Running News Daily

The 2025 Shanghai Marathon delivered the kind of fireworks organizers were hoping for on Sunday, November 30—fast times, dominant front-running, and a powerful statement that Shanghai is ready to join the World Marathon Majors.

More than 23,000 runners started at the Bund at 7 a.m., racing through one of the world’s most iconic skylines before finishing at Shanghai Stadium. Both the men’s and women’s races produced standout performances.

Kosgei Back on Top With a Historic Run

Former world record-holder Brigid Kosgei returned to the top of the podium in commanding style. The 31-year-old Kenyan surged early, hit halfway under 69 minutes, and never looked back, winning in 2:16:36—

• the fastest marathon ever run on Chinese soil,

• a new Shanghai course record, and

• the third-fastest performance of her career.

Only compatriot Irine Chepet Cheptai could stay close in the early miles, eventually taking second in 2:18:51. Ethiopia’s Tiruye Mesfin finished third in 2:20:38, followed closely by fellow Ethiopian Bekelech Gudeta at 2:20:59.

China’s top star Zhang Deshun placed fifth in 2:25:13, continuing her impressive streak of top domestic finishes.

Ethiopia Sweeps the Men’s Podium

The men’s race unfolded differently—a large, aggressive pack early on before Ethiopia dominated the final 10K. In a furious sprint to the line, Milkesa Mengesha broke the tape in 2:06:25, edging compatriot Dawit Wolde by two seconds. Deresa Geleta finished third in 2:06:36, completing an all-Ethiopian podium.

Five Ethiopians broke 2:07, underscoring the depth at the front.

China’s Feng Peiyou delivered the best domestic performance of the day, clocking 2:08:36, the fastest marathon ever run by a Chinese athlete in Shanghai. Countrymen Yang Kegu, Li Dalin, and Ma Rui also cracked the top ten.

Top 10 Results

Men

1. Milkesa Mengesha (ETH) – 2:06:25

2. Dawit Wolde (ETH) – 2:06:27

3. Deresa Geleta (ETH) – 2:06:36

4. Haftu Teklu (ETH) – 2:06:57

5. Challa Gossa (ETH) – 2:08:06

6. Feng Peiyou (CHN) – 2:08:36

7. Solomon Kirwa Yego (KEN) – 2:09:42

8. Yang Kegu (CHN) – 2:12:00

9. Li Dalin (CHN) – 2:13:11

10. Ma Rui (CHN) – 2:13:26

Women

1. Brigid Kosgei (KEN) – 2:16:36 (course & Chinese all-comers record)

2. Irine Chepet Cheptai (KEN) – 2:18:51

3. Tiruye Mesfin (ETH) – 2:20:38

4. Bekelech Gudeta (ETH) – 2:20:59

5. Zhang Deshun (CHN) – 2:25:13

6. Veronicah Njeri Maina (KEN) – 2:26:33

7. Wu Shuang (CHN) – 2:27:17

8. Yao Miao (CHN) – 2:31:13

9. Shen Jiayao (CHN) – 2:31:57

10. Ma Xuexian (CHN) – 2:34:51

Shanghai’s Road to Becoming a Major

For the second straight year, organizers staged the race under the “Run Beyond Borders” banner, showcasing deep elite fields, expanded medical and volunteer support, and international broadcast coverage. Shanghai is currently undergoing World Marathon Majors evaluation, with the earliest possible inclusion in 2027.

When Faith Kipyegon gave birth to her daughter in 2018, doctors advised her to take it slow—very slow. Heavy training, they cautioned, should wait at least two years. Most athletes would have accepted that timeline. But Faith Kipyegon is not like most athletes.

Just six months after becoming a mother, she laced up her spikes again.

At first, it was simply to move, to feel the track beneath her feet. But soon, the quiet fire that defines the greatest champions began to burn again. What unfolded next is one of the most remarkable comeback stories in modern athletics.

Kipyegon didn’t just return—

she rose higher than ever before.

In a sport where returning to elite form after childbirth is already a major achievement, Kipyegon did the unthinkable. She not only reclaimed the top of the world, she reset the limits of what humans—and mothers—can do.

In 2023, she produced one of the most extraordinary streaks in track history, breaking two world records within weeks:

• 1500m World Record – 3:49.11

• 5000m World Record – 14:05.20

Her 1500m dominance continued into global championships, where she ran with a mixture of elegance, ferocity, and absolute confidence—qualities that have made her one of Kenya’s most beloved athletes and one of the greatest middle-distance runners of all time.

Kipyegon’s story is not simply about medals or records.

It is the story of resilience, of a woman who refused to accept limitations—medical, physical, or societal. It is about the extraordinary will of a mother who wanted to show her daughter, and the world, that strength does not disappear with motherhood; it transforms.

Today, Faith Kipyegon stands as a global symbol of perseverance. Her journey continues to inspire millions—athletes, mothers, and dreamers everywhere—who see in her story a reminder that the human spirit is capable of more than we dare to imagine.

A champion.

A mother.

A legend rewriting what is possible.

NYANDARUA, Kenya Lucy Muritu, a dedicated KATA beneficiary and mentor, is preparing her young athletes to shine on the global stage at the upcoming 3rd edition of the Great Chepsaita Cross Country Run (Gold Label), set for December 6.

Beyond her success as a KATA potato farmer, Lucy has devoted herself to nurturing young running talent, proving that grassroots mentorship can open doors for children to excel both on the track and in the classroom.

Among her protégés are sisters Florence Wangui (13) and Margaret Wanja (11), whose performances have already drawn national attention. The two recently triumphed in Bob’s One Mile Children’s Race, an initiative created by Bob Anderson to support emerging young runners. Alongside the annual Double Road Race, Bob’s One Mile has become a vital platform for discovering and nurturing athletic talent at the youth level.

Florence and Margaret continued their winning streak by capturing titles at the Roy Sambu United Environment Cross Country Run in Nairobi, confirming their rising status among Kenya’s promising young athletes.

Lucy has already registered her full team for Chepsaita: Florence Wangui, Margaret Wanja, Godfrey Kahora (19), Ann Wanjiku (16), Tabitha Wanjiru (15), Tashian Wangari (8), and Alisha Njoki (9). Many of these young athletes come from humble backgrounds, yet through Lucy’s mentorship—and the support of programs like KATA and Bob Anderson’s initiatives—they are gaining both guidance and opportunity to grow in sport and in education.

Reflecting on her journey, Lucy said:

“I would like to sincerely thank Bob for the wonderful opportunity he has given me through KATA. Being part of this program has truly empowered me as a farmer and a mentor, and I am grateful for the trust and support that has been shown to me. With KATA’s guidance, I look forward to achieving even greater results and continuing to contribute to the growth of our community. At the same time, I am preparing our young athletes for a great race—the upcoming Chepsaita Cross Country Gold Label event. I’m excited to nurture and guide the next generation, and I believe their participation in such a prestigious event will inspire them to reach new heights.”

The Great Chepsaita Cross Country Run, recognized internationally as a Gold Label event, gives young athletes the chance to compete alongside elite runners—learning lessons in discipline, training, and sportsmanship that will shape their futures.

For Lucy and her team, the event represents far more than a race. It’s a platform where talent meets education, helping mold a generation of athletes who can thrive in both athletics and life.

KATA’s framework offers this same opportunity to coaches across Kenya, empowering them to identify young runners in their communities, register them in programs like Bob’s One Mile, and access mentorship and resources that foster both athletic and academic growth.

Lucy encourages other coaches to join the effort:

“There is talent everywhere, and KATA gives us a way to find it, guide it, and give children the opportunities they deserve. With more coaches participating, we can build a network of mentorship that reaches every county and ensures no gifted child goes unnoticed.”

As December 6 approaches, Lucy’s young athletes stand as a testament to the power of community-based mentorship. From the rolling hills of Nyandarua to the Gold Label course at Chepsaita, these children embody the resilience, dedication, and promise that programs like KATA and Bob’s One Mile are designed to nurture. Their journey shows that with the right guidance and opportunity, Kenya’s next generation of runners can achieve greatness—on the course and beyond.

Just when the doubters were growing bold, Jakob Ingebrigtsen dropped a bombshell—without saying a word.

After months of uncertainty, Achilles rehab, and a string of absences from marquee meets like Oslo and the Prefontaine Classic, the Olympic champion and world record holder resurfaced not with a headline but with a treadmill video on Instagram. The caption? Just five words:

“Normal service has resumed ??.”

That was it. No interview. No press release. Just a smooth stride at full clip—and it was enough to send shockwaves through the sport.

Jakob, still only 23, hasn’t raced since winning the European Cross Country Championships last December. In May, he confirmed his withdrawal from the London Diamond League on July 20 due to lingering Achilles irritation. But now, with the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo looming, fans and rivals alike are decoding every frame of that 12-second clip. Was this just training? Or a warning shot?

The Comeback Equation

Jakob’s resume needs no embellishment:

Olympic 1500m champion (Tokyo 2021)

World 5000m champion (Paris 2023)

European record holder in the 1500m, mile, 3000m, and 5000m

World record holder in the 2000m and two miles

But since that shock defeat to Josh Kerr at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest—a tactical masterclass that broke Ingebrigtsen’s golden streak—Jakob has been unusually quiet. Injuries kept him from defending titles on the Diamond League circuit, while rivals like Kerr, Jake Wightman, and Yared Nuguse have stepped into the spotlight.

Now, that silence might be over.

Warning to Rivals?

The timing couldn’t be more dramatic. With Tokyo less than six weeks away, the treadmill reel could mark the start of Jakob’s final prep—if not for London, then for the Worlds. His message may have been short, but the implications are massive: he’s back in motion, the rhythm looks good, and if he toes the line in Tokyo, the narrative resets.

Rivals like Kerr, who’s coming off a strong win at the 2025 Bislett Games, won’t be underestimating him. Their rematch—if it happens—could be one of the defining moments of the championships.

Crown or Collision Course?

Is Jakob ready to reclaim his throne, or is he walking into the fiercest middle-distance rivalry we’ve seen in years? The answer is still unwritten—but one thing is clear:

Jakob Ingebrigtsen is not done. Not even close.

And now, the track world holds its breath.

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

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

Another Record Falls

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

A Steady Ascent

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

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

• Made finals at multiple global championships

• Become a fixture on the Diamond League circuit

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

Tokyo Awaits

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

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

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

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

Jon Sutherland of Washington, Utah, officially ended the longest consecutive daily running streak in history on December 31, 2024. He ran every single day for 55 years, 7 months, and 6 days, totaling 20,309 consecutive days—a record of unmatched consistency, discipline, and passion for the sport.

Sutherland began his streak on May 29, 1969, at just 19 years old. Over five and a half decades later, now 74, he finally decided to hang up the streak—but not before cementing himself in the annals of running history.

For perspective, that’s nearly two-thirds of a century without missing a single day. Rain, injury, illness—none of it stopped him from getting in at least one mile daily. Though not all of those runs were fast or long, the sheer volume of uninterrupted effort is unparalleled.

Interestingly, just behind Sutherland on the all-time list is Jim G. Pearson, who began his still-active streak on February 16, 1970, in Marysville, Washington. Pearson, now 81, has logged 20,236 consecutive days (55.4 years) as of today—meaning he could soon surpass Sutherland’s final total if he keeps going.

As of now, Jon Sutherland holds the record for the longest running streak ever completed.

If you’ve ever skipped a run because of bad weather or a sore ankle, let Jon’s example remind you what commitment really looks like.

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.

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

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

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

One of the Greatest Streaks in High School History

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

Mile – 4:23.50

1600m – Converted from her mile time

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

5000m – Both indoors and outdoors

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

And she’s still not done.

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

A Glimpse into the Future

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

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

What’s Next?

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

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

Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet continued her incredible run of form by clocking 14:03.69 in the women’s 5000m at the 2025 Diamond League meeting in Eugene. Her time is the second-fastest in history on the track, trailing only Gudaf Tsegay’s world record of 14:00.21 set in 2023.

This marks Chebet’s third Diamond League appearance of the season, and for the third time, she set a new meeting record—a remarkable streak of consistency and dominance on the global stage.

Fastest Women’s 5000m Performances (Track – All-Time)

What makes Chebet’s 2025 season even more impressive is that she’s also the current world record holder in the 5K on the roads, running 13:54 at the Cursa dels Nassos in Barcelona on December 31, 2023. That road performance was historic—she became the first woman to break the 14-minute barrier over 5 kilometers in any setting.

Chebet’s Rising Legacy

At just 25 years old, Chebet has now cemented her status as one of the fastest women to ever race 5000 meters—on both track and road. Her combination of raw speed, finishing power, and race intelligence makes her a major threat at every global championship and on the Diamond League circuit.

With her eyes now set on the World Championships later this year, Chebet is showing no signs of slowing down.

At 83 years old, Dr. Mac Speake continues to embody the spirit of endurance and dedication. As one of the original “Ever Presents,” Speake has completed every London Marathon since its inception in 1981, a feat achieved by only six individuals as of 2024 .

This year’s marathon was particularly challenging for Speake. Despite a strong start, he encountered difficulties around mile 22, losing balance and requiring assistance from his wife, Ros, and daughter to cross the finish line. Remarkably, he completed the race in 9 hours and 14 minutes, improving upon his previous year’s time by half an hour. 

Speake’s marathon journey has not been without adversity. Over the years, he has run with broken bones and battled severe illnesses, including a bout of norovirus that left him vomiting “gallons.” Yet, his commitment never wavered. His personal best of 2 hours and 44 minutes, achieved in 1983, remains a highlight of his running career.

The support of his family, particularly Ros, has been instrumental in his marathon endeavors. Ros has attended every race, except one in 1981 due to a stroke, often recalling the early days when their children watched from the gates of Buckingham Palace. Her concern for Mac’s well-being is palpable, especially after this year’s taxing experience, yet she acknowledges, “I could never stop him from doing it.”

As Speake reflects on his latest marathon, he remains uncertain about participating next year. However, the London Marathon has become an integral part of his life, symbolizing not just a race, but a lifelong commitment to perseverance and the enduring spirit of the running community.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge has officially confirmed his participation in the 2025 Sydney Marathon, set for August 31. This marks the first time the Kenyan great will compete in Oceania, a significant milestone in his illustrious career.

The Sydney Marathon, which is in contention to become the seventh Abbott World Marathon Major, gains immense prestige with Kipchoge’s inclusion. Organizers expect over 300,000 spectators, making it one of the biggest marathon events in Australia’s history.

Kipchoge’s Legacy and Why Sydney Matters

With 16 victories in 21 official marathons, Kipchoge is widely regarded as the greatest marathoner of all time. His historic achievements include:

• Back-to-back Olympic gold medals in the marathon at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020.

• A 10-marathon win streak from 2014 to 2019, a feat unmatched in modern distance running.

• A world-first sub-two-hour marathon, clocking 1:59:40 at the INEOS 1:59 Challengein 2019 (not an official record due to controlled conditions).

• The second-fastest marathon ever recorded, 2:01:09 at the 2022 Berlin Marathon.

With the Sydney Marathon aiming for World Major status, Kipchoge’s participation signals the event’s growing significance in the global running calendar. Race Director Wayne Lardencalled it a dream come true, emphasizing the impact Kipchoge’s presence will have on Australia’s running community.

The Road to Sydney: London Marathon First

Before taking on Sydney, Kipchoge is set to compete in the London Marathon on April 27, 2025. London has been one of his most successful races, and his performance there will be closely watched as he continues to chase new milestones.

A Race That Will Inspire a Nation

Kipchoge’s presence in Sydney is expected to elevate the marathon’s status, attract elite competitors, and inspire thousands of runners. Known for his mantra, “No human is limited,” his participation will shine a global spotlight on Sydney, drawing both elite athletes and everyday runners to the race.

As August 31 approaches, all eyes will be on Sydney to see if the greatest marathoner of all timecan add another historic victory to his legacy.

The 2025 World Athletics Indoor Championships, set to take place from March 21-23 in Nanjing, China, marks the long-awaited return of the competition after a five-year hiatus. Originally scheduled for 2020, the event was postponed multiple times due to the COVID-19 pandemic, making this edition one of the most highly anticipated in recent history. With over 500 athletes from approximately 120 nations, the championships will feature world-class competition across 26 events, including the debut of the 4x400m mixed relay as an official indoor discipline.

The Venue: A World-Class Stage in Nanjing

The championships will be held at Nanjing’s Cube, a cutting-edge indoor arena within the Nanjing Youth Olympic Sports Park. Completed in 2019, the venue boasts state-of-the-art facilities designed to accommodate both athletes and spectators, providing an optimal environment for record-breaking performances.

Exciting Events and New Additions

The championship program features sprints, middle-distance races, hurdles, jumps, throws, and combined events, offering fans three days of intense competition. The 4x400m mixed relay will be contested for the first time at the indoor championships, following its successful debut in outdoor competition. The race order—man, woman, man, woman—adds a strategic element, and the world record standard has been set at 3:12.44.

Qualification and the World Indoor Tour

This year’s World Athletics Indoor Tour, now in its tenth season, plays a crucial role in the road to Nanjing. Featuring over 60 competitions across Europe, North America, and Asia, the tour provides top athletes with an opportunity to secure qualification for the championships. Nine Gold-level meetings were part of the 2025 circuit, beginning in Astana, Kazakhstan, on January 25 and concluding in Madrid, Spain, on February 28.

Athletes who finished as the top point scorers in their disciplines earned a $10,000 bonus and automatic entry into the championships. This season’s scoring disciplines included:

• Women: 60m, 800m, 3000m/5000m, pole vault, triple jump, shot put

• Men: 400m, 1500m/mile, 60m hurdles, high jump, long jump

Star Athletes to Watch

Several elite athletes have confirmed their participation, ensuring a thrilling showdown in Nanjing. Some of the biggest names expected to compete include:

Sprints and Hurdles

Grant Holloway of the United States, the reigning world champion and world record holder in the 60m hurdles, is aiming for his third consecutive world indoor title. He recently extended his 82-race unbeaten streak in the event, making him a strong favorite.

Robin Ganter of Germany, fresh off his 60m national title with a personal best of 6.56 seconds, is a rising contender in the short sprints.

Middle-Distance & Distance Races

Tsige Duguma of Ethiopia, the defending world indoor 800m champion, has been dominant in recent races, including a victory at the Copernicus Cup in Poland.

Stefan Nillessen of the Netherlands broke the national indoor 3000m record with a time of 7:37.10 and clocked a personal best of 3:52.70 in the mile, making him one to watch in the middle-distance events.

What to Expect

With record chases, title defenses, and rising stars looking to make their mark, the 2025 World Athletics Indoor Championships promises electrifying competition. Fans can expect intense battles on the track, thrilling jumps and throws, and potential record-breaking performances as the world’s best athletes gather in Nanjing for three days of world-class indoor athletics.

Stay tuned to My Best Runs for updates, race previews, and athlete insights as the countdown to Nanjing continues!

The 2025 Zurich Maratón de Sevilla delivered unforgettable performances on Sunday, February 23, as Ethiopia’s Selemon Barega stormed to victory in his marathon debut with an impressive time of 2:05:15,  This marks the third-fastest marathon time of the year and continues Ethiopia’s dominance in the prestigious event.

Barega’s Marathon Debut: A Statement Victory

Selemon Barega, the reigning 10,000m Olympic champion, transitioned seamlessly to the marathon distance, showcasing his endurance and tactical brilliance. Running much of the second half alone, Barega maintained composure to cross the line well ahead of the field.

He was followed by compatriot Adisu Tesfahun, who finished second in 2:06:27, and Mohamed Reda of Morocco, clocking 2:06:45 for third place.

Barega’s performance not only secured his place among the marathon elite but also extended Ethiopia’s winning streak to six consecutive victories at the Seville Marathon.

“I’m proud of this result. My training for the marathon has been intense, and Seville was the perfect place to debut. I hope to build on this and aim for even faster times,” Barega said after the race.

Women’s Race: Anchinalu Dessie Genaneh Triumphs

In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Anchinalu Dessie Genaneh delivered a dominant performance, breaking the tape in 2:22:17. This victory further cemented Ethiopia’s success in Seville, with Dessie Genaneh holding off a strong international field.

France’s rising star Manon Trapp took second place in 2:23:38, while Cynthia Chepchirchir Kosgei of Kenya secured third in 2:23:43.

Dessie Genaneh, already known for her strong half-marathon performances, proved she has the strength and speed to excel over the full 26.2 miles.

Selemon Barega: From Track Star to Marathoner

Born on January 20, 2000, in the Gurage Zone of Southern Ethiopia, Selemon Barega rose to prominence as a middle-distance prodigy. He clinched gold in the 5000 meters at the 2016 World U20 Championships and 3000 meters at the 2017 World U18 Championships.

In 2018, he set a world U20 record in the 5000 meters, clocking 12:43.02, one of the fastest times in history. His crowning achievement came at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where he won the 10,000 meters gold medal, solidifying his place among the sport’s elite.

Now, with a 2:05:13 marathon debut, Barega has proven that his talents extend far beyond the track. The running world will be watching closely as he targets future marathons and, possibly, world record attempts.

Record Participation and Global Appeal

The 2025 Zurich Maratón de Sevilla also witnessed record participation, with 14,000 runners from around the world lining up to tackle the fast, flat streets of Seville. Known for its ideal conditions and scenic course, the race continues to attract elite athletes and passionate amateurs alike.

With Selemon Barega’s stunning debut and Anchinalu Dessie Genaneh’s commanding victory, the 2025 Seville Marathon has once again proven itself as a stage for breakthrough performances. Both champions are now firmly on the radar as contenders for future World Marathon Majors and Olympic glory.

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.

The New Balance Indoor Grand Prix, a World Athletics Indoor Tour Gold meeting, is set to deliver thrilling track action in Boston on Sunday (Feb 2), with an elite lineup of global gold medalists ready to ignite the indoor season. The competition will serve as a crucial stepping stone towards the World Athletics Indoor Championships Nanjing 25 in March.

Sprints and Hurdles: Lyles and Alfred Lead the Charge

Olympic and world sprint sensation Noah Lyles returns to defend his 60m title, after setting a meeting record of 6.44 last year. Lyles, who claimed 100m gold and 200m bronze at the Olympics, kicked off his season with a 6.62 win in Gainesville last weekend. He will face Trayvon Bromell (USA), Zharnel Hughes (GBR), and 2022 world indoor champion Marcell Jacobs (ITA), who is making his North American indoor debut.

In the women’s 300m, Olympic 100m champion Julien Alfred steps up in distance for her New Balance Indoor Grand Prix debut. After winning world indoor 60m gold in Glasgow, Alfred took 100m gold and 200m silver at the Olympics and ended last season with a Diamond League Final victory. She faces a competitive field including 2019 world 200m champion Dina Asher-Smith (GBR) and USA’s Lynna Irby-Jackson.

The men’s 300m features Olympic 400m hurdles gold medalist Rai Benjamin. A past winner in Boston, Benjamin is set to battle 4x400m relay star Vernon Norwood and Matthew Boling.

The 60m hurdles events promise fireworks, with world record-holder Devynne Charlton (7.65) and Olympic champion Masai Russell renewing their rivalry. Russell edged Charlton in their recent clash in Lubbock, but the Bahamian sprinter leads their head-to-head series 8-2. Joining them are Olympic finalists Ackera Nugent, Grace Stark, and 2018 world indoor silver medallist Christina Clemons.

For the men, world record-holder Grant Holloway (7.27) looks to extend his 10-year unbeaten streak in the 60m hurdles. The Olympic and world champion headlines the field alongside Olympic finalist Freddie Crittenden and 2022 world silver medallist Trey Cunningham.

Middle and Long Distance Races: Olympic Medalists Face Off

The women’s 3000m sees Olympic 1500m silver medalist Jessica Hull (AUS) take on Great Britain’s Olympic bronze medalist Georgia Bell. Hull, the defending champion, set an Oceanian indoor record of 8:24.93 in this event last year. They are joined by USA’s Parker Valby, Emily Mackay, Elise Cranny, Ethiopia’s Melknat Wudu, Italy’s Sintayehu Vissa, and Olympic steeplechase medalist Emma Coburn.

In the men’s 1500m, USA’s Grant Fisher (Olympic 5000m and 10,000m bronze medalist) takes on 2022 world champion Jake Wightman (GBR), Oliver Hoare (AUS), and Josh Hoey, who recently broke the North American 1000m record.

Bryce Hoppel, the reigning world indoor 800m champion, leads the men’s 800m field, while Hobbs Kessler, Cameron Myers, Neil Gourley, and Andrew Coscoran battle in the 3000m.

Other Key Events

Women’s 60m: Mikiah Brisco (USA) and Zoe Hobbs (NZL) lead the field.

Men’s 400m: 2022 world indoor champion Jereem Richards (TTO) races USA’s Quincy Wilson.

Women’s 500m: Dutch 4x400m Olympic champion Lisanne de Witte takes on USA’s Olympic 800m medallist Raevyn Rogers.

Women’s Mile: Heather MacLean (2023 winner) faces Olympic finalist Susan Ejore, Maia Ramsden, and Sage Hurta-Klecker.

With an electrifying lineup of Olympic and world champions, the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix promises high-stakes racing and a preview of the talent heading to Nanjing 25.

Olympian Emily Infeld recently shared a heartwarming post on Facebook about two significant running streaks in her household—her husband’s incredible 21-year run streak and her own 21-year streak of running sub-5-minute miles. While both accomplishments reflect remarkable consistency and dedication, Emily’s streak is a unique marker of her speed and longevity as an elite runner.

 Emily’s sub-5-mile streak began in 2005 during her freshman year of high school when she first broke the coveted barrier. Now, 21 years later, she continues to hit this milestone each year, either in a race or during training sessions. Her most recent achievement came just this week, when she clocked her first sub-5-minute mile of 2025 during a workout.

 “Thinking back, I realized that I’ve broken 5 minutes in the mile every year since [2005],” Infeld wrote. “All of that is to say this lil streak made me feel proud, and now that it’s 21 years strong, I want to see how much longer I can continue it!”

Infeld, a 2016 Olympian and world-class distance runner, has a storied career that includes a bronze medal at the 2015 World Championships in the 10,000 meters. Known for her resilience and positive attitude, she’s a celebrated figure in the running community and an inspiration to athletes of all levels.

She also took a moment to celebrate her husband’s run streak, which has lasted an astonishing 21 years. (Third photo is her husband out front of their new home.) While her own streak involves hitting sub-5-minute miles annually, her husband’s dedication to daily runs highlights another side of the running spectrum: the mental and physical discipline to show up every day, no matter the circumstances.

“Cheers to anyone doing a run streak, even if you don’t realize it yet,” Emily added in her post, offering encouragement to runners pursuing their own goals.

Emily’s story reminds us that streaks, whether built on speed or consistency, are deeply personal and worth celebrating. Her combination of elite-level achievement and her genuine passion for running exemplify what makes the sport so special: there’s room for everyone to find meaning, motivation, and pride in their journey.

As Emily continues her streak of sub-5-minute miles into its 22nd year, she inspires us all to reflect on the milestones—big or small—that keep us moving forward. Whether you’re chasing personal records, daily runs, or simply a love for the sport, Emily’s story proves that every streak starts with a single step.

If Courtney Dauwalter could travel back in time, this is what she would do: She’d join a wagon train crossing the American continent, Oregon Trail-style, for a week, maybe more, just to see if she could swing it. It would be hard, and also pretty smelly, but Dauwalter wonders what type of person she’d be if she deliberately decided to take that journey. Would she stop in the plains and build a farm? Could she make it to the Rocky Mountains? How much suffering could she take, and how daunted might she be by the terrain ahead of her?

“If you get to Denver and this huge mountain range is coming out of the earth, are you the type of person who stops and thinks, ‘This is good’?” she wonders. “Or are you the person who’s like, ‘What’s on the other side?’ ”

Dauwalter is probably (definitely) the best female trail runner in the world—a once-in-a-generation athlete. She’s hard to miss at the sport’s most famous races, and not just because of the nineties-style basketball shorts she prefers. (Her explanation: she just likes them.) It’s because she’s often running among the leading men in the sport, smiling beneath her mirrored sunglasses. The 39-year-old is five foot seven and lean, with smile lines and hair streaked with highlights from abundant time spent in high-altitude sun.

Dauwalter shared her historical daydream with me while sipping a pink sparkling water at her house in Leadville, Colorado, after a four-hour morning training run. Her cross-country wagon musings get at why she’s the best female ultrarunner ever to live: Dauwalter is curious. She’s curious about pain, about limits, about possibility. This quality is fundamental to what makes her so good.

Over the past eight years, Dauwalter has won almost everything she’s entered. In 2016, she set a course record at the Javelina Jundred—an exposed, looped route through the Sonoran Desert of Arizona. That same year she won the Run Rabbit Run 100-miler in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, by a margin of 75 minutes, despite experiencing temporary blindness for the last 12 miles (she could only see a foggy sliver of her own feet). Because of ultrarunning’s huge distances, it’s not unheard of to beat the competition by so much, but it doesn’t happen with the frequency that Dauwalter manages.

In 2018, she won the extremely competitive Western States 100 in California; it was her first time on the course. A year later, she set a new course record while winning the prestigious Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB), besting the second-place finisher by just under an hour. In 2022, she set the fastest known time on the 166.9-mile Collegiate Loop Trail in her backyard in Colorado, and she won (and set a new course record at) the Hardrock 100, a grueling high-altitude loop through the state’s San Juan Mountains.

Dauwalter is also one of the few runners of her caliber to seriously dabble in the really long distance races. In 2017, she won the Moab 240—yes, that’s 240 miles—in two days, nine hours, and fifty-five minutes, ten hours ahead of the second-place finisher. She ran even farther at Big’s Backyard Ultra in 2020, a quirky test of wills where athletes complete a 4.167-mile course every hour on the hour until only one runner is left. Dauwalter set a women’s course record of just over 283 miles.

Given everything she’s accomplished, it’s hard to believe that the past two summers have been her most successful yet. In 2023, she returned to Western States, where she smashed the women’s course record by more than an hour and finished sixth overall. When she passed Jeff Colt, who finished ninth, he remembers how calm and collected she looked, running all alone. “My pacer looked back at me and said, ‘Jeff, I can’t even keep up with her right now,’ ” he says. Less than three weeks later, she won Hardrock again, taking fourth place overall and setting a new women’s course record. The race changes direction on the looped course each year, and she now holds both the clockwise and counterclockwise records.

In the interest of testing herself one more time, in late August she traveled to France to run UTMB again. She won that race too, becoming the first person in history to win all three races in a single summer. “She’s one of those humans who defy even the concept of an outlier,” says Clare Gallagher, a former Western States winner who has raced against Dauwalter. “I look at her summer and I have no words. It’s truly hard to conceptualize.”

Dauwalter led UTMB from the start, and she finished more than an hour ahead of the woman in second place. As she descended the final stretch of trail, she was followed by a barrage of cameras and a handful of people who looked like they just wanted a bit of her magic to rub off on them. As crowds roared on either side of the finish line in Chamonix, she looked back at the spectators and clapped in their direction, never raising her hands above her head or pumping her fists in the air. After hugging her parents and her husband, 39-year-old Kevin Schmidt, she jogged back in the direction she’d just come to high-five hundreds of fans.

Dauwalter grew up in the suburbs of Minneapolis, in a tight-knit family that was always active. The kids all played soccer, and when they weren’t at practice they were busy building tree forts or making up games at the local park. In seventh grade, she started running cross-country, and in eighth grade she joined the nordic ski team. She claims to have spent the first years just trying to stay upright, but in high school she went on to be a four-time state nordic ski champion and attended the University of Denver on a cross-country-skiing scholarship. She says that her parents, who now frequently crew and support her at races, led by example. “You work hard, you give everything you’ve got, you don’t forget to have fun,” she says.

Minnesota winters are notoriously cold, and she credits her ability to dig deep within herself to the unforgiving conditions. “Growing up there, you just learn to do stuff, regardless of the weather,” she says. She also points to a cross-country coach who taught her to think differently about pain. “He laid the groundwork for understanding that our bodies are capable of so much,” she says. “We can push past those initial signals saying that’s all I have and turn the knob, and there’s always one more gear.”

After college, Dauwalter taught middle and high school science in Denver, which is where she met Schmidt. “A woman I worked with and a guy he worked with were married, and they just kept putting us in the same places,” she says. “I didn’t know they were meddling!” Schmidt, who works as a software engineer, is also a competitive runner. He and Dauwalter train together—sometimes he’ll join in for her second run of the day—and they trade off supporting each other during races. When I met up with them in Leadville, Dauwalter had just finished crewing for Schmidt at a 100-miler in Switzerland. During her races, he maps her splits, takes care of her aid-station needs, and serves as crew captain. He’s the “spreadsheet brain” to her “tie-dye brain,” as he puts it, and he provides emotional support too.

“Its clear to me when she has taken up residence in the pain cave, so I try my best to fill it with snacks and encouragement,” says Schmidt. One time, while driving to an aid station during a race, Schmidt got a flat tire while carrying everything Dauwalter needed for the night. He wound up sprinting the final three miles to catch her in time.

When Dauwalter started racing more competitively and winning, she and Schmidt had a series of discussions about what they wanted their lives to look like. Ultimately, they decided that she should try to give professional running a shot. In 2017, without a sponsor and with a lot of unknowns still ahead, she left teaching to run full-time. “What we wanted was to look back when we were 90 years old and not wonder what if? about anything,” she says.

Mike Ambrose, the former team manager at Salomon, offered Dauwalter her first sponsorship as a trail runner that same year. She was still new on the scene, but Ambrose could see that she was driven, and the talent was there. “She’s super curious about pushing herself,” he says. “She had this huge engine coming from nordic skiing, and her 24-hour time was really crazy. I thought, well, if she just figures it out and gets more trail experience, she obviously has the mental and physical capacity.”

Despite her nearly superhuman athleticism and mental fortitude, Dauwalter is also very normal. She likes nachos, candy, and beer. She watches sports (the Vikings are her NFL team, even though she’s been in Broncos territory for years), and she wants to spend time with the people she loves, including her parents, and the friends who often crew for her.

Ultrarunning frequently sees short-lived stars, runners who dominate for a couple of years before burning out or slowing down, either from overtraining or simply from the passage of time and the wear on their bodies. Dauwalter, however, seems to have a rare capacity to push against her own limits without tipping over the edge. She’s been running long distances at an elite level for seven years now. Gallagher wonders how she’s managed to avoid injury, given Dauwalter’s volume of physically demanding races.

Miami’s Robert “Raven” Kraft was streaking long before it was cool, and not in the way that gets you arrested. On Tuesday afternoon at 5th Street Lifeguard Station in Miami’s South Beach neighbourhood, Kraft completed his 18,263rd run, marking an impressive 50-year streak of daily running.

Kraft began his prolific streak on January 1, 1975, when he was 24, and over half a century later, he’s amassed 18,263 total runs and over 234,000 kilometres. That’s roughly equivalent to walking around the world more than five and a half times—quite a feat!

The 74-year-old was joined on Tuesday by hundreds of runners for his daily tradition of running eight miles (12.87 km) along the sands of South Beach. Kraft, who has also been a singer and songwriter for just as long, played a few songs after his anniversary run alongside the Dark Shadows band.

Beyond the streak, Kraft has built a community around his daily runs, called the “Raven Runners.” Unlike most, Kraft’s eight-mile route has never changed. He has reportedly run the exact same route in almost every single run. In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Kraft said he has a list of more than 3,700 runners from around the globe who have joined him for a run over the past 50 years. “The Raven List” reflects that he has been joined by runners from all 50 states, as well as runners from more than 60 countries.

Kraft’s legacy will soon be etched into Miami Beach’s history. On Jan 1, Third Street and Ocean Drive will reportedly be renamed “Robert ‘Raven’ Kraft Way.”

According to the United States Running Streak Association, Kraft has the sixth-longest active run streak. Jon Sutherland of Washington, Utah, holds the world’s longest-running streak with over 55 years (20,000+ days). Toronto’s Rick Rayman has the longest active run streak in Canada, with a total of 16,824 days (46+ years).

Miami’s Robert “Raven” Kraft was streaking long before it was cool, and not in the way that gets you arrested. On Tuesday afternoon at 5th Street Lifeguard Station in Miami’s South Beach neighbourhood, Kraft completed his 18,263rd run, marking an impressive 50-year streak of daily running.

Kraft began his prolific streak on January 1, 1975, when he was 24, and over half a century later, he’s amassed 18,263 total runs and over 234,000 kilometres. That’s roughly equivalent to walking around the world more than five and a half times—quite a feat!

The 74-year-old was joined on Tuesday by hundreds of runners for his daily tradition of running eight miles (12.87 km) along the sands of South Beach. Kraft, who has also been a singer and songwriter for just as long, played a few songs after his anniversary run alongside the Dark Shadows band.

Beyond the streak, Kraft has built a community around his daily runs, called the “Raven Runners.” Unlike most, Kraft’s eight-mile route has never changed. He has reportedly run the exact same route in almost every single run. In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Kraft said he has a list of more than 3,700 runners from around the globe who have joined him for a run over the past 50 years. “The Raven List” reflects that he has been joined by runners from all 50 states, as well as runners from more than 60 countries.

Kraft’s legacy will soon be etched into Miami Beach’s history. On Jan 1, Third Street and Ocean Drive will reportedly be renamed “Robert ‘Raven’ Kraft Way.”

According to the United States Running Streak Association, Kraft has the sixth-longest active run streak. Jon Sutherland of Washington, Utah, holds the world’s longest-running streak with over 55 years (20,000+ days). Toronto’s Rick Rayman has the longest active run streak in Canada, with a total of 16,824 days (46+ years).

We asked runners what motivates them to get out and hit the road—their answers may inspire you. 

Why do you run? If you’ve never thought about it before, ask yourself now. 

Being intentional about the reason why you run is a crucial part of maintaining motivation, especially if you’re just starting your running journey. Most of us know the research-backed benefits of running, but what is going to be that thing that gets you out the door when you don’t even feel like moving? 

While your reason should be unique and personal to you, here’s some inspiration from our dedicated Runner’s World+ members and social audiences on Instagram and Facebook to keep in mind when considering what your why is. 

For Myself 

“Running is my ‘me time.’ It is time for me to simply run, listen to music, and enjoy the outdoors. It allows me to begin each day with a sense of accomplishment, and along the way I plan my to-do list, calculate finances, and solve problems. I do my best thinking when I am running. It also keeps me focused on my health and I always have at least one half marathon or marathon to train for.”—Jill Pompi (RW+ member)

“Because it’s the only thing in my life that’s just mine.”—April Thomson

“As a mom of three littles, running is my ‘me time.’ Time to fill my own cup; time to work toward a personal goal; time to show my kids that I enjoy movement simply because it helps me be happy, healthy, and strong!”—Marlena Shaw (RW+ member)

“It’s my time—no one asking me for anything. It’s me vs. me. Love the feeling after a long run.”—Spullins JB

“Running is just for me, and I run so I can be my best self. I don’t mean physically. Sure, I love how strong my legs feel when I cross a finish line or that good burn after a long run. But my best self is found when I hit the pavement and process whatever is going on in my life. I have two young kids (ages 3 and 14 months), and I am constantly being poked, pulled, and called. When I lace up my running shoes, the stress melts away and I am a better mother because of it.”—Melissa Hofstrand (RW+ member)

“To escape from reality for a brief moment and enjoy my ME time.”—Yuri Aguilar

“Sometimes to relax, regroup, and shake out anything bothering me… but usually to start my day off just right!”—Erin Carey Ryan

For My Health

“My health, specifically my heart.”—Kati Johnson (RW+ member)

“To maintain my health and challenge myself to reach new running goals.”—Gwen Jacobson (RW+ member)

“To fight bad genetics and hear my grandkids say, ‘Whoa, Grandma!’”—Michele (RW+ member)

“My asthma kept me from doing exercise for so many years. I’m running because I can finally do something I never thought possible.”—Patricia McHugh (RW+ member)

“To save my life. I am type 2 diabetic by way of having PCOS. By the time I was diagnosed with PCOS, I had developed full-blown diabetes. I run now to train for a half marathon I crazily signed up for and to get in shape for my first century ride next year. I will run and bike towards a cure.”—Stephanie Gold (RW+ member)

“I exercise and stay active so that I can be mobile and independent as long as possible as I get older. I choose running because it gives me such a great sense of accomplishment.”—Lisa Bartlett

“I run because last year I got Pulmonary embolisms in my lungs and now I want to improve my health and my lungs and spread awareness!”—Jennifer Cole

“Manage stress and support in quitting smoking.”—Aude Carlson (RW+ member)

“Keeps my AFib under control.”—Todd W. Peterson 

“I want to be able to walk well into my old age. I have family members who have significantly lost mobility due to their unwillingness to exercise.”—Amy Watkins (RW+ member)

“To control my type 2 diabetes! It works!”—Mike Shamus

For Someone Else

“I started running after witnessing my mom complete a marathon and was overcome with emotion when she finished. I began running the very next year and completed a half marathon with my mom and have been running ever since. Running does so many things for me. It’s my escape, it keeps me centered, helps me to focus, a confidence builder but more importantly allows me to follow in the footsteps of my mom and continue to honor her. I wear a shirt with a picture of her running our last race together so that she’s running with me. I love to run!”—Chantal (RW+ member)

“My daughter.”—Jesse Sturnfield (RW+ member)

“To keep my sanity. Also, I wanna show my kids if they work hard, don’t give up, and find a love for something, they can accomplish anything in life. When they’re tired, stressed, unhappy, just to channel in and get the work done. They’ve been there when I run my marathons and have shown support and encouragement, and I’ll do the same for them. My daughter joined cross country this year and wants to join again next year. My son is wanting to join as well.”—Angela Yawea 

“Because my dad ran. I lost him six years ago and clearing his flat I found his medal from Reading Half Marathon in 1988. Holding it inspired me to change. I have my dad’s and my medal from the same race together.”—Stumpy Taylor

For My Mental Health

“To keep my sanity!”—Libby Meyer (RW+ member) 

“It’s my therapy.”—Allie Haight

“Running is my ultimate stressbuster! As a middle-aged tech leader, husband, and father to two preteens, running generates all the right endorphins and energy to ensure I’m on top of my game—all of my games!”—Annu Kristipati (RW+ member) 

“Cheaper than therapy.”—Louie J. Frucci

“Running helps me dealing with my anxiety, my mental health, but especially this past year with grief. I lost my dad last year and couldn’t work out for two months. I was able to go back to working out thanks to running. Then I signed up for my first marathon. That was on the one-year anniversary of my dad’s passing. Running is my way to feel my dad close and be able to connect with him.”—Fadela (RW+ member)

“Because it has the power to mute my anxiety and self-doubt.”—Nicholas Kuiper

“Running makes me happy. It reduces my stress and anxiety and improves my mental health. It keeps my cardiovascular system strong.”—Suzanne Reisman (RW+ member)

“To stay calm in the chaos.”—Christine Starkweather

To Feel Powerful & Free

“Because it makes me feel powerful and healthy (sometimes only once it’s over).”—Laura (RW+ member)

“To be a real-life video game character.”—Erin Fan (RW+ member)

“Feels like I’m flying. Powerful and free.”—Tenaya Hergert

“I run because I want to be healthier in my 50s than I was in my 30s! And, also, running makes me feel powerful.”—Laura (RW+ member)

“Running gives me a voice.”—Becky Westcott Capazz

“It makes me feel strong and confident, that I can handle everything else in my day.”—Rebecca Eisenbacher (RW+ member) 

“To feel free, manage anxiety, accomplish increasing mileage.”—Barbara Saunders (RW+ member) 

“Total freedom. Slap your shoes on and be free.”—coach_shasonta

For Connection 

“Running makes me feel strong and is my way of meditating. I also love that I’ve been able to connect with people and make so many new friends through running. I enjoy seeing my fitness progression.”—Gisele Carig (RW+ member)

“For my mental health and human connection with friends.”—lizpowers76

“Refreshes the spirit. BTW: I can no longer run; I train and enter races as a walker. Have made many new friends who accept me for just being there.”—Lewis Silverman

“I have many reasons. I connect with my running partners on some runs. I connect with God on others. I find a sense of accomplishment. I like to test what my body can tolerate.”—Tim Thomas (RW+ member)

“When I’m alone, I run to quiet my mind. It is meditative and rejuvenating. I also run to be social. The running community is the best.”—Andy Romanelli (RW+ member)

“Makes 77 feel young and hanging around with younger runners is a whole lot of fun. Not to mention I’ve been loving going for a run for more than 46 years.”—Barbara Ann Morrissey

Because I Love Racing

“I want to improve my 5K time.”—Courtney Danko-Searcy (RW+ member) 

“The feeling I have on race day, within the first mile, that all the training is paying off.”—Mark Hopkins (RW+ member)

“My husband and I started running about six years when my son, who was about 12 at the time, had run over 25 5Ks. It took about a year until we were ready for our first 5K. We love running and training together. Running helps me at the end of a long teaching day, and it just feels so good after! We have since ran many 5Ks, some 10Ks, and two half marathons!”—Suzy Wintjen (RW+ member)

“It’s at the end of Ironman.”—Cheryl Turpin

“First, I began to improve my health, then I got hooked. Fifteen years later I am chasing my Six Star Medal.”—Jorge Mitey (RW+ member)

“It’s something I’ve always done since fifth grade. I got into racing 25 years ago. I love the challenge running gives me to constantly improve and get back out there whenever I’ve been injured or ill; and next month will one year since starting my first running streak! Most of all, I run because I love how it makes me feel. It has gotten me through the worst times in my life. Whenever I’m having a bad day, whether I’ve already gone running or not, I go running. It always calms me and makes feel better.”—Elle Escochea Grunert

So That I Can Indulge

“Because I love carbo loading.” —Bud Bjanuar

“I run so I can eat whatever I want and still be in shape!”—Christi Webb (RW+ member) 

“I run to eat poutine.”—Robin Bosse

“So I can drink beer!”—Kathy Davis Ward

“Because I am a chocoholic.”—Chantal Englebert

“Faster than walking and I like tacos.”—Shelly Pedergnana

“I run to eat crispy pata.”—Arrin Villareal

To Get Outside

“Fitness and peace of mind. Also, a great way to explore neighborhoods and the outdoors.”—Sue Padden

“The feel of being outside with my dog. Watching him enjoy the run lets me enjoy the run.”—Stan (RW+ member) 

“It’s my time with nature. It’s for me to clear my head and think.”—Assa Burton

“Running is my sanctuary. It’s where I can clear my mind, letting go of stress and finding clarity with each step. The rhythm of my feet hitting the ground is a meditative escape, helping me to focus and recharge. Physically, running keeps me in peak condition, building strength and endurance while boosting my overall health. But what I love most is being outside, feeling the fresh air, and soaking in the beauty of nature. Whether it’s a sunlit trail or a quiet street at dawn, running connects me to the world around me in a way nothing else can.”—Adam Scolatti (RW+ member) 

Because I Can

“This is my ‘stock’ answer. I do because I can and I can because I do.”—Chip Kidd

“Because I’m not ready to give up yet.”—Martha Rhine (RW+ member) 

“Because I was completely disabled, not able to move, stand, walk, talk, or do anything... stuck in the hospital for 13 weeks. When I was discharged and started to walk a little, I needed something to help me get some kind of life back. Running was it.”—Rob Snavely

“Because I’m 70, and not dead yet.”—Michele Glover

“Because I can. One day I won’t be able to and it’s not today.”—Mike Bravo

“Because one day I’ll be old and everything will hurt, and it’s the one thing in my life that lately makes me happy. When you’re running you forget everything. If you’re still thinking of debt, sadness, breakups, you’re not trying hard enough. Every day you have to push yourself.”—Miryam Hernandez

“Because I still can… at 73.”—Joanne Gile Michaelsen 

“Forty-five years, why stop now? Never regret going for a run.”—Leslie Kitching 

“Sixty-one years old. Been running since I was 15. Because a day without running is like a day without brushing your teeth.”—Sharon Graeber Hall 

To Prove it to Myself or Someone Else

“To prove I can. And prove my mind is more powerful than my body.”—Colton James

“Because I still can, and everyone tells me I can’t!”—Lloyd K Leverett

“To tell people I did.”—Chris S. Charlett

“I’m 55. Basketball days are over. The need to compete is still there, and even if that means competing with myself, running allows me to do that.”—Shawn Davis

Because I Hate How I Feel When I Don’t 

“I don’t know, but recently I injured my knee, and I was sad I couldn’t run. Thank god, it healed itself. I think running gives me inner peace.”—Jose Murga

“Because I hate the way my brain itches when I don’t.”—Joe Baron

“Because it’s better than smacking my family upside the head from being over stimulated. [It] helps my mental health.”—heatherbrubaker19

“I don’t like it until it’s over.”—Laurie Stinson Fuller

“So that I am tolerable to my husband!”—Dimitra Zakas

“It’s either that or sending my work computer flying out the window like a frisbee on the regular.”—Ayla Amon 

“It feels so good when I stop.”—Sarah Wiley 

The 46-year-old sprinter explains why he still enjoys racing after being voted AW masters male athlete of 2024.

When Dwain Chambers settled into his blocks at the start of the 60m final in the M45 age group at the European Masters Championships in Poland this year, he felt as nervous as ever. At his peak, he won world and European indoor titles in 2009 and 2010 over the same distance, yet racing against fellow veteran sprinters in Poland, he was the big-name athlete whose scalp everyone wanted.

“I took it very seriously because I knew I could lose,” he says. “I was two or three metres ahead on paper but I still had to go in and prepare the same way. I knew I couldn’t slip up, as one of the other Brits would steal my glory. They were raising their level to compete with me, but I also had to raise my game.

“I was still just as nervous as always before the race. I still had to go to the toilet the same number of times before the race! It wasn’t easy.”

Chambers prevailed in 6.93. A few weeks earlier he had run even quicker, too, with a world indoor record for his age group of 6.81 at Lee Valley. The performances were enough to see him voted AW Readers’ Choice Male Masters Athlete of the Year. 

He first shot to fame as a talented teenager in the 1990s with a couple of victories in the European Junior Championships over 100m. A rollercoaster career ensued with a much-publicised brush with the anti-doping authorities. In more recent years he has impressed onlookers with his ageless athleticism, often beating athletes half his age as he continues to streak to super-fast times in his forties.

How did he find the masters scene? “After years of big crowds as an international athlete, I thought ‘what’s it going to be like?’” he says. “I promised myself for years that I was going to do a masters event and I was overwhelmed with the support I got and also seeing all these older athletes still doing what they love.

“Okay, they’re not running crazy fast times but they’re out there doing their best. They’re all having fun and enjoying it, which reminded me why I loved the sport so much as a younger athlete before it got to a point where it wasn’t so much fun for a while.”

Did he ever imagine as a young athlete that he’d one day do masters athletics? “Not at all,” he admits. “It didn’t cross my mind as a youngster. You just live in the moment. You move from race to race and if you have a short break then you have a holiday and you’re back on the ride again soon afterwards.”

Chambers believes more former elite athletes should give masters competitions a go, too. “I think masters competitions should be part of an athlete’s responsibility as it helps raise the profile of the sport and helps with longevity and keeps you going,” he says.

“It can help athletes who are close to retirement but maybe don’t know what they’re going to do during the rest of their lives. They can keep their foot in the door by doing masters athletics while figuring everything out. Once you go from being disciplined for 10-20 years to suddenly being undisciplined, it’s not a good thing. Masters allows athletes to do the sport for the pure enjoyment rather than worrying about agents and contracts and stuff like that.”

After testing positive for drugs in 2003, Chambers received a ban from the sport and was lambasted by the media. At the height of his infamy, Niels de Vos, chief executive of UK Athletics at the time, called for him to be banned from the GB team. Yet the sprinter always maintained a policy of fronting up to his mistakes and gradually, over time, began to win over fans and journalists with his affable personality. As this AW readers’ choice vote proves, the former pantomime villain of athletics is now a respected and admired figure.

Today he advises youngsters to stay on the right track and avoid drugs. It has struck a chord with athletes and parents, too, as his Dwain Chambers Performance Academy has now been going strong for several years with half a dozen coaches and a couple of admin staff helping him deliver sessions to children at Lee Valley in north London.

“We’re teaching kids life skills through sport,” he says. “None of them are guaranteed to become world, European or Commonwealth champions but we’re hoping they will become decent human beings. Once they find that they have an interest in athletics, we know we can help them through that process.”

Outside of coaching kids, Chambers offers his services to footballers and celebrities as well. “It’s cool to be able to bring athletics training into the fitness world,” he says.

In parallel with his own sprinting, he plays “Sellebrity Soccer” for charity as well. “During the first five minutes of the first game, I was absolutely destroyed as I was only ever used to running for 10 seconds or so,” he smiles. “So I keep it safe and play right back. I can’t risk twisting my ankle or anything.”

He turns 47 in April and can still mix it with some of Britain’s best sprinters as he reached the semi-final at the UK Indoor Championships earlier this year. Given this, what are the secrets of his longevity?

Eating a relatively clean diet and resting more between his harder sessions are high up on his list of priorities. “At first I still had the mindset of a 20-year-old but my body wasn’t the same as a 20-year-old’s,” Chambers explains. “So I would train hard for a few days and then it would take two or three weeks to recover.

“I can’t rest a lot between training sessions like younger athletes. I am coaching and looking after my own kids and have other responsibilities during the day which doesn’t allow me to just put my feet up.

“So I decided to work on my nutrition, which is something that I’d never worked on before earlier in my career. Those who pay attention to everything will always beat those who are only doing 85-90 per cent of the work.

“We probably have fish and chips once in a blue moon and takeaway every Friday but I don’t go beyond that. I just stay disciplined.

“I also run fast only about once every 10 days now. In between I will just do tempo runs or recovery runs. And this works for me much better than if I try to do speed, speed, speed the whole time.”

Chambers believes he can run faster in 2025 than he did in 2024 and has an ambition – albeit he admits it might simply be a deluded fantasy – to get back down to closer to the 6.42 for 60m and 9.97 for 100m that he ran a few years ago.

“There is naturally an element of me that thinks: ‘I’ve still got it’,” he says. “I sometimes ask myself if I’m the equivalent of being ‘punch drunk’!

“Yes, I ran 6.81 this year but it’s not 6.40 or 6.20. I think I can still run those times, but is it my imagination running wild or it is a reality? And that’s partly what still drives me.

“I look at what I did when I ran those times in the past and I wonder what steps I can make to get back to that point. Whether I can still run those times or not, or even get close, I’m not sure. But that’s my pursuit of happiness at the minute.”

One thing’s for sure, if he loses his ability to be competitive then he’s not sure he will continue. “I don’t know how many years I will have to go at a good level. Once that disappears I think I’ll be done. I love the thrill of racing and nervousness and everything that goes with it.”

If Chambers was the man to be shot at during the European Masters Champs this year, then the reverse will be true at the UK Indoor Championships in Birmingham in 2025. He is planning to target the event and is looking forward to giving the younger athletes a run for their money.

“I want to do the trials again this winter,” he says. “If I’m lucky and if I can find that spark again, I might get to the European Indoor Champs again!”

Launching your own track meet and naming it after yourself is one thing–but Great Britain’s 800m Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson didn’t stop there. On Wednesday, British Athletics revealed that the inaugural Keely Klassic track meet, set for Feb. 15 in Birmingham, will conclude with Hodgkinson trying to break the 800m world record, which has stood for 41 years.

The record of 1:53.28, set by Czechoslovak athlete Jarmila Kratochvílová in 1983, is the longest-standing world record in athletics. Hodgkinson would need to run more than a second faster than her personal best (1:54.61) to even come close to taking it down. The run will mark Hodgkinson’s season opener and first race back from an injury that cut her 2024 season short.

At the Keely Klassic, Hodgkinson promises “a unique, immersive experience that will combine elite competition with an electrifying atmosphere” and extends the meeting invitation to Great Britain’s world-class track and field athletes.

The unveiling comes less than a day after Tuesday’s BBC Sports Personality of the Year (SPOTY) ceremony, where Hodgkinson took centre stage. The 22-year-old is the first track athlete to win since Mo Farah won in 2017, and the first female track athlete to win since 2004. Her win also marks the fourth consecutive year that a woman has won the award–the longest streak in history.

“I’m actually in a bit of shock,” Hodgkinson said upon accepting the trophy. “I’m actually more excited for my coach, to be honest, because I wouldn’t be where I am without his guidance, [which] I’ve had since I was 17.”

“This year has been absolutely incredible for me,” she continued. “I achieved everything I set out to do on the outdoor track, which is kind of rare, so I’m grateful to be in this position.”

Olympic triathlon champion Alex Yee was also a contender for the award.

Hodgkinson’s coaches, Trevor Painter and Jenny Meadows, were awarded Coach(es) of the Year. Along with the Olympic 800m champion, the pair coaches Olympic 1,500m bronze medallist Georgia Bell.

Mondo Duplantis wins Sport Star of the Year

Pole vaulting legend Mondo Duplantis was also acknowledged at the event, winning World Sport Star of the Year. The Swedish-American world record holder was pitted against fellow sports icons, including gymnast Simone Biles, WNBA player Caitlin Clark and Olympic marathon champion Sifan Hassan.

“So sorry that I can’t be in attendance tonight–I’m back here in the States right now, training for the up and coming season. I know I’m in great company–the biggest legends of all time in sports have won this award. This really means a lot to me.”

Edmund Serem’s steeplechase triumph at the World U20 Championships in Lima was very much the result of a family effort.

Not only does he have older brother Amos – the 2021 world U20 champion – as a role model, he also has his father to thank for getting him into athletics, and particularly the steeplechase.

“It has always been our dad's dream to see us (Amos and Edmund) achieve what he wanted to achieve for himself as a youth, but didn't due to lack of support,” said Serem.

During their youth, their father took them to several athletics competitions around Kenya, and went on to provide his sons with everything they needed to establish their running careers.

“He would buy training shoes and running apparel and provide transport money for us to attend all the weekend meetings in the region,” recalled Serem, adding that their father chose the steeplechase distance for them.

“He would show us videos of Ezekiel Kemboi, Brimin Kipruto, Conseslus Kipruto and other steeplechasers competing at major championships. He erected barriers for us to practice jumping over and was so careful in choosing the right surfaces for us to do so as he didn't want us to get injured.”

Serem started running at the age of eight. Despite Amos being older than him, Edmund would join his brother on training runs, though would often take a shorter route. “My brother would then have to run faster and try to finish his route in the time it took me to complete the shorter one.”

When Amos started high school, the brothers trained under different coaches and environments. Edmund would later join St Patrick's Iten High School and trained under the famous Irish coach, Brother Colm O'Connell.

Edmund missed out on some competitive opportunities during his early high school years due to the Covid pandemic. Amos, meanwhile, went on to train under Patrick Sang in Kaptagat, but fate would bring the two brothers back together again.

They both now train in Kaptagat under coach Sang's programme. Despite being in two separate camps, wearing different brands and under two separate management groups, their training camps are just 600 metres apart and they see one another every morning for their training.

Sibling rivalry

Serem speaks fondly of his brother. While he has no desire to outshine his brother, he always enjoys competing alongside him in races. That feeling appears to be mutual, too.

"Every time my brother and I are in the same race, he usually performs very well,” says Serem. “I don't know if it is because he doesn't want me to beat him or because he feels stronger when I am around him, but I still look forward to racing against him.”

Both brothers have earned world U20 steeplechase titles in recent years. Three years after Amos’s triumph on home soil in Nairobi, Edmund followed in those footsteps by taking the steeplechase gold medal at this year’s World U20 Championships in Lima.

In a race in which 12 of the 16 finalists set PBs, Serem led a Kenyan 1-2 from teammate Mathew Kosgei to win in 8:15.28. Not only is it a world-U20-leading time, it’s also the third fastest in history by an U18 athlete.

He eventually won by more than two seconds, but he had struggled with stomach ache in the heats three days prior.

“After I rehydrated and recovered from the heats, my body felt good for the final,” he says. “I had high hopes of winning the race, and I told myself on the start line that if anyone else wanted to win it, they would have to fight hard for it.”

The performance capped a remarkable season for the 16-year-old. Back in March he finished sixth at the African Games, then he narrowly missed making the team for the Paris Games, finishing fourth at Kenya’s Olympic Trials. Just eight days later, he earned silver at the senior African Championships before ending his season on an even bigger high with his triumph in Lima.

Managing expectations

Having achieved so much at such a young age, and with the steeplechase being one of Kenya’s strongest disciplines, Serem knows that all eyes will be on him and his brother in the coming years. He takes it all in his stride, though.

"Most of my friends and relatives now believe more in me and see our dream to restore the steeplechase glory to Kenya becoming a reality,” he says. “Many are telling me that my brother and I are the potential runners to dominate the steeplechase in the future.”

Apart from two editions of the Games that the country boycotted, Kenya won every Olympic title in the men’s 3000m steeplechase from 1968 to 2016. That streak came to an end in 2021 when Soufiane El Bakkali won gold in Tokyo. The Moroccan has won three more global titles since then, while the world record was broken last year by Ethiopia’s Lamecha Girma.

But Kenya is keen to reassert its dominance on the event.

Serem was one of several up-and-coming talents who were recently invited to meet with Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Sports and Athletics Kenya senior officials to plan a way forward in ensuring Kenya remains a powerhouse in athletics.

“We talked about strategic plans to nurture and work with the young and emerging stars to maintain Kenya's glory in athletics into the future, especially in the steeplechase,” he said. “In recent years the men's steeplechase has been dominated mostly by Morroco's Soufiane El Bakkali, but we plan to end that.”

Although he’ll be an U20 athlete for two more years, and will be young enough to defend his world U20 title in 2026, Serem already has his eye on competing at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25.

“We’re taking things one step at a time,” he says. “The first step will be to make the team at the national trials, and then we will make the plans for the World Championships after that.”

Serem and his training group spent the past month working primarily on gym work before gradually moving to some longer and easier runs to build endurance. He may also participate in some local cross-country races as part of his training.

Heading into next year and beyond, perhaps the biggest motivating factor for both Edmund and Amos will be to accomplish the kind of successes that their father was unable to achieve due to the lack of support back then.

"Our father had a great passion for athletics but didn't get enough support at the time. He has provided Amos and me with everything we’ve needed, telling us, 'I don't want you to lack anything as I did during my time'.

“So I don't care which one of us wins the race,” added Serem of the prospect of racing against his brother in the future. “Because the success will eventually end up at home.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mary Moraa has resumed training as she plans to defend her world title amid the rise of strong 800m runners including Keely Hodgkinson and Athing Mu.

Mary Moraa has resumed training ahead of a tough 2025 season where she has a huge task of defending her world title at the World Championships in Tokyo, Japan.

The reigning world champion will battle for the title alongside very formidable 800m runners who have emerged this season. The Commonwealth Games champion lines up against Keely Hodgkinson, Tsige Duguma and Athing Mu alongside other 800m athletes.

Mary Moraa had a mixed season this year and she will be looking to work on the finer things so as to be ready next season. She was off to a great start to her season, winning the 400m at the African Games then anchored the 4x400m mixed relay team to a bronze medal.

The Kenyan 800m star then proceeded to claim the win at the Kip Keino Classic before reigning supreme at the Diamond League Meeting in Doha and finished second at the USATF Los Angeles Grand Prix and Prefontaine Classic.

Moraa then finished second at the Kenyan Olympic trials and then won the bronze medal at the Paris Olympics. She bounced back to take the win at the Diamond League Meeting in Lausanne and finished third in Silesia. She won the 600m in a world best time at the ISTAF 2024 and then claimed wins in Zurich and the Diamond League Meeting final in Brussels.

Mary Moraa rounded up her season with a second-place finish at the Athlos NYC. Going back into training, she hopes to polish a lot of things and bounce back stronger to maintain a winning streak in 2025.

“It's about time...back to the grind ?,” Mary Moraa shared in a post on her Facebook page, adding, “Nice morning cruise with Brandon and the gang after a deserved break.”

Her competitors are also not resting on their laurels with Keely Hodgkinson, the reigning Olympic champion, making it clear that she will be going for the world title since it’s one of the titles she has yet to win.

Her coaches, Jenny Meadows and Trevor Painter have also revealed that she will be attacking both the indoor and outdoor world records in the near future.

“There’s no silvers and bronzes, now we have to do gold all the way forward, we don’t want to take any backward step and I just hopefully think that Keely can dominate and we’ve got the indoor world record to go at and in the next couple of years we’ll go after the tough world record. I think she can do it,” Jenny Meadows said.

“If she’s got the leg speed to get closer to her rivals, then they can’t out strength her so it was magic. The indoor one is easier to get than the outdoor but we’ll have a crack of both and see what happens,” Trevor Painter added.

On her part, after a heartbreaking 2024 season marred with injuries and missing out on the Paris Olympic Games, Athing Mu has already started preparation for the 2025 season.

The former world champion noted that the World Championships are her major target for the season and she is working towards making it through the trials and then heading to Tokyo.

“Well, trackwise we have the World Championships in September next year and it’s in Tokyo…first of all I pray we make it through trials and then we make it to that race,” Athing Mu said.

“I feel like it’s going to be a circle moment for me because that’s basically where I started and then I had some highs and lows.”

Ruth Jebet achieved her biggest marathon triumph so far at the Türkiye Is Bankasi Istanbul Marathon on Sunday. The former Kenyan who competes for Bahrain remains unbeaten at the classic distance, making it four wins out of four. For much of the race the 2016 Olympic Steeplechase champion, who switched to the marathon in 2023, was on course for a sub 2:20 time. However with very strong winds hitting Istanbul during the second half of the race the 27 year-old had to settle for a winning time of 2:24:45. Ethiopia’s Dejene Debela raced to his biggest career win in Istanbul’s men’s race. The 29 year-old crossed the line in 2:11:40.

The Türkiye Is Bankasi Istanbul Marathon, which is a World Athletics Gold Label Road Race, registered 7,500 marathon runners. Adding events at shorter distances the total number of athletes was 42,500. 

“The race started fast and we were expecting strong performances from our athletes. However, the wind picked up significantly in the second half, which impacted the results. Even so, it was  once again a great race. There is tremendous potential for the future,“ said Race Director Renay Onur. “The Türkiye Is Bankasi Istanbul Marathon is the most important annual international event in Turkish athletics and we are eager to support it. The intercontinental route makes it unique and we hope to be able to attract 20,000 marathon runners in the future,“ said Ahmet Karadag, the newly elected President of Turkey’s Athletics Federation.

Men’s race: Wind slows leading group to a 3:47 kilometre split

For long periods it looked as if the course record of 2:09:44 will be smashed. Running behind two pacemakers Morocco’s 2:06:49 marathoner Mohcin Outalha reached the half marathon point in 63:24. At that stage he was seven seconds ahead of a chasing group. However once the second pacer dropped out at 25k and the course made a U-turn with the consequence of the runners now facing an increasing headwind Mohcin Outalha slowed and was soon overtaken by the group behind him. While the Moroccan later dropped out the wind gusts reached gale force and caused the kilometre splits to drop extremely. 3:47 was the split time for the 30th kilometre, which even for a women’s elite race would have been very slow. Any hopes for a course record were simply blown away. 

With five kilometres to go four athletes were still in contention: Kenyans Kenneth Kipkemoi, Matthew Samperu and Benard Kipkorir were running together with Dejene Debela. At the 40k mark Semperu and Debela took the lead. The final mile is mainly uphill and it was at the beginning of that section when the Ethiopian dropped Semperu. “When we passed the 30k mark I already knew that I could win,“ said Dejene Debela. “The wind made it very tough, it became worse from 35k onwards. But I am very happy since this is my biggest career win.“ The Ethiopian was runner-up in Chicago in 2019, when he clocked his PB of 2:05:46. “I had some injuries in recent years, but now I believe that I can improve my personal best,“ said Dejene Debela, who clocked 2:11:40 in Istanbul. Kenyans Mathew Samperu and Kenneth Kipkemoi took second and third with 2:11:55 and 2:12:07 respectively. 

Women’s race: Ruth Jebet almost nine minutes ahead

Ruth Jebet took the initiative early in the race. At the 5k point she was already a couple of seconds ahead. The former Kenyan then opened a gap of 17 seconds at 10k which she past in a very quick 32:52. At that point she ran a pace that was even threatening the course record: Back in 2018 Kenya’s Ruth Chepngetich, who recently smashed the world record with the first sub 2:10 women’s time, ran 2:18:35 in Istanbul. 

At half way Ruth Jebet’s split time was 69:23 while Kenyan chasers Sharon Chebet and Betty Kibet were also running fast with 71:06. However things changed dramatically once the turning point was reached and the athletes had to run against the wind. The unlikely course record was soon out of reach and with around 10k left a sub 2:20 time became unrealistic as well. In the end Ruth Jebet also had to give up her minimum goal of improving her personal best of 2:23:08. But with regard to the wind her 2:24:45 performance was top-class. And in contrast to most of the athletes behind her she still managed to run relatively smoothly. Ruth Jebet was almost nine minutes ahead of Urge Diro who ran 2:33:37 for second. Fellow-Ethiopian Ayantu Abdi took third with 2:33:49.

“From 33 kilometres onwards it was very tough to run against the wind. I though I give it a try and go for the course record, but it was impossible to run sub 2:20 in these conditions,“ said Ruth Jebet. “I will now go for a spring marathon and hope to qualify for next year’s World Championships.“

Results, Men:

1. Dejene Debela  ETH 2:11:40

2. Mathew Samperu  KEN 2:11:55

3. Kenneth Kipkemoi  KEN 2:12:07

4. Benard Kipkorir KEN 2:12:50

5. James Kiplagat KEN 2:13:25

6. Hüseyin Can TUR 2:14:34

7. Titus Mbishei KEN 2:15:34

8. Abraham Kipyatich KEN 2:15:54

Women:

1. Ruth Jebet BRN 2:24:45

2. Urge Diro  ETH 2:33:37

3. Ayantu Abdi  ETH 2:33:49

4. Betty Kibet KEN 2:34:52

5. Zenebu Bihonegn ETH 2:35:38

6. Christine Kioko  KEN 2:35:57

Top runners, including veteran athletes and young challengers, will be out to break records at the 46th Istanbul Marathon on Sunday, November 3.

Course records will be under threat as elite runners line up at the 46th edition of the Istanbul Marathon in Turkey on Sunday, November 3.

The men’s course record, set by Daniel Kibet in 2019 currently stands at 2:09:44 while the women’s record of 2:18:35 was set by Ruth Chepng’etich in 2018 and stands at 2:18:35.

Former world marathon bronze medalist Sharon Cherop is the fastest woman on the list with 2:22:28 while the men’s elite field is headlined by Ethiopia’s Abebe Negewo and with personal bests of sub 2:05:00.

The trio of Cherop, Negewo and Kipkemoi turned 40 this year, but they will be out to prove that age is just a number as they hope to continue the winning streak. The field will certainly be incomplete without youngsters and Ethiopians Kelkile Gezahegn and Sentayehu Lewetegn are among the young road runners who will also be challenging for top spot.

Betty Kibet of Kenya, a 24-year-old runner will also be debuting with the hope of having a great run in the streets of Istanbul.

Meanwhile, Abebe Degefa Negewo enters the field with a personal best time of 2:04:51, which he ran in Valencia in 2019 when he was fourth. He has produced impressive times in his previous marathons, including 2:05:27 in Valencia in 2021, 2:06:05 in Hamburg in 2022 and 2:08:12 in Rotterdam last year.

Kenneth Kipkemoi posted fast times in his previous races and hopes to continue the hot streak in Istanbul. He ran 2:08:15 in Rotterdam in 2023 and then won the Eindhoven Marathon with a personal best of 2:04:52. This year he returned to Rotterdam where he was fourth with 2:05:43.

Cherop is not new to the marathon as she won a bronze medal in the at the 2011 World Championships in Daegu, South Korea. She then won the prestigious Boston Marathon in 2012 and in 2013, she clocked her PB of 2:22:28 when she was runner-up in Berlin.

Ethiopia’s Sentayehu Lewetegn will be among Sharon Cherop’s challengers. She ran a strong debut in Frankfurt in 2018 with 2:22:45 for sixth place. As things stand, 42,500 runners have already been confirmed for the event. Race organisers confirmed that 7,500 of them will run the classic distance.

“No marathon is run in a city that bears the traces of three great empires that have left a significant mark on world history. No marathon passes over a bridge that connects continents above a magnificent strait. Thanks to this unique feature, we believe that the Türkiye Is Bankasi Istanbul Marathon is the best thematic marathon in the world,” said Race Director Renay Onur according to Aims World Running.

Olympian Joshua Cheptegei lived up to his billing to take home the men’s crown, while Alemaddis Eyayu pushed pre-race favourite Cynthia Limo behind for a surprise win in the women’s race in today’s Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon, a World Athletics Gold Label Road Race, at the Indian capital.

Kenya’s Alex Matata (27) led a major part of the race with his teammate Nicholas Kipkorir, who ran his maiden half marathon internationally. Kipkorir was a bronze medalist in the 5 km World Championships last year.

Matata was unbeaten in all three races he took part in in Europe earlier this year, with two sub-60 minutes clocking in two of them.  That made the race exciting, and everyone was looking for a fast finish timing from the men’s winner.  Matata keeps the lead until the runners turn toward the finish line in the Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium, where the race commenced less than an hour earlier to decide the 2024 title.

Cheptegei, running seconds behind the Kenyan, realized the now-or-never situation and came from behind to snatch the lead from Matata to win in 59 minutes 46 seconds. Matata (59:53) and Kipkorir (59:59) complete the podium with the Ugandan.     

Incidentally, the Vedanta Delhi half marathon was one of the fastest races in the World and usually saw incredible timings by the participants. Ethiopian Deriba Merga was the first to post a sub-60-minute winning time in 2008 when all the podium finishers dipped under 1 hour. This action was repeated several times in some of the subsequent editions at Delhi, wherein 2014 witnessed a record number of nine runners finishing within 60 minutes.

Former world champion Muktar Edris from Ethiopia, another pre-race favourite, finished fifth (60:52), while Tanzania’s Alphonce Simbu (60:40) got the fourth place.  

Cheptegei, with multiple world titles on his cap, said that “this win in Delhi was special to me because it is my first-ever victory in a Half Marathon.  India has been important for my career, and this country now means a lot to me.  I felt good throughout the race despite the slow start.  My first aim was to catch up with Nicholas (Kipkorir) and then Alex (Matata) in the final few kilometres of the race.  I am delighted with my performance and hope to continue in the same manner in the future races”.  

Thank you, Vedanta Delhi Half, for a wonderful race. This has been a special race that tested my mind.  Initially, I felt some problems in my feet around 16-17 km, but I decided to push and catch up with Nicholas, and then for about two kilometers, we pushed each other.  I took it slow because I didn’t want to burn out, and I wanted to finish strong.  Now I go back home with a feeling to conquer the roads”, he further revealed.

Eyayu beats favourite Limo to win the women’s title:Alemaddis Eyayu extended the Ethiopian winning streak in Delhi.   Kenya’s Cynthia Limo, the pre-race favourite, led the field right from the beginning while Scotland’s Commonwealth Champion Eilish McColgan trailed behind all the time.  McColgan had the fastest and only sub-66 minute timing among the elite women who took the starting lineup today.  However, two Ethiopians, Eyayu and Tiruye Mesfin, stuck with Limo for the entire part.        

Cynthia Limo, who won the women’s title here in 2015, had returned to Delhi after nine years.  Following her victory in the Indian capital, the Kenyan runner secured a silver medal in Cardiff's 2016 World Half Marathon championships.Eyayu and Limo passed the 10K mark together and remained the sole leaders in the women’s race. However, the Ethiopian runner pulled ahead in the second phase of the race, leaving Limo 10-15 seconds behind.  It was a crucial deciding factor at the end as Eyayu crossed the finish line 68:17 for the top spot, while Limo did so 10 seconds later.  Mesfin clocked 69:42 for third and McColgan 69:55 to finish fourth and outside the podium.  

“I had a good race, tried to keep my pace and aimed to finish well.  I am happy to have achieved it” Eyayu said during the post-event press conference.

Limo said she was happy to join the Delhi podium after nine years.  “Securing second place is incredible, one that fills me with pride.  The atmosphere was electric, with people lining the streets and cheering us.  It’s heartwarming to see how the city comes together.  This experience has been truly special; the support from the spectators, their enthusiasm, and the overall energy of the event have made this return to Delhi unforgettable,” was Limo’s reaction to the race.

The total prize purse for the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon is USD 260,000. The podium finishers both men and women will take home USD 27,000, USD 20,000 & USD 13,000 respectively.

Sawan Barwal betters previous performance

Sawan Barwal will go home with the gold medal this time around after finishing on the podium of the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon for a second straight edition. With a timing of 1:02:46, Barwal finished ahead of Puneet Yadav, bettering his personal best in the process. Kiran Matre grabbed the third spot to complete the podium for the Indian Elite Men's event.

Barwal, who won bronze in 2023, was behind Puneet at the 10-kilometer mark, but left his best for the final stretch of the race. Taking advantage of an opening, he pushed himself in the final quarter and eventually secured the top spot with a difference of almost 1 minute and 9 seconds.

After the race, an emotional Sawan was ecstatic about turning the bronze to gold as he shed some light on his performance, saying, "It has been a great ride from the last Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon to the current edition. We are nearing the end of the season, and I was happy with the preparations throughout the season, and I used that to my advantage this time around. I did not enter thinking about finishing in 62 minutes, but the way I started and when I settled into the race, I knew I could go all the way."

Lili Das has dream debut

In the Indian Elite Women's category, Lili Das was miles ahead of her competitors, securing the gold with a timing of 1:18:12. Coming in second was last year's winner Kavita Yadav, who clocked 1:19:44 as she finished in the top 3 for a second straight edition of the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon. In third place was 2022 Asian Games bronze medallist Priti Lamba, who crossed the finish line at the 1:20:21 mark.

In the 9th position at the 10-kilometer mark, Lili upped the ante to reach the top spot at the 15th kilometer. She maintained the lead with a massive effort and went on to win the gold by a massive difference of 1 minute and 32 seconds ahead of Kavita.

Lili, who fought cramps on the way to her gold, spoke about the experience of landing on the podium in her very first Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon, "It is a very good feeling to win the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon in my very first attempt. I felt a little bit of dehydration during the race which I was worried about, but I am glad that I was able to finish the race. I cramped up around the 19th kilometer and it was a scary moment, but I fought it and worked very hard to finish the final 2 kilometers. After doing well in track and field events, winning gold in a half marathon feels great."

The people of Delhi came together once again to showcase the spirit of their city and promote healthy lifestyles at the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon. Thousands of runners, from seasoned athletes to enthusiastic amateurs, took to the streets, turning the event into a vibrant celebration of fitness and community. The race not only highlighted the city's commitment to well-being but also raised awareness for various charitable causes, embodying the essence of unity and social responsibility that Delhi is known for.  

The TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon (TWM) returns on Sunday, doubling as the Canadian Marathon Championships. For our Canadian elite athletes, Sunday’s race provides a chance to qualify for the marathon at the 2025 World Athletics Championships, to be held in Tokyo. Canadian record holder Natasha Wodak will toe the line in Toronto for the first time in 11 years, setting her sights on her first-ever Canadian marathon title.

Wodak made her marathon debut here in 2013. The 42-year-old from Vancouver has been on a golden streak this year, winning the Vancouver Half Marathon in June and Vancouver’s Eastside 10K in September. But earlier this year, she fell short of her goal to qualify for Canadian Olympic team after completing four marathon builds and taking three attempts at the race in the span of 18 months.

“The marathon is a beast”

“Nothing is guaranteed,” Wodak says. “Never in a million years would I have thought that after running 2:23:00, I wouldn’t be able to come within four minutes of that, four different times in 18 months.” Wodak completed the 42.2K event at the 2023 Budapest World Championships, 2024 Houston and Hamburg marathon events, falling short of the Olympic standard each time, and had scratched from the 2023 London Marathon after coming down with a stomach bug. “The marathon is a beast; you’ve got to have the right day, the right fitness, the right weather–everything has to click on the right day.”

The two-time Olympian holds a personal best of 2:23:12, which has stood as the Canadian record since the 2022 Berlin Marathon. “The A goal is to win the Canadian marathon championships,” she says, hoping to add that title to her already impressive resume. “Everyone wants to be a national champion.”

After steering away from her original plan to race at the Valencia Marathon, Wodak is taking a different approach at Toronto’s big-city race; she can finally enjoy racing in Canada in front of family and friends without the pressure of hitting the Olympic standard. She adds that the generous prize purse offered by TWM was an incentive. She revealed she plans on starting out conservatively, with the hope of having a fast second half. “I’ll go out at 2:25 to 2:26 pace, and hope to catch a few of the women who go out too hard,” she says. “It would be really nice to place in the top three. If all goes well, maybe I can surprise myself and others by having a really fast last 10K.”

After her attempts to qualify for Paris 2024, Wodak says she has learned not to take anything for granted. She says she began to jump into workouts with friends, running because she wanted to and doing what felt good. “I did enjoy the process over time, so I have no regrets,” she says. “It’s a privilege to do this.”

Erin Mawhinney to make marathon debut

Defending TWM half-marathon champion Erin Mawhinney will be doubling her usual distance to make her first-ever attempt at 42.2K. The 28-year-old, a two-time winner of the Under Armour Toronto 10K, has been slowly building up her mileage while training for the past three years with coach and two-time Olympian Reid Coolsaet; at the peak of her build, she reached 190 km in one week–quite a contrast to the maximum of 43 km she used to run weekly  in university. The increase in mileage means increased time dedicated to training, adding to her already-busy schedule; the Hamilton native works full-time as a nurse, with the occasional night shift. “My apartment is a mess all the time, and I’m always out of groceries, since I’m eating more to support that mileage,” she says.

“You go in a little bit blind,” Mawhinney says. “You can sort of predict from the half-marathon what might happen, but it’s also a completely different event.” Her half-marathon best stands at 1:11:50, which she ran in March. “Somewhere in the low 2:30s would be a great day, but I’m mostly just excited to try out a marathon.”

Anne-Marie Comeau to seek redemption

Anne-Marie Comeau of Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges, Que., is the reigning Canadian Marathon Championships silver medallist; the 2018 winter Olympian in cross-country skiing led for 42.1 kilometres of last year’s race before being passed by Quebec City’s Caroline Pomerleau, who nabbed the title. Comeau, who is 28, struggled over the last 10 km, and aims to pack her pockets with gels this year to avoid fading in the final stretch. “I had a rough year,” she says. “I’ve done a lot of marathon builds without actually racing.” Comeau was set to race the Houston Marathon and the Boston Marathon, but had to scratch from both, first due to Covid, and then to a shoulder dislocation while skiing.

Finally getting the chance to race, Comeau has set big foals for herself. “I want to get a personal best,” she says. “My marathon PB (2:34:51) is from last year on this course. I’m going to start a bit slower, at 2:31 to 2:32 pace, and see if I’m able to push harder toward the end.”

International field

Waganesh Mekasha of Ethiopia has her eyes set on the course record this year. The 32-year-old holds a personal best of 2:22:45 from the 2019 Dubai Marathon and took second in Toronto last fall, with a time of 2:23:12. “I enjoyed the race last year,” she says. “The course was great. The pacer dropped early and it affected us.” Her best time sits just off the course record of 2:22:16. The 2023 Ottawa Marathon champion feels as though she has prepared even better than last year. “If the pace goes out well and the weather is good, the course record is possible,” she says.

Ethiopia’s Roza Dereje comes into the race with the fastest personal best in the women’s field (2:18:30), and will also be fighting to take down the five-year-old course record. “I’m ready and prepared to challenge the course record,” she says. Dereje, 27, finished fourth in the marathon at the Tokyo Olympic Games, and became a mother in 2023. This is her first time visiting Canada.

For the first time in the race weekend’s history, the 5K race, traditionally held on the same day as the marathon and half-marathon, has been moved to Saturday; the race has already raised more than $3,000,000 for the TCS Charity Program.

How to watch

The 2024 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon and Canadian Marathon Championships can be streamed on Sunday, Oct. 20, on World Athletics Inside Track, CBC Sports, or the CBC Gem app. The TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon is one of the first North American marathons to be featured on the WA Inside Track worldwide feed. This year, 30,000 participants from 70 countries will take part in Toronto’s race weekend (a record). All runners can be tracked using the official TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon app, available for download on the App Store and Google Play.

For Virginia Lee, the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon on Oct. 20, is more than just another race—it’s a journey that has spanned a quarter-century. The 51-year-old Toronto native is a legacy runner at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon, having finished every edition since the marathon distance was introduced in 2000.

This year, she’s gearing up for her 25th consecutive Waterfront Marathon, with a deeper purpose: fundraising for the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation through the TCS Charity Challenge in memory of her late father.

Lee and her father were incredibly close, and she credits her love for fitness to him as it was something he loved to do. Lee says she was a mathlete in her younger years and her passion for fitness began in her 20s. After a while, she got tired of the 45-minute commute to her local gym.

Lee decided to skip the gym and hit the local track instead—where she fell in love with running. A colleague at Browns Shoes, Manny, eventually helped her gain enough confidence to register for her first race. “He was a big mentor for me,” Lee says. “I remember being in awe of all the marathons he’s done, and now I’ve done more—he can’t believe how far I’ve come.”

She first ran the Toronto Waterfront Marathon in 2000, and it quickly became an annual tradition. “I started doing the Toronto Waterfront Marathon every year because it was something I enjoyed,” Lee says. Her dedication to the race became even more apparent in 2013 when she faced a tough decision—run the Chicago Marathon, which she had qualified for, or maintain her streak in Toronto.  Toronto organizers reached out, reminding her of her unbroken streak. She ended up doing both. “I had to be super conservative in Chicago because I wanted to run well in Toronto,” Lee recalls.

Over 24 years, Lee has seen the sport evolve, especially women’s participation. “There weren’t too many women at my first marathon in 2000, but last year there were nearly 1,500 female finishers,” she says. The growing community of older female runners in Canada has been an inspiration, along with U.S. masters running legend Jeannie Rice, who at 76, holds several masters marathoning world records. “She is such an idol for me,” says Lee. “Although I’ll never be as fast as her, her consistency and resilience are everything.”

One of Lee’s biggest motivations remains her desire to maintain her streak. “A lot of people did not believe I could do this,” she says, reflecting on the dedication that has driven her through two decades of training. Her commitment is impressive considering her career at the University Health Network (UHN) in Toronto, where she’s worked for the last 15 years.

Her training build for this year’s race has been the hardest yet, dealing with her father’s passing, plus a bad case of shingles. “I wasn’t well. I caught shingles and felt exhausted for the first two months,” she shares. “The loss of my father has given me a renewed purpose.”

At the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon expo on Friday, Lee will share her story to the start line and guide eager runners through what they can expect on the 2024 course. Despite 24 years of experience, Lee admits she still gets nervous. “I feel like I have imposter syndrome every year. But I’m grateful to be a part of it.”

rika Kemp Wins the 2024 Boston 10K for Women, presented by REI

Kemp holds off Annie Rodenfels and wins her second Boston 10K for Women in 31:48

BOSTON – It was a return to glory for Erika Kemp for Providence, who won the 48th Boston 10K for Women in a personal best time of 31:48. Kemp, who also won the 2022 event in a then-PR of 32:15, outlasted 2023 champion Annie Rodenfels who finished in 31:54. Emily Venters of Salt Lake City finished third in a time of 32:11.

Under a postcard perfect autumn day, temperatures hovered in the 50s as more than 5,000 registrants from 40 states gathered at the second longest-running all-women’s race in the country. Following her fourth-place last year, it was course experience and lessons learned that fueled Kemp’s winning strategy.

“Winning is always so fun, but winning here is a little extra special,” said the 29-year-old Kemp, who earned $10,000 with the win. “Right before the race, one of the volunteers told me I had to do it for the women today, and I was like ‘we’re all here for the women,’ and he said, ‘but you have to do it more,’ and I really took that to heart.”

Kemp, Rodenfels, Venters, and Bethany Jerde represented a four-woman pack that sped through a 5:01 first mile, splitting a canyon of foliage on Beacon Street, before turning right onto the Massachusetts Avenue bridge. As they crossed the Charles River into Cambridge, a 5:11 second mile thinned the chase pack, and four leaders had a six second lead on fifth place. 

“I took it out a little hard which I wasn’t necessarily meaning to do,” said Rodenfels, who lives in Boston and earns $5,000 with a second-place finish. “But I felt good, and I thought we would kind of burn [the competition] out a little sooner than if we went out conservatively.”Approaching mile three, Kemp took on a slight headwind and carried the hot pace westward along the Charles River with a 5:01 mile. Jerde fell off the pack as the Memorial Drive course dipped below Massachusetts Ave. “I was a little bit haunted by my fourth-place finish last year,” said Kemp. “I vividly remember going under that underpass around mile three, and that tiny uphill right after the bridge. In those moments last year, I backed off when I should have pushed harder. So this year I stepped on the gas a little more.”

As the three runners switched back to the eastbound direction at the 3.5 mile mark, Kemp and Rodenfels exchanged surges, and Venters fell three seconds behind. Turning back onto the Massachusetts Ave. bridge and heading toward Boston, Kemp, Rodenfels, and Venters were greeted by a roar of thousands of women running in the other direction.

“Coming over that bridge around mile four, running past the field of women – their energy will literally push you through those last two miles,” said Kemp. “And it was on another level today.”

Kemp led by two seconds as the runners re-entered Back Bay, and turned left onto Commonwealth Ave., with Kemp dropping another 5:01 mile between four and five. But Rodenfels would not quit. “She’s a hard competitor,” said Rodenfels of Kemp. “She does not give up and I know that.”

Streaking down Commonwealth Avenue, Rodenfels continued nipping on the heels of Kemp – from Fairfield to Exeter and Dartmouth to Clarendon, the two athletes pushed each other towards new PRs. “It was a good sign that I was with her for that long, Rodenfels added. “And that I was able to keep pushing and maintain a small gap and not let it get bigger and bigger as it went on.”

Kemp was simply too strong. Circling the Boston Public Garden, and before turning left onto the closing stretch on Charles St., Kemp did not waiver and broke the tape in front of a roaring crowd. “It feels great,” said Kemp of her victory and new 31:48 PR. “Winning once is super cool, but now, they’re going to keep saying I’m a two-time champion and that just sounds a lot better.”

In the wheelchair division, 15 year-old Maddie Wilson broke the tape in a time of 34:57. For Wilson, this is a race with which she has grown familiar, having competed on its course since she was just six years old. In the Masters Division, Leslie McCarthy of Milton, MA earned $500 with a time of 39:56.The race is enthusiastically supported by a group of sponsors, led by REI and PUMA, who brought enormous energy to the day’s activities. Formerly known as the Tufts Health Plan 10K for Women, the race is New England’s largest all-women’s sporting event the second longest-running all-women’s race in the country. For the fourth consecutive year, the race saw a rise in participation, this year with a 24% increase in registrations from 2023. “What a wonderful day for our city and our sport, exclaimed Dusty Rhodes, who founded the race in 1977. “To see so many families, first timers, and long timers all here together smiling wide at the finish – it is just so gratifying. What an honor it is to help host this event.” With today’s race, Rhodes extends her legacy as the longest-running female race director in the country.

Six options that can help every kind of runner .

There are runners who make it look easy, with the smoothest form, quick cadence, and a smile on their face no matter what mile they’re clocking. And then, there’s the rest of us, who don’t exactly know how to enjoy running consistently. Maybe you have to drag yourself out of bed to run. Maybe most days, the time on your feet just ticks a little too slow.

Love it or hate it, running does wonders for your cardiovascular health, can boost mood, and help you achieve better mental health. Whether you’re a total beginner or a runner facing burnout, it is possible to fall in love (or back in love) with the run.

If you've been struggling with sticking to traditional training plans and truly want to learn how to enjoy running, we’ve compiled a few unique tools to help you run with your heart.

There are six options that can help every kind of runner approach running differently and try something new. Through time, distance, music, and feel, here’s exactly how to enjoy running (even with the occasional blister or side stitch.)

How to Enjoy Running by Tracking Time

Best for Runners Who...

Don’t mind having your hand held a little; want a fairly fail-safe method to easing into running; are a rule-follower; don’t mind frequently looking down at your wrist.

You’ll Need...

A watch. (A digital chronograph watch is easiest to follow and can be preset to beep at you when it’s time to run or walk.)

Where to do it:

Outside on the road, a trail, the track, or inside on a treadmill. If you do it on a trail or on hilly terrain on the road, you’ll need to adjust a bit based on feel: run for longer on a downhill, shorter on an uphill.

How to do it:

Follow any given run-by-time plan, like the Runner’s World walk-to-run plan that has helped thousands of beginners get started. Unless you have a photographic memory, either print and cut out the workout to take with you, or jot it down on something small like a business card and take that with you. Alternatively, you could try to memorize it, and/or you could take a picture of it with your phone to reference if you forget (and don’t mind taking your phone with you). You can preset some watches to help you stick to the intervals.

How to Enjoy Running by Loosely Tracking Time

Best for Runners Who...

Have a rebellious streak and want a

On a road, trail, treadmill, or track.

How to do it:

Walk for roughly the first 5 minutes. If you feel like walking for 6, go nuts.

Run until you don’t feel like running anymore. Maybe this is 30 seconds, maybe it’s a few minutes.

Walk again.

Run again, laughing in the face of structure. (Or just run.)

Repeat for the remainder of your run, aiming to run for a total of 2 or 3 minutes on your first time out. Break down those 2 or 3 minutes within a 30-minute outing however you want. The other 27 or 28 minutes, walk.

Walk to cool down.

Improve (week 3ish): Increase your total run time to 5 minutes.

Improve more (week 5ish): Increase your total run time to 10 minutes. And walk more if you bloody feel like it.

Improve even more (week 7ish): Increase your total run time to 15, 20, and eventually 30 minutes or more.

Tip: Make sure you’re entering this plan, and any other, from where you are physically and mentally as a runner. If you run regularly (but maybe hate it) for example, do the above by running, say, 20-30 minutes total, broken down

How to Enjoy Running by Monitoring How You Feel

Best for Runners Who...

Don’t love watches; need a break from technology; want to feel more in tune with your body.

You’ll Need...

An ability to listen to your body and mind.

Where to do it:

Anywhere!

How to do it:

Start by walking.

When your body feels moderately warmed up (less creaky than when you started; usually about 5 to 10 minutes in), break into a jog.

Stop running and start walking when you still feel sorta okay, but when you notice a hitch in your stride or a light strain (more than usual) in your muscles or breath. Do not wait to walk until you can’t breathe or talk.*

Start running again.

Repeat steps 3 and 4 for 3 or 4 rounds.

Walk for a few minutes after your last run segment to cool down.

Improve (week 3ish): Run for longer during each segment, but don’t make jumps that are too big. Give yourself at least two to three runs with similar run-length segments before adding time.

Improve more (week 5ish): Run for longer still during each segment. Again, do this gradually.

Improve even more (week 7ish): You got it. Run for longer during each segment, still listening to your body.

Tip: Choosing natural markers, as in “run until that big tree,” “walk until the stop sign,” can help keep you motivated. But if your body tells you to stop before then, listen.

* The Talk Test: If you can no longer speak a full sentence, it’s time to slow down and walk. Walk until you regain your breath and your muscles feel semi-ready. (Don’t wait until you feel perfect, because you won’t.)

How to Enjoy Running by Listening to Music

Best for Runners Who...

Need music to make your heart beat; don’t like watches but want some structure on your runs; can’t fathom getting out the door without music blasting in your ears.

You'll Need...

Some way to play music into your ears and carry said music player comfortably. (That probably means carrying

How to do it:

Walk for the duration of two songs (avoiding jam band epics).

Jog/run for the first verse of the next song.

Walk during the next verse and chorus of that song.

Jog/run for another verse, before walking until the end of the song.

Repeat the run/walk for four songs.

Walk home during the duration of two songs to cool down.

Improve (week 3ish): Warm up by walking for two songs. Once you feel comfortable jog/running for the duration of a verse, increase the jog/run duration from one verse to two.

Improve more (week 5ish): Warm up by walking for two songs. Jog/run fortwo verses and through the end of the chorus (while still walking for the restof the song). Repeat for four songs.

Improve even more (week 7ish): Warm up by walking for one or two songs.Jogging for an entire song, then walk a song, then jog/run for another entire song. Repeat for four or so songs.

Tip: Playing the same music/playlist will help you gauge your improvement.

Another tip: The cadence of a song can affect the speed with which your feet hit the ground, so choose songs accordingly. Look for a running playlist online or just choose songs that have an upbeat tempo. It’s tough to crank out miles to “The Way You Look Tonight,” unless you want to force yourself to run slower. Likewise, especially if you’re first starting out, avoid superfast dance beats. You don’t want the cadence of a song to make you feel badly about your stride or make you trip on yourself trying to keep up.

How to Enjoy Running by Monitoring Distance on a Track

Best for Runners Who...

Are a visual thinker; feel more comfortable in controlled environments; are competitive.

You'll Need:

A track.

Where to do it:

A track.

How to do it:

Walk two laps.

Jog/shuffle the curve of the beginning of the third lap.

Walk the rest of

Another tip: While you’re trying hard, take an inside lane. While you’re not, move to an outside lane. Always look over your shoulder before switching lanes so you avoid collisions and annoyed track mates.

How to Enjoy Running by Monitoring Distance off a Track

Best for Runners Who...

Are visual thinkers; don’t want to go by time.

You'll Need:

An ability to listen to your body; a treadmill, if doing this on a treadmill; a GPS-enabled device, if doing this by device.

Where to do it:

On a road, trail, or treadmill.

How to do it:

Walk until your body feels less creaky than when you started.

Spot something ahead of you, but not too far ahead of you—a tree, a telephone pole, a stop sign. If you’re on a treadmill or if going by distance measured by a device, choose a distance.

Jog/run to that thing/mileage.

Walk until another thing—a different tree, a different telephone pole, a yield sign. Or to the next mileage increment on your treadmill console or smartwatch.

Repeat, listening to your body. If the thing/increment you chose makes you go into overload—your muscles or lungs scream—walk sooner

A mix of highly experienced marathon runners with strong personal records and younger challengers could produce some fascinating races at the 46th Türkiye Is Bankasi Istanbul Marathon on November 3rd.

Ethiopia’s Abebe Negewo and Kenneth Kipkemoi of Kenya head the current start list with personal bests of sub 2:05:00. Kenya’s former World Championships’ marathon bronze medalist Sharon Cherop is the fastest woman on the list with 2:22:28. Cherop, Negewo and Kipkemoi have all turned 40 this year, but they are still going very strong. They will have to hit top form if they want to challenge for victory in Istanbul. Ethiopians Kelkile Gezahegn and Sentayehu Lewetegn will be among their rivals while 24 year-old debutante Betty Kibet of Kenya could produce a surprise.

A total of 42,500 runners have entered the race that leads the athletes from the Asian side of the city onto the July 15 Martyrs Bridge and then into the European part of Istanbul. 7,500 of them will run the classic distance on 3rd November. The event is a World Athletics Gold Label Road Race, which guarantees high standards in every aspect. Entries will still be accepted until next Monday (October  14th) at: https://maraton.istanbul

“No marathon is run in a city that bears the traces of three great empires that have left a significant mark on world history. No marathon passes over a bridge that connects continents above a magnificent strait. Thanks to this unique feature, we believe that the Türkiye Is Bankasi Istanbul Marathon is the best thematic marathon in the world,” said Race Director Renay Onur.

There are now many examples of runners who have turned 40 and still going strong: Kenenisa Bekele, Tadesse Abraham or Edna Kiplagat are among them. With a personal best of 2:04:51 Abebe Negewo is the runner with the fastest PB in the Istanbul field. He ran this time in Valencia in 2019 when he was fourth. While Negewo, who is also known as Abebe Degefa, has not raced as often as during his early career he produced one excellent marathon in each year: 2:05:27 in Valencia in 2021, 2:06:05 in Hamburg in 2022 and 2:08:12 in Rotterdam last year. Negewo has not competed yet this year, so if he wants to continue this streak of strong results Istanbul will be his best chance.

Kenneth Kipkemoi is the other top-class marathon runner in Istanbul’s men’s field who turned 40 this year. The Kenyan’s last three marathons were consistently fast: Kipkemoi ran 2:08:15 in Rotterdam in 2023 and then won the Eindhoven Marathon in the autumn with a personal best of 2:04:52. This year he returned to Rotterdam where he was fourth with 2:05:43.

Two Ethiopians who are more than ten years younger will be among the favourites as well. 28 year-old Kelkile Gezahegn, who has a PB of 2:05:56, is a runner who focusses fully on the classic distance. Since the start of his international career in 2016 he competed only in city marathons. He managed to win all his first four marathons in the year 2016, all in China. “The marathon is my distance,“ said Kellie Gezahegn when he won the Frankfurt Marathon in 2018. Dejene Debela is 29 years old and ran his personal best of 2:05:46 when he was runner-up in Chicago in 2019. After a two year-break, which seems to have been injury related, he came back this year with 2:09:33 in Taiyuan, China.

Sharon Cherop is the most prominent athlete in the elite field of the Türkiye Is Bankasi Istanbul Marathon. The 40 year-old Kenyan took the bronze medal in the marathon at the World Championships in Daegu, South Korea, in 2011. A year later Cherop won the prestigious Boston Marathon and in 2013 she clocked her PB of 2:22:28 when she was runner-up in Berlin. This PB makes her the fastest woman on the start list in Istanbul. Sharon Cherop is still going strong. Last year she won the Milan Marathon and this spring she was second in Hannover with 2:24:41. “I think I can run for a couple of more years,“ she said after the race in Germany.

Sentayehu Lewetegn will be among Sharon Cherop’s challengers. The Ethiopian ran a strong debut in Frankfurt in 2018 with 2:22:45 for sixth place. The 28 year-old could not improve this PB yet, but she came close in Ljubljana: Two years ago she was second there with 2:22:36.

Betty Kibet is an athlete who could have an immediate impact in the marathon. The 24 year-old Kenyan will run her debut over the classic distance in Istanbul. While she has a promising 66:37 half marathon PB she ran the Türkiye Is Bankasi Istanbul Half Marathon this April and finished sixth with a fine 68:39. Betty Kibet, who was a world-class junior athlete in her early career, has a strong 10k PB of 31:08 and ran 1:21:43 in Kolkata, India, for 25k in December last year.

The back-to-back winner of the 2022 and 2023 Seoul Marathons, Amdework Walelegn, will make his Abbott World Marathon Major debut with the 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon.

After winning consecutive Seoul Marathon wins from 2022 and 2023, Walelgn followed his victories up with a personal-best race in the 2024 Rotterdam Marathon, running 2:05:50 for a second-place finish.

Walelgn is on a hot streak coming to Chicago. He's won back-to-back Seoul Marathons from 2022 and 2023.

He recently set his personal best time at the 2024 Rotterdam Marathon. He also took a victory between his Seoul Marathon victories, earning the gold at the Serville Half Marathon with a 1:00:8 finish.

The 25-year-old has run a slew of half- and full marathons in his career. He ran his first marathon in 2015, finishing 15th in the Amsterdam Marathon with a 2:07:48 finish. His best half-marathon time of 58:40 comes from the 2022 Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, where he finished fourth place.

Eliud Kipchoge has hinted at ending his illustrious marathon career following a major setback at the Paris Olympics on Saturday.

Eliud Kipchoge hit the streets of Paris in the men’s marathon hoping to win his third Olympic title on Saturday morning.

However, the script did not go as planned as Kipchoge failed to finish the race. He was off to a great start but conditions worsened and he started trailing.

At some point in the race, the two-time Olympic champion was seen holding his left hip as though in pain but he kept going. It was until the 31km mark that Kipchoge could not continue with the race.

The five-time Berlin Marathon champion stood and waited for the last athlete Ser-Od Bat-Ochir to pass before he officially pulled out of the race.

Following the setback, the four-time London Marathon champion told Olympics.com that the race was his worst marathon. Kipchoge had never recorded a DNF [Did not finish] until Saturday's race.

"This is my worst marathon. I have never done a DNF (did not finish). That’s life. Like a boxer, I have been knocked down, I have won, I have come second, eighth, 10th, fifth – now I did not finish. That’s life,” he said.

Kipchoge started his season on quite a low note, finishing 10th at the Tokyo Marathon won by Benson Kipruto. He hinted at not being mentally okay following threats to his life and that of his family after Kelvin Kiptum’s death.

At the Paris Olympics, Kipchoge was aiming to become the first marathoner to win three Olympic gold medals. He started his winning streak at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games before defending his title at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

The marathon legend then hinted at calling time on his illustrious career.

“It is a difficult time for me. You will see me in a different way, maybe giving people motivation, but I will not run," he said.

"I don't know what next. I need to go back [home], sit down, try to figure my 21 years of running at high level. I need to evolve and feature in other things.”

Grant Holloway has finally clinched gold at the Olympics stage following a dominating 110m hurdles victory.

America's Grant Holloway has finally added an Olympic title to his collection after winning the final of the 110 meters hurdles at the ongoing Paris games.

Holloway’s victory marks the first time an American has won gold in this event since Aries Merritt's triumph at the London 2012 Olympics. Holloway’s performance was nothing short of exceptional, as he maintained his unbroken winning streak and solidified his status as one of the greatest hurdlers in recent history.

In a close race for the remaining podium spots, U.S. teammate Daniel Roberts captured the silver medal with a time of 13.09 seconds, narrowly edging out Jamaica’s Rasheed Broadbell in a photo finish for the bronze. This marks Roberts' first Olympic medal, adding to the U.S. team’s success in the event.

Holloway’s gold medal not only adds to his impressive collection of accolades but also underscores his dominance in the 110m hurdles.

Thursday's victory also brings some redemption for Holloway after a disappointing showing at the Tokyo Games in 2021 where he entered as the favorite but was upset by gold medalist Hansle Parchment of Jamaica. He began the race with a lead through the first 60 meters but surprisingly stumbled over the seventh hurdle, causing him to fall behind and finish in second.

"You guys think about Tokyo a lot, but we're in Paris," Holloway told reporters prior to the race. "I'm looking forward to continuing to show the great form that I'm in. … Everybody is talking about a world record. If it comes, it comes. The first thing we have to take care of is winning."

Holloway did just that, continuing USA's dominance in this year's Track & Field competitions. He is now the sixth American gold medalist runner, joining Noah Lyles (men's 100m), Quincy Hall (men's 400m), Cole Hocker (men's 1,500m), Gabrielle Thomas (women's 200m) and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (women's 400m hurdles).

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone overcomes Femke Bol to succesfully defend 400mH title & set new world record.

A small community in western Quebec is grappling with a mystery as they aim to identify a nude runner caught on camera during a late-night jog in Val-des-Monts, Que., earlier this month.

According to a police report, the owner of a Val-des-Monts business discovered security footage showing someone running naked across his property on June 8 around 1:30 a.m. The video footage captures the man running up and down a gravel hill on private property before making a gesture to the surveillance camera and running off.

CTV News Ottawa reported that this was not the first incident of a late-night streaker in Val-des-Monts in the past two years. Local police believe the runner is somehow linked to Tenpenny Road Industrial Park, where he was spotted on surveillance footage.

“While the nudist runner may be funny to some people, the whole thing remains a criminal offense and is punishable by one or more statements of offense,” said MRC des Collines-de-l’Outaouais authorities to CTV News Ottawa.

In the video, the caucasian male appeared to be completely nude, not even wearing shoes, which would be quite uncomfortable when running on small stones. A quick Strava investigation to see if there were any nearby running KOM segments the streaker might have been targeting yielded no results.

The police have asked members of the public who may recognize or have any information about this naked runner to contact authorities at 819-459-2422, ext. 3262.

This year’s half marathon in České Budějovice was newly held under the brand Mattoni Running Festival. The winner was German Sebastian Hendel. Among the women, Ukraine’s Maryna Nemchenko triumphed, improving the European record. Patrik Vebr and Hana Homolkova were the best Czech runners, which carries the World Athletic Road Race Label.

The race

The winner in the České Budějovice Half Marathon was Sebastian Hendel from Germany. From the start he was in a large lead pack, but before the halfway point he was running alone. Hendel ran the South Bohemia half marathon well and on pace to break the European record. However, he missed it by half a minute, finishing in the time of 1:03:38.

“I’m really happy that my winning streak in RunCzech races continues. I tried to break the time under one hour and three minutes. It was good at the tenth kilometre, but as time went on it got worse and my legs were hurting. It was a great experience, I enjoyed my first start in České Budějovice,” said Hendel. “When I was running back to the square, many people were cheering my name. It was a really great atmosphere,” added Hendel.

The second place went to Italian Daniele D’Onofrio, and third was Ukrainian Mykola Mevsha, who improved his personal best significantly. The best Czech runner was Patrik Vebr (1:08:38), bettered Petr Pechek and Tomáš Křivohlávek.

“Although I don’t really like to run races in training pace, I chose this strategy for today. My coach and I decided to do it mainly for health reasons and also because of the upcoming track races. But the overall assessment is positive and I am glad that especially my health is holding up,”  Vebr summed up.

The fastest woman was Maryna Nemchenko from Ukraine, who ran a significant part of the race alone trying to catch some men to help her pace. “If I had run with another female competitor, it would have been easier, running alone is hard. I always tried to catch up with whoever was ahead of me, I’m satisfied,” Nemchenko assessed after the race.

The Ukrainian surpassed the best European race time of Tereza Hrochova from 2022 by half a minute. Her compatriot Nataliya Semenovych finished second, while Moldova’s Lilia Fisikovici finished third. Hana Homolkova succeeded in a close battle between the Czech competitors, beating Aneta Císařová. Tereza Jagošová finished third.

The women's 800m race at the Prefontaine Classic will promise to be a thrilling show after Mary Moraa's Briton opponent opened her season with a 400m personal best time.

Mary Moraa’s track rival, Keely Hodgkinson has been off to a great start to her season, setting a Personal Best time over the 400m in her season opener.

The Briton competed at a meet in Citta di Savona and was in a class of her own as she oozed class to finish second, clocking 51.61 seconds to improve her personal best time of 51.76 that she set at last year's European Under-23 Championships.

The 22-year-old will compete in her first 800m race at the Prefontaine Classic, the Diamond League Meeting in Eugene, USA and from her performance in the season opener, her opponents will be in for a surprise.

The world 800m bronze medallist will be up against reigning world champion Moraa and the world 800m silver medallist and Olympic champion Athing Mu of the USA.

Mu will be competing on home soil, hoping to take advantage of that to take the win but the duo will not make it easy for her. The American is yet to compete and will make her season debut at the USTAF LA Grand Prix.

However, Moraa has competed in a couple of races and has shown to be in great form and ready to outshine her opponents. The 23-year-old started her season quite early, with the Athletics Kenya national trials for the African Games.

She then proceeded to win the 400m at the African Games before making her season debut in the 800m at the Kip Keino Classic.

The Commonwealth Games champion also extended her wining streak to the Diamond League Meeting in Doha, Qatar where she also claimed top honours. She gears up for the 400m at the LA Grand Prix before taking on her rivals at the Prefontaine Classic next weekend.

The reigning Women's marathon Olympic champion has revealed how her daughter helped her take her running back to the next level.

Peres Jepchirchir is one of the most recognisable and well accomplished athletes in the world of marathon.

The 30-year-old has been conquering road races for quite a while now ever since she launched her running career in 2013, when she ran two 10k road races in South Africa and then took part in the Kisumu marathon and cross country running, alongside a certain Faith Kipyegon.

It was in 2016 that she really starting becoming consistent after a few struggles, as she started dominating in half-marathons. She continued on  her trail and even broke two half-marathon records. It was after that that she was blessed with a daughter, Natalie.

As the world recently celebrated mother’s day, Jepchirchir believes becoming a mother has made her a much better athlete, as it motivated her to go beyond her limits, knowing there was now someone in her life looking up to her and depending on her.

“It has changed my life since Natalie was born. You have to work extra hard because now you know you have someone who is depending on you,” Jepchirchir told Olympics Kenya.

Although motherhood is a beautiful thing, it did not come without its challenges, as it effectively meant her life was not her own anymore.

“There were some challenges, but it was mostly good. When Natalia was young, sometimes it would be difficult as she would get sick sometimes. You do not know if she is feeling pain and sometimes, it would be difficult to go for races. 

“I returned to action when Natalia was one year and two months old, which made it difficult for me. I was uncomfortable traveling without my daughter because you just could not tell if she was healthy.”

Getting back to action was no easy streak. Jepchirchir had to shed off her weight, but also had to balance and find a way to solve the issues her baby went through, including the occasional illness.

“It is not easy. Losing weight was a tall order. It was also difficult to sleep. When you want to wake up, she also wants to wake up, when the baby is unwell, its issues, but challenges are there. You just have to commit yourself, love it and enjoy it.”

Jepchirchir has gone on to win the Olympic Games, and recently set the women’s-only world record in the marathon, finishing in two hours, 16 minutes and 16 seconds in London.

She attributes it to the motivation her daughter has instilled in her, describing her as her biggest cheerleader.

“They are playful. Sometimes she will tell me, ‘mommy, you are going to be okay! Mommy, you are going to win!’ Kids are comforting sometimes if you are down.

“Like the other day at the London Marathon, Natalia got emotional. People were cheering me on, but she was crying. She is used to seeing me winning.

"So the one time I got third in London, she was crying ‘Mommy, why did you not win?’ and you end up asking yourself why.”

As she continues to pursue excellence on the marathon course, Peres Jepchirchir exemplifies the extraordinary balance of motherhood and athletic achievement, proving that with dedication and love, anything is possible.

For most people, running just one marathon is a big achievement.

But for 85-year-old Eugene Lausch, running in his 48th mini-marathon Saturday will be just another accomplishment.

The retired lawyer has run more OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini Marathons than nearly everyone in the field. Of the approximate 200,000 runners, Lausch is one of only six who have participated every year since the marathon’s start in 1977.

It’s a hobby that came to him almost by accident.

“I desperately wanted to be an athlete when I was a boy and, like every Hoosier lad, I wanted to be a basketball player, but I don't have good hand-eye coordination,” Lausch said.

And since basketball requires a great deal of hand-eye coordination, he settled on running.

And, obviously, the hobby has stuck around.

As a student at Indiana Central University, now known as the University of Indianapolis, Lausch ran track. He went on to compete in the Indianapolis-Scarborough Peace Games and later coached track at the St. Richard Episcopal School in Indianapolis.

But his passion for marathons began in 1977, after being inspired by Olympian Frank Shorter. In the early seventies, Shorter became the first American runner in decades to win the Olympic marathon.

“That was an inspiration for a lot of people, including me,” Lausch said.

And 48 years later, he’s still going. 

To keep fit, his regime is simple.

“I walk 23 miles a week,” he said. “Also, I do a considerable amount of outside activity and gardening that I think helps keep me fit.”

And even though Lausch is in better shape than most 85-year-olds, it hasn't always been easy.

In 2019, Laush was hit by a car while crossing the street.

“A car, which I never saw, knocked me down and broke my left hip,” Lausch said. “It was determined pretty quickly that my hip was fractured.”

The doctors told Lausch what he was already expecting, that he couldn't participate in the mini-marathon.

His ongoing streak would have been ruined if it were not for community members, including his granddaughter Claudia.

Several of the runners from St. Richard Episcopal School and Claudia pushed Lausch in a homemade cart for a portion of the mini-marathon that year.

“I must say that it's a bummer to have to be hit by a car and have your hip broken, but I was really buoyed up by the outpouring support,” Lausch said. “I think I really figured out what the Mini was all about.

“I don't think I really understood it before that it is less about winning. It's more about taking the assets you have and making the best of your circumstances.”

What was once a disaster turned into one of Lausch’s fondest memories associated with the marathon.

Lausch’s wife, Carolyn, and their two sons used to join him during the marathon. But now, Lausch runs by himself.

“I'm really happy about being able to continue to run, but I ended up not knowing very many people now who run the mini,” he said.

But even though he may not know everyone, people seem to know him. After his accident in 2019, several people came up to him to wish him well, he said.

“That was very heartening. I appreciated it a great deal,” Lausch said.

For now, Lausch will be walking the mini-marathon. He plans to continue to do it until he reaches 50 straight races in 2026.

World record holder, Tigist Assefa, has been named to her first Olympic Games for Ethiopia. Assefa set the running world on fire last September with a jaw-dropping world record at the 2023 Berlin Marathon–two hours, 11 minutes and 53 seconds. 

Assefa has had a well-polished marathon career so far, winning two of her four races and finishing on the podium in three. Most recently, she finished second to Kenya’s Peres Jepchirchir (the defending Olympic champion) at the 2024 London Marathon, with a time of 2:16:23. This was Assefa’s first loss at an Abbott World Marathon Major.

All eyes will be on the 27-year-old as she tackles the daunting Paris course, which features more than 400 meters of elevation gain. This will be Assefa’s toughest challenge to date.

Joining Assefa on the Ethiopian team are two experienced marathoners: 2023 world champion Amane Beriso and 2022 world champion Gotytom Gebreslase. Beriso has finished in the top three of her last six marathons and has thrived in warmer race conditions, taking wins in Budapest, Mexico City and Valencia. Gebreslase has been on the podium in the marathon at the last two world championships.

Like the men, the Ethiopian women’s team looks to end the streak of their East African rival, Kenya. Ethiopia has not won gold in the women’s marathon since Tiki Gelena at the London 2012 Olympics.

Ethiopia's Kenenisa Bekele and Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge will square off in the marathon at the Paris Olympics.

It’s been 12 years since Ethiopian distance runner Kenenisa Bekele last put on his country’s singlet at an Olympic Games, but he has officially earned his spot on the Ethiopian marathon team for Paris 2024. 

As reported by ESPN, Bekele is one of three men selected by the Ethiopian Athletics Federation to represent Ethiopia in the marathon at the 2024 Paris Olympics. This will be Bekele’s fourth Olympic Games and the first time he has represented his country in the marathon. He has previously won four Olympic medals (three gold, one silver) across the 5,000m and 10,000m events, at Athens (2004) and Beijing (2008).

Bekele earned his spot on the Ethiopian team after an excellent showing at the 2024 London Marathon, where he placed second behind Kenya’s Alexander Mutiso, in 2:04:15 (a men’s 40+ world record). His time was four seconds faster than his previous master’s best, from the 2023 Valencia Marathon in December (2:04:19). 

Bekele will face his long-time rival, Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge, at one final Olympic Games in the streets of Paris, almost exactly 20 years after their first Olympic matchup in Athens. Kipchoge and Bekele are two of the fastest marathoners in history, and are part of the exclusive club of four men who have gone under the 2:02 marathon mark.

Joining Bekele on the Ethiopian team is another athlete in that exclusive club, Sisay Lemma. Lemma has a personal best of 2:01:53 from the Valencia Marathon in December. Most recently, Lemma won the 2024 Boston Marathon in 2:06:17, ending Evans Chebet of Kenya’s two-year reign. 

2022 world marathon champion and 2023 New York City Marathon champion Tamirat Tola rounds out the Ethiopian squad. The difficult 2024 Paris Olympic course suits Tola’s style of racing well, and he’ll certainly be one of the favorites to win gold and end Kenya’s streak of champions. Ethiopia has not won gold in the men’s marathon since Gezahegne Abera in Sydney in 2000.

Defending champion Bernard Koech has plans to successfully defend his title and walk away with the millions set aside as prize money for the top finishers.

Defending champion Bernard Koech hopes to defend his Haspa Marathon Hamburg title on Sunday, April 28 as he also chases the hefty prize money set aside for top finishers of the race.

Koech broke the course record last year after cutting the tape in 2:04:09 and he returns to the 38th edition of one of Germany’s greatest road races, with eyes set on the prize.

The Kenyan opened his season with a win at the Harmonie Mutuelle Semi de Paris and he looks to continue the winning streak in the streets of Hamburg.

As he returns to one of his favorite courses, the 36-year-old will also be fighting for the millions of prize money up for grabs, since the event is a World Athletics Gold Label Road Race. As per World Athletics, the minimum prize money for winners in such an event is about Ksh 4 million.

The athletes who finish second and third will walk away with about Ksh 2 million and Ksh 1.3 million respectively with those who finish fourth and fifth will bag Ksh 672,500 and Ksh 538,000 respectively.

The runners who finish sixth, seventh, and eighth will also be smiling to the bank after pocketing about Ksh 403,500, Ksh 269,000, and Ksh 134,500 respectively.

Meanwhile, Koech will face opposition from Getaneh Molla who has a Personal Best time of 2:03:34. He achieved the impressive time when winning his marathon debut in Dubai in 2019. Samwel Mailu will also be in the mix with Abraham Cheroben, who competes for Bahrain, will also be competing.

The women’s marathon has attracted Ethiopia’s Gotytom Gebreslase, the former World Champion from Eugene. Gebreslase was the runner-up at last year’s global championships in Budapest and has a personal best of 2:18:11. With this time she is the fastest woman ever entered into the field.

“We have made a really strong development in recent years. In the past two editions, there were three course records and world-class times.

“Now we have assembled another great field and it is quite possible that the course records come under threat once again,” said the chief organizer of Germany’s biggest spring marathon, Frank Thaleiser as per Watch Athletics.

Sandy Rutledge began running in his early 60s; he has run the Boston Marathon four times. The Nova Scotian clocked an impressive 3:31:38 at Monday’s 128th running of the famous race, earning him second place for his division and top Canadian in that age bracket.

“It was a slower than normal Boston, with the heat,” Rutledge told Canadian Running after his race. “I backed it off and went a little slower than last year, because I didn’t want to push it and not finish.”

After a decade of running, Rutledge knows what he needs to do to stay competitive, but above all else, he’s looking at his longevity in the sport. “My goal is to run as long as I can,” he says. “In my 60s, I could run seven days a week and over 100 kilometres per week, but I’ve now backed that off to five days a week and lower volume,” he adds.

Rutledge has completed around 19 marathons and several shorter-distance races. And he has stayed relatively injury-free, thanks to a couple of key regimens that anchor his weekly training.

“I take Tuesdays entirely off running, and I do strength training,” he says, acknowledging that the consistency of these sessions has helped his healthy running streak. “I focus on the core in these… as we age, many people tend to develop back issues, and I’m no exception.”

Rutledge also shared that 20 to 30 minutes of daily stretching, often before his runs, has also played a big role in injury prevention.

As his career in real estate has wound down, Rutledge is grateful to running for helping him keep a daily routine, and a sense of purpose. “I wake up at 5 a.m.–I’m a morning person,” he says. “Running has brought me a sense of youth. I have continued doing most of the things I could do when I was younger, and I think running has done that for me.”

Having taken up running later in life than many other runners, Rutledge encourages anyone to give it a try if they’re curious, no matter their age. “I started really slow,” he says. “It began with walking and then adding in some running slowly… maybe a kilometre to start, and building up from there.”

Rutledge has no plans to slow down. “I’ve heard that most people have a 15-year life cycle in the marathon, and I’m 10 years in,” he says. “I’d like to keep running marathons into my 80s, but as long as I can keeping running five days a week, I’ll adjust the speed and the distances of my races, if I need to.”

Rutledge is looking forward to, hopefully, running the Athens Marathon later this year or next.

“That’s where it all began,” he says of the marathon. “I think we all owe it to the running gods to do that one at least once.”

The Halifax runner took up running in his early 60s, and ran his fourth Boston Marathon on Monday.

Sandy Rutledge began running in his early 60s; he has run the Boston Marathon four times. The Nova Scotian clocked an impressive 3:31:38 at Monday’s 128th running of the famous race, earning him second place for his division and top Canadian in that age bracket.

“It was a slower than normal Boston, with the heat,” Rutledge told Canadian Running after his race. “I backed it off and went a little slower than last year, because I didn’t want to push it and not finish.”

After a decade of running, Rutledge knows what he needs to do to stay competitive, but above all else, he’s looking at his longevity in the sport. “My goal is to run as long as I can,” he says. “In my 60s, I could run seven days a week and over 100 kilometres per week, but I’ve now backed that off to five days a week and lower volume,” he adds.

Rutledge has completed around 19 marathons and several shorter-distance races. And he has stayed relatively injury-free, thanks to a couple of key regimens that anchor his weekly training.

“I take Tuesdays entirely off running, and I do strength training,” he says, acknowledging that the consistency of these sessions has helped his healthy running streak. “I focus on the core in these… as we age, many people tend to develop back issues, and I’m no exception.”

Rutledge also shared that 20 to 30 minutes of daily stretching, often before his runs, has also played a big role in injury prevention.

As his career in real estate has wound down, Rutledge is grateful to running for helping him keep a daily routine, and a sense of purpose. “I wake up at 5 a.m.–I’m a morning person,” he says. “Running has brought me a sense of youth. I have continued doing most of the things I could do when I was younger, and I think running has done that for me.”

Having taken up running later in life than many other runners, Rutledge encourages anyone to give it a try if they’re curious, no matter their age. “I started really slow,” he says. “It began with walking and then adding in some running slowly… maybe a kilometre to start, and building up from there.”

Rutledge has no plans to slow down. “I’ve heard that most people have a 15-year life cycle in the marathon, and I’m 10 years in,” he says. “I’d like to keep running marathons into my 80s, but as long as I can keeping running five days a week, I’ll adjust the speed and the distances of my races, if I need to.”

Rutledge is looking forward to, hopefully, running the Athens Marathon later this year or next.

“That’s where it all began,” he says of the marathon. “I think we all owe it to the running gods to do that one at least once.”

Multiple World Cross-country champion Geoffrey Kamworor has withdrawn from the London Marathon.

Three-time World Cross-Country champion Geoffrey Kamworor has pulled out of the 2024 London Marathon due to persistent hip flexor irritation. 

The Kenyan long-distance runner, who clinched second place at last year’s London Marathon, confirmed that his current physical condition has hampered his training and ultimately led to his withdrawal.

His absence is a blow to the marathon, where he was among the favorites to win.

The athlete's management team noted that Kamworor had been experiencing discomfort during his training sessions and opted for a conservative approach to avoid long-term damage. 

They confirmed that he did not travel to London and would be undergoing further medical evaluation and treatment.

As the elite runners adjust to the news of Kamworor’s withdrawal, the spotlight shifts to the champions of the recent Boston Marathon wheelchair races, who are now heading to London with hopes of back-to-back victories in the Abbott World Marathon Majors.

Among them is Britain’s Eden Rainbow-Cooper, fresh from her historic win at Boston, where she became the first Briton to clinch a wheelchair race at the prestigious event. 

Rainbow-Cooper, who finished third at last year’s London Marathon, shared her excitement about competing again in her home country. 

“Winning in Boston was surreal, and competing in London feels like coming home. I’m ready to give my all once again,” she said.

Rainbow-Cooper’s victory in Boston was a remarkable feat, finishing the course in 1:35:11, ahead of seasoned competitors like Manuela Schär of Switzerland and Australia’s Madison de Rozario, the defending London Marathon champion.

In the men’s wheelchair category, Swiss athlete Marcel Hug is also eyeing another major win after setting a new course record in Boston.

Despite a crash at Mile 18, Hug completed the race in an impressive time of 1:15:33, continuing his dominant streak with 11 consecutive marathon victories.

The world’s oldest annual marathon is back for its 128th edition.

On Monday, April 15, the World Marathon Majors will return stateside to the 2024 Boston Marathon. In its 128th year, the world’s oldest annual marathon features must-see storylines, including the return of defending women’s champion Hellen Obiri and two-time men’s winner Evans Chebet.

The point-to-point race is scheduled to begin in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, and ends in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston. The weather forecast for Patriots’ Day is showing slightly warmer temperatures than average in the city. The conditions could make race day more challenging on a course famous for its hills (we ranked Boston as the second-toughest of the six World Marathon Majors).

Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s race. 

How to watch the 2024 Boston Marathon

ESPN2 will broadcast the Boston Marathon from 8:30 a.m. ET to 12:30 p.m. ET. You can also live stream the race with an ESPN+ subscription, which costs $10.99 a month. 

For those tuning in from Boston, live coverage will be provided by WCVB beginning at 4:00 a.m. ET and lasting throughout the day.

Boston Marathon start times (ET)

Men’s wheelchair division—9:02 a.m.

Women’s wheelchair division—9:05 a.m.

Men’s elite race—9:37 a.m.

Women’s elite race—9:47 a.m.

Para athletics division—9:50 a.m.

First wave—10 a.m.

Second wave—10:25 a.m.

Third wave—10:50 a.m.

Fourth wave—11:15 a.m.

Race preview

This year’s elite race comes with added high stakes for many international athletes. Countries that don’t host Olympic Trials for the marathon are currently in the national team selection process. A standout performance in Boston could be a game-changer for athletes looking to represent their country in Paris this summer. 

Women’s race

On the women’s side, Boston podium contenders Hellen Obiri and Sharon Lokedi were included in the shortlist of marathoners under national team consideration by Athletics Kenya. 

Obiri, 34, is set to return to Boston after a stellar 2023 campaign. Last year, the On Athletics Club runner won the Boston Marathon and the New York City Marathon. A former track standout with two world championship titles, Obiri aims to continue her winning streak on Monday. 

Lokedi, 30, is looking to top the podium at a key moment in her career. The University of Kansas graduate is set to run her first 26.2 since finishing third at the New York City Marathon last fall—a race she won in her marathon debut two years ago. 

Kenya will also be represented by 2022 World Championship silver medalist Judith Korir and two-time Boston Marathon champion Edna Kiplagat, among other standouts. 

The Ethiopian contingent should be strong as well. Ababel Yeshaneh finished second at Boston in 2022 and fourth in 2023. Plus, 2:17 marathoner Tadu Teshome will be one to watch in her Boston debut. 

In the weeks after the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in February, more Americans were added to the field. Sara Hall, 40, enters the race after finishing fifth in a new American masters record (2:26:06) at the Trials in Orlando, Florida. 2015 Boston champion Caroline Rotich, 39, joins the field after placing sixth at the Trials. Jenny Simpson, 37, also entered after dropping out in her marathon debut in Orlando. And keep an eye out for 2018 Boston Marathon champion Des Linden, 40, and Emma Bates, 31, who finished fifth in Boston last year. 

Men’s race

Evans Chebet is looking for a hat trick. Last year, the Kenyan became the first athlete to repeat as men’s champion since Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot won three in a row between 2006 and 2008. In the process, the 35-year-old took down two-time Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge in Boston. 

His biggest challenger will likely be Sisay Lemma of Ethiopia, who is returning after a breakthrough season in 2023. In December, Lemma, 33, won the Valencia Marathon in 2:01:48, making him the fourth-fastest marathoner in history. Lemma also won the Runkara International Half Marathon in 1:01:09, a new personal best. 

Gabriel Geay, last year’s Boston runner-up, is returning to the field on Monday. The 27-year-old from Tanzania is coming off a fifth-place finish at the Valencia Marathon. 

Other runners to watch include 2023 New York City runner-up Albert Korir; Shura Kitata, who placed third in New York last year; and Zouhair Talbi, who finished fifth in Boston last year. 

The American men’s field also grew after the Olympic Trials with the addition of Elkanah Kibet and Sam Chelanga. Kibet finished fourth in Orlando in a 2:10:02 personal best, and after dropping out after mile 18 of the Trials, Chelanga will aim for redemption in Boston. They join 50K world record-holder CJ Albertson and the BAA’s Matt McDonald in the elite race. 

Ugantda's Sarah Chelangat (51:14) broke the women's course record as American Emily Durgin (51:26) ran fast to finish second.

Two-time Olympic steeplechaser Hillary Bor enjoyed a triumphant return to the nation’s capital, winning his second consecutive USATF 10-mile championship title this morning at the Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10-Miler and lowering his own national record by a healthy 15 seconds in the process.  Bor, 34, who was coming off of a strong half-marathon debut in New York City three weeks ago, finished third overall behind Kenyans Wesley Kiptoo (45:54) and Raymond Magut (45:55), clocking 45:56.  Another American, Nathan Martin, also ran under Bor’s previous record of 46:11, stopping the clock at 46:00.

“Last year when I ran this race I ran 46:11 and it shows the fitness,” Bor told Race Results Weekly while wrapped in an American flag.  “I went to Rabat for my steeplechase.  I broke my foot and still ran 8:11.  Last summer I was really, really struggling with the injury; I was just rehabbing from June to September.”

But today Bor –who represents Hoka, and like last year wore bib 13– felt healthy mile after mile.  In cool and sunny conditions he was in the lead pack of seven at 5-K (14:14), and was the race leader at 10-K (28:36) where eight men remained in contention for the overall title including Kiptoo, Magut, Kenya’s Shadrack Kimining, and Americans Teshome Mekonen and Biya Simbassa.  The leaders were averaging 4:38 per mile, but Bor felt the pace slow a little bit past the 10-K mark.

“Between 10-K and 15-K, we slowed down,” Bor continued.  “We kind of wait and look at each other.”

With less than a mile to go, four men still had a chance for the win: Bor, Kiptoo, Magut and Martin.  The race wouldn’t sort itself out until the final 800 meters where the course goes uphill, turns left, then goes back downhill for the finish line adjacent to the Washington Monument.  Bor thought he could take the overall win, but Kiptoo had other ideas.

“The last 800 I was just kind of waiting,” said Kiptoo, who runs for Hoka Northern Arizona Elite.  “I was like, everybody is making a move and I was like just good to wait until that last 600, and that’s where I knew I was going to win.”

Kiptoo streaked to the finish line to take the overall title, but only had a second on Magut and two seconds on Bor in the end.  On the financial front Bor was the big winner, earning $10,000 for the USATF title and another $2,000 for finishing third overall.  Kiptoo earned $6,000 for the overall win plus a $1,000 bonus for running sub-46:00. Magut won $3,750 for finishing second overall and running sub-46:00 (time bonuses were only available for the first and second place finishers).

“The fitness is there,” said Bor, who will move back to the track where he hopes to make his third consecutive Olympic team in the steeplechase.  “Ten miles has been good to me.”

Today’s race was bittersweet for Martin.  The 34-year-old, who finished seventh at the Olympic Trials Marathon in February, ran an excellent race, breaking the national record, but still ended up second in the national championships.

“I was going for the win,” Martin told Race Results Weekly.  “A mile to go I tried to take off and gap people and it didn’t work out.  But, it was an awesome time.”

In the separate early-start elite women’s race, Uganda’s Sarah Chelangat repeated as overall champion in a new course record of 51:14.  The 22-year-old led from gun to tape, and her time was a whopping 50 seconds faster than last year.  She earned a total of $7,000: $6,000 for the win and $1,000 for breaking 52 minutes.  She said that she had come to win.

“I’m happy,” said Chelangat, who represents Nike.  “It is hard when you are running alone, but I’m happy because I won the race.”

Behind her, American Emily Durgin was running the race of her life.  Durgin, 29, who represents adidas, moved from a chase pack of three at 10-K (31:45), where she ran with Ethiopians Kasanesh Ayenew and Tegest Ymer, to running alone by the final mile.  She was too far behind Chelangat at 15-K to try for the overall win, but she kept pushing because she wasn’t sure if Rachel Smith (Hoka), the recently crowned USA 15-K champion, was catching up.

“The last mile I was more like, I hope Rachel doesn’t come from behind again,” Durgin said, referring to the USA 15-K Championships on March 2 where Durgin finished third.  “At that point I was still trying to maintain a good time, and coming into this race I was like, I really want to win a national title, but I also wanted to run a fast time.”

Indeed she did.  Durgin’s time of 51:26 was only three seconds slower than Keira D’Amato’s USATF record for an all-women’s race set in 2020 at a special event here in Washington during the pandemic.

“If I ended up second here today and still ran fast I was going to be happy with it,” Durgin continued.  “Thankfully, I think I gapped Rachel enough so she wasn’t able to out-kick me this time.”