Running News Daily

Sadly, it’s not as easy as dropping off your old shoes at a local running store.

There comes a time when every GPS watch or activity tracker must be replaced. Maybe you’re currently in the market for a new one because it doesn’t hold a charge long enough or has finally broken down. After the excitement of taking a brand new watch from its packaging, you might turn to your old one and think, now what?

If your old watch is beyond repair, you now have some pesky electronic waste (e-waste) on your hands. According to the World Health Organization, e-waste is the fastest growing solid waste stream in the world, and the United Nations reports only 20 percent of that waste is recycled. 

It can be confusing to understand what exactly you’re supposed to do with e-waste because it’s inconvenient to properly dispose of. So your watch (and other old electronics) languish in forgotten dresser drawers or in dark basements. 

Recycling your old watch won’t be as easy as recycling a plastic bottle, but we’ve rounded up the disposal programs from several major watch companies to get you started. You’ll also find how to wipe your data from the watch before recycling it.

Switching watch brands? You can export your data, but you may find it easier to sync the brand’s app to your favorite activity-tracking app. Exporting your data can take up to 30 days for some brands, the file types and quantities could intimidate those who aren’t tech savvy, and importing the data can take hours.

Brands That Recycle Your Watch for You

Apple, Fitbit, Garmin, and Polar currently offer programs for recycling or that allow users to return their watches to them.

Apple

Apple's Reuse and Recycling Program offers trade in value from $70–$365 for your old Apple Watch. You can initiate the process online or visit an Apple Store to learn if your watch is eligible for credit. If it isn’t, Apple will recycle it for you for free. 

See Apple’s instructions for how to reset and prepare your watch for recycling and trade in. 

Update your Apple Watch to the latest version of watch OS > unpair and erase your Apple Watch (when you unpair, your iPhone will create a backup) > remove the band from your Apple Watch (if included in the box, it will be recycled)

You can export your health and fitness data from Apple's Health app.

Tap your initials at the top right (or by tapping Summary or Browse at the bottom of the screen, then scroll to the top) > tap Export All Health Data

Fitbit

You can recycle your Fitbit through Google’s recycling program, which provides a free shipping label (for those in the U.S., for the rest of the world). Place your Fitbit in a sturdy box, attach the label, and follow the shipping directions or drop the package off at a nearby collection site.

Select your fitbit device for instructions on how to erase your data.

To remove a device from your account, in the Fitbit app: tap Today tab > Devices > the image for the device you want removed > option to remove device (tap trash icon on Android phones) > follow on-screen instruction to remove from your account

From Fitbit.com: settings icon on dashboard > click the image for the device you want removed > scroll to the bottom and click option to remove device > follow on-screen instructions to remove from your account

Review these directions for exporting your Fitbit data. This can take a few days, depending on the size of your data.

From fitbit.com dashboard: click gear icon > Settings > Data Export > under Export Your Account Archive, click Request Data > Fitbit will email asking to confirm request > Fitbit will then email a link to download account data

Garmin

Garmin's Consumer Product Recycling Program allows you to ship your watch back to them for recycling, but you have to cover the cost of shipping.

You can find your watch’s owner’s manual for instructions on how to wipe your data or perform a master reset. 

Power off the device > press and hold the two right keys > while holding the two right keys, press and release the power key to turn the device on > after the first beep, release the upper right key > after the second beep, release the bottom right key

If you want to export your data, Garmin will send a link to download an export file, which takes 48 hours to 30 days.

Log in to Garmin.com > Account > Manage Your Data > Export Your Data > Request Data Export

Polar

Polar offer steps for turning in your watch for repair, but if it’s recycling you’re after, customers are welcome to send any devices to Polar’s New York service center. Like Garmin, you will need to cover the cost of shipping, but you’ll also need to include a note that indicates it is to be recycled and not repaired. Polar works with a company that recycles their products. Mail to:

Polar Electro Inc. ATTN: TSVC CSVC 15 Grumman Road West, Suite 700 Bethpage, NY 11714

To wipe your data, plug your watch into your computer’s USB port > open the FlowSync software > click settings icon and FACTORY RESET (this will take a moment) > unplug the watch

Review these directions for exporting your Polar Flow data.

Log into account.polar.com > click Download Your Data on the left hand menu or scroll to the bottom of the page > click Download on the right to initiate the request > download the data within two weeks of receiving it in an email

Brands That Direct You to do the Recycling

We reached out to Coros and Suunto, who do not currently offer recycling programs. Instead, they instruct you to recycle your device in accordance with local e-waste regulations. But first, here’s how to erase and export your data.

Coros

Coros may periodically offer a trade-in program (like this one in 2021) and just completed a trade-in pilot program in the U.S., but you'll most likely need to recycle it. Either way, here’s how to reset your Coros watch. 

From the watch: System > More Settings > Reset > Reset All

From the COROS app (when watch is connected): Profile page > tap the watch icon > scroll down and tap "Remove"

If you would like to export your training data, Coros says to email support@coros.com. You will receive a .ZIP file including your training data. 

If you are switching to Coros from another brand, follow these instructions for importing your data. This could take a few hours to complete.

Log in to coros.com > click on Activity List > click Import Data > Select File

Suunto

You can reset your Suunto following these instructions.

For several watches (Suunto 5 Peak, 9 Peak, 9 Peak Pro and Suunto Vertical): Go to the watch’s Settings > select General and scroll to Reset settings > select Reset

Chat with Suunto customer support Monday to Friday 4 a.m. to 4 p.m. EST (9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Central European Time) for a link to download your full history of activities in a .ZIP file. 

Electronics Recycling

Your city will likely have resources for e-waste that can be found online by searching “what to do with my e-waste." 

Possible options in your area include taking your watch to a landfill that accepts e-waste, hiring a company that offers pick up services (a good opportunity if you have larger e-waste you need to get rid of), or dropping off at a local university, as some provide community e-waste recycling. 

While it’s inconvenient to recycle e-waste, it does keep harmful materials from being released into the environment and allows valuable ones to be reused. Your efforts will be appreciated by people and planet alike.

If Your Watch Is Still Working

Consider giving it to a friend or family member or donating it to an organization like Still I Run, which promotes the benefits of running for mental health. Their Starting Line Scholarship removes barriers to running by providing new runners the gear they need—your old watch could have a second life, getting someone else started on their running journey. Only send watches that can hold a charge for at least 24 hours and are free from scratches that prohibit someone from being able to view the screen. If your watch meets these requirements, you can mail your watch and its charger to: 

PO Box 10 Hudsonville, MI 49426

You can also donate it to your local Goodwill. Just of course be sure to wipe your data or do a factory reset, using the directions above.

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.