Running News Daily
Top Ten Stories of the Week
6/27/2026
These are the top ten stories based on views over the last week.
Amanuel Mesel Makes History at Grandma’s Marathon with Landmark Victory for Eritrea
The 50th edition of Grandma’s Marathon delivered a memorable chapter in long-distance running history on Saturday morning as Eritrea’s Amanuel Mesel stormed to victory in Duluth, becoming the first athlete from his nation to win the prestigious race.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Lake Superior, the iconic course from Two Harbors to Duluth provided ideal racing conditions for both elite athletes and thousands of recreational runners celebrating the event’s golden jubilee. Cool temperatures and calm weather created the perfect stage for a fiercely contested battle among the men's elite field.
At 35 years old, Mesel demonstrated experience, patience, and tactical brilliance as he emerged from a tightly packed lead group to claim victory in 2:11:21. His triumph was more than just a personal achievement—it marked a historic breakthrough for Eritrean athletics at one of North America's most respected marathons.
Kenya’s veteran marathoner Elisha Barno, 41, fought courageously throughout the race and secured second place in 2:12:50 after remaining in contention deep into the closing stages. Ethiopia’s Getinet Gedamu completed the podium in 2:13:03, capping off a highly competitive East African sweep of the top three positions.
The race remained remarkably close from start to finish, with several athletes separated by only seconds as they approached the final miles. In one of the tightest finishes in recent Grandma’s Marathon history, the fourth through sixth-place finishers crossed the line within just six seconds of one another, highlighting the extraordinary depth of the field.
Kenya’s Milton Rotich narrowly missed the podium, finishing fourth in 2:13:04, while Americans Will Norris and Joseph Whelan impressed on home soil with fifth and sixth-place finishes respectively. Fellow Kenyans Benard Rotich and Sammy Rotich also secured top-ten positions, while Ethiopia’s Mohammed Bati and American Dillon Maggard rounded out the leading ten.
Men’s Top 10 Results – Grandma’s Marathon 2026
1. Amanuel Mesel (Eritrea) – 2:11:21
2. Elisha Barno (Kenya) – 2:12:50
3. Getinet Gedamu (Ethiopia) – 2:13:03
4. Milton Rotich (Kenya) – 2:13:04
5. Will Norris (USA) – 2:13:08
6. Joseph Whelan (USA) – 2:13:10
7. Benard Rotich (Kenya) – 2:13:30
8. Mohammed Bati (Ethiopia) – 2:13:38
9. Sammy Rotich (Kenya) – 2:14:13
10. Dillon Maggard (USA) – 2:14:42
As the sun rose over Minnesota’s North Shore, the 50th Grandma’s Marathon delivered everything fans could hope for—historic achievement, dramatic competition, and a new champion whose name will forever be etched into the race’s rich legacy. For Amanuel Mesel, it was a victory years in the making. For Eritrea, it was a milestone moment that will be celebrated for generations.
(06/20/26) Views: 346Erick Cheruiyot for My Best Runs.
Dakotah Popehn Delivers Historic Triple Crown as Home-State Star Triumphs at Grandma’s Marathon
The 50th edition of Grandma’s Marathon produced another unforgettable chapter in its rich history on Saturday morning, as hometown favorite Dakotah Popehn thrilled thousands of spectators by claiming a remarkable third career title along the iconic shores of Lake Superior.
Under cool, humid conditions that provided an ideal stage for fast racing, the elite women’s field engaged in a captivating battle from Two Harbors to the finish line at Canal Park in Duluth. The race remained tightly contested deep into the final miles before Popehn showcased her experience, strength, and tactical brilliance to break away when it mattered most.
Roared on by passionate Minnesota supporters lining the course, the U.S. Olympian surged clear in the closing stages to cross the finish line in 2:28:51. The victory elevated Popehn into an exclusive group of women who have won Grandma’s Marathon three times, further cementing her place among the event’s all-time greats.
The race was far from straightforward. Ethiopia’s Bashanke Bilo delivered an outstanding performance in her North American marathon debut, staying within striking distance of the lead for much of the contest. Despite her determined challenge, she ultimately finished second in an impressive 2:29:36.
Completing the podium was Chicago’s Jane Bareikis, whose strong and consistent run earned her third place in 2:30:23 after a spirited effort throughout the demanding 26.2-mile journey.
Behind the leading trio, several American athletes produced notable performances. Mary van Laarhoven secured fourth place in 2:32:40, while Hannah Branch rounded out the top five with a time of 2:34:03. Annmarie Tuxbury, Sarah Czuprynski, Shalaya Kipp, Jennifer Pope, and Shannon Smith completed the top ten in a highly competitive women’s field.
Women's Top 10 Results – Grandma’s Marathon 2026
1. Dakotah Popehn (USA) – 2:28:51
2. Bashanke Bilo (Ethiopia) – 2:29:36
3. Jane Bareikis (USA) – 2:30:23
4. Mary van Laarhoven (USA) – 2:32:40
5. Hannah Branch (USA) – 2:34:03
6. Annmarie Tuxbury (USA) – 2:35:00
7. Sarah Czuprynski (USA) – 2:35:36
8. Shalaya Kipp (USA) – 2:36:58
9. Jennifer Pope (USA) – 2:37:59
10. Shannon Smith (USA) – 2:38:24
As Grandma’s Marathon celebrated its golden anniversary, the women’s race provided a fitting showcase of courage, tactical excellence, and perseverance. Yet the day ultimately belonged to Dakotah Popehn, whose unforgettable performance transformed a hometown dream into a historic triumph.
With her third Grandma’s Marathon crown secured, Popehn’s name is now permanently woven into the fabric of one of America’s most celebrated road races—a champion once again, and a legend forever.
(06/21/26) Views: 335Erick Cheruiyot for My Best Runs.
Chemnung Books Glasgow Berth with Commanding 10,000m Victory at Kenyan Trials
Loice Chemnung produced another commanding display on the track to win the women's 10,000m final at the Kenyan Commonwealth Games Athletics Trials, securing her place on Team Kenya for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Racing at Nyayo National Stadium, Chemnung stopped the clock at 31:46.09 to take the national title and confirm her qualification in emphatic fashion. The Kenyan distance star showcased her experience and strength throughout the race, maintaining control when the pressure mounted before pulling away to seal a memorable victory.
Diana Wanza claimed the silver medal after a determined performance, while Selah Busienei completed the podium in third place to take bronze in a fiercely contested final.
The victory adds to an impressive streak of performances by Chemnung, who has established herself as one of Kenya's most consistent long-distance runners. At the 2025 Athletics Kenya National Championships held at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, she captured the women's 10,000m title in 31:39.09. Cintia Chepngeno finished second in 32:22.44, while Rebecca Mwangi took third place in 32:22.85.
Her latest success further underlines her dominance on the domestic circuit and strengthens expectations ahead of her international assignments later this season.
Before turning her full attention to Glasgow, Chemnung is set for another major test on the roads. The Kenyan star has been confirmed for the Port-Gentil 10K in Gabon on June 28, 2026, where she will line up against a strong international field. Organisers of the POG 10KM have announced her participation alongside fellow Kenyan distance runner Filex Kibet Masai, adding further excitement to one of Africa's most anticipated road races.
With a Commonwealth Games berth secured and another high-profile competition on the horizon, Chemnung's season continues to gather momentum. Her blend of consistency, endurance and winning form makes her one of the athletes to watch as Kenya prepares for Glasgow and beyond.
The road to Glasgow is now firmly underway, and Chemnung has once again demonstrated why she remains among the country's leading hopes in women's distance running.
(06/19/26) Views: 199Erick Cheruiyot for My Best Runs.
Sharon Lokedi Retains B.A.A. 10K Title in Thrilling Boston Contest
The 2026 B.A.A. 10K delivered one of the closest finishes of the road racing season as Sharon Lokedi successfully defended her title in a fiercely contested race through the streets of Boston.
Lokedi crossed the finish line in 31:27, securing back-to-back victories at the prestigious event after another display of patience, strength, and tactical excellence. However, the outcome remained uncertain until the closing stages as a tightly packed lead group battled for every second.
American runner Rachael Rudel finished just four seconds behind the winner in 31:31, producing a strong performance that kept the race alive deep into the final kilometres. Close behind was Veronica Loleo, who claimed third place in 31:33 after a determined effort that saw her remain in contention throughout the race.
Women's Top Three
1. Sharon Lokedi (Kenya) – 31:27
2. Rachael Rudel (USA) – 31:31
3. Veronica Loleo (Kenya) – 31:33
With only six seconds separating the three athletes on the podium, the race showcased the exceptional depth and competitiveness currently present in women's road running.
The event unfolded at a relentless pace, with several athletes remaining in contention well into the latter stages. As the field approached the decisive moments, Lokedi found the extra strength needed to create a small but crucial advantage, holding off the challenges behind her to successfully defend her crown.
For Loleo, the podium finish marked another significant achievement on the international stage, while Rudel's runner-up performance demonstrated the growing strength of American distance running in major road races.
The narrow margins at the finish reflected the quality of the competition and provided spectators with an exciting conclusion to one of the premier road racing events on the calendar.
In the end, it was Lokedi who emerged victorious once again, but the 2026 B.A.A. 10K will be remembered as a race defined by depth, drama, and a thrilling battle among three outstanding athletes.
(06/21/26) Views: 176Erick Cheruiyot for My Best Runs.
Wildschutt Fights Through Fatigue to Claim Runner-Up Finish at the B.A.A. 10K
South African distance star Adriaan Wildschutt once again showcased his toughness and racing intelligence, battling through lingering fatigue to secure an impressive second-place finish at the B.A.A. 10K in Boston.
Fresh from his recent marathon pacing assignment in Cape Town, Wildschutt arrived at the prestigious road race eager to test his fitness but uncertain about how his body would respond after the demanding effort.
The race unfolded as a tactical affair, with the early stages developing at a measured pace before the competition came alive in the second half. Wildschutt covered the opening 5 kilometers in 14:27 as the leading contenders carefully sized each other up before unleashing a fierce acceleration over the closing kilometers.
When the pace intensified, the South African responded brilliantly, clocking a rapid 13:33 for the second half of the race to remain firmly in contention for the podium.
Although he admitted that he could feel the effects of his recent workload toward the closing stages, Wildschutt dug deep and held his position to cross the line in second place, adding another strong result to his growing résumé on the international stage.
The performance offered valuable insight into his current fitness while also highlighting the importance of recovery following a busy period of competition and pacing duties.
With the B.A.A. 10K now behind him, Wildschutt plans to take a well-earned period of downtime before shifting his focus to the next chapter of his season. While he has yet to reveal exactly what lies ahead, he hinted that exciting opportunities are on the horizon.
For now, his Boston performance stands as a testament to his consistency and determination. Even without feeling fully recovered, Wildschutt produced a world-class effort and left the B.A.A. 10K with another podium finish to his name.
(06/22/26) Views: 176Erick Cheruiyot for My Best Runs.
Omanyala and Simbine Set for Explosive Sprint Showdown at FBK Games in Hengelo
The stage is set for one of the most anticipated sprint battles of the season as Africa's fastest men, Ferdinand Omanyala of Kenya and Akani Simbine of South Africa, headline a stacked men's 100-meter field at the 2026 FBK Games in Hengelo Netherlands, on Sunday, June 21. The prestigious meeting is part of the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold circuit and regularly attracts some of the world's finest track and field stars.
For sprint fans, the clash between Omanyala and Simbine is reason enough to tune in. Omanyala, the African record holder and Kenya's sprint trailblazer, has built a reputation for fearless front-running and explosive starts. Simbine, meanwhile, remains one of the most consistent sprinters of his generation, combining championship experience with remarkable top-end speed. Their rivalry has produced thrilling races over the years, and another chapter is about to be written on Dutch soil.
But this will be far more than a two-man contest.
South Africa's rising star Bradley Nkoana enters the race eager to challenge the established order, while Ireland's Benjamin Richardson continues to make strides on the international circuit. American veteran Ronnie Baker brings proven world-class credentials to the field, adding further depth and unpredictability to the race.
The home crowd will have plenty to cheer for as Dutch sprinters Elvis Afrifa, Taymir Burnet and Xavi Mo-Ajok line up in front of their supporters. All three have been key figures in the Netherlands' sprint resurgence and will be determined to make their mark against a world-class field.
With established stars, emerging talents and national pride all colliding in one race, the men's 100 meters promises to be one of the standout events of the meeting. Every athlete in the field has the speed to produce a surprise, ensuring that there will be no room for error once the starter's gun fires.
As Hengelo prepares to welcome another edition of the renowned FBK Games, all eyes will be fixed on the straightaway. When Omanyala and Simbine step into their blocks, fans can expect a race packed with intensity, speed and the kind of drama that only elite sprinting can deliver.
Men's 100m Entries – FBK Games 2026
1. Ferdinand Omanyala (Kenya)
2. Akani Simbine (South Africa)
3. Bradley Nkoana (South Africa)
4. Benjamin Richardson (Ireland)
5. Ronnie Baker (United States)
6. Elvis Afrifa (Netherlands)
7. Taymir Burnet (Netherlands)
8. Xavi Mo-Ajok (Netherlands)
On Sunday afternoon in Hengelo, the race may last less than ten seconds, but its impact could resonate throughout the remainder of the 2026 season.
(06/19/26) Views: 175Erick Cheruiyot for My Best Runs.
Wightman Times It to Perfection to Capture UK 800m Crown
Jake Wightman delivered a masterclass in championship racing as he surged to the men's 800m title at the UK Athletics Championships, holding off a determined challenge from Ben Pattison in a thrilling finish.
In a race defined by patience, positioning, and precise execution, Wightman waited for the perfect moment to strike before unleashing his finishing kick down the home straight. The former world champion crossed the line in 1:45.40, just doing enough to edge Pattison and secure the national crown.
The contest lived up to expectations, bringing together two of Britain's finest middle-distance talents in a tactical battle where every move carried significance. With the pace controlled through the early stages, the field remained tightly packed, setting the stage for a dramatic final lap.
As the bell rang, the intensity immediately rose. Pattison looked poised to seize control and pushed hard in the closing metres, but Wightman's experience and race awareness proved decisive. Drawing on years of competing at the highest level, he maintained his composure under pressure and found the extra gear required to stay ahead when it mattered most.
The victory marks another significant chapter in Wightman's decorated career and serves as a timely statement of intent as the international season gathers momentum. More importantly, it showcased the qualities that have made him one of Britain's most respected middle-distance athletes — tactical intelligence, resilience, and an ability to deliver in the biggest moments.
For Pattison, the narrow defeat will provide encouragement rather than disappointment. His performance confirmed his growing status among Britain's elite 800m runners and highlighted the depth of talent currently thriving in the event.
But on this occasion, the spotlight belonged to Wightman. In a race where the margins were razor-thin, he executed his plan to perfection and walked away with the UK Athletics Championship title.
(06/22/26) Views: 175Erick Cheruiyot for My Best Runs.
London Marathon Set for Historic Expansion as 100,000 Runners Take Part in Landmark Two-Day Event
The TCS London Marathon is preparing to enter a new era after organisers confirmed that the iconic race will be staged across two consecutive days in 2027, marking the first time in its 46-year history that the event will adopt such a format.
The unprecedented move will allow up to 100,000 participants to take part, making it one of the largest marathon celebrations ever held and potentially the biggest charity fundraising event in British history.
Race organisers say the decision comes in response to overwhelming demand from runners around the world. In recent years, applications for the London Marathon have reached record-breaking levels, with hundreds of thousands of hopeful participants competing for a place on the start line. The expanded format is designed to give more people the opportunity to experience one of the world's most prestigious road races while further strengthening its remarkable charitable impact.
Since its inception in 1981, the London Marathon has grown from a major sporting event into a national institution renowned for its unique blend of elite competition, community participation, and fundraising. The race has generated billions of pounds for charitable causes over the decades, with runners consistently using the event as a platform to support organizations close to their hearts.
Organisers believe the two-day format could unlock an unprecedented wave of fundraising, with projections suggesting the event could raise more than £150 million for charity. If achieved, the figure would establish a new benchmark for mass-participation fundraising events in the United Kingdom.
The expanded race weekend is also expected to deliver significant economic benefits for London, attracting tens of thousands of additional visitors, supporters, and international participants. Hotels, restaurants, and local businesses are likely to see a major boost as the capital hosts what promises to be one of the largest running gatherings ever assembled.
While details regarding how elite races and mass-participation fields will be divided across the two days are yet to be fully outlined, the announcement has already generated excitement throughout the global running community.
For marathon enthusiasts, charity fundraisers, and first-time runners alike, 2027 promises to be a historic chapter in the London Marathon's story—a bold expansion of an event that continues to redefine what is possible in distance running while inspiring millions around the world.
With 100,000 runners expected on the streets of London, the 2027 edition is set to become more than a marathon; it will be a landmark celebration of endurance, community, and charitable giving on a scale never seen before.
(06/19/26) Views: 173Erick Cheruiyot for My Best Runs.
Hal Higdon at 95: The Coach Who Helped Millions Believe They Could Run a Marathon
In a sport filled with record breakers, Olympic champions, and marathon legends, few people have shaped the running world as profoundly as Hal Higdon. This week, the iconic coach, author, and lifelong runner celebrated his 95th birthday—a milestone that offers the global running community a chance to reflect on an extraordinary legacy that continues to inspire runners of every level.
For countless marathoners, Higdon's name is instantly familiar. Long before training apps and smartwatches became the norm, aspiring runners were printing out his training plans, pinning them to refrigerators, and following them mile by mile toward goals they once thought impossible. His programs transformed marathon preparation from something reserved for elite athletes into a journey that ordinary people could embrace with confidence.
Born and raised in Chicago, Higdon's relationship with running stretches back nearly eight decades. He began competing in 1947 and built a remarkable competitive career that included eight appearances at the U.S. Olympic Trials. His achievements on the roads were equally impressive. A regular competitor at the prestigious Boston Marathon, Higdon delivered one of his finest performances in 1964, finishing fifth overall in 2:21:55 and emerging as the top American finisher.
Yet what makes his story truly remarkable is not simply the races he ran, but the longevity and passion with which he pursued them. Over the course of his life, Higdon completed 111 marathons. Even approaching his 70th birthday, he demonstrated the same determination that defined his younger years by running seven marathons in seven consecutive months.
While his accomplishments as an athlete earned admiration, it was his work as a writer and coach that cemented his place in running history. Over the years, he authored more than three dozen books and became one of the most trusted voices in the sport through his extensive work with Runner's World. His landmark publication, Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guide, now in its fifth edition, remains a trusted companion for first-time marathoners around the world.
What sets Higdon apart is his ability to make the marathon feel achievable. His training philosophy emphasized consistency, patience, and gradual progress rather than intimidating mileage or complex workouts. Through simple, structured plans, he helped generations of runners discover that the marathon was not reserved for a select few—it was a challenge that anyone willing to commit could conquer.
Perhaps the most remarkable part of the story is that his influence remains active today. His training plans continue to be freely available online, reaching new runners every year. The family business remains strong, supported by his children and grandchildren, ensuring that his guidance continues to inspire future generations.
Many lifetime achievement awards serve as a final chapter in a distinguished career. Hal Higdon's story is different. At 95, he remains engaged, writing, teaching, and encouraging runners across the globe. His impact is measured not only in races completed or books sold, but in the millions of lives he has touched through the simple belief that ordinary people are capable of extraordinary things.
As runners around the world shared their stories and gratitude in celebration of his birthday, one message rang clear: the sport owes Hal Higdon far more than applause. It owes him generations of first miles, first finish lines, and first marathons.
At 95, the legendary coach is still inspiring runners to take the next step forward—and that may be his greatest achievement of all.
(06/20/26) Views: 167Erick Cheruiyot for My Best Runs.
The Achilles Setback That Changed a Marathon Season: Sifan Hassan’s Unfinished Pursuit of History
In elite sport, the smallest moments can have the biggest consequences. For Sifan Hassan, one routine training session on a treadmill proved to be the turning point of an entire marathon season.
Earlier this year, the reigning Olympic marathon champion announced her withdrawal from the 2026 London Marathon after suffering an Achilles injury during what her management described as an unfortunate treadmill accident. The setback occurred approximately six weeks before race day, abruptly halting preparations for one of the most anticipated appearances of the season.
Hassan entered the year carrying the weight of extraordinary expectations. She was not only the defending London Marathon champion but also one of the strongest contenders to challenge the elusive 2:15 barrier in women’s marathon running. Few athletes possess a résumé comparable to hers. From Olympic gold medals in the 5,000m and 10,000m to her historic marathon triumphs, Hassan has consistently pushed the boundaries of what distance runners can achieve.
Initially, there was hope that the injury would be manageable. Like many elite athletes, she attempted to train through the discomfort, believing time and careful management might allow her to return in time for London. But the Achilles tendon had other plans. As the weeks passed, recovery failed to progress as expected, leaving Hassan with little choice but to step away from competition.
Her withdrawal created a significant shift in the dynamics of the London Marathon. What had been expected to be a showdown featuring one of the sport’s greatest champions suddenly became an open race. The absence of Hassan altered the landscape and opened the door for others to seize the moment.
Among them was Tigst Assefa, who delivered a performance for the ages. Taking advantage of the opportunity, the Ethiopian star stormed to a remarkable 2:15:41, setting a new women-only world record and producing one of the finest marathon performances ever witnessed. It was the kind of historic race many believed Hassan would have been central to contesting.
Instead, she watched from the sidelines as the record books were rewritten.
Yet Hassan's response reflected the maturity and patience that have defined her career. Rather than rushing back, she emphasized the importance of listening to her body and allowing the healing process to take its natural course. It was a reminder that even the greatest champions cannot negotiate with injury.
For athletes operating at the highest level, talent, preparation, and determination can overcome many obstacles. Recovery, however, follows its own timeline. No amount of ambition can accelerate an Achilles tendon's healing process.
The marathon world continues to wonder what might have happened had Hassan lined up in London healthy and fully prepared. Could she have challenged the record? Could she have become the first woman to break the 2:15 barrier?
Those questions remain unanswered.
What is certain is that Sifan Hassan's story is far from finished. If her career has demonstrated anything, it is her remarkable ability to return stronger after adversity. The treadmill incident may have delayed another historic chapter, but it has not closed the book.
For now, the marathon world waits patiently for the return of one of the most extraordinary distance runners the sport has ever seen.
(06/20/26) Views: 166Erick Cheruiyot for My Best Runs.
