Running News Daily

Mo Farah almost did not run the London Big Half on Sunday due to bad weather

Sir Mo Farah's preparations for the London Marathon got a lift as he won the Vitality Big Half on Sunday. (However only five seconds separated the top three. London Marathon champion Daniel Wanjiru was second and Callum Hawkins finished third.) The four-time Olympic champion completed the half-marathon course in the capital in an unofficial time of 1:01.39, vindicating his decision to not pull out of the 13.1-mile race despite the bad weather which had affected the country. The 34-year-old, who is getting to grips with his new career on the road, has yet to make a decision over whether he will run the marathon for Team GB at the 2020 Olympics in Japan. However, Sunday's victory is a fillip for Farah ahead of the London Marathon, which takes place on April 22. (03/05/2018) ⚡AMP

40 years running through the Picturesque Napa Valley

The 40th anniversary of the Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathon (March 4) presented perfect conditions for racing 26.2 miles through California’s picturesque Napa Valley. Cool temperatures at the start in the mid-30s with little wind greeted over 2,100 entrants eager for fast times. Andrew Bauer, 34, of Martinez, Calif. ran way with the men’s overall victory while Casey Crosson, 19, of Los Angeles, Calif. earned the women’s title. Bauer crossed the finish line with a time of 2:24:04 and Crosson secured her win in 2:50:49. (03/05/2018) ⚡AMP

Jim Ryun and family mourns the passing of this giant of a man - Dr Roger Bannister

Jim Ryun posted this on FB today, “This signed photo of Dr Bannister’s breaking the four minute mile barrier graces our living room wall - a reminder that those of us who followed him stand on his shoulders. He made the massive break through that allowed us to imagine and dream of “what’s possible now?” It’s hard to fully appreciate the strength, both mental and physical, that it takes to be the first one who makes the breakthrough. The Ryun family mourns the passing of this giant of a man.” Jim Ryun won a silver medal in the men's 1500 meters at the 1968 Summer Olympics, and was the first high school athlete to run a mile in under four minutes. He is the last American to hold the world record in the mile run (3:51.1). Ryun later served in the United States House of Representatives from 1996 to 2007. (03/04/2018) ⚡AMP

Jake Robertson sets the New Zealand National Marathon Record on his first Attempt

Jake Robertson broke Rod Dixon's New Zealand marathon record at his first attempt on Sunday in Japan. Robertson completed the Lake Biwa Marathon in 2hour 8min 26sec. Hamilton-born distance runner looked strong early on, and stayed in the mix as the lead pack slowly shrunk. With 11 kilometres to go, he made a surge, setting the tempo and leaving only five runners remaining at the 35k mark. With the finish line nearing, and a trio of runners left in front, Robertson was dropped, but he paced himself well to claim third place, and the national record. His time is 33 seconds faster than Rod Dixon's previous record, which has stood since Rod won the New York Marathon in 1983. Remarkably, it was Robertson's first ever competitive marathon. Robertson is set to run the 10,000m at the upcoming Commonwealth Games. When he was 17 he moved to Iten, Kenya with his twin brother Zane who is also a world lass professional runner. (03/04/2018) ⚡AMP

Only seconds separated the top three in Mo Farah’s first race in six months

Callum Hawkins did most of the leading at the first London Vitality Big Half this morning, particularly from 10 miles onwards. He was clearly trying his best to pull away and take the sprint finish out of his legendary compatriot. However, Mo Farah looked comfortable and the crowds waiting at the finish alongside the Cutty Sark were treated to the customary sight of the British half-marathon record-holder sprinting to the line. It was the slowest of Farah’s 11 half-marathons, but he can take confidence from beating Wanjiru, a 2:05 marathoner who will be among his toughest opposition in a strong field back at the London Marathon on April 22. “I thought the race would be a bit faster than that,” Farah said. “It was nice to feel comfortable in myself. I know I’m in shape.” Farah winning time was 61:40, London Marathon champion Daniel Wanjiru (61:43) and Callum Hawkins (61:45) in a thrilling sprint finish. Having just spent six weeks training in Ethiopia, Mo believes he is set to perform well in London over the marathon distance next month. (03/04/2018) ⚡AMP

Roger Bannister’s achievement transcended sport, let alone athletics says Seb Coe

(Keith Burge on Twitter)...On the 6th of May 1954 Sir Roger Bannister did a shift at St Mary's Hospital in London, then sharpened his running spikes in the hospital lab, took the train to Oxford, grabbed some lunch, walked to the track and then ran a mile in under 4 minutes...(from NY Times) Paced by Chataway and Brasher and powered by an explosive kick, his signature, Bannister ran a mile in under four minutes — 3:59.4, to be exact — becoming the first man ever to do so, breaking through a mystical barrier and creating a seminal moment in sports history. (BBC Sports) IAAF president, Seb Coe, two-time Olympic 1500m gold medallist for Great Britain and three-time mile world record holder says, "His achievement transcended sport, let alone athletics. It was a moment in history that lifted the heart of a nation and boosted morale in a world that was still at a low ebb after the war. We have all lost a giant and, for many of us, a deep and close friendship.” Sir Roger Bannister passed away March 3, 2018 in Oxford, England. R.I.P. (03/04/2018) ⚡AMP

Rio Steeplechase Gold Medalist Embroiled in a Drug-Testing Scandal

Ruth Jebet, the reigning Olympic 3,000m steeplechase champion and world record holder, has become the highest-profile Kenya-born athlete to become embroiled in a drug-testing scandal. Although the news has not yet been confirmed, a number of prominent sources have suggested Jebet has tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug, believed to be the blood booster EPO. The Athletics Integrity Unit, which processes all doping tests in track and field, said it was unable to confirm the result of any tests under the World Anti-Doping code. Meanwhile, Jebet’s agent, Marc Corstjens, said he had not heard any news of a positive tests. “Honestly I am surprised and shocked. I am absolutely not aware of anything. I tried to reach Ruth but her phone is not answering. I have absolutely no official information.” (03/04/2018) ⚡AMP

Roger Bannister who was the first person to break four minutes for the mile has died

Sir Roger Bannister, the first athlete to run a sub-four minute mile, has died aged 88 in Oxford, his family have said.

A statement released on behalf of Sir Roger's family said: "Sir Roger Bannister, died peacefully in Oxford on 3rd March 2018, aged 88, surrounded by his family who were as loved by him, as he was loved by them.

"He banked his treasure in the hearts of his friends." British Prime Minister Theresa May led the tributes to the former athlete, who later became one of Europe's leading neurologists and was made a knight.

Sir Roger "made the impossible possible" and completed his record-breaking feat in 3 minutes 59.4 seconds at Iffley Road sports ground in Oxford on May 6, 1954

(03/04/2018) ⚡AMP

New Women’s Half Marathon Canadian National Record set Saturday in Texas

Canadian, Rachel Cliff ran 1:10:08 at the Woodlands Half-Marathon in the city of the same name in Texas on Saturday. The improvement was a huge jump for Cliff as her previous best was 1:11:52, set in January 2018. Pending ratification, her mark improves upon the previous national record of 1:10:47, held by Lanni Marchant, the Canadian women’s marathon record holder. (03/03/2018) ⚡AMP

Jake Robertson sets a new New Zealand National Record at Lake Biwa Marathon

New Zealand runner Jake Robertson placed third at the Lake Biwa Marathon in Japan today in 2:08:26 breaking the NZ national record held by Rod Dixon (2:08:59) for over 34 years. Jake has been training in Kenya, and has been described as a “white Kenyan.” This was his first marathon. In January he won the half marathon in Houston. The top four looked like this: 1. Macharia Ndirangu (Kenya) - 2:07:53 - debut 2. Albert Korir (Kenya) - 2:08:17 - PR 3. Jake Robertson (New Zealand) - 2:08:26 - NR, debut 4. Michael Githae (Kenya) - 2:09:21 - PR (03/03/2018) ⚡AMP

Wilson Kipsang will not be running the Tokushima Marathon afterall

We were informed from Japan Running News that Wilson Kipsang was running the Tokushima Marathon and we published that information. Today they posted the following: “Management for Kipsang states that he is only appearing at Tokushima as a guest and will not run, but the language used in the article reporting the official announcement is as translated above, that Kipsang is one of three Kenyan invited athletes as opposed to a guest runner.” So he is not running. But being in great shape he should run a marathon soon. A strong field has been confirmed for this marathon and it should produce solid performances. (03/03/2018) ⚡AMP

New Zealander Jake Robertson Long-awaited Marathon Debut Sunday

Jake Robertson (NZ), who has been training in Kenya will make his long-awaited debut over 26.2 miles when he lines up for the Lake Biwa Marathon Sunday, but the New Zealander faces a tough field at the IAAF Gold Label road race. As well as a strong international line-up, the race has plenty of domestic interest as it is one of the qualifying races for Japan’s 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials and an approved Project Exceed Marathon. The weather, however, could be a problem for the runners on Sunday with temperatures expected to reach 68F. Robertson has a half marathon PR of 1:00:01 which he recorded twice: at the 2017 Lisbon Half Marathon and at the 2018 Houston Half Marathon. He had been planning to make his marathon debut in Fukuoka last year, but he had to pull out just weeks before race day. (03/03/2018) ⚡AMP

Japan’s Project Exceed Program has Japanese Runners hyped up...next chance to be a millionaire is Sunday

The Lake Biwa Mainichi Marathon (men only) on Sunday in Japan (Saturday night at 7:30pm PST) promises to be a good one. This is a Project Exceed approved race too which means $93,000US bonuses will be paid out to any Japanese men who go sub-2:08. Defending champ Ezekiel Chebii (Kenya) and fellow 2:06 men Tadesse Abraham (Switzerland) and Abera Kuma (Ethiopia) are there to spur the fastest Japanese men on. Also running in his debut sub-61 half marathoners Jake Robertson (New Zealand) and Macharia Ndirangu (Kenya/Aichi Seiko) likely to be a part of the lead group. Warmer than usual temps may make it hard for a 2:06 race to materialize, but the best bet for a Japanese man to be in it at that pace is Kenta Murayama (Asahi Kasei), twin brother of 10000 m national record holder Kota Murayama and a sub-61 half marathoner doing his second marathon after an aggressive but ultimately unsuccessful 2:16:58 debut in Tokyo two years ago. Yuta Shitara is not running but his twin brother, Keita will be. Race info from Japan Running News (03/03/2018) ⚡AMP

Strava fitness app quietly added a new opt-out for controversial heat map

In January, the popular fitness app Strava ran into controversy over a global activities heat map that revealed details of military bases. To make matters worse, the path to opt out of the feature was not simple and required several clicks within the app. The company has, however, since made a design change to make the opt-out feature more prominent. Rather than requiring multiple clicks, a toggle for the heat map is now visible on the first page of privacy settings. The change appears, however to still require an opt-out, rather than an opt-in option. (03/03/2018) ⚡AMP

This Military Wife Dropped 60 Pounds and now runs everyday

“I see my running as a way to make friends and live a healthy lifestyle.” says Audrey Walsh 31 year old mother of two boys. My kids were born fairly close together, and I found it difficult to chase after a toddler and deal with the exhaustion of pregnancy. My husband’s work schedule left me alone with the boys for very long days and sometimes all alone if he needed to travel. This led to my weight topping out at 185 pounds...I joined the Air Force after high school, and I mainly ran to pass the mandatory physical fitness tests...While my husband was deployed last year, I racked up more than 200 stroller miles with the double stroller. It was a lifesaver....Now I run every day. I’ve been run-streaking since October 17. Living in Spokane offers many opportunities to be active in the outdoors...I like racing because it gives me a solid goal to work toward. I’ve run Bloomsday but I run some smaller local races with a group called Trail Maniacs, too. (03/03/2018) ⚡AMP
Inspirational Stories

Allie Kieffer trained in Kenya for seven weeks racking up 110 miles weekly

America’s marathoner Allie Kieffer has been training in Kenya the last seven weeks and posted this on Instragram: “On an whim my trip to Kenya has been one of the best experiences of my life. I wanted a real, or as close to it as I could, Kenyan experience. Instead of staying at a training camp, like most westerners that come to visit, I opted for an apartment. Thanks to that choice, I met the most amazing people that opened their arms, kitchens, hearts, and life to me. I will sincerely and deeply miss all the friends I made and can’t wait until I come back!” We follow her training on Strava and she has been running 110 mile weeks at high altitude. (03/02/2018) ⚡AMP

Lilac Blooomsday 12K Run on target to reach 50,000 participants

With a little over two months before the Lilac Bloomsday Run, organizers are excited about the early surge in signups for the 42nd edition of Spokane’s 12K Sunday May 6th. Over 8,000 runners have already entered since online registration opened on January 1, suggesting the final tally could reach 50,000 by race day....The elite competition promises to be fierce, as world-class runners battle for prize money, which includes a $20,000 U.S. citizen’s purse. Bloomsday is a member of the PRRO Circuit of major prize money races, and as such supports national and international competition while working in partnership with drug testing agency Clearidium to promote a drug-free sport. In addition to the elite racers at Bloomsday, top age-group runners will vie for specially designed medals. (03/02/2018) ⚡AMP

Charlotte Butler is set to take on the Cambridge Half Marathon

Butler is set to run the 13.1 miles to give back to the Cambridge hospital for the help and support that they have given to seven-year-old Harrison – who was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in September last year. Charlotte told the Crow: “On occasions, Harrison will be in Addenbrooke’s three to four times a week. One week he’ll be really good and the next he’ll be really bad. “Crohn’s is an incurable disease so he has spent a lot of time in hospital, and will be in and out of the children’s ward for the next 11 years.” This disease affects at least 115,000 people in the UK and millions more worldwide. Symptoms of Crohn’s disease include abdominal pain, diarrhoea, mouth ulcers, fever, tiredness, weight loss and anaemia. (03/02/2018) ⚡AMP

Mo Farah says medals and not money is his incentive

Mo Farah has denied that his move to the marathon is motivated by money and says he is increasingly hopeful he can win a medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

He will run his first race in nearly six months at Sunday’s Vitality Big Half in London. It is rumored he has agreed to a race package worth close to $1.5 million which includes running in the 2018 and 2019 London marathons.

On Sunday he will race 13.1 miles against his fellow countryman Hawkins and also last year’s London marathon winner, Wanjiru. Mo said that his desire to prove himself over 26.2 miles matters far more than anything else.

“I wouldn’t be competing if I didn’t enjoy running,” he said. “You have to set yourself a target. If you look at every great athlete, like Gebrselassie, they have succeeded when they have stepped up to the marathon.”

(03/02/2018) ⚡AMP

Leonard Korir and Jordan Hasay going after course records at Gate River Run

The 2018 Gate River Run, which also serves as the USA Track and Field 15K National Championship, will be held on Saturday, March 10, in Jacksonville, Florida. The championship will feature $60,000 in prize money with $10,000 awards for the first place male and female finishers. The reigning men’s and women’s champions are returning to defend their titles: Olympian Leonard Korir (43:22), running for the US Army World Class Athlete Program (WCAP) and Jordan Hasay (49:28), representing The Nike Oregon Project. Other elite runners include Molly Huddle, Sam Chelanga and Ryan Vail. The course records to beat are: men’s 42:22 was set in 1995 by Todd Williams, women’s 47:03 set in 2014 by Shalane Flanagan. (03/02/2018) ⚡AMP

Narayan is training to win Chilli Suva Marathon once more

KENNOL Narayan was 22 years old when he won the ultra marathon in the 2016 Island Chill Suva Marathon. He stunned many as a first-timer as he reached the tape first after running 52 kilometres. He clocked 3 hours and 15 minutes. The lanky runner will be among competitors in this year's run. "I try to be at the top of my game to win," he said. "If you want to be serious about sports and education, don't indulge in drugs, alcohol or cigarette. "As an athlete it is very important to remain disciplined, humble, focused and respectful to all peers. "It's a learning curve, but it will take a person far, not just in the sports, but in the personal and professional arena," Narayan said."My running career started as an exercise to keep healthy." (03/02/2018) ⚡AMP

Meb is running the New York City Marathon again this year but not up front

“I enjoy running!” says Meb Keflezighi. “I don’t have to be up in the front or leading the pack. I can still do one or two races a year at an easier pace. I care about inspiring the next generation of runners.” Keflezighi has too much heart and sole to spectate from the sidelines for long, which is why he’s returning to the TCS New York City Marathon this November as a charity runner and ambassador for NYRR Team For Kids supporting youth and community programs. “I’ve done 26 competitive marathons (he won the 2009 NYC marathon in 2:09:15)... I’m ready for the next chapter of my life,” says Meb. He is planning on running around three hours at this year’s NYC Marathon. He will be serving as a team ambassador and special advisor to the charity runners to motivate them toward their fundraising goals...Meb is the only athlete ever to win the Boston and the New York City Marathons and an Olympic marathon medal. (03/01/2018) ⚡AMP

One of the world's leading experts in long distance running, Dr David Martin has Died

Dr. David Martin, USATF marathon stalwart and dedicated researcher, died February 28 in Decatur, Georgia after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was 78. Martin was one of the exercise physiologists responsible for USATF’s heat-training program assisting Team USATF marathoners Deena Kastor and Meb Keflezighi on to the medal podium at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, sharing his research on ways to train and race in hot weather with Team USATF athletes’ personal coaches. Recognized as one of the world's leading experts in long distance running, Martin published more than 50 articles in coaching journals intended to assist coaches and athletes understand the science of human athletic performance. He published five books including Better Training for Distance Runners in 1997. R.I.P. my friend, you will be missed. (03/01/2018) ⚡AMP

One of the Greatest American Distance Runners of all times has to be Gerry Lindgren

DID YOU KNOW: Here are some reasons why Gerry Lindgren is still one of American's greatest distance runners ever.

In 1964, as a high school senior, Lindgren ran 5000 meters in 13:44, on a clay track in Compton, CA setting a U.S. high school record that would remain unbroken for 40 years.

On July 25, 1964, Lindgren outran two seasoned Russian runners to win the 10,000m event in the US-USSR Track Meet in Los Angeles.

Lindgren ran 200 miles a week for 6 weeks in preparation for the US-USSR meet. After that victory, he also set a new teenage record of 13:17.0 for 3 miles while competing in Jamaica.

Lindgren and Billy Mills battled each other in the 6-mile at the 1965 AAU Nationals meet. Mills won with a diving lean, while both were timed in 27:11.6, a new world record.

Maybe Lindgren's greatest race came during a May 1966 NCAA Regional meet at age 20, in the 3-mile run on a dirt track during a cold, windy day in Seattle. He raced to 12:53.0, just missing the world record of 12:52.4 held by Ron Clarke.

"Gerry did some amazing things in his short career," says Bob Anderson. "It was very exciting meeting Gerry and featuring him in our movie A Long Run." Gerry has been living in Hawaii since 1980 and still runs regularly.

(03/01/2018) ⚡AMP

Singapore Fastest Half Marathoner, Soh Rui Yong, getting ready for the World Championships

Soh Rui Yong is no stranger in Singapore's running scene. Soh holds the Singapore National 10,000m record with 31:15 set in 2014. He ran his first marathon in 2014 at the California International Marathon finishing in 2:26:01. 14. His childhood dream was to win a SEA Games gold medal, stand on the podium and hear Majulah Singapura played. He has achieved this dream twice...Soh ran 1:08:37 half marathon in strong winds and snowy conditions in 2018 Marugame Half Marathon. This record earned him a spot at the upcoming World Half Marathon Championships in Valencia on March 24 2018. What does he like better he was asked, "Road race has the bigger community, more racing opportunities, more money, more fun. Track racing needs to learn from road racing to market and run their events better. Especially in Singapore." (03/01/2018) ⚡AMP

Zanoguera wins Sahara Marathon as she experience firsthand life as a refugee in Algeria

Winning her first marathon might be an accomplishment on its own, but former UT basketball player Inma Zanoguera also did it in the Sahara Desert. Zanoguera completed the Sahara Marathon in 3:48:11, six seconds ahead of Sonia Bernal from Spain. Zanoguera and documentarian Michelle-Andrea Girouard are still in Tindouf, Algeria, staying with Sahrawi refugee families. Zanoguera participated in the marathon because she recently discovered her biological mother was one of these refugees. As part of an emotional journey across the world to her roots, Zanoguera wanted to experience firsthand what kind of life her mother led before her untimely death when Zanoguera was three years old (03/01/2018) ⚡AMP

Wisdom from the World's Best Marathoner as he Prepares for London

Eliud Kipchoge, the Olympic marathon champion and winner of seven consecutive world-class marathons (and counting), offer some advice. “In the marathon, the first half is just a normal run. At 15k to 20k everybody is still going to be there. Where the marathon starts is after 30k. That’s where you feel pain everywhere in your body. The muscles are really aching, and only the most prepared and well-organized athlete is going to do well after that. I’ll go with the pace, but after 30k, I’ll change to my own pace. And if you’re ready to follow me, then we can go together.” On managing pain during a marathon: “When I have a lot of pain, I try to confuse my mind to forget about the pain and think about the distance. I don’t want pain to be in my mind, because I’d really lose focus on running. After winning, you won’t have that pain, but it comes later, the next day, you don’t go up or down stairs.” (03/01/2018) ⚡AMP

There has never been this much money put on the table for marathoners and their coaches

Japan's Project Exceed is continuing for two more years and already $1.5 million dollars has been awarded to Japanese runners, their coaches and clubs. The next approved race is this weekend, the Lake Biwa Marathon... The program was started in March 2015 and goes until March 2020. The idea of the program is to give incentives to Japanese runners to be competitive in the marathon at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, in fact to win the gold medal... To reach this goal, Project Exceed was established to encourage Japanese runners to break the Marathon National Record (men 2:06:16 and women 2:19:12). The new men's record is now 2:06:11 set by Yuta Shitara Feb 25 at the Tokyo Marathon and 160 million Yen ($1.5 million US dollars) was awarded through this program. The program also pays out 10 Million Yen to all men who break 2:06:59 and women 2:21:59. ... also 50 Million Yen to their coach or team if they break the NR...The same runner can only earn the 100 million yen once per year but the other 10 million yen ($93,000US) bonus money would be granted. This program has big sponsors behind it: Honda, Toyota, Panasonic, Mitsubishi, Fujitsu, just to name a few. (02/28/2018) ⚡AMP

Gus McKechnie has cerebral palsy and is going to run a Marathon

Gus McKechine suffers from a form of cerebral palsy is out to prove you can do anything you set your mind to – by completing the Southampton Marathon in the UK using hiking sticks. He is going to push his body and mind to the limits as he takes on the Marathon April 22. The 42-year-old, who also has hemiparesis, says he wants to show others the benefits of a positive mental attitude by completing the challenge. “It can be easy to listen to the negative part of your brain that makes you think ‘I couldn’t possibly do that’ or ‘I’m not strong enough’. I want to show people that they can achieve so much more than they give themselves credit for,” he says. Good luck Gus. He hopes to complete the full marathon in five and a half hours – 30 minutes under the official cut-off time for participants. (02/28/2018) ⚡AMP
Inspirational Stories

It is going to be tough, I really want this, at least to try says a boy (16) who wants to run his first half

Zephiebee's advice on Reddit's running group is solid: "Without knowing how often and how far you usually run, it'll be tough to give you really good advice. But, here's some beginner advice, assuming you have a bit of experience running and racing: Be realistic about your goal for the Half Marathon. The average half marathon time is about 2 hours if you're in good athletic shape, so be prepared to spend some long hours on the road each week for your long runs! Be prepared to walk/run. Muscle pains and aches are expected, but if you push yourself too hard to go too fast or too far at once, you're increasing your risk of injury. Find someone to run with. Is there a running group to tag along some mid-distance beginner runs you can join? Figure out how your body reacts to water, gatorade and gels on long distances as soon as you can. Nothing's worse than getting to a race and finding out your stomach hates Gu! Good luck." (02/28/2018) ⚡AMP

Adam 'Tango' Holland has won more marathons than anyone else in the UK - 194 to date

Adam Holland, aged 30 from Devon, has won more marathons than anyone else in the UK, with 194 wins to date. He is ranked in the top five in the world for marathon victories. Adam has completed more than 300 marathons and when he was just 23 he had already run 100 marathons, making him the youngest in Europe to reach that landmark. Adam will be part of a large party of British athletes, as he aims to add yet another marathon victgory to his extraordinary record when he lines up for the 20th Logicom Cyprus Marathon in Paphos on Sunday, March 4. (02/28/2018) ⚡AMP

Kenya´s Olympic champion Cheruiyot leads New York Half Marathon

Kenyan Olympic 5,000m champion Vivian Cheruiyot will compete in the New York Half Marathon on March 18 in the build-up to the London Marathon. Cheruiyot, who is the Frankfurt Marathon champion, is the third fastest in the field with a best time of 67:44 behind Ethiopians Mamitu Daska (66:28) and Buze Diriba (66:50). It will be Cheruiyot's first race this year. Her last race was in October last year when she raced to victory in Frankfurt clocking in 2:23:35. "I have a solid training program and will be hopeful it will withstand the challenge of New York. It is always good to see how the body responds in competition so that you can adjust before going to the main marathon competition," Cheruiyot said on Wednesday. (02/28/2018) ⚡AMP

Ritzenhein, in preparation for his second appearance at the Boston Marathon

Dathan Ritzenhein was interested in competing in a half marathon ahead of the Boston Marathon, and he found one of his favorites. Ritzenhein was pegged as one of the top contenders Tuesday when the United Airlines New York City Marathon announced its professional field of runners for the March 18 race. The Rockford resident will use the race in preparation for his second appearance at the Boston Marathon on April 16. Last time he raced it, in 2015, he finished seventh in 2 hours, 11 minutes, 20 seconds and was the top American finisher. (02/28/2018) ⚡AMP

How fast did Amy Cragg run at the Tokyo Marathon?

How fast was Amy Hastings Cragg at the Tokyo Marathon Sunday? Think about this. Only four separate American women have ever run faster. Ever. Here are the top seven times: 2:19:36 Kastor, Deena USA London 4/23/06, 2:20:57 Hasay, Jordan USA Chicago 10/8/17, 2:21:14 Flanagan, Shalane USA Berlin 9/28/14, 2:21:16 Kastor, Deena USA London 4/13/03, 2:21:21 Benoit, Joan USA Chicago 10/20/85, 2:21:25 Kastor, Deena USA Chicago 10/9/05, 2:21:42 Cragg, Hastings, Amy USA Tokyo 2/24/18. from Gary Allen posted on FB. (02/27/2018) ⚡AMP

We now know what Yuta Shitara picked up at the 40K Aid Station

Yuta Shitara, who won a million dollars (US) breaking the Japanese marathon record in Tokyo Sunday, picked up this arm sleeve at the 40km aid station, and then blasted onwards to the finish in 2:06:11.

We asked our Japan's contributor Osamu Tada about the arm sleeve. "His family gave him his portrait," says Osamu. "Maybe it is a new way of cheering...as an aside his twin brother is going to run the Biwako Marathon this weekend."

The mystery behind this event certainly caught the attention of many. "I think this is great," says Bob Anderson. "Yuta is one good runner and if more people now know his name because of this event, all the better."

(02/27/2018) ⚡AMP
by Osamu Tada (in Japan)

Boston Marathon bombings hero will run in 2018 race in honor of those who died or were injured

You know him as one of the heroes from the Boston Marathon bombings, and this year, Carlos Arredondo will be running the 26.2 miles for the first time. Arredondo’s heroism became a beacon of what it means to be Boston Strong in the wake of the tragic events five years ago. His quick response is credited with saving the life of Jeff Bauman, whose story was adapted into a feature film. This year, Arredondo will be running in honor of those who died and were injured on the fateful Monday in 2013. Arredondo was photographed wearing his cowboy hat and pushing Jeff Bauman in a wheelchair after losing both his legs in the blast. Arredondo helped put tourniquets on Bauman's legs before seeking medical assistance. (02/27/2018) ⚡AMP

Way Too Cool 50k is about breathtaking trails, spirited aid stations and amazing views

The Way Too Cool 50K in Cool California has become the most sought after 50K in the United States for veterans and novices alike. The breathtaking trails, spirited aid stations, amazing views and pure fun, make this an adventure you won't want to miss.... for this year Max King is the favorite in this field? He has the fastest WTC finish time, which came with his 2013 win. David Roche should challenge and, of course, Brett Hales is a fascinating entrant. Hales, a shorter-distance mountain running specialist who finished seventh at the 2016 World Mountain Running Championships, put his first ultra-distance race under his belt last summer with a 50k. Ladia Albertson-Junkans and Abby Levene have the most leg speed among this women’s field, so perhaps it’ll be a race for the win between them. But we all know Cat Bradley’s speed and strength, and Brittany Peterson just keeps getting better each time she races, so expect these two to be ‘in it’ as well. (02/27/2018) ⚡AMP

The 2020 Tokyo Olympics could be Dangerously Hot and Humid

While the Winter Olympics just came to a close in PyeongChang, the world will turn its focus to the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics. But some experts are concerned. Makoto Yokohari, an adviser for the Tokyo Olympics committee, conducted recent research that concluded athletes could be in danger if precautions aren't taken. While Tokyo has hosted the Olympics before, they took place in October when conditions were cooler. Average highs in the heat of the summer hover near the mid-80s F but can rise to the 90s at times. “These will be some of the worst conditions...of marathon running,” Yokohari told The Times. Yokohari and his team went through the exact men's marathon course at the same time of year at the same starting point in the summer of 2016. The course offers little to no shade, which makes it even more dangerous for the runners. But this is not the first time the Olympics have been held at locations where temperatures were not ideal. "I think it is important that Olympic Marathon Trials be held in similar conditions," says Bob Anderson. "Some runners handle heat and humidity better than others." (02/27/2018) ⚡AMP

Cathy Troisi is doing Boston Marathon for the 50th time

Auburn native Cathy Troisi will be 72 next month, and on April 16 she will "do" the Boston Marathon for her 50th time. "I never say the word 'run,' I say 'do' marathons," she said. "The marathon scene for me, is when I feel most me, or at least the me I think I was before my daughter was diagnosed and everything that happened in the next two years." Troisi's daughter, Kim Troisi-Paton, was diagnosed with colon cancer at age 35. That's when Cathy, who then lived year-round in Seneca Falls, NY packed up her belongings and moved to Cohoes outside of Albany, NY to be with her daughter and two grandchildren. In 2005, she finished her treatments. But in December 2006, her cancer came back. Kim passed away in August 2007. (02/27/2018) ⚡AMP

Pittsburgh Marathon Increases Course Time Limits for the First Time

This year’s DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon and UPMC Health Plan Pittsburgh Half Marathon courses will be identical to the 2017 routes. While the routes will look familiar, P3R is making another kind of change that will impact both returning and new runners. The full marathon course time limit will be increased from six to seven hours, and half-marathon participants will now have three and a half hours to complete the course. Runners will have to maintain a 16:00 minute per mile pace, up two minutes from the previous 14:00 minute per mile rate. (02/27/2018) ⚡AMP

Cassie Scallon is going for her weight in Wine at Napa Valley Marathon

A hamstring injury has forced Cassie Scallon to cut down on her training, but she still plans to be in the field for Sunday’s Napa Valley Marathon as one of the race’s elite women’s entrants. The injury, said Scallon, has been frustrating, as she has dealt with it now for the last two months. “I’ve been spending a lot of time in therapy and seeing doctors, so that’s frustrating,” the Santa Barbara resident said. “I’m not where I want to be...but don't count me out." It will be Scallon’s first appearance. By winning, one of the rewards is their weight in wine provided by the Andretti Winery. Cassie was the USA Track & Field’s 100K Trail national champion in 2012 and 2016. She won the title at USA Track & Field’s 50-Mile Road Championships in 2013. (02/27/2018) ⚡AMP

What happened with Wilson Kipsang on Sunday at Tokyo Marathon

Former Olympic bronze medalist Wilson Kipsang of Kenya said Sunday stomach problems forced him to stop midway through the Tokyo marathon course on Sunday. Speaking moments after he dropped out of the race with only 15km done, the former world record holder said, "I really wanted to go fast, but after suffering from stomach problems the last two days before the race, I didn't have the power to run a decent race today." In the absence of Kipsang, Kenyan Dickson Chumba was the strongest as he recaptured the title he last won in 2014, timing 2:05:30. However, the hero of the day was Yuta Shitara of Japan, who was second clocking a national record time of 2:06:11. He improved the mark after 16 years and got 1 million U.S. dollar bonus for it. (02/27/2018) ⚡AMP

Details of Japan's Project Exceed and the Million Dollar Payout

Yuta Shitara set a National Japan Marathon record yesterday at the Tokyo Marathon and walked away a millionaire...The bonus comes from Project Exceed, a program launched in 2015 by the National Corporate Federation to encourage national marathon records before the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Here is how it works, any Japanese citizen, who broke the men's national record of 2:06:16 or the women's record of 2:19:12 on a record-legal course would receive 100 million yen, roughly $937,000 USD currently. The runner's coach or team would also receive a separate 50 million yen ($468,000 USD) bonus. Info from Brett Larner @ Japan Running News (02/26/2018) ⚡AMP

Can coffee help you train longer and harder?

Caffeine is one of the most researched substances reported to help athletes perform better and train longer and harder. As a result, sportspeople often take it as a performance-enhancing “ergogenic” aid. Studies have also shown that coffee can be used as an alternative to caffeine to improve running performance.

Similarly, drinking energy drinks containing caffeine before exercise can improve mental focus, alertness, anaerobic and endurance performance. But drinking coffee isn’t like taking a measured dose of caffeine. The amount of stimulant in a cup will depend on the blend of coffee and how it is brewed. It is commonly held belief that caffeine is a diuretic that will lead to dehydration. But a number of studies have shown that this isn’t the case with moderate amounts of coffee, which help keep you hydrated like any other drink.

(02/26/2018) ⚡AMP

The most people ever applied to run the London Marathon

The 2018 Virgin Money London Marathon takes place on Sunday April 22. A total of 386,050 people applied for a place via the public ballot – the biggest number of applications for any marathon in the world. The iconic event, which first took place in 1981, takes runners on a journey from Blackheath to The Mall. Two of the greatest marathon fields in history will contest the elite men’s and women’s races this April, when last year’s champions Daniel Wanjiru and Mary Keitany return to defend their titles. (02/26/2018) ⚡AMP

Laura Jones could not run a mile in 2016 and now 7 marathons on 7 continents in one year

Laura Jones overcame extreme Arctic conditions to battle her way across 26.2 miles of sheet ice, snow and even a frozen river as she completed a race across Canada's relentless Yukon territory. The 29-year-old, who last year had never run further than 5k, set herself up to do the "I Can Run 7 Challenge" to complete seven marathons in seven continents within a year. After finishing the Canadian race alongside her husband Rhys, she now has her sights set on her final marathon in Kilimanjaro on Sunday, March 4, after already completing events in London, Everest, Patagonia in Chile, Rottnest Island in Australia and Seattle. (02/26/2018) ⚡AMP

Morocco’s Kaoutar Boulaid breaks course record in seville

Kenya’s Dickson Tuwei and Morocco’s Kaoutar Boulaid triumphed at the 34th Zurich Maratón de Sevilla. Running in nearly ideal weather conditions, Tuwei clocked 2:08:18 while Boulaid’s winning time of 2:25:32 broke the course record by more than half a minute. “Honestly, I didn’t expect a 2:25 clocking but a time in the 2:27-2:28 region,” said Boulaid, who is based in Spain. “I went out fast but managed to maintain the pace in the second half and beat the Ethiopians.” (02/26/2018) ⚡AMP

Three Time Napa Valley Marathon Champion Racing Again

The Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathon announced today that three-time women’s champion Devon Yanko will return to the world-renowned Napa Valley and highlight a compact, but determined, elite field on Sunday, March 4, 2018. Yanko, age 35, has competed four previous times on the race’s fast point-to-point course, and emerged victorious in three of those instances (in 2007, 2012, and 2015) and placed third in 2014. Only one athlete to date has won NVM four times: Mary Coordt (Elk Grove, Calif.) who ran away with women’s victories in 1997, 2005, 2009, and 2010. (02/26/2018) ⚡AMP

Months of work, time, sacrifice and determination paid off for Amy in Tokyo

Amy Cragg finished third at the Tokyo Marathon in 2:21:42. That is a PR of over five minutes and good for number five on the U.S. all-time list and the sixth fastest time in Tokyo. Amy posted this right before the start on FB: “Months of work, time, sacrifice and determination...here we go!!! She did it. At the press conference Friday she said, “she hoped to run 2:22:59 with the caveat that while she'd like to run a fast time her priority would be placing in the top three.” Amy made good on that promise. Shalane Flanagan posted this before the start, “When (Amy) is about to race I feel like I am too!!! My heart rate is already through the roof and butterflies in my stomach....still have 5hours until gun goes off.” There were a lot of people cheering for Amy thousands of miles away. (02/25/2018) ⚡AMP

What did Yuta Shitara strap to his arm at the last aid station at the Tokyo Marathon?

Yuta Shitara ran the fastest marathon of any Japanese runner ever at the 2018 Tokyo Marathon on Sunday. He clocked 2:06:11.

At the last aid station he pulled something from his bottle set-up and put it around his right arm bicep. One person on Let's Run suggested it was a "a giant nicotine patch." Another said it was a "Hello Kitty Coin Purse."

Michael Capper on FB said "Never seen this before." Gary Rush stated, "Maybe a gel fluid holder? I think its against IAAF rules for elites to wear or use communication devices or receive electronic updates during a race."

Bob Anderson says, "After looking at more than ten photos of Yuta finishing races, I did not see a similar 'thing' strapped to his arm."

In any case he blasted the last few kilometers wearing this 'thing'. Did it give him an unfair advantage? "First of all we need to know what it was," says Bob.

(02/25/2018) ⚡AMP