Running News Daily
Top Ten Stories of the Week
12/7/2024
These are the top ten stories based on views over the last week.
The second coming of Lelisa in Dubai?
Former world champion Lelisa Desisa is returning to the Dubai Marathon, scene of his debut triumph, hoping that the second coming on 12th January will bring him as much success as the first. Desisa’s sprint to victory in Dubai 2013 with four pursuers strung out closely behind him was the first time five men had gone under 2hr 5mins for a marathon anywhere. With 2.04.45, one of the fastest debuts in history the 22 year old Desisa underlined his new elite status by winning Boston barely three months later, and finishing second in the world championships in Moscow in the summer.
The Ethiopian endeared himself to the Boston public that year of the bombing tragedy by returning to the city two months after the event, dedicating his victory to the victims, and presenting his framed medal to the mayor in a much lauded public ceremony. He endorsed his status as a favourite adopted son by winning Boston again in 2015, then finishing second the following year. He may not be as famous as some, but his record after that suggests he had a good case to be considered male marathoner of the decade – he won in New York in 2018, after a second and third in earlier years; all of which led up to his apotheosis as IAAF world champion in the torrid midnight heat of Doha 2019.
Then came the pandemic, a respite after the efforts of the previous six years; and an opportunity to spend time with his young family and start a business back in Ethiopia. According to his manager Hussein Makke, he is now raring to go again. “Desisa took time off to start his business and put staff in place, to ensure if you like his post-racing career,“ said Makke. “He and his wife also welcomed two children. But he is well rested and he told me he is far from finished in competitive running. He’s back to full force training and looking to return to podiums in 2025.“
“It’s great to have such an illustrious winner back,“ said Dubai race director Peter Connerton this week. “Although we’ve had all-time greats like Haile Gebrselassie here in the past, current Olympic champion Tamirat Tola, and women’s world record holder Ruth Chepngetich, all winning in fast times, we’ve also built up a reputation as a race for debutants; and Lelisa and others have certainly proved that point.“
“We suffered with the pandemic, as did all marathons worldwide, but we’re getting back to pre-pandemic interest and entry levels, and looking to make Dubai 2025 the best ever.“
(11/29/24) Views: 944
Three workouts from record-breaking trail runner and coach David Roche
David Roche is no stranger to running greatness. As a record-breaking trail runner and sought-after coach, Roche has helped countless athletes reach new heights with his balanced, science-backed approach to training. We have some of his favourite workouts to share with you.
In August, Roche broke a long-standing record at Leadville 100 (in his 100-mile debut) and followed that with a winning performance at Javelina Jundred; despite it being a scorching hot day, Roche ran the second-fastest time ever on the course. His philosophy? Workouts should build fitness while keeping runners healthy and motivated. Here are three of his favourite sessions that deliver big results without overcomplicating your routine. For each workout, add a 10 (or more)-minute easy running warmup; follow the intervals with a 10 (or more)-minute cooldown.
1.- 16 x 1 minute fast, 1 minute easy
This workout is Roche’s year-round staple for developing speed and efficiency. The fast segments are run at your velocity at VO2 max (vVO2)—a controlled but challenging pace. Early in the training season, Roche suggests keeping the recovery portions of the run very easy, they can evolve into a quicker “float” as your fitness improves.
What it’s good for: Speed, efficiency and adaptability. Roche loves its versatility, noting it’s an ideal way to boost your running economy at any fitness level.
2.- 5-minute uphill intervals (treadmill)
Perfect for winter or when you want to reduce impact, this treadmill hill session is a powerhouse for building aerobic capacity. Start with 4 x 5 minutes at a moderate effort, with 1-2 minutes of easy recovery, on a 10 per cent incline (adjust between 4 per cent and 15 per cent based on comfort). More advanced runners can increase to 8-12 intervals.
What it’s good for: Aerobic development and strengthening muscles without overloading joints. Roche calls it a low-impact way to tackle big fitness gains.
3.- 5 x 3-minute hill repeats + tempo run
For aerobic power, Roche swears by hill repeats on gentle inclines. Run uphill for 3 minutes at a hard but sustainable effort, recover with an easy jog back down, and follow it up with a few miles of steady tempo running.
What it’s good for: Builds aerobic power and transitioning strength gains into endurance. Roche highlights the combo of hill work and tempo as a game-changer for all-around fitness.
Bonus: strides for all seasons
Though flashy workouts steal the spotlight, Roche insists strides—short bursts of 20-30 seconds at a quick but relaxed pace—are indispensable. Hill or flat, 4-8 strides after an easy run are his go-to for sharpening form and staying injury-free.
(11/29/24) Views: 711
Keeley Milne
Kenenisa Bekele and Alemu Megertu lead Valencia line-ups
The Spanish city hosts star-studded fields, with athletes hoping to run extremely quick times on the traditionally fast course.
Some of the greatest marathon runners in the world will once again descend on Valencia on Sunday (December 1), just two months on from the horrific floods that devastated the region.
Given the severity of the damage on Valencia – it saw two months of rain in as many days at the end of October – there was uncertainty about whether the event would even take place.
Organisers decided that the Valencia Marathon would go ahead in the end, with a moment of remembrance occurring before the start of the elite races.
“It will be a hug to this wounded city and a promise of recovery, a moment in which sport becomes hope and help for those who need it most,” organisers said.
“This year, the record we want to beat is that of solidarity, the record of a marathon that will remind each one of us of the power of being together. The immense strength of the collective as a society, and of sport, as a vehicle for reconstruction and recovery.
“We want that Valencia Marathon, your race, be a symbol of support for every family that has suffered, for every street and every corner of Valencia that is in the process of reconstruction.”
People lining the streets can look forward to watching some scintillating action, with a myriad of stars taking to the streets of the Spanish city.
A stacked men’s field is led by Kenenisa Bekele and Sisay Lemma.
Bekele, a triple Olympic and five-time world track champion, is the third fastest marathon runner in history, with his personal best of 2:01:41 set back in Berlin five years ago.
The 42-year-old also created in history at last year’s Valencia Marathon, after he became the first athlete aged over 40 to run a sub-2:05 marathon, clocking 2:04:19.
At this year’s London Marathon, Bekele lowered that mark by four seconds, before going on to finish 39th for Ethiopia in the Olympic marathon in Paris.
On paper, Lemma – the reigning champion in Valencia – is the one to beat once again.
Last year, the 33-year-old clocked 2:01:48 in his victory, going fourth on the all-time list over 26.2 miles behind Bekele, Eliud Kipchoge and the late Kelvin Kiptum.
Lemma also secured the Boston marathon crown back in March and is a two-time major marathon champion, after his victory in London three years ago.
The athlete who might be most likely to challenge Lemma is Sabastian Sawe, who is the world half-marathon champion and making his debut over 26.2 miles in Valencia.
The Kenyan’s first ever marathon carries a lot of anticipation and expectation, given the 28-year-old’s personal best in the half-marathon is a blistering 58:05, which he set in Copenhagen back in September.
Double Tokyo Marathon champion Birhanu Legese and the 2021 Berlin Marathon winner Guye Adola will also be ones to watch.
The British challenge is led by Ross Braden, who boasts a personal best of 2:14:32 from London two years ago and has clocked 2:19:49 this season. Dan Nash and Norman Shreeve are also among the British men in action.
Expect a pulsating battle in the women’s field, with Ethiopian Megertu Alemu the stand-out name, following the withdrawal of her compatriot Amane Beriso through injury.
Alemu, who’s placed second and third at the London Marathon in the last two years respectively, has a best of 2:16:34, which has her 14th on the all-time list.
You should also be aware of Hiwot Gebrekidan and Tiruye Mesfin, who are the second and third quickest athletes in the women’s field, with respective bests of 2:17:59 and 2:18:47.
Sara Hall flies the flag for the US and goes into Valencia off the back of fifth and 15th place finishes at the US Olympic Marathon trials and Boston.
Clara Evans will be hoping to improve her PB of 2:25:01, which was set in Valencia last year, after finishing top British woman at the Olympics with 46th place in Paris.
Evans is fresh from setting a Welsh half-marathon record of 69:00 in Valencia too.
She is joined by fellow Brits Becky Briggs and Alice Wright among others.
Ireland’s Fionnuala McCormack finishes off a spectacular season in the Spanish City, with the 40-year-old having finished 28th in the Olympic marathon – her fourth Games – in Paris.
Another fascinating storyline is that of Alice Braham, who is aiming to get near her personal best of 2:35:20 from 2008.
The 48-year-old became the oldest British female to run a marathon in under 2:40 in Berlin, clocking an incredible 2:39:42 on the streets of the German capital.
Braham recently spoke exclusively with AW, opening up about how she got into running, overcoming adversity and her top tips for others over 26.2 miles.
(11/29/24) Views: 690Tim Adams
Olympic 100m final track invader given €8,000 fine
In addition to the fine, the Australian man who stormed the track received a three-year ban from the Stade de France.
The 24-year-old Australian man who disrupted the men’s 100m final at the Stade de France on Aug. 4 has been fined 8,000 euros (CAD $11,800) by a French court, per AFP News.
The incident occurred moments before the start of the world’s most prominent race, as the top sprinters were in their blocks. The man, wearing a T-shirt reading “Free Palestine,” “Free Ukraine,” and “Jesus,” jumped onto the track from the stands, but was almost immediately intercepted by security staff. His goal appeared to be reaching the 100m straight, but security acted swiftly enough to prevent any disruption to the race.
In addition to the fine, the man received a three-year ban from the Stade de France. The finalists, including eventual champion Noah Lyles, had to wait several minutes for the track to be cleared before the race could begin.
Lyles went on to win his first Olympic gold medal, narrowly beating Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson in a photo finish that came down to five-thousandths of a second. Afterward, Lyles told the media he didn’t see anyone trying to get onto the field, but was wondering what they were waiting for.
Paris 2024 organizers praised the security team’s efficiency in handling the situation, which caused minimal delay. The man was taken into custody and placed under judicial supervision, which included a ban from attending any further Olympic events during the Games.
France has laws against unauthorized entry into sports venues or disrupting public events. These actions typically fall under laws governing public safety and order, such as Code pénal articles on disrupting public gatherings or trespassing. Offenders can face fines, bans from stadiums or events, and even imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offence.
(12/02/24) Views: 202Marley Dickinson
Father of Ingebrigtsen brothers faces charges involving champion Jakob
The father and former coach of Jakob Ingebrigtsen will stand trial next year on charges of alleged physical abuse against the Norwegian two-time Olympic gold medalist, lawyers for Gjert Ingebrigtsen said on Friday.
Norwegian police earlier this year pressed charges against the elder Ingebrigtsen, and his lawyer said in a statement at that time that they involved only one of his children while other charges were dismissed.
The charges will now extend to incidents involving Jakob, 24, who took the gold medal in the 5,000 meters in Paris this summer, his lawyer Mette Yvonne Larsen told Reuters.
"He is now charged with having abused two of his seven kids ... We had expected that this would happen," she said.
Gjert's lawyers, John Christian Elden and Heidi Reisvang, said in a statement: "Gjert Ingebrigtsen maintains what he has said all along, that he does not admit criminal guilt for the offenses he has been charged with and that he has never subjected any of his children to either physical or mental abuse."
Jakob accused his father of several incidents of abuse, according to Norwegian media, including slapping him twice in 2008 and kicking him in the stomach after he fell off a scooter in 2009.
There were also numerous incidents of verbal abuse and threats in 2015 and 2016, according to Jakob, who said in one incident that his father assaulted him for between 15 and 30 minutes.
The Times reported that, according to the indictment, Gjert allegedly threatened to beat Jakob "to death."
Jakob and his brothers, Filip and Henrik, accused their father of physical violence and abusive behavior in a Norwegian newspaper column last year. The elder Ingebrigtsen has repeatedly denied the claims.
Gjert Ingebrigtsen announced in 2022 that he was stepping down as coach not long after Jakob won gold in the 1,500 meters in Tokyo, prompting widespread speculation over their rift.
Jakob Ingebrigtsen finished third in his much-anticipated showdown with Brit Josh Kerr in the 1,500 meters in Paris this summer as American Cole Hocker took an unexpected gold medal. However, Ingebrigtsen did win gold in the 5,000 meters.
(11/29/24) Views: 179Reuters
'I didn't let it break me' - Emmanuel Wanyonyi on how early ridicule in his career strengthened him mentally
The Paris Olympics 800m champion faced a tough upbringing but that was the catalyst as it liberated him from the jaws of poverty to his newly-acquired status
Paris Olympics 800m champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi has revealed how his tough childhood has been the cornerstone in who he is today.
The 20-year-old knows the pain of running without shoes, becoming a man at a tender age and providing for the family, and the death of his father proved to be the turning point in his budding career that has already earned him the Olympian title.
Wanyonyi initially faced ridicule because, unlike other parts of Kenya, his home region is not known for producing elite runners. Growing up in extreme poverty in a small village in western Kenya, Wanyonyi's daily life was marked by hardships.
"When Emmanuel was running, people were mocking and laughing at him. I was crying and feeling sad about it, but my boy told me: 'Don't cry, mum. One day I will buy you land and you will live a good life. I thought it was just a joke, but God was with him," Wanyonyi’s mother Margaret Nasimiyu recalled as reported by the BBC.
Wanyonyi said his passion for running was unstoppable and trained even without shoes. Wanyonyi's resourcefulness and drive caught the eye of his teachers, and he began competing in regional events.
Standing out with his raw speed and endurance, despite a lack of formal training, he quickly rose through the ranks with a string of victories.
Wanyonyi credits his early years and the the challenges he overcame as an inspiration that toughened him psychologically.
"There is no challenge in life that can shock me. When people doubted me or laughed at me, I didn't let it break me," the Trans Nzoia native said. His never-give-up attitude has made him a hero locally and internationally and Wanyonyi, born in a family of 11, is a two-time Diamond League champion.
(11/29/24) Views: 134Evans Ousuru
Lelisa Desisa, 2019 world marathon champion, returns for 2025 Dubai Marathon
The 34-year-old won global gold in Doha five years ago plus Boston and New York City marathon titles.
Former world marathon champion Lelisa Desisa will return to the scene of one of his most memorable victories when he joins the elite field of world-class athletes at the 24th Dubai Marathon on Sunday January 12.
In 2013, the Ethiopian set a personal best of 2:04:45 when winning the Dubai Marathon, producing a performance that announced his arrival on the world stage and set him on a path that would lead to two wins in the Boston Marathon, victory in the 2018 New York Marathon and a gold at the World Championship in 2019.
Staged under the auspices of the Dubai Sports Council, the Dubai Marathon will see the 34-year-old return to competitive competition after a few years devoted to business and family matters.
Following his World Championship win in Doha in October 2019, Desisa found his international running opportunities curtailed by the global pandemic and with an eye on his post-running future focused his efforts on starting a business in Ethiopia.
With his affairs now sorted and two young children recently welcomed to the Desisa family, the three-time big city marathon champion is back in full-time training having confirmed the Dubai Marathon for his running return.
“Lelisa’s victory in 2013 saw one of the most memorable finishes in the history of the Dubai Marathon so we are happy to welcome him back to the event,” said Race Director Peter Connerton.
“Eleven years ago, Lelisa won in a sprint finish that saw the top five all finish in under 2:05 – the first time that had happened in marathon history. It’s a testament to the flat and fast route we have in Dubai that Lelisa wants to continue his comeback in the UAE on January 12.”
Prior to the pandemic, Desisa was one of the hottest properties in long distance running – eight top three big city marathon finishes, including those three victories, in six years established him at the top of the sport – and his return to international competition will be eagerly anticipated.
Desisa, who also won the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon in 2014, will join a field of world-class elite athletes for the 24th staging of the Middle East’s fastest international marathon and will be joined by thousands of runners competing in the three-race event. Registration for the marathon, the 10km road race and the 4km fun run can made online only at dubaimarathon.org.
(11/30/24) Views: 129Athletics Weekly
Sabastian Sawe ready to debut at Valencia Marathon after insightful lessons from mentors
Sabastian Sawe is bubbling with confidence ahead of his marathon debut in Valencia on Sunday as he gears up for a race against legends Sisay Lemma and Kenenisa Bekele.
Sabastian Sawe will be making his full marathon on Sunday at the Valencia Marathon and he expects to have a great outing, racing against a stacked field.
His greatest opposition will come from the Ethiopian duo of Sisay Lemma and Kenenisa Bekele but he is confident in his training and has fingers crossed to post impressive results.
Sabastian Sawe’s previous outings in Valencia have not yielded great results as he was forced to finish outside the podium bracket and as he takes on a greater milestone, he hopes for great results.
The world half marathon champion competed at the 2022 Valencia Half Marathon where he finished sixth before heading to finish fifth at the 2023 edition of the race. He revealed that he will be competing with his mentors in the field and that gives him a lot of optimism that he will run a great race.
“Thank you for inviting me and thank you to the race organizers. My condolences to the tragedy that has happened in Valencia. This time, I hope for good results, I have trained well and I’m well prepared for it,” Sabastian Sawe said in a pre-race press conference.
“I’m eager to run with mentors like Sisay Lemma and Kenenisa Bekele who are strong opponents and I hope they help me to run well and I hope to get good results. It will be my first time running the full marathon and I don’t want to predict any fast times but I’m ready.”
He trains with the likes of Olympic marathon bronze medallist Benson Kipruto and the 2022 New York City marathon champion Evans Kipruto under coach Claudio Berardelli and there is a lot he has picked from them as he prepares for the debut.
He promised to execute everything learnt from his training mates who are also accomplished marathon runners.
“My training mates have encouraged me a lot because they are also my mentors and they have taught me a lot. I’m ready, on Sunday to use everything they have taught me,” he shared.
(11/30/24) Views: 126Abigael Wafula
Stuck on the cross-train? Try these three workouts
If you’ve been sidelined by an injury, you might find yourself cross-training to maintain your fitness. But just because you can’t run doesn’t mean you can’t get a good workout in. Cycling, pool running and using the elliptical are all excellent ways to continue building your endurance while staying off your feet. Here are three of my favourite timed-interval workouts to do while stuck on the cross-train.
These workouts are about 30 minutes of working time, and can be easily modified by adjusting or removing sets if you’re looking to do something shorter. You should aim for about 10 minutes for your warmup and cooldown.
1.- Simple repeats
This is my go-to workout if I need a quick interval session. A higher volume of shorter repeats keeps the workout interesting, since it can be very demanding mentally to stay at a high intensity for a long time while cross-training.
Workout: 30 minute of intervals; total time with rest: 48 minutes
Set 1: 3, 2, 1 minute(s) hard/1 minute easy. Rest: 2 mins easy. (Repeat 5 times.)
2.- The ladder workout
Ladders aren’t everyone’s favourite workout, but once you get past the longest reps at the halfway point, the rest of the workout feels easy. Beginning and ending the workout with some speedwork also adds an exciting twist to the interval climb.
Workout: 33 minute of intervals; total time with rest: 53 minutes
Set 1: 8 x 30 seconds hard/30 seconds easy. Rest: 3 minutes easy
Set 2: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 minute(s) hard/half interval easy. Rest: 3 minutes easy
Set 3: 8x 30 sec hard/30 sec easy.
3.- The all-in-one workout
The number of sets might make this workout look intimidating, but the constantly changing intervals keep you engaged and helps the workout fly by. Plus, who doesn’t love having a mix of everything?
Workout: 34 minute of intervals; total time with rest: 57 minutes
Set 1: 5 x 2 minutes hard/1 minute easy. Rest: 2 minutes
Set 2: 5 x 1 minute hard/30 seconds easy. Rest: 2 minutes
Set 3: 3, 2, 1, 2, 1, 2, 3 minute(s)/1 minute easy. Rest: 2 minutes
Set 4: 10 x 30 seconds hard/30 seconds easy.
(11/30/24) Views: 125
Cameron Ormond
Soh Rui Yong and Rachel See shine at the 2024 Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon
The 2024 Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM) saw familiar champions reclaim their titles in a showcase of endurance and determination. Soh Rui Yong captured his fifth consecutive men’s national title, while Rachel See defended her women’s national title, solidifying their positions as Singapore’s top marathoners.
With over 55,000 participants, including 13,000 international runners, the 2024 Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM) highlighted Singapore’s growing enthusiasm for endurance sports.
The marathon also featured familiar champions reclaiming their titles in a display of perseverance and excellence. Soh Rui Yong captured his fifth consecutive men’s national title, while Rachel See successfully defended her women’s national title, cementing their status as Singapore’s top marathoners.
Soh Rui Yong: A Dominant Fifth Victory
Soh Rui Yong crossed the finish line at the Anderson Bridge in 2 hours, 46 minutes, and 5 seconds, edging out Benjamin Khoo and Richard Heng in a tightly contested race.
Celebrating his fifth national championship, Soh reflected on the competitiveness of the event, stating, “The fight for the podium was very close, which bodes well for the depth of marathon running in Singapore.”
Praising the camaraderie among participants, he added, “We conquered together as a community. Win or lose, tomorrow a new season begins.”
Soh took to Facebook after the race, expressing his gratitude and reflecting on the challenges of the event. “It was an honour to race a marathon on home soil again, and an even bigger one to win the national championship for the fifth consecutive time,” he wrote.
Soh, 33, continues to set his sights high, targeting a marathon treble at the 2025 SEA Games in Bangkok. “If I win two gold medals 10 years apart, that’s pretty good,” he remarked.
Despite challenges with the Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) over previous SEA Games and Asian Games exclusions, Soh remains determined to represent Singapore and excel on the international stage.
Rachel See: A Class of Her Own
Rachel See retained her women’s national title with a time of 3 hours, 45 seconds, finishing ahead of Goh Shing Ling and Sharon Tan.
At 42, See continues to defy age with consistent performances that inspire the running community.
Reflecting on her victory, she said, “This year I was very aware and alert, and I enjoyed every moment of it. I came with an open mind to do my best.”
Despite a more relaxed approach to training compared to 2023, See’s strategic pacing and experience proved decisive.
Her back-to-back titles reinforce her reputation as one of Singapore’s premier female distance runners.
A Journey of Determination for Soh
Soh’s athletic journey has not been without hurdles. Over the years, his relationship with the Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) has been fraught with challenges, including disputes that led to his exclusion from the SEA Games in 2019 and 2021.
His selection for the 2023 Cambodia SEA Games marked a turning point, where he secured a silver medal in the 10,000m and gained international praise for sportsmanship by offering his drink to Indonesia’s Rikki Marthin Luther Simbolon, who had accidentally missed his cup at the water point.
However, challenges persisted. In 2023, Soh faced exclusion from the Asian Games in Hangzhou due to alleged failure to honor commitments made to the SNOC.
The council cited disparaging remarks he made in public as undermining his assurances to conduct himself professionally.
This controversy followed earlier disputes, including a defamation case involving a former teammate, which further complicated his path to international competitions.
Despite these setbacks, Soh continues to focus on his athletic ambitions. His recent marathon victory and his effort to meet SEA Games qualifying marks demonstrate his resilience and dedication to the sport.
(12/02/24) Views: 118The Online Citizen
