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Born on March 23, 1983, in Somalia, Mo Farah did not enter the world with the privileges of certainty or stability. His early years were shaped by separation and sacrifice. At just eight years old, he moved to the United Kingdom, leaving behind not only his homeland but also his twin brother, who remained in Africa due to illness. It was a childhood marked by displacement, language barriers, and the quiet struggle to belong.

Growing up in London, Farah’s life changed direction thanks to a perceptive physical education teacher who noticed something extraordinary in the young boy: a natural gift for running. What began as a simple discovery soon evolved into a relentless pursuit. Through the muddy, unforgiving courses of cross country, he started carving his identity—step by step, race by race.

By the age of 14, Farah had already claimed his first national school title, a glimpse of the greatness to come. At 18, he rose to continental prominence, securing the European junior crown. Yet, beyond medals, a deeply personal victory awaited him—at 20, he was reunited with his long-lost twin brother, closing a chapter that had shaped much of his early emotional journey.

As the years progressed, Farah transformed from a promising athlete into a dominant force across Europe and the world. At 23, he became the European cross country champion. By 26, he had conquered the European indoor 3000 meters while continuing to shine on the cross country stage. His prime years brought an avalanche of triumphs: European titles in both the 5000m and 10,000m, followed by global dominance.

The turning point in his career came when he made the bold decision to relocate to the United States to train under renowned coach Alberto Salazar. There, Farah reinvented himself. He refined his tactics, strengthened his endurance, and embraced a level of discipline that elevated him from contender to champion.

What followed was nothing short of historic. At the London 2012 Olympics, Farah etched his name into sporting folklore by winning gold in both the 5000m and 10,000m—a feat he repeated at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Four Olympic gold medals. A legacy sealed in endurance and brilliance.

His dominance extended beyond the Olympic stage. He captured multiple World Championship titles, including unforgettable performances in Moscow and Beijing, and continued to reign supreme at the European level. Even as he transitioned to longer distances, Farah’s hunger remained unshaken—setting a European marathon record and later breaking the world hour record with an astonishing 21,330 meters, surpassing the mark set by Haile Gebrselassie.

Yet behind the medals and milestones lies a deeper truth. Farah’s journey was never smooth. There were defeats, injuries, and moments when doubt crept dangerously close. Early in his career, critics questioned whether he had what it took to dominate on the global stage. But instead of retreating, he responded with resilience—choosing effort over excuses, persistence over fear.

Today, as Mo Farah celebrates his 42nd birthday, his story stands as a powerful testament to the human spirit. He was not born a champion—he became one through relentless determination, sacrifice, and an unbreakable will to go further when it mattered most.

His life reminds us that greatness is not defined by where you begin, but by how fiercely you pursue where you want to go. Obstacles are inevitable. Doubt is unavoidable. But those who rise above are the ones who, like Farah, choose to push harder, dig deeper, and never settle for less than their potential.

Because in the end, the path to greatness is not given—it is earned, one stride at a time.

The 2026 edition of the Bath Half Marathon delivered a memorable day of racing as elite British athletes produced thrilling contests in both the men’s and women’s events through the picturesque streets of Bath.

First staged in 1982, the Bath Half has grown into one of the United Kingdom’s most established road races. Held each March, the event regularly attracts strong domestic fields and serves as a key early-season test for athletes preparing for major spring marathons. This year’s race continued that tradition, featuring dramatic finishes and standout performances across both elite races.

In the men’s race, Joe Wigfield emerged victorious after a tense battle that remained undecided until the closing moments. Wigfield surged ahead in the final stretch to cross the line in 1:02:07, securing the win after a fiercely competitive contest.

Close behind was Phil Sesemann, who fought all the way to the finish but ultimately took second place in 1:02:13, just six seconds adrift of the winner. The battle for the podium remained razor-thin, with Alfie Manthorpe finishing third in 1:02:14, only a single second behind Sesemann after an intense sprint to the line.

While the men’s race delivered high drama, the women’s event belonged to Alex Bell, who produced a brilliant performance to capture victory and set a new personal best. Bell ran with confidence and strength throughout the race, ultimately breaking the tape in 1:09:15, a performance that crowned her the standout star of the women’s field.

She was followed by Jess Warner-Judd, who secured second place with a determined effort, while Lauren McNeil completed the podium in third after a strong showing of her own.

With thrilling finishes, personal milestones, and tightly contested podium battles, the 2026 Bath Half once again proved why it remains one of Britain’s most cherished road races—combining competitive depth with the electric atmosphere of one of the country’s most scenic running routes.

The first rays of dawn slice through the towering skyline of New York City, and the streets surrounding Central Park, the iconic venue of the NYC Half Marathon 2026, hum with anticipation. On Sunday, March 15, 2026, fans and runners alike converge on the city’s most famous park, flags waving and cameras clicking, hearts racing in sync with the city’s heartbeat. Volunteers adjust barricades, photographers focus their lenses, and the world’s fastest men stretch with a mix of calm and tension—the calm before the storm. From the leafy loops of Central Park to the bridges spanning the East River, the city seems to hold its breath, ready to witness history.

The air is thick with excitement. Coaches give last-minute instructions; elite athletes exchange polite nods and steely glances, each calculating pace, strategy, and the perfect moment to strike. Sirens echo faintly in the distance, signaling the approaching race vehicles, while the smell of morning coffee mixes with the cool March air. Somewhere high above, the first light glints off glass towers, reflecting the golden promise of competition. In this city of dreams, ambitions, and grit, every step matters—and the men’s elite field of the NYC Half Marathon 2026 is about to prove it.

Race Schedule – Men’s Elite

Date & Venue: Sunday, March 15, 2026 – Central Park, New York City, USA

New York (EDT): 7:00 AM

Kenya (EAT): 2:00 PM (+7 hours from NYC)

Japan (JST): 8:00 PM (+13 hours from NYC)

Thailand (ICT): 6:00 PM (+11 hours from NYC)

Australia Sydney/Melbourne (AEDT): 10:00 PM (+15 hours from NYC)

USA Pacific (PDT): 4:00 AM (−3 hours from NYC)

Champions, Contenders, and Rising Stars

At the heart of this high-stakes drama is Abel Kipchumba of Kenya, last year’s champion, whose lightning-fast 58:07 PB from Valencia 2021 has runners and fans alike holding their breath. Kipchumba returns to defend his crown, but the field has grown stronger, faster, and hungrier than ever.

Challenging him will be Daniel Ebenyo of Kenya, bronze medalist at the 2026 World Cross Country Championships, Grant Fisher of the United States, two-time Olympic bronze medalist making his half marathon debut, and Rory Linkletter of Canada, Canada’s national record holder. Each brings a unique blend of speed, endurance, and tactical cunning that could turn any mile into a decisive moment.

Team USA brings an extraordinary depth of talent, including Galen Rupp, Ryan Ford, Alex Maier, Zouhair Talbi, and Joe Klecker, promising a race filled with high stakes, strategic surges, and perhaps a new record etched into the streets of Manhattan.

Men’s Elite Field – NYC Half Marathon 2026

Athlete

Country

PB / Notable Performance

1. Abel Kipchumba

  Kenya

  58:07 (Valencia 2021)

2. Daniel Ebenyo

  Kenya

  59:04 (Manama 2022)

3. Adriaan Wildschutt

  South Africa

  59:13 (Valencia 2025)

4. Patrick Kiprop

  Kenya

  59:14 (Houston 2026)

5. Mohammed El Youssfi

  Morocco

  59:21 (Houston 2026)

6. Alex Maier

  United States

  59:23 (Houston 2026)

7. Galen Rupp

  United States

  59:47 (Ostia 2018)

8. Ryan Ford

  United States

  59:48 (Houston 2026)

9. Sondre Nordstad Moen

  Norway

  59:48 (Valencia 2017)

10. Rory Linkletter

  Canada

  59:49 (Houston 2026)

11. Patrick Dever

  United Kingdom

  1:00:11 (Houston 2025)

12. Zouhair Talbi

  United States

  1:00:41 (NYC Half 2024)

13. Rui Aoki

  Japan

  1:00:45 (Ageo 2025)

14. Shunsuke Kuwata

  Japan

  1:00:48 (Ageo 2025)

15. Tsegay Tuemay Weldlibanos

  Eritrea

  1:00:50 (Houston 2018)

16. Alex Masai

  Kenya

  1:00:51 (Houston 2026)

17. Jack Rowe

  United Kingdom

  1:00:53 (Copenhagen 2025)

18. Joe Klecker

  United States

 1:01:06 (Houston 2025)

19. Peter Lynch

  Ireland

  1:01:15 (Houston 2025)

20. Camren Todd

  United States

  1:01:23 (Houston 2026)

21. Hendrik Pfeiffer

  Germany

  1:01:28 (Larne 2025)

22. Benjamin Preisner

  Canada

  1:02:25 (Houston 2025)

23. Jacob Thomson

  United States

  1:02:26 (Riga 2023)

24. Joel Reichow

  United States

  1:02:30 (Duluth 2023)

25. Max Turek

  Canada

  1:02:45 (Boston 2024)

26. Haftu Knight

   United States

   1:02:47 (Chicago 2025)

27. Matthew Leach

   United Kingdom

  1:02:57 (Houston 2020)

28. Nick Hauger

  United States

  1:03:06 (NYC Half 2025)

29. Kieran Tuntivate

  Thailand

  1:03:19 (South Shields 2025)

30. Turner Wiley

  United States

  1:04:04 (Hardeeville 2021)

31. Owen Ritz

  United States

  1:04:34 (RBC Brooklyn Half 2024)

32. Evan Sherman

  United States

  1:04:51 (Indianapolis 2025)

33. Charlie Lawrence

   United States

  1:05:07 (Houston 2022)

34. Grant Fisher

   United States

  Debut

35. Gulveer Singh

  India

  Debut

The starting gun cracks through the morning calm. The elite men surge forward, every stride a blend of power, precision, and daring. The NYC Half Marathon 2026 at Central Park unfolds like a living story—each mile a chapter, each sprint a dramatic twist. Legends may rise, records may fall, but one thing is certain: Manhattan will witness an unforgettable morning of speed, endurance, and sheer determination.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A new chapter in European marathon running was unveiled on February 25, 2026, when organizers introduced the European Marathon Classics, a series linking eight of the continent’s most established races into one long-term challenge for runners. 

The announcement was made in Vienna at the historic Schönbrunn Palace, bringing together race directors and organizers from across Europe. The concept is simple: one distance, eight cities, and a shared journey through some of Europe’s most celebrated marathon courses.

The new series connects races that already have strong identities of their own. By linking them together, organizers hope to inspire runners to explore different countries, cultures, and running traditions while pursuing a personal challenge. 

To earn the title European Marathon Classics Finisher, runners must complete five of the eight marathons, each in a different city. There is no time limit, allowing participants to build their journey over several seasons.

The eight races in the series form a calendar stretching from early spring to autumn:

2026 European Marathon Classics Schedule

March 22 – Rome Marathon (Italy)

April 19 – Vienna City Marathon (Austria)

April 26 – London Marathon (United Kingdom)

April 26 – Madrid Marathon (Spain)

May 10 – Copenhagen Marathon (Denmark)

September 27 – Warsaw Marathon (Poland)

October 10 – Lisbon Marathon (Portugal)

October 25 – Frankfurt Marathon (Germany)

Runners who complete five races will receive a commemorative medal designed to reflect the journey. The medal includes magnetic elements that allow athletes to add a marker for each marathon they finish.

One unusual feature of the project is that past results will count. Organizers say runners will be able to register historical performances from earlier editions of the races, recognizing the long traditions behind these events.

London Marathon Event Director Hugh Brasher said the idea is meant to highlight what connects runners across the continent.

THIKA, Kenya, August 18, 2025 – When Amit and Mitul Pankhania landed in Kenya this August, it was more than a family visit. The brothers, both based in the United Kingdom, had come to see their parents, but they also sought something deeper—a chance to immerse themselves in the heartbeat of Kenyan running.

Their week-long stay at the Kenyan Athletics Training Academy (KATA) Thika Retreat, founded and directed by long-distance running enthusiast and My Best Runs publisher Bob Anderson, blended cultural reconnection with athletic discovery. It all culminated in their participation in the retreat’s monthly time trials, a hallmark of KATA’s training culture that attracts both local and international athletes.

A Shared Passion for Running

Though both hold demanding professional careers in the UK, Amit and Mitul share a love for fitness and recreational running. For them, the sport is about more than paces and splits—it’s about discipline, resilience, and connection.

“Kenya has always been close to our hearts,” Amit said after completing the time trial. “This time, instead of just visiting family, we wanted to experience what makes Kenyan athletes the best in the world. Staying at KATA Thika gave us that chance.”

“It was inspiring to see the level of dedication here. Athletes wake up early, train hard, and push each other in ways you don’t often see back in the UK. Being part of that environment, even briefly, was eye-opening.”

Training the Kenyan Way

For seven days, the brothers lived like KATA athletes. Mornings began with runs along Thika’s rolling hills, afternoons were spent on drills and strength work, and evenings turned into conversations about races, goals, and sacrifices.

“They didn’t come just as guests—they trained with us, ate with us, and encouraged everyone,” said Coach John, who leads training at the Thika Retreat. “That kind of interaction is important. Our athletes see how running connects people across continents.”

The Monthly Time Trials

The highlight of their visit came on Wednesday, August 13, at the retreat’s 5K and 10K time trials. On Thika’s undulating roads, the brothers lined up alongside dozens of local athletes, from young up-and-comers to seasoned competitors.

They weren’t there to chase podiums but to soak in the atmosphere. With nerves giving way to rhythm, Amit and Mitul pushed through the course, greeted at the finish line with cheers and applause.

“The time trial was unforgettable,” Amit said. “It wasn’t about beating anyone—it was about being part of something bigger, a tradition that has shaped champions.”

Family, Roots, and Identity

Beyond training, the trip carried a personal weight. Visiting their parents in Kenya has always been a return to family roots. But staying at KATA Thika Retreat gave the journey new meaning.

“We grew up hearing about Kenyan running legends,” Mitul explained. “Being here, training in the same environment, made us proud of our heritage. Kenya isn’t just where our parents live—it’s a place of inspiration.”

Their parents, who visited the retreat one evening, were moved to see how athletics had deepened their sons’ connection to Kenya. It was a bridge across generations and cultures.

A Global Running Village

For Christopher Muiruri, who manages KATA Thika Retreat, stories like Amit and Mitul’s reflect its mission.

“When runners from abroad come here, it’s not just about training—it’s about learning, sharing, and inspiring,” he said. “The Pankhania brothers brought incredible enthusiasm, and they left with memories that will last a lifetime.”

Indeed, their journey underscored how running transcends borders. Whether on the streets of London or the roads of Thika, the sport continues to connect people in powerful ways.

Looking Ahead

As they return to the UK, Amit and Mitul carry more than memories. They take with them the rhythm of early-morning runs, the camaraderie of shared meals, and the spirit of Kenyan running that has inspired athletes worldwide.

“We’ll be back,” Amit promised. “And next time, we’ll bring friends to share this magic.”

Mitul added with a smile, “Running brought us closer to our heritage on this trip. That’s something you can’t put a price on.”

For KATA Thika Retreat, the visit was a reminder that athletics isn’t only about producing champions—it’s about building bridges. And for the Pankhania brothers, it was a journey that blended family, fitness, and the enduring heartbeat of Kenyan running.

Yves Nimubona (Atletica Casoni Noceto) and Sara Nestola (Calcestruzzi Corradini) are the winners of the 24th edition of the Udine City Half Marathon, which took place this morning, Sunday 22 September. The Rwandan and the Italian completed the 21.097 km of the Friulian race in 1.00’56’’ and 1.12’16’’, adding their names to the roll of honor of the event organized by the Udine Half Marathon Association for the first time.

Completing the men’s podium are the Italians Yohanes Chiappinelli (Carabinieri) and Pietro Riva (Fiamme Oro), reigning European team champions over the distance. The former completed the race in 1.01’00’’, while the latter, individual continental vice-champion, stopped the clock at 1.01’55’’. Among the women, behind the Italian Nestola, the Kenyans Teresiah Omosa Kvamboka and Sharon Chebichiy close, capable of a time of 1.14’35’’ and 1.25’47’’ respectively.

The men’s race is exciting, with Riva in the lead in the early stages. Pulled by the hares, the policeman from Alba passes in 14’31’’ at 5 km and in 29’04’’ at 10 km, to then remain in the lead together with the duo formed by Chiappinelli and Nimubona. The trio runs at a pace of 2’50’’ until the sixteenth km, when the first turning point of the race is recorded. Riva loses contact with the two rivals, who take the lead of the race maintaining the pace of 2’50’’ per km. It’s neck and neck until the twentieth kilometer, when Nimubona (born in 1998) accelerates and manages to leave the Carabinieri standard-bearer behind him.

Thus, the African, 21st at the Paris Olympic Games in the 10,000 meters, raises his arms to the sky in the heart of Udine. Behind him, the two Italians, at the start of the Friulian race in preparation for the Valencia marathon on December 1st.

Among the women, the favorite of the eve, Sara Nestola, arrives in front of everyone, also in Friuli to carry out a test in view of her debut in the marathon, scheduled in Valencia. The race run by the student of Stefano Baldini is of great importance: the Italian, always in the lead, passes in 34'09'' at 10 km and in 51'03'' at 15 km, arriving at the finish line in a time one minute less than her personal best of 1.11'16''. The girl from Emilia, born in 2001, 35th at the European championships over 21.097 km, is the first Italian to win in Udine six years after the last time (in 2018 Sara Dossena won).

Great performance also for the Friulians Steve Bibalo, of Altetica Buja, who ranked tenth (1h 08'01"), and Mariangela Stringaro, of Keep Moving (1h 30'01"): they were awarded the Faustino Anzil Prize, a gold medal introduced in 2023 to honor the memory of the late Professor Faustino Anzil, a leading figure in regional and national sport - in his role as dean of athletic trainers of Friuli Venezia Giulia - as well as councilor, with the delegations for education and sport, in the Municipality of Udine: Anzil was, among other things, one of the most convinced supporters of the "Udine Half Marathon project".

A thousand participants in the Udine half marathon, which as always put on a show. 

Among the half marathon runners, this year too, was the scientist from Udine Mauro Ferrari, at his fifth participation in the Half Marathon.The youngest athletes were 18-year-olds Tamer Al Halabi and Nicole Cos, the oldest were Giorgio Zuzzi, 77, and Graziella Minetto, 68. Fausto Finocchiaro turned 35 on the day of the 2024 Half Marathon; 174 teams competed. The largest was Run Card, with 291 participants.

The most represented nations were (in order of participants) Italy, Austria, United Kingdom, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Belgium, United States, Israel.Among the members of the StraUdine (about 600) were the two actors - Daniele Fior and Marco Rogante - busy these days, at the Teatro S. Giorgio in Udine, in the rehearsals of the show "Maratona di New York", the new version of the famous text by Edoardo Erba, translated into Friulian by Paolo Patui and directed by Rita Maffei. On stage they run and act for 65 minutes: therefore they could not miss the city race, to continue the long training before the debut, scheduled for 11 and 12 October in the Season Teatro Contatto.

This At the StraUdine the largest group was the Mostro Run (18 participants); the youngest member was a six-month-old baby, the oldest Aderina Kraghel, 87 years old; the sympathy award went to a little girl who ran with a cast.

THE CLIMB OF THE CASTLE. The weekend of the Half Marathon, never so long - the first of the many events scheduled took place on Thursday evening -, came to life, at a competitive level, with the always spectacular men's and women's invitation time trial "Salita del Castello Autotorino": the speed record on the ramp that leads to the top of the hill was set by Lorenzo Brugnizza (San Marino Athletics Academy), with a time of one minute and 6 seconds; second place for Andrea Lamparelli (Atletica Malignani Libertas Udine), who arrived in one minute and 9 seconds, third for Alessandro De Marco (1 minute and 10 seconds), of the Atletica 2000 team.

First among the women was Miriam Sartor (of Atletica Ponzano), who climbed the hill in 1 minute and 27 seconds; silver for Lisa Rivetta, of Trieste Atletica (1 minute and 28), bronze for Emily Grace Campanelli (also Trieste Atletica), with 1 minute and 1 minute and 32.

Newly-crowned Olympic champions from Paris 2024 don’t just win bragging rights–national Olympic committees (NOC) or national governments from around the globe reward the achievements of their star athletes with a cash prize.

With the expenses that go into being an elite athlete, these funds can go a long way in supporting their athletic endeavours and encouraging further successes in sport. The prize pot isn’t standardized between countries, so how much they earn is highly dependent on the athlete’s nationality. 

In Canada, an Olympic gold medallist is rewarded CAD 20,000 through the Canadian Olympic Committee’s Athlete Excellence Fund. The same achievement pays significantly better across the border–Team USA’s NOC offers CAD 47,100 to their champions from Paris 2024. Other nations present athletes with prizes other than cash, such as livestock, property, services, cars or food.

Nations like Botswana, which saw their first Olympic gold medal in history in Paris, acknowledge the significance of the monumental achievements to the development of sport and accessibility of resources in the country–going as far as giving the entire nation a half-day holiday on Aug. 9 to celebrate their newly-minted 200m Olympic champion, Letsile Tebogo. 

For the Paris 2024 Games, World Athletics became the first international governing body to compensate Olympic champions with a cash prize, promising the first-place finishers in each track-and-field event a whopping USD 50,000 (CAD 68,172) to take home alongside their gold medal and nation’s prize pot. Some countries, such as the United Kingdom, Norway and Sweden, offer no reward for their athletes who bring home an Olympic gold medal

“Don’t let anyone tell you what you’re capable of. That’s for you to determine.”

For the last mile of the Antarctica Marathon, Jonathan Acott played one song on repeat. Trudging through snow and icy winds on the edge of the world, the runner from Surrey, United Kingdom, listened to Tim McGraw’s hit, “Live Like You Were Dying.” It was a fitting anthem for the six-time cancer survivor in his pursuit to run a marathon on all seven continents. 

With 500 yards remaining in the race, Acott took his headphones out. He wanted to be fully present for the homestretch of the seventh marathon. Running downhill toward a small tent with a timer next to the Russian research station, the 48-year-old made his way to the finish line area, where a group of volunteers and fellow competitors cheered him on. 

His legs sore from the descent, Acott took a moment to compose himself before stepping across the finish line, completing a challenge that seemed unimaginable five years ago. “The photographers are there and they say, ‘Put your arms up!’ But I don’t want to put my arms up. That’s not how I want to celebrate,” Acott said. “I needed to stop at that moment. There’ll be other mountains, but right now I just want to stop.”

Amid the devastation caused by multiple cancers and the arduous healing process that followed, Acott transformed his life, becoming a motivational speaker, coach, and avid runner intent on chasing epic goals. For Acott, becoming a member of the Seven Continents Club—645 men and 358 women who have completed 26.2 on all seven continents—is the latest example of the runner choosing to embrace every moment.

‘If I’m moving, I’m not dead.’ 

Acott’s cancer journey began 20 years ago. In 2004, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer at 29 years old. His first relapse occurred in 2007 when doctors discovered a tumor in his chest. He relapsed again in 2013 and 2016 and underwent back-to-back retroperitoneal lymph node dissections, a surgery to remove the lymph nodes in the back of the abdomen. In 2017, he was diagnosed with bowel cancer. The following year, doctors discovered he relapsed again. His final surgery in 2018 involved removing his kidney and spleen. The spleen ruptured during the procedure, which required an emergency blood transfusion on top of chemotherapy post-operation. 

In a span of 14 years, Acott underwent numerous rounds of chemotherapy (he estimates about seven months total) and six surgeries that left his body riddled with lifelong side effects, including permanent nerve damage and hearing loss. The experience also took a heavy toll on his mental health. At his lowest, Acott suffered from suicidal ideation. Working with a psychiatrist helped him cope and reframe his perspective. 

“Life is unfair to everybody. This just happens to be it,” Acott said. “And I can do two things. I can sit there and wallow about how miserable life is, or I can accept that life is difficult and hard and challenging, and you can make the most of it.”

Since 2018, Acott has been cancer free. After the last bout of the disease, his doctors encouraged him to start walking in the recovery process. He also lost his job after being unable to work during treatment. Walking not only gave him time to process his emotions, it also gave him something to work towards. In a few months, Acott was walking up to three hours at a time. 

After spending months building up to long distances, Acott decided he wanted to be more efficient by running. “I push because if I’m moving, I’m not dead,” Acott said. “If I’m moving further each day, I am getting healthier.”

Because Acott is immunocompromised and his body takes longer to heal now, he trains every other day. He’s also battling pain most of the time from scars and neuropathy in his feet, among other ailments, and needs to run a conservative pace most of the time. “My body has been through a lot, but it’s still capable of doing so much," he said. 

Choosing to live in optimism

In the fall of 2019—15 months after his last surgery—Acott raced the Berlin Marathon as a way to celebrate his comeback. He finished his first 26.2 in 4:58:38. Shortly after, he set out to complete the seven continents challenge. 

“I chose to apply myself to making the most of my time because I don’t know how much time I have,” Acott said. “It’s a choice about how you live. You can live in fear, and I am always scared, or I can live in optimism that I’m going to have the best life I possibly can.”

The following year, he ran the Africa leg at the 2020 Marrakech Marathon in 4:45:48. In 2020, he also took up motivational speaking on top of his full-time job as the head of guest experience at a business complex. 

After COVID restrictions were lifted, he finished the 2022 Austin Marathon in 5:15:28. The same year, he completed the South America portion by finishing the Curaçao Marathon in 5:09:16, trudging through flood waters on the course. 

He ran the Asia leg with a 5:15:33 at the 2023 Dubai Marathon along a desert roadway. Last fall, he covered Australia at the 2023 Perth Marathon with a finishing time of 5:01:40. On March 21, he completed the Antarctica Marathon in 5:38:16. 

Looking back on the experience, Acott remembered his surgeon’s warning after the last procedure. The doctor told him he wouldn’t be able to complete the same physical feats he used to do before cancer. Less than two months after completing the global marathon challenge, he’s already training for his next goal—breaking four hours in the marathon. 

“Don’t let anyone tell you what you’re capable of,” Acott said. “That’s for you to determine. Find what the best version of you looks like, and make it happen.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

Noah Lyles and Ferdinand Omanyala have started their World Indoor campaign on a high, recording impressive times to proceed to the semifinal of the 60m race.

Triple World champion Noah Lyles and Africa’s fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala have started their campaign at the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow, United Kingdom on a high.

Omanyala, competing in Heat 4, was in a class of his own as he clocked 6.52 to win ahead of Japan’s Shuhei Tada and Singapore’s Marc Louis who clocked national record times of 6.52 and 6.69 to finish second and third respectively.

On his part, two-time World Champion Lyles was also breathing fire as he led in his heat. The American, competing in Heat One, started off on a high and sprinted to the finish line, cutting the tape in 6.57.

Second-place finisher Jeff Erius of France clocked 6.63 to cross the finish line as Germany’s Alexander Askovic completed the podium in 6.66.

Heat Two was won by Sweden’s Henrik Larsson as Canada’s Malachi Murray finished second in 6.64. Turkey’s Kayhan Ozer sealed the podium.

Cameroon’s Emmanuel Eseme clocked a national record time of 6.54 in Heat Five with Denmark’s Simon Hansen finishing second in 6.61. Slovenia’s Anej Čurin Prapotnik finished third in 6.68.

60m world record Christian Coleman also led in his heat, clocking 6.49 to win the race ahead of the duo of Mario Burke and Akihiro Higashida.

Fresh from winning the Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) Half Marathon, Daniel Mateiko has set his focus at the London Marathon scheduled for April 21 in the United Kingdom.

Mateiko arrived in the country on Monday following his exploits in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Saturday.

He won the race in a world-leading time of 58:45 minutes, beating John Korir to second in a PB of 58:50 and Isaiah Lasoi to this also in a personal best of 58:55. 

“It is time to focus on the London Marathon following good results at RAK,” said Mateiko, who failed to complete the 2023 Chicago Marathon.

“I developed some challenges and failed to complete the race . This time around, I pray that all will be good at the London race,” said Mateiko.

He said he hopes to make up for his failures at the 2023 Chicago in London.

He noted that in the last eight half marathons, he has managed to run a sub-59 and this is good for his marathon career.

“I think I am improving with every race. When I first competed in RAK in 2022, I finished in position 6. Last year I was second and won the title this year,” he said.

In other races over the weekend, Kenya’s Dorine Cherop won the Castellon Marathon in Spain. Jerop won the title in 2:29.39 ahead of Irene Jerobon (2:30.51) with Aderra Minalle coming third at 2:31.24.

In men, James Kiplagat was the best Kenyan in the race after finishing second in 2:15.14 behind the Ethiopian duo of Ghebregiabhier Welldmicael Kibrom (2:07.25) and Abraham Medhanie (2:15.32).

At the Napoli Half Marathon, Kenyans dominated the races in both men and women.

In the men's race, Brian  Kwemoi won the title in 59:26 ahead of  Antony Kimtai (59:45) and Bernard Kipkurui (59:47). 

Great Britain's Emile Caress (60:01 hrs), Kenyan Gideon Kiprotich Rop  (60:28) and Charles Wanjiru (61:49) followed in that order. 

A 102-year-old veteran of World War II has become the oldest man to complete a half marathon after finishing the Great North Run.

Bill Cooksey, who served in the RAF between 1941 and 1951, covered the 13.1 mile course from Newcastle to South Shields with the aid of walking companion Gavin Iceton in five hours and 41 minutes.

The centenarian had previously completed 10 miles a day for 10 days for his 100th birthday and cycled 1,000 miles for his 101st birthday, and took on the challenge to support the County Durham and Darlington NHS Trust.

“I’ve always wanted to do it,” MR Cooksey told ITV ahead of the event. “I’ve been up here 30 years and always walked, and when I heard about the Great North Run I thought ‘I’ll be able to do that surely,’ because there’s the additional impetus of the NHS.

“Actually I don’t think I would have done it if it wasn’t of benefit to the NHS.”

The Great North run was hit by torrential downpours after a week of heat in the United Kingdom.

Some runners were forced to walk home after flash flooding hit roads and the Tyne and Wear Metro system.

Mr Cooksey, though, managed to survive the conditions to complete his challenge and raise more money for the NHS. “I am glad I have done it,” he said to the Daily Mail. “I wish we didn’t have to go through all that rain - but we did it.”

Pat Chambers, charity development manager at the trust, added: “What a hero Bill Cooksey is.

“He continued walking through a thunderstorm to become a record breaker completing it in just over five hours 40 minutes. We are so proud of him.”

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.

Six-time world champion and former Olympic silver medalist Genzebe Dibaba has confirmed she will take to the starting line for this year’s Antrim Coast Half-Marathon.

The 32-year-old Ethiopian, who finished second in the 1500m at the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro, is the latest elite name to be added to the field for this year’s event, which takes place on August 25-27.

A former World Junior champion, and a two-time junior race winner at the World Cross Country Championships, Dibaba won her first world title in the 1500m at the 2012 World Indoors in Istanbul.

Her second came two years later in the 3000m at the World Indoors in Sopot, Poland, before she added the 1500m title at the 2013 World Championships in Beijing.

She would add another 1500m World Indoor title in 2016 in Portland before claiming gold in both the 1500m and 3000m at the 2018 World Indoors in Birmingham.

Dibaba, whose best half-marathon time is 1:05.18, will face stern competition from the likes of Amsterdam Marathon winner Degitu Azimeraw and former Great Ethiopian Run winner Zeineba Yimer.

However, Dibaba will enter the event as one of the favorites to cross the line first and race director Ruth McIlroy is thrilled they have added another huge name to the line-up.

"Everyone is delighted we have secured Genzebe, she's been someone we have been working towards getting to the event over the last 12 months,” said McIlroy.

"We feel we have one of the fastest half marathon courses in the world and think she, along with some other stars, will run extremely quick.

"Both the men's and women's elite races have a similar calibre to a global final so we could be looking at something very special in August.”

On the men’s side of the event, Ethiopian great Jemal Yimer is going for his third straight win in the event and is boasting considerable form after winning the Los Angeles Marathon and setting a UK & Ireland All-Comers record with a time of 58.33.

However, Yimer is only one of three runners who have broken the 59-minute mark in the field this year, with Kenya’s Daniel Mateiko having set a time of 58.26 and two-time Tokyo Marathon winner Birhanu Legese also competing.

The local challenge will be spearheaded by Irish Olympian duo Paul Pollock and Kevin Seaward, while Scotland’s Callum Hawkins also runs in a star-studded field.

Meanwhile, world junior champion Ermias Girma has been confirmed for the Condor Executive Street Mile to be run on the Friday night, with the Ethiopian eyeing up the first sub-four-minute mile.

Former Commonwealth Games bronze medalist Winnie Nanyondo is also confirmed for the event as she looks to better her personal best time of four minutes and 18 seconds.

Elsewhere, McIlroy is keen to see the Antrim Coast & Belfast bid given the green light to represent the United Kingdom in its bid to host either the 2025 or 2026 World Road Running Championships.

The bid, which has already been endorsed by Northern Ireland’s five main political parties, is Athletics UK’s preferred choice and will be the last to present to World Athletics president Sebastian Coe.

"With 50,000 runners from over 160 countries, it would be a truly great way to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement and showcase the beauty of our province and sporting excellence to the rest of the world,” added McIlroy.

The bid will be heard on Tuesday, July 4, with the winning regions revealed on August 18 at the World Track & Field Championships in Budapest.

The 2024 TCS London Marathon has set a world record by receiving the most applications ever to be submitted to a marathon.

Marathon organizers say 578,374 hopefuls from the United Kingdom and across the globe entered the ballot for the 2024 TCS London Marathon, marking the first time the number of applications to a marathon has topped half a million. The previous world record total of 457,861 applications was set pre-pandemic in 2019 for the 2020 London Marathon.

Almost 53 per cent of the 457,105 applications from U.K. residents for 2024 were from men and 46.4 per cent were from women; the non-binary category received 0.6 per cent of total U.K. applications. A further 121,269 non-U.K. residents applied on the international ballot.

“This incredible new world record reflects the extraordinary inspirational effect of the TCS London Marathon on April 23,” says Hugh Brasher, event director for the TCS London Marathon. “We saw a record number of more than 48,600 finishers on marathon day and more than 8,200 children took part in the mass TCS Mini London Marathon the day before.”

Brasher said marathon organizers work “to inspire activity in people of all ages and abilities and these record-breaking numbers show how the TCS London Marathon weekend does that. The unique camaraderie and togetherness that participants feel when they take part in the London Marathon continues to have an extraordinary impact on the desire for people to take part. It is an event that inspires people to take up running and to raise millions for charity.”

The ballot for the 2024 TCS London Marathon was operated for the first time by Let’s Do This as part of a new five-year partnership. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in London, LDT is the registration partner to many of the leading running events around the world.

The TCS London Marathon always attracts a strong contingent of Canadian runners, however, there were no Canadians in the elite field in the 2023 event. Sam Hunt was the first Canadian to cross the finish line this year with a time of 2:37:38. Meaghan Strum was the fastest Canadian woman, in 2:52:06. The only Canadian runner in the non-binary category was Christy Dadswell, who finished in 3:46:38.

World marathon silver medalist Judith Korir believes she has what takes  to secure a podium place in the 43rd London Marathon in the United Kingdom on Sunday.

But it will be a tall order for her as she faces a formidable field that has her compatriots, reigning Olympics marathon champion Peres Jepchirchir and Olympics marathon silver medallist Brigid Kosgei, who is also the world marathon record holder.

The runners will be targeting the course’s best time, which is a women’s only world record time set by Kenya’s Mary Keitany in 2017.

Last year, Korir who trains under the Italy-based Rosa Associati management, was initially entered in the London Marathon as a pacesetter but the last minute withdrawal of Brigid Kosgei saw her registered as a competitor.

She went on to finish fourth in a time of 2:18:43. This time she has been training in the full knowledge she is in the list of the elite women competitors.

“The line-up is tough but I believe in my training. I can’t compare it with last year where I prepared for one month,” Kosgei said when Nation Sport caught up with her at the Ndura Sports Complex in Kitale, last week as she put the finishing touches to her training.

“Competing with some of the best athletes in the marathon like Jepchirchir and Kosgei motivates me to work extra hard,” she said.

“London Marathon line-up is tough and my target is just to run well because we have some of the best athletes in the world participating,” added Korir, who is the 2022 Paris Marathon champion.

Nation Media Group’s NTV will broadcast the race live. There will be a watch party in Eldoret, at the Uasin Gishu County big screen along Uganda Road, starting at 8am on race day.

A new way of classifying athletes aims to quantify the thresholds that distinguish recreational athletes from their trained, highly trained, and elite brethren A new way of classifying athletes aims to quantify the thresholds that distinguish recreational athletes from their trained, highly trained, and elite brethren

“Like monkeys,” a review of the neural and psychological foundations of social hierarchy explains, “we tend to use certain cues, like physical strength, to make status judgments.” This is presumably why running messageboards like Letsrun feature seemingly never–ending debates about the precise thresholds that distinguish “serious,” “sub-elite,” and “elite” runners from the unwashed masses. “Elite,” according to one typical if slightly hyperbolic poster, is “the time that sets a world record and/or wins. Everything else is hobby jogging.”

But figuring out these thresholds isn’t just about pissing contests. As a new paper in the International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance puts it, “the term ‘elite subjects’ might be one of the more overused and ill-defined terms in the exercise science literature.” That matters, because the results of a training study on semi-fit college students may not apply to Olympic athletes, and vice versa. Beet juice, for example, reliably boosts performance in recreational athletes, but doesn’t seem to help elite athletes to the same degree. The same appears to be true of training with deliberately depleted carbohydrate levels. To interpret the results of an exercise study, you need to know who the subjects were and have a consistent way of classifying them.

That’s the goal of the new IJSPP paper, which comes from a team of prominent sports scientists in Australia, Canada, Spain, and the United Kingdom, led by Alannah McKay of Australian Catholic University. They’ve put together a detailed framework to classify athletes into six distinct categories based on exercise patterns and athletic ability across a broad variety of sports.

It’s an inherently intractable challenge, since the characteristics of, say, well-trained table tennis players, marathoners, and archers are so different. But they’ve tried to make the framework flexible enough to work in different contexts by anchoring it in population statistics. You don’t get elite status by running a certain time or training a certain number of hours; it’s based on where you stand relative to everyone else.

Here are the categories:

Tier 0: Sedentary

~46 percent of the global population

This one is pretty straightforward. If you’re not hitting the World Health Organization recommended minimum level of physical activity—150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week, plus a couple of muscle-strengthening activities—then you’re sedentary.

Tier 1: Recreationally Active

~35-42 percent of the global population

In this tier, you’re hitting those WHO guidelines, and may participate in a few different sports or activities, but you’re not focused on training or competing in a specific sport.

Tier 2: Trained/Developmental

~12-19 percent of the global population

Now we’re getting more serious. In this tier, you identify with a specific sport, and you’re probably training three or more times a week for the purpose of competing. You might represent a local club, play in a rec league, or be on the junior varsity high school team.

Tier 3: Highly Trained/National Level

~0.014 percent of the global population

There’s a huge drop-off from Tier 2 to Tier 3: not many people meet the requirements of being highly trained. You’re competing in state- or national-level tournaments and competitions, or perhaps for an NCAA Division II or III team, and you’re training not just for fitness but to improve sport-specific skills. For sports measured in time or distance, you’re typically within about 20 percent of the top performance in the world.

Tier 4: Elite/International Level

0.0025 percent of the global population

At this point, you’re likely training as hard as anyone in your sport trains. You dream of the Olympics (or whatever the pinnacle of your sport is). You might be an NCAA Division I athlete or a member of your national team. You’re probably ranked somewhere between 4th and 300th in the world in your event, and you’re within seven percent of the top performances in the world.

Tier 5: World Class

<0.00006 percent of the global population

This is what I think of as the Spinal Tap tier: a notch above elite. Crunch the numbers, and you find that there are fewer than 5,000 people in the world, across all sports, in this category. To join the club, you’re probably an Olympic medalist, or at least a finalist, or an all-star in a professional team sport. You’re within two percent of the world record or yearly top performance.

The last three categories remind me of the cliché about the Inuit having dozens of words for different types of snow. Put together, tiers three to five total less than a couple hundredths of a percent of the population, so a very rarefied group. But to sports scientists, those distinctions matter. The higher up the ladder you climb, the closer the subjects are to their maximum adaptive potential, and the more likely that any study you try will find no meaningful improvement. Under this microscope, the difference between a good college athlete and an Olympic medalist is substantial.

Of course, there are an infinite number of nuances. If your classification depends on comparison to your peers, then the competitive depth of your sport matters. A lot more people compete in running than in, say, dressage or sailing. In freestyle snowboarding, the authors suggest that you need to be a medalist at a major international event to be in the top tier, while making the final eight puts you in Tier 4. In track and field, making the final (which means placing in the top 8 to 15) at a major international competition puts you in Tier 5, because the competition is much deeper. If you want to dig into these nuances, the paper is freely available to read online.

As for the eternal Letsrun debates about what counts as elite, the paper includes a table of running times that delineate the various tiers based on a combination of Olympic winning times, gap from world record, gap from top yearly time, world ranking, and other measures. To be world class in this formulation, a male marathoner would need to run 2:04:33, and a female marathoner 2:20:01. For elite, it’s 2:12:15 and 2:31:03; for highly trained, 2:27:54 and 2:50:41. Those are pretty lofty thresholds, and I can’t help wishing that there were a few more rungs to climb between “trained” and “highly trained.” For practical classification purposes, I’ll probably stick with the sliding scale I’ve been using for the past few decades: the definition of “fast” is a half-step ahead of me.

South African runner, Rehan Greeff, will take on the biggest sporting challenge of his life from 27 June as he attempts to complete three full triathlons in three countries in just six days and all for a worthy cause – to feed hungry children in Africa.

Greeff, a chartered accountant now living in the United Kingdom, is the biggest individual fundraiser for the non-governmental organisation ForAfrika (previously known as JAM). For the past few years, he has set himself personal quests under the title of "Run Forest Run" – a nod to his childhood nickname, which he was given because he had to wear metal leg braces just like the film character Forrest Gump.

After what he can only call "miraculous healing" of his knee injuries during a church service in 2017, he decided to give thanks by taking on these quests in support of vulnerable children. In 2021, he raised a whopping £50,000 (almost R1 000 000) on his mission to run the equivalent of seven marathons in one go; the furthest he had ever run.

He completed his 300km run around Greater London in aid of the organisation's #zerohunger campaign in 49 hours and 17 minutes and set a new record for the route in the process.

He challenged (and trained) about 60 others to join him in running the furthest they had ever run too, be that 10km, 100km or anything in between.

"That was inspirational! That brings hope ... when people pull together with a vision to impact thousands. That takes commitment, sacrifice and intentionality," Greeff said.

This year, he is taking it all a huge step further – his "Tri-Challenge" with a total distance of 678km in one week in South Africa, Uganda and the UK. He chose these countries because he was born in South Africa where malnutrition rates are on the rise; Uganda because ForAfrika is working with refugees there whose lives have been devastated by war and climate change; and England, because it's his new home.

A full triathlon is made up of a 3.8km swim, a 180km cycle and a 42.2km run. Greeff will complete three bespoke routes in Cape Town (South Africa) on 27 June, Kisoro (Uganda) on 29 June and London (UK) on 2 July 2022.

"The swimming and cycling will be new for me," he says, before calling on people all over the world to join him and help raise funds for hungry children in Africa.

His target this year is also bigger than last year's at £100,000. 

It costs just £5 a month to feed a child. So, if Rehan reaches his goal he will be able to ensure that 1,667 children receive a highly nutritious meal each school day during the year. 

Do you want to help? Are you ready to #RunForAfrika? Head on over to runforafrika.funraise.org or runforestrun.run for more information.

Tachlowini Gabriyesos, 24, made waves one year ago when he finished 16th in the Olympic marathon in Sapporo, beating some of the world's best marathoners.

“It makes me so proud to once again wear the Athlete Refugee Team vest at the World Championships,” said Gabriyesos, a native of Eritrea who made his Athlete Refugee Team debut at the 2019 World Championships in Doha where he competed in the 5000m.

“I don’t represent a country, but millions of people without one. I want to be a role model for refugee youth around the world and wish to show the world once again that refugees can be strong, that we are hungry for success and that we deserve equal opportunities.”

Gabriyesos fled conflict and bloodshed in Eritrea at age 12 and journeyed through Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt before crossing the Sinai desert on foot to Israel where he's been living since 2010. He began running soon after and eventually found that he was best suited for athletics' longest running event.

At the Hahula Galilee Marathon in Israel in March 2021, Gabriyesos clocked 2:10:55 to become the first refugee athlete to meet an Olympic qualifying standard. He later served as the co-flag bearer for the Olympic Refugee Team at Tokyo’s Opening Ceremonies. After his solid performance in Sapporo's hot and muggy conditions, Gabriyesos improved to 2:10:09 at the Seville Marathon in February.

After its involvement with the inaugural Refugee Olympic Team that competed at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, World Athletics established the Athlete Refugee Team in 2017 to provide refugees with high level training and competitive opportunities.

It is the world’s only year-round team composed solely of refugee athletes. The team has been represented at almost every World Championship event since, in addition to a growing number of continental and regional events, most recently the European 10,000m Cup in May and the African Championships earlier this month.

"On this World Refugee Day, our Athlete Refugee Team brings a powerful and inspirational message of hope and solidarity to the world, at a time when it's truly needed," said World Athletics President Sebastian Coe. "They're also showing, through their rapid development and world class performances, that they do belong among the world's best athletes."

Representing a community of 89 million

When the refugee team was introduced at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, that squad of 10 – six competing in athletics – represented 65 million people around the world who had been forcibly displaced from their homes.

That figure soared to more than 82 million by 2020 and, propelled by conflict, the climate crisis and skyrocketing inequality, has grown to 89.3 million at the end of 2021. The six athletes who are set to compete in Eugene next month will represent a community that collectively would be the 17th most populous country on the planet.

Similarly, the number of athletes involved in the World Athletics Athlete Refugee Team project continues to grow. More than 40 athletes are now involved in the programme, training at their respective bases in Kenya, Israel, France, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Germany, Canada and Portugal.

Gabriyesos will be joined by Jamal Abdalmajid Eisa-Mohammed, a native of Sudan, who will make his second consecutive World Championships appearance in the 5000m. The 28-year-old improved his lifetime best over the distance to 13:42.98 at the Olympic Games last year.

Dorian Keletela, 23, will be making his third ART appearance after outings at the 2021 European Indoor Championships and last summer's Olympic Games in Tokyo. In the Japanese capital, he clocked 10.33 to win his 100m heat in the preliminary round, smashing his previous career best by 0.13. He improved to 10.27 last year and at the moment has a 10.47 season's best.

Fouad Idbafdil, a refugee from Morocco who is based in France, rounds out the men's squad. The 34-year-old steeplechase specialist improved his lifetime best to 8:37.94 nine days ago. He too competed on the ART squad in Doha in 2019.

The women’s team is led by Anjelina Nadai Lohalith, who will bring plenty of experience to the start line of the 1500m. The 27-year-old native of South Sudan, who is based at the Tegla Loroupe Peace Foundation training camp in Ngong, Kenya, will be making her second World Championships appearance after her debut in 2017.

Nadai is a two-time Olympian and most recently competed at the World Indoor Championships in Belgrade in March and the African Championships in Mauritius 11 days ago. She set her 4:31.65 lifetime best in Tokyo last year.

She'll be joined by Atalena Napule Gaspore, another South Sudanese athlete from the Loroupe camp, who will be making her Athlete Refugee Team debut competing in the 800m.

Athlete refugee team for WCH Oregon22

Women 800m: Atalena Napule Gaspore 1500m: Anjelina Nadai Lohalith

Men 100m: Dorian Keletela 5000m: Jamal Abdalmajid Eisa-Mohammed marathon: Tachlowini Gabriyesos 3000m steeplechase: Fouad Idbafdil

On the women’s side, first-time Marathon des Sables entrant Anna Comet (Spain) was untouchable. Comet ran in a league of her own for the majority of the race, building a lead of up to 53 minutes by the end of Stage 4. Sylvaine Cussot (France) set an equally solid course all week, generally finishing several minutes behind Comet but well in front of the rest of the field, to hold in second place all week.

The gun sounded at the 2022 Marathon des Sables’ fifth and final competitive stage on Friday, April 1. The first finishers broke the tape in the early afternoon, Moroccan local time. The final, noncompetitive Stage 6 takes place on Saturday, April 2.

Thanks to Anna Comet, the 2022 women’s Marathon des Sables was never close. She came into Stage 5 leading by almost an hour, and then broke the tape over an hour before second-place finisher Sylvaine Cussot in the cumulative rankings.

Aziza El Amrany (Morocco) rounded out the podium, a sharp debut performance for this Moroccan breakout runner.

2021 MdS women’s winner Aziza Raji (Morocco) finished fourth and Manuela Vilaseca (Spain) came in fifth.

Bethany Rainbow (United Kingdom) finished sixth as the only other woman to run the race in under 30 hours. She ran a valiant final stage to come in under the gun, finishing just 4:30 behind Comet for second place in the stage.

The eternal Italian city of Rome hosted over 11 thousand runners, including 5 thousand foreign runners from 102 countries for the 27th International Rome Marathon on Sunday, March 27, 2022.

Ethiopian runners Bekele Fikre Tefera and Dalasa Sechale Adugna won the 27th International Rome Marathon, an annual run at the Italian capital Rome.

An Italian media reported that athlete Tefera broke the record of the Marathon with 2 hours 6 minutes and 48 seconds.

The record belonged to the Kenyan athlete Benjamin Kiptoo Kolum with 2 hours 7 minutes and 18 seconds in 2009.

Foreign runners, as well as locals, joined the Acea Run Rome the Marathon, the Charity Relay Acea Run4 Rome and the popular Fun Race. The latter returns on site for the first time in the post-pandemic era, but runners took part in virtual mode from all over Italy. The race started from Fori Imperiali at 8.30. Runners run around Rome for 42 km alongside the Tiber, source of life and symbol of this edition, which is featured on the medal and on the official t-shirt.

There were 2417 women entered in the marathon, more than 22% of all participants.

Although the pandemic is not over yet and there are still many restrictions to travel, 5 thousand foreign runners from 102 countries representing all continents took part in the Acea Run Rome Marathon.

Italy was the most represented country with 5827 participants, followed by France (909 runners), the United Kingdom (693) and Spain (455). The United States was ranked just behind and is first among non-European countries with 330 participants. 49 Ukrainian runners registered. Only a few of them were able to be at the start line.

Team Kenya coach Janeth Jepkosgei is confident that her young charges will win some medals for the country at the World Athletics Indoor Championships starting Friday at Štark Arena, Belgrade, Serbia.

The 38-year-old, who last competed for Kenya at the 2015 World Championships in Beijing, said that though she can’t predict the type of the medal they will get, something nice will come from the Balkans.

Jepkosgei is in a team of 10 athletes and six officials that was to left at 11.55pm on Tuesday aboard an Emirates flight for the three-day championships.

“You can tell from their body language in training that they are hungry for results. They are simply happy free souls,” said Jepkosgei, the 2007 World 800m champion and 2008 Beijing Olympics 800m silver medallist.

Though a different experience virtually for all the members, this being an indoor championship event, Jepkosgei said that she has instilled the essence of being courageous and tough at that particular stage.

“They need not to be scared and should fight to the finishing tape,” said Jepkosgei, who described her team as Kenya’s future stars.

“I have told them that they have a long and bright future ahead, hence being in the team should motivate them. They deserve to represent Kenya, “explained Jepkosgei, who is indebted to Athletics Kenya for giving her a chance to handle the national team for the first time.

“This is another responsibility and stage in my athletics career after having hang up my spikes from competitive running back in 2015. I am happy but I am in the process of learning,” said Jepkosgei.

Kenya only won one medal- bronze by Bethwell Birgen in men’s 3,000m-from the last 2018 World Athletics Indoor Championships in Birmingham, United Kingdom.

The last time Kenya won gold in the men’s event was in 2014 in Sopot, Poland where Caleb Mwangangi reigned supreme in the 3,000m.

Hellen Obiri (3,000m) and Pamela Jelimo (800m) won last for the country in 2012 Istanbul, Turkey.

Team captain and Africa’s 100m record holder, Ferdinand Omanyala and his teammates have promised a good show with the sprinter targeting a sub 6.57 seconds in the men’s 60m.

The 2018 World Under-20 5,000m champion Beatrice Chebet is eyeing a podium place in the women’s 3,000m alongside Collins Kipruto in the men’s 800m.

Kipruto will partner with World Under-20 800m bronze medallist Noah Kibet in the 800m event.

Chebet, 22, said she is eager to emulate Obiri on her maiden major tour as a senior in the women’s 3,000m where she will team up with prodigy Edinah Jebitok.

Jebitok, who competed at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, will also double up in the 1,500m.

World Relay 2x2x400m silver medalist Naomi Korir makes the women’s 800m team that also has Eglay Nalianya.

Abel Kipsang, who represented Kenya at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, is a lone ranger in men’s 1,500m, while Jacob Kiprop and Daniel Simiu will battle in the men's 3,000m.

World marathon champion Ruth Chepngetich and Tokyo Marathon winner Lonah Chemtai Salpeter will renew their rivalry at the Nagoya Women’s Marathon – a World Athletics Elite Platinum Label road race – on Sunday (13).

Athletes in Nagoya will be racing for the largest first prize in the world of marathon running: US$250,000. Being the world’s largest women’s marathon, one of the world’s top-level races, and the only women’s race with a World Athletics Platinum Label, the Nagoya Women’s Marathon continues to be a global leader in women’s running.

To date, Chepngetich has won five of the seven marathons she has completed, and still made it on to the podium in her other two. The consistent Kenyan had her best year in 2019, starting with her 2:17:08 PB in Dubai in January, then following it eight months later by winning the world title in Doha.

Like many athletes, she had a low-key year in 2020 but still finished third at the London Marathon in 2:22:05. Last year she failed to finish the Olympic marathon but rebounded two months later by taking victory in Chicago in 2:22:31.

While the 27-year-old appears to be more focused on victories than records, she is more than capable of producing fast times, too. In April last year she set a world half marathon record of 1:04:02 in Istanbul.

"I chose to run the Nagoya Women’s Marathon because Japan is a nice place and the environment is good," said Chepngetich. "And, as women, we have to encourage ourselves and do better. I'm looking forward to a nice race and I'd like to set a PB."

Chepngetich’s only competitive outing so far this year was at the Kenyan Cross Country Championships in Eldoret in January where she finished sixth – roughly in line with her performances at that event in previous years. She feels far more at ease racing on the roads, though.

So too does Salpeter. The Israeli distance runner won the 2020 Tokyo Marathon in a lifetime best of 2:17:45, having previously set national records when winning in Prague and Florence. Her return to Japan for the Olympics in 2021 didn’t quite go to plan as she finished down in 66th, but she bounced back in October to place fifth in London in 2:18:54.

"I’m happy to be here," said Salpeter. "It's my first time and I hope to do my best on Sunday. My training has been good. I was in Kenya for eight weeks, so I’m ready for Sunday. I’m trusting my training."

This could be the first time Chepngetich and Salpeter have a true clash over the marathon distance. In their two previous encounters over the distance, Salpeter failed to finish at the 2019 World Championships while Chepngetich did likewise at the Tokyo Olympics. Their only other duel to date was at the 2018 World Half Marathon Championships in Valencia, where Salpeter finished just one place ahead of Chepngetich.

Four years on from that, and over double the distance, this weekend’s race could be a different story.

They are among four sub-2:24 athletes entered for the event, as Japan’s Yuka Ando and Reia Iwade lead a strong Japanese contingent.

Ando ran her PB of 2:21:36 when finishing second in Nagoya in 2017 and started this year with a half marathon personal best of 1:08:13 in Yamaguchi, while Iwade ran her best marathon time of 2:23:52 in Nagoya in 2019.

Australia’s Sinead Diver will be making her third Nagoya appearance. She finished 10th in 2017 with a then PB of 2:31:37, then recorded a DNF in 2020. Now with a best of 2:24:11 and a 10th-place finish at last year’s Olympics, the 45-year-old could content for a top-five finish.

Japan’s Rie Kawauchi and marathon debutantes Kaena Takeyama and Yuka Suzuki are also athletes to look out for. Depending on their placing and position, the top Japanese finishers could earn selection for the World Athletics Championships Oregon22 or Japan’s Olympic Trials race for the 2024 Games.

Kenya’s Stellah Barsosio, Japan’s Mao Uesugi and Britain’s Charlotte Purdue will be among the pace-making team.

Last year’s edition of the Nagoya Women’s Marathon was held as a domestic race, and was won by Japan’s Mizuki Matsuda in 2:21:51.

Ten years on since the inaugural edition of the race in 2012, the Nagoya Women's Marathon continues to be the leading women-only marathon in the world. It attracted 21,915 runners in 2018 - a world record for a women-only marathon. After receiving the Japan Olympic Committee Women and Sport Award in 2017, the race was awarded the International Olympic Committee Women and Sport Achievement Diploma in 2019 for playing a significant role in the increase of women runner population in Japan.

The race, which starts at 9:10am local time on Sunday, will be streamed live to 33 countries and regions (Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Brunei, Cambodia, Chile, Colombia, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Italy, Kenya, Macau, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Myanmar, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, and United States of America). 

Elite field

Ruth Chepngetich (KEN) 2:17:45

Lonah Chemtai Salpeter (ISR) 2:17:45

Yuka Ando (JPN) 2:21:36

Reia Iwade (JPN) 2:23:52

Sinead Diver (AUS) 2:24:11

Rie Kawauchi (JPN) 2:25:35

Hanae Tanaka (JPN) 2:26:19

Mirai Waku (JPN) 2:26:30

Ayano Ikemitsu (JPN) 2:26:07

Ai Hosoda (JPN) 2:26:34

Chiharu Ikeda (JPN) 2:27:39

Eloise Wellings (AUS) 2:29:19.

As the runners were getting ready for the elite section of the men’s 5000 meters at the 2022 Boston University David Hemery Valentine Invitational on Saturday evening, we should have known we were in for a treat. After all, the slow heat had just been won in 13:05.

It’s crazy, when you think of it: Bowerman Track Club coach Jerry Schumacher had decided Woody Kincaid, the reigning US 10,000-meter champion, was not quite ready to mix it up with his BTC teammates in the fast section and Kincaid wound up running 13:05.56, at the time the second-fastest indoor 5,000m ever by an American. 

Just as crazy: Schumacher was kind of right. Because what we saw in the fast heat was the deepest 5,000-meter race ever contested on US soil, indoors or out.

Grant Fisher, a former high school phenom who won two Foot Locker titles and broke 4:00 in the mile while balancing soccer with running, delivered on his immense promise and ran 12:53.73 to win the race, smash Galen Rupp’s American indoor record of 13:01.26, and come within a whisker of Bernard Lagat’s American outdoor record of 12:53.60. He is now the fifth-fastest human ever at 5,000 meters indoors, one spot ahead of a guy by the name of Eliud Kipchoge.

Fisher’s Bowerman teammate Moh Ahmed, the Olympic silver medalist last year, was next across, running 12:56.87 to break his own Canadian indoor record of 13:04.60. Marc Scott completed the BTC national record sweep in third, and like Ahmed, Scott lowered his own European indoor record, taking it from 13:08.87 to 12:57.08.

In the process, Scott became the first man born in the United Kingdom – and just the third born in Europe – to break 13:00, indoors or out. The race marked the first time that three men broke 13:00 in the same race indoors (only once before had even two done it in the same race).

The times were so fast up front that would-be historic performances were relegated to also-ran status. Emmanuel Bor ran the second-fastest time in US 

indoor history (under Rupp’s previous AR) but was only 4th (13:00.48). Sam Atkin of Great Britain and Jonas Raess of Switzerland both ran faster than the previous European indoor record but had to settle for 5th (Atkin in 13:03.64) and 6th (Raess in 13:07.95).

Florida State’s Adriaan Wildschutt of South Africa ran the second-fastest NCAA time ever indoors and third-fastest under any conditions – 13:09.20 – setting a national indoor record in the process and he was only 5th – in the B heat. Notre Dame’s Dylan Jacobs ran 13:14.04, #4 on the NCAA all-time indoor list and an American indoor collegiate record.

It was sheer madness.

In the main race, the early pacing was good, with 2020 US indoor 1500 champ Josh Thompson and 27:20 man Zouhair Talbi of Morocco taking the field through 3k in 7:53.51, but the real racing didn’t get going until just under a mile to go, when Atkin signaled for Fisher to pass him, knowing he could no longer hold the pace Fisher wanted to run.

From there, Fisher conducted a symphony of pain on the BU track, stretching the field out until Atkin, Scott, Ahmed, and finally Bor had dropped, leaving Fisher all alone for the final 400 as the crowd roared him into the history books. His last four 400m splits: 60.00, 58.95,  59.91, 58.74, good for an otherworldly 3:57.56 final 1600.

Fisher’s performance, just like almost every elite distance performance in the year 2022, must be placed into the context of its era. Earlier in the day on the same track, Notre Dame’s Yared Nuguse, the Olympian and 2019 NCAA 1500 champ, broke Alistair Cragg’s 7:38.59 indoor collegiate record which had stood since 2004. And last night, Gabriela DeBues-Stafford and Elise Cranny set dueling Canadian/American records, Cranny taking 14 seconds off Shalane Flanagan’s 14:47.62 AR.

Fisher and Cranny’s talents have long been known, and they are undoubtedly great runners. Yet between them, they own a grand total of one NCAA and one US title. That they could annihilate national records established by two of the greatest distance runners in American history is yet more evidence that we have entered a new age of distance running ushered in by super shoes, one in which the standards must be (and are being) adjusted.

 

World 10,000m bronze medalist Rhonex Kipruto from Police Boarder (PBU) Friday won the Kenya Police Cross Country Championships men’s 10km title on his debut.

Kipruto, who is the 10km world record holder cashed on the late withdrawal of eight-time defending champion Geoffrey Kamworor to win in 30 minutes and 28.57 seconds in the event held at the Ngong Racecourse.

Kamworor, who was going for his ninth title, withdrew after he sustained a groin injury during his long run the previous day.

But Kipruto’s victory didn’t come on a silver platter after he was forced to hold off teammate Michael Kibet in the last kilometre to triumph. 

The race curved fast into a two-horse battle between Kipruto and Kibet as early as the first four kilometres with Kibet leading throughout the distance. 

It’s only in the last kilometer that Kipruto, the 2018 World Under-20 10,000m champion, took charge and never looked back for his maiden win.

“It’s a good win coming just upon graduating from Kenya Police Training College. We went for team work with my brother Kibet. It was needless to fight each other ruthlessly when we are from the same team,” said Kipruto, ” said Kipruto, who embraced Kibet at the finishing line.

Kipruto paid tribute to Kamworor and wished him quick recovery. “ I would have loved to compete against him. He is a legend and I hope to compete with him in the next event,” said Kipruto.

Kipruto said he had not prepared well for the race having just graduated from Kenya Police Training College in December.

“We have a busy season and I will have to sit down with my coach brother Colm O’Connell to strategies well especially after I  missed out on Tokyo Olympics owing to a hip joint injury,” said Kipruto.

Kipruto intends to compete at the Memorial Agnes Tirop World Cross Country Tour on February 12 before turning his focus to the World Athletics Championships on July 15 to 24 in Oregon, United States and the Birmingham Commonwealth Games due July 28 to August 8 in United Kingdom.

“I want to work on my speed ahead of the track season," said Kipruto.

Selected results 

1.Rhonex Kipruto (BPU) 30:28.6

2.Michael Kibet (BPU) 30:28.9

3.Josphat Kiprotich (CIPU) 30:46.8

4.Joseph Kiptum (NEP) 30:50.7

5.Edwin Bett (RDU) 30:52.1

6.Kennedy Cheserek (GSU) 31:02.4.

World Half Marathon Championships silver medalist Kibiwott Kandie intends to use the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Cross Country Championships on Friday at Moi Air Base as part of his preparations for the track season.

Kandie, who will be seeking his fourth consecutive KDF title, said that he will focus on the 10,000 meters this season as he targets the Commonwealth Games and World Athletics Championships.

The World Athletics Championships will be held on July 15 to July 24 in Oregon, United States, while the Commonwealth Games are due on July 28 to August 8 in Birmingham, United Kingdom.

Iten-based Kandie said that he failed to perform as expected last year after he fell short in training. A nagging right knee injury also worsened things for the former half marathon world record holder.

“I think I over strained and that affected my performance,” said Kandie, who started 2021 with victory in the 10,000m in a personal best of 28:28.0 at the Athletics Kenya Weekend Meeting in February.

Familiar foes

Kandie said running under 29 minutes last year was a clear indication he can do well on the track.

At the same time, reigning World Cross Country Championship winner Hellen Obiri will be seeking her fifth KDF crown on Friday.

Obiri, the world 5,000m champion, recaptured the title in January last year when she beat defending champion Joyce Chepkemoi to second place in 33 minutes 25.1 seconds.

Sheila Chepkurui completed the podium followed by Nesphine Chepleting and Irene Kamais in fourth and fifth place, respectively.

Obiri, the Olympic 5,000m silver medalist, claimed previous wins in 2014, 2017 and 2019.

Obiri, Chepkemoi, Chepkurui, Chepleting and Kamais will be joined by former champion Joycilline Jepkopsgei, who is fresh from winning the London Marathon in October.

KDF first vice chairman Alfred Olenawangas said the event will have familiar faces.

“We expect a full house with most of our athletes having resumed training ahead of the busy 2022 season,” he said.

The World Athletics Council has today (1) agreed on the host cities of two future World Athletics Series events at their meeting in Monaco.

The 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships will be held in Glasgow, United Kingdom, and the 2024 World Athletics U20 Championships will be held in Lima, Peru.

Glasgow successfully hosted the European Indoor Championships in 2019, and World Athletics will now take its 2024 championships to the same arena.

The First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, hailed the decision.

“I’m delighted that Glasgow has been chosen to host the prestigious World Athletics Indoor Championships in 2024,” she said. “This will underline Scotland’s global reputation as the perfect stage for events and is welcome news as we look to recover from the pandemic.”

Councillor David McDonald, Chair of Glasgow Life and Deputy Leader of Glasgow City Council, added: “Today’s announcement by World Athletics recognises Glasgow’s global reputation as a first choice host for major sporting events and as a city with a track record of delivering world-class event experiences. It’s a privilege to be bringing the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships to the Emirates Arena, which is widely regarded as one of the best athletics venues in the world.”

Ian Beattie, Chair of UK Athletics, was also delighted that his federation will have the opportunity to host this event.

“World Athletics has demonstrated their confidence in the UK to host global athletics championships once again, and history has shown time and time again our ability to deliver amazing events,” he said. “We’re thrilled with the outcome and look forward to a successful championships working alongside our partners that will truly give all athletes a fantastic stage upon which to perform.”

The dates of the event have yet to be finalised, but are expected to be in March 2024.

 

Peru to host first World Athletics Series event in 2024

Lima will become the first city in Peru to host a World Athletics Series event when it welcomes the world’s best junior athletes in mid-2024.

The President of the Peruvian Athletics Federation, Javier Chirinos Hoyos, said this was a big moment for athletics in Peru.

“We are very happy and proud to have been chosen for the first time ever, to host the 2024 World U20 Championships,” he said. “Rest assured that we will organise the best event of this category in history. We have the experience and a great team to give the best in Lima in 2024. Thanks all and we will be waiting with open arms for all of you in Lima."

The general director of the Local Organising Committee, Luis Condeso Ocampo, added: “We are very happy and grateful to World Athletics for trusting us to host the World Athletics U20 Championships in 2024. We assume this designation with great responsibility, and be sure that the Peruvian Athletics Federation, with all the support of the Peruvian Sports Institute, the Municipality of Lima, and all sportspeople in Peru, we will make the World U20 Championships in Lima an unforgettable experience for all participants.”

With over 100 runners in the International elite race, over 400 in the sub-elite and with record numbers entering the mass race, this year’s Antrim Coast Half Marathon will be arguably one of the best half marathons in Europe, and one of the greatest ever in the United Kingdom.

The men’s race has seven men confirmed who have run under the 60-minute barrier.

Headlining the African contingent will be Jemal Yimer – winner of the Valencia Half Marathon in 2018. The current 6th fastest man of all time, Ethiopian record holder and ranked second in the world for the last two years, with a PB of 58:32 will be looking to better his own personal best on the super-fast route.

Joining Yimer will be fellow countryman Tesfahun Akalnew, the 21-year-old sensation, with a personal best time of 59:22 from the New Delhi Half Marathon will also look to better his time at this year’s event.

Shadrack Kimining, one of three Kenyans confirmed in this year’s race, twice breaking 60 minutes last year, placing third in Houston and running a PB in New Delhi with a time of 59:27 is also a confirmed starter.

Abrar Osman the Eritrean Olympic finalist and bronze medallist is looking to better his personal best of 59.47 set at the Lisbon International Half Marathon. A former winner of the African Games, he was seventh in the World Half Marathon championships in Cardiff in 2016.

Kenya’s latest star Daniel Mateiko, part of the postponed 2021 Kenyan World Cross Country team will be competing in his first ever half marathon after his world-class 10,00m debut in Hengelo last month, recording a time of 27:03, the fastest ever debut 10,000m.

With hopefully one global superstar still to announce, the British challenge will come from last year’s second place finisher, two-time European record holder and second fastest Briton all-time over 10,000m Marc Scott, looking to break the 60-minute barrier for the first time, returning fresh from the 5000m/10,000m double at the Tokyo Olympics.

British Olympian and Berlin Marathon fifth placer Scott Overall will also return to this year’s race.

The Irish contingent in the men’s race will be headlined by four Olympian’s young and old.

Belfast native Paul Pollock, post Tokyo Olympics will be looking to better his 62:09 and reclaim his Northern Ireland record broken at last year’s race by Stephen Scullion.

The women’s race will be headlined by Ethiopian sensation and third fastest ever Yalemzerf Yehualaw targeting the World Record on the super-fast course, a feat only ever achieved by Khalid Kannouchi and Paula Radcliffe in the UK, on both occasions set at the London Marathon.

After posting personal bests earlier in the year over the half marathon distance in Istanbul, with a time of 64:40 and running her first ever 5,000m in Paris last month, in a sensational debut of 14:53 her preparation has been perfect for an assault on the women’s world record.

Ethiopian stablemate Tsehay Gemechu will arrive fresh from her assault at the Olympic 10,000m in Tokyo, where she will be looking to better her two fourth place in the World Championships and sixth in the World Cross Country.

Gemechu will attack her own personal best of 66 min 0 sec, which she set winning the New Delhi Half Marathon in 2019.

Two-time World Half Marathon medallist Mary Ngugi is also confirmed and will look to get back to her form of 2016 which saw her take the silver medal at the World Half marathon championships in Cardiff, before targeting one of the major city marathons in October.

The British contingent will be headlined by last year’s fourth placer Becky Briggs, Tracey Barlow, and Ellie Davis with Irish distance stars Ann Marie McGlynn and Marie McCambridge also confirmed to start.

Last year’s winner Lily Partridge has had to pull out of defending her title due to an operation on her ankle, but has confirmed she will still make the journey to the province to support on the day.

Tokyo 2020 President Seiko Hashimoto has suggested the number of times athletes are tested for coronavirus could be increased amid growing fears over the spread of more transmissible variants.

Plans are in place for competitors to be tested once every four days during their time at this year’s rescheduled Olympic Games.

But Hashimoto is now considering increasing the testing frequency after the emergence of variants first identified in the United Kingdom, South Africa and Brazil which are continuing to spread worldwide.

Speaking to Japanese media, Hashimoto revealed that International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach had called on organisers to implement a stricter testing protocol to combat the virus.

"From the athletes' perspective, I think it's better that testing rules are strict to begin with rather than having a change in protocols announced midway through [the Games]," said Hashimoto in a report by Kyodo News.

"We do need to think about [increasing testing frequency)."

Hashimoto spoke to Bach during a recent meeting involving the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee, the IOC, the International Paralympic Committee, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Japanese Government.

Around 11,000 athletes are expected to compete at the Olympics in Tokyo.

But the number permitted to march in the Opening Ceremony is set to be restricted with Hashimoto suggesting it will be around a third of the amount that took part in the event at Rio 2016 which exceeded 12,000.

"Hopefully we can send the world a movie that provides a ray of light as we agonise and suffer from the coronavirus," Hashimoto about the staging of the Opening Ceremony.

"Given the situation, it might not be an Opening or Closing Ceremony where many people gather."

Hashimoto also indicated that changes could be made to the scheduling of events should an outbreak of coronavirus occur at the Games.

"We need to simulate for any potential scenarios," said Hashimoto.

"It's hard to think there won't be anything happening.

"Having no spectators is not totally ruled out."

The Games were originally scheduled to take place last year before being postponed to 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Tokyo 2020 Olympics are due to open on July 23 and conclude on August 8.

 

This year’s edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon earlier slated for February 13, has now been shifted till April 10, the organisers disclosed yesterday.

Last week, the Nilayo Sports Management Chief Executive Officer, Bukola Olopade, stated that the number of athletes taking part in the 2021 event was reduced from its usual 100,000 runners to 300 to stay within the regulatory procedure of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking on why it was postponed, Olopade stated that even though Lagos State government, the sponsors and the organisers were fully ready, there was the need to move the event forward to April 10 due to the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

Olopade added: “We are not going to increase the number from 300 runners even though a lot of foreign athletes want to use the silver label Access Bank Lagos City marathon to cement their qualification for the Tokyo Olympics.

“As we speak, this Lagos city marathon has been listed by World Athletics as qualifiers for the Tokyo Olympics. Even the April 10 date is already on their website,” Olopade said, adding that the 300 tickets available for the 2021 edition would be distributed to athletes both from the country and those coming from Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, United Kingdom, USA and other countries.

“The 2021 Lagos City Marathon would be exclusive for the 42km race. The 10km race and the wheelchair race won’t be part of this year’s edition. The health of the athletes and everyone, who will attend the event, is very important to us. The absence of the 10km race won’t take away the glamour of the event.”

“Lagos State has become a sports tourist attraction because of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon. We are always happy to support and make sure that the marathon happens and get better every year. We are looking forward to the April 10 date to show to the world that Lagos is a destination place to visit,” Olopade stated.

The king of Western States came so close at the Project Carbon X 2 race.

After more than six hours of running, Jim Walmsley crossed the finish line 11 seconds short of his ultimate goal—the world record in the 100K. 

At the Hoka Project Carbon X 2 100K race on January 23, held in Chandler, Arizona, Walmsley ran 6:09:25, shattering the American record of 6:27:44, set by Max King in 2014. But the world record (6:09:14, set by Nao Kazami in 2018) continues to elude him.

“Definitely feels like one of the more special runs I’ve had,” Walmsley said, in his post-race interview. “Really felt like I got everything out of myself today, dug real deep, and fought all the way to the line. I don’t feel like I gave up, but it was tough to see the seconds tick by. It’s a little bittersweet, but definitely awarded with an American record today, and those don’t come very often. I don’t get to do things like this in my home state very often, so it’s extremely positive. A 45-minute PR. It was a pretty amazing day.”

Nineteen men and women were chasing national and world records in the 100K distance in Saturday’s race. Walsmley was the men’s favorite to set both the world record and the American record, while Camille Herron was favored for the women. Herron was forced to drop out of the women’s race with a hip injury.

Walmsley started the race in a pack with five other runners, running conservatively to keep his legs fresh. But the other four runners faded behind him, leaving Walmsley to chase the record alone. His pacing picked up over the final 30K, as he raced the clock with everything he had.

Around the 3:30 mark in the race, Walmsley clipped his left shoulder on a course sign, and he was visibly bleeding for the next two and a half hours. At water stops, he’d fuel and treat his wound as best he could while keeping his stride.

The race came down to the final 10K, as Walmsley needed to run 37:58 or faster over the final miles. Those watching the race on the live stream could see the fatigue and pain set in over that final stretch. He let out a loud “C’mon, Jim” scream with a little more than 5K to go, fighting the clock with everything he had.

As he entered the drag strip to the finish, he had just over a minute to cover the final hundreds of meters. He got on his toes, repeatedly checked his watch, and ran as hard as he could to beat the clock that was now in his sights. Ultimately, he watched the clock tick past 6:09:14, finishing 11 seconds later. 

“We’ll have to try it again,” Walmsley said in his post-race interview. “We’re in the right ballpark and on the right track and we have a shoe to compete with this and we’re knocking on the door. I don’t think I’m done with the 100K. Fortunately, unfortunately, there’s likely another one down the road.”

The remainder of Walmsley’s year is uncertain, because of the pandemic. He told Runner’s World before the race that he’s looking at first are the Comrades Marathon and the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc. In the near future, he’s hoping to do the Black Canyon 100K three weeks from this weekend on February 13.

The Flagstaff, Arizona, native wasn’t the only runner with a notable day out on the course. Rajpaul Pannu took second in the men’s 100K in his first-ever attempt at the distance. Pannu is a math teacher in addition to being a pro runner who finished 63rd at the Olympic Marathon Trials in February 2020. 

In the women’s race, the United Kingdom’s Carla Molinaro and the United States’s Camille Herron led for the first half of the race before France’s Audrey Tanguy slowly made her way past both runners early in the second half of the race. After that, Herron was forced to drop out after six of nine laps due to a hip injury. 

Tanguy, the reigning and two-time champion of the Ultra-Trail Sur les Traces des Ducs de Savoie (TDS), captured the lead and ran away with the race for the win in 7:40:35, unofficially.

American Nicole Monette did move close to Tanguy late in the race and took second, finishing less than three minutes behind the winner. 

 

 

To stay within the COVID-19 protocol globally, organisers of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon have decided to reduce the number of participants from its usual 100,000 runners to 300 for the 2021 edition, billed for February 13.

The event had over 50,000 runners at the first edition and 73,000 in the second. The number had since increased to 100,000 runners, but the Chief Executive Officer of Nilayo Sports Management Company, Bukola Olopade, told The Guardian yesterday that the sixth edition holding on February 13 will only accommodate 300 runners.

But there seems to be lot of pleasure from foreign athletes, who want to use the silver label Access Bank Lagos City marathon to cement their qualification for other top long distance races across the globe.

Olopade hinted yesterday that of the 300 tickets available for the 2021 edition, foreign runners from Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, United Kingdom and the United States of America would get 240 slots, while the remaining tickets will go to selected Nigerian professional runners and clubs.

“A lot of foreign athletes are mounting pleasure on us for tickets to enable them take part in this year’s edition. They want to use Access Bank Lagos City marathon to qualify for some other major marathon races across the world, but we cannot go more than the 300 number,” Olopade said. “We have gotten the approval from both Lagos State Sports Commission and Ministry of Health, and we must do it in accordance with the COVID-19 Protocol globally.”

Olopade, a former sports commissioner in Ogun State disclosed that only five journalists would be allowed to cover this year’s edition, just as he hinted yesterday that the 2021 Lagos City Marathon would be exclusive for the 42km race. “The 10km race and the wheelchair race won’t be part of this year’s edition. The health of the athletes and everyone who will attend the event is very important to us. The absence of the 10km race won’t take away the glamour of the event.”

Olopade also disclosed yesterday that apart from reducing the number of runners, they have also cut down on the number of personalities to be invited for the ceremony. “We won’t have more then 60 guests at the finish point, and everyone must wear nose mask and stay some meters away from one another. He commended Lagos State Government, particularly the Executive Chairman of Lagos State Sports Commission, Sola Aiyepeku, for his support.

“Lagos State has become a sports tourist attraction because of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, so we are always happy to support and make sure that the Marathon happens and get better every year,” Olopade stated.

Olympic gold medalist Sir Mo Farah will compete in the 10km Cape Town Marathon Virtual Race Run in the United Kingdom, which is scheduled to get underway on October 18.

The coronavirus pandemic saw the launch of the virtual event and while Cape Town Marathon participants may miss out on the spectacle, the virtual race promises to take all the iconic elements of Cape Town's favorite marathon to its global participant base.

This will be done through the race's custom-built and feature-packed app.

"This year, runners from across the globe can experience the magic of the Cape Town Marathon without having to travel, while the dynamic surround sound feature within the app will allow participants to listen to the unique sounds of the Cape Town Marathon route while treading the familiar ground of their chosen race route," said Cape Town Marathon Race Director, Renee Jordaan. 

Cape Town Marathon chairperson, Francois Pienaar, adds that it is a privilege to host the first virtual race of its kind in the world.  

"We are already in the spotlight as the only race on the African continent to enjoy the prestigious World Athletics Gold Label Status, so I am really proud that the world's first truly immersive virtual marathon comes from South Africa and Africa.

"I am also thrilled to confirm that World Champ, multiple Olympian and gold medalist, Sir Mo Farah, will race in the 10km Virtual Peace Run in the UK. His participation is a huge boost for the virtual race and shows that anyone can run the Cape Town Virtual Marathon, no matter where you are."

Sydney Mbhele, Chief Executive of Brand at Sanlam, says, “We are extremely proud to be sponsoring a first-of-its-kind virtual marathon that encourages people everywhere to ‘Run for Something’. This desire to stand for something, do good and make a tangible difference is part of Sanlam’s DNA. As a pan-African business, it’s encapsulated by our mission to invest in potential and foster positive financial futures across Africa for generations to come. To launch our Run for Something campaign, we’re donating R100,000 to CANSA and we’re rallying 5,000 Sanlam staff to run for CANSA on race day, globally. We urge others to join us. Let’s try and raise as much as possible for this vital NPO. Together, we can have a massive impact.”

The Cape Town Virtual Marathon, which also includes the 5km and 10km Peace Runs and newly-added half marathon, takes place on October 18, 2020. 

South African participants will be in for a treat on Race Day with the addition of 15 fully stocked water tables - including food, sweets and energy bars - at selected Woolworths stores across the country. The exact locations and safety protocols of these water tables will be released in the coming weeks to assist runners with their virtual race route planning.

World Athletics and parkrun Global Limited are delighted to announce a new partnership by which they will combine their resources to grow the sport of athletics and deliver good health and fitness outcomes for communities around the world.

Parkrun’s simple concept of offering an opportunity for anyone to participate in a free, weekly, organised 5km or 2km run at a local park has captured the imagination of communities around the world over the past 16 years.

From its roots at Bushy Park, Teddington in the United Kingdom in 2004, parkrun has expanded to 20 countries in the past 10 years, and now has more than three million participants globally.

World Athletics, which has 214 Member Federations, and parkrun will work together to encourage people around the world to get moving and keep moving by joining a local parkrun.

Parkrun will assist World Athletics to leave community health legacies in the host countries of World Athletics Series events by creating a series of permanent parkruns in the host cities and countries of world championship events, including the World Championships Oregon 2022 and Budapest 2023. To that end, World Athletics will facilitate government/city support for these events.

World Athletics CEO Jon Ridgeon said parkrun’s purpose aligned perfectly with the sport’s global ambitions for the next four years.

“We have just approved a strategic plan that has the main objective of using the power and accessibility of athletics and our athletes to create a healthier and fitter world,” Ridgeon said.

“One of the ways we are doing this is by developing strong new partnerships where our common cause is to get the world moving. We know that many more people have taken up running during the lockdowns around the world, which makes sense because our sport is the most universal and accessible of all sports, and we want to encourage those people to keep up their new fitness routines as life returns to a more normal footing after the pandemic. Doing a weekly parkrun is an excellent way to stay motivated and find a local running community once mass events are possible again.

“We’re also determined to leave tangible community legacies in all of our future host cities and countries, and there is no better way to do that than by helping to improve the health of their citizens.”

Parkrun CEO Nick Pearson said both organisations were determined to get more people running for their health, fitness and enjoyment.

“This partnership offers parkrun a fantastic platform to demonstrate the role, relevance and value of community health and wellbeing initiatives and to highlight that sport and physical activity is accessible to all,” Pearson said. “It is exciting to see this approach embraced by World Athletics, and we look forward to working with stakeholders in the host countries of World Athletics Series events to support and develop a network of parkrun events.

“We believe that finding positive ways to connect grass roots and community activity with elite sport has multiple benefits and builds stronger sporting foundations and broader engagement. Exercise and physical activity is more accessible and sustainable where sports organisations collaborate and work towards mutual goals. Encouraging the social and community participants to engage with and experience a more competitive sporting environment will help to build a stronger sport and expose pathways to more sporting opportunities.”

Parkrun New Zealand has announced last week that it will be able to resume on July 4, with measures in place to allow contact tracing of participants.

The global community of walkers and runners came together for the fifth edition in the Rock ‘n’ Roll® Virtual Running™ (VR™) Series, Rock ‘n’ Roll VR5, with over 18,000 people from 95 nations and 47 states registered to step up to the virtual start line. Rock ‘n’ Roll VR5 gave participants the opportunity to challenge themselves with two different race distances that included 10K and 6K options. In addition, the Remix Challenge was offered for those who took on both distances, with finishers earning access to three medals through the Rock ‘n’ Roll VR Finisher Bundles.Participants were able to compete anywhere, indoors or outdoors, as long as the distance of their choosing was completed in one session between Friday, May 22 at 2 p.m. ET and event close Sunday, May 24 at 7:59 p.m. ET.

Participants in Rock ‘n’ Roll VR5 came from around the world and ranged in age from 18 to 82. The United States led the way with over 9,000 walkers and runners followed by the United Kingdom (over 800), Canada (over 700), Mexico (over 500) and Portugal (over 250).

Other nations represented included Bangladesh, Cuba, Ireland, Jamaica, Lithuania, Poland, South Korea and Thailand, among others. Of the 47 U.S. states represented, the greatest number came from California, followed by Texas, Virginia, New Jersey and Florida.

Nations joining a Rock 'n' Roll VR event for the first time were Afghanistan, Bermuda, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, and Syria, among others. To date, over 37,000 people from across the globe have joined the Rock ‘n’ Roll® Virtual Running Club platform, giving them access to the series of weekly races, challenges, and rewards. Just under 8,000 participants took on a Rock ‘n’ Roll Virtual Running Club™ Challenge leading up to Rock ‘n’ Roll VR5.

Several separate running and workout-based challenges were offered with the opportunity for special prizes such as a pair of Rock ‘n’ Roll Launch 7 by Brooks Running Company sneakers, a Rock ‘n’ Roll 26.2 or 13.1 Medal Display Hanger, and a Rock ‘n’ Roll by Brooks Running Company Run Club Stealth long-sleeve shirt + Rock ‘n’ Roll Cascadia 7” pair of shorts.

The challenges included the Brooks: Find Some Run Happy III Challenge, St. Jude: 100% Worth It Challenge, and George's Squatathon Challenge.

The global community of walkers and runners came together for the fourth straight weekend setting a new benchmark high with over 20,000 people registered spanning from 94 nations and 47 states stepping up to the virtual start line for Rock ‘n’ Roll VR4, the fourth edition in the Rock ‘n’ Roll® Virtual Running™ (VR™) Series. Rock ‘n’ Roll VR4 gave participants the opportunity to challenge themselves with two different race distances that included 12K and 5K options.

In addition, the Remix Challenge was offered for those who took on both distances, with finishers earning access to three medals through the Rock ‘n’ Roll VR Finisher Bundles. Participants were able to compete anywhere, indoors or outdoors, as long as the distance of their choosing was completed in one session between Friday, May 15 at 2 p.m. ET and event close Sunday, May 17 at 7:59 p.m.

Participants in Rock ‘n’ Roll VR4 came from around the world and ranged in age from 19 to 82. The United States led the way with over 10,000 walkers and runners followed by the United Kingdom (over 850), Canada (over 800), Mexico (just under 500) and Spain (over 300). Other nations represented included Germany, Puerto Rico, Gibraltar, Hungary, Moldova, Switzerland, Greece and El Salvador, among others. Of the 47 U.S. states represented, the greatest number came from California, followed by Texas, Virginia, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Nations joining a Rock 'n' Roll VR event for the first time were the Bahamas, Tanzania, Antarctica, Cuba, the United States Virgin Islands and Mauritius, among others.

To date, over 34,000 people from across the globe have joined the Rock ‘n’ Roll® Virtual Running Club platform, giving them access to the series of weekly races, challenges, and rewards. Over 8,500 participants took on a Rock ‘n’ Roll Virtual Running Club™ Challenge leading up to Rock ‘n’ Roll VR4. Several separate running and workout-based challenges were offered with the opportunity for special prizes such as a Rock ‘n’ Roll Hydration Backpack, a Rock ‘n’ Roll by Brooks Running Company Tie Dye Tank + Chaser 5-inch Shorts, and a Rock ‘n’ Roll Tie Dye Trio bundle. The challenges included the United Airlines Challenge 2: Monumental Miles, Tutorial Challenge 2: The Trial Runs, and Community Challenge 4: Fartleks Make Me Laugh.

The Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series® is the world’s largest running series taking part in over 30 destination events around the world every year. Established in 1998, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series simple idea of making running fun has transformed both the U.S. and global running landscape by infusing the course with live bands, cheer teams and entertaining water stations, creating a block-party atmosphere for participants and spectators alike. Focused on running, music and community, race weekend kicks off with a free Health & Fitness Expo showcasing the latest in running gear, sports apparel, health and nutritional information and much more.

Events culminate with an entertaining finish-line festival featuring some of the biggest names in music, with past performances including Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, O.A.R. Aloe Blacc, Pitbull, Flo Rida, The Band Perry, Fitz and the Tantrums, the Goo Goo Dolls and Bret Michaels. 

The global community of walkers and runners came together for the third straight weekend with over 15,000 people from 87 nations and all 50 states stepping up to the virtual start line for Rock ‘n’ Roll VR3, the third edition in the Rock ‘n’ Roll® Virtual Running™ (VR™) Series. Rock ‘n’ Roll VR3 gave participants the opportunity to challenge themselves with two different race distances that included 8K and 15K options.

In addition, the first ever virtual Remix Challenge was offered giving participants who took on both distances a chance to earn access to three medals through the Rock ‘n’ Roll VR Finisher Bundles. Participants were able to compete anywhere, indoors or outdoors, as long as the distance of their choosing was completed in one session between Friday, May 8 at 2 p.m. ET and event close Sunday, May 10 at 7:59 p.m. ET.

Participants in Rock ‘n’ Roll VR3 came from around the world and ranged in age from 18 to 82. The United States led the way with over 9,000 walkers and runners followed by Canada (over 700), the United Kingdom (over 650), Mexico (over 350) and Spain (over 200). Other nations represented included Australia, Bangladesh, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Guatemala, Hungary, India, Japan, and Malaysia, among others.

Of the 50 U.S. states represented, the greatest number came from California, followed by Texas, Florida, Virginia and Washington. Nations joining a Rock 'n' Roll VR event for the first time were, Barbados, Cameroon, India, Morocco, the United Arab Emirates, and Uruguay, among others.

Over 8,000 participants took on the Rock ‘n’ Roll Virtual Running Club™ Challenges leading up to Rock ‘n’ Roll VR3. Participants embarked on several separate running and workout challenges with the opportunity for rewards in the comfort of their own community. The challenges included the SiS Challenge 1: Tempo Run, a 55 Minute Tempo Workout; Community Challenge 3: Aleks' "Don't Miss the Beep" Challenge, a 50 Minute Interval Run in one session; and Brooks Challenge 2: #FindSomeRunHappy II: 60 minutes of running over 2 sessions with some ideas on how to #RunHappy. Special prizes such as a pair of Rock ‘n’ Roll Launch 7 by Brooks Running Company sneakers, a $100 gift card to Science in Sport, and a Rock ‘n’ Roll Tie Dye Trio bundle were all awarded out. In total, over 30,000 runners and walkers from across the globe have joined the Rock ‘n’ Roll® Virtual Running Club platform to date, giving them access to a series of weekly races, challenges, and rewards.

This week, Rock ‘n’ Roll VR4 will offer two distances for the global community, including an 5K and 12K. Racing begins on Friday, May 15 at 2 p.m. ET and concludes on Sunday, May 17 at 7:59 p.m. ET. The virtual Remix Challenge returns for a second straight week for participants who want to take on both of this weekend’s race distances of a 5K and 12K can earn access to three medals. In addition, participants who complete each of the Remix Challenges for races RnRVR3 through RnRVR6, will have the opportunity to purchase a special RnRVR6 finisher bundle that not only includes the Remix Challenge medal, but also a celebratory ENCORE medal to commemorate their success.

The global community of walkers and runners came together for the second straight weekend with over 13,000 people from 75 nations and all 50 states taking to the virtual start line for Rock ‘n’ Roll VR2, the second edition in the Rock ‘n’ Roll® Virtual Running™ (VR™) Series. Rock ‘n’ Roll VR2 offered participants two different race distances that included 10K and Half Marathon options.

Participants have the ability to compete anywhere, indoors or outdoors, as long as the distance of their choosing was completed in one session between Friday, May 1 at 2 p.m. ET and event close Sunday, May 3 at 7:59 p.m. ET.

Participants in Rock ‘n’ Roll VR2 came from around the world and ranged in age from 18 to 77. The United States led the way with over 7,000 walkers and runners followed by Canada (over 500), the United Kingdom (over 500), Mexico (over 250) and Spain (over 150).

Other nations represented included Argentina, Croatia, Indonesia, Italy, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Norway, and Turkey, among others. Of the 50 U.S. states represented, the greatest number came from California, followed by Texas, Florida, Virginia and Arizona. Nearly 10,000 participants took on the Rock ‘n’ Roll Virtual Running Club™ Challenges leading up to Rock ‘n’ Roll VR2. Participants embarked on several separate running and workout challenges with the opportunity for rewards in the comfort of their own community.

The challenges included the United Airlines Challenge 1: Escape to San Francisco, which saw participants complete a 1.7-mile run, the exact distance it would take to cross the iconic Golden Gate Bridge; The St. Jude Challenge 1: 10,800 Strong, a 5-mile run in one period for the Heroes of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and a Community Challenge 2: Geena's "Oh, a Tree" Challenge a 50-minute fartlek, A.K.A “speed play”, session of consecutive running (a workout that helps the body adapt to various speeds, conditioning you to become faster over longer distances).

Special prizes such as a Rock ‘n’ Roll Hydration Backpack, Rock ‘n’ Roll Medal Display Hanger; and a Rock ‘n’ Roll by Brooks Running Company Accessories Bundle were awarded out. In total, 27,000 runners and walkers from across the globe have joined the Rock ‘n’ Roll® Virtual Running Club platform giving them access to a series of weekly races, challenges, and rewards.

This week, Rock ‘n’ Roll VR3 will offer two distances for the global community, including an 8K and 15K. Racing begins on Friday, May 8 at 2 p.m. ET and concludes on Sunday, May 10 at 7:59 p.m. ET. In addition, the first ever virtual Remix Challenge will be offered during this weekend’s races. Participants who take on both the Rock ‘n’ Roll VR3 8K and 15K can earn access to three medals beginning Friday, May 8 at 2 p.m. ET. To register for Rock ‘n’ Roll VR3, runners need to sign up for the distance they would like to do through the Rock ‘n’ Roll Virtual Running Club platform and connect to their tracker app. Runners can then complete their registration by going to the “Events” tab and clicking “Register Now” on the virtual race page.

The road racer flew to Japan to sign a deal with Toyota Motor Corporation before the suspension of international flights.

He managed to fly to Tokyo moments before Kenya suspended all international flights due to the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic.

And from the experience, Bedan Karoki, the 2016 World Half Marathon silver medalist, says the Covid-19 crisis serves as a wake-up call to sportsmen and women. That was barely one week after competing in Tokyo Marathon on March 1.

The 2020 edition of the Tokyo Marathon was restricted to elite athletes only. The race organisers had canceled the event for 38,000 fun runners due to health and safety fears.

“I had just come home after competing in Tokyo Marathon when the first case was reported. I had to make quick decision to go back to Japan, where I had to sign a deal to start working with Toyota Motor Corporation in April. My fears were that Kenyan authorities could cancel all international flights immediately and I had to rush back. 

“Though there are no group training sessions here in Japan, we train individually to keep fit. My new company has a large training ground. 

“But Covid-19 has been a wake-up call to sportsmen and women. I have realised that careers and earnings can come to an abrupt end. Some of us are lucky to be earning some money from our employers,” said Karoki, who previously competed for DeNA Cooperate team in Tokyo.

Karoki, who comes from Nyandarua, was on the marathon reserve list for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games team.

Since his debut in the national team at the 2011 at All Africa Games in Maputo, Mozambique, where he won silver medal in 10,000m, Karoki has always donned the national team colours – featuring prominently in 10,000m, World Cross Country and World Half Marathon championships alongside three-time World Half Marathon winner Geoffrey Kamworor. 

He has finished second behind Kamworor at the 2015 IAAF World Cross Country Championship in Guiyang, China and World Half Marathon Championships in Cardiff, United Kingdom in 2016.

UK Athletics said Wednesday it had at last handed over an internal report into its relationship with banned American coach Alberto Salazar during the time he worked with track star Mo Farah to Britain's national anti-doping agency.

The report dates back to 2015 and was prompted by a BBC documentary on Salazar.

The disgraced coach is currently serving a four-year ban imposed by the United States Anti-Doping Agency in October for offences that include trafficking in testosterone, tampering with the doping control process and administering illicit infusions of the fat-burning substance L-carnitine.

Salazar, who denies wrongdoing, has appealed against the ban to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Just over a month ago, an independent review of both the 2015 report and another undertaken two years later, was published.

But United Kingdom Anti-Doping executive chief Nicole Sapstead demanded to see the original report in full after UK Athletics merely provided an edited summary.

UK Athletics responded by saying it was "wholly wrong and inaccurate" to suggest they were "being obstructive in this matter," with chief executive Joanna Coates saying earlier this month the report would go to UKAD just as soon as all confidentiality procedures had been completed.

UK Athletics confirmed Wednesday the report had been sent over, a statement saying: "UKA can confirm that the 2015 report has been provided to UKAD.

"UKA remains fully committed to protecting the integrity of the sport and the pursuit of clean athletics and we will continue to assist UKAD with any further queries."

Four-time Olympic gold medallist Farah, twice champion at both the 5,000 and 10,000 metres, worked with Salazar from 2011-2017.

The British distance great, who has never failed a drugs test, is not accused of any wrongdoing.

AFC Wimbledon fan Kevin Webber was diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer five years ago and given only two years to live, he tells Sky Sports News reporter Jeremy Langdon.

That diagnosis changed Kevin's perspective on life and, when it came to making up a bucket list, the Marathon des Sables (MdS) was top.

The brutal Saharan ultra-marathon is notorious. Normally around 250 kilometers long, it means six days of suffering in desert heat with a pack on your back.

Kevin warmed up with two conventional marathons - against medical advice - while undergoing chemotherapy before running the MdS in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019.

This year would have been the fifth - and also would have made him the only person to run the event that many times with stage 4 cancer - but coronavirus forced the race in Morocco to be postponed early this month.

So Kevin decided to run it instead in his back garden and round his house in Epsom, Surrey.

He said: "I thought I'm not going to allow cancer to stop me doing things so equally I'm not going to allow coronavirus stopping me doing things either".

Kevin ran the 2019 race distance of 232km - around 140 miles - and fittingly made it a truly home event with the United Kingdom placed in lockdown.

"It would have been very easy for me to have gone out on the road and run a marathon in a day but that wouldn't have proved the point. About the solitude. About getting on when you're on your own. I wanted to prove to people in lockdown that even if you self-isolate you can do things," he added.

It meant an astonishing 2,700 laps round his house with each lap consisting of only 80 meters. It was not the easiest circuit either. Thirty metres through the garden. Ten metres down the side of the house - twice - together with another 20 meters at the front of the house round his two cars.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has decided to postpone the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games which were both scheduled for the summer of 2020.

Thomas Bach, president of the IOC, has set a four-week deadline period to decide on the new dates for the international sporting events.

The decision to postpone the 2020 Olympic Games, which would've been held between July 24 and August 9, has been taken due to the coronavirus outbreak and will be made official in the next few hours.

IOC have ruled out cancelling the events but have finally given in to pressure from important federations such as that of the United Kingdom and the United States.

In the upcoming weeks, Tokyo Olympics organisers have to deal with several legal implications in regard to ongoing contracts, insurance fees, future inhabitants who have already bought buildings in the Olympic Village and the extra cost of their maintenance.

the 42nd Annual Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathon and Half Marathon, second-year Race Director Michelle La Sala has been busy putting the final touches on this year’s event.

“We prepare all year long to have this week to prepare for all of the many things that are not set in stone and change on a dime,” she said Monday morning.

On that particular day, she was updating the event’s website and social media pages to spread the news that all the races had officially sold out. The final spots had been reserved late Sunday night.

One of the main reasons for the down-to-the-wire sellout was because of the expanded field this year. After the success of the inaugural half marathon in 2019, the organization extended the caps on both that race and the full marathon for this year.

“We’ve taken just over 700 more people across the board in all three events this year for this sellout, so we’re super excited,” La Sala said. “It’s going to be a great year. The weather is looking good, but we are coming into this race as the largest Napa Valley Marathon and Half Marathon ever.”

In total, she said, more than 5,000 people will be participating in this year’s marathon, half marathon and 5K combined, all taking place this Sunday, March 1. Two thousand have registered for the full, 2,500 for the half, and 600 for the 5K.

Sunday will also be one of the coolest days temperature-wise all week. The high is forecast to be 59 and the low at 39, according to accuweather.com, which also says it will be “mostly cloudy and cool.” The forecast also says that the chance of rain will be 25 percent.

Twenty-one countries and 47 American states will be represented on Sunday. La Sala said there are “many” entrants from the Bay Area as well as from across the rest of California. She also added that they’ve had sign-ups from New Zealand, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, Costa Rica and the United Kingdom, to name a few.

“We’re excited to showcase the Napa Valley to them,” she said.

While this is the largest field ever seen for this event, La Sala did concede that the marathon won’t feature as many elite entrants as it has in the past. That’s because the U.S. Marathon Olympic Trials are being held in Atlanta, Georgia, this weekend, as well, and most of the country’s premier distance runners will be competing there.

Ultrarunning has become more mainstream over the past few decades as many runners have turned their attention to the trails to go beyond 26.2.

That’s not just an opinion, it’s a scientific fact backed by the research conducted by RunRepeat and the International Association of Ultrarunning, which teamed up to examine 5,010,730 race results from 15,451 races—roughly 80 percent of all ultras believed to have taken place worldwide since 1996.

With that much data, we can safely make some conclusions about the sport and where it’s headed. (You can read the entire report RunRepeat.) Here’s what stood out to our Runner’s World editors.  

It’s no surprise that as ultramarathons enter the mainstream, more people are signing up for races. This is a huge change compared to road races—5Ks have seen a decline since 2015, according to a RunRepeat and World Athletics study, while marathons have leveled off. In comparison, ultras have grown 345 percent since 1996 from 34,401 ultrarunners in 1996 to 611,098 in 2018.

That’s not to say everyone is doing the extreme distances. In fact, only about a quarter of ultrarunners prefer distances over 50 miles .

There is still a massive gender disparity in the ultrarunning world. In 2018, only 16 percent of race participants were female. Yikes! Work needs to be done to rectify that, but the current trend is promising.

That 16 percent represents around 97,700 women, whereas around 4,800 total women competed in ultras in 1996. The overall percentage still needs to tighten up, but it is exciting to see that there have never been more women going beyond 26.2 than right now.

Most numbers seem to point up in the study, except for the average pace we see in races longer than 26.2. On average, ultrarunners are moving at about at 13:16-per-mile pace. That’s 1:41 per mile more than in 1996 when the average pace was 11:35. This is likely because of the increase in amateur participation.

That becomes clearer when we look at the longer race paces that actually become faster when the race is longer. Over 50 miles is typically where you’ll find the most dedicated ultrarunners, which translates to more training and faster times. With this is mind, it also makes sense that the longer distance paces have remained fairly steady over the years whereas the 50K distance has seen the biggest slow down in pace, going down more than 2 and a half minutes slower than in 1996—a 23-percent change.

The average pace may be declining, but females are gaining on—and even passing in some circumstances—the men.

Women have slowed down from a 12:25 to a 13:23—40 seconds—at all distances above the marathon. However, men have slowed down from 11:24 to a 13:21—a 1:57 difference. Yes, that’s a two-second difference between the average paces for the genders.

However, women, on average, are faster than men by 0.6% during races longer than 195 miles. We think Courtney Dauwalter, Camille Herron, and Maggie Guterl would agree with that information.

The average age of participants has gone down by a little over the last decade—43.3 years old to 42.3. It’s not a huge shift, but it’s still a sign that the participants are skewing a little younger.

That’s unlike the rest of the running world that has seen all race’s average ages steadily increase since 1996. When we look at the 5K to marathon, the average age goes up from 39.3 to 42.5, according to a RunRepeat and World Athletics study. The study states this is likely because of more dedicated runners sticking with it into their 60s and 70s.

Don’t let age fool you though. Anyone can run. Take it from George Etzweiler and Gene Dykes.The Demographic Is Getting Younger

The average age of participants has gone down by a little over the last decade—43.3 years old to 42.3. It’s not a huge shift, but it’s still a sign that the participants are skewing a little younger.

That’s unlike the rest of the running world that has seen all race’s average ages steadily increase since 1996. When we look at the 5K to marathon, the average age goes up from 39.3 to 42.5, according to a RunRepeat and World Athletics study. The study states this is likely because of more dedicated runners sticking with it into their 60s and 70s.

Don’t let age fool you though. Anyone can run. Take it from George Etzweiler and Gene Dykes.

The U.S. does Lag Behind the Rest of the World.  Some of the best ultarunning talent in the world might come from the U.S. for both men and women, but overall, the country’s average pace is ranked eighth. Taking the podium spots when it comes to average speed over all distances beyond 26.2 miles are:

South Africa (10:36 average pace). Sweden (11:56). Germany (12:01)

After that, the Netherlands (12:41), United Kingdom (12:44), Belgium (13:03), and Australia (13:18) rank ahead of the U.S (13:22).

According to the university, he was honored due to his commitment in the field of sports and being a marathon record holder.

The award comes days after Laikipia University also conferred Kipchoge a Doctorate Degree in Science during its seventh graduation ceremony.

An honorary degree is an academic degree for which a university has waived the usual requirements such as enrollment, a dissertation and the passing of comprehensive examination.

It is also known by the Latin phrases honoris causa ("for the sake of the honor") or ad honorem ("to the honor").

The degree is typically a doctorate or less commonly, a master’s degree, and may be awarded to someone who has no prior connection with the academic institution or no previous post-secondary education.

The degree is often conferred as a way of honoring a distinguished person's contributions to a specific field or to society in general.

A morbidly obese fast food addict who was given a “diet or die” ultimatum from his doctors not only lost 266 pounds, he also completed a half marathon with his personal trainer.

Twenty-eight-year-old Brit Darren McClintock, nicknamed “Dibsy,” weighed 560 pounds (approx. 254 kg) in 2018. Doctors warned Dibsy that his junk food habit may very well send him to an early grave, and the shocking revelation spurred the young man into action.

Personal trainer Mike Hind, notorious for his practice of taking on one pro bono client every year, noticed Dibsy and his mom outside his healthy diner one day and offered the overweight man his assistance. It was the boost Dibsy needed to get started on his formidable weight loss journey.

Hind, a married father of three, had an ingenious idea. He planted posters around Dibsy’s hometown of Middlesbrough, England, urging fast-food vendors not to serve his client.

“Save Dibsy,” the poster read. “Obesity is killing him. Do not serve this man.”

Dibsy had succumbed to comfort eating after losing his father at the age of 18. Unemployed and unable to find clothes that fit, Dibsy was debilitated by his excess weight. According to The Sun, he even spent his nights sleeping on the sofa, unable to climb the stairs to bed.

Dibsy pledged to give up his vices: fast food, fizzy drinks, and alcohol. He pledged to reduce his staggering 11,000 daily calorie consumption, and Hind helped his overweight friend to design the perfect, tailor-made exercise regime.

According to the United Kingdom’s government statistics, 29 percent of adults in the United Kingdom were classified as obese in 2018. In the United States, this figure was 39.8 percent for the last recorded year (2016), as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Hind provided Dibsy with the expert advice and moral support he needed to thrive on his new regime. With hard work, determination, and gargantuan willpower, Dibsy started to see impressive results.

Ten months after his weight loss journey began, Dibsy had lost almost half his original body weight. In celebration of his progress, Dibsy completed the Great North Run in Newcastle, England, on Sept. 8, 2019.

“I’m under no illusions that it will be a hard, long day,” Dibsy told ITV ahead of the run, incidentally the world’s biggest half marathon. “But my heart won’t give up, and I’m in a good position now to do it.”

As good as his word, Dibsy finished the race in a triumphant 2 hours and 43 minutes.

The runner spoke to Teeside Live after crossing the finish line. “I didn’t realize how much support there would be, people shouting along the way, it was unbelievable,” Dibsy said.

“It’s an amazing feeling afterwards, knowing you have done it,” the young runner continued. “I found it hard but the sense of achievement is unbelievable.” Dibsy hopes to achieve an even better finishing time in 2020.

Boulder’s Ryan Smith won the Leadville 100 trail run on Saturday night thanks to consistent second-half pacing that left his rivals unable to respond. It was the biggest win of his ultrarunning career.

The Boulder-based runner, who came to the United States from the United Kingdom and works full-time a software engineer, was greeted at the finish by his wife and almost 2-year-old daughter. He turned 40 years old this year.

“There’s just a lot of running in the race,” Smith said, referring to the long flat sections along much of the course. “It really favors a flat runner rather than a mountain runner, and I typically do a lot of mountain stuff.”

His win — in 16 hours, 33 minutes, 25 seconds — was far from expected. Smith was not among the pre-race favorites to win, and he wasn’t feeling well leading into the Twin Lakes aid station near the 40-mile mark. But at the turnaround at Winfield, he held his pace steady, averaging around 10 minutes per mile for the rest of the race.

“Always be closing!” his last pacesetter, Clare Gallagher, herself a Leadville 100 winner in 2016, yelled to him after his win. She was referring to Smith’s penchant for strong finishes, and to the casual observer, it might have seemed that Smith was surging. But consistent pacing that late in a race — he averaged 9:58, 9:53, 9:59, 9:54, 10:01, 9:55, 9:54 for all of the second half checkpoints — is remarkably difficult to achieve.

His win came after Jared Hazen, the runner-up to this year’s Western States 100, set out a blistering early pace, intent on breaking the course record of 15:42 set by Matt Carpenter in 2005. Late Saturday morning, while racing back toward Twin Lakes, he told a Denver Post reporter along the trail that he had dropped out and “needed to get to an aid station.” He had turned around before the Winfield aid station — the halfway point of the course.

The Leadville is infamous for seducing runners into racing too hard too early, with flat fields and trails before turning into a punishing climb to 12,600 feet over Hope Pass.

For the women, Magdalena Boulet of Oakland, Calif., finished in 20:18:07 in her first Leadville 100. Boulet, who won her first-ever 100-miler in 2015 at Western States and was a U.S. Olympic marathoner in 2008, said she was inspired to run at Leadville after crewing for her boss at GU Energy Labs a few years ago. She had acclimatized at altitude for only two weeks before Saturday’s run. Boulder’s Cat Bradley was the second woman to cross the finish line in 20:45:48.

With the help of her mom, 8-month-old Sadie Rose Stroud was the first female to cross the finish at the Vintage Park Half Marathon in Houston on April 14.

She and her mom, local runner Lauren Stroud, not only took the women’s win in 1:22:29, they also set a pending stroller half marathon Guinness record while doing so.

Stroud took more than five minutes off the previous official Guinness record of 1:27:34 held by Lindsy James of the United Kingdom. Julia Webb beat this time at the 2016 Rock ’n’ Roll Chicago Half Marathon with a 1:22:57, but this record appears to have never been ratified by Guinness.

To make the victory all the more dominating, Stroud won the women’s division of the race by nearly six minutes, averaging a 6:18-mile pace.

Update: When we first reported this story it was thought that an American Record was set today in Boston as reported by the Boston Globe.  However, the course was 380 meters short, somehow the cones got moved just past the 5k mark. Most likely she still would have run sub 32. Emily Sisson separated herself from the competition early, at the Reebok Boston 10K for Women Monday afternoon. The 26-year-old from Rhode Island pulled away from Buze Diriba of Ethiopia at the 3-mile mark and held on to her lead down the stretch to claim victory in 30:39 — a comfortable 33 seconds ahead of the second-place Diriba. The time at first was thought to be an American record breaking the record set by Shalane Flanagan (30:52) in 2016 in the same event. But the course was short and the race director is trying to find out why cones were moved...The win is Sisson’s second in three years, as she also won in 2016 in 31:46. She becomes the first repeat winner since Huddle, who won the event four times, including three straight from 2008-10. Diriba’s time of 31:12 also broke the benchmark set by Huddle but was not good enough to beat Sisson. Formerly known as the Tufts Health Plan 10K for Women, the race is the largest all-woman running event in New England and has been a Columbus Day staple in Boston since 1977. Running through the Back Bay and into Cambridge, competitors make their way along the Charles River before finishing on Charles Street between the Public Garden and Boston Common. Other finishers: Diriba, Erin Clark of Arizona (32:19), Dylan Hassett of Rhode Island (32:28), and Holly Rees of the United Kingdom (32:46) rounded out the top five finishers in the open division.