Running News Daily
Top Ten Stories of the Week
12/12/2020
These are the top ten stories based on views over the last week.
Kibiwott Kandie smashes half marathon world record, a Kenyan double in Valencia marathon
All top four finishers in the half marathon managed to beat the previous mark of 58:01 set by Geoffrey Kamworor last year. Evans Chebet and Peres Jepchirchir win the men and women's marathon in course records.
Kibiwott Kandie led Jacob Kiplimo home in world record time to win the Valencia Half Marathon on Sunday in a reverse of the World Championship resultfrom October.
Kandie, Kiplimo, Rhonex Kipruto, and Alexander Mutiso all finished the race in under 58 minutes, bettering the existing record of 58:01 set by Geoffrey Kamworor in Copenhagen in September 2019.
Kenya's Kandie finished in 57:32, taking more than a minute off his previous personal record of 58:37. Ugandan Kiplimo and Kandie's compatriot Mutiso also lowered their own personal bests by similar margins, while it was Kipruto's debut over the distance.
The new record is subject to World Athletics' usual ratification processes.
It is the fourth time Kandie has run sub-59 minutes this year, having also done so at the Ras Al Khaimah, Prague, and Gdynia half marathons.
Genzebe Dibaba of Ethiopia won the women's race in a course record one hour, five minutes 18 seconds, missing the women's world record in a mixed race (1:04.31) currently held by Ababel Yeshaneh who set it in RAK earlier this year.
It was Dibaba's first race in 16 months, since last August, and her debut over the half marathon distance.
Kenyan double in the marathon
Kenya’s Evans Chebet sprinted past compatriot Lawrence Cherono in the home stretch to win the Valencia marathon in a course record of 2:03:00.
The men’s race was a close one with Chebet and Cherono going head to head in the final kilometre after dropping Ethiopia’s Birhanu Legese, the 2019 Tokyo marathon champion.
This was the first big marathon win for the 32-year-old Chebet that moves him to sixth in the men’s marathon all-time list.
Chebet’s victory also ensured that a Kenyan topped the podium again for the 18th time in the last 40 editions of the Valencia Marathon.
“I am happy because I have run my personal best here," said Chebet after the race.
"I know this course very well. I am happy because it’s my first major win and in a course record,” said the Kenyan who finished 28th at the Rio 2016 marathon, delighted and hopeful that his top finish could impress Athletics Kenya selectors for the Tokyo Olympics.
Evans Chebet of Kenya won the Men’s Marathon in Valencia with a course Record.
The reigning Boston and Chicago Marathon champion Cherono who had a slight stumble in the last bend clocked 2:03:04 for second, in his third big marathon in the last 18 months.
Legese finished third in 2:03:16, in the race that saw eight of the top 10 finishers record personal bests.
Cherono, 32, was named by Athletics Kenya in Kenya’s provisional Tokyo Olympics marathon team alongside the Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge and World Championships marathon bronze medalist Amos Kipruto.
Double Olympian Ayad Lamdassem set a Spanish men's marathon record of 2:06:35 that qualifies him for the Games in Tokyo.
Just seven weeks after winning the World Half Marathon title in a world record, Peres Jepchirchir of Kenya won the women’s race in 2:17:16, also a course record.
“It’s unbelievable,“ said Jepchirchir, a double world half marathon gold medallist.
It was the perfect ending of the season for Jepchirchir who holds the world record for the women-only of 1:05:16 from her winning run in Poland on 17 October.
In Gdynia she improved her own 21km world mark from the previous month set in Prague, and is now the fifth fastest women marathoner.
Peres Jepchirchir of Kenya wins the Women’s Marathon in Valencia with a Course Record.
It was another 1-2 finish for Kenya as Joyciline Jepkosgei clocked 2:18:40 for second ahead of third placed Namibian record holder Helalia Johannes, the 2019 World Championships bronze medallist. Johannes crossed the line in 2:19:52.
(12/06/20) Views: 141SK Goh and Evelyn Watta
Ayad Lamdassem breaks Spanish record with 2:06:35 in the Valencia Marathon
Ayad Lamdassem rolled back the years to break the long-standing Spanish record in the Valencia Marathon on Sunday (6), leading five Spaniards under the 2:10-barrier on home soil.
Now 39, Lamdassem has been on the fringes of the Spanish national team in recent years but he is now a shoo-in for Olympic selection for a third time after finishing 12th in a national record of 2:06:35, eclipsing Julio Rey’s previous record of 2:06:52 from the Hamburg Marathon in 2006. He also moves to sixth on the European all-time list, surpassing the likes of former European record-holders Antonio Pinto from Portugal and France's Benoit Zwierzchlewski.
Lamdassem’s lifetime best prior to yesterday’s race stood at 2:09:28 from the 2013 London Marathon. His aim was to simply eclipse the 2:09-barrier but the veteran far exceeded his pre-race expectations with a first-half split of 63:10 setting him up nicely for an even faster time.
"I came to improve my personal best seven years later but in the end I broke the record and I am very happy. With age I have a lot of experience, I take good care of myself and you know how to improve your technique. I came here to drop below 2.09, but after passing through halfway I knew it was my day. I'm very happy,” said Lamdassem as reported by Marca.
Hamid Ben Daoud was the second Spaniard home in 14th in 2:07:03 followed by world tenth-placer Daniel Mateo who finished 18th in 2:08:22. Yago Rojo and Camilo Santiago also ducked inside the 2:10-barrier, clocking 2:09:56 to finish 28th and 29th respectively.
The German record also fell to Amanal Petros in just the second marathon of his career. Petros finished 16th in 2:07:18 to slash more than one minute from Arne Gabius’ previous record of 2:08:33.
Petros’ main objective was to secure the Olympic qualifying standard of 2:11:30 but the former European U23 10,000m silver medallist ended up getting dragged to a significantly faster time.
“We actually planned a half marathon split of around 65 minutes. Then I wanted to pick it up the last ten kilometres but I couldn't find the right pacemaker for this group after the start. I then just kept running with another group because I felt good,” he told Leichtathletik.de after the race.
His teammate Richard Ringer also achieved the Olympic qualifying standard on his debut at the distance. He finished 36th in 2:10:56.
Other top European performances came from Dutch record-holder Abdi Nageeye who finished 15th in 2:07:09 while European record-holder Kaan Kigen Ozbilen from Turkey faded to 19th in 2:08:50.
(12/07/20) Views: 112European Athletics
World 10km record holder Rhonex Kipruto will face his young brother, Bravin Kogei, at Valencia Half Marathon.
The siblings will be tackling the course alongside their training mate at St. Patrick's Training Camp in Iten, Solomon Boit, a 2018 World Under 20 10,000m finalist.
The trio will be making their debut over the distance in the Spanish city, hoping to make an impression.
Kipruto, the world record holder over 10km (26:24) and reining world under 20 10,000m champion, said his ambition is to win the half marathon on debut.
“I want to leave a mark in Valencia. This will be my first half marathon and I want to do something good for myself, fellow Kenyan athletes and the country,” said the former Africa Junior cross country champion.
The world 10,000m (26:50.32) bronze medalist has high hopes of winning and celebrating with his training mates.
“If I win, we shall celebrate together with Kogei as well as Boit because we are training mates and we help each other a lot,” added the UAK Healthy Kidney 10km champion.
Kogei, who completed his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) last year at Kombatich Secondary School also has high hopes of beating his training mates to the crown.
“It won’t be an easy task and that is why I have been preparing very well for the race. It will be my first time but that can’t kill my hopes. We have had good training and winning the race will be good to prove my career,” said Kogei.
Boit, who finished fourth at the 2018 World Under 20 10,000m race in Tampere, Finland, said his debut in half marathon will impact his future in the discipline after dominating school games last year.
“Facing a new challenge is always good for an athlete and this will be the best for me. I have been training well with my brother Kipruto and Boit. With such great athletes surrounding me, I will be grateful to come home with the title,” said Kogei.
Boit said: “Just like any athlete, I want that title to come home. If my training mates win, then we will celebrate together. If I win, which I have confidence I will, then I will be one of the happiest athletes. Winning the title on debut would be historic.”
(12/04/20) Views: 75Emmanuel Sabuni
Aliphine Tuliamuk announces pregnancy and planning for Tokyo Olympics
Aliphine Tuliamuk, who won the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials on Feb. 29, is due with her first child, a daughter, in January and plans to race at the Tokyo Games on Aug. 7.
Having a full pregnancy between qualifying for and competing in an Olympics is, of course, rare. The one-year Olympic postponement from July 2020 to July 2021, announced four weeks after the marathon trials, made it possible for Tuliamuk.
“My family plans were to race the Olympics [in 2020], and then run the New York City Marathon in November of this year and then, after that, start a family,” she said.Aliphine Tuliamuk, who won the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials on Feb. 29, is due with her first child, a daughter, in January and plans to race at the Tokyo Games on Aug. 7.
Having a full pregnancy between qualifying for and competing in an Olympics is, of course, rare. The one-year Olympic postponement from July 2020 to July 2021, announced four weeks after the marathon trials, made it possible for Tuliamuk.
“My family plans were to race the Olympics [in 2020], and then run the New York City Marathon in November of this year and then, after that, start a family,” she said.
Tuliamuk will make a rare turnaround for a top-level marathoner. Many others returned from pregnancy to race 26.2 miles, but most after a longer break.
Notably in recent years, American Kara Goucher had son Colt in September 2010, then finished fifth in the Boston Marathon nearly seven months later. (Goucher also raced a half marathon less than four months after childbirth.)
Great Britain’s Paula Radcliffe had daughter Isla in January 2007, then won the New York City Marathon that November.
In diving, Pat McCormick had son Tim in March 1956, then, eight months later, repeated as Olympic champion on the springboard and platform.
“One thing that I’ve been craving in this period is to hear stories of women who were having families and still planning to get back into competitive sports,” Tuliamuk said, “and I’m so excited that I’m going to be one of those women that other women will look up to because we need role models.”
“When I’m running, I don’t even feel like I’m pregnant,” Tuliamuk said two weeks ago. “It’s mostly just running for the love of it.”
Rosario hasn’t written a workout for Tuliamuk in months.
“Wake up every day, try to get a run in,” he said. “If your body tells you not to, then don’t.”
Rosario leans on experience from coaching another NAZ Elite pro, Stephanie Bruce, who twice returned from childbirth to marathoning. Bruce was sixth at trials and is racing another 26.2-miler, The Marathon Project, on Dec. 20, before turning focus to the Olympic track trials 10,000m.
Bruce stressed that every pregnancy and return to elite running is different, but she is confident her teamate can run well in Tokyo.
“It’s not like in the past where women were told, well, you can just race until you’re done racing, and then you can start a family,” said Tuliamuk, who recently re-signed with apparel sponor Hoka One One for the next four years. “You can do both of them.”
(12/07/20) Views: 72Nick Zaccardi
Half marathon world record holder Kibiwott Kandie eyes Olympics 10,000m title
Newly-crowned world half marathon world record holder Kibiwott Kandie is planning a stab at the 10,000m Olympic title at the rescheduled 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Kandie is now hopeful of glory on the track although he has never run in the 10,000m race before.
"I have run 10,000m in training but I never took it seriously. But I know that I have the tools to succeed on track and that is why I will be seeking a slot in Team Kenya to Tokyo," Kandie said
Nonetheless, Kandie believes that competing against seasoned athletes in 10,000m will be no child's play.
Consequently, the man who broke Geoffrey Kamworor's half marathon record at this Sunday's Valencia Marathon has planned a rigorous training session ahead
"The key thing is to be committed in training and to work hard. It will not be easy but if I work hard for it, then I am confident of good results," Kandie said.
Kandie set a new world record of 57:32 to smash the previous 58:01 mark set by his compatriot Kamworor at the 2019 World Half Marathon Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Second-placed Jacob Kiplimo of Uganda clocked 57:37 as he lost out to the man he had beaten to the World Half Marathon title in October in Gdynia, Poland.
Not satisfied with this feat, Kandie is dreaming big about his world record.
"My next target in the half marathon will be to break this new world record by reducing it to 56:00. I know that it will not be easy to achieve but with hard work, it is possible," Kandie said.
(12/09/20) Views: 70Omondi Onyatta
Emily Sisson Comes Up 1-Second Short of American Half Marathon Record in Valencia
America’s Emily Sisson nearly set a record of her own. The 29-year-old Team New Balance star who ran for Providence College had targeted Molly Huddle’s absolute American record of 1:07:25, but fell achingly short by just one second.
“Definitely bittersweet,” Sisson told Race Results Weekly via text message just after exiting drug testing in Valencia this morning. “Was disappointed to fall short of my goal but trying to keep things in perspective.”
Sisson went out at slightly over American record pace, splitting 10-kilometers in 32:02 (1:07:35 pace). Maintaining that tempo, she ran 16:02 for the next 5-K, but picked it up in the final quarter of the race. With the wind at her back, from 15-K to 20-K, she ran a 15:58, putting her on 67:33 pace at 20k, then did everything she could to shave seconds in the final 1097 meters. Sprinting down the light blue carpet on the finish straight in the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, she stopped the clock at 1:07:26.
“Being able to race again was incredible and the Valencia did a wonderful job putting on this event,” she said.
This is the second time that Sisson has come close to Huddle’s record. In Houston in January, 2019, she clocked 1:07:30 at the Aramco Houston Half-Marathon. She is now the only American woman to have run 1:07:30 or better twice during a career.
Sisson has every reason to be optimistic about next year. She already has her Tokyo Olympic 10,000m qualifying mark of 30:49.57 set at Stanford University in 2019, and finished second, fourth, and third, respectively, in the last three USATF 10,000m Championship races. She had dropped out of the Olympic Trials Marathon last February after running with the leaders through the first half of the race.
“I’m glad I could end 2020 with a solid performance,” Sisson concluded. “Looking forward to building off this heading into the new Olympic year.”
(12/06/20) Views: 69Let’s Run
What should runners eat?
As a runner, you often wonder whether to eat whole grains, fruits, carbs, or proteins after a workout. By knowing what to eat and when to eat it, you can have an edge when running. The proper diet will build up your stamina and make you feel energized. Keep reading for six of the best foods that runners can eat.
1) Sirloin Steak
Lean beef is a popular protein source that is always available at the grocery store. This meat can help you produce healthy red blood cells, supply you with iron and zinc, and strengthen your body’s immune system. Red blood cells are vital, especially for runners, who need adequate oxygen flowing to their muscles.
If you aren’t sure how to cook sirloin steak, there are plenty of easy tutorials to get started. Sirloin steak is a simple and delicious food that provides the protein you need as an athlete.
2) Eggs
Eggs are a great source of protein and a popular choice among runners for many reasons. Vitamins A, E, B, and zinc are found in eggs, which helps boost your immune system. This ingredient can also help you maintain red blood cells, which helps oxygen flow in your body.
If you opt for Omega-3 fat-enhanced eggs, you also have the added benefit of fighting inflammation.
3) Salmon
Salmon is another way to get those beneficial Omega-3 fatty acids into your system. Consuming Omega-3 regularly can even help fight against soreness after workouts. By including fatty fish in your diet, you can also enjoy its anti-inflammatory benefits.
4) Whole-Grain Bread, Pasta, and Cereals
Consuming pasta before a big run is a common tradition. This is because runners need to eat a high amount of carbohydrates each day to stay focused and energized. If you choose to eat pasta, avoid sauces high in fat or butter. Try a veggie-loaded sauce or tomato sauce instead to keep your nutrients in check.
To be smart when consuming carbs, choose whole-grain bread and pasta over other refined carbs that have a lower glycemic index. It is ideal to get your whole grains and nutrients in with foods like cereal, fruits, and nuts before you start running.
5) Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a delicious food to get your daily source of potassium from, much like bananas. You can also get as many carbohydrates from sweet potatoes as you would from rice in a similar portion. Perhaps the biggest benefit of sweet potatoes is that they can taste delicious as a side for dinner or as a substitute in other dishes.
Try having mashed or baked sweet potatoes after a run to help build immunity and recover quickly.
6) Almonds
As a runner, it is smart to eat almonds anywhere from three to five times a week. This is because almonds contain vitamin E, which acts as an antioxidant and can help you recover faster. You can have almonds as a snack roasted or plain or as almond butter on toast. For a twist, try throwing these nuts into a stew or casserole for a delicious flavor at dinnertime.
Load Up With The Right Food
By fueling your body with the right food, you can go on every run feeling energized and ready for the day. Foods like lean beef or eggs are a great way to incorporate protein into your diet. Other foods like almonds or salmon can help you recover faster and even help fight inflammation. Diet and exercise go hand-in-hand, so as a runner, make sure you are eating the right foods!
(12/09/20) Views: 69Colorado Runner
60-year-old Yoshitsugu Iwanaha runs 33:39.52 world record 10000m for 60-64 age group in Japan
At the Saga Long Distance Time Trials November 30 at Saga Sunrise Park Field, Aritacho resident Yoshitsugu Iwanaga, 60, ran 33:39.52 to break the 10000 m world record for the men's 60-64 age group. Running alongside athletes bound for the National High School Ekiden and New Year Ekiden his pace was fast from the start. Sustaining a pace around 3:20 per 1000 m, with a last surge he took over 18 seconds off the previous 60+ record of 33:57.6 set in 2013 by a British runner.
"I haven't run that fast before so it was challenging, but I'm glad I was able to get the world record," Iwanaga said afterward. At age 50 when he broke the Japanese men's 50+ national record for 10000 m Iwanaga set out on an enthusiastic pursuit of a world record. In September he broke the 60+ world record for 3000 m and earlier this month did the same for the 5000 m world record, making this his third world record once the certification process is completed. Asked about his future goals Iwanaga said, "To break my own record."
2021 Hong Kong Marathon postponed to October 24 due to the pandemic
The 2021 Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon, one of the city’s showpiece sports events, is postponed to October 24 because of the uncertainties surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic.
Organisers announced the decision on Friday, saying: “Public health and safety are our top priority. In light of the uncertain pandemic situation and to align with the government’s prevention measures, the organisers will continue to work with relevant government departments and stakeholders for appropriate preparation work.”
The event, which in February 2019 attracted 74,000 entrants in the 10K, half marathon and marathon categories, was originally scheduled to take place on January 24. But in August, the organisers announced a postponement without providing a date, although it is believed they were looking at April.
However, with Covid-19 still a major health threat in Hong Kong and around the world – with no sign of easing – organisers have decided to push it back to October to avoid the summer heat. They also wanted to avoid holding it too close to the following year’s marathon, which is scheduled for early 2022.
The 2020 event, originally set for February 9, was called off because of the outbreak of Covid-19 in Hong Kong.
The October date has gained support from relevant government authorities, including the police – who will provide the road permit – and Home Affairs Bureau, the de facto sports ministry.
The Hong Kong Association of Athletics Affiliates – the local governing body – needs five to six months to register runners, which means they do not have enough time to hold the race in early 2021 when the weather in Hong Kong is suitable for long distance running. Registration for the 2021 event is expected to open in the second quarter of next year.
(12/04/20) Views: 62Chan Kin-wa
Tommy Hughes has won the prestigious Athletics Weekly World Masters Athlete of the Year award.
The 60-year old former Maghera man has had a remarkable year of running achievements, despite a much reduced programme due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Back in October, he set a record-breaking time for athletes aged over 60 when he clocked 1.11.09 at the Antrim Coast Half Marathon.
Commenting on that performance, the judges said: “Tommy set a stunning world masters half-marathon record of 71:09 at Larne to even overshadow Mo Farah’s victory.
“He also set a world indoor M60 3000m record of 9:41.24 and wins the world masters male award.”
It is a remarkable time for someone entering his seventh decade. However, Tommy says he is nothing but thankful to running for even getting him this far.
At the peak of his powers Tommy was ready to compete at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992.
He had qualified after running 2:13:59 in the Marrakesh Marathon in Morocco, but a stress fracture in his foot significantly affected him in Barcelona.
The men’s marathon was the last event and because of the closing ceremony taking place that night, anyone with a finishing time longer than 2:45 would redirected to a finish outside the stadium. As he soldiered around the streets, he was determined to finish inside the stadium. He managed to do it, finishing 72nd in 2.32.55.
Tommy got married at 21, moved to Maghera, and in his own words began ‘piling on the pounds.’
To counteract that, he played Gaelic football and went for runs on his own. That provided him with something of a revelation, a passion and a huge talent, for running.
At the Rotterdam Marathon in April last year, he ran 2:30:15, and in Frankfurt in October, 2019 he teamed up with his eldest son, Eoin, to become the fastest father-son marathoners of all time. Tommy ran an over-55s world record of 2:27:52, while Eoin clocked 2:31:30 for a combined time of 4:59:22.
(12/10/20) Views: 62The Down Recorder
