Running News Daily

Nearly 50 years ago I fell in love with running. I was far from a natural. When I was 8 years old, I was struck by an illness that left me with pneumonia in both lungs with one lung being collapsed. I survived that but was left with asthma that persists to this day. This was unfortunate as I loved sports. Asthma more or less disqualified me from participating in “running sports, " leaving me only with baseball as something I could do relatively comfortably.

In high school, I wanted to try wrestling. I figured that I could handle three 2-minute periods. However, I would soon learn that a lot of the training involved running and I struggled mightily to keep up with the other kids early in the season. The next season I hit upon the idea to ask our cross-country coach if I could train with that team, though not be part of the team. In this way, I could be conditioned before the start of wrestling season. And during wrestling season, I would show up two hours before the match to check my weight and run 2-4 miles before weigh-in. 

I graduated high school, but the running never stopped. I ran every weekend (4-10 miles each day) for decades. Running was so important to me that when setting up one of my company offices in Japan, I purposely chose a location in a place with a suitable place to run, near the Emperor’s Palace near Tokyo Station. The palace is surrounded by a circular (3km) moat that is a popular running destination. My ritual was that after a week of business, I would do four laps around the palace and then fly home to San Francisco.

Though I loved running I was never interested in racing until about age 50. In 2010, my new son-in-law invited me to join him in a 5K fun run in Lafayette. Passing all those 20-year-olds was all I needed to get the “bug.” I went on to run many dozens of races over the next years, mostly marathons, an ultra, and a triathlon. I was in the best shape of my life, rarely got sick, and was at the top of the world. That would change dramatically.

In 2013, I started noticing that on some days I would experience a strange fatigue that required me to take a walking break. I remember one day that I cut one of my runs short because I was disgusted with my performance. I kept my running clothes on and decided that I would try again later that day. That was the time I set a new PR for that training course. Something was not right, and these episodes of fatigue were increasing in frequency.

The last marathon I ran was in April 2016, a miserable affair clocking in a 4:53. By September, I couldn’t run a mile without a break. I complained to every doctor I met that “something was wrong”, but the standard response was that I was just getting older and I needed to lower my expectations. Even a cardiologist I had seen 10 years earlier told me that there was nothing wrong with me and even quipped “Guys like you are bad for business.” I wasn’t amused.

Finally, in 2019, my asthma doctor recommended a private practice cardiologist in Los Altos who might be willing to work with me. She spent two hours examining me, including an EKG and blood work. She found no problems but listened to my story about my newfound exercise intolerance. She said the only way to get to the bottom of it was to put me under a cardiac stress test.

I showed up at the hospital and they were ready for me. My doctor was there along with two technicians: one to operate the treadmill and monitor the EKG, and one with an echocardiogram scanner for a pre- and post-test scan of my heart. About 15 minutes into the test, about the same interval that I would experience fatigue during a run, the EKG technician exclaimed “Doctor!” and ran out of the room. The doctor told me to stop, asked me if I was OK, and asked me to lie down and have the other technician scan me.

The EKG technician quickly reappeared with defibrillating paddles and was stunned that I was calmly talking to the doctor. The cause of my fatigue was now clear– I was having a heart attack. A very deadly one at that, called Ventricular Tachycardia (VT) in which the top and bottom chambers beat at different rates causing your heart to stop pumping.

Now that the mystery was solved (I was not “fine”), we needed to identify the cause of this electrical misfiring. I was then directed to a cardiac electrophysiologist (EP) that specializes in this sort of disorder. He also took several hours to explain that there are nearly a dozen potential causes of this, and nearly all of them treatable. There was one (the least likely) however, that was not so easily treatable.

As it turns out, the least likely one Cardiac Sarcoidosis, was the one. This is a rare auto-immune disease that typically attacks the lungs but in even rarer cases can attack the heart. Lucky me. These “attacks” leave scar tissue on the heart that disrupts the normal electrical activity of the heart. My EP regretted telling me that this was out of his skill area and needed to refer me to Stanford where they have a cardiologist that specializes in this.

My experience at Stanford was great where a team of cardiologists took care of me. The first step was to see if the VT response to exercise was repeatable (it was). The second step was to confirm that sarcoidosis auto-immune cells were present in my body. The result of that test was positive. The cells were present, but the good news was that they were no longer in my heart and were “dormant.” But the damage was done. The final step was to install an implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) in my chest that has two wires screwed into the side of my heart. In case of a sustained VT episode, the ICD would automatically shock me back into rhythm.

My ICD was installed on February 12, 2020 shortly before the Covid lockdown. I cleared to begin running after about six weeks which I gleefully did after eight months of no running and four years of poor running. I am happy to report that I have had zero VT episodes, nor any other serious arrhythmias since the ICD was installed.

But my story is not quite over. Despite the lack of arrhythmias, my running performance has not returned to pre-sarcoidosis levels. I’ve worked with the Stanford cardiology team who have reiterated that my heart is working perfectly. With that ruled out, I asked for a referral to their pulmonary team to see whether there might be some lung function issues that are interfering with my return to normalcy. Like with my heart, I undertook a battery of tests looking for anything unusual.

The results of all these tests were that my lungs, despite a lifetime of asthma are working quite well. The penultimate step in this battery was a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) that is most commonly used to test professional athletes. Despite my running complaints, the tests showed that my body was responding fairly well to exercise as I posted a 12.2 MET (Metaboloic Equivalent of Task).

I studied the voluminous data from the CPET and was struck by one thing– max heart rate. No, not the calculated 220-<age> that most runners are familiar with, but rather seeing that my heart rate levels off at 149 bpm and can go no higher no matter the stress. This is Father Time making his presence known. The reason I can no longer run as fast as I used to is because my heart can’t pump fast enough to generate the required oxygen to propel my body at those speeds. It's basic physics, so simple. 

I decided to investigate this briefly and look at some representative races to see if I could see this in actual race data. I looked at the data from the California International Marathonfrom 2022 curious to see an age-related pattern. During my short racing career, I would typically place in the top 20% of my age bracket. I extracted data for Mens Masters into a chart to show Max HR vs. the top finisher and the top 20% finisher. This has given me some consolation that the slowdown is natural and will continue.

One more thing I’d like to share, especially with older runners. Since the ICD, I have found it hard to rebuild my aerobic base. I’ve concluded that the reason for this is that I was still trying to train like when I was a teenager back when my Max HR was 200! Somewhere in my memory banks, I recalled something about low heart rate training and quickly found the MAF methodby Dr. Phil Maffetone. In a nutshell, Maffetone advises training at ultra-low heart rates (180-<age>) to develop a core aerobic base. The process can take 3-6 months and involves running at an agonizingly slow pace (at first.) I am happy to report that this is the one thing that is working for me and for the first time in a long time I am again running with joy.

This has been a very personal story but one that I thought I should share with our running community. I feel that running may have saved my life. If I hadn’t challenged my doctors that I was not “fine” the worst could have happened. We runners know our bodies better than anyone and when something doesn’t feel right, it’s probably not. Don’t be afraid to aggressively advocate for yourself. Your life might depend on it.

Ethiopia’s Fotyеn Tesfay Haylu delivered one of the most remarkable women’s half-marathon performances ever seen on American soil on Sunday, powering to a commanding victory at the 2026 Buenos Aires Half Marathon in Argentina in 1:03:57.

Running with exceptional confidence and strength, Tesfay took control of the race and produced a superb solo performance to rewrite the event record. Her breathtaking run also carried historic significance, as she became the first woman to break the 64-minute barrier for the half marathon in the Americas, producing what is being celebrated as the fastest women’s half-marathon performance ever recorded on the continent.

The Ethiopian star was in a class of her own, crossing the finish line more than a minute clear of Turkey’s Nevin Can, who finished second in 1:05:06. Another Turkish athlete, Selin Can, completed the podium in third place with 1:05:11, as the leading trio all produced strong performances on the fast streets of Buenos Aires.

Kenya also featured prominently in the top positions, with Irene Jepchumba Kimais taking fourth in 1:06:04, followed by Sheila Chepkirui in fifth with 1:06:13. Magaret Akidor Ngathike finished sixth in 1:06:46, while fellow Kenyan Deborah Samum claimed seventh place in 1:08:32.

Brazil’s Nubia de Oliveira Silva was eighth in 1:11:13, while Argentina’s Sofia Luna and Dahyana Juarez rounded out the top 10 with times of 1:11:21 and 1:11:28, respectively.

Top 10 Women – 2026 Buenos Aires Half Marathon

1. Fotyеn Tesfay Haylu (Ethiopia) – 1:03:57

2. Nevin Can (Turkey) – 1:05:06

3. Selin Can (Turkey) – 1:05:11

4. Irene Jepchumba Kimais (Kenya) – 1:06:04

5. Sheila Chepkirui (Kenya) – 1:06:13

6. Magaret Akidor Ngathike (Kenya) – 1:06:46

7. Deborah Samum (Kenya) – 1:08:32

8. Nubia de Oliveira Silva (Brazil) – 1:11:13

9. Sofia Luna (Argentina) – 1:11:21

10. Dahyana Juarez (Argentina) – 1:11:28

For Tesfay, it was far more than a race victory. Her 1:03:57 performance was a statement of extraordinary quality, combining speed, endurance and remarkable solo running to produce a landmark result in Buenos Aires. In a race that will be remembered for years to come, the Ethiopian did not simply win—she redefined what was thought possible for women’s half-marathon running in the Americas.

Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha produced one of the most extraordinary performances in road racing history on the streets of Buenos Aires, Argentina, reclaiming the half marathon world record with a sensational 56:51 performance at the 2026 Buenos Aires Half Marathon.

The former world record-holder delivered a breathtaking exhibition of speed and endurance to take 29 seconds off the previous pending mark of 57:20, set by Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo and takes a huge chunk from his own former official world record. Kejelcha's new performance is pending the standard ratification procedures, but if officially ratified, it will return the world record to the Ethiopian star and mark another remarkable chapter in the evolution of the event. 

Kejelcha's achievement is particularly significant because the 57-minute barrier had already been broken before. Jacob Kiplimo had previously run under 57 minutes, clocking 56:42 that was not ratified demonstrating that the once-unthinkable barrier was possible. Kejelcha, however, has become the second man to run under 57-minute barrier who now returns to the top of the all-time rankings with another historic performance in Buenos Aires.

The Ethiopian's race was remarkable not only for the final time but also for the way he built his performance. He covered the opening five kilometres in 13:44 before reaching 10km in 27:18. Rather than slowing, Kejelcha accelerated through the middle stages, passing 15km in 40:39 and 20km in 54:02 as he continued to push the limits of elite road racing.

By the time he reached the finish line, Kejelcha had completed the race at an extraordinary average pace of approximately 2:42 per kilometre, producing one of the most astonishing sustained efforts ever witnessed in distance running. His stunning run sent a powerful message to the athletics world and further strengthened his status as one of the most formidable distance runners of his generation.

Behind the record-breaking champion, Ethiopia completed a dominant clean sweep of the men's podium. Tadese Worku Gebresilase claimed second place in 59:18, while Bereket Nega Batebo secured third in 1:00:17, giving Ethiopia a memorable one-two-three finish in the Argentine capital.

Kenya’s Jonathan Kipkoech Kamosong finished fourth in 1:00:20, followed by compatriot Simon Maywa in fifth with 1:00:55. Argentina’s Ignacio Erario gave the home supporters plenty to celebrate with an impressive sixth-place finish in 1:00:57, breaking the one-hour barrier in front of an enthusiastic local crowd.

Dillon Kipyeko of Kenya finished seventh in 1:01:07, with Robert Kiprop Koech eighth in 1:02:01. Mexico’s Julio Ortiz Ponce took ninth place in 1:03:17, while Colombia’s Jimmy Gómez completed the top 10 in 1:03:34.

The Buenos Aires Half Marathon will now take its place in the history books as the scene of a truly extraordinary breakthrough. For Kejelcha, this was more than just another victory. It was a spectacular return to the top, reclaiming a world record he had previously held and once again rewriting the limits of the half marathon.

The 56:51 performance remains pending ratification, but Yomif Kejelcha's run has already delivered one of the defining moments in the history of road racing.

Kenya delivered another commanding display of distance-running excellence at the Antrim Coast Half Marathon, with Isaia Lasoi leading a memorable Kenyan clean sweep of the men's podium in a race packed with world-class performances.

Lasoi emerged victorious after a thrilling battle at the front, crossing the finish line in a superb 58:26 setting a new course record. His winning performance underlined his strength and speed over the half-marathon distance, but he was made to work all the way by fellow Kenyan Daniel Mateiko, who finished just three seconds behind in 58:29 after an electrifying duel for the title.

The contest between the two leaders produced one of the standout moments of the race, with both athletes pushing deep into elite territory as they fought for victory. In the end, Lasoi found just enough to secure the win, while Mateiko's narrow defeat highlighted the remarkable depth and quality of Kenya's leading distance runners.

Vincent Kipkorir completed the Kenyan sweep, taking third place in 1:00:38 to ensure that all three places on the podium belonged to Kenyan athletes. Samwel Chebolei added further Kenyan strength to the results, finishing fourth in 1:01:01, while Amos Langat was also among the leading finishers.

The international field featured several prominent names. Australia's Jimmy Whelan produced a strong run, while Ethiopia's Yismaw Dillu featured among the front group. American marathon star Galen Rupp also delivered a notable performance, clocking 1:01:29 in another competitive outing for the experienced distance runner. Former world-class track and road athlete Edward Cheserek was also among the top finishers.

Lasoi's 58:26 victory, however, was the defining performance of the day. Together with Mateiko and Kipkorir, he gave Kenya a perfect podium and another emphatic reminder of the country's extraordinary strength in elite road running.

The Antrim Coast Half Marathon once again provided a fast, competitive stage for some of the world's finest distance runners, but when the decisive moments arrived, it was Kenya that owned the podium.

One of the most iconic milestones in the history of ultramarathon running is drawing closer, with entries for the historic 100th edition of the Comrades Marathon set to open on Tuesday, 25 August 2026.

The Comrades Marathon Association has officially announced a detailed entry process for the 2027 race, which will unfold in three stages and give runners around the world the opportunity to secure their place in what promises to be one of the most significant editions ever held of The Ultimate Human Race.

The announcement followed the official launch of the 2027 Comrades Marathon on Wednesday, 19 August, when the centenary campaign, “The Greatest Story Ever Run,” was unveiled alongside a special logo created exclusively for the landmark 100th edition.

The launch also revealed several major highlights for the Centenary Race. The historic event will take place on Sunday, 13 June 2027, and will be a Down Run, with 28,000 places available. The entry process will include a ballot, while the race will offer a record R8.919 million in prize money. Organisers have also set an ambitious goal of raising R10 million for the Amabeadibeadi charities, adding an important charitable dimension to the centenary celebrations. One of the defining moments of the launch was the unveiling of the special Centenary mark, created to commemorate this extraordinary milestone in the history of the race.

The entry process begins on 25 August at 10:00 a.m. SAST, when entries open for Green Number runners, Yellow Number runners and Amabeadibeadi charity entrants.

The next phase follows on 2 September at 10:00 a.m. SAST, when entries open for Comrades Marathon Association members. This window will remain open for 72 hours or until the available entry allocation is filled, with places offered on a strictly first-come, first-served basis.

For general entrants, the process will move to a ballot system. General entries open on 9 September at 10:00 a.m. SAST, with runners able to enter the ballot until it closes on 22 September at 4:30 p.m. SAST. The ballot draw is then scheduled to take place on 23 September.

Several other crucial dates will shape the road to the historic race. The substitution period will run from 15 to 31 March 2027, while 3 May 2027 is the final deadline for runners to submit their qualifying performances, seeding information and other required entry details.

To qualify for the 2027 Comrades Marathon, runners must complete a 42.2km marathon in under five hours between 15 June 2026 and 3 May 2027.

The journey will finally culminate on Sunday, 13 June 2027, when thousands of runners are expected to line up for the historic 100th edition of the Comrades Marathon.

The 2027 race will represent a remarkable moment for the legendary South African ultramarathon. For more than a century, the Comrades Marathon has captured the imagination of runners and spectators with its extraordinary test of endurance, determination and human spirit. Its centenary edition will celebrate the generations of athletes who have faced its demanding roads, conquered its challenges and helped build one of the world's most respected endurance events.

For runners dreaming of becoming part of this historic occasion, the road to Comrades 2027 is now clearly marked. From the opening of entries in August 2026 to race day in June 2027, every deadline will matter.

The Greatest Story Ever Run is preparing for its most historic chapter yet.

American sprint standout Sam Blaskowski is taking steps toward an international future with Poland after uncovering a powerful connection to his family's ancestral homeland.

The 23-year-old sprinter, who has established himself as one of the fastest Americans of his generation with a personal best of 9.89 seconds in the 100 metres, has begun the process of obtaining Polish citizenship with the aim of eventually representing Poland in international competition.

Blaskowski's connection to the country traces back through his great-grandparents, Franciszek and Julian Błaszkowski, who emigrated from Poland to the United States in 1905. Their journey more than a century ago has now opened an unexpected new chapter for their descendant, whose athletic ambitions could soon carry the Błaszkowski name back onto the international stage under Polish colours.

The sprinter has already received support from the Polish Athletics Association as he works through the citizenship and eligibility process. Should his transfer of allegiance be completed, Blaskowski could become a significant addition to Poland's sprint programme.

His credentials certainly make the prospect an exciting one. In addition to his sub-10-second speed over 100 metres, Blaskowski owns a personal best of 19.93 seconds in the 200 metres, demonstrating the kind of versatility that could prove valuable both individually and in Poland's 4x100m relay squad.

For Blaskowski, however, the move is about more than simply changing national colours. It represents an opportunity to reconnect with his family's heritage while pursuing his ambitions at the highest level of the sport.

With his sights set on becoming part of Poland's international sprint team and competing for relay medals, Blaskowski's journey from discovering his Polish roots to potentially representing the country of his ancestors could become one of the most fascinating allegiance stories in world athletics.

A century after Franciszek and Julian Błaszkowski left Poland for America, their family's story may now be coming full circle—this time at full sprint.