Running News Daily

Let's understand how fast 18-year-old Phonex Kipruto ran today in Central Park

From the starting horn at the 14th UAE Healthy Kidney 10K run in Central Park in New York City today April 29, two runners—Kenyan training partners Rhonex Kipruto and Mathew Kimeli—set off to chase the bonus prize money, in addition to competing for the $10,000 first-place prize.

Passing the 5K split in approximately 13:39, the two were on track to break the event record, and they would only pick up the pace from there. 

On the fourth mile, the 18-year-old Kipruto began to pull away from Kimeli, and he reached the 8-kilometer checkpoint in a world-best time of 21:45, breaking the previous mark by 17 seconds. Kipruto would then lower the UAE Healthy Kidney 10K event record by 27 seconds, crossing the finish line in 27:08; that time is also the fastest in the world this year to date, the fastest road 10K ever run in the United States on a record-eligible course, and the seventh-fastest road 10K of all-time (also on a record-eligible course). Kimeli would finish second in 27:19. 

This is a New York Road Runners event.  Prior to this race, Phonex finished 3rd at the Birell 10K last September in Prague clocking 27:13.

(04/29/2018) ⚡AMP

The first High School Runner to run a sub four minute mile in 1964, Jim Ryun is 71 today

DID YOU KNOW:  Today is Jim Ryun’s 71st birthday.  Jim was the first prep runner to run a sub-4:00 mile which he did in 1964 in 3:59.0. His 1965 time of 3:55.3 stood as a high school record for 36 years. A three-time Olympian in 1964, 1968 and 1972, Jim won the Silver Medal in the 1968 Olympic 1,500 meters in Mexico City, set World Records in 1966 of 1:44.9 for 880 yards (1:44.3 for 800m en route) and the mile (3:51.1). In 1967 he set World Records of 880 yards indoors (1:48.3), mile (3:51.1) and 1,500 meters (3:33.1), he tied Tom O’Hara’s indoor mile WR of 3:56.4 in 1971, was five-time NCAA champion at the University of Kansas, at Wichita East High School was three-time Kansas State mile champion, was 1966 Sports Illustrated ‘Sportsman of the Year’, 1966 Sullivan Award honoree, 1966 ABC's Wide World of Sports Athlete of the Year, and Track and Field News 1966 and 1967 Athlete of the Year.  Jim was one of my heroes that got me started running in 1973 and remains one of my heroes.  Last summer Jim was awesome to be my milestone 100th interviewee at Gary Cohen Running. (Click on link to read the interview.) (04/29/2018) ⚡AMP
by Gary Cohen

Bruce Tulloh, the original barefoot runner and world class runner has died at age 82

Bruce Tulloh, European 5000m champion in 1962, one of Britain's best and most popular runners of the 1960s, trans-America record-breaker, and an ongoing influential figure in British athletics as a coach and writer, has died aged 82. 

In 1969, Tulloh ran 2876 miles across America from Los Angeles to New York City in 64 days. This is described in his book Four Million Footsteps, published by Pelham Books in 1970.  

"I read Four Million Footsteps many times," said Bob Anderson.  "It was a wonderful account of his journey across America.  Bruce was a super friendly, inspiring runner and he will be missed." 

Bruce told Simon Freeman (editor at Like the Wind Magazine). "Bruce Tulloh says he can’t remember a time when he wasn’t running. His mother was a runner and — according to Tulloh — she never lost a race. His whole family were active, sporty people, including the perceptive grandfather, an international tennis player." 

He told Simon in 2015, "There’s nothing nicer for me than to go out to a lovely bit of grass or on to the beach and run,” he says.

“Even though nowadays I’ll be running a bit, walking a bit. It’s just a natural human activity.” And it is possibly thanks to his decision to not wear shoes that Tulloh will be best remembered.

However, it would be a mistake to think that there wasn’t science and planning behind the choice to go barefoot.  He was the originial barefoot runner. 

(04/29/2018) ⚡AMP

The world’s fastest 10k on the roads was run this morning in New York City, Phonex Kipruto clocked 27:08

Kenya’s Phonex Kipruto, just 18 clocked the fastest 10K on the roads in the world over the last 12 months and runs the fastest time ever on US soil.  He ran 27:08 in New York City this morning at the UAE Healthy Kidney 10K.  This is an annual race organized by the New York Road Runners, with support from the UAE Embassy in Washington, DC, to benefit the National Kidney Foundation. Phonex hit the 5K mark in 13:38, 8K at 21:43.  His second 5k was run eight seconds faster than his first.  Mathew Kimeli placed second in 27:19.  Buze Diriba (ETH) out sprinted Aselefech Mergia (ETH) to win the women's race by one second.  Her time was 32:04. (04/29/2018) ⚡AMP

Sandy Gage traveling the world running Marathons and Beyond, 101 so far

Sandy Gage got excited about running again, nearly 35 years after she competed with her high school track team.  

Never did she imagine it would lead to traveling the world competing in marathons, 100 in total to be exact. The 61-year-old married mother of four adult children hit the 100-marathon mark April 7, and it wasn’t a standard 26.2-mile race, but a 100-mile ultra marathon at the 4,500-foot elevation mark in the mountains of Idyllwild in Riverside County, California. 

“I wanted to run the 100-mile race to commemorate my 100th marathon,” said Sandy, a senior vice president at Merrill Lynch in Brea. “A lot of my family came out to watch and supported me the entire way.”

She finished the race in about 33 hours, taking a few hours off in the middle of the race to drain some blisters. She has no plans to stop running marathons now that she’s reached the 100-marathon mark. In June, she’ll compete in a standard 26.2-mile marathon in Machu Picchu, Peru, a race that takes runners to an elevation of 17,000 feet in the Andes Mountains.

There are several more on her schedule.   She’s run the Boston Marathon twice, the Los Angeles and Huntington Beach Surf City marathons five times apiece, San Antonio, New York, Chicago, San Francisco marathons and marathons in Tokyo, Great Wall of China, Antartica, New Zealand, Australia, Sweden, Berlin and London. And there will be many more to come.  

(04/28/2018) ⚡AMP
by Josh Thompson/ Chino-Chino Hills Champion

World half marathon record-holder Jepkosgei will represent Kenya at the African athletics championships in Nigeria in August

Joyciline Jepkosgei, who suffered the residual effects of a bout of flu to finish fifth (1:06:46) at the Ras al-Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates in February, says she is back in top form and hopes she will compete in the 10km road race before heading to Assela, Nigeria for the continent's premier track and field competition. "It is always hard to make Kenya team and that is why I have started my preparations early. Nobody respects the records you may have because everyone is hungry to win and Kenya has many upcoming athletes so I do not want to be surprised," she said on Saturday in Mumias, Western Kenya. Jepkosgei holds the world half marathon record at 1:04:51 and was relieved when compatriot Fancy Chemutai missed it by one second in Ras al-Khaimah. But she knows it is a matter of time before the mark is smashed and she wants to have the chance to defend it. But for now, running at the African championships is her main focus. "This is my first track competition of the year," said Jepkosgei after competing at the national athletics championships series in Mumias. "I want to prepare well for the August African championships in Nigeria. I shall compete in the 10,000m, but first I shall focus on the June 20, Kenya Defense Forces championships so that I can book my ticket," said Jepkosgei, who won the 5,000m at the Kenyan Army Championships in 16:28.7. Kenya dominated the middle and long distances at the last African athletics championships in Durban, South Africa, winning 24 medals -- eight golds, eight silvers and eight bronzes -- to finish second behind the host country who had a total of 32 medals. Nigeria was third with 16 medals. (04/28/2018) ⚡AMP

Grandma’s Marathon Confirms course changes for upcoming Marathon and Half

Runners participating in this year’s Grandma’s Marathon and the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon in Duluth Minn. will notice a slight change of scenery along the race course. The race course has been modified through downtown Duluth due to the Superior Street construction project. Marathon officials say the reroute will be in effect for the 2018-2020 race seasons and is contingent on the phases of Duluth’s reconstruction plan for the Superior Street project. The modification will take place as follows: The modification only affects a small portion that will temporarily be rerouted during Mile 11 of the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon and Mile 24 of Grandma’s Marathon. Details of the changes can be found on their website.  The course reroute has been measured and certified by USA Track and Field and poses virtually no impact on the start or finish line locations. (04/28/2018) ⚡AMP

47-year-old Portland Marathon cancels 2018 race, will dissolve organization

The Portland Marathon board of directors has canceled the 2018 race and plans to dissolve the 47-year-old Portland Marathon organization, according to an open letter the board sent Friday to The Oregonian/OregonLive.  “There will be no Portland Marathon in 2018," began the letter, attributed to board members Richard Busby, Julian Smith, Andy Ritchie, Jim Schaeffer and Gina McVicker.  The same letter was sent to the City of Portland at 11:30 a.m. Friday.  The move comes more than a week after former Portland Marathon event director Les Smith reached a settlement with the Oregon Department of Justice. Smith was found to have illegally borrowed money from the Portland Marathon and was required to repay $865,000, of which $50,000 would go to the Oregon Department of Justice to cover the cost of the investigation. In Friday's letter to The Oregonian/OregonLive, members of the new Portland Marathon board, assured the 2,500 people already signed up for the run that they would get a full refund, through the race registration platform, Active.com. "Our decision was based on a number of factors, including a decline in race registrants for 2018 and the Board's understanding of the City of Portland's desire to move in a different direction," wrote the board. (04/28/2018) ⚡AMP

His goal is to raise One Million Dollars for a coworker battling Tonque Cancer

A man is using the deep rivalry between the Green Bay Packers and the Dallas Cowboys to help a coworker diagnosed with cancer.

When Texas school assistant principal, Bruce Hermans, learned the school's choir director, Allison Hartzell, was battling Stage 4 tongue cancer, he wanted to do something for her.

As an avid runner, Hermans decided to help raise money for Hartzell's treatment by running his first full marathon in his hometown of Green Bay. 

Pitting Packers fans against Cowboys fans, the Run4Allison campaign's goal is to raise $1 million by asking fans to donate in the name of their favorite team.

Which ever team raises the most money, is the jersey Hermans says he will wear crossing the finish line at Lambeau Field during the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon. 

(04/27/2018) ⚡AMP

My Legs got so numb in Boston, it felt like I didn't have shorts on says Shalane

Shalane Flanagan posted this today, "That time I ran the Boston Marathon and my legs got so numb from the cold that it felt like I didn't have shorts on.  And apparently...it looked like I didn't have shorts."  Some of her fans comments: "But those muscles." "If my legs looked like that I probably wouldn't wear pants/shorts ever." “You needed ski pants that day." "Ha ha, at least you can laugh about it now! You lived to tell the tale! Superstar."  Shalane kept running and finished in 7th place. (04/27/2018) ⚡AMP

Boston Marathon Champion, Desiree Linden is returning to Boston for BAA10K

The BAA announced today that 2018 Boston Marathon champion Desiree Linden will return to Boston for June's BAA10K, presented by Brigham Womens. You can join Des and some of the world's fastest runners as the BAA kicks off summer at this fun race through the Back Bay. This year's event will be held on Sunday, June 24, and will have a maximum field size of 10,000 entrants. The women's course record was set by Shalane Flanagan in 2016.  She clocked 30:52 which is also the American Record. (04/27/2018) ⚡AMP

80-year-old marathoner Sydney Wheeler says he limits his mileage to 1000 miles annually due to his age

80-year old Sydney Wheeler has been a member of the Chepstow Harriers Running Club (Wales) for 30 years and will be running his 210th marathon on Sunday at Newport's first marathon. He is the oldest entered.  Chepstow said: “I was inspired to start running marathons after the first London marathon in 1981. “I watched the winners arm in arm crossing the finish line and the sportsmanship really inspired me. I started running from then.” Sydney says as he trains every other day, but limits to running 1000 miles a year as he needs more time to recover due to his age. “I am better at running longer distances than I am shorter distances. So that’s why I started doing marathons,” he said. The pensioner says he may be in last position on Sunday, but he doesn’t mind and says he is lucky he doesn’t suffer any injuries.  “My only worry is I will hold everyone up as they are all volunteers and they are all waiting for me.” (04/27/2018) ⚡AMP

Galen Rupp is set to hit the streets of Prague May 6 and do battle in the Marathon

Galen Rupp is set to hit the streets of Prague just 20 days after cold, windy, and rainy weather and his resulting respiratory problems forced him out of the 2018 BAA Boston Marathon. His prior record in marathons found him on the podium four times in four starts (including two victories and a Bronze medal in the Olympics) and he will be looking to return to that form with a redeeming run in the 2018 Volkswagen Prague Marathon on May 6th.   This will be Rupp’s second visit to the city after the Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon in 2017 which he used as a tune-up for his second place finish in the 2017 Boston Marathon. “I’m excited to be running in Prague. I’ve done a lot of great training in the last few months and I’m looking forward to the race on May 6,” said Rupp.   The American will face strong competition trying to beat him to the tape. Ethiopia’s Sisay Lemma who ran 2:04:08 earlier this year in Dubai will be wearing the No. 1 bib. Rupp did defeat Lemma in the Chicago Marathon in 2017 with a fast final 10 kilometers.    Amongst the invited African, European, and Japanese runners there will be many others looking to claim the win including the 24 year old Barselius Kipyego a 59:14 half marathoner. Kipyego’s win in the Mattoni Usti nad Labem Half Marathon last September bodes well for a faster finish than his current marathon personal best of 2:13:06.   (04/27/2018) ⚡AMP

Mutai says he is healthy again after suffering stomach problems and ready to race Hamburg Marathon

More than 25.000 athletes have registered for the Haspa Marathon Hamburg. Germany’s biggest spring marathon and since 1986 the first one to paint the blue line on the roads. Hamburg is fast (2:05:30), the metropolitan city (1.8 million residents) lets the euphoric atmosphere spill over and carries you to the finish.  Upfront the elite field is set to take on the Marathon. Kenyan's Emmanuel Kipchirchir Mutai, one of the best marathon runners in the world will be running for the first time in Hamburg. In 2014 he ran 2:03:13 in Berlin but finished second behind his compatriot Dennis Kipruto Kimetto, who finished in 2:02:57, a new world record. In 2011 Mutai won the prestigious London Marathon in 2:04:40, his biggest success so far. In the following years he was slowed down by chronic stomach problems.  After his arrival in Hamburg he said, "healthy again and fully resilient."  Five years ago Mutais countryman Eliud Kipchoge (33) set the course record in Hamburg at 2:05:30.   The favorites besides Mutai are: Sammy Kitwara (Kenya /2:04:28), Stephen Kiprotich (Uganda /2:06:33), 2012 Olympic champion, and Stephen Chebogut (Kenya /2:05:52). "But you can not plan a course record, it depends on many factors," says the athlete manager. An important aspect is the cooperation among the runners. "If we stay together from the start to km 38 or 40, no one pulls out, a quick time can come out," says Sammy Kitwara, who won the Valencia Marathon in 2:05:15 hours last year. Cooperation would pay off for everyone in the end. But “It all depends on the weather," says Kitwara, "if it rains from the start, it'll cost us two to three minutes." (04/27/2018) ⚡AMP

A grandpa and grandson are running the Oklahoma Marathon for the 14th time

Thousands will run to remember at the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon as runners reflect on the tragedy of April 19, 1995 when 168 were killed by the domestic terrorist bombing.  It's an event that has become symbolic for victims and survivors. It's also made a difference in the lives of Darrell Burnett and Benjamin Wilkins, a grandpa and grandson who are running in honor of a family member, for the 14th time. "It started when he was two. We decided that it would be a good thing and kind of like a tradition for us, and so we've tried to keep that going every year since then," said Burnett.  They say it doesn't matter how fast or hard you run, as long as the memory of those lost stays alive. "This isn't about running. You do not have to finish fast. You just have to remember them," said Wilkins. (04/27/2018) ⚡AMP

Last year's Pittsburgh Marathon Champion Wants to run faster this year

Two-time winner Clara Santucci and defending men’s champion Jacob Chemtai will be seeking repeats against top international fields at the 2018 DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, set for Sunday, May 6. This year’s 26.2 mile race features a prize purse of $57,000, including $8,000 for each race champion. Jacob Chemtai, 31, of Kenya, who won the 2017 race in 2:15:25, wants to run even faster this year, but like Santucci, he will face a strong field of contenders. “Coming to the start line as the defending champion, I will already be motivated, and I will try not to disappoint,” Chemtai said. “I will try to push early while bearing in mind that I am competing against the world's best, so I will have to focus and run my race by not competing with anyone but time.” Challenging him will be several men who have clocked a marathon under 2:10, including Milton Rotich, who has a marathon PR of 2:08:55; Werkuneh Seyoum Aboye, who has a marathon PR of 2:09:27; and Fikadu Girma Teferi, who sports a marathon PR of 2:09:34. (04/26/2018) ⚡AMP

Peter Pressman known as the father of Nashville running will be remembered Saturday

On Saturday, as thousands of runners stand at the starting line of Nashville's biggest running event, Peter Pressman will be remembered. Pressman, a man known as the father of Nashville's running community, died last month while doing what he loved — setting up for a training run in preparation for the St. Jude Rock 'N' Roll Nashville Marathon & 1/2 Marathon. To honor him, Rock 'n' Roll marathon organizers have created wristbands and memorial flags and will hold a moment of silence before the race. "This race weekend, we will celebrate his life and what he loved to do and carry on his passion within our Rock 'n' Roll family," said Josh Furlow, managing director of the Rock 'n' Roll marathon. Peter Pressman, 'father of Nashville's running community,' died at age 72. (04/26/2018) ⚡AMP

Claudia Raven made it her goal to run 21 half marathons before she turned 21

By the time she turned 21, Claudia Raven had run 21 half-marathons, and now she's on her way to running 2018 kilometers in 2018. Raven, who reached her milestone birthday on April 2, first picked up her running shoes in 2013 when her class at Sacred Heart Girls' College had to run the 21.1km distance. "It kind of freaked me out with how far it was," she said. She completed that first half-marathon in 1 hour 52 minutes.  "It took me 21 half-marathons to get to my PB again." She got back into running halfway through her first year at Auckland University of Technology, planning to run every day for a month. Then it became six months, and then a year.  Raven says running gives her a break from studying without being stuck in a gym. Raven's current goal is to run 2018 kilometers in 2018, which is 40km a week. (04/26/2018) ⚡AMP

A double lung transplant recipient is training to run the Kentucky Derby half-marathon this year

Steve Lindsey underwent a double lung transplant after suffering extreme scarring from pulmonary fibrosis. Steve now uses his new lungs to the fullest, climbing 38 floors at the PNC Tower for the Fight for Air Climb. On May 7, 2015 Steve Lindsey received a set of new lungs after an idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis diagnosis turned his world around in 2013. “It does not matter whether you believe that when you die you go to the streets of gold or you fade into oblivion. You won’t need your heart, your lungs, your liver. Be a donor and save someone else’s life,” Lindsey said. “That’s what someone did for me. I’m trying to pay it back by doing as much as I can for others and living the life I’m living.” Now he is training to run in this year's Derby Festival Mini Marathon. (04/26/2018) ⚡AMP

A slew of Kenyans are ready to battle America’s Galen Rupp at Prague Marathon May 6

Stephen Kwelio Chemlany is leading a slew of Kenyan stars at this year's Prague Marathon on May 6. Chemlany has had a good performance in Asia, winning in China and South Korea at the Seoul Marathon. However, he seeks to dominate a new fortress as he heads to Europe, eying the Prague title against a top international lineup, which includes Chicago Marathon champion Galen Rupp. "It will have top names because the course there is good. But it is down to what you do in your preparations and then wait to see how the opponents perform against your running. I have no worries of injuries and am focused on doing the job right in Prague," Chemlany said on Wednesday from Eldoret, Kenya. Chemlany, who has been training in the USA, was runner-up at the 2011 Berlin Marathon and came fourth at the 2013 Berlin Marathon. (04/25/2018) ⚡AMP

Modesto Marathon is out $60,000 and over $2.5 Million of other entry fees collected by RacePartner are missing

The Modesto Marathon posted this Monday on their Facebook page by their race director Vickie Chu-Hermis. "It is with a heavy heart that I tell you the following news in regards to the Modesto Marathon. The race registration company that we originally were using for our marathon, RacePartner, failed to pay us for entries that were made on their platform for the months of November & December. There have been several attempts to collect on the owed funds to no avail. The company is currently under an FBI investigation. We have filed a police report and have been added to the FBI investigation but frankly don’t expect to be able to recoup the missing funds. We estimate our losses to be in excess of $60,000. As a nonprofit event, with all of the proceeds going to our Teens Run Modesto (TRM) program, we are extremely saddened by these turn of events. We’re continuing our hard work to put on the best experience possible for our participants, and are excitedly looking forward to an awesome 10-year anniversary event in 2019." RacePartner, based in West Palm Beach, Fla., and operated by Forte Interactive, not only owes $60,000 to the Modesto Marathon. It was also reported earlier this month, ten organizers of races across the country say more than $2.5 million in entry fees collected by Forte Interactive have disappeared according to the Modesto Bee. An email sent to RacePartner by The Bee on Tuesday morning, seeking comment, was not answered. In the meantime, the Modesto Marathon has moved on to I Am Athlete for its race registration. (04/25/2018) ⚡AMP

New IAAF rule might slow Olympic 800m Champion Caster Semenya by seven seconds

The Olympic 800m champion Caster Semenya could run up to seven seconds slower under new rules requiring her to lower her natural testosterone levels to race internationally, a prominent sports scientist has predicted. Under rules due to be announced on Thursday morning by the IAAF, the world athletics governing body, a separate female classification for an athlete with differences of sexual development (or DSDs) will be introduced. Such athletes, including Semenya, will have to reduce and then maintain their testosterone levels to no greater than 5nmol/L by November 1 if they want to compete in events ranging from 400 meters to a mile. The IAAF believes its new rules will “preserve fair and meaningful competition in the female classification” because women athletes with high testosterone have an advantage of up to 9% over women with normal levels of testosterone. (04/25/2018) ⚡AMP

96-Year-Old Mike Fremont Sets American Record at Grand Blue Mile

Ninety-six-year-old Mike Fremont of Ohio stopped running marathons when he was 90. On Tuesday, Fremont set his sights on setting a new American record in the road race mile--and he did it. Fremont finished the Grand Blue Mile in 13 minutes 55 seconds. Fremont will attempt a world record in his age group on Friday night in the 800 meters. That race takes place at Drake Stadium. (04/25/2018) ⚡AMP
Age-Group Running

The First paralyzed man on foot has completed the London Marathon

The first paralyzed man completed the London Marathon on foot crossed the finish line, but a day late to get a medal. Simon Kindleysides set off at 10am on Sunday alongside thousands of other racers and finished at 10:46pm on Monday - the last person to cross the line. The 34-year-old, a father of three was diagnosed with functional neurological disorder and a brain tumor in 2013, which left him paralyzed from the waist down. He walked the 26.2-mile marathon course using a ReWalk exoskeleton suit. He has been awarded the Spirit of London award, which the London Marathon gives to participants who "encapsulated the unique spirit" of the race. He is the first finisher from this year's race to be given the award. Simon was raising money for The Brain Tumor Charity and at the time of writing has raised £8,630.04 ($12,032US) just short of his goal of £10,000. (04/25/2018) ⚡AMP

Regular running makes people happier and more confident but we know this

According to academics researches, a survey of 8,000 runners found they enjoyed a sense of satisfaction and achievement, with events such as parkrun and social network Strava adding a sense of community. Researchers at Glasgow Caledonian University carried out the study by interviewing 8,157 runners across the UK registered with parkrun, the nationwide weekly free 5K run, and fitness app Strava. Dr Emmanuelle Tulle, reader in sociology at the university, said: "Running gives you a feeling you have achieved something and a sense of tremendous satisfaction. It adds to a general sense of well-being, you feel good and it helps boosts your self-confidence. The combination of attending parkrun and being able to track your progress on Strava makes runners feel as if they are not on their own, it enables them to see the point of running. They are much more likely to maintain regular exercise as a result and reap the benefits. There is a combination of competitiveness and togetherness, which is extremely beneficial." 89% of those surveyed said running regularly has made them happier and has had a positive impact on their mental health and body image. (04/25/2018) ⚡AMP

Seven year old Lucas King loves to run and ran his first half marathon last fall

“I love to run,” says 7-year-old Lucas King, “just like my daddy and grandpa.” Lucas, a second grader in the UK has been training under head coach Eric Miller since cross country season began last fall. And it was that mentoring that inspired the elementary schooler to get started. “Coach (Miller) believed in me,” Lucas said. At 64 pounds and 52.5 inches tall, Lucas has been running workouts with the academy’s middle and high school students, but he is ineligible to compete for at least another two years. For now, he is considered an honorary member of the school teams. In the meantime, Lucas has participated in open races and has been pushing himself to improve. Often competing in the 14 and under age group against kids older than him, Lucas has learned to have patience.“When my time comes, I want to be ready,” he said. “I run for God, my country, my school and myself – in that order.” Lucas’ dad, Todd King, is also a runner and completed a 100K (62-miler) last fall at the Crooked Road 24 Hour Race. Last month, Lucas completed his first half marathon (13.1 miles) with a respectable 2:04:46 time. (04/25/2018) ⚡AMP
Kids Running

The Weather can be a challenge for Runners at the Boston Marathon and not just this year

There have been many years when the weather conditions at the Boston Marathon has been challenging. Let’s take a look. 1. 2018 had temperatures in the 30s with rain and wind. 2. In 2007, the area had powerful winds leading up to the race. 3. Five marathons were run in snow; latest in 1967. 4. In 1976 temperatures were so hot that the race was nicknamed “Run for the Hoses” as temperatures hit mid-90s. 5. In 2012, temperatures hit 89 degrees. 6. In 1905, temperatures topped 100 degrees. 7. In 1939, racers ran in the dark at the start of the marathon thanks to a storm and partial solar eclipse. 8. In 2002, the mist was so thick that helicopters covering the race were grounded. 9. In 2010, flights for runners heading to Boston were grounded because of a volcano in Iceland that was spewing ash into the sky that stopped air traffic in Europe grounded for weeks. (04/24/2018) ⚡AMP

How the Abbott World Marathon Majors $820,00 was dished out

Series XI of the Abbott World Marathon Majors concluded in dramatic fashion Sunday (April 22) at the London Marathon with a double win for Kenya. In the elite men’s series, Eliud Kipchoge destroyed the best men’s field ever assembled to take his third consecutive AWMM title, while his compatriot Mary Keitany destroyed herself in her bid to break the mixed-race women’s world record, failing in that quest but picking up the AWMM win as a consolation. Series XI kicked off at last year’s London Marathon with a new one-year format featuring a rotating start and finish for each of the six annual series races. A new prize structure was also introduced for Series XI, with prize money awarded to the top three men and women in both the open and wheelchair series, rather than just individual winner. The Series XI champions receive US$250,00 each with US$50,000 going to second and $25,000 to third, while the top wheelchair racers will get $50,000 each, with $25,000 and $10,000 going to second and third respectively. Kipchoge claimed his Series XI crown in stunning style, taking 25 points for his London win yesterday to add to the 25 he earned for his Berlin Marathon victory last year. After the disappointment of coming fifth in yesterday’s London Marathon, Keitany also took her third Abbott World Marathon Majors title thanks to the 25 points she earned in London last year and her second place in New York last November. Geoffrey Kirui with 41 points placed second. Yuki Kawauchi with his Boston win placed third with 25 points. For women Tirunesh Dibaba placed second with 41 points and Brigid Kosgei placed third with 32 points. Wheelchair winners were Marcel Hug and Manuela Schar with 100 points each. (04/24/2018) ⚡AMP

The all-time best marathoner in the world is Eliud Kipchoge and here’s why

The debate over who is the greatest marathon runner has been answered emphatically by Kenyan Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge. He does’t hold the official world record but he did run 2:00:25 in the special Marathon NIKE sponsored. The 33-year-old said on Monday after returning home in Kenya that he will not celebrate his win in London, the third in as many attempts, but rather will focus on the fact that his victory has inspired many to carry on in his footsteps. Despite missing the world marathon record by 80 seconds because of the hot weather conditions, Kipchoge remained cool. "I can't complain about the weather, it was the same for all 40,000 competitors. I don't think I will celebrate this performance, I have celebrated by inspiring many people," he said. It was Kipchoge's eighth marathon. He started his marathon career with a win in Hamburg, Germany in 2013 and lost his only race in Berlin the same year to Wilson Kipsang, who set a world record of 2:03:23. Kipchoge went on to win in Rotterdam and Chicago in 2014, London and Berlin in 2015, London and Rio Olympics in 2016 and last year he won in Monza in 2:00:25 under special conditions and Berlin in 2:03:32, missing the Dennis Kimetto world record (2:02:57) by just 35 seconds. "His record speaks for itself," says Bob Anderson. "He is the greatest Marathoner of all-time." (04/24/2018) ⚡AMP

Olympic Triathlon Gold Medalist Gwen Jorgensen is making her half-marathon debut May 6

Jorgensen joins U.S. top field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on Sunday, May 6. Olympic Triathlon Gold Medalist Gwen Jorgensen will make her half-marathon debut in Pittsburgh next month at the 2018 USATF Half Marathon Championships, part of 10th annual DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon weekend of events. The 31-year-old former professional triathlete announced her retirement last fall to focus on distance running, with the goal of winning gold in the 2020 Olympic Marathon in Tokyo, Japan. “I am very excited to be making my half marathon debut at the USATF Half Marathon Championships and look forward to testing my limits at this new distance” Jorgensen said. “I heard the course is fast with some inclines across five bridges, finishing with a tough climb. The course also goes past the Penguins stadium, and although I have never been to Pittsburgh, I am a Penguins fan.” At the 2016 Rio Olympics, Jorgensen became the first American woman to win Olympic Gold in the Triathlon. Later that year, she ran the New York City Marathon clocking 2:41:01, finishing 14th. (04/24/2018) ⚡AMP

Galen Rupp was so ready to run well in Boston but the weather got in the way, next up Prague!

Galen Rupp was so ready to run a fast time and win Boston Marathon but the weather won out. So now what?

Galen is going to run the 2018 Volkswagen Prague Marathon on May 6, race organizers confirmed today.

Rupp (in the black Nike hat) dropped out of the Boston Marathon just before 20 miles due to breathing problems and hypothermia as a result of the cold, wet, and windy weather.

The course record in Prague is Eliud Kiptanui‘s 2:05:39 from 2010 and the winning time has been under 2:09 in each of the past nine editions of the race.

Rupp’s personal best is 2:09:20, which he ran to win the 2017 Bank of America Chicago Marathon in October. Before his DNF in Boston, Rupp had set a personal best in each of his first four career marathons.

(04/24/2018) ⚡AMP

Canada’s Andrea Seccafien is primarily a track runner but runs a solid Half Marathon

It has been a big year for Andrea Seccafien. The Ontario Canada native moved across the world from Toronto to Melbourne, Australia in September of 2017. Seccafien now trains with Melbourne Track Club, among some of the best female distance runners in the world. MTC is a club that consists primarily of Olympians, most of which are Olympics finalists. Seccafien has had a whirlwind two years on the track, making both the Olympic and World Championship teams, as well as achieving a personal best of 15:08.59 in the 5,000m. Australia seems to suit Seccafien. On Sunday (April 22) she ran her first half marathon at the Gifu Seiryu Half Marathon in a time of 1:13:19. That is a strong debut, especially considering she is primarily a track athlete and it is still quite early in the season. The Canadian half marathon record is currently held by Rachel Cliff at 1:10:08. With focus she might be able to run that fast. (04/24/2018) ⚡AMP

Kenyans dominate the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon in Madrid

Valentine Kipketer and Eliud Barngetuny clocked 2:30:40 and 2:10:15 respectively to secure a Kenyan double at the 41st Rock ’n’ Roll Madrid Marathon on Sunday. Kipketer’s mark took one minute and 24 seconds off the course record set in 2009 by Turkey’s Mehtap Sizmaz while Barngetuny’s performance was the second-fastest winning time ever in Madrid. In the men’s race, Nicholas Kirwa and Joseph Kiprono Kiptum led the main favorites in the opening stages, covering the first uphill 5km section in 16:39. They reached 10km in 30:45 with 12 men still in contention. After a 45:46 15km split, the clock read a promising 1:04:36 at halfway. By then no fewer than 10 athletes remained with winning chances. As expected, the second half proved to be much tougher than the first because of the course profile and the rising temperatures. The 35-km split of 1:47:41 made it clear that the course record (2:09:15) was not going to be broken today. Kibiwott began to falter with 2km to go, so the race became a two-man battle between Kiplagat and Barngetuny. The latter found an extra gear during the closing kilometre to finish in a PB of 2:10:15. In second, Kiplagat also set a PB of 2:10:24, while Kibiwott was third in 2:10:32. Once the pacemaker in the women's race dropped out at 37km, Kipketer ran the closing section on her own. The gradually rising temperature (20C by the end) and the closing uphill meters prevented her from finishing within 2:30, but she still managed an overwhelming win in 2:30:40, a course record. (04/24/2018) ⚡AMP

2020 Olympic USATF Marathon Trials will be held Feb 29, 2020 in Atlanta

Atlanta will host the 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials. The city, which hosted the 1996 Olympics, won out over Austin, Texas; Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Orlando, Florida. USATF announced this Monday. "Atlanta's legacy in the sport, their creative commitment to athlete support, and the experience of their event management team were compelling. USATF looks forward to working with Atlanta Track Club, the City of Atlanta and the U.S. Olympic Committee on what promises to be an amazing Olympic Trials," said USATF CEO Max Seigel. The race is scheduled for February 29, 2020 and will take place the same weekend as the Atlanta Marathon. Though no course map has been released, USATF protocol calls for a loop-style course. Atlanta has a deep running and track & field legacy, Atlanta hosted the USATF Indoor Track & Field Championships from 1994-2001, while Atlanta Track Club has emerged as one of the running industry’s leading organizations. With 28,000 members, the Club has been part of the USATF Running Circuit since the circuit’s inception in 2002, regularly hosting the USATF 10K road racing championships in conjunction with the Peachtree Road Race. (04/24/2018) ⚡AMP

A world class elite field set for the UAE Healthy Kidney 10K Sunday

In Central Park on Sunday, April 29, will be headlined by Ethiopia’s Buze Diriba, the 2018 United Airlines NYC Half Champion, and USA’s Laura Thweatt, the top American woman at the 2015 TCS New York City Marathon and 2017 Virgin Money London Marathon. In total, 13 athletes representing five countries will chase the $10,000 first-place prizes, leading 8,000 runners through Central Park on race day.  “We are thrilled to have a world-class group of professional distance runners join us in Central Park this year, with Buze returning after winning here just over a month ago and Laura racing for her first time in New York City after coming back from a year-long of injury rehab,” said Peter Ciaccia, president of events for New York Road Runners and race director of the TCS New York City Marathon. “NYRR has a successful long-standing partnership with the UAE to put on this race since 2005, and we are excited to team up with them again to bring in this strong group of professional athletes who viewers around the world will be able to watch on USATF.TV.” (04/23/2018) ⚡AMP

Shaluinn Fullove is running the Eugene Marathon not letting a double mastectomy get in her way

Shaluinn Fullove has been running competitively since she was five years old. After growing up in Los Angeles, she became an athlete at Stanford University, where she ran three cross country races during the 1996 NCAA Championships before graduating with an American studies degree in 2000 and landing a job at Google in 2002. Today, Fullove still works in human resources for Google in Palo Alto, California, where she lives with her husband and daughter. The past few years have tested Fullove’s commitment and perseverance. In 2017, she underwent a double mastectomy, followed by a breast reconstruction surgery. Between the two procedures, her dad and aunt both passed away. “Running is always the common thread — it is always the thing you can come back to. It’s an anchor…” said Fullove. The pain from that season of life was sharp, but it didn’t extinguish her drive. Fullove is planning to run the Eugene Marathon on April 29. She has embraced the difference that her new shape and circumstances bring, and she admits that her training cycle this time around has been different. In 2008, she qualified for the Olympic Trials as a way to prove to herself that she had beat thyroid cancer. Though she has the potential to qualify again, her focus has shifted this year. She said this race is a celebration of her ability to rebuild and condition her body to withstand the rigorous workouts that are required when training for a marathon. “To define success for the Eugene Marathon so narrowly to the Olympic Qualifier, I think that would be a missed opportunity,” she said. (04/23/2018) ⚡AMP

The Kinder’s have been married for 61 years and are running the Oklahoma City Marathon again

Bob and Betty Kinder stuck out from the crowd of 26,000 runners who took part in the 2017 Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon. While they didn't win the race, they won the hearts of people around the country. Bob and Betty Kinder have been married for almost 61 years. Bob is 89-years-old, and Betty will be 85-years-old later this month. In 2017, the couple crossed the finish line and quickly became an Internet sensation. "She had had open heart surgery before the race and I was really worried about her," Bob Kinder said. They were photographed crossing the finish line holding hands, with Bob wearing a 'Sexy Old Fart' hat. "I had a hat that said 'Grouchy Old Fart' and I was deplaning in Denver. The stewardess said, 'Oh, you`re not grouchy, you're more sexy than grouch. And I well had to have a hat, had to have a sexy. I'm not going to argue with a stewardess, especially a nice looking one like she was," he said. "Some days he's real grouchy and I tell him to use the other hat," Betty laughed. They say they have been practicing by walking at least three times a week, and hope to make a better time this year. "We weren't last, there were people behind us," Betty said. "I want to keep walking. Make darn sure I'm still able to get up and get around," Bob said. "I wouldn't want somebody to holler, 'Breakfast is ready!' and not be able to get there." "You're only old once you start feeling old," Bob added. (04/23/2018) ⚡AMP

Sarah Couch wins her third consecutive half marathon

America’s Sarah Crouch extended her half-marathon winning streak. She won her third consecutive half marathon Sunday in Spain, winning the Madrid Rock ‘n Roll Half Marathon. Her time of 1 hour, 18 minutes, 50 seconds won the elite female division by 1:45. Crouch won Rock ‘n’ Roll series half marathons in Dallas and New Orleans last month. Crouch’s victory capped a successful weekend for the Crouch-Porter sisters. Georgia Porter won the open division of the London Marathon in her first marathon. Her time of 2:44:50 qualified her for the U.S. Olympic Trials. (04/22/2018) ⚡AMP

Surprise winner at Vienna Marathon, WR holder Dennis Kimetto failed to finish

Morocco’s Salaheddine Bounasser was the surprise winner of the Vienna (Austria) marathon on Sunday while world record holder Dennis Kimetto’s injury frustration continued as he failed to finish. Bounasser, who won in two hours, nine minutes and 29 seconds, and Kenya’s Ishmael Bushendich broke away from the rest of the pack as they passed the Ernest Happel stadium. They raced side-by-side for around 20 minutes before Bounasser made his move at the 39-kilometer mark and left the Kenyan in his wake. Bushendich finished second in 2:10:03 and his fellow Kenyan Samwel Maswai was third. Kimetto, who ran a world record of 2:02:57 in Berlin 2014, was hoping to rekindle his career in Vienna after a series of injury frustrations. The 34-year-old has not finished a marathon since London in 2016 and suffered another unhappy day as he also dropped out in Vienna. Kimetto was clearly limping as he lost touch with the leading pack around halfway through the race and he dropped out after one hour and 20 minutes. (04/22/2018) ⚡AMP

Many struggled with the heat at the hottest London Marathon on Record

Tens of thousands of people lined the streets of the capital on Sunday to cheer on friends, family – and complete strangers – who were running in the hottest London Marathon ever. As the mercury hit 74F runners who had trained throughout Britain’s particularly long and cold winter struggled to cope with the heat. Warnings from organizers about the heat failed to deter some entrants from wearing costumes and fancy dress, which ranged from trees and bananas to rhinos. An officer for the St John’s ambulance said more runners needed treatment this year than in past races. As 71-year-old Kathrine Switzer – who in 1967 became the first woman to officially compete in the Boston Marathon – passed the 11-mile mark, three runners required medical attention, including one who collapsed against the barrier. At the nine-mile mark, the newspaper columnist Bryony Gordon and plus-size model Jada Sezer were all smiles as they went past in their underwear. Raising money for Heads Together, the pair vowed to run in their knickers to prove that anyone, no matter their size or shape, could compete in the race. (04/22/2018) ⚡AMP

Yuki Kawauchi is going to turn Pro and leave his day job

Yuki Kawauchi runs a lot of races and in fact placed 12th at the Gifu Half Marathon on Sunday clocking 1:04:35. Not bad for the runner who just won this year’s Boston Marathon six days ago. He has been racing despite having to train around his full-time work as a civil servant. He is finally going to quit his day job and turn professional. “I want to join races around the globe,” the 31-year-old runner told reporters at Narita Airport upon his return from the United States. “I have less than 10 years left to run to the best of my ability. I don’t want to have any regrets when I die.” Kawauchi said he would leave his job with the Saitama government in March 2019, the end of the fiscal year. He said he had hinted to his close friends that he wanted to quit work and become a full-time athlete, but the $150,000 (15.9 million yen) in prize money for winning the April 16 Boston Marathon cemented his decision. “I will become a professional runner, and I will use (the prize money) as a support fund for my training,” he said. Top-level runners in Japan are usually funded through corporate sponsorships or are hired by companies to join their corporate sports teams. As a civil servant, Kawauchi has had no sponsors. And although he can receive prize money, he cannot accept fees from race organizers even if he is invited as a guest runner. (04/22/2018) ⚡AMP

A “knackered” Mo Farah crossed the London Marathon finish line in a time of 2:06:21

Mo Farah became the fastest marathon runner in British history as he produced a promising and gutsy performance to finish third in his second London Marathon. A “knackered” Farah crossed the line in a time of 2:06:21, comfortably clear of Steve Jones’ 33-year-old British record of 2:07:13. The race was won by Eliud Kipchoge, the Olympic champion and the man considered by many to be the greatest marathon runner ever, in a time of 2:04:17. Mo had vowed to stick with the leaders, no matter the pace, and was true to his word as he remained with the leading pack for much of the race despite Kipchoge leading the contenders in a blistering start. “They were going for world record pace,” Farah said. “So it was do or die. I went with it and hung on as much as I could. It was ridiculous.” The 35 year-old is now fully focused on marathon running after retiring from a track career in which he won 10 world and Olympic titles, and this was an encouraging start to his full-time career over the longer distance. The impressive time came despite Farah’s rhythm being disrupted by two mix-ups involving water bottles as he struggled to identify his drink on two separate occasions.“ (04/22/2018) ⚡AMP

Vivian Cheruiyot wins the hottest London Marathon on record

Vivian Cheruiyot wins women’s London Marathon after Mary Keitany fades The 34-year-old from Kenya finishes in 2hr 18min 31sec. Mary Keitany and Tirunesh Dibaba fail in world record attempt. Kenya’s Vivian Cheruiyot sprang a major surprise in the women’s London Marathon, surging from way back at halfway to win in a massive personal best of 2hr 18 min and 31 seconds. The race had been billed as a shootout between the Kenyan Mary Keitany and the Ethiopian Tirunesh Dibaba, who had spent the build-up talking up their ambitions of beating Paula Radcliffe’s world record of 2hr 15min 25sec, which has stood imposing and impenetrable for the past 15 years. Yet both went out too quickly in some of the hottest conditions in the race’s 37-year history and paid a steep price. Dibaba dropped out not long after 30km, while the pre-race favorite Keitany shuffled painfully over the line over five minutes back. (04/22/2018) ⚡AMP

Kipchoge wins London Marathon, Mo Farah finishes third and smashes British Record

Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya has won the 2018 men’s London Marathon clocking 2:04:17. The 33-year-old, winner in 2015 and 2016, made it a hat-trick of victories with Ethiopia’s Shura Kitata Tola second clicking 2:05:00. Great Britain’s Sir Mo Farah broke the British marathon record with a time of two hours, six minutes and 32 seconds to finish third. Farah, who won gold in the 5,000 meters and 10,000m in the past two Olympic Games, admitted his second full marathon had taken its toll in a race where there was a world record pace at the halfway point. He told the BBC: “I am knacker-ed. The guys went for it, they were on for world record pace, so it was do or die. I went with it and hung in as much as I could. “It’s so different to the track. It’s incredible. It’s different pain, different training but I’ve really enjoyed it. I gave it all, 110 per cent as I normally do. “I’ve got a long way to go in the marathon. You get heavy legs. Mentally you’ve just got to be strong, take your drink and just pace yourself.” (04/22/2018) ⚡AMP

Running a marathon is tough and to add another challenge Maddy is running London without Kidneys

Every night, Maddy Warren hooks herself up to a dialysis machine for seven hours in order to stay alive. At just 13, she developed a disease which attacked her kidneys. She suffered swollen eyes and nausea, had crippling headaches and was left exhausted all the time – a dramatic change from the previously fit and energetic girl she had been. Despite her condition, Maddy, now 34, is tackling the London Marathon this year and will be the first dialysis patient to ever do so. “I’ve always kept fit through circuit training and general adventures, but I knew this would be a different challenge altogether,” she says. “Without kidneys, my body can’t manage its own fluids or electrolyte balance, and constantly running for five or more hours means I have to be so incredibly careful and really listen to my body. I want to show how I can do anything I set my mind to.” Maddy, from South London, had symptoms that pointed to chronic kidney failure. “At first I was treated with steroids, but they had little to no effect. "Then I had chemotherapy to stop my immune system attacking my kidneys, but nothing worked,” she says. Now a business consultant, Maddy also enjoys competitive skydiving, scaling mountains and horse riding, and has raised thousands for Kidney Care UK and Kidney Research UK. (04/21/2018) ⚡AMP

It is going to be warm for marathoing at London Marathon

The current forecast for the London Marathon on Sunday is not as bad as it was earlier in the week. Right now (Saturday at 7pm in London) it is 68 degrees and the weather forecast is saying it will be 65 degrees at the start and go up to 70 degrees). Warm for marathoning but runners can handle this. Here is some solid warm weather advice: 1. Adapt your goal according to the conditions on Sunday. 2. Listen to your body. If your feel thirsty, drink water. if you feel overly tired slow down. 3. Wear the appropriate clothing. this should ideally be lightweight clothing designed for use in warmer conditions. 4. Drink according to your thirst. Be careful not to over drink, drinking too much water can be dangerous. 5. Drink, Douse, Drain, Drop. when you take water. Drink if you feel thirsty. Douse your head and the back of your neck with the remaining water. 6. Sunscreen. You may be out in the sun for several hours so remember to apply a good quality sunscreen. (04/21/2018) ⚡AMP

My brother presence electrified Hayward Field in a way that had never been done before, we can't tear down history

My name is Linda Prefontaine. Steve Prefontaine is my brother. I understand there is a City Council meeting on the 23rd and I’m hoping my letter can be read at that time in support of saving the history of Hayward Field. I moved to Eugene in 1973 to continue my education at the University of Oregon. When I moved to Eugene it was a nice, small college town. The atmosphere was laid back and the pace was pleasant. I thought I would live there until I died. Over the years the town has changed in many ways. Some of the changes were necessary because of the economy’s dependence on wood products that the town needed to move away from. Real growth and expansion of the business sector is very evident today. Another fact about the early days of Eugene is that my brother made Hayward Field come to life. His presence electrified Hayward Field in a way that had never been done before. People from all over the world came to Eugene to watch him compete. Today people from all over the world still come to Eugene to walk on the historic track at Hayward Field. They do because Steve Prefontaine ran on that track. They come because there is a history there that is magical and cannot be replaced or duplicated. When I attend track meets at HF I can still feel his presence. If Hayward Field is demolished along with the east grandstands I don’t think as many people will be drawn to come to Eugene and Hayward Field. Why would they? The history of Hayward Field will be taken away for ever. I probably won’t be attending as many meets there. It won’t be the same. I moved away from Eugene last fall, back to Coos Bay. I no longer like what Eugene has become and do not want to live in the atmosphere and the mindset of the city that exists today and what I fear it will become in the future. (04/21/2018) ⚡AMP
by Linda Prefontaine

Mike Fremont will be attempting to set an American road mile record, he is 96

96-year-old Cincinnati native Mike Fremont will be running the Grand Blue Mile! April 24 in Des Moines, Iowa. He's attempting to set an American record in the road mile. He is the current single-age world marathon record holder in the 88-and 90-year-old age categories and the single-age world half marathon record holder in the 90 and 91 age categories. “I suggest you have a hearse ready for me at the finish line,” Fremont joked and then said. “I know I’m lucky to still be running, and I don’t want to take a single day for granted.” (04/20/2018) ⚡AMP

Parents should do everything possible to Inspire their kids to take up running or other form of exercise

A WORD FROM HAL HIGDON: Should children run road races, given the danger of injuries later in life? Have no fear. The positive aspects of running so outweigh the negative risks that running parents should do everything possible to inspire their children to take up running and other forms of exercise. 86-year-old Hal Higdon says, "Among my most enjoyable activities is helping runners train. I estimate that I have assisted nearly a million runners reach the finish line of races from 5K to the marathon." (04/20/2018) ⚡AMP
by Hal Higdon

I walked with the camels, sat on top of sand dunes, sang songs, mediated and helped Runners through some tough moments at MDS

Lisa Smith-Batchen wanted to see "The view and experience from the back and middle pack" for the long 55 mile stage of the Marathon des Sables in Morocco recently completed. She posted her experience on Facebook today. “This ones for you mom. Thank you for always being such a powerful bright light in my life. I love you and miss you... I went to MDS to have a very different experience. It was everything I asked for and more. I carried a heavy pack (max weight) used poles and walked most every step. I wanted to see "The view and experience from the back and middle pack" Humbling to say the least. I walked with the camels, sat on top of sand dunes and mountains, sang songs, prayed,meditated and helped a few runners through some tough moments. I cried a great deal missing my mother but she helped carry me through. I watched the full moon rise and set as I did the sun rise and sunset. I lied down under the miraculous stars and gave thanks over and over for the life I have been given. The best part of all, the people and the lifetime friends. My tent mates and MDS friends are forever in my heart. I am left full of gratitude that I got to have this journey and have come to realize that first place or last place..it's all the same. It's the journey of self discovery.'' (04/20/2018) ⚡AMP
by Lisa Smith-Batchen