Running News Daily
Top Ten Stories of the Week
9/4/2021
These are the top ten stories based on views over the last week.
World record holder Letesenbet Gidey to make debut at the Valencia Half Marathon
Ethiopia’s Letesenbet Gidey, who is the current 5,000m (14:06.62), and 10,000m (29:01.03) world record holder is taking on her first half-marathon at the 2021 Valencia Half Marathon on Oct. 24.
This will mark Gidey’s first time stepping up to the half-marathon distance, as the experienced long-distance track runner is known for using her exceptional endurance to wear down the field.
In addition to her world records, Gidey has the world’s best time over 15 km on the road, running a jaw-dropping 44:20 last fall in Nijmegen, Netherlands. If she can hold her 15K pace for six more kilometres, she will crush Ruth Chepngetich’s half-marathon world record of 1:04:02 by a minute and a half.
Gidey will be challenged by the last two winners of this event, Genzebe Dibaba (1:05:18) and Senbere Teferi (1:05:32), as well as Yalemzerf Yehualaw (1:04:40), who was third at the World Half Marathon Championships in Gdynia, Poland in 2020.
On the men’s side, the Valencia Half Marathon is stacked with high-level competition. Kenya’s Rhonex Kipruto is returning after running the second-fastest half marathon ever in 2020 (57:49). He also holds the 10K road world record at 26:24. Also in the race is Ethiopian Muktar Edris, a double world champion in the 5,000m who ran a 59:04 in his half-marathon debut.
The men’s half-marathon world record has been broken twice in Valencia over the past two years. The depth of the women’s and men’s fields are certain to threaten the record books this Oct. 24.
(08/27/21) Views: 143Marley Dickinson
2021 Valencia Half Marathon hopes for new records
The Valencia Half Marathon Trinidad Alfonso EDP, organized by SD Correcaminos, has confirmed the first names of the international elite that will take to the streets of Valencia Ciudad del Running on October 24th.
After the Elite Edition last year in which a new male world record for the distance was set, 57:32 by Kibiwott Kandie, and four runners ran under 58 minutes, the Valencia Half Marathon aims to become the world’s fastest in 2021, all of this without losing sight of the challenge of the women’s world record, currently set at 1:04:02 in the hands of the Kenyan Ruth Chepngetich.
Ethiopia’s Letesenbet Gidey, current 5000m record holder (14:06.62 at the NN Valencia World Record Day in 2020), 10,000 (29:01.03, Hengelo) and 15K record holder (44:20), will try to improve upon her bronze medal in the 10,000m at Tokyo 2020 debuting at the Valencia Half Marathon at a world–class level. Alongside her, the last two winners of the event, Genzebe Dibaba (1:05:18 in 2020) and Senbere Teferi (1:05:32 in 2019), as well as Yalemzerf Yehualaw (1:04:40), third in the last World Half Marathon in Gdynia (Poland), and who improves her personal performance in each new asphalt race she takes part in.
In spite of the immeasurable records that were registered in the men’s category in 2020, with four runners under 58 minutes and the previous world record, the Valencia Half Marathon will also set up a race of an immensely high level in the men’s category. The third classified of the Elite Edition, Rhonex Kipruto (57:49 and the current 10K road world record) will return and the Ethiopian Muktar Edris, double world champion in 5.000m on track and with a time of 59:04 in half marathon, in his only experience in road race. They will be joined by several sub 59-minute runners over the distance and some world-class debutants from the track.
Marc Roig, manager of the international elite of the race, said that “Olympic years always have a special atmosphere, but the calendar does not stop and the half marathon (non-Olympic distance) has other crowns to share out. And they want them, both those who triumphed in Tokyo and those who fell short. That’s why dreaming about the world record is possible and desired.”
The Valencia Half Marathon is working with the teams of the top elite athletes so that their training in the weeks leading up to the event will culminate in an unprecedented peak of performance in Valencia.
(08/30/21) Views: 98
Francois D'haene claims his fourth victory at UTMB
Frenchman Francois D’haene delivers once again in the Alps, achieving his fourth victory at Ultra-Trail du Tour Mont Blanc. D’Haene finished in 20 hours and 45 minutes to cover the 170km course, climbing over 10,000m up and down the valleys of Mont Blanc.
This is D’haene’s fourth win in his fourth attempt at UTMB. He now single-handedly holds the record for most wins since the race began in 2003, passing Spain’s Kilian Jornet who holds three.
D’haene lead since the first breakaway and started a second breakaway group with American Jim Walmsley, as they began the climbing in Italy, D’haene dropped Walmsley and charged on towards the finish line. Walmsley dropped out of the race after failing to stay on pace with D’haene.
French-Canadian, who lives and trains around Montreal but was born in France, Mathieu Blanchard finished third to round out the podium. This marks the highest finish by a Canadian ever at UTMB. Aurélien Dunand-Pallaz of France was second to round out the French sweep of the podium, for the first time in history at UTMB.
In the women’s race, it was American Courtney Dauwalter who rose to glory. Dauwalter won the previous edition of the race, becoming the third woman to successfully defend her title on the hills of Mont Blanc. Dauwalter broke fellow American Rory Bosio’s course record finishing in 22 hours and 30 minutes. Dauwalter finished seventh in the overall standings, the highest finish ever by a woman.
(08/28/21) Views: 89
Train slow to race fast, marathon lessons from Molly Seidel
The Olympic marathon bronze medalist Molly Seidel dedicates the majority of her training to easy running.
With the Fall marathon season approaching fast, many runners across the country are already deep into their marathon training programs. If you’re like most of us, you were inspired by the athletes’ performances in the Olympic marathon, most notably by American Molly Seidel’s surprise bronze medal finish. Thankfully, the elite runner tracks her training on Strava, and when looking at her stats there is one major takeaway: to run fast, you need to train slow.
Physiologist and Colorado-based endurance coach Alex Couzens broke down Seidel’s training stats on his Twitter page, and the results may come as a surprise to many runners. Out of her typical 193-kilometre training week, she only ran three per cent of that volume at 5K pace or faster — that’s less than seven kilometres. She only ran another 13 per cent (about 25 kilometers) at race pace, and half of her total training volume was dedicated to slow, easy running.
For most of us, this approach may seem counter-intuitive. A lot of time and attention is given to speedwork and tempo runs, and while both are important aspects of training, Seidel’s stats prove that when it comes to success at the marathon distance, slow easy miles are king. Of course, the average recreational runner is likely not running 200 kilometres each week, and Couzens addresses this later on in the discussion thread. In his opinion, even if someone has only five hours per week to dedicate to training, he wouldn’t change the ratios all that much. He provided an example of a basic week of training:
Of course, at that training volume, you likely won’t be joining the Olympians any time soon, but for someone with a busy schedule who not only has less time to train but also has fewer hours to dedicate to rest, stretching, mobility and other recovery strategies, Seidel’s ratios still apply. As long as you’re consistent with your training, this strategy will allow you to get to the start line prepared to handle the distance without injuring yourself in the process.
So if you’re in the midst of marathon training and are thinking about adding in some extra speedwork, take a page out of Seidel’s book and check your ratios first — it may not be necessary after all.
(08/27/21) Views: 81Brittany Hambleton
Kipchoge reveals his next goal after leaving marathons
Kipchoge has been recognised the world over as the epitome of limitless possibilities.
Marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge has revealed that he intends to push his body further than the 42km marathon which he has won over 10 times.
In a recent interview with author and athletic enthusiast Rob Steger, Kipchoge said his next goal after leaving marathons would be the ultra marathon.
"After leaving the marathon, I want to run the ultramarathons just to feel how it is. Running for more than 4 or 5 days or even run at once for 70 kilometres. I really want to feel the pain of running for a long time,” Kipchoge said.
The 36-year-old has been recognised the world over as the epitome of limitless possibilities, having beat the sub-2-hour mark in 2019.
Kipchoge’s timing of 1:59:40 isn’t officially recognised as a world record as the conditions—a straight and even track, a battery of world-class pace-setters and special shoes, among others—were carefully chosen to propel him towards it.
But it takes nothing away from a feat that transcends the realm of mere statistics and accomplishes what was once considered invincible.
He recently asked Kenya to embrace the use of technology in training to keep performing wonders at international competitions.
“If we don’t embrace technology then we are not moving... I know regulations will be there but technology should take centre stage.
“Let all athletes have top technology, have top innovation. That’s the only way to think and actually try to improve your performance,” Kipchoge told Reuters.
His incredible form was now been turned into a movie called Kipchoge: The Last Milestone.
The film portrays Kipchoge as a tireless athlete with a work ethic, a contemplative attitude and a fundamental modesty.
The legend uses hypoxic training which helps his body adapt to reduced oxygen intake to prevent him from running out of breath.
His muscles have high capability to self-contract to enhance the smooth movement of his limbs
An excerpt from his training manual reads that in 2018, he completed an entire session in under 80 minutes with no time between warm-up, workout, and cool-down. Later the same day he ran 12km in less than 50 minutes.
(08/28/21) Views: 79
Two-time Boston Marathon Winner & Reigning World Champion Lelisa Desisa will return to Boston Marathon
The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) has announced that two-time Boston Marathon champion, reigning World Athletics Marathon champion, and 2:04:45 marathoner Lelisa Desisa of Ethiopia will compete in the 125th Boston Marathon on Monday, October 11. Desisa joins 13 previously announced Boston Marathon champions who are racing as part of the John Hancock Professional Athlete Team.
“Boston has become my second home and I truly cherish my time when I am there,” said Desisa. “I return to compete still chasing my third victory in the Boston Marathon. Thank you, Boston; I look forward to putting on a good show for you on Marathon Monday!"
Desisa, who broke the tape first in 2013 (2:10:22) then again in 2015 (2:09:17), returns to Boston for the seventh time. In 2019, Desisa finished runner-up by a mere two seconds behind winner Lawrence Cherono. In addition to Boston and the 2019 World Championships, Desisa has previously won the 2018 TCS New York City Marathon, 2013 Dubai Marathon, and earned silver at the 2013 World Athletics Championships Marathon. His lifetime best of 2:04:45 ranks third in this year’s field, featuring nine men who have run 2:06:00 or faster.
Additionally, 2020 Houston Marathon champion and 2:05:56 marathoner Kelkile Gezahegn will compete for top honors in October. Gezahegn has won marathons in Houston, Ljubljana, Frankfurt, and Lanzhou since 2017, with four additional wins in 2016. Gezahegn’s personal best of 2:05:56 was set en route to a third-place finish at the 2018 Rotterdam Marathon. This will be his Boston Marathon debut.
(08/31/21) Views: 79B.A.A. Communications Department
Grandma's Marathon Wins Top Honors in Statewide Readers' Choice Awards Program
Grandma’s Marathon has been named a gold medal winner in the state’s premier Readers’ Choice Awards program, Minnesota’s Best, it was announced today.
Grandma’s was voted the state’s top annual sports event or race in the inaugural “best of” program, which was put together by the Star Tribune to celebrate the many businesses, organizations, and individuals that make Minnesota a great place to live, work, and play.
“We’re certainly honored and humbled by this recognition, but this is an award that belongs to our entire community,” Marketing & Public Relations Director Zach Schneider said. “Our race is a reflection of our volunteers, sponsors, and community partners who work tirelessly throughout the year to create a special event each June for our more than 20,000 participants. Clearly their efforts are appreciated and have not gone unnoticed. We are proud to accept this award on their behalf and look forward to living up to that ‘gold medal’ billing in 2022.”
More than 525,000 votes were cast in this year’s Readers’ Choice Awards program, with 5,700 different entities across the state competing for the top three spots in 300+ award categories.
For a full list of the 2021 Star Tribune Readers’ Choice Award winners, please visit votedminnesotasbest.com.
The 2022 Grandma’s Marathon weekend will be held Thursday-Saturday, June 16-18. Registration for the weekend’s three races – Grandma’s Marathon, Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon, and William A. Irvin 5K – will open at 7:00 p.m. CT on October 1, 2021.
If you have any questions or for any interview requests, please contact Marketing & Public Relations Director Zach Schneider via email at zach@grandmasmarathon.com or via phone at (218) 343-9874.
ABOUT GRANDMA’S MARATHON
Grandma’s Marathon began in 1977 when a group of local runners planned a scenic road race from Two Harbors to Duluth, Minnesota. There were just 150 participants that year, but organizers knew they had discovered something special. Grandma’s Marathon weekend draws approximately 20,000 participants for its three-race event each June.
The race got its name from the Duluth-based group of famous Grandma’s Restaurants, the first major sponsor of the Marathon. Over time, the level of sponsorship with the restaurants changed, but the name stayed the same. Grandma’s Marathon-Duluth, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization with a 17-member Board of Directors and a nine-person, full-time staff.
(08/27/21) Views: 74Running USA
Czech Runner Dies from Falling During UTMB’s TDS Race in Chamonix
It is believed to be the first death in the 19-year history of the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc races in and around Chamonix
There was sad news coming out of Chamonix, France, early on the morning of August 25.
The Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc race organization reported that a male runner from the Czech Republic competing in the 145-km TDS race died after suffering a bad fall and serious injuries. The accident occurred at the 62.3 km mark on the descent of the Passeur de Pralognan, an 8,421-foot mountain pass west of Chamonix, France.
It is believed to be the first death in the 19-year history of the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc races in and around Chamonix.
A spokesperson for the race said the UTMB race organization is deeply saddened and wished the international trail running community to join in offering condolences to the family and friends of the victim.
When the accident occurred at 12:25 a.m. CET, the rescue team stationed on the course responded to the scene immediately and additional emergency personnel was called into action via helicopter support. Despite life-saving treatments, the runner (who is being kept anonymous until all family members have been notified) succumbed to his injuries. Because of the remote and complex nature of the rescue operations, the race was partially halted and the runners located at the Passeur de Pralognan, and further back, were instructed by the race committee to turn around and go back down to Bourg Saint-Maurice, where they were met and transported back to Chamonix.
The race began on Tuesday afternoon in Courmayeur, Italy, and runners experienced clear skies and cool temperatures through the night and into the early morning. The 293 runners who had already run through Passeur de Pralognan were allowed to continue on to finish the race, but the remainder of the approximately 1,200 runners who were turned back will not be able to continue.
Norway’s Erik-Sebastian Krogvig was the eventual winner of the TDS, making it back to Chamonix after 18 hours, 49 minutes, 58 seconds. The TDS race, officially known as the Sur les Traces des Ducs de Savoie, is the most technically challenging race during the UTMB week, with several craggy climbs and descents that require precise footing and balance.
“This is a tough section of the course,” reports Trail Runner Magazine contributor Doug Mayer, who lives in the Chamonix area. “You’ve just climbed 2,000 meters in about 10 km, then need to hold on to chains on the other side. They have a rescue group right there at this spot, always. It’s the most technical moment of the race.
(08/28/21) Views: 73
Stephen Scullion and Paul Pollock ready for big guns in Antrim Coast Half Marathon
Tokyo Olympians Stephen Scullion and Paul Pollock will spearhead the local challenge against a star-studded international field in the Antrim Coast Half Marathon on Sunday.
Sir Mo Farah - who won the 5,000m and 10,000m double at both London 2012 and Rio 2016 before missing out on Tokyo qualification - is unable to defend the inaugural title he won last year in a time of one hour and 27 seconds due to injury but will be at the event as race starter and will also carry out media and ambassadorial roles. Sir Mo said: "I can't wait to be involved this time around, especially with the kids race.
I aim to be back for another crack at the race next year." Big-race organiser James McIlroy - an 800m semi-finalist at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and who roomed with Sir Mo on Team GB trips - feels it will be one of the strongest half marathon line-ups ever seen on these islands.
"It promises to be one of the greatest half marathons ever assembled in the UK or Ireland with 53 men and 25 women taking to the start. With three full national teams confirmed, and runners from Africa, America, Europe, UK and Ireland, this year’s first ever World Athletics event in the province promises to be one of the leading road races in the world for 2021," said the Larne man, grandson of Belfast Celtic legend Sid McIlroy.
In addition to boasting 11 Olympians, headlining the men’s race will be Ethiopian record holder Jemal Yimer. Yimer won his last half marathon outing at the Houston half marathon in 2020 and has also achieved the fastest ever debut half marathon in 59:00 achieved in R’as al Khaimah in the UAE back in 2019.
He will be joined by countryman Tesfahun Akalnew, who has a personal best of 59:22, previously finished second in the African Games and comes to the Antrim Coast with strong runs in 2020, finishing fifth in the Barcelona Half Marathon and sixth in New Delhi. Completing the African trio will be Shadrack Kimining, winner of the 2016 Cardiff Half Marathon and in Gothenburg in 2018 and 2019.
Leading the UK and Ireland challenge will be Tokyo Olympians Scullion, Pollock and Marc Scott, the latter the two-time European record holder and second fastest all-time Briton behind Sir Mo over 10,000m. On Sunday Scott will seek to become only the second Briton to break the 60-minute barrier.
Belfast ace Scullion finish fourth in last year’s race on the way to setting a new Northern Ireland record of 61.12. Pollock, fresh from his second Olympics, will make his debut on the fast scenic course and should also threaten the top positions.
Barcelona Olympian and multiple World record holder Tommy Hughes will have huge crowd support as he makes his latest bid on the Vet +60 World record, which he smashed at last year’s race in a time of 71.09. McIlroy added: "With full strength teams from Ireland, England and Northern Ireland, we may well see the first ever sub-60-minute half marathon in Ireland." The women’s race is headlined by Ethiopian sensation Yalemzerf Yehualaw.
The 22-year-old finished third in last year’s World Half Marathon Championship after tripping on the finishers mat, and has targeted the Antrim Coast's fast course since lthe inaugural event last September. The elite race starts at 8.00am in Larne with the mass participation event - cancelled last year due to the Covid pandemic - starting at 9.30am. There will be live coverage on the BBC.
(08/28/21) Views: 71Frank Brownlow
Hartford Marathon Foundation Encourages Community To Lace Up for Social Justice
To celebrate the diverse backgrounds and unique experiences of those that participate in its race events, the Hartford Marathon Foundation today launched the Lace Up for Social Justice initiative. Proceeds from the sale of $10 commemorative shoelaces will directly benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs.
Adorned in a rainbow of colors reading "I RUN FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE", the shoelaces are on sale now through the HMF Shop, at upcoming HMF and Boys and Girls Clubs events and through registration for HMF's signature race, the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon. Participants are encouraged to wear their laces proudly on race day, Saturday, October 9.
The Lace Up campaign runs in conjunction with the marathon's "Run United" theme for 2021, which is being celebrated through a special HMF FitKids running event on Saturday, October 2. Local youth will have the memorable experience of finishing a race under the iconic Soldiers Sailors Memorial Arch and crossing the grand finish line of the Eversource Hartford Marathon. A replica of the Black Lives Matter mural that is painted on Trinity Street in Hartford will also be unveiled along the sideboards of the finish line.
"We are proud that the events we produce welcome people from all walks of life to achieve goals and we celebrate each and every one of their accomplishments equally - that's no more evident than at the Eversource Hartford Marathon," said Beth Shluger, President and CEO of the Hartford Marathon Foundation. "We want to honor that social responsibility and raise funds for the incredible resources available through the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford to foster a more caring, accepting and equitable future for our youth."
"The Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford are proud to be a part of the Eversource Hartford Marathon Lace Up for Social Justice Campaign. Now more than ever, our Boys & Girls Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs are so important. We believe all young people should be afforded the guarantee of fair treatment, access and opportunity," said Samuel S. Gray, Jr., President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford.
In addition to the Lace Up campaign to raise funds for the benefit of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford, the Eversource Hartford Marathon, Half Marathon, Team 13.1 Relay and Charity 5K will continue to benefit additional worthy causes in the community. The Official Charity program for the October 9 race features 19 organizations committed to rallying participants, supporters and volunteers to raise funds and awareness. More than $8.2 million has been raised for charity through the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon since its inception in 1994.
Purchase laces, learn more about Official Charities or register for the Eversource Hartford Marathon events at www.hartfordmarathon.com.
(08/28/21) Views: 69
