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132,000 children introduced to sports

Spor İstanbul reviews the year

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 14:32:00 +0000

Istanbul’s municipal sports organisation Spor İstanbul had a good year. Guided by the unifying power of sports, its mission has been to make an active lifestyle a way of life for everyone in Istanbul.

İ. Renay Onur, Spor İstanbul General Manager explains: “This year, we proudly hosted over 30 major events, including the Türkiye İş Bankası 46th Istanbul Marathon, the ‘Istanbul Half Marathon’.”

“We’ve also invested in our future – our children,” says Onur. 132,000 children have been introduced to sports through Spor İstanbul sports schools and 156 talented students were helped to join professional clubs. Thousands of children experienced the joy of the outdoors and sports at the company’s Nature Camp, creating memories they’ll cherish forever. With 71 facilities across the city, Istanbul residents visited 12 million times, making sports more accessible for everyone. The ‘Yürü Be’ steps app logged 7 billion steps, proving that movement can indeed be fun.

To ensure sports is truly for everyone, access to facilities costs just 1 Turkish lira (0.03 Euro) to members aged 65+ and retirees, underlining the message that it’s never too late to stay active.

Race news Comrades Marathon

Comrades Expo offers ‘ultimate pre-race experience’

Over 50,000 visitors expected

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 11:46:00 +0000

The Comrades Marathon Expo, a highlight of the world’s oldest and largest ultramarathon, is set to take place at the Durban Exhibition Centre from 5 – 7 June 2025.

This year’s expo promises to be an exciting and immersive experience for runners, supporters, and sports enthusiasts alike.

The Comrades Expo will feature a wide range of activities, including the official registration for the 2025 Comrades Marathon, race number collection, goodie bags, and the much-coveted race T-shirt. Visitors can also look forward to a vibrant atmosphere filled with the latest in lifestyle, sport, health, and nutrition.

The expo offers more than just a registration point for athletes; it serves as a one-stop shop for essential race-day gear; helps showcase the latest products in sports, health, and nutrition from various exhibitors; allows for visitors to participate in product sampling sessions, interactive displays, and more; as well as presents extensive networking opportunities.

The running public are able to connect with fellow athletes, coaches, supporters, and exhibitors in a dynamic environment. Renowned as Africa’s largest running exhibition, the Comrades Expo is expected to attract over 50,000 visitors over three days, making it the perfect platform for exhibitors to showcase their products and engage with a diverse and enthusiastic audience.

Entrance is free and opening hours are as follows:
- Thursday, 5 June: 10h00 – 19h00
- Friday, 6 June: 09h00 – 19h00
- Saturday, 7 June – 09h00 – 16h00

CMA Chairperson, Mqondisi Ngcobo says, “The Comrades Expo is an integral part of the Comrades Marathon experience. It not only provides runners and supporters with the essential tools and information they need for race day but also creates a vibrant community atmosphere. We are excited to welcome everyone to this year’s expo, where they can engage with exhibitors, learn from experts, and share in the spirit of camaraderie that defines the Comrades Marathon.”

For more information and to secure your spot as an exhibitor, please visit the official Comrades Marathon website or contact Liezle Bothma – liezle@hgexpo.co.za

Race news Great Welsh Marathon Events

Mandy’s remarkable journey

From tragedy to triumph

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 11:48:00 +0000

Mandy’s running journey began in 2009 to lose weight and get fit. After her mother passed away in 2010, running became her sanctuary.

That year, she completed her first half marathon in her mother’s memory, followed by her first full marathon in 2011 at the Great Welsh Marathon. What started as a one-time goal quickly grew into a lifelong passion.

But, on October 20th, 2016, Mandy’s life took a devastating turn when a cycling accident nearly claimed her life. Cycling home from work after a 12-hour shift, she was struck head-on by a car turning into a side street. The impact was catastrophic—her helmet split, her body was thrown into the air, and a handlebar pierced her thigh.

By all accounts, Mandy shouldn’t have survived. But her remarkable fitness level, honed from completing 60 marathons, saved her life. Ironically, she had cycled home that day instead of driving—a decision that proved fateful yet life-changing.

The Wales Air Ambulance crew, moments from going off duty, arrived just in time. Despite life-threatening injuries, including fractured ribs, unstable spinal fractures, a punctured lung, and severe head injuries, Mandy’s fighting spirit shone through. Surgeons fought to save her leg, and against all odds, she survived a series of gruelling operations and complications, including massive blood clots and a stint on life support.

When Mandy finally woke up on November 3rd, her doctors called her survival a miracle. But Mandy’s journey was far from over. Told she might never walk again; she faced months of excruciating recovery. Yet, through every challenge, she held onto one unshakable belief: she would run again.

“I always knew I would be reaching for my running shoes again,” Mandy said.

True to her word, she had them brought to her hospital bedside as a symbol of hope.

Post-accident, Mandy’s determination to reclaim her life was unyielding. Despite the pain and trauma, she began walking on a treadmill, building strength step by step. Her supportive physio encouraged her to dream big, and Mandy set her sights on running again.

Just one year after her accident, Mandy completed the Birmingham Inaugural Marathon in October 2017. Crossing that finish line wasn’t just about running—it was a declaration of resilience, gratitude, and the unbreakable human spirit.

Today, Mandy has completed 175 marathons and counting! Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance.

“Never give up on your dreams,” Mandy says. “If you believe you can, you are halfway there. If you want something bad enough, you will succeed.”

Her incredible journey from tragedy to triumph is proof that anything is possible when determination meets hope. Mandy’s story continues to inspire runners and dreamers everywhere.

If Mandy’s story has inspired you, why not join her and thousands of others as they head to Pembrey this March to take on your own race? This year you’ll be able to test yourself at the 10K, half marathon or go the distance at the full marathon event.

For more details on how to register or run for charity head to: https://www.greatwelshmarathon.co.uk/

Date changes EDP Lisbon Marathon | Hyundai Half Marathon

EDP Lisbon Marathon | Hyundai Half Marathon rescheduled

Marathon and half marathon on separate days

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 11:25:00 +0000

The EDP Lisbon Marathon | Hyundai Half Marathon (POR) will take place on 25th and 26th October.

Due to the anticipated local elections in Portugal at the beginning of October 2025, the Maratona Clube de Portugal has been compelled to reschedule the two races originally planned for October 12.

To avoid any potential overlap with election-related activities, the organisers have decided to move the events organised by the club to the end of October.

Notably, for the first time, the Marathon and Half Marathon will take place on separate days.

Race news Chevron Houston Marathon, Aramco Houston Half Marathon and We Are Houston 5K

Houston chases new American records

Elite fields include Yehaulaw and Kiptoo

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 12:00:00 +0000

The 2025 road racing year will open with an exciting chase for American records at the Aramco Houston Half Marathon and course records at the Chevron Houston Marathon on Sunday, January 19.

The Houston Marathon Committee announced the professional fields for both races today, featuring returning champions and all-time top performers.

The women’s half marathon field is led by the fifth fastest woman in history, Yalemzerf Yehaulaw of Ethiopia who will race in North America for the first time. Yehaulaw, 25, holds two of the top ten all-time half marathon performances including her personal best of 1:03:51 from Valencia in 2021. In 2024, Yehaulaw set a new personal best time in the marathon, winning the Amsterdam Marathon in 2:16:52, a course record.

“It has always been my ambition to race in the United States and now the opportunity has finally come,” said Yehaulaw, the 2022 TCS London Marathon winner. “Running an early race means I get a chance to focus fully on the half marathon to go for a fast time. I am eager to win.”

The Aramco Houston Half Marathon women’s race also features the follow-up half marathon for the American record holder Weini Kelati. Kelati set the record of 1:06:25 in her debut half marathon here last year. She has not raced the distance since, instead focusing on the 10,000m in which she represented the United States at the 2024 Paris Games.

“I’m really excited to come back to Houston and run my second half marathon,” said Kelati, who finished fourth here in 2024. “Last year was great and I hope this year’s race will be even better. My training has been going well and I know the competition will be very good.”

The women’s professional field features 15 women who have run faster than 1:10 in the half marathon. Other top contenders include last year’s third place finisher Buze Diriba of Ethiopia; the third fastest British half marathoner in history, Jessica Warner-Judd, and fellow Brit and 2024 Olympic marathoner, Calli Hauger-Thackery. Hauger-Thackery won the California International Marathon last month.

The men’s competition will see a rematch of last year’s thrilling Aramco Houston Half Marathon. Wesley Kiptoo of Kenya who has been runner-up here for the past two years will again face off against Jemal Yimer of Ethiopia. Yimer outsprinted Kiptoo in 2024, beating him by just one second.

“I can’t wait to return to Houston to try to defend my 2024 title,” said Yimer, who also won here in 2020. “It’s a special place for me to kick off my 2025 road season.”

The pair will be joined by Tanzania Olympian and former Boston Marathon runner-up Gabriel Gaey who has a personal best of 59:42 from his seventh place finish here in 2020.

The men’s race will also see an attempt to finally topple the American half marathon record of 59:43 set here by Ryan Hall in 2007. Leading the chase on the 18-year-old record will be 2024 Olympic marathoners Conner Mantz and Clayton Young. Mantz and Young, who finished eighth and ninth in Paris, train together in Provo, Utah. In November, they were the top two American finishers in the TCS New York City Marathon with Mantz breaking the American course record. This will be Young’s Houston debut. Mantz last ran here in 2023, finishing in sixth place.

“I want to race the Aramco Houston Half Marathon because there are other fast Americans going for the American Record,” said Mantz, who also set the American record in the 10 mile last October. “The opportunities to race in a field like this, on a fast and record-eligible course are rare.”

Mantz and Young will face competition for a spot in the record books from Diego Estrada, the ninth fastest American in history and 2015 Houston champion who had a career-best performance here last year when he finished fifth in 1:00:49. Joe Klecker, an Olympian in the 10,000m, will look to play a factor in his half marathon debut along with his training partner Morgan Pearson, a two-time Olympic silver medalist in the triathlon with a personal best of 1:01:08. Klecker comes to Houston with family history. His mother Janis Klecker is the 1992 Houston Marathon champion.

The Chevron Houston Marathon features the return of two-time champion Dominic Ondoro of Kenya. Ondoro, who won here in 2017 and 2023, will be part of a field that includes two men who have run under Zouhair Talbi’s course record of 2:06:39 set in 2024: Haimro Alame (Israel, 2:06:04) and Ande Filmon (Eritrea, 2:06:38). The field also includes last year’s third place finisher, Hendrik Pfeiffer of Germany. Pfeiffer led nearly 22 miles of last year’s race and finished with a personal best of 2:07:14.

“Houston was the best marathon race in my career so far. I have great memories of the fast course and the impressive city,” said Pfeiffer, whose wife Esther is in the women’s half marathon elite field. “I have already experienced how it feels to lead the race for more than 35 kilometers and I‘m hungry for more. I will definitely try to chase a fast time again.“

A new winner will be crowned in the Chevron Houston Marathon women’s race. After making her half marathon debut here in 2023, Anna Dibaba will return to Houston to run just the second marathon of her career. The sister of Ethiopian legends Tirunesh, Ejegayehu and Genzebe, Dibaba ran 2:23:56 in her debut in Amsterdam last October.

“As I race in more marathons I am sure that I will understand better what I am capable of,” said Dibaba who placed fourth in the 2023 Aramco Houston Half Marathon. “You have to respect the distance of the marathon and it is not enough to be in shape. You must know how to interpret each race, the various courses and conditions. I am looking forward to seeing what I am now able to do in my next race in Houston."

There are two Ethiopian women who have run faster than Dibaba entered in the race. Tsigie Hailesale who has run 2:22:10 and has marathon victories in Stockholm and Cape Town is the fastest and Sifan Melaku, also a past winner in Stockholm with a 2:23:49 personal best.

American Erika Kemp will line up for only her second career marathon in Houston. Kemp, a two-time U.S. champion will look to build on her experience from the Boston Marathon last spring.

“In 2023 I learned what it was like to be out there competing for over two hours,” said Kemp, who runs for Brooks, the footwear and apparel sponsor of the Houston Marathon Weekend of Events. “I’m hoping to utilize the course karma I’ve built up in Houston to have a great marathon.”

“We are excited to see so many top runners kick off their 2025 racing season with us in Houston,” said Wade Morehead, Executive Director of the Houston Marathon Committee. “We are expecting a historic day that will add to this event’s reputation as one of the best races in the world.”

More than USD 190,000 in prize money and bonuses will be awarded to the top finishers of the Chevron Houston Marathon and USD 70,000 plus time bonuses for the top finishers in the Aramco Houston Half Marathon. The races will be broadcast live on ABC13 and feature commentary from Olympic Marathoner and Boston Marathon champion Des Linden.

Race news Comrades Marathon

Barry Holland co-opted onto Comrades Marathon board

Veteran runner has completed 49 consecutive races

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 11:56:00 +0000

The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) is pleased to announce the co-option of Comrades Quadruple Green Number runner and race organiser, Barry Holland onto its Board. Barry Holland, a legendary figure in the Comrades Marathon community, brings with him a wealth of experience and a deep passion for the race.

Barry’s association with the Comrades Marathon spans over five decades, during which he has completed an incredible 49 consecutive races, a testament to his dedication and endurance. His extensive knowledge of the race and his commitment to the running community make him an invaluable addition to the CMA Board. He is a past Chairperson and Club Captain of both Jeppe Quondam and Dolphin Coast Striders and has organised many large-scale events including the well-known Balwin Sport Dolphin Coast Marathon.

Barry has been a prominent figure in the running community, not only as a participant but also as a mentor and advocate for the sport. His co-option onto the CMA Board is expected to bring fresh perspectives and enhance the strategic direction of the organization.

CMA Chairperson, Mqondisi Ngcobo says, “We are thrilled to welcome Barry Holland to the Board. His unparalleled experience and passion for the Comrades Marathon will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success and growth of the race.”

On his acceptance of the Board co-option, Barry says, “It is an honour to be co-opted onto the CMA Board. The Comrades Marathon has been a significant part of my life, and I look forward to contributing to its future and supporting the running community.”

Comrades Marathon 2025 will be a Down Run on Sunday, 8 June 2025. The race starts at the Pietermaritzburg City Hall at 05h30 and ends 12 hours later at Durban’s People’s Park, covering an approximately 89km distance. This will be the 49th Down Run.

Race news Valencia Trinidad Alfonso Marathon

Valencia Marathon raises 1m euro for flood relief

The money raised by the ‘Valencia runs 4 Valencia’ campaign is now being distributed

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 16:35:00 +0000

The Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Zurich 2024 has earmarked around 1,000,000 euro (1,040,000 USD) through its ‘Valencia runs 4 Valencia’ campaign to help the towns and people affected by the storm on 29 October to rebuild the areas and their lives.

The money raised has mainly been received in three ways. The first was the contribution from the race organisers themselves, who pledged to donate three euro for every runner who reached the finish line on 1 December, a total of 28,590 finishers. However, SD Correcaminos has made an additional commitment raising this initial figure to 227,000 euro.

In addition to this, the donations made by runners and supporters of the race through the number zero race bib amounted to 205,000 euro via a platform that received individual donations, transfers from other running clubs around the world, and even contributions from tour operators associated with the event.

And the third line is completed with the donation from New Balance. The sports brand associated with the race has been deeply involved following the flooding in the province of Valencia and has committed to donating a total amount exceeding EUR 600,000.

This total figure for the donations raised also includes the 15,062 EUR donated by HOSBEC, on behalf of the hotel sector; the 28,590 EUR (one euro per finisher) donated by race sponsor, Patatas Meléndez; the EUR 4,000 usually given in prizes from the ‘Shops also run’ campaign, which this year was added to the ‘Valencia runs 4 Valencia’ campaign; as well as the EUR 3,000 from the Running Fallero prizes, which the Trinidad Alfonso Foundation decided this year to donate to the six committees of the Junta Central Fallera de Valencia located in the city’s most affected districts.

The focus of the donations is on schools and running clubs as well as on providing money to affected local councils for the reconstruction of their sports facilities. Specifically, an agreement has been signed with the Valencian Community Athletics Federation, through which more than 62,000 euro have been given to the federated athletics clubs in Algemesí, Torrent, Catarroja and L’Om de Picassent. In addition, more than 7,000 euro have been donated to the clubs in Aldaia and Benetússer, both of which have athletics schools.

Similarly, more than 4,800 euro have been given to CEIP Lluís Vives infant and primary school in Massanassa for the purchase of a completely new set of sports equipment as parts of the school collapsed and the pupils have had to be moved to the former teacher training college in Valencia.

Furthermore, an agreement has been signed with Llombai Town Council to repair the changing rooms and the outdoor area around its athletics track for 60,000 euro and another in Requena for 12,000 euro to repair its track as well. Likewise, another significant grant is planned to restore the track in Torrent, with the renovation of the synthetic surface around the entire running track and in the long jump area, as well as the high jump and pole vault mats, amounting to more than 237,000 euro.

New Balance’s total contribution of 560,000 euro will go, through an agreement with the city council, to completely rebuild the synthetic track and the facilities associated with the athletics track in Guadassuar. In addition, the sports brand of the Valencia Marathon has also donated 40,000 euro to the NGO supporting Valencian firefighters, Bombers pel Món.

“The help given to the Valencian athletics family affected by the floods”, said Juan Manuel Botella, general director of the Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Zurich, “shows that this 44th edition of the Marathon was one of the most important we have ever held. Going ahead the Marathon has made it possible to help people. We have to thank Valencia City Council, who saw the importance of holding the race, the Trinidad Alfonso Foundation for their support and example, and all our sponsors for their enormous commitment with the Valencians”.

“Miguel Pellicer and Toni Lastra would be happy to see us lending a hand to Valencian sport through this event which, together with so many other illustrious dreamers from Correcaminos, they first organised in 1981”, concluded Botella.

Race news Nepalgunj Marathon

Khadka and Santoshi champions at 10th Dhara Nepalgunj Marathon

Two runners beat course record

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 14:22:00 +0000

Tribhuvan Army Club athlete Khadka Bahadur Khadka claimed 10th Dhara Nepalgunj Marathon while Santoshi Shrestha clinched the women’s half marathon gold for a record fourth time in Banke, Nepalgunj.

Khadka clocked 2 hours 17 minutes 48 seconds to complete the 42.195 km distance. Khadka’s clubmates Rajan Rokaya and Sushil Kumar Shahi secured second and third positions respectively. Rokaya clocked 2:17:53 and Shahi took 2:21:45 to finish the distance. The top three finishers walked away with prizes of NPR 200,000 (1,457 USD), NPR 100,000 and NPR 50,000.

Winner Khadka and the runner up Rokaya also set a new course record at the marathon surpassing the previous best timing of 2:20:28 . The marathon organised by Creative Hands started from the gate of Nepalgunj Sub Metropolitan City and finished at the same point going through Kohalpur Municipality – Baniyabhar before turning back.

Khadka, who had finished eighth during his first attempt at the Nepalgunj at the first edition of the Nepalgunj marathon, said that he was delighted to secure the title for the second time. He had claimed the maiden Nepalgunj title in 2022.

Santosh Bikram Shahi secured fourth position while Rudra Budathoki finished fifth, Manakaran KC sixth, Nirmal Kunwar seventh, Khem Bahadur Shahi eighth, Bharat Kumar Shrestha ninth Mangal Tamang tenth places respectively. They all had their share of cash prizes.

Santoshi Shrestha, the winner of the women’s half marathon, took 1 hour 17 minutes 30 seconds to finish the half marathon. Pushpa Bhandari (1:19:12) and Bimala Karki (1:49:15) secured silver and bronze medals. The top three finishers in the women’s half marathon earned purses of NPR 75,000 (545 USD), NPR 50,000 and NPR 25,000 respectively.

Along with the men’s marathon and women’s half marathon, the event also featured school level 5km races for boys and girls, 5 km corporate run, 5km tricycle and 5km walkathon events and 500m kids run among others.

In the school boys event (outside Banke district) Bikash BK, Ajay Pandey Chhetri, and Ramesh Budha finished first, second and third respectively. In the school boys race for Banke district, Arbind Yadav, Amrit Shahi and Bijay Khadka earned top three spots respectively.

The kids 500m run for boys saw Rajan Tharu, Narayan Saud and Arun Khatik finish in top three positions respectively. In the kids 500m run for girls, Minakshi Saud, Pujan Birat and Anjali Sejuwal came in the top three positions respectively.

The corporate 5km race saw Yogesh Malla, Dr. RK Lamichhane and Madhu Sunar earn first, second and third spots respectively. Rajesh Harijan and Mina Kumari Nepali secured first and second positions respectively in the tricycle.

The Nepalgunj Marathon started to commemorate the comprehensive peace accord between the Government of Nepal and rebel Maoist on November 21, 2006, according to the marathon founder TS Thakuri.

Meanwhile, the event organizer Creative Hands also feted the individuals and the organisation that have been supporting the event since its inception with ‘Dasak Ratna Samman’.

According to Creative Hands’ president TS Thakuri, KL Dugar Group CEO Pradeep Chhajer, Angel’s School principal Bina Malla, Bright Land College principal Vijay Lama, Kantipur Television CEO Shishir Pachhai, Race Director Chandra Gurung, Nepalgunj Sub Metropolitan, Kohalpur Municipality, PABSON Banke and Dainik Nepalgunj editor Jhalak Gaire were feted during the closing ceremony. Meanwhile, senior actor Madan Krishna Shrestha was also given a civic felicitation and letter of appreciation.

Race news Turaag Active Dhaka 25K

Turaag Active renews sponsorship of Dhaka 25K

Announcement for 2025

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 11:40:00 +0000

Organisers of the Dhaka 25K have announced that Turaag Active will once again sponsor the event in 2025.

The race stated: “We are thrilled to share that Turaag Active has joined as the Title Sponsor for the Turaag Active Dhaka 25K 2025, the 2nd edition of our World Athletics-certified and AIMS-member event.”

This marks the continuation of the partnership, as Turaag Active was also the Title Sponsor of the inaugural edition, which hosted over 2,000 participants.

This year, an even greater turnout is anticipated with 2,500+ participants set to run on February 14th, 2025, at the scenic Hatirjheel in Dhaka.

Sajnan Mohammed, Race Director of Dhaka 25K, said: “As a leading activewear brand, Turaag Active embodies the spirit of health and wellness that our event promotes. Together, we celebrate running as a way to honor Dhaka’s heritage with the slogan ‘Run to Save Dhaka’s Heritage.’

“We look forward to seeing you on Sundarbans Day and World Valentine’s Day for one of the biggest community running festivals of the year! Let’s make this event unforgettable. See you at the start line!”