Running News Daily

Scottish athletics star Josh Kerr is preparing for a memorable return to his sporting roots when he delivers the match ball ahead of Scotland’s highly anticipated clash against New Zealand in the Nations Championship on November 7, 2026, at Murrayfield Stadium.

For the Edinburgh-born middle-distance runner, the occasion represents far more than a ceremonial appearance before an international rugby match. It brings him back to a stadium closely connected to his childhood dreams, his family’s sporting heritage and his lifelong admiration for Scottish rugby.

Kerr, 29, has established himself as one of the leading figures in world athletics, winning major championship titles and rewriting the record books. Yet, long before he became an internationally recognised runner, he grew up in a family where rugby occupied a special place.

His father, John Kerr, represented Scotland A, while his older brother, Jake Kerr, earned a senior Scotland cap in 2019. Growing up surrounded by the sport, Josh once dreamed of representing Scotland himself in front of a packed Murrayfield crowd.

Although his career ultimately took a different direction, his achievements on the track have now created an opportunity to return to the famous stadium in an extraordinary way.

Describing the occasion as a “huge honour,” Kerr will take centre stage before Scotland face the formidable challenge of the All Blacks, one of international rugby’s most celebrated teams.

The fixture carries considerable significance for the hosts, who will be seeking their first-ever victory over New Zealand. With Murrayfield expected to provide an electric atmosphere, Kerr’s involvement adds another personal story to an occasion steeped in sporting tradition.

His appearance also comes after a remarkable season in which he has continued to demonstrate his versatility and competitive strength at the highest level of athletics.

Kerr won the men’s 3,000 metres at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Poland before producing a historic performance in London, where he set a mile world record of 3:42.66. He later claimed victory in the 1,500 metres at the Ultimate Championship in Budapest, further underlining his status among the world’s elite middle-distance runners.

His world mile record carries a particularly interesting connection to New Zealand, the homeland of legendary runner John Walker, who held the previous world record for several years during the golden era of middle-distance running.

Walker’s achievements helped establish the mile as one of athletics’ most prestigious events, and Kerr’s ascent to the top of the same record books has created a remarkable link between two generations of champions.

Reflecting on that achievement, Kerr said: “To now hold that same record is something I’m incredibly proud of.”

The connection adds another layer of sporting significance to his appearance before Scotland take on the All Blacks. Although the two sports demand different skills, both celebrate the same qualities of determination, courage and the pursuit of excellence.

Murrayfield itself has witnessed numerous unforgettable occasions throughout its history. Among them is the emotional match-ball delivery by the late Doddie Weir in 2017, a moment recently voted the greatest in the stadium’s 100-year history. Weir, the former Scotland international who became a prominent campaigner for motor neurone disease awareness, left a lasting legacy that extended well beyond rugby.

Kerr’s appearance will provide another opportunity to celebrate the connection between sporting achievement and personal history, although his own story is distinct from Weir’s extraordinary legacy.

For the Edinburgh-born runner, the significance lies in returning to a place he once associated with a dream of representing his country in rugby. Instead, he will arrive as a world champion in another discipline, carrying the accomplishments of an exceptional athletics career.

From winning global titles to breaking the mile world record, Kerr has already created a lasting place for himself in Scottish sporting history. His visit to Murrayfield offers a different kind of milestone, bringing together his family’s rugby heritage and his own success on the international stage.

When Scotland welcome New Zealand on November 7, Kerr will not be lining up for a race or chasing another record. He will instead deliver the match ball before thousands of supporters, celebrating the sport that helped shape his childhood while representing a country whose colours he has carried to the summit of world athletics.

Sometimes, a sporting journey does not lead to the destination first imagined. For Josh Kerr, however, it has brought him back to Murrayfield with a world record, championship gold and a lifetime of memories behind him.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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