Running News Daily

New Zealand ultra-endurance runner Sophie Woods has etched her name into mountain running history after completing the entire length of the Alps in the fastest time ever recorded, becoming the first person to conquer the legendary route in under 30 days.

The 42-year-old reached the Mediterranean coastline in Monaco on Saturday night, bringing to an end an extraordinary 2,000-kilometre journey along the iconic Via Alpina. Her remarkable crossing took just 29 days, shattering both the overall and women's fastest known times on one of Europe's most demanding long-distance routes.

Woods began her challenge in Trieste, Italy, on July 4 before traversing seven countries—Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein, Switzerland and France—across some of the continent's most rugged and unforgiving mountain terrain.

The scale of the achievement is almost difficult to comprehend. Over the course of the expedition, Woods climbed a cumulative elevation equivalent to ascending Mount Everest 12 times, while covering relentless daily distances through alpine passes, remote trails and rapidly changing weather conditions.

Her record-breaking performance eclipsed the previous overall fastest known time, established by British ultra-runner Jake Catterall in 2024, by an astonishing six days. She also lowered the women's benchmark, previously held by Dutch endurance athlete Tessa Caspers, by nine days, setting a new standard that will be difficult to match.

The journey, however, was far from straightforward. Woods endured a brutal European heatwave, battled powerful mountain storms, navigated around wildfires that forced a five-kilometre detour, and pushed through relentless swarms of horseflies. As the finish drew closer, she made perhaps her greatest sacrifice—cutting her sleep to as little as 90 minutes to two-and-a-half hours per night to ensure the record remained within reach.

Despite the physical exhaustion, the New Zealander refused to let adversity slow her pursuit of history. Her resilience, meticulous planning and unwavering determination carried her across one of the world's toughest mountain traverses at a pace never before achieved.

Moments after reaching Monaco, the magnitude of the accomplishment began to sink in.

"I can't believe I did it. I am ecstatic but knackered."

With her unforgettable 29-day crossing, Sophie Woods has not only rewritten the record books but also delivered one of the most remarkable endurance performances the ultra-running world has witnessed, raising the bar for future athletes dreaming of conquering the Alps.

Forty years after her mother etched her name into Commonwealth Games history, Eilish McColgan was poised to write the next chapter of one of Scottish athletics' most cherished family legacies. Instead, Glasgow 2026 was remembered for the race she never got to run.

The defending Commonwealth 10,000m champion had been forced to withdraw from the Games after suffering a fractured foot, bringing months of anticipation to a heartbreaking end. What had been expected to become one of the defining moments of the athletics programme instead became one of its greatest disappointments.

For Scotland, it was a heartbreaking blow. For McColgan, it was the cruel interruption of a dream that carried far greater meaning than simply defending a title.

Back in 1986, at the Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh, Liz McColgan won the women's 10,000m gold on home soil, producing one of the most memorable victories in Scottish athletics history. She successfully defended her title four years later at the 1990 Commonwealth Games in Auckland, New Zealand, becoming a two-time Commonwealth 10,000m champion and cementing her place among the greatest distance runners in the history of the Games. Forty years after that first triumph in Edinburgh, Eilish had been presented with the rare opportunity to defend the same title on home soil, wearing the same Scottish colours and hoping to continue one of Scottish athletics' most remarkable family legacies.

It was a remarkable sporting symmetry: mother and daughter, the same event, the same nation, separated by four decades.

But elite sport rarely followed the script.

McColgan had spoken throughout the season about how much those Games had meant to her. Returning to Glasgow, where Scottish athletics had enjoyed some of its greatest modern moments, and defending a title that connected directly to her family's legacy had become one of the defining ambitions of her season.

Instead, injury had the final word.

A fractured foot ruled her out of the competition, leaving the women's 10,000m final at Scotstoun Stadium without its defending champion and without the athlete many believed would provide the emotional centrepiece of the championships.

There was still a Commonwealth champion crowned, and medals were awarded in one of nine athletics finals at Scotstoun. Yet McColgan's absence inevitably changed the atmosphere, removing the storyline that had captured the imagination of Scottish fans long before the opening gun.

For the home crowd, the disappointment extended far beyond the loss of a medal contender. They did not witness the continuation of a family story that had spanned generations, linking Edinburgh 1986 with Glasgow 2026 through one remarkable surname.

For McColgan, the season became one of rebuilding rather than defending her Commonwealth crown. Her immediate focus shifted from chasing another gold medal to recovering fully and ensuring the injury did not define the next chapter of her career.

Athletics has always celebrated stories of resilience as much as victory. Although Glasgow moved forward without its hometown favourite on the start line, few doubted that Eilish McColgan would return stronger.

Sometimes the race everyone remembered was not the one that was won, but the one that never had the chance to begin.

The stage is set for one of the most eagerly anticipated races of the 2026 Commonwealth Games after Scottish star Josh Kerr delivered both a commanding performance and a powerful warning to his rivals.

Moments after comfortably booking his place in Saturday night's men's mile final, Kerr summed up what everyone can expect with just five words: "It's going to be a war."

The reigning world-class miler looked relaxed and in complete control as he claimed victory in Heat 1 of the Men's One Mile Round 1, crossing the line in 3:58.57 to secure automatic qualification for the final. While the winning time was well within his capabilities, Kerr's composed display sent a strong message to the rest of the field that he is ready to fight for Commonwealth gold.

However, the fastest performance of the opening round belonged to Australia's Cameron Myers, who produced an impressive 3:53.85 to win Heat 2 and top the qualifying times. Myers' blistering run underlined the exceptional quality of the field and added another major contender to what is already shaping up to be a thrilling championship final.

Kenya's Timothy Cheruiyot, a former world champion and one of the most accomplished middle-distance runners of his generation, stayed close throughout Heat 1 before finishing second in 3:58.98, comfortably sealing his own place in the final. New Zealand's Samuel Tanner completed the top three in 3:59.31, also advancing to Saturday night's showdown.

Competing in front of a passionate home crowd at Scotstoun Stadium, Kerr soaked in every moment. Over the closing stages, he acknowledged the roaring Scottish supporters, urging them to raise the volume even higher as he surged down the home straight. It was a fitting celebration between athlete and fans, with the biggest challenge still lying ahead.

Saturday night's final promises to be a spectacular occasion, and Scotland will have twice the firepower in the battle for gold. Joining Kerr on the start line will be fellow Scot Jake Wightman, giving the host nation two genuine medal contenders capable of producing an unforgettable performance on home soil.

The men's mile final is already shaping up to be one of the standout events of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. With Myers entering as the fastest qualifier, Kerr carrying the hopes of the home nation, Cheruiyot bringing his championship experience, Wightman adding another formidable Scottish challenge, and a field packed with world-class talent, the race promises tactical brilliance, relentless pace, and a dramatic fight all the way to the finish.

If Kerr's prediction is anything to go by, spectators are about to witness a true middle-distance classic.

Kenya emphatically reaffirmed its status as the undisputed powerhouse of the men's 3000m steeplechase by producing a sensational podium clean sweep at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. In a commanding display of tactical brilliance, endurance, and finishing speed, Edmund Serem, Simon Kiprop Koech, and Leonard Kipkemoi Bett shut out the rest of the field to secure all three medals in one of Kenya's most treasured athletics events.

The Kenyan trio remained patient through the early stages before steadily increasing the pace over the closing laps. As the race reached its decisive moments, they broke clear of the chasing pack, leaving reigning world champion Geordie Beamish of New Zealand and the rest of the field unable to match their relentless surge.

Edmund Serem produced the winning move over the final barriers, powering away in the closing metres to capture the Commonwealth title in 8:18.23. Simon Kiprop Koech, who had led the race at the bell, battled all the way to the finish and claimed the silver medal in 8:18.59, while Leonard Kipkemoi Bett completed the historic sweep with bronze in 8:21.63, ensuring an unforgettable day for Team Kenya.

The achievement marks one of Kenya's defining moments of the Glasgow Games and restores the nation's complete dominance in an event that has long been synonymous with Kenyan distance running excellence. It also serves as a powerful response to the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, where India's Avinash Sable ended Kenya's remarkable run of podium sweeps by winning the silver medal. Four years later, Serem, Koech, and Bett emphatically returned the men's steeplechase podium entirely to Kenyan hands, reaffirming the country's unrivalled legacy in the discipline.

Behind the Kenyan trio, reigning world champion Geordie Beamish finished fourth in 8:24.09, while Canada's Jean-Simon Desgagnes and Aaron Ahl placed fifth and sixth respectively. England's Kristian Imroth and Mark Pearce completed the top eight.

Men's 3000m Steeplechase Final – Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

1. Edmund Serem (Kenya) — 8:18.23

2. Simon Kiprop Koech (Kenya) — 8:18.59

3. Leonard Kipkemoi Bett (Kenya) — 8:21.63

4. Geordie Beamish (New Zealand) — 8:24.09

5. Jean-Simon Desgagnes (Canada) — 8:25.43

6. Aaron Ahl (Canada) — 8:31.71

7. Kristian Imroth (England) — 8:38.12

8. Mark Pearce (England) — 8:42.39

The performance once again highlighted the extraordinary depth of Kenya's steeplechase talent, proving that a new generation is ready to carry forward one of the nation's greatest traditions in global athletics. Their flawless execution, unwavering composure, and dominant finish left no doubt that Kenya remains the standard bearer in the men's 3000m steeplechase.

The wait is over. The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games officially begin today, marking the start of one of the biggest celebrations of sport across the Commonwealth—and with it comes the return of one of athletics' most iconic events.

For the first time in 60 years, the mile will once again be contested at the Commonwealth Games, with both the men's and women's races featuring on the programme. Its return revives a historic distance that has produced some of the sport's most unforgettable moments.

The mile last appeared at the 1966 Commonwealth Games in Kingston, Jamaica, where Kenya's legendary Kip Keino delivered a performance for the ages. He stormed to gold in a Games record of 3:55.34, leading one of the greatest mile races in Commonwealth history as the top six finishers all broke the prestigious four-minute barrier.

England's Alan Simpson claimed the silver medal in 3:57.27, while New Zealand's Ian Studd completed the podium with 3:58.61, highlighting the extraordinary quality of the competition.

As Glasgow 2026 gets underway today, a new generation of middle-distance stars will have the opportunity to add their names to that rich legacy. The return of the mile not only celebrates the event's remarkable history but also introduces the classic distance to a new era of Commonwealth competition.

For Kenya, the revival carries special meaning. Kip Keino's victory remains one of the nation's defining moments on the Commonwealth stage, and the return of the mile offers another chance for Kenyan athletes to chase glory in an event that has long symbolized excellence in middle-distance running.

Sixty years after it last graced the Commonwealth Games, the mile is back—and as Glasgow 2026 begins today, another chapter in its storied history is about to be written.

Some moments in sport transcend generations. They remind us that while records may fall, the spirit of greatness never fades. One such moment unfolded when legendary New Zealand coach Arch Jelley watched Josh Kerr produce a breathtaking 3:42.66 mile world record—not from the stands, but from his bed, sharing the historic occasion with his former athlete, 1988 Olympian Christine Pfitzinger, herself once New Zealand's mile and 1500m record holder.

For most fans, Kerr's astonishing performance was simply another unforgettable chapter in the evolution of middle-distance running. For Jelley, however, it was something far more profound. It was a bridge between two eras separated by more than half a century, connecting the glorious past he helped shape with the remarkable future he lived long enough to witness.

As he approaches his 104th birthday on August 13, Jelley has seen the mile transformed in ways few people ever will. Long before modern technology, advanced sports science and super shoes reshaped the event, he guided one of athletics' greatest pioneers.

On August 12, 1975, in Gothenburg, Sweden, Jelley coached Sir John Walker to a revolutionary 3:49.4, making him the first man in history to break the seemingly impossible 3:50 barrier for the mile. It was a performance that changed the sport forever and cemented Walker's place among the all-time greats. Less than a year later, Walker crowned that success by winning the Olympic 1500m gold medal at the 1976 Montreal Games, fulfilling the promise of one of the finest coach-athlete partnerships athletics has ever known.

Yet Walker was only one chapter in Jelley's extraordinary coaching legacy.

Across more than six decades, the master coach nurtured and inspired countless elite middle- and long-distance runners, earning a reputation for developing athletes through patience, wisdom and an unwavering belief in their potential. Even retirement could not keep him away from the sport he loved. At the remarkable age of 93, Jelley returned to coaching to help Hamish Carson qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, proving that passion for excellence has no expiration date.

Now, more than fifty years after witnessing Walker redefine what was possible, Jelley has watched another runner push the boundaries of human performance. Josh Kerr's magnificent 3:42.66 was not merely a new world record—it was another milestone in the endless pursuit of greatness, one observed by a man who has devoted almost an entire lifetime to that very journey.

There is something beautifully symbolic about the scene: a coach who once stood trackside guiding history now watching a new generation rewrite it through the lens of modern technology. The setting may have changed, but the emotion remains the same.

Few people in athletics can claim to have witnessed the evolution of the mile from the dawn of the sub-3:50 era to today's astonishing world-record performances. Arch Jelley can.

His life is more than a coaching story—it is a living timeline of the mile itself. From John Walker's historic breakthrough in 1975 to Josh Kerr's record-shattering masterpiece in 2026, Jelley has remained a constant witness to the relentless pursuit of human excellence, proving that while champions come and go, the love of the sport endures across every generation.

The spotlight of the athletics world will shine brightly on Morocco this weekend as hometown hero Soufiane El Bakkali prepares to headline a blockbuster men’s 3000m steeplechase at the Rabat Diamond League on May 31.

The double Olympic champion returns to familiar territory carrying the hopes of an entire nation, with thousands expected to pack the stadium in anticipation of another unforgettable performance from Morocco’s greatest distance-running star of his generation. Whenever El Bakkali races on home soil, the atmosphere transforms into something far beyond a regular Diamond League meeting — a celebration of national pride, excellence, and sporting passion.

After cementing his legacy on the global stage with Olympic glory and multiple world titles, El Bakkali now faces one of the strongest steeplechase fields assembled this season. The Moroccan ace will lead an elite international lineup featuring some of the most dangerous names in world distance running, setting the stage for a fiercely competitive showdown in Rabat.

Among the top challengers is Ethiopia’s Samuel Firewu, whose aggressive racing style and finishing speed make him a serious contender over the barriers. Kenya will also arrive heavily represented with Olympic medalist Abraham Kibiwot, rising talent Edmund Serem, and the experienced Simon Kiprop Koech all chasing a major Diamond League victory.

The international depth continues with New Zealand star Geordie Beamish, Spain’s Daniel Arce, Germany’s Frederik Ruppert, France’s Djilali Bedrani and Alexis Miellet, Tunisia’s Mohamed Amin Jhinaoui, and American athlete Matthew Wilkinson. Morocco will also have additional home support through Salah Eddine Ben Yazide, adding even more local excitement to the event.

Despite the world-class opposition, the spotlight will remain firmly fixed on El Bakkali. The Moroccan icon has become synonymous with dominance in the steeplechase, ending years of Kenyan supremacy in the event and inspiring a new generation of North African athletes through his remarkable consistency on the biggest stages.

Rabat’s Diamond League meeting has steadily grown into one of the most electrifying stops on the international athletics calendar, and this year’s steeplechase could become one of the defining races of the season. With Olympic champions, global medalists, and emerging stars all sharing the same start line, fans can expect a tactical and high-intensity contest from the opening lap.

For Morocco, however, this race means more than points or rankings. It represents the return of a national hero whose achievements have elevated the country’s status in world athletics. As the crowd roars inside the stadium on Sunday, El Bakkali will once again carry the weight of expectation — and the energy of an entire nation behind him.

If history is any indication, Rabat may be about to witness another magical chapter in the remarkable career of Soufiane El Bakkali.

On this day—April 8, 1978—the world of athletics witnessed a performance of rare brilliance in Berkeley, as Kenya’s Henry Rono produced one of the most iconic runs in distance running history.

Rono surged to a stunning 13:08.4 in the 5000 metres, setting a new world record and announcing himself as a dominant force on the global stage. In doing so, he erased the previous mark of 13:12.9 set by New Zealand’s Dick Quax in Stockholm less than a year earlier. The margin—4.5 seconds—was enormous at that level, underlining just how extraordinary Rono’s run truly was.

Yet, this historic performance was only the opening chapter of an astonishing streak.

Within the following ten weeks, Rono would achieve what few athletes in history have come close to matching—breaking four world records across different distance events. Alongside his 5000m triumph, he set new global standards in the 3000 metres steeplechase, 10,000 metres, and 3000 metres, showcasing unmatched endurance, versatility, and dominance.

His 5000m time in Berkeley would go on to stand the test of time in remarkable fashion, remaining the outdoor collegiate record for 44 years until finally being surpassed in 2022—an enduring symbol of its greatness.

Today, we remember not just a record-breaking run, but a defining moment that reshaped distance running. Henry Rono’s legacy continues to inspire generations, a testament to the heights that can be reached through talent, courage, and relentless pursuit of excellence.

The curtain has fallen on a thrilling three days of elite competition at the World Athletics Indoor Championships Kujawy Pomorze 2026, and the final medal table tells a compelling story of dominance, depth, and rising global ambition. Staged in Poland, the championship delivered electrifying performances across track and field, culminating in a decisive victory for the United States, whose supremacy was reflected not just in gold, but in remarkable overall consistency.

American Mastery: Depth Beyond Gold

The United States topped the standings with an impressive haul of 18 medals (5 gold, 7 silver, 6 bronze)—a testament to their unmatched squad depth. Rather than relying on a handful of standout victories, the Americans showcased strength across multiple disciplines, consistently placing athletes on the podium. It was a campaign built on balance, resilience, and a culture of excellence that continues to define their global athletics presence.

British Efficiency: Gold-Focused Brilliance

In second place, Great Britain and Northern Ireland delivered a sharply efficient performance, collecting 4 gold medals without a single silver or bronze. Their strategy was clear—peak for victory. Each triumph carried weight, highlighting a system finely tuned for championship success rather than medal volume.

Italy’s Balanced Rise

Finishing third, Italy demonstrated both quality and depth with 3 gold and 2 silver medals. The Italians have steadily evolved into a formidable indoor force, and their presence near the top signals a sustained upward trajectory in European athletics.

Europe’s Stronghold

The championships saw a powerful showing from across Europe. Portugal and Ukraine shared fourth place with identical tallies of 2 gold and 1 silver each, while Spain impressed with a well-rounded 5 medals (1 gold, 2 silver, 2 bronze).

Further down the table, nations like Netherlands, Belgium, and host nation Poland added to Europe’s dominance, each contributing meaningful podium finishes that underscored the continent’s competitive depth.

Global Contenders Hold Their Ground

Beyond Europe and North America, several nations made their presence felt. Canada secured two medals, while New Zealand and Sweden each claimed a gold and a bronze.

In the Caribbean, Bahamas and Cuba each captured gold, maintaining their tradition of producing explosive talent on the global stage. Meanwhile, Jamaica collected four medals—though notably without gold—hinting at fierce competition in sprint events.

Emerging Nations and Historic Moments

The medal table also reflected the growing inclusivity of global athletics. Countries such as Greece, Mexico, Serbia, and Slovenia each celebrated podium finishes, marking significant milestones for their programs.

Nations like Algeria, Colombia, Senegal, and Trinidad and Tobago also secured bronze medals, proving that the competitive landscape continues to widen with every championship.

A Championship Defined by Depth and Diversity

What set Kujawy Pomorze 2026 apart was not just the medal count, but the distribution. With dozens of nations reaching the podium, the event showcased athletics as a truly global sport—where opportunity, preparation, and belief converge on the world stage.

As the lights dim on this edition of the indoor championships, one truth stands clear: while the United States remains the benchmark of consistency, the gap is narrowing. Across continents, nations are rising, systems are improving, and the race for supremacy is becoming ever more unpredictable.

The road to the next global showdown has already begun—and if Kujawy Pomorze 2026 is any indication, the future of athletics promises even greater drama, diversity, and brilliance.

The streets of Los Angeles will once again come alive with the rhythm of pounding footsteps as the 2026 edition of the Los Angeles Marathon takes place on Sunday, March 8 in California, United States. One of the most celebrated road races in America returns with thousands of runners and a competitive international elite field ready to battle across the iconic 42.195-kilometer distance.

Race morning will begin early under Pacific Standard Time, with the professional wheelchair and handcycle athletes launching the action at 6:30 AM, followed by the elite men and women at 6:40 AM, before the main field of thousands of runners begins at 7:00 AM. For fans across Africa, the marathon unfolds later in the day, starting at 4:00 PM in West Africa, 5:00 PM in South and Central Africa, and 6:00 PM in East Africa.

Across Europe, Asia, and Oceania, fans will also be able to follow the race live as the 7:00 AM PST main start of the Los Angeles Marathon translates to 5:00 PM in Western Europe (including the United Kingdom and Portugal), 6:00 PM in Central Europe (such as France, Germany, Spain, and Italy), and 7:00 PM in Eastern Europe (including Greece, Finland, and Romania). In Asia, the race will begin at 9:30 PM in India, 11:00 PM in China, Singapore, and the Philippines, and midnight on March 9 in Japan and South Korea. For viewers in Oceania, the marathon will start at 2:00 AM on March 9 in Eastern Australia and 4:00 AM in New Zealand, meaning dedicated fans there will be watching the action unfold deep into the night. 

Defending champions return determined to protect their crowns. Ethiopia’s Tejinesh Tulu arrives aiming to repeat her triumph from last year, while American marathoner Matthew Richtman will attempt to defend the men’s title on home soil. Both champions face deeper and stronger fields this time, setting the stage for an unpredictable and highly competitive contest.

The women’s race features a strong East African presence led by Kenya’s Vicoty Chepngeno, who holds the fastest personal best in the field at 2:19:55. Ethiopia’s experienced campaigner Atsede Bayisa, with a best of 2:22:03, also arrives as a major contender, while Kenya’s Antonina Kwambai and Ethiopia’s Almaz Kemsi add further depth to a field capable of producing a fierce battle for the podium. The race also includes American hopes such as Kellyn Taylor and Makenna Myler, both looking to challenge the traditionally dominant East African runners. Meanwhile, defending champion Tejinesh Tulu remains a serious threat despite not owning the fastest personal best, as championship races often reward patience, tactical awareness, and strength in the closing kilometers.

The men’s contest promises equal intensity. Kenya’s Dominic Ngeno leads the field on paper with a personal best of 2:06:35, positioning him as one of the main favorites if the race develops at a fast pace. Defending champion Matthew Richtman will look to repeat his success, but he faces stiff competition from Ethiopia’s Abdela Godana and Kenya’s Michael Kimani Kamau, both capable of pushing the pace deep into the race. Eritrea’s Tesfu Tewelde, Sweden’s David Nilsson, and Kenya’s Athanas Kioko also enter the race with the potential to disrupt the favorites and deliver breakthrough performances.

Weather conditions could play a decisive role in how the race unfolds. Forecasts suggest that warm temperatures may already be present from the start, meaning the marathon could evolve into a tactical contest rather than a purely fast one. In such situations, pacing discipline, hydration, and the ability to surge late in the race often become the decisive factors.

With elite runners from Kenya, Ethiopia, the United States, Eritrea, and Europe lining up alongside thousands of passionate participants, the 2026 edition of the Los Angeles Marathon promises an exciting blend of global rivalry and personal ambition. As the sun rises over Los Angeles, champions will defend their titles, challengers will chase career-defining victories, and thousands of runners will set out on a journey toward one unforgettable finish line.

In elite running, breakthrough moments rarely happen in isolation. For 16-year-old middle-distance prodigy Sam Ruthe, a record-breaking 2025–2026 season has been powered by a support system that starts at home. Behind his historic performances stands a multi-generational family of champions whose shared passion for the sport has shaped one of the most promising careers in New Zealand athletics.

A Household of Champions

The Ruthe name is synonymous with success on the track. Sam grew up in an environment where active movement was a way of life, guided by parents and grandparents who reached the pinnacle of the sport.

• Daisy Ruthe (Sister): At just 14 years old, Daisy is already carving her own path. In February 2026, she won the New Zealand Under-20 3000m title at the Porritt Classic, finishing in 9:46.56 as the youngest athlete in the field. Her friendly rivalry with Sam serves as a mutual motivator for both siblings.
• Ben and Jessica Ruthe (Parents): Both are former national champions. Ben won the Auckland Marathon in 2008, while Jessica(née Wright) was a multiple national champion across distances from 1500m to 10,000m and a four-time World Cross-Country representative. Today, they balance Sam’s training and logistics with a focus on his long-term wellbeing.
• Trevor and Rosemary Wright(Grandparents): The family’s elite lineage extends to the Olympic level. Rosemary Stirling won 800m Gold at the 1970 Commonwealth Games, and Trevor Wrightearned a Silver Medal in the marathon at the 1971 European Championships.

Sam Ruthe’s 2025–2026 Statistical Breakthroughs

Sam’s recent "Golden Run" has seen him shatter records previously held by legends like Sir John Walker and Jakob Ingebrigtsen. By February 2026, he achieved the "U20 Grand Slam," holding every New Zealand U20 record from the 800m to the 5000m.

Looking Ahead: The Road to Glasgow and LA '28

Sam’s record-breaking mile in Boston—clocking 3:48.88—has officially placed him in contention for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. While he remains a junior athlete, his father Ben and coach Craig Kirkwood are focused on providing him with international experience as a stepping stone toward the 

2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

With his career still developing, one thing is clear: Sam's journey has never been a solo effort. Behind the times and the medals stands a family that set the foundation, including a sister who is hot on his heels.

The record books do not often bend to the will of one athlete — especially not one still in his mid-teens. Yet at just 16 years old, Sam Ruthe has accomplished something extraordinary, rewriting every New Zealand Under-20 record from 800 metres through to 5000 metres in a sweep that signals both precocious brilliance and rare competitive maturity.

What makes this achievement truly staggering is not merely the collection of records, but the age at which it has been done. Most athletes are only beginning to discover their strengths at sixteen. Ruthe, by contrast, is already redefining national standards across a spectrum of distances that demand completely different physiological and tactical qualities — from raw speed to sustained endurance.

His national U20 marks now stand as follows:

800 metres: 1:45.86

1000 metres: 2:17.82

1500 metres: 3:33.25

Mile: 3:48.88

3000 metres: 7:43.16

5000 metres: 13:40.48

Together, these performances form more than a statistical collection; they represent a statement. Ruthe is not simply winning races — he is reshaping expectations. Each record has felt like another jewel being added to a crown that continues to grow brighter with every outing.

Such versatility at such a young age often hints at even greater potential ahead. The ability to excel from two laps of the track to twelve and a half suggests deep aerobic foundations combined with elite speed — a combination that frequently underpins future senior success on the world stage.

In an era where global middle-distance running is evolving rapidly, Ruthe’s emergence arrives at a compelling moment. His achievements do not merely place him among the best young athletes in New Zealand; they position him among the most exciting teenage prospects internationally.

Records can be broken. Expectations can be surpassed. But rewriting an entire national age-group range at sixteen years old sends a different message altogether — one that echoes far beyond the finish line. A new star is rising, and the future of New Zealand distance running suddenly looks dazzlingly bright.

One of the most anticipated mile races of the decade is taking shape as Olympic champion Cole Hocker prepares to face two of the fastest young milers in history—Australia’s Cameron Myers and New Zealand’s Sam Ruthe—at the Bowerman Mile during the 2026 Nike Prefontaine Classic at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon.

The Bowerman Mile, widely regarded as the most prestigious mile race in the world, has long served as the stage where legends are made. In 2026, it will bring together a reigning Olympic champion at the peak of his powers and two teenage sensations who are redefining what is possible for young athletes.

The Olympic Champion: Cole Hocker’s Next Mission

Cole Hocker enters the race as one of the most accomplished middle-distance runners in the world. The American captured the gold medal in the 1500 meters at the 2024 Olympic Games, confirming his position among the sport’s elite. He followed that performance by winning the 2025 World Championship title over 5000 meters, demonstrating both speed and endurance at the highest level.

Hocker’s personal best of 3:47.43 for the mile, set at the 2025 Prefontaine Classic, ranks him among the fastest milers in American history. Despite his success, one major prize has eluded him—the Bowerman Mile title. His best finish so far has been fifth place, but with his experience and championship pedigree, he arrives in Eugene determined to change that.

Cameron Myers: Australia’s Rising Star

At just 19 years old, Cameron Myers has already established himself as one of the most exciting talents in global middle-distance running. He became the youngest-ever winner of the Wanamaker Mile and holds the world U20 record of 3:47.48, placing him within striking distance of the best senior athletes in history.

Myers has already faced Hocker three times in his career, with each meeting coming in the Bowerman Mile. Although Hocker finished ahead on those occasions, Myers continues to close the gap and arrives in 2026 with greater strength, confidence, and experience.

His aggressive racing style and fearless approach make him a serious contender—not just for a personal best, but for victory.

Sam Ruthe: Breaking Barriers at an Unprecedented Age

New Zealand’s Sam Ruthe represents the future of the mile. At just 15 years old, he broke the legendary four-minute barrier, an achievement that had once seemed impossible for an athlete so young. He now holds the world U18 best of 3:48.88, placing him among the fastest teenagers ever.

While Ruthe has not yet faced Hocker in direct competition, he has raced Myers twice, with Myers holding a 2–0 advantage. However, those encounters were not contested over the mile, leaving the Bowerman Mile as the stage for their first true test at the full distance.

Ruthe’s rapid progression suggests he is not merely participating—he is arriving as a legitimate competitor

Hayward Field: The Perfect Stage for History

There is no better venue for this generational clash than Hayward Field. Known globally as “TrackTown USA,” Eugene’s iconic stadium has witnessed countless historic performances. The Bowerman Mile has produced some of the fastest times ever recorded, including multiple sub-3:45 performances and dramatic finishes that have defined careers.

The combination of elite pacemaking, perfect conditions, and an electrified crowd creates an environment where barriers fall and legends emerge.

A Race That Represents the Future of the Mile

The 2026 Bowerman Mile represents more than a single race—it symbolizes a passing of the torch between generations. Hocker stands as the established champion, proven on the Olympic stage. Myers represents the new wave of elite global talent already knocking on the door of greatness. Ruthe embodies the sport’s future, a teenager already performing at a level once reserved for seasoned professionals.

The convergence of these three athletes ensures that the Bowerman Mile at the 2026 Prefontaine Classic will be one of the defining races of the year—and perhaps one of the most significant mile races of the modern era.

At Hayward Field, where history has been written time and again, the mile’s next great chapter is ready to unfold.

Sixteen-year-old Sam Ruthe of New Zealand has delivered one of the most remarkable middle-distance performances in recent memory, clocking 3:53.83 for the mile — the fastest mile ever run by a 16-year-old.

Ruthe’s time eclipses the previous age-16 best of 3:55.44, set by Australian standout Cameron Myers in 2023, and firmly establishes the young Kiwi as one of the most exciting prospects in global athletics.

Beyond the age-group significance, Ruthe’s performance carries even greater weight. His 3:53.83 places him inside the top 20 on the world U20 all-time mile list, a benchmark typically reserved for athletes several years older and far more physically mature.

Running under control and with impressive composure, Ruthe showed a blend of speed, efficiency, and tactical awareness rarely seen at such a young age. The time signals not just raw talent, but a level of development that suggests long-term potential on the international stage.

New Zealand has a rich middle-distance tradition, and Ruthe’s breakthrough adds another chapter to that legacy. While patience and careful progression will be key, performances like this inevitably draw comparisons with the sport’s great teenage prodigies — athletes who went on to shape the future of distance running.

For now, the numbers speak loudly:

3:53.83. Age 16. World best.

The running world will be watching closely to see what comes next.

The 47th Türkiye İş Bankası Istanbul Marathon takes place this Sunday, November 2, 2025, drawing top international athletes to one of the world’s most scenic and competitive races. A World Athletics Gold Label event, the marathon is famous for its cross-continental course that starts in Asia, crosses the Bosphorus Bridge, and finishes in Europe.

Elite Headliners

Defending champion Dejene Debela and fellow Ethiopian Tigst Getnet lead this year’s elite fields. Debela’s personal best is 2:05:46, while Getnet’s stands at 2:23:17. Both are eager to add another title to Ethiopia’s long tradition of marathon dominance.

The men’s and women’s races are deep with talent. Half a dozen men have run between 2:05:30 and 2:09:00, and six women enter with times under 2:26:00. Around 6,000 marathoners will race the full distance, joined by tens of thousands more in shorter events — totaling over 42,000 runners.

“Since Istanbul is a candidate for the 2036 Olympic Games, our marathon has an important role to play,” said Race Director Bilge Donuk.

The Men’s Race

Dejene Debela returns to defend his title after winning in windy conditions last year. “It was very windy last year, so this time I hope for a much faster time,” he said. The 30-year-old Ethiopian, who trains in Addis Ababa, set his PB of 2:05:46 in Chicago (2019) and has since overcome injuries that slowed his progress.

Organizers expect pacemakers to target 63:30–63:45 at halfway — a pace Debela says fits his goal. He has raced sparingly this year, dropping out of the Wuxi Marathon in March as a precaution but now says he feels “ready to defend my title.”

Among his challengers are Rhonzas Kilimo (KEN, 2:06:09) and Ethiopia’s Sufaro Woliyi, just 22, who impressed with a 2:07:19 debut in Xiamen. Kenya’s Benard Kipkorir, fourth here last year, recently clocked 2:08:12 in Chongqing and could also contend.

Kenya’s Denis Chirchir was forced to withdraw with a stress fracture, while New Zealand’s Jake Robertson is sidelined by injury.

The Women’s Race

Two Ethiopian training partners — Tigst Getnet and Sofia Assefa — headline the women’s field. Both train under Kirubel Damtew in Addis Ababa. Getnet’s best is 2:23:17, while Assefa’s stands at 2:23:33.

Sofia Assefa, 37, is a former world-class steeplechaser who won Olympic silver in 2012 and World Championship bronze in 2013. After a promising marathon debut in Amsterdam, she placed second in Copenhagen this May with 2:26:21 and says she’s now in even better form.

Her training partner Tigst Getnet, 15 years younger, has already completed six marathons. Her debut in Dubai (2023) remains her best, and she’ll look to return to that level in Istanbul.

Other notable contenders include Yenenesh Tilahun Dinkesa (2:24:09), Letebrhan Gebreslasea (2:24:47), and Roman Gidey (2:25:22), who ran two strong marathons within two weeks in Guangzhou last year. Kenya’s rising 21-year-old Joan Kilimo (2:25:32 debut in Milan) leads the Kenyan challenge.

Defending champion Ruth Jebet has withdrawn to compete in the Islamic Solidarity Games next week in Riyadh.

Top Elite Runners and Personal Bests

Men

Dejene Debela (ETH) – 2:05:46

Rhonzas Kilimo (KEN) – 2:06:09

Sufaro Woliyi (ETH) – 2:07:19

Benard Kipkorir (KEN) – 2:08:12

Isaac Too (KEN) – 2:08:45

Charles Mneria (KEN) – 2:08:54

Hillary Kipchumba (KEN) – 2:09:53

Women

Tigst Getnet (ETH) – 2:23:17

Sofia Assefa (ETH) – 2:23:33

Yenenesh Tilahun Dinkesa (ETH) – 2:24:09

Letebrhan Gebreslasea (ETH) – 2:24:47

Roman Gidey (ETH) – 2:25:22

Joan Kilimo (KEN) – 2:25:32

Defending champions Dejene Debela of Ethiopia and Ruth Jebet of Bahrain are set to return for the Türkiye İş Bankası Istanbul Marathon on November 2. Both claimed victory last year in windy conditions and will be hoping for calmer weather to chase faster times this year.

Now in its 47th edition, Türkiye’s premier marathon continues to hold World Athletics Gold Labelstatus—an honor it has maintained without interruption since 2012, making it one of the longest-standing Gold Label races worldwide.

 Organizers from Spor Istanbul have already registered 42,000 participants, including shorter-distance races, with around 6,000 runners tackling the full marathon. The unique course begins on the Asian side of Istanbul, crosses the July 15 Martyrs Bridge, and finishes in the historic old city near the Blue Mosque. Registration remains open until October 14 at maraton.istanbul. 

“We are delighted to be organizing the Türkiye İş Bankası Istanbul Marathon, the world’s only intercontinental marathon, for the 47th time,” said Race Director Bilge Donuk. “The participation of defending champions clearly demonstrates the prestige and consistency of this race. Istanbul will, as always, offer participants a truly exceptional marathon experience on an international level.”

Men’s Race

Debela, 30, bounced back from injury last year to win in 2:11:40, the biggest triumph of his career. With a personal best of 2:05:46 from Chicago 2019, he enters as the fastest man on the start list.

His main challengers include:

• Rhonzas Kilimo (Kenya) – PB 2:06:09, runner-up in Seoul 2024.

• Denis Chirchir (Kenya) – PB 2:07:17, winner in Kosice 2024, trained by renowned coach Renato Canova.

• Amanal Petros (Germany) – fresh off a silver medal at the World Championships in Tokyo, and a close training partner of Chirchir.

• Jake Robertson (New Zealand) – PB 2:08:26, returning from injuries but still a dangerous contender.

Women’s Race

Defending champion Ruth Jebet dominated last year with a 2:24:45 win—nearly nine minutes ahead of the field—despite tough winds. The 2016 Olympic steeplechase champion and former world record holder holds a marathon best of 2:23:08 and is targeting sub-2:20 in Istanbul.

Her challengers include:

• Tigst Getnet (Ethiopia) – PB 2:23:17, 5th in Dubai 2023.

• Sofia Assefa (Ethiopia) – PB 2:23:33, Olympic steeplechase silver medalist behind Jebet in 2016, now meeting her rival on the roads for the first time.

With strong returning champions and formidable challengers, Istanbul once again promises a world-class marathon staged in one of the most spectacular settings in global road running.

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.

Tokyo, September 15, 2025 — New Zealand’s Geordie Beamish produced one of the most dramatic victories of the World Athletics Championships, storming to gold in the men’s 3000m steeplechase. His winning time of 8:33.88 edged Morocco’s reigning champion Soufiane El Bakkali by just 0.07 seconds, with 17-year-old Kenyan Edmund Serem taking bronze in 8:34.56 .

This is a breakthrough moment for New Zealand athletics: the nation’s first-ever outdoor World Championships track gold .

A Tactical Race Decided at the Line

The steeplechase final unfolded at a controlled pace, leaving the medals to be decided in the closing laps. El Bakkali, a two-time Olympic and world champion, looked ready to add another title. But Beamish, renowned for his devastating kick, stayed composed.

On the last lap, he surged through the field, matching El Bakkali stride for stride. Off the final water jump, Beamish unleashed one last burst of speed. In a thrilling lean at the line, he dethroned one of the event’s greats.

A fall and a spike in the heats 

Beamish’s victory was even more remarkable considering his rough path to the final. In his qualifying heat, he fell heavily and was stepped on in the face, yet managed to get up and finish second to advance .

That resilience set the tone for his gold-medal run.

Who Is Geordie Beamish?

• Born: October 24, 1996, in Hastings, New Zealand

• Club: On Athletics Club (based in Boulder, Colorado)

• Coach: Dathan Ritzenhein

• Specialties: 1500m through 5000m, and now the steeplechase

• Career highlights:

• 2024 World Indoor Champion in the 1500m (Glasgow)

• Oceania record holder in the 3000m steeplechase (8:09.64, Paris, 2024)

• Fifth in the 2023 World Championships steeplechase final

Beamish’s late move to the steeplechase has transformed his career, turning him from a versatile miler into a global champion.

This was a big upset 

Beamish’s Tokyo win not only toppled El Bakkali’s reign but also put New Zealand back on the map of world middle-distance running. For a nation that once celebrated icons like Peter Snell and John Walker, this is a new chapter in the sport’s history.

With the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics on the horizon , Beamish has proven he has the strength, resilience, and tactical brilliance to contend for more global medals.

In the fast-moving world of social media, few people are doing more to preserve the rich history of athletics than Eric Giacoletto. From his home in Albertville, France, Eric has become one of the most passionate archivists of the sport—sharing rare photos, insightful commentary, and forgotten moments that continue to inspire athletes and fans across the globe.

Though not a former elite runner himself, Eric’s knowledge runs deep, and his posts serve as daily reminders of what makes our sport timeless. He documents both legends and lesser-known heroes, giving context, names, and reverence to each moment he shares. His work has captured the attention of many—including My Best Runs founder Bob Anderson.

“What Eric is doing is important,” says Bob. “He’s preserving history—moments and athletes that might otherwise be forgotten. His posts are reminders of the beauty, pain, and glory of running.”

Just this past week, Eric posted dozens of compelling images from the golden eras of track and field. From that treasure trove, Bob Anderson selected eight photos he found particularly inspiring. Each tells a story—of courage, character, and the timeless spirit of competition.

Here are the eight photos Bob selected from Eric’s posts this past week:

Photo 1

Jim Ryun and Peter Snell – A Finish for the Ages

Two legends of the mile—Jim Ryun of Wichita and New Zealand’s Peter Snell—captured in one of the most dramatic finishes in middle-distance history. Ryun’s expression of anguish and Snell’s graceful stride speak volumes about what it takes to be world-class. An image that defines grit, shared by Eric earlier this week.

Photo 2

Vladimir Kuts – Soviet Powerhouse in Full Flight

Sprinting down the track with trademark aggression, Vladimir Kuts dominated the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne, winning both the 5,000m and 10,000m. Eric’s photo selection highlights Kuts’ unmistakable form and ferocity—a reminder of Eastern Bloc distance dominance during the Cold War era.

Photo 3

Ron Hill – 1970 Commonwealth Games, Edinburgh

Ron Hill, the pioneering English marathoner, crosses the line in his signature mesh singlet. By 2014, he had logged 159,106 lifetime miles—running at least one mile every day for 50 years. A legendary streak by a man who redefined commitment to the sport.

Photo 4

Steve Prefontaine in His Element

A candid photo of “Pre” during a training session, captured in conversation and camaraderie. Prefontaine’s fearless front-running style and outspoken personality made him a symbol of competitive fire. This relaxed moment shows the human side of a distance icon.

Photo 5

Herb Elliott – Training on the Dunes of Portsea

A powerful shot of Australian great Herb Elliott charging barefoot up the coastal sand dunes, guided by coach Percy Cerutty’s naturalist philosophy. Elliott never lost a 1500m or mile race in his career, and this photo shows the raw work behind that undefeated record.

Photo 6

Paavo Nurmi – Double Gold in One Afternoon

Paris, July 10, 1924: Paavo Nurmi wins the 1500m, then returns just hours later to take gold again in the 5000m. This photo shows him well ahead of the field, delivering one of the most jaw-dropping performances in Olympic distance running history.

Photo 7

Peter Snell – Power and Poise in Color

A rare color image of New Zealand’s Peter Snell, one of the greatest middle-distance runners of all time. Winner of three Olympic gold medals, Snell combined strength with speed in a way few ever have. Eric’s post brings his iconic stature to life in full color.

Photo 8

Bill Rodgers – Boston Breakaway, 1975

Captured mid-stride during his victory at the 1975 Boston Marathon, Bill Rodgers pulls away under the escort of state police motorcycles. His win that year—2:09:55—was part of a dominant streak that made him a U.S. marathon legend. A city, and a sport, in full celebration.

Honoring the Archivist

Eric’s posts on Facebook and Instagram (@ericgiacoletto) continue to spark meaningful conversations among athletes, historians, and lifelong fans. Whether he’s unearthing a forgotten race photo or celebrating an athlete’s legacy, Eric is doing more than documenting—he’s inspiring.

If you enjoyed this feature, and with Eric’s permission, we’d love to post more regularly here at My Best Runs. Let us know what you think—we’re always looking to spotlight the people and moments that keep the spirit of our sport alive.

The legendary Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run returns June 28–29, 2025, promising one of the most competitive and compelling editions in its storied history. Known as the world’s oldest 100-mile trail race, this ultra begins in Olympic Valley (formerly Squaw Valley) and finishes 100 rugged miles later at Placer High School in Auburn, California.

With more than 18,000 feet of climbing and 23,000 feet of descent, the race tests every aspect of a runner’s will and endurance. From snow-capped ridges to sweltering canyon floors, the course traverses remote backcountry, river crossings, and punishing climbs—all under the clock, with the coveted silver belt buckle awaiting those who finish under 24 hours.

Who’s Racing?

This year’s field is packed with elite talent, resilient veterans, and powerful storylines.

Top Men’s Contenders:

• Rod Farvard (USA) – One of the fastest Golden Ticket winners this season.

• Dan Jones (New Zealand) – Former Olympic Trials marathoner.

• Caleb Olson (USA) – Rising talent on the ultra scene.

• Chris Myers (USA) – Strong performances across the trail circuit.

• Jia-Sheng Shen (China) – Brings international prestige to the field.

Leading Women:

• Emily Hawgood (Zimbabwe) – Regular top-10 finisher with unfinished business.

• Eszter Csillag (Hungary) – One of Europe’s most consistent mountain runners.

• Heather Jackson (USA) – Former pro triathlete turned ultra star, back after a win at Unbound Gravel XL.

• Fu-Zhao Xiang (China) – Dominant at multiple global ultras.

• Ida Nilsson (Sweden) – Former European mountain running champion.

Notable Golden Ticket Winners:

• Riley Brady, Hannah Allgood, Rosanna Buchauer, Hậu Hà, Tara Dower, Abby Hall, Lin Chen, Caitlan Fielder, Nancy Jiang, Fiona Pascall, Johanna Antila

A Field That Crosses Generations

One of the most heartwarming developments this year is the record-setting six athletes aged 70 or older toeing the line.

Among them is Jim Howard, a two-time Western States champion (1981, 1983), who is making an inspiring return at age 70—running with two artificial knees. “I want to go out there one more time and be part of this incredible race,” Howard told Canadian Running.

Also returning is Jamil Coury, founder of Aravaipa Running, looking to build on his strong performance 15 years ago.

The Course

• Start: Olympic Valley (elevation: ~6,200 ft)

• Highest Point: Emigrant Pass (~8,750 ft)

• Finish: Auburn (elevation: ~1,200 ft)

• Snow is often a factor in the early miles, with extreme heat common in the canyons. Aid stations are spaced roughly every 4–8 miles, supported by over 1,500 volunteers.

Runners cross rivers, climb ridgelines, descend technical single-track, and are cheered into the stadium at Placer High—often in the dead of night.

Media and Spectator Access

• Live coverage, tracking, and video will be available on the Western States Endurance Run website.

• Key aid stations will allow crew and spectators, including Foresthill (mile 62) and Robie Point (mile 99).

A Race Like No Other

• One of the five races in the Grand Slam of Ultrarunning

• A UTMB World Series qualifier

• Historic, grassroots feel with world-class competition

Whether you’re cheering for a podium contender, an age-defying legend, or simply following the passion of runners determined to finish within 30 hours, this year’s Western States 100 is poised to deliver drama, beauty, and inspiration.

Let the countdown begin.

On April 12, 2025, New Zealand’s Sam Ruthe marked his 16th birthday with a commendable performance at the Arcadia Invitational in California. Competing in the boys’ invitational 3200-meter race, Ruthe secured third place with a time of 8:43.57. The race was won by Owen Powell of Mercer Island, Washington, in 8:39.86, followed by Josiah Tostenson of Crater High School, Oregon, in 8:40.95.

Ruthe’s time is particularly notable considering his age and the fact that it was his debut at this distance. Earlier in the year, he set a personal best in the 3000 meters with a time of 7:56.18 at the New Zealand senior championships in Hastings, a world best for his age group.  Using a standard conversion factor, this 3000m time approximates to an 8:34.08 over 3200 meters, indicating that his Arcadia performance was competitive, albeit slightly slower. 

The Arcadia Invitational’s 3200m race featured a deep field, with 37 athletes breaking the 9-minute barrier, underscoring the event’s high caliber.  While the race was highly anticipated, it unfolded tactically, with a slower first half that may have tempered expectations for record-breaking times.

Ruthe’s performance at Arcadia adds to his growing reputation as a rising star in middle-distance running. His international experience at such a young age bodes well for his athletic future.

The 42nd Vienna City Marathon delivered icy conditions, personal bests, and breakout victories for two rising stars: Haftamu Abadi of Ethiopia and Betty Chepkemoi of Kenya. Both marathoners were competing in only their second career marathon, and both crushed their previous bests in a race that saw record participation.

Abadi, just 21 years old, broke away late in the race to win in 2:08:28, improving by more than two minutes from his debut in Berlin last year. Kenya’s Mica Cheserek took second in 2:10:23, followed closely by Ethiopian debutant Mogos Tuemay in 2:10:33.

In the women’s race, Betty Chepkemoi made a massive leap forward, chopping over ten minutes off her personal best to win in 2:24:14. Fellow Kenyans Rebecca Tanui (2:25:18) and Catherine Cherotich (2:25:45) rounded out the podium, while Germany’s Fabienne Königstein placed fourth in 2:28:49, just weeks after her Nagoya Marathon performance.

Record-Breaking Participation

Despite near-freezing temperatures at the start — the coldest in race history since 1986 — the Vienna City Marathon attracted a record field of 46,083 participants from 146 nations, including 12,968 marathoners, the most ever for the event.

Challenging Conditions, Slower Pacing

The cold (just 2°C at the start, with a “feels like” of -5°C) prevented any record-breaking times. The men’s lead pack passed halfway in 63:32, staying within range of a 2:07–2:08 finish before Abadisurged away near 29K. Notably, Abadi ran in full cold-weather gear — gloves, ear protection, and a long-sleeved shirt — while the others opted for lighter kits.

“I had hoped to run 2:05–2:06, but that wasn’t possible today,” Abadi said. “I’m happy with the win and I know I can go faster in better conditions.”

The women’s race began cautiously, with a 5K split of 17:24 pointing toward a 2:27 finish. But the Kenyan trio pulled away before halfway and Chepkemoi made her move with 6K to go, running solo to the finish.

“I’m so happy,” she said. “It was cold, and there were no pacemakers after halfway, but I know I can go faster next time.”

5K City Race Shines on the Eve of the Marathon

Vienna’s growing 5K race, held the day before the marathon on the iconic Ringstraße, also saw standout performances. Timo Hinterndorfer battled strong winds to set a course record of 14:17, with Markus Reißelhuber (14:51) and Thys Moreau of Belgium (15:00) finishing second and third.

In the women’s 5K, Sophie Hicks of New Zealand topped a strong Austrian field in 16:20, followed by Cordula Lassacher (16:27) and defending champion Lena Millonig (16:35).

Top 8 Marathon Results

Men:

1. Haftamu Abadi (ETH) – 2:08:28

2. Mica Cheserek (KEN) – 2:10:23

3. Mogos Tuemay (ETH) – 2:10:33

4. Asbel Rutto (KEN) – 2:11:37

5. Edward Koonyo (KEN) – 2:12:29

6. Geoffrey Koech (KEN) – 2:12:31

7. Justus Kangogo (KEN) – 2:13:25

8. Felix Kurui (KEN) – 2:14:36

Women:

1. Betty Chepkemoi (KEN) – 2:24:14

2. Rebecca Tanui (KEN) – 2:25:18

3. Catherine Cherotich (KEN) – 2:25:45

4. Fabienne Königstein (GER) – 2:28:49

5. Faith Chepkoech (KEN) – 2:30:00

6. Nora Szabo (HUN) – 2:30:31

7. Risper Chebet (KEN) – 2:32:39

8. Eva Wutti (AUT) – 2:37:43

On April 12, 2025, the day he turns 16, New Zealand’s rising distance running star Sam Ruthe will compete in the 3200-meter race at the prestigious Arcadia Invitational in California. This event, renowned as the “Home of National Records,” is considered the most competitive high school track and field meet in the United States. It is held annually at Arcadia High School in Arcadia, California.

Sam’s participation follows a series of remarkable achievements. On March 19, at just 15, he became the youngest person ever to run a sub-four-minute mile, clocking 3:58.35 at Auckland’s Go Media Stadium. This feat surpassed the previous record held by Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen, who ran a sub-four-minute mile at 16 years and 250 days. Continuing his impressive form, Sam set a new world age-15 best in the 1500 meters with a time of 3:40.12 at the Maurie Plant Meet in Melbourne on March 29.

The Arcadia Invitational’s 3200-meter race has been a platform for outstanding performances. In April 2023, Simeon Birnbaum set a meet record with a time of 8:34.10. The following year, 37 boys achieved sub-9-minute times in the 3200 meters, highlighting the event’s competitive depth.

As Sam prepares to compete against top high school athletes in this challenging race, his recent accomplishments suggest he is poised to make a significant impact. Whether aiming for a personal best or seeking to challenge meet records, Sam’s 16th birthday race at Arcadia promises to be a memorable milestone in his burgeoning. 

The World Athletics Indoor Championships began on March 21, 2025, in Nanjing, China, featuring outstanding performances across various events.

Matheus Lima da Silva Sets South American Record

Brazil’s Matheus Lima da Silva set a new South American indoor record in the men’s 400 meters, clocking 45.79 seconds to win his heat and advance to the semifinals.  

Triple Jump Gold for Andy Díaz Hernández

Italy’s Andy Díaz Hernández secured gold in the men’s triple jump with a leap of 17.80 meters, setting a new Italian record. China’s Zhu Yaming took silver with 17.33 meters, and Brazil’s Almir Dos Santos earned bronze with 17.22 meters.  

Jeremiah Azu Triumphs in Men’s 60 Meters

Great Britain’s Jeremiah Azu won the men’s 60 meters final, recording a personal best of 6.49 seconds. Australia’s Lachlan Kennedy finished second in 6.50 seconds, and South Africa’s Akani Simbine claimed bronze with 6.54 seconds.  

Woo Sang-hyeok Wins High Jump

South Korea’s Woo Sang-hyeok claimed gold in the men’s high jump, clearing 2.31 meters. New Zealand’s Hamish Kerr and Jamaica’s Raymond Richards both cleared 2.28 meters, earning silver and bronze respectively based on countback rules.

Strong Performances in Middle-Distance Events

In the men’s 800 meters heats, France’s Yanis Meziane led with a time of 1:46.07, followed by the USA’s Brandon Miller at 1:46.47, and Puerto Rico’s John Rivera at 1:46.84.  

The opening day set a high standard, with athletes delivering exceptional performances and setting the stage for an exciting competition ahead.

On March 19, 2025, 15-year-old New Zealand runner Sam Ruthe stunned the athletics world by running a 3:58.35 mile in Auckland, making him the youngest person ever to break the elusive four-minute barrier. The achievement cements Ruthe as one of the most promising young talents in distance running and places him in elite company among middle-distance legends.

A Legacy of Speed – Ruthe’s Background and Development

Ruthe’s meteoric rise in athletics comes as no surprise, given his deep-running pedigree. His parents, Ben and Jess Ruthe, are both accomplished New Zealand distance runners, and his grandparents, Trevor and Rosemary Wright, also left their mark on the sport—Rosemary Wright won Commonwealth Games gold in the 800 meters in 1970.

Guided by coach Craig Kirkwood, Ruthe has demonstrated extraordinary potential. In November 2024, he shattered the New Zealand under-17 and under-18 3000m records, clocking 8:09.68—the fastest time ever recorded by a 15-year-old for that distance. That performance hinted at something special, but few could have predicted his historic mile breakthrough just months later.

Breaking the Barrier – The 3:58.35 Mile

The sub-four-minute mile remains one of the most revered milestones in track and field, a mark that has defined greatness since Roger Bannister first achieved it in 1954. Until now, Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen had been the youngest to break four minutes, running 3:58.07 at age 16 in 2017. Ruthe, at just 15, has rewritten history.

The race itself was a masterclass in pacing and composure. Running on Auckland’s Millennium Stadium track, Ruthe stayed patient through the opening laps before unleashing a devastating final kick. As he crossed the finish line in 3:58.35, the crowd erupted, realizing they had just witnessed a moment that would be talked about for years to come.

The Future of a Rising Star

With world-class endurance, speed, and a seemingly limitless ceiling, Ruthe’s career is just beginning. His ability to set records at such a young age raises intriguing questions about how fast he can go and what he can achieve on the global stage.

As he continues to develop under expert guidance, the world will be watching. Could he be New Zealand’s next Olympic great? If his recent performances are any indication, this is only the beginning.

New Zealand's rising middle-distance star, Sam Ruthe, has added yet another milestone to his stunning season, breaking a world best for 1500 meters previously held by two-time Olympic champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen of Norway.

Competing at the Sir Graeme Douglas International in Auckland on February 9, 2025, the 15-year-old sensation clocked an incredible 3:41.25, finishing second behind Japan’s Ryoji Tatezawa (3:40.20). Along the way, Ruthe obliterated New Zealand's U17 and U18 records in yet another remarkable display of his talent.

His latest feat continues a historic two-week streak that has seen him produce jaw-dropping times across multiple distances:

4:01.72 for the mile

1:50.57 for 800m

7:56.18 for 3000m

Ruthe also recently became the youngest athlete to ever win a senior men’s national title in New Zealand.

While thrilled with his performance, Ruthe admitted that surpassing Ingebrigtsen’s age-group mark wasn’t his primary focus going into the race.

"I wasn't exactly targeting that record," he said. "I just went into the race hoping to do the best I could in terms of placing, and it was a bonus to get his record. I definitely had it in the back of my mind."

His time shaved over five seconds off his previous best, set en route to his mile record two weeks ago in Whanganui.

As in his 3000m national title race a week earlier, Ruthe executed a patient and tactical race, staying with the lead pack while others faded. Entering the final 100 meters in fourth, he unleashed a devastating kick, overtaking Australians Will Lewis and Matt Hussey to secure second place.

"I was actually quite lucky they both moved out quite wide, so I could find the gap," Ruthe explained. "It felt real, real nice having that gap open up. I go into these races, parking in behind the other people and hoping they pull me through—and this race did exactly that."

With every performance, Ruthe inches closer to an even bigger goal—becoming the youngest athlete to break four minutes for the mile, a feat also accomplished by Ingebrigtsen at 16 years old. His latest 1500m time suggests he’s within striking distance.

His next opportunity to chase history? The Maurie Plant Meet in Melbourne next month, where his performance in Auckland should secure him a spot in the elite mile field.

Ruthe's 3:41.25 brings him agonizingly close to another milestone—his father’s best time. Former New Zealand 1500m champion Ben Ruthe still holds the household record by just three-hundredths of a second.

"That's alright," the younger Ruthe said with a grin. "I don't think he'll have it for long, so he should enjoy it while it lasts."

With his meteoric rise, it’s only a matter of time before Sam Ruthe rewrites not just family records—but history itself.

In the winter of 1939, when the military posted Swedish miler Gundar Hagg to the far north of that nordic country, he devised a unique training program of running on trails through knee- or hip-deep snow. Most days he would do 2500 meters in snow for strength, followed by 2500 meters on a cleared road for turn-over. But during those times when he couldn’t find cleared roads—sometimes for weeks—he’d run up to the full 5-kilometers in snow. The next summer he set huge PRs, coming within one second of the mile world record.

Hagg continued his routine in subsequent winters, devising a hilly 5K loop in a different locale that trudged through snowy forest for 3000 meters then ended with a 2000 meter stretch of road where he could run at full speed. He kept improving, and the summer of 1942 he set 10 world records between the 1500 and 5,000 meters.

While Hagg’s routine was created out of necessity, he obviously valued the snowy training. When he moved to a city with a milder climate, he wrote in a training journal, “It will be harder running than any previous year. Probably there won’t be much snow.” And every winter he scheduled trips north to train on the familiar, tough, snowy trails.

Hagg isn’t the only runner who has found winter training valuable. Roger Robinson, who raced internationally for England and New Zealand in the 1960s before setting masters road records in the ‘80s, recalls his training for the deep-winter English cross country championships of the 1950’s and 60s. “We ran, often at race pace, over snow, mud, puddles, deep leaves, ploughed fields, scratchy stubble, stumpy grass, sticky clay, sheep-poo, whatever, uphill and down,” Robinson says. “And thus, without going near a gym or a machine, we developed strength, spring, flexibility, and stride versatility that also paid off later on the road or track; I made one of my biggest track breakthroughs after a winter spent running long intervals on a terrain of steep hills and soft shifting sand.”

Robinson, now 85, with two artificial knees, still runs in the cold and slop. “Running is still in great part about feeling the surfaces and shape of the earth under my feet,” he says.

Hagg and Robinson are of a different generation than those of us with web-connected treadmills that can let us run any course on earth from the comfort of our basement, but they’re on to something we might still benefit from: winter can be an effective training tool. Here are five reasons you’ll want to bundle up and head out regardless of the conditions, indeed, why you can delight when it is particularly nasty out.

1) Winter Running Makes You Strong

As Hagg demonstrated and Robinson points out, winter conditions work muscles and tendons you’d never recruit on the smooth, dry path. A deep-winter run often ends up being as diverse as a set of form and flexibility drills: high knees, bounds, skips, side-lunges, one-leg balancing.

Bill Aris, coach of the perennially-successful Fayetteville-Manlius high school programs, believes that tough winter conditions are ideal for off-season training that has the goal of building aerobic and muscular strength. He sends the kids out every day during the upstate New York winter, and says they come back, “sweating, exhausted and smiling, feeling like they have completely worked every system in their bodies.”

2) Winter Running Makes You Tough

No matter how much you know it is good for you and that you’ll be glad when you’re done, it takes gumption to bundle up, get out the door and face the wintry blast day after day. But besides getting physically stronger, you’re also building mental steel. When you’ve battled snow and slop, darkness and biting winds all winter, the challenges of distance, hills and speed will seem tame come spring.

3) Winter Running Improves Your Stride

Running on the same smooth, flat ground every day can lead to running ruts. Our neuromuscular patterns become calcified and the same muscles get used repeatedly. This makes running feel easier, but it also predisposes us to injury and prevents us from improving our stride as we get fitter or improve our strength and mobility. Introducing a variety of surfaces and uncertain footplants shakes up our stride, recruits different muscles in different movement patterns, and makes our stride more effective and robust as new patterns are discovered.

You can create this stride shake-up by hitting a technical trail. But as Megan Roche, physician, ultrarunning champion, clinical researcher at Stanford and Strava running coach, points out, “A lot of runners don’t have access to trails. Many runners are running on flat ground, roads—having snow and ice is actually helpful, makes it like a trail.”

In addition to creating variety, slippery winter conditions also encourage elements of an efficient, low-impact stride. “One thing running on snow or ice reinforces is a high turn over rate and a bit more mindfulness of where your feet are hitting the ground,” Roche says. “And those two things combine to a reduced injury risk.” After a winter of taking quicker, more balanced strides, those patterns will persist, and you’ll be a smoother, more durable runner when you start speeding up and going longer on clearer roads.

4) Winter Running Makes You Healthier

“Exercising in general, particularly during periods of higher cold or flu season has a protective effect in terms of the immune system,” says Roche. You get this benefit by getting your heart rate up and getting moving even indoors, but Roche says, “Getting outside is generally preferable—fresh air has its own positive effect.”

Cathy Fieseler, ultrarunner, sports physician, and chairman of the board of directors of the International Institute of Race Medicine (IIRM), says there’s not much scientific literature to prove it, but agrees that in her experience getting outside has health benefits. “In cold weather the furnace heat in the house dries up your throat and thickens the mucous in the sinuses,” Fieseler says. “The cold air clears this out; it really clears your head.”

Fieseler warns, however, that cold can trigger bronchospasms in those with asthma, and Roche suggests that when it gets really cold you wear a balaclava or scarf over your mouth to hold some heat in and keep your lungs warmer. “Anything below zero, you need to be dressed really well and mindful of your lungs, making sure that you’re not exposing your lungs to too cold for too long,” Roche says.

5) Winter Running Makes You Feel Better

For all its training and health benefits, the thing that will most likely get most of us out the door on white and windy days is that it makes us feel great. “A number of runners that I coach and that I see in clinics suffer from feeling more depressed or a little bit lower in winter,” says Roche. “Running is a great way to combat that. There’s something really freeing about getting out doors, feeling the fresh air and having that outdoor stress release.”

Research shows that getting outside is qualitatively different than exercising indoors. A 2011 systematic review of related studies concluded, “Compared with exercising indoors, exercising in natural environments was associated with greater feelings of revitalization and positive engagement, decreases in tension, confusion, anger, and depression, and increased energy.” They also found that “participants reported greater enjoyment and satisfaction with outdoor activity and declared a greater intent to repeat the activity at a later date.”

That “intent to repeat” is important. Running becomes easier and more enjoyable, the more you do it. “Consist running is really the most fun running,” Roche says. “It takes four weeks of consistency to really feel good. Your body just locks into it.”

Most people associate consistency with discipline, and setting goals and being accountable is an effective way to build a consistent habit. Strava data shows that people who set goals are much more consistent and persistent in their activities throughout the year. The desire to achieve a goal can help overcome that moment of inertia when we’re weighing current comfort with potential enjoyment.

But the best way to create long-term consistency is learning to love the run itself. Runners who make it a regular part of their life talk little about discipline and more about how much they appreciate the chance to escape and to experience the world on their run each day—even, perhaps especially, on the blustery, cold, sloppy ones.

Last Thursday, Serbian-Slovak ultra-runner Michal Šuľa began a week-long venture going nowhere. Seven days later, the 50-year-old successfully completed his attempt at the Guinness World Record for greatest distance covered on a treadmill in one week (pending verification), covering 912.22 km in 168 hours. Šuľa streamed his entire run live on YouTube.

With 17 hours to spare, Šuľa had already surpassed the Guinness World Record. “The Guinness record is behind us… 151 h, 846.52 km,” Šuľa announced on Facebook, where he posted regular updates of his progress. In his live stream, viewers could watch friends keep him company in the room and on the second treadmill. A white board was constantly refreshed hourly with the runner’s logged distance, and “sleep” was written when Šuľa stepped off the treadmill for periodic breaks.

The previous record of 843.94 km had been held by the U.K.’s Jamie McDonald since 2019. Šuľa’s run also surpasses the female seven-day treadmill world record of 846.16, held by New Zealand’s Emma Timmis since June 2024.

Šuľa took on the challenge at a physical therapy clinic, the Movement Institute, in Bratislava, Slovakia. The organization shared the runner’s entire journey on Instagram, YouTube and Facebook. “Michal is aiming even further–his goal is an incredible 1,060 km!” the Movement Institute wrote on Facebook. According to Šuľa, the official, non-Guinness seven-day world record stands at 1,056 km. He fell short of taking down this record in addition to the other two.

In early 2024, Šuľa became a two-time Slovakian champion; he won the 24-hour national championship in March in Nitra, Slovakia, logging 224 km, and climbed to the top of the podium again at the 100-km race in June in Šamorín, Slovakia. Šuľa clocked 7:34:22, winning by nearly an hour and a half.

According to recordholders.org, Šuľa also managed to break the 6-hour treadmill world record on Dec. 14, less than four weeks ago; he ran 85.89 km over the half-dozen hours. His performance exceeded the previous record of 53.05 km, run by Italy’s Luca Ricci in April 2024.

Last Thursday, Serbian-Slovak ultra-runner Michal Šuľa began a week-long venture going nowhere. Six days later, the 50-year-old successfully completed his attempt at the Guinness world record for greatest distance covered on a treadmill in one week (pending verification), covering 846.52 km in 151 hours (six days and seven hours). Šuľa streamed his entire run live on YouTube–and as of Wednesday afternoon, he’s still running.

“The Guinness record is behind us… 151 h, 846.52 km,” Šuľa announced on Facebook, where he posted regular updates of his progress. In his live stream, viewers can watch friends keep him company in the room and on the second treadmill. A white board is constantly refreshed hourly with the runner’s logged distance, and “sleep” is written when Šuľa steps off the treadmill for periodic breaks.

The previous record of 843.94 km had been held by the U.K.’s Jamie McDonald since 2019. Šuľa’s run also surpasses the female seven-day treadmill world record of 846.16, held by New Zealand’s Emma Timmis since June 2024.

Šuľa took on the challenge at a physical therapy clinic, the Movement Institute, in Bratislava, Slovakia. The organization shared the runner’s entire journey on Instagram, YouTube and Facebook. “Michal is aiming even further–his goal is an incredible 1,060 km!” the Movement Institute wrote on Facebook. According to Šuľa, the official, non-Guinness seven-day world record stands at 1,056 km.

In early 2024, Šuľa became a two-time Slovakian champion; he won the 24-hour national championship in March in Nitra, Slovakia, logging 224 km, and climbed to the top of the podium again at the 100-km race in June in Šamorín, Slovakia. Šuľa clocked 7:34:22, winning by nearly an hour and a half.

According to recordholders.org, Šuľa also managed to break the 6-hour treadmill world record on Dec. 14, less than four weeks ago; he ran 85.89 km over the half-dozen hours. His performance exceeded the previous record of 53.05 km, run by Italy’s Luca Ricci in April 2024.

On Monday, the organizers of the TCS London Marathon announced there will be a new face headlining the 2025 race. Great Britain’s Alex Yee, the reigning Olympic triathlon champion from Paris 2024, will make his marathon debut on Sunday, April 27, in his hometown of London.

The 26-year-old, who has won four Olympic medals in triathlon, has a ton of experience in distance running, representing Great Britain in track and cross-country events internationally. He has a 5K personal best of 13 minutes and 26 seconds and has run under 28 minutes for 10,000 meters.

In triathlon, Yee is often regarded as the strongest runner in the sport. The reputation played in his favor earlier this summer in Paris when he caught New Zealand’s Hayden Wilde on the final lap of the Olympic triathlon to win gold. The strong field Yee will face at the 2025 TCS London Marathon will make it one of his biggest challenges to date. However, Yee will look to his home course advantage.

According to the press release, Yee raced the 2.6km Mini London Marathon five times during his junior career and grew up 15 minutes from the start line in Blackheath. “London Marathon day has been such a big part of my life growing up,” recalls Yee. “I remember racing the Mini London Marathon multiple times as a young athlete, and it was one of my biggest and most exciting races of the year. Taking part in a full marathon has always been an itch I’ve wanted to scratch, and there isn’t any other place than London where I would want to start that journey.”

For his London build-up, Yee plans to put his triathlon training on pause to focus solely on marathon training. “I will be focusing my training over the coming months on the marathon and am looking forward to seeing what I can do over the 26.2 miles,” he said.

Last year, Kenya’s Alexander Munyao won his first Abbott World Marathon Major in London, denying Ethiopian distance legend Kenenisa Bekele a hoped-for first London Marathon win with a time of 2:04:01. Bekele did, however, set a new masters marathon record with his time of 2:04:15. The top British finisher was Emile Cairess, who ran 2:06:46 finish third, making him the second-fastest British marathon runner of all time behind Mo Farah.

Yee is the first runner announced for the 2025 London Marathon elite field. The full elite field will be announced in the new year.

In recent years, we’ve seen several National Football League (NFL) stars step into the world of track and field, but it’s rare for a prominent track and field athlete to make the jump to football. The reigning Olympic champion in the men’s discus, Jamaica’s Roje Stona, will reportedly switch sports and try out for the NFL through its International Player Pathway (IPP) program.

According to an interview with ESPN, the 25-year-old feels he’s accomplished everything he wanted to in the discus, and will be trying out as a defensive end and tight end in the IPP camp, which starts in January 2025 in Florida.

“After the Olympics, [the IPP] reached out again. I was like, ‘Yo, the door’s open again,'” Stona told ESPN. “Of course, I was going to take it.”

Stona arrived at the Paris Olympics as an underdog in the men’s discus throw, as, earlier in the season, Lithuania’s Mykolas Alekna had broken the long-standing men’s world record with a throw of 74.35m. In the final, Stona ousted Alekna by three centimetres for gold, setting a new Olympic record of 70.00m. He won Jamaica’s only gold medal in athletics at Paris 2024.

Stona’s love for football started when he attended Clemson University, where he began his collegiate track and field career before transferring to the University of Arkansas. Stona will look to become the second currently active track and field athlete to join the NFL, following in the footsteps of American sprint hurdler Devon Allen, a member of the Philadelphia Eagles practice squad for two seasons.

If Stona is successful in the IPP program, he will earn a spot on an NFL roster. There are currently five IPP players on active rosters: Jordan Mailata (Philadelphia Eagles/Australia), Efe Obada (Washington Commanders/U.K.), Sammis Reyes (Minnesota Vikings/Chile), Thomas Odukoya (Tennessee Titans/Netherlands) and David Bada (Detroit Lions/Germany).

The discus thrower will be joined by 14 other international athletes trying out for the NFL from Australia, Fiji, France, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, the U.K. and Zimbabwe.

Genevieve Gregson has scored her first marathon win, two months after running in the event at the Paris Olympics..

The Queenslander won the Melbourne Marathon on Sunday in two hours, 28 minutes and 13 seconds, beating local Sarah Klein by nearly three minutes. Kate Mason, also from Melbourne, completed the women's podium in 2:34:08.

Genevieve's husband Ryan Gregson finished second in the men's race behind Jack Rayner, who clocked 2:11:49 after winning the Melbourne half-marathon for the past three years.

Gregson finished in 2:13:31 to take another step in his transition from middle-distance events, while New Zealander Christopher Dryden posted 2:18:10 for third.

It was the first time the two winners have run the full distance in Melbourne.

Paris was Genevieve's third marathon and she clocked 2:29:56 for 24th place at the Games, after running on the track at the previous three Olympics.

The 46th Melbourne Marathon festival attracted 42,000 runners, with Bendigo's Andy Buchanan winning the men's half-marathon in 1:01:42 after he also ran in the marathon at the Paris Games.

Leanne Pompeani from Canberra took out the women's race, posting 1:09:01 in an exciting finish.

Adelaide's Jess Stenson, one of Gregson's Paris Olympics marathon teammates, was only two seconds behind Pompeani in second.

Only eight seconds separated first from third, with Paris Olympics 5000m runner and fellow Adelaide entrant Izzi Batt-Doyle completing the podium.

Wearing purple shorts, a blue and white tie-dyed T-shirt, a bright pink hat, a light blue Salomon hydration pack, fluorescent yellow-rimmed Oakley sunglasses, and a pair of Hoka Speedgoat 5 shoes, Chaiwen Chou was a vibe as she crossed the finish line of Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) on Sunday afternoon in Chamonix, France.

Chou, who had also freshened up the pink and purple tint of her hair before the race, stood out among the numerous other dusty and weary runners clad in more traditionally colored trail garb as they took their final strides in the epic 106-mile race around the Mont Blanc massif.

But what was most remarkable about the 41-year-old software developer from New York City was the huge smile on her face and expression of pure joy that emanated from her. When she arrived at the finish line after 45 hours and 15 minutes of running-about 75 minutes before the cutoff-she was beaming ear to ear and greeted with big hugs from her mom, brother, partner, and a good friend who helped crew her on her journey.

While her interest in running started on a bit of a whim a decade ago, her continued passion and progression have led her to run more than 30 trail running races, including the biggest and most celebrated one in the world. On Sunday, she was one of 95 American runners to complete the grueling UTMB course.

"So when I turned 30, I had this typical New Year's resolution, like, I want to get fit, I want to learn how to run," said Chou, who grew up in Massachusetts. "And then I met a friend who ran, and I started running with him and doing group runs. And then we started running trails, and we specifically entered The North Face Endurance Challenge, and that's where I ran my first marathon, and fell in love with trail running and then learned about ultrarunning and this whole world that I never even knew existed."For many recreational ultrarunners from around the world like Chou, UTMB sits at the top of their lifelong bucket list. It means starting at the same time as the elite professional runners on Friday evening in Chamonix, and maneuvering through the same rugged and aesthetic 106-mile loop with a daunting 32,000-feet plus of climbing and descending. It's historic, and the crowds and the energy around it are unparalleled.

It's also a monumental challenge to complete.

Trail Running's Infectious Buzz

Ultra-trail running is having a moment right now-especially since the end of the Covid pandemic-but it probably started a decade ago as the urge to run beyond the marathon gained mainstream traction and destination races around the world started to become desirable goal races for recreational runners.The North Face Endurance Challenge began as a singular 50-mile championship-style trail race near San Francisco in 2006 with a $30,000 prize purse, but it evolved into a multi-distance race weekend (from 10K to 50 miles) aimed at encouraging runners of all abilities to immerse themselves in the sport. After a few successful years of the event in Mill Valley, California, it expanded to several locations across the U.S.-upstate New York, Madison, Wisconsin, and Washington D.C., among others-and around the world.

Although The North Face pulled the plug on the series in late 2019 with a suggestion that it was going to reimagine the event format, nothing ever materialized after the Covid-19 pandemic temporarily disrupted the world-and specifically running events-in 2020. But those events played a big role in introducing runners and non-runners alike to the unique aspects of trail running, and many of those who caught the bug-like Chou-have continued to chase their passion in global events like the UTMB World Series.

Chou and her friends returned to The North Face Endurance Challenge four years in a row and she upped the ante each time, going from the marathon to the 50K and finally to consecutive finishes in the 50-miler. She competed in the 50-mile race in San Francisco in 2017 and 2019 and then started traveling to other races around the U.S. and eventually around the world. By 2020, she had completed the Madeira Island 115K race in Portugal and the Tarawera Ultramarathon 100-miler in New Zealand.

Once Covid subsided, Chou set her sights on trying to get into UTMB, which she did by collecting running stones and finishing seventh at the Grindstone 100 amid torrential rain storms last September in northwest Virginia. Her training for UTMB was interrupted in February when, just a week after she found out she secured an entry into UTMB through the lottery, she broke her ankle. Then once she got to Chamonix a week before the race, she smashed her left  knee on a shakeout run and it swelled up pretty badly.

As such, her UTMB experience was rougher than she had hoped-the 80-degree heat and the 32,000 feet of vertical gain and descent pushed her to her limits-as she had challenges fueling consistently and also got sick several times. But she persevered and reached her primary goal of finishing.

Officially, she was the 1,542nd finisher out of 1,760 runners who completed the full loop. (A total of 1,001 runners started but did not finish.) She did whatever it took and she crossed the finish line.

"So this is the first time I've  been in the Alps, and I'm just blown away by how beautiful it is," she said. "Even though I was in pain pretty much the whole race because the climbing and the elevation gain here are insane compared to the East Coast! But it was just so beautiful everywhere. It's pretty crazy. But you get to be out there all day though, so that's fun."Every Runner Has a Story

Becky Convery only started running four years ago in the middle of the Covid lockdown. What started as short, occasional runs turned into a passion for trail running that was fueled, in part, by doing group runs with the Virginia Happy Trails Running Club.

Like Chou, Convery also qualified for UTMB through the Grindstone 100. The 58-year-old Washington D.C. attorney almost quit that race, but she dug deep to finish. During UTMB, Convery dealt with GI issues from early on in the race and couldn't keep any food down. It was so bad, she almost dropped out at the 51.5-mile aid station in Courmayeur, Italy. But then she thought of Wayne Chang, a running buddy from Virginia, who did just that last year and immediately regretted it. With her friend's experience top of mind as she struggled, Convery persevered and finished in 45:27 with an hour to spare."I wanted to quit at Grindtone last fall. I was miserable and just wanted to go to bed, but he wouldn't let me quit," Convery said. "He's like, 'Look, I quit UTMB and I woke up a couple hours later, and I was like, 'Oh my God, what have I done?' So when it got hard out there (during UTMB), I thought of Wayne, and even though I couldn't keep food down, I said to myself, 'What would Wayne do?' He'll kill me if I quit, so I knew I couldn't quit. So I just kept going."

As much as UTMB gets considerable international notoriety for the livestream and media coverage around the elites-and understandably so, it draws many of the world's best runners-at the heart, UTMB is a personal journey of courage, commitment, and hope for most of the 2,800 runners who toe the starting line.

And really, that's what the entire sport of ultra-trail running is all about and what differentiates it from road racing. For many, it's not about racing at all-competing against other runners or even the clock-it's about challenging yourself and the natural terrain in pursuit of a dream that might seem like it's on the realistic edge of your abilities.

"It's all about digging deep into yourself," Convery said. "With this race, it's so international and there are so many nations represented, it's just an amazing time up there. Even though most people don't speak each other's language, everybody gets it. Everyone is pulling for each other. It's a great environment out there. I'm glad I made it."

Going the Distance

That's always been the case for 67-year-old Mike Smith, a retired resident of Santa Fe, New Mexico, who reached the finish line 15 minutes after Convery. It was Smith's second year in a row finishing UTMB, and because he won his age group at the Canyons 100K in April, he'll likely be back next year.

"The best part about it is always the people," Smith says. "But, oh gosh, chasing the time cutoff at that last aid station, that hike up to the La Flegere ski area, that's always a challenge."Smith relishes in those kinds of ultra-trail challenges. By reaching the finish line in Chamonix, he recorded the 224th 100-mile trail race finish of his career dating back to the mid-1990s. According to an ultrarunning history site, he ranks No. 2 in the world in all-time 100-mile finishes and first among 100-mile trail races. (Last year's UTMB was his 205th finish, which means he completed 18 100-mile ultra-trail races in the interim.

"This is always a spectacular finish," said his wife, Sandra, who wrote a book about what it's like to crew her husband at races. "This is one of the most exciting finish lines there is. The finish lines at smaller races are exciting because there's such a close community of people, but here, there are so many people from around the world, and that's just wonderful."

In all, 2,761 runners started this year's UTMB and 1,760 finished, including 95 U.S. runners who reached the finish line (out of 152 American starters) under the cutoff. Frenchman Vincent Bouillard was the overall winner in 19:54:23 on Saturday afternoon, but 20 hours later there were still about 1,000 runners moving toward the finish line and trying to beat the 46.5-hour cutoff on Sunday afternoon. Among the 95 U.S. finishers, 41 completed the course after the 40-hour mark.

Lamont King, 51, a runner from Roseville, California, has watched and been inspired by runners finishing in the golden hour of the Western States 100 as a fan and as a board member of the race for years. So finishing UTMB on his first try in 45:59-about 30 minutes before the cutoff-was a special moment for him.

"The race was very, very tough. We just don't have that kind of vertical in California where I'm from," said King, who has been trail running for 20 years. "But it's just amazing to be in this scenery in the mountains. It's just fantastic, and it makes up for a little bit of pain. I did have to push a little bit more than I probably would've liked, but I got it done. Coming in with all those people cheering for you in that final finish is almost overwhelming. It's just beautiful."

Seven runners with personal bests of sub 2:07 are on the start list of the 41st edition of the Mainova Frankfurt Marathon on October 27th.

It looks very likely that the eventual winner will come from one of the two great running nations, Kenya and Ethiopia. While Herpasa Negasa of Ethiopia remains the number one on the list with his world-class personal best of 2:03:40 Elisha Rotich is among the new additions. The Kenyan has a PB of 2:04:21.

Organizers expect a total of more than 25,000 athletes on the last Sunday of October. Among them will be over 14,000 marathon runners which is significantly more than in 2023. The Mainova Frankfurt Marathon is a World Athletics Elite Label Road Race. Entries are still accepted at: www.frankfurt-marathon.com

Parts of the men’s elite field were announced today. The women’s field will be released next month. For years Elisha Rotich has produced strong marathon races. His best race so far was at the 2021 Paris Marathon. The Kenyan won the race with 2:04:21 which remains his personal best and still stands as the Paris course record. On the route through the French capital, which is not considered very fast, he ran another strong race this spring. Rotich was third with 2:06:53 in April. Together with Eric Kiptanui (PB: 2:05:47), whose participation had been announced earlier, he looks to be the strongest Kenyan in the elite field of the Mainova Frankfurt Marathon. However a surprise might come from Benard Biwott, a Kenyan debutant who has run a 59:47 half marathon this year.

Besides Herpasa Negasa Ethiopia will have four more runners with personal bests of sub 2:07 on the start line: Lencho Tesfaye (2:06:18), Aychew Bantie (2:06:23), Boki Asefa (2:06:46) and Birhan Nebebew (2:06:52) could attack their PBs on the fast Frankfurt course where Kenya’s Wilson Kipsang clocked the 2:03:42 course record in 2011.

“We expect a very open race since there is no major favorite. It is difficult to predict what might be possible with regard to times. But the field surely has the potential for a surprise,“ said Race Direktor Jo Schindler.

While Spain’s Abdelaziz Merzougui is the fastest European runner on the start list with a personal best of 2:08:00 there is a novelty in the history of the Mainova Frankfurt Marathon: Married couple Jake Robertson and Magdalyne Masai will be among the elite runners. New Zealand’s Robertson has a personal best of 2:08:26 and could achieve a strong finishing position while his Kenyan wife has a PB of 2:22:16 and will be among the favorites in Frankfurt.

She’s now the third woman to win both Western States and UTMB in the same year.

Katie Schide is on a tear.

On Saturday, the American won the women’s race at the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) in dominant fashion, finishing the 109-mile race in 22 hours, 9 minutes, and 31 seconds. Her time is 21 minutes faster than Courtney Dauwalter’s course record of 22:30:54 from 2021.

Schide, 32, is undefeated this year, winning the Canyons 100K in April and the prestigious Western States 100 in June. 

Ruth Croft of New Zealand was 39 minutes behind Schide in second place (22:48:37). She passed Canada’s Marianne Hogan—who would finish third in 23:11:15—just after the 100-mile mark. Dauwalter, who won the Hardrock 100 on July 12, did not compete in this year’s edition.

In the men’s race, Vincent Bouillard of France was not favored to win, but he ultimately took the crown. He went to the lead after 48 miles and never relinquished it, crossing the finish line in Chamonix in 19:54:23. His compatriot, Baptiste Chassagne, was next to finish in 20:22:45, while Ecuador’s Joaquin Lopez placed third (20:26:22). 

Last year’s champion, Jim Walmsley of the U.S., withdrew just after 50 miles because of a knee issue, according to a post on his Instagram story. He remains the only American man to win the race.

UTMB has been contested since 2003. The course—which slightly changes year-to-year—starts and ends in the French Alpine town of Chamonix and traverses through Italy and Switzerland along the way, covering over 30,000 feet of elevation gain. 

This is Schide’s second time winning the event after taking top honors in 2022. Originally from Maine, Schide now trains in France and is sponsored by The North Face. 

In the final 7 kilometers, a downhill section, she was over 20 minutes ahead of course record pace, but she started limping. The buffer, however, was enough, and by the end, the hitch in her stride had mostly dissipated.

Schide said in a post race interview on the UTMB broadcast that her main goal was to dip under the 22-hour barrier, followed by a secondary goal breaking Dauwalter’s time from 2021. Schide went out hard in the first half—like she did in 2022—but she said winning two years ago gave her some much-needed context.

“I think this race, I just went in more confident in myself and I wasn’t surprised that I was fast,” she said. “Whereas in 2022, I was kind of freaking out because I was like “Oh, I didn’t really mean to do that.’ But this time, I meant to do it, and I was just focused on trying not to die too hard at the end.” 

Schide now joins Dauwalter (2023) and Nikki Kimball (2007) as the third woman to win both Western States and UTMB in the same year.

It’s the first time an American or Chinese runner has won the prestigious 57K trail race that serves as a de facto global trail running championship. All year, Eli Hemming said his primary focus was charging up and over the La Flégère ski resort on the last climb of the Orsières-Champex-Lac-Chamonix (OCC) race at the UTMB World Series Finals to then break the finish line tape in Chamonix, France, as the champion.

That’s almost exactly how it played out on Thursday afternoon. The 29-year-old runner from Kremmling, Colorado, fended off the world closing in around him as he overheated under a humid, sunny 80 degree day, as well as a hard-charging Francesco Puppi, to win the 57K (36-mile) race in 5 hours, 11 minutes in 48 seconds. In doing so, he not only  claimed a UTMB-Mont Blanc Finals title and the 13,000 euro (about $14,400) prize, he became the first American ever to win the prestigious race that serves as the de facto global championship at the shorter ultra distances.

But the race was a dastardly tilt, and Hemming had to turn himself inside out to get the win. It figured to be a grueling battle, both because of the 11,500 feet of elevation gain and descent but also because of the strong field of international runners and hot, humid weather with sunny skies soaring into the 80s under the early afternoon sun. Hemming went out hard early in the race, but he didn’t feel compelled to challenge for the lead up the first two climbs over the first 9 miles. That’s because fellow American Christian Allen was absolutely flying off the front, as the 26-year-old runner from Orem, Utah, surged to the lead from the gun and led by more than 2 minutes through the 15-mile mark as he passed through Swiss the village of Trient. But that’s where the runners faced the toughest test of the race, a spikey 4-mile, 2,300-foot technical climb to the Chalet des Grands before continuing upward on slightly less steep terrain to the Col de Balme mountain pass. In all, it’s a 3,000-foot ascent over about 6 miles to the 7,200-foot high point on the course.

That was the first crux of the race, and that’s where Hemming took charge. As Allen faded, Hemming surged up the big climb as several other speedy runners gave chase, including Swiss runner Remi Bonnet who is known for his uphill running abilities. But Hemming had been waiting for this all year and specifically trained on long mountain ascents near Breckenridge, Colorado. He continued to surge across the Swiss-French border and up to the pass, building a nearly 7-minute lead over Spanish runner Antonio Martinez Perez.

From there, Hemming extended his lead to 10 minutes on the 7-mile, 3,000-foot descent to the French village of Argentière. But with one more big climb—a 3.5-mile, 2,000-foot technical grind to 6,200 feet atop the ski resort—he was anything but home free. Early in the climb, he slowed from a run to a walk, and even stopped at one point midway through the climb, bent over and rested his hands on his knees. He looked in distress, but eventually gathered himself and started running slowly up the hill again.

Perez had been charging up the mountain behind him and there was a brief moment where it looked like Hemming’s lead might be in jeopardy. But he managed to reach the final checkpoint at the 50K La Flégère aid station in first, and immediately looked better as he began the 4-mile descent down to Chamonix. Although he had gained ground, Perez felt the impact of the climb, too, and was caught by Italian runner Francesco Puppi before reaching the ski resort aid station. After a cordial acknowledgement as he passed, Puppi suddenly had a new spring in his step. He surged up the final 200 meters to reach the checkpoint about 4 minutes after Hemming then began bombing down the rocky, rooty dirt trail in pursuit of the leader.

Up front, Hemming had recovered slightly, running smoothly albeit without the intensity of a couple hours earlier. Puppi was clearly running faster. What had been a 10-minute lead at the 28.2-mile mark had greatly diminished with less than 3 miles to go. But with every stride, Hemming was one step closer to his year-long goal of winning OCC and he wasn’t going to let it slip away.

When he reached the edge of the Chamonix pedestrian village, he was quickly re-energized by the throngs of cheering spectators and increased his pace briefly as he dashed through the winding 200-meter section before slowly slightly on the final blue-carpeted approach to the finish line.

“I was trying to pace it as well as I could, and I knew if I made it over Col de Balme with a good gap, unless I blow up—which I did a little bit—I knew I could hold up pretty well to the end,” Hemming said. “It ended up being a bit of a grind. I knew I had about a 10-minute lead at Argentière, but I was very much overheated and the walls started closing in a bit. I tried to take a little time to cool down, but I knew I had to keep moving and just make it to the top.”

Still running hard, Puppi dashed through the village three minutes later to finish second in 5:14:46, followed by Perez in third at 5:17:56, China’s Juwei Zi in fourth (5:22:17), and Aritz Egea Caceres in 5th (5:27:07). Nick Handel, a 32-year-old runner from San Francisco, was the second American runner in the men’s race, finishing 13th in 5:41:08. The victory is the first big international win for Hemming, who transitioned into trail running  in 2021 after several years as a professional triathlete. Hemming has won several domestic 50K races in the US, including the Canyons Endurance Runs 50K on April 26 in Auburn, California. Last year, he placed second to Bonnet in the Mont-Blanc Marathon and also finished fifth in the Golden Trail World Series Final 20K championship in Noli, Italy. For a while, it looked like Hemming, and his 27–year-old wife, Tabor, might be on the verge of one of the best trail running stories of the year. They decided to part ways with sponsor Salomon, in the offseason, and sign with the Adidas-Terrex team at the start of the year. While they both raced well early in the season—Tabor took third at the Canyons 50K in April and third at the Broken Arrow Skyrace 25K in June—they opted not to race as much this year as they’ve been known to. They also decided not to join their new teammates at an extended Chamonix training camp in late July and instead stay home and train at high-altitude in central Colorado.

Knowing what they’d be facing on the course, they sought out long climbs near Breckenridge and Frisco that topped out between 12,000 and 13,000 feet—including Wheeler Pass between Copper Mountain ski resort and the community of Blue River. “The course is fast and steep, but it’s also very runnable,” Tabor said. “We knew we could get quality training at home, so we used those climbs to train, so we were happy to stay at home and run the places we know best.”

Tabor looked great early in the race, running with a strong pack of lead women that included Judith Wyder of Switzerland, Clementine Geoffray of France, and Miao Yao of China, plus Spain’s Sara Alonso, New Zealand’s Caitlin Fielder, and fellow Americans Dani Moreno and Allie McLaughlin.

Wyder was the early leader and figured to be tough to beat—despite a recent bout of COVID. She had earned the silver medal in the 50K race at last year’s World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Austria, and more recently took second in the 20K mountain running race at the European Championships and first at the Mont-Blanc Marathon in early July. Wyder led Geoffray, Moreno, McLaughlin, and Yao through the initial 4.5-mile climb to Champex, then expanded her lead to the top of the second climb at the 6,200-foot summit of La Giete as Yao and Alonso maneuvered into the second and third spots. But following a similar strategy as her husband, Tabor took the lead on the long downhill into Trient and began to surge on the technical climb up to Chalet des Grands with Yao, Wyder, Alonso and McLaughlin in tow. Hemming ran in the lead for part of the climb, but she paid for the aggressive move. Wyder and Yao overtook her and those two separated from the rest of the field. They dueled back and forth but Yao took the lead over Col de Balme and would never relinquish it. She seemed to get stronger as the race went on and she extended the gap on Wyder to 4 minutes at La Flégère ski resort.

From there, Yao cruised into Chamonix to secure the first win by a Chinese athlete at OCC in 5:54:03. With a 2018 CCC win already under her belt, she also enters the rarified air of having two UTMB World Series Finals championship titles to her name. Wyder was second in 6:00:05, followed by Geoffray in third at 6:02:10, Alonso in fourth (6:05:15), and Fielder in fifth (6:05:46). Moreno, who was third in the OCC in 2022 and dropped out last year, ran a strong second half to finish sixth as the top American in 6:06:59. Tabor Hemming continued up and over Col de Balme but slowed significantly and eventually dropped out at Argentière.

“I’m really happy about my race. It was really fun out there to compete with such strong ladies,” Wyder said, “Miao Yao was flying in the end. I’m so proud of myself to be back and to be able to be racing healthy. I didn’t think about [having COVID recently]. Today I was really happy with my performance and with my legs today.”

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce might have left the Olympic stage without a gold medal but the Jamaican sprint queen surely impacted the lives of many including New Zealand rugby star Michaela Blyde.

New Zealand national rugby sevens player Michaela Blyde has opened up about how Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce impacted her life growing up and how meeting the Jamaican sprint queen at the Paris Olympic Games was a life-changing moment.

Blyde disclosed that growing up, Fraser-Pryce motivated her to dream of winning gold medals on the Olympic stage in the 100m and 200m. In an interview, the 28-year-old added that meeting her idol at the Olympic Games must have been the greatest thing that happened to her.

She added that the three-time Olympic champion going to watch her game against China at the Paris Olympic Games was something she dreamt of and is a memory that will forever be in her mind at the Olympic stage.

“Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is actually the reason why I wanted to win gold in the 100m and 200m at the Olympic Games…that was my initial Olympic dream. When I tell you what it’s like to meet an idol, it’s so hard to explain because for so long, I watched her compete on TV. After all, it’s always about the fastest man on the planet but it's never about the fastest woman,” Blyde said.

“When I saw her in person, my whole soul left my body and was watching me above. And then she said, ‘I’ll come watch you play.’ Even I have said to people that I’ll watch them play…you say that with meaning but you know that deep down you can’t.

“And then all of a sudden, after our China game, I can hear, ‘Michaela’ like from afar, and I was like I can hear my name and so I just kind of looked to my left and there’s Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, watching us. She came to watch us play,” she added.

Blyde added that Fraser-Pryce sharing on her Instagram stories that she had gone to watch her play was a morale booster at the Olympic Games. She noted that having Fraser-Pryce in the stands changed her life forever.

After exiting the Olympic stage, she explained that it motivated her to be an inspiration to young girls and boys in her home country.

“And then on her Instagram stories, she was cheering on us, she was cheering from little Michaela Blyde who is from Taranaki. It’s just a random to her but to me, she’s someone who made a huge impact on my sporting career,” she said.

“Having her there was unbelievably meaningful. It makes you realise that the job we have as well when we go to club rugby or little Jenny’s school or whatever, they see us on the sideline and they feel just like how I felt there.”

The 52nd edition of the Wharf to Wharf road race lived up to its billing, and then some.

Fresno’s Evert Silva surged past four runners over the finishing downhill stretch into Capitola Village and edged Aidan Reed, of Helena, Montana, at the finish line in front of hundreds of cheering fans Sunday.

Silva and Reed both completed the scenic, 6-mile trek from Santa Cruz with chip elapsed times of 27 minutes, 3 seconds on a brisk morning under an overcast sky, perfect for running.

It was Silva’s first time competing in the race. The Oklahoma City University junior student-athlete said he was hoping to perform well in several races this summer to earn some money to help pay for bills. He earned a great payday.

The top male and female finishers each earned $4,000. Silva was also awarded an extra $1,000 for finishing as the top American runner.

“I’ve heard a lot about it,” Silva said. “I know it’s a competitive race, so I wanted to show up when I knew I was in good shape to compete with all the top-level athletes who come here.”

Evert Silva raises his arms in triumph as he is cheered by the crowd at the Capitola finish line after winning the 2024 Wharf to Wharf on Sunday. (Shmuel Thaler - Santa Cruz Sentinel)

Evert Silva, 24, of Fresno, takes a final look back over his shoulder on Sunday before crossing the Capitola finish line to win the men’s title at the 2024 Wharf to Wharf race. Second-place finisher Aidan Reed, second from right, and third-place finisher Matt Baxter finished shortly after Silva. (Shmuel Thaler - Santa Cruz Sentinel)

Women's winner Everlyn Kemboi smiles as she breaks the tape at the Wharf to Wharf on Sunday. (Shmuel Thaler - Santa Cruz Sentinel)

Oliver Chang, of Santa Cruz, exults as he crosses the Capitola finish line with a time of 29:16 to win the local men's title at the Wharf to Wharf race. (Shmuel Thaler - Santa Cruz Sentinel)

Runners, including men’s winner Evert Silva, wearing bib No. 13, get off to a fast start as the Wharf to Wharf begins Sunday morning on Beach Street in Santa Cruz. (Shmuel Thaler - Santa Cruz Sentinel)

Reid Buchanan is splashed by a cup of water that was errantly put in his way by the outstretched arm of a volunteer as the lead pack runs through the Harbor roundabout Sunday morning. (Shmuel Thaler - Santa Cruz Sentinel)Dominique Scott crosses the finish line in second place with a time of 30:33 on Sunday, four seconds behind women’s winner Everlyn Kemboi. (Shmuel Thaler - Santa Cruz Sentinel)

Matt Baxter, takes the lead on Beach Street at the start of Sunday’s Wharf to Wharf. Baxter led on-and-off for much of the race and finished in third. (Shmuel Thaler - Santa Cruz Sentinel)

Former Aptos High track standout Trent Nosky is cheered by the crowd as he finishes Sunday’s race with a time of 30:11. (Shmuel Thaler - Santa Cruz Sentinel)

Grace Barnett, of San Diego, crosses the finish line with a time of 31:21, just edging out Alice Wright, at left, for fifth place. (Shmuel Thaler - Santa Cruz Sentinel)

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Evert Silva raises his arms in triumph as he is cheered by the crowd at the Capitola finish line after winning the 2024 Wharf to Wharf on Sunday. (Shmuel Thaler - Santa Cruz Sentinel)

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Reed earned $3,000 for second place. Matt Baxter, a two-time national champion from New Zealand, took third in 27:05 and earned $2,000. Ali Abdilmana of Ethiopia took fourth in 27:16 and earned $1,000, and Arturs Medveds of Latvia rounded out the top five in 27:28.

Race organizers expected a competitive race, given the times previously run by athletes in the elite field, and it was a thriller to the final step.

While plenty of the participants in the 16,000-runner field trained for the heralded event — arguably the biggest sporting event held in Santa Cruz County each year — few trained with ferocity of Silva.

Silva usually tries to train in the morning to avoid the suffocating, triple-digit temperatures that are commonplace in the Central Valley during the summer, but he added plenty of afternoon sessions, too. His showing along the coast, with views of picturesque Monterey Bay, was quite literally a breeze.

“I try to run in the morning,” he said. “But every afternoon run it’s 110 (degrees), so I said, ‘A lot of people aren’t training in that, and if I could just do it every week something good is going to come out of it.’ I guess it was being able to run fast in 60-degree weather in Santa Cruz.”

The lead pack featured eight runners for much of the first five miles. The runners traded the lead throughout that stretch. Baxter led at the mile marker, and Kenya’s Shadrack Keter, the third-place finisher at the 2023 Wharf to Wharf, crossed the second mile balloon archway in front.

Kenya’s Peter Mwaniki Njeru moved from second into the lead at the third archway, but he dropped back to fourth place as the lead pack thinned to five runners. Reed jumped in front and led at the fourth- and fifth-mile markers.

All the while, Silva stayed in the hunt, patient and ready to pounce.

“The downhill was extremely steep,” said Silva, of the finishing stretch. “And I’m a sub-4 miler, so I knew I can sprint with anybody. Those guys ahead of me, to my knowledge, they’re not sub-4 milers, so I knew I had some speed. Thankfully, I was able to hold it off.”

It was his second win in as many days. He took first at the Miguel Reyes Elite 5K in Fresno on Saturday.

American Everlyn Kemboi, a Kenyan native who won the 2023 NCAA title in the 10K, earned her second win as a professional. She topped the women’s field in 30:29. She passed Dominique Scott, who has citizenship in both South Africa and the U.S., with 600 meters to go.

“I’m so happy to be here,” Kemboi said. “I love racing in California. I came here last year. I was fifth. That was my first professional race.”

She wanted to come back and improve her showing. Kemboi credited her training for an improved effort. She said she’s running with peace of mind, so much so that she was surprised how quickly the race ended.

“I trust my finish, but today I was feeling great,” Kemboi said. “I was like, ‘Oh, we’re almost at the end. I only have six to seven meters to go. What?!?! I’m feeling good.’ ”

Scott, who was teammates with Aptos native and 2024 Olympian Nikki Hiltz at University of Arkansas, took second in 30:33.

If Scott returns next. year, she’ll have some useful course knowledge to rely upon.

“The girl that won, she made a little surge past me,” Scott said. “I didn’t realize how aggressive the downhill was going to be and that once she was two steps in front of me, I wouldn’t be able to catch her because it’s that aggressive of a downhill. That was definitely a mistake on my behalf. I would’ve loved the win, but I’m also happy with my race today.”

Scott is enjoying the process of training to compete in the next Chicago Marathon.

“It’s a hard course, but a fun course,” said Scott, of the Wharf to Wharf. “It’s cool how the locals come out to support. It was a great day. … They’re aren’t many races this time of year where you can get a perfect morning race. It’s usually pretty hot for all road races during the summer. I really enjoyed the weather.”

Kayley Delay of Jacksonville Beach, Florida, finished in 30:52 to hold off Ethiopia’s Atsede Baysa (30:55) for third place. Grace Barnett of Pawleys Island, South Carolina, took fifth in 31:21.

Santa Cruz’s Oliver Chang (29:16) and Watsonville’s Daniela Salazar (34:38) earned top local honors.

Chang, who grew up in South Pasadena and competed for Pomona College, moved to the area two years ago and used his extra year of eligibility competing for NCAA Division III UC Santa Cruz’s cross country and track programs.

Sunday was Chang’s first competitive race since competing in the San Francisco Half Marathon a year ago to the day. He began training in earnest 10 weeks ago.

“I’m ecstatic,” he said. “I couldn’t be happier with how the day went.”

Sunnyvale’s Daniel Mendez, who purchased a home in Brentwood roughly two weeks ago, competed in the race for the first time and came away with a handsome payday. His bib number, 9948, was drawn in the Golden bib contest, which earned him $5,000. He had no idea of the significance of being awarded a golden bib at the outset of the race, but several runners informed him that he should stick around and attend the awards ceremony.

“This is insane,” he said.

The 52nd Wharf to Wharf race takes place Sunday, and 16,000 runners will make the annual 6-mile trek from Santa Cruz to Capitola. This time, they'll do so in an Olympic year.

Supportive fans who position themselves along the course route will not only be treated to an up-close view of a blazing quick elite field, and plenty of recreational runners, some of them costumed, they'll also get to take in the traditional array of musical groups that line the course.

Some of the world's best middle distance and distance runners are in Paris for the 2024 Summer Games, but Dayne Gradone, the Wharf to Wharf's elite athlete coordinator, believes the celebrated local race drew a heck of a field.

"On the whole, the fields are solid," said Gradone, of the elite entries for men and women. "There may be less pop at the front, but they're deep fields."

There are plenty of registered athletes whose résumés include 28-minute finishes in the 10K and 13:20 marks in the 5K.

One of the top runners in the field is Peter Njeru.  Earlier in the year he clocked a 27:52 10k.  He was just a 34 minute 10k runner before he joined the KATA (Kenyan  Athletics Training Academy in Thika) training camp in 2020.  Second photo is Peter having lunch with KATA's founder/director Bob Anderson going on his plans for the Race.  Bob recently opened his second KATA location in Portugal. 

As usual, runners will have plenty of incentive to finish in the top four. The top male and female finishers will each receive $4,000. Second pays $3,000, third garners $2,000, and fourth pays $1,000. The top American runner will also receive $1,000.

The women's field is headlined by Dom Scott and Atsede Baysa.

Scott is a two-time Olympian, five-time NCAA champion and two-time national champ. She has dual citizenship (South Africa and U.S.) and is eligible for the top American runner prize.

Ethiopia's Baysa has won three major marathons, claiming the Boston title in 2016, and Chicago title in 2010 and '12.

"The women's field is incredibly deep," Gradone said. "A lot of women have run in the low 15 minutes in the 5K. Those are some serious times."

Gradone is alluding to talents like Bahrain's Bontu Edao Rebitu, and Americans Kayley Delay, Katie Izzo, Grace Barnett, and Paige Wood. Australia's Clare O'Brien isn't far off, and Great Britain's Alice Wright could also be in the mix.

American Everlyn Kemboi, the 2023 NCAA champ in the 10K, was added to the field this week.

Top female locals include Santa Cruz's Amy Schnittger, an Aptos High and Chico State University alumna, and Mari Friedman, a Santa Cruz High and Oregon State University alumna.

Kenya's Shadrack Keter, the third place finisher at the Wharf to Wharf last year, is one of the favorites in the men's field, as are New Zealand's Matt Baxter, a two-time national champion, Kenya's Peter Mwaniki Njeru, Ethiopia's Ali Abdilmana, and Zimbabwe's Bradely Makuvire.

A strong American contingent includes Reid Buchanan, a silver medalist in the 10,000 at the 2019 Pan American Games, Noah Droddy, Sidney Gidabuday, Aidan Reed, Patrick Smyth, Zac Hine and Evert Silva.

Top local males include St. Francis High alum Julian Vargas, who took fifth at the 2024 3C2A State Championships in the 10,000 for Hartnell College, and Aptos native Jack Rose, who took 54th out of 26,469 runners at the 128th Boston Marathon in April.

Vargas (29:28) took ninth at the 2023 Wharf to Wharf and Rose (30:49) took 33rd.

You may be able to toss your antacids and emergency Imodium stash—scientists are excited about a new study highlighting the gut-protecting powers of blackcurrant extract, and it could be the latest go-to remedy for the summer GI distress some runners experience. Relief for the dreaded condition, sometimes dubbed “runner’s trots,” might now be as simple as popping a berry supplement, as reported by British media outlet Wales Online.

Berry good news

Researchers found that more than two-thirds of recreational runners, unaccustomed to running in hot weather, experienced reduced symptoms after taking blackcurrant extract. Mark Willems, a professor in exercise physiology at the University of Chichester who has published more than 40 New Zealand blackcurrant extract studies, noted the study’s significance: “It is impressive that the 92 per cent of participants who displayed total GI symptoms were reduced to 25 per cent with blackcurrant. This is really meaningful.”

What exactly are runner’s trots?

For the uninitiated, runner’s trots refers to the gastrointestinal distress runners face in high temperatures, leading to nausea, diarrhea and other uncomfortable symptoms. Exercising in the heat redirects blood flow away from the digestive system to help keep your body cool, which can create havoc in your gastrointestinal tract. Current prevention methods, such as complex heat acclimation training, are often impractical for casual runners.

The research

For this study, runners took 600 mg of blackcurrant extract (the brand CurraNZ was used in this study) daily for seven days before hitting the treadmill in sweltering 34 C conditions. The polyphenol-rich blackcurrant supplement was shown to reduce heat-induced cell damage and “leaky gut” by up to 40 per cent. Not only did the extract alleviate gut distress, but it also proved safe, with no adverse effects, on core temperature or thermoregulation.

Matthew Kuennen, an associate professor at High Point University, N.C., praised its efficacy: “I am impressed with blackcurrant’s ability to reduce markers of gut leak and gastrointestinal barrier function during prolonged endurance exercise under hot/dry conditions,” he said. Kuennen recommends blackcurrant supplementation as a potentially meaningful alternative when heat training is not an option.

The takeaway

Blackcurrant extract may be a game-changer for runners battling heat-induced GI issues. With its ability to provide quick relief and enhance performance, it may be worth considering adding this supplement to your pre-race routine. Stephanie Flippin, a pro ultrarunner, coach and physician who works with athletes and uses blackcurrant extract in her own training, says she is excited about the findings: “There isn’t a runner who hasn’t experienced GI distress,” she explains. “With current strategies limited to heat training itself, any mitigation and protective measure is highly beneficial, and New Zealand blackcurrant extract offers an exciting new supplement for runners.”

“The take-away message is that if you are customarily experiencing mild GI symptoms from running in the heat, they are likely to be resolved by supplementing with New Zealand blackcurrant extract,” Willems said.

Two of the top road racers in the world will face off in the 55th Running of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race, organizers announced today.

In his first season of competition in the U.S., Sabastian Sawe comes to Atlanta ranked as the #1 road racer in the world, based on distances from 10K to the half marathon. The 29-year-old Kenyan brings a personal best of 26:49, the second-fastest 10K time in the world last year, and the reigning World Half Marathon Champion sits on top of the 2024 leaderboard for fastest half marathon in the world so far this year, 58:24.

In a rematch of those 2023 World Half Marathon Championships, Sawe will face Kenya’s Daniel Ebenyo, 28, who earned a silver medal in that race last fall. Ebenyo was leading until Sawe drew even with a few hundred meters remaining, going on to a four-second victory. “We pushed each other to a good result,” Ebenyo said afterward.

Ebenyo, the 2023 World Championships silver medalist at 10,000 meters on the track, is ranked #1 in the world for 10K on the roads. His personal best of 26:58 is second in the Peachtree field only to Sawe. Both will be making their Peachtree debuts.

Among the other top athletes in the field are Mathew Kimeli of Kenya (27:07) and Boniface Kibiwott (27:13) of Kenya and Jake Robertson of New Zealand (27:28). Returning to the Peachtree for the 10th time is American Elkanah Kibet, 41.

In the Shepherd Center Wheelchair Division, course record-holder Daniel Romanchuk of the USA (right) will have a chance to make history as the first athlete in the men’s open division to win the Peachtree seven times. Romanchuk, 25, has won Peachtree for the past six years in a row, but will have to fend off American Aaron Pike, a six-time Paralympian, and Josh Cassidy of Canada, a two-time Peachtree champion.

he field for the women’s footrace is headlined by 24-year-old Emmaculate Anyango, whose 10K personal best of 28:57 makes her the second-fastest woman in history at the distance. The Kenyan is currently ranked as the #4 road racer in the world.

Countrywoman Chelangat (30:01) will challenge her. Anyango and Chepkoech, who is tied for 8th-fastest woman in history, will be making their Peachtree debuts, while Chelangat is back after finishing second here last year.

Also returning will be Susannah Scaroni (left), the 2020 Paralympic gold medalist at 5,000 meters. The 33-year-old Peachtree course record-holder will be seeking her fourth win here since 2018 and third in a row. Scaroni missed the spring marathon season with an overuse injury but is apparently back to form: She set a World Record for 5,000 meters on the track in early June.

The winner of each professional division will receive $12,500.

For the first time, the Peachtree will feature an Elite High School Division, giving the best young distance runners in Georgia the chance to experience professional road racing first-hand. The field is composed of the top 20 boys and top 20 girls from the classes of 2025, 2026 and 2027 residing in Georgia who accepted an invitation from Atlanta Track Club.

The 55th Running of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race will be held Thursday, July 4, in Atlanta, Georgia, with 50,000 runners and walkers making their way from Lenox Square to Piedmont Park in the world’s largest 10K. The event will be livestreamed on AJC.com and on the AJC News app beginning at 6 a.m., with Lewis Johnson, Carrie Tollefson and Amanda McGrory leading the broadcast team.

Breaking the 4-minute mile barrier is a testament to natural speed and hard work, but could it also predict longevity? Researchers recently tracked the first 200 athletes to break the four-minute mile mark between 1954 and 1974, and discovered a striking trend in terms of the health and longevity of the athletes.

Elite athletes are known to have bigger hearts due to sustained aerobic output, and in the past, some research has indicated the belief that this could negatively impact their health and longevity. This study demonstrated the opposite. The study was released to mark the 70th anniversary of Sir Roger Bannister‘s sub-four-minute mile and revealed that the elite runners outlived the general population by an impressive margin.

On May 6, 1954, Bannister successfully broke the four-minute barrier at Oxford’s Iffley Road track, clocking 3:59.4. Until then, the four-minute mile was considered by many to be impossible. Some runners had come close, but the fastest among them could only muster 4:01. Bannister ushered in a new era of runners with his record-breaking time, and as of 2022, the four-minute barrier had been broken by more than 1,750 athletes.

A team led by scientists from Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute in Australia who partnered with Canadian researchers gained access to the health records of the first 200 people on record who ran sub-four-minute miles. The list of speedsters included athletes from the U.K., Australia, France, New Zealand and the U.S. The runners (all male) were all born between 1928 and 1955, and most were still alive. These top-tier athletes outlived the general population by an impressive margin.

“Breaking the four-minute mile was an extraordinary achievement 70 years ago and revealed just what the human body can achieve,” said Professor Mark Haykowsky, Research Chair in Aging and Quality of Life in the University of Alberta’s faculty of nursing. “It set off a wave of runners following in Sir Roger’s mighty footsteps. 

“Remarkably, we found that, like Sir Roger, who lived to the ripe old age of 88, most of the first runners also lived well into their 70s, 80s and a majority are alive and healthy today.”

On average, the runners enjoyed nearly five additional years of life over the general population. The researchers also found intriguing patterns across different decades. Athletes who achieved this milestone in the 1950s surpassed their peers by a staggering nine years, on average, while those from the 1970s still boasted an extra five and a half years of life.

With an average age of 77 among the surviving athletes, these findings challenge conventional notions of aging and highlight the remarkable impact rigorous physical training has on longevity.

Reigning champions Edwin Kurgat of Kenya and Laura Galvan of Mexico successfully defended their titles in the Men’s Elite and Women’s Elite races to cap Sunday’s Carlsbad 5000.

The annual road race in Carlsbad Village, with events throughout the day for runners of different ages and skill levels, featured an updated course that benefited from the picturesque weather.

Under blue skies with only wispy clouds, competitors ran parallel to the coastline on Carlsbad Boulevard. They were cheered on both by spectators there to take in the “World’s Fastest 5K” and the beachgoers who became impromptu fans.“The new course is way fun,” said Kurgat. “You don’t have to think about much, so I like it better than last (year’s) course.”

Kurgat’s appreciation for the course manifested in a final time of 13:46.11. His 4:26 pace edged him ahead of New Zealand’s Matt Baxter, who finished second at 13:47.74.

“I felt surprisingly good throughout the entire race,” said Baxter, who ran a 4:27 pace. “I just couldn’t quite hold onto Edwin as we came up that last hill … When I saw him in sights coming through his home stretch, I was giving it everything, because I knew if I was even close to Edwin, it was going to be a day I could be happy with.”

With a mile remaining and the runners coming up the slope, the 2019 NCAA cross-country champion from Iowa State Kurgat gained separation.

Kurgat and Baxter pulled away from American Ben Veatch — who, at Indiana University set the USATF American Junior indoor 5K record with a since-broken 13:57.27. Veatch finished third on Sunday with a time of 14:09.39.

His repeat first-place performance at the Carlsbad 5000 continued an impressive 2024 for Kurgat, who in January ran a 12:57.52 in the indoor 5,000 meters at the John Thomas Terrier Classic in Boston.

An Olympic-qualifying time to his credit, Kurgat’s attention for 2024 turns to Paris and the Oymmpics. 

“It’s a big year, Olympic year. I wanted to come here, have some fun, take a quick break and I wanted to use (Carlsbad) as part of my training,” Kurgat said.Likewise, fellow repeat Carlsbad 5000 champion Galvan ran an Olympic-qualifying time during the World Championships last August in Budapest, Hungary.

A native of La Sauceda, Guanajuato, Galvan will represent Mexico in Paris for the 5,000 meters. She has designs on qualifying for the 10,000, as well.

Ahead of competing for the nation this summer, onlookers at the Carlsbad 5000 waved Mexican flags for Galvan on Sunday.

“I really like the atmosphere,” she said. “It was crazier than last year because last year, we had many turns (on the course) ... The crowd was really, really amazing.”An enthusiastic crowd made for a welcoming environment to Galvan amid the intensity of Olympic preparations.

“Stress builds up. Coming here to a race like this makes it fun,” Galvan said. “I said, ‘If I win, great. If I don’t, it’s fine.’ Because what I wanted to do as much as winning was having a good race.”Galvan accomplished her goal of running a strong race, and winning again came with that.

She finished with a time of 15:19, 20 seconds ahead of second-place finisher, Marissa Howard. Carrie Verdon came in third at 15:49.

Each champion’s successful defense ahead of their respective pursuits of Olympic success provided fitting punctuation to an all-around idyllic spring North County day.

San Diego running legend Meb Keflezighi, a part-owner of the race, summed it up this way: 

“Great turnout from the crowd, great turnout from the participants and perfect weather.” 

"It is not fair that kids under the age 12 can not race a mile in Portugal nor kids under 18 can not race a 10k.  These out dated rules need to be updated,"  says Bob Anderson who is setting up a KATA running retreat in central Portugal opening in June.  In 2021 he opened his first KATA Running Retreat just 45 minutes outside of Nairobi Kenya.  Bob posted this on FB: 

As some of you might know, we are setting up our second KATA Running Retreat in Central Portugal.  We are in a small village called Monforte da Beira.  There are only 310 people in our village.  It is a very cool village with cobblestone streets, olive and cork trees nearby and miles of roads and trails for running, hiking and walking.  

We bought our Anderson Manor House Feb 1 of 2024.  It is an amazing three story place of 15,000 square feet with another 12,000 feet of out buildings and caves plus two acres of land with olive, fig, orange trees and a big area of land for our garden and farm animals.  We want to be as sustainable as possible like we are in Kenya and produce at least 50% of our food.  

This is going to be our base in Europe for us personally and the location of our second KATA Running Retreat.  We are welcoming our first guests in June. 

KATA (Kenyan Athletic Training Avademy) Running Retreat Kenya officially opened in Sept 2021. We currently have 22 Kenyan athletes living, eating and training with us.  We have eight rooms for guests and already we have had bookings from England, France, Poland, New Zealand and the US.  

Our training program is Train The Kenyan Way. We currently have five accredited AK coaches on staff.  Already our top KATA runners are running world class times.  Peter, one of our top runners just recently clocked 27:54 for a 10k race in the US. We also stage kids races at KATA.  Kids of all ages.  (Third photo)

Anyway, things are going well for us and we look forward to develope our second location in Portugal.

One thing we do monthly is a time trial plus we regularly stage races.  Our Double Road Race Federation company founded in 2010 is the owner of these projects.  We stage three races in Northern California annually attracting nearly 1500 runners as well. 

One of the events we have been doing since 2010 is the Bob Anderson Kids mile.  It is an event for kids 13 and under. In Palo Alto, California last December we had over 70 kids run our mile, some as young as 2.  We let their parents decide if their child is capable of running (or walking) a mile.  

Each of our kids get  a medal, a t-shirt and a chance to win a raffle prize.  We also give out a special medal for each winner for their age.  2-3-4-5 and so on.  The kids love our event and we have had over one thousand kids participate over the years.  There has never been a problem.  

Let’s get back to the point of this post.  To celebrate the opening of our new retreat in Portugal I asked the Mayor of our village if we could stage a race in conjunction with their summer festival in June.  It would be Monforte da Beira first running race ever. The mayor thought it was a good idea and we started things rolling for our June 23rd event.  Besides the 10k we also would do a 3k hike/walk and our Bob Anderson kids mile (for kids 13 and under).  

So I hired a race director Nuno.  He said he could handle everything.  I did not know at the time that he had never put on a race before.  He said he was very connected to the running scene since he had been running for like 15 or more years.  

Things were moving along fairly well until April 5.    After paying him for a month he informed me that only kids 12-13 could run our mile race and no one under 18 could run our 10k race.  

I told him this was backward. Maybe it was too strong of a word but it reminded me of the time in the US where women were not allowed to run over a half mile and certainly not a marathon. 

I mention that in the US we have thousands of kids under the age of 12 running one mile races and beyond. Plus even more kids under 18 running 10k and beyond.

I found this story from September 2023, 

“Olivia Hawes of Blacksburg (USA) holds world records for running and when she crossed the finish line last week for a 6.15K in Virginia Beach, she topped 200 total miles in her young career. She has run more than 20 5Ks in nine different states and has a goal to run one in all 50 states. The unbelievable fact is that Hawes is only two years old. 

She has the fastest mile and most 5ks for a 1-and 2-years old along with being the youngest and second youngest competitor in the VA Commonwealth Games’ 33-year history.” (First photo)

Now this is an extreme example.  Two is young but there is even more examples of kids not only completing a mile or more race but loving every minute.  My grand kids ran races at age 4 and loved doing so.  I started running races at age 15 way back when and at 76 I still love running 

According to Nuno this is the rules of the Portugal Athletics Federation.  And since he “loves his country” he has to follow the rules.  Sorry but these rules are just not fair for kids under 18 in my opinion, 

So I told Nuno that I can’t endorse these rules.  The Bob Anderson kids mile should be for all kids 13 and under.  Nuno then said we have to follow the rules of Portugal.  

I didn’t agree and even suggested not even doing a kids race as a compromise.  But he did not want to listen to anything I was saying. So he resigned not giving any notice.  Right now I have taken over the duties of race director of our June 23 event.  I simply could not endorse this rule.  We are new to portugal but certainly not new to running.  

Malaysia has rejected an offer to hold the 2026 Commonwealth Games due to time constraints, costs and an insufficient offer of funding, its government said on Friday, in a major setback for a quadrennial multi-sport event that has struggled to find hosts.

Malaysia was asked to step in after the Australian state of Victoria withdrew, citing ballooning costs, with the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) offering 100 million pounds ($126 million) in supporting funds.

Malaysia ruling itself out raises the possibility that the Games may not take place for the first time since being cancelled in 1942 and 1946 due to the Second World War.

Malaysia could not commit to hosting the contest at such short notice with cost concerns and little time to assess the potential economic impact, officials said.

"If we had a longer time, we would definitely do it, but because there's such a short time, we definitely can't do it," government spokesperson and Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil told a regular briefing.

"When we assessed the viability of hosting the Games, the length of time needed and the cost was seen to be particularly prohibitive."

The CGF expressed disappointment at Malaysia's decision, but said its search for a host was continuing.

"The confidential process to determine a host is continuing with other interested Commonwealth Games Associations," a CGF spokesperson said, without elaborating.

RELEVANCE QUESTIONED

The Games are typically contested by about 70 countries and territories of the former British empire and medals tables have in recent editions been dominated by Australia, England, Canada, India, New Zealand and South Africa.

Victoria's withdrawal had already placed the future of the event in doubt and raised questions about whether a Games with colonial origins was still relevant in the modern era, and over its place in an already packed global sporting calendar.

TV rights, the main income driver for international sports events, are tiny for the Commonwealth Games compared to other large-scale competitions, meaning national and local governments can face budget deficits if hosting.

Malaysia's youth and sports ministry said the 100 million pounds funding it was offered would not be enough to cover the costs of hosting the Games.

"Additionally, the economic impact could not be identified in this short timeframe," the ministry said.

The Games has struggled to find a willing host in recent years and five of the last six editions have been held in Australia or Britain.

The English city of Birmingham, which had been due to host in 2026, stepped in to save the 2022 event after South Africa were stripped of hosting rights over a lack of progress in preparations.

Birmingham's move led to the CGF scrambling to find another host for 2026 and Victoria had been the only viable candidate after several other cities withdrew from the bidding process over cost issues.

The proposal had received a mixed response in Malaysia, which hosted the 1998 edition, over the lack of preparation time and costs.

The Malaysian Olympic Council had initially proposed holding a downsized Games, with limited spending on athletes' accommodation and smaller opening and closing ceremonies.

In advance of the highly anticipated race scheduled for this Sunday, March 10, 2024, the Nagoya Women’s Marathon held a pre-race press conference for the invited elite athletes today in Nagoya, Japan.

Gotytom Gebreslase (ETH), 2022 Oregon World Champion and 2023 Budapest World Championships silver medalist said, “My goal for Sunday is to run under two hours 18 minutes, and if the weather and pacemakers are good, I will try to break the course record of 2:17:18.” Her competitor Eunice Chebichii Chumba of Bahrain, 2023 Asian Games Champion said, “My preparation has been going well, and my focus will be to improve my personal best of 2:20:02.”

For Japanese athletes, the Nagoya Women’s Marathon 2024 will be the last chance to win a place in the Paris Olympics team by beating the new national record of 2:18:59 just set by Honami Maeda this January.

The 2020 Tokyo Olympians Ayuko Suzuki will aim to break the target of 2:18:59 so she can compete in the Olympics again to show what she really can do, adding that she was ready to turn the support of the local spectators of her hometown Aichi into strength. Sharing the same goal with Ayuko, Rika Kaseda commented that she had prepared for a high-speed race and would challenge herself to keep up with the pace of other fast athletes to grab the last ticket for Paris 2024.

In addition to these top elite athletes, many recreational runners will join the Nagoya Women’s Marathon 2024 from home and abroad, making it an exciting race with 18,000 participants. All finishers will be presented with an event’s exclusively designed Tiffany & Co. pendant and a New Balance T-shirt as the finisher prize.

Sunday’s race will be streamed live free of charge to 37 countries and regions (Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Brazil, Brunei, Cambodia, Chile, Colombia, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Kenya, Macau, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Myanmar, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Romania, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, and United States of America) on the race’s official website at https://womens-marathon.nagoya/en/broadcast.php. Stay tuned for the race to start at 9:10 a.m. on Sunday, March 10, 2024, Japan time.

2023 UTMB champion Jim Walmsley and 2022 second-place finisher Mathieu Blanchard have confirmed they will appear at this year’s Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) final, which takes place in Chamonix, France on Aug. 30, according to a report by iRunFar. A number of other ultratrail elites have also been announced, including the U.K.’s Tom Evans, who finished third in 2022 and who won Western States 100 in 2023, and Canada’s Christian Meier, the former pro cyclist who won the 145-km TDS race last year. 

On the women’s side, Canada’s Marianne Hogan (who finished second in 2022) is confirmed, as are 2022 champion Katie Schide of the U.S., France’s Claire Bannwarth and New Zealand’s Ruth Croft (who won Western States in 2022). (Three-time UTMB champion and course record holder Courtney Dauwalter does not appear on the list.)

Four-time champion Kilian Jornet and 2023 second-place finisher Zach Miller will also not be returning. After the October, 2023 announcement by UTMB and its minority partner, the Ironman Group, of a new race in Whistler, B.C. in 2024, and the Dec. 1 announcement that UTMB livestream announcer Corrine Malcolm had been fired, the two publicly questioned the organization’s decisions and its treatment of athletes. There was talk of a boycott, though Jornet and Miller dispute this; in the wake of all of this, regular discussions between UTMB and the Pro Trail Runners Association (PTRA), of which Jornet is a founding member, became more frequent, with a view to smoothing relations between athletes and the race. 

Walmsley moved to France for two years to hone his mountain-running skills before finally winning UTMB on his fifth try in 2023 (he Walmsley first ran UTMB in 2017, finishing fifth; he DNF’d in 2018 and again in 2021, then finished fourth in 2022). Blanchard, who has returned to France after living in Montreal for a few years (and taking out Canadian citizenship), finished fourth last year after following Jornet onto the podium in 2022. Hogan has been dealing with injuries for much of the last year and a half since her podium finish in 2022.

Geordie Beamish of Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand, pulled off an incredible upset to take gold in the men’s 1,500m on the final day of competition at the 2024 World Indoor Championships in Glasgow.

Beamish was not expected to win, with the 1,500m not being his main event. However, he bided his time and entered the final lap in eighth place before surging down the final straight to become New Zealand’s first world indoor champion in the 1,500m event, clocking a personal best of 3:36.54.

“I trusted my closing speed against anyone,” said. Beamish to Canadian Running post-race.

Cole Hocker and Hobbs Kessler of Team USA claimed silver and bronze, respectively, with times of 3:36.69 and 3:36.72.

The door was open for a new champion in the men’s 1,500m with the absence of Jakob Ingebrigtsen due to injury and reigning world (outdoor) champion Josh Kerr, who ran and won the 3,000m distance instead.  

When asked if Beamish would run the 1,500m in Paris instead of the steeplechase, he declined. “I don’t think I can run a 1,500m in 3:29,” he said. “I enjoy the steeple a lot, and I think I have my best chance to medal in that event.”

Vancouver’s Kieran Lumb finished 13th in the 1,500m final. “I’m disappointed,” says Lumb. “I felt I was going to really do something special today, and that wasn’t the case.”

Beamish’s medal capped off a day to remember for New Zealand after Hamish Kerr earlier won gold in the high jump. The small Oceanic island nation finished with four medals (two gold, two silver), their most ever at an indoor world championship.

In the women’s 1,500m final, it was Ethiopia’s Freweyni Hailu who came out on top in a time of 4:01.46. This is Hailu’s first global title. Her best finish before Glasgow was a fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics in the same event. Americans Nikki Hiltz and Emily MacKay ran personal bests to win silver and bronze. Canada’s Lucia Stafford finished 11th in 4:08.90.

The Nagoya Women’s Marathon announced today the world’s top women athletes who will compete in the 13th edition of the race to be held on Sunday, March 10, 2024.

The leading names in the field are Gotytom Gebreslase of Ethiopia, world champion in Oregon in 2022 with a personal best of 2:18:11 and Silver Medallist in Budapest in 2023, and Eunice Chebichii Chumba of Bahrain, Asian Games Champion of 2023 in Hangzhou, who has a personal best of 2:20:02.

The competitor list also includes many outstanding international athletes such as Delvine Relin Meringor of Romania, Violah Cheptoo of Kenya, Giovanna Epis of Italy, Eloise Wellings of Australia, Camille French of New Zealand, and others representing China and Puerto Rico.

The local athletes who will face them from Japan are Ai Hosoda, the third-place finisher in the Marathon Grand Championship, Japan’s domestic qualifier for the 2024 Paris Olympics, who set a personal best of 2:21:42 in the 2022 London Marathon, the 2020 Tokyo Olympians Ayuko Suzuki in the marathon and Yuka Ando in the 10,000m, and 2023 Budapest World Championship competitor Rika Kaseda, all of whom have personal best records under 2:22 and will be vying for the final spot in Japan’s marathon team for the Paris Olympics.

Anyone who beats the Japanese record of 2:18:59 – just set this January for the first time in 19 years – will qualify for Paris.

The pacemakers driving the high-speed race include Sheila Chepkirui of Kenya, who has a personal best of 2:17:29.

The Nagoya Women’s Marathon is not only one of the world’s fastest elite competitions as a World Athletics Platinum Label road race, but it is also known as the world’s largest women’s marathon and a unique festival to celebrate women runners. All finishers will receive an event-exclusive Tiffany & Co. pendant as a token of their achievement.

The 2024 race will take place in Nagoya, Japan, on March 10 with 20,000 runners, while a virtual race is currently held from February 10 through March 31, which can be participated in anywhere in the world via a running app.

Kieran Abbotts is a PhD student at the University of Oregon, studying human physiology. He earned his master's degree in Metabolism and Exercise Physiology at Colorado State University. The lab that he works at now studies exercise and environment and stressors on physiology. In other words, he's an expert on how the chemicals in the body work during exercise, and what happens when things get out of whack. 

"Essentially, there are two kinds of training. There's functional overreaching, which means you stress the body with hard workouts and long runs. Then you provide adequate time to recover, and you induce adaptations," Abbotts said. This kind of training is ideal-your body is getting stronger. "You want to be functionally overreaching as an elite athlete-so that you're making progress and becoming a better runner, but also giving yourself adequate recovery." 

And then there's non-functional overreaching, which can feel the same to many athletes, but it's very different. 

"With non-functional overreaching you're essentially doing the same thing-big workouts, stressing the body-but not giving yourself enough time to recover. And so you start doing damage." That damage might take a long time to show itself, Abbots said, but it eventually will. 

This might be the most important thing to know about being an athlete at any level. Non-functional overreaching is exactly the same as very healthy training, except without enough rest. And rest is different for everyone, which makes it exceptionally easy to slip from functional overreaching into damaging non-functional overreaching without realizing it. Without adequate rest, the body begins to break down instead of build stronger. 

Stress Is Stress

Professional ultrarunner Cat Bradley, 31, living in Hawaii, has experienced fatigue and burnout in various forms, including just after she won Western States in 2017. 

Winning a big race is great, but it also means all eyes are on you-the pressure is high to stay on top. "After winning Western States, I took a month off, but I was still running at a high level. And for lack of a better term, I felt like I had a gun to my back," Bradley said. "I wanted Western States so badly, and after I won, so many things happened and I never shook that gun-to-the-back feeling. After a while, it led to burnout. I had to take a mental break." 

For many athletes, finding success can be the stress that makes non-functional overreaching feel necessary. How can you take an extended break when you're winning and signing new sponsor contracts? 

A second version of burnout for Bradley came when she went through an especially stressful situation outside of running. She was dealing with such extreme daily emotional stress in her personal life that everything else was affected, including running and training. When the body is enduring stress, it doesn't know (or care) what the cause is. We can't put our life into silos. If there's stress in one's life, everything else needs to be adjusted. It doesn't matter if that stress is "just work" or illness, or relationships. 

When you're overtraining, or chronically overstressed, your body is creating higher levels of "catecholamines" hormones released by your adrenal glands during times of stress like epinephrine, norepinephrine, or adrenaline. "Having those chronically high levels of overstimulation and not enough recovery, you wind up with a desensitization," Abbotts said. "Overstimulation also causes decreased levels of plasma cortisol. Cortisol is the stress hormone, and it plays a very important role in your physiology." 

When you're exercising or stressing the body, cortisol will go up, to help the body deal with the stress. But if you're constantly requiring lots of cortisol, your body will eventually down-regulate. It will adapt and then you'll have low levels of cortisol. This means trouble dealing with physical and mental stress. 

In February, Bradley experienced her most recent version of burnout, and it happened mid-race. Bradley was running the Tarawera 100-miler in New Zealand. Besides training for such a big race, she was also working full-time and planning and preparing for her wedding, which was just days after the race. On top of everything, travel to the event was incredibly stressful. 

"I was in fourth place, I could see third, and at mile 85, I passed out and hit my head on a rock," Bradley said. "We can talk about the reasons that I fainted, but I really think my brain just shut down-it was too much." 

For Bradley, reaching burnout has a lot more to do with outside stressors than the actual running. But now she's aware of that-she continues to work on not reaching the gun-to-the-back feeling. The need to please others. The fear of losing fitness in order to take care of her body. It's an ongoing process, but an important one. 

Overdoing Is the American Way

Professional ultrarunner Sally McRae said, based on her observations, Americans are really bad at taking time off. "I've traveled the world and Americans are really bad at resting," she said. "It's part of our work system. You go anywhere in Europe and everyone takes a month-long holiday. You have a kid and you take a year off. We're not conditioned like that in America. It's like you get one week and then after you work a decade, you get two weeks of vacation." 

For McRae, avoiding burnout and overtraining has a lot to do with creating a life that's sustainable. She started working when she was 15-years-old, so she realized earlier than most that life couldn't just be working as hard as possible to count down to retirement. 

"Perspective is massive when it comes to burnout. My goal every year is to find the wonder and the beauty and the joy in what I do. Because it's my job, but it's also my life," McRae said. "And I really believe we're supposed to rest-it should be a normal part of our life. Whether that's taking a vacation or taking an off-season. I take a two-month offseason and I have for a long time." 

One of the most important parts about rest and not overstressing the body is that everyone is different. An overstressed body can lead to hormonal imbalances, which in turn affects everything. 

"When you're overtraining, you tend to get mood changes and have trouble sleeping," Abbotts said. "Two of the big things that stand out are you're exhausted but you can't sleep. And the other is irritability-mood swings, and depression." When you get to the point that you've overstressed your body for so long that the chemicals are changing, pretty much everything starts falling apart.

And even though everyone is different, you'd never know that from looking at social media. "I know social media makes it seem like ultrarunners are running 40 miles a day, doing a 100-mile race every other weekend," McRae said. "And that's insane. You've got to be in touch with yourself. It's very different to wake up and feel sore or tired, but if you wake up and feel like you have no joy in the thing you're doing, you need a real break from it."

How Can the Running Community Do Better?

Elite ultrarunner and running coach Sandi Nypaver wants runners to get more in touch with how they're feeling and less concerned about numbers or what anyone else is doing. 

"I have to have honest talks with people I'm coaching. I need them to feel like they can tell me how they feel, because sometimes they think they have to stick to the training plan for the week no matter what," she said. "But the plan is never set in stone. It's meant to be adjusted based on how you're feeling. Some weeks we might feel great and not need to change anything, while other weeks we might have to totally crash the plan and do something else." 

It's easy to judge ourselves against everyone else, especially when results and reactions are so public and available. 

"It's easy to say, 'if that person only took three days off after a big race, and now they're already back to training, that must be what you're supposed to do,'" she said. "But even at the highest level, training is different for everyone. Resting is different for everyone." 

"Something that's really, really hard for many runners to understand is that once you're not sore anymore, that you're still not recovered," Nypaver said. "A lot of research says that things are still going on in your body for up to four weeks after, for certain races, depending on the distance." 

Sometimes it's difficult to be aware of subtle signs when the soreness is gone. "Convincing people that they need to chill out for a while, even past the soreness, can be really difficult." But after a huge effort, and before the next, people rarely end up saying things like, "I really wish I hadn't rested so thoroughly." Part of it is actually having a recovery plan. Putting rest days on the calendar, focusing on foam rolling and mobility on days that you're not "doing." 

"And, actually just relaxing. Taking it easy. It's not just a running model, we live in a culture where we're always being asked to do more," Nypaver said. "I wish instead of always thinking about doing more, we'd focus on how we want to be more. A lot of us want to be more relaxed and less stressed and happier and enjoy our lives. We need to put our attention on that instead of trying to do so much. It's something I struggle with all the time."

We don't get validation for resting, relaxing, and being present because there's no tangible thing to show for it. There's no "be really calm often" challenge on Strava. But the bigger rewards are great. You just have to trade in immediate dopamine hits for a much more balanced, happier life. 

Simple, right?

"One thing I'm doing, and asking my athletes to do, is to write down your intentions," Nypaver said. "One of my intentions is to chill out more this summer and enjoy it. I grew up thinking it's all about running, and I have to go all-in on running. But having other outlets, other things that I like to do, is so important."  

When you've reached burnout-an extended period of non-functional overreaching, prolonged rest is the only way to let the body fix itself. 

"Once you are overtrained, you need to stop training," Abbotts said. "It's just kind of the bottom line. Maybe some people can get away with greatly reducing their training load, but most of the time you need to stop. You need an extended amount of time off." 

There's nothing glamorous about rest. There's no prize money in relaxing. But it's the absolute key ingredient in extended performance, and in a much healthier, happier life.