Running News Daily

The streets of Valencia—long known as a launchpad for marathon breakthroughs—will welcome another major storyline this Sunday as Boston Marathon champion John Korir lines up for one of the fastest races in the world.

Korir, who claimed the 2024 Boston Marathon title, heads to Spain looking to reset his momentum after a disappointing DNF at the Chicago Marathon. Valencia, however, has a reputation for revitalizing careers and producing history-making performances. It was here that Kelvin Kiptumastonished the running world with his 2:01:53 debut, and where Sebastian Sawe delivered his own blazing introduction to the distance.

This year’s edition will test Korir against another powerhouse field.

A Clash With Sisay Lemma and a Deep Kenyan Contingent

Leading the opposition is Sisay Lemma, the Ethiopian star and one of the most consistent marathoners on the international circuit. Lemma, who has repeatedly delivered world-class marks, will be targeting a major statement run in Valencia.

The Kenyan challenge will be formidable as well, with a trio of established athletes joining Korir on the start line:

• Hillary Kipkoech – former track standout making waves on the roads

• Edward Cheserek – the 17-time NCAA champion continuing his marathon evolution

• Justus Kangongo – a proven performer capable of big breakthroughs

Each arrives with something to prove—and Valencia’s flat, rapid course has a way of rewarding ambition.

Why Valencia Matters

The Valencia Marathon has earned its reputation as the fastest marathon outside of the World Marathon Majors, regularly producing:

• Course records

• National records

• Top-10 all-time performances

• Breakout debuts for emerging stars

For Korir, the race presents the perfect environment to reestablish his position among the world’s elite and build momentum heading into the 2025 season.

What’s at Stake

A strong performance would reinforce Korir’s Boston victory as a sign of lasting form—not a one-off moment. With Olympic selections and global rankings in play, every second in Valencia matters.

As fans await Sunday’s race, one question stands out:

Will the City of Running deliver yet another defining chapter in marathon history?

My Best Runs will have full coverage and results as the race unfolds.

For young runners in Kenya, the dream has always extended far beyond the finish line. It is about opportunity, education, and building a future through running. On November 22, sixty alumni of Townhall Athletics will stand on the starting line at the Gans Creek Cross Country Course in Columbia, Missouri—not only as competitors, but as student-athletes whose journeys blend world-class talent with academic ambition.

Their road to the NCAA National Cross Country Championships was forged through nine regional qualifiers, where Townhall athletes earned advancement both individually and through team berths. Each qualifier represents a story that began on rugged high-altitude trails in Kenya and continued in American classrooms—balancing mileage with lectures, workouts with research projects.

A Pipeline for Talent and Learning

Many of these athletes grew up with limited access to formal training facilities—sometimes even without proper running shoes. Through Townhall Athletics, runners such as Brian Musau, Dennis Kipngetich, and Laban Kipkemboi at Oklahoma State University received structured coaching and the mentorship needed to secure life-changing scholarships.

In Florida, Kelvin Cheruiyot, Desma Chepkoech, and Judy Chepkoech have combined tactical racing with strong academic records, while Debora Cherono at Texas A&M has emerged as a respected leader both on campus and on the track.

In the Mountain West Conference, New Mexico’s Evans Kiplagat and Vincent Chirchir continue to show how academic and athletic development go hand in hand. At Iowa State, Joash Rutto and Mercylin Kirwa have built reputations for consistency and endurance, exemplifying the discipline long associated with Kenyan distance running.

Other Townhall standouts, including Meshack Kuiyo at Boise State and Gilbert Rono at Tulane, carry the hopes of their programs while pursuing degrees and competing at the top level of collegiate sport.

Gans Creek: Where Experience Meets Ambition

Gans Creek is known for its rolling hills, long grass straights, and technical curves—terrain that demands smart pacing and a strong finish. For Kenyan athletes who grew up training at altitude, the course offers a blend of familiarity and challenge, providing a perfect stage to showcase endurance, resilience, and race intelligence.

Lining up against top collegiate athletes from across the United States and around the world, Townhall runners bring not only speed but also the mental fortitude and tactical awareness refined through years of structured training back home.

Voices of Support

Kenyan sports leaders continue to stress that athletic success must be paired with education to secure a long-term future.

Barnaba Korir, AK Youth Development Director and NOC-K First Vice President, emphasizes:

“These scholarships are more than athletic opportunities—they are life-changing. Education ensures our youth can thrive long after the final lap.”

Ibrahim Hussein Kipkemboi, Director of the Africa Athletics Development Centre, adds:

“Blending study with sport protects athletes from early burnout and equips them for the future.”

Athletics Kenya President Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei reinforces the message:

“The goal is not just fast runners, but well-rounded individuals. Education and athletics go hand in hand for global success.”

Impact Beyond the Course

These sixty qualifiers demonstrate how structured development and academic pathways can open doors for rural youth across Kenya. Their progress validates youth programs, inspires younger athletes, and shows how scholarships allow talent to flourish both on the track and in the classroom.

The Journey and the Finish Line

On race day, athletes such as Rosemary Longisa and Caroline Jepkorir of Washington State University, Evans Tanui of Arizona, and Diana Cherotich of Oregon will carry far more than personal ambition. They will carry the dreams of families, coaches, and communities who believed in them from the start.

Every stride over Missouri’s rolling terrain reflects years of discipline, sacrifice, and the pursuit of excellence—both academic and athletic.

When the final lap is run, results will matter. But so will the journey that brought them here. From dusty Kenyan tracks to the championship stage at Gans Creek, Townhall athletes have shown that with vision, support, and resilience, success in running and life can grow together.

As they race for NCAA glory, they continue to inspire a generation to see that the finish line is not an end—it is, in fact, the beginning.

Every November, the streets of New York City transform. Five boroughs become a stage. Dreams meet asphalt.

The 2025 TCS New York City Marathon is fast approaching — and for runners, coaches, and fans alike, it remains one of the most electric events on the global running calendar.

The Big Picture

• Date: Sunday, November 2, 2025

• Field size: More than 55,000 runners representing over 130 nations will take on the 26.2-mile journey from Staten Island to Central Park.

• Defending champions: Abdi Nageeye (Netherlands) and Sheila Chepkirui (Kenya) return to defend their crowns.

• Debut stars: Marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge and Olympic champion Sifan Hassan will make their long-awaited New York debuts — a storyline that has the running world buzzing.

• Classic route: The course again threads through all five boroughs, starting at Fort Wadsworth on Staten Island, crossing the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, and finishing in Central Park.

• Sustainability focus: Organizers at New York Road Runners (NYRR) continue to expand environmental initiatives, including recyclable aluminum water bottles and reduced single-use plastics.

Course Records

• Men’s Record: 2:04:58 – Tamirat Tola (2023)

• Women’s Record: 2:22:31 – Margaret Okayo (2003)

Both marks remain tough to challenge on New York’s rolling, bridge-laden course — but with Kipchoge, Chebet, and Nageeye in the men’s field, and Hassan, Obiri, and Lokedi among the women, the potential for history is very real.

Men’s Elite Highlights

• Eliud Kipchoge (Kenya) – two-time Olympic champion, 2:01:09 PB, running NYC for the first time.

• Abdi Nageeye (Netherlands) – defending champion and Olympic silver medalist.

• Evans Chebet (Kenya) – two-time Boston Marathon champion.

• Benson Kipruto (Kenya) – Chicago 2022 winner.

• Albert Korir (Kenya) – former NYC champion.

• Joe Klecker (USA) – U.S. Olympian making his marathon debut.

• Hillary Bor (USA) – U.S. steeplechase champion transitioning to the roads.

• Charles Hicks (USA) – NCAA cross-country champion now turning professional.

Women’s Elite Highlights

• Sifan Hassan (Netherlands) – Olympic champion, winner in London (2023) and Chicago (2024).

• Hellen Obiri (Kenya) – Boston 2023 and NYC 2023 champion.

• Sharon Lokedi (Kenya) – NYC 2022 winner, still a local favorite.

• Sheila Chepkirui (Kenya) – defending NYC champion.

• Emily Sisson (USA) – current American marathon record holder (2:18:29).

• Molly Seidel (USA) – Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist.

• Fiona O’Keeffe (USA) – 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials marathon champion.

• Susanna Sullivan (USA) – Top-10 finisher at Boston 2023, consistent national contender.

This year’s field features 49 Olympians and Paralympians, nine past major marathon winners, and 16 medalists from Olympic or World Championship events — arguably the deepest lineup in New York history.

What Makes New York Unique (and Brutal)

• Rolling terrain and bridges: The Verrazzano, Pulaski, Queensboro, and Willis bridges each sap rhythm and energy.

• Crowd power: Two million spectators line the course, creating unmatched atmosphere — and volume.

• Late-season unpredictability: Weather can swing from cold drizzle to crisp fall perfection.

• Tactical racing: With its uneven pacing demands, NYC rewards strategy over pure speed.

Storylines to Watch

• Kipchoge’s debut: The marathon GOAT takes on the sport’s loudest stage. Can he master New York’s relentless hills and twists?

• Hassan’s bold quest: Coming off London and Chicago wins, can she complete the trifecta in her first NYC appearance?

• Lokedi vs. Obiri: The Kenyan duo continue their fierce rivalry on familiar ground.

• Nageeye’s defense: Last year’s champion faces his toughest test yet with Chebet and Kipruto in pursuit.

• American charge: Sisson, Seidel, O’Keeffe, and Sullivan lead the most complete U.S. women’s team in years — while Klecker and Bor look to ignite the next chapter for American men’s marathoning.

• Record watch: Tola’s 2:04:58 may finally be tested, and Okayo’s 22-year-old mark could fall if conditions align.

For Runners and Coaches

• Train the bridges. Practice long tempo runs that mimic New York’s undulating rhythm.

• Respect the pace. The roar of Brooklyn can trick even the best into going out too fast.

• Fuel flexibly. NYRR’s eco-station setup may differ from other majors — plan accordingly.

• Stay mentally sharp. The final 10 K through Central Park can break anyone unprepared for its hills.

• Layer smartly. Start slightly chilled; the crowds and effort will warm you fast.

The Bottom Line

The 2025 TCS New York City Marathon blends star power, unpredictability, and history like no other race. From Kipchoge’s long-awaited debut to the fiercest women’s field ever assembled in New York, every mile promises drama.

For runners chasing personal bests, and for millions of spectators lining the streets or watching from afar, November 2 will again remind us why this marathon is more than a race — it’s a celebration of endurance, spirit, and the human story that unfolds across 26.2 miles of the world’s greatest city.

For decades, the men’s 3000m steeplechase was as Kenyan as tea fields in Kericho or herds grazing the Rift Valley floor. Since Amos Biwott (first photo) struck Olympic gold in 1968, generations of Kenyan athletes turned the event into a national pig treasure, piling up Olympic and World titles with almost mechanical consistency. But the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo told a different story—one of fading dominance, foreign breakthroughs, and a teenager fighting to keep the flame alive.

A Race That Shook Tradition

On a humid evening inside Tokyo’s National Stadium, 17-year-old Edmund Serem—younger brother of 2021 World U20 champion Amos Serem—lined up against the world’s best: Olympic champion Soufiane El Bakkali, Ethiopia’s Lamecha Girma, New Zealand’s rising star Geordie Beamish, and a host of challengers from Europe, North America, and Asia.

For Serem, the mission was clear: keep Kenya’s flag on a podium that has become increasingly elusive.

From the gun, he ran bravely, shadowing Germany’s Karl Ruppert in the early laps, exchanging leads and refusing to yield. Ethiopia’s Samuel Firewu, Canada’s Jean-Simon Desgagnés, Poland’s Krzysztof Michalski, and Japan’s Ryuji Miura all joined the fight, turning the race into a tactical chess match.

With five laps to go, Serem was still in contention. But as the tempo shifted, the global pack pressed harder. Girma and El Bakkali moved menacingly forward, Desgagnés surged, and Michalski stunned the field by briefly taking the lead.

Then came the bell lap. In a race once synonymous with Kenyan processions, the battle had become a global dogfight. Beamish timed his kick to perfection, flying past Girma and fending off El Bakkali to seize a historic gold in 8:33.88. El Bakkali took silver in 8:33.95, while Serem, showing maturity beyond his years, held his ground to claim bronze in 8:34.56.

A Bittersweet Podium

For Kenya, the bronze carried mixed emotions. Serem’s medal, won by a teenager not yet old enough to vote, proved the country’s future is bright. Yet it also underscored a sobering reality: the days of near-total dominance are gone.

Speaking after the race, Serem was humble but defiant:

“It was tough out there, but I told myself Kenya must be on that podium. I am only 17, and I know this is just the beginning. One day, I will bring the gold back home.”

The Crumbling Fortress

The numbers tell the story. Since Conseslus Kipruto’s World title in 2019, Kenya has not won a global steeplechase gold. Instead, El Bakkali, Girma, and now Beamish have rewritten the script, dismantling the aura of invincibility once carried by legends like Ezekiel Kemboi, Brimin Kipruto, and Stephen Cherono.

Even with Abraham Kibiwot also in Tokyo, Kenya could not tilt the balance back. What was once fortress Kenya is now open territory.

Lessons and a Call to Action

Beamish’s victory offered a warning. New Zealand has no steeplechase tradition, yet through structured NCAA development and consistent Diamond League racing, Beamish matured into a world champion. Kenya, by contrast, must adapt: better coaching, tactical planning, and holistic athlete support are now non-negotiable.

Serem’s bronze provides a flicker of hope. His resilience against seasoned opponents shows promise, but it also highlights the urgent need for reinvestment. Athletics Kenya’s famed pipeline of school and military talent remains deep, but without evolution, history and reputation alone will not win medals.

The Future

As Edmund Serem stood on the Tokyo podium, the Kenyan flag draped over his shoulders, pride and resolve mixed in his eyes. Behind the applause lay a challenge: reclaim what has been lost.

If the steeplechase is to remain the beating heart of Kenya’s athletics heritage, Tokyo 2025 must not mark the continuation of decline, but the beginning of a fightback. And perhaps—just perhaps—it will be Serem, the teenager who dared to dream, who leads the revival.

The 2025 Sydney Marathon men’s field is stacked with talent rarely seen outside the World Marathon Majors. Thirteen men boast personal bests faster than the course record of 2:06:18, while nineteen have broken 2:07. The depth rivals Tokyo’s strongest lineups of recent years. On the start list are legends and rising stars alike: Eliud Kipchoge, Birhanu Legese, Dawit Wolde, Edward Cheserek, and Vincent Ngetich.

Kipchoge: The Legend at a Crossroads

Nothing new can be said about Eliud Kipchoge’s greatness — his 2:01:09 from Berlin 2022 remains the second-fastest marathon in history, and his body of work defines the modern era. Yet the past two seasons have tested him. Tenth in Tokyo 2024, a DNF at the Paris Olympics, and a weary fade in London 2025 seemed to confirm decline. But in London he fought back, refusing to surrender, and clawed his way to sixth in 2:05:25. For a 40-year-old, that was extraordinary.

Kipchoge is no longer racing under the crushing weight of expectation. Instead, he runs for inspiration — to show what resilience looks like. That makes him dangerous still. And it raises the question: could Sydney be the stage for one final act of brilliance?

The Challengers

Dawit Wolde (Ethiopia) – Fresh off victory in Xiamen 2025 (2:06:06, course record), the Olympian owns a 2:03:48 best. His confidence and consistency mark him as a serious contender.

Birhanu Legese (Ethiopia) – Twice a Tokyo champion (2019, 2020) and a proven 2:02:48 performer in Berlin, he brings the pedigree of a man who has already mastered Major moments.

Edward Cheserek (Kenya/USA) – “King Ches” ruled the NCAA with 17 titles before turning to the marathon. In just his second attempt he ran 2:05:24 in Valencia 2024, slashing nearly six minutes from his debut in New York. Rapid progression makes him the true wildcard.

Vincent Ngetich (Kenya) – At 26, he is the face of the new generation. His 2:03:13 debut in Berlin 2023 was the third-fastest debut in history. Since then, he has collected back-to-back podiums in Tokyo. Of all Sydney entrants, he alone has stood on a Major podium in the past two years. With youth, momentum, and speed, he starts as the man to beat.

Generations Collide

Sydney will be more than a race — it will be a clash of eras. On one side stands Kipchoge, the living legend who has carried the sport for two decades, searching for one last masterpiece. On the other, the hungry new wave led by Ngetich, ready to seize the crown.

On September race day, the streets of Sydney could bear witness to either a farewell triumph… or the dawn of a new reign.

Eugene, Oregon – The stage is set for another electrifying weekend at iconic Hayward Field, as the Toyota U.S.A. Track & Field Outdoor Championships take place this Saturday and Sunday at 4 p.m. ET, airing live on NBC and Peacock.

Some of the sport’s biggest stars will be headlining the meet, including Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Noah Lyles, two of America’s premier track and field athletes.

McLaughlin-Levrone, the reigning Olympic and World Champion in the 400m hurdles, is returning to the national spotlight after a strategic training and race schedule this season. Known for her graceful power and impeccable technique, Sydney has already redefined what’s possible in her event—shattering the world record multiple times. Fans are eager to see whether she’ll contest the 400m flat or return to the hurdles in Eugene.

On the men’s side, all eyes are on Noah Lyles, the reigning World Champion in the 100m and 200m. Lyles has made it clear he’s aiming for greatness this year, with both Olympic gold and world records on his radar. His recent performances on the Diamond League circuit suggest he’s peaking at the right time.

Distance Running Update: Eyes on the 1500m, 5000m, and 10,000m

The distance events promise fierce battles and major implications for Team USA selection.

In the men’s 1500m, all eyes will be on Yared Nuguse, who owns one of the fastest times in American history. He’ll be challenged by Cole Hocker, who famously stormed to an Olympic team spot in 2021, and NCAA standout Hobbs Kessler, who continues to climb the ranks.

The women’s 1500m will feature Nikki Hiltz, Emily Mackay, and Sinclaire Johnson, with Hiltz in standout form after their impressive road mile performances this season.

In the 5000m, American record holder Woody Kincaid will take on Grant Fisher, who’s back after injury and hungry to reclaim his place at the top. The women’s 5000m will include Elise Cranny, Karissa Schweizer, and Parker Valby, in what could be one of the most tactical races of the meet.

The 10,000m has already been contested earlier in the season, but the championship weekend will set the tone for the athletes’ final preparations ahead of international competition.

As always, Hayward Field brings the best out of American distance runners—expect fireworks as the fields chase not only titles, but Olympic dreams.

Catch the action live on NBC and Peacock.

Event: Toyota U.S.A. Track & Field Outdoor Championships

Location: Hayward Field, Eugene, Oregon

Broadcast: Saturday & Sunday at 4 p.m. ET on NBC & Peacock

LONDON, July 20, 2025 — Just when you think she’s peaked, Jessica Hull finds another gear.

At the London Diamond League, the Australian middle-distance star delivered another brilliant performance, clocking 4:13.68 to finish second behind Ethiopian legend Gudaf Tsegay in the women’s mile. In doing so, Hull broke her own Australian and Oceanian record, reaffirming her status as one of the world’s premier distance runners.

Another Record Falls

Hull had previously lowered the Australian mile record to 4:15.34, and now she’s slashed nearly two seconds off that mark. Her new time of 4:13.68 places her among the fastest women in history over the distance and continues an incredible streak of performances on the global stage.

A Steady Ascent

Born in Albion Park, New South Wales, Hull first gained international recognition at the University of Oregon, where she became a four-time NCAA champion. Since turning professional, she’s:

• Broken national records in the 1500m, 3000m, 5000m, and Mile

• Made finals at multiple global championships

• Become a fixture on the Diamond League circuit

Tactically sharp, mentally tough, and remarkably consistent, Hull has become the face of Australian distance running.

Tokyo Awaits

This latest record could not come at a better time. Hull is peaking just ahead of the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, where she will line up among the favorites in the 1500m and possibly the 5000m.

At just 27, she continues to redefine what’s possible—not just for Australians, but for all middle-distance runners worldwide. With the Paris Olympics in the rearview and Tokyo in focus, Jessica Hull is a name we’ll be hearing for years to come.

Follow My Best Runs for more coverage of Jessica Hull and the world’s best distance runners.

#JessicaHull #Australia #WorldAthletics #Tokyo2025 #DiamondLeague #MyBestRuns #MileRecord #Running

In a performance that sent shockwaves through collegiate distance running, Brian Musau of Oklahoma State University clocked a stunning 12:59.82 at the 2025 Sunset Tour in Los Angeles on July 12, becoming only the third college athlete in history to dip under the 13-minute barrier for 5,000 meters.

The 22-year-old Kenyan star, who is also the 2025 NCAA 5,000m champion, executed a perfectly timed race against a world-class field, showcasing both tactical savvy and extraordinary finishing strength. His mark makes him the fastest collegian in the world this year and moves him into rarefied territory alongside two legendary names: Henry Rono of Washington State (13:08.4 in 1978) and Salah Hissou of Morocco (12:58.13 in 1996, while studying in France), both of whom were collegians when breaking 13 minutes.

Musau’s performance also makes him just the third Kenyan to go sub-13 in the 5,000m this season, joining elite countrymen Jacob Krop and Nicholas Kimeli, both ranked among the top 10 in the world. It’s a statement not just about Musau’s individual brilliance but also about Kenya’s enduring depth in distance running.

His coach at Oklahoma State, Dave Smith, called the race “a culmination of three years of hard work, patience, and belief.”

As a result of his historic run, Musau has now been invited to the 2025 Kenyan World Championships Trials, to be held July 22 at Nairobi’s Ulinzi Sports Complex—a high-stakes meet where Kenya’s team for the World Athletics Championships will be selected.

Musau is also a proud member of Townhall Athletics, the growing development and management group guiding several top Kenyan talents.

“This is only the beginning,” Musau told reporters after the race. “My dream is to represent Kenya on the world stage—and now I have that opportunity.”

June 22, 2020 — Five years ago today, the running world lost a legend. Dick Buerkle, a two-time U.S. Olympian and former world indoor mile record holder, passed away at the age of 72. He died in Atlanta, Georgia, after battling a rare neurological condition known as multiple system atrophy (MSA).

Buerkle’s journey was one of remarkable perseverance. A walk-on at Villanova University, he trained under the legendary coach Jumbo Elliott and blossomed into a three-time NCAA All-American, finishing third in three NCAA finals: the 1969 and 1970 indoor two-mile races and the 1970 outdoor three-mile.

He cemented his place in history when he set the world indoor mile record in 1978, clocking 3:54.93. That achievement came on the heels of a memorable performance at the Wanamaker Mile at the Millrose Games, where he won in 3:58.4, beating Wilson Waigwa and Filbert Bayi for his second consecutive victory on Madison Square Garden’s storied track.

Despite the U.S. boycott of the 1980 Moscow Olympics, Buerkle’s two-time qualification (1976 and 1980) and his world-class performances left a lasting legacy. Known for his determined racing style and iconic bald head, he inspired a generation of runners with both his grit and grace.

Runner Eric Giacoletto recently shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, helping the running community reflect on Buerkle’s lasting impact.

“Dick Buerkle’s story reminds us that greatness isn’t always about starting at the top,” said Bob Anderson, founder of My Best Runs. “He earned every second of his success.”

Today, we remember and honor Dick Buerkle — five years gone, never forgotten.

Jane Hedengren Runs 8:40.03 to Shatter Her Own American U20 and High School Record in the 3000m

Jane Hedengren isn’t just rewriting the record books — she’s obliterating them. On Saturday, June 21, at the Nike Outdoor Nationals in Eugene, Oregon, the 17-year-old phenom delivered another jaw-dropping performance, clocking 8:40.03 in the 3000 meters to lower her own American U20 and high school record.

Or This mark, set on the storied track at Hayward Field, came just two weeks after Hedengren ran 8:40.99 at the Brooks PR Invitational — which, at the time, was the fastest 3000m ever run by an American high school girl. Saturday’s performance confirms what the track world is quickly realizing: we’re witnessing one of the most extraordinary distance runners the U.S. has ever produced at this age.

One of the Greatest Streaks in High School History

Hedengren’s 2025 season has been nothing short of historic. In the span of just a few months, she has broken high school national records in:

Mile – 4:23.50

1600m – Converted from her mile time

Two Mile – 9:17.75 (en route during her previous 3000m record)

5000m – Both indoors and outdoors

3000m – Now twice, with her latest 8:40.03 mark

And she’s still not done.

Despite cool, rainy conditions in Eugene, Hedengren ran with poise and control, steadily widening her lead throughout the race. Her form was fluid, her pacing flawless — a reminder that even under less-than-ideal conditions, she is a generational talent.

A Glimpse into the Future

Hedengren, who has committed to BYU, is heading to college as the most decorated high school distance runner in recent memory. With times already rivaling some of the top NCAA runners, her transition to the next level could be seismic.

But beyond the times, it’s her consistency and fearlessness that are setting her apart. She’s not afraid to front-run, to chase big goals, and to compete against older, more experienced athletes. That mindset — combined with her physical gifts — suggests this is only the beginning.

What’s Next?

With the summer track season still in full swing, there’s a chance Hedengren could take aim at even more records, including some at the senior level. Whether or not she races again this season, her mark on 2025 is already indelible.

From the mile to the 5K, indoors and out, Jane Hedengren just keeps breaking records. Her latest — an 8:40.03 3000m — is not just another national best. It’s a signal to the running world: the future is here.

Emily Sisson is no stranger to the top of American distance running, and her performance at today’s Boston 10K proves she’s still very much a force. Clocking 31:42 to finish third, Sisson marked her return to racing with precision, patience, and perspective—traits she’s earned the hard way over the past year.

Resetting After the Olympics

Following the 2024 Paris Olympic Marathon, Sisson knew something had to change. Despite qualifying with the fastest time of any American woman heading into the Games, her Olympic result left her physically and emotionally drained.

“I didn’t feel like myself,” she admitted.

So she stepped away—not just for a short break, but three full months without racing or formal training. It wasn’t until March of this year that she started to feel like herself again. That time off became the foundation for everything she’s building now.

Closing the Track Chapter

One thing was clear during her comeback: she had no plans to return to the track. After years of excelling on the oval—Olympics, NCAA titles, and national records—Sisson is now fully focused on the roads. That shift has brought clarity to her training and excitement for what lies ahead.

A Home Base in Ireland

Sisson and her husband have a home in Ireland, where she often retreats for quieter, more focused training blocks. It’s become a key part of her rhythm—offering the space to rebuild both mentally and physically.

“I want to come back strong,” she said. “And I want to do it the right way.”

Learning Her Limits at Altitude

Altitude training is standard for many elite runners, but Sisson has learned to use it sparingly.

“I do benefit from altitude—but only for about 4 to 6 weeks,” she shared. “After that, I get too tired.”

In past marathon builds, she felt overextended by long periods in places like Flagstaff. Now, she prefers training at sea level with her longtime coach Ray Treacy in Rhode Island. That change in approach has helped her stay fresh and responsive heading into big races.

Eyes on the Roads

With her Boston 10K result in the books, Sisson is aiming for a full road season—potentially leading up to a fall marathon. She’s not chasing times on the track anymore. Instead, she’s chasing something more valuable: a career built on knowing what works best for her.

From Burnout to Balance

Emily Sisson’s return isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about evolving. From Olympic fatigue to rethinking altitude and stepping off the track, she’s found a smarter, more sustainable way forward. And if today’s performance in Boston is any indication, she’s far from finished.

In a performance that shook the foundations of U.S. distance running, Nico Young stormed to a stunning 12:45.27 at the Oslo Diamond League on June 12. Not only did he win the race, but he also demolished the American 5000m record, vaulting himself into the top ranks of global distance running.

The 21-year-old’s breakthrough marks the fastest 5000m ever run by an American and the fourth-fastest time in world history outdoors. His average lap was 61.4 seconds—roughly 4:06 per mile or 2:33 per kilometer—executed against one of the deepest fields ever assembled.

Standout Performances with Official Times

• Nico Young (USA) – 12:45.27 – ?? American Record

• George Mills (GBR) – 12:46.59 – ?? British National Record

• Thierry Ndikumwenayo (Burundi) – 12:47.67 – Personal Best

• Dominic Lokinyomo Lobalu (Switzerland) – 12:50.87 – ?? Swiss National Record

This was a race defined by speed, grit, and history-making performances. Eight athletes reportedly broke 12:51—unprecedented in Diamond League competition. National records fell on three continents.

Young’s Path to Greatness

Nico Young’s rise began at Newbury Park High School, where he set high school records and led his team to national titles. At Northern Arizona University, he continued to dominate, becoming a multi-time NCAA All-American before turning pro with Adidas.

Training under coach Mike Smith, Young has honed not just his endurance but also his race instincts—perfectly on display in Oslo as he timed his final surge to perfection against the best in the world.

A New Standard

Young’s 12:45.27 surpasses Grant Fisher’s previous American record of 12:46.96 set in 2022. His time now ranks him behind only three men in history: Joshua Cheptegei, Kenenisa Bekele, and Hagos Gebrhiwet.

With this performance, Nico Young has redefined what’s possible for American distance runners and firmly positioned himself as one of the most exciting young talents in the sport.

For years, Addi Zerrenner chased speed on the track and roads. As an NCAA standout at Arizona and one of the top U.S. prospects in distance running, she seemed destined for marathon greatness. But after years of pushing, something shifted. The joy dimmed. The pressure mounted. And like many elite athletes, Addi hit a wall — not physically, but mentally.

What came next wasn’t a retreat — it was a reinvention.

Trading Pavement for Peaks

Addi left the regimented world of splits and lap counts behind and found herself drawn to the mountains. There, she discovered something that had been missing: joy.

“It was like breathing again,” she said in a recent interview. “Out there, it wasn’t about pace. It was about movement, freedom, and reconnecting with why I loved running in the first place.”

That shift wasn’t just emotional. Addi began to thrive. She posted strong performances at mountain and trail races across the West, including podium finishes at high-profile events like the Broken Arrow Skyrace and strong showings on technical terrain that would leave most road runners gasping.

From Burnout to Breakthrough

Her story resonates far beyond elite circles. In a sport that too often burns out its best too early, Addi Zerrenner shows what’s possible when an athlete listens to their body — and more importantly, their heart.

Trail running, with its slower pace and wilder spirit, gave her the space to heal and rediscover competition on her own terms. It’s a reminder that success in running isn’t a straight line — and sometimes, leaving the track is the only way to find your lane.

What’s Next for Addi?

With momentum behind her and a growing presence in the trail and ultra world, Addi’s future could include anything from the UTMB series to U.S. Mountain Running Team bids. And with her platform, she’s also becoming a voice for runners navigating transitions — from injury, burnout, or even just life’s next phase.

“I still run hard. I still want to be great. But I’m doing it for me now,” she said. “And that’s more powerful than any PR.”

In a recent track and field event in Oregon, two female athletes made headlines by stepping down from the podium, refusing to share the spotlight with the male athlete who claimed first place in the women’s division. The incident has sparked a wave of reactions across the running community, highlighting an ongoing debate about gender fairness in competitive sports.

The race in question, reportedly part of a state championship, saw a male-born athlete competing in the female category and taking the gold. This led to frustration and disappointment among the female competitors, two of whom refused to participate in the medal ceremony. Images from the event show the athletes standing away from the podium, making a silent but powerful statement.

A Symbolic Protest

The podium protest by these young athletes symbolizes a growing movement among female athletes and advocates who argue that male participation in female categories—particularly in track and field—undermines fair competition. Supporters of these athletes argue that biological advantages remain a factor, even with hormonal or other modifications, and that these advantages can impact outcomes in races where mere fractions of a second matter.

A Broader Debate

This incident isn’t isolated. Across the U.S. and internationally, policies allowing transgender athletes to compete in female divisions have led to protests, policy reviews, and even legal challenges. Organizations like World Athletics and NCAA are grappling with creating inclusive yet fair rules. Critics argue that current policies can lead to an uneven playing field, while others call for greater inclusion and respect for transgender athletes.

Moving Forward

As the track and field community navigates these complex issues, the actions of these Oregon athletes are likely to fuel further discussions. Whether seen as a brave stand for fairness or a controversial statement, their silent protest will undoubtedly contribute to shaping the future of policies in competitive sports.

At My Best Runs, we recognize the importance of fair competition, athlete voices, and the need for thoughtful, balanced dialogue. We’ll continue to follow developments in this area and bring you the latest updates from the world of running.

On April 17, 2025, Jane Hedengren made U.S. high school history by becoming the first American high school girl to run under 15 minutes for the 5,000 meters, clocking an astonishing 14:57.93 at the Bryan Clay Invitational in Azusa, California. Now, over a month later, the running world is still feeling the shockwaves of her performance—and she’s not done yet.

The senior from Timpview High School in Utah led much of the race against top collegiate and pro runners. Despite being passed in the final stretch, Hedengren finished third overall, showing poise, power, and world-class pacing. Only New Mexico’s Pamela Kosgei (14:52.45) and future BYU teammate Lexy Halladay-Lowry (14:52.93) crossed the line ahead of her.

Prior to that, on April 12, Hedengren broke the U.S. high school girls’ outdoor two-mile record with a 9:34.12 effort at the Arcadia Invitational. That time eclipsed the previous record of 9:41.76 and underscored her extraordinary range—from the mile to 5K, Jane is dominating every step of the way.

What She’s Done Since

While May has been a quieter race month for Jane, she’s been focused on tuning up for a big June. According to her coach and recent interviews, Hedengren has been training at altitude in Utah, sharpening her speed with race-pace workouts and eyeing her final high school meets before transitioning to BYU.

She’s scheduled to compete at the HOKA Festival of Miles on June 5 in St. Louis, one of the most prestigious high school mile events in the country. There, she could challenge her own national mile record (4:26.14, set indoors in March) or even take aim at Mary Cain’s 4:24.11 outdoor mark from 2013.

A Season of Dominance

Here’s a look at what Hedengren has accomplished in just the last few months:

• March 2025 – Broke U.S. high school indoor records in both the mile (4:26.14) and 5,000m (15:13.26) at the Nike Indoor Nationals.

• April 12, 2025 – Set a new national 2-mile record of 9:34.12 at Arcadia Invitational.

• April 17, 2025 – Ran 14:57.93 for 5,000m at the Bryan Clay Invitational, becoming the first U.S. high school girl to break 15 minutes.

• June 5, 2025 (upcoming) – Scheduled to race the mile at HOKA Festival of Miles.

What’s Next?

With a spot secured at BYU and a history-making senior year already behind her, Jane Hedengren is setting herself up not just as one of the greatest U.S. high school distance runners of all time—but as a potential future Olympian. All eyes will be on St. Louis in June, and beyond that, the U.S. Junior Championships and her NCAA debut could come sooner than expected.

Kenya’s Athanas Kioko is proving to be one of the most exciting rising stars in distance running. Just two months after finishing second in his marathon debut at the Los Angeles Marathon, the 30-year-old continued his stellar form by winning a competitive 10K today in 29:03 at the monthly time trial hosted by the Kenya Athletics Training Academy (KATA) in Thika.

The performance showcased his finishing speed and race instincts, edging out Peter Wanyoike (29:05) in a thrilling battle to the line.

Kioko’s running journey is nothing short of remarkable. He didn’t begin training seriously until 2018, while studying actuarial science at Karatina University. He later transferred to Campbell University in North Carolina, where he became a standout collegiate athlete. Over three years, he earned six All-American honors, set multiple school records, and placed third at the 2021 NCAA Cross Country Championships. His 13:13.47 performance in the 5,000m at the NCAA Track & Field Championships that year remains one of the fastest in collegiate history.

After graduating in 2022, Kioko signed a professional contract with On Running and relocated to North Carolina to continue his training. He quickly transitioned to the professional circuit, showing his potential with a personal best of 46:11 for 10 miles and now a 2:10:55 marathon.

Today’s 10K victory in Kenya adds another chapter to Kioko’s rapid ascent. His blend of tactical racing, finishing power, and range from 5,000 meters to the marathon makes him a serious contender on both the track and the roads. With major international races on the horizon, Kioko is a name to watch in 2025 and beyond.

Olympic bronze medalist Clayton Murphy stunned the track and field world by announcing his retirement at just 30 years old on May 7, 2025.  Known for his gritty racing style and breakthrough performances, Murphy exits the sport with a legacy that inspired a generation of American middle-distance runners.

A Decade at the Top

Murphy’s journey began in New Madison, Ohio, and quickly accelerated during his collegiate years at the University of Akron, where he captured the 2016 NCAA 1500m title. Just months later, he stunned the world by winning bronze in the 800 meters at the Rio Olympics, clocking a personal best of 1:42.93—the fifth-fastest time ever by an American. It marked the first U.S. medal in the Olympic 800m since 1992.

Over the next decade, Murphy consistently represented the United States on the world stage, including appearances at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics and multiple World Championships. His smooth stride, tactical awareness, and fierce closing speed earned him fans worldwide.

Why Retire Now?

In an emotional Instagram post, Murphy reflected on his decision:

“I poured everything I had into this sport, and I’m walking away with pride, gratitude, and a heart full of memories. A decade on the global stage is more than most pros will ever get to experience, and I’m so grateful for what every year has taught me.”

While Murphy did not point to a single reason for stepping away, his message hinted at a desire for growth and new opportunities beyond the oval. He thanked his longtime coaches Lee LaBadie and Alberto Salazar, as well as his wife and fellow Olympian Ariana Washington, for their unwavering support.

What’s Next?

Though he’s stepping off the track, Murphy made it clear he won’t be far from the sport:

“I might be done running 50s around the track, but I know I’ll always be a part of this sport one way or another. Can’t wait to share with you what’s next!”

A Lasting Legacy

Fans and athletes alike flooded social media with tributes. One wrote, “You’ll always be one of the best!” while fellow 800m standout Bryce Hoppel commented, “Congrats on the career!”

Murphy’s retirement may have come earlier than expected, but his impact on American middle-distance running is undeniable. As he enters his next chapter, the sport says goodbye to a competitor who always gave his all—every lap, every race, every time.

Ed Eyestone Has Spent Four Decades Shaping American Distance Running—As a Champion and Coach

Ed Eyestone posted this right after this year's Boston Marathon, "Proud of my boys Conner Mantz and Clayton Young who scored big PRs in yesterday's Boston Marathon finishing in 4th and 7th! Shout out to Rory Linkletter for his big PR finish in 6th! 3 BYU Cougars in the top 7! Way to go lads!"

From setting records on the roads to building one of the strongest distance programs in the NCAA, Ed Eyestone has dedicated his life to distance running. A two-time Olympian and the long-standing head coach at Brigham Young University (BYU), Eyestone has left his mark on every level of the sport—and he’s still adding to his legacy.

A Decorated Athlete Turned Mentor

Ed's running career began with dominance in the collegiate ranks. At BYU, he won an astonishing five NCAA individual titles, including the prestigious “Triple Crown” in 1985—claiming national championships in cross country, the 5,000 meters, and the 10,000 meters. Only three others have ever achieved this feat.

His elite career continued on the roads, where he represented the United States in the marathon at the 1988 Seoul Olympics (29th place) and again at the 1992 Barcelona Games (13th place). Along the way, he posted personal bests of:

• Marathon – 2:10:59

• 10,000m – 27:41.05

• 5,000m – 13:32.52

He was named U.S. Road Racer of the Year five times and ranked among the top American marathoners for over a decade.

Coaching BYU to National Prominence

Since joining BYU’s coaching staff in 2000—and becoming head coach in 2013—Eyestone has built the Cougars into one of the most respected programs in the country.

In 2019, he led BYU to its first NCAA Division I Men’s Cross Country Championship, a long-awaited breakthrough fueled by strong depth, smart tactics, and years of strategic development. His teams regularly place in the top 10 nationally, both in cross country and on the track.

He’s coached more than 30 All-Americans and continues to develop runners into world-class competitors. His athletes consistently credit him for his calm presence, scientific approach, and deep understanding of racing.

In 2024, he was named NCAA Mountain Region Coach of the Year—an honor that reflects his enduring relevance and success in a constantly evolving sport.

The Conner Mantz Era

One of Eyestone’s most prominent pupils is Conner Mantz, a BYU standout who has quickly become one of the best marathoners in U.S. history.

Under Eyestone’s coaching, Mantz won back-to-back NCAA Cross Country titles in 2020 and 2021. Since turning pro, Mantz has continued working with Eyestone, now serving as his professional coach.

• 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials Champion

• 8th place finisher at the Paris Olympic Marathon

• Set the American half marathon record (59:17) in 2025

• Ran 2:05:08 at the 2025 Boston Marathon, the second-fastest time ever by an American on the course

Eyestone's steady mentorship remains a driving force behind Mantz’s rise. Their relationship—rooted in trust, precision training, and shared values—has helped elevate Mantz to the top of the international marathon scene.

Clayton Young: From NCAA Champion to Olympic Marathone

Another testament to Eyestone’s coaching prowess is Clayton Young, who has risen from collegiate success to international acclaim under Eyestone’s guidance.

• 2019 NCAA 10,000m Champion at BYU

• 2023 Chicago Marathon: 2:08:00, securing Olympic qualification

• 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials: 2nd place, earning a spot on Team USA

• 2024 Paris Olympics: 9th place finish with a time of 2:08:44

• 2025 Boston Marathon: Personal best of 2:07:04, finishing 7th

Young’s journey has been marked by resilience and determination. After undergoing knee surgery in early 2023, he made a remarkable comeback, achieving personal bests and representing the U.S. on the Olympic stage. His analytical approach to training, combined with Eyestone’s mentorship, has been pivotal in his success.

A Lasting Legacy

Now in his early 60s, Ed Eyestone continues to shape the future of American distance running. His fingerprints are on championship banners, personal bests, and Olympic dreams.

From 2:10 marathons to NCAA titles and Olympic breakthroughs, Eyestone’s impact spans generations. Whether you’re looking at his own performances or those of his athletes, one thing is clear—Ed Eyestone is one of the most influential figures in the history of American distance running.  

In just over a year, Taylor Roe has gone from a promising collegiate standout to one of the brightest stars in American distance running. Her 2025 campaign has been nothing short of historic—national titles, American records, and international recognition are stacking up fast for the 24-year-old from Lake Stevens, Washington.

From Washington to the NCAA Podium

Roe began her running journey in Lake Stevens, where she collected nine individual state titles in cross country and track. At Oklahoma State University, she continued to shine, winning the NCAA Indoor 3000m title in 2022 and placing second at the 2020 NCAA Cross Country Championships. Her final collegiate season in 2024 saw her finish third in the 10,000m and sixth in the 5,000m at the NCAA Outdoor Championships.

Breakout Year on the Roads

Turning pro in mid-2024 with Puma, Roe wasted no time making her mark. She won the USATF Half Marathon Championships in March 2025 in a personal best of 1:07:22. The win not only earned her a national title but also secured her a spot on Team USA for the World Athletics Road Running Championships.

Rewriting the Record Books

Just a month later, Roe delivered one of the most impressive road racing performances in recent memory. At the USATF 10 Mile Championships in Washington, D.C., she became the first American woman to break 50 minutes for the distance, finishing in 49:53 which is the world best for in an all woman race.   On her way to the win, she also set new American records for the 10K (30:56) and 15K (46:24), earning her USATF Athlete of the Week honors.

Breaking down the world best time ever for ten miles in an all woman's race: Looking Ahead

Taylor Roe’s rise has been fast, fierce, and inspiring. As she builds on this foundation, fans of American distance running have plenty to be excited about. With her blend of speed, endurance, and race-day poise, Roe is now firmly on the radar for global championships and Olympic teams. At just 24, she’s entering her prime years with the momentum of a seasoned veteran. If 2025 is any indication, she could soon be the face of American distance running.

Taylor Roe’s 2025 Highlights

• USATF Half Marathon Champion – 1:07:22 (March 2025)

• USATF 10 Mile Champion – 49:53 (April 2025)

• American Records:

• 10K – 30:56

• 15K – 46:24

• 10 Miles – 49:53

• Selected for Team USA – World Athletics Road Running Championships

Taylor Roe’s rise has been fast, fierce, and inspiring. As she builds on this foundation, fans of American distance running have plenty to be excited about.

Clayton Young is proving that intelligence and endurance go hand in hand. The 31-year-old American distance star has emerged as one of the most consistent and compelling marathoners on the scene today—blending mechanical precision from his engineering background with grit, faith, and family support.

From BYU to the Big Stage

Born in Clovis, California, and raised in American Fork, Utah, Young’s rise began at Brigham Young University, where he studied mechanical engineering and starred on the track. He capped off his college career by winning the 10,000 meters at the 2019 NCAA Outdoor Championships.

After graduation, rather than settling into a full-time engineering career, Young negotiated a flexible part-time role with Stryker Corporation so he could pursue running at the highest level. That decision proved pivotal.

Setbacks and Breakthroughs

In 2023, Young faced a major challenge—knee surgery. Many athletes would have struggled to return, but he was back racing just seven months later. His comeback culminated in a 2:08:00 personal best at the Chicago Marathon, earning him a spot on Team USA for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

At the Olympic Trials, Young placed second in 2:09:06, just behind training partner Conner Mantz. Then, on the streets of Paris, he delivered a standout performance, finishing 9th overall in 2:08:44—the fastest Olympic marathon time ever by an American.

He kept the momentum rolling in 2025, clocking 2:07:04 at the Boston Marathon to finish 7th overall and solidify his status as one of the top U.S. marathoners.

Powered by Partnership

Young trains in Provo, Utah, under BYU coach Ed Eyestone alongside Conner Mantz, forming a dynamic duo that’s pushing the limits of American marathon potential. Their disciplined training, built on shared values and competitiveness, has raised the bar for what’s possible.

“We thrive off each other’s energy,” Young has said. “It’s not about beating each other—it’s about being better together.”

Beyond the Clock

Young is also a devoted husband and father, living in Springville, Utah, with his wife Ashley and their two daughters. He shares his journey through a behind-the-scenes docuseries, Beyond the Hill, and connects regularly with fans through social media—offering insights into his workouts, mindset, and family life.

His ability to balance elite competition with a grounded personal life has made him a fan favorite and a role model for aspiring runners.

What’s Next for Clayton Young?

With the 2025 World Championships and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics in view, Clayton Young is entering his prime. His mix of tactical intelligence, physical preparation, and inner resolve is setting a new standard for American marathoners.

He’s not just chasing fast times—he’s building something bigger.

Silan Ayyildiz, a junior at the University of Oregon, has etched her name into NCAA history by becoming the collegiate record holder in both the indoor and outdoor mile events. Her remarkable achievements in 2025 have solidified her status as one of the premier middle-distance runners in collegiate athletics.

On February 15, 2025, at the BU David Hemery Valentine Invitational in Boston, Ayyildiz shattered the NCAA indoor mile record with a time of 4:23.46, surpassing the previous record of 4:24.26 set by Katelyn Tuohy in 2023. This performance not only set a new collegiate benchmark but also established a Turkish national record and topped the University of Oregon’s all-time list.

Continuing her exceptional form, Ayyildiz broke the outdoor collegiate mile record on April 26, 2025, at the Drake Relays in Des Moines, Iowa. Her time of 4:25.50 eclipsed the longstanding record of 4:29.04 set by Angela Chalmers in 1987. This achievement marked her third collegiate record of the year, following her indoor mile and distance medley relay (DMR) records.

Born on October 10, 1999, in Istanbul, Turkey, Ayyildiz began her athletic journey in middle school and quickly rose through the ranks, securing national titles and representing Turkey in various international competitions. Her accolades include gold medals in the 1500m at both the 2022 Balkan Indoor and Outdoor Championships and a bronze medal at the 2021 Summer Universiade.

In 2023, Ayyildiz transitioned to collegiate athletics in the United States, joining the University of South Carolina. During her tenure there, she broke multiple school records and clinched the SEC 1500m title. Seeking further growth, she transferred to the University of Oregon, where she continues to excel both academically and athletically.

Since joining the Oregon Ducks, Ayyildiz has been a cornerstone of the team’s success. Her contributions include anchoring the DMR team to a collegiate record time of 10:42.05 during the indoor season. Individually, she has set personal bests across various distances, solidifying her status as one of the premier middle-distance runners in collegiate athletics.

With the Big Ten Championships and NCAA Championships on the horizon, Ayyildiz is poised to further cement her legacy. Her relentless pursuit of excellence and dedication to her craft make her a formidable competitor on the national stage. As she continues to break barriers and set new standards, the track and field community eagerly anticipates what milestones Silan Ayyildiz will achieve next.

Young star making her presence felt in her first collegiate season

At just 18 years old, Ellie Shea is already being hailed as one of the most promising young talents in American distance running. The former high school standout from Massachusetts—who turned heads on the national and international stage as a junior—has now begun her collegiate journey at NC State, and early signs suggest she’s adjusting well to the higher level of competition.

In her freshman outdoor season in 2025, Shea has turned in solid performances that show steady progression. She clocked 4:35.63 for 1500m at the Raleigh Relays in March and followed that up with a 16:10.65 in the 5,000m at the Wake Forest Invitational in April. While these times aren’t personal bests, they reflect the foundation being built for a long and successful NCAA career.

Shea’s debut cross country season with NC State in 2024 also gave a glimpse into her potential. She finished 29th at the ACC Championships, running 20:19.8 for 6K, and repeated that 29th-place finish at the NCAA Southeast Regional in 21:21.5. Though her national championship debut didn’t go as planned—finishing 247th—it served as valuable experience for the future.

Shea is no stranger to the spotlight. Before arriving at NC State, she had already made waves internationally with a top-10 finish at the World U20 Cross Country Championships and national titles on the U.S. high school circuit. Her smooth transition into college competition reflects her maturity, discipline, and deep competitive drive.

As she continues to grow stronger under NC State’s elite coaching program, Ellie Shea is positioning herself as a key figure in the future of American women’s distance running. With her talent, resilience, and racing instincts, it’s not a matter of if—but when—she will become a dominant force in the NCAA and beyond.

Cole Hocker’s rise from NCAA standout to Olympic champion has been anything but conventional. After winning gold in the 1500 meters at the 2024 Paris Olympics with a stunning 3:27.65—an Olympic record—Hocker has emerged as one of the most formidable middle-distance runners in the world.

Training in the Shadows

While many elite runners chase the spotlight, Hocker has chosen a different path. He trains in the quiet town of Blacksburg, Virginia, under the guidance of longtime coach Ben Thomas. Alongside training partner Cooper Teare, Hocker focuses on a regimen that emphasizes quality over quantity, rarely exceeding 80 miles per week.  Their workouts often include hill repeats, pace variability, and strategic rest days, fostering both physical endurance and mental resilience.  

Expanding His Range

Hocker isn’t content with dominating just the 1500 meters. In 2025, he has set his sights on longer distances, competing in the 3000 meters at the Millrose Games and clocking a personal best of 7:23.14, making him the second-fastest American ever at that distance.  He also achieved a 5000-meter personal best of 12:57.82 at the BU Terrier DMR Challenge, securing the world standard for the upcoming World Championships.   

Upcoming Showdowns

Hocker’s competitive spirit will be on full display at the 2025 Prefontaine Classic’s Bowerman Mile, where he will face off against rivals Jakob Ingebrigtsen and Yared Nuguse.  This race promises to be a thrilling encounter among some of the world’s best middle-distance runners. 

A Relentless Competitor

What sets Hocker apart isn’t just his physical prowess but his mental tenacity. Despite setbacks and fierce competition, he maintains an unwavering belief in his abilities. As he continues to push the boundaries of his sport, Hocker remains a testament to the power of determination and strategic training.

The energy from the 2024 Paris Olympics hasn’t faded—if anything, it has fueled a fire that’s burning brighter than ever. As we move into the second half of 2025, the global running community is gearing up for one of the most exciting stretches in recent road racing history. From world record attempts to rising stars chasing breakthrough performances, the stage is set for something special.

The Fall Racing Boom

Major marathons like Berlin, Chicago, New York City, and Valencia are stacked with elite fields, deeper than we’ve seen in years. Berlin, known as the flattest and fastest, has quietly become a go-to course for record-chasers. Rumors are already swirling about a possible sub-2:00 marathon attempt under officially ratified conditions.

Valencia, with its blazing-fast course and near-perfect weather, is also primed for records—not just among elites but also among age-groupers and masters. If you’re looking to break your personal best, this fall might offer the best shot in years.

Rising Stars to Watch

Several names are emerging from training camps in Kenya and Ethiopia, and young runners from the U.S., Japan, and Europe are closing the gap quickly.

Cynthia Kiprotich (KEN), just 22 years old, finished 4th in Tokyo earlier this year and is targeting Chicago as her major breakthrough. Her stride and pacing discipline are reminiscent of a young Brigid Kosgei.

Eli Navarro (ESP) has quietly put together a string of 1:01 half marathons and recently clocked 27:45 for 10K on the roads. He’ll toe the line in Valencia with serious sub-2:05 intentions.

Katie Hensley (USA), a former NCAA standout, just won the Grandma’s Half in 1:08:30 and will debut in Berlin. Her aggressive style and fearless racing could make headlines.

Training to Peak This Fall

We spoke with Jimmy Muindi, 2:05 marathoner and head coach at KATA Portugal, about what it takes to time your peak for October or November.

“You’ve got to build strength now, not speed. July and August are about grinding, getting strong through hills and longer tempos,” Muindi advises. “In September, you sharpen. That’s how the Kenyans do it. We build the engine, then polish it.”

For those training through the heat of summer, Jimmy suggests early morning runs, easy doubles, and one hard workout per week to keep fitness progressing without overheating.

Age-Groupers on the Rise

It’s not just the elites aiming big this fall. Many age-group runners are setting ambitious goals, inspired by Olympic performances and the ever-growing community of masters athletes breaking new ground.

At My Best Runs, we’re tracking dozens of 40+, 50+, and 60+ runners targeting Berlin, Chicago, and Valencia as their “A” race. We’ve seen 55-year-olds run sub-3:00, 70-year-olds crack 3:30, and 77-year-olds (like myself) still pushing to go sub-53 for the 10K.

If you’re consistent, focused, and smart with your training, there’s no reason your next personal best can’t be set this year.

10 Fastest Fall Courses Left in 2025

1. Berlin Marathon (Germany)

2. Valencia Marathon (Spain)

3. Amsterdam Marathon (Netherlands)

4. Chicago Marathon (USA)

5. Frankfurt Marathon (Germany)

6. Lisbon Half Marathon (Portugal)

7. Toronto Waterfront Marathon (Canada)

8. Istanbul Half Marathon (Turkey)

9. New York City Marathon (USA) – challenging but iconic

10. Monterey Bay Half Marathon (USA) – for the scenery and cool temps

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re chasing a world record or your own best time, the second half of 2025 offers a golden window. With smart training and the right race, you just might run faster than you ever thought possible.

Ishmael Rokitto Kipkurui, born on February 10, 2005, in Baringo County, Kenya, has rapidly ascended in the world of long-distance running, culminating in his recent NCAA 10,000-meter record-breaking performance.

Early Life and Passion for Running

Growing up in Mochongoi near Marigat, Kipkurui was the third of five children. His passion for athletics was evident early on, often training at 4 a.m., illuminating his path with a torch before attending classes at Sinonin Secondary School by 6 a.m. This unwavering dedication allowed him to balance academic responsibilities with rigorous training sessions. Even during training camps, he carried school textbooks to ensure he remained on top of his studies.  

Athletic Development and Training

Under the guidance of coaches Julius Kirwa and Barnaba Kitilit, Kipkurui’s talent flourished. His training regimen, characterized by early morning runs and consistent discipline, laid the foundation for his future successes. In 2023, he clinched the U20 title at the World Cross Country Championships in Bathurst, Australia, finishing the 8-kilometer race in 24:29.

Transition to the United States

Kipkurui’s exceptional performances caught the attention of international scouts, leading to his recruitment by the University of New Mexico (UNM). In December 2024, shortly after graduating from Sinonin Secondary School, he committed to joining the UNM Lobos track and field team. This decision was influenced by UNM’s strong track program and its history of nurturing international talent.

Collegiate Career and Record-Breaking Performance

Since enrolling at UNM, Kipkurui has continued to excel. On March 29, 2025, at Sound Running’s The TEN in San Juan Capistrano, California, he set a new NCAA 10,000-meter record with a time of 26:50.21, surpassing the previous record of 26:52.72 set by Nico Young in 2024. His teammate, Habtom Samuel, finished closely behind with a time of 26:51.06.

Personal Bests and Achievements

• 3000 meters: 7:38.06 (June 9, 2023, Paris)

• Two miles: 8:09.23 (June 9, 2023, Paris)

• 5000 meters: 13:05.47 (June 15, 2023, Oslo) 

• 10,000 meters: 26:50.21 (March 29, 2025, San Juan Capistrano)

On June 9, 2023, at the Meeting de Paris held at Stade Charléty in Paris, France, Ishmael Kipkuruiset personal bests in both the 3000 meters (split) and the two-mile. He clocked 7:38.06 in the 3000 meters and 8:09.23 in the two-mile race. Notably, his two-mile time established a new Kenyan U20 record. 

Kipkurui’s journey from the highlands of Kenya to breaking collegiate records in the U.S. exemplifies his dedication and potential in long-distance running. As he continues to develop, the athletics community eagerly anticipates his future accomplishments on the global stage.

In a remarkable performance at The TEN 2025 meet on March 29 in San Juan Capistrano, California, University of New Mexico freshman Ishmael Kipkurui set a new NCAA 10,000-meter record with a time of 26:50.21 which is 4:19 per mile pace.  This achievement surpasses the previous record of 26:52.72, set by Northern Arizona’s Nico Young at the same event in 2024.

Kipkurui’s teammate, Habtom Samuel, also delivered an impressive performance, finishing second with a time of 26:51.06, placing both runners under the former collegiate record.  South African athlete Adrian Wildschutt of HOKA NAZ Elite secured third place, clocking 26:51.27.

Ethiopian runner Telahun Haile Bekele faced an unusual challenge, missing the official start and beginning approximately 90 meters behind the field. Despite this setback, he finished fourth with a time of 26:52.79.  American athlete Graham Blanks, representing New Balance, rounded out the top five, finishing in 26:57.30 and achieving the World Championships qualifying standard.

The race conditions were ideal, with temperatures around 55°F and minimal wind, contributing to the evening’s exceptional performances.

Kipkurui’s achievement adds to his growing list of accolades. Prior to this record-breaking run, he secured the individual title at the 2024 World U20 Cross Country Championships, leading the Kenyan team to a gold medal finish.

The TEN meet continues to solidify its reputation as a premier event for distance runners aiming for exceptional performances and records on U.S. soil.  

Olympic gold medalist Gabby Thomas and entrepreneur Spencer McManes have announced their engagement, marking a significant milestone in their relationship. The couple, both former Ivy League athletes, have been together since 2022, supporting each other’s professional endeavors.

Gabby Thomas: A Multifaceted Champion

Born on December 7, 1996, in Atlanta, Georgia, Gabby Thomas was raised in Northampton, Massachusetts. She attended Harvard University, earning a bachelor’s degree in neurobiology and global health. During her time at Harvard, Thomas won 22 conference titles across six events, setting school and Ivy League records in the 100m, 200m, and indoor 60m races. Notably, she became the first Ivy League sprinter to win an NCAA sprint championship, securing the 200m title with a time of 22.38 seconds.  

Thomas’s athletic achievements are remarkable. She clinched three gold medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics in the 200m, 4x100m relay, and 4x400m relay. Her 200m victory was achieved with a time of 21.83 seconds.  Beyond her athletic prowess, Thomas is dedicated to addressing racial health disparities, working with Austin’s Volunteer Healthcare Clinic and aspiring to run a nonprofit organization focused on expanding healthcare access.  

Spencer McManes: From Ivy League Athlete to Entrepreneur

Spencer McManes hails from Roswell, Georgia, where he attended Blessed Trinity Catholic High School, excelling as a quarterback and setting multiple football records. He continued his athletic career at Yale University, playing as a quarterback for the Bulldogs and graduating with a degree in political science and government.

Professionally, McManes has held roles in customer success management and, in May 2023, founded Kaviva, a non-alcoholic kava-based sparkling water company based in Austin, Texas.

A Relationship Built on Shared Values and Mutual Support

Thomas and McManes’s relationship began in 2022 after connecting through mutual friends who noted their shared backgrounds as Ivy League athletes. Despite the traditional Harvard-Yale rivalry, they bonded over common interests and experiences. McManes has been a steadfast supporter of Thomas’s athletic career, notably cheering her on during her triumphant performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics.  

The Engagement: A Surprise Rooftop Proposal

In March 2025, McManes proposed to Thomas during an intimate rooftop gathering in Austin, Texas. The setting was adorned with flowers, and Thomas’s best friend and a photographer were present to capture the moment. Reflecting on the surprise, Thomas expressed her genuine astonishment and joy.

The engagement ring features a classic round-cut diamond, estimated at three carats, set in white gold or platinum, symbolizing their enduring commitment.

Looking Ahead: Balancing Personal and Professional Aspirations

As Thomas and McManes embark on this new chapter together, they continue to pursue their respective professional goals. Thomas is preparing for the 2025 track season, with plans to compete in the new Grand Slam Track league, which includes events in Jamaica, Miami, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Oregon, and culminates at ATHLOS NYC in October.  

After clinching his first global medal at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, you is setting his sights on something even bigger: gold in the 1500m at this year’s World Championships in Tokyo.

The Scottish middle-distance star delivered a commanding performance indoors, earning silver behind Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen. But for Gourley, it wasn’t just about the medal—it was about momentum. And belief.

Earlier that weekend, Gourley served as captain of the British team, delivering an inspiring speech to his teammates, urging them to “leave room for the extraordinary.” Then he went out and embodied those very words.

“It was an emotional weekend,” Gourley reflected. “To lead the team and then come away with a medal—it meant a lot. But I’m not satisfied yet. I’ve seen what Jake and Josh have done. I want that gold. It’s my turn now.”

He’s referring to fellow Scots Jake Wightman and Josh Kerr, who both made headlines by defeating Ingebrigtsen to win 1500m gold at the last two World Championships. Wightman shocked the field in Eugene in 2022, while Kerr executed a masterclass in race tactics in Budapest in 2023.

Now, Gourley wants to be the next name in that elite lineage.

“There’s something special happening in Scottish middle-distance running,” he said. “We’re not just showing up—we’re winning. I want to be part of that legacy.”

Gourley’s trajectory has been steadily rising. With a background in the NCAA system, British titles to his name, and a reputation for tactical intelligence and fierce finishing speed, he has quietly become one of the most dangerous men in the event.

But this September in Tokyo, he doesn’t want to fly under the radar. He wants the spotlight.

“The standard has been set, and I’m ready to meet it,” Gourley said. “I’ve visualized this. I’ve trained for this. I’ve seen what’s possible. Now I want to do it myself.”

As preparations begin for the outdoor season, Gourley will focus on sharpening his race craft, dialing in his training, and building toward the moment he’s dreamed about—standing on top of the podium in one of the sport’s most iconic events.

“I’m coming for it,” he said. “Tokyo is where I want to make it happen.”

With Wightman and Kerr already enshrined in British running history, Neil Gourley is ready to write his own chapter—and keep the golden streak of Scottish milers alive.

Conner Mantz, the former BYU NCAA champion, continues to solidify his status among elite long-distance runners as he gears up for the 2025 Boston Marathon. His recent performance at the New York City Half Marathon on March 16, 2025, underscores his exceptional form and dedication.

Impressive Showing in New York

At the 2025 United Airlines NYC Half Marathon, Mantz delivered a remarkable performance, finishing second overall and emerging as the top American finisher. He completed the 13.1-mile course in 59 minutes and 15 seconds, averaging a pace of 4:32 per mile. This time was just six seconds behind Kenya’s Abel Kipchumba, who clinched the victory with a time of 59:09.

Notably, Mantz’s time in New York was two seconds faster than his previous American record of 59:17, set at the Houston Half Marathon in January 2025. However, due to the point-to-point nature of the NYC course, this performance does not qualify as a new record.

Strategic Preparation for Boston

Mantz’s impressive showing in New York is a strategic component of his preparation for the upcoming Boston Marathon, scheduled for April 21, 2025. Under the guidance of his coach, Ed Eyestone, Mantz has been meticulously tailoring his training regimen to peak at the right moment. In the week leading up to the NYC Half Marathon, Mantz maintained a high training volume, logging approximately 115 miles, before tapering down to around 90 miles to ensure optimal performance.

This approach underscores Mantz’s commitment to balancing rigorous training with strategic rest, a crucial factor in marathon preparation. His recent performances reflect not only his physical prowess but also a resilient mindset, essential for tackling the challenges of the Boston Marathon.

Looking Ahead

As Mantz transitions his focus to Boston, his recent accomplishments have positioned him as a formidable contender. His ability to consistently perform at a high level, coupled with a disciplined training strategy, suggests that he is well-prepared to take on the Boston course.

Matt Richtman has arrived and put the U.S. distance running world on notice with his historic win at the Los Angeles Marathon. In a stunning performance, Richtman became the first American man to win the LA Marathon since 1994, finishing the 26.2-mile race in a personal best time of 2 hours, 7 minutes, and 56 seconds.

Early Life and High School Achievements

Born and raised in Elburn, Illinois, Richtman displayed exceptional running talent during his time at Kaneland High School. He clinched the Illinois Cross Country Class 2A Championship in 2017 and earned all-state honors in his sophomore, junior, and senior years. Richtman set a school record at the state cross country meet with a time of 14:21 and achieved personal bests of 4:17 in the 1,600 meters and 9:14 in the 3,200 meters.

Collegiate Career and Development

Richtman began his collegiate journey at Bradley University, where he was named the 2019 Missouri Valley Conference Cross Country Freshman of the Year. He later transferred to Montana State University, emerging as a standout performer for the Bobcats. As a junior in the 2022-23 season, he earned All-America honors, finishing 26th at the NCAA Cross Country Championships—the fourth-best finish by a Montana State runner in program history.

Marathon Success and Future Prospects

Richtman’s marathon debut came last fall at the Twin Cities Marathon, where he finished fourth with a time of 2:10:47. Building on that experience, his recent victory in Los Angeles not only ended a three-decade drought for American men at the event but also signals a promising future for U.S. marathoning. As he continues to build on his early successes, the running community will be watching closely to see how he shapes the landscape of men’s marathoning in the years to come.

On March 13, 2025, at Nike Indoor Nationals, Jane Hedengren delivered a performance for the ages, setting a new U.S. high school indoor record in the 5,000 meters with a blazing time of 15:13.26. The Timpview High School senior shattered the previous mark of 15:28.90, set by Elizabeth Leachman just a year prior, cementing her status as one of the most dominant prep distance runners in history.

A Running Legacy

Born on September 23, 2006, in Provo, Utah, Hedengren was raised in a family deeply rooted in running. Her father, John D. Hedengren, was an All-American runner and is a BYU Hall of Fameinductee. Her brother, Isaac Hedengren, currently competes for Brigham Young University’s track and field team, making running a central part of the family’s DNA.

From a young age, Jane showed exceptional endurance and competitive fire, developing into one of the top high school distance runners in the country.

A Career Defined by Records

Hedengren has been rewriting the record books throughout her high school career.

• 2023 – Won the Brooks PR Invitational mile in 4:35.69, setting a meet record. Later that month, she claimed the Nike Outdoor Nationals two-mile title in 9:54.38, a U.S. sophomore class record.

• 2024 – Set a Utah state record in the 1,600 meters (4:37.72) at the BYU Invitational. Later in the year, she ran the fastest 5K in U.S. high school cross country history, clocking 15:50.01 at the Nike Cross Regionals Southwest. This performance helped her earn the prestigious Gatorade National Girls Cross Country Player of the Year award, making her the first female from Utah to receive the honor.

Breaking Barriers in the 5000m

At Nike Indoor Nationals, Hedengren wasted no time asserting herself, setting an aggressive pace from the gun. Fellow competitor Rylee Blade matched her stride-for-stride as the duo separated from the field early on. But with 100 meters to go, Hedengren unleashed a powerful kick, securing the victory and the record in dominant fashion.

Her 15:13.26 performance was more than just a high school record—it also set a new U20 American record, ranking her among the top 15 U.S. women in the event for the year.

What’s Next?

With her high school career winding down, Hedengren is set to compete for Brigham Young University, following in the footsteps of her father and brother. Given her trajectory, she is expected to make an immediate impact at the NCAA level and could be a future contender for national and international competition.

One thing is clear: Jane Hedengren isn’t just breaking records—she’s redefining what’s possible for young female distance runners.

Her Nike Indoor Nationals performance wasn’t just fast. It was historic. And it might just be the beginning.

Sara Hall’s journey as one of America’s top marathoners has taken her across the world, from the high-altitude hills of Ethiopia to the historic streets of Boston. But one place remains especially meaningful—the rail trail to Shasta Dam in Redding, California.

Recently, Hall returned to this familiar path, sharing how it played a pivotal role in shaping her marathon career.

“Ryan & I moved to Redding in 2012 with months til the Olympic Trials, wanting more of God and to be a part of Bethel, but not knowing much about what it would be like to train here. This place far exceeded our expectations, with the most beautiful bike path in the world (rail trail up to Shasta Dam) and an endlessly positive training partner, Ben Keck.”

Reuniting with Keck for a long run, Hall logged over 1,000 feet of elevation gain without bike support—stashing bottles, ketones, and a ziplock of gummy peaches in her sports bra to fuel the effort. “Thinking of the people like Ben who have kept me enjoying the sport for so long when I could have easily hung it up—forever grateful,” she added.

Now 41, Hall continues to defy expectations as she prepares for the next phase of her career. She will turn 42 just before the 2025 Boston Marathon, an event where she will once again test herself against the world’s best.

In December 2024, she set a new U.S. masters marathon record, running 2:23:45 at the Valencia Marathon, breaking her own previous record of 2:26:06. The performance reaffirmed her status as one of the fastest American women over 40, showing she is still improving and competing at the highest level.

Her journey to the marathon was not a direct one. A standout high school and collegiate runner, Hall won multiple state and NCAA titles before turning pro. She initially focused on shorter distances before successfully moving up to the marathon, setting a personal best of 2:20:32 at the 2020 Marathon Project—one of the fastest times ever recorded by an American woman.

Her latest masters record in Valencia secured her place at the top of the fastest American women over 40 list:

Fastest American Masters Women’s Marathon Performances

Sara Hall – 2:23:45 at age 41, 2024 Valencia Marathon

Desiree Linden – 2:27:35 at age 40, 2023 Chicago Marathon

Colleen De Reuck – 2:28:40 at age 40, 2004 Olympic Trials Marathon

Roberta Groner – 2:29:09 at age 41, 2019 Rotterdam Marathon

These performances highlight the longevity and competitiveness of elite American female marathoners, proving that success in the sport doesn’t have to fade with age.

As Hall continues her career, she remains focused on both competition and the relationships that have kept her inspired along the way. Whether she is training on the hills of Ethiopia, preparing for another major marathon, or revisiting the path that first fueled her love for the sport, one thing is certain—Sara Hall is far from finished.

Grant Fisher came within a fraction of a second of Olympic gold in the 10,000 meters at the 2024 Paris Games, narrowly missing the top spot in one of the closest finishes in the event’s history.

It had been 60 years since an American had last won the race, and sitting in the stands that day was Billy Mills, the man who pulled off that legendary upset in Tokyo in 1964. Fisher’s performance was a powerful moment that linked generations of American distance running, proving that while technology and training have evolved, the spirit of competition remains unchanged.

Fisher has emerged as one of the greatest distance runners in American history. He holds the world indoor record in the 3000 meters, as well as American records in the two-mile, 5000 meters, and 10,000 meters.

His performances at the 2024 Olympics—bronze medals in both the 5000 and 10,000 meters—cemented his status as a world-class athlete, making him the first American to medal in both events at the same Olympic Games.

Early Life and High School Achievements

Fisher grew up in Grand Blanc, Michigan, where he attended Grand Blanc High School. In addition to running, he was an avid soccer player and a member of the Michigan Wolves, an elite-level club team. His high school running career was marked by significant achievements, including being named Gatorade Player of the Year for cross country for the 2013–2014 and 2014–2015 seasons. On June 4, 2015, he became the seventh American high school student to run a mile under four minutes, clocking 3:59.38 at the Nike Festival of Miles.

Collegiate Success at Stanford University

Fisher attended Stanford University, where he continued to excel in both cross country and track. He was an eleven-time All-American and won the 2017 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field 5000m championship, becoming the first American underclassman to do so in 28 years.

Transition to Professional Running

After graduating from Stanford, Fisher turned professional and joined the Bowerman Track Club, training under coach Jerry Schumacher. He continued to make significant strides in his professional career, setting personal bests and national records in various events.

Training Philosophy and Coaching

In late 2023, Fisher made a pivotal change by relocating to Park City, Utah, to train under his former high school coach, Mike Scannell. This move was aimed at optimizing his training environment, taking advantage of Park City's high altitude to enhance his physiological response to training. Fisher's training regimen focuses on threshold-type sessions, hill repeats, and long runs, with an emphasis on consistency and gradual progression.

Olympic Achievements

At the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, Fisher delivered outstanding performances:

10,000 meters: Fisher secured a bronze medal with a time of 26:43.46, narrowly missing the silver in a photo finish. This achievement made him the first American to medal in the men's 10,000 meters since Galen Rupp in 2012.

5000 meters: Fisher earned his second bronze medal, finishing in 13:15.13. He executed a strong final lap, moving from ninth to third place, showcasing his tactical acumen and finishing speed.

This race was one of the most thrilling finishes in Olympic history, with Fisher just 0.32 seconds behind Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei, who set a new Olympic record of 26:43.14. The difference between gold and bronze was razor-thin, and it took a photo finish to determine the final placements.

Recent Achievements

On February 8, 2025, at the Millrose Games, Fisher set a new world indoor record in the 3000 meters, finishing in 7:22.91. This performance underscored his position as one of the premier distance runners globally.

Personal Bests

Grant Fisher's progression in the sport is highlighted by his impressive personal records across various distances:

1500 meters: 3:34.90 (June 9, 2024, New York, New York)

3000 meters: 7:22.91 (February 8, 2025, New York, New York) – World Indoor Record

Two-mile: 8:03.62 (February 11, 2024, New York, New York) – American Record

5000 meters: 12:46.96 (September 2, 2022, Brussels, Belgium) – North American Record

10,000 meters: 26:33.84 (March 6, 2022, San Juan Capistrano, California) – North American Record

These personal bests not only demonstrate Fisher's versatility across distances but also his continuous improvement and commitment to excellence.

 Grant Fisher's journey from a high school prodigy to a world-class athlete is a testament to his dedication, strategic training choices, and adaptability. His performance in the 2024 Olympic 10,000 meters was one of the greatest ever by an American, coming within a fraction of a second of gold.  

While modern advancements in track surfaces, shoes, and training have contributed to faster times, Fisher’s near-victory proved that at its core, elite distance running is still about tactical intelligence, mental strength, and raw determination—the same qualities that helped Mills secure his iconic gold in 1964.

Grant Fisher, one of America's top distance runners, continues to showcase his exceptional fitness and race-readiness. In a recent Track workout Grant closed a demanding 7-kilometer workout with a stunning sub four-minute mile, demonstrating his world-class endurance and speed. The session, held in Chandler, Arizona, was designed to simulate race conditions, ensuring that Fisher is primed for his upcoming season opener.

A Closer Look at the Workout

The workout was structured to test Fisher’s ability to maintain a high level of performance deep into a training session. His coach, Mike Scannell, closely monitored his effort, emphasizing the of controlled fatigue management.

The workout breakdown:

First Segment: A 2,000-meter interval, completed in 5:08.

Second Segment: Four 800-meter repeats, split in 2:06, 2:09, 2:08, and 2:08.

Final Segment: A 1,600-meter effort, where Fisher clocked an astonishing sub 4:00 mile to finish the session.

Between intervals, Fisher took controlled recovery breaks, with coach Scannell monitoring his blood lactate levels to ensure he remained within an optimal training range. Professional runner Sam Gilman assisted in pacing certain portions of the session, helping maintain consistency and push Fisher to his best effort.

A Career Defined by Breaking Barriers

Fisher’s ability to produce elite performances at the highest level is no surprise. Born on April 22, 1997, in Calgary, Alberta, and raised in Grand Blanc, Michigan, Fisher made history as a high schooler when he became the seventh U.S. prep athlete to break the four-minute mile barrier. He achieved this milestone in 2015 at the Festival of Miles in St. Louis, Missouri, clocking a 3:59.38.

After high school, Fisher attended Stanford University, where he further cemented his reputation as a distance-running star. Under coach Chris Miltenberg, he won the 2017 NCAA 5,000m title and earned 12 All-American honors. Fisher’s consistency and tactical intelligence on the track made him one of the most accomplished distance runners in Stanford history.

Turning professional in 2019, Fisher joined the Bowerman Track Club (BTC), training under coach Jerry Schumacher. The move propelled his career to new heights, as he set multiple American records, including:

3,000m: 7:25.47 (2023)

Two-mile: 8:03.62 (2023)

5,000m: 12:46.96 (2022)

10,000m: 26:33.84 (2022)

His performances placed him among the best distance runners in the world. At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (held in 2021), he finished fifth in the 10,000m and ninth in the 5,000m, proving he could compete at the sport’s highest level.

Paris 2024 and Beyond

Fisher’s steady progression led to historic achievements at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he became the first American to medal in both the 5,000m and 10,000m in the same Games, earning two bronze medals. This feat solidified his status as one of America’s greatest-ever distance runners.

As he prepares for the 2025 season, Fisher is expected to begin his campaign with a 1,500-meter race at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix in Boston before focusing on the 3,000m and 5,000m during the indoor season. His long-term goal remains clear: to position himself as a gold medal contender at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Fisher’s ability to run a sub four-minute mile at the end of an intense workout speaks volumes about his fitness level and training discipline. As he continues to sharpen his form, fans can expect even greater performances from him in the coming months.

British middle-distance star Josh Kerr has solidified his place as a key figure in the world of athletics by announcing a long-term partnership with the $1.2 billion sportswear brand, Brooks. The 2023 World Champion in the 1500m continues to demonstrate his commitment to excellence as he gears up for the 2025 track season.

Kerr’s relationship with Brooks dates back to 2018, when the then-NCAA champion decided to forgo his remaining collegiate eligibility at the University of New Mexico to pursue a professional running career. The decision proved to be pivotal, as Kerr’s career flourished under the Brooks Beasts Track Club, where he became a standout figure on the global stage.

Since turning professional, Kerr has achieved numerous accolades, including his iconic bronze medal performance in the 1500m at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and his dominant gold medal run at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest. Most recently, Kerr delivered a sensational performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where he claimed the gold medal in the 1500m, solidifying his reputation as one of the all-time greats in middle-distance running.

These achievements have cemented his status as one of the finest middle-distance runners of his generation. His journey from NCAA champion to global icon is a testament to his talent, determination, and the strong support system provided by Brooks.

Kerr’s partnership with Brooks goes beyond performance gear; it reflects a shared vision of inspiring the next generation of athletes. As he continues to compete at the highest level, his role as a brand ambassador for Brooks highlights the company’s dedication to supporting world-class talent and pushing the boundaries of innovation in running.

"I’m excited to announce my commitment to a long-term partnership with this incredible brand. Working alongside such a talented team of coaches and athletes has not only helped me become the athlete I’ve always aspired to be but also allowed us to create the best gear to elevate performance. I’m pumped for the journey ahead and the continued success we’ll achieve together," he wrote.

With the 2025 track season on the horizon, Kerr’s renewed partnership positions him to build on his remarkable career and take on new challenges. Fans and competitors alike will eagerly watch as the Scottish athlete, now one of the most recognizable faces in middle-distance running, seeks to leave an even greater mark on the sport.

On January 19, 2025, Weini Kelati shattered her own American record at the Aramco Houston Half Marathon, finishing with a time of 1:06:09. This performance improved upon her previous record of 1:06:25, set at the same event in 2024.

Despite facing chilly and windy conditions, Kelati demonstrated exceptional endurance and speed. She maintained a consistent pace throughout the race, ultimately securing a second-place finish. Her remarkable time not only set a new American record but also highlighted her as one of the leading figures in U.S. distance running.

Background and Career Highlights

Born on December 1, 1996, in Eritrea, Kelati sought asylum in the United States in 2014 during the World Junior Championships in Oregon. She became a U.S. citizen on June 23, 2021, and has since represented the United States in various international competitions.

Kelati attended the University of New Mexico, where she had a standout collegiate career, including winning the NCAA Cross Country Championships. She turned professional in December 2020, foregoing her remaining NCAA eligibility.

Recent Achievements

In addition to her half marathon success, Kelati has achieved significant milestones in recent years:

2024: She won the USATF 5K Road Championships, setting a course record of 15:18.

2024: Kelati represented the United States at the World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Belgrade, Serbia, finishing as the top American in 15th place.

2024: She qualified for the U.S. Olympic team in the 10,000 meters and competed at the Paris 2024 Olympics, finishing eighth.

Weini Kelati's continuous improvement and record-breaking performances position her as a formidable athlete on the international stage. As she builds upon her achievements, the running community eagerly anticipates her future endeavors and contributions to the sport.

Conner Mantz's journey from a young running enthusiast in Utah to an American record holder is a testament to his unwavering dedication and exceptional talent. Born on December 8, 1996, in Logan, Utah, Mantz's early passion for running set the stage for a remarkable career in long-distance running.

Mantz's affinity for running became evident at a young age. At just 12, he completed his first half marathon, igniting a fervor for the sport. By 14, he impressively finished a half marathon in 1:11:24, maintaining an average pace of 5:26.8 minutes per mile. During his time at Sky View High School in Smithfield, Utah, Mantz distinguished himself as a three-time All-American at the Foot Locker Cross Country Championships. His prowess also earned him a spot on Team USA at the 2015 IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Guiyang, China, where he placed 29th in the junior race, leading the team to a commendable sixth-place finish.

Choosing to further his running career and education, Mantz committed to Brigham Young University (BYU), turning down offers from institutions like Princeton and Furman. Before starting at BYU, he took a two-year hiatus to serve as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Ghana. Upon his return in 2017, Mantz redshirted his first year, laying a solid foundation for his collegiate career. Under the guidance of coach Ed Eyestone, Mantz clinched back-to-back NCAA Division I Cross Country Championships titles in 2020 and 2021, solidifying his reputation as one of the nation's premier collegiate runners.

Transition to Professional Running

Turning professional in December 2021, Mantz signed with Nike and quickly made his mark. He won the USA Half Marathon Championships in Hardeeville, South Carolina, with a time of 1:00:55. The following year, he debuted in the marathon at the 2022 Chicago Marathon, finishing seventh with a time of 2:08:16. This performance was the second-fastest marathon debut by an American, just behind Leonard Korir's 2:07:56.

Olympic Pursuits and Notable Performances

In 2024, Mantz's career reached new heights. He won the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials, securing his spot at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Despite facing a two-inch tear in his quad during preparations, Mantz showcased resilience, finishing eighth in the Olympic marathon. Post-Olympics, he continued to impress, placing sixth at the 2024 New York City Marathon.

Breaking the American Half Marathon Record

On January 19, 2025, at the Houston Half Marathon, Mantz etched his name into the record books. He completed the race in a staggering 59:17, breaking Ryan Hall's 18-year-old American record of 59:43 set in 2007. This achievement not only shattered the long-standing record but also made Mantz the first American in seven years to run a sub-60-minute half marathon.

Looking Ahead

Conner Mantz's trajectory in long-distance running is a blend of early passion, collegiate excellence, and professional triumphs. As he continues to push boundaries and set new standards, the running community eagerly anticipates his future endeavors, confident that Mantz will remain a formidable force on both national and international stages.

When you think of dog breeds that can run, the miniature dachshund isn’t the first breed that comes to mind. But that little 20-lb frame is faster than you may think. YouTuber and three-time NCAA steeplechase champion Allie Ostrander put her pet dachshund, Georgie, through a one-mile time trial, and you’ll be shocked by his distance-running abilities.

Ostrander and her partner, Spencer Brown, attached a dog treat to a stick and hung it off the back of a car to keep their dachshund motivated, while Brown held onto the leash as Georgie got his wheels turning.

According to the YouTube clip, Georgie completed the first quarter mile at just under a five-minute mile pace, which Ostrander thought was him going out too fast. But by halfway (800m), the dachshund had sped up, and he held on to finish the mile in 4:47.66. To put that time and pace in perspective, it’s an average speed of over 20 km/h.

Dachshunds, affectionately referred to as wiener dogs, are surprisingly speedy for their size. While they may not be able to match the endurance of larger, more athletic breeds (like a border collie or a vizsla), they are incredibly agile with their short legs and long bodies, reaching speeds of up to 24 kilometres per hour (which adds up, given Georgie’s finishing time).

Georgie was rewarded with the dangling treat and water at the end of his time trial. Maybe if there was a golf cart full of doughnuts or pizza in front of runners at their next mile or 1,500m race, they’d run a personal best, too.

Like the rest of us, Ostrander initially didn’t have high hopes for Georgie, as she was unsure if a miniature dachshund could move its little legs that fast without training. Georgie, however, still had gas in the tank at the finish, while Ostrander and Brown were in the hands-on-knees position after 1.609 km.

It turns out, even if it might not look like it, the next wiener dog you see is likely faster than you.

What better way to hit the ground running in 2025 than with an elite-level workout? A YouTube video posted by Track: All-Access on Tuesday revealed professional Puma runner Taylor Roe‘s first workout of the track season–a hefty session filled with fartlek intervals and mile repeats. Give the workout a go if you’re looking for a speedy way to start off a new year of running.

The workout

Set 1: 1,600m. Rest: 90 seconds

Set 2: 1,200m fartlek (4 x 200m, 100m jog)

Set 3: 1,600m. Rest: 2 mins

Set 4: 1,200m fartlek (4 x 200m, 100m jog)

Set 5: 1,600m

Total volume on track: 8,800m

Remember to take the session easier than a mid-season workout–be extra gentle while busting off the rust! Complete the mile repeats at around 5K pace, and take on the 200m portion of the fartlek at a solid effort–faster than the mile pace, but much slower than an all-out attempt. Since it’s the only rest portion of this set, take the 100m jog very easy.

“It’s too early to blow people up,” Puma Elite head coach Alistair Cragg said. “We want to keep everyone in it, working together.”

Roe completed the mile intervals in 5:24, 5:22 and 5:20. Her fartlek sets were around 4:08 (34 seconds for 200m, 28 seconds for easy 100m). “I’m clearly not doing well at pacing,” Roe said to the camera mid-workout. “But it’s not as bad as I thought it would be.”

Representing Oklahoma State University, the Washington state native won the NCAA 3,000m title in 2022 with a time of 8:58.95. She took silver in the 2024 NCAA 5,000m in March, finishing runner-up to Olympian Parker Valby. Roe holds 12 NCAA All-American honours from her five-year collegiate career and holds a 5,000m personal best of 15:15.01. The 24-year-old signed with the Puma Elite Running Team in July.

It’s not yet known when the athlete is set to open up her indoor season, but Cragg hinted that it will be won’t be until February. “You’ll blow yourself up,” he said to Roe. “We’re not going anywhere near blowing you up for the next–at least–four weeks.”

Russell defied the odds to win 100m hurdles at Paris Olympics and has acknowledged the need to improve her time in 2025 with her busy schedule set to start in February,

Paris Olympics 100m hurdles champion Masai Russell is back to work with even better plans for 2025.

The American, who is the NCAA record holder over the distance, said she has remarkably improved this year compared to 2023 and wants to break world indoor records. She is banking on her mental fortitude which she believes has drastically improved, particularly after the grueling Paris Olympics in which the 24-year-old cruised to victory on her debut at the quadrennial championship.

“I think I’m ahead of where I was last year, just mentally and physically. I have some big goals coming," Russell, whose personal best of 12.25 seconds over 100m hurdles is the fifth of all-time, told CitiusMug.

Part of her 2025 targets include running faster times as she reckons that every competitor strives to become better and the competition doesn't make it easy on anybody. "The women’s 100m hurdles doesn’t make it easy on anybody. I know that I have to come in even stronger, even faster, even better. I’m looking to break the world record indoors this season and win the world indoor title,” she highlighted.

Evans Ousuru • 19:04 - 08.12.2024

Russell defied the odds to win 100m hurdles at Paris Olympics and has acknowledged the need to improve her time in 2025 with her busy schedule set to start in February,

Paris Olympics 100m hurdles champion Masai Russell is back to work with even better plans for 2025.

The American, who is the NCAA record holder over the distance, said she has remarkably improved this year compared to 2023 and wants to break world indoor records. She is banking on her mental fortitude which she believes has drastically improved, particularly after the grueling Paris Olympics in which the 24-year-old cruised to victory on her debut at the quadrennial championship.

ATHLETICS

‘I don’t want to add that much stress’ - Masai Russell explains biggest problem she is facing since buying new house

“I think I’m ahead of where I was last year, just mentally and physically. I have some big goals coming," Russell, whose personal best of 12.25 seconds over 100m hurdles is the fifth of all-time, told CitiusMug.

Part of her 2025 targets include running faster times as she reckons that every competitor strives to become better and the competition doesn't make it easy on anybody. "The women’s 100m hurdles doesn’t make it easy on anybody. I know that I have to come in even stronger, even faster, even better. I’m looking to break the world record indoors this season and win the world indoor title,” she highlighted.

ATHLETICS

'Gold was just the beginning' - Masai Russell fired up ahead of crucial 2025 season

At the same time, Russell, who in 2023, broke the collegiate record for the 60m hurdles after running 7.75s to beat Grace Stark's time of 7.78s set in 2022, confirmed to race at the 117th edition of the Millrose Games.

"Olympic 100m hurdles champion is confirmed to race the 60m hurdles at the @MillroseGames at @ArmoryNYC on Feb. 8th. This will be her first appearance at the Millrose Games as a professional. She used to compete at the meet as a star at @Bullis_Track."

The Millrose Games is the world’s most prestigious Indoor Track & Field Competition. The February 8, 2025 event is set for, The Armory, a state-of-the-art facility that has been nicknamed 'The Fastest Track in the World'  in the New York City.

The newest member of team New Balance Boston, Parker Valby, has settled into her Boston life with her fellow Olympian training partners and coach Mark Coogan. After setting NCAA records in the outdoor 5,000m and 10,000m, the former Florida Gator began her professional running career as a New Balance athlete. A video posted by FloTrack on Wednesday dove into a soft-surface November workout during the base-building season in the lead-up to the indoor track season–which Valby demolished.

“Most people don’t know Parker as a person,” Coogan said. “They just see her as a runner. She’s a wonderful young lady and she’s fitting in great.” The 22-year-old announced her surprise signing with New Balance in October, unexpectedly straying from Nike after becoming their first female track and field athlete to sign a Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) deal. Industry sources report that Valby’s contract is upwards of USD 700,000 and will be in play until well past the 2028 L.A. Olympic Games.

“It was definitely a learning experience,” Valby said about her time at the Paris Olympics. “It was my first time racing outside the NCAA. I’m very grateful for the experience and the lessons I took from it–it wasn’t my ideal performance that I wanted, but I’m happy that I did it in hindsight, so I can be ready for L.A.”

“Parker said she wants to get a medal at the Olympics in L.A.,” Coogan added. “She’s gonna make us better, and hopefully we can make her better and she can do big things in the future.”

The workout path was roughly 1,000m, though Coogan admitted he wasn’t sure of the exact distance. The coach was aiming for the team to have a solid workout where the athletes could stick together. The target effort for the cross-country-style workout was to begin at threshold pace (comfortably hard). Other pro athletes at the practice include Paris Olympian Emily Mackay, 2020 Olympian Heather MacLean, and Coogan’s daughter, Katrina Coogan.

The workout: 3 x (2K, 2 minutes, 1K)

Set 1: 2 loops: 6:38, 1 loop: 3:06

Set 2: 2 loops: 6:20, 1 loop: 3:02

Set 3: 2 loops: 6:01, 1 loop: 2:50

The video shows Valby sharing the lead with her teammates before pulling away from the group during the final set. An extra 1K loop was added on, which Valby completed in 2:53.

Although Valby is younger and less experienced than her teammates, Coogan says she’s a bit stronger than the other women because she comes from a 10,000m background. The other athletes’ main events are 1,500m and 5,000m.

“We work together, we meet in the middle,” Valby said. “Train with others to make yourself better.”

According to MacLean, the team has tried to create a culture of respect and support. “[Parker] brings a fresh new perspective to everything,” she said. “I learned something from her, I hope she learned something from us.”

“Almost like a college cross-country team, we’ve made a team into a family, and I think that’s one of the reasons we’re so successful,” Coogan said. His Instagram revealed that the team hit the indoor track for the first time last week. If all the athletes stay healthy, the whole New Balance Boston team will open their season at the New Balance Grand Prix on Feb. 2.

America’s two best distance runners are set to square off at America’s most prestigious indoor track meet.

On February 8, Grant Fisher will race Cole Hocker over 3,000 meters at the 2025 Millrose Games at the Armory. Fisher is the reigning US champion in the 5,000 and 10,000 meters and a double Olympic medalist. Hocker is the US and Olympic champion in the 1500 meters. Let the hype commence.

Over the last three years, the men’s 3,000 at Millrose has produced some of the best racing of the indoor season. In 2022, Geordie Beamish used a killer kick to upset Hocker and Cooper Teare in the home straight. In 2023, miler Josh Kerr surprisingly stepped up and won in a big pb of 7:33.47, demonstrating the endurance chops that would presage his World Championship 1500 victory six months later. Last year, the event was lengthened to two miles, and Kerr streaked to a world indoor record of 8:00.67 after Fisher tried and failed to break him during the second mile.

The top four finishers at 2024 Millrose would combine to earn seven global medals in 2024. Kerr claimed World Indoor gold in the 3,000 and Olympic silver in the 1500. Fisher, the runner-up in an American record of 8:03.62, took Olympic bronze in the 5,000 and 10,000. Hocker, 3rd in 8:05.70, claimed World Indoor silver and Olympic gold in the 1500. And fourth-placer Beamish (8:05.73) would defeat Hocker to win the World Indoor 1500 title three weeks later in Glasgow.

“You look back at that race, that was a pretty loaded field,” Fisher said on this week’s LetsRun.com Track Talk podcast where he announced he would be running Millrose. “Maybe not everyone said that at the time. They might’ve said Josh was the class of the field. But now post-Olympics, you see some people did really, really well throughout that season, and it all kind of started at Milrose at that two-mile. So it’ll be a fun spot to get things rolling again.”

More athletes will be announced as part of the field in the coming weeks, but Fisher versus Hocker should be enough to get any American distance running fan excited. This sort of matchup does not happen often. They were both Foot Locker Cross Country champions as high schoolers. They were both NCAA champions as collegians. They are both national champions as professionals. More than that, Hocker is the fastest American ever in the 1500 meters; Fisher holds the same title in the 3,000, 5,000, and 10,000. They are two of America’s brightest distance talents, now or ever, and they are firmly in their primes.

Fisher, 27, and Hocker, 23, did race three times this year, with Fisher prevailing in all three matchups: the 2-mile at Millrose, the 5,000 at the LA Grand Prix on May 17, and the Olympic Trials 5,000 final on June 30. But they’ve never raced each other as Olympic medalists. And that hits different.

Since 1968, four American men have medalled in the Olympic 1500 — Leo Manzano, Matthew Centrowitz, Hocker, and Yared Nuguse. During that same span, only two Americans have medalled in the Olympic 5,000 — Paul Chelimo and Fisher. Only once has one of the 1500 medalists raced one of the 5000 medalists. That came in May 2018, when Chelimo defeated Centrowitz in a 1500 at the Payton Jordan Invitational.

That’s it. Just one matchup between an American 1500 medalist and an American 5,000 medalist in more than half a century. On February 8 at Millrose, we’ll get to see the second, and it will come at the crossover distance of 3,000 meters. In their three battles in 2024, Fisher’s strength prevailed over Hocker’s kick, though Fisher acknowledged he had home-event advantage.

“I didn’t know I was 3-0 against Cole, but to be fair, I’ve never met him at his distance,” Fisher said. “So that gives me a little bit of an advantage. That would be like saying I’m undefeated against him at 10k or something — I don’t think that’s a fair comparison. So yeah, maybe I’ll drop down, race him in a 1500, have it be more of a balanced record to show. But Cole ran incredibly well in the 2-mile last year at Milrose.”

In 2025, however, Hocker will be looking to erase that advantage; he has spoken of wanting to be the best in the world at not just the 1500 meters, but the 5,000 as well. An early showdown against the Olympic bronze medalist is a great way to test the progess he is making.

So who will win on February 8? Hocker’s speed? Fisher’s strength? Or perhaps someone else entirely? We’ll find out in less than two months.

“It will be a really fun opportunity,” Fisher said. “Last year it was fast. I’m sure it’ll be fast this year. So it’s gonna be fun.”

Olive oil has been a hot topic among runners over the past two weeks, thanks to Brigham Young University (BYU). At the NCAA Cross-Country Championships on Nov. 23, BYU athletes coated their arms and legs with olive oil before toeing the line–and both the men’s and women’s teams won the team titles. Could this kitchen staple dethrone petroleum jelly as the go-to for cold-weather insulation?

Temperatures at the Thomas Zimmer Championship Course in Verona, Wisc., dropped to 3 C on race day, with flurries the day before. Conditions like these make it tricky for runners to balance warmth with comfort. Extra layers can feel restrictive and cause overheating, so applying a skin barrier like petroleum jelly (or, apparently, olive oil) has proven to be another workable solution.

Petroleum jelly: the traditional way

Petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, creates a protective layer that shields skin from the wind and cold and reduces the risk of frostbite. The balm is affordable–you can get your hands on a 375 g tub for less than $5 at your local drugstore. Its thick, waxy, (nearly) odourless texture allows the dense layer of protection to stay put, providing a durable barrier that won’t absorb into your skin.

Olive oil: BYU’s secret weapon?

BYU men’s coach Ed Eyestone told the New York Times that he coated himself in olive oil when he won the NCAA title in 1985. Now, he and women’s coach Diljeet Taylor passed the trick along to the their athletes.

But olive oil has its drawbacks. A 500-mL bottle of olive oil can cost $10 or more, and its runny texture has a knack for getting everywhere. It provides a thinner and less insulating barrier than its petroleum jelly rival. While easier to apply in colder temperatures, your skin begins to absorb the oil within 20 minutes, making it less effective for longer races–not to mention, you’ll cross the finish line smelling like a frying pan.

While olive oil’s new race-day purpose is intriguing, before you jump on that trend, consider the cost-effective and reliable petroleum jelly.

American distance running coach Ed Eyestone helped his athletes find their extra gear with this supportive technique.

Every runner has been there: the gruelling point in a race where exhaustion takes over, and not even a “let’s go” or “keep pushing” from the crowd feels like it’s helping. But what if the right words could reignite your drive and help you find that extra gear to push you to a personal best?

That’s precisely what American distance running coach Ed Eyestone proved at the 2024 NCAA Cross Country Championships last weekend in Madison, Wisc. Eyestone, who coaches U.S. Olympic marathoners Conner Mantz and Clayton Young, along with Brigham Young University’s (BYU) cross-country program, utilized a brilliant strategy to motivate his runners to the top of the podium.

Eyestone wore a quarterback-style wristband inscribed with each athlete’s specific motivational triggers. These were not generic cheers, but deeply personal cues each runner wanted to hear at pivotal race moments. The result? BYU became only the fourth school in NCAA Division I history to win both the men’s and women’s team titles in the same year—a feat not accomplished in 20 years.

Why does personalization matter?

It’s easy to default to encouraging phrases like, “Great job!” or “Good work!” While these sentiments have good intentions, studies have shown that tailored, meaningful feedback has a far greater impact on an athlete’s performance. Specific, personalized words can shift focus, reignite motivation and help athletes fight those challenging moments.

The key as a coach or support crew? Understanding what drives the athlete. Whether it’s reminding them of a goal, reinforcing their training, or simply offering a grounding phrase; these personalized remarks can make all the difference. 

When the body starts to struggle, the mind often follows. Strategic cheering taps into sports psychology principles, helping athletes overcome these mental battles by reconnecting them with their purpose and “why.” In this example, coach Eyestone uses small details—like saying exactly what an athlete wants to hear when the going gets tough.

Takeaways for your race day

If you’re cheering for a runner, here are a few ways you can level up your support: first, learn what motivates them. Is it their goal time? A mantra they rely on? A personal reason for running? Use this knowledge to craft your encouragement. Lastly, be specific. Instead of saying, “You’ve got this,” try something more tailored to the race itself, like “You’re right on pace!” or “This is the hill you’ve been training for.” (Or better still, ask them if there are some specific words or phrases they’d find motivating.)

Eyestone’s masterclass in motivation is a reminder that support is more than just words—it’s about connecting meaningfully with the person on the course. Whether you’re coaching, cheering or even giving some self-talk, the right message can turn a good race into a great one.

Fentaye Belayneh of Ethiopia and Yemane Haileselassie of Eritrea won this morning’s 22nd Boston Half-Marathon on a sunny and near-freezing morning here.  Employing completely different tactics, Belayneh won in a pack-sprint to the finish in Franklin Park where the first three women finished in a span of just one second. Haileselassie won in a solo breakaway, dominating the final miles and winning by 15 seconds.  Both athletes won $12,000 in prize money.

The women’s race got out slowly, and the first mile was completed in just 5:41, a comfortable training pace for athletes at this level.  Britain’s Calli Hauger-Thackery was at the front.  She said that she felt good taking the lead and wanted to work on some of her racing skills.

“I felt good doing that,” Hauger-Thackery told Race Results Weekly.  “I was practicing not being set in a set pace.  I’ve got to practice surging… not be afraid to put in a five minute mile here and there.”

The first real move happened just before 5-K where Ethiopia’s Mestawut Fikir, who was fifth at this race last year, put in a surge.  The field responded immediately, and Kenyan’s Veronica Loleo and Daisy Jepkemei, and Ethiopians Melknat Wudu and Mebrat Gidey followed her single file.  They passed through 5-K in 17:17 and four miles in 21:45.  The downhill fourth mile was passed in a fast 5:05.

Fikir’s mini-surge only brought the lead pack down to 12.  Although the second, five-kilometer segment was faster (16:27) it wasn’t enough to dwindle the field further.  Fikir decided to go again just after the 10-K mark, and that move sent Hauger-Thackery and Australia’s Lauren Ryan several steps back.  Kenya’s Mercy Chelangat was also having trouble holding on.  Mile-8 went into the books at 5:10, and the serious racing had begun.

But after that, none of the women were keen to open up the race further, and the pace slowed enough that Chelangat managed to catch up.  Remarkably, eight women were still together as they ran back to Franklin Park for the finish.  Indeed, the race would not be decided until the final 200 meters when Belayneh, who had not led one step of the race, jumped the field and broke for the tape.  She was ready for that kind of move.

“I prepared very well and I knew Boston was a good course,” Belayneh said with the help of a translator.  “I prepared very well.”

Fikir and Senayet Getachew, another Ethiopian, were right on Belayneh’s heels as she bolted for the tape, but they just couldn’t catch their speedier rival.  She broke the tape, arms raised with a huge smile, in 1:10:26.  Fikir was given the same time, and Getachew was just one second back.  Loleo got fourth in 1:10:29, and Wudu was fifth in 1:10:30.  The first seven women finished in just a six-second span.

“At the end, I decided at the end,” Belayneh said when asked when she knew that the time was right for her final move.  “It was a rough race, but I knew I could hold on and push.  I had some little (energy) left over.  I used that.”

Farther behind, Chelangat finished eighth in 1:10:43 and Hauger-Thackery was ninth in 1:10:49.  The two women, both former NCAA stars who know each other from training in Flagstaff, embraced at the finish line.

“It was fun, it was good,” said Hauger-Thackery, who plans to run the California International Marathon in December with her husband, Nick.  She added: “This was a good race to go for it, get the blood flowing.”

Unlike Belayneh, Haileselassie did not want to wait for the final sprint.  In the ninth mile, he and Isaac Kipkemboi of Kenya and Haimro Alame of Israel pulled away from the field. Haileselassie was on the front, and kept pressing.

“Actually, when I lead in mile-nine I give them a little bit gap,” Haileselassie told Race Results Weekly.  “I looked over my back, I had little bit gap.  I know they can’t touch me.”

The Eritrean crossed to the finish line alone in 1:01:46.  Kipkemboi was a clear second in 1:02:01, but Alame faded in the final miles and only finished sixth in 1:02:12.  Taking the final podium position was Canadian miler Kieran Lumb, who was making his half-marathon debut.  Lumb, who made the Paris Olympic 1500m semi-finals, was timed in 1:02:03.  He was happy with his race, a good fitness test before the Canadian Cross Country Championships later this month, even if it hurt a little.

“It was hard,” said Lumb.  “Honestly, it was pretty hard early on.  I would say, like 20 minutes in, I didn’t feel amazing.  I did not sleep well last night, either.  I slept like four hours.”

Today’s event was the third and final race in the 2024 Boston Athletic Association’s Distance Medley which included the Boston 5-K on April 13 and the Boston 10-K on June 23.  About 6500 runners finished today’s race.

After concluding a stellar, 20-year career, the Olympic bronze medalist will embark on a 50-state running-infused van-life tour of the U.S. with her husband, Jason, in 2025

Jenny Simpson will go down in the annals of American running as one of the greatest of all time. No question about it.

So as she approaches what is likely the last elite-level race of her long and storied career at the November 3 New York City Marathon, she has nothing to prove, no one to impress, and no specific performance goal that she needs to attain to secure her legacy.

As a four-time global championship medalist in the 1500 meters—including a victory in the 2011 World Championships in Daegu, South Korea, Diamond League title in 2014, and bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics—Simpson has long been destined to go down as one of the best runners in U.S. history.

Add to that three Olympic appearances, 11 U.S. titles, three NCAA championships, eight top-10 finishes in international championships, eight Fifth Avenue Mile victories, six NCAA records (in six different events), and two American records (in the 3,000-meter steeplechase), and Simpson will rank among American legends for decades to come.

The fact that she’s been earnestly training to finish her career with a strong marathon performance in New York City epitomizes much of what the 38-year-old runner from Boulder, Colorado, has been about during her 20-year career. She’s not necessarily going out on top—that, she says, would have entailed making the U.S. Olympic team in the marathon for the Paris Olympic Games. But she is going out on her terms: focused, tenacious, and relentless to the end. It’s an opportunity afforded to few athletes, and even fewer distance runners.

“When I say I’m feeling good, it’s that I’m really excited for New York and I feel like I have a really, really good sense about my ability to run well,” she says. “I’m not going into it saying I’m gonna set the world on fire and be the top American or run 2:25 on that course. But I just know as good as I feel and as good as the training has gone, I know I’m capable of having a good day, and, most importantly, I have peace about it all.”

But as this chapter of life closes for Simpson, another very exciting one is about to begin, and that one will include quite a bit of running, too. She and her husband, Jason, are planning to embark on a year-long tour of the U.S. in 2025 that will take them—and their two Jack Russell Terriers, Truman and Barkley—to all 50 states while living out a van-life adventure focused on immersing in America’s thriving running culture.

From participating in races and visiting national parks to running iconic routes like Rim to Rim across the Grand Canyon and discovering hidden trails, Jenny and Jason have said their goal is to capture the heartwarming and inspiring essence of the country through the eyes of runners.

“We want to experience the beauty of this country firsthand, meet the incredible people who call it home, and celebrate everything that makes the U.S. so special,” says Jenny Simpson, who has represented the U.S. on the world stage for nearly two decades. “Through this journey, we hope to show that America’s beauty is not just in its landmarks, but in its people and the unique places they live, run, and explore.”

Out of the Ashes

In December of 2021, a devastating wildfire ripped through the south end of Boulder County—including the communities of Marshall, Louisville, and Superior, where it burned more than 1,084 homes and killed two residents and more than 900 pets. Miraculously, it didn’t burn the Simpson’s house—a restored circa-1900 schoolhouse they bought several years ago that was less than a half mile from the fire’s origin—but the house did incur significant smoke damage that needed mitigating.

The Simpsons were displaced and spent several months living in an apartment with little furniture, which forced them to live a rather spartan lifestyle. While Jason was still able to work as a creative director for a design firm, Jenny’s contract hadn’t been renewed by New Balance, and she wasn’t sure what the future held.

During that time, she had been doing a weekly call with her sister, Emily, and Jason’s sister, Annie, to discuss the book Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life, a guide aimed at helping people to reimagine their professional and personal lives. It was through those discussions that Jenny came up with an idea of buying a Winnebago so she and Jason could drive around the country with Truman, who they rescued in 2020 just before the Covid lockdown. (They got Barkley about three years later.)

“My idea was that we can just drive around America and see the place that I’ve had stamped across my chest on my Team USA gear all these years,” she says. “I have been on Team USA, but I really want to know what that means. I’ve raced in some amazing places all around the world, but I really haven’t seen much of our own country. I want to go see the places and the people that I haven’t seen. And then I had this idea of doing a 50 states, 50 weeks tour.”

Jenny told Jason about the idea and he was interested from the start, but it was initially just a fun distraction while Jenny was battling injuries. Jason was so intrigued, though, that he started searching for information about vans online and indulging in YouTube content from a variety of van-life influencers. Eventually, Jenny was healthy and racing on the roads for Puma, ultimately with a quest to qualify for the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon.

A year later, they were still casually talking about the enticing “what if” possibilities of owning a van.

“So by 2023, we were like, ‘What do these vans look like? What do they cost? What kind of different layouts are best?” says Jason, 40, a 20-time marathoner with a 2:18:44 personal best. “And then I got really into the travel influencer YouTube videos and at some point told Jenny, ‘Hey, let’s just go look at them.’ And that led to looking at the timelines of: if we were to do this in 2024 or 2025, what would it take? It takes like a long time to build out the vans, and we are definitely not build-it-yourself van people.”

On Her Own Terms 

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Simpson’s career has been her consistency. She qualified for every U.S. national team on the track between 2007 and 2019. Not only did she put in the work and remain virtually injury-free during that time, but she also raced fiercely and rose to the occasion every single time without a single hiccup in any of her preliminary races. (She also made it to the 1500-meter final of the Covid-delayed U.S. Olympic Trials in 2021 at age 35 after what she admitted was a rough gap in competition during the pandemic.)

For most of that time, she was coached by her University of Colorado coaches Mark Wetmore and Heather Burroughs. They continued coaching her as she transitioned to road running over the past three years and ultimately to the build-up to the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon in Orlando, Florida. Although she had brief moments of success on the roads—finishing second in the U.S. 10-mile championship in 2021 and turning in a solid ninth-place, 1:10:35 effort in the Houston Half Marathon in 2023—the first injuries of her career disrupted her training and delayed her debut at 26.2 miles until the Olympic Trials.

Over the past three years, continuing to adhere to the rigid lifestyle needed to keep racing competitively was increasingly met at an internal crossroads of wondering when it would feel OK to retire and move on in life and what that would look like.

“Running the Olympics Trials and then running Boston, I would say those were not successful outings,” Simpson says. “I did the best that I could and I got as prepared as I could, but they weren’t what I had hoped for, neither of them were what I’m capable of. I’m really proud of how I ran in Boston because I ran entirely alone after mile 3, but that’s not how I wanted to end my career.”

After Boston, Jenny still wasn’t ready to retire. But she’d heard the chatter that suggested she could give up the ghost and not try to remain competitive on the roads, knowing her legacy was already secure. After she took some time off to recover and reflect, she knew she wanted to get back into training and target one more race on the biggest stage and settled on the New York City Marathon.

She parted ways with Wetmore and Burroughs in the spring and decided to train on her own, although she’s continually received subtle guidance from Jason, who qualified for and raced in the 2020 U.S. Olympic Trials in Atlanta. Although he has imparted bits of knowledge to help keep her balanced, Simpson has been following a training plan in her marathon buildup that she designed.

From Best in the U.S. to Across the U.S.

Casual interest in buying a van led to more in-depth investigation and, after what was an otherwise random training run on the dirt roads north of Denver last year, they passed an RV sales lot and decided to take a look. One thing led to another and they put down a small, refundable deposit that would hold a fully appointed 23-foot Winnebago Ekko during what was expected to be nearly a year-long wait until it was built and delivered.

Fast forward to 2024 and Jenny made her marathon debut on February 3 in Orlando, but it didn’t go at all as she had hoped. She had been running among the top 20 early in the race but  eventually dropped out at mile 18. She returned 10 weeks later to run a respectable Boston Marathon in mid-April (she placed 18th overall in 2:31:39 and was the fourth American finisher), and although her effort was commensurate with her inner drive—and some degree of success felt good—she still wasn’t ready to call it a career.

Finally, in April, several days before they were going to travel to Boston, the RV dealership called and told them the van had arrived and they had a week to consider buying it. At that point, Jenny was eager to run Boston to make amends for her Olympic Trials experience, but she was also physically and emotionally fried.

“And I was like, we’re doing it,” she says. “It was the perfect time in the perfect year. Because I was like, ‘I’ve got to get out of here. I’ve got to be done.’ It was killing me. I actually might perish in the middle of the Boston Marathon. I just was so burnt out, and so it was the perfect time for them to call and essentially say, ‘Do you want to drive away into the sunset?’ And I was like, ‘Yes, I do. I really do.’” 

Two days after the Boston Marathon, they paid the remainder of the balance on the van and picked it up, immediately sending them into daydreaming mode about where they wanted to go.

Although their plans are still being formulated, they intend to rent their house and hit the road with the charming dogs in January, officially starting their “Jenny and Jason Run USA” tour in Florida. Along the way, they plan to see numerous sights, host or join at least one fun run in every state, promote dog adoptions by publicizing local humane societies, and create a wide range of engaging social media content on their Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube accounts along the way. Given that their longest stint in the van so far was the six-day trip they took to the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming early last summer, they know they’re going to have to learn on the fly and continually adapt. But that’s what an adventure is all about.

“I’ve been nothing but focused on running New York, but I am excited about what’s next,” Jenny said this week. “As I have been tiptoeing toward the idea of being retired from professional running, I don’t know that I’m going to be really great at it or that it’s going to come easily for me. That’s why it’s so wonderful to have a partner in life like Jason because I think he sees that, too. So our goal is to create a lot of time and space to figure that out. I think the year will be kind of interesting and fun and wild and I really don’t know how it’ll end up, and I think that’s really good.”

Approaching the End … and a Beginning

Simpson admits her post-Boston malaise contributed to her having an inconsistent summer of training, in part because she was listening to voices that suggested she should relax and not be so rigid in her approach. When she showed up to run the Beach to Beacon 10K in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, on August 3, she admits she wasn’t very fit, and, as a result, finished a distant 12th in 34:30.

“My Beach to Beacon race was just so bad that it was like validation to me that caring less and trying less doesn’t work for me ever in anything,” she said. “I’m just not that person. It works for some people, but that’s not who I am. I used to joke that when you show up to the track and someone asks, ‘How do you feel?’ I always thought to myself it doesn’t matter how I feel. It’s about doing the work. I always feel like it’s execution over emotion for me all the time and that I have a job to do. I know who I am and I know how I operate, and how I operate is great.”

Simpson got back to work immediately after that race, ramping up her weekly mileage to the 100-mile range in the high altitude environs of Colorado. She says she’s done more than half of her long runs between 8,500 and 10,500 feet, including runs on Magnolia Road above Boulder, Golden Gate Canyon State Park near Golden, and even a loop around the paved Mineral Belt Trail in Leadville.

Her return to rigidity and improved fitness helped bring mental clarity that not only convinced her that she’d be ready to run a strong marathon in New York City, but also brought the revelation that she was ready to admit it was her last race knowing it would allow her to retire on her own terms.

Two months after feeling flat in the 10K, she won the Wineglass Half Marathon on October 5 in Corning, New York, running a near-PR of 1:10:50 (5:24 per-mile pace) as she ran stride-for-stride to the finish line with Jason. (She broke the women’s finisher’s tape for the win, while he ran slightly to the side as the 12th-place men’s finisher and 13th overall.) Now she’s likely in sub-2:30 marathon shape, even though the hilly New York City Marathon course is as equally challenging as Boston in its own way. Jason, meanwhile, will race in the Abbott Dash to the Finish Line 5K the day before the marathon, not only so he can track Jenny on Sunday and meet her at the finish line, but also because he’s running the California International Marathon on December 8.

2025 and Beyond

Simpson arrived in New York City on October 30 healthy, happy, and ready to run hard—definitely not the feeling of holding on for dear life that she felt going into the Olympic Trials and the Boston Marathon. She says she couldn’t be more excited to run through the city’s five boroughs to the finish line in Central Park that she hopes will come with a satisfying result, as well as the beginning of closure to her star-spangled career.

Who knows what’s next after that—Coaching? Law school? A corporate career with a shoe brand? The world seems to be her oyster, but for the time being the cross-country tour might be just what she needs most. She’s excited to detach a bit from the rigid schedule and identity she’s clung to for the past 20 years and enjoy the freedom of the open road. She knows it will be a complete departure from the essence of what she’s all about, and to that point, she’ll likely dig into planning and scheduling early next week even before she recovers from the marathon.

Although she admits she was intrigued while watching some of the top runners finish the Leadville Trail 100 this summer, she says she’s decidedly not interested in running ultras. (However, Jason might be, and Jenny says she’s been keen to pace and crew him.) She might get more into trail running, something she did a little bit early in her University of Colorado career. Or she might even return to road running, but she’s not thinking that far ahead. For now, she’s focused on racing in New York and then continuing to run in 2025—on the magical mystery tour that awaits—and beyond.

“I feel a lot of peace about it, but it’s not like I’m over running. I want to retire so I can do more running and to explore the beautiful country I raced for,” she says. “I wanted to be world class at the marathon, and I’m not. I gave it a good try, and now it’s time to try something else, and I just feel really good about it.”

University of Oregon middle-distance runner Matti Erickson had a standout 2024 track season, making waves as one of Canada’s top up-and-coming 800m athletes. According to Citius Mag, the 21-year-old from Nelson, B.C. has become the first Canadian track athlete to sign a Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deal with U.S. sportswear giant Nike, marking a major milestone for Canadian athletes in the NCAA.

Erickson, who’s in his final year with the Oregon Ducks program, has proven his potential over the last three seasons by medalling in the men’s 800m at the Pac-12 championships each year. This deal with Nike allows him to continue competing at the collegiate level while earning compensation through his image and achievements.

This is an opportunity for NCAA athletes that wasn’t available until the NIL rule change in July 2021. While an NIL deal is more limited financially than a professional contract, it offers athletes the best of both worlds: a path to monetizing their name while continuing collegiate competition, plus a foot in the door if they turn professional after college. 

Just after his 2024 NCAA season ended, Erickson clocked a personal best of 1:45.74 at the Portland Track Festival, placing him as the ninth-fastest Canadian man over 800m in history. He followed this by finishing third at the Canadian Olympic Trials, only narrowly missing a spot on Team Canada for Paris, finishing behind Olympic silver medallist Marco Arop and rising star Zakary Mama-Yari.

Securing an NIL deal as an international student isn’t easy. Erickson navigated restrictions around earning income while on a student visa, finding a solution with the support of his coach and agent. His deal represents a breakthrough for other Canadian student-athletes seeking similar opportunities in the U.S. In September, Ceili McCabe of West Virginia University became the first Canadian runner to sign a NIL deal in the NCAA, inking a deal with Swiss brand On.

Canadian marathoner Rory Linkletter is preparing for the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon on Nov. 3 with a new coach and a renewed focus. After his previous coach, Ryan Hall, decided to step away from coaching following the Paris 2024 Olympics, Linkletter was forced to seek new guidance with less than 10 weeks to go until the race.

For Linkletter, his Paris Olympic marathon was a mix of pride and disappointment. He was proud to represent the red and white at an event he had always dreamed about competing at, but he felt his race was underwhelming. “I feel like I didn’t show my best,” Linkletter said on his 47th-place finish (2:13:09). 

Linkletter told Canadian Running his preparation for Paris centred heavily on mastering the challenging course and hills: “I felt like I needed to get strong and run hills, but at the end of the day, it’s always the fittest man who wins,” he says. “I got too far away from speed and power.”

He took a week off after Paris and then dove back into training, focusing on his next challenge–the 2024 New York City Marathon. During his time off, Linkletter was taken by surprise when Hall announced he would be stepping back from coaching. “I was shocked. It was all so sudden,” Linkletter admits. “If you knew Ryan, you wouldn’t be surprised, but I didn’t expect it to happen so soon.”

New beginnings 

Balancing the post-Olympic blues with the sudden coaching transition wasn’t easy, but Linkletter says he’s the most motivated to train when he’s disappointed.

The 2:08:01 marathoner initially created his own training plan for NYC, and reached out to a few people he trusted for feedback. One of those was Jon Green, coach of U.S. Olympic marathon bronze medallist Molly Seidel. “We met up, had a conversation, and he said he’d be happy to help me get to NYC,” Linkletter says. “By the time we met again, he had mapped out a plan for me. I liked what he had.”

Green is someone Canada’s second fastest marathoner has long respected, going back to their days racing against each other in the NCAA—Linkletter competing for Brigham Young University (BYU) and Green for Georgetown. Now, as a coach-athlete duo, they’re working to fine-tune Linkletter’s strengths for the NYC Marathon in his home of Flagstaff, Ariz.

Moving forward

Training in Flagstaff has become a constant for Linkletter. He’s found a home in the high-altitude environment, which is known for its ideal training conditions. “I love it here,” he says. “It’s one of the best, if not the best, places to train.” With the NYC Marathon on the horizon, Linkletter is content in Flagstaff, but remains open to exploring options that will best prepare him for the future. “Paris was awesome, but I want to be there again in L.A. 2028 and be the best version of myself,” he says.

By then, Linkletter will be 31 years old—what he believes will be his prime—and he’s determined to make every year count as he builds toward the goal.

We are just 10 days away from Canada’s largest race weekend: the 2024 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon. Since 2015, this event has also served as the annual Canadian Marathon Championships. This year’s race will feature everything from former champions and national record holders to rising stars looking to make their mark on the 42.2 km distance.

Here’s your cheat sheet for the men’s and women’s elite fields in Toronto.

Canadian men’s field

Andrew Alexander (Toronto): The 25-year-old former NCAA standout won the 2023 Toronto Waterfront Half-Marathon in 62:44. He is coached by Matt Hughes, the Canadian record holder in the men’s 3,000m steeplechase, and former Canadian marathoner Dave Reid. Alexander is aiming for a sub-2:10 finish at his hometown marathon.

Thomas Broatch (Vancouver): The reigning Canadian marathon champion. He was the first Canadian across the line last year in his marathon debut (2:16:25). Four months later, Broatch took another shot at the distance, lowering his personal best by more than four minutes at the 2024 Houston Marathon (2:11:54).

Justin Kent (Surrey, B.C.): This will be Kent’s first time competing at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon. He ran his PB of 2:13:07 at the 2023 Prague Marathon, earning him a spot on Team Canada’s men’s marathon team for the 2023 World Athletics Championships.

Maxime Leboeuf (Gatineau, Que.): Leboeuf finished third at the 2022 Montreal Marathon in 2:24:25. He’s a former graduate of Queen’s University XC program and an avid cross-country skier.

Kieran McDonald (Halifax): McDonald will be making his marathon debut in Toronto. He ran his half-marathon best of 65:45 at the 2024 Houston Half Marathon in January.

Alex Neuffer (Stratford, P.E.I.): Neuffer ran his PB of 2:21:34 at the 2022 Boston Marathon, finishing as one of the top Canadians. He’s a graduate of St. Francis Xavier University’s XC program and a training partner of Kieran McDonald (see above). 

Thomas Nobbs (Vancouver): The 25-year-old will be running his second-career marathon in Toronto. He made his debut in Philadelphia last fall, running 2:19:13. Nobbs finished just off the podium at the 2024 Canadian 10K Championships, in 29:31. He also finished second at the Canadian Half Marathon Championships in Winnipeg in June.

Sergio Ráez Villanueva (Mississauga, Ont.): Ráez Villanueva has competed at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon for the last two years. He set his best of 2:18:04 here in 2022 (his marathon debut). Ráez Villanueva is self-coached and also coaches youth athletes in his hometown of Mississauga.

Tristan Woodfine (Cobden, Ont.): Coached by former Canadian Olympic marathoner Reid Coolsaet. Woodfine won the half marathon here in 2022. He has the fastest time among Canadian men in the field, with a PB of 2:10:39 from Houston earlier this year.

International men’s field

Elvis Cheboi (Kenya): Cheboi ran his personal best of 2:09:20 to win the 2023 Toronto Waterfront Marathon. (Reigning champion)

Mulugeta Uma (Ethiopia): Uma ran 2:05:33 to win the 2024 Paris Marathon in April. He has the fastest personal best in the men’s field.

Abdi Fufa (Ethiopia): Fufa finished just off the podium at the 2024 Dubai Marathon in January (2:06:23). He ran his PB of 2:05:57 at the Siena Marathon in 2021 (where he was second). The 29-year-old is looking for his first marathon win.

Hailu Zewdu (Ethiopia): The 29-year-old ran his PB of 2:06:31 at the Dubai Marathon in 2020. He has not broken 2:09:00 in his six marathons since.

Gizealew Ayana (Ethiopia): Ayana is the youngest elite athlete in the field–he’s only 21. He ran his PB of 2:07:15 to win the 2023 Paris Marathon in his debut at the distance.

Domenic Ngeno (Kenya): The 26-year-old is the fastest Kenyan marathoner in the Toronto field. He won the 2024 L.A. Marathon in March in 2:11:01. Ngeno’s PB of 2:07:26 was from a podium finish at the 2023 Eindhoven Marathon in the Netherlands.

Noah Kipkemboi (Kenya): A veteran of the marathon distance. The 31-year-old has competed at more than 10 marathons in his career. He podiumed at the Enschede Marathon earlier this year, with a time of 2:09:06. 

Brian Kipsang (Kenya): Kipsang arrives in Toronto fresh off a personal best at the 2024 Milan Marathon in March, where he placed second in 2:07:56. The 30-year-old has finished in the top five at three of his last four races. 

Abe Gashahun (Ethiopia): Gashahun has the fastest half-marathon personal best in the field of 59:46. He’s had success at shorter distances and cross country, but it hasn’t yet translated to the marathon. The 26-year-old ran 2:08:51 earlier this year in Saudi Arabia.

Sydney Gidabuday (U.S.A.): Former member of Adidas Tinman Elite Track Club in Colorado. Gidabuday made his marathon debut on Canadian soil at the 2023 Ottawa Marathon, where he finished ninth. His PB of 2:14:34 was run at the hilly NYC Marathon in 2023.

Yusuf Nadir (U.S.A.): Personal best of 2:15:27 from the 2023 Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth, Minn. He finished 25th at the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in February.

Aidan Reed (U.S.A.): Also made his marathon debut at the 2023 Ottawa Marathon–2:20:23. Reed ran collegiately at Southern Utah University, following in the footsteps of Canadian marathon record holder Cam Levins.

Canadian women’s field

Kate Bazeley (St. John’s, N.L.): The 40-year-old ran her PB of 2:36:35 in Toronto in 2019. Earlier this year, Bazeley represented Team Canada at the World XC Championships in Belgrade, Serbia.

Anne-Marie Comeau (Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges, Que.): The 2018 Canadian (winter) Olympian ran her marathon best of 2:34:51 in Toronto last year, crossing the line as the second Canadian woman.

Asia Dwyer (Toronto): Dwyer ran her personal best of 2:42:45 at the 2023 Toronto Waterfront Marathon last fall. She told Canadian Running in an interview for the November/December 2024 issue of the print magazine that she is looking to smash her previous best.

Rachel Hannah (Port Elgin, Ont.): Hannah was the top Canadian finisher at the 2024 Ottawa Marathon in May. She won a bronze medal for Canada at the 2015 Pan-American Games in Toronto. She ran her personal best of 2:32:09 was at the 2016 Houston Marathon.

Liza Howard (Toronto): Howard told Canadian Running in an interview that her goal is to reach the podium and run a personal best. Howard ran her current personal best of 2:35:29 at the 2022 Chicago Marathon. She has unofficially broken the Canadian women’s 50K record, twice, in her marathon build for this race.

Erin Mawhinney (Hamilton): The 28-year-old runner will be making her marathon debut in Toronto. She is coached by two-time Canadian Olympian Reid Coolsaet. She broke the tape at the Toronto Waterfront Half Marathon last year, running a PB of 1:13:50.

Melissa Paauwe (Calgary). Paauwe is carrying the pride of Calgary into Toronto. She ran her PB of 2:41:12 at the 2023 Chicago marathon, and finished as the top Canadian.

Leslie Sexton (Markham, Ont.): Sexton returns to Toronto to run her hometown marathon. She said she will be trying to qualify for Worlds in Tokyo next year. She set her PB of 2:28:14 at the 2024 Houston Marathon this year, but missed the Olympic standard by two minutes.

Natasha Wodak: (Vancouver) started her marathon career here in 2013 but has not returned until this year; has never won the championship. Her PB of 2:23:12 from the 2022 Berlin Marathon stands as the current Canadian record.

International women’s field

Waganesh Mekasha (Ethiopia): Has a personal best of 2:22:45  from the 2019 Dubai Marathon. The 32-year-old Ethiopian won the 2023 Ottawa Marathon and finished second in Toronto last fall, with a time of 2:23:12.

Afera Godfay (Ethiopia): Godfay finished third behind compatriots Buze Diriba and Mekasha (see above) last year. She has a personal best of 2:22:41 and has finished in the top five in four of her last five marathons.

Roza Dejere (Ethiopia): The 27-year-old Ethiopian has the fastest personal best in the women’s field (2:18:30). She finished fourth in the women’s marathon at the Tokyo Olympic Games. She comes to Toronto as a threat to the course record of 2:22:16, which was set in 2019.

Meseret Gebre (Ethiopia): Gebre hasn’t raced since Toronto last fall, where she finished seventh in 2:29:54. She set her PB of 2:23:11 to win the Barcelona Marathon in 2022.

Valentina Matieko (Kenya): One of two Kenyan women in the international elite field. Matieko comes to Toronto fresh off a personal best earlier this year at the Paris Marathon in April (2:24:21).

Lydia Simiyu (Kenya): Simiyu ran her PB of 2:25:10 earlier this year at the Rome Marathon. She served a six-month doping suspension in 2022 after she tested positive for chlorthalidone after the Poznan Half Marathon in Poland.

Rediet Daniel (Ethiopia): Two top-five finishes in her three professional marathon starts. The 24-year-old Ethiopian ran her personal best of  2:26:25 at the 2024 Doha Marathon in February.

The TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, to be held on Oct. 20, is Canada’s premier running event and the grand finale of the Canada Running Series (CRS). Since 2017, the race has also served as the Athletics Canada marathon championship and Olympic trials.

The 2024 Olympian from Vancouver is breaking barriers for Canadian athletes in the NCAA.

Canadian 3,000m steeplechase record holder and national champion Ceili McCabe has officially become the first Canadian to sign an NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deal, partnering with Swiss athletic brand On.

The Vancouver native, 23, who competes in the NCAA for West Virginia University (WVU) is one of the biggest up-and-coming talents and already has two senior national titles to her name. The agreement caps off an incredible track season, where she ran the steeplechase national record of 9:20.58 and made her Olympic debut in Paris.

“On really stuck out to me because of their experience with international athletes in the NCAA, and the flexibility they had as a brand in terms of individual sponsorships as well as groups post-collegiately,” says McCabe on her decision to sign with On. “It seemed like a brand that would be supportive of finding the best situation [for me] after college.”

The deal marks a significant milestone for Canadian athletes in the NCAA, as they have traditionally faced challenges in securing such partnerships due to student visa restrictions, which prohibit international students from earning money during their studies. With the help of her coach and agent, McCabe was able to meet with a few brands to discuss offers and means of adhering to the requirements of her NCAA eligibility and student visa.

“Technically, I am not allowed to promote the brand in any way,” McCabe said when explaining how her team worked around the terms of her U.S. student visa. “What I can do in the U.S. it is pretty minimal beyond wearing their gear and spikes [depending on whether WVU will allow her to],” she says. “Once at home, I would be able to make posts or repost [On] on my platforms.” Since WVU’s track program is endorsed by Nike, there are still some barriers that need to be addressed when it comes to wearing On’s gear during competition.

McCabe says there is more to the brand deal than simply earning an income. “I think being able to build a relationship with a brand and see how it might work for the future is a benefit,” she says. With aspirations of running professionally, this NIL deal gets her a foot in the door for opportunities to join a professional group following her collegiate career.

She also has big goals as she heads into the 2024 NCAA cross-country season; McCabe is the reigning Canadian cross-country champion, but redshirted (sat out to preserve eligibility) during last year’s NCAA season. In 2021, she finished third overall at the NCAA Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, Fla.