Running News Daily

When we can’t go outside without covering our faces, there’s a special appeal in the opportunity to uncover everything else.

In a lot of ways, the 5K I ran on Saturday was like any other race: The tall, skinny guys zipped out front, fast. Spectators rang cowbells. I heard the “Rocky” theme twice along the course.

Except the spectators were naked. And I was, too.

That’s because the race was the Bouncing Buns Clothing Optional 5K, held at the Sunny Rest Resort, a nudist resort in Palmerton, Pa.

“Not enough of us do things outside the box anymore, particularly as we get older,” said Ron Horn, race director and co-owner of Pretzel City Sports, which put on the race.

I’ve run a handful of Pretzel City’s clothed (or as naked runners call them, “textile”) races, but the nude events never appealed to me, not when there were a zillion other races to run.

But this year, it caught my attention in part because almost all other races have been canceled because of the coronavirus. In this pandemic season of covering our faces in public, why not uncover everything else? What a fun way to experience some freedom in a time of pressing fear, grief, restrictions and disappointments.

But I hesitated. I’ve been to “toptional” pools in Las Vegas, so nudity wasn’t that much of an obstacle. But running naked? It seemed so — uncomfortable.

And yet: I kept getting the emails about this race, in a year flooded with bad news that had come very close to home. In March, four members of my family were sick with Covid-19. In June, my brother was in the hospital for weeks after a driver struck him while he was on a bike ride.

I’ve spent five months trying to find glimpses of joy in small, simple things, like the sight of a bird on the tree I planted last year, or the feel of my dog’s very soft ear. But the idea of a big, outlandish thing that might bump me out of my gloom had a certain draw.

When a friend who lives in upstate New York said she was 90 percent willing to commit to making the trip to participate in this race, I thought maybe I should go, if for nothing else than to see her.

“What else do you have to do?” she asked.

Sunny Rest was founded as a nudist resort in 1945 and, except for the lack of clothing, looks like a lot of other campgrounds, with mobile homes, cabins, tents and RVs. There’s a pool, spa, volleyball and tennis courts, hot tub, and hiking and biking trails. Most people go about their daily activities wearing nothing but shoes or sandals, maybe a hat. It’s private property, so laws against public nudity are not an issue. Pretzel City has been putting on races there for 13 years.

The events are meant to be fun, but the race organizers recognize that there is something of a taboo around nudity, so it anonymizes race results when posting them online, listing participants only by first name, last initial and home state. Knowing the privacy concerns, Pretzel City’s race director announced before the race that a photographer and I would be covering the event, and that we would include only those runners who consented to being photographed and interviewed.

Several runners were eager to talk to me, including Bruce Freeburger, 69, who drove from Detroit to run this race. He operates the website naked5k.com. Its slogan: “I did wear shoes!”

“It’s not ‘Girls Gone Wild,’” he said of naked runs. He believes that those who run nude tend to be “unselfish, and more sportsmanlike.”

As soon as I pulled into Sunny Rest (after showing my ID and having the license plate of my car recorded by security), I saw a man in a wide-brimmed sun hat and no pants walking toward the pool.

By the time I parked near the race start, I felt prim. Some runners were clothed, but most were in some state of undress. A woman breastfed her child while she checked in. A man waited to run in just sneakers and a Viking helmet — he hung his mask from one of the horns when he wasn’t near other people. I saw my friend, already stripped down. She fit right in. I gave her an elbow bump and took off my shorts. It didn’t feel weird, at all.

To prepare for the experience, I’d tried running completely naked on the treadmill in my basement, and determined that going braless was impractical for me. So I took the Donald Duck approach and wore a hat and sports bra but no bottoms. When I checked in, I was handed a race bib and a T-shirt, but then a staffer — naked except for mask and gloves — wrote my race number with a marker on my leg. Where was I going to pin a bib anyway?

I lined up near the start, a body in a sea of 115 bodies, ages 9 through 78, all standing six feet apart. The energy felt zippier here than at a normal race — almost giddy. While most of the runners were from Pennsylvania, only a handful were also members of the Sunny Rest Resort. That meant almost everyone had traveled to this place — from places as far away as Ohio, Delaware and West Virginia — for the opportunity to do something unusual.

Runners were required to wear masks to pick up their packets, and asked to wear them when near other people. Pretzel City also moved the start and finish area away from the more crowded part of the resort toward the camping sites, so we had more space to spread out. Over a bullhorn, Horn asked us to put our arms straight out by our sides and said, “If you are touching someone you are not sleeping with, you are standing too close.”

After the initial newness of being aware of my butt bouncing around, everything felt pretty much the same as in a clothed race. We started at 10:15 a.m., and I’m usually done running by 8 a.m. in the summer, so it was hot. I was grateful for my hat, and the sunblock and anti-chafing balm I’d applied all over my body. By the first mile, I was coated in sweat.

“I don’t have a shirt to wipe off my face!” another runner shouted. The more experienced naked runners had thought to carry little towels.

Part of the course was an out and back, so I saw the leaders coming back as I went out. With a full view of their entire, naked forms in motion, I felt appreciation, in the same way I’d look at a nice painting.

I didn’t worry about anyone else appreciating my body — from the naked ladies cheering from their trailer’s outdoor bar to the gentleman doing naked squats on his deck. The race didn’t feel sexualized at all, and I didn’t worry about which parts of my body were not perfectly flat and smooth, about what parts of my body shook with every step. I was just another body in motion.

I was feeling what many runners had told me before the start of the race — that this was freeing. Richard Whalen, 43, of Folcroft, Pa., said that for him it’s also a celebration of who he is now. He’s a recovering alcoholic who took up running after he stopped being too hung over to run in the morning. “There’s a sense of freedom here to show off your beautiful body.”

That’s also why Jim and Susan Fiordeliso of Yardley, Pa., came too. Last year, Mr. Fiordeliso, 53, had heart surgery, after which they vowed to take better care of their bodies. That included moving to a plant-based diet, as well as lots of walking and running. They’ve lost 210 pounds between them. It was their first time at a nude race, and they treated it as a celebration of their new lives. “I loved it and I would do it again,” he said.

And then there’s just the fun of it. “I’m not a nudist type. I’m not an exhibitionist type,” said Michael Lyons, 35, of Douglassville, Pa., who has done both naked road races and bike rides. “I’m just a goofball who likes to do fun things.”

I finished in 30 minutes, 26 seconds, good enough for fifth place in my category. My award: a medal that I wore at around my neck with nothing but my sandals, bandanna and a fresh coating of sun block.

Jen A. Miller, the author of “Running: A Love Story,” writes The Times’s weekly running newsletter.

The countdown to one of the most electrifying sprint races of the season has officially begun, with the 100m showdown at the Shanghai/Keqiao Diamond League promising a collision of pure speed, power and global star quality under the lights on Saturday, May 16.

At the heart of the blockbuster contest stands Africa’s elite sprint trio, each arriving with a reputation strong enough to shake the track before the gun even fires.

Kenya’s Ferdinand Omanyala returns as the continent’s record holder and one of the most explosive starters the sport has ever witnessed. Known for his ferocious acceleration and fearless front-running style, Omanyala will be eager to stamp his authority against a world-class field after consistently carrying Africa’s sprint hopes onto the global stage.

Lining up beside him will be Botswana’s history-making sensation Letsile Tebogo the reigning Olympic champion whose rise has transformed him into one of the most feared names in world sprinting. Tebogo’s composure, smooth mechanics and devastating finishing speed have elevated him from promising youngster to a genuine global superstar, and Shanghai offers another opportunity for the young phenomenon to reinforce his dominance.

South Africa’s sprint warrior Akani Simbine also enters the arena carrying the weight of experience and consistency. For years, Simbine has remained among the world’s most reliable sprinters, delivering elite performances season after season against the very best. While others arrive with hype, Simbine arrives with proven pedigree and the hunger to remind the world that experience still matters when the pressure peaks.

Yet the African stars will not have the track to themselves.

The race has attracted a terrifying collection of international sprint heavyweights, including American speedsters Christian Coleman, Trayvon Bromell and Kenneth Bednarek — athletes capable of turning any race into a high-voltage spectacle. Chinese home favourite Xie Zhenye will also carry the energy of the local crowd as he attempts to challenge the sprint giants on home soil.

The showdown was initially expected to become even more explosive with the inclusion of Jamaican sprint sensation Kishane Thompson before reports confirmed his withdrawal from the meeting, slightly reshaping the balance of power but doing little to reduce the anticipation surrounding the event.

Now, the spotlight belongs to Shanghai.

Can Omanyala produce one of his trademark lightning starts and hold off the chasing pack? Will Tebogo continue his unstoppable rise as the new king of African sprinting? Or will Simbine once again prove why he remains one of the most dangerous men ever to step onto a 100m track?

When the stadium lights shine and the starting gun cracks through the night air, reputations will mean nothing. Only speed will matter.

One race.

One moment.

One champion waiting to emerge from a battlefield loaded with the fastest men on earth.

African athletics has been plunged into mourning following the death of Hamad Kalkaba Malboum, one of the continent’s most respected and influential sports administrators.

The Confederation of African Athletics officially confirmed that Hamad Kalkaba Malboum passed away on May 13, 2026, at the age of 75. Born on November 11, 1950, the veteran Cameroonian sports leader dedicated decades of his life to the growth and transformation of athletics across Africa.

Kalkaba Malboum served as President of the Cameroon Olympic Committee from 2001 and later rose to become President of the Confederation of African Athletics in 2003. He succeeded Lamine Diack after Diack was elected President of the International Association of Athletics Federations, now known as World Athletics.

Throughout his long tenure, Kalkaba Malboum became a towering figure in African sport, guiding the continent’s athletics development with vision, discipline, and unwavering commitment. Under his leadership, African athletics expanded its influence globally, while countless athletes benefited from increased opportunities to compete and excel on the international stage.

His leadership style earned admiration across sporting circles, with many praising his calm diplomacy, administrative strength, and passion for nurturing African talent. He played a key role in elevating the profile of athletics championships within Africa and strengthening the continent’s voice in global sports governance.

The late president had been absent from the recent CAA Council meeting in Accra ahead of the ongoing African Championships due to health complications, raising concern among members of the athletics community.

News of his passing has triggered an outpouring of grief and tributes from athletes, federations, coaches, and sports leaders from across the world, all honoring a man whose impact on African athletics will remain unforgettable.

At the time of his death, Hamad Kalkaba Malboum stood among the most powerful and respected figures in international sports administration. In addition to serving as a World Athletics Council Member and President of the Confederation of African Athletics, he also led the Cameroon National Olympic and Sports Committee while holding several prestigious global positions, including membership in the IOC Sport and Environment Commission, a seat on the Board of the IOC Olympic Truce Foundation, and the role of Senior Vice President of the Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation. His extensive leadership roles reflected the enormous respect and influence he commanded across the world of sport.

His death marks the end of a remarkable era in African sport — a legacy built on service, leadership, and dedication to the advancement of athletics throughout the continent.

May his soul rest in eternal peace. 

The marathon world is once again bracing itself for something extraordinary after Ethiopian distance sensation Yomif Kejelcha was officially confirmed for the 2026 edition of the Valencia Marathon set for Sunday, December 6 in Spain.

The announcement immediately sent waves across global athletics, with anticipation already building around what could become one of the fastest marathons ever witnessed. Kejelcha returns to familiar territory carrying enormous momentum after his jaw-dropping performance at the 2026 London Marathon, where he stunned the world by clocking an astonishing 1:59:41 in his debut over the classic distance.

That breathtaking run not only rewrote marathon history, but also elevated Kejelcha into a completely new category of greatness. The Ethiopian star became just the second man ever to officially break the two-hour barrier in a record-eligible marathon, a feat once considered beyond human possibility.

Now, all eyes shift toward Valencia — a course widely regarded as one of the quickest marathon circuits on the planet.

For Kejelcha, the Spanish city already holds special significance. It was on these same lightning-fast streets that he produced one of the greatest half marathon performances in history, smashing the world record with a remarkable 57:30 in October 2024. That unforgettable display transformed Valencia into one of the defining venues of his career, and his return there feels less like coincidence and more like destiny.

According to his manager, Gianni Demadonna, the decision to target Valencia followed extensive internal evaluations of Kejelcha’s current condition and long-term marathon potential. Those close to the Ethiopian camp reportedly believe the course offers the perfect environment for another historic performance.

And perhaps even more intriguing is the growing possibility of a world record attempt.

Valencia’s famously flat terrain — featuring minimal elevation changes across the entire course — has become a dream hunting ground for elite marathoners searching for fast times. With Kenyan star Sabastian Sawe expected to focus on Berlin later in the season, Kejelcha could arrive in Spain with a clearer path to dominate the race and fully attack the clock.

The prospect alone is enough to electrify the athletics community.

Kejelcha’s evolution from a dominant track athlete into a devastating road racer has unfolded with breathtaking speed. Already known for his explosive strength over 5,000m and 10,000m, the Ethiopian has now positioned himself as the newest giant of marathon running — a man capable of reshaping the limits of endurance sport.

As December approaches, excitement surrounding Valencia will only intensify. Fans, analysts, and fellow athletes understand the magnitude of what could unfold on the Spanish coast.

Because when Yomif Kejelcha steps onto a fast course, history no longer feels impossible — it feels expected.

The opening day of the African Senior Athletics Championships in Accra delivered a breathtaking spectacle as Rwanda’s Emeline Imanizabayo produced a stunning late surge to seize gold in the women’s 5000 metres final.

In one of the most dramatic races of the evening, Imanizabayo showcased remarkable composure and tactical brilliance, unleashing a powerful finishing kick in the closing metres to edge past her rivals and secure the continental crown in 23:25.92. The Rwandese star crossed the line with sheer determination written across her face, igniting celebrations for Team Rwanda on a memorable night in Ghana.

Djibouti’s Samia Hassan pushed the eventual champion all the way to the finish, delivering a courageous performance to claim silver in 23:26.34 after an intense shoulder-to-shoulder battle down the final stretch. Ethiopia’s Zeyen Ayelegn completed the podium with bronze in 23:30.55, ensuring East Africa once again dominated the distance event on the continental stage.

The race unfolded at a calculated pace before exploding into life during the decisive final lap. With the leading pack refusing to break apart, the championship was ultimately decided by grit, timing, and raw finishing power. Imanizabayo’s explosive final burst proved unstoppable as she surged ahead at the perfect moment to etch her name into African athletics history.

Her victory not only marked a proud achievement for Rwanda but also highlighted the growing strength and depth of African women’s distance running. The electric atmosphere inside the stadium reflected the magnitude of the contest, with fans witnessing a championship duel worthy of a continental final.

Day one in Accra has already set the tone for what promises to be a thrilling African Championships, filled with fierce rivalries, emotional victories, and unforgettable performances from the continent’s finest athletes.

The roads of Thika once again became a proving ground for ambition, endurance, and personal growth as athletes delivered impressive performances during the 56th edition of the KATA Time Trial held on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. In an event built around discipline rather than spectacle, runners turned months of preparation into measurable results, producing a morning filled with fast times, tactical execution, and valuable lessons for the season ahead.

Widely respected among developing and competitive athletes, the KATA Time Trial continues to serve as one of the most reliable performance tests on the local athletics calendar. Unlike major championship races driven by crowd energy and medals, the Thika event places athletes face-to-face with the stopwatch, demanding honesty, rhythm, and mental toughness from start to finish.

The men’s 10-kilometre contest produced one of the strongest performances of the day as Charles Wanjora stormed to victory in an impressive 30:44. Running with confidence and composure, Wanjora controlled the pace effectively and held off a determined challenge from Bernard Waweru, who crossed the line just a second later in 30:45 after a highly competitive battle. Robin Musa completed the top three with a strong 31:12, confirming the high quality of the front pack throughout the race.

Joel Maina secured fourth place in 31:52, while Ismael Mburu finished fifth in 32:36 after maintaining a consistent rhythm over the demanding course. Vincent Kiprotich followed in sixth position with 33:12, narrowly ahead of Erick Cheruiyot, who clocked 33:14 in another tightly contested finish. Fredrick Wambua placed eighth in 33:46, as George Kamau and Paul Ng’ang’a completed the top ten in 36:10 and 36:11 respectively.

In the women’s 10km race, Kellen Waithira produced a commanding performance to take victory in 35:34. Her controlled pacing and strong finishing stretch allowed her to separate herself from the field and secure a well-earned win. Jane Wanja followed closely in second place with 35:44, ensuring a highly competitive women’s contest from start to finish. Regina Sandiki completed the podium after crossing the line in 36:45 following a determined run.

The men’s 5-kilometre race also delivered several impressive performances, with Francis Maina leading the field in 16:06 after an aggressive but well-managed effort. Anthony Kariuki secured second position in 16:49, while Harrison Mathenge finished third in 17:20 to round off the podium places.

5KM MEN

1. Francis Maina – 19 – Bib 92 – 16:06

2. Anthony Kariuki – 28 – Bib 79 – 16:49

3. Harrison Mathenge – 18 – Bib 96 – 17:20

4. John Mwangi – 45 – Bib 99 – 18:36

5. Kennedy Ochieng – 20 – Bib 33 – 22:24

MEN 10KM

1. Charles Wanjora – 24 – Bib 01 – 30:44

2. Bernard Waweru – 40 – Bib 50 – 30:45

3. Robin Musa – 17 – Bib 11 – 31:12

4. Joel Maina – 41 – Bib 83 – 31:52

5. Ismael Mburu – 25 – Bib 25 – 32:36

6. Vincent Kiprotich – 24 – Bib 94 – 33:12

7. Erick Cheruiyot – 30 – Bib 20 – 33:14

8. Fredrick Wambua – 20 – Bib 30 – 33:46

9. George Kamau – 35 – Bib 88 – 36:10

10. Paul Ng’ang’a – 43 – Bib 95 – 36:11

11. Edward Niyukuri – 24 – Bib 77 – 36:47

12. Charles Ndirangu – 65 – Bib 48 – 39:30

WOMEN 10KM

1. Kellen Waithira – 39 – Bib 18 – 35:34

2. Jane Wanja – 35 – Bib 16 – 35:44

3. Regina Sandiki – 19 – Bib 26 – 36:45

Beyond the finishing times, the true significance of the KATA Time Trial once again lay in the personal battles fought across every kilometre. For many athletes, the event represented far more than competition alone. It was an opportunity to measure improvement, test race fitness, and evaluate the effectiveness of months of disciplined training. Every second gained reflected sacrifice, resilience, and the determination to reach higher standards.

The conditions in Thika rewarded athletes who respected the demands of the course and managed their pacing intelligently. Those who remained patient during the early stages found strength in the closing kilometres, while the unforgiving nature of the road exposed even the smallest tactical mistakes. It was another reminder that success in distance running depends not only on physical preparation, but also on judgment, composure, and mental strength under pressure.

As the morning came to an end and the watches finally stopped, the 56th KATA Time Trial once again proved why it remains an important fixture in Kenya’s athletics culture. On a simple stretch of road in Thika, athletes continued chasing excellence, refining their craft, and turning ambition into reality — one stride at a time.