Running News Daily

Americans Bowman, Bareikis take first place at Pittsburgh Marathon

Two Americans topped both the Men's and Women's Division at this year's Pittsburgh Marathon. Andrew Bowman and Jane Bareikis were the first to cross the finish line in their divisions.

Bowman, who is married to 2018 marathon champion Sydney Bowman, ended the race at 2:15:52, more than a minute faster than his next two competitors.

"Anything can happen in a marathon, so surreal. But now I'm just incredibly grateful that it all came together," Bowman told Pittsburgh's Action News 4.

At 2:37:37, Bareikis became the first woman to cross the finish line. Bareikis set her own personal record earlier this year with a time of 2:29:00.

Wesley Kiptoo crossed the line for the half marathon, becoming a three time winner of the half. Kiptoo's time is marked at 1:01:32. The time is just shy of beating the course record of 1:01:25.

USA's Stephanie Bruce was the first woman to finish the half at 1:11:11.

Elite athletes, including last year's winner Tyler McCandless, took off at 7 a.m. McCandless, 37, crossed the finish line at last year at 2:16:08. This year, McCandless finished in third at 2:17:45.

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Participants from 50 states and 24 countries crossed the finish line at this year's event as over 300,000 spectators watched their run from all over the course.

This year's marathon is bigger and better than ever, bringing in new events and more people.

"There are movers from all over the world coming to move with us this weekend, whether they're walking, jogging or running this weekend," P3R CEO Troy Schooley said.

For over 43% of runners, this was their first time running a 26.2-mile marathon.

The Pittsburgh community came together to cheer on its hometown runners and support new visitors coming to the city.

"It's unbelievable," Schooley said. "And not just the movers with us, it's the spectators. Some will never take part in the event, but they know the first weekend in May, they're going to get out on the street, support the runners and help them get to the finish line."

(05/06/2024) Views: 516 ⚡AMP
by Raquel Ciampi

Tyler McCandless: The Champion Returns to Conquer DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon Once More

The streets of Pittsburgh are set to witness a battle of endurance and speed as defending champion Tyler McCandless gears up to claim victory at the 2024 DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon. McCandless, who broke the finisher’s tape in 2:16:08 last year, aims to become the marathon’s first repeat American champion since 1989.

“Returning to the Pittsburgh marathon as the defending champion is an absolute honor and I’m grateful for the incredible Pittsburgh running community and P3R staff,” McCandless said. “I have had fantastic training, and I’m feeling as fit as I’ve ever been. I’m eager to run the streets of the Steel City and experience the exhilarating challenge to be champion once again.”

However, the road to triumph is not without its challengers. Alvaro Abreu, the Dominican dynamo who clinched the 2022 title with a finish of 2:16:07, is back. Familiar with the course’s rigors, Abreu is fired up to showcase his running talent and reclaim the crown.

The 2024 DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon will offer a prize purse of $32,000 with a $7,000 top prize. For more information about the 2024 DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, visit thePittsburghMarathon.com.

About the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend of EventsThe Pittsburgh Marathon was held annually from 1985-2003. After a five-year hiatus, the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon was relaunched in 2009 and debuted with a sold-out field of 10,000 participants. It has grown each year since, evolving from a single race day into a weekend of events for the whole family that annually attracts nearly 40,000 runners. Read more at: ThePittsburghMarathon.com

FACEBOOK: DSGPM TWITTER: @PghMarathon INSTAGRAM: pghmarathon

About P3RP3R is the region’s go-to premier sporting event and experience expert. While best known for the annual DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, P3R organizes up to 20 major events every year. With a rich history of working with top-tier clients such as the Pittsburgh Steelers, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, the Pittsburgh Penguins, the National Senior Games, and more, P3R brings operational excellence to every aspect of event planning and execution. As part of P3R’s non-profit mission to inspire any and all to MOVE with us, we provide premium event experiences and robust programming – including the Run for a Reason Charity Program, award-winning Kids of STEEL program, Pittsburgh Corporate Challenge, RUN Varsity, and more – that engage everyone in the Western Pennsylvania community and beyond.

(04/27/2024) Views: 547 ⚡AMP

The Kaua‘i Marathon takes off on Sept. 3

The Kaua‘i Marathon and Half Marathon is back on Sept. 3, and deadline for online registration at www.thekauaimarathon.com is 11:59 p.m. on Aug. 30.

“This 14th Kaua‘i Marathon world-class event provides the perfect three-day adventure for residents and visitors to experience Kaua‘i’s aloha spirit,” said Jeff Sacchini, the Kaua‘i Marathon founder.

“Between the hundreds of volunteers who assist with race day duties to the Hawaiian blessing, Polynesian entertainment and cultural experiences along the course, The Kaua‘i Marathon and Half Marathon is a destination race to remember.”

The experience starts with the Wilcox Health Sports and Fitness Expo at the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort &Spa in Po‘ipu, where marathon participants pick up their race packets from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ahead of the Sunday run.

A sponsor reception rounds out Friday. The expo continues on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a Keiki Run starting at 9 a.m., and Family Fun Run chasing a very fast 6-foot chicken. The main races start Sunday morning at 6 a.m. at the front of Po‘ipu Shopping Village.

Traffic advisories, including various road closures, can be found in detail on the Kaua‘i Marathon website at www.kauaimarathon.com.

“We have some distinguished participants for this year’s marathon,” said Robin Jumper, the Kaua‘i event coordinator for The Kaua‘i Marathon. “Michael Wardian, a past champion and ultra runner from Delaware, will be doing the full marathon, and Tyler McCandless, a past champion and the spokesperson for the Kaua‘i Marathon Youth Running Program, will be doing the half marathon.”

Additionally, as COVID-19 conditions improve, at least two runners from Japan will be among this year’s Kaua‘i Marathon field.

Shinya Ohashi, who finished first in the 2018 version of the Kaua‘i Marathon with a run that stopped the clocks at 2 hours, 23 minutes, and 33 seconds, is from Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. He was the male winner of the Iwaki Sunshine Marathon 2023, which attracted runners from Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, Thailand, Portugal and Vietnam in February.

Ohashi will be joined by Mirai Honma of Higashine City, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan, who was the female winner at the Iwaki Sunshine Marathon.

Since the inaugural Kaua‘i Marathon and Half Marathon, the island has hosted 10,232 participants from the mainland, 1,342 international runners, 3,590 participants from the neighbor islands and 8,077 from Kaua‘i.

According to the County of Kaua‘i, the direct economic impact over 14 years has equated to nearly $40 million. The Kaua‘i Marathon has donated more than $160,000 to local charities and nonprofit entities.

(08/25/2023) Views: 698 ⚡AMP
by Dennis Fujimoto

Pittsburgh woman wins top prize at Pittsburgh Marathon

The 15th annual Dick's Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon was a day filled with remarkable stories of personal triumph and pure determination as thousands of runners crossed the finished line Sunday morning.

Margo Malone, a Pittsburgh native, took home first place in the women's division of the marathon with a final time of 02:41:56. Malone grew up in the North Hills. Her running career began at St. Teresa's with her mom as her first coach. She held back tears as she hugged her sister after crossing the finish line.

"My mom passed two years ago, so being out here running for her means the world," Malone said. "And I think she'd be happy today and just so proud of the Pittsburgh community and just so happy for all of the support."

It was also a family affair for the men's first place finisher, Tyler McCandless. McCandless is a Pennsylvania native, growing up on the other side of the Keystone State. The Penn State grad was greeted at the finish line by his wife and their two young sons, Jack, 1, and Levi, 3.

"Levi did the kids marathon [yesterday] and it was super fun to do that last mile with him," said the proud father before adding, "From start to finish, from the 5K to the kids race to the marathon, there is just such a great atmosphere to this event."

The course was lined with spectators throughout the day with many making their way out to the streets around 5 Sunday morning. Many of the fans had signs and cheered as they hoped to bring some energy and pep to the athletes competing.

"Pittsburgh is electric, it's got energy," said Bruce Newman, a handcyclist competing on behalf of the Paralyzed Veterans Racing Group.

"A lot of us, we are type A personalities," Newman said. "We had a change of life so this helps us transition to that and gives us something to do. I was an avid runner before the military, and this replaces that."

Newman finished third in the handcycling division of the marathon. He says the Pittsburgh Marathon is a race he always looks forward to.

"The course, it has hills and lots of turns. This is one of the best courses on the circuit," Newman said.

Wesley Kiptoo, the men's first-place finisher in the half marathon, is already planning his return for next year. During Sunday's race, Kiptoo broke the course record, that he set last year, for fastest time in the half marathon. He finished the race this year with a final time of 01:01:21.

"I'm coming back next year and I'm gonna do the same thing," said Kiptoo with a smile. "Pittsburgh is like home for me now."

 

(05/08/2023) Views: 662 ⚡AMP

Thomson and Tuliamuk came out on top at USATF Half marathon championships

FORT WORTH, TX — The racing strategies were different, but the end result was the same for Jacob Thomson and Aliphine Tuliamuk Sunday morning in Fort Worth, Texas, as both runners claimed victory at the USATF Half Marathon Championships. 

On-demand race videos and coverage of the USATF Half Marathon Championships hosted by the Cowtown Marathon, the second stop on the 2023 USATF Running Circuit.  

A conservative early pace in the men’s race kept together the entire starting field, as Olympian Jared Ward jumping to the lead and taking on the pacing duties. He was joined up front by fellow Saucony pro Brian Shrader, as the 18-man lead pack passed through 5 km in 15:23. Just past the 5 km split, Thomson decided to push the pace, jumping to the lead and opening up a nearly five second gap. Thomson would continue to string the field out, running 30 seconds faster for the next 5 km split, as the Under Armour pro came through 10 km in 30:16. 

As Thomson came through 10 km, defending champion Leonard Korir, 2022 runner-up Futsum Zienasellassie, Shrader, and Abbabiya Simbassa led the pack, bridging the divide and catching up to Thomson. The quickening of pace diminished the lead group, leaving a pack of 10 with half the race to go. 

As mile 10 came about, Shrader jumped to the lead and started to push the pace. The pack of 10 strung out again, with only Thomson, Korir, Zienasellassie, and Simbassa able to maintain contact. For the next three miles, the five-man pack ran stride for stride, each feeling out when the right time to make a push to the finish would be. With one final turn before the finish, Thomson made the decisive move, surging ahead, using the momentum from the final turn to propel himself into the lead.

Thomson locked his eyes on the finish, pumping his arms wildly, and in the end was able to fend off the field to claim his first USATF title in 1:02:38. A stride behind Thomson, Korir and Zienasellassie battled to the finish for the second year in a row, with Korir able to withstand the kick of Zienasellassie, placing second in 1:02:39.

Zienasellassie carried his momentum from his USATF Marathon Championships victory in December to earn another top three USATF Running Circuit finish, finishing with the same time of Korir in 1:02:39. Simbassa came home fourth overall in 1:02:41, placing just ahead of Shrader, who hung on to take fifth in 1:02:43. Of note, Thomson, Korir, and Shrader will meet again next Saturday on the streets of Jacksonville, Florida, as all three are entered in the USATF 15 km Championships. Scott Fauble finished sixth in 1:02:49, while Tyler McCandless also broke the 63-minute barrier with his seventh-place finish of 1:02:52. Colin Bennie finished eighth in 1:03:08, Colin Mickow took home ninth place in 1:03:22, and Matt McDonald claimed tenth in 1:03:43, all earning points towards the USATF Running Circuit overall standings. 

Unlike the conservative pace of the men’s early miles, the women’s field got off the start line and immediately hit an honest pace. HOKA Northern Arizona elite teammates Lauren Paquette and Tuliamuk jumped to the front, with Paquette in particular pushing the pace. 

As Paquette led the way through the first 5 km, passing through the split in 16:31, she and Tuliamuk built an early ten second lead over the rest of the field. That lead would grow to 50 seconds over the next 5 km, as the duo came through 10 km in 32:45. Paquette did much of the pace setting over the next 5 km, with Tuliamuk just off her shoulder, both coming through 15 km in 49:16, now over a minute and a half clear of the chase pack.  

At this point in the race, Tuliamuk took over the lead, and while for a moment it looked as if the two would continue to run stride for stride, Tuliamuk’s move to the front pushed the pace just enough to where Paquette started to fall off the pace and Tuliamuk built a few second lead over her teammate over the next mile. 

Tuliamuk continued to push, building her lead to 12 seconds with one mile to go. As Tuliamuk came down the final straightaway, she glanced over her shoulder, then charged ahead to cross the finish line with a smile on her face, claiming her seventh USATF title in 1:09:36. Behind Tuliamuk, Paquette held on and finished a fantastic race in second place in 1:09:51.

The two teammates embraced at the finish line and then watched the rest of the top women race to the finish.  Veteran Nell Rojas pulled away from the chase pack of four women over the final two miles of the race, separating herself to easily cross the finish in third place, clocking 1:11:08. Molly Grabill earned a fourth-place finish in 1:11:16, while Jessa Hanson took fifth in 1:11:26. Tuliamuk’s and Paquette’s other teammate in the race, Paige Wood, finished sixth overall in 1:11:32. Rounding out the top ten finishers, Katja Goldring scored a seventh-place finish in 1:12:36. Olympian Molly Seidel finished eighth in 1:13:07, while Bridget Belyeu and Lindsey Bradley finished ninth and tenth in 1:15:05 and 1:15:12. 

The USATF Running Circuit resumes next Saturday, March 4, as the USATF 15 km Championships take place in Jacksonville, Florida, with the Gate River Run hosting the third stop on the circuit

(02/26/2023) Views: 772 ⚡AMP

Tyler McCandless says surround yourself with great people and find those mentors that make you a better person.

This month marks one decade - 10 years - of working with my coach Steve Jones. Jonesy is a legend in the sport of running - having set the world record in the marathon in 1984.

But, he's so much more than a legend in running, he's a mentor in my running career and my life. Jonesy has a very pure approach to running, it's truly about the love of the game.

In a decade of working together I've improved every single training cycle and at age 36, I'm not only competing the best I ever have, I'm also loving the sport and the practice of mastering the art of racing the marathon more than ever.

Jonesy is an incredible mentor for me, and I'm very thankful for the mentors I've had in my family life, my corporate career, my academic pursuits and in the sport of running. My advice: surround yourself with great people and find those mentors that make you a better person. 

(11/06/2022) Views: 1,104 ⚡AMP

Tyler McCandless blows away the field at the Colfax Denver Marathon today

Runners of all speeds laced up their racing shoes and grabbed their bibs to race in Denver’s 16th annual Colfax Marathon.

Denver’s biggest running event took place on Sunday, May 15, and welcomed more than 30,000 runners to the Mile High City.

Tyler McCandless posted, "I ran 2:21:07 for a win and new event record Denver's Colfax Marathon! Took almost 3:30 off the previous event record. 9 years since the last time I won a marathon and winning at altitude in Denver was both very hard and extra special! Thanks for all the cheers, kudos and congrats, and thanks #ColfaxMarathon for putting on a world class marathon in Denver!"

Male overall marathon winners:

Tyler McCandless, 35, of Fort Collins finished with a time of 2:21:07

Zebulon Hanley, 30, of Louisville finished with a time of 2:30:40

Anthony Bruns, 42, of Denver finished with a time of 2:32:47

Female overall marathon winners:

Sarah Villasenor, 37, of Denver finished with a time of 3:02:51

Sarah Bay, 43, of Niwot finished with a time of 3:05:17

Janie Nabholz, 22, finished with a time of 3:09:23

(05/15/2022) Views: 1,223 ⚡AMP

Kenya’s Korir and Meringor were the winners of the 37th Los Angeles Marathon

Delvine Meringor of Kenya emerged Sunday as women's champion of the 37th annual Los Angeles Marathon while John Korir of Kenya was the men's winner.  

Meringor held off Korir’s challenge by about 8 seconds at the finish line, winning the women’s race in 2 hours, 25 minutes and 3 seconds. For the second consecutive year Korir won the men’s race in 2 hours, 9 minutes and 7 seconds. Under marathon rules, elite female runners started the race 16 minutes and five seconds ahead of the men.

The elite athletes led the pack of an estimated 15,000 runners from around the country — and the world — covering a 26.2-mile course that spans some of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods. It was the second L.A. Marathon in four months. Last year’s race was moved from March to November because of the pandemic.

First American was Tyler McCandless in 4th place clocking 2:25:18.  "4th place overall and 1st American today at the Los Angeles Marathon…and I qualified for my 4th Olympic Marathon Trials! Stoked," Tyler said.  

(03/20/2022) Views: 1,135 ⚡AMP

Kaua‘i Marathon will go virtually

The 12th Annual Kaua‘i Marathon and Half Marathon, scheduled for Sept. 6, has been moved to virtual status, its name changed to Stride for Kaua‘i 2020, organizers said Tuesday.

“While our community and world face new challenges daily, we understand that there is a huge responsibility to the health and well-being of our participants, volunteers, staff, spectators, sponsors and island resources required to produce a safe race,” states the announcement from marathon organizers.

“We also realize that runners/walkers/skippers are in dire need of camaraderie, motivation and the aloha spirit, so we are announcing the shift to virtual with the help of professional runner Tyler McCandless, co-founder and CEO of Soul Focus Sports, JT Service and runner extraordinaire and virtual event host Bart Yasso.”

Details for the switch are simple — all registered participants for the 2020 Kaua‘i Marathon or Half Marathon will be contacted with the option to go virtual or defer their registration to the 2021 event.

“These last few months have brought many changes to all of our lives,” said Jeff and Liz Sacchini in a letter posted to the Kaua‘i Marathon website. “Liz and I are well aware that you have been training extremely hard on your journey to The Kaua‘i Marathon and Half Marathon start line, and we want to honor those efforts and commitments the best we can.”

Participants who opt for the virtual event and register for the 2021 event will receive an added bonus of a long- sleeve logo T-shirt in their swag bag.

For those already registered for the 2020 Kaua‘i Marathon or Half Marathon, there is no need to do anything. Organizers will switch the runner to the virtual event. For new participants, there is accommodation for registering on thekauaimarathon.com website.

From Sept. 1 to 6, virtual-race participants can complete the marathon or half-marathon mileage continuously, on the same day and on the route and time of their choosing.

Once executed, they can upload their time to raceentry.com by the end of day Sept. 6.

“With the virtual option, you will be able to choose your own path, record your time, receive a race bib, finisher’s certificate, and earn a fabulous swag bag of goodies in the mail, including a logo-ed race bag, logo-ed performance T-shirt, slippah finisher’s medal as well as Kaua‘i-themed products from our sponsors like Kaua‘i Coffee, the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i and Wilcox Health,” the Sacchinis said. “We also plan to offer Zoom training meetings as well as clever social-media giveaways.”

“By supporting our race, you are helping our island community heal, one stride at a time, and helping to ensure we can all be together at the start line in 2021,” the Sacchini’s said.

(06/10/2020) Views: 1,591 ⚡AMP
by Dennis Fujimoto

Sergio Mena is one of the favorites in the men's half marathon in Dallas and he will cap a rigorous and rewarding fall by running his debut half marathon

Commerce’s Sergio Mena will cap a rigorous and rewarding fall by running his debut half marathon Sunday.

Mena, 25, took his final two exams, Tuesday and Thursday, to complete his master’s degree in business administration at Texas A&M-Commerce. His parents came from Spain on Wednesday to watch him walk the stage at Friday’s graduation ceremony. He hadn’t seen them in 18 months.

“I have no idea how I’m going to do everything,” Mena said by phone last weekend. “I’m going to try to stay calm. It’s exciting.”

On Sunday, he will be among the favorites to win the runDallas BMW Dallas Marathon half. It won’t be easy. Missouri City’s Richard Powell hopes to defend his title. Powell clocked a 1 hour, 8 minutes, 9 seconds last year.

Former Rice standout Gabe Cuadra placed second overall at the October 2019 Koala Health & Wellness Houston Half in 1:08:16. Dallas’ Cody Campbell and Drew Wiles also hope to be in the mix. Campbell’s half marathon personal best is a 1:10. He’s using Dallas as a tuneup for his goal race, the Jan. 19 Chevron Houston Marathon. Wiles, a former Woodrow Wilson standout, won the Dallas Running Club Half Marathon last month in 1:09:19.

Mena grew up in Cuenca, Spain, about an hour from Madrid. He didn’t run competitively until age 16. He quickly progressed under coach Alberto Fernandez Gil’s tutelage, racing internationally and earning a scholarship to Eastern Kentucky University.

He completed his undergraduate degree in three years so he used his final year of eligibility to run at A&M-Commerce while working and studying for his MBA. He wasn’t sure he’d continue running after he used up his NCAA eligibility.

His former coach, Luke Scribner, persuaded him to join the Nomad Running Society, a local running group designed to be inclusive and bring liked-minded runners together. It helped renew his passion for the sport. He also realized that running provided structure to his days and balanced the stress of work and school.

“I need it,” Mena said of running. “I was doing it just for fun. I wasn’t caring how long or how many miles.”

In late summer, Mena decided to make the Dallas half his goal race. His training has gone well. He finished the eight-mile Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot in 41:47, just 25 seconds behind three-time champion Tyler McCandless, of Boulder, Colo., an Olympic Trials qualifier in the marathon.

(12/14/2019) Views: 1,738 ⚡AMP
by Debbie Fetterman

Tyler McCandless says he is in the best shape of his life as he gets set to run the TCS New York City Marathon

I’m excited to announce that I’ll be racing the TCS New York City Marathon on November 3rd!

Not only do I feel that I’m in the best shape of my life beginning this training cycle, I’m fueled with more inspiration and motivation than ever thanks to my incredibly supportive and encouraging wife Kristin McCandless, and our sweet baby Levi.

I’m thankful to the New York Road Runners (NYRR) for the opportunity, my coach and former NYC Marathon champion Steve Jones & our team Boulder Harriers for always pushing me past my limits, my sponsors Altra Running & rabbit and my family and friends for all the support and positive mojo.

Marathon training requires a big commitment. However, unlike most “professional athletes” I balance training with trying to be the best husband and father I can be as well as working full-time as an atmospheric scientist.

Follow my journey to NYC in a few months, filled with 100+ mile weeks, dirty diapers, publishing scientific research and (hopefully) inspiring you on the way to get out and pursue your dreams too. 

(08/08/2019) Views: 1,785 ⚡AMP
by Tyler McCandless

Strong field is set for Bolder Boulder including Jared Ward and Tyler McCandless

Returning to race this year is Jared Ward who was the first American in the New York Marathon and finished 8th overall at the Boston Marathon and Tyler McCandless who won the 2018 Bolder Boulder citizen’s race.

“We feel that with the strong pool of runners this year that Team USA could possibly take first place,” said pro athlete coordinator, Don Janicki. “With three returning champions in the men’s field it will be a really great competitive race.”

Members of the Men’s Team USA also include national title winner Parker Stinson who shattered 25K American record at the USATF 25K in May 2019 by 30 seconds, Haron Lagat who placed second at the 2017 Fortitude 10K Pro Race Chase; Diego Estrada who has a 10K personal best of 27:57;  Reid Buchanan who has a 27:58 10K PR; Eagle Scout Reed Fischer who has a 10K PR of 28:38; Boulder Track Club member Tim Rackers; and Boulder based professional runner Jake Riley who has a 10K PR of 27:59.

The Women’s Team USA include Taylor Ward; a rising star in American women’s distance running who placed third at the 2018 Fortitude 10K Pro Race Chase.

Lindsey Scherf who broke the indoor marathon world record at the Armory NYC Indoor Marathon World Record Challenge in 2018 by nearly two minutes; Lauren Martin Masterson who was the first female finisher of the 2017 Bolder Boulder citizen’s race; Kaitlin Goodmen who has a 10K PR of 33:18; and Stephanie Bruce who set a PR at the 5,000 meters indoors (15:44) at the New Balance Boston Indoor Games; Former Colorado Buffaloes star Shalaya Kipp.

In addition to the Americans competing at this year’s race, the Bolder Boulder will be welcoming teams from all over the world including Ethiopia, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Tanzania, Bahrain, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Rwanda and Pan South America.

“We’re ready for a super competitive international event thanks to the athlete’s continuing commitment to the race, “said Race Director, Cliff Bosley. “Some of the top ranked teams are trained in both altitude and marathon running and bring a competitive edge that keeps the event exhilarating to watch each and every year.”

(05/17/2019) Views: 2,561 ⚡AMP

Dathan Ritzenhein rans 1:01:24 half marathon in New Orleans as he gets ready to run Boston in April

Dathan Ritzenhein topped the field at the Humana Rock 'n' Roll New Orleans Half Marathon in a time of 1 hours, 1 minute and 24 seconds to edge out Emmanuel Bett.

“I surprised myself, actually,” he told The Advocate. “(Runner-up Bett Emmanuel) led nearly 13 miles, basically someone I could hang off about 5-10 seconds most of the time, and then the last mile I threw in a big kick.”

The rest of the top five were: Tyler McCandless (1:03:48), Kenneth Foster (1:08:50) and Tyler Alverson (1:11:51).

Ritzenhein, a three-time Olympian dogged by injuries most of 2018, last ran competitively in November when he was 12th at the USATF 5K championship in New York. 

The 36-year-old Ritzenhein was forced to pull out of last year's Boston Marathon about a week before with inflammation in his right leg. In 2015, he finished seventh and was the top American finisher in his Boston Marathon debut.

Last year, Ritzenhein also warmed up for Boston by finishing second in March at the New York Half Marathon.

The 2019 Boston Marathon is April 15.

(02/12/2019) Views: 2,266 ⚡AMP

America's Tyler McCandless and Japan's Yuki Kawauchi encounter at the Chicago Marathon

After running miles 3-15 alone at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, I caught up to reigning Boston Marathon champ Yuki Kawauchi. When I caught him I said, “come on Yuki, stay with me” and he tapped my side.

I looked back a minute later and he was right on my tail and I said “good” to him. He stayed there until about mile 21 when he tried to push past me.

We went back and forth over the last few miles multiple times. Once, he slipped on a turn, nearly fell and looked concerned, I said to Yuki “you’re okay, you’re good.”

The rain and wind picked up and neither of us were running near where our goals were. But, we pushed each other to the best we could on ”off” days. We were both struggling, yet with 300m to go he found another gear and blew me away.

There no doubt he found that gear from mental toughness and I’ve learned something from it. Moral of the story: even if you’re day isn’t what you envisioned and trained for, NEVER give up because you’ll gain indispensable experience and inspiration from it! 

I ran 2:16:37, 20th overall and 7th American.  I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have faster goals, but Sunday was a real test of character and I’m proud of how I competed. It was wet, rainy and windy, and I got stuck with nobody around for the majority of the race until dueling it with Yuki Kawauchi over the last several miles.

I went through halfway in 1:06:36 and simply had to be gritty and fight for every second over the second half of the race. Having a less ...than ideal weather day, and simply not having my best day out there, but toughing it out to finish with my third best marathon time is something I’m proud of.  

Second photo is Yuki leading the pack at the 2018 Boston Marathon, a race he won.

(Editors note: Yuki Kawauchi finished 19th in 2:19:26 his 82 marathon under 2:20. Tyler is sponsored by Altra Running and rabbit.  media@TrackTy)

(10/09/2018) Views: 7,159 ⚡AMP
by Tyler McCandless

USA 25K Open Championships has a strong field, $112,400 in prize money and fun for all

The Fifth Third River Bank Run 25K coming up May 12 in Grand Rapids, Michigan is also the USA 25K Open Championships with prize money of $112,400. Competing again will be two-time champion Aliphine Tuliamuk going after a third win. The 29-year-old from Santa Fe, New Mexico, dominated last year's race clocking 1:24:34. She finished 36 seconds ahead of Neely Gracey to take the $10,000 first prize for the women's event, along with another $2,500 for being the first to cross the finish line in the staggered start "race within the race" against the men.  Greg Meyer, the elite race coordinator, announced Tuesday, "Three notable names are missing on the men's side. Christo Landry, who won in 2016 and was second last year and in 2015, will miss the race due to an Achilles' injury. Likewise, Jared Ward, who won in 2015 and was second in 2016, is out with a hamstring injury. Also, defending champion Dathan Ritzenhein will not be back. He is recovering from an injury suffered just before he was to run the Boston Marathon early last month. Without them, the top returner is Parker Stinson, who finished third last year (1:15:03).  He's a nine-time All American at University of Oregon who most recently was sixth at the 12K U.S. Championships."   Other notable runners include:   Samuel Kosgei, former Kenyan and now U.S. citizen who ran a 2:13 marathon and was fifth at the U.S. Marathon Championships. Tyler McCandless, who finished second at the U.S. Marathon Championships in 2:12, and finished seventh in the 2014 River Bank Run.  Scott Fauble, "My dark horse in this race," Meyer said of the 26-year-old who ran a 2:12.35 in his marathon debut in Frankfurt, Germany last October. Sam Chelanga, Meyer called him "the man to beat" with a 60:37 best in the half marathon and holder of the NCAA 10,000-meter record (27:08). (05/01/2018) Views: 2,202 ⚡AMP

Boulder’s Tyler McCandless Joins RabbitPRO Team

Fresh off of a breakthrough performance at the 2017 California International Marathon—where he ran 2:12:28 to snag second place in the race and the USATF Marathon Championships—Tyler McCandless has signed on as the newest member of the rabbitPRO team. For McCandless, an NCAA Division I All American in the 10,000 meters during his time at Penn State University, this exciting new chapter in his career is possible because he has achieved a unique balance between his life as a runner and his career. (02/06/2018) Views: 2,247 ⚡AMP