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Top Ten Stories of the Week
8/2/2025

Galen Rupp Set for Comeback at Wharf to Wharf 6-Miler After 1.5-Year Hiatus

Four-time Olympian and two-time Olympic medalist Galen Rupp is officially back on the starting line.

After being sidelined for the past 18 months due to a lingering hip issue, Rupp is set to make his long-awaited return to racing this Sunday at the iconic Wharf to Wharf 6-Mile race in Santa Cruz, California.

This will be his first race since early 2024—and one that fans and fellow runners alike have been waiting for.

“I’ve missed the rhythm of race day,” Rupp shared earlier this week. “This is just the first step, but I’m excited to be out there again, doing what I love.”

The Wharf to Wharf, a scenic and fast six-mile race from Santa Cruz to Capitola, draws a mix of elite and recreational runners each year. With limited spots and a festive coastal atmosphere, it has long been a summer staple on the West Coast running calendar.

Rupp’s entry was a quiet one, but it didn’t take long for word to spread. The 38-year-old American distance legend hasn’t raced since suffering a setback in his bid to qualify for another Olympic team in early 2024. Ongoing hip complications forced him to the sidelines for rehabilitation and recovery.

Now, with months of solid training behind him and the injury finally in the rearview, he’s ready to test himself in a competitive setting once again.

“We had dinner tonight with Galen,” said Bob Anderson, founder of My Best Runs. “I asked him if he was ready to take the win, and he just gave me that smile that said it all.”

According to Anderson, Rupp’s training has gone well, the hip is no longer an issue, and with favorable weather conditions expected Sunday morning, everything is lining up for a strong showing. “He had a good pasta dinner,” Anderson added. “He’s ready to do it.”

While no one expects a record-breaking performance—Rupp himself cautioned he’s still working back into full form—his participation alone marks a significant moment for American distance running.

Few runners have accomplished as much as Galen Rupp:

• Olympic Silver Medal (10,000m, London 2012)

• Olympic Bronze Medal (Marathon, Rio 2016)

• Multiple U.S. Titles across the 10,000m and marathon

• 2:06:07 personal best in the marathon

His return signals hope that one of America’s greatest distance talents still has more to give.

“He could’ve quietly stepped away,” one local runner said. “But the fact he’s toeing the line in Santa Cruz shows he’s not done yet.”

The race begins at 8:00 am. on Sunday, with Rupp expected to line up alongside a strong field. Whether it’s a win, a top-10, or just crossing the finish line, this race marks an emotional and meaningful return for one of the sport’s most decorated runners.

last photo Galen with Amol and Bob after dinner in Palo Alto the night before his comeback race.  

(07/26/25) Views: 250
Boris Baron

A guide to the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo

Thousands of the world’s best athletes will head to Japan in September for the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25.

The 20th edition of this prestigious competition will star more than 2000 athletes from some 200 countries as they compete for medals across 49 events during nine days of action from 13-21 September.

Which events are contested at the World Athletics Championships?

There are 49 events on the programme for the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25, meaning 147 medals will be awarded across the nine action-packed days of competition.

There are an equal number of disciplines for women and men – 24 each and one mixed event.

The disciplines are:

• 100m – women and men• 200m – women and men• 400m – women and men• 800m – women and men• 1500m – women and men• 5000m – women and men• 10,000m – women and men• Marathon – women and men• 3000m steeplechase – women and men• 100m hurdles – women• 110m hurdles – men• 400m hurdles – women and men• heptathlon – women• decathlon – men• high jump – women and men• pole vault – women and men• long jump – women and men• triple jump – women and men• shot put – women and men• discus – women and men• hammer – women and men• javelin – women and men• 20km race walk – women and men• 35km race walk – women and men• 4x100m relay – women and men• 4x400m relay – women, men and mixed

Learn more about the various events on our dedicated disciplines page.

How do athletes qualify and gain selection for the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25?

The qualification system is based on a combination of entry standards and world rankings. The qualifying window for the marathon was 5 November 2023 until 4 May 2025. For the 10,000m, 20km race walk, 35km race walk, combined events and relays, the window runs from 25 February 2024 to 24 August 2025. For all other events, entry standards can be achieved from 1 August 2024 to 24 August 2025.

The World Athletics Relays Guangzhou 25 was a qualifying event for the relays, with the top 14 teams in each discipline securing their place at the World Championships.

The Road to Tokyo online tool is designed to help athletes, fans and media track the qualification process. Searchable by event, country and qualification status, the tool provides a real-time view of each event over the course of the qualification period.

The tool does not, and will not, indicate which athletes have been selected for entry by their member federation. Final entries will be published nearer to the time of the World Championships.

Will athletes win prize money?

Individual athletes and relay teams will win prize money at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25. There is a total prize money pot of US$8,498,000.

Individuals1st US$70,0002nd US$35,0003rd US$22,0004th US$16,0005th US$11,0006th US$70007th US$60008th US$5000

Teams1st US$80,0002nd US$40,0003rd US$20,0004th US$16,0005th US$12,0006th US$80007th US$60008th US$4000

There is also a world record bonus of US$100,000.

Which athletes will be competing?

The world’s best athletes – including global champions and world record-holders – will be competing at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25.

The names of the athletes who will be there will not be certain until the qualifying window closes and nations select their teams. 

Champions from the last edition of the World Championships in Budapest in 2023 include:

• Sweden’s world pole vault record-holder Mondo Duplantis• Kenya’s world 1500m record-holder Faith Kipyegon• USA’s double sprint champion Noah Lyles• Ukraine’s world high jump record-holder Yaroslava Mahuchikh• USA’s world shot put record-holder Ryan Crouser• Dutch Olympic and world 400m hurdles medallist Femke Bol• India’s Tokyo Olympic javelin champion Neeraj Chopra• Venezuela’s world triple jump record-holder Yulimar Rojas• Norwegian multiple world record-holder Jakob Ingebrigtsen• Japan’s Olympic javelin champion Haruka Kitaguchi

(07/30/25) Views: 172
World Athletics

Jamaica Takes Over the 100m in 2025 — But Don’t Count Team USA Out Just Yet

Jamaica is back—and in a big way. With just weeks until the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 2025, the top three times in the men’s 100 meters all belong to Jamaican sprinters:

Kishane Thompson – 9.75

Bryan Levell – 9.82

Oblique Seville – 9.83

It’s a stunning sweep that echoes the glory days of Usain Bolt, Asafa Powell, and Yohan Blake. Once again, Jamaica is asserting sprinting dominance on the global stage.

But the Americans aren’t backing down.

 The U.S. Response

Christian Coleman, the 2019 World Champion and indoor world record holder, remains a serious contender. While he hasn’t cracked the 9.80 mark this season, his raw speed and big-meet experience can’t be ignored.

Then there’s Noah Lyles, the reigning 100m world champion from 2023. Lyles opened 2025 focused more on the 200m and Olympic buildup, but he’s expected to peak at the right time. He holds a personal best of 9.83, and if he gets the start right, he can be deadly in the final 30 meters.

Fred Kerley and Trayvon Bromell are also in the mix, both capable of sub-9.90 performances when healthy and locked in. Their challenge now is to stay consistent as the season progresses.

The Rivalry is Back

Tokyo 2025 could deliver one of the most thrilling 100-meter finals in recent memory:

• Three Jamaicans in peak form.

• Four Americans with world-class credentials.

• African stars like Omanyala and Tebogo chasing their first world title.

It’s a global showdown that brings back the tension and electricity of the Bolt-Gatlin era—only this time, the Jamaicans aren’t chasing; they’re being chased.

As World Athletics put it: “JAMAICA TO THE WORLD” — but America might have something to say about that.

(07/25/25) Views: 165
Boris Baron

Men’s Elite Field Set for a Sizzling Showdown at the 2025 Berlin Marathon

Berlin, Germany – September 29, 2025 (Race Day)

With its flat, fast course and history of record-breaking performances, the BMW Berlin Marathon has become a magnet for the world’s best distance runners—and this year is no exception.

 

The 2025 men’s elite field is stacked with sub-2:05 talent from Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Japan, including several proven champions and emerging stars. On September 29, all eyes will be on Berlin to see if the next marathon milestone can be broken.

 

Top Contenders and Their Personal Bests

Name	Country	Personal Best
Sabastian Sawe	KEN	2:02:05
Gabriel Gerald Geay	TAN	2:03:00
Milkesa Mengesha	ETH	2:03:17
Haymanot Alew	ETH	2:03:31
Guye Adola	ETH	2:03:46
Leul Gebresilase	ETH	2:04:02
Tesfaye Deriba	ETH	2:04:13
Daniel Mateiko	KEN	2:04:24
Haftu Teklu	ETH	2:04:42
Chimdessa Debele	ETH	2:04:44
Kengo Suzuki	JPN	2:04:56
Abel Kirui	KEN	2:05:04
Chala Regasa	ETH	2:05:06
Samwel Mailu	KEN	2:05:08
Yihunilign Adane	ETH	2:05:3

 

Kenya and Ethiopia Headline the Race

 

Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe, with a PB of 2:02:05, enters as the top seed. He’s followed closely by Tanzania’s Gabriel Geay, who made headlines in Boston and New York with aggressive front-running. Ethiopia is sending a deep and dangerous lineup—including Milkesa Mengesha, Haymanot Alew, and veteran Guye Adola (the 2021 Berlin champion).

 

Daniel Mateiko of Kenya, a former half marathon standout, will look to solidify his position as a full marathon threat, while Abel Kirui, the two-time world champion, continues to defy age with elite performances.

 

The Global Wildcard: Japan’s Kengo Suzuki

 

With a 2:04:56 personal best, Kengo Suzuki is the fastest Japanese marathoner ever and could be a serious factor if conditions align. His presence adds global depth to a field heavily dominated by East Africa.

 

Fast Times Almost Guaranteed

 

Berlin’s pancake-flat course, combined with cool fall weather and top-tier pacers, means fast times are almost inevitable. With six men holding PBs under 2:04 and over a dozen under 2:05, there’s a strong chance we could see a sub-2:03 winner, or even a new course record.

 

While the official world record still stands at 2:00:35 (set in 2023 by Eliud Kipchoge), several in this year’s field have the credentials—and ambition—to challenge history.

 

Race Day Outlook

• Date: Sunday, September 29, 2025

• Course: Flat and record-ready, through the streets of Berlin

• Weather Forecast: Typically cool (expected 11–13°C), ideal for fast times

• Live Coverage: Streaming and TV coverage expected worldwide

 

Stay tuned to My Best Runs for full coverage, live updates, and post-race analysis from Berlin!

(07/29/25) Views: 162
Boris Baron

Strava Removes 4.45 Million Activities to Restore Integrity to Running Leaderboards

Strava just took a giant leap to restore trust in its running segment leaderboards—over 4.45 million activities have been purged from the platform.

Why such a massive cleanup? Many of those entries were either mislabeled as runs when they weren’t, or recorded while the user was riding in a car. For runners chasing KOMs (King of the Mountain) and segment PRs, this move is long overdue.

The platform’s goal is simple: ensure that leaderboard rankings reflect genuine human effort, not accidental car rides or mislogged workouts.

Earlier this year, Strava introduced a new machine learning system designed to catch these errors. It analyzes 57 variables—including speed, acceleration, and GPS patterns—to detect anomalies. Since launching in February, the system has led to a 72% drop in user-reported “vehicle” runs.

For runners who’ve trained hard and earned their spot on the board, this is a welcome correction. And for those who’ve lost segment crowns to impossible paces, justice has finally arrived.

Strava isn’t just removing suspicious data—it’s giving runners control. The system allows users to fix flagged runs by marking them private or deleting them entirely.

But that’s not all. Strava is continuing to enhance the experience for runners:

• AI-powered route suggestions tailored to your training goals

• Points of interest like restrooms and water fountains embedded into routes

• Seamless point-to-point navigation for longer or exploratory runs

Strava has also expanded its platform by acquiring The Breakaway, a performance-focused training app, signaling even more tools may soon be available for serious and recreational runners alike.

Bottom line: Strava’s leaderboards are becoming cleaner, smarter, and more accurate—which means segment records now reflect what they were meant to: real running.

(07/25/25) Views: 129
Boris Baron

Genzebe Dibaba: Chasing Greatness on the Roads, Will Berlin 2025 be her moment of redemption?

Where is Genzebe Dibaba?

Once the undisputed queen of the track, the six-time world champion and Olympic 1500m silver medalist has spent recent years grappling with one of the toughest transitions in elite running: the marathon.

“The marathon is not only a test on race day,” Dibaba said recently. “It challenges every part of you—especially during training.”

Since stepping up to the 42.195-kilometer distance, the journey has been anything but smooth. Known for her devastating finishing kick and fluid stride on the track, Genzebe has found the roads to be an entirely different battleground—one that demands patience, endurance, and humility.

In 2024, the spotlight was on her return to Berlin, home of world records and legendary performances. But the race didn’t go as planned. Dibaba did not finish—a rare DNF for one of the most accomplished athletes of her generation. And just like that, she disappeared from competition.

But not from the sport.

Back in the high-altitude terrain of Addis Ababa, Genzebe has been quietly rebuilding. Her training partner is her younger sister, Anna Dibaba—a rising star in her own right. Together, away from the noise, they’ve been logging miles, revisiting fundamentals, and chasing the kind of strength only the marathon demands.

Genzebe’s pedigree remains unquestioned. From junior dominance to world indoor records, from global titles in cross country to Olympic medals on the track—few athletes have ever displayed her range or brilliance. While the marathon has stretched her, she’s shown time and again that she thrives on challenges.

Berlin 2025: A Race of Legends

Now, all eyes are turning once again toward the BMW Berlin Marathon, set for Sunday, September 28, 2025. As one of the six Abbott World Marathon Majors, Berlin is renowned for its flat, fast course and record-breaking performances. Eliud Kipchoge famously broke the world record there in 2022 (2:01:09), and Berlin has hosted more official men’s and women’s world records than any other marathon.

The 2025 edition is expected to feature a deep elite field, with organizers already teasing the return of top contenders from around the world. It’s a race that attracts nearly 50,000 runners and millions of spectators, making it one of the most iconic events on the global calendar.

And the big question lingers:

Will Genzebe Dibaba be among them? Will she return to Berlin in search of redemption and reassert her place among the greats—this time on the roads?

The countdown is on.

And if Genzebe lines up at the start in September, it won’t just be a race.

It will be a statement.

(07/28/25) Views: 117
Boris Baron

Sorato Shimizu Sprints Into History: 16-Year-Old Clocks 10.00s to Set World Age-16 Record

Japanese sprinting phenom Sorato Shimizu has etched his name into the history books with a jaw-dropping performance at the Japanese Inter-School Championships—blazing to a 10.00-secondfinish in the 100 meters. At just 16 years old, Shimizu now owns the fastest time ever recorded by a 16-year-old, breaking the previous world best of 10.09 held by Thailand’s Puripol Boonson.

The time, achieved with a legal wind assistance of +1.7 m/s, marks a stunning personal best for the young star and sets a new World Age-16 Record. The stadium erupted as Shimizu crossed the line and confirmed the time on the scoreboard, with fans and fellow athletes celebrating what could be the beginning of a generational sprinting career.

A Historic Milestone in Sprinting

Running 10.00 seconds in the 100m is a feat few athletes achieve—even at the elite senior level. That a 16-year-old high school student has accomplished it underscores Shimizu’s immense talent and the growing strength of sprinting development in Japan.

Shimizu’s run wasn’t just about raw speed—it showcased poise, explosive acceleration, and flawless execution from start to finish. His reaction time, drive phase, and transition into top-end speed were that of a seasoned pro. It was a performance that stunned not only spectators in Japan but sprint fans across the globe.

Breaking Boonson’s Mark

Before Shimizu’s 10.00, the world age-16 best was 10.09, set by Thailand’s Puripol Boonson in 2022. Boonson has since gone on to become one of Asia’s fastest men—and Shimizu is now poised to follow a similar path, if not exceed it.

With this performance, Shimizu moves into a rarefied tier of sprinting prospects, joining a list that includes the likes of Trayvon Bromell, Erriyon Knighton, and Usain Bolt—who all produced world-class times as teenagers.

The New Face of Japanese Sprinting

Japan has long produced disciplined and technically sound sprinters, with athletes like Abdul Hakim Sani Brown, Yoshihide Kiryu, and Ryota Yamagata helping bring Japanese sprinting into the global spotlight. Sorato Shimizu now emerges as the new face of that legacy—and possibly, its next global champion.

With the Paris Olympics behind us and eyes already shifting to Los Angeles 2028, Shimizu’s name will surely be one to watch on the international scene.

What’s Next for Sorato Shimizu?

While this 10.00 clocking will take some time to fully digest, one thing is clear: Sorato Shimizu is just getting started. Still in high school, his future includes national championships, international junior meets, and, if his progression continues, a spot on Japan’s senior relay and individual sprint squads.

His breakthrough opens new possibilities for Japanese sprinting, showcasing that sub-10 is not a dream for the future—it’s a reality for the present.

Final Word

In an era where sprinting records are harder than ever to break, Sorato Shimizu just redefined what’s possible at age 16. His 10.00-second dash not only resets the record books—it ignites excitement for the future of global sprinting.

This isn’t just a time. It’s a statement.

Sorato Shimizu has arrived.

(07/31/25) Views: 86
Boris Baron

Track’s Biggest Stars Return to Hayward Field for U.S. Championships

Eugene, Oregon – The stage is set for another electrifying weekend at iconic Hayward Field, as the Toyota U.S.A. Track & Field Outdoor Championships take place this Saturday and Sunday at 4 p.m. ET, airing live on NBC and Peacock.

Some of the sport’s biggest stars will be headlining the meet, including Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Noah Lyles, two of America’s premier track and field athletes.

McLaughlin-Levrone, the reigning Olympic and World Champion in the 400m hurdles, is returning to the national spotlight after a strategic training and race schedule this season. Known for her graceful power and impeccable technique, Sydney has already redefined what’s possible in her event—shattering the world record multiple times. Fans are eager to see whether she’ll contest the 400m flat or return to the hurdles in Eugene.

On the men’s side, all eyes are on Noah Lyles, the reigning World Champion in the 100m and 200m. Lyles has made it clear he’s aiming for greatness this year, with both Olympic gold and world records on his radar. His recent performances on the Diamond League circuit suggest he’s peaking at the right time.

Distance Running Update: Eyes on the 1500m, 5000m, and 10,000m

The distance events promise fierce battles and major implications for Team USA selection.

In the men’s 1500m, all eyes will be on Yared Nuguse, who owns one of the fastest times in American history. He’ll be challenged by Cole Hocker, who famously stormed to an Olympic team spot in 2021, and NCAA standout Hobbs Kessler, who continues to climb the ranks.

The women’s 1500m will feature Nikki Hiltz, Emily Mackay, and Sinclaire Johnson, with Hiltz in standout form after their impressive road mile performances this season.

In the 5000m, American record holder Woody Kincaid will take on Grant Fisher, who’s back after injury and hungry to reclaim his place at the top. The women’s 5000m will include Elise Cranny, Karissa Schweizer, and Parker Valby, in what could be one of the most tactical races of the meet.

The 10,000m has already been contested earlier in the season, but the championship weekend will set the tone for the athletes’ final preparations ahead of international competition.

As always, Hayward Field brings the best out of American distance runners—expect fireworks as the fields chase not only titles, but Olympic dreams.

Catch the action live on NBC and Peacock.

Event: Toyota U.S.A. Track & Field Outdoor Championships

Location: Hayward Field, Eugene, Oregon

Broadcast: Saturday & Sunday at 4 p.m. ET on NBC & Peacock

 

(07/31/25) Views: 63
Boris Baron

Nico Young Clinches U.S. 10,000m Title with Electrifying Finish in Eugene

Eugene, Oregon – July 31, 2025

Nico Young delivered a career-defining performance on Wednesday night at the 2025 USATF Outdoor Championships, storming to victory in the men’s 10,000 meters with a closing display that left the crowd at Hayward Field in awe.

In a tightly contested final, Young surged past established veterans Grant Fisher and Graham Blanks with a stunning final lap of 56.54 seconds, covering the last 1600 meters in under four minutes—an extraordinary finish in a championship 10K. His winning time: 29:02.12.

Grant Fisher, one of the most accomplished distance runners in U.S. history, claimed the silver medal in 29:02.37, while rising star Graham Blanks, fresh off a record-breaking collegiate season, secured bronze in 29:02.43.

“What a way to end the night in Eugene,” echoed the sentiments of fans and announcers alike as Young crossed the line, arms raised in triumph.

At just 22 years old, Young’s victory represents a passing of the torch and a new era in American distance running. Known for his aggressive style and fearless front-running as a collegiate athlete at Northern Arizona University, Young has now proven he can execute a tactical race and close with world-class speed—a critical asset on the international stage.

The men’s 10,000m capped an electric night of competition at Hayward Field and set the tone for the rest of the championships. With this performance, Young not only claimed his first national title but also firmly established himself as a contender for global medals in the years ahead.

Men’s 10,000m – Final Results

• Nico Young – 29:02.12 (National Champion)

• Grant Fisher – 29:02.37 (National Runner-Up)

• Graham Blanks – 29:02.43 (National Bronze)

Stay tuned to My Best Runs for continued coverage of the 2025 USATF Outdoor Championships and road to the World Championships.

(08/01/25) Views: 40
Boris Baron

Did You Know? No One Has Come Close to Sorokin’s 24-Hour Record Since 2022

Did you know that Aleksandr Sorokin’s legendary 24-hour world record—set in 2022—is still untouched, and no one has even come particularly close?

At the 2022 IAU 24-Hour European Championships in Verona, Italy, Lithuanian ultrarunner Aleksandr Sorokin ran a staggering 198.598 miles (319.614 kilometers) in a single day. That’s the equivalent of running from New York City to Washington, D.C.—and then some—all in just 24 hours.

Even more impressive: Sorokin averaged a 7:15-per-mile (4:30/km) pace the entire time. That’s a tempo most runners struggle to hold for a 10K—let alone for nearly 200 miles.

What’s Happened Since?

At the 2023 IAU 24-Hour World Championships, Sorokin competed again and covered 301.790 kilometers—an outstanding performance, but still nearly 18 kilometers short of his own world record.

No other male athlete has even broken the 300 km barrier since.

Meanwhile, on the women’s side, Japan’s Miho Nakata set a new world record in 2023, covering 270.363 km, which is phenomenal—but still nearly 50 km less than Sorokin’s historic run.

Top 24-Hour Running Performances (All-Time)

Runner	Gender	Year	Distance (km)	Gap to Sorokin (km)
Aleksandr Sorokin	Male	2022	319.614	0.00
Yiannis Kouros	Male	1997	303.506	16.11
Aleksandr Sorokin	Male	2023	301.790	17.82
Tamas Bodis	Male	2023	295.290	24.32
Haruki Okayama	Male	2023	289.420	30.19
John Stocker	Male	2021	285.300	34.31
Miho Nakata	Female	2023	270.363	49.25
Camille Herron	Female	2019	270.116	49.50
Patrycja Bereznowska	Female	2022	263.660	55.95

The Legacy

More than two years later, Sorokin’s record remains the gold standard in ultrarunning. His 2022 performance wasn’t just a world record—it redefined what humans can do in a single day.

Whether you’re a weekend warrior or an elite endurance athlete, one thing is clear: nobody’s chasing Sorokin. He’s still out in front—by miles.

(08/01/25) Views: 28
Boris Baron