Running News Daily

The race to host the 2036 Summer Olympic Games is gathering momentum, with seven nations officially positioning themselves to bring the world's biggest sporting spectacle to their shores.

Germany, Hungary, India, Qatar, South Korea, South Africa and Türkiye have all expressed interest in hosting the 2036 Games, meeting the International Olympic Committee's October 31 deadline. With no additional countries entering the process, the seven-nation field remains unchanged from the list previously announced by the IOC.

Each potential host brings a different sporting history, ambition and vision for the Olympic movement. Germany is seeking an opportunity to stage the Games again, 100 years after Berlin hosted the 1936 Olympics, with Munich among the cities associated with its bid. Hungary is also pursuing its long-standing Olympic ambition, with Budapest drawing on its experience of hosting major international competitions, including the 2023 World Athletics Championships.

India is another major contender, with Ahmedabad at the centre of its hosting ambitions. The city boasts the world's largest cricket stadium and is scheduled to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, strengthening its credentials as an emerging destination for major sporting events.

South Africa's potential bid carries particular historical significance. If successful, the country would deliver the first-ever Summer Olympic Games on African soil, marking a landmark moment for the continent and expanding the geographical reach of the Olympic movement.

Meanwhile, South Korea is looking to bring the Summer Games back to Seoul, which last hosted the Olympics in 1988. Türkiye, through Istanbul's repeated attempts to secure the event, is also hoping that its latest campaign will finally deliver the opportunity to stage the prestigious competition.

Qatar presents a different challenge, particularly regarding the scheduling of outdoor events. The country's extreme summer temperatures would make a traditional July-August Olympic programme difficult, potentially requiring the IOC to consider an alternative period if Doha's bid progresses.

For athletics, especially marathon and distance running, the climate question is significant. The 2019 World Athletics Championships in Doha remain a reminder of how challenging extreme heat can be for endurance athletes. The women's marathon, which began close to midnight in an attempt to avoid the worst conditions, underlined the importance of weather and scheduling when staging major championships in hot climates.

South Korean singer and SHINee member Choi Min-ho has made headlines beyond the entertainment world after voluntarily relinquishing his finishing result from the 2026 JTBC Seoul Marathon, following controversy surrounding footage that appeared to show him receiving physical assistance during the race.

The 34-year-old K-pop star took on his first-ever full marathon on November 1, 2026, completing the gruelling 42.195-kilometre distance in an impressive 3:00:18. His performance attracted considerable attention, particularly because he narrowly missed the highly coveted sub-three-hour milestone by just 18 seconds.

However, what initially appeared to be a remarkable debut soon became the centre of a heated debate within running communities and on social media.

Footage circulating online showed another runner, believed to be his pacemaker, running close behind Min-ho and appearing to place a hand against his lower back and waist, seemingly pushing him forward. The images sparked questions about whether the physical contact constituted unauthorised assistance and whether it compromised the fairness of his performance.

The controversy quickly gained momentum, with athletics enthusiasts questioning the circumstances surrounding the assistance and calling for greater respect for the principles governing fair competition.

Faced with the growing criticism, Min-ho addressed the situation on November 3 through a heartfelt public apology. He expressed deep regret for disappointing people who had followed his marathon journey, acknowledging that the incident had occurred because of his own shortcomings.

He also emphasised his love and respect for sport, admitting that he felt deeply ashamed of the situation. In a further demonstration of accountability, he announced that he would not accept his finishing result, adding that he would carry the lessons from the experience into the future.

His decision was subsequently accepted by Runable, the organisers of the 2026 JTBC Seoul Marathon. On November 4, they confirmed that his request to relinquish the result had been accepted and that his finishing time would not be issued as an official race record.

Importantly, the withdrawal should not be confused with an official disqualification for a confirmed rules violation. The organisers did not establish a definitive finding that Min-ho had breached competition regulations, leaving the incident to be viewed primarily through his voluntary decision to surrender the result.

Beyond the controversy, the incident has reignited an important conversation about integrity, fairness and accountability in distance running. Whether competing at elite level or participating in mass-participation events, every runner shares responsibility for respecting the principles that make athletics a fair and credible sport.

For Min-ho, a performance that initially promised to be a memorable milestone in his sporting journey has instead become a valuable lesson about the responsibilities that accompany competition.

His 3:00:18 performance may no longer appear as an official result, but the wider discussion it has generated serves as a reminder that sporting achievements are measured by more than finishing times.

In marathon running, every second matters, but so do honesty, fairness and respect for every athlete who earns their place at the finish line. 

Jamaican sprint icon Usain Bolt has joined the sporting world in celebrating Cristiano Ronaldo's extraordinary international career, delivering a heartfelt message to the Portuguese superstar following his announcement of retirement from international football.

Bolt, widely regarded as the greatest sprinter in history, took to social media to congratulate Ronaldo, sharing a throwback photograph accompanied by a touching message that reflected the football legend's enormous influence beyond the boundaries of his sport.

"Congrats on your retirement from international football @cristiano ⚽️ You made us all a fan," Bolt wrote.

The message from the eight-time Olympic champion was a special recognition of a career that has captivated millions of supporters across the globe. Although Bolt made his name dominating the athletics track, his admiration for Ronaldo highlights the universal appeal of sporting greatness and the ability of exceptional athletes to inspire people across different disciplines.

Ronaldo, 41, announced his decision on November 5, 2026, bringing an end to an extraordinary international journey that began in August 2003. After 23 years representing Portugal, he walks away as the most prolific goalscorer and the most-capped male international footballer in history, having registered an astonishing 146 goals in 234 appearances.

His remarkable journey included captaining Portugal to its historic UEFA European Championship triumph in 2016, followed by UEFA Nations League victories in 2019 and 2025. He also made history at the 2026 FIFA World Cup by becoming the first player to score at six different editions of the tournament.

From a promising young talent making his international debut to becoming one of football's most celebrated figures, Ronaldo's contribution to Portugal's footballing history has been extraordinary. His consistency, ambition, professionalism and relentless pursuit of excellence have established standards that will inspire generations of aspiring footballers.

Importantly, his international retirement does not signal the end of his playing career. Ronaldo will continue his professional journey with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, where he remains active at club level.

For Bolt, whose extraordinary achievements include eight Olympic gold medals and world records in the 100m and 200m, the opportunity to acknowledge another sporting great carries special significance.

Two global icons, two different sporting arenas, but a shared understanding of what it takes to reach the summit of world sport. While Bolt conquered the track with his breathtaking speed, Ronaldo ruled the football pitch with his remarkable goalscoring ability and longevity.

As Ronaldo closes one of the most remarkable chapters in international football, tributes such as Bolt's serve as a reminder that true sporting greatness goes far beyond medals, trophies and records. It is ultimately measured by the millions of people inspired along the way.

Legends recognise legends!

Spanish marathon legend Martín Fiz has brought an extraordinary chapter of his athletics career to a close, completing his final marathon at the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon on November 1, at the age of 63.

The 1995 World Marathon Champion crossed the finish line in 3:01:13, bringing an emotional end to a remarkable journey spanning three decades and 42 marathon appearances. His final outing was made even more special by sharing the experience with his son, Álex Fiz, who was making his marathon debut. The father-and-son duo crossed the finish line together, turning the occasion into an unforgettable family moment.

Born on March 3, 1963, Fiz has enjoyed one of the most remarkable careers in Spanish distance-running history. His decision to retire from the marathon distance marks the end of a competitive journey that took him from international championship glory to extraordinary achievements in masters athletics.

New York was a particularly fitting destination for his farewell. It was in the same city that Fiz competed in his first major commercial marathon in 1996. Thirty years later, he returned to the streets of the Big Apple for marathon number 42, this time alongside his son.

The two had initially hoped to break the three-hour barrier, but several stops to greet relatives and take photographs along the course meant they finished just over the target. Nevertheless, the stopwatch was never the priority. Their greatest achievement was completing the 42.195-kilometre challenge together and sharing the finish-line moment hand in hand.

"I've been married to the marathon for 30 years. But now the time has come to make way for the youngsters," Fiz was quoted as saying in Spanish media, reflecting on his decision to step away from the distance.

Fiz's name is permanently etched in athletics history. He first reached the continental summit by winning the European Marathon Championship in Helsinki in 1994 before producing an even greater achievement the following year.

At the 1995 World Athletics Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden, he captured the men's marathon gold medal, becoming one of the most celebrated distance runners of his generation. He subsequently added a silver medal at the 1997 World Championships in Athens, further establishing his reputation among the world's finest marathoners.

His achievements also extended to the Olympic stage. At the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, Fiz narrowly missed the podium, finishing fourth in the marathon. He later represented Spain at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, where he finished sixth.

During his elite career, he recorded an impressive personal best of 2:08:05 at the 1997 Lake Biwa Marathon in Japan, a performance that underlined his exceptional ability during the golden era of Spanish distance running.

However, Fiz's remarkable story did not end when he stepped away from elite professional competition in 2001. Instead, he continued competing in masters athletics, demonstrating that age did not have to become a barrier to ambition, achievement or sporting excellence.

One of his most extraordinary accomplishments came in the over-50 category, where he became the first athlete to win all six World Marathon Majors: Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York.

That remarkable achievement placed him in a unique position in marathon history and inspired countless veteran runners around the world to continue pursuing ambitious goals regardless of age.

His final appearance in New York was therefore about much more than another finish time. It represented the celebration of a lifetime dedicated to athletics, the memories created along the way and the opportunity to pass his passion for running to the next generation.

Although Fiz has officially said goodbye to the marathon distance, he has made it clear that he has no intention of abandoning competitive running altogether. The Spanish legend is already looking towards possible new challenges over the half-marathon and 10-kilometre distances.

From European Championship gold to World Championship glory, Olympic appearances and historic masters achievements, Martín Fiz has built a legacy that extends far beyond medals, records and finishing times.

His final marathon was not about chasing another victory or breaking another barrier. It was about celebrating an extraordinary journey that began three decades ago and ending it in the most meaningful way possible: alongside his son.

At 63, Fiz has reminded the running world that greatness is not measured only by speed or age, but also by longevity, passion, consistency and the courage to keep challenging oneself.

A world champion once, an inspiration forever.

¡Gracias, Martín Fiz! 

Some marathon achievements are remembered for record-breaking performances, while others stand out because of the extraordinary human stories behind them. At the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon, Noelle Lambert-Beirne delivered a remarkable performance that demonstrated the power of determination, resilience and motherhood.

Just 13 weeks after welcoming her daughter, Brenley, into the world, the Paralympic sprinter and first-time mother took on the legendary 42.195-kilometre challenge, crossing the finish line in just over six and a half hours to become a marathon finisher.

Her accomplishment becomes even more remarkable when the challenges she faced along the way are considered.

Lambert-Beirne lost her left leg in a moped accident in 2016, but the life-changing incident never stopped her from pursuing her sporting ambitions. She went on to establish herself as a Paralympic athlete, building a reputation for courage and perseverance.

This time, however, she faced a completely different challenge. Preparing for a marathon while adjusting to life as a new mother demanded an extraordinary level of commitment. She had just seven weeks of marathon-specific training, with broken nights of sleep, the responsibilities of caring for her newborn and painful blisters caused by her prosthetic leg adding to the difficulty.

Her preparation also involved countless laps around a track while pushing Brenley in a stroller, turning motherhood and marathon training into one demanding journey.

During the race itself, she even took a break to breastfeed her daughter before continuing towards the finish line. It was a moment that captured the reality of her experience, showing that her marathon journey was about much more than running.

When she eventually reached the finish line, Lambert-Beirne made the moment even more special by carrying little Brenley across alongside her husband, Mark Beirne.

Reflecting on the achievement, she expressed her excitement and disbelief at accomplishing something she had once never imagined possible.

"I AM A MARATHON FINISHER!!!

Truly never thought I would ever say those words. 3 months postpartum. Just 7 weeks of training. Broken sleep, prosthetic blisters, and countless laps around a track pushing Brenley in the stroller.

It wasn't easy, but we showed up, pushed through, and GOT IT DONE!!"

She also acknowledged the support of her husband, family, supporters and Team Maybelline, whose encouragement helped her navigate the demanding preparation and unforgettable race-day experience.

For Lambert-Beirne, the New York City Marathon was not simply another sporting event. It was an opportunity to embrace a new chapter of motherhood while proving to herself that even the most demanding challenges can be approached with courage and determination.

Her journey also offered a powerful reminder that athletic achievements do not always have to be defined by finishing times, podium positions or personal records. Sometimes, the greatest accomplishment is simply finding the strength to take on a challenge and refusing to give up when the journey becomes difficult.

Thirteen weeks after childbirth. Seven weeks of marathon preparation. One prosthetic leg. A newborn daughter and an unforgettable journey through the streets of New York.

Noelle Lambert-Beirne's marathon finish was a celebration of resilience, family and the remarkable strength of the human spirit.

For most marathon runners, the challenge is simply getting through 26.2 miles. But for 38-year-old American runner Travis Meier, covering that distance is only part of the battle. He has taken on an extraordinary challenge: running marathons while carrying an 18-pound canoe on his shoulders, with the ambitious goal of completing 52 canoe-carrying marathons in 52 weeks.

Meier, who comes from Minneapolis, Minnesota, attracted attention at the Twin Cities Marathon on October 4, 2026, when he appeared on the starting course carrying a carbon-fibre solo canoe instead of the usual running equipment.

While other competitors relied on energy gels, hydration belts and lightweight racing gear, Meier chose to shoulder the approximately 18-pound canoe for the journey from Minneapolis to St. Paul.

He eventually crossed the finish line in 5:57:06, having carried the unusual load for almost the entire 26.2-mile distance. However, his remarkable effort came with a price: race officials disqualified him because carrying an additional prop was against the competition rules.

Interestingly, Meier was fully aware that his unconventional approach could lead to disqualification. He reportedly anticipated being stopped during the opening miles and even kept the canoe away from the starting corral to avoid obstructing other competitors.

But the disqualification did little to discourage him. For Meier, the marathon was never simply about earning an official finishing position or collecting another medal. His real objective was to use the unusual spectacle to draw attention to an environmental cause he deeply believes in.

Since his appearance in Minneapolis and St. Paul, he has continued taking his canoe onto marathon courses, completing the Gandy Dancer Marathon in Wisconsin and the Mankato Marathon in Minnesota. Each event has provided another opportunity to spread his message.

Now, he has set himself an even more demanding target: completing 52 canoe-carrying marathons in 52 weeks. With a full-time job to balance, he acknowledges that attending an organised marathon every week may not always be possible. On those occasions, he intends to cover the required distance independently while still carrying his canoe.

Behind the extraordinary physical challenge is a campaign to protect the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, a spectacular natural region in northern Minnesota renowned for its interconnected lakes, rivers, forests and wildlife.

Meier is particularly concerned about the proposed Twin Metals copper-nickel mining project near the wilderness area. Environmental advocates warn that mining activities within the surrounding watershed could threaten the region's pristine waters through pollution and other long-term environmental damage. Supporters of the mining project, meanwhile, point to its potential economic benefits, employment opportunities and contribution to domestic mineral supplies.

The controversy has become an increasingly important political issue, with the future protection of the Boundary Waters attracting attention at both state and federal levels.

Meier has chosen an unconventional way of joining that debate. Rather than limiting his activism to statements or online campaigns, he is taking his message directly to the streets, using marathon running and an unmistakable canoe to attract public attention.

He has even given himself a fitting nickname: The Lorax of the Boundary Waters, inspired by the fictional character known for speaking up for nature and protecting the environment.

His challenge is certainly not an ordinary marathon adventure. Carrying an 18-pound canoe over 26.2 miles places additional demands on the shoulders, upper body and core, while also requiring concentration and balance throughout the journey.

Yet Meier appears determined to keep going, regardless of whether his efforts earn official race results or recognition from organisers.

One man, one canoe and 52 marathons in a year. For Travis Meier, every mile is an opportunity to make people stop, look and ask questions about the wilderness he wants to protect.

And while the canoe may have cost him an official result in the Twin Cities Marathon, it has given him something far more important in his eyes: a platform to take his environmental campaign to a much wider audience.