Running News Daily

This race can quickly turn into a struggle for survival

“One of the most challenging experiences on the planet is the Iditarod Trail Invitational 1000-Mile Alaska Foot Race,” says Race directors Bill and Kathi Merchant. This years’s race starts Feb 25 from Knik Lake Alaska, The race can quickly turn from a race into a struggle for survival. Weather and trail conditions change rapidly, requiring participants to undergo an application process. It’s a grueling, punishing race through the interior of Alaska and some of the roughest terrain in the western hemisphere where winds can gust at 120 mph and temperatures can drop to -50 or below. Only 11 can say they have finish this 1000 mile race. (02/15/2018) ⚡AMP
Epic Running Adventures

South Africa´s Caster Semenya wanting to win 800m Gold for third time in Tokyo

Caster Semenya’s gender is still pretty much all anyone talks about when they talk about this powerhouse runner, however she was cleared to compete. Today Caster Semenya is looking forward to the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, where she aims to defend her 800m title and win it for the third and, perhaps, final time. "I’m an athlete who works more on short-term goals. Every month we see how we can improve our fitness, how we can improve our biomechanics and how we can improve our breathing."So, yes, Tokyo, I’m looking forward to it. "I’ll be 29, so it will be probably my last Olympics 800m. But yes, if I can still go faster, you never know where you can end up," Semenya says. (02/15/2018) ⚡AMP
2020 Tokyo Olympics

Running mitigates negative impacts of chronic stress on the brain

A new BYU study discovers exercise -- particularly running -- while under stress also helps protect your memory. The study, newly published in the journal of Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, finds that running mitigates the negative impacts chronic stress has on the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for learning and memory. "Exercise is a simple and cost-effective way to eliminate the negative impacts on memory of chronic stress," said study lead author Jeff Edwards, associate professor of physiology and developmental biology at BYU. (02/15/2018) ⚡AMP
Medical Advice

Benoit Samuelson going to run 5K at 40th Annual Napa Valley Marathon

Runners from 16 countries and 44 states will gather in California’s Napa Valley for the 40th Annual Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathon and Kiwanis Club of Greater Napa 5K Run on Sunday, March 4, 2018. American running icon Joan Benoit Samuelson (Freeport, Maine), a member of the Running USA Hall of Champions, will be a special guest and will be running the 5k. It was 34 years ago when Joan Beniot won the inaugural U.S. Women’s Olympic Marathon Trials race in 1984 and then winning the gold medal in Los Angeles at the first women’s Olympic Games marathon. (02/15/2018) ⚡AMP
Olympians

These simple foods can help you recover from a stress fracture

Stress fractures are an overuse injury, often caused by repeatedly running long distances or drastically increasing mileage. Primarily affecting the bones in the lower legs and feet, stress fractures occur when the muscle becomes fatigued and transfers undue stress to the bone. To help recover or to help prevent a stress fracture, Take Calcium and vitamin D. Milk does a body good. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommends that runners get at least 1,000 mg of dietary calcium—an 8-ounce glass of milk has about 300mg. Also regularly eat kale, broccoli, spinach, and soy products. The best way to get Vitamin D is from sun exposure, but also eggs, tuna, cod liver oil, and mushrooms are also a good source for vitamin D too. (02/15/2018) ⚡AMP
Runner's Diet

India’s Bugatha has sets his sights on Tokyo 2020

Srinu Bugatha, surprised many to finish third among Indian men at the high-profile Mumbai Marathon. Now his aim is to compete in the Olympic Marathon in Tokyo 2020. The Mumbai Marathon was the first step towards his ultimate dream. “I wanted to know what I was lacking because I want to compete at the marathon 2020 Tokyo Olympics,” said Bugatha. However, his short-term focus, though, is on the upcoming Asian Games and Commonwealth Games where he will compete in the 5000 and 10,000 metres events. (02/14/2018) ⚡AMP

Gasparilla Distance Classic Half is part of the Professional Road Series

When 30,000+ runners head down Bayshore Boulevard in Tampa for the Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic on Feb. 24 and 25, they’ll be joined by some of America’s best runners like Stephanie Bruce from Flagstaff, Arizona. Bruce won the Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic Half Marathon last year and she’s coming back this year to defend that title. This half marathon is now part of the Professional Road Running Organization (PRRO) series. It joins four other American road races: Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile, Lila Bloomsday Run 12K, Boilermaker 15K, and the EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler. This series of races is meant to showcase competition, but it also focuses on a clean sport. (02/14/2018) ⚡AMP

Akor had to be carried away from the podium at Lagos City Marathon

Organisers of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon have described that one of the participants at the just concluded third edition of the race, Mary Akor, was being denied her entitlement as one of the winners in the Nigerian category. The organisers alleged that Akor dumped Nigeria for the United States of America at the peak of her career in 2004 and therefore was no longer eligible to participate as a Nigerian. Akor attempted to collect the N1 million prize money for the first Nigerian woman. Security men had to carry her away from the podium. She has had other issues, Mary Akor failed a drug test and accepted a two-year ban from competition, retroactive to May 6, 2013. (02/14/2018) ⚡AMP

14 athletes named to Athletics Canada's team for the 2018 IAAF World Indoor Championships

The 14-athlete squad will travel to Birmingham, U.K. for the March 1-4 IAAF championships, held every 2 years. Notable qualifiers on Canada’s team include Damian Warner, Olympic bronze medallist in decathlon and Shawn Barber, a world champion pole vaulter. The women’s 1,500m features two Canadians including Gabriela Stafford, a 2016 Olympian, and Kate Van Buskirk, the newly-minted national record holder for the indoor mile. two women also qualified in the 400m including Kelsey Balkwill and Travia Jones. (02/14/2018) ⚡AMP

2018 Austin Marathon Set to Debut New Marathon Course

The new Austin Marathon course was designed to provide a better participant and spectator experience and allow enhanced traffic flow along the course, while still finishing with the picturesque Texas State Capitol as every runner’s backdrop. The first half of the Austin Marathon will remain unchanged. After Mile 12, half marathoners will head south to the finish line while marathoners continue east before turning north and running on Guadalupe St. through the heart of the University of Texas. (02/14/2018) ⚡AMP

Experience trail running in some of the most beautiful and challenging mountain environments

Under Armour announced the race dates and locations for the 2nd annual Under Armour Mountain Running Series. The trail running series is designed for running professionals and enthusiasts alike who want to experience trail running in some of the most beautiful and challenging mountain environments and destinations across North America. The 2018 UA Mountain Running Series kicks off on July 14 in the heart of the Rocky Mountains at Copper Mountain, the largest ski resort in Summit County, Colorado, where runners will be greeted with spectacular scenery and alpine wildflowers... Race distances at each location will include a distance for every runner to test themselves: 5K, 10K, 25K, and 50K. A $5,000 prize purse will be distributed across the men’s and women’s podium for the top three 50K finishers at each race in the series. (02/14/2018) ⚡AMP
Trail Running

Most races just offer an 80 and over category...this needs to change

Ronald Todd has a simple request. He wants all marathons and half-marathons to post results equally throughout age categories. Most races are broken into five-year age categories, but when it gets to athletes over age 79, everyone is lumped together in an “80 and over” category. Even the Boston Marathon does it that way. The Honolulu Marathon is an exception, listing results for ages 80-84, 85-89 and 90-94. But, as he plans out his events for 2018, Todd is realizing that this bias is widespread. “That’s just not right!” Todd says. Todd turned 85 in December. When he was 84 he was looking forward to moving up to the next age bracket. He had placed fourth in a race where only the top three were recognized but figured that the next year, he’d move up a group and be the young guy in the breakdown. (Pictured is Kay and Joe O'Regan who celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary running a marathon.) (02/14/2018) ⚡AMP
Senior Running

What is going to happen to Runner's World...more employees terminated

A month after laying off 150 employees inherited through its acquisition of Rodale, Hearst Magazines is undergoing another round of cuts. Runner's World is part of the group of titles previously published by Rodale.

Hearst did not respond to a request for comment, but a source close to the company tells Folio: that at least 50 employees were notified Monday of their termination, effective immediately. It is not clear how many Runner's World employees were asked to leave.

"I am concerned to see this," says RW founder Bob Anderson. "Running and Runner's World grew up together...I have been concerned with all the discounted magazine offers I have been getting...I have some ideas if whoever is calling the shots want to listen," says Bob.

(02/13/2018) ⚡AMP

Abebe Bikila had only run two marathons before winning and running a PR by over six minutes in Rome

DID YOU KNOW? Abebe Bikila was a member of the Imperial Bodyguard, and was a last-minute addition to the Ethiopian team but caused a sensation by running barefoot through the streets of Rome and winning gold, at the 1960 Olympic Games.

Four years later he retained the title, this time wearing shoes. On both occasions he clocked world best times... Abebe participated in a total of sixteen marathons, winning twelve and finishing fifth in the 1963 Boston Marathon.

In July 1967, he sustained the first of several sports-related leg injuries which prevented him from finishing his last two marathons.

On March 22, 1969, Abebe was paralyzed as a result of a car accident. Although he regained some upper-body mobility, he never walked again. He died at age 41 on October 25, 1973, of a cerebral hemorrhage related to his car accident. He had only run two marathons before Rome and there he set a PR by over six minutes.

(02/13/2018) ⚡AMP
Olympians

After Running a Marathon on Seven Continents...they still had one more to do

With seven marathons on seven continents in seven years already behind them, Stephen and Eleanor Pienaar are ready to become the first South Africans to compete in the North Pole Marathon. They started training for the Marathon which takes place on moving sea ice and considered one of the toughest marathons in the world, in September last year. “We will be running on sea ice, which will be more extreme than the Antarctic Ice Marathon,” says Eleanor. “Russian soldiers will parachute out of a plane and secure the perimeter to make sure no polar bears wander onto the course. We will be running a four-kilometre lap 10 times. We have to be in a contained area because of the polar bears and the sea ice, that can crack underfoot. It will be completely different to the Antarctic Ice Marathon. We will be running in temperatures of minus 40 to 30 degrees.” The North Pole Marathon will be run on April 9 this year, they will be starting their trek to the North Pole on April 1. (02/13/2018) ⚡AMP
Epic Running Adventures

This six day stage Race covering 236k finishes in a small and serene fishing village

The Coastal Challenge in Costa Rica kicked off Sunday and will run through Friday. The run covers a demanding 236km over six days. The course boasts a total elevation gain of more than 34,000 feet – with the race finish near the border of Panama in a small and serene fishing village that until recently was only accessible by boat. Known locally as the ‘Rainforest Run, the course runs along Costa Rica’s lush and tropical Pacific coastline. Weaving in and out of the Talamancas – a coastal mountain range spread across the southwest corner of the country. (02/13/2018) ⚡AMP
Epic Running Adventures

Quick healthy dinner ideas for busy runners

"When it comes to making quick healthy meals, my No. 1 advice for runners is to choose nutritious and fast cooking ingredients that provide a combination of carbohydrates, good quality protein and healthy fats," says Melissa Kazan a registered dietitian. "Here are four dinner ideas that will make weeknight meals fun and tasty: 1.One-pot meals like vegetarian chili are easy to make, packed with quality carbs and fibre and make perfect leftovers. 2. You don’t have to be a master chef to whip up a fantastic meal with a slow cooker. For any runner who has little time to cook, crockpot is the way to go. 3. Load up on antioxidant rich veggies by whipping up a homemade pizza. 4. Think outside the box and try a Mexican-inspired ground meat and pasta dish." Click on link for cooking details. (02/13/2018) ⚡AMP
Runner’s Diet

Kristen Zaitz used to run 120 miles weekly...she now wants to see what she can do on less mileage

Kristen Zaitz is a three-time U.S. Olympic marathon trials qualifier and has a personal best time of 2:32:48. Her next marathon will be Napa... There used to be a time when Kristen Zaitz was putting in 120 miles a week. “I had done it for so long, at such a high level, that I was pretty burned out when I had my daughter a year ago,” said Zaitz. “The training has been super laid back and I really just wanted to come back slowly and have not much pressure on myself. Napa will be a good little eye opener for me.” (02/13/2018) ⚡AMP
Runners

As Millions of Chinese take public transportion Pan Shancu runs 131 miles home instead

As tens of millions of Chinese converged on bus and railway stations last week, 42-year-old Pan Shancu decided to make his own way home for the Lunar New Year holiday – by running 211km (131 miles) across eastern China. He set out just before 4.15am on Thursday and arrived home at about 7am the next day. He would have got there a little sooner, but decided to stop off for a bowl of noodles a few hours from the finish line. Pan, who owns a massage shop in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, took a little under 27 hours to complete the mammoth journey – equivalent to five regular marathons – to his hometown in Tiantai county. “I think running is more fun than driving or taking buses, and you can appreciate the scenery along the way,” he said. (02/13/2018) ⚡AMP
Chinese Running

Erekiel Chebii Returns and is the one to beat at Lake Biwa Mainichi Marathon

Defending champ Ezekiel Chebii (Kenya) returns to lead the field for the Mar. 4 Lake Biwa Mainichi Marathon. Chebii is one of three men in the field with recent 2:06 times, his 2:06:07 in Amsterdam 2 years ago leading Tadesse Abraham (Switzerland) and Abera Kuma (Ethiopia) to form a clear trio of favorites. Making up the second pack are 4 current sub-2:10 Japanese men, 2017 Gold Coast winner Takuya Noguchi, Rio Olympian Satoru Sasaki, and Sasaki's teammates Takuya Fukatsu and Fumihiro Maruyama. (02/13/2018) ⚡AMP
Japan Running

Time is running out to get registered to run the New York City Marathon

The window to register for the 2018 TCS New York City Marathon is closing, so if you haven’t committed to run this year, this week is your last chance. Registration for the race on Nov. 4, 2018, opened on Jan. 15 and will close at 11:59 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 15, online. For a guaranteed spot, eligible runners must have hit the New York Road Runners (NYRR) time-qualifier, which is based on age, in a previous race. For example, a male runner who is between the ages of 18 and 34 must have run at least a 2:53 marathon or a 1:21 half-marathon. A female runner of the same age must have run a marathon in 3 hours and 13 minutes or a half-marathon in 1 hour and 32 minutes. (02/12/2018) ⚡AMP

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

Napa Valley Marathon is Worth Traveling For says Forbes Travel Guide

Over the last four decades, the Napa Valley Marathon brings thousands of runners and spectators to the Valley every year in the spring, at a time when the tourist industry is usually slow. The race helps bring attention and prestige to Napa County. The race is routinely picked as one of the best marathons by running-related media, most recently by Forbes Travel Guide, which included it in the list of “13 Top Marathons Worth Traveling For In 2018,” joining events in Tokyo, Rome, London, Boston and New York. (02/12/2018) ⚡AMP

Holocaust survivor says running gives him strength

Nat Shaffir runs 6 miles a day, 6 days a week. He started running when he met a college student who had just run a marathon. "I looked at her and said, she did a marathon? If she can do it I can do it," he said. He was 65 then and now he's 81, and later this year hopes to run his 12th marathon. When he runs, he doesn't listen to music or plan his day. He says his mind is usually in a much darker place. Shaffir gives tours at the Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C., where he shares his own story... His family spent years in a Jewish ghetto, with barely enough food to survive, and 32 of his relatives perished in Nazi concentration camps. Shaffir, though, eventually made it to Israel, and at age 24 to America. Running, he says, gives him strength. From CBS Evening News (02/12/2018) ⚡AMP
Running Heroes

Flying Pig Marathon Director Honored by Running USA

Flying Pig Marathon Executive Director Iris Simpson Bush was inducted into the Running USA Hall of Champions at the 2018 Running USA Industry Conference awards dinner Sunday night in Austin Texas. Entry to the Running USA Hall of Champions is reserved for those people who with devotion, vision, and commitment built the sport and provided glory for the winners and a place to excel for everyone.” Running USA said that Bush “has not only overseen the growth of one of the premiere races in the United States, but has grown the sport of running in Ohio.” (02/12/2018) ⚡AMP
Race Directors

Brooke Greyno is going to Run Across America to Fight Cancer

This summer, Brooke Greyno will be embarking on a 4,000+ mile cross country run from San Francisco to Baltimore Maryland. She is doing this through the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adult’s 4K Cancer program. The mission is to raise awareness, unite communities, and inspire hope in the fight against cancer. She will be doing this by visiting cancer patients at hospitals and cancer centers, as well as raising awareness about UFC’s mission in towns she (and her team) will be stopping in during her trek across the country. (02/12/2018) ⚡AMP

Down syndrome doesn't stop Kayleigh Williamson

It took Kayleigh Williamson six hours and 23 minutes to run and walk the Austin Half Marathon last year. The finish line had been dismantled when she got there, but race organizers put it up again. When Williamson crossed, followed by an entourage of police and trainers from a local chiropractor’s clinic, the 27-year-old flipped her hair in triumph. She had just become the first woman with Down syndrome to complete the 13.1-mile race. Someone put a medal around her neck, and later one of her coaches gave her a personalized belt buckle. “I loved it,” Williamson says. This year, she returns with two new goals in mind — to finish the half-marathon in less than six hours, and to encourage others with Down syndrome to get running. (02/12/2018) ⚡AMP
Running Heroes

Olympic Triathlon Gold Medallist is pursuing gold in the marathon in 2020

Racing an indoor 5,000m for the first time in nine years, 2016 Olympic triathlon champion Gwen Jorgensen improved her PB over that distance by 37 seconds on Friday evening in Seattle. The Husky Classic marked her first race in more than a year and since she gave birth in mid-August 2017. The former triathlete has big goals in the next few years. In November, Jorgensen announced that she is focused on the 2020 Olympic marathon with the gold medal in mind. Emily Infeld and Gwen Jorgensen ran 15:15.52 and 15:15.64 at the Husky Classic, second and third fastest times in the world this year. (02/12/2018) ⚡AMP
People

The four white Kenyans..It's all in the training..sacrifice and quality...

"These four runners listed below live and spend long seasons in Kenya at altitude, training with Africans with their custom meals, sleeping in their cots, training at 6am, fasting, and eating ugali The White Kenyans.

1. Julien Wanders this morning ran 60:09 at half marathon in Barcelona, a new Swiss record

2. Zane Robertson from New Zealand ran a 59:47 Half

3. Sondre Moen 2:05:48 Marathon From Norway, European record

4. Jake Robertson 60:01 Half Marathon in Houston From New Zealand

"They sacrifice themselves like the Kenyans... they run like the Kenyans... It doesn't matter that their skin is not black. It's all in the training. It's the sacrifice and the quality."

(02/11/2018) ⚡AMP
by Gonzalo Sukunza

Jonathon Grey lost his battle with depression

The death of Jon Grey, 29, has shocked the running world this weekend.. His twin brother Matt posted this on FB, “ Today will be the hardest day of my life. There is an amazing person who I love, my best friend, my inspiration. My running partner...”.Jonathon Grey lost his battle with depression and took his own life on Saturday, February 10, his brother announced on FB. Jon made his marathon debut at the U.S. Olympic Trials in 2016 and had recently lowered his personal best over 26.2 miles to 2:20:08 at the USATF Marathon Championships this past December. He had been training to run the Los Ángeles Marathon March 18. R.I.P. Jon. You will be missed. (02/11/2018) ⚡AMP
Runners

A Naked Marathon at the Winter Olympics Games...Well maybe not a Marathon...

It’s cold in Pyeongchang, the site of the 2018 Winter Olympic Games. Very cold. But that did not stop hundreds of runners from competing Saturday in the 26th annual South Korea “naked marathon.” This is a different kind of cool runnings. In fact, it seems to be sheer madness. The temperature in Pyeongchang was 22 degrees, although it felt like 5 degrees once the wind-chill factor was taken into consideration. And while the race was billed as “naked,” total nudity did not take place. Gloves and beanies were allowed, but competitors were not allowed to wear shirts. While the Olympic's men's downhill skiing competition was postponed due to treacherous winds, nothing stopped the runners from taking part in their winter madness. (02/11/2018) ⚡AMP
Unique Events

Wasihun breaks course record in Barcelona and Wanders sets new Swiss Record

Ethiopia’s Mule Wasihun took an overwhelming victory at the eDreams Mitja Marato Barcelona, winning the IAAF Gold Label road race comfortably in a course record of 59:44 on Sunday. The 24-year-old took 20 seconds off the previous course record set five years ago by Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge. Bahrain’s Tejitu Daba confirmed her status as pre-event favourite in the women’s race to win in 1:08:36, one second ahead of Ethiopia’s Dibabe Kuma, who took 41 seconds off her career best. Switzerland's Julien Wanders, 21, who has been training in Kenya finished second this morning in a Swiss record and European U23 record of 60:09! (02/11/2018) ⚡AMP
Fast Half Marathons

Kiprotich, Herpha win 2018 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon

Frenchman Abraham Kiprotich has won the third edition of the 2018 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon 42km race. while Ronny came second in time of 2:13.26 while Victor Benjamin completed the Kenyan domination coming in the third position in 2:13.29. For the women category, Ethiopia’s Guta won the race in 2:38.25 while compatriots Girma Getachew and Ayelu Hordofa were second and third in 2:38.36 and 2:38.41. Ethiopian Tanui Rodah was the 2017 winner of the category. (02/11/2018) ⚡AMP

She has the heart and desire to Pull off the Boston Marathon Win

Shalane Flanagan (first American woman to win the New York City Marathon in 40 years) posted this on her Facebook page today: "Heading to the mountains soon so I can get stronger and faster. The next 5 weeks will be the most exhausting part of my buildup for the Boston Marathon. So I acknowledge it. Embrace it. I know I will have doubts, but I tell myself daily...do the work, no excises, dreaming baby, no regrets. (02/10/2018) ⚡AMP
by Shalane Flanagan
World Class Runners

When we arrived in Miami It was like we were coming home from a war

The recent World Marathon Challenge presented a new kind of barrier for the veteran endurance athlete and Boston Marathon director, Dave McGillivray. Despite the enormous amount of training, Dave’s concerns were many. There was his age (63), his health (heart disease), his lingering injuries (back, knee), weather, meals, sleep deprivation, and much more. All of that came into play, he said...“The first marathon was the highlight of the trip,” he said. “Why would I ever go to Antarctica? Yet, here I was at the end of the earth, running a marathon.” While McGillivray believed he was prepared physically, the mental part was the bigger challenge. Most the marathons (seven in total in seven days) were run in places where the natives went about their days unaware of the “challenge” taking place...They got the opposite reception at the Miami International Airport. The runners’ families and friends met them with balloons and flowers. “It was like we were coming home from a war,” he said. “The only problem was we weren’t done yet. We had one more marathon left.” Dave was the 11th male finisher overall and averaged 4:37:59. (02/10/2018) ⚡AMP
Epic Running Adventures

The Right to Smoke Group is in Battle with the Smoke Free 2020 Olympic Games People

The health ministry in Japan has been seeking to introduce binding rules against indoor smoking in public spaces ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics — in line with an agreement with the International Olympic Committee to stage “tobacco-free” games. The ministry’s plan has been diluted from its original proposal in the face of stiff opposition from within the LDP, whose tobacco-friendly lawmakers backed by the restaurant and bar industries protested that the planned measure infringes on people’s “right to smoke.” ...The health ministry estimate, smoking was blamed for illnesses such as cancer, strokes and heart attacks affecting more than one million people in Japan in 2014, including 240,000 people exposed to second hand tobacco smoke. (02/10/2018) ⚡AMP
Japan Running

Shitara Chasing 10 Mile National Record Sunday in Karatsu

At least five major races fill the calendar this weekend across Japan. Potentially the biggest is the Karatsu 10-Miler, where half marathon national record holder Yuta Shitara (Honda) is slated to run in what many hope will be a shot at the antique national record. Over 30 seconds faster than the American national record, Hisatoshi Shintaku's 45:40,has stood since 1984 and survived over three decades of assaults including Shitara's 45:58 at December's Kumamoto Kosa 10-Miler. It translates to 42:34 for 15 km; at last weekend's Marugame Half Shitara went through 15 km in 42:39. Just two weeks out from a shot at the Japanese national record for the marathon in Tokyo. (02/10/2018) ⚡AMP

Great North Run legend Jim Purcel has passed away at aged 96

Great North Run legend and popular charity fundraiser "Jarra Jim" has died at the age of 96. The Second World War veteran took up running at the age of 65 following the death of his wife Betty, and completed numerous races including 29 Great North Runs and 12 London Marathons. He raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for local charities through his selfless exploits. The charity runner was rewarded for his selfless exploits by carrying the Olympic flame through Wallsend in 2012 ahead of the London Games. (02/10/2018) ⚡AMP
Senior Running

This advice will help make you a better Trail Runner from someone who knows

Professional trail runner Max King has been racing trails—and winning races like the World Mountain Running Championships and World 100K Championships. Here are his five tips: 1. Hiking portions of a trail run is more than okay; it can be more efficient than trying to run a steep section. 2. Keep an upright posture, with your feet staying more beneath your hips than stretched out way in front of you. 3. Keep a short stride on uphills. A short, efficient stride will help you chip away at a long climb. 4. Accept the downhill 5. When hiking, employ one of three techniques. a) take big, fast, purposeful steps. b) put hands on knees, pushing each leg with each step c) on super-steep terrain, step onto the ball of each foot, keeping your back straight. (02/10/2018) ⚡AMP
Trail Running

Hawaii wants to Ban Kids from Running Long Distance Races

Legislators proposed restricting marathons and half marathons to those older than 18, claiming that running damages kids' bones and joints. Science doesn't agree. the legislation cites this 2010 study in the Journal of Athletic Training that had 11 boys and seven girls running on treadmills. During tests, researchers found that children were less able than adults to absorb shock impact while running. Hawaii’s bill seems more likely to hinder young aspiring runners than help them. Some marathons already have a minimum age requirement, presumably due to liability. The Boston Marathon requires registrants to be older than 18; at the Los Angeles Marathon, it’s 16. There’s just one problem: There’s little evidence that running long races is bad for kids’ health. (02/10/2018) ⚡AMP

It does not get much better than this - 2018 RAK Half Marathon

Fancy Chemutai narrowly missed out on breaking the world record at the RAK Half Marathon on Friday (9) on a day when both course records fell. The sea mist that blanketed the emirate’s capital provided near perfect conditions, while record-size mass fields and enormous depth to the elite groups meant a special day was more or less guaranteed. Perfect pacing by a trio of Kenyan men laid the foundation for an epic closing struggle between Mary Keitany and Fancy. The race came down to the contrasting figures of tiny Keitany and the long, rangy stride of the powerful Chemutai. At 20k they were inseparable. Keitany momentarily looked to be the one applying the pressure, but Chemutai shrewdly delayed her surge until the final 100m crossing the finish line in 1:04:52 with Mary 3 seconds back. The pair are now second and third on the world all-time list behind Jepkosgei. (02/09/2018) ⚡AMP
Fast Half Marathons

Guy Bracken age 56 sets new 55+ World Indoor Mile Record

British athlete Guy Bracken (56) ran a new 55+ world record for the indoor mile, running 4:39 tonight in London. He broke the old record of 4:42 belonging to American Nolan Shaheed. From Dave Ross (02/09/2018) ⚡AMP
World Class Runners

Edward Cheserek Runs the Second Fastest Indoor Mile in History

Multiple NCAA champion Edward Cheserek produced the second-fastest indoor time in history, 3:49.44, to win the mile at the David Hemery Valentine Invitational in Boston on Friday (9). The US-based Kenyan had won two mile races already this indoor season, but neither one of those were in ideal conditions. Assisted by two pacemakers for three quarters of the race, Cheserek found the conditions to his liking at the Boston University Track Center. The 24-year-old was able to cover each of the eight laps in about 28-29 seconds before crossing the finish line in 3:49.44. (02/09/2018) ⚡AMP
World Class Runners

I am Running the London Marathon for docs who saved my life

When off-duty policeman Charlie Guenigault saw three knife-wielding jihadis in suicide vests attacking another officer at London Bridge last June, his first instinct was to run away. Faced with such terror, most of us would probably feel the same. But he didn't. He was stabbed five times and almost died on the scene helping others. The 26-year-old is now going to run the London Marathon to raise fimds for the Hospital where he spent 70 days, undergoing five operations. “I want to give something back for all the help they gave me – but also for what they did for the families and all the work they do every day,” he said. (02/09/2018) ⚡AMP
Running Heroes

Olympic Runner David Torrence's Death Ruled An Accident

American record holder David Torrence was found dead last August in his swimming pool in Scottsdale, Ariz. Today, Scottsdale police told Deadspin that Torrence’s death has officially been ruled an accident. Torrence moved to Scottsdale to train after competing in the 2016 Olympics for Peru, and he was found at the bottom of the pool in his apartment complex on the morning of Aug. 28, 2017, at the age of 31. A cause of death was not announced at the time, and police opened an investigation to determine what happened. (02/09/2018) ⚡AMP

Mitja Marato Barcelona will be upgraded as an IAAF Gold Label road race

Two years ago the eDreams Mitja Marato Barcelona was ‘just’ an IAAF Bronze Label road race. After being upgraded to a Silver Label 12 months ago, this year’s event on Sunday 11 February will be held as an IAAF Gold Label road race after being upgraded again. The half-marathon in Barcelona, also known as the Mitja Marató de Barcelona, is held every March. It’s the second largest running event in Barcelona next to the Marathon. (02/09/2018) ⚡AMP

The USA Women's Team for World Half Marathon Championships

Sara Hall last competed at the Kagawa Marugame International Half Marathon 2018 finishing sixth with a time of 1:11:25. Jordan Hasay (pictured) recently finished eighth at the Houston Half Marathon finishing in 1:08:38, just behind Molly Huddle’s American-record setting performance. The USA women's team for the IAAF Trinidad Alfonso World Half Marathon Championships Valencia (Spain) March 24 are: Sara Hall, Jordan Hasay, Natosha Rogers, Elaina Tabb and Becky Wade. (02/09/2018) ⚡AMP
USA Teams

Tokyo Marathon Medals will be PURE Gold, Silver and Bronze for top Three

The Tokyo Marathon medals (for the top three men and women) provided by Tanaka Holdings are made from pure gold, silver, and bronze, which are extremely rare even among medals presented at sports competitions. The medals for the 12th annual Tokyo Marathon Feb 25. 2018 overlapping design represent the runners who compete in the Marathon as well as the volunteers who support the event and the spectators who encourage the runners. The gold medal is 24k and is 200 grams. Current value of the gold alone is worth $8,476US. (02/09/2018) ⚡AMP
Fast Marathons

3 Moms Bond by Running for Their Kids With Cancer

In August and September of 2017, three mothers from Kansas each received the news that no parent thinks will come their way: a child diagnosed with cancer. While moms Portia Wright, Sandi Curry, and Michelle Masters didn’t know one another at the time, they soon learned that coping with the tears, pain, and fear of such troubling news was made easier when they were together. All within a month of one another—two of their diagnoses were called on the same day—the families’ worlds changed. The connection started because each family had the same oncologist and nurse. Read the full story on Runner’s World. (02/09/2018) ⚡AMP

Korir and Lagat lead USA team for IAAF World Half Championships

National cross-country champion Leonard Korir and 2-time world champion Bernard Lagat will lead the US team at the IAAF Trinidad Alfonso World Half Marathon Championships Valencia. At the end of last year Korir became the second-fastest US man ever for the half marathon when clocking 59:52 in Delhi. Lagat, who has won numerous global medals on the track both indoors and outdoors, recorded a PB of 1:02:00 at the recent Houston Half Marathon to secure his place on the team for Valencia. USA Men's Team: Samuel Chalanga, Diego Estrada, Leonard Korir, Bernard Lagat, Jared Ward. (02/09/2018) ⚡AMP
USA Teams