Running News Daily

As any runner can tell you, pounding the pavement is not all runner’s high—there are aches and pains that come along with it. Running injuries can run the gamut from annoying to sidelining, which is why it’s important to accurately identify what’s going on.

Running is a high-impact exercise, meaning your entire body takes a bit of a beating when you run for a prolonged period of time.

Runner’s knee

What it is: "Patellofemoral pain syndrome, more commonly referred to as runner’s knee, is a dull, achy pain that originates underneath your kneecap and is typically felt during running, especially uphill, walking down stairs, or when moving from a sitting position to a standing position," John Gallucci, Jr., M.S., D.P.T., president and CEO of JAG Physical Therapy, tells SELF.

This is the most common running injury, especially for new runners, Ferber says. He notes that for some people, the pain may start at the beginning of the run, subside throughout, and then pick up again as soon as you stop running.

What causes it: "It's a grinding injury," Ferber says. There's cartilage under your kneecap and also along your thigh bone, and a layer of fluid in between the two works as cushioning, Ferber explains. He says to think of the kneecap as a train, and the thigh bone (femur) as the train track. When the hips are weak, the thigh bone loses its stability and moves underneath the kneecap. "The railroad track starts moving. Those pieces of cartilage start to rub together, and that’s what causes the pain," Ferber explains.

How to treat it: This is something most runners can deal with and will attempt to run through, Dr. Gallucci says. But (surprise!) that's not a good idea. "If not properly managed, patellofemoral syndrome can progress into a more severe injury that could require surgical intervention, such as a fissuring or fracturing of the patella," he says.

Initially, you should stop running and try to limit inflammation—taking anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen can help.

How to prevent it: After you’re pain-free, work on strengthening your hips, says Ferber, who coauthored a study on the benefits of treating runner's knee with hip and core exercises. In the study, people with knee pain who completed six weeks of core and hip strength training reported an earlier resolution of pain and gained more strength than those who performed knee-focused rehab.

Plantar fasciitis

What it is: Plantar fasciitis causes a stabbing pain on the bottom of the foot near the heel. "It's usually a little bit stiff at the beginning of a run, and then the pain goes away. Then it's a little stiff when you finish," says Ferber. "But it hurts first thing in the morning. That first step out of bed is excruciating at the heel. It can take 15 to 30 steps to get it warmed up and to go away, and then you kind of forget about it."

What causes it: The plantar fascia is a thick band of connective tissue that runs along the sole of the foot from the toes to the heel. Its job is to support your arch, Ferber says. "It gets stretched every time the foot comes down, and runs back out as the foot pronates," he explains. It's designed to be thick enough to withstand these forces, but too much repeated tension on the fascia can cause irritation and inflammation.

Since the fascia is connected to so many parts of your foot and leg, there are many things that can contribute to plantar fasciitis. Poor running mechanics, flat feet, weakness of the hips, weakness of the core, poor control of pelvic positioning, and nerve irritation in the lower back can all contribute to this inflammation and pain, Dr. Licameli says. Tight calf muscles or even inflexible toes can strain this connective tissue, too, adds Ferber.

How to treat it: "We say to stretch and do heel raises to make sure the muscles crossing underneath the foot are good and strong. That takes the load off the plantar fascia," Ferber says. "Plus, a good arch support (just an over-the-counter orthotic) will take some stress off." Dr. Licameli also suggests strengthening your hips and core.

How to prevent it: Strengthening exercises are helpful for prevention, too. "And always warm up properly," Dr. Licameli says.

Achilles tendinitis

What it is: This type of tendon injury causes inflammation and pain in your Achilles tendon (along the back of your heel), especially when walking, running, raising up on your toes, and stretching your calf muscles, Dr. Licameli says. It's an aching, dull pain, usually right where the muscle transitions to tendon, Ferber says.

The pain can also be deeper in the thickest part of your tendon, which is more common as you age. “You lose blood supply in the mid part of the Achilles tendon and it becomes brittle. It starts happening in about your 40s," Ferber explains.

What causes it: Any weakness or tightness in the calves, glutes, or hamstrings can affect the Achilles tendon. We use our calf muscles and glutes to propel us forward, and if they're not their jobs, smaller things like tendons have to take over, which can end up causing a lot of strain. Dr. Licameli adds that having weak hips or core or flat feet can all impact how much strain is on the Achilles tendon.

It also tends to be more common when people increase their activity suddenly, whether it’s running more miles or increasing speed.

How to treat it: You may need to rest from high-impact activity until the pain resolves. Icing the affected area can also help you feel better. But again, strengthening and stretching the muscles at play is key here. Often it's the hips or calves that need to be strengthened, but issues with the feet are core are common too.

How to prevent it: Continue stretching and strengthening those muscles. Since there can be so many different causes, you need to figure out the main one in order to properly treat it—that's why it's so important to see a professional to help you get to the bottom of it, Ferber says.

While many people new to running might think the dreaded stress fracture is an injury reserved for more experienced—and higher mileage—runners, it can actually hit beginners too, says Dr. Vasudevan. Stress fractures are more likely to occur when there is a change to a running routine, such as more miles, a different terrain, or a higher intensity, he says. That means a beginner who is just getting started, and ramps up too soon, can be at risk.

Strengthening can help improve your biomechanics when running, says Dr. Vasudevan. You’ll also want to make sure you’re not increasing mileage too rapidly or suddenly changing your running terrain. Fueling your activity properly is important too.

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.