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. 

Ethiopia delivered a remarkable double victory at the 2026 Bank of China Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Half Marathon on Sunday, November 15, with Wede Kefale and Addisu Gobena emerging victorious in the women's and men's races respectively.

Staged along the spectacular Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, the event brought together some of the finest distance runners from Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa and other nations for a fiercely contested 21.097-kilometre challenge across one of the world's most recognisable sea-crossing structures.

The competition produced impressive performances, with Ethiopia showcasing its depth in distance running while Kenyan athletes also secured several places among the leading finishers.

In the women's contest, Kefale produced a composed and determined performance to secure the biggest prize of the day. She crossed the finish line in 1:09:01, holding off a strong challenge from South Africa's Glenrose Xaba, who finished second in 1:09:09. Ethiopia's Fantu Worku completed the podium in 1:09:14, making it an exceptionally close battle among the leading three women, who were separated by just 13 seconds.

The Ethiopian victory was particularly impressive given the quality of the field. Xaba, one of South Africa's leading distance runners, pushed hard throughout the contest but ultimately had to settle for second, while Worku demonstrated Ethiopia's remarkable strength by securing another podium position.

Kefale's victory was supported by an impressive Ethiopian presence throughout the top 10. Baraky Redae finished fourth in 1:09:51, followed by compatriot Asmarech Anley in fifth with 1:10:21. Kenya's Miriam Chebet was sixth in 1:11:05, ahead of Morocco's Fatima Ezzahra Birdaha, who clocked 1:11:23. Kazakhstan's Daisy Jepkemei placed eighth in 1:11:42, while Ethiopia's Zewudie Wudu finished ninth in 1:12:08. Kenya's Priscah Jepleting Cherono completed the top 10 in 1:12:29.

The men's race provided another memorable moment for Ethiopia as 22-year-old Addisu Gobena claimed the overall victory, He clocked 1:01:33 to finish ahead of compatriot Aliyi Kasim, who secured second place in 1:02:29.

Kenya's Alex Lenalepisho delivered a strong performance to take third in 1:02:47, preventing a complete Ethiopian sweep of the men's podium. Morocco's Othmane El Goumri finished fourth in 1:03:07, while Kenya's Abel Kiplimo followed in fifth with 1:03:33

Kenyan representation remained particularly strong throughout the men's top 10. Ezra Kipketer Tanui finished sixth in 1:05:32, followed by Ethiopia's Tafere Adisu in seventh with 1:05:35. Kenya's Meshack Kipchirchir placed eighth in 1:06:01, Benard Kipkorir was ninth in 1:06:15, and compatriot Sena Ledama completed the top 10 in 1:06:21.

Gobena's triumph adds another impressive achievement to Ethiopia's growing presence on the international road-running circuit, while the performances of Kasim and Lenalepisho underlined the competitive depth of the men's field.

The 2026 edition was also significant for the event itself, having earned World Athletics Platinum Label status, placing it among the highest-rated road-running competitions internationally. The bridge provided a spectacular setting for the contest, bringing together elite athletes from different countries for a memorable day of long-distance racing. 

Beyond the podium, the results highlighted the international character of the competition, with athletes from Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa, Morocco and Kazakhstan featuring prominently in the leading positions.

Ethiopia therefore left Hong Kong with both overall titles, while Kenya had plenty of reasons to take encouragement from its strong representation across both races.

For the organisers, the successful staging of this Platinum Label competition represents another important milestone in the development of road running in Hong Kong. For the athletes, it was an opportunity to test themselves against international opposition on a distinctive course that offered a memorable backdrop to the racing.

American sprint sensation Noah Lyles could be preparing to chase one of the most extraordinary achievements in athletics history after dropping a tantalising hint about his ambitions for the 2027 World Athletics Championships in Beijing, China.

The four-time world 200m champion has sparked excitement among athletics fans after sharing a cryptic message on social media reading “4x ? 2027”, raising speculation that he could be targeting an unprecedented four gold medals when the global championships return to the iconic Bird’s Nest Stadium.

Although Lyles has yet to confirm exactly which events he intends to contest, the possibility of a four-event campaign has become particularly intriguing following World Athletics’ announcement that the mixed 4x100m relay will make its World Championships debut in Beijing.

Such an opportunity could open the door for the American superstar to compete for gold in the men's 100m, 200m, men's 4x100m relay and the newly introduced mixed 4x100m relay.

For Lyles, Beijing could represent much more than another opportunity to add to his impressive collection of championship medals. It could be the stage where he attempts to establish himself as the most successful male athlete in World Athletics Championships history.

The 100m would undoubtedly be one of his biggest attractions. Having claimed the world title in Budapest in 2023 before completing his remarkable rise to Olympic glory at the Paris 2024 Games, Lyles knows exactly what it takes to rule the world's premier sprinting stage. However, he will be eager to reclaim the global crown after settling for bronze behind compatriots in the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo.

The 200m, meanwhile, remains his strongest territory. Lyles has established an extraordinary legacy over the half-lap distance, winning four consecutive World Championships titles in 2019, 2022, 2023 and 2025. In Tokyo, he matched Usain Bolt's remarkable achievement of four successive world 200m crowns, further strengthening his reputation as one of the greatest performers the event has ever witnessed.

His ambitions would also extend to the relays, where he has repeatedly demonstrated his value to Team USA. Lyles has already collected four World Championships gold medals in the men's 4x100m relay, including victories in 2019, 2022, 2023 and 2025. Another successful campaign in Beijing would provide an opportunity to add to that impressive record.

The introduction of the mixed 4x100m relay could make the challenge even more fascinating. With the event officially scheduled to make its World Championships debut in Beijing, the competition will offer another opportunity for the world's leading sprinters to showcase their speed on the global stage.

Beyond the possibility of four gold medals, however, there is an even bigger historical prize waiting for Lyles.

The American currently boasts eight World Athletics Championships gold medals. Winning four more in Beijing would take his career tally to 12, moving him beyond Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt, whose 11 world titles remain the benchmark for male athletes in the competition's history.

That would be a remarkable achievement for an athlete who has never hidden his admiration for Bolt and his desire to reach the heights established by the Jamaican legend.

Interestingly, the Bird's Nest Stadium carries its own special place in sprinting history. It was at the same venue during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games that Bolt announced himself to the world with his breathtaking performances in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay. Nearly two decades later, the iconic stadium could provide the setting for another extraordinary chapter in sprinting history.

For Lyles, the challenge will be enormous. Successfully navigating four demanding events, managing the competition schedule and delivering at the highest level across individual and relay races would require exceptional preparation, consistency and teamwork.

Nothing has yet been confirmed regarding his participation in all four disciplines, but his intriguing message has certainly given athletics followers something exciting to anticipate.

Could Beijing 2027 become the championship where Noah Lyles transforms an ambitious dream into an unforgettable reality?

Four events, four potential gold medals and the possibility of surpassing one of the greatest sprinting legends of all time. The countdown to Beijing promises to be fascinating.

What began as one of the most entertaining and talked-about stories of the 2026 New York City Marathon has taken an unexpected turn, with Houston-based lawyer Andrea Sager losing her official race result after a viral video showed her smoking marijuana during the event.

The 35-year-old mother of two attracted widespread attention on November 1 when she lined up for the iconic 26.2-mile race wearing a bright pink running vest carrying a humorous personal advertisement: “Andrea, 35, Single. Great Credit. Bad Judgment.” The unusual message quickly made her one of the most recognizable personalities among the thousands of participants, generating plenty of reactions from spectators and social media users.

However, it was another moment captured on camera that eventually landed her in trouble with race organizers. A video circulating online showed Sager accepting a puff of marijuana from a spectator while running along the marathon course, turning what had initially been a lighthearted appearance into a much bigger controversy.

Following the circulation of the footage, New York Road Runners (NYRR), the organization responsible for staging the marathon, removed Sager's finishing time of 5:54 from the official results after determining that she had violated its Code of Conduct. The regulations prohibit smoking, vaping and the use of tobacco or marijuana products in the starting corrals, along the course and within the designated race areas.

Despite the disqualification, Sager was allowed to retain her physical finisher's medal, meaning she still has a memento of completing the demanding journey through New York's five boroughs, even though her official finishing result no longer stands.

Sager has since offered an explanation for her decision, revealing that she was struggling physically as the race progressed. With considerable discomfort in her legs and the marathon becoming increasingly difficult, she said she accepted the offer from a spectator in an attempt to manage the pain and make the remaining miles more bearable.

Interestingly, the controversy has not entirely dampened her enthusiasm for the experience. Rather than retreating from the attention, Sager has embraced the unexpected publicity, revealing that the viral moment has brought considerable interest on social media and dating platforms.

Her distinctive pink running vest has also become a talking point beyond the marathon, with the attention opening up potential opportunities for merchandise and brand partnerships inspired by the memorable message.

Although she initially challenged the decision, Sager has acknowledged that the organizers were enforcing their regulations and appears to be taking the outcome with a sense of humour. She has also indicated that she could return to the marathon distance in the future, suggesting that her New York experience may not be her last.

For Sager, the 2026 New York City Marathon will undoubtedly be remembered for reasons far beyond the challenge of covering 26.2 miles. She arrived at the starting line hoping to enjoy her first marathon and perhaps attract a little attention with her unusual outfit. Instead, she left with a viral story, unexpected publicity and a disqualification that has made her one of the most talked-about recreational runners from this year's event.

Her finishing time may have disappeared from the official results, but her story has certainly found a place in the conversation surrounding this year's marathon.

After all, completing a marathon is an achievement in itself, but Andrea Sager's New York experience came with a twist that few runners could have anticipated!

World mile record holder Josh Kerr has sparked an interesting conversation among runners after questioning the growing popularity of hydration vests, suggesting that many athletes may be carrying more equipment than they actually need for their everyday training sessions.

The British distance-running star shared his thoughts during a Reddit Ask Me Anything session hosted by BBC Sport on Monday, where he responded to questions from fans about training, competition, rivalries and some of the lighter aspects of his life as an elite athlete.

Among the most relatable topics was the increasing use of hydration vests, a piece of equipment that has become increasingly common among recreational runners, particularly those who head out for regular training sessions.

Kerr offered a straightforward perspective, suggesting that runners covering distances of less than 12 miles (approximately 19 kilometres) generally do not need to carry water with them. He believes that some running trends are driven more by marketing than genuine necessity, using hydration vests as an example of equipment that has perhaps become more popular than it needs to be.

He further pointed out that runners training in urban environments can usually find somewhere to purchase a drink if they need one, rather than carrying additional equipment throughout their entire run.

However, his comments were not intended as a universal rule for every athlete. Hydration requirements differ depending on individual needs, weather conditions, training intensity and the distance being covered. Runners tackling longer distances, particularly in hot conditions or on remote trails, may still benefit considerably from carrying their own fluids.

Away from the equipment debate, Kerr also addressed questions about his relationship with Norwegian distance-running superstar Jakob Ingebrigtsen. Keeping his response brief and humorous, the Briton remarked, "I wouldn't say we're buddies!" However, he acknowledged that rivalries are an important part of athletics and can help make the sport more exciting for competitors and spectators alike.

The 2024 Paris Olympic Games also featured prominently in the discussion, particularly the men's 1500m final, where Kerr secured the silver medal in a British record of 3:27.79 behind American Cole Hocker.

Despite narrowly missing out on Olympic gold, Kerr insisted that he had no regrets about how he approached the race, reflecting the confidence and competitive mentality that have helped establish him among the leading middle-distance runners in the world.

The Scottish star also offered fans a glimpse into the demanding training sessions behind his remarkable mile world record, providing insight into the preparation required to compete at the highest level. He additionally touched on the possibility of eventually moving up to the marathon, a prospect that will undoubtedly attract considerable interest given his credentials over shorter distances.

Not every question, however, was about world records, Olympic medals or gruelling workouts. In one particularly amusing moment, Kerr was asked how far he thought he could run on just a single square sausage and a can of Irn-Bru, bringing a distinctly Scottish flavour to the conversation.

The exchange offered a refreshing look at the personality behind one of Britain's biggest athletics stars, showing that even athletes operating at the very highest level have plenty of opinions about everyday running habits.

For recreational runners, Kerr's message about hydration vests is certainly worth considering, although individual circumstances should always determine what equipment is necessary. His broader point was simple: runners should understand their actual training needs rather than automatically following every new trend in the running industry.

Kenyan marathon star John Korir is preparing to chase a remarkable piece of history at the 2026 Valencia Marathon, where victory could make him the first male athlete in more than two decades to successfully defend the prestigious title.

The 30-year-old, who will celebrate his birthday just four days before the December 6 race, returns to Spain with an opportunity to achieve something that has proved exceptionally difficult in the history of the competition. Having conquered the Valencia streets last year in an outstanding 2:02:24, Korir now has his sights firmly set on becoming a two-time consecutive champion.

A successful defence would place Korir in an exclusive group of athletes who have managed to win Valencia's men's marathon twice. The race's historical records identify only three previous multiple winners: Teodoro Pérez, Eduardo Alcaína and Samuel Tangus. Tangus remains the last man to achieve consecutive victories, having triumphed in 2002 and 2003.

Korir's opportunity has become even more promising following the withdrawal of Ethiopian star Yomif Kejelcha, who was ruled out of the December 6 contest because of an injury. Kejelcha had been among the biggest attractions in the anticipated showdown. His absence removes a major challenger and leaves Korir as one of the leading favourites heading into the race.

The Kenyan's recent performances explain why expectations are so high. He has established himself among the world's most formidable marathon runners, collecting major victories in Chicago in 2024, Boston in 2025, Valencia in December 2025 and Boston again in April 2026. His latest Boston triumph was particularly impressive, as he successfully defended his crown in a spectacular course-record time of 2:01:52.

However, Korir is not returning simply to defend his title. He has much bigger ambitions, with reports indicating that he is targeting a historic sub-two-hour performance on Valencia's famously fast course. To prepare for that challenge, the Kenyan has reportedly increased his training volume to between 250 and 270 kilometres per week, demonstrating the scale of preparation behind his ambitions.

Breaking the two-hour barrier would be an extraordinary achievement, particularly on a course where the current men's record stands at 2:01:48, set by Ethiopia's Sisay Lemma in 2023. Korir already knows what it takes to deliver a major performance in Valencia, having produced a commanding victory last year.

Turning 30 just days before the competition, Korir appears to be entering an exciting period of his marathon career. His combination of experience, consistency, confidence and remarkable endurance makes him a serious contender not only for another victory but also for a possible assault on the course record.

For Korir, December 6 represents an opportunity to go beyond another major marathon victory. He could end a 23-year wait for a consecutive men's champion in Valencia, join an exclusive group of multiple winners and potentially deliver one of the fastest marathon performances ever witnessed.

The challenge is now clear: defend his crown, make history and perhaps bring the world closer to another landmark moment in marathon running.