Running News Daily

Galen Rupp was selected as USATF Athlete of the Week after winning the Prague Marathon clocking 2:06:07

Galen Rupp, the bronze medalist at the 2016 Olympic Games, ran 2:06:07 to win the Prague Marathon May 6 by almost a minute over Sisay Lemma of Ethiopia.  

He sliced more than three minutes off his previous lifetime best of 2:09:20, set in winning Chicago last year. His time ranks him second only behind American record-holder Khalid Khannouchi, who ran 2:05:38 in 2002, on the U.S. all-time list. (Not including Ryan Hall’s time on the point-to-point Boston course.)

Rupp has never placed lower than third in any of the five marathons he has finished. He has also improved his PR on each marathon he has finished.  Rupp (Portland, Oregon) won the Prague Marathon and became the second-fastest U.S. man ever in the event to earn USATF Athlete of the Week. 

Now in its 17th year, USATF’s Athlete of the Week program is designed to recognize outstanding performers at all levels of the sport.

(05/11/2018) ⚡AMP

92-year-old Wally Ypma Has completed all but two Fifth Third River Bank Runs

Ypma started running when he was in the U.S. Navy and hasn't stopped since. He has helped hundreds of runners train and succeed in West Michigan. In the 41-year history of the River Bank Run, he has missed it only twice. When he laces up his shoes Saturday, he will have three friends helping him. They will have to start just after 5 a.m. to finish in time. Ypma walks every day, sometimes more than once. His three friends meet each week to go with him. One of them, Ed Zimmerman, says they take it slow and enjoy their time together. "Anywhere from five to six hours is our normal range, but it depends on the day and it depends on Wally," Zimmerman said. Ypma always wears a smile and frequently a hat marking him as a World War II veteran. "I get there for one thing," he said. "The Finish line!" (05/11/2018) ⚡AMP

Grandmother, 76, is going after her 56th marathon, her goal is to complete 100 Marathons

76-year-old Hilary Wharam will be treating this weekend's Leeds Half Marathon as a training run ahead of her 56th full marathon.  The grandmother who suffers from arthritis and has to take pain killers before running, has set herself a target of completing 100 marathons before the illness prevents her from competing.  Hilary, who didn't take up running until she was in her early fifties, will be running the Leeds Half Marathon as part her her training schedule ahead of the Neolithic Marathon in Wiltshire UK on May 28.  (05/11/2018) ⚡AMP

Over 400,000 people want to run the 2019 London Marathon, the most ever for any race!

More than 400,000 runners have entered the ballot for next year’s London Marathon, breaking the event’s own world record for registrations. A total of 414,168 runners from the UK and overseas have applied to take part in the race around the capital.  Last year’s total of 386,050 applicants first established London as the world’s most popular marathon, with this year’s total 7.5 per cent higher.   Of the applicants for the 2019 event, 347,876 are from the UK and 66,292 are from overseas.  More than 50 per cent of those who entered the ballot have never run a marathon before, while 44 per cent of the UK applicants are women.  Hugh Brasher, Event Director for London Marathon Events, said the world record reflects the “extraordinary inspiration” of this year’s event. He said: “One of our goals is to inspire people to take up sport and it's fantastic that more than 190,000 people from the UK have been inspired to apply to run a marathon for the first time in 2019. (05/10/2018) ⚡AMP

I am skipping the biggest meets that remain at Hayward Field, just too sad to go back to this doomed place

Full destruction of Hayward Field is guaranteed, now that the City Council has refused to consider a last-ditch attempt at historic status designation. I’m already distancing myself from the place, skipping the biggest meets that remain, Pre and NCAA.

This isn’t a call to boycott. It’s just too sad for me to go back to this doomed place. There are many happier places in Eugene...Coverage of the total teardown and replacement has overlooked the neighbors.

This might be the right change, but it's in the wrong place. Hayward Field outgrew its location by at least 1972 (the first year I visited there for the Trials). On-street parking was scarce then and has become more so.

The neighborhood has grown ever more crowded, from new construction on and near campus. Neighbors range from barely tolerant of the big events to wishing them away.

Hayward sits amid property owned by UO Physical Education and Recreation — four turf fields and the Rec track. These are heavily used, up to 18 hours a day. I’ve taught a running class there since 2001, and we typically get evicted whenever a big track meet comes to Hayward.

The effect of construction will be devastating on all student uses of these fields and track, and some of that space will never be replaced because there’s no spare room. The end of Hayward would have been the perfect time to locate the new stadium anywhere but here, anywhere with surrounding space.

The old track, minus the stands other than a smaller replica of the East, could have become Hayward Heritage Park — open to students and the public alike. Now it’s too late. Sad that the suggestions of nearest neighbors seemingly never were solicited. 

(Editor's note: Joe Henderson was the editor of Runner's World in the early years and continued to write for the magazine for many years.  He has written many books and is currently coaching his team in Eugene.)

(05/10/2018) ⚡AMP
by Joe Henderson

Be patient, stay light, and keep springing! Is what Camille told herself at her first single Track Trail race

My second trail race and first time to ever run up a mountain on single track trail was two years ago at the White River 50. There's two long climbs, about ten miles each. I was intimidated on the first climb and let all the men go. I started crying when we got above the clouds cause it was so beautiful!  My favorite part was coming back down and all the runners coming up cheering us on! On the second climb (at 26-27 mi), I saw RD Scott McCoubrey at the bottom and he yelled out, "Be patient on this climb Camille!" That made me relax, and I got my second wind. I climbed it like a monkey, passing several men and hardly ever stopping to walk. It felt amazing! "Be patient, stay light, and keep springing!" is what I told myself. I hammered the Sun Top Road descent. Then I took a wrong turn and went about a mile off course. I missed the Course Record by 4 1/2 min.. That didn't matter though- I was hooked on trailrunning and had the confidence now that, "I can do this!" (05/10/2018) ⚡AMP
by Camille Herron

The crazy Bay To Breakers 12k with it's costumed runners, elites and centipedes is May 20

The Bay to Breakers (BTB) is one of the most popular footraces in the United States. On May 18, 1986 the annual 12K race in San Francisco drew 110,000 participants. 

The Guiness Book of World Records recognized it as the world's largest footrace until October 10, 2010 when an event in Malina had 116,086 participants. The BTB route is typically dotted with various local bands performing.

In February 2009, SF city officials and race sponsors announced changes to the race regulations.  The regulations included an official ban on floats, alcohol, drunkenness and nudity.

The changes were made to address the concerns of San Francisco residents along the route, who say the race has gotten out of hand in recent years.

Many Bay Area residents said the changes would destroy much that has made the race a national treasure for most of the last century...

The first BTB was run January 1, 2012.  American's men won every year until Australian's Chris Wardlaw won in 1976 clocking 37:28.  Runners from Kenya have dominated since 1991, winning 25 times out of 27.  The course record is held by Kenya's Sammy Kitwara set in 2009 when he clocked 33:31. 

The first women to official run was Frances Conley in 1966.  She clocked 1:00:07.   Six-year-old Mary Etta Boitano won in 1969 clocking 1:01:12.  Mary also won in 1974, 1975 and 1976.  Her best time was 43:22 (1974) which was the course record until Laurie Binder broke it in 1979 clocking 43:07. 

The women's course record was set in 2010 when Kenya's Lineth Chepkurui clocked 38:07.  The one runner who won the most times was Kenny Moore who won six times in a row between 1968 to 1973. His best time being 36:39 (1972). 

Moore ran in the Olympic marathon at both Mexico City and Munich, finishing fourth in 1972.  After his running career, Moore became a journalist and screenwriter. He had a twenty-five-year career covering athletics for Sports Illustrated.   

Alaska Airlines Bay to Breakers is a race built by the people. Since 1912, Over 2 million costumed runners, walkers, elites and centipedes have completed the iconic 12K journey from the San Francisco Bay to the breakers on Ocean Beach. 

(05/10/2018) ⚡AMP
by Bob Anderson

Ultra runner Diane Van Deren says running is her outlet, her medicine and she doesn't say I can't anymore

Former professional tennis player Diane Van Deren was diagnosed with epilepsy in her 30s. For most people, this would not only end their career as a professional athlete, but also place major constraints on their daily routines and personal lives. That was not the case, however, for Van Deren. She not only persevered and ultimately found a way to get around her epileptic seizures – she did the extreme, opting to have a piece of her brain surgically removed to end her decade-long struggle with the disorder. After healing, Van Deren began running, trying her luck at a 50 mile race at age 42. Shortly thereafter, she ran her first 100-mile race and won it, right out of the gates. Since then, she has won the infamous Yukon Arctic Ultra, a 430-mile ultra footrace pulling a 50-pound sled through temperatures below 50 degrees for eight days, and set a record for the 1,000-mile Mountains to Sea Trail, where she traversed the state of North Carolina in just over 22 days. She’s been a professional endurance athlete with The North Face for the past 16 years. Van Deren, 58, is a wealth of positivity despite some of the obstacles she’s faced, including at times losing her sense of time and direction as a result of the surgery. “Running was my outlet, my medicine, the way to create a safe place for me,” Van Deren says. “When you are trying to be a wife and a mom, and you don’t know when the next seizure is going to come, it’s living in constant fear of ‘When is the beast going to hit me?’ When that changes and you get your health back, how can you not be grateful? I don’t say ‘I can’t’ or ‘I’m afraid’ anymore, or ‘What if?’ Now the way I look at life is, ‘I can’ – I can do it, I can try. So that’s where the gratitude comes from. I’ve walked it, I’ve lived it, I’ve been in a horrific situation, and through the brain surgery I now have wealth. I have my health.” (05/10/2018) ⚡AMP
Inspirational Stories

Fast times are expected at the TCS World 10K May 27 with $213,000 in prize money

The world’s richest 10 Km run has seen participation from top elite athletes in the world.  Having completed a decade as one of the most sought-after road races in the world, Bengaluru, India is all set to be perfect hosts yet again for the 11th edition of the Tata Consultancy Services World 10K May 27.  

This year world Champions Geoffrey Kamworor of Kenya and Ethiopian Netsanet Gudeta will head the mens and womens elite fields respectively. For both the runners, who were recently crowned the world champions at the IAAF World Half Marathon Championships in Valencia, it will be their first competitive outing since their global triumphs in March.

Kamworor, 25, has established himself as one of the world's leading distance runners in recent years, winning the last two world cross country and the world half marathon titles.

"I took some rest after Valencia and then started my preparations towards Bengaluru. I hold the course record at this race (27:44) so I know about the course and the city," commented Kamworor from his home in Kenya.

Gudeta, 27, has also been preparing hard for her return to Indian soil. "Since Valencia, I have just been training and focusing on Bengaluru. Even though the race has been put back two weeks, that hasn't affected me. In fact, it's allowed me to prepare slightly better," she said. "I have been to India on a number of occasions in the past, including this race. I know after winning in Valencia that people will be talking about a fast time and perhaps the course record (held by Kenya's Lucy Kabuu at 31:46 since 2014), but this year there are no pacemakers.

"Of course, I set the women-only world record for the half marathon (1:06:11) in Valencia. I have also run times for 10,000m on the track (personal best 30:36.75, 2016) and 10km on the road (31:35, 2017) that are better than the course record." she reflected.

The TCS World 10K Bengaluru 2018 has a total prize fund of $213,000.  Besides the elites, thousands take part every year and many set PR's on the fast course.

(05/09/2018) ⚡AMP

Champion from the last year set to compete and defend his Grandma's Marathon Title

A year ago, Elisha Barno became the first man ever to three-peat at Grandma's, finishing in 2 hours, 12 minutes and 6 seconds, his slowest winning time but 86 seconds faster than second-place Geoffrey Bundi. Barno's fellow Kenyan and last year's women's champ, Hellen Jepkurgat, similarly plans to return. Jepkurgat won her Grandma's debut in 2017, covering the Two Harbors-to-Duluth course in 2:32:09. Sarah Kiptoo, the female course record-holder, is expected back, as well. Kiptoo, also of Kenya, ran a 2:26:32 while winning in 2013, then nabbed her second victory along the North Shore in 2016 (2:33:28). (05/09/2018) ⚡AMP

David Askew, spent 10 years homeless and now runs marathons around the world

“Running is a beautiful thing. There is no better feeling I can explain than finishing a marathon. You have got to endure, it’s mind over matter, and shows if you put your mind to it you can do anything.” These are the words of David  Askew, who spent 10 years homeless – and who now runs marathons around the world. His is one of many remarkable stories told in the powerful new documentary, Skid Row Marathon. The film follows a running group set up by Judge Craig Mitchell in 2011 for residents of the Midnight Mission shelter in the most notorious area of downtown Los Angeles and home to some of LA County’s 58,000 homeless population, showing how the simple act of running together, as a community, as a team, can lead to real-life change for people who have experienced homelessness. This remarkable man has a habit of changing lives. In the early days, four or five runners – homeless, recovering from addiction, or recently released from prison – would join him. Now 40 or more join the 62-year-old and a team of mentors at 5.45am to pound the LA streets three times a week. And his fundraising has enabled group members to run marathons in Accra in Ghana, Rome and, earlier this year, in Jerusalem. “It is part of my faith, that every human being has worth, has dignity, deserves to be respected and understood. Homelessness or addiction doesn’t affect one-dimensional people. They are where they are because of a complicated series of events or circumstances. And if anybody is interested in doing anything about that, the complexity of their circumstances needs to be appreciated.” (05/09/2018) ⚡AMP

Calvin is set to take on the Jungle Ultra, a gruelling 147-mile run over the Andes and into the Amazon

Some of us struggle through a one-mile jog each morning, and to others the London Marathon is a test of their mettle, but one man is set to go beyond even that, taking on the Peruvian Jungle by running not just one, but seven marathons over five days. Calvin Barnard, 46, who works as a chef at Friar’s Vaults on Castle Square, will fly to Cuzco, Peru, on May 30, to take part in the Jungle Ultra, a gruelling 147-mile run over the Andes and into the Amazon between June 2 and 7. “I am going on something where people do die,” said Calvin. “You don’t want to think you could die but at the end of the day you are doing something extreme, and it is nice to be surrounded by people as crazy as you because you are all in the same boat!” All the money raised from sponsors of his race will go towards Green Acres Animal Rescue. (05/09/2018) ⚡AMP

Olympic Triathlon Gold Medalist disappointed with her 4th Place at USATF Half

Olympic triathlon gold medalist Gwen Jorgensen continued her road to the marathon with a disappointing, for her, 4th place in the USA Track & Field Half Marathon Championships in Pittsburg, PA. on Sunday May 6. She finished in 1:10:58, behind Aliphine Tuliamuk's 1:10:04 for the win. It was Gwen’s first half-marathon and she felt the pain of a torrid early pace. Notwithstanding her sense that it wasn’t her day, it’s the third impressive performance for the new pure runner in as many races, with a 15:15 indoor 5000, a 31:55 outdoor 10,000 (for the win) and now this. Gwen has a way of lasering in on the weakness in her game, as she did while shoring up her swim and bike in triathlon, and one expects her just to get better. Whether her best event is the marathon or something shorter is still an open question, but that’s a good problem to have. (Photo: Gwen in red singlet with hat) (05/09/2018) ⚡AMP
by Dan Empfield/ Slowtwitch.com

Anne Crawford-Nutte Has run 80 Marathons after being told she would never walk again

Anne Crawford-Nutte is a determined woman. Or, in her words, "stubborn". Tell her she cannot do something and she will prove you wrong. When she was told by a doctor after a serious car crash in 1984 that she would never walk again the Anna Bay, Australia resident fired back: "I'll show you". Eighteen months later she marched back into the hospital and showed the same doctor the medal she had recieved for finishing a 32k race. "I've always been very stubborn. I always hated anyone telling me I can't do something. The doctor telling me I'd never walk again made me more determined than ever,” Anne said.   "I wanted to do it within the year but it took me 18 months." Crawford-Nutte, originally from Johannesburg in South Africa, began running in 1983. Following her divorce, she had been living in a share house with runners. After five weeks of them banging on her door to join them on an early morning run, she gave in. The same year she completed her first marathon. The year after, however, Ms Crawford-Nutte's life as she knew it came to a screeching halt when she fell asleep behind the wheel of her car and crashed into a electricity pole. The crash left her unable to move in a Johannesburg hospital, facing a life living in a wheelchair.  But, determined to get back on her feet, she threw herself into rehabilitation and recovery and within a month she left the hospital on crutches. Once home, she immediately began training for a marathon. (05/09/2018) ⚡AMP

Doha’s 2019 world championship marathon to start at midnight

The International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF) has announced an innovative and fan-centered schedule for the 2019 IAAF World Championships.

The spectacular Midnight Marathon is the highlight of the competition schedule for the IAAF World Championships Doha 2019. The new championship format enables spectators to have an exciting and engaging event experience.

Details for the IAAF World Championships’ first-ever Midnight Marathon have also been announced with a stunning setting that will showcase the events like never before. The spectacular midnight marathon will take place along Doha’s iconic Corniche with the city’s iconic night skyline as a beautiful backdrop, providing stunning imagery for TV’s global audience.

Lights along the entire route will bring the full marathon to life with spectators enjoying family-friendly activations to give the event a festival atmosphere for athletes and fans alike, the IAAF has reported on its official website.

The popularity of night running events has grown considerably over recent years with Doha 2019 embracing the latest trend of the biggest global movement to bring a unique and different element to the World Championships. 

Canada’s Reid Coolsaet, who was ninth at the Boston Marathon said, “I just don’t understand why it’s not at like 10 PM. Unless maybe by midnight the roads have actually cooled down, I imagine the sun’s so hot there, the heat coming off the roads you’ll still feel it hours after the sun goes down.”

The world championships will be held from Sept. 28 to Oct. 6, 2019 in Doha, Qatar, when temperatures typically see nighttime lows of 71F to daytime highs of 92F.

(05/08/2018) ⚡AMP

The Hottest Race On Earth happens June 16 in Scottsdale where temperatures have reached as high as 122F degrees

Hoping to claim some of the prize money from the most lucrative road race in Arizona, Jim Walmsley, has registered to compete in Scottsdale Beat the Heat taking place on June 16 in Scottsdale, Arizona. The Hottest Race on Earth, is a 5k and 10.22-kilometer race taking place during the middle of the day.  The hottest day ever recorded in the Phoenix metro area (June 26, 1990), when the temperatures reached 122F degrees. Some of Walmsley’s career highlights include: UltraRunning Magazine and Runner’s World 2016 Ultra Runner of the Year and UltraRunning Magazine’s 2017 Ultra Runner of the Year, the fastest record for running across the Grand Canyon and back, plus many more. “This is definitely going to be a completely different race than anything I have ever run before,” said Walmsley. “With the race taking place in the middle of the day with a start time of 2:47pm, I am training and looking forward to the challenge of the extreme Arizona summer temperatures.” The first race was held in 2013 and 1,300 runners braved the hot temperatures.  There is $8,000 of prize money. With temperatures potentially this hot all runners should be prepared to run in hot weather.  (05/08/2018) ⚡AMP

Caster Semenya breaks four minutes for 1500m at IAAF Meet, 30 seconds slower than men

Caster Semenya and Carina Horn struck a blow for South African female athletics when they both breached magical barriers at Friday evening’s Diamond League meeting in Doha. The opening meeting of the 2018 Diamond League series saw Semenya break through four minutes in the 1500m while Horn became the first South African female to dip below 11 seconds in the 100 metres. Semenya stuck it to the IAAF on Friday night when she smashed the South African record she set at the Commonwealth Games last month by clocking a 3:59.92. Semenya could be affected by the new controversial female classification rules the IAAF introduced on April 26 and will go into effect on November 1. The amended regulations will attempt to regulate women who naturally produce testosterone levels above five nanomoles per litre and are limited to athletes that compete in events ranging from the 400m to the mile.  (The men’s world record for 1500m is held by Hicham El Guerrouj of 3:26.00 in Rome in 1998.) (05/08/2018) ⚡AMP

Top Finishers from Boston Marathon Des Linden, Sarah Sellers and Krista DuChene to Headline NYRR New York Mini 10K

The top three finishers from this year’s Boston Marathon Des Linden, Sarah Sellers, and Krista DuChene – will line up together again in Central Park on Saturday, June 9 at the NYRR New York Mini 10K.  “The NYRR New York Mini 10K started in 1972 as the world’s original all-women’s road race and has developed into an annual star-studded event,” said Peter Ciaccia, president of events for NYRR.  “New York City is in for a real treat this year with Des, Sarah and Krista all lining up together at the start line for the first time since racing to the podium in Boston."  Linden, 34, of Washington Township, MI, became the first American to win the women’s open division at the Boston Marathon in 33 years last month, clocking in at 2:39:54 in the face of rain and blustering winds. Previously, Linden had finished at runner-up at the 2010 Chicago and 2011 Boston marathons and fifth-place in Berlin in 2013 and New York in 2014. She will be racing the NYRR New York Mini 10K for the fifth time. Sellers, 26, of Tucson, AZ, is a full-time certified registered nurse anesthetist who finished in a surprising second place behind Linden at the Boston Marathon in what was just her second attempt at the 26.2-mile distance.  A former track and field athlete at Weber State, Sellers was a nine-time Big Sky champion from 2009-13 and earned Big Sky All-Conference honors 15 times in track and field and cross country. DuChene, 41, of Canada took third place at the Boston Marathon and first in the master’s division, crossing the finish line in 2:44:20. In 2016, the mother of three placed 35th at the Rio Olympic Marathon behind teammate Lanni Marchant; they were the first Canadian women to run in the Olympic Marathon since 1996. (05/08/2018) ⚡AMP

A man paralysed from the waist down after the Manchester Arena bombing is taking part in the Simplyhealth Great Manchester Run

Martin Hibbert, from Bolton, whose injuries were described as the equivalent of ‘being shot 22 times at point blank range’, suffered a T10 complete spinal injury when he was stood just 30 feet away from the bomb when it detonated. But the 41-year-old football agent has defied the odds and will line up on the start line in Manchester city center this month determined to finish the 10k distance in under an hour. He will take part in a racing wheelchair alongside former Paralympian Richie Powell and best friend Lee Freeman. He said: “Anyone who knows me knows how determined I am. “It’s going to be a huge challenge for me to use my arms to push myself around the course, but I will do it. “Richie and Lee have been a huge support and have been at my side throughout the whole of my training and it will be a proud moment for me personally when we cross the finish line. The Simplyhealth Great Manchester Run will take place just two days before the anniversary of the attack, and a one minute’s silence will be observed as a mark of respect to the victims. (05/08/2018) ⚡AMP

The most famous long-distance runner of Latvia, Jelena Prokopchuk, is going to hit the road again

Last September Jelena became the mother of her second son, but now a 41-year-old has decided to return to the road. Prokopchuk won the Riga Half Marathon five times in a row from 2012 to 2016, but last year, due to her pregnancy, she did not run.  She holds six outdoor and one indoor Latvian record, ranging from 3000 meters to the marathon.  She was the top-performing European at the 2012 Lisbon Half Marathon, coming fifth overall.  She was tenth at the 2012 London Marathon and won the Riga Half Marathon. She surprised the elite field at the Great North Run, leading the women from the start, and although she fell to fourth she ran a national record of 68:09 minutes. Her final outing of the year came at the Yokohama Marathon, where her season's best time of 2:26:55 hours brought her fourth place.  She is now ready to hit the road again.  (05/08/2018) ⚡AMP

70-year-old Bob Anderson will be running his 60th Double Racing Event on August 5

Bob Anderson ran his first "official" Double Racing event in October, 2010,  "That was the Double Road Race in Cabo Mexico," says 70-year-old lifetime runner Bob Anderson. 

"It was very hot and humid and the second 5k leg was tough but I did it."  For that Double, runners first ran 10K and then one hour and forty-five minutes ran a 5K.  Times are added together for scoring. Since then Bob has run 59 Double Racing events of different lengths. 

On August 5 in San Francisco, Bob will be running the 4th Annual Golden Gate Double 8K.  The first leg is a 5K and the second 3K leg starts one hour and 15 minutes later. 

"It is always hard getting started on the second leg but once I get going I get back into the rhythm" says Bob. 

"My pace is always faster the second leg.  I have had some sciatic nerve issues this year but that seems to be behind me now.  I can't wait to run the Golden Gate Double 8K and on September 30th the Pacific Grove (California) Double Road Race.  I am hoping to win my division at both."

(05/08/2018) ⚡AMP

Jerry Johncock has been racing for forty years and he didn’t start until he was 50

Jerry Johncock didn’t start running until he was 50-years-old. Now he smiles with every stride. “A lot of people think that after you're 40 or 50 you can't run anymore,” Johncock said.  It all started when Johncock’s sons wanted their dad to run a race with them in Delton, Michigan. “They said why don't you run that 8-miler with us? I said I can't get in shape in a month like you kids can.” Little did Johncock know, that was only the beginning of an incredible racing career that would span four decades. “The more I ran, the easier it became,” he said. Johncock would go on to set records at races across the country. “This picture is from the 2002 Boston marathon, I got 4th in my age group that time,” Johncock said, showing off old race photos and awards. “This one (from the Detroit Marathon) is when I was in my 60’s. I won that race twice in my age group.” He's accomplished more after the age of fifty than most runners in a lifetime. “How many races? Five or six hundred. I've run 116 marathons,” Johncock said. He believes racing is what has kept him going strong over all these years. “It's the best thing I've ever done for my health, I haven't been sick in 10 or 15 years,” Johncock said. Jerry ran the Kalamazoo Half Marathon on Sunday and clocked 3:55:36.  (05/07/2018) ⚡AMP
by Jake Berent/ Newschannel 3

Kip Keinoa grandson Julius Keter won Chip Gaines New Marathon and $15,000

Julius Keter comes by running naturally since his grandfather is Kip Keino, the legendary Kenyan who won the 1,500 meters in a famous race against Jim Ryun of the United States in the 1968 Summer Olympics. Keter is also a fan of “Fixer Upper,” so running in the inaugural Silo District Marathon was perfect for him Sunday morning.

Running strong from start to finish, Keter won the marathon against a talented international field for the $15,000 first-place prize. He clocked 2:16:26.    

The event drew 6,000 entrants with total prize money of $88,000, a big purse which attracted runners from all 50 states and seven countries. While 3,150 competitors entered the 5-kilometer race and 2,150 runners signed up for the half-marathon, the marathon featured 750 entrants that included some top-shelf talent from across the world. “Fixer Upper’s” Chip Gaines also ran his first marathon, which held great appeal to an estimated crowd of 18,000 that crammed into the Silos area beginning at 6 a.m.

Gaines stood on a table wearing a tool belt with wife Joanna at the start of the race.  The women’s marathon winner was  Shewarge Alene Amare who has a goal to compete in the 2020 Olympics for Ethiopia. Like Keter, she brought home $15,000 in prize money after coming in at two hours and 38 minutes. “I’m so proud to be in the first marathon here and I’m so happy for the victory,” Amare said. “I entered the race two weeks ago. I’ll do some races and then go back to Ethiopia.”

(05/07/2018) ⚡AMP

A Green Bay man is trying to break a world record with 100 lbs on back

William Kocken’s backpack weighs in at over 100 pounds. He’s wearing it on his back during the Cellcom Green Bay marathon, and it could be his ticket to setting a Guinness World Record, as long as he finished the 26.2 miles In less than six hours, 47 minutes and three seconds, setting a new world record and helping veterans in the process. “It's not about me breaking the world record; it's about what we can do in our community, how we can help veterans and how we can help our fellow brothers and sisters in our community,” Kocken said. Kocken leads a group called "Fourth Hooah Wisconsin" which raises money to help local veterans. It brought in over $200,000 last year, but this year is a different approach. "This idea came about over probably more cocktails than you're supposed to have. We were sitting up one night after one of the ruckmarches and discussing the fact that some of these records might be breakable,” said friend, Jason Braun.  (05/07/2018) ⚡AMP

Few could have predicted the winner of the women’s race in Prague

Bornes Jepkirui Kitur of Kenya ran to victory at the Volkswagen Prague Marathon on Sunday, May 6.  Few could have predicted the results in the women’s race.  Kitur wasn’t even considered in the favorite's group before the race, but she managed to hold off all challenges en route to a clear victory in 2:24:19. “I had a really good race, the only slight issue I found were the cobblestones," she said. "I managed to shave more than four minutes off my personal best and am really delighted to have won.” The 30-year-old set her previous personal best of 2:28:48 in Mumbai in January where she finished second. The second and third podium spots went to Ethiopians Belaynesh Oljira and Amane Gobena who clocked 2:27:43 and 2:25:13 respectively. The event's 24th edition featured 9778 runners. IAAF President Sebastian Coe started the race. (05/07/2018) ⚡AMP

Victoria Crisp, a 65-year-old veterinarian from Nashville, is the oldest elite runner at River Bank Run

The starting line of the 25K Fifth Third River Bank Run will be full of elite athletes, many of whom have set running records. Victoria Crisp, is the oldest elite runner in this year’s race. “I had early success and really liked it, so I never quit. I’ve been running since the ‘70s,” Crisp explained. This year marks her fourth year running in the Fifth Third River Bank Run. “I like the course. It’s relatively flat with one long grade, but it’s very scenic and very nice,” Crisp said. The first time she ran the race was in 2010 when she won her age group. Then in 2014 she set an American record. “It was a masters record time for my age group, 60-65. I think my time was 1:51:46 or something like that,” Crisp recalled. Someone eventually broke the record, but Crisp would love to set a new one — this time in a new age group.  She trains almost every day, averaging six miles most days with longer runs between 15 to 18 miles. Much like putting on her scrubs in her veterinary hospital, running is simply a part of her daily routine. “I feel like if I get my run in, the whole day's going to take care of itself and everything will be good,” she said. (05/07/2018) ⚡AMP

Another Look at the Elite women’s field and prize money at the Boston Marathon

The BAA has to realize that no matter how many times it explains the difference between the open racing in the elite women’s start at the Boston Marathon and the time trialing among sub-elite women in Wave 1, no matter how many times you talk about Chichester, Jackson, and Snelson being outliers in a bad-weather year, the status quo still smacks of women being treated unequally and unfairly. And they have to do something. But if the BAA expands the elite women’s start, how many women should be eligible? What should the new cutoff time be? What kind of fluid support will be offered to sub-elites who now find themselves part of the elite start? With more runners, how much earlier will the elite women’s start need to take place? And how will the race ensure that any sub-elites who have breakthrough performances are held to the same anti-doping standards as their competitors? That’s a big one. “I don’t think any elites like myself who are sponsored have any issue increasing the size of the field,” said Flanagan. “But in order to accept that money, you need to be drug-tested.”  If they were part of the elite women’s start, Chichester, Jackson, and Snelson might have run much different races. Instead, they’ll have a special place in race history, though 2018 wasn’t the first time that sub-elite women finished in the top 15. In 2004, the year the elite women’s start made its debut, the 14th- and 15th-place finishers were sub-elites. Since then, sub-elite women have come close to a top-15 finish on three other occasions. On the men’s side, since 2004, sub-elites have twice finished in the money — 14th in 2008 and 11th in 2012.    The B.A.A. awarded prize money to the three women that started in wave one but they have not made a decision going forward yet because it is complicated.  (05/07/2018) ⚡AMP
by Shira Springer/ Boston Globe

Tanaya Gallagher obliterated the women’s record at the tough Whiskey Row Marathon

Tanaya Gallagher of Sedona, Arizona not only broke her own course record for women in the Whiskey Row Marathon on Saturday morning. She obliterated it. Gallagher, who had already posted three of the fastest female times in the race’s glorious 40-year history, crossed the finish line in 3:08:55 for her seventh Whiskey Row Marathon win since 2008. That time’s nearly 11 minutes faster than her previous record time of 3:19:38, set in 2013. “I actually am humble,” a jubilant, albeit emotional Gallagher said. “I’m just really happy.”  The Marathon is run on a grueling 26.2-mile course at mile-high elevation, which climbs the city’s hillier streets and some tree-lined portions of the Prescott National Forest.  Gallagher, 32, entered Saturday healthy. In 2017, Gallagher ran the marathon two months after undergoing successful surgery to remove an ovarian cyst, which had been sapping her energy. “I just wanted to come out and remember the joy of running, to be honest,” Gallagher said. “Last year was just such a surprise, time-wise. I can’t say this felt any harder than any other year. It’s always hard. But it was great.”  Peter Davidson of Tucson was the overall winner clocking 3:07:37.  “It’s such a brutal course — it feels so good to come out on top,” said Davidson, instantly recognizable by his bright yellow-framed sunglasses. “I’m really impressed with [Gallagher]. She was so close behind me, and that’s amazing. It’s really cool.” (05/06/2018) ⚡AMP

A cyclist in Australia purposely ran over Runners as he yelled out profanities

I read about some student runners who were intentionally run over by a cyclist and I thought I should share it.   I know I have had many close calls with cyclists both on city streets and on paths met for both cyclists, runners and walkers.  Some cyclists don’t seem to be concerned as they pass by with only inches to spare.  I have heard stories from other runners who have had encounters with cyclists too.  This event happened in Australia recently. “Four students running in a cross country event in Canberra, Australia were run over by a cyclist, with two sustaining injuries.   Police say the man yelled profanities at the students as they ran on a shared public path about 9.30am on April 13. The cyclist allegedly swerved close to several students, colliding with one and knocking both himself and the student, who was injured, to the ground. It is then the man got back onto his bike and knocked down another three students, riding over one's foot and causing injuries. The man is described as Caucasian, about 25-30 years old, of thin build, with a light beard, and with a deep voice.”   (05/06/2018) ⚡AMP
by Bob Anderson

Galen Rupp smashed his PR and won the Prague Marathon by nearly a minute clocking 2:06:07

American’s Galen Rupp did as promised and the weather did not get in his way at the 24th Annual Volkswagen Prague Marathon Sunday morning May 6.  

He ran an even pace the whole way reaching the half way point in 1:03:02.  Ethiopian’s Sisay Lemma stayed close through 30k but Galen took control and clocked 1:03:05 for his second half finishing in 1:06:07.  

This smashed his previous best by three minutes and 13 seconds. This makes Galen the third fastest American ever and his time was only 29 seconds off the official American Record held by Khalid Khannouchi.  

Ryan Hall’s 2:04:58 clocked in Boston is not considered official since Boston is a point-to-point course.  Galen has now finished five marathons setting a PR each time. The Prague Marathon kicked off at 9am local time from the Old Town Square.  

Sisay finished second clocking 2:07:02.  Thousands of runners from all over the world enjoyed the perfect weather and the beautiful course.   

(05/06/2018) ⚡AMP
by Bob Anderson

Trail running and racing is more popular than ever and it does requires you to be more alert

Trail running is a fantastic way to soak up the great outdoors. The uneven nature of trails requires a decent level of awareness which - in the long run - may help improve balance and coordination. The surfaces are often softer than the pavement, which will take the stress off joints. It may require a journey out of suburbia, but the serenity is worth the trip alone.  However, several risks present themselves with trail running. A constant level of alertness is required with the rough terrain to avoid slipping and tripping on obstacles.  Specially designed shoes will help and here is why: trail running shoes are generally more sturdy than the average Running shoe.  The Mountain Safety Council suggests when planning a trail run you should consider how long you are running for, the terrain you are running on, what the weather is doing and your fitness level. Other items worth carrying include: water, sunscreen, a First Aid kit, a communication device and perhaps some insect repellent.   (05/05/2018) ⚡AMP

Routine, discipline and consistency are all so important when training for any distance says James Westlake

James Westlake completed this year's London Marathon in 2:24:19 and finished 8th overall not including the elite runners.  His first experience of marathon running was at the London Marathon in 2012.  His mum was also running and through her training it inspired James to give it a go.  Much to his amazement, he ran 3 hours 14 minutes and the bug grew from there. He has now run nine marathons and offers this advice as I am getting ready to run my first half marathon. James told me, "Get to know your body and try to understand what it can and can’t cope with training wise.  Routine, discipline and consistency are all so important when training for any distance. Get yourself into a routine that works for you around your work and social life. Be disciplined and stick to what you know but be clever if you are struggling with an injury, cross train (swim or cycle) and take the pressure off your body. Consistent training is going to improve your body and prepare it for what is ahead on the day." I asked him what is his motivation?  James said, "I’m naturally a competitive person. Whether it be in training or racing, I always want to win or improve my personal best. I also enjoy that feeling when you cross that finish line, all the training and the sacrifices that are made to achieve that goal all just builds into one moment."    (05/05/2018) ⚡AMP
by Mark Dunford/ On Your Marks

Sisay Lemma is out for revenge in Prague after being beaten by Galen Rupp at last year’s Chicago Marathon

Sisay Lemma and Galen Rupp will line up for the 24th Volkswagen Prague Marathon on Sunday May 6 in the hopes of breaking the course record of 2:05:39 at the IAAF Gold Label road race. Just 20 days after respiratory problems forced Galen to withdraw from a wet and windy Boston Marathon, USA’s Rupp will be on the streets of the Czech capital. The Olympic bronze medallist has reached the podium in all four marathons he has completed to date and he will be looking to continue that record on Sunday. “I’m excited to be running in Prague and thankful for another opportunity to race,” said Rupp, who competed in the city’s half marathon in 2017. “I’ve done a lot of great training in the last few months and I’m looking forward to the race.” Lemma, who ran 2:04:08 earlier this year in Dubai, will be wearing the No.1 bib. The Ethiopian will also be out for revenge after being beaten by Rupp at last year’s Chicago Marathon. Amane Gobena is the fastest in the women’s field. The Ethiopian set her PB of 2:21:51 when finishing second at the 2016 Tokyo Marathon, and earlier this year she won the Mumbai Marathon in 2:25:49.  The start time is at 9am local time or Midnight (PST) Saturday night. (05/05/2018) ⚡AMP

Kipsang said doping will ruin the country’s athletics glory if proper education is not conducted

Reports of three-time world champion and 2008 Olympic gold medalist Asbel Kiprop (photo) failing doping test is very concerning.  It is a menace that can only be spoken in low tones in training camps. Kiprop, on Wednesday denied the allegations of testing positive for blood-boosting drug erythropoietin (EPO), saying there was an error in his sample taken at a competition in late 2017. But even amid the denial, the allegations have re-opened debate over doping. A Moi University Sports lecturer and Iten-based athletics trainer, Byron Kipchumba, said the doping incidents are raising in magnitude, adding that some managers are to blame. Kipchumba said most Kenyan elite runners are likely to fall victim since they are managed by foreign managers and companies that are not closely monitored by Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya.  Two weeks ago, former world marathon record holder Wilson Kipsang said athletes lack adequate training on which drugs to use and which to avoid, often falling prey to greedy managers, who end up ruining their athletics careers. During an doping seminar spearheaded by the Adak in Iten, Kipsang said doping will ruin the country’s athletics glory if proper education is not conducted. He said Kenyan athletes always comply with anti-doping rules (05/04/2018) ⚡AMP

Prize Money in major races like the Boston Marathon should be awarded based on Gun Time

The weather at this year's Boston Marathon was horrible.  Many elite runners and others just could not handle these conditions and did not finish.  For the first time I can remember, several female runners that started in wave one placed. 

With all the pressure of the media, the B.A.A. is going to hand out cash awards based on chip timing.  This year's race should be looked at as unique and I do endorse the B.A.A. decision. 

But to change things in the future would not be a good idea.  Chip timing works for age-group but most major road races use gun time to award prize money. 

In fact, gun time is the only time accepted by both USA Track & Field and the International Association of Athletics Federation. 

David Monti, publisher of Race Results Weekly, wrote Sports Day, "To score an elite race based on chip times is both rare and risky.  It's risky, because it is possible for an athlete to purposely start well behind the elites, say five minutes, then compete for prize money clandestinely and out of view. 

“It's very possible that the first man or woman to break the tape will not actually be the race winner if the race is scored on chip time. How would that look?" 

We also know that there are people who cheat.  It is much easier to keep track of the smaller elite fields than a field of thousands.  I think we do need to stick with gun time in the future for the overall top open places.     

(05/04/2018) ⚡AMP
by Bob Anderson

Co-Stars of Fixer Upper Chip and Joanna Gaines Silo District Marathon in Waco is set for Sunday

Co-Stars of Fixer Upper, Chip Gaines and his wife, Joanna, met Gabrielle Grunewald last fall in Central Park. Gabe is a professional mid-distance runner who’s been fighting a rare cancer since 2009.

She convinced Gaines that he could train for a marathon in about six months. Grunewald also shared how she's battled adenoid cystic carcinoma since 2009. Gabe’s story left such a mark on Chip that he quickly moved past his goal of running a marathon to actually hosting one in Waco as well. 

He and the Magnolia team created Sunday's event the Silo District Marathon to benefit Grunewald's Brave Like Gabe Foundation, which raises funds for research on rare cancers.

"I didn't want to spend another second standing on the sidelines," Gaines wrote in a Jan. 10 blog post announcing the event. "Given what she's gone through, I didn't have any excuse not to give this a shot."

He invited his social media followers to join him.  100% of the profits from the race will be donated to the Brave Like Gabe Foundation in order to further the much-needed research on rare cancers.

It is our honor to come alongside Gabe and others with similar diagnoses to find answers, solutions and, ultimately, cures. Also thinking of the runners as well, the race will present $88,000 in prize money to the top three overall men and women in the half and the full.

The overall marathon winners will receive $15,000 and the half champions will earn $10,000.  The prize money is going to be given out based on chip time and not gun time.  Hopefully the best time will be the first person to cross the finish line too.  

(05/04/2018) ⚡AMP

Tracktown USA hopes to be selected to host the USATF 2020 Olympic Trails

The University of Oregon says work will begin in June on a renovation of Hayward Field, to be completed in 2020. The plans include a 165-foot, 9-story tower named in honor of Bill Bowerman, the coach who brought Steve Prefontaine to campus and helped Phil Knight launch Nike. The work will be funded by Penny and Phil Knight and more than 50 other donors.  Tracktown USA made it clear Wednesday that they'll be making a bid to bring the 2020 Olympic Trials back to Hayward Field. USATF pulled its original bid from Mount SAC in California, due to concerns over the stadium construction.  Construction on the new Hayward Field will start this summer.  Tracktown USA CEO Michael Reilly says the new-look Hayward Field will be completed in plenty of time to host the 2020 Trials. "We understand everything is going to be ready to go for an entire Track and Field season in 2020," said Reilly. "I can't think of a better way to welcome America's top athletes than to bring them to a new Hayward Field."      (05/04/2018) ⚡AMP

Sometimes I want to stop as I push myself to the absolute limit but I keep going for the kids

The head of real estate for a global law firm in Australia is currently in training for an upcoming ultramarathon across Indonesian in support of primary school children.  David Jones, who has been with the firm Baker Mckenzie for over 20 years, will be taking part in The Bali Hope Ultramarathon, an 84km run across Bali, in partnership with the Classroom of Hope and Bali Children Foundation. Ultra-distance running has become a passion of David since he started running 10 years ago, he said. “For me, the harder the better — I love mountain running, pushing myself to the absolute limit and finding out what the body is actually capable of when the mind is strong enough to ignore the pain and the constant mantra that sometimes creeps in telling you to stop,” he said. “My passion for fitness and what I have seen it achieve for me personally and for others, both directly and as a tool for raising funds and awareness, led me to setting up a fitness business with my running mate to help train others and encourage them on this journey.” He has always felt that as a member of society with a roof over his head, a steady job and a healthy family, he has a moral obligation to do whatever he can to help others who aren’t as fortunate, he explained.  “An ultra [marathon] allows you, however briefly, to put yourself in a situation where you are suffering and where all you want to do is give up,” he mused. “Then, you think about who you are supporting — kids who live with an undiagnosable condition their whole life, who have never had a day of education in their lives, etc. and you realize that you will of course conquer that last volcano climb or the last few hours of running in darkness covered in blisters and mud.” (05/04/2018) ⚡AMP

The date was May 1, 2010, the place Stanford and on the track running the race of his life was Chris Solinsky

“I just watched the video of this race again on Flo Track.  Wow, what an amazing race it was,” says Bob Anderson. On May 1, 2010, Chris Solinsky ran his first 10,000 meter race at the Payton Jordan Invitational in Stanford, California. Although the race was marketed as an American record attempt by fellow American Galen Rupp, Solinsky finished first and set the American Record of 26:59.60 (bettering Meb Keflezighi's 2001 mark of 27:13.98 by fourteen seconds).  His last 800 meters was timed at 1:56.  He looked so strong the entire race and passed Galen with a little more than two laps to go.  Galen faded to fourth but still clocked 27:10.  Solinsky was the first non-African to break the 27-minute barrier for the 10,000 meters.  At 6'1" and 165-pounds, Solinsky was also the first man over 6 feet or over 141 pounds to break the 27-minute barrier. Beginning in 2011, Solinsky suffered a series of injuries. He developed a chronic left hamstring strain, which became an avulsion after Solinsky tripped over his dog. The injury required surgery, making it impossible for him to compete in the 2012 US Olympic Trials. In 2015, Solinsky suffered from an injury to his Achilles tendon, which led to a calf problem which interfered with his ability to train for the 2016 US Olympic Trials. Solinsky chose to retire from professional running in April 2016. (05/03/2018) ⚡AMP

The world's richest 10K is coming up May 27 in Bengaluru, India

Looking at the success of the Mumbai Marathon and the Delhi Half Marathon, Procam International decided to spread the distance running revolution to the garden city of Bengaluru, India in 2008. Today, the event is the world’s richest 10 Km run and has seen participation from top elite athletes in the world.  Prize money for this year is $188,000 if all bonuses are earned.  This year's sold out race is set for May 27, 2018.   This year's international event ambassador is Mary Pierce.  She is the last French citizen - man or woman - to have won a Singles Title, at the prestigious clay-court Grand Slam - the French Open.   Pierce reached her career high ranking of World #3 in 1995, post her first Grand Slam Singles title - that of the Australian Open in January 1995. Mary had a career that lasted from the early nineties to 2005 until a knee injury forced her to stop.  Mary says this about the TCS World 10K,  "I am excited to be the Ambassador for the upcoming TCS World 10k race..I always enjoyed running, it was a part of my training. It not only builds you physically, but it also improves your health and strengthens your mind."    (05/03/2018) ⚡AMP

U.S. Team set for Mountain Running Championships in Poland

The USATF Mountain, Ultra, Trail (MUT) Council is proud to announce members of Team USATF scheduled to compete at the 15th WMRA Long Distance Mountain Running Championships June 24, in Karpacz, Poland. 

The double loop course covers 36 kilometers (22.4 miles) with 6890 feet of ascending and descending. The route will challenge the five women and five men of Team USATF by climbing and descending the peak of Mt. ŚNIEŻKA twice.

Mt. ÅšNIEÅ»KA rises just under one mile above sea level at 5250 feet. The top three US finishers will score for the team in each gender division. 

The 10 members this year’s team range in age from 21 to 36. The women’s Team USATF is comprised of Addie Bracy, Ashley Brasovan, Renee Metivier, Sandi Nypaver and Kathryn Ann Ross. The men of Team USATF will be Anthony Costales, Joseph Gray, Tatye Pollmann, David Sinclair and Andy Wacker.

(05/03/2018) ⚡AMP
by Richard Bolt

Montreal Marathon race director wants to make his race a world-class event

“We’re an Olympic city and my goal is to build this race to the point where it’s one of the top-10 marathons in the world,” Dominique Piché said after revealing details for the 2018 event at a news conference on Wednesday May 2.  “We would like to be in the same category as New York or Boston,” said Piché, who serves as the race director. “We have a long way to go, but there’s no reason why we can’t be as big as Ottawa or Toronto.” One step toward that goal is to attract elite runners. Piché has handed that task to Laurent Godbout, a former journalist who has also served as executive director of the Quebec Track and Field Federation.  “Our prize money is modest, only $50,000 total, but we have to start somewhere,” said Godbout.  The Sept. 23 race has been rebranded as MIMO — an acronym for Montreal International Marathon Oasis — and will feature a series of new courses with activities taking place around the Quartier des Spectacles.   Piché said he and his colleagues drew on the city’s history when they laid out the course for the 42.32-kilometre marathon. “We tried to highlight some of the most interesting neighbourhoods,” said Piché     (05/03/2018) ⚡AMP

Dave Bedford Who helped build the London marathon into one of the best in the world is stepping down

Dave Bedford has announced his decision to leave his role as a consultant with London Marathon Events, which includes recruiting the elite fields. He will step down in November. Bedford, a legendary runner on the track and the former 10,000m world record holder, has played a pivotal role with the London Marathon for more than three decades. He famously ran the first edition of the race in 1981 following a bet in his night club. Over the years, he served on the Board of Directors from 1986 – 1988, representing British Athletics and in 1989 was appointed to recruit the London Marathon elite field. He became London Marathon Race Director in 2000, a role he held until 2012 when he became a part-time consultant. He also played a leading role in the formation of the World Marathon Majors. Nick Bitel, CEO of London Marathon Events Ltd, said: “The London Marathon is deeply indebted to Dave for all that he has done for the event over the years. During his tenure as Marketing and Sponsorship Director and then as Race Director, he was instrumental in developing the London Marathon into the world’s greatest marathon. He will be greatly missed and we wish him well.” Bedford said: “I have been fulfilled working with the London Marathon for many years. London Marathon’s growth and success was only possible because of the great team I worked with. We should not forget, however, that the success of the London Marathon was only possible because of the hard work done by Chris Brasher and John Disley in founding the event.” (05/02/2018) ⚡AMP

Indian team is ready for the Trail World Championships

Trail running in India received a much-needed boost from the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) after the sports body selected six Indian ultra runners, up from two last year, to represent the country at the 2018 Trail World Championships to be held at Penyagolosa, Castellon in Spain on May 12 this year. The AFI selected team is Aakriti Verma, Kieren Dsouza, Ajit Singh Narwal, Ullas Hosahalli Narayana, Lokesh Kumar Meena, and Sampathkumar Subramanian for the Championships.  Ultra trail runner Ajit Singh Narwal says, “It’s a fantastic feeling to see the sport gaining traction in the country. And this is merely the championship team. The number of people starting to run trails has increased manifold in last few years in India, that’s great news. So excited for the future of the sport in India.”  (05/02/2018) ⚡AMP

Gina Whitmore donated a kidney to her father and now is ready to tackle Lincoln Half Five months later

There was no doubt in Gina Whitmore's mind. She would be a match for her father who needed a kidney. "If it was my place to do this, we would know," the Lincoln, Nebraska  woman said. Blood work and scans came back in the father-daughter duo's favor. Whitmore, 37, was a match and in December, she donated her left kidney to her father Wilton Schlecht. On Sunday, dad, fully recovered from the transplant, will be the one giving something to his daughter — a finisher's medal after she completes the Lincoln Half Marathon.  "That is something special," said Schlecht, who has a progressive kidney disease.  Whitmore will be among more than 12,300 runners tackling the 41st annual Lincoln Marathon and Half Marathon. She and her father are both doing well after surgery. Schlecht, 71, has lived with kidney disease for about 30 years. Within the last five years, Schlecht's kidneys started to deteriorate.  Whitmore started running marathons about 10 years ago. This will be her eighth time running the Lincoln course. Now her dad has a new kidney and his daughter is running Lincoln Half marathon for him.   (05/02/2018) ⚡AMP
by Kelsey Stewart

Running can cure depression and anxiety!

Recent studies have shown a link between exercise and reduced depression. A 2011 survey of 11 previous studies, for example, found that exercise appeared to be a significant help to those with depression and suggested doctors begin incorporating it into treatment plans. “I view balanced exercise as an important component in treating anxiety, depression and other mental-health disorders,” she said. “If clients are depressed, I educate them that the two best self-help strategies are exercise like running and social support. For anxious clients, I teach them how exercise helps reduce worry, panic and other symptoms.” says Jennifer Carter, a clinical assistant professor of family medicine and the director of sport psychology at Ohio State University, (05/02/2018) ⚡AMP

David Luy goal is to run sub 2:20 this weekend in Eau Claire and qualify for the Olympic Trials

When the Eau Claire Marathon begins on Sunday, May 6, in Eau Claire Wisconsin, runners from 27 states, plus Canada and Malaysia, will be at the starting line. One runner to watch is David Luy but be sure to get there early. David Luy, 26, of Brookfield, Wisconsin is the defending two-time Eau Claire Marathon winner, having beat the field last year with a 2:25:57 finishing time — 23 minutes ahead of the next runner. He has an ambitious goal this year — to trim six minutes off that time and finish below 2:19:00 so he can qualify to compete at the Olympic Trials.  Avid runner Michael Olson said he’s thrilled that Luy is trying to reach this milestone at the Eau Claire Marathon. He said the city is perfectly placed for holding a marathon in early spring. “I think Eau Claire is getting noticed,” Olson said. “If we have someone hit the Olympic standard, that just boosts our race that much more.” To finish in under 2:19:00, Luy will need to run about a 5:18 pace per mile for 26.2 miles. Luy said he has been running all his life and ran at Brookfield East High School but wasn’t in the upper tier. He didn’t run for the UW-Madison team while attending school there. However, he continued to run and got faster. “I’d run the campus and go further and further,” Luy said. He decided to compete in the Chicago Marathon in 2012. “It was such a surreal experience, it just jump-started my passion for the sport,” he said. (05/02/2018) ⚡AMP

Time is already running out to get entered into the 2019 London Marathon

The ballot to enter the 2019 London Marathon is underway.   But you'll have to be quick, since the process will close at 5pm (London Time) on Friday, May 4, 2018. During that time anyone wanting to run has to visit the London Marathon 2019 ballot website and fill in their details. It costs £39 to enter, or £35 if you are a member of an athletics club. All those who enter the ballot will find out whether or not they have been successful in early October. Other ways to get a place include running for a charity or via the 'Good For Age' category, which is open to those who have already run a full marathon in a particularly fast time. The Queen started the 2018 race from Windsor Castle, which saw Eliud Kipchoge and Vivian Cheruiyot, both from Kenya, in the fastest combined winners time for a marathon.  It was hot for this year’s marathon but that is not the norm.  However, there still were many fast times in this bucket-list event.   (05/01/2018) ⚡AMP

The USATF finally realized they need to find a new host for the U.S. 2020 Olympic Trials

The USATF said today it has reopened bidding to host the 2020 Olympic Trials amid litigation surrounding the construction of a new stadium at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, Calif., where the trials were originally awarded. USA Track and Field hopes to reward the trials no later than June. The Los Angeles area college originally beat out Eugene, Ore., and Sacramento for the right to host the 2020 Olympic Trials, USATF announced last June Eugene hosted the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Olympic Trials. Sacramento hosted in 2000 and 2004. Mt. SAC previously hosted the 1960 Olympic Trials and annually hosts a popular relays meet in April.  “The USATF Board of Directors unanimously authorized the move amid continuing litigation surrounding construction of a new Hilmer Lodge Stadium at (Mt. SAC) in Walnut, California, and the resulting delays on planning for a successful 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials,” USATF said in a statement.  Mt SAC President William T. Scroggins said: “While we are disappointed, we accept that the terms of the agreement give USATF the authority to withdraw from this commitment.” (05/01/2018) ⚡AMP

Should Caster Semenya be forced to lower Testosterone levels to compete in Tokyo?

Caster Semenya is very much in the news lately. We have already published two stories about the new IAAF rule which will require Caster to take testosterone-lowering medication in order to compete on an international level. 

Per the report: "The IAAF, will reportedly announce the creation of a new female classification to be known as Athletes with Differences of Sexual Development, which includes those with Hyperandrogenism, such as Semenya.

"From November 1, 2018, athletes who fit into that classification will be forced to undergo testosterone-lowering treatment."  

Caster was born with this medical condition.  Caster is a South African middle-distance runner and a gold medalist and for sure could easily pass for a man on the outside. 

Last August Caster shared this story about her love story with her wife Violet Raseboya in a TV interview.  "We met in a restroom in 2007. She was a runner and was being escorted by doping officials.

She thought I was a boy and said 'What is a boy doing in here?'" "I'm not a boy. You think I'm lost? You think I can just walk in here?" It took a while for them to start dating and Caster said it was her that told Violet about her feelings for her. 

"We were in denial. She had a past. She had a boyfriend. (She) was trying to deny being in love with a woman"  They got married in 2017.  

This is a tough situation for the IAAF.  Seb Coe just wants the competition to be fair.  However, this is a medical condition a person is born with. Penalizing  an athlete for a natural trait of her body does not seem right.   

(05/01/2018) ⚡AMP
by Bob Anderson