Running News Daily
Top Ten Stories of the Week
4/20/2024
These are the top ten stories based on views over the last week.
Can you bet on Marathons? The answer is “Maybe”
Do you remember the excitement you felt watching elite athletes stomping their feet against the ground in rhythmic paces, the memories of the victories, the failures, the tense moments that kept you in suspense, wondering if an athlete would make the finish line?
What if I told you that experience could be heightened tenfold with the opportunity to place bets on those outcomes? Can I bet on marathons? That's precisely what we'll explore in this article.
It's natural to question if sports betting extends to marathons. While sportsbooks traditionally cover a wide range of track and field events to cater to diverse sports enthusiasts, betting on marathons has been a rare feature. However, all that changed with a significant development in 2023.
The Boston Marathon Breakthrough
In 2023, the track community buzzed excitedly as Bovada, one of the leading online sportsbooks, made a groundbreaking decision. It was the first time a sports betting site would venture into marathon betting. This decision surprised everyone, raising eyebrows and sparking discussions among sports enthusiasts and bettors alike. The backstory of how Bovada ventured into marathon betting is intriguing and unexpected. It all began with a tweet from LetsRun.com, a popular website dedicated to race news and analysis. The tweet mentioned the lack of betting options for the Boston Marathon. Bovada saw this as an opportunity to enter and establish a presence in the market.
Recognizing the potential for a new and untapped market, Bovada leveraged the power of social media in a bold statement responding to LetsRun's tweet. They would indeed offer betting odds for the upcoming Boston Marathon. The unexpected move shocked the sports betting industry as news spread rapidly. The inclusion of marathon betting on Bovada's platform marked a significant milestone for the sports site. Marathon fans and bettors suddenly had a new way to engage and benefit from their favorite races. The possibilities were endless, from predicting the winner to wagering on finishing times.
The Impact of Bovada's Decision
Bovada covered the Boston Marathon in 2023 for the first time after a tweet from LetsRun.com initiated the conversation about marathon betting possibilities. This decision opened up new avenues for bettors and instigated discussions to move marathon betting mainstream. As other sportsbooks note, the opportunities in marathon betting are lucrative for expansion. It would indeed be a promising future for bettors and running enthusiasts alike.
The Future of Marathon Betting
So, what exactly does the future hold for marathon betting? While it's impossible to predict with certainty, we are sure that the industry will keep evolving to embrace new possibilities. As more sportsbooks recognize the potential of marathon betting, we can expect a broader range of betting options. Imagine being able to bet on significant marathons like Boston and New York, as well as local races worldwide.
The sports betting industry has always been known for its innovation and adaptability. The inclusion of marathon betting only follows a natural progression of the trend. New markets and diverse interests allow sportsbooks to expand their offerings while providing opportunities for bettors. Whether you're a seasoned bettor or a casual fan, marathon betting offers a unique opportunity to engage with the sport in a new way.
The Importance of Responsible Betting
Despite the excitement surrounding marathon betting, it's important to remember the importance of responsible gambling. While betting can add a new layer of excitement to watching sporting events, it should never be taken irresponsibly. Regulations and guidelines must be set to ensure responsible gambling practices. If you ever find yourself overly addicted to any form of gambling, you should seek professional help. Marathon betting can be safe, exciting, and rewarding with the right approach.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The legality of marathon betting varies depending on your location. For many state jurisdictions, sports betting is completely regulated and legal. Always check the laws in your area before betting.
Specific bet types may vary depending on the sportsbook you patronize. Standard options include betting on the overall winner, predicting finishing times and wagering head-to-head matchups between runners.
Marathon betting markets are still relatively rare. However, with increasing interest in the sport, more sportsbooks may begin to allow users to place bets. Keep your eye out for major online sportsbooks and news outlets for updates on available markets in your region.
Elite races like the Boston Marathon may attract more attention from sportsbooks since it launched marathon betting on the global scene. There's still potential for expanding betting markets to include local and regional races.
Like other forms of sports betting, research, understand the sport, and bet responsibly. Stay informed about the latest news and developments; these can give you an edge when placing bets.
Thanks to Bovada's groundbreaking decision to cover the Boston Marathon, whether you can bet on marathons is now in the right place. Marathon betting is fast becoming a viable option for sports bettors globally.
As the years progress, the potential for marathon betting will improve. So, why add extra excitement with a well-placed bet the next time you tune in to watch a marathon? Just remember to gamble responsibly and enjoy the beauty of the race.
(04/13/24) Views: 146
Hellen Obiri executes proper strategy to defend her Boston Marathon crown as Kenyan women sweep race
Hellen Obiri made it back-to-back titles at Boston Marathon with fellow Kenyans Sharon Lokedi and Edna Kiplagat completing a podium sweep.
Kenya’s Hellen Obiri defended her Boston Marathon title after running a tactical race to fend off the challenge of compatriot Sharon Lokedi on Monday April 15.
It was an all Kenyan affair as Obiri led a 1-2-3 for the country with Lokedi finishing second while veteran Edna Kiplagat managed an impressive third place but the three waited until late before showing their claws.
Obiri, Lokedi and Kiplagat would exchange leads but stayed close to each other in the final stretch.
The 44-year-old Kiplagat appeared set to pull an upset, and perhaps win her third title in Boston, but she ran out of gas when Obiri and Lokedi pulled away.
Obiri then waited until the tail end to sprint away from Lokedi to win her second straight title in a time of 2:22:37 and defend her crown.
Obiri became the sixth woman to make it back-to-back titles in Boston in what is now becoming her favorite course after her maiden marathon victory last year.
The New York Marathon champion has effectively sealed her place in Team Kenya to the Paris Olympics after being named in the final team of six over a week ago.
(04/15/24) Views: 146Joel Omotto
Who is Sisay Lemma, the winner of the 2024 Boston Marathon?
Sisay Lemma was born in 1990 in the Oromia Region of Ethiopia. He is the winner of the 2024 Boston Marathon, with a time of 2:06:17.
Sisay Lemma is an Ethiopian long-distance runner who specializes in the marathon. He is the winner of the 2024 Boston Marathon, with a time of 2:06:17.
This was his first victory at the Boston Marathon, but he has previously won other major marathons, including the 2021 London Marathon and the 2023 Valencia Marathon. Lemma is also a three-time bronze medalist at the World Athletics Championships.
Lemma was born in 1990 in the Oromia Region of Ethiopia. He began running at a young age, and quickly showed promise. He made his international debut in 2013, and won his first major marathon in 2018, when he won the Rotterdam Marathon.
Lemma is known for his strong finishing kick. He has often won races by coming from behind in the final stages. He is also a very consistent runner, and has never finished a marathon outside of the top 10.
Lemma is a rising star in the world of marathon running. He is still relatively young, and has many years of good running ahead of him. He is a strong contender for medals at the major marathons, and the Olympic Games.
Here are some of Sisay Lemma’s career highlights:
Winner of the 2024 Boston Marathon
Winner of the 2021 London Marathon
Winner of the 2023 Valencia Marathon
Three-time bronze medalist at the World Athletics Championships
Winner of the 2018 Rotterdam Marathon
Personal best of 2:01:48 for the marathon
The Boston Marathon: The King of Marathons
The Boston Marathon is an annual foot race held in Boston, Massachusetts, United States. It is considered to be the most prestigious marathon in the world, and is one of the world’s oldest continuously run sporting events. The race is traditionally held on the third Monday in April, and it follows a 26.2-mile (42.2 km) route through the streets of Boston and the surrounding towns.
The Boston Marathon was first held in 1897, and it was inspired by the success of the marathon race at the 1896 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece. The race was originally intended to be a qualifier for the 1897 Summer Olympics, but it quickly became a popular event in its own right. The Boston Marathon has been held every year since 1918, with the only exceptions being in 1918 due to World War I, and in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Boston Marathon is known for its challenging course, which features several hills, including the infamous Heartbreak Hill at mile 20. The race is also known for its large and enthusiastic crowds, which line the streets throughout the course to cheer on the runners.
The Boston Marathon has been won by some of the greatest marathon runners in history, including Dick Hoyt, Bill Rodgers, Joan Benoit Samuelson, and Kathrine Switzer. The race has also been the site of several world records, including the first sub-2:00 marathon in 1978 by Geoffrey Hirt.
The Boston Marathon is more than just a race; it is a tradition and an institution. The race is a symbol of Boston’s resilience and spirit, and it is a source of pride for the city’s residents. The Boston Marathon is also a major fundraiser for charity, and it has raised millions of dollars for local charities over the years.
(04/15/24) Views: 139Laura Islas
Emmaculate Anyango Achol will headline 16th edition of TCS World 10K Bengaluru
Emmaculate Anyango Achol, the world's second-fastest 10K woman runner, will headline the 16th edition of TCS World 10K Bengaluru, scheduled for Sunday. The World Athletics Gold Label Road Race is a USD 210,000 prize money event featuring some of the world's most accomplished road and track and field athletes.
And among the star attractions this year is Kenya's Anyango, who clocked an excellent 28:57 in Valencia while finishing behind her teammate Agnes Ngetich, who posted a world record 28:46 there.
A silver medalist in the 2019 African junior championships in 3000m, Anyango narrowly missed the Belgarde podium in this year's World cross-country championships.
"I am very excited to be in Bengaluru for the first time for this incredible event, which has gained a worldwide reputation for being one of the best 10K races. I have heard so much about the events hosted in India and the running revolution they began nearly two decades ago.
"I am very much looking forward to being there and clock my best. The field of runners in the women's category is quite strong this year and I love a good challenge," expressed Anyango.
Five of her compatriots will also take the women's starting line-up in Bengaluru, with timings faster than the event course record (30:35).
Lilian Rengeruk Kasait (29:32), Faith Chepkoech (29:50), Loice Chemnung (29:57), Cintia Chepngeno (30:08), and Grace Nawowuna (30:27) make their team formidable. Anyango's inclusion in this epic line-up draws attention to a power-packed elite women's race to the title.Rengeruk and Chepngeno participated in the epic race in Valencia, while Chepkoech and Chemnung clocked their best in Castellon and Paris. Nawowuna did it in Lille.
Two Ethiopians, Aberash Minsewo, this year's Tata Mumbai Marathon winner, and Lemlem Hailu, 2022 World Indoor 3000m champion, add further shine to the women's start lists.Peter Mwaniki, Bravin Kipkogei spearhead elite men's line-upMeanwhile, in the elite men's lineup, Kenya's Peter Mwaniki Aila (29) entered with the fastest time, 26:59. He achieved this mark while finishing third earlier this year in Valencia.
In that process, Peter became the nineteenth runner in the World to run the 10K distance in under 27 minutes.His country-mate and 2019 African junior champion over 10,000m - Bravin Kipkogei Kiptoo - is credited with 27:02 in Madrid last year and along with Bravin Kiprop, who clocked an impressive 27:16 this February at Castellon, Spain, will keep the race interesting.
Two more Kenyans, Hillary Chepkwony, last year's third-place finisher, and Patrick Mosin, the runner-up in Castellon the previous year, are expected to provide the necessary boost to return fast timings here.Two young runners, John Wele from Tanzania and Boki Diriba from Ethiopia, may also pose a threat to the Kenyans.
The winners in the men's and women's categories will each take home USD 26,000. A course record bonus of USD 8,000 is also in the offing.
(04/12/24) Views: 134
Benson Kipruto reveals what representing Kenya at Paris 2024 Olympics would mean to him
Kipruto has never represented Kenya at a global championships, but the fifth fastest marathoner in history hopes to shine bright at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Reigning Tokyo marathon champion Benson Kipruto has revealed what it would mean for him to represent Kenya at the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic games.
Kipruto, 33, is approaching the twilight of his career, but even though he has won quite a lot in his career, has never participated in either the World Championships or Olympic games.
He also won the Boston Marathon in 2021, the Chicago Marathon in 2022 and has been named on Kenya’s provisional marathon squad for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Athletics Kenya already handed the list of five athletes to NOC-K who will later on trim down the number to three, with Kipruto part of the quintet.
The others are defending champion Eliud Kipchoge , 2022 Abu Dhabi Marathon champion Timothy Kiplagat, 2023 Prague Marathon champion Alexander Mutiso and Vincent Kipkemboi who finished second at the 2023 Berlin Marathon.
Speaking on a documentary released by World Athletics, Kipruto has expressed just how much it would mean for him to don the national colors at the quadrennial tournament for the first time.
“Competing at the Olympics will mean alot to me having in mind that I have never ran for my Kenyan team,” Kipruto said on World Athletics.
“If I qualify, I will do my best to represent my country. It would be something new to me. I am learning. I will be privileged to represent my country for the first time.
“It would mean so much. I love my country.”
Representing Kenya would naturally put a lot of pressure on him to do well, but Kipruto is adamant he is not feeling it as the team is expected to do well at the games anyway.
“I do not have any pressure because I understand what it means. I am the one running so I know you do not have to (go through) pressure but my followers and my teammates, I tell them I am ready.”
(04/12/24) Views: 130Mark Kinyanjui
Why Evans Chebet missed the Kenya's Olympic marathon team
Evans Chebet's coach Claudio Berardelli has explained why Evans Chebet, one of the most consistent marathoners in the world, was not included in Kenya's Olympic marathon team.
Evans Chebet’s coach Claudio Berardelli has opened up on the former New York City Marathon champion’s current condition and why he did not make the cut to Team Kenya’s Olympic team ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Chebet withdrew from his title defense at last year’s New York City Marathon due to an injury and his coach has noted that the two-time Boston Marathon champion is now doing well.
He has been training well as he gears up for his third title at the Boston Marathon, a feat that would undoubtedly make him one of the greatest and most consistent marathoners.
“The Achilles injury has been bothering him since New York, I mean, he could have run the New York City Marathon so we had to be cautious.
“Here and there we had to lessen some training techniques, especially the tough ones but Evans is experienced and knows how to handle himself.
“I’m counting on his experience and since he has run many races here…but remember, Boston is just Boston and it is not an easy race,” Berardelli told Citius Mag.
The veteran tactician also noted that when Athletics Kenya reached out to Chebet, he was still battling an injury and was unsure about when he would feel better.
Berardelli knew that immediately saying yes would put Chebet under a lot of pressure since he was also training for Boston at the time. However, after the Boston Marathon, if he does well, Chebet would now revisit his chances of competing at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
“When Athletics Kenya asked for the interest from the athletes, Evans was still kind of nursing the injury and was a little bit under pressure because Boston would be his 29th marathon.
“Maybe he didn’t express his 100% interest but of course now he is here and he wants to see how Boston will go.
“If Athletics Kenya can call him after that and have a discussion, it shall be great but if not, he will still be okay since Kenya has very many potential marathoners. Kenya has many strong athletes and it’s a headache for Athletics Kenya to select a team for the marathon,” he said.
(04/13/24) Views: 125Abigael Wuafula
Three tips for choosing races this spring
With warmer weather comes plenty of race choices each weekend for runners across Canada this spring. If you’ve got several races you’d like to run, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when deciding which ones to choose and how to plan racing around training. Here are three tips for striking the right balance.
1.- Define your goals
Some races are great for your specific time goals this season (a flat course is perfect for a PB attempt), while other races may better serve as bucket-list events.
Define what you’re looking to accomplish in your running this season. Is your focus on a particular distance, or are you looking to try something new?
Limit yourself to one or two goals per season that will leave you feeling fulfilled and accomplished by summer. Spacing these goals out to one per month is one way to give yourself enough time in between to build, execute and recover.
2.- Balance goal execution with fun
Another strategy is using a fun race as a training day. Say you’re looking to PB in your half-marathon, but you also want to try a trail race this spring. Try finding a suitable trail race to run as a tune-up or long run ahead of your “A race” (the half-marathon). This is a great way to spice up your weekend running, get that fun event under your belt and still work toward your main goal.
3.- Think “big picture”
Maybe you’ve spent the winter training hard and want to race this year, but you aren’t focused on PBs this spring. This is a great time to spend a season prioritizing fun and adventure. Choose a couple of races that will challenge you in new ways or take you to new places. This is a great way to break from the mental demands of time-specific running goals and simply enjoy all your local race scene has to offer.
(04/12/24) Views: 121Claire Haines
Ezekiel Kipkorir and Vitalyne Jemaiyo Kibii won the 21st Cracovia Marathon
Ezekiel Kipkorir and Vitalyne Jemaiyo Kibii won the 21st Cracovia Marathon. 5676 runners took to the route through the streets of Kraków.
Ezekiel Kipkorir, who achieved a time of 2:13:36, and Vitalyne Jemaiyo Kibii, who covered the royal distance of 42 km and 195 m in a time of 2:39:26, became the winners of the 21st Cracovia Marathon.
The other places on the podium were taken by Shedrack Kiptoo Kimaiyo and Vitaliy Shafar among men, and Monika Brzozowska and Beata Michałków among women. 5676 runners took off on the route "through history" from the Main Market Square.
(04/15/24) Views: 121
Big Sur International Marathon to change route after road collapse
One of North America’s most well-known and scenic marathons, the Big Sur International Marathon, has been forced to change its course three weeks before the April 28th race day due to a road collapse on the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) just south of Carmel-by-the-Sea, California.
Traditionally, the marathon starts at Big Sur Station, covering 42.2 kilometres north on Highway 1 to the Crossroads in Carmel. However, a slip-out from a March 30 rainstorm damaged the southbound lane on Highway 1 near Rocky Creek Bridge, just south of Notleys Landing. As more rain fell later in the week, the situation worsened. “There’s no road,” one local source told Canadian Running.
Highway 1 has been closed to all traffic since March 31st and is only open to locals who live in the area and essential workers.
Despite the road closure, race organizers remained optimistic about holding their 37th annual marathon, now revising it to an out-and-back course from Carmel-by-the-Sea to Notleys Landing. The marathon will start and finish in Carmel-by-the-Sea, bypassing the damaged area. The other races (11-miler, 12K, and 5K) will maintain their original courses, unaffected by the damage.
Josh Priester, the race director for the Big Sur Marathon, said in a press release that the team has been working tirelessly to identify solutions and prepare for race day on April 28th. “I am extremely grateful for the commitment and dedication that I have seen from our entire community supporting us during this process. After multiple discussions, it has been determined that running the point-to-point route from Big Sur to Carmel past the slip-out location is not an option.”
This is not the first time the race has had to deal with a reroute. In 1998 and 2011, the Big Sur International Marathon was also rerouted to an out-and-back format due to a landslide on Highway 1. Each year, the race attracts about 4,500 participants from around the world.
(04/12/24) Views: 116
Should you use a hydration vest during your marathon?
Hydration vests are becoming increasingly popular for road marathoners. Should you get one?
Do you need a hydration vest for racing a marathon? What about a half-marathon? Traditionally associated with trail running and ultrarunning, hydration vests are becoming more and more popular on the roads. But why do people wear them? And how useful are they for a marathon or half-marathon?
The case for the vest
The main reason people wear hydration vests is to ensure they have easy access to water during their runs. Hydration is important during long runs or races, particularly in hot weather, and carrying water bottles can be cumbersome and inefficient. A hydration vest provides a convenient and hands-free way to carry enough water or sports drinks to stay hydrated for a few hours. (Most come with either two 500 ml soft bottles that fit into pockets on the front of the vest, which you can drink from without removing them, or a larger hydration reservoir or “bladder” that fits in the back of the vest and from which you drink via a hose with a bite valve–or both. Popular brands like Salomon, Osprey, The North Face, and Nathan offer both.)
Many runners opt to fill one bottle with water and the other with electrolytes.
While most races provide water stations, they can be crowded, and they may not appear as frequently as you would like, so you may have trouble getting as much hydration as you need.
Generally speaking, unless it is extremely hot and you’re racing on trails, you’re unlikely to need the volume of hydration provided by a vest for a half-marathon.
The case against the vest
Some runners love hydration vests for the convenience and peace of mind they provide, but some find them uncomfortable. They may also make you even hotter on an already hot day, since they basically constitute an extra layer of clothing. The advantage is, they can usually hold significantly more fluids than a water belt (not to mention your other essentials, extra clothing, etc.); however, water is heavy, so you may prefer to opt for some combination of carrying your own water and relying on what’s provided on course.
During long training runs, you can plan your route based on the location of water fountains. Some runners even drive or bike their route ahead of time to stash water bottles along the way. Another option is to plan your route so you start from your doorstep and run the same smaller loop multiple times, allowing you to stop and hydrate at home after each lap.
It’s also important to make sure you’re adequately hydrated before a hot run or race.
As with any other piece of gear, if you do decide to invest in a vest for your marathon, be sure to try it out on your long runs a few times before your big day.
(04/13/24) Views: 116Brittany Hambleton
