Running News Daily
Top Ten Stories of the Week
12/13/2025
These are the top ten stories based on views over the last week.
Records Fall as Korir and Jepkosgei Triumph at the 2025 Valencia Marathon
VALENCIA, Spain — December 7, 2025
The 2025 edition of the Valencia Marathon once again delivered world-class performances, national records and an elite-deep field over a fast, flat course in near-perfect early-December conditions.
Conditions & Course — Perfect for Fast Times
The marathon started at 8:15 a.m. local time, on a flat, sea-level course that winds through wide avenues, coastal stretches, and the scenic historic center of Valencia.
Race organizers and runners praised the combination of smooth pavement, well-organized hydration/aid stations roughly every 5 km, and benign weather — all of which contributed to ideal conditions for record-chasing efforts.
Standout Performances & National Records
• Men’s Winner — John Korir (KEN) crossed the line in 2:02:24, setting a personal best and claiming the men’s title in dominant fashion.
• Amanal Petros (GER) took second with 2:04:03, smashing the German national record and re-establishing himself among Europe’s elite marathoners.
• Suguru Osako (JPN) ran 2:04:55 to finish fourth overall — a new Japanese national record and a major personal best.
• On the women’s side, Joyciline Jepkosgei (KEN) won with 2:14:00, the fastest women’s marathon time in the world this year — and now the fourth-fastest women’s marathon performance in history.
• Peres Jepchirchir (KEN) finished second in 2:14:43, giving Kenya a dominant 1-2 sweep in the women’s race.
• Jessica Stenson (AUS) clocked 2:21:24, breaking the Australian national marathon record — a momentous achievement that makes her the fastest Australian woman ever over 42.195 km.
Top Finishers — Elite Spotlight
Men
1. John Korir (KEN) — 2:02:24
2. Amanal Petros (GER) — 2:04:03 (German record)
3. Awet Kibrab (NOR) — 2:04:24
4. Suguru Osako (JPN) — 2:04:55 (Japanese record)
5. Gashau Ayale (ISR) — 2:05:29
6. Justus Kangogo (KEN) — 2:06:10
7. Alex Yee (GBR) — 2:06:38
8. Félix Bour (FRA) — 2:06:41
9. Filmon Tefsu (NED) — 2:06:42
10. Gemechu Dida (ETH) — 2:06:45
Women
1. Joyciline Jepkosgei (KEN) — 2:14:00
2. Peres Jepchirchir (KEN) — 2:14:43
3. Chloe Herbiet (BEL) — 2:20:38
4. Alisa Vainio (FIN) — 2:20:48
5. Jessica Stenson (AUS) — 2:21:24 (Australian record)
Mass Race & Depth Behind Elites
Beyond the elite competition, the 2025 Valencia Marathon also featured a massive recreational and amateur component — true to its reputation as one of the most accessible and well-attended marathons globally. The race drew tens of thousands of runners, from competitive amateurs seeking sub-3:00 times to first-time marathoners chasing a finish line under the Mediterranean sun. The broad, flat course, combined with frequent refreshment and aid stations, plenty of crowd support, and smooth logistics helped countless runners achieve personal bests, secure Boston or other Major qualifiers, or simply check off a bucket-list marathon.
This blend of elite performance and mass participation underscores why Valencia remains a favorite among serious runners, recreational marathoners, and anyone chasing a fast, well-supported marathon experience.
The 2025 Valencia Marathon Will Be Remembered
• A world-leading women’s time (2:14:00) that now sits among the fastest five in history.
• Multiple national records — for Germany, Japan, and Australia — in a single edition.
• A men’s field with seven finishers under 2:05, showing the depth and quality of competition.
• A fast, flat, sea-level course and ideal weather that once again proved why Valencia is a “time-trial” marathon.
Valencia 2025 was not just another marathon — it was a landmark event. For runners, record-chasers, and fans, it set a high bar for what a winter marathon can deliver: speed, spectacle, and unforgettable achievements.
(12/07/25) Views: 517Boris Baron
Molly Born Smashes Course Record in Marathon Debut; Futsum Zienasellassie Returns to the Top at CIM 2025
SACRAMENTO, California — December 7, 2025 The California International Marathon once again lived up to its reputation as America’s fastest championship course, producing breakout performances and reaffirming elite talent at the 2025 USATF Marathon Championships. Two standout athletes—Molly Born and Futsum Zienasellassie—delivered the signature performances of the day.
Born’s Brilliant Debut: 2:24:09 Course Record
In her first-ever marathon, 26-year-old Molly Born ran with the poise and confidence of a seasoned veteran. The Oklahoma State alumna powered through the rolling downhills from Folsom to Sacramento to claim the 2025 USATF Marathon Championship in 2:24:09, breaking the women’s course record and announcing herself as a major new force in American distance running.
Born excelled at 1,500m through 10,000m during her collegiate career, but never attempted the marathon until today. Her debut suggests she has found her event.
“I knew it was a possibility, but I wasn’t expecting all this,” Born said after winning.
“It feels really good. I think I’ve found my event—going forward, it’s going to be the marathon.”
Women’s Top Five — CIM 2025
1. Molly Born — 2:24:09 (Course Record)
2. Sara Hall — 2:24:36
3. Megan Sailor — 2:25:16
4. Lindsey Bradley — 2:28:41
5. Maya Weigel — 2:28:44
Hall and Sailor also broke 2:26, marking one of the deepest women’s fields ever at CIM.
Zienasellassie Reclaims the CIM Crown
On the men’s side, Futsum Zienasellassie reclaimed the title he first won in 2022, crossing the finish in 2:09:29 to earn his second CIM victory. Smooth, controlled pacing and a strong final 10K separated him from the pack in a deep men’s field.
Zienasellassie famously grew up in Eritrea before starring at Northern Arizona University. His win today continues his rise as one of the most consistent American marathoners.
Men’s Top Five — CIM 2025
1. Futsum Zienasellassie — 2:09:29
2. Joseph Whelan — 2:09:41
3. Christian Allen — 2:09:57
4. Joseph Trojan — 2:10:38
5. Chris Maxon — 2:10:54
Three men breaking 2:10 on the CIM course underscores why this race remains a cornerstone of American distance running.
A Historic Day in Sacramento
Ideal racing conditions and CIM’s fast net-downhill profile helped produce one of the strongest editions in race history:
• A course record in the women’s race
• Three men under 2:10
• A national title decided in dramatic fashion
• An electrifying debut from one of America’s newest marathon stars
The 2025 California International Marathon once again proved why so many U.S. runners come to Sacramento seeking breakthroughs—and today, the event delivered exactly that.
(12/07/25) Views: 423Boris Baron
Jane Hedengren’s Record 5000m Headlines a Spectacular BU Season Opener
The 2025 BU Sharon Colyear-Danville Season Opener once again delivered the kind of early-season excitement Boston has become famous for. Inside the fast confines of the BU Track & Tennis Center, two performances stood above an already electric evening: a collegiate record in the women’s 5000m and a world record in the men’s 600m.
Hedengren Makes NCAA History in the 5000m
BYU freshman Jane Hedengren stormed into the national spotlight by smashing the NCAA indoor 5000m record with a brilliant 14:44.79. In doing so, she became the first collegiate woman ever to break 14:50 indoors, a barrier long thought years away from being threatened.
Hedengren ran with the composure of a veteran — controlled early, then increasingly aggressive as the laps wound down. Her roughly 4:35 closing 1600m sealed a performance that instantly ranks among the fastest indoor 5000m marks ever recorded by an American athlete.
Her debut wasn’t just fast — it was historic.
Hoey Breaks the Indoor 600m World Record
The men’s middle-distance events produced fireworks of their own. Josh Hoey blasted to an astonishing 1:12.84 in the 600m, breaking the all-time indoor world record. His final lap separation and relentless pace redefined what is possible in an event rarely highlighted for record-setting potential.
Hoey’s mark, paired with Hedengren’s breakthrough, gave the BU Opener two of the biggest global performances of the young indoor season.
A Powerful Start to the Season
The BU Opener once again proved why it is considered the premier early-season distance meet in the United States. Hedengren’s record run signaled the arrival of a rising star, while Hoey’s world record added a sprint-middle-distance exclamation point.
If opening weekend is any indication, this indoor season is set to be fast, competitive, and full of surprises.
(12/07/25) Views: 274Boris Baron
Tension in Iran After Women Run Unveiled at Kish Island Marathon; Organizers Arrested
The running world turned its attention to Iran this week after a marathon on Kish Island — held on Friday off Iran’s southern coast — sparked both celebration and controversy. The event, which featured 3,000 men and 2,000 women running in separate races, became the center of national debate when images spread online showing a number of female runners competing without hijabs.
A Marathon That Broke More Than Finish Lines
Photos showed women racing in red event shirts, some without the required head covering. For many inside and outside Iran, the images quickly became a symbol of resistance, athletic freedom, and the growing demand among Iranian women to participate fully in public life — including sports — on their own terms.
Supporters of change hailed the moment as another step forward. Iranian authorities, however, viewed it very differently.
Within 24 hours, Iran’s judiciary announced the arrest of two marathon organizers, accusing them of allowing a “violation of public decency.” Officials stressed that it wasn’t only the lack of hijab compliance that drew condemnation, but the very decision to stage such a large-scale women’s race in the first place.
Just a few years ago, seeing thousands of women running together — even in a segregated format — would have been unthinkable in Iran.
A Flashpoint in a Larger National Struggle
The Kish Island marathon controversy comes at a time when the role of women in public spaces remains one of the most sensitive issues in Iran. Enforcement of the mandatory hijab has fluctuated for years — at times loosening, at other times tightening.
The issue returned to global focus after the death of Mahsa Amini three years ago, which triggered nationwide protests and a severe crackdown. Since then, many women across Iran have continued to appear in public without head coverings despite the risks. That growing defiance has prompted renewed warnings from senior officials.
The head of Iran’s judiciary recently ordered intelligence agencies to identify what he called “organized trends promoting non-veiling.” The marathon incident has now been folded into that campaign.
Running as Expression — And as a Flashpoint
For the global running community, the images from Kish Island carried a dual meaning. On one hand, the sight of thousands of Iranian runners — especially women — participating in a mass-start road race reflects the universal appeal of running as freedom, expression, and personal challenge.
On the other hand, the swift response from authorities underscores how even a marathon can become a battleground in Iran’s ongoing struggle over women’s rights, social norms, and public expression.
The arrests of the organizers are unlikely to be the final chapter. Instead, the Kish Island race has become another symbolic moment in a long-running standoff — one fueled by a younger generation eager to push boundaries, and a leadership determined to hold the line.
As of now, the two detained organizers face further investigation, and the future of mass-participation running events for women in Iran remains deeply uncertain.
(12/07/25) Views: 139Boris Baron
Do You Really Need to Cool Down After a Run? The Short Answer May Surprise You
Runners have long been told the cooldown is essential. Coaches swear by it, magazines promote it, and influencers call it a “game changer.” But how important is it, really?
What the Research Actually Says
Studies show that cooling down does not reduce injury risk and doesn’t prevent soreness. DOMS happens because of muscle damage during hard training—something a cooldown can’t reverse. Strength work helps injury prevention far more.
So Why Do Coaches Still Recommend It?
Because cooldowns do offer a few real-world benefits:
• Faster lactate clearance:
Easy jogging or walking helps flush out lactate from intense workouts, making your legs feel better in the short-term.
• Calms the nervous system:
High-intensity running activates the fight-or-flight response. A cooldown helps your body return to a relaxed state—useful if you run at night or head to work right after training.
• It feels good:
For many runners, ending with a gentle transition makes the session more enjoyable and helps shift into recovery mode.
Bottom Line
Skipping the cooldown isn’t harmful. You won’t raise your injury risk or sabotage your fitness.
But if you can spare five to ten minutes?
It’s still worth doing. A short walk or jog can help your legs feel better, settle your breathing, and give your mind a chance to unwind—small benefits that add up in a busy world.
(12/09/25) Views: 77Boris Baron
Sara Hall’s Brilliant California Marathon Run Upstaged by Molly Born’s Historic Debut in Sacramento
At 42 years old, Sara Hall produced one of the finest races of her storied career on Sunday at the California International Marathon — yet even her record-breaking brilliance wasn’t enough to stop the emergence of a new U.S. marathon star.
In a sensational debut that electrified the net-downhill course, 26-year-old Molly Born stormed to victory in 2:24:09, slicing 19 seconds off the women’s course record and claiming the 2025 USATF Marathon Championship title. The Oklahoma State alumna and Chapel Hill resident seized control at mile 19 and powered home with a fearless negative split, averaging a searing 5:30 per mile despite nearly stumbling on the homestretch.
Hall, the pre-race favorite and 2017 CIM champion, ran one of the greatest masters performances in U.S. history. Her 2:24:36 not only marked her fastest marathon since 2020, but also obliterated the American masters record for women over 40 and erased the sting of last month’s DNF in New York.
Megan Sailor completed the podium with a strong 2:25:16, but the day belonged to two runners at opposite ends of their careers: Hall, the enduring veteran proving she can still rise to championship form, and Born, whose fearless debut announces her as a rising force in U.S. distance running.
At a race known for breakthroughs, Sunday’s showdown delivered a generational moment — the established legend running one of her finest marathons, and the newcomer running into history.
(12/09/25) Views: 64Boris Baron
Alex Yee Shocks the Marathon World With 2:06:38 Breakthrough in Valencia
Valencia has earned its reputation as one of the world’s fastest marathon—and on Sunday Dec 7th morning it delivered another stunning storyline. Great Britain’s Alex Yee, best known globally as one of the top triathletes on the planet, produced an extraordinary 2:06:38 to finish 7th overall in a loaded elite field,
The performance instantly places Yee No. 2 on the all-time British marathon list, trailing only Sir Mo Farah’s 2:05:11 from the 2018 Chicago Marathon. For an athlete who has only recently begun to explore the marathon seriously, the achievement is nothing short of remarkable.
Yee ran with discipline uncommon for a marathon newcomer—controlled through halfway, efficient in the challenging middle miles, and strong over the closing stretch as the race broke apart around him. His combination of endurance, speed, and race IQ—honed through years of Olympic-level triathlon competition—translated seamlessly to 42.2 km.
This run doesn’t just mark a breakthrough; it signals the arrival of a major new force in British distance running. With Farah retired and a new generation emerging, Yee’s Valencia performance hints at enormous potential still untapped.
At just 26 years old, and with world-class credentials across multiple disciplines, the possibilities ahead are wide open. Whether he continues balancing triathlon with marathon racing or eventually shifts his focus fully to the roads, one thing is clear:
Alex Yee is no longer a marathon experiment—he is a marathon contender. And this may only be the beginning.
(12/10/25) Views: 60
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Michka-Mae Hyde Shatters Jamaica’s Marathon Record in Philadelphia
Jamaica has a new national marathon record holder.
Michka-Mae Hyde delivered a historic performance at the Philadelphia Marathon on November 23, 2025, running 2:35:28 to smash Jamaica’s women’s marathon record for the 26.2-mile distance. The previous mark of 3:08:47 had stood for years—making Hyde’s improvement of more than 30 minutes one of the most dramatic national-record breakthroughs in recent memory.
The run places Hyde firmly on the international radar and signals a potential turning point for Jamaican distance running. While the island nation is synonymous with sprinting dominance, the marathon has long been an underrepresented event. Hyde’s performance suggests that may be changing.
What makes the result even more compelling is Hyde’s athletic background. A former standout at George Mason University, she competed primarily in the 400 meters and 400-meter hurdles, showcasing speed and strength before transitioning to the roads. Her successful leap to the marathon highlights both her versatility and the untapped potential that exists beyond Jamaica’s traditional sprint pipeline.
National records are typically lowered by seconds—sometimes minutes. Hyde didn’t just lower the record; she rewrote it entirely.
With a time of 2:35:28, Hyde has established a new benchmark and opened the door for greater participation, belief, and investment in Jamaican marathon running. For the country, the event has entered a new chapter—and Michka-Mae Hyde is leading the way.
(12/11/25) Views: 46
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