Running News Daily

Kebede retains 25km crown in Kolkata, Kissa beats Ebenyo

Sutume Kebede secured a second successive Tata Steel Kolkata World 25K crown, while Stephen Kissa beat defending champion Daniel Ebenyo to the men’s title in the World Athletics Gold Label road race on Sunday (15).

Ethiopia’s Kebede recovered from a stomach issue just in time to defend her title. She set a stand-alone world 25km best of 1:18:47 to win last year’s race and this time clocked 1:19:21 to triumph ahead of Kenya’s Viola Chepngeno and Bahrain’s Desi Jisa.

Kebede was challenged by 2022 winner Jisa and Chpengeno, but after Chpengeno started to fade over the final couple of kilometres, Kebede became a clear leader after 23km.

Chepngeno finished second in 1:19:48, while Jisa finished a distant third in 1:21:33.

“I am very happy to win (here) again,” said Kebede. “I wanted to break the course record but was a little tired of travelling. I am training for the next year and will participate in marathons.”

In the men’s race, Uganda’s Kissa rebounded to log his first win in an international competition in five years.

The lead group of Ebenyo, Benson Kipruto, Kissa and Haymanot Alew reached 10km in 28:42. Last year’s winner Ebenyo – who also set a stand-alone world best for 25km (1:11:13) when winning last year's race – looked strong, remaining at the helm or alongside Kissa for much of the race.

They reached 15km in 42:56, with Ebenyo and Kissa still leading the pack as the pace picked up along the tram tracks of South Kolkata. Kipruto dropped off as Kissa took the lead at the 20km mark, clocking 57:50, with Ebenyo close behind.

Ebenyo tried to move away from Kissa but the Ugandan athlete held off the challenge to sprint to the tape and win in 1:12:33.

Ebenyo finished runner-up four seconds later, while Anthony Kipchirchir came through for third place in 1:12:55.

“I realised that I ran well today,” said Kissa. “I thought this could be my day. At the last kilometre I was comfortable, and I knew I could do it.”

Ebenyo, who finished fifth on his marathon debut in Chicago in October, said: “Every day, a champion is born in sports. Last year, it was me. This year, it was Kissa. That is the fun of sports. I am very happy. He has flown the flag of Uganda and congratulations. I was a little tired this year as I did not recover from the Chicago Marathon. I will take a break for the festive season and spend time with my family. I felt some fatigue today, but it is sports.”

Melak and Moseti win Bangsaen 21 Half Marathon

Ethiopia’s Nibret Melak and Kenya’s Winfridah Moraa Moseti were victorious at the Bangsaen21 Half Marathon, a World Athletics Platinum Label road race, in Chon Buri in Thailand on Sunday (15).

Racing in humid conditions, Melak outkicked Alexander Mutiso Munyao and Geoffrey Toroitich in the closing stages to win in 1:02:32, while Moseti made her break earlier in the race to triumph in 1:10:01.

In the men’s race, eight athletes remained together as 10km was reached in 30:41, with Melak – who finished seventh in the half marathon at the World Road Running Championships last year – running towards the back of the pack. The pace picked up and the lead group was down to four by 15km, with Melak, Munyao and Toroitich joined by Leul Gebresilase as they passed that point in 45:07.

Toroitich, Melak and Munyao then made a break, with Toroitich leading the attack. The trio ran side-by-side with the finish line in sight, before Melak kicked again and created a clear gap to win by two seconds.

Kenya’s Munyao was second in 1:02:34, while his compatriot Toroitich was third in 1:02:36 and Ethiopia’s Gebresilase finished another three seconds back.

Hamburg Marathon runner-up Moseti was always among the leaders in the women’s race and was part of the group that reached 10km in 34:36, led by Kenya’s Gladys Chepkurui.Chepkurui and Moseti had Uganda’s Rebecca Chelangat and Kenya’s Rosemary Wanjiru for company at the 15km mark, reached in 50:44, but Chepkurui couldn’t maintain the pace as Moseti, Chelangat and Wanjiru made a break.

Moseti was clearly waiting for her moment to strike and she made a winning move, creating a gap on her rivals that would grow to 33 seconds by the finish line. She won in 1:10:01 ahead of Chelangat in 1:10:34, Wanjiru in 1:10:53 and Chepkurui in 1:11:11.

Two newcomers to Double Racing were the winners at the 12th Christmas Double 15k

The 12th Christmas Double 15K (10K + break + 5K) took place this morning (Dec. 14) in Palo Alto, California, despite challenging weather conditions, including rain and wind gusts up to 50 mph. Double racing first-timers emerged as the winners: 25-year-old Ethan Phelps finished as the top male with a total time of 50:45, while 29-year-old Taryn Cordain claimed the top female spot with a time of 59:35. The event also featured the Bob Anderson’s Kids Mile, which set a record with 70 entries, as well as 10K and 5K races.

60-year-old Jean Pommier, a world-class ultra runner ran a very strong 84% age-graded performance clocking 1:00:44. (Third photo)  Jean was our Double Victory Cup Winner. The runner with the best age-graded score.  

“The weather forecast was really bad the day before,” said Bob Anderson, the creator of Double Racing in 2012. “It was challenging, but it wasn’t as bad as they thought it would be. Our positive thinking worked, I guess.” Indeed, it was a good morning of racing, with nearly 350 participants registered.

In the Double the winner of the first leg (10k) wears the yellow jersey for the second leg. This way everyone knows who they need to beat to be the overall winner. In this case, both winners of the first leg also won the second leg. The next Double 15k is March 22 in Brisbane California.

Tigist Assefa tipped for victory at Sunday’s Bangsaen21

Ethiopia’s Tigist Assefa headlines the Bangsaen21 Half Marathon women’s elite field, a World Athletics Platinum Label event, in Chon Buri on Sunday (15).

She will be joined by Rosemary Wanjiru of Kenya and other elite athletes from across the world.

For Tigist Assefa, the race in Chon Buri is her first as an Olympic silver medalist. The former world marathon record-holder, who clocked 2:11:53 in Berlin last year, was a narrow second to Sifan Hassan in the Olympic marathon in Paris in August and prior to that she finished second in the London Marathon in April in 2:16:23.

She last raced a half marathon in 2022 and her PB of 1:07:28 dates back to April of that year.

Meanwhile, Ethiopia’s Nibret Melak, Leul Gebresilase and Bazezew Asmare are also strong candidates for victory.

African 10,000m champion Nibret Melak, who finished seventh in the half marathon at the World Road Running Championships last year, has a best of 59:06.

Kenya's Catherine Reline stamps authority with Abu Dhabi Marathon win to pocket Ksh. 6 million

Catherine Reline claimed victory at the 2024 ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon, earning a $50,000 prize.

Catherine Reline has successfully conquered the marathon in her second attempt this year, claiming top honors at the 2024 ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon.

Reline clocked a spectacular time of 2:20:34 to claim top honors and walk away with a prize purse of US$50,000. Eritrea’s Dolshi Teklegergish came in second in the race, clocking a stunning 2:23:47 with another Kenyan, Aurelia Kiptui sealing the podium in 2:26:48.

The Kenyan made her full marathon debut at this year’s London Marathon but failed to finish the race. Her win in Abu Dhabi displays her resilience and hard work as she did not give up on herself and continued competing and training hard.

She started her season with a third-place finish at the Sirikwa Classic Cross-Country Tour before heading to a sixth-place finish at the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon.

Catherine Reline proceeded to the London Marathon where she could not finish the race and quickly switched to the track where she finished seventh in the 10,000m at the Prefontaine Classic which acted as trials for the Athletics Kenya team to the Paris Olympic Games. Prior to the Abu Dhabi Marathon, she finished an impressive third at the Copenhagen Half Marathon.

The 22-year-old showcased her mastery with a tactical race in Abu Dhabi and she is certainly destined for greatness.

Meanwhile, the men’s race saw Ethiopian Chala Ketema Regassa claim the win after shaking off competition from his challengers.

The Ethiopian road running ace clocked 2:06:16 to smash the previous course record, crossing the finish line first ahead of Ibrahim Bouh and Kenyan Wilfred Kigen who challenged him fiercely in the last 10km.

Ibrahim Bouh finished second in a time of 2:06:33 as Kenya’s Wilfred Kigen rounded up the podium in 2:06:47.

2025 Chicago Marathon sees record number of applicants

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon will notify runners today of their selection status for the 2025 event. The race, which is the final event in the Bank of America Chicago Distance Series, continues to see unprecedented interest with more than 160,000 individuals applying for a chance to participate. Those who secure an entry into the race will join another record-breaking field with more than 53,000 participants expected to cross the finish line in Grant Park on Sunday, October 12, 2025.

Today's selection shows growing interest and participation in the Shamrock Shuffle 8K Run, Chicago 13.1 and Chicago Marathon, which together form the Bank of America Chicago Distance Series. In 2024, the events welcomed more than 81,000 finishers, with 2,700 completing all three Series events. As enthusiasm in the events builds, event organizers are excited to unveil a new look and feel for the third rendition of the Series. The new logos connect each event and celebrate the unique attributes that the local and global running communities associate with the popular road races. 

"Today we welcome a new field of participants to the Bank of America Chicago Marathon and launch the next chapter of the Bank of America Chicago Distance Series," said Executive Race Director Carey Pinkowski. "When we started the Series in 2023, our goal was to celebrate the Chicago running community, from individuals discovering the sport for the first time to our longtime participants. We continue to be humbled by the running community's enthusiasm and embrace of the events and we're excited to launch a new look that celebrates Chicago, the spirit of each race and the achievement made possible through the dedication of thousands of runners."

Individuals interested in participating in the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Distance Series are encouraged to register early, as all races are expected to sell out in 2025. Continue reading for more information about the events that make up the Chicago Distance Series.

Bank of America Chicago MarathonThe Bank of America Chicago Marathon will take place on Sunday, October 12, 2025. Runners who receive an entry through today's drawing will join those who guaranteed their entry into the race during the four-week application window. Guaranteed entries include Bank of America Chicago Marathon legacy finishers, time qualifiers, international tour group participants, charity runners, 2024 Bank of America Chicago Distance Series finishers and those who cancelled their 2024 race entries.

Runners who did not receive an entry through the drawing can still sign up through the Bank of America Chicago Marathon Charity Program. Since 2002, the Charity Program has generated more than $322 million for local, national and global causes. The 2025 Charity Program includes 217 nonprofit organizations raising funds related to 10 cause categories: Advocacy, Animal Rights and Welfare, Education, Environment, First Responder and Military, Healthcare, Research, Social Service, Sports and Youth Development. Individuals who register to run with an official charity at this time are required to raise a minimum of $2,100. For a list of official charities and information on how to register by joining a charity team, go to chicagomarathon.com/charity.

For the latest event updates, registered participants and community members are encouraged to visit the Event FAQ which is available at chicagomarathon.com.

Bank of America Chicago 13.1The Bank of America Chicago 13.1 will take place on Sunday, June 1, 2025. The fourth annual half marathon is set to welcome more than 9,000 finishers on a course that weaves through the historic parks and boulevards of the West Side, starting and finishing in Garfield Park. Following the race, participants and community members are encouraged to celebrate at the Race Day Festival, featuring a mix of entertainment, health and wellness activities and community activations including the West Wellness Walk, a 1.31-mile walk on Saturday, May 31.

Additional details about the 2025 event and registration information are available at chicago13point1.com.

Bank of America Shamrock ShuffleThe Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle will take place on Sunday, March 23, 2025. This beloved Chicago tradition in its 44th year is regarded as the official kickoff to the running season and a continuation of the city's St. Patrick's Day celebrations. The race is set to welcome more than 24,000 participants to a one-of-a-kind 8K Run (4.97 miles) through Chicago's Loop. Fitness enthusiasts looking for shorter distance events are encouraged to join The Mile event on Saturday, March 22, or the 2-Mile Walk on Sunday. All three events will start and finish in Chicago's Grant Park.

Additional details about the 2025 event and registration information are available at shamrockshuffle.com.

For more Bank of America news, including dividend announcements and other important information, visit the Bank of America newsroom and register for news email alerts.

Jamaican Olympic gold medallist to try out for NFL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Halifax runner attacked by owl on trail

An owl attacked a Halifax woman claws-first on Thursday while she was running along a local trail, according to CTV News. Hannah Baillie reported that she spotted the owl earlier in her evening run–even sharing a photo of it–and moments later, felt it pouncing at the back of her head.

At first, the owl hit her lightly; Baillie continued running, but the feathered creature went in for a second, more aggressive attack.

“It felt like someone had really long nails and they were grabbing the back of your head,” the 24-year-old said. “Like they were sort of scraping their nails down your scalp, and then pulling on your ponytail at the same time.” Other people on the Chain of Lakes Trail helped Baillie scare off the owl, and she reports that she sustained no injuries from the attack.

Baillie, an avid runner and a former member of the Halifax’s Mount Saint Vincent University cross-country team, is a recent graduate of Dalhousie’s Master of Public Administration program.

Barred owls are the most commonly encountered owls in Nova Scotia. It is unknown whether in this particular ambush, the bird was being territorial or regarded Baillie’s ponytail as prey. Local wildlife experts say attacks like these are rare, but joggers should take caution at dawn and dusk, when the owls are most active.

This incident is not the first time in recent months that runners have faced unprovoked attacks from animals. In September, a Malaysian woman was surrounded and attacked by a gang of eight hungry otters, leaving her with multiple wounds on her arms, legs and head. More frequently, runners find themselves in scary, life-threatening situations with bears during their runs.

Don’t Wait for January, Start Training for Your 2025 Running Goals Now

What are your biggest running goals for 2025? Have you started training yet? Do you have a plan or a coach to guide you?

OK, I know, that’s a lot of questions as the year winds down, but now is the perfect time to find some answers.

We all get excited about chasing running and fitness objectives in the new year—running your first or next marathon, aiming for a new half-marathon PR, taking on the challenge of a rugged trail race, or simply just getting into the best shape of our lives—but too often we wait until New Year’s Day—or even sometime in the early springtime—to get started.Yep, I’ve been guilty of that, too, a few times! But this year, I started chasing my next-year running goals on November 1. My goals are diverse and personal—getting optimally fit for a 50K trail race in June, running a fast mile on the track in August, and running the Chicago Marathon for the fourth time in October, not to mention spending a summer of doing long adventure runs in the mountains. Starting early and adding structure now will make a big difference in how I’m able to achieve those goals. Yes, if you live in a climate where winter makes running more challenging like I do, it will take some additional effort and sacrifice to get started. But no matter where you live, the juice is worth the squeeze that it will take to get started sooner than later.

After a rough injury-filled year of running in 2024, I decided to put myself through a month-long training camp by focusing on honing core strength and low-key, consistent running during November. Now, with the guidance of a coach, I’ll get into a base-building phase in December with a slightly higher volume of mileage and

2. Don’t Make ResolutionsLook at the new year like a blank canvas or a book of blank pages that you get to fill with whatever you want to accomplish in 2025. Just don’t fall into the trap of making New Year’s resolutions, which typically fail by the third week in January. Instead, build a structured plan based on evolving periodization or have a coach develop a program specifically for you. My only advice is to not set the bar too low. No matter if your goal is to get fit and run your first or next 10K, marathon, or ultra-distance race, make your goals specific so you can adapt along the way. If you’re consistent with your training, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to surpass your initial goals as you develop a solid level of fitness. Believe in yourself, do the work, trust the process, and results will follow.3. Make Plans

To accomplish anything, you need to have a plan. That might start by signing up for a race or two, but that’s the easy part. Getting there and running well takes time and maybe some help. If your goal is to run your fastest marathon sometime next year, how are you going to do it? What training plan are you going to follow? Does it make sense to hire a coach? And does an online or an in-person coach better suit your needs? Who will you run with for your long runs or your hard workouts? Training alone and doing it without guidance can work for some people, but most runners benefit from all the help they can get.4. Be Consistent But Flexible

Mixing training with life is a difficult juggling act and always unpredictable. Even if you’ve meticulously planned your week and have anticipated some of the things that come up, unexpected challenges like work, family, friends, or weather can still disrupt your running routine and throw off your training flow. Being consistent requires a three-part approach in which you’re diligent, flexible, and reasonable. If a work meeting goes long and eliminates your lunchtime run, be prepared to log those miles in the evening. (Or better yet, if you’re able to run before work, you will not regret the early wake-up.)

If inclement weather makes it impossible to do your planned track workout, reconfigure your schedule and do it later in the week or modify your workout to do it on the roads or the treadmill, but don’t just give in and take a day off. Be relentless about your pursuit as much as is reasonably possible. Don’t knock yourself out—if you get sick, rest may be what you need. But prioritize running so you keep heading in the right direction. Here’s where a coach can help ensure you are getting the work in5. Get Stronger

If you want to chase new goals and up-level your running in 2025, you need to make sure your body is strong enough to hold up through the rigors of the miles you’re logging. Working on general and running-specific strength will help you run more efficiently for longer durations and also help reduce the chance of overuse injuries. No matter how fit we are, we gradually lose muscle mass and strength in our late 30s to early 40s. That doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be getting leaner, but it probably means you’re getting weaker. I made it a point to do 30 minutes of strength work every other day in November. Plus, I added simple strength exercises on the other days and lap swimming two days per week when I could.6. Make Sure You’re Having Fun 

No matter if you’re a new runner or a sub-elite speedster, one of your top priorities should be making your running fun. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be diligent about training, make necessary sacrifices, and be serious about the goals you’re chasing. It just means that you should enjoy the journey. Because afterall, what’s the point of any of this if it’s not fun? Keeping running fun could look like linking up with friends for early morning runs or hard workouts, joining a local running store or pub run group, planning a post-long run brunch with friends on a weekend morning, listening to your favorite podcasts while clocking easy miles, or going out of your way to discover off-the-beaten-path trails. Not only do those actions add intention to your running, but they also add camaraderie and accountability, too.

For me, the simple notion that I’m doing something for my short-term health (namely moving my body and clearing my mind) and long-term well-being (ideally offsetting long-term health issues from being sedentary) are inherently inspiring and motivating. And the more you get into it, you’ll find that7. Keep Going

Every year of dedication to consistent fitness is like a deposit into your future well-being that not only builds increased aerobic capacity and efficiency but also generates lifelong enthusiasm and long-term health. I was oblivious to that concept in my late 20s and early 30s when my attention span was mostly concerned with the here and now. But I’ve come to realize that my running journey has never been only about training for races on my calendar or what I’m doing in a particular season of a particular year—it’s tied to extending my physical, mental, and emotional longevity.

So, just because there’s a new year on the horizon and you’re all excited to reach specific goals in 2025, remember that you’re on a journey that doesn’t end at the finish line of a goal race or after a certain amount of time. Approach the new year as an investment in your wellness that will (hopefully) extend through the next several decades of your life.

Test your mobility with this fun Internet challenge

The viral tissue box fitness challenge is sweeping social media. Can you do it?

Runners are usually praised for their mobility, but when was the last time you truly put your range of motion to the test? Enter the tissue box challenge–a viral trend sweeping social media. The premise is simple, yet deceptively difficult: stand on one leg, bend over and grab a tissue with your mouth—all without letting your extremities touch the ground.

Running demands a significant range of motion, particularly in the hips, knees and ankles, but if you’re not doing frequent mobility training in addition to your mileage, this challenge could humble you. If you can successfully complete the challenge, congratulations! Clearly, your mobility training is paying off, and your range of motion is top-notch. Keep up the great work—whatever you’re doing is working.

For those of us who didn’t stick the landing (myself included), don’t fuss. There are plenty of low-maintenance ways to improve your mobility. Adding one or two of these exercises to your weekly routine can help prevent injuries and build strength, even if you’re already a strong runner.

Yoga and Pilates

Both practices work on improving flexibility, balance and strength (three things needed for this challenge). You might be saying to yourself, “I don’t have time for that.” Try adding in one 20-minute session a week, and within a month, you’ll be able to see your progress.

Foam rolling

Foam rolling is like an old man yelling at a cloud: no one likes doing it, but regular use after runs and workouts helps relieve tight, sore muscles and improve blood circulation. To improve your mobility for this Internet challenge, focus on rolling your calves, hamstrings, quads and hip flexors.

Mobility drills

Adding mobility drills, such as 90/90 hip switches, ankle dorsiflexion stretches, or balance-focused exercises like single-leg deadlifts or Bulgarian split squats can target those problem areas and improve joint function while strengthening the muscles around your joints.

Whether you mastered the tissue box challenge or not, working on your mobility is always a win. Not only will it make you a better runner, but it’ll also improve your ability to move and do any activity. So, grab a tissue box and give it a shot—then use a few of these tips to keep improving!

Doha Marathon by Ooredoo wins World Athletics Gold Label for second time

The Doha Marathon by Ooredoo has been awarded the prestigious World Athletics Gold Label designation, marking its second consecutive year of receiving this honour and reaffirming its position as one of the elite global road races.

The highly anticipated 13th edition, scheduled for January 17, 2025 is poised to be the largest ever, with over 15,000 participants expected.

The Gold Label designation reflects the marathon’s commitment to excellence, meeting the rigorous standards set by the World Athletics Label Road Races programme.These include world-class event organization, featuring advanced timing systems, anti-doping compliance, and comprehensive race amenities such as hydration stations, medical support, and recovery facilities.

In addition to adherence to safety protocols, and the participation of elite international athletes.With this recognition, the Doha Marathon by Ooredoo stands as a world-class road race offering runners numerous benefits, such as access to certified courses, and opportunities to earn global ranking points.The event also provides qualification opportunities for major international competitions, including the World Championships and the Olympics, while attracting significant global media coverage, enhancing visibility and prestige for participants.

Sabah Rabiah al-Kuwari, Vice-Chairman of the Doha Marathon by Ooredoo Committee at Ooredoo Qatar, commented: “Earning the Gold Label designation for the second year in a row is a significant milestone for the Doha Marathon by Ooredoo and a testament to our commitment to excellence.

This Marathon has grown into a world-class event, uniting international elite athletes and local talent in a shared celebration of health, fitness, and community spirit. It not only enhances the prestige of the event but also further elevates Doha’s standing on the global sporting stage.”The race will feature an iconic route along Doha’s scenic Corniche, starting and finishing at Hotel Park, and will host world-renowned athletes such as Shura Kitata, Solomon Mutai, Roza Dereje, and Joan kipyatich.The event includes four race categories — 5km, 10km, 21km, and 42km — ensuring opportunities for runners of all ages and abilities.

Competitors with disabilities can join races of up to 21km, with free registration available.The popular ‘Al Adaam’ category will also return for its third year next month, offering special cash prizes to encourage local athletes.

Since its inception in 2013, the Doha Marathon by Ooredoo has grown exponentially, reflecting Qatar’s thriving health and fitness culture and its status as a premier destination for major sporting events.

The event has become a local and regional landmark, attracting runners from around the world and contributing significantly to Qatar’s global sporting reputation.

Benson Kipruto eyes comeback at Tata 25K after life-changing Paris Olympic glory

Life has changed for the better for Olympic bronze medal-winning Kenyan marathoner Benson Kipruto.

The 33-year-old, who earned a Paris Olympic medal in his debut competition for his country, took a break to soak in the massive euphoria back home.    

During this time, he began constructing his dream house -- "now 90% complete" -- and exactly four months later, he is set for his much-anticipated comeback at the Tata Steel World 25K in Kolkata on Sunday to test how his body has adapted.    

"Life has changed since Paris. I'm now getting a lot of invitations to run in marathons," Kipruto told reporters during an interaction ahead of the race day.    

"I'm building a house in a small village near my training place -- it's 90% complete now. This is all thanks to my running achievements," he proudly stated.    

Kipruto was raised by his mother after his father died. He could not always attend school and worked in a farm before trying his luck in running inspired by the success of his elder brother Dickson Chumba.

He went on to win the Boston Marathon in 2021, followed by victories at the Chicago Marathon in 2022 and the Tokyo Marathon in 2024 where he clocked his personal best of 2:02:16. He also claimed second place at the Chicago Marathon in 2023.    

Paris Olympics was his first event for Kenya and he won the bronze with a timing of 2:07.00.  "After Paris, there was a massive celebration. It was my first time representing my country, and winning a bronze medal was a huge achievement for me. "I had never represented my country in any international event before -- nowhere, never. It was my first time representing Kenya on such a stage, and it felt incredible."    

After Paris, Benson took a well-deserved break to recover, skipping other races to focus on his physical and mental well-being. Now, with his sights set on returning to competition, he eyes to dethrone his compatriot Daniel Ebenyo who is also the event record holder. "After Paris, I decided to take a break. I didn't participate in any races for a while. Initially, I was supposed to run in Chicago, but I said no because Paris was tough, and I needed time to recover. "I've now started preparing for my next marathon. That's why I came here to participate and see how my body has adapted after the break," he added.    

Asked about his consistency and advice to the youngsters, he said: "Consistency in our sport comes with many things, but the most important is discipline. "Discipline is key. Second is training and being patient. Patience pays off, and that comes from the level of training you commit to," said Kipruto, a fan of two-time Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge.    

"I usually run 25–30 kilometers a day. This routine helps me adapt to marathon running and maintain my performance," he concluded.

London marathon champion eyes season-ending glory in Thailand

The 2024 London Marathon champion Alexander Munyao is hoping to cap off his season with an emphatic victory as he takes on the Bangsaen Half Marathon in Thai- land this Sunday.

After a mixed year on the global stage, Munyao is determined to secure victory and build momentum for a demanding 2025 season.

“I am targeting a win in Thailand to close my season on a high note. This will motivate me for the busy 2025 calendar,” Munyao said.

For the 28-year-old, success in Thailand would provide a much-needed confidence boost, especially after finishing a disappointing 21st at the Paris Olympics with a time of 2:10:31.

However, Munyao remains wary of the tropical heat that awaits in Thailand, acknowledging it as a critical factor in his race strategy.

“The heat will be a big challenge on race day, with temperatures ranging from 23 to 30 degrees. I am not focused on clocking a fast time, as my goal is purely to win,” he emphasized.

Munyao admits his preparations for the race have been less than ideal, citing limited training time after competing in Japan’s 12 NIT- TAIDAI Challenge Games, where he clocked a 27:42.04 for a runner-up finish in the 10,000m in October.

“My training has been average since I competed in Japan. But I believe the work I have put in will suffice. I will do some light training before Sunday’s race,” he said.

Despite his confidence, he is mindful of the formidable competition.

“I expect tough opposition—it won’t be an easy race. But I’m confident I can pull off a win,” he said.

Munyao carries an impressive half-marathon record into the race, including victories at the 2020 Santa Pola Half Marathon ( 59:09 ) and the 2023 Kagawa Half Marathon ( 59:17 ).

He holds runners-up finishes at the 2020 Ras Al Khaimah ( 59:16 ) and 2021 Adizero Road to Records ( 59:20 ) Half Marathons.

In the women’s race, a titanic battle looms as 2023 Tokyo Marathon champion Rosemary Wanjiru faces off against Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa, the 2024 Olympic marathon silver medalist.

The two are no strangers to each other’s tactics having clashed at the 2022 Berlin Marathon, where Assefa stormed to victory in a course record of 2:15:37, leaving Wanjiru in second with 2:18:00.

Wanjiru’s road credentials are stellar, highlighted by her 2023 Tokyo Marathon triumph in 2:16:28 and a runner-up finish in 2024, clocking 2:16:14 behind Ethiopia’s Sutume Kebede ( 2:15:55 ).

Meanwhile, Assefa holds back-to-back victories in the Berlin Marathon 2022 ( 2:15:37 ) and 2023 ( 2:11:53 ), as well as runners-up finish at the 2024 London Marathon ( 2:16:23 ).

Joining the fray, is the 2023 Tokyo Legacy Half Marathon champion Gladys Chepkurui, add- ing depth to a star-studded field.

Newcomers and rising stars headline sixth Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon

A number of fresh faces will look to make a mark at the sixth Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon with a prize fund of $300,000 up for grabs on Saturday.

Once again, African runners dominate the field but many have not competed against each other, making it a unique race.

Kenyan runner Raymond Choge and Ethiopian Chala Ketema have arrived in the UAE after recording personal best times and are looking forward to doing even better in Abu Dhabi.

Choge ran the Milano Marathon in two hours, seven minutes and 36 seconds to finish second in that race in April. Ketema clocked 2:06:11 to win the Valencia Marathon in 2023.

“I have been running marathons for the last six years and it’s not something new to me,” Choge told The National when the elite runners were unveiled at the Adnoc Marathon Village at the Corniche on Thursday.

“The runners in Abu Dhabi are all newcomers and competing in their first marathon in the city. However, we are not new to racing. For me, I’m more confident of a win because I know myself and I believe in myself.

“I've been training well, everything has been going well for me back in Kenya and I'm ready for the next one.”

Choge, 36, runs most of his marathons in Europe and the Kenyan has fallen in love with Abu Dhabi’s beauty and the December weather.

“I have seen the Abu Dhabi Marathons on video but I never expected the city to be so amazing,” he added.

“I would expect the wide flat roads and the cool early morning weather conditions to be conducive for a fast race. I would like to think a personal best for myself.”

Choge is another classic story of a Kenyan long-distance runner overcoming poverty and hardship to reach the top.

“I’m here today as an elite runner, but it took me years and years of hard work and sacrifices to achieve my goals,” he said of his journey as a marathon runner.

“In Kenya, getting into running is very competitive. I was around 15 when I first competed in the 1,500m races back home. It has been running for me all the way through.

“I’m not rich but earn a decent living now as compared to what I had to go through in my teenage days. Now I’m here and competing in one of the elite marathons.”

Ketema, 27, has the same desire and is upbeat of a good run, while also targeting a personal best.

“The weather is pretty similar to back home in Ethiopia and the roads are flat and fast, and the aim is to run a fast race and perhaps go for a personal best,” he said.

Heading the women’s field is Eritrea’s Dolshi Tesfu, who is a two-time Olympian – 2020 Tokyo and Paris this summer.

Tesfu believes she has prepared well to challenge for the crown in Abu Dhabi as the highest profile runner in the women’s race.

“I think I’m going into this race in good shape and with confidence,” she said. “Obviously it’s never going to be easy with some first-time runners in the marathon. At the end, it will be the best on the day. I hope it’s me.”

Catherine Reline Amanang’ole makes her marathon debut after serving as a pacemaker in the London Marathon in 2023.

The Kenyan is the half marathon champion and is expected to pose a strong challenge to Tesfu.

“I have trained well and stepping up in distance,” sh

Usain Bolt reveals bizarre reason he dropped running 400m

Bolt loved all the short distance races but 400m was never his long-term priority even though he preferred it early in his trophy-laden career.

Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt has revealed what made him stop taking part in 400m despite loving the specialty in his formative years.

Bolt, the three-time Olympic 100m champion, said his coach Glen Mills was one of many people who felt the younger Bolt was better suited to the longer sprint distance than the marquee 100m event, meaning the 6ft 5ins sprinter almost ended up as a quarter-miler, much to his disgust.

The three-time Olympic 200m champion reiterated that even though he liked 400m, doing away with it and focusing on 100m paid dearly for him going by his record. 

"Running the 400m wasn’t fun at all. It was always pain. But I was good at it, so I used to do it. However much as I did it, though, I never liked it. So I stopped and went back to the 100m. You could say I’m happy it worked out," Bolt told TalkSport.

"The over-distance runs are the hardest thing we do in training, because when you feel that lactic acid you can’t walk, you can’t sit down, you don’t know what to do – it takes a while to get it out of your system,” he added.

The 11-time world champion said time wasn't everything and his focus was always the technique. "All we try to focus on is technique because, the better you get at these things, the better the times will get. When the champs come, then you can try to run fast.”

The 38-year-old  is the most successful male athlete of the World Championships. Bolt is the first athlete to win four World Championship titles in the 200m and is one of the most successful in the 100m with three titles, being the first person to run sub-9.7s and sub-9.6s races.

Oscar Coggins returns to competition with LA28 in mind

The Hong Kong triathlete, who participated in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, has overcome a stage of physical and mental challenges that temporarily took him away from competition last year. Now, with renewed passion, he plans a future full of great goals in which Los Angeles shines with intensity.

In statements to the South China Morning Post, Oscar Coggins reflected on his evolution following a self-imposed pause in his career. "I didn't feel bitterness or sadness watching the Paris Games on television. I accepted that my performance level wasn't there," he explained this week. Although he returned to competition this summer after eight months of inactivity, the triathlete did not take part in the Paris event, as it coincided with the early stages of his comeback.

Coggins' return began in May, but it was in September, during his participation in the World Triathlon Championship Series (WTS) in Weihai, that he demonstrated he had completed his recovery process. This achievement marked the start of his comeback to the highest competitive level. "I would have done anything to compete in a WTS again, a year later, against all the best," he admitted, recalling his withdrawal during the 2023 Asian Games.

The athlete also shared how the pause helped him understand the impact of external factors on his performance. As he commented to the South China Morning Post in April, he acknowledged that stress had gone unnoticed for a long time. "If my training had been too intense, the cracks would have shown within weeks, but what I hadn't accounted for was the stress coming from external sources that I was enduring," he explained.

Coggins recounted that reaching this turning point was not easy. During the Asian Games, he abandoned the competition during the swimming stage, realising that his body "just wasn’t there." This episode led him to question his relationship with triathlon. "I thought: 'I hate this sport right now.' But I knew it wasn’t triathlon I hated; it was the negative emotions associated with my recent experiences," he remarked.

The change came alongside seeking professional help, as he turned to a clinical psychologist to manage the expectations he placed on himself and to rediscover his passion for the sport. "Making peace with my failures and mistakes is an ongoing process, but I’m getting better every day," he affirmed.

With a renewed perspective, Coggins is optimistic about both his immediate and long-term goals. Among his aims are participating in next year's National Games and pursuing medals at the 2026 Asian Games. However, his primary focus is on the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, where he aspires to secure a top-10 finish.

"I'm still in this sport, enjoying it and excited about the competitions, which shows, to some extent, that the process is working," he stated. "I have many years ahead of me and am definitely aiming for Los Angeles 2028."

Coggins' story highlights not only the pressure faced by high-performance athletes but also the importance of addressing mental health. "I recognised there was a problem, and I couldn’t ignore it; I was adding an extra burden that I couldn't bear," he shared.

Eliud Kipchoge advises athletes on the easiest way to avoid injuries

Eliud Kipchoge has given the easiest tip on how athletes can avoid getting injuries.

Former world marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge has shared the easiest tip for athletes to follow to avoid getting injuries.

Eliud Kipchoge, in an interview with China Daily, urged athletes to never miss a day in training since that helps strengthen their muscles and mind. He pointed out that skipping training tends to make one weak and an athlete would struggle when it comes to major championships.

Discipline is one of the virtues that Eliud Kipchoge is known for and clearly, it has worked out well for him as he has never in his career, withdrawn from an event due to an injury. However, he has faced a few challenges these recent months, being forced to finish sixth at the 2023 Boston Marathon and 10th at the Tokyo Marathon this year.

The five-time Berlin Marathon champion also failed to finish the race at the Paris Olympic Games, recording his first-ever ‘DNF’ in a race since he started his career.

“It is simple…be consistent in training and try as much as possible not to miss training. even if you miss your 20km run, just try and run for 5km to keep your muscles and mind in the momentum,” Eliud Kipchoge said.

“It’s good to keep going every day and make sure that you train your mind and muscles to run every day. That’s the easiest way to keep away the injuries. The more you run the more you become fit and keep your mind strong…you also get faster.”

Kipchoge added that he views the setbacks in his career as challenges and every day, he works around the clock intending to bounce back stronger. He advised athletes not to let the setbacks affect them but to use them as stepping stones for the next levels of their careers.

“If I fail to achieve what I have been planning for, I treat it as a challenge because you know sports is different, today you are up, tomorrow you are down but we always work hard and plan to be up,” Eliud Kipchoge.

“If anything happens, that’s just a challenge and you have to go back to the drawing board and come again the next day and train for another call and life will move on comfortably.”

Four fast, fierce strength sessions for runners

The holidays can feel like a whirlwind of festive chaos, with endless social events, last-minute shopping and zero time for your usual training routine. But staying strong doesn’t have to mean spending hours at the gym. These four quick bodyweight strength workouts are tailor-made for runners looking to stay fit without missing out on the holiday cheer.

Each workout is under 20 minutes and can be done at home or on the go—no equipment required. Add these after your regular run, or slide them into your schedule any time, anywhere—just make sure to warm up your muscles beforehand with at least five minutes of quick walking or easy jogging.

1.- 15 minutes to core power

A strong core improves posture and running efficiency.

Plank with shoulder taps: 3 sets of 12 taps per side.Start in a high plank, feet shoulder-width apart. Tap your left shoulder with your right hand, then alternate.

Dead bug: 3 sets of 10 reps.Lie on your back, arms and legs lifted. Lower opposite arm and leg, then switch.

Side plank dips: 2 sets of 8 dips per side.From a side plank, lower your hip slightly, then lift back up.

2.- Balance and mobility boost

Improving your stability can boost running economy while keeping injuries away.

Single-leg deadlifts: 3 sets of 8 per leg.Stand on one leg, hinge forward, keeping your back straight, then return.

Step-through lunges: 2 sets of 10 per leg.Step forward into a lunge, then immediately step backward into a reverse lunge.

Toe-touches to sky reach: 2 sets of 12 reps.Touch your toes, then stretch up to the sky in one smooth motion.

3.- Full-body blitz

These exercises enhance overall strength and build better running mechanics.

Burpees: 2 sets of 8 reps.Start standing, drop to a push-up, then jump back to standing.

Push-ups: 3 sets of 10 reps.Keep your core tight and lower your chest until it’s just above the floor.

Mountain climbers: 3 sets of 20 seconds.From a plank, drive your knees alternately toward your chest.

4.- Quick lower body burn

Boost power for uphill runs and sprints.

Squat jumps: 3 sets of 10 reps.Perform a deep squat, then explode upward, landing softly.

Lunges with a twist: 3 sets of 8 per leg.Step forward into a lunge, twist toward your front leg, return to standing.

Glute bridges: 2 sets of 12 reps.Lie on your back, feet flat, and lift your hips until your body forms a straight line.

Pro runner’s next-level workout on the road to L.A. Olympic medal

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

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

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

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

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

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

Set 1: 2 loops: 6:38, 1 loop: 3:06

Set 2: 2 loops: 6:20, 1 loop: 3:02

Set 3: 2 loops: 6:01, 1 loop: 2:50

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

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

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

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

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

Emerging Kenyan star Serem inspired by family’s steeplechase passion

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sibling rivalry

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Managing expectations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grant Fisher to Race Cole Hocker at 2025 Millrose Games in Battle of America’s Best Distance Runners

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

KATA Celebrates 40th Monthly Time Trial with Impressive Performances

The Kenya Athletics Training Academy (KATA) hosted its 40th monthly time trial on December 11, 2024 in Thika Kenya, marking the end-of-year event with exceptional performances from the academy’s athletes. A total of 38 runners participated, including 21 men in the highly competitive 10-kilometer race.

Leading the pack was KATA’s own Zachary Kirika, who crossed the finish line in an outstanding personal best time of 29:17, claiming victory. He was closely followed by his training partner Raphael Karita, who clocked in at 29:36, just shy of his personal best of 29:07.

The third-place finisher, Levis Kuria, delivered an inspiring performance, achieving a personal best time of 29:57, shaving over 30 seconds off his previous record. Stephen Ngigi rounded out the top four with another personal best, finishing in 30:23.

“Our team has shown remarkable improvement,” said KATA coach John. “The athletes are consistently delivering incredible times, even in training. This success is a result of strong teamwork, commitment, and the support of our reading team.”

The athletes themselves were thrilled with the day’s results, celebrating their hard work and progress throughout the year. The KATA monthly time trials, held without an entry fee, offer a platform for athletes to showcase their talent and gain exposure to international race opportunities.

The next time trial is set for January 15, 2025, continuing KATA’s mission to foster excellence in athletics. With 5,000 KES in prize money awarded each month and stories and results posted on My Best Runs, the time trials have become a valuable stepping stone for runners aiming to compete globally.

Stay tuned to My Best Runs for full results and updates as KATA athletes continue their journey to the top!

5km MEN 

1 Fred wambua 20 34 17:23

2 Jeremiah obura 20 36 17:47

3 Jackson wambua 15 63 17:59

4 John mutuku 14 32 18:28

5 Julius njoroge 12 1 19:40

6 Samuel kangangi 20 53 19:52

7 Haris mwangi 20 38 20:04

5km WOMEN 

1 Susan njuu 38 49 19:12

2 Regina zadiki 17 5 22:54

3 Leachel mutheu 16 66 23:44

10km MEN 

1 Zachary kirika 22 29 29:17

2 Raphael karita 24 19 29:36

3 Levis kuria 23 4 29:57

4 Stephen ngigi 20 8 30:23

5 Peter wanyoike 28 30 31:21

6 Michael chege 18 10 31:32

7 Boniface mungai 29 7 31:40

8 Alfred wanjiru 25 37 32:21

9 Paul musau 44 27 32:24

10 Charles ndirangu 24 3 32:41

11 Joseph wanjiru 36 55 33:04

12 Benerd giceha 35 28 33:31

13 kariuki wangari 24 14 33:40

14 Amos chirchir 24 26 33:51

15 crinton otieno 21 35 34:27

16 Ali Rashid 22 42 34:41

17 Ishmile mburu 22 13 34:43

18 peter mukundi 25 21 36.07

19 peter kilonzo 17 22 36:12

20 Charles ndirangu 64 2 37:04

21 William mbugua 21 25 38:10

10km WOMEN 

1 carem waithira 37 18 35:20

2 Lilian nyamai 24 11 36:43

3 Karen chepkemoi 23 31 37:18

4 Virginia wanjiru 22 50 37.47

5 Veronica Betty 24 43 41:27

6 Lucy muritu 39 20 44:29

7 Vivian njeri 52 52 49.1

'Life has been good' - Eliud Kipchoge reflects on post-Olympics recovery and future goals

Eliud Kipchoge has embraced life after his Paris Olympics setback, resuming training and focusing on inspiring others while preparing for a strong comeback.

Eliud Kipchoge has already put his Paris Olympic Games setback behind and is working towards becoming a better athlete next year.

The former world marathon record holder revealed that after the Paris Olympic Games, he took a much-needed break and then resumed training. Kipchoge recorded his first-ever ‘did not finish’ in a full marathon at the Paris Olympic Games amid chasing history.

The five-time Berlin Marathon champion was looking to win his third consecutive Olympic title after claiming top honours at the 2016 Rio Olympics and the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games but could not live up to the billing. However, he is not giving up on his dream as he eyes a strong comeback in 2025.

He revealed that genuinely being interested in the sport has helped him have a smooth landing on his comeback. Eliud Kipchoge added that he wants to continue inspiring the young generation to keep going despite the series of setbacks they are bound to face.

“I took a short break then went back to training…life has been good. Sport is about pushing, pushing and pressing on every day. It’s life…there are things you can’t prevent and what has happened has happened. One way is to convince my mind to try and move on and try to fulfil what has been on my bucket list,” Kipchoge told China Daily.

“The drive is the love of sport and you know the inspiration that I’m still into the general humanity of this world is what makes me wake up early in the morning to go for a run. I’ve been combining the love of sport and you know, the inspiration that I’m still in, we are still together campaigning for the sport.”

The four-time London Marathon champion says that growing up, he always wanted to see where his dream in running would take him and having achieved a lot, his heart is full.

Eliud Kipchoge believes he has accomplished his mission of competing and inspiring others although he still wants to continue pushing.

“That’s my happiness…it was a clear sign of love, the love of running and wanting to go to other countries to showcase my talent. That happened, and then life changes and thinking changes and I got a new thinking and pushing the limits,” he added.

'Something has to change'-American sprint legend on protecting women athletes in Kenya

An American sprint legend has raised concerns over women athletes' safety in Kenya, advocating for cultural change and systemic reform.

American sprint icon Allyson Felix has expressed deep concern over the safety of women athletes, describing violence against female competitors as a "real problem" that demands urgent attention.

Felix, the most decorated track and field athlete in history with 20 World Championship medals and 11 Olympic medals, spoke passionately about the challenges facing women in sports, particularly in light of recent tragedies in Kenya.

“There has to be a change in the culture. Something is not right, and it does make me worry,” Felix said during an interview with BBC 100 Women.

Her comments come few months of the devastating death of fellow Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei, who was set on fire by her boyfriend earlier this year.

Cheptegei’s death marked the third killing of a female athlete in Kenya in the past three years.

Felix, recently elected to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athletes' Commission, pledged to prioritize addressing violence against women athletes.

“The consequences have to be severe, but I think there has to be more than that,” she emphasized.

“I think we have to rally around the sports community and come together.”

The alarming trend of violence against female athletes in Kenya highlights the urgent need for change, Felix noted, adding her voice to growing calls for stricter penalties and cultural shifts to ensure women’s safety.

Her advocacy for women’s rights, both on and off the track, has become a defining feature of her legacy since retiring from competitive athletics in 2022.

Felix’s commitment to advocating for women goes beyond addressing violence.

She has been a trailblazer in fighting for maternal health rights and equal treatment for female athletes.

In 2018, after surviving a harrowing experience with severe pre-eclampsia during her pregnancy, Felix exposed systemic inequities when her former sponsor, Nike, threatened to slash her pay due to motherhood.

Her powerful op-ed in The New York Times led to groundbreaking changes in maternity protections for sponsored athletes, with Nike and other athletic apparel companies introducing policies to safeguard pay and bonuses for 18 months around pregnancy.

“I was terrified what the consequences would be,” Felix admitted.

“It just wasn’t in my nature. And so it was really difficult to be able to just be vulnerable.”

In Kenya, where cultural barriers and economic challenges compound the issues facing women athletes, Felix’s story resonates deeply.

Many athletes have struggled to find support systems to navigate the demands of sports and family life. Felix’s advocacy offers a blueprint for addressing these issues.

Through her leadership role with the IOC Athletes' Commission, Felix aims to amplify the voices of athletes and promote systemic reforms globally.

She has also launched Always Alpha, a management firm dedicated to women’s sports, to ensure female athletes receive tailored representation.

Felix’s advocacy extends to maternal health, particularly for Black women in the United States, where they are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Her efforts recently secured a $20 million grant from Melinda Gates to improve maternal health outcomes, and she is exploring ways to extend her work internationally, including in Africa.

“I want [my children] to always know that you should have an impact, that you should help others, that you should stand up for what you believe in,” she concluded.

'I literally can’t wait'- Sha'Carri Richardson eyeing LA 2028 after humbling Olympic debut

Sha'Carri Richardson is bubbling with excitement ahead of the LA 2028 Olympics after her successful debut in Paris.

Sha’Carri Richardson is already thinking about the LA 2028 Olympic Games after making her debut at the Paris Olympic Games.

The reigning world 100m champion in an interview with Blavity TV, explained that her Olympic debut was quite a humbling experience and there was a lot she took from that. She explained that there was a lot of lessons to be learnt and she had a great time competing against great women.

Sha’Carri Richardson went into the Olympic Games hoping to claim her first individual gold medal but failed to live up to the billing. She was certainly the pre-race favourite but Julien Alfred had better legs that day.

Alfred claimed top honours in a time of 10.72 seconds as Sha’Carri Richardson and Melissa Jefferson came in second and third in respective times of 10.87 seconds and 10.92 seconds.

She used the 100m disappointment to go for the title in the women’s 4x100m relay. After tasting Olympic glory, she is already looking forward to the 2028 Olympic Games on home tuff.

“Honestly, competing in Paris, at the Olympics, has been an honour, it has been humbling, it has been fun and I literally can’t wait for LA. I’m almost like jumping like three years ahead because this experience was something like totally unbelievable,” Sha’Carri Richardson said.

Sha’Carri Richardson has had a quite turbulent season this year, starting off with two 200m losses at the Diamond League Meetings in Xiamen and Suzhou. She then claimed her first win of the season at the Prefontaine Classic, the Diamond League Meeting in Eugene.

The world 200m bronze medallist then proceeded to the US Olympic trials where she claimed top honours in the women’s 100m, setting a world leading time of 10.71 seconds and later finished fourth in the 200m, missing out on the Olympic Games.

At the Paris Olympic Games, Sha’Carri Richardson took silver in the women’s 100m then later claimed gold in the relay. She got her sweet revenge over Julien Alfred with a win at the Diamond League Meeting in Zurich. She ended her season with an eighth-place finish at the Diamond League Meeting final in Brussels.

'He had sex without my consent' - Spanish Olympian opens up on horrifying rape and abuse ordeal she suffered at the hands of a former partner

Ana Peleteiro represents women who have suffered sexual abuse in silence but only open up after they have been heartbroken.

Tokyo Olympics triple jump bronze medalist Ana Peleteiro has opened up on the horrifying rape and abuse ordeal she suffered at the hands of a former partner.

Peleteiro, 29, is highly regarded, with the Spaniard having won a gold medal at the 2024 European Championships. Peleteiro, who mastered a sixth-place finish at Paris Olympics, is also Spain's national record holder and currently married to French triple jumper Benjamin Compaore.

Peleteiro released a video on her TikTok channel where she bravely recounted what she was a victim of in a past relationship. She joined the viral social media trend under the name 'y aun asi me quede', which means 'and yet I stayed', according to the Daily Mail.

Within the clip, Peleteiro denounced the repeated rapes and psychological abuse of her former partner, who she didn't name. "I would wake up at night having sex without consent and yet I stayed," she said. "Absolutely everything about me changed, from my clothes to my hair, the way I acted with my family, distancing myself from so many people. And yet I stayed.

"He told me that if we didn't have sex whenever he wanted, it would damage the relationship and that, after all, those who don't eat at home eat out. He said that if he was unfaithful to me later, I shouldn't be surprised. And yet I stayed," Peleteiro recounted.

She continued. "If I went to his house on the weekends, he would disappear and suddenly I knew absolutely nothing. He would say good morning to me, maybe sporadically one day, and he would excuse himself by saying that he needed his space and that I had to trust him and let him do those things because that was normal in a relationship. And yet I stayed."

Peleteiro also went on to highlight the emotional manipulation she suffered and how her former partner's disloyalty was played against her. She said the reason why she opened up on her situation and insisted there is a way out for women who find themselves in a similar position.

Four secrets of runners who have mastered motivation

Staying motivated to run is no easy feat, whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience. A recent study explored what helps new runners stick to their routines and what causes others to fall off track—and the results can help all of us fuel that long-term running fire. Researchers in the U.K. followed 20 new runners for up to a year, using interviews, observations and diaries to uncover the secrets behind maintaining a running habit. Here’s what they found.

1.- Find your “why”

It might sound cliché, but finding a meaningful reason to run was key for participants in the study. This wasn’t just about exercise—it was personal. Some ran to align with their values, like being a role model for their kids or chasing a long-held dream. Others found inspiration in special memories, relationships or the simple joy of movement. Runners who had a strong “why” were better able to prioritize running even when life got hectic.

2.- Be prepared for curveballs

No matter how motivated runners were, life’s demands often posed challenges. Work, family and other commitments sometimes made it hard for even the most dedicated participants to hit the pavement. Those with a meaningful reason to run were better at finding balance, but even the most committed struggled to continue when barriers piled up.

3.- Acknowledge barriers

The study revealed stark disparities in running opportunities. Age, health and wealth shaped participants’ experiences and gender added another layer. Women reported grappling with safety fears and body image struggles, while older runners often faced self-doubt or physical discomfort. These findings emphasize the importance of creating supportive, inclusive spaces where every runner can thrive.

4.- Celebrate mini-victories

For many participants, the simple act of realizing “I can do this” was huge. Victories, large and small—like completing a 5K or running for longer than expected—helped build self-belief. This newfound confidence helped participants keep going, even when obstacles arose.

The takeaway

The study offers valuable insights into building and maintaining a running habit:

Find your why: Connect running to something that deeply resonates with your values or identity.

Plan for disruptions: Life happens—be ready to adapt and prioritize running when you can.

Celebrate small wins: Progress builds confidence, and confidence keeps you going.

Acknowledge barriers: Recognize the challenges you face and seek solutions, whether that’s support from a running group or by adjusting your schedule.

Gulveer Singh, Sanjeevani Jadhav headline Indian elite field at World 25K Kolkata

With World 25K Kolkata becoming the world’s first Athletic Gold Label race at this distance, the Indian elite field has swelled with 27 men and 13 women vying for the honours along the picturesque setting of the Red Road on December 15.

The USD 142,214 prize money race will witness some of India’s best athletes take centerstage. With equal prize money for the Indian elite men and women winners, the first three in each race stand to win Rs 3,00,000, 2,50,000, and Rs 2,00,000 respectively. The Indian elite men and women runners will also be further incentivised by an event record bonus of Rs 1,00,000 each.

Avinash Sable holds the current event record in the Indian elite men’s category, with a time of 1:15:17, and L Suriya holds the women’s record, with a time of 1:26:53.

The well-stocked men’s field will be led by the current sensation Gulveer Singh, who is in the midst of a purple patch. He is the current 5000 m (13:11:82) and 10,000 m (27:14:88) national record holder, and has also won a gold medal at the 17th Asian Cross-Country Championship 2024 held in Hong Kong recently. He is also the Asian Games 2022 bronze medallist in the 10,000 m.

Sawan Barwal, the defending champion (1:17:49), returns to Kolkata after winning Delhi Half Marathon 2024 along with Abhishek Pal, the winner of the 2022 edition of TSK 25K. He also won a silver medal at the recently concluded Asian Cross-Country Championship and DHM 2023. The men’s challenge will also see Kiran Matre looking to be a dark horse with a top-of-the-podium finish in World 10K Bengaluru 2024 with a new Indian Course Record. He came third at DHM 2024.

While recounting his recent exploits Gulveer Singh said, “The 2024 session was very good for me. I set four national records in this session, and I’m so motivated. International standards are very high as compared to India. We got a pacer there to do our best. This is my first time in World 25K and I will try to finish in the top three.”

Sanjeevani Jadhav will be the pre-race favourite in the women’s field. She recently won the World 10K Bengaluru 2024 and also earned a silver medal at the Asian Cross-Country Championship. She was also the winner of the 2022 edition (1:34:23) of TSK 25K. She is in red hot form, but she will get tough competition from Lilli Das, who won the DHM 2024. Kavita Yadav, winner of DHM 2023 and second at DHM 2024, will be no pushover either.

“I am well prepared for the World 25K Race. The 2024 year was good for me individually, but I am more focused on 2025 because I am preparing for the Asian and World Championships, and I want to do my best in these championships.

“TSW 25K is more important because we get a chance to compete with the world’s best athletes, and it’s a great opportunity to give our best performance individually and do my personal best in the race. This year, I will try to break the course record my senior colleague L Suriya made earlier,” Sanjeevani said.

With a bright line-up of athletes only one can imagine the competition in store when the flag waves on Sunday.

Records fall again as world’s best runners shine at California International Marathon

Tsegay Weldlibanos demolished a men’s course record that stood for more than 30 years en route to victory in his first-ever California International Marathon. British Olympian Callie Hauger-Thackery’s record-smashing pace was just enough to edge Jacqueline Gaughan and take home the women’s CIM title Sunday in Sacramento.

It was a day to celebrate, as is so often the case on one of the fastest marathon courses in the country. Sunny, dry conditions, temperatures a crisp but comfortable high 40s, and a world-class field in peak form led to another record-setting Sunday in the state capital.

Weldlibanos, of Eritrea, who lives and trains in high country Flagstaff, Arizona, turned the notoriously fast Folsom-to-Capitol course into a personal playground Sunday, crossing the finish line at two hours, seven minutes and 35 seconds — three seconds faster than the previous course best set by Jerry Lawlor in 1993.

CJ Albertson, the “Fresno Kid” and come-from-behind men’s winner in 2023, missed out on back-to-back wins, taking home a second-place finish and a trip to the podium.

Hauger-Thackery set a blistering pace and needed every bit, her 2:24:28 beating Gaughan’s 2:24:40 by .12 of a second. Stephanie Bruce finished third. One of the fastest British marathoners ever, Haugher-Thackery burst onto the scene in 2023 and earned a spot to represent Great Britain in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Husband and coach Nick Hauger, who finished third on the men’s side moments earlier, met the women’s winner at the finish in an emotional moment. Hauger was draped in the Stars and Stripes; the Union Jack adorned Haugher-Thackery’s shoulders as the couple embraced in victory.

Fifth-place women’s finisher Brittney Feivor’s cheering section hugged the rail at the finish. Susan Kessler, Feivor’s mother-in-law, traveled from Kenosha, Wisconsin, to watch the former Marquette University standout’s run Sunday.

“It’s exhilarating. We know how much work she puts in,” said Kessler. Feivor logs 50 to 90 miles or more a week in training. “It’s cheering and giving her the support she needs.”

The day didn’t just belong to the elites. As many as 10,000 runners and another 1,000 relay runners were expected to cross the finish line on race day, traveling from across the country and Northern California for the chance to notch a personal best or qualify for marathons on the 2025 calendar.

The California International Marathon is a qualifying race for the Boston Marathon. The 129th running is April 21. It’s a short walk — or jog — from the finish line at Ninth Street and Capitol Mall to a bell at the state Capitol’s west steps. Runners here know what the bell’s peal means: Someone’s going to Boston next year.

On Sunday, that someone was Alex Mills, 23, of Tacoma, Washington, shaking the bell nearly off its moorings as proud family — 10 in all — watched on from the Capitol steps.

Mills, who graduated this year from George Fox College in Oregon, wasted no time. Sacramento was the first marathon for the collegiate cross-country runner.

Mills’ mother, Shelly, and entourage planned their vacation around the Sacramento trip. Now, she said, they’ll have to schedule a second in Boston.

“I’m just happy to get it over with,” said Mills, still draped in his warming blanket.

Sometimes the run is about redemption. Andy Holstrom came down to Sacramento from Portland for this year’s marathon. Holstrom, bib 115, was on the course, wife Rebecca and parents Bob and Marla Mion of Newcastle cheering on from the mall. Andy and Rebecca, expecting a child in April, ran Boston last year, but after a disappointing run in the Bay State, Andy was looking for a personal best in California.

Rebecca, who recently ran an ultramarathon, carried a placard with its own bit of cheeky motivation: “Don’t embarrass our unborn son,” it read. “Run fast.”

Dad-to-be Andy delivered, cracking the 2:40 barrier with a 2:39:12.

Brandon Moran of Boston took the trip west, breaking into the coveted 2:30s, relishing the CIM’s fast downhill after running on Boston’s grueling hills. “It’s been two years since I ran this fast. I’m very, very happy with the result. It’s just the smoothest course I’ve ever run.”

Jakob Ingebrigtsen captures third Euro XC Championship title

Jakob Ingebrigtsen’s absence from the European Cross Country Championships last year only seemed to fuel his determination for a spectacular return in 2024. On Saturday, the Norwegian middle-distance superstar, who won in both 2021 and 2022, captured his seventh Euro XC title—his third as a senior—at Dokuma Park in Antalya, Türkiye.

“The course was very challenging and tactical,” Ingebrigtsen, the two-time world 5,000m champion, told media post-race. “There’s a lot of fighting and pushing, a lot of things that could happen.” The 7.8 km course featured sections of sand and mud.

Ingebrigtsen ran comfortably in the lead pack throughout most of the race, before launching a decisive move in the final stages. He crossed the finish line in 22 minutes and 16 seconds, eight seconds ahead of Italy’s Yemaneberhan Crippa. Spain’s Thierry Ndikumwenayo took bronze in 22:31.

Women’s race

Italy’s Nadia Battocletti stole the spotlight on the women’s side, securing her third continental title in 2024. The Olympic 10,000m silver medallist from Italy captured her first senior European cross-country title, following a season that saw her clinch a 5000m/10,000m double at the Roma 2024 European Athletics Championships.

Like Ingebrigtsen, Battocletti demonstrated strategic patience, remaining close to the front pack and unleashing a powerful kick in the final kilometres. She finished in 25:43—11 seconds clear of Germany’s Konstanze Klosterhalfen, who took silver for the second year in a row, crossing the line in 25:54 and matching her finishing time in 2023.  The European 10,000m champion, Yasemin Can, ran 26:01 to capture bronze in her home country.

The 52nd Honolulu marathon was another fun and spirited event

Nearly 25,000 runners started the 52nd Honolulu Marathon under 72°F temperatures, 88% humidity and very calm winds. Due to the increased competition that has grown during a second running boom in recent years, Honolulu’s pro marathon field was not as deep as in the past. 

“It’s getting harder to get the top runners here,” admitted marathon president Dr. Jim Barahal. “There are other races now, like Valencia, that have faster so they come back they come back courses, no heat or hills. But I’m happy with the field we got and the races they produced.”

Both defending champions returned, heading up small, but strong lead packs. 

Kenya’s Paul Lonyagata came down with a small injury two months ago back home in Kenya, and wasn’t prepared to defend his title with any strength. He dropped out just before the 10K mark. 

But women’s defender, Cynthia Limo, who debuted with her victory in Honolulu last year in 2:33:01, saw herself in a tight four woman battle that lasted from the 1st mile until 30 km. 

Last year’s third place men’s finisher, Reuben Kerio, 30, of Kenya, for some reason, downloaded a 4:38 11th mile as the race headed out Kalanianaʻole Highway for the 4 mile stretch out to Hawaii Kai and the turnaround. 

What had been a four man pack was instantly reduced to two as Eritrean Olympian Yamane Haileselassie, 26, who debuted in Boston in April, answered the call a few steps behind the rushing Kenyan.

Super shoes not withstanding, a 4:38 is more like a breakaway mile after 30 km not a how-do-you-do mile not even halfway through the race. Pundits on the scene questioned Kerio‘s decision.

At 15 miles, Yamane HaileSelassie made a move of his own, and within a mile had 10 seconds on Kerio. The lead grew to 30 seconds by 20 miles and the race seemed all but over.

HaileSelassie defected to the United States after the world championships in Eugene, Oregon in 2022. He moved to Flagstaff, Arizona, where he drives an Uber making food deliveries 40 hours a week to supplement is racing income. 

He recently won the BAA Half Marathon in Boston on November 10th, running 1:01:46. He was third in that race last year and in seventh the year before. So you knew he was on form. He was also the fifth place finisher at the 2021 Olympic steeplechase final in Tokyo. When you can run top five in the Olympic steeplechase, you know this could be a great marathon runner.

According to his coach, James McKirdy, this is the first season that Yamane has worn super shoes. But he didn’t seem to be dialed in to the new technology quite yet as his feet came out full of blisters at the end of the competition. Still, he held off a never-say-die Reuben Kerio to win the race in 2:11:59

Kerio, who closed within 12 seconds going up Diamondhead at 40 km, finished 17 seconds back with Japan’s Kensuke Horio taking third place in 2:15:30.

Women leaders through Waikiki in mile 6 (33:10)

The women staged a four-person battle from mile one to mile 19. Defending champion Cynthia Limo ran alongside country woman F3 Judith Korir, silver medalist at the 2022 World Championships marathon in Eugene, Oregon. Along with them was F2 Sandrafelis Tuei, also of Kenya, who is has personal best of 2:22:22 from a fourth place finish in Shanghai, China in 2023. The fourth woman in the group was F4 Fanta Gelasa of Ethiopia, runner up at the 2024 Milan Marathon in Italy. 

The tall striding Judith Korir controlled the pace for much of the first half, but at 19 miles the Ethiopian Gelasa finally let go and Cynthia Limo began to show signs of trying to take the race over. 

In mile 20 Judith Korir finally fell away, leaving just Cynthia and Sandrafelis.

Those two stay together until Diamond Head when, at the 39 km mark, at the aid station Tuei seemed indecisive, unsure how to go to the table and almost ran into it before coming around the table to get her drink. But then she failed to grab it, whereas Cynthia easily snatched her bottle and kept on trucking’. 

Suddenly, a side-by-side battle was a two stride advantage. And that seemed to be enough to break Tuei. From there, Limo loped home uncontested to finish in 2:31:13 to take her second straight, Honolulu Marathon title. Tuei finishing 2:31:47, with Judith Korir taking third in 2:36:17.

In this modern area of super shoes, when winning times are faster than ever, sometimes an old-fashioned foot race can be more fun to watch than a solo run against the clock. 

Honolulu never had, nor never will have, a reputation for being a fast marathon. But pro racing is just as important to the Honolulu Marathon Association as tens of thousands of average runners. Though In 2019, Honolulu had both the fastest marathon in the America (2:07:59) and the slowest, as they never close their finish line and some finishers take up to 17 hours to complete their journey. 

But that’s what makes Honolulu special.  And with more people than ever coming to enjoy sun and sand and swaying palm trees while the snow flies back home, it seems the aloha spirit will never go out of style.

Can olive oil replace petroleum jelly for cold-weather runners?

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

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

Petroleum jelly: the traditional way

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

Olive oil: BYU’s secret weapon?

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

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

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

Chappell Roan’s 5K Personal Record Time Is Pretty Impressive

“I literally don’t feel like I’m going to throw up anymore when I sing and run."

It’s no secret that Chappell Roan is having a massive year. Her single, “Good Luck Babe!” was one of the most streamed songs on Spotify in 2024 and her album The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, was also one of the top five streamed records of the year. 

Chappell also performed on SNL, was nominated for a bunch of Grammys, went on tour, and has kind of been everywhere. Now, she’s dueting with Sabrina Carpenter on the new Netflix special, A Nonsense Christmas with Sabrina Carpenter, which is guaranteed to be a hit. 

Chappell has a ton of high-energy performances and it’s fair to wonder what she does for fitness to keep all that up. 

Here’s what she’s shared about her training. 

She worked hard to train for her tour.

Chappell made it clear that she wanted to make sure that she was ready to go by the time her tour rolled around. So, for six weeks every day leading up to hitting the road, the 26-year-old ran through her entire set during a high intensity cardio workout.

“I would be doing burpees, jump squats, jump rope, high knees,” Chappell told 1824.

She also shared on TikTok that she took two months of “cardio vocal training” to be able to run around onstage, which she admits is "very hard."

Chappell said that training was hugely beneficial for her. “I literally don’t feel like I’m going to throw up anymore when I sing and run, so… ” she said.

She ran cross-country in high school.

Chappell runs around a lot on stage and even jogs in place while she’s performing her songs. That's no accident: She actually has a background in long-distance running.

Chappell (real name: Kayleigh Amstutz) ran cross country in high school and got a PR in cross country of 20:06.96 during her freshman year, according to Mile Split. She ended up qualifying for the Missouri State Cross-Country Championships, so go Chappell! 

She had a fitness-themed set at Lollapalooza.

Chappell had a cool set, complete with a boxing ring, punching dummy, and body builders when she performed at Lollapalooza this summer. 

The performance was amazing, featuring Chappell working the stage while people strength trained like bosses in the background. 

How to Get Rid of Blisters, According to Doctors-And how to prevent them in the future.

BLISTERS MIGHT NOT seem like a big deal—until you get one and remember how debilitating they can be.

These painful skin lesions are caused by friction when your skin rubs against your shoes, says Purvisha Patel, M.D., a dermatologist and founder of Advanced Dermatology and Skin Cancer Associates in Memphis, Tennessee. They may be caused by ill-fitting shoes, not wearing socks, or sporting new shoes before breaking them in. 

Blisters commonly happen on your heels, toes, or other parts of your feet, but they can really happen anywhere that body parts rub together or where your skin rubs against clothing, shoes, or other objects, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

Usually, blisters get better on their own. But there are a few things you can do to speed things up and minimize the pain. Here’s what you should know about treating and preventing blisters. 

What causes blisters?

BLISTERS FORM UNDER the epidermis (the skin’s top layer) as a sac filled with clear liquid or blood, according to the Cleveland Clinic. 

There are a few types of blisters. • Friction blisters—the kind you get from wearing shoes that don’t fit well or repeatedly using a shovel or another tool—form when your skin rubs against something and clear fluid builds up in the skin layers. 

• Blood blisters happen when your skin gets pinched. Blood vessels break, the lower layers of the skin get damaged, and blood pools, forming a blister.

• Heat blisters can form after a burn or sunburn, Dr. Patel says, and blisters can occur when you get frostbite in the extreme cold. You might also get blisters from allergic reactions or medical conditions, like shingles or chickenpox. 

How to Get Rid of a Blister

FRICTION BLISTERS ARE the most common type, and they’ll usually heal on their own in a few days. But there are a few things that

You can also use padding, such as cotton pads or gauze, on blisters in high-pressure areas, like on your feet, the AAD says. Place the padding over the blister and cover with a bandage. Be sure to change the bandage and padding at least once a day. 

Use a Blister Pad

BLISTER PAD PRODUCTS like 2nd Skin and Compeed can offer a protective barrier while the blister heals. These hydrocolloid patches absorb moisture and create a moist environment that allows the wound to heal quickly. You can also use these pads on blister-prone areas to prevent them from forming. 

Signs Your Blister Is Infected

It’s rare for blisters to get infected, Dr. Lizarzaburu says. But it can happen, so it’s important to recognize the signs. 

Swelling, redness, pus or yellow drainage, increased pain, and warmth around the blister are signs it could be infected, Dr. Patel says. You may also get a fever. 

You should see a doctor if you suspect the blister is infected. 

How to Prevent Blisters

The best way to deal with a blister is to avoid getting one in the first place. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to prevent a blister

Chekwemoi and Chebolei claim victories in Chepsaita

Ugandan teenager Loice Chekwemoi and Kenya’s Samwel Chebolei Masai were unrivalled at the Great Chepsaita Cross Country – a World Athletics Cross Country Tour Gold meeting – held on the outskirts of Eldoret on Saturday (7).

Pre-race favourite Chekwemoi, aged just 17, won the women’s race by more than 80 seconds, while 23-year-old Chebolei had a tighter contest in the men’s event.

Ethiopian teenager Shimeles Mekides Molla put in an early surge after the first 2km loop of the women’s 10km race with Chekwemoi and Abigael Chepkoech trailing close behind.

Molla’s lead was short-lived, though, because Chekwemoi moved to the front and opened a gap steadily. It wasn’t long before the African steeplechase champion was running alone out in front with just the thousands of spectators for company.

The Ugandan teenager went on to finish in 34:32, while Molla was almost a minute-and-a-half behind, clocking 35:57 for the runner-up spot. Celestine Biwot completed the podium in 36:43.

“I couldn’t believe that I could win in the home of champions but I told myself I am also a champion and I have to fight for it,” said Chekwemoi. “To be a champion is not easy but I see progression and I am working hard to make sure I qualify for the World Championships in Tokyo next year.”

By contrast, there were 10 athletes running close together at the end of the first lap in the men’s race. That pack was soon reduced to five men, including world U20 cross-country bronze medallist Matthew Kipkoech Kipruto, 2019 African Games 5000m champion Robert Kiprop, and Samwel Chebolei, who was fifth at this year’s World Cross, contributing to Kenya’s team gold medal.

Heading into the fourth lap, Kipruto led from Kiprop and Chebolei. Kipruto’s challenge faded in the closing stages, though, while Chebolei proved to have the stronger finishing kick. He crossed the line in 30:49 to win by nine seconds. Kiprop took second place, improving on his fourth-place finish from last year. Pre-race favourite Kipruto was third in 31:12.

“I had to fight because there were a lot of good athletes in this race, it was not easy,” said Chebolei. “After the third lap, we still felt energetic and the three of us decided to drop the rest and the maths worked for us. I am hoping to build up from here and represent Kenya in Tokyo.”

Kevin Kiprop Biwott won the U20 men’s race, beating world U20 5000m champion Andrew Kiptoo Alamisi by 17 seconds.

Cynthia Chepkurui, who was ninth at the African Cross Country Championships earlier this year, this time emerged as the winner in the U20 women’s 6km race in 21:17.

Several of Kenya’s leading athletes, past and present, attended the Great Chepsaita Cross Country, including Eliud Kipchoge, Faith Kipyegon, Benson Kipruto, David Rudisha, Julius Yego and Janeth Jepkosgei.

16-year-old Aussie sprinter clocks outrageous 100m time

Gout Gout, the young athlete drawing comparisons to Usain Bolt, now holds the Australian U18 100m and 200m records.

Australia’s Gout Gout has left the world speechless once again. At Friday’s Australian All Schools Athletics Championships in Nathan, Australia, the sprinter made a run at the elusive 10-second barrier–at the age of just 16. In heats, he soared to a blazing 10.04 seconds (+3.4 m/s winds), crossing the line more than five tenths of a second ahead of second place. Including all non-legal marks, Gout’s time secured him the number-four spot on the all-time U18 list.

Tailwind speeds exceeding 2.0 m/s are deemed illegal in sprinting, as stronger winds are considered to aid the racers. Wind assistance can impact times by about 0.1 seconds, a substantial difference in the world of sprinting.

In the 100m final at the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre, Gout went on to run a stunning (and wind-legal) 10.17. The time shattered his own personal best of 10.29 and the previous U18 Australian record of 10.27 held by Sebastian Sultana, and still places him sixth on the all-time U18 list.

The high schooler first made headlines when he cruised to a 20.77-second win in the qualifying rounds of the 200m at the World U20 Championships in Lima, Peru, in August. The following day, he clinched the silver medal in the event’s final.

Gout signed a pro contact with Adidas in October, and just a week later, clocked an electrifying 20.29 at the All Schools Queensland track and field championships. The time broke his own U18 national record, along with the 31-year-old U20 national record and the Oceanic record. His time was the fourth-fastest in Australia’s history.

Gout’s race on Friday clip is his second to go viral in the athletics world in four months; many track and field fans began drawing comparisons of his tall stature and running style to those of Jamaican track legend Usain Bolt.

British ultrarunner completes two-month run across Australia

Jack Pitcher, 28, became the fastest British runner to traverse Australia, completing the 4,320-kilometer journey from Perth to Sydney's Bondi Beach in 61 days.

On Wednesday, Jack Pitcher, a 28-year-old ultrarunner from Berkshire, U.K., completed a 4,320-km run from Perth to Sydney, dipping his feet into the ocean at Bondi Beach. The gruelling two-month journey saw him set a new British record for the fastest coast-to-coast run across Australia, finishing in 61 days.

Pitcher shattered the previous British record of 77 days, set by Nikki Love in 2023, by consistently covering an average of 71 kilometers per day. He began his trek on Oct. 6 at Cottesloe Beach in Perth, and overcame extreme conditions to reach Sydney almost nine weeks later.

Initially accompanied by his friend Joshua Smith, the duo’s plans changed when Smith suffered an injury midway through the transcontinental run. Despite the setback, Smith continued to support Pitcher, cycling alongside him in the final weeks.

Speaking to BBC Berkshire, Pitcher reflected on the highs and lows of his incredible journey. “I’m over the moon. Sixty days would have been ideal, but I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve done,” he said. Pitcher recalled battling 45 C heat, exhaustion and even hallucinations during the final weeks, which temporarily forced him to halt his run, for safety reasons.

The run wasn’t just about breaking records. He dedicated his journey to raising funds for SSAFA, a U.K. military charity, and to honor his father, a former member of the army, who inspired him. “Helping others and making my family proud was my biggest motivation,” he shared.

Pitcher told the BBC he’s grateful for the moments of wonder along the way, from encounters with Australia’s unique wildlife to the kindness of strangers offering cold drinks during scorching days.

While Pitcher now holds the British record, the fastest known run from Perth to Sydney remains in the hands of Chris Turnbull, an Australian ultrarunner who completed the same journey in 39 days, eight hours, and one minute in 2023.

Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata 2024: Defending Champions Ebenyo and Kebede set to return

The ninth edition of the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata, the world's first World Athletics Gold Label 25K race, is set to take place on Sunday, December 15, 2024.

With a prize pool of USD 142,214 and equal rewards for men and women, the event will see elite athletes competing for top honors on the fast and scenic streets of Kolkata.

Daniel Ebenyo (Kenya) and Sutume Kebede (Ethiopia), defending champions and current event record holders, will lead the star-studded lineup. Ebenyo set the men's record at 1:11:13 last year, while Kebede clocked 1:18:47 to dominate the women's race. Both are determined to better their timings and defend their titles.

Ebenyo aims to surpass his personal best and challenge the unofficial world record of 1:11:08, set by Eliud Kipchoge during a marathon split. "The Kolkata roads are fast, and conditions are ideal; it's a perfect opportunity to defend my title and better my timing," Ebenyo said.

Women's Race

The women's field is packed with talent. Kebede, the reigning champion, has shown remarkable improvement this year with personal bests in the half marathon (1:04:37) and marathon (2:15:55). Her competition includes:

Desi Jisa (Bahrain), the 2022 champion, known for her strong performances in marathons and cross-country events.

Degitu Azimeraw (Ethiopia), 2017 Kolkata champion, fresh off a sixth-place finish at the Chicago Marathon following a comeback post-maternity break. Alemaddis Eyayu (Ethiopia), winner of the 2024 Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon, making her 25K debut.Viola Chepngeno (Kenya), a consistent top-three finisher in international races. Sintayehu Lewetegn (Ethiopia), a World Cross-country bronze medalist. Men's Race Along with the current champion Daniel Ebenyo, there will be some other tough competitors as well.Benson Kipruto (Kenya), Tokyo Marathon 2024 champion and Paris Olympics bronze medalist, who was officially timed at 1:11:39 for 25K this year. Stephen Kissa (Uganda), fifth in the 2023 World Championships Marathon and a half marathon PB of 58:56.Haymanot Alew (Ethiopia), a top performer from last year's race, eager to make it to the podium. Diriba Girma (Ethiopia), making his debut and aiming to follow in the footsteps of his world-champion brother, Lamecha Girma. With runners motivated by an Event Record Bonus of USD 5,000, the competition promises excitement and potentially record-breaking performances.

How to review your running year so you can improve in the months to come

THE END OF THE YEAR IS A GREAT TIME TO reflect on your running over the past 12 months – whether your aim has been fun, achieving parkrun PBs or preparing for a marathon. 

A year-end review can help you spot trends, address setbacks and enhance your training for the upcoming year – whether that’s to boost performance or increase enjoyment. To do this, I encourage you to conduct a light performance analysis. It doesn’t require extensive data; instead, ask yourself key questions to start the new year with focus. 

Audit yourself 

Begin by reflecting on your goal-setting from a year ago. What were those goals? Are they still relevant? Perhaps you achieved several PBs or completed a couch to 5K programme and need a new challenge. Alternatively, you might need to scale back this year if your previous goals were unattainable. Remember, running should be enjoyable, and it’s normal to experience ups and downs. 

Then take a closer look at your training, racing and lifestyle over the past year. Use data, along with the self-reflection questions to follow, to score yourself from one to five in the areas identified. This will guide your goal-setting and action plan for the year ahead. 

1. Physical 

This covers your overall fitness, strength, endurance and injury prevention. If you’re more experienced, you might use data from apps such as Strava or Garmin Connect, or a detailed training log. This can include metrics such as mileage, heart rate or HRV measurements. For the performance-minded, consider lab testing such as lactate and VO2-max testing. If you’re less experienced, focus on how your rate of perceived exertion (RPE) might have changed in different training sessions and races as the year went on. 

● Endurance Review your total volume over the year in distance or time. Were there gaps in consistency owing to injury, motivation or life events? Have you included longer runs regularly? Do you feel your heart rate or effort has reduced for similar paces, or are you able to sustain your pace for longer periods?

● Speed and power Analyse improvements in shorter races compared with longer ones. Use the RW race-time predictor to see if you align more closely on longer or shorter races, or if you are well balanced. Reflect on your training: did you include a mix of long runs, intervals, fartlek sessions, hill workouts, tempo runs and recovery runs? A well-rounded training plan leads to balanced improvement. 

● Injury and strength Track how many injuries you’ve had, and their severity and causes. Has strength training supported your running? Use strength and flexibility tests such as knee-to-wall tests and sit-and-reach tests to benchmark yourself against norms for your age. 

2. Planning and performance 

This section looks at your approach to training plans and race performance. 

● Race pace vs training pace Are you performing consistently in races compared with training? Do you feel you underperform or overperform in competitive situations? 

● Variety Did you include races of different distances and on various surfaces throughout the year? Or did you stay in a comfort zone with your favourite or strongest type of race? 

● Splits Evaluate how you pace yourself during races. Do you start too fast and fade, or do you

3. Mindset and wellbeing 

Your mindset and emotional wellbeing play a significant role in your running performance, as well as in maintaining your motivation and consistency. 

● Motivation and enjoyment Did you maintain enthusiasm for running or were there periods of low motivation? Identify factors that contributed to any highs and lows. 

● Anxiety and pressure Did you regularly feel stressed or anxious about your running or performance? Consider your goal-setting and whether you have the right balance between process and outcome focus. 

● Race nerves and focus Evaluate how you handled race-day pressure. Did you feel confident and focused or did nerves affect your performance? Assess your mental approach to tough runs and races – did you stay positive and push through challenging moments? Did you explore any mental techniques such as positive self-talk or mantras for key moments in races? 

● Consistency and commitment Look at how disciplined you were with your training. Did you skip runs or stay consistent? What external factors affected your behaviour and how well did you handle those disruptions? 

4. Recovery 

You can follow the perfect plan with a good mix of training, but if you don’t recover, your fitness gains will be limited and you’re more likely to pick up injuries. Various pieces of data can help you monitor recovery, such as sleep tracking, heart-rate variability and the ‘recovery’ metrics from most GPS watches. Often, however, you’ll know if improvements are needed by answering some key questions: 

● Sleep and rest Assess how well you prioritised rest, including sleep quality and duration. Poor recovery can lead to fatigue, injury and decreased performance, so reflect on how (or if) you balanced your hard training with adequate rest. 

● Nutrition and hydration Did you fuel properly before during and after runs? Did you hydrate adequately, especially during long runs and races? Have you noticed patterns between nutrition and performance? Did you effectively plan and practise your race-day nutrition? 

● Health and vitality Did you frequently catch colds or infections? In the run-up to key races, did you keep doing the simple things, such as using hand gel and taking any supplements you might need? 

● Injury recovery Did you give yourself enough time to heal, follow rehab exercises and ease back

Write these down as a simple action plan with up to five priorities. Create objectives that are realistic and motivating, balancing short-term achievements – such as improving your pace or increasing weekly volume – with long-term ambitions, such as completing a marathon or getting a personal best. 

Lastly, remember that running isn’t just about performance. Think about how to add enjoyment to your running, such as participating in races of different distances or on various surfaces. Consider joining a club or training group to maximise the social and mental health benefits of running. 

Combining all of these lessons will help you get more from your running in 2025, whatever your goal may be. Good luck! 

You Failed Your Workout—Now What?

It’s Tuesday. No, it’s not only Tuesday. It’s critical velocity day. My coach has assigned me two warm-up miles and six by 800 meters in 3:13-3:21, with a 90 second jog between each one. I head out to smash the workout. I’m confident. I’m excited. Then, I start.

It’s blistering hot. Sweat is dragging all my face sunscreen down my forehead into my eyes. Water sloshes in my stomach. I’m so thirsty, but I can’t drink anymore or I’ll puke. I start to slow. Miss my paces. What is happening? My head spins and I get this horrible gut-wrenching feeling as I pull through the last interval. My coach is going to be disappointed. My Strava is going to be humiliating. Because I absolutely, undoubtedly failed this run.

Thinking of yourself or your run as a failure can be debilitating and keep you down for days. For a while, I thought I needed to stifle this feeling. But as it turns out, I should be making nice with failure rather than fighting it.

The ‘F’ Word: Failing a Workout 

So what exactly does it mean to “fail” a run? It looks different for everyone, but to many runners it means missing the splits of your prescribed workout. You can fail in training and fail in a race—both can be disheartening. However, running coach and founder of Run Your Personal Best, Cory Smith, says this doesn’t always mean you’re running too slow.

“A lot of people think the faster you run, the better,” he says. “But if you’re trying to hit a certain zone or train a certain adaptation and you run too fast, then you’re training something different than your coach wanted you to train, that can be a failure, too.”

In fact, Smith doesn’t believe going slower than your prescribed paces should be defined as the typical, negative definition of failure.

“Failure is data collection,” he says. “It’s learning information. If I fail a workout, it doesn’t make me a failure as a person or an athlete, it’s just an opportunity to look at the data and figure out how to grow from it.”

Oftentimes you’ll hear runners call it the “F word” or scold others for talking about failure, but

“We have an opportunity, with our language, to normalize failure,” she says. “If we can redefine it, we change our relationship with it.”

What both Foerster and Smith stress the most is that one bad workout doesn’t make or break you. Smith compares it to basing your retirement fund on one day when the market went down, even though we know it goes up and down all the time.

“The most powerful thought around failure is that one workout never makes or breaks a race or athlete,” Foerester says. “We’re in a constant state of learning, if we open ourselves up to be.”

Beating yourself up over a workout can often bleed into your next run, creating a sort of downward spiral effect.

“It puts you into a negative mindset, and then the next workout you’re going to put more pressure on yourself to do well, to convince yourself that last workout was just a fluke,” Smith says. “This leads to anxiety, which can hurt your workout performance.”

One study reports that a negative emotional state can hinder athletic performance. Speed, specifically, was proven to be affected by emotional state. This study examined the correlation between sadness and depression and reduced running speeds, head movements, and arm swinging.

In other words, failure can be heavy, if you let it.

 An Upsetting UTMB: Failing a Race 

Like we said, failure looks different for everyone. So far, we’ve been talking about failing during training sessions—which can be referred to as process failure. An outcome failure, however, is not meeting an end-result or goal for which you trained. Like a race.

For Addie Bracy, it looks like an uncharacteristic 116th place in the 2023 CCC 100K last September. Bracy is an elite trail runner, winning the 2021 Run Rabbit Run 100 and placing third at the 2023 Speedgoat 50K. She has a consistent track record across the board and even has her masters in Sport and Performance Psychology.

“I had a pretty poor performance,” she says, reflecting on CCC. “Objectively, one of the worst I’ve ever had in trail running, and certainly not the race I trained for.”

Bracy says she can’t pinpoint a rhyme or reason why, but that it just wasn’t clicking that day. At a certain point, she realized the race wasn’t going the way she thought and reframed her mindset. Failure, in her definition, is only when you give up—and she chose not to.

“I think that’s the beauty of ultras—they’re so long that you’re going through the mental process then and there,” she says. “I had thoughts of stopping, but I went through the mentality of ‘That’s not why you do this,’ and gave my best effort to focus on just finishing instead of making a certain time.”

This is what Smith identifies as performance standards versus outcome goals.

“Outcome goals are the splits you or your coach sets or the final finishing time,” he says. “The performance standards aren’t outcomes, but how much effort you put into whatever that task is.”

Meaning, Bracy started with an outcome goal of a particular time, and mid-race, reframed her goals to do

Foerster goes a step further and says that failure is not only okay, it’s actually beneficial.

“Anytime we can meet emotional discomfort where we have to deal with heavy emotions like disappointment, we teach ourselves how to navigate that more effectively,” Foerster says. “So that when we meet another uncomfortable moment in a race, we know we can meet it and process through it.”

In a study conducted by Ayelet Fishbach, Behavioral Science professor at University of Chicago, and Kaitlin Woolley, associate professor at the SC Johnson Cornell College of Business, it was proven that discomfort could lead to personal growth. By applying cognitive reappraisal, study participants assigned a new meaning to discomfort before they experienced it so it served as motivation rather than a reason to stop their goals. And, in the case of this study, participants who were forced into discomfort while doing a task reported a greater sense of achievement.

Much like running itself can be uncomfortable, forcing yourself to address the emotions that come with failure can be an unfamiliar, disagreeable experience. But doing so allows you to feel, process, and recognize that you can change your relationship with failure every time you meet it.

“Discomfort is the currency to our dreams,” Foerster says. “If we’re willing to meet it, all our potential is on the other side.”

So miss those splits. Fail, and fail hard. Address the feeling head-on and don’t let it define you. It’s just one out of many more runs to come.

He Fell 200 Feet During a Trail Running Race—And Lived to Tell the Tale

Not all trail races are created equally: 22-year-old collegiate trail running champion Stuart Terrill learned the very hard way at the U.S. Mountain Running Championships last summer

Stuart Terrill’s life forever changed in a blink of an eye during a competitive mountain running race this past summer.

On July 13, the 22-year-old from Crozet, Virginia, summited 11,000-foot Hidden Peak at Snowbird ski resort above Salt Lake City. He was an hour into the 8.7-mile Cirque Series race serving double duty as the 2024 USA Track and Field Mountain Running Championships.

Terrill had just graduated from the University of Richmond, where he ran cross country and track and double-majored in leadership and communication. But he was no stranger to the trails. He won the Collegiate Trail Running Championship in Fairfax, Virginia, in May, besting the competition by nearly a minute over the 10K course to earn his second straight collegiate trail running championship title.

As he crested Hidden Peak and started bombing down the other side, Terrill passed a competitor and lost control, sending him careening towards a cliff. Photographer Matt Johnson watched in horror, pivoting to try to catch Terrill before he fell. But he was too late. Terrill toppled over the edge and tumbled more than 200 feet down the jagged unforgiving terrain below.

“He swung wide to pass a runner. His momentum sent him barreling down towards me and I dropped my camera to try and grab him,” Johnson recalled in the resort’s incident report. “I heard his terrified screams as he went out of sight down the rocky gully. At this point I screamed for a medic and life flight because I wasn’t sure if he was going to even survive. It was rough. It was one of the most horrifying things I’ve ever witnessed.”

Terrill suffered numerous broken bones—eight vertebrae, four ribs, his right collarbone, left wrist, right kneecap, and several bones in each of his feet—and was lucky to be alive. As his mangled body was taken away in a medical helicopter, all those on the scene could do was wonder: how did such a perilous

Mountain Running: A Contact Sport?

While many may be initially attracted to running (on the track and roads) precisely because of its relatively low-risk profile—no contact that could lead to a concussion, no explosive movements that could result in an acute injury—trail running, and in particular mountain running, is another matter. In fact, mountain running, a fast, explosive trail running discipline that usually involves running over rocky, uneven terrain and climbing and descending peaks, comes with considerable risk.

Many mountain running races take competitors along high cliffs and ridgelines with exposure, and down steep, off-trail descents through technical terrain. Minor falls are common, and sprained ankles, broken collarbones, and skin-devouring trail rash are among the most typical injuries.

Injuries are common enough that some races, including the Pikes Peak Marathon in Manitou Springs, Colorado, give out an award for the bloodiest runner. Mount Marathon, a short mountain race in Seward Alaska, reports several minor injuries in a typical year. In 2012, it suffered its first presumed death when 66-year-old Michael LeMaitre, fell on a steep section of the course and, inexplicably, was never found.

Although it wasn’t a super-fast shorter-distance mountain running race, American runner Hillary Allen survived one of the worst known trail running accidents in 2017 at the 57K Hamperokken Skyrace in the mountains outside of Tromso, Norway, after she tripped and ragdolled 150 feet down a ridge and broke both arms, two vertebrae, several ribs, and numerous bones in her feet. Like Terrill, she was lucky to have survived.

“We acknowledge the inherent dangers of producing races in the high alpine, injuries are rare, but do happen unfortunately,” Julian Carr, the race director of the Cirque Series event at Snowbird, wrote in an email. “This is, by far, the most serious injury at a Cirque race since we started our races in 2015.”

“We come from a much more dangerous world of ski mountaineering and climbing, so trail running might seem pretty vanilla compared to that, but you have to be organized and prepared,” Madigan says. “You’ve got to make sure you’re protecting everyone and have a consistent level of safety.”

Not All Trails Are Created Equally

Terrill isn’t new to trail running. In fact, he ran his first trail race in middle school—a mile and a half course with 100 feet of elevation gain in central Virginia. While running cross country and track at the University of Richmond, he also went on to win the Collegiate Trail Running National Championships in both 2023 and 2024.

As a junior in 2023, he took the national title at the Thunderbunny 11K trail race in Athens, Ohio, in 41:27, setting the course record by a minute and a half. That’s when he knew he had a thing for off-road running. Then this past May he repeated as national champ by winning the Fountainhead 10K++ Trail Run in Virginia, obliterating the course record by six and a half minutes in 44:55.

“I’ve always trained in hilly locations, and my stride worked well

How Should I Carb-Load for a Race?

Carb-loading is a game-changer for race day. To perform your best, your body taps into carb stores called glycogen, which is tucked away in your liver and muscles until it’s ready to be used. Carb-loading means that you increase these glycogen stores above their typical capacity so you have more to pull from when doing a strenuous endurance activity like running. Studies show that this nutrition strategy may improve performance by 2-3 percent for runs over 90 minutes.When done right, carb-loading gives you an extra energy boost. But the wrong approach can leave you feeling overly full, sluggish, or uncomfortable at the start line. Here’s how to carb-load to help you reach your peak performance.When to Start Carb-Loading

Carb-loading typically begins one to three days before the race to fill your glycogen storages sufficiently, but the exact number of days you need depends on the race distance, how long you’ll be running, and the intensity of your effort. I usually recommend starting 1-2 days before a half marathon and 2.5-3 days before a full marathon. Waiting until the night before your race to scarf down a ton of Fettuccine Alfredo won’t properly replenish your energy stores, and may leave you feeling weighed down or experiencing digestive discomfort on race day.

Take this example: if your marathon is on Saturday morning, start carb-loading on Wednesday. Spread your intake throughout the day with three carb-rich meals and two to three snacks, daily.How to Carb-LoadDuring the carb-loading phase, aim for 8-12 grams of carbohydrates per kilogram of body weight per day. For a 150-pound runner, this translates to 550 to 800 grams of carbs daily.Focus on simple, carbohydrate-rich foods like white bread, pasta, rice, sweet and regular white potatoes, dried or fresh fruit, and regular or lactose-free dairy milk and yogurt. (Some people experience GI issues if they eat too much dairy, but chocolate milk can be a great choice for carb-loading.) These foods are energy powerhouses. To make the process smoother:

Choose easily digestible, low-fiber foods to avoid feeling overly full. Now is not the time to go gung-ho on the whole wheat bread, quinoa, and vegetables. 

Scale back on high-fiber, high-fat, and protein-heavy foods to leave room for more carbs. Timing and Hydration Tips

Consistency is key. Plan to eat three carb-rich meals and two to three snacks every day. Liquid carbs, such as fruit juice, sports drinks, chocolate milk, or fruit smoothies, can help you meet your carb goals without feeling overly stuffed.

Remember, glycogen (your body’s stored form of carbs) holds water, so staying hydrated throughout your carb-load is crucial. Proper hydration will help you avoid feelings of sluggishness and support your muscles.

Putting It All Together for Race Day

An effective carb-loading block is all about timing, balance, and testing what works for you. Gradually increase your carbs, stick to easy-to-digest options, and don’t forget to hydrate. Consider practicing a one-day carb-load during training, such as before a key workout or long run, to figure out which foods work best for your body.

With the right strategy, you’ll feel strong, energized, and ready to conquer race day without hitting the dreaded “wall.”

The Zurich Marathon, canceled due to the wind, offers a full refund of the registration fee

The Zurich San Sebastian Marathon, which had to be suspended last Sunday due to strong gusts of wind that endangered safety at different points along the route, offers a full refund of the registration fee to the 10,500 runners registered.

The organizers of this test have thanked this Wednesday in a statement "the patience, understanding and support received in these complicated days for their runners".

They have assured that, despite the fact that a series of important expenses have been incurred that will not be able to be recovered, the unconditional support of all sponsors, especially Zurich Seguros, and the institutions makes it possible to refund the full amount of the registration fee, including those of management and the complete ones previously acquired (medal engraving).

Also, although the test has not been held, the Z Zurich Foundation will go ahead with the initiative of 1 finisher 1 euro, which will donate the total amount to the Spanish Federation of Food Banks (FESBAL). Likewise, the organization will offer the leftover shirts to the sports schools of Gipuzkoa.

In addition, depending on the distance of each registered runner (42km, 10km or 21km), runners will be able to choose, apart from the refund, among other compensation options from today until next Friday, December 6 through a form that each one has received through email.

Those who do not respond to the statement within the established period will not be able to request a refund and only until December 31 will have their place saved to participate in the Zurich San Sebastian Marathon 2025.

The organizers deeply regret not having been able to hold the race as they expected, but they advance that they are working with "more enthusiasm than ever to make future editions unforgettable".

When should you end or extend your break?

Two weeks to one month off is the sweet spot for many runners, but sometimes the body signals the need for an extended rest period.

As the running calendar slows down between fall races and spring marathons, many runners face the challenge of balancing time off with preparation. The cold weather, coupled with the holiday season, makes it tempting to prolong your well-deserved downtime. But how long should the break from running really last? and when should you consider extending it?

How long should it be?

If you were to survey 100 runners on the length of their breaks, the responses would vary between two weeks, a month or even the entire winter. There’s no right answer on how long your break should last as it really depends on the individual and how long it takes them to recharge their body and mind after a long training build. 

Listening to your body and mind is crucial in determining the length of your break. Some coaches argue that mental recovery is as important as physical recovery; and if the mind needs extra time to rediscover the joy in training, extending the break will help you return with a renewed outlook.

If shorter breaks leave you feeling out of shape, consider longer ones. Contrarily, if extended breaks help improve your performance and boost your motivation, it’s definitely worth adding on a week or two.

When should it be extended?

On the physical side, the purpose of a break is to allow your body to heal from months of stress, soreness and fatigue. If you’ve just finished a marathon, it will demand longer recovery times than shorter races like 5Ks or 10Ks. Lingering soreness or fatigue from longer distances can point to additional recovery time, especially if it persists beyond two weeks after the race.

Rushing back too soon can lead to inadequate recovery, which is a leading cause of injuries—something you’ll want to avoid to prevent any further setbacks. If you’re targeting a spring race, ensure you allow enough time to build your fitness gradually. For example, a spring marathon typically requires 12–16 weeks of preparation post-break. If your next big race is five or six months away, it gives you the flexibility to extend your rest and enter the training build with a healthy body and clear mind.

The decision to end or extend your break is individual, but when you do decide to return to training, start slow. Gradually reintroduce running into your routine, and avoid jumping back into intense workouts in the first few weeks. This approach will help prevent injuries and ensure a smoother transition back into training.

'It's so rare that on race can define your life'- Cole Hocker reflects on Paris 'Olympic blues' and being the man to beat in 2025

Cole Hocker claimed gold in the 1500m at the Paris Olympics with an Olympics record time, upsetting as star studded line-up.

American middle-distance runner Cole Hocker, fresh off his historic victory at the Paris Olympics, is embracing life as the world’s best 1500-meter runner.

Hocker etched his name in the record books with a stunning time of 3:27.65, setting a new Olympic record and defeating favorites such as defending champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen of Norway and Great Britain’s Josh Kerr, a two-time world champion.

In a candid reflection on his triumph, Hocker described the moment as transformative even as he struggles to grasp the nature of his new reality.

“It’s a life-changing victory, but you don’t ever really know where that’s going to take you,” he said via Citius Mag.

“So many things are still unfolding. I didn’t know how to prepare for this because I didn’t know what to expect. It was just a dream until it actually happened.”

Despite his monumental success, Hocker remains grounded, returning to his training base in Virginia.

“It’s back to business as usual,” he shared. “I’m surrounded by the same people who’ve supported me throughout this journey, and that keeps me focused. It’s an interesting headspace, but I’m embracing the challenge of being the best 1500-meter runner in the world and rising to every occasion.”

The 22-year-old also opened up about the mental adjustment following such a career-defining moment. He acknowledged experiencing what he termed “Olympic blues,” a phenomenon he says is common among athletes.

“You train your entire career for that one moment, and no matter how it goes, that date comes and goes. Even after having the best day of my life, it’s surreal to realize we’re already months past it. Moving forward feels strange, but it’s also exciting.”

Looking ahead, Hocker is determined to capitalize on his Olympic momentum. “I’m focusing on optimizing this victory and carrying that form into the next season. One race can define your life, and I’m making sure to rise to every new challenge.”

With his Paris performance setting the stage, Hocker is now one of the most formidable names in middle-distance running. As he gears up for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on him to see how he builds on his remarkable Olympic success.

'Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce motivates me' - When Ruth Chepng’etich opened up about her inspiration & family sacrifices

Ruth Chepng’etich once stated that Shelly Ann Fraser-Pryce inspired her journey, reflecting her motivations and record-breaking marathon achievements.

New women’s marathon record holder Ruth Chepng’etich has long been one of the most dominant forces in long-distance running.

From clinching the World Championship in 2019 to winning gold at the 2021 and 2022 Chicago Marathons, the Kenyan runner has proven her mettle time and again on the global stage.

Earlier this year, in an exclusive interview with Athletics Weekly, Chepng’etich opened up about her admiration for Jamaican sprinting legend Shelly Ann Fraser-Pryce.

“Shelly Ann (Fraser-Pryce), she motivates me, inspires me, to do a lot. Shelly Ann, I think she started a long time ago, before me, so I'm following (in) her footsteps. Like her, I want to run for long, run smart, and fall and get up,” Chepng’etich shared.

Fraser-Pryce, widely regarded as one of the greatest sprinters of all time, has not only inspired Chepng’etich’s approach to competition but has also served as a role model for longevity in athletics.

Chepng’etich expressed a desire to emulate the sprinter's perseverance and adaptability, striving to push boundaries in her own discipline of marathon running.

The Kenyan champion also credited her family as a source of motivation, particularly her daughter.

“I think about my daughter, I am pushing so much because of my daughter. My daughter is motivating me to work harder. I have to work hard for her to study. Mothers have a lot to do, so it is not easy. Our children are motivating us to work harder. We want to show them the way in how life goes,” she added.

Chepng’etich’s remarkable journey reached new heights at this year’s Chicago Marathon, where she set a jaw-dropping world record time of 2:09:56, becoming the first woman ever to run a marathon in under 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Her incredible performance not only shattered the previous record of 2:11:53 held by Tigst Assefa but also firmly established her as one of the greatest marathon runners in history.

Reflecting on her world-record performance, Chepng’etich expressed both pride and a sense of accomplishment.

“I feel so great, I'm proud of myself. This is my dream that has come true. I've fought a lot, thinking about the world record, and I have fulfilled it,” she said after the race.

She attributed her success to meticulous preparation, favorable weather, and unwavering determination.

Chepng’etich dedicated her record-breaking run to the late Kelvin Kiptum, a fellow Kenyan marathoner who set a men's world record at the Chicago Marathon last year.

“The world record has come back to Kenya, and I dedicate this world record to Kelvin Kiptum,” she said.

Her achievement is awaiting ratification by World Athletics, but it has already resonated worldwide as a testament to the indomitable spirit of Kenyan runners.

Chepng’etich’s feat not only cements her legacy but also reinforces Kenya's stature as a powerhouse in distance running.

Her admiration for Fraser-Pryce and the motivation she draws from her daughter underscore her commitment to excellence both on and off the track.

California International Marathon is this weekend and defending champion CJ Albertson and Calli Hauger-Thackery headline the elite field

The 41st annual California International Marathon is this Sunday, Dec. 8 bringing some 10,000 runners and spectators to Folsom and the Sacramento region. Along with the many participants comes a number of road closures the day of the event. 

The marathon begins at the intersection of Folsom Auburn Road and Folsom Lake Crossing at 7 a.m.The course continues through Orangevale, Citrus Heights, Fair Oaks, Carmichael, and Sacramento, and concludes at the State Capitol. Road closures include Folsom-Auburn Road from Folsom Dam Road to Greenback Lane, Folsom Lake Crossing Road from East Natoma Street to Folsom-Auburn Road, and Oak Avenue Parkway from Folsom-Auburn Road to Santa Juanita Avenue. Closures begin at 3 a.m. and roads are planned to reopen at 10 a.m. Detours will be clearly marked.

The CIM was founded in 1983 by the Sacramento Running Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The event brings an estimated 10 million dollar to the Sacramento County economy each year.The event is certified and sanctioned by USATF and is a Boston Marathon and U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon qualifier. Learn more at runsra.org. For a complete listing of road closures, schedules, and courses, visit the CIM website or see a summary at the conclusion of this article.

With good weather in the forecast, participants and organizers are excited about this year’s event and according to the Sacramento Running Association the event will feature 2024 Paris Olympian Calli Hauger-Thackery and defending 2023 CIM champion CJ Albertson, alongside a mix of returning veterans and first-time participants, setting the stage for potentially record-breaking performances.

The elite men’s and women’s fields will compete for a combined $100,000 prize purse, with additional bonuses for breaking course records. The current records stand at 2:10:27 for men, set in 1993 by Jerry Lawson, and 2:26:02 for women, set in 2022 by Paige (Stoner) Wood.

Hauger-Thackery, representing Great Britain at the 2024 Paris Olympics, holds the fastest personal best in the women’s field—2:21:24, achieved at the 2024 Berlin Marathon earlier this fall. She will make her CIM debut, joining her husband, 2:12 marathoner Nick Hauger, who is also competing.

“I’m excited to do this race for many reasons,” Hauger-Thackery said. “The main one being that my husband has had only fond experiences here over the past two years. I’m also excited because my dad raced CIM in the ’90s, and California is my favorite place! CIM has been on my radar for quite some time now.”

Hauger-Thackery will face stiff competition from four other women who have run sub-2:30 marathons: Laura Thweatt of Superior, Colo., with a personal best of 2:25:38; Jackie Gaughan of Boston, 2:27:08; Stephanie Bruce of Flagstaff, Ariz., 2:27:47; and Allie Kieffer of Austin, 2:28:12, who was the 2023 CIM runner-up.

Bruce returns to CIM with a strong record, having placed second in both the 2016 (2:32:36) and 2018 (2:29:21) editions. Since then, she has achieved milestones such as running her personal best of 2:27:47 at the 2019 Chicago Marathon and placing sixth at the 2020 U.S. Marathon Olympic Trials.

“Returning to CIM feels like an awesome homecoming because it was the first marathon I ran postpartum with my two boys in 2016,” Bruce said. “Now, eight years later, I’m coming back after giving birth to my third baby. I love the city, the energy, and the people who make this race so special.”

The men’s field includes three notable returners: defending champion CJ Albertson (Fresno, Calif.), 2023 runner-up Milton Rotich, and 2019 champion Elisha Barno. Joining them is CIM newcomer Tsegay Tuemay Weldlibanos, a 2:09:07 marathoner currently training in Flagstaff, Ariz., who is expected to push the pace.

“To race at CIM is very special for me,” Weldlibanos said. “Many of my teammates have found success here, and I hope to do the same. I want to make my family, team, and coach proud.”

Albertson has enjoyed a standout year, placing fifth at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials (2:10:07), seventh at the Boston Marathon (2:09:53) and Chicago Marathon (2:08:17), and tenth at the New York City Marathon (2:10:57). Another CIM victory will likely require a course record performance.

Barno, who won the 2019 CIM, has a personal best of 2:09:14. Rotich, last year’s runner-up, boasts a 2:08:55 personal best. Both are strong contenders to challenge Albertson and Weldlibanos for the win and the 2:10:27 course record.

“We’re thrilled about the 2024 elite field at CIM,” said Scott Abbott, executive director of the Sacramento Running Association. “This year has a unique homecoming feel, with so many ‘CIM alumni’ returning. It’s further evidence that CIM is a favorite among elite runners. We expect a strategic race between these battle-tested veterans, and we hope to see both course records fall.”

The Sacramento Running Association, a nonprofit organization, is dedicated to encouraging people of all ages and abilities to run. The SRA focuses on developing quality running events that appeal to a wide range of participants.

Internet reacts to 2025 Boston Marathon celebration jacket

The Boston Athletic Association took a gamble with their design for the 2025 marathon jacket.

The Boston Marathon celebration jacket from Adidas has been a cherished tradition at the race since 1991, becoming a symbol of accomplishment for runners who conquer the course each year. This year’s jacket, however, has the running world up in arms after the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) decided to move away from the iconic stitched B.A.A. logo to a printed Bank of America-centric crest on the front and back.

While the jacket boasts sustainable credentials as the first made entirely from recycled polyester material, many runners are more focused on the design. Bank of America, which became the race’s presenting sponsor in 2023 after nearly four decades under insurance company John Hancock, is being criticized for its branding. The jacket’s “Lucid Blue” design, paired with the B.A.A.’s traditional royal blue base, has also drawn mixed reviews. Some see it as a vibrant refresh, while others seem to have wanted a more timeless esthetic.

Reactions to the jacket have been making their circles on social media. “I have been extremely disappointed in the branding since Bank of America came into play,” wrote one user on Facebook. “First messing with the unicorn, now barfing corporate branding all over everything,” Another commenter wrote, “For 2026, are we going to see how many Bank of America logos we can fit on people? Nothing says tradition and prestige like Bank of America.”

The 2024 Boston Marathon celebration jacket was the first edition in which Bank of America was featured, with the bank’s logo screen printed below the traditional B.A.A. crest. In addition to the jacket’s sustainable footprint, the logos on the front and back are entirely reflective, along with the three stripes on the sleeve and the “Boston is my victory” idiom on the left cuff.

Despite the backlash, the 2025 Boston Marathon jacket remains a hot commodity. For runners eager to get their hands on one, it’s available online for CAD $160. Whether you love it or hate it, the jacket remains a badge of honour for thousands.

Faith Kipyegon reveals why she might not run another 1,500m race at Olympics

Multiple world and Olympics champion Faith Kipyegon has hinted at the possibility of abandoning her specialty, the 1,500m, in favor of other races at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Three-time Olympics 1,500m champion Faith Kipyegon might have run her final Olympics over the distance as she is exploring the possibilities of featuring in other disciplines.

Kipyegon made history when she became the first woman to claim three straight Olympics gold medals in 1,500m at the Paris 2024 Games, adding onto her titles secured in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020.

At 30, Kipyegon perhaps does not feel that she will still have the power in her legs to go for a fourth straight gold over the distance at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, and her fans might get to see her square it out for medals in another race instead.

“It was not easy [winning third gold in Paris],” Kipyegon said on Citizen TV’s JKL on Wednesday. “I was praying to God that I just win my third gold and I did it.”

When asked if she sees herself going for a fourth straight Olympics gold, the mother of one replied: “That is a tough one, because it will be 2028 so I don’t know if I will still be doing the 1,500m or maybe 5,000m or marathon, so we don’t know.”

Kipyegon has previously expressed her desire to switch to marathons in the next phase of her career and seems to be looking at that possibility even as she squeezes out what is left in her in 1,500m.

She has also displayed enough quality in 5,000m where she is already the world champion over the distance, after her gold medal heroics in Budapest last year, and also has Olympics silver won in Paris this year.

The 1,500m world record holder will certainly defend her titles at next year’s World Championships in Tokyo but the 2027 Worlds will perhaps give an indication of how she will approach the 2028 Olympics given she will be 34 by then.

World Athletics Council commits to action against gender-based violence

Gender based violence is on the rise and the governing body is keen to ensure that it is rooted out in the sport

The World Athletics Council has expressed its commitment to taking action against gender-based violence by making a series of other decisions ranging from competition updates to further driving the organisation’s innovation agenda during the 236th World Athletics Council Meeting in Monaco on December 3-4.

Building on the extensive work done by World Athletics to expand safeguarding measures in the sport, the World Athletics Council – working alongside the Athletes' Commission and Gender Leadership Taskforce – has identified campaigning against gender-based violence as a priority.

Kenya is one of the counties that is keen to tame the rising tide of gender-based violence and have conducted a series of nationwide forums aimed at raising awreness.

One in three women worldwide face violence in their lifetime, with recent high-profile cases in Africa sending shockwaves through the sport. Gender-based violence is a global issue, with all 18 members of the Athletes' Commission – from 18 different countries across all six areas – highlighting the impact and extent of gender-based violence in their regions.

While the Athletes' Commission recognises that the sport may not have the power to implement policy due to lack of jurisdiction outside of the sporting landscape, World Athletics can use the space in which it does have jurisdiction to drive change through three main areas: raising awareness, education, and lobbying for change.

Commenting on this clear mandate, World Athletics President Sebastian Coe said: "I am particularly encouraged by our athletes' commitment to address the subject of gender-based violence as a priority and the discussions on the role that World Athletics can play to address it.

“The fact that both our Athletes’ Commission and our Gender Leadership Taskforce have put the critical item on their agendas fills me with confidence in our stakeholders' understanding that we have a responsibility that goes far beyond what is happening on the field of play. I look forward to working together with them on supporting our female athletes and to enshrine the results of this work in our safeguarding policies.”

The Athletes’ Commission would like World Athletics to take a leadership role, for practical ideas that can help across the globe, and recommends that World Athletics explores partnerships with relevant organisations to combine forces and push for change.