Running News Daily
Top Ten Stories of the Week
2/20/2021
These are the top ten stories based on views over the last week.
Cleveland Marathon has a new title sponsor, Union Home Mortgage
"We are proud to be headquartered in the Cleveland area and believe in investing in our community to make it a better place for all of us," said Bill Cosgrove, president and CEO of Union Home Mortgage, in a statement.
Union Home Mortgage is an independent mortgage banking company based in Strongsville, Ohio.
"The marathon has exceptional leadership and has been a hallmark event and economic driver for our region for decades," Cosgrove said about one of the oldest marathons in the United States.
The Cleveland Marathon was founded soon after Union Home Mortgage got its start in 1970.
The Union Home Mortgage Cleveland Marathon is scheduled to be held in person on May 15 and 16.
Last year's marathon, sponsored by Rite Aid, was canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic. Instead, the marathon was run virtually, according to Cleveland.com.
Helped by technology and low interest rates, Union Home Mortgage has grown during the pandemic.
The mortgage banker has recently added sponsorships for the Gasparilla Bowl and PGA pro Jason Dufner.
In July, Union Home Mortgage said it would add a third building to its Strongsville campus and create 450 jobs by this summer, thanks, in part, to receiving Ohio Job Creation Tax Credits.
(02/12/21) Views: 81Mary Vanac
Did You Come Up With the Best Idea Ever on the Run? Brooks Wants to Help Make It Come True
That invention or business venture can finally come to fruition with Brooks’s backing of $25,000 to $100,000
From now until March 3, runners can submit their ideas to Brooks’s Runfulness Project for a chance to have their idea become a reality, with help from The Run Fund.
One runner will win $100,000, and four others will receive $25,000.
The Runfulness Project is in association with the release of the brand’s most cushioned shoes, the Glycerin 19 and Glycerin 19 GTS.
Ever feel that sensation on a run when you’re experiencing both a runner’s high and shower thoughts? You know what I’m talking about: that moment where you feel euphoric, forget about your feet hitting the pavement, and all of the sudden a brilliant idea pops into your head. It could be an invention, a business venture, or a community program
Brooks calls this phenomenon “runfulness”: noun, 1) mindfulness unlocked by running.
In conjunction with the release of the Glycerin GTS 19 (formerly the Transcend) and the Glycerin 19—Brooks’s most cushioned shoe that makes us mortals feel like we can run on clouds—the brand has launched The Run Fund, similar to last year’s fellowship program by Tracksmith, to help your on-the-run ideas come true.
Do you have a dream of building a neighborhood playground, creating a dog communication device, or opening a sweet and savory ice cream shop? You can submit your idea, in essay or video form at brooksrunning.com. Four runners will receive $25,000 from the Run Fund, and one grand prize winner will receive $100,000.
The panel of judges who’ll narrow down the top five entries are “individuals who know a thing or two about starting and running successful companies or turning ideas into action,” said the company. The panel includes:
Jay Ell Alexander, owner and CEO of Black Girls RUN!
Hooman Radfar, co-founder and CEO of Collective
Rodney Hines, CEO at Metier Brewing Company
Kate Glantz, head of social impact at Luma Pictures.
The top winner will be determined by the running community via social media. So go out for that run, create a proposal, and start your submission at Brooks’s website now.
(02/14/21) Views: 70Runner’s World
Joshua Cheptegei set two world records in Monaco in 2020, now he is ready to open season in return to Monaco this Sunday
A lot has changed since this time last year, but one thing that has remained the same is the fact that Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei is a dominant force in the world of running. In 2020, he set three world records in just four races, two of which were in Monaco.
He is set to return to Monaco on Sunday to race a 5K, opening his season the same way he did in 2020. Every race Cheptegei entered last year was a thriller, so you won’t want to miss his run on Sunday.
Cheptegei won last year’s Monaco 5K, absolutely crushing the rest of the field and running to a world record of 12:51. He smashed the 5K world record while also bettering his own PB by a whopping 33 seconds. His win in Monaco came just a few weeks before the season was put on hold due to COVID-19, but when Cheptegei made his comeback in August, he was in similar form.
His second race of the season was also at a 5K in Monaco, although this time he was racing on the track. He ran to the 5,000m world record, posting an incredible time of 12:35.36. Two months later, Cheptegei broke his third record of the year at a 10,000m race in Valencia, Spain, where he hammered out a remarkable 26:11.00 result.
Finally, just 10 days after his run in Spain, Cheptegei raced the World Half-Marathon Championships in Poland, and while he didn’t win, he still finished in a blazing-fast time of 59:21 to finish fourth in his debut at the distance.
Cheptegei is one of the most exciting runners to watch right now, and he’ll likely wow the running world once again on Sunday. Even if he can’t break his own 5K world record (because, let’s be honest, that 12:51 will be extremely tough to beat), he’s apt to run an amazing race.
Alot has changed since this time last year, but one thing that has remained the same is the fact that Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei is a dominant force in the world of running. In 2020, he set three world records in just four races, two of which were in Monaco. He is set to return to Monaco on Sunday to race a 5K, opening his season the same way he did in 2020. Every race Cheptegei entered last year was a thriller, so you won’t want to miss his run on Sunday.
Why should you watch?
Cheptegei won last year’s Monaco 5K, absolutely crushing the rest of the field and running to a world record of 12:51. He smashed the 5K world record while also bettering his own PB by a whopping 33 seconds. His win in Monaco came just a few weeks before the season was put on hold due to COVID-19, but when Cheptegei made his comeback in August, he was in similar form.
His second race of the season was also at a 5K in Monaco, although this time he was racing on the track. He ran to the 5,000m world record, posting an incredible time of 12:35.36. Two months later, Cheptegei broke his third record of the year at a 10,000m race in Valencia, Spain, where he hammered out a remarkable 26:11.00 result. Finally, just 10 days after his run in Spain, Cheptegei raced the World Half-Marathon Championships in Poland, and while he didn’t win, he still finished in a blazing-fast time of 59:21 to finish fourth in his debut at the distance.
Cheptegei is one of the most exciting runners to watch right now, and he’ll likely wow the running world once again on Sunday. Even if he can’t break his own 5K world record (because, let’s be honest, that 12:51 will be extremely tough to beat), he’s apt to run an amazing race.
Cheptegei isn’t the only reason you should watch the Monaco 5K. In the women’s race,
Kenya’s Beatrice Chepkoech is the biggest name in the field, and she could have a big performance, too. Chepkoech is the 3,000m steeplechase world record holder (a title she earned in Monaco in 2018), and she’s coming off a successful 2020 season.
Her current 5K road PB of 16:25 may not be anything special, but she ran that seven years ago and hasn’t raced the event since. She is a much stronger athlete now, and she will be looking to lower that significantly on Sunday.
(02/12/21) Views: 66Ben Snider-McGrath
Chinese marathon couple share their love of running
Every morning at 4 o'clock, 84-year-old Hu Yingfu and 75-year-old Wang Zhangmin from Hefei, east China's Anhui Province will gear up, head out and run for 10 kilometers as their wake-up exercise. They have been doing this for decades and nothing has ever stopped them – not aging or the cold in winter.
Having been married for 54 years, Hu and Wang have finished more than 100 marathons all over China.
In their earlier years, both were haunted by various health problems. Hu suffered from gastroptosis and tracheitis; Wang vomited often and had persistent diarrhea because of her stomach trouble. One day, Wang followed her friend's suggestion and began to jog as exercise.
It did not take Wang too long to realize that running helped her shake off health problems she had suffered for decades. After Hu retired in 1997, he followed his wife's example to make strides on the track as well, which in turn fixed his gastroptosis.
In 2004, 58-year-old Wang attended a national 1,500-meter race for senior citizens and was the fourth to cross the finish line. Since then, the couple started signing up for every running competition they could find. Soon they wanted to try something even more challenging, and what could be a better choice than a marathon?
In 2011, Wang and Hu ran their first full marathon in the Shanghai Inter National Marathon. Seventy-four-year-old Hu had bloody toes by the time he was midway through, but still managed to finish the 42.195 kilometers race in four hours and 18 minutes.
"There is a process doing everything. I began to feel the fun after finishing several marathons. That sense of accomplishment is remarkable," said Hu to Xinhua News Agency. "I was always top 3 of my group at 70s. Many who are younger than me lost to be."
Having left their footprints in most of the marathon tracks in China, the couple cannot remember how many medals they have won. However, both Hu and Wang are convinced that it's their pursuit of fun, health and confidence that keeps them running.
Running has also added more vibrancy into their lives. Hu and Wang made a lot of new friends through participating in marathon events. For example, Wang Hongcai, vice-president of the Hefei Marathon Sport Association (HMSA), said he only began to run marathon due to the encouragement of Hu and Wang.
"I used to be 95 kilograms, now I'm 65. Running healed my hypertension which I fought for three years with medicine," said 52-year-old Wang Hongcai. He also revealed that the total number of registered members of HMSA went from fewer than 100 to more than 4,000 thanks to role models Hu and Wang.
In 2017, Hu and Wang attended the Beijing International Marathon to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary, which in China is also known as "Golden Marriage." That day was also Hu's 80-year-old birthday. Though Wang had sprained her leg one month earlier, she still managed to finish the competition.
The organizing committee prepared a special gift for the couple. Their numbers were 13520 and 14520. In Chinese, "520" sounds similar to "I love your" while "13" and "14" combined together sounds like "my whole life."
One of Wang's favorite sayings is "Life is a marathon." The sport has been there as he and his wife support each other and move forward with their lives. "Every marathon finished is another 42.195 kilometers extended for our love," said Hu, whose goal is to become the world's oldest marathon runner. "As long as our hearts beat on, we will keep running."
(02/16/21) Views: 65
University of Oregon student Cooper Teare clocks 3:50.39 mile in Fayetteville
University of Oregon student Cooper Teare made a huge breakthrough on the first day of the Tyson Invitational in Fayetteville on Friday (12), smashing his outright mile PB with 3:50.39 to move into the world indoor all-time top 10.
There were huge PBs across the board as his teammates Cole Hocker (3:50.55) and Charlie Hunter (3:53.49) finished second and third.
In an all-Oregon line-up, Angus Folmi and Reed Brown set the early pace, going through 600m just inside 1:26 and 1000m in 2:24.3. Teare, Hocker and Hunter maintained that tempo for the final two laps with 21-year-old Teare kicking to victory in a collegiate record of 3:50.39. His time ranks him seventh on the world indoor all-time list, just behind fellow US athletes Bernard Lagat and Johnny Gregorek, but ahead of Olympic champion Matthew Centrowitz.
Hocker, aged just 19, crossed the line in 3:50.55 – the fastest indoor mile ever recorded by a teenager and good enough for eighth on the world indoor all-time list. Hunter’s 3:53.49, meanwhile, took a second off his own Australian indoor record, set just two weeks prior on the same track.
The en-route 1500m splits of 3:35.46, 3:35.63 and 3:36.94 respectively were also outright PBs for all three men.
Isaac Grimes produced another world-leading mark in Fayetteville. The 23-year-old long jumper went out to 8.04m in round two then improved to a lifetime best of 8.27m in round five. He went even farther in the final round, sailing out to 8.33m. He now ranks just outside the US indoor all-time top 10. JuVaughn Harrison was second with 8.09m.
Elsewhere in Fayetteville, Bryce Deadmon sped to an indoor 400m PB of 45.22, the third-fastest time in the world this year, to win comfortably from Champion Allison (45.99).
The sprint hurdles finals were swift, too, with teenager Grace Stark winning the women’s race in 7.96 from Pan-American Games silver medallist Chanel Brissett (7.98), while former world U20 record-holder Trey Cunningham ran 7.55 to win the men’s event.
Fast 400s were the highlight of the first day of the Tiger Paw Invitational in Clemson on Friday (12). 20-year-old Randolph Ross won the fastest heat in a PB of 45.21, finishing just ahead of Jacory Patterson (45.24) and Trevor Stewart (45.55). Trinidad and Tobago’s Dwight St Hillaire took the second heat in 45.64 with 400m hurdles specialist Kyron McMaster placing second in 45.92.
Jamaica’s 2015 world champion Danielle Williams won the 60m hurdles in 7.87, while Tavarius Wright was the men’s 60m flat winner in 6.57.
At the Texas Tech Shootout in Lubbock, world U20 silver medallist Twanisha Terry trimmed her 60m PB to 7.13, while Brendon Stewart won the men’s short sprint in 6.58. Teenager Bailey Lear set an outright PB of 51.94 to win the women’s 400m.
(02/13/21) Views: 63World Athletics
Glutamine has become more popular among runners, but does it actually provide any benefit?
Running has so many benefits, but when done at a high volume and intensity, it can end up causing some less desirable side-effects, like decreased immune system function, increased digestive distress and chronic fatigue.
To deal with some of these unwanted side effects, some runners may look to supplements for help. Originally used by bodybuilders, glutamine has become much more popular among runners, but does it really help? Continue reading to find out if you should add glutamine to your supplement regime.
What is glutamine?
Glutamine is an amino acid, which is a building block of protein. It is considered non-essential, because your body produces glutamine naturally, so you don’t have to get it from your food. It performs many functions in the body, including:
aiding in immune system functionality
preserving the digestive tract
moderating the inflammatory response
stimulating protein synthesis, which is impacted by exercise
involved in the synthesis of certain antioxidants
helping to rebuild your glycogen (energy) reserves
While your body does create glutamine itself, it can also be found in many foods, including meat, fish, dairy products, legumes and cereals, and is available in supplement format as capsules or powders.
The benefits of glutamine
There are many proposed benefits of glutamine, but not all of them are science-based. One of these supposed benefits is aiding in muscle recovery and repair, which is why it’s popular among bodybuilders. While this sounds good, in reality, glutamine is mainly used by the cells of the intestines and the liver, so it doesn’t really do much to help with muscle repair after your long run. Another reason some people choose to take a glutamine supplement is to strengthen their immune system, but this has also not been shown to be true.
There are some benefits to glutamine supplementation. Following a long or hard run, your muscle glycogen stores are depleted, and the faster you can replenish them, the better it is for muscle repair. Studies have shown that consuming glutamine along with a glucose drink can help your body reconstitute your body’s glycogen supply faster. Glutamine has also been shown to play a protective role in your digestive system, so if you struggle with GI distress, adding a glutamine supplement may help repair the lining of your digestive tract and reduce inflammation.
Should you take a glutamine supplement?
If you’re struggling with digestive distress or you feel as though you’re not recovering as quickly as you’d like after your runs, a glutamine supplement may be an appropriate choice, but the truth is this supplement is not as beneficial as it’s sometimes made out to be. If you do choose to try a glutamine supplement, talk to your doctor before adding a new supplement into your regime, especially if you are already taking other supplements or medications.
(02/13/21) Views: 56Brittany Hambleton
14:43! Chepkoech breaks world 5km record in Monaco
Beatrice Chepkoech broke the world 5km record at the Monaco Run on Sunday (14), clocking 14:43*.
The performance by the 29-year-old Kenyan bettered the previous record in a mixed gender race of 14:48 set by Caroline Kipkirui in 2018, and is also one second faster than Sifan Hassan's 14:44 record for a women's-only race, until this morning the fastest time ever produced over the distance since the 5km was introduced as a world record event in November 2017.
Chepkoech battled strong winds during the early stages of the race along the Monaco coastline but fought on over the latter stages to claim a second world record, this one joining her 8:44.32 record in the 3000m steeplechase set in 2018, also in Monaco.
"I'm so happy because I didn't expect it," said Chepkoech, the 2019 world champion in the steeplechase. "It was cold and there was a lot of wind, but I tried to follow my pace maker and everything was perfect."
She may not have had the world record in mind initially, but Chepkoech did set her sights on victory from the outset.
Despite the winds, Chepkoech had already forged a six-second lead just 500 metres into the race, before reaching the first kilometre in 2:57, 15 seconds clear of Meraf Bahta, her nearest competitor. Splits of 2:59 for the second kilometre and 3:01 for the third followed before she and pacesetter Luuk Maas decided to up the tempo as they approached the Larvotto Tunnel portion of the course, at the northeastern edge of the Principality's main port, a second time.
Since the winds had died down, she said, "my pacemaker told me ‘we can do it, let’s push it’."
She did.
After a 2:57 fourth kilometre, Chepkoech ended her morning's work with a 2:47 closing kilometre to take ownership of the world record.
Chepkoech had already illustrated her strong early 2021 form with an 8:34.21 career best over 3000m indoors in Lievin on 9 February. She'll race next at the Copernicus Cup leg of the World Athletics Indoor Tour Gold meeting series in Torun, Poland, on 17 February before returning home to resume her training.
Joshua Cheptegei, who set the men's world record of 12:51 at this race last year, successfully defended his title, clocking 13:13.
The 24-year-old Ugandan ran at or near the front from the gun but it was clear early on that the conditions would not be conducive for a serious assault on his year-old record.
"The wind was incredibly difficult," said Cheptegei, who covered the opening kilometre in 2:44, 13 seconds behind the pace that propelled him to the world record last year. Kilometre splits of 2:41, 2:37 and 2:38 followed before he closed with a 2:32, the fastest of the race.
Kenyans Bethwell Birgen and Davis Kiplangat clocked 13:17 and 13:19 to round out the top three with Morhad Amdouni of France fourth in 13:19, one second outside of the European record set by compatriot Jimmy Gressier at this race last year.
(02/14/21) Views: 53
2021 Marine Corps will hold 17.75km event on March 20
The Marine Corps Marathon Organization (MCMO) will be hosting a limited-capacity, in-person, live version of the Marine Corps 17.75km on Saturday 20 March.
It will be held in a new location aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico. The event has previously been hosted in Prince William Forest Park.
Beginning on Tuesday 16 February runners who deferred from the cancelled 2020 event will be invited to opt into the live version, followed by runners registered for the virtual event. Those registered for the virtual 17.75km may opt into the in-person event beginning on Thursday 18 February. Further instructions will be sent to the e-mail address provided by participants during registration within the next few days.
Any remaining entries available for the limited in-person 11.03-mile event will then be opened to the general public on Monday, 22 February
The field of 500 participants will be divided into two social-distanced, separate start times to be held at 08.00 and 10.00.
Virtual 17.75km registration remains open at www.marinemarathon.com. Runners must register before 18 February for an opportunity to opt into the live version. All finishers receive a Tun Tavern-themed shirt, finisher medal and collectible bib.
(02/15/21) Views: 51
Comrades Marathon denies financial problem speculations
Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) Tried to distance itself from inaccurate media speculation that 100-year-old road vehicles are in a dangerous financial position.
This comes after this week’s announcement that the 2021 race was canceled due to the coronavirus, as it was in 2020.
“We want to correct recent media reports claiming that the Comrade Marathon Association is facing financial difficulties and the future of the race is at stake,” Cheryl Win said in a statement on Friday.
“On the contrary, despite the cancellation of the second consecutive edition of the Comrade Marathon due to Covid-19 and the resulting blockade and consequent restrictions on mass participation sporting events, it is actually in a healthy financial position. ..
“Last year, we hosted our first highly successful virtual comrade marathon event and planned another event on June 13th, and we’ve accumulated 28 million rants over the last two decades to sustain our future. We are in a privileged position to have more than a reserve fund for our world-famous event.
“In fact, the CMA is currently in a very healthy financial position, thanks to the careful financial management of the current board and the foresight of the previous administration to secure funding in anticipation of a future’rainy day’. It is in.
“The oldest, largest and most famous ultramarathon in the world, and one of South Africa’s most important sports treasures, is facing a tight financial future or is on the verge of closing. I want to stop speculation.
“The mention of potential staff reductions is premature and unfounded. To staff who have provided viable suggestions to survive the storm and continue to serve the organization diligently in the current harsh climate. Thank you.
“The CMA Board’s top priority is to protect the health, safety and well-being of runners, staff, volunteers, sponsors, stakeholders and South Africans, while its top priority is to be a symbolic state agency. Maintaining a volunteer marathon and is economically important for stakeholder sports in Kwazul Natal and South Africa for the next 100 years.
“What CMA is doing effectively and responsibly is to string the purse in case the next comrade marathon can be held safely, in line with the green light from the state and national athletics federations. Protecting all possible resources. With government regulations. “
(02/13/21) Views: 50Richard Damato
Running documentary follows runners of the NAZ Elite marathon team during the final months leading up to the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to train at the elite level or what it takes to make it to the Olympic Marathon Trials, you now have the chance to find out.
The film A Time and Place goes behind the scenes of the Northern Arizona (NAZ) Elite marathon team, following six Olympic hopefuls leading up to the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials that took place on February 29, 2020.
The athletes in focus include Scott Fauble, Scott Smith and Sid Vaughn on the men’s side and Kellyn Taylor, Stephanie Bruce and U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials winner Aliphine Tuliamuk for the women.
With much of the commentary for the film provided by NAZ Elite head coach, Ben Rosario, A Time and Place gives you an in-depth look at the sacrifice, struggle and determination required to compete in the marathon at the elite level.
Flagstaff, Ariz., acts as the backdrop for the film, as the team trains during the final months leading up to the trials. Throughout the film, each athlete gives viewers a bit about their background and explains what qualifying for the trials (and, hopefully, the Olympics) means to them. You get the chance to watch the team push themselves through some intense workouts to give you insight into exactly what it takes to be an elite marathoner. Spoiler alert: it’s a lot of hard work.
Finally A time and Place culminate with the trials themselves, which is, not surprisingly, the most exciting part of the film. It gives viewers a unique opportunity to watch the trials from the perspective of the athletes and coaches, and, of course, revel in the excitement of Rosario and the rest of the team as Tuliamuk has the race of her life. Watching her cross the finish line in first place from the vantage point of her coach is a truly thrilling experience, even through the TV screen.
A Time and Place is an eye-opening look behind the scenes of the lives and training of some of the best marathon runners in the United States, and allows viewers to feel the frustration of defeat and revel in the victories of athletes who spend months training for one career-defining day. While it does require a certain level of running-nerdiness to get into, it is a great film for anyone with a curiosity and interest in the world of elite running. The film will be available to stream for 24 hours beginning on Feb. 13 at 7 p.m. for $15.
(02/12/21) Views: 49Brittany Hambleton
