Running News Daily

David Rush has turned one of the world’s most unusual running challenges into another Guinness World Record, completing a full marathon in Boise, Idaho, while wearing an astonishing 125 T-shirts.

Rush achieved the feat at the YMCA Famous Idaho Potato Marathon on May 16, 2026, finishing the 26.2-mile race in 5:54:50. Guinness World Records officially recognized the performance as the new record for the most T-shirts worn during a marathon, surpassing the previous mark of 100 shirts.

What appeared to be a bizarre running challenge quickly became a serious test of endurance and heat management. As the race progressed, the enormous number of layers trapped heat around Rush's body while restricting his movement. His arms became increasingly difficult to move, forcing his support team to help him with hydration, nutrition and cooling throughout the race.

The weight of the clothing also increased dramatically during the marathon. By the finish, the 125 T-shirts had absorbed enough sweat to weigh 43.4 pounds (19.7 kilograms). Rush also suffered severe chafing, painful blisters and swollen hands as the layers continued pressing against his body for hours.

The most alarming moment came when Rush began overheating after his supply of ice ran out. His support crew became concerned that the situation could deteriorate to the point where he would require medical attention. One of his support runners, Patrick, reportedly rushed into a nearby golf-course pro shop to obtain emergency ice.

Rush later said the additional ice was crucial in preventing what could have become a hospital visit. His team repeatedly used ice and cool water to help bring his body temperature down as he continued toward the finish.

Despite the physical toll, Rush refused to abandon the attempt. He eventually crossed the finish line in 5:54:50, leaving only five minutes and 10 seconds before the marathon's six-hour cutoff.

The achievement was the latest in a remarkable collection of Guinness World Records for Rush, who has built a reputation for pursuing highly unusual endurance and skill challenges. He had already set the men's record for the most T-shirts worn during a half marathon, completing the 2025 Famous Idaho Potato Half Marathon in 137 T-shirts.

This time, however, the challenge demanded far more than simply putting on layer after layer. It required Rush to endure nearly six hours of increasing heat, restricted movement, additional weight and severe physical discomfort while maintaining enough momentum to beat the clock.

In the end, the strange sight of a marathon runner buried beneath 125 T-shirts became a record-breaking achievement — but one that pushed the limits of endurance to an extraordinary degree.

David Rush is now officially the first man to complete a marathon wearing 125 T-shirts, securing a Guinness World Record in one of the most unconventional marathon challenges ever attempted.

For thousands of marathoners around the world, the Tokyo Marathon is a dream race. But while entering the lottery costs nothing, actually securing a place is another story altogether.

The general-entry window for the Tokyo Marathon 2027 opens today, Friday, August 14, and will remain open until 5 p.m. Japan Standard Time on August 28. The 20th-anniversary edition of the race will take place on Sunday, March 7, 2027, with a record 40,000 marathon places available.

Applicants will learn their fate on September 18, with successful runners required to complete payment between September 18 and 5 p.m. on September 30. Those who fail to pay by the deadline will lose their places. The entry fee is ¥19,800 for runners living in Japan and US$230 for international entrants.

At first glance, Tokyo's famous lottery can look like a straightforward numbers game: hundreds of thousands of runners competing for roughly tens of thousands of places. But the reality is considerably more complicated.

The headline figure of a roughly 10 percent acceptance rate should not be interpreted as meaning every applicant is competing equally for every one of the 40,000 places. The Tokyo Marathon divides its field among several entry routes before the remaining places reach the general lottery.

For 2027, 4,000 places are allocated to the ONE TOKYO three-consecutive-lottery-loss challenge, reserved for eligible ONE TOKYO members who entered the 2024, 2025 and 2026 editions and missed out in all three. Another 1,000 places are reserved for the Tokyo Resident Entry. The general draw also includes dedicated allocations of 500 places for people with disabilities, 15 wheelchair places and up to five Duo Teams.

That makes the phrase "one in 10" a useful shorthand, but not the whole story. For a first-time applicant, particularly one applying from overseas, the effective odds can be much tougher because several places have already been allocated through other categories.

There is also an important requirement for faster runners.

Anyone declaring an expected finishing time of 3:00:00 or faster must provide official evidence of having achieved either a marathon in 3:00:00 or faster or a half marathon in 1:25:00 or faster at an event held between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2026. Results recorded only by a GPS watch or running application do not qualify. Official certificates or records are required.

Tokyo's remarkable rise makes today's lottery particularly striking.

When the inaugural Tokyo Marathon was held in 2007, the race attracted 95,044 total applicants, including 77,521 for the marathon, with 25,000 marathon places available. The race has since evolved into one of the world's most sought-after major marathons and became an Abbott World Marathon Majors event in 2013.

The demand has grown dramatically over the years. By the 2010 and 2011 editions, total applications had already climbed beyond 300,000, demonstrating how quickly Tokyo became one of the hardest city marathons in the world to enter.

Now, two decades after that first race, Tokyo is preparing for its 20th anniversary edition with the biggest marathon field in the event's history. The capacity has been increased from 39,000 to 40,000 runners, giving more athletes a chance to experience one of the most iconic courses in global road running.

But increased capacity does not necessarily mean an easy ticket.

For many runners, Tokyo is more than another marathon. It is the Asian representative in the Abbott World Marathon Majors and one of the six races required to complete the coveted Six Star journey. That status, combined with Tokyo's reputation for exceptional organisation, a fast course and an unforgettable passage through the heart of the Japanese capital, keeps demand extraordinarily high.

And for those who miss the general lottery, the dream does not necessarily end there. Tokyo offers alternative pathways, including charity entries and official entry programmes, although these routes come with their own requirements and, in some cases, additional financial commitments.

For everyone entering the general lottery this month, however, the immediate challenge is simple: submit the application, wait for the draw and hope your name appears when the results are released on September 18.

The Tokyo Marathon may offer 40,000 runners the opportunity to line up in 2027.

Getting one of those places remains the real race.

Entry window: August 14–28, 2026

Lottery results: September 18, 2026

Payment deadline: September 30, 2026

Race day: March 7, 2027

Field size: 40,000

Domestic entry fee: ¥19,800

International entry fee: US$230

A mouthwatering 1500m showdown is brewing at the Silesia Diamond League on August 23, with two of the biggest names in middle-distance running set to go head-to-head.

Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen is set to make his return to the Wanda Diamond League in Silesia, where he will face Cole Hocker, the reigning Olympic 1500m champion. The meeting will bring together two athletes who have already shared one of the most memorable 1500m battles of recent years.

At the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Hocker produced a sensational finish to take the gold medal in an Olympic-record 3:27.65, while Ingebrigtsen finished fourth in 3:28.24.

More than two years later, the two stars are preparing to meet again, adding another intriguing chapter to their rivalry.

For Ingebrigtsen, the Silesia race will come shortly after his long-awaited return to competition following an injury layoff. The Norwegian made his comeback in impressive fashion at the 2026 European Athletics Championships in Birmingham, successfully defending his European 5000m title.

Ingebrigtsen clocked 13:15.29 to win the 5000m, immediately reminding the athletics world of his extraordinary championship pedigree and competitive instincts after his extended absence.

Hocker, meanwhile, arrives in Silesia as one of the most formidable 1500m runners in the world. His Olympic triumph in Paris established him as the reigning Olympic champion, while his 3:27.65 personal best ranks him among the fastest athletes ever over the distance.

Ingebrigtsen and Hocker bring remarkable credentials to the Silesia showdown. Hocker enters the race as the reigning Olympic 1500m champion with a personal best of 3:27.65, while Ingebrigtsen owns an even faster lifetime best of 3:26.73 and a long list of Olympic and European championship honours. With both athletes capable of producing extraordinary speed over the final stages, the Silesia meeting could deliver another memorable chapter in their growing rivalry.

The Norwegian will also be looking to sharpen his 1500m form after beginning his comeback over 5000m, while Hocker will have the confidence that comes with being the reigning Olympic champion.

That combination makes the Silesia clash particularly compelling. Will Ingebrigtsen's strength and proven championship experience prevail, or can Hocker once again produce the decisive finishing speed that delivered Olympic gold?

One thing is certain: Silesia is set for a 1500m battle that distance-running fans will not want to miss.

Jakob Ingebrigtsen vs Cole Hocker. August 23. The stage is set. 

The Tokyo Marathon 2027 is set to become a landmark edition as the race celebrates its 20th anniversary, and organisers have unveiled a special finisher medal designed to commemorate the occasion. 

Scheduled for Sunday, March 7, 2027, the 20th edition will feature a Premium Edition Finisher Medal created specifically to mark two decades of the Tokyo Marathon.

The commemorative medal is an impressive 100 millimetres in diameter, making it an extra-large version befitting such a significant milestone.

At the centre of the front design is a striking graphical interpretation of the number “20”, symbolising the 20th edition and giving the medal a distinctive anniversary identity.

The reverse side carries an equally meaningful design, featuring representative buildings and landmarks located along the Tokyo Marathon course. The imagery captures the character of Tokyo while expressing the marathon’s role in connecting people and cultures from around the world.

Importantly, the special medal will not be reserved for elite athletes or a select group of runners. Every runner who successfully completes the Tokyo Marathon 2027 will receive the 20th-anniversary Premium Edition Finisher Medal, giving every finisher a lasting memento of their achievement.

The medal unveiling adds another layer of excitement to an already highly anticipated edition of the race. For runners, it will represent not only the completion of 42.195 kilometres through one of the world’s most recognisable cities, but also their place in a significant chapter of Tokyo Marathon history.

With its combination of the bold “20” anniversary design, Tokyo landmarks and oversized 100mm format, the medal is set to become one of the most distinctive finisher medals in the event’s history.

As anticipation builds toward March 7, 2027, runners now have another special reason to chase the finish line in Tokyo: the chance to earn a medal created specifically for the marathon’s 20th-anniversary celebration.

Twenty editions. One iconic city. One unforgettable finish. 

The women’s 800m semifinals at the 2026 European Athletics Championships in Birmingham produced a dramatic sequence of events, with Keely Hodgkinson strengthening her title credentials and Audrey Werro receiving a remarkable reprieve after a late-race fall.

Hodgkinson delivered a composed and powerful performance in the second semifinal, winning in 1:57.38 to book her place in the final. The British favorite was pushed hard by the Netherlands’ Femke Broeders-Bol, who finished just 0.08 seconds behind in 1:57.46.

Italy’s Eloisa Coiro followed in 1:57.74, while Switzerland’s Valentina Rosamilia and France’s Clara Liberman advanced as time qualifiers after clocking 1:58.16 and 1:58.19, respectively.

Jemma Reekie also looked strong, securing automatic qualification in 1:58.61, with France’s Anaïs Bourgoin and Switzerland’s Veronica Vancardo joining her after finishing in 1:58.84 and 1:59.14.

But it was the opening semifinal that produced the most extraordinary moment of the night.

With just 150 metres remaining, Switzerland’s Audrey Werro was suddenly involved in a dramatic incident that appeared to end her race and potentially her championship.

As the runners entered the closing stages, Werro’s right foot made contact with the left hand of France’s Anaïs Bourgoin. The contact disrupted Werro’s stride at a crucial moment, causing the Swiss athlete to lose her balance and tumble heavily.

For several tense moments, it appeared that Werro’s hopes of reaching the final had disappeared. She eventually crossed the finish line in 2:35.35, far outside the qualifying times, after the fall had cost her significant ground.

But the drama did not end at the finish line.

Following a review of the incident, the referees determined that Werro had been impeded and advanced her to the women’s 800m final.

The decision gives the Swiss star a remarkable second chance. What initially looked like a devastating end to her semifinal has instead turned into one of the most dramatic qualification stories of the championships.

Lithuania’s Gabija Galvydyte was also advanced by referee decision after finishing in 2:03.59, meaning the final will feature an unusual 10-athlete field.

Women’s 800m Final Qualifiers

1. Keely Hodgkinson (Great Britain) — 1:57.38 Q

2. Femke Broeders-Bol (Netherlands) — 1:57.46 Q

3. Eloisa Coiro (Italy) — 1:57.74 Q

4. Valentina Rosamilia (Switzerland) — 1:58.16 q

5. Clara Liberman (France) — 1:58.19 q

6. Jemma Reekie (Great Britain) — 1:58.61 Q

7. Anaïs Bourgoin (France) — 1:58.84 Q

8. Veronica Vancardo (Switzerland) — 1:59.14 Q

9. Gabija Galvydyte (Lithuania) — 2:03.59 qR

10. Audrey Werro (Switzerland) — 2:35.35 qR

Q = qualified automatically

q = qualified by time

qR= advanced by referee decision

Werro’s reinstatement has completely changed the complexion of the final. Instead of watching the championship from the sidelines after a heartbreaking fall, the Swiss athlete will return to the track with another opportunity to fight for a place on the podium.

Hodgkinson, meanwhile, heads into the final with the fastest semifinal time and renewed confidence. But with Broeders-Bol, Reekie, Coiro and the rest of the field ready to challenge, the European 800m title is still firmly up for grabs.

After one of the most dramatic semifinals of the championships, 10 athletes will now line up for the final — and Werro will be among them.

The women’s 800m at the 2026 European Athletics Championships is reaching a thrilling stage, with Keely Hodgkinson of Great Britain and Femke Broeders-Bol of the Netherlands set to meet in the second semi-final in Birmingham today. With a place in Friday’s final at stake, the pressure is rising—and the quality of the field promises a fascinating two-lap battle.

Hodgkinson laid down an early marker in the heats, producing a commanding 1:57.28 to become the fastest qualifier. The British Olympic champion looked comfortable throughout her race, underlining both her sharpness and confidence as she continues her bid for another European 800m title on home soil.

Broeders-Bol also progressed with little difficulty, stopping the clock at 1:59.96. Best known for her achievements over the 400m hurdles, the Dutch star has developed into an increasingly intriguing presence over 800m, bringing speed and versatility to a race packed with established middle-distance talent.

The semi-final will also feature Audrey Werro of Switzerland, whose presence adds another layer of danger to an already compelling contest. The Swiss star has enjoyed a remarkable season and recently produced 1:53.98, the third-fastest time in history, before also progressing safely through the Birmingham heats in 1:57.83.

What makes this showdown particularly fascinating is the contrasting strengths of the leading contenders. Hodgkinson possesses immense championship experience and has repeatedly shown that she thrives when the pressure is at its highest. Werro brings extraordinary speed and the confidence of having recently defeated Hodgkinson in Stockholm, while Broeders-Bol’s transition from the 400m hurdles to the two-lap event gives her a distinctive blend of speed, strength and tactical versatility.

With the final only one day away, there is little room for error. The opening lap, positioning and the ability to unleash a decisive surge in the closing metres could determine who advances. Every stride will matter as the contenders fight not only for qualification, but also for momentum heading into the championship showdown.

For Hodgkinson, the Birmingham stage offers another opportunity to turn home support into a memorable performance. For Broeders-Bol and Werro, it is a chance to challenge one of the event’s most decorated figures and prove that the European 800m crown is anything but predictable.

The ingredients are perfect: speed, experience, ambition and a place in the final on the line. Birmingham is ready for another spectacular 800m battle.