strength.

Frankfurt's special welcome captured an essential truth about distance running: a marathon is not only a race against the clock but also a personal battle against exhaustion, doubt and the temptation to give up. By waiting for the final runner, the champions helped ensure that the day's celebrations included someone whose achievement might otherwise have gone unnoticed.

In a sport often defined by world records, course records and podium finishes, this touching tradition offers a refreshing reminder that the value of a marathon cannot be measured by time alone. The fastest runners may make headlines for their performances, but every finisher has a story worth telling.

At the Mainova Frankfurt Marathon, the champions had already conquered their own challenges. Yet their decision to welcome the last runner created another memorable moment, showing that greatness in sport is measured not only by what athletes accomplish but also by the respect they show others.

Because when the final runner receives the same warmth, applause and celebration as the champions, the message is unmistakable: every runner matters, every finish line represents an achievement, and nobody should be left behind when it is time to celebrate.