Running News Daily
Top Ten Stories of the Week
9/28/2024
These are the top ten stories based on views over the last week.
Top athletes look ahead to the 38th Dam tot Damloop
Cheptegei confesses to have a soft spot for the 10 English Mile race.
Today, during the press conference in the Zaantheater, the top athletes of the Dam tot Damloop were presented. Organizer Le Champion, together with the contenders, looked ahead to the 10 English Mile race from Amsterdam to Zaandam.
Absolute eye-catcher and Olympic Champion Joshua Cheptegei spoke highly of the event: "My career on the road practically started here and I would like to return one last time for the people who have always supported me. Never say never, but the marathon is waiting for me." The start of the 38th Dam tot Damloop is this Sunday, September 22 at 10:18 a.m. and can be followed live via NH and AT5.
The 28-year-old Cheptegei was last at the start of the Dam tot Damloop in 2018 and won it. Of course, that is also the goal on Sunday, although he expects a big game. "After winning Olympic gold in the 10,000 meters, I took some time off and celebrated the success in my country.
That, in combination with the strong field of participants, makes it an exciting race. In any case, I'm very happy to be back."With Kenyan Mathew Kimeli, the Ugandan Olympic Champion has a formidable opponent. Last year's winner recorded a very fast time of 45.20, but is in awe of Cheptegei. Laughing, he said: "When you're fighting for victory against such a big name, you get a little scared.
I'm going to do the best I can, but I know which of the two of us is the best. Together with Ethiopian Muktar Edris, former world record holder in the 5,000 meters, it promises to be an exciting battle for victory.
In the women's race, all eyes are on Kenyan Gladys Chepkurui, who will be at the start of the Dam tot Damloop for the first time. The 30-year-old admits that he finds it exciting to start from the special Damloop concept, in which the women start 6.04 minutes earlier than the men, the difference between the men's and women's course record.
"It's going to be a challenge, but I came here to do the best I can." For the runner who crosses the finish line first, an extra cash prize awaits.
Dutch top field
Diane van Es is a fan of such road races: "You have no idea where the men are on the course and that gives an extra dimension to the Dam tot Damloop." Van Es is having an excellent season.
In June, she surprised friend and foe at the European Championships by winning the silver medal in the 10,000 meters. "For me personally, that's the highlight of the year. During the Olympics I finished 16th at the same distance, but that was mainly due to the many tempo changes." Van Es has been at the start twice before and finished sixth twice.
So she is ahead, but has no illusions of an international victory. "I've competed against Chepkurui before and got pretty beaten, but that's been a while." In addition to van Es, Jill Holterman and Maureen Koster will also be at the start.In the Dutch men's competition, Filmon Tesfu, Frank Futselaar and Lucas Nieuweboer, among others, will compete with each other.an.
The latter is having a great year because in January, after 18 years, he again ensured Dutch victory at the Egmond Half Marathon. "After that, I had some aches and pains. I expect to be fit again on Sunday just in time, in any case I'm going into it uninhibited and see where the ship strands".
Heat expected: urgent advice for participants
Participants in the 10 English Mile will be confronted with rising temperatures to a maximum of 23 degrees Celsius on Sunday and a possible danger of overheating during the run. Le Champion therefore calls on all participants to run sensibly and to keep an eye on fellow runners.
In addition, the organization has taken extra measures to ensure that the event runs as smoothly as possible, such as extending the start, an extra water station and extra coolants along the route. For the detailed advice and measures, visit www.damloop.nl.
(09/20/24) Views: 224
Bethwell Biwott Yegon, winner of the Buenos Aires Marathon
The Buenos Aires International Marathon has come to an end, with a new edition of the South American Championship for that distance taking place. The winner was Kenyan Bethwell Biwott Yegon, after a time of 2:09:04. The podium was completed by Isaac Kipkemboi Too, in second place, and Eliasa Kibet, in third.
This was the marathon with the largest number of participants in Latin America, with 15,000 runners. This was achieved after having surpassed last year's record of 11,500 participants. Among the thousands and thousands of runners, almost five thousand of them were foreigners. On the other hand, the Marathon had no less than 16 long-distance runners from African powers.
The first South American to reach the finish line was the Peruvian Ulises Ambrocio. Then, the Argentine Ignacio Erario and the Paraguayan Derlys Ayala, respectively. In the women's category, the first was the Ethiopian Yenenesh Tilahun Dinkesa.
(09/22/24) Views: 141
50th BMW Berlin-Marathon Sunday: Deep fields promise fast and exciting races in Berlin’s jubilee marathon
The 50th edition of the BMW Berlin Marathon promises fast and exciting elite races. Deep fields will be assembled with 14 men who have already run sub 2:06:00. While there is no strong favourite among them it is different with the women: Ethiopia’s Tigist Ketema heads the list with her stunning 2:16:07 debut time, which makes her the ninth-fastest marathon runner ever.
Ten more women have personal bests of sub 2:22:00. Thirteen world records were broken in the history of the BMW Berlin Marathon, many more than in any other marathon. The jubilee edition of Germany’s most spectacular road race will have a record number of around 50,000 participants.
Men’s field
Without Kenya’s superstar Eliud Kipchoge, the winner of the past two editions, the fastest on paper is Tadese Takele. The Ethiopian was third in Berlin a year ago when he improved to 2:03:24. Since another fast race is expected Takele will probably have to run quicker to be in contention for the prestigious marathon victory at the Brandenburg Gate.
Fellow Kenyan Kibiwott Kandie could well challenge for his first triumph over the classic distance. The Kenyan is the former world half marathon record holder (57:32) with great potential. Germany’s Hendrik Pfeiffer leads a group of strong domestic runners. He improved to 2:07:14 early this year in Houston.
Women’s field
Tigist Ketema stormed to a sensational victory in Dubai at the beginning of the year, clocking an unofficial world debut record of 2:16:07. Coming to another very fast course now the training partner of Tigst Assefa, who smashed the world record here with 2:11:53 a year ago, might look to improve her personal best.
The women’s field includes a former world record holder as well, but at a much shorter distance: Genzebe Dibaba ran 3:50.07 in the 1,500m in 2015. When she switched to the marathon she ran a fast debut with 2:18:05 in Amsterdam two years ago.
Unfortunately, Kenya’s Rosemary Wanjiru had to cancel her start due to injury. But Germany’s Melat Kejeta is a late addition to the field. She dropped out of the Olympic Marathon early because of stomach problems and now hopes to bounce back in Berlin with a personal best. Kejeta might well try to become the second German woman after Irina Mikitenko (2:19:19 in Berlin in 2008) to break 2:20:00.
MEN
Tadese Takele ETH 2:03:24
Cybrian Kotut KEN 2:04:34
Hailemaryam Kiros ETH 2:04:41
Kibiwott Kandie KEN 2:04:48
Bazezew Asmare ETH 2:04:57
Samwel Mailu KEN 2:05:08
Milkesa Mengesha ETH 2:05:29
Haymanot Alew ETH 2:05:30
Philimon Kipchumba KEN 2:05:35
Josphat Boit KEN 2:05:42
Dejene Megersa ETH 2:05:42
Enock Onchari KEN 2:05:47
Oqbe Ruesom ERI 2:05:51
Justus Kangogo KEN 2:05:57
Haimro Alame ISR 2:06:04
Ashenafi Moges ETH 2:06:12
Asbel Rutto KEN 2:07:04
Samuel Tsegay SWE 2:06:53
Yohei Ikeda JPN 2:06:53
Stephen Kiprop KEN 2:07:04
Hendrik Pfeiffer GER 2:07:14
Kento Kikutani JPN 2:07:26
Melaku Belachew ETH 2:07:28
Godadaw Belachew ISR 2:07:45
Yuhei Urano JPN 2:07:52
Guojian Dong CHN 2:08:12
Filimon Abraham GER 2:08:22
Haftom Welday GER 2:08:24
Sebastian Hendel GER 2:08:51
Olonbayar Jamsran MGL 2:08:58
Haftamu Gebresilase ETH Debut
WOMEN
Tigist Ketema ETH 2:16:07
Genzebe Dibaba ETH 2:18:05
Yebrugal Melese ETH 2:19:36
Mestawot Fikir ETH 2:20:45
Azmera Gebru ETH 2:20:48
Sisay Gola ETH 2:20:50
Mizuki Matsuda JPN 2:20:52
Fikrte Wereta ETH 2:21:32
Ai Hosoda JPN 2:21:42
Melat Kejeta GER 2:21:47
Aberu Ayana ETH 2:21:54
Calli Hauger-Thackery GBR 2:22:17
Bekelech Gudeta ETH 2:22:54
Lisa Weightman AUS 2:23:15
Betelihem Afenigus ETH 2:23:20
Veronica Maina KEN 2:24:46
Bosena Mulatie ETH 2:26:59
Alisa Vainio FIN 2:27:26
Sonia Samuels GBR 2:28:04
Nora Szabo HUN 2:28:25
Philippa Bowden USA 2:29:14
Pauline Esikon KEN Debut
(09/24/24) Views: 140Christopher Kelsall
Nagoya Women’s Marathon 2025 opens doors to Kenyan runners
Nagoya Women’s Marathon invites Kenyan runners to join its 2025 race, offering virtual participation and luxurious finisher awards.
Organizers of the Nagoya Women’s Marathon have extended a special invitation to Kenyan runners encouraging them to participate in the highly anticipated 2025 race.
Recognized by Guinness World Records for hosting over 20,000 participants, the event is set to take place in Nagoya, Japan, with an online virtual marathon for international participants unable to travel to the race site.
Registration for the virtual marathon opens on October 18 and will remain available until October 31 allowing 500 entrants to join the race from their home countries.
With Kenya’s rich history of marathon champions, the invitation is expected to draw considerable interest.
“We will be delighted to open entries to international runners for Nagoya Women’s Marathon 2025, recognised by Guinness World Records as the largest women’s marathon in the world with over 20,000 participants,” the Marathon’s Race Director said.
“As a sport, running has the ability to bring together people from different countries, backgrounds and cultures, and we look forward to opening our doors to runners from Kenya, which has a world-famous runner community."
Kenyan athletes have long dominated the world stage in distance running, with runners like Brigid Kosgei and Peres Jepchirchir consistently achieving impressive marathon victories.
With this invitation, the organizers of the Nagoya Women’s Marathon hope to add a new level of competition and excitement to the event by allowing Kenyan women to compete alongside elite Japanese and international athletes.
For those who may not be able to make the journey to Japan, the event’s organizers are offering a virtual alternative for 500 women worldwide.
The Nagoya Women’s Online Marathon 2025, which will take place between February 9, 2025, and March 31, 2025, allows runners to complete the full 42.195 kilometers on a smartphone application, providing an opportunity to compete from any location.
“We recognize the importance of sustainability and accessibility in modern sports,” the Race Director explained.
“This virtual race option, born during the travel restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic, allows women from around the world to engage with the event, even if they cannot physically attend in Nagoya. We believe this alternative offers a world-class platform for women to shine, no matter where they are."
All participants, whether competing in person or virtually, will receive the same prestigious finisher prizes, including a special commemorative tumbler from Baccarat, a French luxury lifestyle brand.
To mark its 260th anniversary, Baccarat has collaborated with the Nagoya Women’s Marathon to provide a unique gift, celebrating the success of every runner.
The elegant tumbler’s design, kept under wraps until now, will be unveiled at the Marathon Expo the day before the race.
The Nagoya Women’s Marathon, launched in 2012, has become a symbol of excellence in women’s running, featuring elite athletes from around the world.
It holds a World Athletics Platinum Label designation, attracting top-tier competitors and fans alike.
Last year, Yuka Ando made headlines by becoming the first Japanese winner in three years, setting a personal best time of 2:21:19.
The organizers are optimistic that the inclusion of Kenyan athletes will add an exciting layer of competition to the race, further elevating its international reputation.
(09/24/24) Views: 140Festus chuma
Runners, you need to try bounding
Bounding isn't just for kids on the playground; it's a simple way to boost power and efficiency.
Bounding might look like a fun playground activity, but it’s actually a powerhouse move that can seriously elevate your running game. This dynamic drill is about more than just hopping around; it’s about building explosive strength, refining your running form and giving your legs the boost they need to power through tougher workouts. Adding bounding to your routine can unlock new levels of speed and efficiency, and the best part? It’s easy for any runner to start, no matter your experience level.
A science-backed power boost
Bounding, an explosive running drill where you take exaggerated, powerful strides, mimics the mechanics of running but adds an exaggerated element of power and height. The act of bounding forces the legs to generate more force than usual, recruiting fast-twitch muscle fibres that are crucial for speed and explosive movement. Research shows that plyometric exercises like bounding can increase muscle stiffness, which, in turn, improves your body’s ability to store and release energy during a run, making you faster and more efficient.
Bounding also works the muscles in your hips, glutes and calves—important areas for maintaining a strong stride and reducing injury risk. By working on these muscle groups, runners can help prevent the fatigue that often slows them down in the later stages of a race or long run—it also improves ground contact time, meaning less stationary time and greater efficiency.
Why bounding is perfect for all runners
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced marathoner, bounding is an accessible way to improve running economy. Its versatility means it can be done almost anywhere—on a track, a trail or right in your backyard. Because it doesn’t require special equipment, it’s easy to incorporate into your regular training routine. Bounding doesn’t just add power; it also increases your range of motion, helping you develop a longer and more efficient stride.
How to get started
Make sure to begin with a thorough warm up that includes a few minutes of easy running. Start with three sets of 10 bounds, focusing on form. Drive your knee up, push off powerfully with your back leg and land softly on the balls of your feet. Make sure to stay tall and controlled, allowing your arms to swing naturally with each bound.
(09/23/24) Views: 131Keeley Milne
Barnaba Kipkoech and Natasha Cockram take the spoils as over 6,000 runners enjoy Belfast Half Marathon
Kenya’s Barnaba Kipkoech and Great Britain’s Natasha Cockram took the honors in emphatic fashion at Sunday’s Moy Park Belfast Half Marathon, leading home over 6,600 competitors in the largest event of its kind in Northern Ireland.
30-year-old Kipkoech was in world class form following a sub two hour and 11 minute marathon run in Rotterdam. He also ran under 63 minutes in the recent Malaga Half Marathon.
On a beautiful Belfast morning, Kipoech repeated this form from an early stage producing a sizzling pace to leave the opposition in his wake. He shattered the course record by over two minutes with a time of 63 minutes and 48 seconds. This was over three minutes ahead of North Belfast’s Finn McNally who took the runner-up spot in 67.04. The Brighton based runner is the current Northern Ireland Cross Country champion .
Annadale’s Brhane Gebrebrhan - the Northern Ireland 5,000 metres champion - took third place in 68.24 ahead of Spain’s Abdenasser Oukhelfen. Only two seconds further back was CNDR’s Conor Gallagher. Newcastle’s Robert Hagen ran a personal best of 70.22 to finish sixth.
In the women’s event US-based Cockram wasted little time in showing her dominance over last year’s winner Anne Marie McGlynn.
Cockram competed for Great Britain in the last World Championships, and has a marathon personal best of two hours and 26 minutes.
She forced the pace from early to finish in 72 minutes and 47 seconds. This was over a minute ahead of Letterkenny’s McGlynn who was also well ahead of third placed Monica Silva of Portugal in 74.59. Ivana Anderson was fifth with 79.29 followed by Sarah McNutt on 80.49.
(09/23/24) Views: 130Brian Hill
2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon Elite Athlete: Ashete Bekere is looking to make Chicago her first finish and potential victory in the United States
Bekere is searching for her first marathon victory in the United States.
Ashete Bekere has never won a marathon in the United States but hopes to check off that box at the 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon.
Bekere won her most recent marathon in April, taking the victory in the Rotterdam Marathon with a 2:19:30 finish.
Bekere is looking to make Chicago her first finish and potential victory in the United States. In 25 marathon finishes since 2013, Bekere has never finished below ninth place.
She's won Rotterdam (twice), Berlin, Valencia, Lanzhou, the Košice Peace and the See Genezareth Tiberias Marathon.
(09/24/24) Views: 127
NBC Sports Chicago Staff
Snowden and Wigfield claim wins at Vitality Westminster Mile
Katie Snowden and Joe Wigfield produced stunning runs to take respective victories at the Vitality Westminster Mile (September 21).
Both Snowden and Wigfield beat the previous course records in London but produced their wins in slightly different ways.
Snowden, who finished fifth over 1500m the UK Athletics Championships and ninth at the European Championships, ran 4:23 for the mile outside Buckingham Palace.
The 30-year-old dominated and won by 25 seconds, with Lilly Hawkins and Hannah Kinane clocking 4:48 and 4:56 for second and third.
It was Snowden’s first road mile since her ninth place finish at last year’s New York Fifth Avenue Mile.
Her time of 4:23 shouldn’t be a surprise as the Brit’s personal best for the distance is 4:21.19, set at last season’s Millrose Games.
“I really enjoyed it to be honest,” said Snowden. “I haven’t done a road mile since New York last year but I haven’t raced at the Vitality Westminster Mile since 2017. I obviously wanted to run quicker than I did then [4:36]!
“It’s just been so much fun. I got here quite early and it was nice to get a feel for the event. I couldn’t believe the amount of people that have come out here. Looking at the young kids in the waves was just really inspiring.”
Joe Wigfield became the first ever person to run a sub-four minute mile on the current Vitality Westminster Mile course.
The 24-year-old clocked 3:59 and, in a pulsating race, won by two seconds to James Young and Jacob Cann.
During the summer, in an incredibly competitive domestic 1500m field, Wigfield finished seventh in his heat at the UK Athletics Championships and was also sixth over 3000m indoors.
The Brit also recorded personal 800m and 1500m bests of 1:46.11 and 3:36.09 this past summer and will no doubt look to lower those once again in 2025.
Wigfield’s previous mile best was 4:34.2 but that was all the way back in 2017.
It’s also worth noting that even though Wigfield’s 3:59 is the course record, the best mark on the old Westminster Mile course was Steve Ovett’s 3:56.1 from 1986, set in an international field that included Steve Cram.
Earlier on in the day, Clare Elms took an astonishing 12 seconds off her own UK W60 mile record with an incredible run of 5:21 at the Westminster Mile.
That run was also an unofficial world best over the distance and Elms, who has set a myriad of domestic and world age group records this season, continues to go from strength to strength.
“I am really delighted,” said Elms. “The atmosphere, having all the people around, and perfect conditions really helped as well. It was super warm and there was hardly any wind. That is definitely a British record, and I think it is a world best as well.
“It means a lot. I’ve had a bit of a niggle so I’ve been cycling this week. I wondered whether my legs might be a bit heavy so, without running this week, I was delighted. Maybe it gave me a rest. I am super happy and I couldn’t ask for more today.”
Elsewhere, Kirstie Booth set a W45 UK mile record and Mark Symes recorded a UK M55 mile record.
(09/22/24) Views: 126
Jessica McClain And Biya Simbassa Capture USATF Road Titles At Great Cow Harbor 10k
That’s what Jessica McClain shouted as she broke the tape at the Great Cow Harbor 10-K here this morning where she won her first-ever national title. The 32 year-old from Phoenix, who finished fourth at the 2024 USA Olympic Team Trials Women’s Marathon last February, stopped the clock at 31:40, a new course record by 13 seconds.
She’ll leave this picturesque seaside town on Long Island with total race winnings of $10,500: $8,000 for first place and $2,500 for setting a new course record. Her time was also a championships record, bettering Marla Runyan’s 2002 mark of 31:46 set in Boston.
“It was so fun,” an elated McClain told Race Results Weekly just after finishing. “I was literally out here just to race and have a good time before New York (City Marathon), and the motivation now is just head-down training, staying in Phoenix the next six weeks.”
McClain was part of a strong lead pack in the first mile which included Natosha Rogers, Erika Kemp, Emma Grace Hurley, and Amanda Vestri. Keira D’Amato, Annie Rodenfels, and Katie Izzo ran together about six seconds back. The quintet ascended the steep James Street Hill in the second mile, then ran together towards the 5-K mark, unable to appreciate the breathtaking views of Northport Harbor to their left. Rogers got the $500 5-K prime, but McClain held back. She was thinking instead about the overall title.
“I knew some of the women would be motivated by the 5-K bonus,” McClain explained. “So I was like, just tune-out and stay in the mix until then, and then just feel it out. When I felt comfortable enough, make a move and make it definitive.”
Her legs full of strength from marathon training, McClain pulled away in the fourth mile. She ran the mostly downhill second half of the race in a snappy 15:42, much faster than the second-place Rogers (16:03). Spurred on by the hundreds of spectators who lined both sides of the course, the Brooks-sponsored athlete sailed to the finish line on Main Street alone. She was particularly pleased with her tactics today.
“I’ve been really bad about getting out and making half-assed moves,” McClain admitted with a chuckle. “I was really trying to get to a point where I was antsy and just go.”
Despite suffering from a badly upset stomach in the final mile, Rogers was a clear second in 32:00. Hurley, the overall leader in the USATF Running Circuit points race, took third in 32:05 and Kemp, who won here in 2021, got fourth in 32:10. D’Amato, who will run the Bank of America Chicago Marathon in three weeks, completed the top-5 in 32:13.
Her legs full of strength from marathon training, McClain pulled away in the fourth mile. She ran the mostly downhill second half of the race in a snappy 15:42, much faster than the second-place Rogers (16:03). Spurred on by the hundreds of spectators who lined both sides of the course, the Brooks-sponsored athlete sailed to the finish line on Main Street alone. She was particularly pleased with her tactics today.
“I’ve been really bad about getting out and making half-assed moves,” McClain admitted with a chuckle. “I was really trying to get to a point where I was antsy and just go.”
Despite suffering from a badly upset stomach in the final mile, Rogers was a clear second in 32:00. Hurley, the overall leader in the USATF Running Circuit points race, took third in 32:05 and Kemp, who won here in 2021, got fourth in 32:10. D’Amato, who will run the Bank of America Chicago Marathon in three weeks, completed the top-5 in 32:13.
(09/23/24) Views: 124David Monti
Is UTMB doing enough to support women athletes?
Sophie Power, a British ultrarunner and advocate for women’s participation in the sport, recently shared a disappointing experience during her 150km TDS race. In a social media post, Power detailed how she found no tampons at several aid stations, despite UTMB’s promise. She also encountered male supporters entering the only female toilet at a large aid station, undermining the “safe space” that had been promised.
In 2023, UTMB made strides toward better supporting female athletes by committing to key initiatives such as providing period products at aid stations, establishing female-only toilets and ensuring equal media coverage for the women’s race. While improvements were made in race coverage, Power’s experience highlighted some serious shortcomings the organization needs to tackle. “It is not enough to promise. In fact, it is worse as we rely on those promises,” Power explained. Despite raising concerns with aid station staff, little was done to address the issue during Power’s race.
Why the shortcomings matter
Power’s frustrations highlight a broader issue: women runners rely on promised resources and facilities to ensure they can focus on their performance. When these commitments are not upheld, it becomes more than an inconvenience—it’s a matter of fairness and safety. After 18+ hours of racing (or at any time), having essential period products and private changing spaces should not be a luxury, but a standard. “It is not an excuse to say “it was in the operational plan,” ” Powers said. “It has to be delivered.Tampons can easily be centrally purchased and “no men” signs distributed if aid station volunteers can’t be relied on.”
In her race, the lack of enforcement around female-only spaces became particularly problematic, and when Power approached the man running the aid station the situation was shrugged off. “He said there weren’t enough male toilets and he couldn’t police it. I said these were supporters and they could go outside,” she explained. Power underscored the need for better education and clearer boundaries for all race participants. “Sadly, male athletes need to be briefed about not entering female-only areas too.”
The path forward
Power’s advocacy extends beyond social media. She is the founder of SheRACES, a nonprofit that works to remove barriers for women in races. SheRACES collaborates with events like UTMB to improve policies that support women, and Power herself is well-known for her remarkable endurance feats (most recently setting a Guinness World Record running across Ireland) including the viral moment when she breastfed her 3-month-old baby during the 106-mile UTMB in 2018. Her foundation pushes for more equitable treatment in races worldwide, ensuring that women’s participation is valued equally.
When asked to comment, UTMB had not responded at the time of publication. However, they did make some immediate changes after the TDS race, such as improving visibility for women athletes at the CCC start line. But the question remains: is that enough, or should UTMB—and the broader ultra-running community—do more to ensure female athletes are supported equally?
(09/23/24) Views: 117Keeley Milne
