Running News Daily
Top Ten Stories of the Week
1/4/2025
These are the top ten stories based on views over the last week.
Osaka International Women's Marathon Elite Fields announced
The elite field for the Jan. 26 Osaka International Women's Marathon is out, and it's a really short list, especially given Osaka International's World Athletics platinum label status. There's last year's winner Workenesh Edesa, 3rd-placer Mizuki Matsuda, 7th-placer Natsumi Matsushita, 9th-placer Madoka Nakano and 12th-placer Kana Kobayashi, top Japanese Paris Olympic marathon placer Yuka Suzuki, veteran Kenyan-born Israeli Lonah Chemtai Salpeter, the debuting Nanaka Izawa, and that's about it.
Workenesh outran Honami Maeda last year, both going under 2:19 and Workenesh getting the win in 2:18:51. She has to be viewed as the favorite. Salpeter has run as fast as 2:17:45 before, but she hasn't run under 2:25 in the marathon or under 1:10 in the half marathon since 2022, so there's not much reason to think she's going to be competitive in a faster race here. Matsuda and Suzuki both ran PBs in their last marathons, Matsuda a 2:20:42 in Berlin this fall and Suzuki a 2:24:02 while finishing 6th in the Paris Olympics. Kobayashi and Izawa are interesting, Kobayashi having run 2:29:44 last year as a non-track team student at Waseda University and then winning Hofu at the beginning of December in a 2:24:59 CR, and Izawa fresh off a great 1:08:25 PB at the Sanyo Ladies Half Marathon this month.
The Osaka Half Marathon is also happening in parallel with the marathon, and the fields there are decently competitive as always. Yuka Ando won the women's race in Osaka last year in a 1:08:18 PB and is back this time, facing sub-70 runner Sakiho Tsutsui, Mongolian NR holder Khishigsaikhan Galbadrakh and more. 1:00:41 Ethiopian Gebrie Erikhun leads a domestic men's field that includes Japan-based Patrick Mathenge Wambui and a million 61-minute Japanese men.
44th Osaka International Women's Marathon
Elite Field Highlights
Lonah Chemtai Salpeter (Israel) - 2:18:45 (Nagoya 2022)
Workenesh Edesa (Ethiopia) - 2:18:51 (Osaka Women's 2024)
Mizuki Matsuda (Daihatsu) - 2:20:42 (Berlin 2024)
Natsumi Matsushita (Tenmaya) - 2:23:05 (Osaka Women's 2022)
Yuka Suzuki (Daiichi Seimei) - 2:24:02 (Paris Olympics 2024)
Kana Kobayashi (Otsuka Seiyaku) - 2:24:59 (Hofu 2024)
Yumi Yoshikawa (Chiba T&F Assoc.) - 2:25:20 (Osaka Women's 2023)
Chiharu Suzuki (Hitachi) - 2:25:59 (Osaka Women's 2023)
Madoka Nakano (Iwatani Sangyo) - 2:26:50 (Osaka Women's 2024)
Mao Kiyota (Suzuki) - 2:29:20 (Nagoya 2023)
Ayano Ikeuchi (Denso) - 2:32:26 (Seoul 2024)
Ayano Ikemitsu (Kagoshima Ginko) - 2:33:29 (Nagoya 2023)
Debut
Nanaka Izawa (Starts) - 1:08:25 (Sanyo Half 2024)
Rio Einaga (Osaka Gakuin Univ.) - 1:11:03 (National University Half 2023)
Kurumi Yoda (Osaka Gakuin Univ.) - 1:12:46 (Kansai University Half 2024)
Nanako Miwa (Kansai Gaikokugo Univ.) - 1:14:37 (Kansai University Half 2023)
(12/28/24) Views: 137Brett Larner
Colin Farrell Ran the Most Memorable Celebrity Marathon of 2024—but Not the Fastest
See which stars ran 26.2 miles and set PRs this year.
After a dip in participation levels due to the COVID-19 pandemic, marathons are finally seeing an upswing in popularity. This year, you had a better chance of getting into Yale University (5 percent) than having your name selected in the New York City Marathon lottery (4 percent).
While certain big shots prefer to stick to 5Ks or half marathons—or just like running to blow off some steam, like Kendrick Lamar—we’ve spotted stars in the crowds of some of the world’s largest races. The NYC Marathon, especially, is a popular destination for VIPs, with many celebrities choosing to raise money for charities.
Here are some of the top marathon times—and most inspiring stories—from celebs in 2024.
Colin Farrell, 4:06:45
This wasn’t Farrell’s first marathon—he ran 3:53:14 at the 2021 Brisbane Marathon—but it sure was the most memorable. At October’s Dublin Marathon, the Irish actor finished in 4:06:45. But the time wasn’t important. Farrell, during the last 2.5 miles of the race, pushed his friend, Emma Fogarty, in a wheelchair. Fogarty has epidermolysis bullosa, a rare genetic skin condition, which can cause painful skin blistering. The pair raised nearly $1 million for Debra Ireland, a charity that helps fund research for the disorder.
Jennifer Connelly, 3:45:47
The actress, who won an Academy Award for portraying Alicia Nash in A Beautiful Mind, took on her first marathon on the streets of New York City in November. While she admitted she was nervous before the race, the Top Gun: Maverick alum looked like she had a blast, posing with other celebrity runners and thanking the famously boisterous New York crowd in a post-race Instagram post. She raised money for the cancer research organization Fred’s Team MSK.
Chelsea Clinton, 3:45:51
Just behind Connelly in New York was the former first daughter. Clinton was low-key about running the five boroughs. She didn’t publicly announce her participation; instead, she told the world after the race, posting a photo with her mother, Hillary, who met her at the finish line. Clinton ran with her friend, Jen, in support of the nonprofit Every Mother Counts.
Casey Neistat, 2:57:48
One of the most moving videos of the year was Neistat’s 12-minute documentary, “Sisyphus and the Impossible Dream.” In the video, Neistat, who has grown a massive following on YouTube since joining in 2010, chronicles his quest to break 3:00 in the marathon—ultimately a 17-year journey. He finally achieved his goal in December 2023 at the Tucson Marathon, where he ran 2:57:34. Before this year’s NYC Marathon, Neistat semi-jokingly asked his fans to refrain from waving to save him some precious seconds. It apparently worked; he nearly PR’d, running 2:57:48.
Matt James, 3:00:41
Matt James has worn a lot of hats: Wake Forest football player, Bachelor star, and now chronic marathoner. The 33-year-old is a regular at the World Majors. This year, he nabbed a personal best of 3:00:41 at April’s London Marathon and followed it up with a 3:29:26 at the New York City Marathon. He told Runner’s World his dream marathon partner would be Gordon Ramsay, who owns an impressive 3:30:37 PR himself. “After the marathon, you’re guaranteed a fire meal,” James said.
Phoebe Robinson, 5:53:19
The comedian and writer started running in March 2023 and bookended her 2024 with the Boston Marathon (5:53:19) and NYC Marathon (6:06:52). After Boston, Robinson posted on Instagram a thought that most people have after completing their first 26.2:
“I CAN. F***ING. DO. ANYTHING.”
Nev Schulman, untimed
Like Matt James, Schulman is a regular on the marathon circuit. He owns a PR of 2:58:54 from 2018, but lately, the host of MTV’s Catfish has focused on giving back to the running community.
At Boston in the spring, Schulman was a guide for blind para-athlete Francesco Magisano, who finished in 4:29:43. But in August, Schulman broke his neck after a truck hit him while he was biking. Incredibly, Schulman recovered in time to guide Magisano at the New York City Marathon, where Magisano crossed the finish in 4:02:31. (Since Schulman was a guide, he’s not listed in the official results.)
(12/28/24) Views: 114
Sifan Hassan: Why Olympics marathon champion has been busy at work during festive season
Olympics marathon champion Sifan Hassan has given reasons why she has been busy at work during the festive season when most of her peers are on a break.
It may be the festive season but Olympics marathon champion Sifan Hassan has not taken a break as she has maintained her training with eyes on further success in 2025.
Hassan was one of the athletes who had a remarkable 2024 season that yielded three medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics which saw her crowned World Athletics Female Athlete of the Year early in December.
The Dutchwoman participated in 5,000m, 10,000m and marathon, winning bronze in the first two, before she put the icing on the cake with gold in the latter, and it was no surprise when she was named World Athlete of the Year Out of Stadia as well as the overall women’s prize.
It has fueled her desire for more going by her latest sentiments and actions as she has been busy in training during the festive season when most of her peers are on a break.
“I love running at this time of year. It always offers an opportunity to reflect on what we’ve achieved, seek inspiration, and set intentions for the year ahead. What are your goals for 2025?” she posed on X.
Hassan must be looking to win a world title in 2025 when the World Championships will take place in Tokyo, Japan and made a vow to try out four races after her decision to go for a treble paid off in Paris.
It will also not be a surprise if she signs up for one of the major city marathons, having claimed London and Chicago titles in 2023 which set the stage for her Olympics heroics in 2024.
(12/30/24) Views: 106Joel Omotto
'I'm hitting numbers I've never hit before'- British sprint star happy with progress after injury ruined his 2024 season
The world 100m bronze medalist has fired warnings to Noah Lyles, Letsile Tebogo and Kishane Thompson.
Great Britain’s fastest man Zharnel Hughes has resumed training and things are looking up as far as getting into the right shape is concerned.
Zharnel Hughes suffered an injury in 2024, a setback that denied him an opportunity to compete more often and he was not ready by the time the Olympic Games were approaching.
The Olympic 100m bronze medalist was eliminated from the semifinal, being forced to continue his hunt for an individual medal from the Olympic Games.
He was fortunate enough not leave the French capital without a medal as he claimed an Olympic bronze medal from the men’s 4x100m relay. However, Hughes was forced to withdraw from the 200m to ensure he does not cause more impact on his injury.
He did not compete after the Olympics and jetted back to Jamaica for treatment. Hughes then started light training immediately after getting a bit better and so far, he admitted that he is hitting new heights.
In an exclusive interview with Athletics Weekly, Hughes predicted that his 2025 season will be much different from 2024, noting that he is much confident now in his abilities and will be looking to stop the likes of Noah Lyles, Letsile Tebogo and Kishane Thompson from continuing their winning ways.
“From there, we have taken it day by day. I have been doing more strength work and have made a change to my strength and conditioning in the gym, and by doing that, I can feel a difference. I am hitting more personal bests in the gym already, I am hitting numbers I have never hit before,” Zharnel Hughes said.
“I am looking forward to seeing how I can execute throughout the season. I am feeling pretty confident with how my body is feeling and I just need to ensure that I am resting and recovering properly. You can do all the training but if you are not recovering properly then it can always hit the fan.”
His major focus will be on getting into shape for the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, Japan and he hopes to attain that by competing at Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track League. Hughes also has eyes on the 100m and 200m national records.
(12/30/24) Views: 102Abigael Wafula
'I’m trying to go and run a fast time'- Benson Kipruto eyes Tokyo Marathon title defense and record in 2025 after Olympic success
Benson Kipruto aims to defend his Tokyo Marathon title and achieve greater milestones in 2025 after winning bronze at Paris Olympic Games.
Olympic marathon bronze medallist Benson Kipruto has disclosed plans to defend his Tokyo Marathon title in 2025.
Next year’s edition of the event is scheduled for Sunday, March 2 and Kipruto is working around the clock to ensure he is ready for the challenge.
At this year’s edition of the Tokyo Marathon, Kipruto upset a strong field comprising former world marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge among other stars to take the top prize.
Kipchoge, despite his familiarity of the event, ended up finishing distant 10th after winning the 2022 edition of the event.
With such a confidence boost, Kipruto went to claim the bronze at the Paris Olympic Games and has not looked back since then.
The Kenyan road running sensation is not resting on his laurels as he sharpens his talons for the next assignment. He will not be enjoying the festive season like other people since he will be deep into training.
However, Kipruto revealed that if opportunity arises, he will be looking to spend more time with his family and relatives.
“I’m preparing for the marathon next year, the first marathon of the year, that is the Tokyo Marathon and I’m preparing to go and defend my title,” Kipruto said in an interview with CGTN Africa.
“I hold the course record for this year and next year I’m trying to go and run a fast time and break the course record again.
“This festive season, I’ll be in training and not celebrating that much but I will try and enjoy with my relatives and family.”
Remembering his experience at the Paris Olympic Games, Kipruto explained that it was a great experience and expressed interest in representing the country once again.
The 2022 Chicago Marathon champion revealed that he was aware of the tough course and hard worked hard in training with the intentions of properly tackling it.
“Paris was a good experience for me…it was my first time to represent my country and the course itself was tough but I knew it, and I prepared well for it,” Kipruto said.
“I prepared for the tough conditions and I knew what to expect. Despite the course being uphill and downhill, the conditions were also hot but we managed.”
(12/27/24) Views: 99Abigael Wafula
Four ways to make your New Year’s running resolution stick
Have you made the resolution to incorporate running into your life, but are worried you won’t be able to make the habit stick? Here are three ways to ensure you can sustain your New Year’s resolution for a lifetime.
1.- Make it the default
If you plan to run first thing in the morning, lay out your running kit (top, tights, socks, shoes, belt, reflective vest or headlamp and jacket, if applicable), plus a small snack, such as a tangerine or a couple of crackers with nut butter and a few sips of water, before you go to bed. That way, there’s nothing to do in the morning but suit up, wolf down your snack and get out the door. It can also help to add your runs to your daily calendar, just like anything else you are scheduling for the coming week. There may be days when you have to shift things around, but most of the time, scheduling your run will lend it importance, and you’ll be less likely to skip it.
2.- Make it social
When you’re trying to establish a base of fitness, company definitely makes it easier, so look for a running club or learn-to-run program in your area. On your non-club days, consider listening to music, an audiobook or podcast to take your mind off the physical effort of running while you slowly build your fitness. Linking your routine (going for a run) to your reward (listening) can also help with motivation (i.e., saving that new album or podcast episode for your next run) and can be a great way to get yourself outside, even when you aren’t feeling it. For safety, keep the volume low, or opt for just one earbud.
3.- Keep the pace easy
If you’re getting into running for the first time, keep the pace very easy and comfortable; many people give up because they think they have to run fast. You don’t! You want to be able to carry on a conversation while jogging; later, when you’ve built a base of fitness, you can add some faster workouts to your training. You can also adopt and run/walk system, where you alternate jogging for three minutes (or five minutes, or whatever feels doable) and then walking for one minute. No one but you has to know how fast or how slow you go.
If you’ve run in the past but are just rebuilding the habit, it’s still a good idea to start slowly and make at least 80 per cent of your runs easy-paced; it will take a few weeks to rebuild your fitness if you’ve taken a long break.
4.- Get racing
There’s nothing quite like a goal to make a habit stick. And there is something very satisfying about signing up for, training for and completing a race. (Keep it short, for your first few races; a 5K is a lot more manageable than a marathon.) You have the initial excitement of putting a date on the calendar, and you could even invite friends to join you (or at least cheer you on). At many races, they’ll print your name on your bib, and even announce your name as you cross the finish line, which is very motivating! Training toward your goal and running a few times a week are great ways to stay consistent.
(12/28/24) Views: 99Lauren Charlton
'I like the excitement' - Decorated Dutch star Sifan Hassan reveals bold plans for 2025 after Olympic success
Marathon Olympic champion Sifan Hassan will concentrate in marathon in 2025 after a breakout year.
Paris Olympic marathon champion Sifan Hassan has revealed his excitement to fully major in marathons next year.
While she confirmed that she will combine both track and road races in 2025, She maintained that the marathon will be a priority for her.
The double Paris bronze medalist in 5000m and 10000m told World Athletics: “I think I’m going to do the track and road again, because I just want to do those things, a combination of track and road close to each other. Because I am very curious. I really like it because I don’t know for sure if it is going to happen. I like the excitement."
Hassan, who grabbed the 5000m gold in the Tokyo version of the Games, said she faced a mental battle regarding her chances in the marathon until at some point during the race she contemplated quitting. The three-time Diamond League champion pursued a marathon in 2023 and won both the London and Chicago marathons the same year.
This year, she took the Tokyo marathon course as well as the gruesome Paris course. “My first three marathons were all different and for the Olympic marathon, I was really fighting myself. One side of me said: 'concentrate on the marathon', the other side said: 'better that you do the track'. I was really struggling with myself. I didn’t have confidence I was going to win after the track," she said.
A bold Hassan said she will take an unpopular decision of doing four marathons in the near future even though that has never happened to any athlete. “One time, I want to do four marathons in a year – from February to February. I want to see if it is possible.”
(12/27/24) Views: 97Evans Ousuru
These kettlebell exercises could be the key to your next PB
Bored of your stale strength training routine? The kettlebell can be a runner’s best friend, and we have the perfect exercises to get you started. Kettlebells are a simple tool ideal for building strength where it matters most, and these exercises target your glutes, hamstrings, core and back—the same areas that take a beating from the repetitive impact of running.
Whether you’re aiming to prevent injuries or boost your speed and power, kettlebell training can deliver solid rewards in minimal time.
What makes kettlebells special? Unlike traditional strength moves, kettlebell exercises fire up multiple muscle groups at once, giving you a full-body workout that translates directly to better running performance on any terrain.
Kettlebell goblet squat
To do a kettlebell squat, hold the kettlebell close to your chest in the “goblet” position, keeping your elbows tucked.
Stand with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width, toes pointed slightly out.
Lower your hips back and down like sitting in a chair, keeping your chest up and knees tracking over your toes.
Press through your heels to return to standing, squeezing your glutes at the top.
Kettlebell row
For a kettlebell row, place the kettlebell on the ground, hinge at your hips with a flat back, and rest one hand on a sturdy surface for support.
Grip the kettlebell with the opposite hand, keeping your shoulder away from your ear.
Pull the kettlebell toward your ribs by engaging your back, then lower it slowly with control. Keep your core tight and avoid twisting your torso.
Kettlebell swing
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and the kettlebell on the ground between your feet Hinge at your hips, keeping your back flat, and grab the kettlebell with both hands, squeezing your arms toward one another.
Hike the kettle back between your legs like a football snap, then thrust your hips forward to swing the kettlebell to chest height.
Let the kettlebell drop naturally, guiding it back between your legs as you hinge again—power comes from your hips, not your arms.
Kettlebell side lunge
Hold the kettlebell with both hands in front of your chest, gripping the handle securely.
Step out to the side, bending the stepping leg into a squat position while keeping the other leg straight.
Keep your chest lifted and shoulders pulled back as you lower yourself.
Push through the bent leg to return to your starting stance. This move strengthens lateral stability and mobility, key for runners navigating uneven terrain or sharp turns.
Stuck trying to figure out how heavy of a kettlebell you need? Experts suggest a weight range (for those new to kettlebell strength) of 12-16 kg (26-35 lbs) for men and 8-12 kg (18-26 lbs) for women, but everyone is unique. It’s important to adjust the size of your kettlebell so that you can maintain slow, controlled movements, focusing on form over weight or speed.
Do 10-12 repeats of each exercise and run through the circuit two or three times. As you get stronger, use heavier kettlebells or add reps.
(12/27/24) Views: 97Keeley Milne
'Now it is your turn' - Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo reveals how mother's last message prepared him mentally
Letsile Tebogo faced one of the most difficult moment in his life after the loss of his mother Seratiwa who was his biggest fan.
Paris Olympic 200m champion Letsile Tebogo has revealed how her mother's last message before she died made him accept the outcome.
Seratiwa passed away from breast cancer in May 2024, two months before the Paris Games. Her death interrupted Tebogo's season and led him to consider quitting the sport.
The 2021 world U-20 100m champion said it was one of the toughest moments in his life to accept that his mother was no more and that meant added responsibility for the then 20-year-old.
"I’m glad that when my mother saw that it was coming to an end, she told me: ‘I have tried to be strong my son, now it is your turn.’ So I think she was preparing me for what was going to happen," Tebogo told World Athletics.
Seratiwa was a huge influence on Tebogo's life and career. She advised him to switch from football to track and field, which was a move that paid off. Tebogo said that his mother was his greatest fan and that he carries her with him in every step he takes.
The 2022 200m African champion observed that he was left to take care of his little sister who is passionate about swimming. “It was not an easy journey and it was not an easy thing for me to overcome. I had to also be there for my little sister, be there for myself.
"My sister is 12. I don’t think she is going to follow in my footsteps because she is more into swimming, but she is proud of me,” he added.
In 2021, Tebogo became the first Botswana athlete to claim the 100m title at any World Championships level. He broke the 300m world record, running a time of 30.69 seconds on February 17, at altitude in Pretoria, South Africa.
(12/27/24) Views: 95Evans Ousuru
Bob Anderson: A Lifetime Dedicated to Running
Bob Anderson, born on December 28, 1947, in Manhattan, Kansas, has devoted his life to the sport of running. His journey began on February 16, 1962, and since then, he has consistently maintained an impressive regimen, averaging 46 miles per week of running and, more recently since 2023 walking/running.
In 1966, at the age of 17, Bob founded Distance Running News, a mimeographed newsletter he produced from his home in Manhattan. In 1969, he rebranded the publication as Runner’s World, a magazine that played a pivotal role in the American running boom of the 1970s and beyond.
After selling Runner’s World to Rodale Press in 1984, Bob channeled his entrepreneurial spirit into founding Ujena Swimwear and Around Town Productions. In 2012, he introduced a groundbreaking new sport called Double Racing, a two-stage running event with a halftime recovery period. To promote this innovative concept, he established the Double Road Race Federation, further diversifying his contributions to the running community.
In 2014, Bob launched My Best Runs, a website dedicated to highlighting the world’s most intriguing and unique races. He also edits Running News Daily, a popular column that harkens back to his early days with Distance Running News.
Bob’s passion for running extends well beyond publishing and event organization. In 2012, to mark 50 years of running, he completed 50 races totaling 350.8 miles, achieving an average pace of 6:59 per mile. This extraordinary feat was captured in the film A Long Run.
In recent years, Bob and his wife Catherine have focused on global running initiatives. Their efforts brought them to Kenya, where they produced Double Racing events and established the Kenyan Athletics Training Academy (KATA) in Thika. This facility provides a unique environment for athletes to live and train. In 2024, they expanded their vision by opening Anderson Manor in Monforte da Beira, Portugal, which also serves as the home for KATA Portugal. Both locations attract runners from around the world, offering training opportunities in inspiring environments.
As Bob celebrates his 77th birthday on December 28, 2024, his enduring dedication to running continues to inspire athletes worldwide. His lifelong contributions have left an indelible mark on the running community, fostering a global appreciation for the sport.
(12/27/24) Views: 94
Boris
