Ireland's
Gary Thornton wins in Miami and takes the outright
World Marathon Challenge title! He won all seven marathons. Gary is not new to extreme running events. In 2016 he won the
Antarctic Ice Marathon and in 2014 he battled the altitude and blistering heat to win the Volcano Marathon just to name two. Gary is a teacher and a 2:17 marathoner, He has won the Irish 10,000m track championships on two occasions. His best 10k on the track is 29:00 and he has broken 14 minutes for 5k.
(02/05/2018) ⚡AMPEpic Running Adventures
The 122nd Annual
Boston Marathon is just 10 weeks from today. In the pack will be Jimmy Guy of Salem who will be raising money for the Martin Richard Foundation. Guy has run two
New York City Marathons for this
charity and this will be his first Boston.
“My goal is to raise eight thousand dollars for MRF (there is a team of 100). It means so much to run for this cause. It adds more purpose to my running,†says Guy. This year marks the fifth anniversary of the tragic event that occurred in 2013, taking the life of an innocent little boy as he stood with his family eating ice cream near the finish line.
(02/05/2018) ⚡AMP
The organisers of the
IAAF/Trinidad Alfonso
World Half Marathon Championships Valencia 2018 are working to ensure that the March 24 world championships will be the best ever. Athletes who do not respect the sport's values are not welcome. Knowing that
doping can damage the credibility of the sport, the local organizing committee wants to play an active role in combatting cheating in the world of athletics. The local organizer is contributing $50,000US to strengthen the event’s anti-doping program.
(02/05/2018) ⚡AMP
Becca Pizzi finished strongly last night at the 6th marathon in a time of 4:21.21. Apparently, there were some marking problems in the route and Becca ended up getting lost for a while. But she was able to get back on track and still managed to finish in second place. Meghan Newcomer (USA) finished first. Gary Thornton who had won the first five this time finished together with Jason Cousins from England. The last marathon of the
World Marathon Challenge is today in Miami.
(02/05/2018) ⚡AMP
Indoor track and field at the 111th
NYRR Millrose Games on Saturday at the
Armory had amazingly close races. Like in the NYRR Women's
Wanamaker Mile the top three were within a second. Colleen Quigley 4:30.05 and Kate Grace 4:30.08. The men’s were just as close. In the Women's 3000m (pictured) Aisha Praught-Leer (Jam) was first in 8:41.1, Emma Coburn (USA) second 8:41.16, Dominique Scott (RSA) third in 8:41.18. and Karissa Schweizer (USA) 8:41.6 in fourth. It was a weekend of close finishes.
(02/05/2018) ⚡AMP
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 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
Kenya’s Edward Waweru and Betsy Saina took top honors at the Kagawa Marugame Half Marathon, winning the
IAAF Silver Label road race in PBs of 1:00:31 and 1:09:17 respectively on Sunday.
Waweru, who lives in Japan and runs for NTN Track and Field Club, took 97 seconds off his previous best. The former track specialist had contested just one half marathon before today, clocking 1:02:08 at the 2014 Gifu Seiryu Half Marathon. Shitara was second in 1:01:13, falling nearly one minute short of his national record.
“I am happy to be the first Japanese finisher, but I really wanted to win the race,†said Shitara, who will be targeting the Japanese record at the
Tokyo Marathon in three weeks.
(02/04/2018) ⚡AMPJapan Running
Kenyan’s Eliud Mwangi and Philip Kibungei ran well below the course record at the Napoli City Half Marathon today. The two crossed the tenth kilometer in an unofficial time of 28:35, a pace that, if they maintained, would bring them in under 61 minutes, but the climbs and a light wind slowed them in the second half of the race.
The two fought to the last meter with a thrilling sprint to the finish, ending with both men having the same time of 1:01:21. Philip Kibungei was the winner in what was his debut in Europe at this distance.
(02/04/2018) ⚡AMP
No recent race, at least on the high school level, went off script as much as Saturday’s Millrose Games girls high school mile. Katelyn Tuohy, the country’s top female high school runner and a decided race favorite, led early on, expanded her lead, but started yielding yardage with two laps to go before being passed by three runners. Tuohy, 15-year-old North Rockland sophomore, finished fourth in 4:47.10.
Gabrielle Wilkinson of Wynnewood, PA, who exploded during the last lap, won in a personal-best 4:42.94 before a stunned crowd of 5,500 at the Armory. Tuohy entered the race having run the fastest indoor girls mile this year - 4:43.62.
(02/03/2018) ⚡AMP
Becca Pizzi (USA) and Gary Thornton (IRL) continue to dominate the World Marathon Challenge on day five in Lisbon. Both winning by big margins. Becca’s winning time was 3:59:28 and Gary’s 3:19:28. Next stop South America. Boston Marathon director Dave McGillivary finished 12th in 4:42:52.
(02/03/2018) ⚡AMPEpic Running Adventures
At the USATF Cross Country Championships meet today in Tallahassee, Florida. Leonard Korir out kicked Galen Rupp to win by 1.2 seconds to become the champion for the second year in a row. Korir posted 29:16.6 over the 10k course and Rupp 29:17.8. Rupp had only run one cross country race (in 2011) since winning an NCAA title in 2008. Stanley Kebenel was third in 29:31.4 and Evan Jager fourth in 29:31.5. For the women Emily Infield won in 33:18.7 with Molly Seidel right behind in 33:22.1. Stgephanie Bruce was third 33:34.2.
(02/03/2018) ⚡AMP
National record-holder Yuta Shitara is in excellent form. 8 days after clocking a Japanese half marathon record of 1:00:17 in Usti Nad Labem in September, he set a PB of 2:09:03 at the Berlin Marathon. 8 days was the same gap between his 10,000m PB of 27:41.97 in November at his victory over 10 miles in Kosa. His success has continued and he could improve his national record, or even challenge for victory, which would make him the first Japanese man to win in Marugame since 2006.
(02/03/2018) ⚡AMP
Tony Nicholls is not one for letting his disability slow him down. The visually impaired runner last week completed his 100th parkrun at Basingstoke. He was cheered and encouraged by all around the Basingstoke parkrun course, including other runners, spectators and volunteers in War Memorial Park when he took on his 100th run. Tony began taking part in parkrun back in October 2015. Many of Basingstoke Guide Running group, who have shared in guiding Tony and our other visually impaired runners.
(02/03/2018) ⚡AMP
Most pacers will finish very close to their goal time. So, why would it be a bad idea to follow one? 1.Starting Out Too Fast: Unfortunately, this an all-too-common experience for runners who follow a pacer. Because of the adrenaline of the race and having to weave through thick crowds, it’s possible for a pacer to start out far too fast. 2.Crowding And Pace Fluctuations: Runners who use a pace group need to be cognizant of their own personal strengths and weaknesses during a race.
(02/03/2018) ⚡AMP
Want them to love the sport? 1. Don’t Pressure but Always Offer 2. Look Out for Yourself, get in your own miles early so that you’re tired and relaxed when you head out for an easy run with the kids. 3. As little as once or a twice a week is perfect in the beginning. 4. Go Easy underestimate how far and high their little legs will carry them. 5. Hit the Trails they are more fun and interesting than pavement 6. Join a Group 7. Keep It Regular 8. Gear UP and keep it fun
(02/03/2018) ⚡AMP
In order to stay sober, the alcoholic needs to learn natural ways to get high. Running seems to be a great fit for an alcholic trying to enjoy life free from alcohol and other drugs. Here are some reasons why: 1. Running by its nature lends itself to the addictive personality. 2. Running can provide the needed spiritual awakening to help an addict stay sober. 3. Solitary and communal - Running is both of these. 4.When you are using, sober life seems so boring. Runners have an edge since their brains and hearts go to some unique places.
(02/03/2018) ⚡AMP
World half-marathon record-holder Zersenay Tadese will run his first half marathon in almost two years at the 72nd Kagawa Marugame International Half Marathon on Sunday Feb 4.
Tadese, a five-time world half marathon champion, set the world record of 58:23 back in 2010. While his last sub-60-minute half marathon was back in 2015, the Eritrean’s recent performances suggest he will still be competitive on Sunday.
The 35-year-old clocked 1:00:31 in his last half marathon, in Istanbul in April 2016.
(02/02/2018) ⚡AMP
Becca Pizzi won her fourth marathon in four days today on the continent of Asis in the country of Dubai, almost eclipsing the 4-hour mark with a time of 4:00:01. Tomorrow, she will run her fifth marathon on the continent of Europe in Lisbon, Portugal. For the men
Gary Thornton (IRL) won his fourth marathon in 3:04:29. This has to be a tough point of the competition. There were 35 men and 11 women finishers.
(02/02/2018) ⚡AMP
Former Chicago marathon champion Florence Kiplagat of Kenya will not defend her Barcelona Half Marathon title on Feb 11.
Kiplagat, who broke the world record in Barcelona in 2014 and 2015, has not fully recovered from her muscular crump injury.
"I have been in rehabilitation to get the muscular crump injury healed. I have started light training," she said. In 2015, Kiplagat set a new world record of 1:05:09 in Barcelona by shaving three seconds off her previous world record of 1:05.12.The world record has since been improved by Kenyan Joyciline Jepkosgei to 1:04:51 in Valencia.
(02/02/2018) ⚡AMP
Ricky Flynn and Shawanna White have been chosen South Carolina Long Distance Runners of the year by USA Track and Field for 2017. Also chosen were outstanding masters competitors Eric Ashton and Sarah Allers. While putting his main focus for the year on triathlons, Ricky Flynn still managed to compete in many of the state’s top road races winning 8 of 14 events. The best victories for the 30-year-old Greenville athlete came at the GHS Half Marathon in 1:06:57 and 30:51 at the Wine 10K.
(02/02/2018) ⚡AMP
The USATF Cross Country Championships is this Saturday in Tallahassee, Florida, with 10K races for both men and women. There's no world cross country championship to qualify for this year but a national title is on the line. Both the men’s and women’s field look very strong. Jordan Hasay and Galen Ruff are scheduled to run however neither have run cross country in over five years. Racing on the road is a lot different than cross country. Update - Jordan twitted Friday night that she won't be running because of a hard week of marathon training for Boston.
(02/02/2018) ⚡AMP
Eamonn Coghlan won the prestigious Wannamaker Mile at the Millrose Games seven times throughout his career. Eamonn is one of the greatest indoor milers in history. His prowess on the tiny ovals of the day earned him the nickname “Chairman of the Boards,†as many tracks in that era were temporary structures made of plywood. His then-world record of 3:49.78 was the fastest mile ever run on U.S. soil until 2007. After competitive retirement, he continued to race and became the first man over 40 years old to run a sub-four-minute mile. The Millrose Games are this weekend.
(02/02/2018) ⚡AMP
After a four-decade marathon of sorts, one of the Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic's most revered competitors has turned in his racing bib.
George McConnell, an 87-year-old retired postal worker who has participated in all 40 previous PGDC races, has chosen not to compete this year. Susan Harmeling, executive director of the event, made the announcement Thursday at the Gasparilla's annual "Kick-Off Luncheon." This year 27,500 people had registered for at least one of the races.
(02/02/2018) ⚡AMP
Galway City Harriers Athlete Gary Thornton has won three marathons in three days at the
World Marathon Challenge which sees competitors run seven marathons in seven days around the world. Gary won the Antarctic Intercontinental Marathon in a time of 2.58.39 followed by Capetown Africa the next day in a time of 3:06.55 and Perth Australia the following day in 2:59:55. The fourth marathon is today in Dubai.
(02/02/2018) ⚡AMPEpic Running Adventures
Since 1958, the Road Runners Club of America, the oldest and largest organization dedicated to the promotion of distance running, have gathered in different cities around the country for the RRCA National Convention. This year's Convention will be held April 5-8, 2018 in Arlington, VA. The event concludes on Sunday April 8 with the Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile and 5K race, which serves as the 2018 RRCA National 10 Mile Championship Event. Olympians Meb Keflezighi and Deena Kastor will be the keynote speakers at the luncheon.
(02/02/2018) ⚡AMP
This will be first time Gatorade will name finalists in girls cross country since it began naming a Runner of the Year in the 2007-2008 season. Gatorade has not released a definitive date for naming the eventual winner, but a spokesperson told MileSplit the organization is aiming to announce the winner sometime the week of Feb. 5-9. That brings us to our nominees: Katelyn Tuohy, North Rockland (NY);
Claudia Lane, Malibu (CA);
Katelynne Hart, Glenbard West (IL)
(02/02/2018) ⚡AMP
Robin Hornberger, a teacher in the Cincinnati, Ohio Area is planning on running 12 marathons in 2018 to raise $500,000 for charity. “I wish people didn’t automatically think they cannot be a runner because their first attempt at running did not go well. My first run was pitiful,†she said. “It’s amazing how quickly your fitness can improve.
Running can also be enjoyable and a confidence booster...it doesn’t have to be hard and difficult ... it also allows me to know my city a lot better. I love living in Cincinnati a lot more than before I became a runner,†she says.
(02/02/2018) ⚡AMP
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
“I will not be going for the world record but I intend to run a fast race. Should the world record fall then be it, but I am not focused on it at the moment,†Eliud Kipchoge told a reporter Thursday in Eldoret.
He ran 2:03:05 in 2016 in London, the course record, to make himself the second fastest marathon runner and was just eight seconds shy of the world record set by compatriot Dennis Kimetto (2:02:57) in Berlin in 2014.
Ethiopia's Kenenisa Bekele, who ran 2:03:03 in 2016 in Berlin, will be running in London on April 22 together with defending champion Daniel Wanjiru, two-time world marathon champion Abel Kirui, Mo Farah and Stanley Biwott.
(02/01/2018) ⚡AMP
Dean Karnazes Twitted this an hour ago: "How long does it take the average person to finish a marathon? Answer: Average people don't finish marathons." If you didn't know: TIME magazine named Dean Karnazes as one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in the World.. Men's Fitness hailed him as one of the fittest men on the planet.
(02/01/2018) ⚡AMP
As many as 9,000 runners are expected to turn out this weekend at King Harbor for the 40th annual installment of the Redondo Beach Super Bowl Sunday 10k/5k, a run/walk with sweeping ocean views that has been a hit since it debuted on Jan. 21, 1979. The day also will feature a costume contest, a children’s 1k run, a 10k baby buggy, live music, food and beverages. A health and fitness expo will take place Saturday and Sunday at Seaside Lagoon.
(02/01/2018) ⚡AMP
The City of Edinburg is ready to welcome thousands of runners this weekend for the #1 Road Race in the State of Texas. Known as the Gateway to the Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, Tex., is a city of approximately 81,000 people on the north shore of the Rio Grande River across from Mexico. This weekend (Feb 3) more than 7,000 will be running the All-America 10K, Fun Run and Miracle Mile Races. They look after runners too. The prize purse is $30,000.
(02/01/2018) ⚡AMP
Becca Pizzi with running legend and Boston Marathon race director, Dave McGillivray, at the finish line of the Perth Australia marathon, crossing off their third of seven marathons on seven continents in seven days. Dave McGillvray finished 10th in 4:28:08. America's Becca Pizzi continue to dominate the women's field winning in 4:02:13. Gary Thornton (IRL) continues to lead the men winning this marathon in 2:59:55, over 40 minutes ahead of second place.
(02/01/2018) ⚡AMP
Feb. 3 marks the date of the world’s longest-running and most prestigious indoor track and field event in the world. The 111th Millrose Games, organized by the New York Road Runners, the hosts of the New York City Marathon, take place at the Armory in New York City, which features a 200m banked track. One of the featured event is the Wanamaker Mile. Lawi Lalang (Arizona) holds the collegiate record posting 3:52.88. Josh Kerr (New Mexico) and Robert Domanic (Ole Miss) will be chasing that time.
(02/01/2018) ⚡AMP
New research shows the average time for an Australian marathon runner is on a steady decline, with researchers stating the result is "highly correlated" with an overall decline in the population's physical health. Former competitive runner and Danish statistician Jens Jakob Andersen analysed all available finishing times from marathons run in Australia between 2000 and 2016: a total of 183,061 finishers from 154 races.
He found average marathon times got slower going from 3:33:59 to 4:08:15 for men and 3:56:38 to 4:32:38 for women. "We found that all levels of runners were slowing down," Andersen said
(02/01/2018) ⚡AMP
On February 3rd and 4th in Huntsville, Texas Tejas Trails will host the USA Track & Field (USATF) 100 Mile Trail Championships and 26th running of the Rocky Raccoon 100 mile. Race Director Chris McWatters, “this race just gets cooler and cooler each year! I think it’s largely due to the combo of how many of the top performing open and masters runners show up...â€
Rocky Raccoon is the fastest 100 mile trail run for men in North America, as well as the oldest running 100 miler in Texas having been first run in 1993 with 29 finishers.
(01/31/2018) ⚡AMP
In a world where many championship-bound endurance runners enjoy the benefits of full-time training, sponsorship and plenty of rest and recovery between hard sessions, Welsh stars Caryl Jones and Dewi Griffiths could not be more different.
With both confirmed on the Welsh Commonwealth Games team – Griffiths is set to double up with the 5000m and the 10,000m, and Jones the marathon – they have earned their tickets to the Gold Coast off the back of 5.30am starts in the milking parlour and long hours in the lambing sheds, juggling high mileage training with farming.
(01/31/2018) ⚡AMP
The New York Road Runners-organized half-marathon famously requires fast-acting registration as the race has sold out in minutes in recent years. In 2016, the Brooklyn Half sold out in 52 minutes. In 2017, it took exactly half that amount of time for the registration to close, a staggering 26 minutes. The official 2018 figure, per the NYRR, took two hours and 17 minutes for upwards of 27,500 runners to register for the May 19 half marathon.
(01/31/2018) ⚡AMP
The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon is one of the few marathons in the world that got an IAAF Label after just two editions. This is a rare feat. The event had over 50,000 runners at the first edition and over 73,000 in the second. "This is something you rarely find in any part of the world," said an IAAF Official. They are expecting over 100,000 participants at this year's event Feb 10. They also offer a world-class prize purse totally $440,000 ($50,000 each to the marathon winners.)
(01/31/2018) ⚡AMP
Midnight this evening (31 January) is the final point in which you can take advantage of the standard individual entry for the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon. It is also the last day in which you will be able to get your number personalised with your name in time for race day on Sunday 8 April. As ever, demand has been high for the 26.2 mile event and it is anticipated that the race will match the 8,500 runners it attracted in 2017. Regarded as one of the friendliest marathons in the UK.
(01/31/2018) ⚡AMP
More than 4000 runners are expected to participate in the 5th annual race through the historic city, from the waterfront to the Castel dell’Ovo, the Teatro San Carlo to the Piazza del Plebiscito, the course will lead you through the most fascinating areas of Naples Italy, set in one of the most picturesque views of the Mediterranean. A strong elite field are aiming for sub 60 minute performances.
(01/31/2018) ⚡AMP
Doug Richards is planning an unusual 70th birthday celebration this year. He will mark the occasion on the southernmost continent in the last leg of his global running venture. On March 16th 2018, "I hope to fulfil a lifelong ambition of running at least a half marathon on every one of the Earth's seven continents, before my 70th birthday later this year." The race will take place on King George Island in the Antarctic. It will be a tough challenge even getting there. Doug has run over 100 half and 30 full marathons.
(01/31/2018) ⚡AMP
Gary Thornton (IRL) wins Africa Intercontinental Marathon (Cape Town) in 3:06:55 today. It’s his second marathon in 24 hours as part of the 2018 World Marathon Challenge. The temperature today was degrees 72 Fahrenheit , which is 70 degrees warmer than the windchill temperatures in Antarctica yesterday. Becca Pizzi wins second consecutive marathon in 4:11:15. She is the returning 2016 champion!
(01/31/2018) ⚡AMP
American's Becca Pizzi was the overall winner of the 2016 World Marathon Challenge. Today she won the Antarctic Intercontinental Marathon (the first of seven) in a time of 4:06:45. In second was Renee DeMarsh(USA) 4.28.10,
third Gulzhamal DeFelice (RUS/USA)4.38.03,
fourth Meghan Newcomer (USA) 4.41:14, and fifth Cara Nelson (USA) 4:50:15.
For men, Gary Thornton (IRL) won in a time of 2.58.39 today.
Gary ran an amazing sub 3 hour time. Second was Jason Cousins (GBR) 3.44.56,
third Scott Coey (AUS) 3.52.47 and in
fourth Joshua Cohen (USA) 3.55.05.
(01/30/2018) ⚡AMPEpic Running Adventures
Bob Hodge is one of only a few Americans to ever win a marathon in Japan, earning the lifelong nickname "Hodgie-san." Ahead of this weekend's Beppu-Oita Mainichi Marathon Hodge wrote, “Japan is a fantastic place for a racer to run a marathon. Most of the top races there invite a smallish contingent of foreign runners, and I considered myself fortunate to be competing in Japan for the second time. Beppu is a beautiful place on the coastline of the southern island of Kyushu. It's known for its thermal hot springs, and bordered by volcanic mountains rising up from the coast it was a dramatic setting for this race.â€
(01/30/2018) ⚡AMP
Jeannie Pardy has been running for 20 years and participating in marathons for ten. She runs 30 miles a week. Now she is preparing for a race that will mark a significant milestone in her career. She is preparing to run the Tokyo Marathon on Feb. 25; when she completes it, she will be the first person in Central Newfoundland Canada to complete all the Abbott World Marathon Majors. One thing is for certain.
“I’ll run till I die – till I drop. I don’t want to give up running,†Pardy said.
It is the satisfaction of running that keeps her moving.
(01/30/2018) ⚡AMP
The Garden of the Gods Ten Mile Run is a unique race with a spectacular setting and a physically
demanding course. The course takes you into the heart
of the Garden and runners will pass the most famous rock in the area—the Balanced Rock. The Garden of the Gods Park lies between Manitou Springs and Colorado Springs, Colorado. The course elevation ranges
from 6,210′ up to 6,530. Registration for the June 10th race opens March 10th at 8am.
(01/30/2018) ⚡AMP
The Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA) today announced Carey Pinkowski Executive Race Director of the BofA Chicago Marathon will receive the 2017 CARA Lifetime Achievement Award on February 3, 2018. The CAAR Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the Chicago running community. Carey came to the helm of the Marathon almost three decades ago. "When I started, Chicago was not a running city. It was a challenge to get people to accept it. Marathon runners back then were thought of as extreme athletes. Now you can't drive down the lakefront without seeing people training."
(01/30/2018) ⚡AMP
Alexi Pappas, a Greek-American who holds dual citizenship, is a 2016 Olympian and the Greek national record holder in the 10,000 meters with a personal best of 31:36 set at the Rio Olympics. The 500 Festival, a nonprofit organization providing life-enriching events and programs that celebrate the legacy of the Indianapolis 500, today announces that professional runner and Olympian Alexi Pappas will run the 2018 OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon on May 5, 2018.
(01/30/2018) ⚡AMP