Running News Daily

Compared to other pandemic-inspired dystopias, the rise of the avatar sports fan wasn’t horrible, so much as mildly depressing. The NBA’s Disneyland bubble (and recent All-Star game) had “virtual bleachers” where viewers could glimpse their spectral selves on screen. Then there was the strange analog equivalent where people paid $100 for the privilege of attending the Super Bowl as a cardboard cutout. In an era of increasing atomization, these images felt like a vision of a nightmare future where yet another in-person communal experience had been phased out. Last March, when asked about the prospect of competing in an empty arena, LeBron James’s initial response was, essentially, forget it. “If I show up to an arena and there ain’t no fans in there, I ain’t playing,” he said.

For track and field athletes, on the other hand, one could make the obvious joke that competing without spectators—as many runners did last year—would be business as usual. But even as having vacant seats at major championships remains a recurring issue for the sport, there are still places where, in pre-pandemic times, one could reliably find an infectious mass enthusiasm for watching fit people chase each other around the oval. In the United States, the most obvious example is, of course, Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, which is slated to host its fourth consecutive Olympic Trials in June. The venue’s combination of historical significance and high-energy fan base have always given it a special aura, colloquially referred to as the “Hayward Magic.” Even for those who don’t buy into the idea that occult forces might be wafting through the air of the Pacific Northwest, the quadrennial spectacle of the Trials at Hayward has delivered some big-time moments—starting in 1972 when Steve Prefontaine broke the American record in the 5,000-meters to punch his ticket to his first, and only, Olympic Games.

“This is a very special place for people who are really passionate about running,” says Eugene resident and two-time Olympic Trials champion Nick Symmonds. At the 2008 Trials, Symmonds was the first finisher in the famous “Oregon sweep” of the men’s 800-meters, where all podium spots were claimed by Eugene-based runners—to the roaring delight of the home crowd. While some have argued that it would be “better for the sport,” if U.S. track and field were less Oregon-centric, there’s no question that Hayward’s reputation for track fanaticism is justified. “At Hayward, you can have 10,000 people watching an early-season college dual meet,” Symmonds told me. According to a 2018 survey by the University of Oregon Foundation, the average attendance for weekday and weekend track meets at Hayward over the previous five years was 6,146 and 6,259 spectators, respectively. Those are impressive numbers for U.S. track and field. Symmonds told me that, as a professional, he had raced in national championships at other big venues across the country, like Des Moines and Sacramento, and likened the experience to competing in a “ghost town.” As he put it, “There was no one in the stands there to watch other than mom and dad.”

Unfortunately, the lingering reality of the pandemic might mean that even the Hayward Field Olympic Trials are destined for ghost town status. With fewer than 100 days to go (the Trials are scheduled to take place June 18th through 27th), it’s still uncertain whether spectators will be allowed to attend. COVID infection rates might be dropping as vaccines become more widely available, but the likelihood of packed stands by early summer seems remote.

“We are certainly hopeful that we will have fans at the Olympic Trials, but we are far from certain that that is going to be the case,” Michael Reilly, the CEO of TrackTown USA, the local organizing committee for the Trials, told me. Reilly generously pointed out that infection rates in Oregon had been “increasingly good.” Although the state is not yet allowing spectators at sporting events, Reilly said that his team was working with co-organizers like the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee and USA Track and Field to apply for an exemption to submit to the governor’s office.

For now, the idea is to plan for a scenario in which fans will be allowed to attend with appropriate safety measures—testing, masks, social distancing, etc. (Reilly told me that it was still too soon to say whether the vaccine could play a role in any safety protocols.) “We are building operating plans that anticipate that spectators will be at the Trials,” Reilly told me. “If, for whatever reason, we can’t have fans, we will be prepared to go either way. Fortunately, many of the operations of the event, as it relates to conducting a track and field competition, really don’t depend on whether there are spectators.”

In a tantalizing irony, Hayward last year completed an extensive renovation that more than doubled its max seating capacity to 25,000. (The permanent seating capacity for the new facility is listed at 12,650, but it can be expanded to accommodate larger crowds.) The project, which is estimated to have cost around $270 million, transformed a relatively quaint facility into an opulent mega-stadium that includes a ten-story tower, a “hydrotherapy room,” and an on-site barbershop.

So far, the only athletes who have gotten to experience this architectural epiphany are members of the University of Oregon’s track and field team, leading Eugene’s Register Guard to posit that Hayward 2.0 is currently “little more than the most spectacular collegiate training facility in the nation.” As the paper reports, the university is hoping to host outdoor track meets later in the spring, culminating in the NCAA Outdoor Championships, which are scheduled to take place the weekend before the Trials.

Should both of these events end up happening without any spectators there’s still the silver lining that, hey, at least they weren’t canceled. And while it might be tempting to assume that all athletes prefer to race in front of a packed house, that, of course, isn’t necessarily the case. Molly Huddle, who won the women’s 5,000 and 10,000-meters at the 2016 Trials and will be looking to make her third Olympic team this June, told me that the first time she competed at a Hayward Trials in 2008, she was so stimulated by the crowd energy that she ended up running poorly. She says she had to consciously “de-sensitize” at subsequent Trials in order to run well enough to make the team. “It will probably not feel like Hayward, because of the new stadium and because there are no knowledgeable, dedicated fans there like there always are,” Huddle says about the prospect of competing at a spectator-less Trials. “Usually, I just try and pretend it’s just a mid-season meet to take the pressure off. So it will be easier to do that.”

Meanwhile, the organizing committee for the Tokyo Games has yet to decide on whether overseas fans will be allowed to attend. (According to a press release from the International Olympic Committee, a decision is expected in the coming weeks.) To be honest, it’s hard to imagine that there will actually be a ban on international visitors—not least because the Japanese government and the city of Tokyo reportedly spent more than $1.25 billion on the new Japan National Stadium—but, if 2020 has taught us anything, it’s to never say never.

Three extraordinary performances that captivated the athletics world have now been officially ratified by World Athletics, with Jacob Kiplimo, Ja’Kobe Tharp and Emmanuel Wanyonyi securing their places in the history books with remarkable world-record performances.

Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo delivered a breathtaking 57:20 at the EDP Lisbon Half Marathon on 8 March 2026, producing what was then a spectacular world record. His performance underlined his exceptional ability over the half-marathon distance and further strengthened his status as one of the finest road runners of his generation.

American hurdler Ja’Kobe Tharp created his own piece of history in Eugene on 10 June 2026, storming to 12.75 seconds in the 110m hurdles. The sensational performance came with a legal +1.0m/s following wind and established Tharp as the new world record-holder, marking a remarkable breakthrough on the global stage.

Kenya’s Emmanuel Wanyonyi completed the trio with a sensational 2:11.83 world record in the 1000m. The Olympic champion produced the performance in Monaco, lowering Noah Ngeny’s long-standing 2:11.96 world record from 1999. It was another extraordinary demonstration of Wanyonyi’s speed, strength and versatility beyond his specialist 800m distance.

What makes the three records particularly special is the variety of disciplines involved. Kiplimo conquered the demanding half marathon, Tharp mastered the technical challenge of sprint hurdling, while Wanyonyi extended his middle-distance brilliance over 1000m. Each performance showcased a different form of athletic excellence, yet all three athletes reached the same extraordinary destination: the world-record books.

Accuracy Note: Kiplimo’s 57:20 has since been surpassed by Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha, who ran 56:51 at the Media Maratón Ciudad de Buenos Aires on 23 August 2026, taking 29 seconds off Kiplimo’s mark. The newer performance was still listed as pending ratification, meaning Kiplimo’s mark had been overtaken on the clock even as his record was among those formally ratified.

The ratification of the Kiplimo, Tharp and Wanyonyi performances nevertheless gives official recognition to three spectacular moments that will remain significant chapters in the 2026 athletics season.

Three athletes. Three extraordinary performances. Three officially ratified world records. From Lisbon to Eugene and Monaco, Kiplimo, Tharp and Wanyonyi have added another unforgettable chapter to the story of athletics

Uganda’s rapidly rising distance-running star Harbert Kibet has been provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) over the alleged presence and use of prohibited substances.

The 21-year-old is facing allegations involving triamcinolone acetonide and exogenous steroids, with the substances reportedly confirmed through Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS) analysis. The development brings an abrupt halt to what had appeared to be the emergence of one of Uganda’s most promising young distance-running talents.

Kibet had enjoyed a remarkable breakthrough in February when he made his road 10-kilometre debut at the 10K Facsa Castellón in Spain. He produced a stunning performance to win in a world-leading 26:39, a time that placed him at No. 4 on the all-time road 10K list at the time and immediately elevated his status in international distance running.

His rapid rise had already earned him opportunities to represent Uganda on the global stage. Kibet competed for his country at the World Championships in Tokyo last year, although he did not progress beyond the heats.

His most recent competition came in May at the Xiamen Diamond League, where he finished 15th in the men's 5000 metres in 13:46.45. He has not competed since that race.

The provisional suspension now casts uncertainty over the immediate future of an athlete whose spectacular 10K performance earlier this year had generated enormous excitement. However, it is important to stress that a provisional suspension is not a final finding of an anti-doping rule violation.

The case will now continue through the appropriate anti-doping process, during which the evidence and circumstances surrounding the allegations will be considered before any final decision is reached.

For Kibet, the development represents a dramatic and unexpected turn in a season that had begun with one of the most remarkable performances in the history of road distance running. The athletics world will now await further developments as the AIU process moves forward.

The women’s 100m hurdles is set for a spectacular showdown at the Brussels Diamond League Final on September 5, where Olympic champion Masai Russell will lead one of the strongest fields of the season in the battle for the coveted Diamond Trophy.

Russell arrives in Brussels in extraordinary form and as the athlete everyone will be chasing. The American star has enjoyed a remarkable season, combining consistency with breathtaking speed, and recently delivered another unforgettable performance when she ran a sensational 12.09 seconds in Zurich to break the world record.

That performance further strengthened Russell’s position as the dominant force in the event. Her remarkable consistency has been equally impressive, with the Olympic champion winning all 10 of her finals so far this season. With 48 points, she also finished at the top of the Diamond League standings during the regular season.

However, the points race is now behind her. In Brussels, everything comes down to one final. The Diamond League Final offers no room for complacency, and Russell will have to defeat an exceptional collection of world-class hurdlers to leave Belgium with the Diamond Trophy.

Among her biggest challengers is Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan, one of the finest hurdlers of her generation and a former world record holder. The field also includes Dutch star Nadine Visser, Bahamas standout Devynne Charlton and Poland’s Pia Skrzyszowska, ensuring that Russell will face serious opposition over every hurdle.

American Alaysha Johnson, Jamaica’s Megan Simmonds and Belgium’s Yanla Ndjip-Nyemeck complete a fascinating eight-athlete lineup for what promises to be one of the highlights of the Diamond League Final.

With Russell’s unbeaten record, her recent world-record performance and the Diamond Trophy on the line, the pressure will be immense when the athletes take their marks. Yet in an event as unpredictable and technically demanding as the 100m hurdles, one mistake can completely change the outcome.

Russell may arrive as the overwhelming favourite, but Brussels offers her rivals one final opportunity to produce something special. The stage is set for a thrilling race between the fastest and most accomplished hurdlers in the world—and after a season of dominance, Russell now has one more hurdle to clear in her pursuit of Diamond League glory.

Women’s 100m Hurdles Final Start List

 1. Masai Russell — United States

 2. Tobi Amusan — Nigeria

 3. Nadine Visser — Netherlands

 4. Devynne Charlton — Bahamas

 5. Pia Skrzyszowska — Poland

 6. Alaysha Johnson — United States

 7. Megan Simmonds — Jamaica

 8. Yanla Ndjip-Nyemeck — Belgium

One race. Eight elite hurdlers. One Diamond Trophy. Will Masai Russell complete another unforgettable chapter of her remarkable season, or will Brussels produce a surprise?

The 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon is set to introduce an important new innovation that could change the way runners approach hydration during major road races.

For the first time, participants in an Abbott World Marathon Major will have the opportunity to refill their own approved, self-carried hydration containers while competing on the course. The initiative will make its debut through four Culligan Water Refill Stations strategically positioned along the 26.2-mile route.

The refill stations will be located shortly before Aid Station 4 at Mile 5.7, Aid Station 7 at Mile 10.1, Aid Station 12 at Mile 15.7 and Aid Station 16 at Mile 20.3. At each location, runners carrying approved personal hydration gear will be able to stop and refill with Culligan-filtered water before continuing their race.

The move represents a significant step forward for one of the world's most prestigious marathons. Chicago will become the first Abbott World Marathon Major to formally provide runners with the opportunity to refill personal hydration containers during the race, opening the door to a potentially more sustainable approach to supporting thousands of participants over the marathon distance.

Beyond the environmental benefits, the initiative will also be fascinating to watch from a sporting perspective. Hydration is a crucial part of marathon performance, particularly for runners competing over more than two hours and for the many recreational athletes spending considerably longer on the course. The effectiveness and convenience of the refill stations, as well as how smoothly runners are able to use them without disrupting their rhythm, will be closely observed.

The project is also designed to reduce reliance on single-use hydration products while giving runners greater flexibility and control over how they manage their fluids during the race. If successfully implemented, Chicago's new approach could provide an important example for other major endurance events around the world.

Culligan International President and Chief Operating Officer Al Hamood said the company's involvement reflects its wider commitment to innovation, sustainability and improving the race-day experience for athletes.

The 2026 Chicago Marathon will therefore offer much more than another spectacular day of elite racing and personal achievement. It will also serve as a live test of an idea that could help shape the future of hydration at major marathons.

When the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon gets underway, runners will not only be racing against the clock—they will also be part of something entirely new. At four points along the legendary 26.2-mile course, a simple refill could become a glimpse into the future of marathon running. The real question will be how smoothly thousands of athletes embrace the system and whether Chicago's bold experiment can set a new standard for the sport. If it succeeds, the ripple effect could extend far beyond the streets of Chicago, inspiring major races around the world to rethink how they keep runners hydrated while reducing waste. In 2026, one of marathon running's biggest stages will be testing a small but potentially game-changing idea—proving that sometimes the future of the sport may be waiting at the next water refill station.

Indianapolis is set to become the home of American indoor track and field for the next two years after USA Track & Field confirmed that the city will host the 2027 and 2028 USATF Indoor Championships at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.

The nation’s leading athletes will compete at the Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion, with the 2027 championships scheduled for February 19–21, followed by the 2028 edition from February 18–20.

The announcement marks a significant moment for Indianapolis and its long-standing connection with the sport. The 2027 championships will take place 40 years after the city hosted the inaugural World Indoor Championships at the Hoosier Dome in 1987, bringing another major chapter of elite indoor athletics back to a city with a rich track and field history.

Although Indianapolis is home to USA Track & Field's national office and has hosted major athletics competitions over the years, the upcoming editions will be the first time the city has staged the USATF Indoor Championships. The Indiana State Fairgrounds has nevertheless developed into an increasingly important venue for the sport, providing a major platform for elite indoor competition.

The consecutive championships will give athletes two years of high-stakes competition on one of America's growing indoor stages, with national titles and places among the country's finest athletes once again on the line.

The 2028 USATF Indoor Championships will carry even greater significance, serving as a selection event for athletes hoping to represent the United States at the 2028 World Athletics Indoor Championships in Odisha, India. That will add another layer of intensity to the competition as athletes battle not only for national honours but also for the opportunity to compete on the global stage.

For Indianapolis, the return represents more than simply hosting another national championship. Four decades after welcoming the world's finest athletes for the inaugural World Indoor Championships, the city is preparing to once again place track and field firmly in the national spotlight.

With two consecutive editions now secured, Indianapolis is ready to welcome America's best indoor athletes as they chase national glory, international selection and the chance to create another memorable chapter in the city's proud athletics history.