Running News Daily

'It kills me inside'- British runner on how competing at the dirtiest race in Olympic history forced her to retire

The 2006 Commonwealth Games 1500m champion explained how competing in the dirtiest race in history forced her into early retirement.

Retired English middle-distance runner Lisa Dobriskey has detailed how having to compete against runners who cheat fueled her desire to retire before she was ready.

The former Commonwealth Games champion recounted the 1500m final race at the London 2012 Olympic Games where almost every runner was banned for doping. The winner of the race, Asli Cakir Alptekin was banned in 2017, for a third-time offence, this time for life.

The second-place finisher, Gamze Bulut was also banned for four years in 2016, meaning the athlete who finished third at the time, Maryam Yusuf Jamal, was elevated to first place. Tatyana Tomashova who finished fourth was banned for two years in 2008.

Abeba Aregawi who finished fifth was suspended in 2016 but that was lifted. Shannon Rowbury was elevated to third place in the race. Natallia Kareiva was also banned for two years in 2014 while Lucia Klocova was since elevated to fourth. Ekaterina Kostetskaya was also banned for two years in 2014 with Lisa Dobriskey now elevated to fifth-place. Laura Weightman, Hellen Obiri and Morgan Uceny were also in that race.

Lisa Dobriskey revealed that athletes constantly cheating impacted her career and she opted to leave other than having to constantly fight for justice and nothing right seemed to be happening.

“Trying to get back I thought, ‘What’s the point?’ I lost my heart and it played a big part of my decision to walk away. I have never, ever got over it. There’s not a day that goes by when I don’t think about it. It kills me inside,” Dobriskey said as per The Times.

“I’m not someone who makes that sort of comment lightly. I knew my sport so well and I knew what I was saying was grounded and true. It was a case of, ‘I’m telling you these people are cheating,’ but my voice just got crushed and I was made to look foolish and bitter. From the outside I can understand I looked spoilt, but it took courage to speak out, and that got trampled on.”

The doping menace hurt her so bad that she admitted she could not watch the Paris Olympic Games. Dobriskey disclosed that she never wanted to stop running but her body had had enough and was not going to condone that.

Even after a series of attempts, she could not get herself to get back on track since it was mentally draining. She has lost a lot of faith in what the future holds when it comes to track and field as she believes the game is rigged.

“I just can’t. It hurts so much. I didn’t want to stop running but my body gave up. I tried to get back to watching but it’s just too painful and makes me spiral and get in a mess mentally. Now 2012 feels almost comical. I was fifth but never finished fifth,” she said.

“I just don’t know. It’s hard to trust a system that let you down so many times. I’m detached from it now. I’ve moved on.”

Pro tips for your first ultra

"It’s a long way. Get comfy being uncomfy. And smile," says Australian ultra-trail pro Lucy Bartholomew.

When pro ultra-trail runner Lucy Bartholomew opened her social media to questions recently, she was met with a flood of queries from runners preparing for their first 100K or 100-mile adventure. Her advice wasn’t just practical—it was a masterclass in mindset, offering wisdom that will resonate with anyone tackling a challenging race, no matter the distance. Here’s how Bartholomew’s approach could help you crush your goals while enjoying the journey.

Curiosity and gratitude

Bartholomew believes perspective is key to a good day on trails. “What a privilege/What a way to spend a day (and night!)/What a thing for your body to allow you to do,” she shares. Shifting your mindset from obligation to opportunity can reframe even the toughest sections of a race.

She also has powerful advice on staying present: “Take it one step at a time. The impermanence of each moment when running is my fav part. Stay curious. Stay open-minded.” Ultras are long, unpredictable and transformative. Embracing the unknown with curiosity can turn challenges into adventures.

Gratitude is another key to a strong performance and a fulfilling experience. “Give energy to others and you get energy back. Say thank you to the vollies [volunteers], your crew, your legs,” Bartholomew says. From aid station volunteers to cheering spectators, acknowledging the support around you creates a positive feedback loop.

Effort, attitude and adaptability

When it comes to race-day strategy, Bartholomew keeps it simple: “Nibble nibble sip sip. Keep that energy flow in.” Consistent fuelling and hydration are non-negotiable during ultras. Pair this with frequent mental and physical check-ins. “Do little checks of toes to your nose if there is anything you need to adjust, especially approaching checkpoints,” she advises. A small fix early can prevent a big issue later.

Mindset plays a monumental role, too. “You’ve got two things you can control; your effort and your attitude. They can be your biggest superpower and your worst enemy. Pick.” Choosing to manage these factors wisely can help you stay in control, even when everything else feels uncertain.

Celebrate the journey

Ultras are about more than just finishing—they’re about embracing the discomfort and finding joy along the way. “It’s a long way. Get comfy being uncomfy. And smile,” Bartholomew suggests.

And when the race is over? Don’t rush to the next goal—take time to acknowledge what you’ve achieved. “Oh and when you’re done, don’t let it slide by; wrap yourself in it. You don’t need a next—you have a now. You dared to do something that is scary, takes guts, shows belief, exemplifies courage and highlights character. Steep in that achievement, regardless of result,” Bartholomew says. “What a sport!”

Kenyans Samuel and Dorine win the firenze marathon

There were 12 thousand marathon runners who ran the Florence Marathon. Won by the Kenyan Samuel Kiplimo Naibei with a time of 2h12'51". And the first woman was also Kenyan: Dorine Jerop Murmomen in 2h27'01". Second among the men was Burundian Jean Marie Bukuru, who climbed from sixth position, to the finish line in 2h16'22" shoulder to shoulder and with the same time as the Kenyan Hyllry Biwott Chemweno.

First Italian, and fifth overall, Hicham Boufars in 2h18'24". Second among the women Lucy Chepoghon Chelele in 2h27'18", followed by Hellen Chepkorir in 2h27'59". First Italian, and fifth overall, Maria Gorette Subano, who improves on last year's sixth place, when she was making her debut on the marathon distance, finishing in 2h39'59".

The start at 8.30 am: with the president of the Tuscany Region, Eugenio Giani, while it was the first time for Sara Funaro, as mayor, to officially start the marathon.

"Thanks to those who have made this event possible, it is a great honor for Tuscany to host the second largest Italian marathon in terms of number - said Giani -. It is with great commitment and satisfaction that we work so that this race takes place in the city center, testifying that the marriage between sport and culture is possible".

For Funaro it was "a great emotion the start of the 40th Firenze Marathon. It is truly an incredible edition, together with the 10km there are over 11 thousand registered and participants from over 90 nations, a river of wonderful people in our city. A big thank you goes to the organizers and the many volunteers who are the soul of the Florence Marathon".

In the parterre of the start and finish area also the councilor for sport Letizia Perini and the president of the City Council Cosimo Guccione. Five minutes from the official start, departure for the MaratonAbili while at the same time the start of the first edition of the 10K FirenzeMarathon took place from via Tornabuoni. During the morning, the commander of the municipal police Paola Pieri was awarded with a plaque who, after having collaborated for the success of many editions of the FlorenceMarathon, retires for retirement.

Four athletes who participated in the first edition, in 1984, were also awarded with a plaque. Plaque also for Andrea Galbiati, marathon runner and president of MonzaMarathonTeam, friend of the Firenze Marathon, at his 15th continuous participation.

"Whether it is thanks to this special birthday or to the hearts of 11 thousand marathon runners who made this city vibrate, the emotions of this edition and the satisfaction of us organizers are on edge, we are very happy to have welcomed thousands of athletes to the finish line - the final thought of Giancarlo Romiti, on behalf of the organizing committee -. The first was also good for the 10K Firenze Marathon with over a thousand athletes who enjoyed our extraordinary historic center. For us organizers, the Florence Marathon began a year earlier, when, in the wake of the enthusiasm of the edition that has ended, we gathered the closeness of partners and institutions to embark on the new path. See you next year".

Katie Florio, William Loevner win 2024 Philadelphia Marathon elite races

William Loevner, 27, of Pittsburgh, won the Philadelphia Marathon men's race in 2:16:12 on Sunday. 

Mulgeta Birhanu Feyissa, of Washington, Alabama, was second in the 26.2-mile race in 2:16:38, and Rahal Bouchfar was third in 2:16:55, according to unofficial results. 

In the women's race, Katie Florio, 31, of Philadelphia, won in 2:32:42. Aberu Mekuria Zennebe, of Washington, D.C., was second in 2:33:26, and Elizabeth Chikotas was third in 2:35:28. 

Florio runs for Liberty Track Club, a Philadelphia-based elite running team sponsored by Oiselle, an apparel brand. 

"It feels amazing, I'm honestly still in shock," Loevner said after the race. "I can't believe it, but I'm just proud of all the hard work I put in, and I ran to the best of my ability, and that was the win today, so I couldn't be happier." 

The top Philadelphian on the men's side was David Troy, who finished in 2:22:58. 

Turn up the pre-run tunes to banish mental fatigue, science says

We all know that music can give us that extra boost to pick up the pace, but here’s the surprising part: music doesn’t just motivate us—it actually tricks our brains. New research from the University of Edinburgh suggests that cranking up your favourite playlist might be the secret to powering through a mentally tough run. The study, published in the Journal of Human Sport and Exercise, found that listening to self-selected, high-energy music can help combat mental fatigue, letting runners keep their performance levels up even when their minds feel wiped out. Here’s what you need to know to harness the hidden power of your favourite playlist.

Some research suggests that music can help runners improve their cadence, leading to a more efficient pace and fewer injuries. But music might just be the key to unlocking next-level endurance by easing mental fatigue and making even tough runs feel manageable.

Testing the power of motivational music

Researchers recruited 18 fitness fans and split them into two groups. Each group faced a mentally challenging, 30-minute cognitive test designed to leave them feeling mentally fatigued. One group took on an interval running workout afterward, while the other tackled a 5K time trial. Each runner completed their workout twice: once with music and once without. But the playlists weren’t just random—participants handpicked tracks they found especially motivating, rating them on factors like beat, melody and tempo. Songs included motivational tunes like “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor and “Run This Town” by Jay-Z.

The results? When runners were able to listen to their self-selected playlists after the mentally taxing task, they performed just as well as they did when they weren’t fatigued. Interval runners with music performed better than those running in silence, and those running the 5K saw a small, but notable, improvement in their times.

How music might help

According to the researchers, these improvements might come from music’s ability to alter perception. By drowning out the discomfort and making the exercise feel less taxing, tunes can help mentally fatigued runners push through at higher intensities. As Dr. Shaun Phillips, lead author of the study, puts it: “The findings indicate that listening to self-selected motivational music may be a useful strategy to help active people improve their endurance running capacity and performance when mentally fatigued.”

Researchers say future studies could explore how music impacts performance in different settings—whether it’s race-day intensity or a casual run through the neighbourhood—and how it affects a wider range of runners.

For now, let your playlist do the work. The next time your brain feels zapped after a long day of meetings, hit play on those favourite tracks. They might not only lift your pace, but also push aside lingering mental stress and make those miles fly by.

Runners need to be smarter about being visible in the dark

In many parts of North America, it’s now dark by 5 p.m., making it difficult or impossible to squeeze in your run in daylight. Runners who don’t drive might not realize how challenging it is for drivers to spot pedestrians in the dark–especially those wearing dark clothing. The person operating the dangerous, fast-moving vehicle must always yield to pedestrians, but is your safety worth gambling that they will see you in time to avoid hitting you?

Many runners do wear reflective gear or a light source, such as a headlamp or arm light. Still, according to Statistics Canada, in 21 per cent of pedestrian fatalities occurring at night between 2018 and 2020, the victim was wearing dark clothing.

Many runners will argue that they are not the one operating the dangerous machine, driving too fast or not paying attention, but runners should always take care to make themselves visible. Dark clothing absorbs light, making runners and walkers difficult, if not impossible, to see in darkness. Just because you have the right of way, doesn’t mean vehicles can see you. Wearing reflective gear is an easy way to meet drivers in the middle and increase your chances of staying safe. (Wearing a light that visible from angles is best, as it can be seen from any direction; reflective gear is also good, but is only effective when illuminated by a light source.)

Safety is a team effort

As both a runner and a driver, I can see the issue from both sides. My instincts make me extra cautious when approaching intersections and crosswalks, whether I’m on foot or driving.

I’ve also been in the position where I’m driving in the dark (with my lights on and at the speed limit), and only see a pedestrian in dark clothing emerge when I’m already very close. Even driving carefully with full visibility and plenty of time to stop, it still gives me a scare.

Mandates for workers endangered by vehicles

The Occupational Health and Safety regulations in all provinces and territories in Canada have mandates in place for workers exposed to the danger of moving vehicles or heavy equipment. Workers must wear high-visibility apparel (typically fluorescent orange or yellow vests) during both daytime and nighttime hours, with the addition of retro-reflective strips at night or in conditions with poor visibility. The laws are in place to make workers easier to see, thus helping prevent vehicular accidents. When runners are exposed to the danger of moving vehicles, it’s not any different. (Maybe runners should be mandated to wear high-visibility clothing as well?)

No, pedestrians are not at fault if they are hit by a car when running alongside or crossing the street. But they should be diligent with taking steps to enforce their own safety where possible–because why not? Wearing some sort of high-visibility gear at night to help drivers see them will do nothing except increase their safety.

Strava users overwhelmed by notifications bug

If you’re one of the millions of Strava users who thought their app glitched after an avalanche of push notifications from people you forgot you followed, rest assured: your app is not broken. On Tuesday, Strava had a “Friends Activities,” a notification bug that alerted users every time someone they followed completed an activity.

From runs and rides to swims and walks, Strava is eager to notify you every time your connections move. Cue the flurry of notifications like: “Your friend just finished a ride!”, “Your friend just completed a run!”, or “Your friend crossed the street!” And don’t forget to give Kudos!According to Strava, all users experienced a bug this morning, (which has now been resolved). While the bug was praised with good intentions, users reacted negatively to it, finding the sheer volume of notifications overwhelming.

While it’s great to celebrate your friends’ accomplishments, not everyone appreciates their phone lighting up with 20+ alerts (especially those who follow triathletes, who log multiple activities a day). It didn’t take long for Strava users to take to X (formerly Twitter), with many questioning whether the app was broken or why they were suddenly bombarded with updates. Strava Support responded, advising users to adjust their notifications settings to regain control.How to turn off “friend” notifications

Open the Strava app. 

Navigate to Settings. 

Go to Push Notifications. 

Under Friends, toggle off Friends Activities. 

You’ll thank us later.

The Evolution of Marathon Running: A Kenyan Perspective

I can still vividly remember when 2:08:32 in the marathon seemed like an unbreakable barrier. Derek Clayton of Australia set this world record back in 1969 at the Antwerp Marathon—a time so remarkable that it stood for nearly 12 years. Now, hundreds of runners have far surpassed that mark. Today, running a sub-2:05 marathon has become almost routine, particularly for athletes from Africa.

On the women’s side, the achievements are just as groundbreaking. Ruth Chepngetich of Kenya recently made history at the 2024 Chicago Marathon by breaking the 2:10 barrier, finishing in a stunning 2:09:56. While this remarkable time is still awaiting ratification, it is set to redefine the boundaries of women’s marathon running. This performance follows the previous world record of 2:11:53, set by Tigst Assefa of Ethiopia at the 2023 Berlin Marathon. These times show just how far women’s marathon performances have progressed in recent years.

While advancements like “magic” shoes have undoubtedly played a role in these extraordinary performances, it’s important to note that better pacing by other professional runners, now a standard practice, has also made a significant difference. These pacesetters help keep athletes on target through much of the race, ensuring consistency and reducing mental strain. However, the story of record-breaking runs runs much deeper than technology and pacing strategies.

In Kenya alone, there are at least 80,000 distance runners who dream of nothing else but becoming professional athletes. For them, running isn’t just a passion—it’s a path to success and stability.

At the Kenyan Athletics Training Academy (KATA), the training camp I established in Thika, Kenya, we house, feed, and train aspiring athletes. I Each week, I receive messages from 10 or more runners hoping to join our program. For these athletes, running is not a hobby or a pastime. It’s a career aspiration, with the ultimate goal of winning races and securing prize money. They love running, but make no mistake—their drive is fueled by the potential to achieve financial security and support their families.

Contrast this with the United States, where very few runners train with the sole focus of becoming professional athletes. Instead, many children grow up dreaming of careers in sports like baseball, basketball, football, or, more recently, soccer. The talent pool for these sports is massive, and from this base, the superstars emerge.

That said, American marathoners have delivered incredible performances. Ryan Hall’s 2:04:58 at the 2011 Boston Marathon remains a monumental achievement, showcasing what U.S. athletes are capable of on a favorable course. On the women’s side, runners like Keira D’Amato (2:19:12) and Emily Sisson (2:18:29, an American record) are setting new benchmarks, proving that the U.S. can compete at the highest levels.

In the U.S., running is often a lifestyle choice rather than a career ambition. Recreational and “fun” runners dominate the scene, which has its benefits—contributing to a higher average life expectancy (76 years in the U.S. compared to 63 in Kenya). In Kenya, it’s rare to see runners over 40 years old out training. The focus there is on younger athletes whose primary goal is to make a living through running.

For many in Kenya, running is the equivalent of pursuing a high-paying job in other fields. This mentality dates back to pioneers like Kip Keino, who opened the door for countless Kenyan athletes to achieve global success. His legacy inspired generations, and today, Kenyan runners—both men and women—continue to push the limits of human potential.

As marathon times keep dropping and prize money continues to grow, I believe we’ll see even faster performances from both men and women—especially in Africa, where running is deeply ingrained as a pathway to opportunity.

This Sunday's San Sebastian marathon is canceled due to the alert for strong winds

The organization of the Zurich San Sebastian Marathon scheduled for this Sunday has announced that the race is suspended in all distances (10 kilometers, 21 kilometers and 42) "due to the extreme weather alerts issued by the competent authorities".

"The forecasts announce gusts of wind from the south-southeast that can exceed 120km/h in exposed areas of the Cantabrian slope, especially in the east, which poses a serious risk to the safety of participants, volunteers, spectators and all the personnel involved in the organization," says the organization of the sports event in a statement.

"Our main commitment is to guarantee the integrity and well-being of all the people involved in this event, and unfortunately, in these circumstances, we cannot ensure a safe environment for its development," he says.

The decision has been taken "following a ban by emergency services, meteorology and local authorities, and responds to the need to prioritise safety above any other consideration", it adds.

The Vasco Government has activated the orange alert for tomorrow due to strong winds in Gipuzkoa.

The race had exhausted the 3,000 bibs made available to the athletes to compete in this event, the second oldest marathon held in Spain.

In the coming days, the organization announces that it will contact all registrants to provide detailed information on the steps they need to take.

U.S. Olympian Jenny Simpson completes 7 marathons in 7 days

Two weeks after finishing 18th at the New York City Marathon in 2:31:54, U.S. Olympian Jenny Simpson tackled one of the most gruelling challenges: the Great World Race, which involves running seven marathons on seven continents in seven days.

The decorated middle-distance runner was a late addition to the event that offered a fitting end to her storied career. Over her career on the track, Simpson won four medals at major championships, including an Olympic bronze in the 1,500m at Rio 2016 and a gold medal at the 2011 World Championships in Daegu, South Korea.

The Great World Race kicked off on Nov. 14 at Wolf’s Fang, Antarctica and concluded on Nov. 20 in Miami. Simpson completed the challenge with the following times:

Antarctica: 3:31

South Africa: 3:15

Australia: 3:12

Turkey: 3:11

Istanbul (overlap leg): 3:15

Colombia: 3:16

Miami: 5:15

Simpson finished fourth in the women’s competition. The week-long-race was won by Ashley Paulson, a two-time Badwater 135 champion, while the men’s race went to David Kilgore after Ireland’s William Maunsell withdrew on the fifth day–four days after he set a continental marathon record on Antarctica. 

Reflecting on her last-minute decision to join, Simpson said the invitation was an irresistible opportunity to challenge herself one last time. Initially, it was announced the New York City Marathon would be her final race, but the chance to “run around the world” was too much to pass up for Simpson.

“I have never in my life been so happy to see a finish line,” Simpson wrote on Instagram. “Seven marathons in seven days, plus around the world in one week! My body is surprisingly resilient and I’m so glad I did it.”

Participation in the jet-setting event doesn’t come cheap—the USD $52,000 entry fee covers charter flights, in-flight meals and emergency evacuation coverage for the Antarctica leg. Despite the cost and the gruelling schedule, the event is a bucket-list challenge for many hardcore marathoners.

Could a midday nap help you ace your next race?

Recent research says catching some extra Zzzs may help you nail some PBs.

We all know rest and recovery are crucial components of training, but could a midday nap help you gain an edge on the competition? Research suggests strategic naps can enhance athletic performance, sharpen cognitive skills and even improve respiratory function. But not all naps are created equal—timing, length and your post-nap strategy all matter. Here’s how runners can harness the power of napping to gain an edge.

The science of napping and performance

A growing body of research highlights how napping can enhance athletic performance, even within the same day. One recent study demonstrated that professional athletes who took a short daytime nap of approximately 35 minutes experienced significantly improved afternoon peak power production, reported less fatigue and had less general muscle soreness. Athletes also experienced lower perceived exertion during their afternoon training sessions compared to days they skipped the nap.

Naps help lower cortisol (the stress hormone) and increase the production of growth hormones that support muscle repair. While a full night’s rest is the gold standard, for runners who struggle with nighttime sleep due to training schedules, travel or pre-race nerves, a nap may help close the gap

Napping and respiratory health

New research highlights how naps can even impact respiratory function—a key factor for endurance athletes. You’ve probably heard of VO2 max—a measurement of the maximum amount of oxygen your body can use doing exercise—something that is increasingly considered to be a critical component of not only race-day performance, but also general health and longevity.

In a study of elite young athletes, a 45-minute nap significantly improved Peak Expiratory Flow rate (PEF), a measure of maximum airflow during exhalation. This finding suggests strategic napping could support better oxygen delivery during exercise and boost overall performance.

When and how long to nap

To maximize the benefits of napping without compromising your training, follow these tips:

Timing matters: Aim for naps between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to align with your body’s natural circadian rhythms and avoid disrupting nighttime sleep.

Duration counts: Short naps (20–30 minutes) are ideal for a quick recharge without grogginess. Longer naps (up to 90 minutes) can offer deeper recovery, but require a buffer period before activity to reduce post-nap grogginess.

Plan your wake-up: Allow at least 30 minutes post-nap to reduce sleep inertia before resuming exercise.

While naps might help you bank sleep before a big race or add bonus recovery time during hard training weeks, they’re ultimately no substitute for quality nighttime sleep. You should still aim for seven to nine hours of sleep per night as the foundation of your recovery routine—but sprinkling in a few power naps could be the extra spark that helps you cross the finish line faster.

Toronto runner takes Strava art to the next level

Toronto-based accountant Duncan McCabe has taken Strava art to new heights. Blending his passions for video editing and running, he has created a viral TikTok featuring a mesmerizing animation of a Strava-art stick man.

As of Friday morning, McCabe’s dancing Strava video has garnered more than eight million views on social media.

We spoke to McCabe, the artist, who said he was surprised at the video’s viral success. He says he was inspired by San Francisco Strava artist Lenny Maughan and Toronto’s Mike Scott, who famously biked a GPS route of a giant beaver across the city’s east end. In 2023, McCabe created a series of animal drawings leading up to the Toronto Waterfront Marathon.

The 32-year-old explained the extensive planning behind his latest project, set to Sofi Tukker’s hit song Purple Hat. “For six months, I had a line across the stick person’s head that was used for animation,” McCabe said. “The hat-tip adds creativity and is a nod to the song.”

McCabe says the biggest challenge was maintaining fluid transitions. “My stick man had to be the same size in the frames,” he explained. “I mapped it out for 10 months.”

McCabe found motivation for the project by consistently seeing his progress and dates on his Strava. “It was the motivating factor for me,” he said.

With viral fame comes scrutiny, and McCabe has faced skepticism on X and TikTok about the video’s diagonal lines. “It’s believable right up until the stick man runs smoothly diagonally through a row of houses again and again,” one user commented.

However, the diagonal lines make his video even more impressive, as McCabe had to start and stop his watch to ensure the lines met precisely at certain points on the map.

Massive kudos!

Are You Eating Enough? Here Are 5 Signs You Might Not Be.

“Running on empty” is a common idiom that can be used to describe a number of scenarios where someone is worn out or unmotivated. For runners that are underfueling, it can be quite literal. Whether you are knowingly or unknowingly underfueling, there are important factors to know about your caloric and nutritional needs. 

Despite the prevailing myth that weight loss boils down to a simple calories in, calories out formula, a variety of lifestyle factors and their ensuing hormonal responses affect the ways our bodies respond to exercise and food. In an effort to maximize weight loss, many people (particularly women) eat as little as possible. “High-performing female athletes are at a high risk of underfueling,” says Yasi Ansari, MS, RDN, CSSD, and national media spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. “This can take place without them even knowing.” There can also be such a focus on creating this calorie deficit that it can be easy to forget what calories actually do: fuel our bodies.

Your body responds to extreme caloric restriction by doing whatever it can to ensure your survival, mostly by conserving energy and putting calories toward its most basic functions. To do this, the body resorts to burning fewer calories. While in this survival mode your body produces more of the stress hormone cortisol, according to this 2010 study. And according to the Hormone Health Network, high levels of cortisol can cause changes to your sex drive and menstrual cycle and might even be linked to anxiety and depression. 

If you’re not eating enough food, it’s also likely that you have some sort of micronutrient deficiency. According to the Micronutrient Information Center of Oregon State University, vitamin D, calcium, potassium, dietary fiber, and iron are commonly underconsumed in the U.S. Like eating too few calories, symptoms of micronutrient deficiency include fatigue, reduced immunity, lack of concentration, memory troubles, and mood fluctuations. 

This impacts your training in several ways. When the body feels it must prioritize essential functions (like regulating breathing, body temperature, and blood pressure), it doesn’t feel that it’s safe to put resources toward things like rebuilding muscle tissue, which is the process that enables it to build strength. Training sessions

5 Signs You Aren’t Eating Enough

1. You’re Constantly Tired

Food is energy. As mentioned above, if you’re not eating enough calories, your body is going to use the ones it does have to support vital functions. This means there aren’t any left to do the things you love. If you’re dragging your feet at the gym every day or while out on a run, chances are you could benefit from more food.

2. You’ve Hit a Training Plateau

Have you been working out with greater intensity but aren’t seeing any results? Do you see, as Ansari describes, “decreased performance in the weight room, out on the track or trails,” or feeling like you’re bonking or hitting the wall? Your body could be in starvation mode, fighting to preserve as many calories as it can.

If you’ve hit a ceiling in your weight training and haven’t seen an increase in months, it’s likely that you need to eat more, both to fuel your training and to repair your muscles.

3. You Aren’t Regular

Only about five percent of Americans consume enough fiber each day, according to national consumption surveys. If you are under-eating, the chances of your body getting

4. Your Brain Feels Foggy

Ansari, who works mostly with runners in high school and college, mentions that poor concentration in school is a symptom of underfueling. You may also feel that at work or even have trouble staying mentally alert during a workout. Your brain relies on proper nutrition to function, as well as the rest of your body. 

5. You Can’t Sleep, Even Though You’re Tired

Appropriate food intake allows for improved blood sugar control. The combination of consuming too few calories and over-exercising leaves your liver depleted of the glycogen stores it needs to keep your blood sugar stable, forcing your body to release stress hormones that eventually lead to the production of new glucose. When stress hormones are high, we have trouble falling–and staying–asleep.

“Someone who is limiting carbs and/or overall calories may experience some sleep challenges,” says Ansari. “Carbohydrates help to make tryptophan, an amino acid that increases sleepiness, more available to the brain.” 

Adding Fuel to Your Tank

Unfortunately, it’s impossible to give a one-size-fits-all on how many calories your body needs, particularly since your energy expenditure varies every day. The USDA Dietary Guidelines estimate that adult women need anywhere from 1,600 to 2,400 calories a day. However, this baseline estimate doesn’t include the additional calories needed for intense exercise, as their definition of an active lifestyle for their purpose is “physical activity equivalent to walking more than 3 miles per day…in addition to the activities of independent living.” 

While there are many bodyweight calculators available that can tell you what your ideal weight (and thus ideal calorie intake) should be for your age, gender, and height, both fail to consider things like frame size and muscle mass. Ansari recommends connecting with a registered dietitian to really figure out how to meet your needs. 

There are other simple steps you can take to start benefiting your nutrition, like adding more whole foods, especially fruits and vegetables, to your diet. This is especially important if you suspect you have a nutrient deficiency. An RD can help you determine if you need additional interventions like supplements or vitamins. 

You can use

How to Run a Turkey Trot: Your Panic Training Guide

Whether you forgot to train or signed up at the last minute, we’ve got you covered with quick, effective training tips to get you ready for your Thanksgiving race

If a friend or family member just sent you a link to a turkey trot and you thought, Sure, why not? and signed up with less than a week to the big day, congrats! You’ve found a page with the perfect blend of last-minute race training desperation and can-do attitude.

The good news? Sheer willpower can propel you through a few miles of fun. The bad news? At this point, you can’t really train, per se. Let me bring in Erica Coviello, RRCA-certified running coach to explain. “Physiologically speaking, your body needs about 10 days to adapt to any kind of stress so you’d need more than that to influence performance,” she says.

You can, however, prepare. And we’re here to help.

Don’t Panic

First things first: don’t freak out. You can do this. “Turkey trots are distances that the average person should be able to complete, whether running, walking or a combination of the two,” Coviello says.

Most of these races will be between 3 and 6 miles, with a lengthy course cutoff time, meaning it’s totally doable. To be clear, we wouldn’t advise running a marathon or even a half marathon with no training. The risk of injury is too high. But a local turkey trot? As long as you walk or run within your fitness level, it’s safe and super fun to do.

Move a Little (Not a Lot)

If your last running mile was in high school P.E., get out and stretch those legs in the days leading up to the race. “Running a bit during that week before can build your confidence and help ‘train’ your mind, so why not give it a go?” Coviello says. “Done correctly, it can lead to less pain on race day. Correctly as in short, easy runs, maybe with some walking just to get time on your feet and muscle activation if you’re going from zero to 60.”

Try 20 to 30-minute run/walks. You’ll be able to find what cadence works for you at your current fitness level by trial and error. Try a 30-second run followed by a two-minute walk. Repeat the

The key is to not overdo it. Now is not the time to start running 5 miles at a time. Also inadvisable: sprints, timed miles, climbing the stairs to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Keep your runs joyful and easy, not intense. If you’re unsure what “easy” means, you can judge it by your heart rate, staying below 60 to 70 percent of your max, or by the talk test. (I.e. can you hold a conversation while running with ease?)

“Running too much, too fast, too soon, almost always results in injury or burnout and can lead to a rough race day or poor recovery,” Coviello says.

Last-Minute Turkey Trot Training Pans

Before we go through the “training plans” let me hit you with some tough love. Where have you been for the last three months, dude? If you came here 12 weeks ago to get a real training plan, we’d have you on your way to gravy-covered Thanksgiving race glory. OK, end rant. Just promise me you’ll train for real next year.

Training Plan Length: One Week Level: Mild Panic

Let’s focus on making it to the finish line with all your muscles (and dignity) intact.

Training Plan Length: Three Days Level: Acute Anxiety

You just looked at the calendar and realized you’re racing in three days. Big yikes. You’ve got time for a vibes-based taper.

Training Plan Length: One Day Level: Advanced Chaos

If you just noticed that Thanksgiving is tomorrow and you’re racing in 12 hours, it’s…fine. Maybe it’s a day to drink more water and less Diet Coke. Move your body a little. Find (or buy) some running shoes.

Make Better Choices

During the holidays, it’s so easy to forget the simple steps that help you feel less like a garbage pile. You don’t need a massive diet overhaul to run a turkey trot, but choosing nourishing foods will help you feel better while you’re out there.

Why You’re Hungrier When It’s Cold

It's perfectly OK to lean into your hunger cues

I run year-round, but winter is by far my favorite time to go jogging. When it’s cold and crisp out, I can go much longer and harder, often doubling the length of my summertime routes. Afterward, I want nothing more than to eat like a bear preparing to hibernate for the winter.

I always figured my increased appetite was merely due to the fact that I exercise more in the cooler months. While that’s undoubtedly a factor, research published by Nature in 2023 suggests that the state of being chilly can make your stomach growl, too. When you’re cold, your body has to work harder to keep itself warm, and that burns more calories and can make you feel hungrier,” says Dana Ellis Hunnes, a senior clinical dietitian at the University of California, Los Angeles Medical Center (UCLA) and assistant professor at UCLA’s Fielding School of Public Health.Your nutrition needs fluctuate with the seasons, and paying attention to those changes is crucial to getting the most out of your wintertime activities. Here’s why.

Why You Feel Hungrier When It’s Cold Out

Your internal organs function best when your core temperature hovers around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit; anything below that automatically triggers your body to warm itself. And if you’re revving too hot, your body will naturally try to dissipate heat. This process, called thermoregulation, keeps your heart, brain, and lungs performing optimally.

“It’s a well-established phenomenon that your body needs more energy to maintain its core temperature when it’s cold out,” says Li Ye, a professor in the Department of Neuroscience at the Scripps Research Institute and lead researcher of the Nature study.

One way your body maintains its warmth is by shivering, Ye says. Trembling—which occurs when your muscles involuntarily contract and relax super quickly—requires energy that, in turn, ups your body temperature to a toastier level. 

In my conversation with Hunnes, I learned a second reason we humans tend to scarf down everything in sight after spending time in bone-chilling weather. It takes a lot of work for your body to digestOther but slightly less impactful factors can further exacerbate your cold-weather hunger. For example, people who struggle with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that can be triggered by the reduction of daylight in the fall and winter months, tend to crave carb-dense foods.

Moreover, the added stress that goes hand in hand with the holiday season may also cause your adrenal glands to produce more cortisol, the stress hormone. This can give you an insatiable appetite, or what we know colloquially as “stress eating.” A boost in cortisol production might make you more inclined to seek out food.

An Increase in Appetite Can Affect Your Workouts

During cold-weather activities, you likely need to eat more to compensate for all the extra calories your body’s burning, Hunnes says. “You may need to eat more frequent, smaller meals or complex carbs to carry out the same level of activity,” she says.But what, exactly, makes complex carbs so useful? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, they contain more nutrients and fiber than refined or simple carbs. In other words, complex carbs, like sweet potatoes and legumes, fill you up and energize you for longer than, say, a fistful of Tootsie Rolls. So, if you don’t fuel yourself properly, your body will settle into a lethargic state to conserve whatever remaining energy you have, says Ye.

Ye’s study investigated the effects of cold temperatures on mice to understand what is happening in the body that makes animals hungrier when cold. Per his preliminary findings, specific neurons activated in cold conditions prompted the rodents to scavenge for food.

Furthermore, when the mice couldn’t find food, they became sluggish and chose to hunker down in the corner of their cage. “The default response is to perform less vigorously to conserve energy,” says Ye. I asked if those findings might apply to humans. He said they certainly might—though more research is needed to verify this.

According to Nyree Dardarian, an assistant clinical professor and director of the Center for Nutrition and Performance at Drexel University, our physical and cognitive performance suffersPack some snacks if you plan to go skiing for a few hours. Being in the cold for an extended period will inevitably deplete your energy stores and make you ravenous. Having a treat or two handy will be a lifesaver when hunger strikes.

Don’t Forget the Carbs Mid-Workout

Regarding snacking during an activity, carbohydrates are king. “Your brain is looking for an immediate source of generating heat, and carbs are effective at doing that,” Ye says. The reason, he says, is that carbs contain glucose, and your body tends to warm up when it breaks down glucose.

Dardarian recommends eating fruit, like a banana or grapes, fruit snacks such as Mott’s Assorted Fruit Flavored Snacks (no need to get organic ones, she says), energy gels, or a bag of pretzels about 1.5 hours into your activity.

It’s Totally Normal—and OK—to Lean into Your Natural Hunger Cues

When hunger pangs intensify, your body is trying to tell you something. Ye’s advice: don’t ignore those cues. “Your body knows what it wants—follow its calls,” he says.

Don’t feel guilty about eating more when it’s cold out. Remember, there’s a legitimate physiological reason you feel hungrier. Your body

Emmaculate Anyango: Kenya’s long-distance prodigy handed six-year doping ban

Emmaculate Anyango, who has been one of Kenya’s emerging athletes, has suffered a major blow after receiving a six-year ban over multiple doping violations.

Kenya’s long-distance sensation Emmaculate Anyango has been handed a six-year doping ban by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) over multiple anti-doping violations.

The AIU announced Anyango’s doping ban on Friday, having provisionally suspended her in October, for the presence and use of a prohibited substance (Testosterone and EPO).

However as per AIU’s latest statement, the athlete was found to have cheated on four occasions between February and June 2024, her first, second and third urine samples revealing the presence of banned substance Metabolites while her fourth urine and blood sample revealed the presence of EPO.

The athlete failed to prove that she used the substances deliberately, having defended herself by claiming that she did not know how they ended up in her body. In her defence, Anyanyo claimed that she visited several hospitals in Eldoret after falling ill and that she fainted on multiple occasions and did not know what was injected into her system.

She also presented documents that failed to prove that she knowingly doped, which left her facing the mandatory four-year doping ban, and an extra two for Aggravating Circumstances as a result of her use of multiple banned substances.

The athlete was given an opportunity to accept responsibility, which would have seen her ban reduced by one year, but she failed to do this during the stipulated period, leaving the AIU with no choice but to slap her with the lengthy ban.

It is a major blow to the career of the 24-year-old, who will be 30 and beyond her prime by the time her ban ends in September 2030, having started making waves in 2024.

The Sirikwa Classic Cross-country champion was awarded the Sports Personality of the Month award for February by the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) after coming close to breaking the world 10km world record in January.

She recorded the second fastest 10km time in history when she clocked 28:57 in Valencia, Spain, improving Ethiopian Yalemzerf Yehualaw’s world record (29.14) but unfortunately for her, compatriot Agnes Ngetich won the race in a better time of 28.46.

Her career now appears to be over following the lengthy ban with her results from February 3, 2024 also scrapped.

Two-time winner Mark Carroll returns to Manchester Road Race as honorary chair

Two-time Manchester Road Race winner Mark Carroll recalled his introduction to the annual Thanksgiving Day race on Thursday.

Carroll, an Irish Olympian who is the Boston Athletic Association’s director of performance, is this year’s honorary race director. He will be on the press truck at the 88th edition of the race Nov. 28 on Main Street in Manchester.

In 1995, Carroll had just graduated from Providence College and was competing at the Millrose Games the following year when he was approached by the late Irish native P.J. Tierney, who had been responsible for getting Irish runners like John Treacy and Eamonn Coghlan to run at Manchester.

“He said, ‘Treacy’s won. Coghlan’s won it,’” Carroll said. “They were legends in Ireland. I called my agent (John’s brother Ray) and I said, ‘Hey, I got to go to Manchester in November.’

“The way P.J. put it, it was of national importance.”

So Carroll went. He was in shape to win. But he was beaten in the last quarter mile by Khalid Khannouchi, who went on to run the world record in the marathon. The next year, Carroll finished second again to Aurelio Miti Handanga of Angelo. He kept coming back. Tierney was still on him to win it.

“I started to appreciate everything around the event,” he said. “The pasta dinner. The energy on race day is second to none and I’ve raced all over the world. The start of the Manchester Road Race is very. very special.”

He finally won in 1998 and again in 2000, finishing second for the third time in 1999.

“I can’t believe it’s 28 years since I first ran here,” he said Thursday. “I drove around the course this morning and it brought back vivid memories, some of the fondest memories of my career.

“When you look at the list of names who have won the race, it just speaks to the stature of the race. Professional runners want to come here and win; it’s seen as a feather in your cap to win here.”

Getting ready for potential Main Street changes

Road race organizers are planning to have temporary plastic fencing on the corner of Main and Charter Oaks streets where the course turns at the start of the race to simulate street width if a proposed roundabout is constructed there in the future.

The Downtown Manchester Improvements Project, in part, is intended to shrink the number of lanes on Main Street to make the road safer. The plan has been controversial for some Main Street businesses, who oppose it for a variety of reasons.

But the road race organizers, who have met with planners, say that the race will not be affected, except at the one corner, where the plans call for the road to be 40 feet wide. There are upwards of 10,000 runners at the annual race and concerns about a crush of runners bottlenecking at the turn.

“It’s a very contentious item,” road race president Tris Carta said of the project. “There’s a lot of people, as this goes forward, who will be impacted negatively, so some of the businesses have a real problem with this.

“We had to figure out a way to keep our race. At the meetings, they’ve been very good with us, meeting and showing us the plans.”

So they’re going to give the fencing a trial run to see if the smaller space works. If there is a problem on race day, the fencing can be removed by volunteers who will be holding it.

“We said, ‘If this is what’s going to be, let’s practice,’” Carta said.

That’s the only part of the race that will be impacted, Carta said. Even with a potentially narrower Main Street, the part of the road used by the race will not be affected.

Three-time women’s winner is back

Weini Kelati, who finished eighth in the Olympic 10,000 meters for the U.S. this summer, will return to the Manchester Road Race after winning the women’s race the past three years. Runner-up Annie Rodenfels of Newton, Mass. who finished second last year, is also back as is 2019 winner Edna Kiplagat. On the men’s side, there are three Olympians – Kenyan Edwin Kurgat (seventh in the 5,000 meters), 2021 winner Ben Flanagan, a Canadian Olympian in the 5,000 meters and British Olympian Pat Dever (5,000) – as well as Andrew Colley, who finished fourth in 2022 in the fourth fastest time in Manchester history (21:07).

Cape Town Marathon primed to become Africa’s first Abbott World Marathon Major

The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon has recently made significant strides in its journey to join the international Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM) series after the 2024 edition met the criteria set out by the AbbottWMM team.

Cape Town will now proceed to the second stage of the candidacy process in its attempt to join the series when it stages its next marathon on October 19, 2025. If it is successful, the race would join the Majors in 2026. This follows the recent addition of the TCS Sydney Marathon, which was announced as the seventh Abbott World Marathon Major event and will take place as a Major on August 31, 2025.

Current AbbottWMM events are: Tokyo Marathon, Boston Marathon, TCS London Marathon, BMW-Berlin Marathon, Bank of America Chicago Marathon, TCS New York City Marathon and most recently the TCS Sydney Marathon.

“Cape Town has continued its impressive progress since joining the candidacy process, and we are thrilled that it has now met all of our criteria for the first time,” said AbbottWMM CEO, Dawna Stone.

“We know how much the city, the country and the whole continent want the race to become Africa’s first Major, and they have taken a great step in the right direction.”

Behind the scenes, Infront’s partnership with the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, which got under way in 2021, has helped to support the event’s application.

Hans-Peter Zurbruegg, Senior Vice President Active Lifestyle at Infront, said “Meeting the AbbottWMM criteria in 2024 for the first time reflects a true milestone on the journey to making our vision of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon becoming part of the AbbottWMM Series as Africa’s first Major a reality.

“Sanlam Cape Town marathon will capture the imaginations of a global running community with its unique African spirit and the unlimited touristic offers that the area of Cape and South Africa as a country has to offer.

“This milestone is the result of the enormous efforts made by the local Cape Town marathon team, and the close partnership with all stakeholders involved that all share the same vision and want to shape the future of running, putting Cape Town as a city and Africa as a continent onto the world map of running.”

The next Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, Africa’s only World Athletics Gold Label marathon, will take place on Sunday, October 19, 2025. As one of the continent’s most prestigious marathons, it offers participants a scenic route through Cape Town’s landmarks, showcasing its scenery and cultural heritage.

In 2024, the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon achieved a milestone by successfully passing stage one of the rigorous Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM) evaluation process. It now sets its sights on passing stage 2 in 2025, as it strives to become Africa’s first Major.

The marathon weekend also features a range of events, including the 10km and 5km Peace Runs and the 44km Trail Marathon, 22km Trail, and 11km Trail on Saturday, October 18, 2025. These events cater to runners of all abilities, whether on the road or trail.

The official expo, where participants can collect their race packs and explore various running products, will be held at the DHL Stadium fon October 16-18 October 2025.

With the support of our title sponsor Sanlam, alongside partners such as adidas and the City of Cape Town, the event continues to attract top-tier athletes and running enthusiasts from around the world.

Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon receives honorary doctorate degree

The back-to-back-to-back Olympic 1,500m champion was given an honorary doctor degree in Education on Wednesday.

It has been a monumental year for Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon, who in August became the first female athlete in Olympic history to win three consecutive gold medals in a single track discipline. On Wednesday, her achievements were celebrated in her home country when she received an honorary doctorate degree in education from the University of Eldoret.

“I am greatly honoured to receive an honorary doctorate degree in education from the University of Eldoret,” Kipyegon shared on Instagram, signing off as “Dr. Faith Kipyegon.”

Honorary doctorates are typically awarded to individuals who have made exceptional contributions in their fields. Kipyegon’s recognition highlights her trailblazing career in women’s distance running, where she has inspired countless athletes by returning to elite competition and breaking records after giving birth to her daughter in 2018.

Kipyegon’s 2024 season

This year has been one of the most successful of Kipyegon’s career. At the Paris Diamond League in July, the 30-year-old broke her own world record in the 1,500m, running 3:49.04. The following month, she defended her Olympic 1,500m title at the Stade de France, setting a new Olympic record of 3:51.29.

Kipyegon also earned a silver medal in the 5,000m, an event she contested for the first time at the Olympics. Initially disqualified for an obstruction involving Ethiopian runner Gudaf Tsegay, Kipyegon was reinstated after a successful appeal. Her compatriot, Beatrice Chebet, won gold in the event.

Accolades and recognition

Kipyegon was among six nominees for the Women’s Track Athlete of the Year award by World Athletics, a title she won in 2023. Additionally, she was shortlisted for the Laureus World Sports Award for Sportswoman of the Year, an honour recognizing the year’s greatest female athlete. This year, the award was won by Spanish footballer Aitana Bonmatí.

Firenze Marathon 2024: Top runners

Florence - Writing one's name in the roll of honour of a noble event and doing it on the occasion of the 40th birthday, the challenge of the 40^ Estra Firenze Marathon is therefore even more electrifying and the task of making it so is entrusted to twelve men and eight women.

Top runners – Men

Five from Kenya and Italy, one from France and Burundi to beat the record to be beaten currently in the legs of the Kenyan James Kipkogei Kutto who in 2006 crossed the finish line in 2h08'40". The Kenyan Dikson Simba Naykundi (Caivano Runners) could succeed in his debut on the queen distance. Dikson Nyakundi brings with him the excellent record of 60'39" on the half marathon distance that earned him victory in Treviso in 2022 and has racked up several podiums in Italy, as stated in his curriculum in which we find, among others, the victories in Cremona in 2021 and at the last edition of the Neapolis Half Marathon.

In the race, however, there are those who already have experience on the queen distance and will try to have their say having already run below the record of the event. This is the Kenyan Edwin Kimutai Kiplagat who with 2h08'21", detached in Geneva in 2021, could captain the leading group.

Just over a minute away, the winner of the last edition of the Neapolis Marathon, the Kenyan Samuel Naibei Kiplimo who has already stopped the clock of the 2022 Run Rome The Marathon at 2h09'41", when he conquered the seventh position overall. Behind him is the first on the home list, the Moroccan with an Italian passport Hicham Boufars (Asd International Security) who participated in Florence in 2019 (third overall with 2h13'29"), in 2018 with a personal best (second overall with 2h12'16"), 2015 (2h13'36") and 2014 (2h17'12"), followed by the Kenyan Hyllry Chemweno who this year snatched the personal best of 2h13'28" by winning the Skopje marathon (Macedonia).

A little further behind is Lhoussaine Oukhrid (ASD AT Running) with a personal best of 2h16'25" followed by the Algerian with a French passport Menad Lamrani, last year at the personal best of 2h16'45" at the Rennes marathon (France).

At the start, with the task of acting as a hare, the Kenyan Simon Dudi Ekidor who brings the time of 2h18'58" from the 2019 Nairobi marathon.

Closing the ranks are three Italian regulars of this event, the Moroccan Khalid Jbari (Athl. Club 96 Alperia), capable of 2h21'32", his personal best, in 2022 and Andrea Soffientini (Dinamo Running), for him already three medals in the Firenze Marathon, in 2022 (2h26'36"), in 2021 (2h22'29") and in 2021 (2h26'36") and Kabir Hicham (Pol Moving SSD ARL) who in Florence conquered his best time with 2h22'44" last year, when he showed up sixth at the finish line, improving on the 12^ position of 2021 (2h27'24").

Burundian Jean Marie Bukuru makes his debut with the record of 63'03" in his legs at the 2023 Arezzo half marathon.

Top runners – Women

Five from Kenya, two national standard-bearers and one from Morocco for the glory of the 40^ Estra Firenze Marathon, although, barring surprises, it does not seem that the women's record of the route that belongs to the Olympic Lonah Chemtai Salpeter can waver, in 2018 she had lowered it by four minutes compared to the previous one bringing it to 2h 24'17".

On paper, the victory goes to the Kenyan Vivian Cherotich to whom the Italian roads bring luck, as told by the record with victory conquered at the last edition of the Romeo & Giulietta Half Marathon with a time of 1h09'18" which is on a par with the victory of the last marathon in Eindhoven (Netherlands) when she set her personal best of 2h26'41". Watch out for the Moroccan Souad Kabouchia who here in Florence, in 2021, has already taken fourth place running in 2h27'49", a handful of seconds from the personal best that gave her the victory of the last marathon in Enschede, which ended in 2h27'16".

Three minutes behind her it is possible to see the stride of her compatriot Dorine Cherop Murkomen who this year in Seville set her best time with 2h29'39".

The breath on the neck is of the Kenyan Teresiah Kwaboka Omosa (Caivano Runners) who has racked up several victories, including the half marathons of Udine (2021), Wachau (2022) and Nancy (2024) as well as that of the Salzburg marathon in 2018. For her, the record on the queen distance is from 2021 when in Fürstenfeld (Austria) she stopped the clock at 2h30'12".

A little more detached is the Kenyan Hellen Chepkorir who brings 2h34'16" scored in Kosice (Slovakia) in 2017. In the group of pursuers the Kenyan Lucy Chepoghon Chelele who boasts the time of 2h38'12" a few weeks ago in Nairobi, the blue of Kenyan origin Maria Gorette Subano (Cus Pro Patria Milano), last year able to snatch the bronze medal of the 39^ Firenze Marathon and recently improved at the Berlin marathon (Germany) where she finished her efforts in 2h38'45". For Italy also her teammate Sarah Giomi with the time of 2h40'22" set in Amsterdam in 2018.

Hall of Fame

The ranking by nations still sees the colors of Italy in the lead with 22 victories (11 among men and 11 among women), followed by Kenya with 16 successes (12/4), then Ethiopia which with 15 victories (7/8) extends its lead over Great Britain with 9 victories (3/6); then at 2 there are Bahrain (2/0) and Hungary (0/2). Austria (0/1), Belgium (0/1), Brazil (1/0), Israel (0/1), Yugoslavia (1/0), Morocco (1/0), Norway (0/1), Czech Republic (0/1), Russia (0/1), Rwanda (0/1), Slovenia (0/1) and Ukraine (1/0) all have one win each. There are 18 nations that can boast at least one victory in the roll of honour.

Victories of 9 different nations among men and 13 different nations among women. Men: Kenya 12, Italy 11, Ethiopia 7, Great Britain 3, Bahrain 2. Brazil, Yugoslavia, Morocco and Ukraine: 1. Women: Italy 11, Ethiopia 8, Great Britain 6, Kenya 4, Hungary 2. Austria, Belgium, Israel, Norway, Czech Republic, Russia, Rwanda and Slovenia: 1.

The 2023 edition of the Florence Marathon brought the tricolor back to the men's podium with Said El Otmani (CS Army), in the women's victory of Clementine Mukandanga who signed the national record for Rwanda while the last Italian who had the national anthem sung is Giovanna Volpato who in 2008 cut the ribbon in 2h34'13".

Seven Things To Do Before You Start Marathon Training

It’s essential to start preparing for a marathon 2-3 months before you begin your marathon-specific training. The more prep work you do before training starts, the less likely you are to get injured and the more likely you’ll be to reach your goals. Here are 7 things you need to do in the weeks before you start following your marathon training plan.

1.- Pick a training plan or hire a coach.

This is a no-brainer, but make sure you’re strategic in picking the right plan or coach. To ensure you get the plan you need, review your past training logs and make notes of what kind of weekly mileage you want to complete. Write out your goals for the race. Then start looking for the training plan that’s going to work best for you. If you only want to run four days a week, don’t choose a plan that asks you to run six days a week. Running isn’t your only goal in life, so find a training plan that works well with your lifestyle.

2.- Work on your weaknesses.

If you know you need to work on glute strength, commit to strength training three days per week now so that once marathon training starts, you’ll be strong enough to handle all the miles. If you know you need to work on your mental game, start working on it by reading books, listening to podcasts, etc. Even if you don’t have weak glutes or know of any muscle imbalances, you should still focus on doing strength training a minimum of two times per week.

3.- Be a little less structured with your workouts, but give each workout a purpose.

Marathon training can feel as though it goes on forever and ever. Now is the time to be a little less structured with your workouts. Give yourself the freedom to workout later in the day on the weekends. Don’t be afraid to miss a workout to see friends, or just cut yourself some slack when you need it. Make sure you’re doing the work you need to (base building and strength training), but don’t go crazy. Once marathon training officially starts, you’ll need to be on your ‘A game’ and giving yourself some time to breathe now will set you up for success.

4.- Build your running base.

Before you begin training, you’ll need to have completed 4-6 weeks of consistent running. The number of miles you’ll need to run per week to build your base depends on your goal for the marathon, your running history and what kind of mileage you’ll be doing during the first month of your training plan.

5.- Have fun with your workouts.

This is a time when you can try out all the fun fitness classes in your neighborhood without having to worry about how they will interfere with marathon training. Once marathon training starts, there won’t be much time for exploring new workouts.

6.- Improve your running form.

Now is the time to focus on stride rate, stride length, foot strike, arm swing, etc. Small changes made over time can make you a more efficient runner.

7.- If you had any nagging injuries you haven’t taken care of, see a doctor or physical therapist.

Don’t wait for a small twinge to become a real injury.

Afghan sprinter homeless in Germany after Paris Olympics

Less than four months ago, Afghanistan sprinter Sha Mahmood Noor Zahi proudly carried his country’s flag down the River Seine at the 2024 Paris Olympics. A week later, he became a household name in Afghanistan by setting a national record in the men’s 100m preliminary round, missing a qualifying spot in the heats by just one place. At that moment, Noor Zahi made the biggest decision of his life: choosing to leave his country with a one-way ticket to Germany in hopes of a better future.

In an interview with the German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung, Noor Zahi said he has been living in a shelter in the city of Schweinfurt for the past few months while awaiting his asylum application. Though he does not speak English or German, he can be found training four to (sometimes) five hours a day at Sachs Stadion, the home of the city’s soccer team.

The 33-year-old achieved his dream of running at the Olympic Games through a universality place selection for Tokyo 2020. (The program aims to ensure broader global representation at major championships by allowing athletes from countries with less-developed sports programs to participate). Noor Zahi has taken full advantage of the opportunity, lowering his 100m personal best from 11.04 seconds to 10.64 seconds in the span of three years. Although he does not have a coach, he continues to follow the training plan he received in Iran before the Paris Olympics.

Noor Zahi’s main goal is to qualify for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles (his third Olympics), when he would be 37. He has ambitions to become the first person from his country to run under 10 seconds and qualify for an Olympic final. “I’ve run and run to overcome many obstacles,” he said about his challenges. “So why stop now?”

An athlete he has always admired is Jamaica’s Usain Bolt, whom he recalls watching in videos on his mobile phone in his younger days in Afghanistan. Noor Zahi pointed to Bolt’s speed, confidence and the way he graced the track. For Noor Zahi to achieve his goal, he needs to stay in Germany, where he can continue to train and pursue a career in athletics.

The situation in his home country remains dire. The radical Islamist Taliban group regained power in 2021 after the withdrawal of international troops. Since then, the group has been publicly executing people in stadiums, and women are only allowed on the streets when accompanied by men.

Noor Zahi is aware that he is also fighting a battle against time in sprinting, where athletes over 30 rarely set personal bests. His idol, Bolt, set his world record at 23 and was 30 when he won his final Olympic medals in Rio 2016.

Mary Moraa 'back to the grind' ahead of tough 2025 season

Mary Moraa has resumed training as she plans to defend her world title amid the rise of strong 800m runners including Keely Hodgkinson and Athing Mu.

Mary Moraa has resumed training ahead of a tough 2025 season where she has a huge task of defending her world title at the World Championships in Tokyo, Japan.

The reigning world champion will battle for the title alongside very formidable 800m runners who have emerged this season. The Commonwealth Games champion lines up against Keely Hodgkinson, Tsige Duguma and Athing Mu alongside other 800m athletes.

Mary Moraa had a mixed season this year and she will be looking to work on the finer things so as to be ready next season. She was off to a great start to her season, winning the 400m at the African Games then anchored the 4x400m mixed relay team to a bronze medal.

The Kenyan 800m star then proceeded to claim the win at the Kip Keino Classic before reigning supreme at the Diamond League Meeting in Doha and finished second at the USATF Los Angeles Grand Prix and Prefontaine Classic.

Moraa then finished second at the Kenyan Olympic trials and then won the bronze medal at the Paris Olympics. She bounced back to take the win at the Diamond League Meeting in Lausanne and finished third in Silesia. She won the 600m in a world best time at the ISTAF 2024 and then claimed wins in Zurich and the Diamond League Meeting final in Brussels.

Mary Moraa rounded up her season with a second-place finish at the Athlos NYC. Going back into training, she hopes to polish a lot of things and bounce back stronger to maintain a winning streak in 2025.

“It's about time...back to the grind ?,” Mary Moraa shared in a post on her Facebook page, adding, “Nice morning cruise with Brandon and the gang after a deserved break.”

Her competitors are also not resting on their laurels with Keely Hodgkinson, the reigning Olympic champion, making it clear that she will be going for the world title since it’s one of the titles she has yet to win.

Her coaches, Jenny Meadows and Trevor Painter have also revealed that she will be attacking both the indoor and outdoor world records in the near future.

“There’s no silvers and bronzes, now we have to do gold all the way forward, we don’t want to take any backward step and I just hopefully think that Keely can dominate and we’ve got the indoor world record to go at and in the next couple of years we’ll go after the tough world record. I think she can do it,” Jenny Meadows said.

“If she’s got the leg speed to get closer to her rivals, then they can’t out strength her so it was magic. The indoor one is easier to get than the outdoor but we’ll have a crack of both and see what happens,” Trevor Painter added.

On her part, after a heartbreaking 2024 season marred with injuries and missing out on the Paris Olympic Games, Athing Mu has already started preparation for the 2025 season.

The former world champion noted that the World Championships are her major target for the season and she is working towards making it through the trials and then heading to Tokyo.

“Well, trackwise we have the World Championships in September next year and it’s in Tokyo…first of all I pray we make it through trials and then we make it to that race,” Athing Mu said.

“I feel like it’s going to be a circle moment for me because that’s basically where I started and then I had some highs and lows.”

Three reasons why treadmill running is fantastic

In every running group, there are always a few people who love to grumble endlessly about how much they hate treadmill running. But here’s the thing: running on a treadmill has its perks, and we’re here to give it the credit it deserves.

We get it—the “dreadmill” jokes practically write themselves. There’s also always a die-hard outdoor crew who take pride in braving icy sidewalks and freezing winds to avoid setting foot indoors. If you’re one of those runners who actually enjoys hopping on the treadmill now and then, don’t let the naysayers get to you. Whether you love the predictability, the convenience, or just the chance to run without layering up like you’re racing an Arctic marathon, your preference makes perfect sense. And guess what—you’re not alone.

1.- A treadmill is the perfect training partner

A treadmill offers precision that outdoor running can’t always match. If you’re looking to nail a steady pace or hit a specific incline during your hill-training sessions, the treadmill delivers. Its cushioned surface also feels kinder on your body than pounding pavement—for newer runners or those returning from an injury, this can be a huge help when it comes to staying consistent without overloading your body. The treadmill can be a fantastic, customizable tool that will help you smash your goals, with the complete control it allows over speed, incline and distance.

2.- Enjoy a unique mental challenge (and maybe a Netflix challenge, too)

Hey, you never need an excuse to rest and relax—but if you’re looking to justify that multi-hour Netflix binge, your treadmill long run has you covered. The miles will melt away as you dive into your favourite thrilling series or indulge in a few Hallmark Christmas specials (hey, we don’t judge). Want to channel your inner David Goggins and take on a next-level mental challenge? Skip the screen and stare at the wall in front of you for hours instead. It’s a bold choice, but who are we to question your grit?

3.- You can learn to love it

As someone who has bounced between the treadmill skeptics and fans, I can confirm that hitting that start button can absolutely grow on you. After enduring frostbitten fingers during brutal winter long runs and even breaking a leg on an icy sidewalk, I decided it was time to embrace the treadmill with an open mind. These days, whether I’m catching up on my favourite show, tackling a tough incline workout (a rarity in my pancake-flat prairie town) or squeezing in a run during odd hours when the streets feel less inviting, the treadmill has earned a permanent spot in my running routine.

Don’t get me wrong—I’ll always love the crunch of crisp fall leaves underfoot or the magic of a snowy trail. But there’s something equally liberating about knowing I can keep my training consistent, no matter what the weather or circumstances throw my way.

Noah Lyles younger brother Josephus inspires young athletes in Nigeria

The American sprinter has inspired young athletes in Nigeria by donating running kits to help nurture their talents and pursue their dreams in athletics.

Noah Lyles’ younger brother Josephus Lyles has impacted the lives of young kids in Nigeria by donating running kits as he seeks to build his own legacy.

Through his foundation, Josephus Lyles donated important running gear including canvases, spikes, and other training kits. He made the donations possible through Nigerian athletics coaches Kayode Yaya and coach Osuagwu Chima.

The young kids from the HIT Athletics Club in Benin, Edo State-Nigeria will now train without difficulties thanks to Josephus. Coach Kayode Yaya, who coaches Nigeria’s long jump sensation Ese Brume, was in awe of the kindness show by Noah Lyles’ younger brother.

He explained that the young athletes will certainly be filled with joy following the gesture from the American sprinter and it is proof to them that they have a bright future when it comes to athletics.

"This donation means so much to our young athletes. Josephus’ generosity provides not only equipment but inspiration and hope. He has shown them that their dreams are within reach and that their hard work is recognized, even from across the globe,” Coach Yaya said.

Meanwhile, the donation will be looking to aid the young, talented athletes, who lack access to quality training equipment. This will help them nurture their talent and help them grow in the sport. Coach Yaya explained that the resources will place them in a better position to train with confidence and pursue excellence.

This season, Josephus Lyles missed the Paris Olympic Games as he finished outside the podium bracket in both the 100m and 200m at the US Olympic trials.

In the men’s 100m, he was eliminated in the semifinal after finishing fifth as his brother, Noah Lyles claimed the win. In the semifinal of the 200m, he finished fourth and could not proceed to the final. He rounded up his season in July and has been training since then in preparation for the 2025 season.

Josephus Lyles will be looking to follow in the footsteps of his elder brother Noah Lyles and make it to the World Championships in Tokyo, Japan.

World half marathon champion Sabastian Sawe to lead Kenyan quartet against star-studded Ethiopian lineup at Valencia Marathon

The debuting quartet of Sebastian Sawe, Daniel Mateiko, Mathew Kimeli, and Hillary Kipkoech will attempt to challenge the Ethiopian dominance at the Valencia Marathon

The Kenyan athletics scene will once again be in the spotlight as four formidable runners Sebastian Sawe, Daniel Mateiko, Mathew Kimeli, and Hillary Kipkoech gear up to challenge Ethiopia's dominance at the Valencia Marathon on December 1.

Each member of this Kenyan quartet has established themselves as a powerhouse in road running and half marathons, promising an electrifying race against a star-studded Ethiopian lineup.

Leading the charge for the Kenyan team is Sebastian Sawe, the reigning World Road Running champion.

Sawe has completed all nine of his half marathons under the coveted 60-minute mark, boasting a personal best (PB) of 58:02.

Close on his heels is Mateiko, another consistent performer who has clocked sub-59-minute times on seven occasions, making him one of the most reliable half-marathoners in the world.

Kipkoech, who holds a PB of 59:22, enters the marathon as a serious contender after previously pacing Ethiopian course record holder Sisay Lemma in 2023.

Kimeli who triumphed at the 2023 Bangsaen21 Half Marathon in Thailand with a time of 1:03:39, adds another layer of depth to Kenya’s challenge.

The Kenyan quartet will face stiff competition from a stellar Ethiopian team led by Sisay Lemma, the Valencia Marathon course record holder.

Lemma’s breathtaking 2:01:48, set last year, ranks as the sixth-fastest marathon time in history.

Following his Valencia triumph, Lemma claimed the Boston Marathon title earlier this year with a time of 2:06:17.

Joining Lemma is Ethiopian legend Kenenisa Bekele, whose PB of 2:01:41 makes him the fastest man in the field.

Bekele, a three-time Olympic gold medalist and five-time world champion, continues to be a force at the marathon distance, ranking third on the all-time list.

The Ethiopian roster further includes two-time Tokyo Marathon champion Birhanu Legese, winner of the 2021 Berlin Marathon Guye Adola and Olympian Deresa Geleta who placed fifth at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

'Just win the day' - Gabby Thomas on what is motivating her to shake off post-season blues

Olympics champion Gabby Thomas has shed light on how she is coping with post-season blues which made her first day back in training difficult to deal with.

Multiple Olympics champion Gabby Thomas has given fans an insight into her first day of training as she bids to get back in shape for the 2025 season.

Thomas returned to work after enjoying a well-earned break but she is facing difficulties shaking off the post-season blues and she had to summon enough strength to complete her workout.

The three-time Olympics champion explained how she needed to set goals for herself to be able to accomplish what she set out to do on the first day and was glad that all went to plan.

“I just finished day one of training for the next season. I have the World Championships in September of 2025 so we started training today (Tuesday),” Thomas posted on TikTok.

“So many months out and I am not in the same fitness that I was for the Olympics. I am not in that shape. Today was hard,” she admitted.

“I did a one-mile time trial and I did 20 100m runs and it was really difficult but there is a tip if you are going through any type of process. I would say just win the day.

“I focus on winning my set and I focus on winning that rep. I broke it down and I won each moment then I won the day.

“So, it was a great training session, I can’t wait to get back out here and conquer day two.”

Thomas will be among the star names at next year’s World Championships in Tokyo, Japan where she will be looking to win her first world title.

The 27-year-old had an incredible 2024 season, winning Olympics gold in 200m, 4x100m and 4x400m relays which saw her crowned US Athlete of the Year last week.

Everything you need to know about effort-based running

If you’ve spent time around coaches or training groups, you’ve probably heard the acronym RPE tossed around, referring to the Rate of Perceived Exertion. If you’re not already familiar with how RPE works, it might sound intimidatingly like a technical term, but it’s actually a simple and intuitive way to gauge how hard you’re working. Here’s how it works and why you might want to give it a try.

What is RPE?

RPE is a scale that rates how intense a workout feels to you, usually from one to 10, with one being “barely any effort” and 10 being “all-out sprint.” Developed to help athletes learn how their bodies respond to different levels of effort, RPE provides an easy, flexible way to adjust your workout based on how you feel on any given day.

Why RPE works (and when it doesn’t)

For runners, RPE can be a transformative tool. Instead of chasing a specific pace, you’re focusing on effort, which can help you tune in to how your body feels, rather than risking overloading it by trying to run a pace you can’t manage. On days you’re well-rested, you might be able to push a little harder; on off days, RPE helps you ease up without feeling guilty.

But RPE isn’t perfect. Since it’s subjective, it can vary from runner to runner—and beginners may struggle to gauge effort accurately. A “moderate” effort to one person might feel much tougher to someone just starting out, making it tricky to follow a coach’s RPE-based plan if you’re new to running.

How to use RPE in your training

Incorporating RPE into your runs is easy: start by assigning numbers to different kinds of workouts. A relaxed recovery run might rate around a three or four, while a steady tempo run could feel like a six or seven, and a sprint session would push you up to an eight to 10.

Using RPE alongside more specific metrics (like pace or heart rate) can offer a fuller picture. For instance, if your tempo run feels like a nine one day but you’re hitting your usual pace, it might be a sign you need more rest. Or, if your easy run feels too easy at two, it could be a day to bump up the intensity.

RPE is a versatile tool that can help runners adapt training to fit real-life ups and downs. Like most things, it takes some practice to align your efforts along the RPE scale, but no matter your level of experience, using RPE can help you train smarter by running at a level that feels right.

2024 Valencia Marathon Elite Fields Announced: Sisay Lemma, Kenenisa Bekele and Amane Beriso Headline

Race organizers for the Valencia Marathon have announced the elite fields for the 2024 edition of the race on Dec. 1.

The field is headlined by 2024 Boston Marathon champion Sisay Lemma returning from injury after withdrawing from the Paris Olympics. He will be challenged by his compatriot and all-time great Kenenisa Bekele, who finished second in April’s London Marathon and 39th at the Paris Olympics at 42 years old.

Kenya’s Sebastian Sawe, who boasts a half marathon personal best of 58:05, and Daniel Mateiko, who has also run 58:17 for the half, are the most intriguing debutants.

On the women’s side, 2023 World champion Amane Beriso headlines the field with her 2:14:58 personal best from the 2022 Valencia Marathon, which puts her at No. 6 on the all-time list. Her fellow countrywomen Megertu Alemu (2:16:34) and Hiwot Gebrekidan (2:17:59) are the only two other women under 2:18.

American Sara Hall will be running her fourth marathon of the year. Biya Simbassa, who has a personal best of 2:10:34 and was 11th at the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in February, is heading to Spain for his third career marathon.

Here’s a list of the notable men who are running…

Men’s Elite Field

 Kenenisa Bekele – 2:01:41

 Sisay Lemma – 2:01:48

 Birhanu Legese – 2:02:48

 Deresa Geleta – 2:03:27

 Guye Adola – 2:03:46

 Gashau Ayale – 2:04:53

 Tadesse Abraham – 2:05:01

 Alphonce Simbu – 2:05:39

 Sondre Moen – 2:05:48

 Samwel Fitwi – 2:06:27

 Andamlak Belihu – 2:06:40

 Maru Teferi – 2:06:43

 Shokhrukh Davlyatov – 2:07:02

 Richard Ringer – 2:07:05

 Zerei Kbrom – 2:07:10

 Iliass Aouani – 2:07:16

 Samuel Barata – 2:07:35

 Héctor Garibay – 2:07:44

 Ibrahim Chakir – 2:07:48

 Mohamed El Talhaoui – 2:08:03

 Peiyou Feng – 2:08:07

 Dani Mateo – 2:08:22

 Lahsene Bouchikhi – 2:08:36

 Abderrazak Charik – 2:08:37

 Andy Buchanan – 2:08:58

 Weldu Negash Gebretsadik – 2:09:14

 Therence Bizoza – 2:09:18

 Yohan Durand – 2:09:21

 Mohamed Chaaboud – 2:09:21

 Simon Boch – 2:09:25

 Yimer Getahun – 2:09:27

 Bukayawe Malede – 2:09:28

 Emmanuel Roudolff – 2:09:34

 Yohanes Chiappinelli – 2:09:46

 Stephen Scullion – 2:09:49

 Paulo Paula – 2:09:50

 Peter Herzog – 2:10:06

 Bart van Nunen – 2:10:16

 Felicien Muhitira – 2:10:17

 Dieter Kersten – 2:10:22

 Arkadiusz Gardielewski – 2:10:31

 Bjorn Koreman – 2:10:32

 Abbabiya Simbassa – 2:10:34

 Hicham Sigueni – 2:10:37

 Johannes Motschmann – 2:10:39

 Patricio Castillo – 2:10:40

 Jorge Blanco Alvarez – 2:10:49

 Archie Casteel – 2:10:49

 Yongzheng Huang – 2:10:49

 Jakoub Labquira – 2:10:50

 Alejandro Jiménez – 2:10:54

 Juan Luis Barrios – 2:10:55

 Thijs Nijhuis – 2:10:57

 Iraitz Arrospide – 2:10:59

 Christian Zamora – 2:11:02

 Nicolás Cuestas – 2:11:03

 Edward Cheserek – 2:11:07

 Kamil Jastrzebski – 2:11:09

 Necho Tayachew – 2:11:21

 Richard Douma – 2:11:21

 Linus Rosdahl – 2:11:30

 Mohamed El Ghazouany – 2:11:48

 Thomas do Canto – 2:11:51

 Hesiquio Flores – 2:11:57

 Ahmed Elhassouni – 2:12:12

 René Cunéaz – 2:12:48

 Mario Bauernfeind – 2:12:49

 Patrik Wageli – 2:12:58

 Jason Pointeau – 2:13:00

 Adam Lipschitz – 2:13:01

 Joris Keppens – 2:13:18

 Alexis Godefroy – 2:13:32

 Pierre Denays – 2:13:34

 Sebastian Sawe – Debut

 Daniel Mateiko – Debut

 Matthew Kimeli – Debut

 Dillon Maggard – Debut

Here’s a list of the notable women who are running…

 Amane Beriso – 2:14:58

 Megertu Alemu – 2:16:34

 Hiwot Gebrekidan – 2:17:59

 Tiruye Mesfin – 2:18:47

 Stella Chesang – 2:20:23

 Sara Hall – 2:20:32

 Majida Maayouf – 2:21:27

 Evaline Chirchir – 2:22:11

 Chimdesa Kumsa – 2:22:13

 Isobel Batt-Doyle – 2:23:27

 Malindi Elmore – 2:23:30

 Sofia Assefa – 2:23:33

 Fionnuala McCormack – 2:23:58

 Jessica Stenson – 2:24:01

 Gerda Steyn – 2:24:03

 Laura Hottenrott – 2:24:32

 Camilla Richardsson – 2:24:38

 Kaoutar Boulaid – 2:25:03

 Clara Evans – 2:25:04

 Fatima Azzaharaa Ouhaddou – 2:25:30

 Laura Luengo – 2:25:35

 Susana Santos – 2:25:35

 Moira Stewartova – 2:25:36

 Marie Perrier – 2:26:19

 Tereza Hrochová – 2:26:38

 Zhanna Mamazhanova – 2:26:42

 Aleksandra Brzezinska – 2:27:20

 Solange Jesus – 2:27:30

 Paola Bonilla – 2:27:38

 Nora Szabo – 2:28:25

 Jane Bareikis – 2:29:00

 Becky Briggs – 2:29:06

 Alice Wright – 2:29:08

 Roberta Groner – 2:29:09

 Molly Gravill – 2:29:45

 Monika Jackiewicz – 2:29:51

Event organizers announced the race will move forward as scheduled despite severe flooding and more than 200 deaths in the Valencia province. In a statement, organizers announced fundraising plans to aid the city and those affected by the recent storms and flooding.

Mo Farah catches a moving vehicle after thieves steal his phone

Typically, runners are confident they can outrun anyone (or anything) in a non-race scenario. Missed the bus? No problem–you’ll catch it at the next stop. Someone snatched your purse? They won’t get far. Last week, four-time Olympic gold medallist Sir Mo Farah confirmed this theory–while on foot, the athlete reportedly pursued and caught thieves who drove away with his phone.

A year of retirement from competition seems to have had little impact on Farah’s top-tier fitness. While jogging with his wife, Tania, through his estate in Surrey, U.K., Farah set his phone down by the side of the road to collect it at the end of his run. (Farah and his family reside in a 964-acre gated community with extensive security.)

According to the Daily Mail, two men in a white van somehow slipped by the guarded entrance and nabbed the phone. Farah sprinted after the trespassers as they drove away, successfully catching them and taking back his device. Sources say he is angry about the security breach and an investigation has been launched.

This isn’t the first time Farah has faced members of the public in a “race.” Last year, he competed in a 100m dads’ race at one of his kids’ schools. But in that instance, even wearing track spikes, he finished third, losing to a dad who was wearing jeans.

Alongside his four Olympic golds, Farah has six world championship titles in the 5,000m and 10,000m events, and was the second runner in history to win the 5,000 and 10,000m at back-to-back Olympic Games. In 2016, he moved up to the marathon, winning the Chicago Marathon in 2018 and finishing third in London the same year. The British athlete retired last September; the 2023 Great North Run in Newcastle, U.K., marked his final competition.

Chebet and Ndikumwenayo victorious in Seville

Kenya’s double Olympic champion Beatrice Chebet and Spain’s Thierry Ndikumwenayo were the winners at the Cross Internacional de Itálica – a World Athletics Cross Country Tour Gold meeting – held on the outskirts of Seville on Sunday (17).

While two-time world cross-country champion Chebet was a dominant winner of the women’s race, European 10,000m bronze medallist Ndikumwenayo prevailed in a much tighter finish over Burundi’s Rodrigue Kwizera and pre-race favourite Ethiopia’s Berihu Aregawi in the men’s contest.

Chebet set a swift pace from the outset, and after just one minute of running she already had a lead over a chase quintet comprising Kazakhstan’s Deisy Jepkemei, Uganda’s Charity Cherop and Kenya’s Mercy, Diana and Sharon Chepkemoi. European 5000m bronze medallist Marta García and fellow Spaniard Carolina Robles were a few metres back, alongside Sweden’s Sarah Lahti.

Chebet covered the opening 2.5km loop in a brisk 7:36, six seconds faster than Jepkemei, herself another three clear of Cherop. The world 10,000m record-holder almost matched that pace on the second lap (7:44), by which time she had doubled her leading margin to 12 seconds.

Over the closing circuit, Chebet maintained her cadence and produced a 7:42 lap to seal the victory. By the time she crossed the finish line in 23:32, her lead had grown to 27 seconds over Jepkemei with Cherop holding off her pursuers to secure third place.

“It was my third appearance here and I managed to triumph at last so I’m very satisfied,” said Chebet. “It has also been very nice to share the weekend with my young compatriots Mercy, Diana and Sharon Chepkemoi.”

Unlike the women’s contest, the men’s race opened at a moderate rhythm. Morocco’s Younes Kniya was the surprise early leader, covering the opening lap in 7:13 while a large chase pack followed in 7:16.

European half marathon champion Crippa caught Kniya shortly after the fourth kilometre. At the bell – with the second lap having been covered in 7:03 – Crippa headed a group of eight men which included Olympic 10,000m silver medallist Berihu Aregawi. The 23-year-old Ethiopian took command for the first time about 18 minutes into the race but his lead proved to be short-lived as Kwizera and Ndikumwenayo moved to the front and began to push hard.

Crippa lost ground with about 700m left. Then, over the closing 500m, Ndikumwenayo’s fierce attack paid off as he managed to build a slight advantage on Kwizera while Aregawi struggled and just couldn’t follow their pace.

With the final lap covered in 6:36, Ndikumwenayo crossed the finish line ahead of his training mate Kwizera, though both were given the same time (21:24). Aregawi took third spot in 21:27 with Crippa another five seconds in arrears.

“I didn’t expect to win as my only target today was to help my club (Playas de Castellón) to win the national team title but I felt strong throughout and decided to go for the victory over the last lap,” said Ndikumwenayo, the winner here two years ago. “I’m now going to return to the altitude of Sierra Nevada where I’m building up for the European Cross Country Championships which will be next competition.”

Leading results

Women

1 Beatrice Chebet (KEN) 23:32

2 Daisy Jepkemei (KZK) 23:59

3 Charity Cherop (UGA) 24:35

4 Diana Chepkemoi (KEN) 24:38

5 Mercy Chepkemoi (KEN) 24:46

6 Marta García (ESP) 24:50

Men

1 Thierry Ndikumwenayo (ESP) 21:24

2 Rodrigue Kwizera (BDI) 21:24

3 Berihu Aregawi (ETH) 21:27

4 Yemaneberhan Crippa (ITA) 21:32

5 Kenneth Kiprop (UGA) 21:41

6 Adel Mechaal (ESP) 21:42

Etienne Daguinos sets European 10km record in Lille

The distance runner clocks 27:04 and takes three seconds off Jimmy Gressier’s mark with super run in French city

Etienne Daguinos set a European 10km record with a sensational performance at Urban Trail de Lille (November 16).

Daguinos, who was part of the French under-23 team that claimed silver at the 2022 European Cross Country Championships, went into the 10km off the back of a personal half-marathon best of 59:46, which put him joint-10th on the European all-time list over 13.1 miles.

“I cannot believe it,” Daguinos said. “Some people might have predicted it [10km record] but I didn’t believe it. I knew that I was in good shape after my half-marathon in Valencia. I wanted to run faster than 27:30 and I am still in shock.”

Not only did Daguinos defeat a strong and deep field in Lille but he did so by running identical 5km splits of 13:32.

World 1500m bronze medallist Narve Gilje Nordas broke the Norwegian 10km record with 27:31, while Mohamed Abdilaahi clocked 27:40, the fastest time by a German in history.

That put the pair seventh and joint-10th on the European 10km all-time list respectively.

It means that Mo Farah, who ran 27:44 in 2010 and held the European 10km record until Julien Wanders recorded 27:32 in 2018, is now 13th on the rankings.

With six out of the eight fastest 10km times by European male athlete occurring this season, expect the record books to tumble once again next year.

Daguinos, who occasionally trains in Font Romeu and also has a background in trail running, is now in prime position to be the first European athlete to break the 27-minute barrier in the 10km.

Only 29 athletes have ever achieved the feat and they are all from Africa.

Jacob Kiplimo Shatters the 15k World Record

On November 17, 2024, the running world witnessed a historic moment as Ugandan athlete Jacob Kiplimo shattered the men’s 15-kilometer road race world record at the Zevenheuvelenloop in Nijmegen, Netherlands. Kiplimo completed the race in an astonishing 40 minutes and 27 seconds, surpassing his previous record of 41:05 set in 2023 at the same event.

The Zevenheuvelenloop, or “Seven Hills Run,” is renowned for its challenging course, featuring undulating terrain that tests even the most seasoned runners. Despite these challenges, Kiplimo’s performance was nothing short of extraordinary. He maintained a blistering pace throughout the race, averaging approximately 2:42 per kilometer. His final kilometer was particularly impressive, clocking in at 2:31, which underscores his exceptional endurance and speed.

Kiplimo’s achievement is a testament to his dedication and the rigorous training he has undertaken. At just 24 years old, he has already established himself as a dominant force in long-distance running. His previous accolades include a world record in the half marathon, set in Lisbon in 2021, where he recorded a 15-kilometer split of 40:27 en route to his 57:31 finish. This consistency in breaking records highlights his remarkable talent and potential for future accomplishments.

The significance of Kiplimo’s new world record extends beyond personal achievement; it also places Uganda prominently on the global athletics stage. His success serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes in his home country and around the world, demonstrating that with perseverance and hard work, extraordinary feats are attainable.

In the women’s category, Kenyan runner Beatrice Chepkoech delivered a stellar performance, finishing the 15-kilometer race in 47 minutes and 12 seconds. Chepkoech, known for her prowess in the 3000-meter steeplechase, showcased her versatility and endurance in road racing, finishing 43 seconds ahead of her closest competitor.

The 2024 Zevenheuvelenloop will be remembered as a landmark event in the history of long-distance running. Jacob Kiplimo’s record-breaking run has set a new benchmark for the 15-kilometer distance, inspiring athletes worldwide to push the boundaries of human performance. As the running community celebrates this monumental achievement, all eyes will be on Kiplimo to see what records he may break next.

Moderate Exercise Isn't Enough to Offset Sitting All Day, Study Says

If you sit for most of the day, even moderate exercise may not undo the health risks of prolonged sitting, according to a new study published in the journal PLoS ONE.

The study included people ages 28 to 49 who, on average, spend more than 8.5 hours sitting each day. Even when participants met the recommended 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week, they still had higher levels of body mass index (BMI) and elevated total cholesterol.

However, those who spent 30 minutes per day doing vigorous exercise—such as running, playing basketball, or swimming laps—had cholesterol levels similar to those of sedentary people five years younger.

For younger adults, vigorous activities seem to be the most helpful in offsetting the harms of extended sitting, said Ryan Bruellman, MS, an author of the study and a doctoral candidate in the Department of Genetics, Genomics, and Bioinformatics at UC Riverside.

Sitting for too long is not only bad for your back, but it may also speed up the aging process.

“When you don’t move all day, your muscles don’t do the job they’re supposed to do in terms of helping to remove blood sugar and helping to break down fats in the blood,” Keith Diaz, PhD, a certified exercise physiologist and an associate professor of behavioral medicine at Columbia University Medical Center, told Verywell.

People who spend their day sitting behind a desk have a 16% higher chance of death and a 34% higher risk of heart disease compared to those who are more active at work, according to a study published in JAMA Network Open.

One in four American adults sit at least eight hours each day. If you fall into this group, what can you do to reduce the risks that come with sitting most of the day?

Watch How Long You’re Sitting Every Day

Exercise is important, but reducing sitting time is key to cutting down on the risks that come with sedentary behavior. A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that older women who sat for 11 to 12 hours per day still had a high risk for heart disease and death even if they were physically active.

“Individuals can be both highly active and highly sedentary. For example, someone could walk or run or go to the gym every day but still sit for more than 10 hours per day across work and leisure time,” said Steve Nguyen, PhD, MPH, a postdoctoral scholar at the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science at UC San Diego and first author of the study.

It’s not always easy to get up from your desk. But, when possible, try working movement breaks into your routine. Stand up and move around while on the phone, plan walking meetings with colleagues, or consider a treadmill or cycle desk.

“Sedentary behavior is definitely something we should try to reduce,” Nguyen said.

Take a One-Minute Walk Every Hour

Standing desks might seem like a good solution to sitting all day, but standing for too long might also come with risks, according to a recent study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology.

That study found that standing instead of sitting won’t necessarily decrease heart disease risk. It could actually increase the chance of varicose veins or orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure that causes dizziness and fainting).

“You have to find a way to move during your day. We know without a doubt that movement is healthier than sitting. So if you’re looking to do something, try to break up your sitting time with some walking, not standing,” Diaz said.

Getting up from your desk and taking a light five-minute walk every half hour has benefits for blood sugar and blood pressure, according to a study Diaz conducted last year.

“That’s a really hard ask for a lot of people,” Diaz said. “Our lowest dose that we tested—move every hour for just one minute—still reduced blood pressure by four to five points. If you do it every hour, you still get some health benefit.”

You Have No Idea How Gross Your Water Bottle Is. Here’s How to Clean It.

As an active person, staying hydrated is one of your top priorities. Cleaning your water bottle should be high up on your to-do list, too, but for many of us—let’s be honest—it’s not.

This makes for a humbling (and gross) reality check when you go for a drink, glance down at your mouthpiece, and are forced to reckon with a film of mystery gunk that has collected there since the last time you washed it.

Due to busy schedules, forgetfulness, and a lack of extra tumblers, water bottles get nasty quickly. Although we love the sustainable choice of reusing one, that commitment requires some care-taking to avoid illness and maintain good water-bottle hygiene.

Below, experts dig into the dirty details and share their tips for keeping your water bottle safe and sanitary, no matter how many sweaty hikes or shared sips it endures.

What Types of Bacteria Are Lurking in Your Reusable Water Bottle?

According to the Water Quality Association, a not-for-profit organization in the water treatment industry, all drinking water contains microbes or heterotrophic microorganisms, a catch-all term for types of bacteria, mold, or yeast.

A September 2024 survey that swabbed water bottles found that the most common bacteria in reusable bottles were associated with antibiotic-resistant, hospital-acquired infections like pneumonia and meningitis (which can be fatal), and food poisoning, which comes with symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea.

The survey also concluded that Americans’ reusable water bottles, on average, contain 20.8 million CFUs of bacteria—about 40,000 times more than you’d typically find on a household toilet seat.

Exactly what type of invaders your water bottle collects depends on if it has a screw top with nooks and crannies for germs to stow away in, whether or not you share your bottle with others, or if you use it for anything other than water, like coffee or sports

Sugary beverages, in particular, leave behind nutrients for bacteria to feed on and multiply.

Drinking from a Dirty Bottle Can Make You Sick

If you don’t clean your water bottle properly, all kinds of bacteria can start to grow. Ingesting water from an unclean bottle can result in gastrointestinal or respiratory issues, says Qinchun Rao, a professor of Food and Nutrition at Florida State University.

How to Tell When Your Water Bottle Is Dirty

Acceptable levels of heterotrophic organisms, also known as heterotrophic plate counts (HPC), vary by country. The Environmental Protection Agency’s HPC standard for any given drinking water sample is less than or equal to 500 colony-forming units per milliliter (CFU/mL).

When your water surpasses that threshold, and/or other bacteria strains are introduced to the mix—like when a water bottle goes uncleaned after a workout—water safety is called into question.

You won’t always be able to tell how dirty your water bottle is. That’s a big reason cleaning them falls by the wayside: they “look” clean.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, more noticeable signs of contamination are visible mold spots, an unpleasant smell, cloudy water, or an off-putting taste.

Instead of waiting for it to show signs of grime, just get into the practice of cleaning it daily at a minimum.

However, if you fall behind and skip a few days, remain on the lookout for a tell-tale layer of dark slime known as a biofilm. It’s something that you will likely have to remove your lid and peek inside to notice, especially if it’s only

How to Clean Your Water Bottle

“Treat your water bottle like a utensil,” says Mitzi Baum, the CEO of Stop Foodborne Illness. If it’s dishwasher safe, she strongly recommends running it through a wash cycle.

Below are some more expert tips for water bottle washing.

Clean Your Water Bottle After You Purchase It

When you’ve bought your ideal water bottle, don’t race to use it. Baum says it’s important to clean and sanitize it with hot water before your lips ever touch it—because who knows how dirty its journey to the store was.

Wash Your Water Bottle Daily, and Do a Good Job

Rao recommends washing the bottle with warm, soapy water, especially if you use it frequently or for beverages other than water. (Reader: just rinsing the bottle under some running water doesn’t qualify as cleaning it.)

Clean Your Reusable Straw with a Small, Long Brush

Flushing the narrow spout with water won’t cut it. This is especially the case if your straw is plastic because, as Wu notes about plastic water bottles, they are most easily scratched and, therefore, more likely to harbor bacteria.

Regardless of material, straws are small and compact, making them the perfect hiding

If You Have a Water Bladder, Give It a Similar Treatment

Your hiking water reservoir can be treated like a giant water bottle. Soak it in hot, soapy water or use a cleaning tab, like the Bottle Bright Cleaning Tablets, scrub the inside (including the narrow drinking hose, which will require a slim, straw-cleaning brush), drain it, and rinse it well before refilling for the next adventure. During the soak stage, make sure to also fill the hose with cleaning solution.

Narrow-Neck Bottles Require Attention to Detail

Professor Wu points out that bottles with narrow necks make thorough cleaning difficult. Cleaning one efficiently might take a slender bottle-cleaning brush or, more simply, a soft sponge that’s easy to manipulate around its curves without missing any spots.

Don’t Forget to Wash the Outside

“People often carry their water bottle throughout the day and rest it on various surfaces,” says Dr. Mieses Malchuk, a board-certified family physician in North Carolina, like, for example, in a sweaty duffel or on a musty tree trunk. For that reason, cleaning the outside of your bottle with the same soapy water method matters.

The easiest way to keep your water bottle clean

3 Years Ago, He Weighed Almost 500 Pounds. Now He’s a Marathon Finisher

César Torruella says running has been instrumental in building a healthy life.

In 2021, César Torruella struggled to walk even short distances around his neighborhood in Houston, Texas. Weighing in at 495 pounds, the former vocalist and music teacher underwent bariatric surgery to address critical health issues that were putting his life at risk.

Three and a half years later, Torruella completed his first 26.2 at the 2024 Chicago Marathon, an experience he considers a “celebration” after many hard-fought moments in the 35-year-old’s weight-loss journey.

On race day, Sunday, October 13, Torruella faced setbacks—including a pulled muscle in his right quad, which forced him into the medical tent at mile 17—but he continued on, often pushing through tears in the latter half of the race.

In the tougher miles, Torruella focused on regulating his breath under a compression suit designed to hold in excess skin and prevent chafing beneath his shorts and singlet. He thought about running to his partner, Esteban, at mile 20 in the Pilsen neighborhood. He also focused on who he would become when he finally reached the finish in Grant Park.

“This pain and struggle was necessary to carry me through closing this chapter of my life after losing so much weight,” Torruella told Runner’s World a few days after completing the marathon in 5:58:46.

“I feel like a new version of myself was born as I crossed that finish line.”

Growing up in Puerto Rico and later moving to Houston in 2012, Torruella struggled with weight management for most of his life. When the pandemic forced everyone into quarantine, Torruella ate as a way to cope. “I found asylum in food to a point that it got out of control,” he said. “I became addicted to eating and eating unhealthy.”

In 2021, Torruella weighed almost 500 pounds. He was diagnosed with high blood pressure, pre-diabetes, and hypertension. He was also starting to lose his vision, a condition that can develop as a result of high blood pressure and diabetes.

It was a wakeup call for the singer, who decided to change his habits and undergo bariatric surgery—a weight-loss procedure that involves making changes to the digestive system to help the patient lose weight. After the procedure, patients must make permanent healthy changes to their diet and exercise routine to help ensure the long-term success of the surgery.

Post-surgery in June 2021, Torruella had to relearn the basics of eating (a process that involves different phases, similar to how a baby learns how to eat solid foods) and how to exercise.

“Never in my life did I know what going to the gym meant or what you do when you get there,” Torruella said. “I was learning how to move again, how to accept my body, and how to find love in the foods that nourish me.”

Six months after surgery, Torruella lost almost 200 pounds, a result of medical and family support as well as

“I wouldn’t be closing this chapter of my life if it weren’t for the opportunity I got through TCS,” Torruella said. “They gave me a platform to advocate for arts education and to encourage other teachers and folks that are struggling with obesity that this is possible.”

After the defining experience in Chicago, Torruella is already planning to take on another marathon next year. This time, he wants to run a personal best.

“I will gain a lot more flexibility and freedom to move [after surgery], and then I can start training to finish my marathon a little faster,” he said.

Matt Choi Apologizes for Running with E-Bikes on New York City Marathon Course

The influencer said in a video posted to Instagram, “I have no excuses. Full stop.”Matt Choi, the running influencer who infuriated the running community by bringing two unauthorized e-bikes onto the New York City Marathon course to film him running, has issued an apology.

“I f----- up,” he said in a video posted to Instagram. “I was selfish on Sunday.”Choi made it clear in his video that he understood the consequences of his actions. “We endangered other runners. We impacted people going for PBs. We blocked people from getting water. And with the New York City Marathon being about everyone else and about the community, I made it about myself.” Choi has not responded to a request for comment from Runner’s World.

On November 3, Choi, 29, finished the marathon in 2:57, openly floating race rules with the two vehicles beside him. Runners raised an outcry, and by the evening of November 4, New York Road Runners had disqualified him from the race and banned him from future events.Choi said in his apology video that he will not appeal the organization’s ruling. 

The actions are likely to have financial implications for Choi. The COO of Runna, a training program and app that was partnering with Choi, wrote in a statement posted on LetsRun’s message boards, “We have decided to terminate our relationship with Matt effective immediately.” 

MORE FROM RUNNER'S WORLD ON APPLE NEWS

Athing Mu finally opens up on the pain of failing to make US team to Paris 2024 Olympics

Athing Mu reflected on her challenging season, marked by injuries and disappointment at the US Olympic trials, but remains hopeful, trusting in her faith for a major comeback.

Athing Mu has for the first time expressed her emotions after her unfortunate fall at the US Olympic trials earlier this season.

The former Olympic 800m champion got an injury earlier in the season and had to start her campaign at the US Olympic trials. She had been confirmed to open her season at the Prefontaine Classic but had to withdraw due to the injury.

Mu was off to a great start at the trials, finishing third in her heat before winning the semifinal. In the final, the unfortunate happened as she fell down and faded to a ninth-place finish. Athing Mu tried to bounce back at the Holloway Pro Classic but could only afford a fifth-place finish and ended her season there.

Speaking on the Jinger and Jeremy Vuolo show, Athing Mu pointed out that her season turned out awful and it was something she never expected. She was hopeful of defending her title but after the injury, reality started dawning on her that she might the Olympic Games.

However, she felt ready to get back to the track at the US Olympic trials and making it to the final was a confidence booster for her but things did not go as planned in the final.

“Olympic trials were a very tough time and I guess, just this whole in season part of the year has been really tough because a lot of things have happened, leading up and then post-Olympic trials. About six weeks before the Olympic trials, I tore my hamstring and that was the first thing we needed to heal from before going into the Olympic trials,” Athing Mu said.

“When that happened, I was still kind of hopeful about the Olympic trials but I didn’t know what was going to happen but the idea of going and winning was a little bit diminishing because I knew that healing a hamstring was a pretty tough injury to speed up.

“Making it to the Olympic trials was great and I gained a little bit of confidence throughout the rounds and then running the final, super unfortunate, I did not expect that to happen at all. I was absolutely distraught but finishing the race, I can’t really say,” she added.

After the Olympic trials, she dealt with a lot of emotions before finally getting back into training. After a few training sessions in Europe, she got another injury and could not continue with her season.

She revealed that having to end her season in such a way was devastating but she had to trust in her strong faith.

“I actually broke down a little bit and I didn’t know if I could do it and I decided to get myself together and just trust in what the LORD would do at the end of the season. when I went to train in Europe, I got another injury and knew this season was done,” she said.

Evans Chebet reveals secrets behind his remarkable marathon success

Evans Chebet has disclosed the key principles behind his remarkable marathon success, sharing insights into his disciplined training, perseverance, and the challenges that shaped his journey to global acclaim.

Former Valencia Marathon champion Evans Chebet has become a towering figure in the world of distance running, boasting an illustrious career with 30 marathons under his belt and three World Major Marathon titles to his name.

From humble beginnings in Elgeyo Marakwet County to the global stage, Chebet’s journey to the top is a shining example of determination, dedication and faith.

Reflecting on his achievements, Chebet, who has conquered courses in Boston and New York, says his success comes down to a simple but powerful mantra.

“The young upcoming athletes should exercise patience in their careers and not take shortcuts. My life story is a testament to that. I did not go past primary school, but the number of countries I have visited are numerous,” he said as per Star.

Chebet attributes much of his triumphs to unwavering discipline and a grueling training regimen.

The 35-year-old marathoner has no background in track running, focusing instead on road races from the start to provide for his family.

This unique approach was shaped by financial hardships that forced him to leave school at an early age to support his widowed mother and nine siblings.

“My father died just before I was born, leaving my mother to shoulder the burden of raising 10 children. I had to drop out of school while in Class Four and start burning charcoal to help her,” he recalled.

“Life was really hard, but I knew as a man, I had to do everything to support my family.”

Chebet’s turning point came in 2005 when his uncle, Isaac Koech, introduced him to running and bought him his first pair of training shoes.

Guided by his uncle and inspired by his late father, who had been a runner, Chebet began training with unwavering determination.

His big break came in 2006 when coach Claudio Berardelli invited him to join the Rosa camp in Kaptagat, where he honed his skills for the global stage.

“Coach Berardelli recruited me and began training me. In so many ways, he has moulded me into the man I am today,” Chebet said, acknowledging the critical role his mentor played in shaping his career.

Over the years, Chebet’s path to glory has been marked by strategic planning and meticulous preparation.

For instance, leading up to his impressive performance at the New York Marathon, he focused intensively on hill work.

“I had trained adequately before the New York race. My main area of focus was hill work and long runs. I used to do 20km to 30km of hill work every day as part of my training,” he revealed.

Despite his rigorous training and consistent results, Chebet has faced setbacks, including being overlooked for Kenya’s Olympic team.

However, he remains optimistic, using each challenge as motivation to push harder.

“It was heartbreaking not to have been included in the team for the Olympics. I know if I had been there, I would have no doubt come back home with gold,” he said.

Chebet’s career highlights include victories at the 2019 Buenos Aires Marathon, the 2020 Lake Biwa and Valencia Marathons, and back-to-back wins at the Boston Marathon in 2022 and 2023.

His win in New York in 2022 further cemented his status as a world-class athlete.

“My target next season is to win both New York and Boston. It’s something I know I am capable of, and I will work towards it,” he said, expressing his desire to continue building his legacy in 2025.

Balancing his career and family life, Chebet draws inspiration from his five children and his wife, Brillian Jepkorir, who is also an athlete.

“I hope my children will take up running in the future,” he said.

To aspiring runners, Chebet offers invaluable advice rooted in his life experience.

“Be prayerful and learn to invest wisely to secure your futures. More importantly, exercise patience and avoid shortcuts. My journey proves that success is possible even when starting from nothing."

From Beginner to Advanced Runners: How Often Should You Be Lacing Up? Experts Break Down What Factors to Consider

Use these tips for figuring out your ideal running frequency.

Just like there’s no “best” running shoe for everyone, or training plan, or energy gel, there’s no ideal running frequency for all runners. Even though many runners ask how often they should run, the days per week you lace up depends on factors that vary from one individual to the next. Even when you do settle into a pattern that works for you, your approach may need to shift as aspects of your training (and life, in general) change.

However, there are some general guidelines that can help new runners identify a healthy starting point for how often to run, as well as some guidance more experienced athletes can follow to decide if it’s time to dial up or scale back on their weekly runs. Runner’s World spoke with Alison Marie Helms, Ph.D., UESCA-certified running coach and founder of Women’s Running Academy, and Raj Hathiramani, certified running coach at Mile High Run Club in New York City, to get their expert advice. Here’s what you need to know.

Factors to Consider When Determining How Often You Should Run

Before designing a personalized training schedule, any qualified coach will take the time to understand their runner, both as an athlete and a fully-realized person with a life outside of running. So, whether you’re working with a pro or developing a plan on your own, consider the following factors when deciding how often you should run:

Goals

Determining your running goals is a good place to start figuring out how often to run. Do you want to set a new half-marathon PR? Finish your first ultra? Improve your cardiovascular health? What you hope to accomplish can help you determine your overall running volume, which informs how many times a week you should ideally run.

“People who have more specific time or distance goals may be running more frequently per week, and those who have more fitness or wellbeing-oriented goals might be running less frequently,” Hathiramani says. Among runners with performance-related goals, those who race longer distances may need to run more often than those with their sights set on shorter distances.

Experience

Two runners can have the same goal, like finishing their first marathon, for example. But if one marathon hopeful is brand new to running and the other has multiple 5K, 10K, and half-marathon races under their belt, their training frequency should look different.

“It’s never a good idea to do too much too soon,” Hathiramani says. He recommends new runners gradually ease into running, even using a walk/run approach, and avoid running on back-to-back days. “This is

Running one to two days per week is also ideal for those just getting into running. You can do a walk/run workout or go for a quick, slow jog down the block. The goal is consistency if you’re looking to jumpstart a new workout habit.

Three Days a Week

For many runners, lacing up three days a week strikes a balance between feeling substantial and attainable. You can get in a variety of runs and still have plenty of time for cross-training and recovery. For example, you may plan a long run for the weekend, an interval on Tuesday, and a tempo run on Thursday. That still leaves four days for rest and activities like strength training and mobility work.

This frequency may be ideal for someone training for a short distance, like a 5K, but it may not be adequate for all runners with long-distance racing goals, like a half marathon or longer, Hathiramani says.

Four to Five Days a Week

For Hathiramani’s client base, which is primarily half marathon and marathon runners, four to five days a week is the “sweet spot,” as it allows runners to vary their training and accumulate the volume they

→At first, keep your volume the same

For example, if you’re used to running 12 miles over the course of three days, add a day of running but keep your total weekly mileage at 12. Helms recommends doing this for a week or two before adding additional miles to your runs.

→Increase overall volume gradually

The general rule of thumb is to increase your overall weekly mileage by no more than 10 to 15 percent. (However, if your current mileage is relatively low—like five to 10 miles per week—you’re probably safe to increase by up to 30 percent, Helms says.)

→Take “step-back” weeks

Every few weeks, reduce your mileage by a small percentage. For example, if you went from 20 to 22 miles in week one, then to 24 miles in week two, and 27 miles in week three, drop back down to 20 miles in week four. “You’re still running, but you’re letting your body recover, maybe taking an extra rest day or reducing your average mileage, and letting it sort of realize some of the endurance and aerobic capacity gains you’re making,” Hathiramani says.

→Resist the urge to “catch up”

Adjusting to a more demanding

“Consistency is a really important way to instill discipline and motivation in your training to help you achieve your goal,” Hathiramani says. “That being said, there are things out of your control that may make it hard for you to be consistent, and that’s okay.”

Running More Relaxed Can Improve Your Performance—Here’s How to Do It

Experts share their best tips to help you stay calm, cool, and collected while you’re out on the run.

It’s possible to run fast without clenching every muscle in your body. Just look at some of the pros like Cole Hocker, Nikki Hiltz, or Sarah Vaughn who seem to clock seriously fast times while making it look like an easy walk (er, run) in the park.

These pros and many others have mastered running with slack shoulders, fluid arms, and a powerful stride, all while seeming light on their feet. It’s the art of running relaxed—and it can actually help your performance.

Experts encourage you to run relaxed on easy and long run days—those workouts where you’re meant to go at an easy effort. But running relaxed is a tool you can use to your benefit for any type of run.

“It is important to remain relaxed in terms of not recruiting muscles that don’t need to be recruited, because that can increase the energy that you’re using for the run,” Heather Milton, M.S., exercise physiologist at NYU Langone Health’s Sports Performance Center tells Runner’s World. This can cause you to fatigue and slow down more quickly, she explains.

For example, lifting your shoulders up toward your ears or tensing up your face while you run requires more energy than letting your upper body and jaw hang a little looser. This could also affect form: If you’re running tensely upright, without a forward lean, you’re less able to activate the glutes, and your knees take on more force, potentially leading to knee pain, Milton explains.

To help you perfect the art of running relaxed and get the most out of your workouts, we tapped experts for their best tips.

Quick Forms Tips to Help You Relax on the Run

When it comes to running relaxed, maintaining the proper running form is key and will help improve your efficiency. Although not everyone’s stride is the same, keep these cues in mind while you’re out clocking miles:

➥Keep Your Upper Half Loose

Run

➥Lean Forward

“What we want to see is that there is a slight angle of your running, so from your ankle through your hips, through your shoulders, you’re progressively closer to your target, looking forward,” Milton says. You can imagine your body in a slight diagonal line as you run forward. This will enable a greater amount of lower leg activation, better push off, and better hip extension. It can also reduce your risk for injury and improve your performance, she explains.

➥Make Your Center Stable

“The core should be a stable column on which we run and can have more effective push off,” says Milton. This is why it's important to build core strength, she adds.

➥Drive Forward With Your Feet

In terms of your feet, Milton recommends you focus on swiping the ground behind you while you run.

8 Tips to Help You Stay Relaxed on the Run

Beyond fixing your form, here are a few things you can try leading up to race day and during your run to help you maintain that relaxed run posture. Rather than implementing all of these tips at once, try out a few of them to see which ones work best for you so you stay calm, cool, and collected on the road.

1. Work on Your Mobility

Limited range of motion can hinder your ability to run more relaxed.

“It really takes access to every joint movement in the body,”John Goldthorp, a certified personal trainer and run coach tells Runner’s World. If you can’t freely move your joints, then you can’t make the necessary movements that you need to help you run really well, he explains.

This is why he recommends working through different planes of motion (front to back, side to side, and rotational) before you run and even on non-running days.

To do that, practice moves like standing cat cow, side bends, and rib cage and pelvic rotations, all of which work the spine and upper body through the different movement patterns. Also, work on pronation

Working with a physical therapist or functional mobility specialist can also help you address these areas so you can improve your range of motion and run more fluidly.

2. Address Any Pain Areas

As you can imagine, or might have even experienced, running with pain can hinder your ability to relax. This is why Milton recommends strength training as a way to address some of your pain points.

For example, address shin splints by strengthening your feet, ankles, calves, and hips. Target pain associated with runner’s knee by strengthening your hips and inner quads.

“Strength training is a great way to make sure that your body is ready for the run,” says Milton.

3. Add Strides to Your Calendar

The key is to practice running short bouts at different paces like your easy, marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, and mile pace while relaxed, says Goldthorp. He recommends you start by introducing strides toward the middle or second half of an easy run.

“Like any new stimulus, you’ll want to introduce things gradually both in terms of how many repetitions you do and how fast you’re running them,” he explains. This may mean running four reps of 20-second strides with

Lastly, take a few minutes to gradually progress from a slow walk to a brisk walk and then to a light jog, says Goldthorp. “I always think to myself, I’m not really going to hit my ‘training pace’ for probably about 15 minutes,” so don’t rush it, he says.

This will not only help you ease into the run better, but it can help you find your rhythm more easily and allows you to remain relaxed as you adjust from not running to running slowly to running at a quick clip. Just remember to keep that loose feeling through each progression.

5. Complete a Quick Self Scan

Before you head out for a run, Goldthorp recommends you take note of where you typically hold tension in your body. For example, do you clench your jaw or shrug your shoulders?

“Scan your body. If you notice tension, see if you can let it go, see if you can soften that area,” he says. You can also visualize that area of your body flowing like water.

Then, on the run, check for specific body cues, says Milton. For example, make sure you’re bringing your arms back directly behind you and then letting

If you’re running with a watch on race day “check in and check your splits and make sure that you’re not running too fast, which can create a lot of undue tension,” Milton adds. If you are going too fast, she recommends coming back to your breathing and making sure it feels appropriate for your target pace.

8. Don’t Be Afraid to Give It Your All

There might be times, especially at the end of a workout or race, where we’re willing to get ugly and push past our comfort zone to hit your goal time or beat an opponent, says Accetta. In these moments, it’s acceptable to push yourself even if that means tensing up a bit.

The key is recognizing when to kick it into high gear, like when you’re sprinting to the finish. You don’t want to waste all your energy too soon, Accetta explains. Even when you do pick it up, remember some of those form tips of keeping your upper body loose and your jaw slack so your legs have the energy they need to turnover fast.

Are distance intervals easier than time?

Minutes or meters? We delve into what's easier for interval training.

As the 2024 racing season winds down, many runners are shifting their focus toward winter base training. While goal races are still months away, staying motivated for off-season workouts can be challenging. Last week, I found myself in that position when my coach presented me with two workout options: three reps of four minutes at 3:20/km paired with six reps of two minutes (at a bit faster), or three reps of 1,200 metres and six reps of 600 metres. I chose the second option.

On paper, the workouts are different, but they both have the same aim to improve 5K/10K speed and threshold levels. The question is: does knowing the exact distance make the session feel easier than time-based intervals?

A psychological advantage

With distance intervals, the start and finish are clearly defined. For instance, when given one-kilometre reps, you know exactly where each begins and ends. Many runners find comfort in seeing their progress in measurable terms, which is why structured workouts on a track are popular. For example, if you’re completing a 1,200-metre rep on a standard 400m track, it offers three distinct checkpoints—one per lap—helping you break the effort into manageable chunks. Hitting those markers can provide a psychological boost, making the workout feel more achievable

Time-based intervals, on the other hand, lack these physical endpoints. Each rep relies on the clock, requiring runners to maintain focus and effort without the aid of visible milestones. This can make the session feel more open-ended, even if the physical demands are identical to distance intervals. With time intervals, you’re left to pace yourself based on feel, pushing through the uncertainty of not knowing exactly how far you’ve gone—or have left (unless you’re looking at your watch).

What’s best for you?

Both distance- and time-based intervals are effective for building speed and threshold levels. The choice depends on your personal preference and mental approach to workouts. If you thrive on structure and measurable progress, distance intervals might feel more manageable and motivating. But if you’re looking to embrace discomfort and practice sustaining effort without clear markers, time intervals can offer a unique challenge.

While distance intervals may seem easier, that’s not to say time intervals should be avoided entirely. Alternating between the two can develop mental and physical strengths, helping you become a stronger, versatile runner. Whether you’re counting minutes or metres, the ultimate victory is getting out there, putting in the work, and reaching your goals.

Turn up the pre-run tunes to banish mental fatigue, science says

We all know that music can give us that extra boost to pick up the pace, but here’s the surprising part: music doesn’t just motivate us—it actually tricks our brains. New research from the University of Edinburgh suggests that cranking up your favourite playlist might be the secret to powering through a mentally tough run. The study, published in the Journal of Human Sport and Exercise, found that listening to self-selected, high-energy music can help combat mental fatigue, letting runners keep their performance levels up even when their minds feel wiped out. Here’s what you need to know to harness the hidden power of your favourite playlist.

Some research suggests that music can help runners improve their cadence, leading to a more efficient pace and fewer injuries. But music might just be the key to unlocking next-level endurance by easing mental fatigue and making even tough runs feel manageable.

Testing the power of motivational music

Researchers recruited 18 fitness fans and split them into two groups. Each group faced a mentally challenging, 30-minute cognitive test designed to leave them feeling mentally fatigued. One group took on an interval running workout afterward, while the other tackled a 5K time trial. Each runner completed their workout twice: once with music and once without. But the playlists weren’t just random—participants handpicked tracks they found especially motivating, rating them on factors like beat, melody and tempo. Songs included motivational tunes like “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor and “Run This Town” by Jay-Z.

The results? When runners were able to listen to their self-selected playlists after the mentally taxing task, they performed just as well as they did when they weren’t fatigued. Interval runners with music performed better than those running in silence, and those running the 5K saw a small, but notable, improvement in their times.

How music might help

According to the researchers, these improvements might come from music’s ability to alter perception. By drowning out the discomfort and making the exercise feel less taxing, tunes can help mentally fatigued runners push through at higher intensities. As Dr. Shaun Phillips, lead author of the study, puts it: “The findings indicate that listening to self-selected motivational music may be a useful strategy to help active people improve their endurance running capacity and performance when mentally fatigued.”

The takeaway

Researchers say future studies could explore how music impacts performance in different settings—whether it’s race-day intensity or a casual run through the neighbourhood—and how it affects a wider range of runners.

For now, let your playlist do the work. The next time your brain feels zapped after a long day of meetings, hit play on those favourite tracks. They might not only lift your pace, but also push aside lingering mental stress and make those miles fly by.

Robots are taking over marathons in China

A surprising number of robots have been spotted participating in marathon events in China in just one week. At the Yizhuang Half Marathon in Beijing on Sunday, Tiangong the Humanoid Robot was spotted cheering on participants before joining the race with 100m to go, crossing the finish line and earning a medal. At the Hangzhou Marathon in Hangzhou, China, on Nov. 3, two quadruped robots acted as official pacesetters and cheerleaders while running alongside participants.Tiangong is the world’s first full-sized fully-electric humanoid robot, weighing in at 43 kg and standing at 163 cm. Its functions included waving, shaking hands and posing, according to Global Times.

The quadruped robots, Go2 and B2, were showcased in Hangzhou with different roles. Go2 provided runners with music, messages of encouragement and safety tips along the race course. It is also reportedly capable of shaking hands and performing backflips and handstands.B2 set out at a steady pace for the half-marathon, providing runners with a reliable gauge of their pace. Tests were conducted to assess the machine’s ability to respond to humans and obstacles on the course. During the race, B2 wore bunny ears to emphasize its role as a pace-setting rabbit.The robots’ abilities are not limited to running and maintaining steady paces. The machines can reportedly provide runners with real-time feedback on factors such as temperature and heart rate. The androids are also useful for upholding and enhancing safety measures during the event, facilitating real-time monitoring and detection of security or medical emergencies–even transporting medical supplies quickly across the venue when needed.The benefits of the two- and four-legged robots suggest their prevalence at marathon events will continue to increase in coming years.

Bernard Koech: How I broke free from alcohol to reclaim my life and inspire other athletes

Marathoner Bernard Koech shares his journey from alcohol dependency to redemption, inspiring athletes to avoid similar pitfalls and embrace resilience.

If you love alcohol a little too much, the weekend drink can quickly become a daily ritual, gradually pulling you away from the things and people you once held dear.

For two-time Haspa Marathon Hamburg champion Bernard Koech, this slippery slope into dependency was one he stumbled down for years, reaching a point where he felt trapped, isolated and far from the promising career he had built as an elite Kenyan marathoner.

In his journey from darkness to redemption, Koech now shares his story to inspire fellow athletes and men facing similar pressures, advocating for change and awareness around the dangers of substance abuse.

During his peak years, between 2015 and 2020, Koech was an admired marathoner known for his speed and strength, but his private life was becoming a struggle.

What began as a casual drink to unwind after training eventually spiraled into heavy drinking sessions with friends.

“Somewhere at the beginning of 2015, I started doing that,” Koech says in a past interview with NOS.

“Instead of going to bed after training, I looked for entertainment elsewhere.”

His growing dependence on alcohol started to overshadow his discipline, the very trait that had fueled his athletic success.

Koech recalls how he became increasingly disconnected from family, friends, and even his coach.

His drinking, initially limited to weekends, quickly morphed into a daily necessity that he would indulge in secret.

“At one point, I no longer drank in public, but smuggled bottles in during training camps to drink in anonymity,” he says.

The more he drank, the more isolated he became, as relationships with loved ones became strained and his motivation for training waned.

His performance started to reflect his inner turmoil, as his times slowed and his name began to fade from the competitive marathon landscape.

The isolation brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic became an unexpected turning point for Koech.

With events canceled and sponsors withdrawing, he was left with few options and limited financial support.

With no distractions to hide behind, he was forced to confront the reality of his life and how much he had given up to a habit that no longer served him.

Gradually, he realized that he had to reclaim his life not only for himself but also as an example to others who might find themselves in the same struggle.

For the last four years, Koech has dedicated his life to supporting fellow athletes, particularly young men vulnerable to the pitfalls of fame, stress, and societal expectations.

Each week, he meets with Kenyan athletes to talk about resilience, recovery and the importance of building a life that goes beyond momentary highs.

His experience has also motivated him to address issues like mental health, financial planning, and the pressures of modern relationships.

"For an athlete, discipline is the greatest condition for success," he says, highlighting the need for self-control not just in training but in everyday life.

Koech’s journey is a testament to the strength it takes to turn one’s life around, especially in a society where drinking can be culturally ingrained and sources of emotional support can be limited.

Recognizing the unique societal pressures men face, Pulse Kenya, in partnership with Money Clinic, has organized the second edition of the Average Joes forum.

This event, scheduled for November 23, 2024, will provide a supportive environment where men can openly share experiences and gain insights on topics from mental health and fatherhood to financial responsibility and social issues.

With a small registration fee of Sh500, attendees can register here to join this life-changing forum, designed to support men in their journeys toward healthier, more balanced lives.

Chebet and Aregawi poised to strike in Seville

The Cross Internacional de Itálica in Santiponce on the outskirts of the Spanish city of Seville – the fifth Gold standard meeting in the current World Athletics Cross Country Tour – always boasts a quality line-up, and this year’s race on Sunday (17) features the most prominent line-up so far this season.

Entries for the women’s race, contested over 7.5km, are headed by Kenya’s two-time world cross-country champion and double Olympic gold medalist Beatrice Chebet. The 24-year-old has enjoyed a superb season, topped by her 5000m and 10,000m titles at the Paris Olympics, three months after becoming the first woman to dip under the 29-minute barrier for the latter distance thanks to a 28:54.14 clocking in Eugene on 25 May.

Chebet, who is also the reigning world champion and world record holder for the road 5km, will be making her third appearance here following her runner-up spot in 2020 and her third place in 2021. It will be her first race since her 14:09.82 5000m victory at the Diamond League Final in Brussels.

She will start as the overwhelming favourite for the victory, though she’ll face quality opposition in the form of compatriot Mercy Chepkemoi and Kazakhstan’s Daisy Jepkemei. The latter finished seventh at this year’s World Cross Country Championships in Belgrade, and more recently she captured a commanding win in Atapuerca last month.

Chepkemoi is fresh from a fine win in Cardiff last Saturday. She placed fourth over 5000m at the World U20 Championships in Lima in August, finishing just behind bronze medalist Charity Cherop of Uganda, who will also be racing in Santiponce this weekend.

The line-up also comprises Diana and Sharon Chepkemoi, who finished third and seventh respectively in the steeplechase in Lima. Both also competed in Soria last Sunday where they finished third (Diana) and fourth (Sharon).

Meanwhile, France’s Alice Finot, who set a European record of 8:58.67 when finishing fourth in the steeplechase at the Paris Olympics, will be contesting just her second cross-country race in the past seven years.

Portugal’s Mariana Machado recently finished sixth in Atapuerca, sandwiched between Spanish cross-country champion Carolina Robles and Olympic 1500m finalist Agueda Marques who finished fourth and seventh respectively there, closely followed by Maria Forero, the 2022 European U20 cross-country champion. All of them will renew their rivalry this weekend.

European 5000m bronze medalist Marta García, meanwhile, will be making her only cross-country outing of the winter before focusing on the indoor season.

The men’s race has been reduced to 7.5km which plays into the hands of the middle-distance specialists. But that shouldn’t be a problem for Olympic 10,000m silver medalist Berihu Aregawi, as the Ethiopian is also the third-fastest man in history over 3000m.

The 23-year-old opened the year in style by retaining his silver medal at the World Cross Country Championships in Belgrade before setting a 10,000m PB of 26:31.13 in Nerja. Following his Olympic silver in Paris, he clocked an Ethiopian record of 7:21.28 for 3000m and won the 5000m at the Diamond League Final in Brussels.

Sunday’s race will be Aregawi’s first cross-country outing this season, but fellow Etiopians Ayele Tadesse and Wegene Addisu have already made a mark on the tour, finishing second and fourth respectively in Soria last weekend.

Yet Aregawi’s fiercest opposition should come from Burundi’s Rodrigue Kwizera and Spain’s Thierry Ndikumwenayo. Kwizera is still unbeaten this cross-country season, having won in Amorebieta, Atapuerca and Soria. He has successively finished first, second and third on his appearances in Seville over the past three years.

Meanwhile, his training partner Ndikumwenayo – winner in Seville in 2022 – is the European 10,000m bronze medallist and lowered his 10,000m PB to 26:49.49 for ninth place at the Paris Olympics. Ndikumwenayo will travel to Seville from his altitude stint in Sierra Nevada where he’s building up for the European Cross Country Championchips in Antalya on 8 December.

Watch out too for Uruguay’s Santiago Catrofe. He boasts PBs of 7:37:15 for 3000m and 13:05.95 for 5000m and was a surprise winner in San Sebastian two weeks ago when he kicked away from Uganda’s Martin Kiprotich, who’ll also be in contention on Sunday.

Kiprotich will be joined by his compatriots Kenneth Kiprop, Dan Kibet and Hosea Kiplangat. The former is the world U20 5000m bronze medallist and triumphed in Cardiff where Kibet had to settle for third.

The Spanish charge will be led by European indoor 3000m silver medallist Adel Mechaal, US-based Aarón Las Heras, national 10km record-holder Abdessadam Oukhelfen, and the always consistent Nassim Hassaous.

Past winners in Seville include Fernando Mamede (1984 and 1985), Paul Tergat (1998 and 1999), Paula Radcliffe (2001), Kenenisa Bekele (2003, 2004 and 2007), Faith Kipyegon (2016), Joshua Cheptegei (2018) and Jacob Kiplimo (2019).

Temperatures between 22-24C are predicted for the time of the elite races on Sunday.

Former pro runner arrested for relationship with high-school student

Charlotte, N.C., high school running coach and former elite runner Matthew Elliott was arrested on Wednesday and charged with two counts of “indecent liberties” with a student. Last Friday, the victim, who is now an adult, came forward to the local police department, reporting the inappropriate relationship she had with Elliott, who was her cross-country coach while she was enrolled at the school, Charlotte Country Day.

Reportedly, the victim told officers that Elliott flirted with her and made “numerous advances,” and that they had an inappropriate relationship.

Elliott, 39, had been a coach and a substitute teacher at the high school since 2015. After the allegations emerged, the school terminated Elliott’s employment, barred him from their campuses and informed families and alumni of the misconduct. The statement revealed that the victim attended the school within the past few years.

“America’s fastest kindergarten teacher”

The development comes years after Elliott rose to fame in 2013 after placing fourth in the 1,500m at the U.S. Track and Field Championships, beating elite runners while teaching full-time. An emotional post-race interview with Elliott went viral; the athlete even received autograph requests in the mail. That year, he was referred to as “America’s Fastest Kindergarten Teacher,” and was a cover model for both Runner’s World and Running Times magazines.

Elliott was a kindergarten through third-grade teacher for children with special needs at the Palmetto School in Rock Hill, S.C. The magazine story revealed that the teaching job required Elliott to act as a bus driver as well; he drove the kids to and from their homes before and after school.

During his career, Elliott was coached by American Distance Project coach Scott Simmons and joined the Team Indiana Elite running group alongside athletes such as William Leer. He broke the four minute barrier on multiple occasions and became a Brooks-sponsored athlete.

He set his sights on making the 2016 U.S. Olympic team, and gave inspirational talks to cross-country teams about his journey. In 2021, Elliott was featured in a podcast for The Unearthing Project, where he shared his running and coaching stories. Elliott hasn’t competed since 2019, according to his World Athletics profile.

None of the recent allegations against Elliott have been proven in court. News sources report the former coach was held on a USD $10,000 bond and was released on Thursday morning, but was set to face a judge that afternoon.

Valencia Marathon up in the air after flooding hits region

As severe flooding continues to affect many areas of Spain, the 2024 Valencia Marathon, scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 1, may face cancellation. According to recent reports, Valencia is under high alert due to the resurgence of storms that recently left parts of the city submerged in mud and debris, killing more than 200 residents. The recent rainfall and damage raise concerns about the city’s ability to safely host an event of this scale in two weeks. 

Though the marathon course was relatively unaffected by the Oct. 29 storm, widespread damage elsewhere has led organizers to consult with local authorities to determine whether the race can safely go forward.

The race’s lead sponsor, New Balance, has already scaled back its plans, cancelling the hospitality and activation events planned around the marathon. On Wednesday, the brand sent an email to ambassadors, influencers and athletes, showing support for Valencia: “While the city is focused on recovery efforts, we still believe this event could bring the running community together in solidarity with Valencia. Runners are encouraged to defer their participation to 2025 and 2026, though New Balance will continue to provide bibs and accommodations for this year’s participants if it goes ahead.”

The marathon has historically drawn more than 30,000 runners from around the world, bolstered by its reputation as one of the world’s fastest courses. However, safety concerns have already led the city to cancel this weekend’s Grand Prix motorcycle race (2024 Valencia GP). A source within the Valencia Marathon organizing committee has indicated that while they are committed to moving forward if possible, the decision ultimately rests on government officials and local authorities.

Some athletes have already begun exploring alternatives, including Toronto’s Cory Nagler, who has invested nearly CAD $4,000 in flights, trains, accommodations and entry fees to run Valencia. Nagler, who has trained for the last six months, still remains hopeful but is preparing backup plans. “Valencia is still plan A, but Turin is plan B,” he says. Nearby marathons in Italy (Turin and San Remo), scheduled for the same day, offer potential options for thousands seeking certainty.

The race has told registrants they plan to make a decision in the near future, as the officials continue to monitor the safety and feasibility of holding one of the year’s biggest international running events amid ongoing recovery efforts.

'The track is my escape' - Kenny Bednarek reveals how racing connects him to his lost family

Kenny Bednarek has a mission beyond medals at the Paris Olympics, seeking to reconnect with his biological family through victory.

Double Olympic silver medalist in the 200 meters Kenny Bednarek embarked on a journey to the Paris Olympics fueled not only by his ambition to win but by a profound personal quest.

While athletic triumph was a priority, Bednarek’s deeper mission was to reconnect with the family he lost as a young child.

Abandoned by his biological parents and placed in foster care, Bednarek has often spoken about his childhood, growing up under the love and guidance of his foster mother, Mary.

Though grateful for the family he found, his past remains a powerful motivator driving him toward the top of the podium.

“The track was, uh, a way to, I guess, escape my worries. That’s where I felt most free," said Bednarek in Sprint docu-series season 2.

For the 26-year-old, every race is not just an athletic endeavor—it is a search for a deeper sense of belonging.

As a child, Bednarek’s life took a dramatic turn when he was separated from his biological family and entered foster care.

Although he found a home and a mother who offered him unconditional love, the mystery of his roots has lingered.

His adoptive mother, Mary, has been an unwavering source of strength, cheering him on from the stands at every major competition, from U.S. trials to international meets.

“My mother loves to scream,” Bednarek joked in the interview, highlighting her enthusiastic support.

Bednarek also opened up about the emotional layers tied to his Olympic dreams.

“Winning the Olympic gold could help me find out more about myself, my heritage, and, you know, my biological brothers and sisters that I’ve had. They’re out there somewhere, and, you know, maybe after winning this gold medal could help me find that out, find where they’re at,” he shared in episode 4.

For Bednarek, the stadium is not merely a venue for competition but a place of solace where he feels closest to his heritage.

“When I always step on the track and the gun goes off, that’s where I most feel like. This is the only thing I have so far of, like, my heritage," he admitted.

Since he was young, racing has been his escape, a place where he felt free and connected to his roots.

Now, as he fights for a gold medal, he hopes that standing atop the podium might spark new opportunities to trace his biological family.

The two-time Olympic silver medalist’s rise in the sprinting world has been meteoric, with victories in Diamond League races, World Championships, and the Olympics.

But even with his accomplishments, he has often felt overlooked.

“You know, the media hasn’t really paid attention to me as much as everybody else,” he shared.

With his foster mother Mary cheering from the stands, Bednarek’s quest for victory in Paris is a personal mission.

“I’m going to be the top dog when the gun goes off,” Bednarek confidently asserted, embodying his determination and resolve.

For him, this race is more than just another competition—it’s a step closer to piecing together his story.

The Olympics, for Bednarek, is an opportunity not only to prove himself on the global stage but to finally bridge the gap between his past and present.

Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo criticizes Netflix series SPRINT for American bias

As Season 2 of the Netflix track and field series SPRINT premiered on Wednesday, one of the star athletes featured, Olympic 200m champion Letsile Tebogo, has already voiced his disappointment. The 21-year-old sprinter was frustrated with what he saw as an American bias in the docuseries, which follows the world’s top sprinters and their journey to the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Tebogo, who made history for Botswana by winning two medals at the Olympics—one of them being the nation’s first-ever gold—doesn’t appear until 22 minutes into the final episode. The series had promised to feature Tebogo, alongside notable Olympians such as Noah Lyles, Gabby Thomas, Fred Kerley, Kishane Thompson, Julien Alfred, Kenny Bednarek, Shericka Jackson and Oblique Seville. However, Tebogo felt the focus skewed heavily toward the four American athletes, particularly Lyles.

Tebogo took to X to share his disappointment, sharing he was excited to watch but felt the show was overly focused on American athletes, with him portrayed more as a supporting character to the American sprinters.

His sentiments echo those of Marie-Josée Ta Lou-Smith, Africa’s 100m record holder from Ivory Coast, who also criticized the Box To Box producers earlier this year after SPRINT Season 1 excluded her from the final cut, despite extensive filming. “I feel really disrespected, because when you say you are going to produce a series about the fastest sprinters in the world, you should show everyone, not only those who win,” Ta Lou-Smith shared with The Inside Lane. She highlighted the need for equal representation, noting, “I am the African record holder; I deserve respect.”

The documentary series is produced by Paul Martin at Box to Box Films, the same production company behind other Netflix successes such as Full Swing and Formula 1: Drive to Survive. On social media, track fans have begun calling on the producers at Box-To-Box Films to consider a more international approach in future seasons, noting that they seemed to have disregarded the American bias from Season 1.