Running News Daily
Top Ten Stories of the Week
1/20/2024
These are the top ten stories based on views over the last week.
Jacob Kiplimo will be heading the 10K Valencia Ibercaja on Sunday
Jacob Kiplimo will be heading to the 10K Valencia Ibercaja on Sunday with an attempt to break Rhonex Kipruto's world record that he set on the same course.
As Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo heads to the 10K Valencia Ibercaja on Sunday, January 14, all eyes will be on him to obliterate Rhonex Kipruto’s world record time over the distance.
The Ugandan, just 23 years of age, has proven to be in impeccable form and he will be angling to destroy the Kenyan's world record over the distance. Kipruto set the world record back in 2020 on the same course, clocking 26:24 to win the race.
The courses in Valencia are usually known to be fast and produce great times and 2024 will be no different since the quality of the field attracted comprises Olympians and World Championships medalists.
Less than two months ago Kiplimo equaled the 15km world record in the Netherlands (41:05) after coming back from injury.
He also holds the half marathon record after his dominant display at the Lisbon Half Marathon where he cut the tape in 57:31. Kiplimo has already proven to be in the form of his life and if the weather and all conditions are right, he will surely dip under Kipruto’s world record time.
Meanwhile, the men’s race has also attracted national 10K record holders like Rodrigue Kwizera (Burundi), Pietro Riva (Italy), and Richard Douma (Netherlands).
Additionally, Dominic Lobalu, a refugee athlete from South Sudan now naturalized Swiss, who tied the European 5K Record, will also be a competitor to watch.
Spanish elite athletes include Abdessamad Oukhelfen in men's and Águeda Marqués and Cristina Ruiz in women's, all arriving in excellent shape and with ambitious goals.
(01/12/24) Views: 117Abigael Wuafula
Courtney Dauwalter and Jim Walmsley win 2023 Trail Runner of the Year
Trail running media community Freetrail have announced the winners of the Trail Runner of the Year (TROY), and the epic champions weren’t really a surprise: Americans Courtney Dauwalter and Jim Walmsley, both winners of the 2023 edition of UTMB.
TROY is a global award intended to recognize pro athletes within the sport by ranking their performances during the 2023 racing season. “It’s our hope that TROY will become an annual capstone, celebrating the year in competition,” Freetrail said when they created TROY in 2022.
Traditionally, contests like this one have been country-based, so Freetrail is taking a step toward inclusivity by making the competition international. “TROY is an extension of Freetrail’s mission to elevate the profile of the professional athletes in our sport while helping casual observers and the general public feel connected to their stories – hopefully creating diehard fans in the process,” Freetrail shares on its website.
We had some stellar Canadian athletes on the list, including Ailsa MacDonald of Cochrane, Alta., Edmonton’s Priscilla Forgie, Chilliwack’s Ihor Verys and Montreal’s Marianne Hogan. Americans took the lead, however, after remarkable performances in 2023.
Courtney Dauwalter
Ultrarunner and coach Corinne Malcolm says in the Freetrail announcement that “we are living in the Courtney Era and we aren’t mad about it.” The trail and ultrarunning community witnessed a historic chapter in 2023 as Dauwalter conquered the elusive triple crown of 100-mile races (Western States 100, Hardrock 100 and UTMB 171K) becoming the first person to win all three in one season.
Malcolm captures the essence of Dauwalter’s remarkable journey in 2023 when she says, “We’ve reached peak Courtney.” Before the triple was even an idea, Dauwalter kicked off her season with wins (setting new course records) at Bandera 100K, Transgrancanaria 128K classic, and a record-breaking performance at Western States 100 (WSER).
auwalter’s 2023 season unfolded as an extraordinary narrative of triumphs. Fans watched in awe when she ran to victory at WSER, breaking Canadian Ellie Greenwood‘s long-standing record by 77 minutes, and three weeks later, dominated the Hardrock 100, setting yet another course record.
The unexpected revelation of Dauwalter’s pursuit of the triple crown at UTMB adds a surreal dimension to her already illustrious season. “While she would go on to convincingly win her third world-class 100-mile of the season, completing a triple that will likely never happen ever again, she would also show us she was human, gritting through the final 50 km of the course… Leaving us absolutely speechless in the process,” Malcolm writes.
Jim Walmsley
Walmsley is a beloved fixture in the trail community, known for his immense talent and dedicated work ethic. Fans have followed the evolution of his ultrarunning career. Walsmsley’s journey is one of continuous growth, from three consecutive wins at WSER to a strategic move to Arêches, France, to learn from the likes of Francois D’Haene how to conquer UTMB.
“Just like for many of his mountain colleagues, that would also mean coming into the first spring race of the season off of largely ski fitness,” Malcolm says. “To qualify for the UTMB Finals Jim ran, won, and set the course record at the Istria by UTMB 100-mile race—in the process winning his first 100-mile race that wasn’t WSER.”
While temporarily sidelined with an ankle injury, Walmsley’s determination prevailed as he clinched victory at Trail La Frison Roche and, ultimately, UTMB. Fans watched a nail-biting race, with some doubts as to whether Walmsley would best compatriot Zach Miller, but “a switch flipped at Champex Lac,” and Walmsley secured his win in under 20 hours. Jim’s subsequent triumph at Nice Côte d’Azur by UTMB 100K not only cements his legacy but also earned him a golden ticket to WSER 2024, leaving the ultrarunning community in eager anticipation.
(01/12/24) Views: 109Keeley Milne
Moh Ahmed withdraws from Houston Half Marathon due to hamstring injury
Moh Ahmed’s debut in the half-marathon will have to wait. He has withdrawn from this Sunday’s Aramco Houston Half Marathon after suffering a hamstring injury in his final tune-up workout.
“I am regretfully withdrawing from the Aramco Houston Half Marathon. In my final tune-up workout on Wednesday, I tweaked my hamstring/hip flexor a bit, such that my coach, Jerry Schumacher, and I felt it would be unwise to line up on Sunday,” said Ahmed in a statement Thursday.
Ahmed’s half-marathon debut was highly anticipated, given his Canadian records in the 5,000m and 10,000m on the track. He is the only Canadian distance runner to have medalled in the men’s 5,000m event at an Olympic Games (Tokyo 2020).
“After a great few months of training, I was really looking forward to testing myself over the streets of Houston against a great field, but it will have to wait until next year,” said Ahmed. Outside of a few local road races and winning the Canadian men’s 10K title last year, he has not raced the 21.1 or 42.2 km distance.
Rory Linkletter will be the lone Canadian athlete in the men’s elite half-marathon field. Linkletter is racing in Houston in preparation for the Sevilla Marathon on Feb. 18, aiming for the Olympic standard of 2:08:10. His personal best of 61:08 was set at this race in 2022 (a Canadian national record at the time). Ljnkletter’s PB is only 50 seconds behind the Canadian half marathon record of 60:18 held by Cam Levins.
Despite Ahmed’s withdrawal, there will still be a large Canadian presence in Houston. Four athletes will be chasing their Olympic dreams in the marathon. Leslie Sexton, 2016 Olympian Lanni Marchant, and Canadian marathon record holder Natasha Wodak will all have their goals on the women’s Olympic standard of 2:26:50, with two spots still open for Paris 2024.
On the men’s side, Tristan Woodfine from Cobden, Ont, returns to the marathon looking to break his personal best of 2:10:51, set three years ago at the London Marathon. The men’s Olympic standard for Paris is 2:08:10.
(01/12/24) Views: 106Marley Dickinson
Why Mary Ngugi-Cooper is always eager to return to sentimental Boston Marathon
Mary Ngugi-Cooper has opened up on why the streets of Boston hold a special place in her heart.
Mary Ngugi-Cooper will once again line up for the Boston Marathon scheduled for Monday, April 15.
Ngugi expressed her elation upon returning to the streets of Boston which she considers one of her favorite courses, citing various reasons.
Ngugi has made several appearances at the Boston Marathon and has managed to finish among the top ten athletes five times. She was also in action last year, where she managed to finish ninth before ending her season with a fifth-place finish at the New York City Marathon.
“Back to Boston… I’m really excited to announce that in April I will be running the Boston Marathon. Boston holds a special place in my heart, not only for having two podium finishes in the last few years, but getting married there too!
"The streets are always amazing, crowds loud and I can’t wait to hit Heartbreak Hill once again with a ridiculously strong field of talented women. See you there," she said in a post on her Facebook page.
The Kenyan will be up against some of the greatest female marathon runners including defending champion Hellen Obiri who has already exuded confidence ahead of the assignment.
The Kenyan charge also includes former World Marathon silver medallist Judith Korir, two-time Boston Marathon champion Edna Kiplagat, and the 2022 New York City Marathon champion Sharon Lokedi.
The Kenyans will face an acid test from Ethiopians who have confirmed participation in large numbers. Worknesh Degefa, the 2019 Boston Marathon champion, will make a return and she will enjoy the company of Tadu Teshome who will make her Boston debut.
Hiwot Gebremaryam will be aiming to improve upon her eighth-place finish last year while Senbere Teferi will also be in the mix.
Experienced marathoner Ababel Yeshaneh –second in 2022 and fourth in 2023— will try to become the seventh woman from Ethiopia to win the olive wreath in Boston.
(01/13/24) Views: 106Abigael Wuafula
The 2025 World Masters Athletics Indoor Championships is coming to the US
World Masters Athletics, together with Alachua County Florida and USA Track & Field (USATF), announce the 10thWorld Masters Athletics Indoor Championships will be held in Gainesville, Florida.
This Championship, set to be held from March 23-30, 2025, promises to be another great experience for Masters Athletes and attendees. It might be the most convenient WMA Championship ever with 2,000 hotel rooms within 2km, shuttles to venues and much more. Message from Margit Jungmann, WMA President: “WMA Council thanks Alachua County, Gainesville Sports Commission and RADD Sports for hosting our 2025 Indoor Championships.
We are confident their team is exceptionally qualified and capable of organizing a World Championship as they support over seventy sporting events annually. It will be special having outdoor events in warmer average temperatures than previous Championships and returning to North America.” Message from Commissioner Mary Alford, Chair of the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners: “My fellow commissioners and I thank the WMA Council and its member federations for giving us the opportunity to host this amazing international event.
It is exciting to welcome the world to Alachua County in 2025! We will provide a wonderful experience for all our regional, national, and international visitors. Alachua County's experience hosting major events, our world-class facilities and amenities, rich sports history, and cultural, natural, and entertainment offerings, make it the ideal location for the World Masters Indoor Championships.” Message from Max Siegel, CEO of USATF: “On behalf of USA Track & Field, I am delighted to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Alachua County and the Gainesville Sports Commission on securing the honor of hosting the 2025 World Masters Athletics Indoor Championships, making its inaugural debut in the United States.
This historic achievement speaks volumes about Gainesville’s commitment to fostering athletic excellence on a global stage, and we look forward to an extraordinary Championship showcasing the pinnacle of Masters athletics that will inspire athletes and spectators alike.”
(01/12/24) Views: 105
Betsy Saina explains what it will mean to represent USA at Paris Olympics
Kenyan-born American marathoner Betsy Saina has revealed what is motivating her to represent USA at the Paris Olympics after ditching her motherland in 2021.
Kenyan-born American marathoner Betsy Saina believes she is representing her whole family by running for the United States.
Saina switched allegiance from Kenya to the US in 2021, having represented her country of birth in 10,000m at the 2016 Rio Olympics before later moving to the marathon.
The 35-year-old is gearing up for her first Olympics trials with Team USA set to be held in Orlando, Florida and she has explained what it would mean to don the American colours at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
“I'm really excited. Like I said, things have changed a lot,” Saina told CITIUS Magazine.
“The U.S. has become my home because it's been over ten years since I moved there. That makes me feel really emotional. My heart is full.
“I'm so grateful to be able to represent the U.S., after all I've gained in living there: to my two sisters living there, my son being born in the U.S. – it's a family thing for me. So I'm running for the whole family now.”
Saina moved to the US when she joined Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, later earning an agriculture and life sciences degree with a focus on nursing.
She has continued to shuttle between the US and Kenya, mostly training back home, including now as she prepares for the 2024 Olympics, alongside her long-time friend Joyciline Jepkosgei.
Saina admits it is much easier to train with Kenyan runners now knowing that she will not be competing with them for a ticket.
“I went to high school at the same time as her (Jepkosgei), so I knew her from back in 2005,” she added of her friend and training partner.
“When I made the decision [to switch allegiance] I really wanted to train with her because we have had a long-time friendship. But I was a little bit like, ‘oh my gosh, she's run 64!’
“But I looked at myself and I was like, ‘I need to challenge myself every day.’ When you're running with someone who is better than you, it's a privilege.
“I remember when I was training for Sydney and we were doing the same workouts, and my coach could use the time [difference between us] like, ‘hey, for this long run you still have like one or two minutes, you know, that you need to improve on.’ And I remember when I started maybe it was like four minutes and then by the time I was going for the race, I was closing down to like a minute."
Saina says unlike other runners, she enjoys training with Jepkosgei as she does not see her as a rival which makes things easier.
“It's been a big challenge, in a good way,” said Saina. “She's been helping me so much for the last month. She's not super competitive in training. Like, I know some people, when you're training with them, they can start saying, no, I don't want her to be close to me.”
“But for Joyciline, she really wants me, you know, to be on the same caliber with her, especially knowing that she's not in the same team with me. I love training with her. And when I come back from the Trials, I'll be able to keep training with her, whatever happens,” added the Sydney Marathon champion.
(01/12/24) Views: 104Joel Omotto
Boost your protein intake with these tasty treats, perfect for pre- or post-run
Whether you’re prepping for a race or casually hitting the road for an easy run, these three mouthwatering recipes are your secret weapon for effective fueling. Bid farewell to dull protein shakes and welcome tasty treats that’ll delight your taste buds and muscles alike. Quick to make, these recipes are a delicious solution to amplify your protein intake and power your runs.
Protein basics
How much protein should you be consuming? Well, that varies for individual needs—renowned nutrition scientist Dr. Stacy Sims writes on her website that women should aim for 1.7 to 2.4 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day.
While it’s fantastic if you can hit your protein requirements from food sources, it’s not the end of the world if you have to add protein in powder form. Pamela Nisevich Bede, sports dietitian and author of Fuel the Fire, suggests avoiding any brands that include “proprietary blends” and supplements added. “Choose one with 20-30 grams of protein per serving, and limit added sugars and fat.”
No-Bake Protein Energy Balls
(adapted from Ambitious Kitchen)
Ingredients
1/2 cup natural drippy peanut butter (can substitute almond butter)1/4 cup honey (or date syrup or coconut syrup)1 tsp vanilla extract1/3 cup protein powder of choice1/3 cup flaxseed meal1/2 cup rolled oats (can be gluten-free)1/2 tsp cinnamon1 Tbsp chia seeds1 Tbsp mini chocolate chips (vegan, if desired)
Instructions
If you have a food processor, toss in peanut butter, honey, vanilla, protein powder, flaxseed meal, oats, cinnamon and chia seeds, and pulse together until well combined.
Add in chocolate chips (and coconut if using) and pulse a few more times.
Use a medium cookie scoop (or your hands) to grab dough, roll into 10 balls, and place in an airtight container.
To make without a food processor, simply add wet ingredients to a medium bowl and mix to combine. Add in dry ingredients, and mix until combined—you may have to use your hands to work the dough until you can form balls.
Depending on the consistency of your nut butter, you may need to add more (or add more protein powder) to make the balls firm.
Store in the fridge for up to one week, or the freezer for up to two months. Grab one or two whenever you need a quick, protein-packed energy boost before or after your run.
Pumpkin Protein Bars
(adapted from Eating Bird Food)
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats or quick oats1 cup vanilla protein powder (vegan is OK)1 tsp baking powder1 tsp baking soda1/2 tsp salt1 Tbsp pumpkin pie spice1/4 cup maple syrup1 cup canned or homemade pumpkin puree1/2 cup almond milk (or other non-dairy milk)1-2 Tbsp chocolate chips
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray an 8″×8″ baking dish with non-stick spray or line with parchment paper.
Stir together the dry ingredients including oats, protein powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt and pumpkin pie spice.
In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients including the maple syrup, pumpkin and almond milk.
Gently add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until well combined.
Spread batter evenly into the prepared dish, sprinkle on a few dark chocolate chips and bake for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool, cut into 16 bars, and enjoy.
Greek Yogurt Parfait
Ingredients
1 cup Greek yogurt1/2 cup fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries or raspberries)1/4 cup granola (choose a low-sugar option)1 Tbsp chia seeds drizzle of honey (optional)
Instructions
In a glass or bowl, layer Greek yogurt at the bottom. Add a layer of fresh berries on top of the yogurt.
Sprinkle granola and chia seeds over the berries, and repeat the layers. Finish with a drizzle of honey if desired.
Dive in with a spoon and enjoy a protein-rich, low-sugar parfait, nutritious enough to have for breakfast (and delicious enough for dessert!).
(01/13/24) Views: 103Keeley Milne
Benard Kibet Koech ready to defend Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon title
The 17th Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon will see the welcome return of defending men’s champion Benard Kibet Koech and reigning world half marathon and Olympic marathon champion Peres Jepchirchir.
The Kenyans are the first two of what is expected to be a constellation of stars at the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, hosted by the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), on February 24.
Jepchirchir’s standing as one of the world’s all-time greats is underlined not only by her Olympic marathon win in Tokyo, but also by three individual world half marathon titles, and the considerable feat of being the only woman to simultaneously hold the Olympic, New York and Boston marathon titles, which she achieved in the seven months between August 2021 and April 2022.
When she won the 2017 Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon it was in a then world record of 65m:06s, which remains her best time.
Compatriot Koech is one of many Kenyans recruited to run on one of Japan’s corporate teams. He is similarly unusual in being one of the diminishing number of athletes who combine track with road running and is a 13-minute 5,000 metre runner who also has several 10,000 metre finishes of just over 27 minutes to his name.
His victory last year in Ras Al Khaimah in a time of 58m:45s was one of the 10 fastest of 2023.
Since its inauguration in 2007, the Ras Al Khaimah race has proved to be one of the fastest half marathons on the international circuit with the race staged around the spectacular sea-side route on the iconic Al Marjan Island.
As well as the likes of Koech and Jepchirchir, the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon will see thousands of runners coming together in the associated 10km, 5km and 2km runs.
(01/15/24) Views: 103
Hellen Obiri faces tough field in Boston Marathon title defence
Hellen Obiri will defend her Boston Marathon title on April 15 in what the organizers say is the strongest elite women's field in the history of the race.
However, Obiri faces a Herculean task in a race where 19 athletes have personal bests under 2:23:00 including Olympians, World Marathon Majors winners and national stars.
Obiri, a two-time Olympic 5000m silver medalist — now living in Colorado, USA — won the 2023 edition thanks to a perfectly-timed sprint in the final kilometer.
Obiri who has been named in Kenya’s marathon team for Paris Olympics is also the New York City Marathon champion.
“I am excited to return to the 2024 Boston Marathon to try to defend my title,” said Obiri, who finished last year’s race in 2:21:38.
“Boston is an historic race and I would like to add my name further to its history on April 15. Winning such a historic marathon with my family waiting at the finish line was an amazing experience.”
A trifecta of Ethiopians with lifetime bests under 2:18:00 will take to the Boston course.
Worknesh Degefa, the 2019 Boston Marathon champion, returns, while 2:17:36 marathoner Tadu Teshome will make her Boston debut. Hiwot Gebremaryam aims to improve on her eighth-place finish last year.
World championships medallist Senbere Teferi who won the 2022 B.A.A. 5K in a course record of 14:49 is also in the mix.
Experienced marathoner Ababel Yeshaneh –second in 2022 and fourth in 2023— will try to become the seventh woman from Ethiopia to win the olive wreath in Boston.
Joining Obiri from Kenya are 2022 World Athletics Championships Marathon silver medalist Judith Korir, two-time Boston Marathon winner Edna Kiplagat, four-time top-ten finisher Mary Ngugi-Cooper and 2022 New York City Marathon champion Sharon Lokedi.
Helah Kiprop, who holds a silver medal in the marathon from the 2015 World Athletics Championships and has earned wins in Tokyo, Copenhagen and Paris, makes her second career Boston start. From Morocco is 2023 world marathon bronze medalist Fatima Gardadi.
Desiree Linden leads the American contingent six years after winning the title. Linden has finished in the top-five five times and holds the third-fastest time by an American ever on the Hopkinton-to-Boston route (2:22:38).
Linden will run her fifth U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in February. Joining her is Emma Bates, who finished fifth last year in the second-fastest time ever by an American woman at Boston (2:22:10).
“At this point in my career it’s an easy decision to return to the Boston Marathon and make it my top priority race of the spring,” said Linden.
“I can’t wait to take on the iconic course for an 11th time and have the opportunity to mix it up with some of the best runners in the world.”
Jack Fleming, President and CEO of the Boston Athletic Association said: “The Boston Marathon is proud to showcase the world’s best athletes year in and year out on Patriots’ Day.”
“This year’s women’s field is exceptionally fast and showcases many who’ve been podium finishers on the global stage. It’ll make for an exciting race from Hopkinton to Boston, and we look forward to crowning our champions on April 15,” he added.
(01/12/24) Views: 102Angwenyi Gichana
Ngetich smashes world 10km record with 28:46 in Valencia
Kenya's Agnes Ngetich obliterated the women's world 10km record by running 28:46* at the 10K Valencia Ibercaja, a World Athletics Label road race, on Sunday (14).
The 22-year-old becomes the first woman to break 29 minutes for the distance, improving by 28 seconds the previous road mixed race world record set by Ethiopia’s Yalemzerf Yehualaw in Castellon two years ago.
World cross country bronze medallist Ngetich was paced in the Spanish coastal city by her compatriot Japheth Kipkemboi Kosgei and the first world record fell at half way as Ngetich went through the 5km checkpoint in 14:13. That is six seconds faster than the women’s world record achieved in a mixed race, set by Ethiopia’s Ejgayehu Taye in Barcelona in 2021, and matches the time Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet set in a woman-only race in Barcelona a fortnight ago.
Ngetich’s 10km time is also faster than the women's world record for the distance on the track, with Letesenbet Gidey’s world 10,000m record standing at 29:01.03.
Emmaculate Anyango also dipped under 29 minutes in Valencia, clocking 28:57 to finish runner-up to her compatriot Ngetich.
"I am so happy. I didn't expect this world record," said Ngetich. "I was coming to improve my time, at least somewhere around 29:14, but I am happy that I ran a world record of 28 minutes. I didn't expect this."
She will now focus on the World Athletics Cross Country Championships Belgrade 24 in March and then the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where athletics will be the No.1 sport in August.
The men’s race was won by Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo in 26:48.
(01/14/24) Views: 102World Athletics
