Running News Daily

If you’ve been on social media lately, you might have seen your friends making in-and-out lists. It’s been a thing for a few years—maybe less-so now—but the idea is to come up with some trends that you think will be popular and unpopular.

The best ones are fun and off the top of the head. Some of the thought-out ones about culture are kind of annoying. (Yeah, everyone agrees that “being mean” is out in 2025.)

So I took the idea and applied it to my own running. Remember, these are specific to my experience. They’re not mandates or absolutes or even advice. 

And at the end of the year, feel free to call me out if I was wrong. I probably was.

Out: Showering between runs

In a normal training week, I run twice a day on Wednesday and Thursday. Those are my recovery days, and I use them as a chance to get ahead on my weekly mileage. Usually, I run between 60 and 85 miles a week during marathon training, so to break it up, I’ll run once before work and then again during lunch or after work. Also known as “doubling.”

But that laundry piles up fast. 

So on days when I work from home, sometimes I’ll put off my shower and stay in my workout clothes until my next run or weightlifting session. I live alone, so there’s no one to complain about my odor. (If you live with a roommate, partner, or family, use this strategy at your own risk.)

In: Wearing ugly race T-shirts

Remember the race T-shirts of the 2000s? The ones that looked like they were designed by a middle schooler and had no fewer than 1,000 ads on the back? I’ve gotten so many over the years, and most have gone straight to Goodwill or I’ve used them for yard work. But this year, I’d like to use my race T-shirts for their purpose—and run in them. There’s something fun about wearing an ill-fitting cotton tee with an ad for Jimbo’s Ford Dealership on the back. 

Some races are pivoting away from shirts in favor of more environmentally friendly alternatives, but don’t expect them to completely disappear. According to Running USA, 58 percent of participants who took the 2024 Global Running Survey said that commemorative T-shirts are important to their race experience.

Out: Long runs

I’m planning on running Grandma’s Marathon in June, which means I’m building up my mileage now. But I’ve found that long runs are kind of overrated. Hear me out.

During my last marathon training block, I never ran more than 18 miles for my long run. Many programs call for 20 to 23-mile long runs, but my coach and I decided that 18-milers would get the job done. I’ve been running high mileage for close to a decade now, so I have a large aerobic base. The strategy worked, and I ran 2:27:07, hitting my goal of sub-2:28.

Right now, as I build, my coach and I are experimenting with the idea of downplaying the long run. Instead of using it as a key workout (for example, 10+ miles at marathon pace during the run), we’re focusing more on high-volume workouts twice a week, then using the long run just to get time on my feet. Similar to how Jakob Ingebrigtsen, who never runs more than 12.5 miles, trains.

A hard long run takes a large emotional and physical toll on my body, so I’ve found that I respond well when I keep the long run easy and focus on high-volume threshold sessions during the week. Of course, running on tired legs is key to running a good marathon. As I get closer to June, I’m sure there will be weeks where I use long runs as key workouts. But sometimes I need to remind myself that the other six days of the week are just as important. 

In: Wearing a T-shirt over a long sleeve

For the past year, I’ve been mulling over buying a running vest. They look cool, but I keep telling myself that I don’t need to buy something that I’d probably only wear on a few runs each year. I live in eastern Pennsylvania, so I’m usually wearing something light in the fall or a full jacket in the winter. Enter, the working man’s vest: the T-shirt over the long sleeve shirt.

The sleeves keeps your arms warm while the T-shirt acts as a protectorate for your torso, insulating (not suffocating) you from the wind. Cooper Teare is a big fan. 

Bonus points if you pair the look with an ugly race T-shirt. And double bonus points if you rock the look in a snowy race, like seemingly everyone did at the 2004 USATF Cross-Country Championships in Indianapolis. 

In: Sunscreen

Man, I’m bad at this. If I’m preparing to sit out at the beach or pool, I lather up thoroughly. But if I’m heading out for a 90-minute run, I rarely put on sunscreen, justifying to myself that the route is shady or 90 minutes isn’t that long in the sun. 

I’ve gotten better at sun protection—I almost always wear a hat and sunglasses year-round now—but I need to get better at lathering up on a regular basis. If you see me jogging this summer, ask me if I have sunscreen on and, if I don’t, shame me until I turn around and go home.

Out: Marathon bottle service

In my debut marathon at Indianapolis in November, I was lucky enough to qualify for the elite field, meaning I got perks like reserved restrooms, a separate warm-up area, and bottle service. For those unfamiliar, bottle service at a marathon is different from bottle service at a Las Vegas nightclub. Instead of access to marked-up Patrón, you get reserved spots on the course where you can stash your race fluid bottles. 

Because there’s limited space, bottle stations are typically reserved for the fastest runners at a marathon. Instead of fumbling with the water or electrolyte-drink cups that the masses use, elites can consume whatever they trained with. In most cases, it’s some kind of carbohydrate mix. 

At Indianapolis, there were three bottle stations: at miles 8, 14, and 20. I filled mine up with Maurten 160, but honestly, I didn’t feel like the perk was that necessary. I carried eight gels with me, taking them every 15 to 20 minutes, which was plenty. The bottles felt like more of a bonus or palate cleanser. They were cumbersome to hold and drink at race speed, and I found myself only taking a few sips then discarding them. Plus I had to pee the entire race, so I didn’t want to make the situation more dire.

Previously, I thought bottle service was non-negotiable to running a fast 26.2. But my mind has changed. If you envy the pros for their bottle access, don’t worry, you’re not missing out. Gels get the job done.

In: Off-distance races 

I’m stealing this one from my 2024 in-and-out list. Off-distance races are events that diverge from traditional race distances (like the 5K, 10K, and marathon). Popular examples include the Bix 7 Road Race in Iowa (a 7-miler), the Boilermaker 15K in New York, and the Manchester Road Race in Connecticut (4.737 miles).

My favorite off-distance event is the Run for the Diamonds in Berwick, Pennsylvania. It’s a Thanksgiving day 9-miler that’s been going strong since 1908. The whole town comes out and cheers the runners up and down the massive hill that’s sandwiched in the middle of the route. Plus, the top seven men and women get real diamonds!

In: Short trail races

Speaking of race distances, let’s make short trail races a thing in 2025. Ultramarathons get most of the attention, but they’re not for everyone. At risk of contradicting myself against my previous “in,” there are plenty of trail options at the 5K, 10K, and half-marathon distance. Local state parks may host them, or sometimes there are running races tied in with mountain bike or cyclocross races. (Fifth Street ‘Cross in Pennsylvania does a great job of putting on both.)

I’d love to jump in a trail half marathon this summer between my two marathon training blocks. There won’t be any pressure to run a certain time, and let’s be real, running on the roads gets boring sometimes. 

Some victories are measured by finish times. Others are defined by the obstacles overcome simply to reach the starting line.

For American Paralympic swimmer Ali Truwit, completing the New York City Marathon represented far more than covering 26.2 miles. It was the culmination of an extraordinary journey of survival, resilience, and unwavering determination that began with a life-altering shark attack just two years earlier.

On a crisp November morning in 2025, Truwit crossed the iconic finish line wearing a carbon-fibre running blade, fulfilling a promise she had made while recovering in a hospital bed after losing her lower left leg. The emotional milestone marked another remarkable chapter in one of the most inspiring comeback stories in modern sport.

The road to that unforgettable finish began only days after Truwit celebrated a major personal achievement. In May 2023, she completed her first marathon in Copenhagen alongside her mother. Just ten days later, while enjoying a graduation trip to Turks and Caicos with former Yale swimming teammate Sophie Pilkinton, tragedy struck.

While the pair were snorkelling, a shark attacked Truwit, severely injuring her left leg. Displaying remarkable courage, the two swam approximately 55 metres back to their boat, where Pilkinton—then a medical student—quickly applied a tourniquet that stopped the bleeding and ultimately saved Truwit's life.

Doctors were forced to amputate her lower left leg on her 23rd birthday.

Even in the darkest moments of recovery, Truwit's determination never disappeared. Reflecting on having recently completed her first marathon, she joked with one of the first responders that at least she had managed to run a marathon before the attack. The responder's simple but powerful reply would remain with her throughout rehabilitation: "You'll run another one."

Those words became a source of hope during the long and demanding road back.

Only weeks after surgery, Truwit began learning to walk on a prosthetic limb before gradually returning to the swimming pool. The process was anything but straightforward. The water that had once been her sanctuary became a source of painful memories, yet she refused to allow fear to define her future.

Her relentless work ethic soon produced extraordinary results.

Less than 16 months after the attack, Truwit represented the United States at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, producing a sensational performance to claim both silver and bronze medals. Standing on the Paralympic podium was a powerful reminder of how far she had come in such a short period, and she dedicated those achievements to everyone who had helped save her life.

Still, another dream remained unfinished.

The New York City Marathon carried deep personal significance. It was not merely another endurance event but a symbolic return to the city where her life had changed forever. On November 2, 2025, she lined up in Staten Island accompanied by 13 family members and close friends, all proudly representing her nonprofit foundation, Stronger Than You Think. Among them was Pilkinton, the friend whose quick thinking had preserved her life on that unforgettable day in the Caribbean.

Together, they covered every mile of the marathon before celebrating an emotional finish that Truwit later described as being "over the moon."

Completing a marathon on a carbon-fibre running blade presents challenges far beyond those faced by able-bodied runners. The prosthetic demands greater strength from the hips, core, and remaining leg while requiring exceptional balance, coordination, and endurance. Truwit's preparation combined months of disciplined training, patience, and mental resilience as she effectively taught herself how to run again.

Her story extends well beyond medals and marathon finishes.

Inspired by her own recovery, Truwit founded Stronger Than You Think, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to helping individuals overcome physical and financial barriers following limb loss. Recognising that sports prosthetics can cost tens of thousands of dollars and are often not covered by insurance, the foundation provides financial assistance for prosthetic devices, supports water-safety education, and promotes opportunities within Paralympic sport.

The organisation has already helped provide more than 11 prosthetic limbs, delivered nearly $200,000 in direct support, and funded over 4,000 hours of water-safety lessons benefiting more than 700 young people.

Throughout her journey, Truwit has remained refreshingly honest about the emotional challenges that continue to accompany recovery. She has openly acknowledged that healing is an ongoing process and that grief can still come in waves. Rather than portraying an effortless comeback, she has demonstrated that resilience is built through persistence, even on the hardest days.

Her remarkable transformation resonates far beyond elite sport. While few people will ever experience the trauma she endured, countless runners and athletes understand the frustration of injury, disappointment, or rebuilding after adversity. Truwit's journey serves as a powerful reminder that recovery is rarely linear and that courage is often measured by the willingness to keep moving forward despite uncertainty.

Now looking ahead to the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games, Truwit continues to redefine what is possible. She is no longer known simply as the swimmer who survived a shark attack. She has become a Paralympic medallist, marathon finisher, advocate, and symbol of resilience whose story continues to inspire athletes around the world.

Her journey proves that while life can change in an instant, so too can the strength of the human spirit. Sometimes the greatest triumph is not returning to the person you once were, but discovering someone even stronger than you ever imagined possible.

Sprint and hurdles superstar Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has entered an exciting new chapter in her remarkable life, welcoming her first child with husband Andre Levrone. The four-time Olympic champion and women's 400m hurdles world record holder announced the birth of their daughter, Savannah Michelle Levrone, who was born on Sunday, July 12, 2026.

The couple shared the joyful news with an emotional message celebrating the arrival of their daughter and expressing gratitude to everyone who supported them throughout the pregnancy. Sydney described Savannah as "our blessing and our joy," while expressing excitement and faith for the future that lies ahead for their growing family.

The announcement marks a deeply personal milestone for one of the most accomplished athletes of her generation. Renowned for redefining the women's 400m hurdles through a succession of record-breaking performances, McLaughlin-Levrone now embraces a new role beyond the track as a mother.

The timing of the announcement adds another layer of significance. Just days earlier, Sydney reflected on the 10th anniversary of qualifying for her first Olympic Games at only 16 years old—a breakthrough that launched one of the most decorated careers in modern athletics. Ten years later, her journey has come full circle with another life-changing milestone, underscoring that her greatest moments continue to extend beyond sporting success.

The arrival of Savannah Michelle Levrone has been met with an outpouring of congratulations from athletes, fans, and the wider sporting community, who have celebrated the couple as they begin this new chapter together. As Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone steps into motherhood, the athletics world will undoubtedly continue to follow her inspiring journey—both on and off the track.

Ethiopia's Tsige Gebreselama produced one of the standout road running performances of the season on Sunday, storming to victory at the prestigious Boilermaker Road Race 15K in Utica, New York, with a sensational course record of 47:29.

From the opening kilometers, Gebreselama controlled the race with remarkable composure and precision, maintaining a relentless pace that ultimately erased the previous course record and secured one of the fastest performances ever recorded on the historic course. Her commanding display further reinforced her reputation as one of the world's leading road and distance runners.

The Ethiopian celebration continued as Melknat Wudu crossed the finish line in second place in 47:44, completing a dominant one-two finish for her country. Kenya's Priscah Cherono claimed third in 48:14 after a determined effort, rounding out a world-class podium in a race featuring some of the finest distance runners on the international circuit.

The battle behind the podium remained fiercely competitive. Kenya's Everlyn Kemboi finished fourth in 48:28, narrowly ahead of compatriot Selah Busienei, who clocked 48:31 for fifth. Ethiopia's Netsanet Desta and Alem Nigus Tsadik followed in sixth and seventh respectively, while Kenya's Mercy Cherono secured eighth place.

American athletes also delivered encouraging performances on home roads. Veteran Stephanie Bruce finished ninth in 50:40, with Jackie Gaughan completing the top ten in 51:02 to cap a strong showing for the host nation.

Boilermaker Road Race 15K – Women's Top 10 Results

1. Tsige Gebreselama (Ethiopia) – 47:29 (Course Record)

2. Melknat Wudu (Ethiopia) – 47:44

3. Priscah Cherono (Kenya) – 48:14

4. Everlyn Kemboi (Kenya) – 48:28

5. Selah Busienei (Kenya) – 48:31

6. Netsanet Desta (Ethiopia) – 48:46

7. Alem Nigus Tsadik (Ethiopia) – 48:48

8. Mercy Cherono (Kenya) – 50:23

9. Stephanie Bruce (United States) – 50:40

10. Jackie Gaughan (United States) – 51:02

The women's race combined exceptional depth with remarkable speed, as several athletes broke the 49-minute barrier in a contest that showcased the global strength of elite road running. Gebreselama's record-breaking run now stands as a new benchmark in the rich history of the Boilermaker 15K, adding another memorable chapter to one of the United States' most celebrated road races.

Kenya's Alex Matata delivered a sensational performance to claim the men's title at the prestigious Boilermaker Road Race 15K in Utica, New York, producing a dominant run that underlined his growing reputation as one of the world's finest road racers.

Matata surged to victory in an outstanding time of 42:24, mastering the demanding course with a display of strength, speed, and tactical brilliance. His commanding performance secured a memorable triumph in one of the United States' most celebrated road races, adding another significant international victory to his career.

Kenya's success was further highlighted by Kiprono Sitonik, who produced an equally impressive run to finish second in 42:53, completing a remarkable one-two finish for the East African nation. South Africa's Adam Lipschitz rounded out the podium after clocking 43:14 to claim third place following a determined effort.

The race featured a highly competitive international field, with American athletes Reid Buchanan and Hillary Bor finishing fourth and fifth respectively, while another Kenyan, Victor Shitsama, added to his country's strong showing by taking sixth place.

Matata's victory once again showcased Kenya's enduring strength in global road racing, as its athletes continued to dominate major international competitions through exceptional endurance, tactical awareness, and relentless finishing speed. His performance in Utica not only thrilled the spectators lining the streets but also reinforced the depth of Kenyan distance running on the world stage.

Men's Top 10 Results – Boilermaker Road Race 15K

1. Alex Matata (Kenya) – 42:24

2. Kiprono Sitonik (Kenya) – 42:53

3. Adam Lipschitz (South Africa) – 43:14

4. Reid Buchanan (United States) – 43:38

5. Hillary Bor (United States) – 43:40

6. Victor Shitsama (Kenya) – 44:02

7. Futsum Zienasellassie (United States) – 44:32

8. Charlie Sweeney (United States) – 44:37

9. Sam Lawler (United States) – 44:54

10. Tyler Berg (United States) – 45:08

With another major road racing title added to his résumé, Alex Matata continued his impressive 2026 campaign while reinforcing his status as one of the leading names on the international road racing circuit. The Boilermaker 15K once again delivered a high-quality contest, with athletes from across the globe producing memorable performances in one of the United States' most prestigious road races.

Eliud Kipchoge's remarkable World Tour continued on Brazilian soil as the Kenyan marathon icon completed the New Balance 42K Porto Alegre Marathon, crossing the finish line in 2:18:39 to place 12th overall during the second stop of his ambitious seven-continent global running tour.

Competing against a strong international field, the two-time Olympic marathon champion displayed the resilience and determination that have defined his legendary career. While the result was not among the victories that have made him one of the greatest marathon runners in history, Kipchoge once again demonstrated the unwavering commitment that continues to inspire athletes and fans across the globe.

Morocco's Zineddine Ouria claimed victory in a superb 2:08:49, with Kipchoge finishing 9 minutes and 50 seconds behind the race winner after navigating the demanding course in Porto Alegre.

Kipchoge began the race with controlled and confident pacing, reaching 5km in 15:34 before passing the halfway mark in 1:05:07. As the race entered its decisive stages, the pace gradually slowed, but the veteran marathoner pressed on with characteristic determination, completing the 42.195-kilometre challenge in 2:18:39.

For many, the story will be told through the finishing position. But for those who truly understand greatness, this journey is about far more than medals, records, or podium finishes. Kipchoge's World Tour is a celebration of the sport itself—an opportunity to connect with runners across every continent, inspire the next generation, and continue living by the philosophy that has become synonymous with his career: "No Human Is Limited."

The Brazilian appearance also carried added significance, coming shortly after Kipchoge was permanently honoured in Porto Alegre with his footprints unveiled at the entrance of Parque Harmonia—a lasting tribute to his extraordinary impact on distance running and his enduring legacy in the sport.

Once a champion. Forever an inspiration. Legends do not stop inspiring when the victories become fewer; they inspire because they never stop showing up. Through every stride, every finish line, and every challenge embraced, Kipchoge continues to prove that true greatness is measured not only by what an athlete wins, but by the lives they touch along the way.

With the second stop of his World Tour now complete, Kipchoge will turn his attention to the next chapter of his global adventure when he lines up at the Melbourne Marathon in Australia this October. Wherever he races, millions will once again follow the journey of a man whose legacy extends far beyond the stopwatch.