Running News Daily

For 16 weeks, he followed Runner’s World’s training plan while deployed and ending up breaking four hours.

I always despised the treadmill. I was never able to run on it, partially because I was afraid that if my foot slipped too far off left or right, I would end up face-planted. Plus, what I love about running is being out in the wilderness and not having to run in a perfectly straight line, which is everything the treadmill isn’t: It’s confined and claustrophobic.

But I didn’t always love running the way I do now. As a kid, I played baseball and golf, so when I pivoted to running in high school, it was quite demanding physically and mentally at first. I ran both cross-country and track, and because I was part of a successful team—we won the state championship in track in 2003, and cross country in 2004 and 2005—it was challenging and took a lot of hard work. But even then, I enjoyed the mental challenge of pushing myself hard: No one can make you run, no one can force you, it’s all on you.

And for that reason—because I love to challenge myself—part of me always wanted to conquer my fear of the treadmill. Plus, when my buddy said I could not possibly train for and run a marathon on a treadmill during our back-then-upcoming deployment out at sea, it just made me want to do it all the more. But above all, there was one special person who motivated me to train: My wife, Jessee, and her recent BQ.

Jessee and I were both runners long before we met in college. We take the sport with us wherever we move with the Navy, joining group runs, and even racing together. But while Jessee has been getting faster, in late 2022, I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis, followed by months of rehab and uncertainty about whether I’d ever run another marathon again. However, I was determined to fully recover, following my physical therapist’s recommendations to a T.

While I was healing, Jessee was training for the Wilmington Marathon in February 2023, following the Runner’s World break 3:30 plan, hoping to beat the 3:35:00 cutoff for her age group and make it her Boston qualifier. Her final time was 3:31:33. I was there for the race, spectating, and the whole experience—from training to the race—awakened new determination in me. Could I qualify for Boston as well?

By then, I already knew I would be deployed in July 2023. As I slowly started to feel better, getting back to some easy runs, a plan formed in my head: I would commit to the same training plan Jessee had followed for her BQ—except my training would be solely on a treadmill on the Navy ship. 

To qualify for Boston in 3:05:00 for my age group, I knew I’d have to gradually improve my time from my existing PR of 3:58:17. I started training on the first day of our deployment, which set my treadmill marathon date for October 28, 2023. 

It was not an easy training block for sure. There had been a handful of days where the ship was rocking and pitching, which brought some surprising, unintentional hill workouts to my treadmill runs. There are no windows, so you just have to be aware and try to anticipate the next move. 

In the end, running in a straight line was the least of my worries—the toughest stage was handling the hot days while we were in the Persian Gulf. The heat index was 120 to 130 Fahrenheit outside, and the ship was very hot as well. But one of my favorite quotes is: “Smooth seas don’t make skilled sailors.” I knew that come marathon day, I’d be able to look back on those runs for motivation, knowing that I can do hard things.

In general, I don’t listen to music while running; I like to know what’s going on around me. But the treadmill doesn’t provide much excitement, so I came up with a plan. I read some Runner’s World articles that mentioned the physiological benefits of listening to music while running. I thought if I get through about 16 miles without music and then run the last 10 miles with music on, that should give me a good boost. I practiced it first for a few miles at the end of each long training run, figuring out what songs I wanted on my marathon playlist.

On the day of the marathon, the gym was 76 degrees, about 20 degrees more than all my previous marathons, so I expected the temperature to be a factor going into it. Around mile 18, I started to feel that heat seep in. And then, at mile 22, I felt a sharp pinch in my left groin, so I backed off a little bit. I was hoping for 3:30, but in the end, I finished at 3:43:58 (pure run time, as I had to restart the treadmill every 60 minutes). I ran almost 15 minutes faster than my previous PR though, and was now 15 minutes closer to Boston.

Overall I discovered this marathon training block supported my mental health. Out at sea, it can feel like Groundhog Day—every day is the same. Having a goal helped bring structure to my days. Having a plan gave me a focus and direction. The Runner’s World training plan included a description of what to do each day, running tips, nutrition, and sometimes a little pep talk. I didn’t have to think about it; I was just following what it prescribed.

Since the marathon, I’ve been running three or four times a week, focusing more on strength training, and figuring out what could be next. 

Besides Boston, Jessee and I also hope to eventually run a marathon on every continent. We will be moving to Washington D.C. soon, so for now, I hope to run the Marine Corps Marathon this fall and keep shaving time off my PR. 

While I’m glad I conquered the treadmill, I doubt I’ll do another treadmill marathon—I’m very much looking forward to running outdoors again, as soon as I return from my deployment.

These tips have made my running journey a success:

1. Work foam rolling into your routine

After my injury following the London Marathon, my physical therapist showed me some foam-rolling techniques for my quads and calves. Before and after every run, I get things loose and warmed up, and it really made a huge difference. By the time I did the treadmill training block, the injury was essentially nonexistent. It’s definitely changed the way I approach running.

2. Make yourself a playlist to boost your mood

Music is quite personal so I’d recommend checking out RW playlists and Spotify playlists, then make your own based on your taste. All genres—rock, rap, pop—can give you a boost in a different way.

3. Find a training plan

Even if you have never run competitively or are brand new to running, Runner’s World can help you figure out the smartest and safest way to start so you don’t do too much too soon and help avoid injury.

4. Find your running people

Googling “local running club” can help you find a community of like-minded people near you. This is a great way to make friends and learn more about running. My wife and I always find a running community every time we move with the Navy. We have made some lifelong friends and look forward to meeting more runners wherever the Navy takes us!

Mike's Must-Have Gear

→ Garmin Forerunner 55: I try to keep my running minimalistic, so I only use the watch for pace, time, and heart rate. There are probably a million other things the watch can do, but that’s enough for me.

→ Brooks Sherpa 2-in-1 running shorts: The boxer brief lining makes these the most comfortable running shorts I’ve ever worn. It’s kinda pricey, so I have only one pair that I wear on my long runs (maybe I'll invest in a second pair one day). The waistband is also very comfortable and the pockets are a perfect storage for my needs.

→ Balega socks: My wife got me a couple of pairs for this deployment, and I absolutely love them. They are a little pricey but so worth it.

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.