Running News Daily

Two children have six World Records to their name on all seven continents

Mekaal (10) and Zara Rahim (11) became the youngest male and female in the world to achieve the feat when they crossed the line in Canberra, Australia. The previous record was held by Americans, Bianca Ramirez and Nik Toocheck, who were both 12 when they did it. In addition Mekaal and Zara also achieved World Records for: youngest siblings to complete a marathon on each continent and youngest male and female to complete an ultra-marathon in Antarctica. They are now just a few World Records behind their father Ziyad, who holds 10 himself in long-distance running, with both youngsters aspiring to break them when they grow up. Zara and Mekaal, who spend every summer with their grandparents and cousins in Craigmarloch, began their challenge last July after being inspired by a documentary about Syrian refugees. (03/30/2018) ⚡AMP

South African's David Gatebe gunning for 56K Two Oceans Marathon record

Gatebe is intent on doing to the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon record what he did to the Comrades Marathon two years ago - obliterate it. “David says he’d like to break the record,” said his coach John Hamlett on Wednesday. “And he’s looking good for it. Of course it is not an easy record and with the seconding restrictions at Two Oceans, we will find it a little difficult to feed him well. But he is going for it.” Gatebe and Edwin Khonkhobe are Hamlett’s two athletes who will be going to the Mother City to compete for the title on Saturday. “Edwin is a very fast, new kid on the ultras block who has really come alive and we are hoping he gets onto the podium.” The record that David will try to beat is 3:03:44 set by Thompson Magawana in 1988 for the 56K (35 mile) race in Cape Town, SA. (03/29/2018) ⚡AMP

96-year-old Mike Fremont still runs 10 miles three times per week

Mike Fremont, who turned 96 years old on February 23, still runs 10 miles three times per week. He canoes the other days. He holds four single-age world records (Marathon: ages 80 and 90 years old and Half Marathon: ages 90 and 91) and continues to compete today. He has been running his whole life, but attributes his excellent health and spunk to his vegan diet. When not running or paddling his canoe, Fremont volunteers his time speaking at schools to encourage others to live healthy lives and encourage environmental conservation. He’s as “rare as the yeti,” says his friend and accomplished ultrarunner, Harvey Lewis. Lewis, 42, of Cincinnati, Ohio, thinks Fremont should still “buy green bananas. His quality of life is outstanding. He can go farther than most Americans of any age. Mike has the energy of a high-school teenager,” says Lewis. “In fact, probably more. He can do more pull-ups—eight at one time—and push-ups than many active young people. And he will have you laughing within minutes. He’s humble, often kidding at his own expense.” When he was 60 he ran a 3:20 marathon. Not too bad, but the world record at that time was 2:36. At 90 he ran a 6:37 marathon. It set a world record. Almost twice what it took 30 years earlier. (03/28/2018) ⚡AMP
Inspirational Stories

South Africa's mountain Climbing champion taking on Two Oceans for fifth time

The Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon, is a grueling, character building Ultra Marathon attempted by thousands of citizens, and amongst them, is South Africa’s mountain climbing champion Sibusiso Vilane who became the first black African to summit Everest twice and by two different routes...“When I line up at the start of the Two Oceans ultra-marathon, this will mark the beginning of multiple challenges I have set for myself this year. This will lead to my attempt to summit Mount Everest without supplemental oxygen in May. These events are personal ambitions but with a purpose. This year’s Two Oceans will be my fifth yet it will be the most purposeful because all my efforts of trying to finish the 56 gruelling kilometres of the race will be for the education of an African Girl Child”, says Vilane. (03/27/2018) ⚡AMP

Bibo Gaga says Black or missing toenails are something like a fashion statement and a badge of honor

Bibo Gaga, 39 finished the 2017 New York Marathon in 3 hours and 7 seconds, placing first for Chinese women. She also has competed in ultra-marathon races. She ran 127 miles in 24 hours at a race last year, breaking the course record. She was the women’s champion in five ultra-marathons last year and was the overall champion in two of them. “Indiana is my lucky place, however....I look forward to making another achievement in the Carmel (Indiana) Marathon coming up at the end of March.” Gao said mental and physical perseverance are the keys to distance running. “In a marathon or ultra-marathon, there are always some moments we refuse to give up, but our body refuses to go on,” she said. “Sometimes I get chafing on the inner thighs, sometimes I found my stomach upset and began vomiting, sometimes I got a rolled ankle, sometimes I was under the risk of hypothermia. Blisters and black or missing toenails are something like a fashion statement and a badge of honor. I know it’s useless to complain at those moments. Give up on giving up and you will always find a way.” (03/24/2018) ⚡AMP

The Barkley Marathons participants are in for a world of Hurt this weekend

Elite runners from around the globe are in for a world of hurt this weekend during the annual 100-mile Barkley Marathons in Morgan County.

The Barkley Marathons has grown from a small and ridiculous race in Morgan County, Tennessee, into an international phenomenon followed around the globe.

The brainchild of former ultra-marathoner Gary Cantrell has especially grown in popularity in the last few years, coinciding with the release of a documentary on Netflix and other high-profile media coverage. The added media attention is a burden and a blessing.

The media can help inform people about the event while also allowing them to stay away. "It is not a spectator event. I hate it, because everyone wants a piece of that feeling [of the Barkley Marathons]. We just don't have room for people to come here and watch. This is all set up at a small campground. The runners are gone for several hours at a time in the middle of the woods. We need the media to let people know about the race because that's the best way for them to experience it," said Cantrell.

The hoopla is the result of true substance. The race is as intriguing as it is insane. Runners have to complete five 20-mile loops up and down the hills of Frozen Head State Park within 60 hours. Runners do not know when the race will start, other than sometime between midnight and noon on Saturday.

They are given one-hour advance notice of the start when Cantrell blows a conch shell. The race begins when Cantrell lights a cigarette.

(03/23/2018) ⚡AMP

Brent Weigner has flown way over two million miles traveling to marathons and beyond

"Last weekend I ran my 320th marathon, this one in the Falkland Islands. I have run marathons or beyond in 153 countries," says Brent Weigner.  "I have flown way over two million miles going to marathons, ultra marathons, 150 mile multi day stage races, and snowshoe ultras.

"I have been flying my entire life. We have flown around the globe when competing in a Global Scavenger Hunt. In 1976 I bought a round the world standby ticket for $999.00 on Pan American Airlines.

"In 1985 I received my private pilots license and flew about 200 hours for a couple years. Since 2013 I have been trying to run marathons/ultras in 20 new countries each year. My personal record was 38 new countries in 2017...

"My wife and I retired the same day, June 4, 2010. We were in are early 60s and everything was paid off. We have no bills and spend all our money on traveling. We buy experiences and not things that are dust catchers.

"When we die the only thing we want to take with us is what we have given away while we were alive."

Photo - marathon I ran in the country of Benin in Africa.

(Editor's Note: No one has run marathons in more countries than Brent Weigner and in his younger days he ran 2:45:50 at the Boston Marathon.)

(03/21/2018) ⚡AMP
by Brent Weigner

Dag Aabye is 76, Lives in a Bus in the Woods and still runs Ultras

Dag Aabye is considered by some as "the most elusive man in North America." With the growing popularity of vanlife happening right now, living in a repurposed school bus in the woods might be a dream for some people.

For Dag it is a reality. Somewhere hidden in the mountains of Vernon, British Columbia Aabye enjoys a simple life away from modern society while living amongst nature and training for ultramarathons.

Aabye is 76-years-old and a champion of the 80-mile ultramarathon aptly named the "Death Race." He is the oldest person to have ever finished the race.

Aabye is a rare breed of human that has lived his own path and blown the doors off the perception of what life has to be. And he certainly exudes plenty of wisdom for any that are willing to listen.

(03/21/2018) ⚡AMP
Inspirational Stories

It Took Jessica Stabnau Five Years to Get Into The Two Oceans Ultra

The world’s most beautiful marathon takes place on a challenging route, with spectacular scenery, breath taking views of clear blue oceans, majestic mountains and enthusiastic supporters. This is Cape Town, South Africa Two Oceans Ultra...Jessica Stabnau from Montana will be running Easter Sunday. The Two Oceans marathon came to her attention after one of her South African bar patrons told her about it. Being able to participate in the race has been a long time coming, as she's waited about five years for the right timing. Stabnau is also speech therapist at two elementary schools in Missoula and she needs to schedule trips around her busy days. "The last time it coincided with my spring break, I didn't get on to register in time," Stabnau said. "I got on the website the next morning and it was already booked." This time around, Stabnau wasn't going to take any chances. "I had to wake up at 2AM, which was 10 o'clock Cape Town time," Stabnau said. "It took me two hours to get through the registration process but I got in." This will be Stabnau's second ultra-marathon. (03/21/2018) ⚡AMP

I drew inspiration from the rough weather conditions at Badwater Cape Fear 50K

The Badwater Cape Fear 50k was my first Ultra for the year and my first Badwater. I ran 5:10:17, a 50K PR and was first female (fifth overall). The course itself didn't have any challenging elevation. Instead, it had sand. Lots of sand. And to my disappointment, not much road and even less trail. I laughed about this as I ran along the beach, slipping & sinking into the sand; dodging the incoming tide...Through the difficulty, I was forced to notice the remarkable changes the shoreline goes through every day. The sand was definitely more packed down on my way back, and the shells that were there on my way out were washed away. It was so beautiful... I felt a little sad these breathtaking transformations are going unnoticed day in & day out while the rest of the world spins and many of us are busy living the office life...When things got tough, I drew inspiration from the rough weather conditions, I wanted to cross the finish line with my fastest 50k ever and to make my Badwater family proud! (03/20/2018) ⚡AMP
by Joyce Lee

USA Team Announced for 2018 Trail World Championships

USATF Mountain, Ultra, Trail Council announced the U.S.A. Trail Team competing at the 2018 Trail World Championships May 12, in Penyagolosa/Castellon, Spain. The team will tackle the technical 85 kilometer (50 mile) point-to-point course which goes from sea level in the city of Castellón to Sant Joan de Penyagolosa mountain. Climbing to a maximum height of 1500 meters above sea level, the predominantly uphill course has 4900 meters of ascending and 3700 meters of descending. The U.S. women's team will be Danielle Filipek, Clare Gallagher, Sabrina Little, Kaytlyn Gerbin, Amy Leedham and Sarah Pizzo. The men’s team will be Chris Raulli, Olin Berger, Tim Freriks, Zach Miller, Mario Mendoza and Tim Tollefson. "The course looks stunning," says Kaytlyn Gerbin, "and challenging with a lot of ascent, which I’m looking forward too. I’m thrilled to toe the starting line alongside my USA teammates." (03/19/2018) ⚡AMP
Trail Running

Here are the Best Poles for Trail and Ultrarunning

Poles have long been considered essential equipment by many backpackers, but runners have been slower to adopt them. The value of poles in an ultra depends on several things: Individual fitness, Course length, Amount of vertical climbing, and if the course is rough and tough. Here are some poles that are good: 1. Black Diamond Carbon Z (10 oz; $160), 2. CAMP Xenon 4 (10 oz; $110), 3. RaidLight Compact Folding Carbon (12 oz; $150) These models pack down much smaller and are therefore less clumsy to carry. (03/18/2018) ⚡AMP

Athletes declare that they “learned so much” about themselves in the course of these events says Eva Holland

The Montane Yukon Arctic Ultra is billed as the world’s coldest and toughest ultramarathon. When I signed up for the 2018 race, I expected the race to end like this. I travel across 100 miles of frozen, snow-packed trail through the Yukon wilderness, towing a sled loaded with everything I need to survive. I arrive, exhausted but elated, at the finish line; my friends greet me there with a cold beer. I kneel, pull down my frost-covered balaclava to kiss the finish-line banner, and can barely stand up again afterwards. I was in the best shape of my life; my winter-travel systems had been well and truly stress-tested. And I understood, now, why the racers I’d interviewed four years earlier kept coming back for more punishment, even if they hadn’t been able to articulate it to me then. I’d always have the memories of that giant moon swinging above me as I traveled up the frozen Takhini. But, had my frostbitten fingers not thwarted me, could I have finished? I still didn’t have the answer to my question, the riddle of the finish line and the failure. I still don’t. The only way to find out, I suppose, is to try again. (03/16/2018) ⚡AMP

I told my training partner 10 years ago, I'll never run an ultra says Camille Herron

Camille Herron is going after the 24 Hour World Record starting Saturday March 17 at the Lhotse 24 Hour Endurance Run at the Owasso High School Track in Owasso, Oklahoma. The current record is 161.55 miles. Camille shattered the 100 mile world record last November in Illinois with a time of 12 hours, 42 minutes and 40 seconds (7:38/mile pace) On March 7 Camille posted this on FB, "I clearly remember telling my training partner 10 yrs ago, “I’ll never run an ultra! Those sound bad for your body!” In 2017 she won the Comrades Marathon (89K). She is simply an amazing ultra runner... Thanks Brian Hoover (03/15/2018) ⚡AMP

Shaun Bacon, 54, training for fifth Marathon des Sable in Sahara Desert

Slogging through the sand with a 6.5kg pack on his back is “a night off” for marathon man Shaun Bacon. The Frankston teacher, 54, is in the final stages of training for his fifth Marathon des Sables. Regarded as the Olympics of the ultra-marathon, the 251km event is the equivalent distance of six regular marathons. And it’s held in southern Morocco in the Sahara Desert with temperatures ranging from -2C at night up to 47C during the day. “I do a lot of training on the sand at Frankston beach. It might look hard, but I’m only uncomfortable for less than an hour,” he said. He is hoping to finish in the top 100 at the April 6-16 event. “Finishing is a no-brainer for me — I don’t even consider any other outcome — but I would like a top 100 place,” he said. (03/14/2018) ⚡AMP

Ultra Runners Attempt Record on 870-Mile Himalaya Trail

Ryan Sandes and his running partner, Ryno Griesel, find themselves ahead of the current fastest known time on the Great Himalaya Trail. On Feb. 28, the duo set off to best Andrew Porter’s 28-day FKT on the Great Himalaya Trail (GHT). The trail presents a Cannonball Run of sorts through an amalgam of various trails connecting the upper (GHT High) and middle (GHT Cultural) routes. According to the pair’s live tracker, they are 84 km ahead pace at the 209-hour mark. At this moment, Sandes and Griesel are 421 km into the 1,400-km attempt (about 261 of 870 miles). They will only stay in local lodges and inns. And according to production company Wandering Fever‘s documentation of the attempt, Sandes and Griesel will be “completely dependent on [the Nepali people] for food and shelter.” This has to be one of the toughest ultras. (03/13/2018) ⚡AMP
Epic Running Adventures

Mother-of-four to undertake the ultramarathon across Sahara Desert

A mother-of-four will undertake one of the toughest physical challenges of her life when she tackles a 251-kilometre ultramarathon this April. Sabrina Humphreys, 40, has signed up for the notoriously Marathon Des Sables which takes place in southern Morocco. She will run for six days across the baking hot Sahara Desert with the event taking place from April 6 to 16. The race is completely self-sufficient and is become known as the "toughest foot race on Earth." Sabrina will be running in aid of Allsorts, a Gloucestershire-based (UK) charity that gives support to families who have children with disabilities. This charity is very close to Sabrina’s heart as her niece Destiny, eight, and nephew Kyle, 15, have varying forms of Autism Spectrum Disorder. (03/12/2018) ⚡AMP

Only 32 people have finished the Arctic Ultra Race Ever

Romanian endurance athlete Tibi Useriu has “a commanding lead” in this year’s Arctic Ultra, one of the toughest ultra-marathons in the world. Useriu won the Arctic Ultra in 2016 and 2017 and is now the only Romanian still competing in the race, after Avram Iancu, Polgar Levente, and Florentina Iofcea all had to drop out. “As this report is written, Tibi Useriu, previous champion and all round legend, has a commanding lead on the ice road having passed through Mid Peel River check point and well on his way to Aklavik." The race takes place in extremely harsh conditions, at temperatures ranging between -50 and -30 degrees Celsius. Throughout the nine editions of the race, only 32 participants made it to the finish line. The race started on March 9 in Yukon. It will end at Tuktoyaktuk, on the banks of the Arctic Ocean (03/12/2018) ⚡AMP
Epic Running Adventures

Tips on battling depression from a legendary ultra runner who exercises to avoid the next attack

After suffering her first serious case of depression at 22, Nikki Kimball found that distance running was not just something she was good at – she needed it to survive.

Now she teaches others how to combat depression though exercise. Extreme physical effort triggers massive production of dopamine, a natural painkiller that the body needs to pull through the pain. After the pain is gone, the cells are still flush with dopamine.

This causes the euphoric “runners’ high”, which is also one of the most effective cures for depression. Kimball needs these regular injections of extreme physical and mental shock to vaccinate herself against the next episode of depression.

As she has learned over the years, these may suddenly arrive unannounced and with overwhelming force, enough to confine her to a fetal position in bed for 18 hours a day.

(03/10/2018) ⚡AMP

Why don’t Kenyans run ultramarathons? Is it lack of prize money or what?

Kenyans, along with their neighbors in Ethiopia, dominate the world of long-distance running in distances up to and including the marathon. But not beyond the marathon. Why? Asking people at the center of the Kenyan running world, in the town of Iten, about ultrarunning brings mostly puzzled looks. What is this thing you speak of, they ask? Running further than a marathon? Is that possible?The big barrier to this is, of course, was money. In Kenya, there are no managers looking for ultrarunners, no one willing to pay for a plane ticket to a race in the hope of cashing in on a share of the winnings. This is because the winnings are small or non-existent. Money is a key motivator for many Kenyan athletes: running offers them a way to change their lives, to escape poverty and to help their families and communities.Yet, as the sport of ultrarunning grows, so do the opportunities to earn money. A handful of top ultrarunners now have agents securing them big sponsorship deals and a few races are putting up big cash prizes in the hope of luring the top competitors (03/10/2018) ⚡AMP

Marathon monks trade their robes for running shoes

Swapping their maroon robes for running shoes, seven Buddhist monks take off at a sprint across the hills surrounding their remote village in the foothills of Nepal’s Himalayas. They are aspiring ultra-marathon runners, hoping the sport will put their remote village on the map and provide the funds needed to rebuild homes destroyed by a massive earthquake nearly three years ago. “We found out that we can get many opportunities through running and hope to do something from our monk team - make a name for our village and bring development here. That is why we are running,” says Man Bahadur Lama, 21, the fastest of the group. (03/06/2018) ⚡AMP

Narayan is training to win Chilli Suva Marathon once more

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

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

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

Harry Jones made a do or die move in epic three-way battle for 9 Dragons ultra

British runner wins 80km ultra by two minutes after lead changes hands over and over in a race that could have been anyones. Harry Jones was left with no choice but to make a mad move early to secure first place on the 9 Dragons 50-mile ultra marathon. British runner Jones had been battling with Chinese runner Deng Goumin and Hong Kong-based Austrian Michael Skobierski since the race started at midnight on Friday night. A kilometre out from the final check point he broke from the other runners – a risky move with 6km still to run. “It could have been any of us that won. It was a matter of grit and determination but I was lucky I made the move when I did.” Harry finished in 10 hours 41 minutes, ahead of Deng in 10:43 and Skobierski in 10:50 (02/24/2018) ⚡AMP

New Zealand's first Ultra staged Run starts on Sunday

The Alps 2 Ocean Ultra (New Zealand's first ultra-staged race) will see 130 runners from 15 countries on the start line looking towards a finish in Oamaru seven days later after covering 316-kilometres following the off road Alps 2 Ocean cycle trail for much of the journey. Race director Mike Sandri says, "This run will not be easy and you will be pushed to your limit. You will get tired, sore, hungry and may even get the odd blister - all those things that go with ultra-stage running. But at the same time, I guarantee when you get back home and have recovered, you will have loved it and most importantly have met some amazing people." (02/22/2018) ⚡AMP
Epic Running Adventures

Dean Wight will be running his 27th Comrades Marathon

The name, Dean Wight, is synonymous with running and the man behind that name has organized copious running events and this year will run the Comrades Marathon as an ambassador for the Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust. The Gillitts, South Africa resident said his journey into the world of running began when he was invited to attend a fun run when he was 11 years old. From that single race, his passion and love for the sport has grown in leaps and bounds. Dean has run 26 Comrades Marathons, 117 standard marathons and 51 ultra marathons. (02/22/2018) ⚡AMP

Amid the chaos she escapes the business of life to run...It gives her peace

Balancing a life of motherhood and elite athletic training is no small task. With a husband, four children and a job, Suzi Swinehart has had to learn the art of balance as her time gets split between training, award ceremonies, sports events, homework help, children bickering, cleaning, grocery shopping and cooking. The Fort Wayne, Ind woman is an ultra runner and runs 80 to 100 miles per week. On top of rigorous training, she takes care of her family and works part-time as a behavior therapist. “There are days when my brain just spins and spins,” she says. “It can be extremely stressful.” Amid the chaos, time seems to slow when Swinehart escapes the business of life to run. “It's like therapy for me,” she says. “It gives me peace.” As an ultra runner, she recently participated in a 24-hour running event. She ran 128 miles – 28 miles farther than her personal record and two miles farther than her goal of beating the men's record for that course. (02/22/2018) ⚡AMP

Ultra-marathon man ready to run the Toughest Foot Race On Earth

In just 2 months, Evan Laframboise will be taking part in the Marathon des Sables in Morocco, an infamous challenge which was dubbed the ‘toughest foot race on earth’ by the Discovery Channel. The ultra-marathon covers 155 miles (250 km) over 6 days and requires runners to be self-sufficient, meaning competitors must carry all their own food, equipment and clothing. The participants are only supplied with rationed water and a bivouac – a temporary tent or cover used by soldiers and mountaineers – to sleep under every night. Laframboise said he wants to raise $7,000 for the local charity Variety, which supports children and their families living in Jersey who are sick or disabled. (02/20/2018) ⚡AMP
Epic Adventures

His Doctor Calls Him a Diabectic Superhero after running 223 Miles

Crossing the finish line of a 223-mile relay race as a solo runner is quite an accomplishment very few athletes achieve in a lifetime. Add Type 1 diabetes to the mix, and it seems like a feat nearly impossible. Nearly. Don Muchow (56) completed Texas' Capital to Coast Relay, spanning from Austin to Corpus Christi, in October as a solo participant. Muchow said he was attracted to running because "It was cheap and easy to do, and there were not that many ways to do it wrong," he said. His doctor calls him a "mutant diabetic superhero." In the last 12 months in addition to relay he ran solo, he also did a full Ironman and a 100 mile ultra marathon. (02/17/2018) ⚡AMP
Epic Running Adventures

adidas To Release New Versions Of the Ultra Boosts

SHOE NEWS: adidas has introduced the Ultra Boost and Ultra Boost X as a part of their Energy From The Ground Up campaign. In the Ultra Boost, the ventilation holes of the original Ultra Boost return to the upper across the foot’s key sweat zones – the cage and forefoot. Combining this with a newly developed PrimeKnit composition, designed for reduced stretch to provide runners with a prime fit and additional support, the Ultra Boost is a truly unique proposition. Ultra Boost and Ultra Boost X are available on adidas.com for $180 starting Feb. 21 and in adidas stores worldwide starting Feb. 28. (02/17/2018) ⚡AMP

Horrible heat and mayhem take out 18 runners on 298km non-stop ultra marathon

Searing heat changed the 298-kilometre non-stop Four Trails Ultra Challenge (HK4TUC) from a difficult task into an impossible one for most the field on Friday, as 18 of the 28 runners dropped out before reaching the end of the Wilson trail. Runners take on the MacLehose, Wilson, Hong Kong and Lantau trails, participants have 60 hours to reach the end of the Lantau trail to be deemed “finishers”, and 75 hours to be called “survivors”. (02/17/2018) ⚡AMP
Epic Runnling Adventures

Run It Fast is about pushing yourself and limits beyond anything you have ever done before

RunItFast post cool running photos regularly on Twitter. So cool that we just needed to learn more about them. RunItFast.com is a compilation of some of the most elite and experienced runners in the world. Run It Fast is a way of life and is subjective according to every runner. Run It Fast is about pushing yourself and limits beyond anything you’ve ever done before. For some that will mean running a single mile while for others it will be finishing their first marathon or ultra marathon. The inspiration and creator of this club is Joshua Holmes. He has run 205 marathons/ultras including forty 100 milers. On Friday Joshua posted on FB: The prestigious Badwater 135 mile ultra marathon invites were announced late this morning and it includes 13 Run It Fast club members of the 100 person field from around the world. (02/12/2018) ⚡AMP
Epic Running Adventures

This race is considered the Coldest Ultramarathon on the Planet

The Yukon Arctic Ultra conditions sound like that of a frozen tundra nightmare in what could be the Canadian equivalent of the Barkley Marathons. Race director Robert Pollhammer posted on Facebook on Thursday that South African Jethro De Decker was the lone runner to make it to the finish line of the 300-miler (483K). Temperatures were at or below -40 for almost the entire week that the race went on. “It was a tough year, Many of the participants of the 300-miler, were taken off course and treated for frostbite and/or hypothermia at the hospital," says Robert. For sure this is the Coldest Ultramarathon... (02/08/2018) ⚡AMP
Epic Running Adventures

Mtetwa A Domestic Worker’s NYC Marathon Dream Becomes A Reality

It was New Year’s Eve when ultra-marathon runner Veronica Mtetwa received a phone call relaying the devastating news that her mother, Smomo Nxumalo, had been hit by a stray bullet in her hometown of Pongola. While it’s a miracle she survived, she is blind. Mtetwa, a domestic worker, had been saving a portion of her wages to pay for a trip to America to run the New York Marathon but of course she now needed to take care of her mother. But Cameron did not want to give up. She launched a crowd-funding campaign on Facebook called ‘Dreaming of New York’ and within two months, managed to raise the funds Mtetwa needed to travel to the US and participate in the NYC marathon. (02/07/2018) ⚡AMP

Sichel’s Returning to Run world’s longest certified footrace

Legendary ultra veteran William Sichel has accepted an invitation to return to New York this June 17th for the 22nd staging of the Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3,100 mile, officially recognised as the world’s longest certified footrace. Described by the New York Times as the 'Mount Everest of ultramarathons', competitors must average 60 miles a day, every day in order to complete the distance inside the strict 52-day time limit. Sichel became the oldest ever finisher of the event in 2014 when completing the distance in just over 50 days 15 hours, an average of over 427 miles a week for the duration. (02/06/2018) ⚡AMP
Epic Running Adventures

Ultra-Marathoner Tom Green's Keeps Going after Life-Threatening Head Trauma

Head trauma can be life-threatening, particularly to older people. In 2015, Tom Green, then 65, faced such a threat as he clung to life in a Baltimore hospital after a freak accident. As he regained consciousness he began relearning simple movements. In 1986, Green cemented his spot in running history. He ran all four of the nation's 100 mile races in one season. Green's determination led to a long, gradual return to running. "It was very awkward, and it took more energy than it did before," he admitted. "But the accident took so much, and I didn't want to give up running - it defined me for so many years." (02/05/2018) ⚡AMP

Shalane Flanagan in Super Bowl Ad Spot Lip Syncing While she ran with 100 extras

Shalane Flanagan is featured in a 2018 Super Bowl commercial for Michelob Ultra beer. The ad copy says: “Don't Compromise Your Active Lifestyle. Learn More About Michelob ULTRA® Here! The Perfect Fit. Live Fit. Live Fun. Superior Light Beer. 2.6 Carbs. 95 Cals. Go The Extra Mile.” Shalane was the first American woman winner in the 2017 New York City Marathon in 40 years. Shalane told Women’s Health Magazine, "We were kind of lip syncing the entire song as we were running down the road. There were about 100 extras—and Chris Pratt and me." (02/04/2018) ⚡AMP

Marathoner Tony Collier did not know he had terminal Cancer

Tony Collier was diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer when he was 60 in May 2017. He was never prompted to get tested for prostate cancer. He never had any symptoms.

“I’m a keen runner. After completing the Paris marathon in April, as part of my training for the Comrades ultra-marathon, I had pain in my groin which wouldn’t go away...When I found out I was devastated, even more so when I was told the cancer was terminal."

The doctor informed him that it will be a lot tougher to run. However, he is still running 3-4 times a week and plans on running the London marathon in April to raise funds for Prostate Cancer UK.

(02/01/2018) ⚡AMP

Michael Wardian World Marathon Challenge Record Might Be Unbeatable

Michael Wardian is an American marathoner and ultra-marathon. He is not running the World Marathon Challenge this year but his record he set in 2017 is going to be hard for anyone to beat. He averaged 2:45:57 for each of the seven marathons. Additionally he ran the fastest ever time (2:31:09 average) for all the Abbott World Marathon Majors (Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, New York). He holds the world record for the fastest marathon on an indoor 200-meter track and so many more records. Michael is one astounding runner... (01/29/2018) ⚡AMP
Epic Running Adventures

Hong Kong 100 Ultra Runner Winner Disqalified

Runner Liang Jing crossed the finish line in 9:28:35 and in first position, but has been disqualified for receiving support outside the checkpoints, which is not permitted by the race rules. Liang Jing explained that he asked for water from a hiker and understood that he had permission to swap his empty bottle with her full one, as he pushed himself to the limits. He expressed regret at this misunderstanding, apologized for his behavior, and stated that there would never be a repeat. (01/27/2018) ⚡AMP

Inactivity, not running is bad for your Knees

One common injury runners experience is knee related. How bad is running on your knees? Matthew Laye (A teacher, scientist, writer, coach and Ultra runner) posted this recently on twitter, "A study done at Thomas Jefferson University found that runners have half the knee arthritis as the general population. Running duration, intensity, mileage or number of marathons do not change risk (age & surgical history do). Inactivity, not running is bad for your knees." (01/25/2018) ⚡AMP

Doucet re-sets New Brunswick half record by one second

New Brunswick runner Shelley Doucet will surely be in celebration mode this week. The avid trail, ultra and road runner just re-set her province’s women’s half-marathon record over the weekend. Doucet showed up to the start line of the Houston Half-Marathon that was packed with speedy Canadian competition and ran 1:17:10. That result beats Patty Blanchard’s previous New Brunswick record of 1:17:11. (01/16/2018) ⚡AMP

No race is too small for cheaters. Ultrarunner DQ’d

Ultrarunner Kelly Agnew who previously placed first in past events 2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2016-17 editions, was disqualified after he was spotted “registering laps without running the complete loop of the course.” According to race officials, Agnew circled “back at the start/finish staging area after completing a lap, spending over seven minutes in a portable restroom and then “completing” the lap and going on for his next without actually running the mile plus loop. (01/13/2018) ⚡AMP

Girard Holds the Record For Most Miles Run in 365 Days

MBR FAST FACT: The French ultramarathon runner Serge Girard (Born 1953) holds the world record for the longest distance run in 365 days. He ran every day for a year, crossed a total of 25 countries and covered a total distance of 16,783 miles. In 2005/2006 he ran from Paris to Tokyo (19,097K) in 262 days. In 1997 he ran from Los Angeles to New York City (2.856 miles) in 52 days, 23 hours and 20 minutes. (01/07/2018) ⚡AMP

Maybe the Most Difficult Race on the Planet?

MBR UNIQUE RACES: One of the most challenging races in the world is the North Face Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc. Its distance of 103 miles (and elevation gain of 9,600m) around western Europe's highest mountain, taking in Switzerland, France and Italy, is widely regarded as one of the most difficult foot races on the planet. (12/22/2017) ⚡AMP

Why I love Trail and Ultrarunning so Much!

John Kelly of Rockville MD won the Lookout Mountain 50 miler in 7:27:44. which was this year’s Road Runners Club of America Ultramarathon Championship. Kelly loves this sport and says, “The event and the course, really typify what I love about trail and ultrarunning. It's a great, low-key community of people putting on a well-organized race on a course with incredible trails and views. And it's great knowing that the proceeds from the race are going back towards those trails.” (12/19/2017) ⚡AMP

Golden Shoe Trail Runner of the Year, Alisa Macdonald

Alisa's performance at Sinister 7 Ultra inspired racers, volunteers and spectators, MacDonald received a standing ovation at the awards ceremony. During the second leg of the 100 mile race, she passed Alex Petrosky, a celebrated ultrarunner and the race’s defending champion. She figured he would catch up to her later. He didn’t. Things would get tough for MacDonald, but after nearly 19 hours, she crossed the finish line beating everyone. “I shocked a lot of people, including myself,” she said. (12/19/2017) ⚡AMP

Country Marathon Club Is An Exclusive Group

John, ‘Maddog’ Wallace has run 383 marathons in 132 countries. In 2007 he started a website for himself and others who are obsessed with running marathons (or beyond) in different countries. His website is called the Country Marathon Club. To qualify for membership a runner must complete a marathon or ultra in a minimum of 30 different countries. There are no membership fees. Club and website expenses are funded by donations. John now has 109 members. (12/18/2017) ⚡AMP

Why does Dean Karnazes Run?

WHY DO WE RUN: Dean Karnazes says - “Running is cleansing for the soul. Some days I come home feeling overwhelmed by the heaviness of everyday living. Then I go running and everything changes. The problems are still the same, but the way I look at them is different, lighter.” Dean is an ultra Marathoner and author. In 2005 he ran 350 miles in 8 hours 44 minutes without sleep. (12/17/2017) ⚡AMP

Ultra Running Picture Of the Year 2017

Jessie Haynes at Western States 100 about to cross the American River. It is that time of the year when the ultra and trail running aficionados go crazy at the prospect of another Western States Endurance Run (WSER) – the oldest 100-mile race in the USA and the one with the legendary story of Gordy Ainsleigh and a lame horse. With 18.000ft of climb and 22.000ft of downhill, the race has in the past been full of incredible stories. This photo gives you the feel of the race. (12/12/2017) ⚡AMP