Running News Daily
Top Ten Stories of the Week
11/30/2019
These are the top ten stories based on views over the last week.
Paula Radcliffe clarifies her coaching role with Jordan Hasay
It has been widely reported that Jordan Hasay has hired former marathon world record holder Paula Radcliffe as her coach or coach advisor.
This is not exactly accurate according to Radcliffe.
She told Athletics Illustrated, “I am happy to help Jordan out as well as I can. It’s not an official coaching role since I am not actually qualified to coach but primarily, I also don’t have the time to travel full time as a coach while my kids are still young and my priority.”
Hasay was formerly coached by Alberto Salazar of the Nike Oregon Project. Since Salazar has received a four-year coaching ban for apparent doping-related offences, his athletes have had to find new coaches.
Hasay, who is knowledgeable about training and what she needs to do to get ready for racing, has chosen Radcliffe more as an advisor.
“Jordan completely understands this, and my role is more of a mentor/advisor than a coach. She is very smart and already knows very well what works for her, and what doesn’t really work. She is also open to listening to ideas and changing things when she sees the sense behind it. A lot of the basis of what she already does is very good, and the changes so far are agreed by both of us and are very fluid.”
Hasay owns the second-fastest marathon by an American, all-time, behind only Deena Kastor, who ran the 2006 London Marathon in the time of 2:19:36. Hasay has gone as fast as 2:20:57, which the 28-year-old accomplished in Chicago two years ago.
Hasay dropped out of the 2019 Chicago Marathon due to a hamstring issue, which found her walking through the 5K mark in over 22 minutes. She was going for Kastor’s record in that race. She has recovered now.
“She came over to stay and we chatted and worked out a lot of things going forward. We feel that we can make this work long-distance with someone on the ground training with her in workouts and providing constant honest feedback between. Of course, in the future we will aim to do some training camps together, but it is very flexible right now,” added Radcliffe.
Radcliffe continues to reside in Monaco, France, while Hasay lives in Arroyo Grande, California.
Radcliffe owned the marathon world record until Oct this year. She set the record at 2:15:25 in London 2004. The record stood until the same Chicago race where Hasay dropped out. Kenyan Brigid Kosgei crossed the finish line in the remarkable time of 2:14:04.
Radcliffe has also run the fifth and seventh fastest marathon times.
Her connection to Hasay may be from her husband’s (Gary Lough) connection to Salazar as both have coached multi-time worlds and Olympic gold medallist Mo Farah, who trained with the Nike Oregon Project as did Hasay.
“I have known her for a while now and got to know her better in the last couple of weeks,” shared Radcliffe. “I am really impressed with her mental strength and ability to focus on what is important. We have similar outlooks on a lot of things, training, competition, and lifestyle-related and I admire her style of racing and think she still has a lot of progress to come. The main thing now is getting fully healthy and as fit as possible by the trials.”
On February 29, 2020, Americans will take to the streets of Atlanta, GA to compete in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic marathon trials.
(11/24/19) Views: 787
Two-time Olympic steeplechaser Donn Cabral is in good shape and feeling confident about the Manchester Road Race
His goal, for a while now, has been to win the race he grew up running, the fabled Manchester Road Race, on Thanksgiving Day.
Cabral, 29, of Hartford finished third over the 4.748-mile course in 2012 in 21:33. He was fourth in 2014 (21:51) and second in 2015 in 21:36.
“If I were to win Manchester,” Cabral said at Thursday’s annual press lunch at the Manchester Country Club, “that would trump winning the Penn Relays, the national title – it would be on the same level as making the Olympic team.
“I’m feeling as confident now for my fitness this year as any year I’ve ever run this.”
The 83rd annual race will take place Nov. 28 at 10 a.m. on Main Street in Manchester. Over 12,000 runners and walkers are expected.
Cabral, who grew up in Glastonbury, said he had a “horrible track season.” Last year, he finished 20th at Manchester in 22:36. But his recent workouts are mirroring his successful past runs.
“I just did a workout which was a 5-mile run, where four miles are at a comfortably hard pace and the last mile’s hard,” he said. “I did that same workout eight days before Thanksgiving in 2012. I ended up running 21:33. I just did the same workout this past weekend, and given conditions and pacing, it was at least equivalent to what I did in 2012. I’m confident going forward. I’m ready to go.”
Cabral has been going to law school and business school but he’s taking the spring semester off to focus on making it to the Tokyo Olympics.
“I’ve had a couple years where I’ve been struggling to kind of get my legs under me and find out what’s been going on,” he said. “I had little bright spots here and there but they’re becoming fewer and further between. To an outside observer, maybe it is age. But there are plenty of 30-year-old runners who are at the top of their career, so I ignore that.
“I’ve spoken with some doctors and I think it’s being able to keep some stressors in my life down and being able to keep the amount of calories up I need to meet those needs.”
Defending champion Edward Cheserek is returning. Cheserek ran a course record 21:16 in bitter cold conditions last year.
“Well, Edward Cheserek is one of the best runners in American history,” Cabral said. “If he wants to go out and run what that time is equivalent to on a good day, I don’t think anyone’s going to be stopping him - 21:16 on the coldest day in Manchester Road Race history is otherworldly. That said, he’s human and he gets beat and he’s not always on his game. When he’s on his game, it would take something I haven’t seen in myself yet to beat him. I think I’m ready to run phenomenally and if he’s at all off, or compromised, I’m ready to take him down.
(11/22/19) Views: 358Lori Riley
Austin Marathon and 3M Half Marathon invite elite runners to Austin for a final Olympic Marathon Trials tune-up
The Austin Marathon and 3M Half Marathon invite elite runners to Austin for a final Olympic Marathon Trials tune-up. 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials qualifiers are invited to run one of Austin’s two most beloved half marathons, fine-tune race strategy, and finalize hydration/nutrition plans. The 3M Half Marathon takes place on January 19th, that’s 41 days before the Trials. The Austin Half Marathon takes place on February 16th, that’s 13 days before the Olympic Marathon Trials.
The Austin Half Marathon offers prize money and FloTrack live-streams coverage of the entire event. Both events are operated by High Five Events.
“Winning the 2019 Austin Marathon was awesome and a moment I will not forget,” said Heather Lieberg, 2019 Austin Marathon female champ (2:42:27). “ I can’t wait to participate in the half marathon as a tune-up race for the Trials in Atlanta. I know it’ll be a confidence builder!”
Runners accepted to the 2020 Austin Marathon/Half Marathon Elite Athlete Program will compete for a $20,000 prize purse. The Austin Marathon prize purse will total $15,000 and award the top five male and female finishers. The Austin Half Marathon purse will total $5,000 and award the top three male and female finishers. Interested athletes can review the program’s standards and submit an application on the website.
(11/22/19) Views: 282
Julia Webb runs fastest time ever for a half marathon pushing a stroller
Julia Webb just broke the WORLD RECORD for fastest half marathon while pushing a stroller AND she won the half marathon as well clocking 1:21:23.
Three days ago Julia who is the wife of Alan Webb posted this on Instagram, "I've been a mom of three going on 10 months...I don't think it gets any easier after each kid, it's just your expections of "normal" change and you adapt. I was such a spoiled runner per 2012, treadmills, babysitters, stollers, friends and begging the husband to allow for my escape..."
In the process of setting a new world record she also won the Route 66 Half marathon. When Julia had two kids she unofficiallly broke the Guinness world record pushing baby Paula clocking 1:22:57.
Five days ago on Instagram she wrote, "Time for attempt 2! Fitness great but actual preparation running fast pushing babies lately has been a little sparse. Today's 6:49 mile split in a 5 miler with my beaten down stroller is our fastest yet. New buggy coming Sunday.
"Whatever hapens I will be sure to get this on camera if Alan can keep up."
And she did it this morning... Next up is the US Olympics Trails and this time without the baby.
(11/24/19) Views: 244
10 Reasons to Run a Turkey Trot
Thanksgiving is the most popular running day of the year, according to Running USA. Last year more than 1.17 million people registered for a Turkey Trot around the Thanksgiving holiday. The tradition is believed to have started in 1896 in Buffalo, New York, with Y.M.C.A. Buffalo Niagara’s Turkey Trot — today the 8K attracts more than 14,000 runners and calls itself the “oldest consecutively run footrace in North America.”
While running a few miles won’t do much to offset the 2,000+ calories you’re likely to consume on Thanksgiving, there are plenty of other reasons to lace up your sneakers and get moving with family and friends.
1.- It’s one of those rare unicorn events that everyone can actually do together, whether you run, walk or trot. Win points with your Ironman father-in-law. Or just use it an excuse to be better at something (anything!) than your cousin.
2.- On the other hand, if you get stressed by family dynamics, a Turkey Trot can also be a great excuse to escape. (Self-care, hello?!?!?)
3.- Most races have shorter distances for kids, everything from a 1-miler to a 500-meter dash — often with mini-medals, chocolate lollipops or hot apple cider at the finish.
4.- You can probably get out of some holiday-related jobs/duties/tasks — peeling potatoes, putting the leaf in the dining room table, getting folding chairs from your uncle’s garage — because you will be at the race (and going to/coming from/showering after!).
5.- If you’re traveling to that same relative’s house for the fifth year in a row, consider finding a race in a nearby town (Active.com has a comprehensive list); a new environment can keep things interesting.
6.- Make fun of the (probably ugly) shirt that will go straight into your pajama drawer because it features the face of a massive cartoon turkey or the name of a local pub. (Why are Turkey Trot race shirts so universally bad?)
7.- Feel morally superior to everyone else when you post your Turkey Trot pic on social media or feel less lazy (and avoid FOMO) when everyone else posts theirs.
8.- Enjoy an extra helping of stuffing.
9.- If you do post a pic, use #WillTrotForBeer and tag @MichelobULTRA — until December 1 the brand will donate $1 per pic (up to $10,000) to AmpleHarvest.org, a non-profit aiming to end food waste and hunger.
10.- Appease guilt on Friday when you don’t work out because you’re still full/busy shopping/watching Christmas movies/eating another slice of pie.
(11/26/19) Views: 123Stephanie Emma Pfeffer
A British man has become the first person to run a marathon in every country in the world
Nick Butter, 30, from Bristol, has run 196 marathons in 196 official countries after starting in Canada in January 2018 and finishing in Greece on Sunday.
He was inspired to do it to raise funds for Prostate Cancer UK after a friend was diagnosed with the disease.
Mr Butter said he was "overwhelmed" to have finished, after he crossed the finishing line of the Athens marathon.
He said he was "very tired" after completing the challenge, which took 674 days and involved visiting an average of just over two countries a week.
"In one sense it was just another finishing line, but in a bigger sense I've been visualising it, and finishing in that stadium in Athens was so special," he said.
He chose Athens for his final run due to it being "the home of the marathon".
Mr Butter, originally from Dorset, crossed the line with his friend Kevin Webber, who has prostate cancer and who inspired him to take up the challenge.
So far, he has raised more than £65,000 ($83,500US) of his £250,000 ($313,000US) target for Prostate Cancer UK.
During his epic feat, Mr Butter said he got through 10 passports, took 455 flights, ran through 15 war zones and was mugged twice.
He said he was now planning to continue running "one or two marathons a week" because he "loves to run".
The former banker said the number of 196 countries was based on 193 identified as sovereign states by the United Nations plus three others not officially recognised.
But he explained he had actually run 211 marathons, in order to "future proof" the record, by visiting places that might be classed as separate countries in the future.
Nick is not the only runner going after this challenge. 70-year-old Brent Weigner from the US has run marathons in 178 countries and hopes to do all countries himself within the next few years.
(11/22/19) Views: 113BBC news
Japan’s Mariko Yugeta, 61, is the first woman to run sub 3 hour marathon for her age group clocking 2:59:15
61-year-old Japanese Mariko Yugeta from Saitama achieved the first sub-three hour marathon in the world for women runners 60 years old and older.
She clocked 2 hours 59 minutes 15 seconds at the Shimonoseki Kaikyo Marathon held on November 3. The previous world record was 3 hours 2 minutes 50 seconds for women over the age of 60.
When reporters visited the fastest queen's house, she was challenging the time trial of the active high school athletic club.
Yugeta said her daily routine includes 3 minutes standing on an inclined board every morning while brushing her teeth, and that she believes she can run 2:57.
This was her 99th marathon.
(11/27/19) Views: 60
Four Olympians and Top International Competitors will Seek World and American Records at Applied Material Silicon Valley Turkey Trot
The Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot produced by the Silicon Valley Leadership Group Foundation announced full fields today for both their women’s Elite 5k presented by Silicon Valley Bank and their men’s Elite 5k presented by Juniper Networks.
While the Silicon Valley Turkey Trot is often known as one of the world’s largest turkey trots boasting over 25,000 runners and nearly $1,000,000 in annual fundraising, this year the elites are leading the conversation. Athletes will contend for more than $30,000 in prize money and potential bonuses.
On the women’s side Shannon Rowbury returns as the most accomplished 5k runner in the field boasting a best of 14:38 on the track. Rowbury is coming fresh off a victory at the USATF 5k Road Championships in New York City and has the American road record in her sites.
“I’m certainly in better shape than last year” said Rowbury, “and you know, on the right day anything can happen.” Shannon will be challenged by fellow U.S. Olympians Kim Conley and Emily Infeld, plus 10k/marathon specialist Stephanie Rothstein Bruce. Full fields listed below.
The men’s field is highlighted by Kenyans David Bett and Lawi Lalang. Bett has made no secret that the IAAF World 5k Road Record is his only goal. That record was recently set at 13:22 in Paris by Robert Keter. Lalang has a best of 13:00 on the track and has placed at Silicon Valley in the past.
Rounding out the elite field for the men includes Ethiopian Josef Tessema (13:22), Canadian Luc Bruchet (13:24 best), and American Jeff Thies (3rd at 2019 USATF 5k Road Champs).
Race Founder and Executive Director, Carl Guardino shared his excitement for the event. “This might be the most accomplished Elite field in our 15-year history and certainly has the most depth. While we expect over 25,000 runners at the largest timed Turkey Trot in the U.S., it brings me joy to also welcome some of the world’s fastest athletes to Silicon Valley on Thanksgiving Day”
(11/25/19) Views: 59
Paige Marg will run her first marathon after losing 150 pounds
"Everything hurt," Paige Marg describes when she weighed over 300 pounds.
“My feet, my hips, my knees. Everything hurt all the time," she said. "To be honest, I didn’t realize how much pain I was really in until I didn’t have the weight on me.”
Marg says she was overweight her whole life. At 35-years-old, she tipped the scale at 321 pounds. She had type-2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and was taking a lot of medication.
Marg knew she had to do something for her health that was spiraling out of control, she said. It’s why she decided to get gastric sleeve surgery. “I knew that it was going to be something that I could really turn my life around,” Marg said. And she has. In two years, she lost 150 pounds and looks unrecognizable.
She credits not just her diet, but her exercise too. After her surgery, she made the goal to be able to run a 5K without stopping, and that goal quickly escalated. “I started training and very quickly hit that 5K mark,” Paige said. “And thought I think I can do a half marathon.”
Last year, Marg ran in her first half-marathon at the San Antonio Rock and Roll marathon/half-marathon race. Now, she has made it her goal to run the full marathon this year. In order to get there, she gets up every morning at 5 a.m. to train with her running buddy, Sophie.
Marg and Sophie met through San Antonio’s downtown run group a year ago. They are now both training for their first marathon.
“Every time that I hit another mile or hit another major milestone it felt very self-empowering,” Paige said.
She says it hasn’t just been Sophie who has supported her along her journey, but also her family and husband of 18 years. She says her new life has drastically changed and improved how they both live together now.
(11/25/19) Views: 57Sarah Acosta
Kenya’s Asbel Kipsang and Tefera Dinknesh Mekash from Ethiopia are the favorites at the Asics Firenze Marathon
Kipsang won the race in his debut over the 42 km distance in 2014 in 2:09:55. He went on to clock his personal best with 2:07:30 in Seoul in 2016 and will aim at breaking the Florence course record held by his compatriot James Kutto who clocked 2:08:40 in 2006. Kipsang finished third in Shanghai in 2:09:02 and sixth in Paris in 2:08:29 in 2017.
Moroccan Hicham Bofars, 31, also returns to Florence, where he finished second last year in personal best of 2:12:16. Bofars ran all his three marathon races in Florence in 2014, 2015 and 2018.
Kenyan Peter Kirui Cheruiyot boasts solid personal best times in the half marathon with 59:22 from Prague in 2014 and in the marathon with 2:06:31 from Frankfurt in 2011.
Gilbert Kipleting Chumba from Kenya has already run on Italian soil and won the past two editions of the Treviso Marathon - in 2018 he clocked his personal best of 2:12:19.
The Ethiopian contingent will be represented by Gereme Azmeraw Mengistu and Nigussie Sahlesilassie Bekele. Mengistu set his personal best of 2:12:27 in November 2016. Bekele won the Stockolm marathon last June in 2:10:10, also a personal best.
Morocco’s Hicham Amghar, who has a 1:00:23 half marathon PB, will make his marathon debut.
The best Italian runner in the field is Ahmed Nasef, who won two national marathon titles and set his marathon career best of 2:10:59 in 2012.
The fastest runner in the women’s field is Ethiopia’s Dinknesh Mekash Tefera, who set her career best of 2:23:12 in Frankfurt in 2015. Tefera will take on her compatriot Amelework Bosho Fekadu, who has a 2:32:39 PB, Kenya’s Salina Jebet (winner in Astana 2018 in 2:31:06) and Burundi’s 21-year-old Elvanie Nimbona, who finished second in Padua last April in 2:30:28.
Croatian ultra-marathon specialist Nikolina Sustic set her previous marathon career best of 2:41:11 in Florence last year and improved this time to 2:37:55 in Padua in 2019. Former European U23 cross country champion Jess Piasecki will make her debut over the marathon distance after improving her personal best in the half marathon to 1:11:42 in Usti nad Labem in Czech Republic last September.
(11/23/19) Views: 56World Athletics
