Running News Daily

Here’s what experts say about the causes of that uncomfortable, tingling sensation and how to cope with it.

As a runner, you try to prepare for everything: You have a waterproof jacket for that 60 percent chance of rain, anti-blister socks, and a supply of gel packs for Saturday long runs. However, something that you may be less prepared for is relentless itching and tingling.

Known as “runner’s itch,” this sensation makes hitting the road uncomfortable for many runners, especially those just starting out or getting back into a running routine. 

“Runner’s itch wasn’t something that was particularly researched and documented before the 1950s, but it’s been consistently described in literature in some way since about the 70s,” says Braden Romer, Ph.D., an associate professor of exercise science at High Point University in High Point, North Carolina. “We’ve seen the prevalence go up as there are more individuals taking part in physical activity. I run into it quite often when dealing with athletes.” 

If you want to run more but can’t stand the urge to stop and scratch, here’s what to know about runner’s itch and how to soothe it.

What causes runner’s itch?

The causes of runner’s itch may range from minor inconveniences to more serious health conditions. Although more research is needed to fully understand what triggers this sensation, here are five potential causes. 

1. Dry or Irritated Skin

Both humidity and dryness in the air can lead to runner’s itch. 

“If you sweat a lot or if it’s very humid or raining, and your clothes get wet, you run the risk of skin irritation or itchiness,” says Melissa Kendter, C.P.T., a Philadelphia-based United Endurance Sports Coaching Academy (UESCA) running coach. 

Meanwhile, another common cause is dry air and dry skin. Friction from running can exacerbate this and cause unpleasant itching.

“Some research has suggested hydration is a factor as well,” says Romer. “If you’re not drinking enough water, your skin gets dry and itches. When you begin to workout, especially with workout clothes, that may trigger an effect as well.”

Running can also exacerbate eczema, a group of inflammatory skin conditions that lead to issues like itchiness and dry skin. 

“If you’re prone to eczema, exercise might make it worse,” says Minneapolis-based William Roberts, M.D. chief medical officer of the American College of Sports Medicine and former director of the sports medicine program at the University of Minnesota Medical School. “If you notice a skin rash, talk to your doctor.”

2. Histamine Release

A predominant theory behind runner’s itch is a histamine release at the onset of exercise, says Romer. Aerobic or endurance exercise can generate a localized anaphylactic reaction within the exercised muscle tissue, which causes histamine release, per a 2017 study in Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews. 

“There’s some research to suggest that the itching may be related to histamine release at the onset of exercise, particularly in high-intensity exercise,” Romer explains. “If somebody hasn’t been working out or running, or they haven’t warmed up and jump right into a high-intensity workout, that may be triggering a greater histamine release from within the muscle cells.”

This histamine release, in turn, could cause that uncomfortable and itchy feeling. 

2. Blood Vessel Expansion

When you run, blood flow increases to your tissues, causing vasodilation (the widening of blood vessels). One theory is that the increased size of your capillaries causes an itching sensation.

“The capillaries start to expand, which may send a triggering response to some of the nerve fibers around that area,” says Romer. You may be more prone to this if you haven’t run for a while or are just starting out.

“This typically can happen for newer runners or ones getting back into the routine of running, because their bodies aren’t adept at this process,” says Kendter. “If your fitness routine has been put on the back burner for some time, you have a higher risk.”

However, this theory does have its skeptics. Romer adds that there are multiple pathways that have been proposed for runner’s itch and the symptom is not well understood. This was evident even in the differing opinions among the experts we spoke to—Roberts, for instance, has doubts that vasodilation could cause itching.

The bottom line: Though runner’s itch could potentially be related to blood flow, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind this process.

4. Exercise-Induced Urticaria

In more rare cases, allergic responses to exercise can cause severe symptoms. Exercise-induced urticaria is a rare clinical condition that causes flushing, itchiness, and hives after a workout, per a March 2022 single case study in Cureus. A minority of patients can even develop anaphylaxis, which is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction. 

“Exercise-induced anaphylaxis can cause a fast heart rate and potentially the swelling of the throat and blocking of the airways,” says Roberts.

About 30 to 50 percent of exercise-induced anaphylaxis is food dependent, meaning it only occurs with the combination of a specific food and exercise, per another single case study, published in 2017 in Canadian Family Physician. 

Many different types of food have been found to have a triggering effect, including wheat, shellfish, nuts, tomatoes, peanuts, fish, pork, beef, mushrooms, hazelnuts, eggs, peaches, apples, milk, and alcohol.

If you suspect you’re experiencing urticaria, it’s important to see your physician to start a treatment program. This could include taking antihistamines before you run and carrying an EpiPen with you. If you do experience allergic reactions, it’s best to run with a buddy who knows how to help if you have a reaction. 

People with severe cases of exercise-induced urticaria may need to avoid certain types of exercise and foods (or, rarely, exercise altogether). 

5. Cholinergic Urticaria

Another condition that could be the cause of itching is cholinergic urticaria, which is characterized by itching and/or a stinging pain, redness, and bumps. 

Think of this as a heat-triggered reaction: Symptoms develop after an increased body temperature has been stimulated repeatedly, such as through exercise, per a 2023 review in the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology.

“This is also pretty rare,” says Roberts. “It’s a response to the skin warming that occurs with running.” 

Cholinergic urticaria is often associated with serious symptoms like anaphylaxis and severe pain. This condition comes on very quickly and may also involve an antihistamine treatment plan. Your doctor may conduct testing to confirm that you’re experiencing cholinergic urticaria, which may involve raising the body temperature through exercise on a treadmill or stationary bike. 

Who’s most prone to runner’s itch?

When it comes to everyday runner’s itch that’s not related to a more serious medical condition like exercise-induced urticaria or cholinergic urticaria, runners who are just starting out or who haven’t exercised in a while may be more likely to experience it. 

“I’ve seen this with athletes who have taken time off,” says Romer. “My wife also struggles with runner’s itch quite a bit. If she takes some time off from high-intensity runs for a bit, especially in the winter, it really gets after her for the first few workouts.” 

If the itching is due to dry skin, factors like age, climate (think desert-like climates with low humidity or cold climates with heavy wind), genetics, or health conditions like eczema or diabetes can play a role, per the Cleveland Clinic. You may also experience more dry, itchy skin during the winter or if you’re not drinking enough water. 

How can you sooth runner’s itch?

For many people, runner’s itch will fade away with regular exercise, unless it’s a symptom of a more serious condition. “It generally subsides relatively quickly after several workout sessions or modifying hydration intake,” says Romer. 

You can also aim to soothe runner’s itch by properly easing into your run.“Do a good warmup so your body has a gradual increase in temperature and the blood gets flowing to the muscles in advance, rather than a rapid increase,” says Kendter.

Try to keep running throughout the year: Although the first couple of weeks may feel uncomfortable, if you stay consistent and allow your body to adapt to your routine, you’re less likely to experience the itch. 

Staying properly hydrated and using a moisturizer to soothe dry skin can also help. Roberts recommends moisturizing creams like Vanicream, which is available over the counter. 

All of this said, talk to your doctor if runner’s itch continues for you or if symptoms are severe—say, it’s accompanied by rash or hives, is extremely painful, or continues/worsens over time.

“If it becomes a chronic response, where you’re not seeing a diminished response even if you’ve been able to regularly exercise, see a physician,” says Romer. 

British middle-distance star Keely Hodgkinson is proving that the impact of an Olympic champion extends far beyond the medals she wins, as her remarkable achievements continue to inspire young girls to believe in their own sporting dreams.

A heartwarming image of a young British girl recreating Hodgkinson’s iconic champion pose, dressed in a replica of her racing kit and proudly draped in the Union Jack, has captured the beautiful connection between sporting heroes and the next generation of athletes. It is a powerful reminder that what begins as admiration for a champion can eventually become the inspiration to follow in her footsteps.

Hodgkinson secured her place among Britain's greatest middle-distance runners at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where she won the women's 800 metres gold medal in 1:56.72. The victory marked the culmination of years of determination and perseverance, bringing Olympic glory to a career that had already seen her claim silver at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and the 2022 World Athletics Championships.

Her triumph in Paris was more than a personal milestone. It was a moment that allowed countless young athletes to see what was possible through dedication, confidence and a willingness to pursue ambitious goals.

For Hodgkinson, the power of inspiration is something she understands personally. As a nine-year-old girl, she watched Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill win heptathlon gold at the London 2012 Olympic Games. That unforgettable performance helped spark her own interest in athletics, setting her on a journey that would eventually lead her to the top of the Olympic podium.

Now, more than a decade later, Hodgkinson has become the very kind of sporting role model who can ignite that same ambition in another young athlete.

The young fan's recreation of her Olympic hero is a touching reflection of how sporting success can influence children long before they take their first competitive steps on the track. Wearing a champion's colours, adopting her winning pose and celebrating her achievements may seem like simple gestures, but they represent something much bigger: the beginning of a dream.

Hodgkinson has also developed a distinctive identity beyond her performances, with her confident race-day style, Union Jack-inspired details and unapologetic personality making her a recognisable figure in British athletics. For many young fans, she represents a modern champion who combines world-class ability with individuality and self-belief.

Her story also highlights the importance of visibility in sport. When young girls see women achieving extraordinary things on the world's biggest stages, they are given tangible examples of what determination and ambition can accomplish. Champions such as Hodgkinson help make athletics more accessible and exciting, encouraging the next generation to lace up their trainers, join a club and discover their own potential.

Of course, not every young admirer will become an Olympic medallist, but the influence of a sporting hero can extend well beyond competition. The confidence to try something new, the discipline to work towards a goal and the courage to keep going after disappointment are lessons that can shape a lifetime.

For Hodgkinson, her legacy will ultimately be measured by more than the gold medals she wins or the records she may break. It will also be reflected in the young athletes who find the courage to chase their ambitions because they watched her succeed.

Just as Ennis-Hill's triumph at London 2012 helped inspire a young Hodgkinson, the British 800m champion is now passing that inspiration forward, showing a new generation that today's dreams can become tomorrow's achievements.

Somewhere among the young fans proudly recreating her winning pose could be a future British champion, an Olympic medallist or even the next athlete to redefine the limits of the 800 metres.

Today, she may be a little girl looking up to her hero. Tomorrow, she could be the champion inspiring millions of others.

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.