News

Date changes

Race date for Great Egyptian River Nile International Marathon (EGY) changed

Great Egyptian River Nile Int’l Marathon date change

Fri, 10 Dec 2021 12:39:00 +0000

The Great Egyptian River Nile International Marathon (EGY) will take place on Fri 4 March 2022, not Fri 11 February 2022 as previously published.

Events in following years have also been rescheduled: in 2023 the race will be run on Fri 3 March 2023, not Fri 3 February 2023, and the 2024 event will take place on Fri 1 March 2024, not Fri 2 February as previously published.

Race news Valencia Trinidad Alfonso Marathon

Non-professional runners are the stars of Valencia

Over 14,200 start after two-year absence – Cherono and Jelagat triumph

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 10:09:00 +0000

Lawrence Cherono with a time of 02:05:10 and Nancy Jelagat with 02:19:31 have won the 41st Trinidad Alfonso EDP Valencia Marathon on Sunday.

This edition is marked by the return of thousands of non-professional runners to the streets of the city of running after two years of absence in this race.

Cherono crossed the finish line after a very close race, followed by Chalu Deso who was second with a time of 02:05:16 and Philemon Kacheran who crossed the spectacular blue walkway of the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències in 02:05:17.

In the female category, after Jelagat, second to cross the finish line was Etagegne Woldu with 02:20:16, followed by Beyenu Degefa who was the third woman with a time of 02:23:04.

However, beyond the times, the main characters of the day were the more than 14,200 runners who set out from the Plaça de la Marató, in an exciting start which for security reasons took place in 15 minute intervals.

Race news French Riviera Marathon Nice-Cannes

Nice-Cannes celebrates its big return

Enock Onchari (KEN) wins men’s marathon in 2:11:21

Tue, 30 Nov 2021 17:25:00 +0000

After a two-year absence due to the pandemic, the 13th edition of the French Riviera Marathon Nice-Cannes celebrated its return on Sunday 28th November between Nice and Cannes with nearly 9,500 participants at the start of one of the most beautiful courses in the world.

“It is a great pleasure to return to this competition, a wonderful sporting and human gathering, after its cancellation in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic. I warmly congratulate all the participants, together with Pascal Thiriot, President of Azur Sport Organisation, the towns along the route, the 1,500 volunteers and all those who have contributed, alongside the Department, to the success of this international sporting event. The Marathon des Alpes-Maritimes is an event that brings together values that are important to me, at the crossing of our policies: the taste for effort, the sense of sharing and solidarity, health through sport, and the international promotion of our region. Without forgetting the ecology and the protection of the environment by increasing the number of actions to reduce its environmental impact, in line with the GREEN Deal policy. The Department is proud to be the title partner for several years,” said Charles Ange Ginésy, President of the French Riviera Department.

They were 9,356 participants to take the start this morning on the famous Promenade des Anglais and to cross the finish line on the equally famous Croisette in front of the famous 5-star Martinez Hotel.

Of course, we will remember the victory this morning of the Kenyan Enock Onchari and the fastest woman, Claire Amann (2:56:24). It was at the 34km mark that Ochari made his attack and took the lead of the race to never let it go until the finish line, ahead of his compatriots Dominic Ngeno (2:13:17) and Gérald Vincent (2:17:59).

But today, more than ever, this 13th edition of the French Riviera Marathon Nice-Cannes highlighted the personal victories of those thousands men and women, those heroes of a day, also qualified as anonymous, who succeeded in surpassing themselves and going beyond their own limits. “It feels so good to see all our runners who have come from so far away to support us!” concludes Pascal Thiriot, the Event Director, still full of emotion after this beautiful edition.

At the finish line, many of them were already saying that they had saved the date of the 30th October 2022 in their diaries, ready to set off on a new adventure!

Race news Fukuoka International Marathon

Legendary athletes remember Fukuoka

Running stars talk about their memories of the race

Fri, 26 Nov 2021 12:22:00 +0000

The Fukuoka Marathon, which ended this year, is remembered in a new documentary.

Brett Larner of Japan Running News has since April been putting together a two-hour feature on Fukuoka’s international history. He has collected videos from 75 legendary athletes from over 30 countries who competed in Fukuoka between 1957 and 2020, talking about their memories of the race and thoughts about it ending.

It will premiere on Friday, December 3 at 19:00 Japan time, 10:00 a.m. in London and 5:00 a.m. in NYC via YouTube. The trailer is released today but is already viewable here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztewDludcpM

Race news ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon

Kenyans Ekiru and Jeptum win against the weather

Outsider Jeptum wins with a big personal best

Fri, 26 Nov 2021 11:42:00 +0000

Undefeated in 2021 Tirus Ekiru ran another great race in the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon with a difficult opponent: the weather.

The heat was perceptible after just 2km and this, in addition to the pace, was the key factor in the race.

After 15km the last of three pace makers dropped out and Ekiru made his move with a 5km split of 14’17" between 15–20km and 14’27 between 20–25km (28’44"). He reached halfway in 1:01:46 with just Reuben Kipyego by his side.

At 30km Ekiru was 100m ahead of Kipyego (who finished in 3rd place) but due to the heat and humidity the Kenyan’s pace slowed. Ekiru ran out an assured winner in 2:06:13, followed by Alphonse Simbu (TAN) in second with 2:07:50, Reuben Kipyego in third with 2:08:25 and Abel Kirui (KEN) in 4th with 2:08:46.

Kenya’s Judith Jeptum was maybe the only athlete who did not suffer in the heat during the race or maybe she was the only one who did not underestimate the weather conditions. After 10km (33’24") there were just five runners together with the pace maker and at halfway (1:10:27) just three: Jeptum, Wude Ayalew (ETH) and Eunice Chumba (BRN).

Jeptum made her move at the same point as had Ekiru in the men’s race, upping her pace a little just as the others started to slow – leaving Jeptum to run away to victory.

Even with a very much slower pace in the last 7km Jeptum improved her personal best to 2:22:30 (from 2:26:52). Second place went to Eunice Chumba 2:26:01 and third to Immaculate Chemutai (KEN) 2:28:30.

Race news French Riviera Marathon Nice-Cannes

Nice sets the pace for the 13th French Riviera Marathon

The partner village opens today in Nice

Fri, 26 Nov 2021 11:36:00 +0000

This weekend, the whole city of Nice will live to the beat of the 13th French Riviera Marathon Nice-Cannes!

The weekend will start on Friday at 10:00 with the opening of the French Riviera Marathon Nice-Cannes partners’ village for the collection of bib numbers. This will be held at the Hyatt Regency Palais de la Méditerranée in Nice Nearly 9,500 people will take part in the race on Sunday at 08:00 on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice.

The Breakfast Run is the essential meeting before the big event on Sunday. Everyone will be able to take part in a warm-up run of a few kilometres at 10:00 on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice and enjoy a free breakfast afterwards.

All children aged between 8 and 11 (born between 2010 and 2013) will also be able to enjoy the atmosphere of the Marathon by participating in the Haribo Run, a 1.5 km race to support AVENI Endowment Fund for CHU de Nice to support Pediatric service at Archet 2. All participants will be offered a cap and Haribo sweets!

Race news Comrades Marathon

Comrades Marathon appoints new chairperson

Winn steps down, Ngcobo takes charge

Thu, 25 Nov 2021 12:46:00 +0000

Mqondisi Ngcobo has been appointed as the Comrades Marathon Association’s new Chair while Les Burnard will serve as the Vice Chairperson.

The world’s biggest, oldest and most famous ultramarathon held its Annual General Meeting in Pietermaritzburg on Wednesday 24 November. Members were briefed on the operational and financial facets of the race and they elected one new member to the CMA Board, Vukani Dlamini.

Three members were also re-elected: Pat Freeman, Isaac Ngwenya and Zinhle Sokhela. Two further Board members may be co-opted at the discretion of the Board at their next sitting.

Cheryl Winn, who served as Chairperson of the Association for the past four years, gave a heartfelt address, highlighting the challenges faced by the Association over the past two years, including the cancellation of both the 2020 and 2021 Comrades Marathons; and thanked the Board, Staff, Race Organising Committee as well as their spouses for their support and passion for the Comrades Marathon.

She also thanked all CMA members and past chairpersons with whom she had worked closely and from whom she had learned so much.

The 2022 Comrades Marathon will hold its official media launch on 1 February 2022.

Race news Lidl São Silvestre de Lisboa

Over 7,000 apply to run St Silvester race in Lisbon

Training sessions start on Saturday

Wed, 24 Nov 2021 09:38:00 +0000

There’s less than a month to go until the big day, December 18, and the 14th edition of the Lidl São Silvestre de Lisboa.

The event is organised by HMS Sports in partnership with the Câmara Municipal de Lisboa, a sporting initiative that has attracted more than 100,000 athletes to run “at the pace of the capital”.

Over 7,000 registrations have been received for a 10 km run in face-to-face and virtual formats.

This coming Saturday the three training sessions for the event start at the Keil do Amaral Amphitheatre in Monsanto. Registrations are still open.

Race news Prague International Marathon

RunCzech announces official calendar for Prague races in 2022

Dates for Prague Marathon and companion races announced

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 12:51:00 +0000

A calendar of the three most anticipated sporting events in the Czech Republic opens for all running enthusiasts: the traditional Prague Half Marathon; the classic Volkswagen Prague Marathon with a dm family run; and the Birell Prague Grand Prix.

All of the above-mentioned races will take place on the traditional dates, i.e. 2 April, 8 May, and 3 September 2022. “We feel confident that there will not be any covid complications, and that lockdowns and restrictions on sports will not happen, as we are adhering to basic anti-epidemic measures”, says Carlo Capalbo, president of the organizing committee of RunCzech. So after months of uncertainty, and the cancellation of past races, the 2022 program will be run in its entirety. A total of 39,000 runners will take part in the above-mentioned three races alone.

In the next few days, all pre-registered runners from previously cancelled races will be contacted by e-mail to confirm their registrations for the individual races that will happen next year. They must decide if they intend to participate. “There is traditionally a huge interest in participating in the Prague races, among Czech and foreign runners. Therefore, we need to find out as soon as possible whether any of the already pre-registered runners have changed their mind, only then can we re-open registrations for the rest of the running world,” adds Carlo Capalbo.

For more than a quarter of a century, the beautiful scenery of Prague has served as a backdrop for one of the most prestigious long-distance races in the world. In addition to runners and their companions, thousands of sports-loving tourists will visit Prague for these events. The races are traditionally broadcast to dozens of countries around the world, and this is a magnificent way to promote the Czech capital. “Previous covid interruptions of city runs have severely affected not only the organizers but also the business community that benefits so much from the throngs of people the races draw. So we are looking forward to seeing Prague streets filled with thousands of active people, especially after this long break,” says Vít Šimral, Prague’s councillor for sports. City runs are traditionally also supported by the Czech Athletic Association (ČAS). “Sport and running, in particular are extremely important for human health and our immunity. Therefore we are very pleased that ways have been found to safely hold large running events despite the ever-present waves of the pandemic,” explains Libor Varhaník, Chairman of ČAS.

RunCzech races have traditionally been linked to charitable causes. And this year is no exception. During registration, competitors can easily contribute to one of the listed charities, for example, to plant other trees in the so-called Marathon Alley, or support for example Salvation Army or Light for the World. The April half marathon in Prague is also part of the European running project SuperHalfs, the start of this series was postponed to 2022 due to the pandemic. In addition to Prague, the cities of Lisbon, Copenhagen, Cardiff, and Valencia also participate in the SuperHalfs project.

Race news EDP Lisbon Half Marathon

Kiplimo breaks world half marathon record

Time of 57:31 beats Kibiwott Kandie’s 2020 record by one second

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 10:48:00 +0000

Jacob Kiplimo, from Uganda, broke today the World Record at the 30th EDP Lisbon Half Marathon, finishing the race in 57:31, one second faster than the previous best time.

Kiplimo ran a perfect race, leading almost from the start in a solo effort that paid off with a new World Record – and a prize of 100,000 euro (113,000 USD).

The 21-year-old Ugandan broke the field at the 3rd kilometre mark and went for the win (and for the record) with an stratospheric performance, crossing the line with more than two minutes ahead of Esa Huseyidin Mohamed (59:39) and Gerba Dibaba, both from Ethiopia, who came second and third. Also, Lisbon had another six athletes below the hour mark.

“I knew that I was going to break the World Record when I entered in the last kilometre. And then, when I was on the finish straight and saw the clock, I had to put in all my efforts and tell my mind that I had to sprint very fast to reach the finish line,” said the new record holder. Kiplimo stated that the conditions in Lisbon were “perfect” and promised that he will come back again. “I hope and I hope! Let’s wait until this Covid situation is finished and maybe I can come back. I’ll talk with my manager about it.”

In the women’s race, there was also a record (the course record), made by the Ethiopian Tsehay Gemechu Beyan. The 22-year-old finished in 1:06:06, beating the previous best time in Lisbon by 28 seconds (Vivian Cheruiyot, in 2019). The second was Daisy Cherotich (1:06:15) and Joyce Chepkemoi Tele third (1:06:29) from Kenya, also below the previous course record.

The women’s race was very different than the men’s, with five athletes setting the pace until the 10th kilometre. In that moment, Beyan, Cherotich and Tele made a move that left them alone in the front, until four kilometres to go, when the eventual winner attacked for the final sprint.

Although she won the race, Gemechu Beyan stated that she was pushing to beat the World Record. “I tried, but after the 17th kilometre I felt a little tired… The course and the conditions were very nice, I liked it. I hope to come back next year, to try the World Record again.”

Date changes Sihanoukville International Half Marathon

Race date for Sihanoukville International Half Marathon (CAM) changed

Sihanoukville Int’l Half Marathon date change

Thu, 18 Nov 2021 12:18:49 +0000

The Sihanoukville International Half Marathon (CAM) will take place on Sun 10 April 2022, not Sun 17 April 2022 as previously published.

Date changes Antarctica Marathon®, Half-Marathon and Ultra-Marathon

Race date for Antarctica Marathon & Half (ATA) changed

Antarctica Marathon & Half date change

Thu, 18 Nov 2021 12:04:04 +0000

The Antarctica Marathon & Half (ATA) will take place on Fri 28 January 2022, not Thu 10 March 2022 as previously published.

Date changes

Race date for Two Oceans Marathon (RSA) changed

Two Oceans Marathon date change

Wed, 17 Nov 2021 11:15:51 +0000

The Two Oceans Marathon (RSA) will be Sat 16 April 2022—Sun 17 April 2022, not Sat 23 April 2022—Sat 23 April 2022 as previously published.

Date changes Pushkin – St Petersburg

Race date for Pushkin – St Petersburg (RUS) changed

Pushkin – St Petersburg date change

Wed, 17 Nov 2021 11:08:58 +0000

The Pushkin – St Petersburg (RUS) will take place on Sun 4 September 2022, not Mon 5 September 2022 as previously published.

Race news Türkiye İş Bankası İstanbul Marathon

Victor Kiplangat takes debut win in Istanbul, Sheila Jerotich comes from behind in stunning sister act

Sisters Jerotich and Chepngeno take first and second places in women’s race

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 22:52:00 +0000

Running his debut at the classic distance Victor Kiplangat became the surprise winner of the N Kolay Istanbul Marathon.

The 21 year-old Ugandan, who is a training partner of Olympic 5,000 m Champion and world record holder Joshua Cheptegei, clocked 2:10:18 after battling with three other contenders in the final mile of the race. Kenya’s Robert Kipkemboi took second with 2:10:23 while Solomon Mutai of Uganda was third in 2:10:25.

There was even more drama in the women’s race: With just 500 metres to go Kenyan Sheila Jerotich came from behind to then triumph on Istanbul’s Sultanahmet Square in 2:24:15. To make it even more stunning: The runner the 32 year-old overtook shortly before the finish was her sister, Jackline Chepngeno. While she was the runner-up in 2:24:21, Ethiopia’s Ayantu Abdi followed in third place with 2:24:45. It is most likely unique that sisters took the first two places in a major international marathon. The men’s and women’s winners receive a prize purse of 35,000 Dollar each.

Including events at shorter distances a total number of over 35,000 runners entered the race. With this figure the N Kolay Istanbul Marathon was one of the biggest races worldwide since the beginning of the pandemic. In view of the Covid 19 situation strict hygiene regulations were in place. The N Kolay Istanbul Marathon is a World Athletics Elite Label Road Race.

Starting on the Asian side of Istanbul the course has a significant drop once it reaches European territory within the first five kilometres. Despite this drop and good weather conditions the pace was slow. The favorites opted for a tactical race instead of following a pace which was set to break the Turkish allcomers’ record of 2:09:35. A group of 17 men then passed the half way mark in 65:21.

There was no proper attack until very late in the race. Runners knew about the steep climb up to the finish that waited for them in Istanbul’s historic centre and held back. Records were out of reach, but a thrilling race for victory developed.

It was Robert Kipkemboi who finally started a move with around five kilometers to go. Fellow-Kenyan and defending champion Benard Sang lost contact to the group and when the 38th kilometer was covered in 2:53 course record holder Daniel Kibet could not follow as well. He had won the N Kolay Istanbul Marathon in 2019 with 2:09:44. Four runners were still in contention when the climb began with around a mile to go: Kenyans Robert Kipkemboi and Moses Kemei as well as Ugandans Victor Kiplangat and Solomon Mutai. Surprisingly it was the debutant who took the lead and pushed hard all the way up the hill. Kiplangat, who has a good half marathon PB of 59:26, was rewarded with his biggest career win.

“I am thrilled to have won my debut marathon. But I knew that I was in good shape. I train in very hilly terrain and was confident that I would be strong in the final section,“ said the 21 year-old winner, who trains with Joshua Cheptegei in Kapchorka in Uganda at an altitude of around 2,000 m. “Joshua is my idol. And he helps me a lot,“ said Victor Kiplangat, who thinks that he has the potential to run 2:05 to 2:06 in his next marathon in spring. “If I achieve such a time on a flat course I hope to get selected for the World Championships’ marathon next summer. And then I would love to come back to Istanbul to defend my title.“

While the first four finishers ran a negative split which is very rare in Istanbul due to the nature of the course, Turkey’s best runner produced a fine performance as well: Hüseyin Can finished 14th with 2:16:01 and broke the national record for under 23 year-olds.

In contrast to the men the women ran a blistering pace during the first part of the race. A group of ten runners passed the 10k point in 32:48 which pointed towards a 2:18:30 finishing time. Three years ago Kenya’s World Champion Ruth Chepngetich established a sensational course record of 2:18:35. However the leaders could not hold on to this sort of pace. They reached half way in 70:19 and then passed the 30k mark in 1:40:48.

Four runners were left in the leading group shortly after 30k: Sheila Jerotich, Jackline Chepngeno, Ayantu Abdi and Judith Cherono of Kenya. Cherono soon dropped back and then it was Jackline Chepngeno who moved clear. At 40k she was already 22 seconds ahead and looked certain to win the race. But during the uphill stretch Sheila Jerotich came closer and closer and finally overtook her sister with just 500 metres to go.

“I am not disappointed at all. My aim was to finish on the podium and I have achieved that,“ said Jackline Chepngeno, who improved her PB by 17 seconds with a time of 2:24:21. It was only then when she revealed that it was her sister, who had stopped her from winning the race. „We are best friends, we train together and we are actually sisters. Since we are both married we have different names.“ While Sheila Jerotich, who improved her PB from 2:26:06 to 2:24:15 in Istanbul, can not speak English her sister translated for her: “I am really happy to have won the race. Next year we both want to come back to Istanbul.“

Date changes Chongqing International Marathon

Race date for Chongqing International Marathon (CHN) changed

Chongqing Int’l Marathon date change

Fri, 05 Nov 2021 04:37:48 +0000

The Chongqing International Marathon (CHN) will take place on Sun 19 December 2021, not Sun 14 November 2021 as previously published.

Date changes Scenic Half Marathon Krabi

Race date for Krabi Half Marathon (THA) changed

Krabi Half Marathon date change

Fri, 29 Oct 2021 13:12:55 +0000

The Krabi Half Marathon (THA) will take place on Sun 18 September 2022, not Sun 11 September 2022 as previously published.

Race news Half Marathon Valencia Trinidad Alfonso Zurich

Valencia achieves milestones

In the women's category, three of the top 10 times have been set in the city of running, with the two fastest times in history

Wed, 27 Oct 2021 10:59:00 +0000

Photo: Toni Marín
© 2021 Toni Marín

From today, the Valencia Half Marathon Trinidad Alfonso EDP has the privilege of being the only race that currently holds the men’s and women’s world record at its distance, but that is not all.

The 21K organised by the SD Correcaminos holds eight of the 10 best half marathon times in history for men and three in the women’s ranking.

Kibiwott Kandie’s time in the 2020 Elite Edition remains the world record with his unbeaten 57:32. After him, second, third and fourth place go to Jacob Kiplimo (57:37), Rhonex Kipruto (57:49) and Alexander Mutiso (57:59), all achieved in Valencia City of Running in 2020.

In sixth and seventh place are Abel Kipchumba (58:07) and Rhonex Kipruto (58:09), respectively, in eighth place is Philemon Kiplimo (58:11) in the Elite Edition and Daniel Mateiko with his 58:26 on Sunday closes the ranking.

Abel Kipchumba’s time was also the world best time for 2021, bettering the record he himself had held since September in Herzogenaurach, Germany (58:48). In fact, the top seven in Valencia last Sunday improved on that record.

In the women’s category, Valencia takes the first two places on the podium thanks to Letesenbet Gidey’s world record in the 30th Valencia Half Marathon and Yalemzerf Yehualaw’s 1:02:52 – who also beat the previous world record – with 1:03:51. In addition, in eighth place we find Joyciline Jepkosgei who set the world record in this race in 2017 with 1:04:51.

Moreover, the combined time of the male and female winner is the best ever obtained in the same race, 2h00:59 (58:07 + 1:02:52), beating the combined time of the 2020 Elite Edition (2h02:50).

Race news Türkiye İş Bankası İstanbul Marathon

Istanbul carries on in 2021

Never-cancelled race returns with strong elite fields and a total of over 35,000 runners

Tue, 26 Oct 2021 19:01:00 +0000

With deep elite fields and an overall total of more than 35,000 runners the 43rd edition of the N Kolay Istanbul Marathon will go ahead on 7 November.

Ethiopians Herpasa Negasa and Mamitu Daska head the start lists with personal bests of 2:03:40 and 2:21:59 respectively. The men’s defending champion and course record holder will both be returning to the Turkish metropolis, where the two winners will receive a prize purse of 35,000 USD each. The N Kolay Istanbul Marathon is an Elite Label Road Race of the international athletics federation, World Athletics.

The N Kolay Istanbul Marathon was one of very few major international road races that was never cancelled during the pandemic. A year ago the marathon did take place with an elite field and a reduced mass race of 3,000 runners. On 7 November it will look more like the marathon from 2019, when a record number of over 36,000 participants crossed over from Asia to Europe on the July 15 Martyrs Bridge in the only marathon worldwide to cover two continents. Now the race that includes a 15k and an 8k event is back to a good five figure size with an expected number of entries of over 35,000 runners. The N Kolay Istanbul Marathon will be one of the biggest road races worldwide since the start of the pandemic. As last year an extensive hygiene concept will be in place to comply with the regulations.

“We have been organizing both local and international races for athletes during the pandemic. This year we are returning to the traditional course at the N Kolay Istanbul Marathon. An exciting and competitive marathon awaits us,“ said Renay Onur, the Race Director and General Manager of the event organizer Spor Istanbul.

The current start list features ten men who have personal bests of sub 2:08. Only a few international marathons this year were able to assemble such a deep field. Ethiopia’s Herpasa Negasa is the fastest on the list with an impressive time of 2:03:40. The 28 year-old achieved this result when he was second in the Dubai Marathon in 2019, crossing the line just six seconds behind the winner of this prestigious race.

It is common with a number of African top runners at the moment that they were not able to race for a longer period due to the pandemic. While Herpasa Negasa has not competed internationally for more than two years the N Kolay Istanbul Marathon will be only the second race of the year for the other athlete who has a personal record of sub 2:05: Mekuant Ayenew of Ethiopia will travel to Turkey with a PB of 2:04:46. With this time the 30 year-old marathon specialist won the race in Sevilla in 2020. This spring he clocked 2:09:34 in Milan. Another Ethiopian with a very fast personal best is Yitayal Atnafu Zerihun who ran 2:06:21 in Dubai, where he took fifth place last year.

The quality of the elite field suggests that the course record could be under threat if weather conditions are fine on 7 November. Daniel Kibet established the current record when he won the N Kolay Istanbul Marathon two years ago with 2:09:44. The Kenyan has a personal record of 2:06:49. Kibet will return to the start line of Turkey’s most prestigious road race together with the defending champion. A year ago Kenya’s Benard Sang triumphed in Istanbul with a personal best of 2:11:49.

The women’s race will have good depth as well. Eight athletes are on the start list with PBs of sub 2:28. Mamitu Daska ran her personal record of 2:21:59 when she took the Frankfurt Marathon back in 2011. The Ethiopian, who is a former winner of the Dubai Marathon as well, has achieved half a dozen times of sub 2:26. While Mamitu Daska has not raced for almost two years Jackline Chepngeno has returned to competing internationally last month. The Kenyan was second in the Paris Half Marathon with 69:07. With her marathon PB of 2:24:38 Chepngeno is among the favorites for the N Kolay Istanbul Marathon.

Two young Ethiopians are among those who could produce a surprise in Istanbul next month. 23 year-old Medina Deme Armino was the winner of China’s Xiamen Marathon in 2020, when she clocked a personal best of 2:26:12. Fetale Tsegaye, who is 23 as well, ran her best race when she was second in Madrid with 2:27:06 in 2019.

It is unlikely that there could be an attack on the world-class course record of 2:18:35 set by Kenya’s reigning World Champion Ruth Chepngetich. But a fast race with a number of quick times is possible in Istanbul.

Date changes

Race date for Great Hakka Marathon (CHN) changed

Great Hakka Marathon date change

Tue, 26 Oct 2021 11:59:51 +0000

The Great Hakka Marathon (CHN) will take place on Sat 27 November 2021, not Sat 20 November 2021 as previously published.

Race news Half Marathon Valencia Trinidad Alfonso Zurich

New women’s half marathon record for Letesenbet Gidey

1:02:52 time over a minute faster than Ruth Chepngetich’s record

Mon, 25 Oct 2021 10:08:00 +0000

Photo: Bruno Almela Egido
© Bruno Almela Egido

In her debut at the distance Letesenbet Gidey (ETH) shattered the Half Marathon world record by more than a minute with a 1:02:52 win in the Valencia Half Marathon Trinidad Alfonso EDP on 24 October.

Compatriot Yelamzerf Yehualew trailed Gidey throughout the race but still finished 13 seconds inside the existing world record time.

Gidey was paced to 5km in 15:00 but then sped up to reach 10km in 29:45 – only seven seconds outside Kalkidan Gezahegne’s new world record for the distance. Now beyond her customary track racing distances of 5000m and 10,000m Gidey kept up the frenetic pace with a 14:44 split to 15km and then slowed only a little in the closing stages.

Her first world road record sits alongside those she set on the track at 5000m (14:06.62) and 10,000m (29:01.03).

In the men’s race Abel Kipchumba overtook fellow Kenyan Rhonex Kipruto in the closing stages to win by two seconds in 58:07. The top seven men finished inside 59 minutes.

Date changes Telekom Vivicittá Spring Half Marathon

Race date for Telekom Vivicittá Spring Half Marathon (HUN) changed

Telekom Vivicittá Spring Half Marathon date change

Fri, 22 Oct 2021 14:04:48 +0000

The Telekom Vivicittá Spring Half Marathon (HUN) will be Sat 26 March 2022—Sun 27 March 2022, not Sat 9 April 2022—Sun 10 April 2022 as previously published.

Date changes 3-Sjøersløpet (The 3 Lakes Race)

Race date for 3-Sjøersløpet (The 3 Lakes Race) (NOR) changed

3-Sjøersløpet (The 3 Lakes Race) date change

Fri, 22 Oct 2021 14:00:05 +0000

The 3-Sjøersløpet (The 3 Lakes Race) (NOR) will take place on Sat 12 November 2022, not Sat 5 November 2022 as previously published.

Date changes Dead Sea Ultra Marathon

Race date for LG Dead Sea Ultra Marathon (JOR) changed

LG Dead Sea Ultra Marathon date change

Wed, 20 Oct 2021 14:51:20 +0000

The LG Dead Sea Ultra Marathon (JOR) will take place on Fri 1 April 2022, not Fri 25 March 2022 as previously published.

Date changes Borobudur Marathon

Race date for Borobudur Marathon (INA) changed

Borobudur Marathon date change

Tue, 19 Oct 2021 14:00:00 +0000

The Borobudur Marathon (INA) will be held from Sat 27 November 2021—Sun 28 November 2021, not Sat 4 December 2021—Sun 5 December 2021 as previously published.

Race news

Debutante Simiyu smashes course record in Cape Town

Mokoka wins men’s race for second time

Mon, 18 Oct 2021 11:39:00 +0000

Photo: Chris Hitchcock
© Copyright 2021 Chris Hitchcock

South Africa’s Stephen Mokoka made it two wins from two starts at the 2021 Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, making short work of a stellar international field that had eight sub 2:10 men in the field.

In the women’s race, marathon debutant, Lydia Simiyu stunned a quality field to win in a new course record.

With no pacemakers in the field, the men’s race became a tactical affair, with Mokoka making the decisive break just before 40km. In what started out as ideal conditions, the men’s pace early on was driven by Philemon Mathipa and Sbonisi Sikhakhane. A big pack of around 20 athletes went through the halfway mark in 65:50, with all the bigger South African names, such Philani Buthelezi, Mathipa, Sibusiso Nzima, David Manja and Melikhaya Frans very prominent in the front.

With wet and slippery roads due to the overnight rains, none of the athletes was going to go out too fast, especially around the corners. But the slow pace eventually had to give, and it was Kenya’s Alex Saekwo who started the first big surge of the day as the runners approached the Hartleyvale Hockey Astro. When the athletes went through 30km in 1:33.13, the lead group had been whittled down to 10, including Ethiopia’s Ameta Belachew, a 2:07.50 marathoner, Melikhaya Frans, who was on course to a sublime Personal Best, Lesotho’s Tebello Ramakongoana and another Ethiopian, Gebru Redagne. Also still in that group was Sbonisi Sikhakhane, who, like Frans, was having a fabulous race.

Saekwo continued to surge with Mokoka keeping a close eye on proceedings and throwing in the occasional surge of his own. As they hit 35km, it was down to seven athletes, Mokoka, Frans, Belachew, Sikhakhane, Redagne, Saekwo and Ramakongoana, with Mokoka now very much making his presence felt and controlling things from the front.

As they hit the Sea Point Promenade, Sikhakahne started to drop off. At 39km Frans and Saekwo couldn’t stay with the sustained effort of Mokoka, and they too started to go backwards, with Belachew starting to fade shortly after.

Mokoka made his final move just before 40km and dropped Redagne and Ramakongoana to speed away and come home for his second victory in two starts of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, crossing the line in 2:10.01.

Second went to Ethiopia’s Gebru Redagne (2:10:17) with Lesotho’s Tebello Ramakongoana rounding out the top three (2:10:24).

“It was important to me to win at home again,” said Mokoka. “I knew it was always going to be a tactical race as there were no pacemakers, so I stayed in the bunch and only started to show some aggression after halfway. When I broke away just before 40km and the guys couldn’t respond, I knew I had won.”

For Mokoka the win was just reward after a hard year in which he had to withdraw around 35km into the Olympic Marathon, clutching his stomach in agony.

The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon was also a big “victory” for Eastern Province’s Melikhaya Frans who knocked more than two minutes off his previous best of 2:13.50 to finish 6th in 2:11.28 – a World Championship qualifying time for 2022.

In the women’s race, unheralded 25-year-old, Lydia Simiyu made history after smashing the course record and running the fastest ever women’s marathon time in South Africa, on debut.

Simiyu came into the race as a novice and a dark horse as very little was known of her. Prior to today’s race, she had only ever run in two road races, both Half Marathons, and boasted a best of 1:10.17 for distance.

But Simiyu ran the race like a veteran, letting Gerda Steyn do all the work, and pouncing in the latter stages of the race. Her opposition should have been wary of her though, as she trains with Purity Changwony and Ruth Chebitok in Kapsabat. Her training partners have marathon times of 2:22 and 2:23 behind their names respectively.

The South African Steyn pushed the pace from 10km and at one stage the projected winning time was a sub 2:25, but in the end Steyn’s aggressive front running cost her as she fell off the pace at around 38km. That left Simiyu, fellow Kenyan, Lucy Karimi, who had the fastest marathon time in the field (2:24.24 – Geneva, 2021) and Ethiopian Aynalem Teferi to battle out the podium positions.

Simiyu had the freshest and strongest legs and started a concerted push for home from around 40km. Immediately, Teferi fell off the pace and Karimi was desperately hanging on to Simiyu’s coat tails. But Simiyu surged again with 600m to go and Karimi had to concede. Simiyu crossed the finish line outside the Cape Town Athletics Stadium in 2:25.44, some 11 seconds ahead of Karim (2:25.55) with Teferi rounding off the podium (2:26.12).

For Simiyu this was the richest payday of her fledgling career: she earned R200 000 ($13 785) for the win, and also pocketed an additional R100 000 ($ 6892) for breaking the existing course record of 2:26.44 set by Kenya’s Celestine Chepchirchir in 2019.

Said Simiyu after the race, “I came here to win, but I also wanted to run 2:24 or faster.” In only her third ever road race, the future is very bright for Simiyu.

“It was fantastic to stage the first major running event in South Africa this year,” said Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Race Director, Renee Jordaan. “It was great to see some exciting racing from our lead runners, and we congratulate every single participant who joined us today.

“The running community really embraced the event, and they were particularly excited about the staggered start and mat-to-mat timing this year.

“We are also pleased that we had no serious medical incidents, and would once again like to thank the City of Cape Town for all their support and road closures, thereby helping us stage another safe event.”

Added Sanlam’s Head of Brand, Mariska Oosthuizen, “Huge congratulations to the runners and spectators this year. It has truly been an astounding success and we thank our partners – the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon race organisers – for their tireless energy and vision in making it so.

“Right at the start, we set a shared goal to create a race that’d compete with the world’s best. We pursued it relentlessly, with fortitude and determination. That’s what ‘living with confidence’ means. And now, this event is on the verge of being the seventh Marathon Major in the world. Thank you to everyone who took part this year. It was one of the first mass participation events in the country since Covid-19, and we are so proud of how seamlessly and safely it was executed.”

Race news EDP Lisbon Marathon | Hyundai Half Marathon

EDP Lisbon Marathon returns with course record

Shiferaw wins for second time in 2:05:52

Mon, 18 Oct 2021 10:51:00 +0000

Ethiopian Andualem Belay Shiferaw won, for the second consecutive time, the EDP Lisbon Marathon, organized by the Maratona Clube de Portugal.

Starting in Cascais and finishing at Praça do Comércio, the course is 100% sea and river side, providing to the runners an unique view along the race.

The Ethiopian athlete ran isolated during the last kilometers and even made a final “sprint” with the goal in sight, finishing in 2:05:52, a personal best and setting a course record surpassing by eight seconds the previous record (2:06:00), which already belonged to him.

Kenyan Hosea Kiplimo (2:07:39) finished in second place, while Ethiopian Yihunligne Amsalu (2:07:54) took third place on the podium.

At the end of the race, the athlete was pleased with his triumph “especially with his personal record and race record”, stating that he can do even better when he joins “the atmospheric conditions on the course”, as he felt some wind pressure.

Regarding the women’s event, a new Ethiopian triumph, by Asayech Bere, who also surpassed his personal record, setting it at 2:25:07, in a categorical triumph, leaving his compatriot Almaz Fekade in second place, by more than two minutes (2:27:14). The podium was closed by Kenyan Jane Lagat Seurey (2:28:35).

The best Portuguese at the EDP Lisbon Marathon were Edgar Matias, who finished in 13th place, with 2:29:15, and Joana Fonseca, 10th place, with 2:44:43.

In the other race, the Luso Half Marathon, the winner was Ethiopian Gerba Dibaba, in 1:01:21, ahead of Isaac Temoi, from Kenya (1:01:23), and Awet Habte, from Eritrea (1:02:11).

Excellent race of the Portuguese Samuel Barata (Benfica), who crossed the finish line in 1:02:49 minutes, being the best Portuguese runner, in sixth place. Miguel Borges, from Benfica, was 8th (1:04:55) and Fábio Oliveira, from S. João da Serra, was 9th (1:05:02).

In women’s race, the confirmation of the four Ethiopian triumphs, with Ethlemahu Dessi crossing the finish line in 1:10:48, ahead of Dolshi Teklegergish (Eritrea), who ran in 1:10:59. The Ethiopian Gete Teklemichael (1:13.33) completed the podium, ahead of the Portuguese Solange Jesus, from Feirense (4th, in 1:15.25), Sara Duarte, from São João da Serra (5th, in 1:20.24), and Marisa Barros, from Salgueiros (6th, at 1:20.27).

At the end of the competition, at the press conference, Carlos Moia was “very happy for the return of the competition and the beginning of a kind of normal life and an atmosphere of celebration”. More satisfaction for the result of the “efforts we made, ensuring to these athletes the conditions that led them to another competition record and the best marathon mark ever achieved on national marathons”.

This article was revised after first publication.

Race news Lausanne Marathon

A tailor-made Lausanne Marathon

Runners can upload times run between October 13 and November 3

Thu, 14 Oct 2021 10:00:00 +0000

The Lausanne Marathon is back with a tailor-made formula in 2021.

The Marathon committee decided this spring to forgo a classic edition for 2021. This position was based on uncertainties about the evolution of the health situation and the financial consequences generated by a new cancellation as experienced in 2020.

The organising committee is delighted with the launch of this more flexible, more interactive and more accessible edition. From October 13 to November 3, the “covid-compatible” version of the Lausanne Marathon offers the freedom for participants to run or walk on several distances and as many times as desired.

For three weeks, participants will be free to run or to walk, over one or more days, alone or with others, in running mode, walking or nordic walking. They will be able to take part in the 5km, 10km, half-marathon or marathon on the official Lausanne Marathon marked routes or on the routes of their choice. Each participant is then invited to enter their results on an Internet portal to be registered in the general classification.

This mode of race also allows us not to cause any disruption to road traffic. Our goal is to allow each runner to experience a collective sporting experience while respecting health security measures.

Thus, in addition to the common classification and the marked course on the shores of Lake Geneva, each participant receives the official technical t-shirt upon registration 2021, a bib and a train ticket Lausanne-La Tour-de-Peilz in order to complete the half marathon. At the end of the three weeks, a medal engraved with their name will be sent. All for the price of only CHF 29 (EUR 27), an operation rendered possible thanks to the invaluable support of institutions and sponsors.

Race news Royal Victoria Marathon

Royal Victoria Half celebrates a return to racing

New course record goes to Scottish runner

Tue, 12 Oct 2021 15:27:00 +0000

8K winner Sarah Inglis
© Billie Design Co.

Sunny but cool and windy weather greeted over 4,000 participants in the Royal Victoria Half Marathon and 8K, the first in-person road race that the capital of British Columbia, Canada has seen for over 18 months.

Mathew Travaglini and Leanne Klassen won the Half Marathon and Reid Muller and Sarah Inglis won the 8K, with Inglis setting a new course record for the second year in a row. The Half Marathon had 2,715 registrants and the 8K 1,704 for a total of 4,419.

Travaglini, from Calgary won in 1:06:44 closely followed by Coquitlam’s Brendan Wong in 1:06:53. Third was Logan Roots from Courtenay finishing in 1:10:00. Top master was Jeff Vogt from Kelowna (1:14:24). This was Travaglini’s first time running the RVM Half Marathon – he has run the TC10K twice – and he came to the race confident having won the Calgary Half Marathon last month. “This course was gorgeous and one of the best I have raced,” he said. “There was a head wind particularly between 17 and 21 kilometres which made it interesting.”

There was one age group record: Rory Switzer in the M60-64 (1:22:13).

Klassen – also from Calgary – was a favourite to win and she didn’t disappoint hitting the tape in 1:17:15. Second – and top master – was fellow Calgarian Maria Zambrano in 1:18:16 and third was local athlete Chloe Hegland finishing in 1:18:40. Klassen hadn’t done a lot of running during the pandemic, training on her own and running mainly virtual time trials. “Not having done any racing for 20 months it is so cool to win,” she said. “This was my first time running here and it was a beautiful course but challenging with the head wind. There were so many on the course cheering us on it felt great.”

There were three female age group records: Zambrano set an age group record in the W50-54, Jillian Fong in the W55-59 (1:22:03) and Roslyn Smith in the W70-74 (1:46:25).

For Inglis it was three in a row as 8K champion, and she broke her own 2019 course record by eight seconds finishing in 25:35, as well as setting a new W30-34 age group record. Second was Victoria’s Mariah Kelly in 27:05 and third was Rebecca Bassett from White Rock in 27:29. Top master was Victoria’s Andrea Minter (34:19). An age group record was also set in the W70-74 by Gwyneth Woodson (39:26).

Inglis, from Scotland, was pleased with her win considering she had been injured during the summer. “I only really had five weeks of training, so I had no idea how I was going to do today.” She has been living and training in Surrey for the last eight years and even though she still represents Great Britain – she will be running in the World Athletics Half Marathon Championships in China in March 2022 – she races as much as she can in Canada. Her next competition is the 10K Canadian Championships next weekend.

The men’s race was won by Langley’s Reid Muller in 24:00, second was Kevin Friesen from Nanaimo in 24:10 and third was Vancouver’s Theo Hunt in 24:21. Victoria’s Matthew Carlson was the top master finishing in 27:33. Muller, a track and cross-country specialist in his senior year at Washington State University, also set an age group record in the M20-24. The record has stood for 35 years (Gary Barber: 24:20).

“Despite the headwinds on Dallas Road we had some great racing today”, said Jonathan Foweraker, President, Victoria Marathon Society. “The race went off without a hitch due to all the hard work of the Race Committee and volunteers; everything was so well organized. We look to return next year with the Marathon and the Kids Run to make this a complete weekend of running.”

Race news Generali München Marathon

Munich: another major German marathon goes ahead

Marathon triumph for Hirschhäuser and Harrer in Munich’s Olympic Stadium

Mon, 11 Oct 2021 09:38:00 +0000

Photo: Norbert Wilheli
© nw@wilhelmi-fotograf.de

Alexander Hirschhäuser and Corinna Harrer won the Generali Munich Marathon and took the national championships which were included in the race. The event was the third race in Germany to go ahead with more than 10,000 runners during the Corona pandemic.

In the past two months Berlin’s half marathon and marathon races were staged successfully in the capital. Similar to Berlin, Munich organisers had provided a detailed hygiene concept and got the go-ahead from the relevant authorities in Munich just a month ago. Including events at 10K and the half marathon distance, 10,659 runners from 85 nations took part in the 35th edition of the Generali Munich Marathon. The traditional race, which started and finished in Munich’s iconic Olympic Stadium, is a World Athletics Label Road Race.

While it was not possible to assemble an international elite field at such short notice the German marathon championships were included last minute in the Generali Munich Marathon. In fine but very cool conditions at first, it was Alexander Hirschhäuser, who took the lead from Tom Thurley before the 30km mark. The 29-year-old was then never challenged and clocked a personal best of 2:18:38. “I am proud that I kept going despite some bad patches,” said Alexander Hirschhäuser, who indicated that he will try to bag a place on the German marathon team for the European Championships which will be held in Munich next summer. Anthony Tomsich, who has US and German citizenship and lived in Germany recently, came through from sixth place at half way to take second in 2:19:30. “It was a great race, something we all missed for so long,” said Anthony Tomsich. Three weeks after dropping out of the Berlin Marathon Philipp Baar was third in 2:21:03.

Corinna Harrer moved clear of Isabel Leibfried at around 35k in the women’s race. The former European Indoor 3,000 m silver medallist (2013) clocked 2:43:11 to take the German marathon title for the first time. “To win the German Championship race in front of a home crowd is amazing. It was thrilling to run into the Olympic Stadium for the finish,” said the 30-year-old Corinna Harrer. Behind second-placed Isabel Leibfried, who clocked 2:44:09, Switzerland’s Andrea Meier took third in 2:46:58.

“It was a great event with a superb atmosphere,” said race director Gernot Weigl. For the first time the Generali Munich Marathon is among the Label Road Races of the international athletics federation World Athletics. “We have decided to develop the international potential of our race much stronger than in the past. Clearly the city of Munich is a major international tourist destination. And there could not be a better opportunity for runners to visit this great Bavarian city than for the marathon,” said Gernot Weigl, who intends to establish the Generali Munich Marathon as a top international elite road race as well. From 2022 onwards he will therefore cooperate with an established elite race coordinator.

The fact that the Munich Olympic Games from 1972 will be 50 years ago in 2022 might further boost the attractiveness of the Generali Munich Marathon, which will be staged on 9 October next year. While the current course is much more attractive and has little in common with the route the athletes took in 1972 the main feature is the same: the start and finish in the Olympic Stadium.

Just a few days ago organisers of the Generali Munich Marathon were able to announce further good news. Italian company Generali, which is already involved in a number of international road races, has renewed their contract with the event in Munich. “With regard to our goal to develop the race further internationally we are delighted that Generali shares our aims, continues to support us and has committed to the title sponsorship for another three editions until 2023,” said Gernot Weigl.

Race news Tui Palma Marathon Mallorca

Balearic comeback

German athlete Monika Frenger and Danish athlete Kasper Laumann triumph at the Zafiro Palma Marathon 2021

Mon, 11 Oct 2021 09:34:00 +0000

Photo: Rafa Babot

The awaited 2021 edition of the Zafiro Palma Marathon crowned Monika Frenger (Germany) and Kasper Laumann (Denmark) as the winners in a thrilling and emotional day which brought back the comeback of the biggest running event in Mallorca and in the Balearic Islands.

German athlete Monika Frenger was the female winner pushing the pace from the beginning of the race. She tried a solo run and got a brilliant victory with 14 minute gap to Janine Kaiser, second, and Elva Klöber, third. The top-3 women were Germans. Frenger clocked in 3h10:30 after crossing the half marathon in 1h33:23. Maria Teresa Huecas was the first Spanish at the finish line. “It’s been so great to win here, I’m so excited. I’ve just followed other athletes to keep the pace and to focus on the goal!”, said Frenger.

Kasper Laumann repeated his 2018 victory with a solid performance. The race was always under his control, and pulled away when passed the km 30 to get the victory in 2h31:36. Polish athlete Maciej Lucyk was second in 2h34:01 and German athlete Marian Bunte was third (2h35:09). Spanish Jesus Peralta finished fourth.

“It’s amazing to be back here, with this crowd cheering up the whole course. Mallorca is like my second home now, I feel so proud of this victory. It’s been hard to keep training for everyone during the past months, but it’s so good to achieve this great result. Unbelievable”, said Laumann.

In the half marathon, Claudia Schneider and Francesc Xabier Gornals were the 2021 winners. Maria Luz Tesauri and Yannick Reihs got the victory in the 10km race.

This is a family and fun focus event and these concept brings to Palma de Mallorca, one of the main touristic places in Europe, in the Balearic Islands, a high quality event that is not only a marathon, is a full weekend of run, tourism and leisure for beginners or experienced athletes, and their families.

Race news Tui Palma Marathon Mallorca

5,000 athletes at Zafiro Palma Marathon on Sunday

Five-time winner Miquel Capo will receive a special tribute at the start of the race

Thu, 07 Oct 2021 15:06:00 +0000

Photo: Rafa Babot
© Rafa Babot/Zafiro Palma Marathon

The Zafiro Palma Marathon is finally here after the 2020 edition cancellation.

5,000 athletes can’t wait to start of the 10, 21 and 42 races on Sunday (8AM) at the comeback of a big running event to the Balearic Islands. It will be a limited participation due to Coronavirus protocol to ensure a safe event for runners, spectators and volunteers, but it’s also a dream come true for the local athletes and also for those international marathoners that were expecting to run in the city centre of Palma, chasing the sun, the good weather and family focus event in a perfect spot to achieve their goals.

This awaited edition will have a separated start for 10k runners (Antoni Maura Avenue) at 8h45 and marathon and half marathon will be earlier than ever (8AM and 8h15) to avoid the heat and humidity.

Zafiro Palma Marathon is focused on environmental protection, taking action and getting involved on reduce and sort waste, to organize a sustainable event. The event official T-Shirt (42k Running) has incorporated a new fabric into its production and technical garments called
Infini_Tech, made with polyester yarn that comes entirely from recycling plastic bottles. Each t-shirt made with the Infini_Tech fabric has been made with recycled material from 20,500ml plastic bottles. Even the participants’ bag and finisher medal ribbon are made from recycled material, and the after race bag at the Energy Station is also made with potato cellulose. The organization also reduced the use of paper and energy in all the process and settings.

Miquel Capo, 5 times winner of the race, will receive a special tribute at the start of the race. He has been awarded as “Dorsal de Oro” for his contribution to this event in the past years, and also for being a reference for the local age groupers. His commitment is well known in Mallorca and has also been a top athlete in Triathlon, Trail and other endurance sports.

The main favourite for the victory is Kasper Laumann, Zafiro Hotels ambassador and winner of the 2018 edition. This Danish athlete was also first runner up in the last edition and knows perfectly the course.

The redesigned race course six years ago will take athletes through the most beautiful monuments of the city centre, in a challenging two laps course for the full marathon. Participants have the choice to run a full marathon, half marathon, or a 10km. One of the most picturesque marathon routes, the course will take contestants through the unique scenery of Palma; run the length of the Promenade with views of the turquoise blue Mediterranean sea, sprint round the sandstone cathedral and weave round the historic old town.

Race news Valencia Trinidad Alfonso Marathon

Valencia seeks to be ‘fastest race of 2021’

Four contenders trying for 2:03:00 course record — Women aim to break 2h20

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 12:28:00 +0000

Valencia will once again become the epicentre of the running world when it holds the 41st Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso EDP, a race that in 2021 wants to continue making history by going under the course record (2:03:00, fourth world’s best time) and getting closer to the longed-for world record in the men’s category and by becoming the best women’s race of the year.

And to achieve this it will count on some of the best athletes in the world including the Kenyans Geoffrey Kamworor, Lawrence Cherono and Amos Kipruto, and the Ethiopians Mule Wasihun, Getaneh Molla, Kinde Atanaw and Andamlak Belihu.

Kamworor (2:06:12), who broke the half marathon world record in 2019 (later broken in 2020 in Valencia) and who has won the New York Marathon twice, is seen by many as the successor to Eliud Kipchoge and he is eager to show what he can do. Since he had to withdraw from the Tokyo Games due to injury, he has been preparing exclusively and conscientiously to achieve a great result in the City of Running on 5 December.

For his part, Lawrence Cherono (2:03:04 in Valencia 2020) is coming off a fourth place finish at the Tokyo Olympics, and in 2019 he won in Boston and Chicago. Amos Kipruto, who achieved his personal best at the distance in Valencia 2020 (2h03:30), will run too.

Joining them will be Ethiopia’s Mule Wasihum (2:03:16), Getaneh Molla (2:03:34), Kinde Atanaw (2:03:51, time of his victory in Valencia 2019) and Tsegaye Mekonnen (2:04:32), as well as Tanzania’s Gabriel Geay (2:04:55), and another exciting newcomer, Andamlak Belihu, a 26:53:15 runner over 10,000m and who achieved 58:54 in the 2020 New Delhi Half. A whole squad of men capable of achieving the event’s objective of getting closer and closer to the fastest world record in history.

In the women’s category, the aim of the race organisers, S.D. Correcaminos and Valencia City Council, wants to go under 2h20 for third year in a row. To achieve this, Ethiopia’s Guteni Shone (2:20:11), Azmera Gebru (2:20:48) and Tadelech Bekele (2:21:40), as well as Kenya’s Bornes Chepkirui (2:21:26) will travel to the City of Running. Completing the line-up so far are Uganda’s Juliet Chekwel (2:23:13) and Ethiopia’s Rahma Tusa (2:23:46).

Although her personal best is not the most impressive, another favourite to win will be Germany’s Melat Kejeta (2:23:57), who finished sixth at the Tokyo Olympics and clocked 1:05:18 in the half marathon in 2020 (Europe’s record). Also watch out for Nancy Jelagat, with a personal best of 2:36:22, but a time of 1:05:21 at the Berlin half marathon in August, which bodes well for her. Finally, we would highlight the debut of the young Kenyan Dorcas Tuitoek, who has run 1:06:33 in the half-marathon, and who showed herself to be an outstanding athlete at the 2020 Elite Edition in Valencia.

For Marc Roig, the coach of the International Elite for the Valencia Marathon, “this year’s marathon is extremely competitive, as we like it in Valencia. I don’t rule out a sprint finish in both the men’s and women’s categories and, in fact, I’m counting on it. The athletes know that Valencia offers one of the best circuits for achieving personal best times. And this, with the level of runners we have, can easily translate into several athletes breaking the course record. By how much? We will see on 5 December.”

Race news

Lake Tahoe plans Halloween race

Race director’s letter

By Les Wright

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 10:19:00 +0000

Things are nearly back to normal at Lake Tahoe.

The Fall Colors have begun. The temperatures have started dropping at night. On Highway 50 there are charred trees along the side off the road. Several cabins have only their fireplaces remaining.

South Lake Tahoe has charred trees in Xmas Valley but no homes were lost in South Lake Tahoe. The fire did come within 3/4 miles of my home. We were lucky the wind stopped and the 4900 firefighters stopped the fire in its tracks.

California has the best record for the fewest new Covid cases in the country. You must be vaccinated to pick up your race bib or a recent negative Covid test taken early in race week. You will be required to wear a mask to take our shuttle buses to the start line.

Once at the start line you may “Start When Ready” crossing the start mats. If you want to win the race outright you must start at the official start time.

The Tahoe 5K and Edgewood 10K and the Free Optimist Kids Fun Runs are back to running on Sunday, The little goblins will want to run in their costumes and will get a pumpkin when finished. They run right after the 5K and 10K.

Race news

Bucharest International Half gains new title sponsor

Wizz Air supports another Romanian race

Mon, 04 Oct 2021 11:26:00 +0000

From the first edition of the Bucharest International Half Marathon organised by the Olympic Gold medalist Constantina Diță in 2016 the number of runners has constantly increased.

With its fifth edition on 19 September 2021, Wizz Air, one of Europe’s fastest growing airlines and the largest low-cost carrier in Central and Eastern Europe, joined the Olympic Gold medallist as the event’s title sponsor of the Wizz Air Bucharest International Half Marathon.

“We are delighted to welcome one of Europe’s most recognisable airline as our naming rights partner of our running event from 2021. I wanted to give back as much as I could to this sport I love so much. This is also why I started to organize the running race in Bucharest and wanted to turn it into a top international event. Step by step, we built a beautiful community of runners, around this race, people who have been there for us especially during this difficult time. And I would like to thank them for that. I am thrilled that we managed to trigger the interest of Wizz Air and I am certain that we can provide an even more gratifying experience to runners, together, on the most beautiful streets of Bucharest, at the Wizz Air Bucharest International Half Marathon. We will be running together in the next years and I am sure this will be a memorable experience for everyone”, said Constantina Diță.

Wizz Air supports a series of running competitions in countries such as Hungary, Bulgaria, Poland, Macedonia, Ukraine and Romania, in Cluj.

After the 2020 edition has been cancelled, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the fifth edition of the race was rescheduled for 19 September 2021.

Race news Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running

Loch Ness Marathon makes its return this weekend

Monster event back after two-year gap

Fri, 01 Oct 2021 11:24:00 +0000

Photo: Liam Anderstrem
© www.airbornelens.com

The Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running returns this weekend for the first time since 2019, with thousands of people signed-up to take part.

Taking place on Sunday 3rd October, the festival incorporates the marathon, Baxters River Ness 10K, 10K Corporate Challenge and Baxters River Ness 5K.

4,900 people have signed up to the 2021 marathon. Of which, 45.7% are from outside Scotland and 12.5% are from overseas. 1,780 have signed up for the Baxters River Ness 10K and 10K Corporate Challenge, and 900 have signed up for the Baxters River Ness 5K.

The weekend includes the return of the Event Village on Saturday and Sunday, with highlights including a Sports Expo and a Festival on race day with street food and pipers. Places for the Baxters River Ness 5K will be available during registration on a first come, first served basis.

The marathon follows a spectacular route alongside the world-famous Loch Ness, starting between Fort Augustus and Whitebridge, along the south-eastern shores of Loch Ness and across the River Ness before crossing the finish line in the Highland capital of Inverness.

Malcolm Sutherland, Event & Race Director of Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running, said: “We are so excited to finally welcome back runners to Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running! This marathon is known as one of the most scenic in the world and this is evidenced by the number of runners coming from near and far to experience it.

“Of course, we have thorough Covid safety measures in place following Scottish Government guidelines. A Covid guide and an information video have now been sent to all participants and we appreciate everyone’s support in adhering to this guidance.

“In addition, we’d like to thank everyone involved in helping us put on this event; from our stakeholders, sponsors, our 400 volunteers, the communities along the routes, our charities, and most importantly, our runners. Good luck to you all!”

Audrey Baxter, Executive Chairman & Group CEO at Baxters, said: “It’s great to see the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running back and this is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the whole team behind the event to make it happen. We wish everyone taking part the best of luck and would encourage everyone to enjoy the Highland hospitality on offer as you cross the finish line.”

Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events, said: “We are delighted to once again be supporting the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running. With events starting to return across Scotland, it’s great to see this much-loved bucket list event take place once again. I hope everyone has a great weekend and enjoys being back in this beautiful part of the world with fellow running enthusiasts. Good luck to everyone involved!”

Ruby Limbrick, Senior Challenge Events Programme Manager at Macmillan Cancer Support, added: “We’ve been blown away by the fantastic fundraising efforts of everyone taking part in the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running. So far, we have raised an incredible [GBP] 30,500 before the event has even taken place. We look forward to cheering on all the participants this weekend for every penny raised, which is so crucial for helping us continue to do whatever it takes to support people living with cancer.”

To ensure the safety of participants and general public, there will be some temporary traffic restrictions in place over the event weekend.

Date changes Reggae Marathon - the Half Marathon, 10K & 5K

Reggae Marathon goes virtual

Physical event postponed until 2022

Fri, 01 Oct 2021 11:20:00 +0000

The Reggae Marathon organisers have opted to present a virtual run again for 2021 with the mass event cancelled.

The virtual race will take place during November 13 – December 5. All runners are encouraged to recreate the Reggae Marathon vibe wherever they are located.

Last year Reggae Marathon successfully staged its first virtual race with over 500 participants from about 30 countries.

There are a number of 2021 local and international participants, who have already booked travel and accommodations for Negril. They are being encouraged to use the Reggae Marathon Course along Norman Manley Boulevard which will be available for individual runners November 13– December 5 to establish their personal Reggae Marathon experience.

Race news Nagoya Women’s Marathon

Nagoya Women’s Marathon boosts prize money

Now highest-paying marathon in the world

Fri, 01 Oct 2021 10:45:00 +0000

© Nagoya Womens Marathon

The Nagoya Women’s Marathon has announced that it will increase the prize money for the 2022 race, scheduled on Sunday, March 13, 2022, in Nagoya, Japan to 250,000 USD.

This will make the Nagoya Women’s Marathon 2022 the highest prize paying marathon in the world.

Being the world’s largest women’s marathon, one of the world’s top-level races, and the only women’s race with a World Athletics Platinum Label, the Nagoya Women’s Marathon made the decision aiming for greater heights as a global leader in women’s running. By holding a higher-level racing among some of the fastest women athletes gathered from across the world, the organisers aim to convey to the global audience the wonders of marathons, particularly the talent and outstanding ability of women athletes.

Thanks to the dedication of medical professionals and the cooperation of countless citizens in the world, road races are slowly returning despite the pandemic. By announcing the increase in prize money of the Nagoya Women’s Marathon 2022, the organisers hope to encourage athletes worldwide and send another piece of positive news to the world of long-distance races, mass participation events, and women’s sports.

There remains the possibility that the Japanese government may impose entry restrictions on foreign-based athletes depending on the future infection status around the world.

Race news Vienna City Marathon

No Covid cases at all related to Vienna City Marathon

No infections at mass race with 18,000 runners

Wed, 29 Sep 2021 13:57:00 +0000

Photo: JeniaSymonds
© JeniaSymonds

The Vienna City Marathon staged on 12 September was the first major marathon worldwide with a strong international elite field and a mass race since the start of the Corona pandemic.

In total 18,118 runners from 126 nations competed during the two day event. 6,000 of them were marathon runners. Organisers were now able to confirm that no Covid cases at all are related to the Vienna City Marathon.

A tailor-made prevention concept combined with a very high vaccination rate of 93 per cent of the participants made it possible to stage the race. A couple of days ago the Public Health Service of the City of Vienna confirmed that no infections with Covid-19 were recorded in connection with the event. “After consultation with our cluster monitoring team, no cases or clusters related to the Vienna City Marathon have been reported so far,” informed Dr Ursula Karnthaler, project manager for medical measures related to the coronavirus at the City of Vienna Health Service.

This information was received with joy by the Vienna City Marathon organising team. “We have shown that a major running event can be organised in an inspiring and responsible manner. The efforts regarding personnel and logistics were very high. Equally important was the willingness of the running community to support the prevention concept. We would like to thank everyone for this. The Vienna City Marathon has sent a strong message for running in Austria and internationally. Running events are a great motivator for regular exercise for all age groups, something our society urgently needs,” said race organiser Wolfgang Konrad.

The safety concept included the compulsory presentation of an up to date negative Covid test for all participants when they were collecting their race number. Organisers also provided more space at the start and finish areas as well as at refreshment points. The size of the field was also reduced compared to 2019 and before.

The next edition of the Vienna City Marathon will be held on 24 April 2022. Registration is now open at: www.vienna-marathon.com

Race news Comrades Marathon

Comrades Marathon sets next year’s date

Oldest ultramarathon will be run in August 2022

Wed, 29 Sep 2021 13:31:00 +0000

KwaZulu-Natal Athletics (KZNA) has approved the race date for next year’s Comrades Marathon.

The 95th running of the world’s biggest, oldest and most famous ultramarathon will take place on Sunday, 28 August 2022.

Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) Chairperson Cheryl Winn, in a letter addressed to all Comrades Marathon athletes yesterday, said, “Decisions taken by the CMA are primarily made with the health and safety of runners in mind. We not only endeavour to uphold the integrity of our world-class event but first and foremost aim to safeguard the wellbeing of our athletes, staff, volunteers, sponsors, stakeholders, supporters and fellow South Africans involved in staging, hosting, participating and maintaining the legacy of The Ultimate Human Race.”

“There has been much talk in athletic circles about a proposed race date for the 2022 Comrades Marathon. At CMA we believe this discourse could not have come at a better time for a complete revamp of our race calendar for the future, to re-imagine and design it in such a way that it benefits the build-up of endurance for the majority of distance runners in South Africa going forward.”

Winn elaborated that the CMA had submitted an application, which has been approved by KwaZulu-Natal Athletics (KZNA), for next year’s Comrades Marathon to be hosted on Sunday, 28 August 2022.

She explained that there were several strong motivating factors which supported the application, but by far the most pertinent was that by doing so, the organisers will gain an additional two hours of daylight in which to stage the 12-hour event, which will undeniably serve the best interests of the safety of runners and volunteers, as well as enabling the CMA to implement a staggered or wave start, as will inevitably be required going forward in terms of Covid regulations.

Winn added, “The date of the 100-year-old Comrades Marathon has over the years shifted from as early as mid-May to as late as mid-July, originally staged on a public holiday known as Empire Day on 24 May 1921, later settled for years on Republic Day 31 May, and with the dawn of the new South Africa on Youth Day 16 June, as well as on various occasions being shifted backwards and forwards to avoid clashes with the hosting of Rugby and FIFA World Cups.”

“Only as recently as 2018 did the CMA eventually settle on the second Sunday in June, so, there is actually no “traditional” date for Comrades.”

Scientifically, the problem with the second Sunday of June is its proximity to 21 June, which is the shortest day of the year in the southern hemisphere; thus, requiring that shortly after a Pietermaritzburg Start, thousands of tightly-bunched participants run for an hour and a quarter in the dark, on narrow, winding, pot-holed country roads, mostly devoid of streetlights, and then, at the other end of the day, after having already spent 11 hours on the road, extremely weary and wounded runners once again have to navigate their way to the finish in the dark.

And, the situation is even more precarious for our volunteers, who have the responsibility of setting up and cleaning up, even further into the hours of darkness.

When it comes to climatic conditions, according to historical weather information the average temperature in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal for the month of August is .5 degree (ie. 1/2 degree) warmer than the month of June. The average total precipitation for the entire month of August is 10mm more than for the month of June. And the average humidity for August is 71% as opposed to 70% in June.

Another factor of the rationale behind moving The Ultimate Human Race to a date later in the year is to ensure the best possible chance against once again having to cancel the Comrades Marathon in these uncertain times of the Coronavirus pandemic, and in doing so, to actually be able to stage the Comrades Marathon which is so loved by runners in South Africa and all over the world, as a Beacon of Hope, following the past two years of despair.

Winn further clarified, “We also believe that the later date will provide a greater likelihood of the sport having resumed to some sort of normality. It will give runners ample time to prepare, for clubs to stage their own races as opportunities for runners to qualify; and enable a smooth and logical build-up of events leading up to a race of such magnitude.”

Details of the entry process, qualifying criteria and other race information will be confirmed at the official media launch, the date of which will be announced in due course.

The CMA Board’s strategic focus is to sustain this beloved, 100-year-old, iconic, national institution of a race, that is part of our national heritage, and which is so symbolically and economically critical to the sport of athletics in KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa, for the next 100 years. This can only happen if we are able to host a Comrades Marathon next year and get back on track with ensuring that our event is hosted on an annual basis going forward.

Winn concluded, “The CMA will continue to communicate with all of its stakeholders and sincerely hopes that runners will come to understand and accept the sound rationale behind the decision to move the race date. We look forward to hosting you at the next Comrades Marathon. Let me end by expressing our most sincere condolences to those who have lost family members and friends over the past year, as well as our heartfelt sympathy to everyone who has suffered hardship or sacrifice brought on by this dreaded pandemic.”

Race news

Marine Corps Marathon Weekend cancelled

Safety precautions cited – MCM, MCM50K, MCM10K now virtual-only events

Fri, 24 Sep 2021 15:18:00 +0000

The 2021 Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) Weekend events scheduled for Friday, October 29 through Sunday, October 31 in Arlington, Virginia and the US capital, have been cancelled due to security and safety precautions currently in place.

“After exhausting all possibilities, the opportunity to safely operate and execute a live event is just not feasible at this time,” said Rick Nealis, director of Marine Corps Marathon Organization (MCMO). “Though we had high hopes to welcome home our running community this October, we are excited to still be able to celebrate the 46th running of ‘The People’s Marathon’ virtually. We are anxiously looking forward to next year when we can #RunWithTheMarines in person once again.”

“The 46th Marine Corps Marathon is now a virtual event! We are excited and look forward to seeing the results of your hard work and dedication over the past year,” said Colonel Brooks, commanding officer of Marine Corps Installations National Capital Region – Marine Corps Base Quantico. “Although we were not able to conduct a live event for 2021, we trust that each of you understand that safety for you and our great support team took priority. As Marines, we are trained to adapt and overcome, and this is a great test of your ability to adapt and overcome all things this year has presented. I ask that you run hard and with purpose, and finish strong! Be safe everyone! Semper Fi!”

Runners currently in the live MCM, MCM10K and MCM50K categories have the option to:

• Receive a virtual entry to the distance of the same race.
• Receive a full registration refund.
• Defer entry to 2022 at no additional fee.

Further instructions and a link to the registration change form will be sent to the e-mail address provided by participants during registration.

The virtual MCM Weekend events including the MCM, MCM50K and MCM10K must be completed between October 1 and November 10 — the Marine Corps Birthday. All participants will receive via mail the corresponding participant shirt, commemorative patch, bib and finisher medal. Runners will also have access to an online event program, personalized finisher certificate and several digital engagement platforms.

The 47th MCM Weekend is scheduled for October 28–30, 2022.

Race news Tartu City Marathon

10th Tartu City Marathon will take place with full program

Covid-safe and environmentally-friendly concept

Fri, 24 Sep 2021 11:51:00 +0000

Photo: Adam Illingworth
© Adam Illingworth

Tartu City Marathon will be held on the first weekend of October with the distances of 42, 21 and 10 kilometers.

A night before the main races, Friday Night Run takes place starting from Tartu Town Hall Square.

Distances of 42, 21 and 10 km are planned on the main day of the marathon, October 2nd. This year, both the Estonian champion and the veteran champion in the half marathon will be decided in Tartu. Friday Night Run, a 4 km distance, will start on October 1st. Runners are warmed up by the NOËP DJ set.

All people 18 years and older are checked for COVID safety. There are three options for proof: vaccination certificate, recovery certificate or negative test result certificate valid on the day of the race (an antigen test is valid for 48 hours, a PCR test is valid for 72 hours). After showing the appropriate certificate people get a handband, which gives the right to enter and re-enter restricted areas (race center, start, service area in the Küüni str park). Covid safety check applies also for spectators who wish to enter restricted areas.

Oliver Kivimäe, the project manager of Tartu City Marathon, says that City Marathon will continue with an environmentally friendly behaviour and in cooperation with Eesti Pandipakend, at finish-line catering there will be reusable cups and soup bowls.

In addition to the races taking place on the main day, it is also possible to take part in the City Marathon virtually from September 24th to October 10th. In addition to the marathon, half marathon and 10 km, a marathon combo is added. It means that 42 km can be covered in several parts, each at least 4.2 km at a time.

Race news BMW Berlin-Marathon

Gebrekidan sets sights on Berlin course record

Local hero Schöneborn takes aim for personal best

Thu, 23 Sep 2021 14:27:00 +0000

2021 Berlin Marathon Berlin, Germany September 26,2021 Photo: Victah Sailer@PhotoRun 631-291-3409 www.photorun.net
Photo: Victah Sailer
© www.photorun.NET

The women’s race at the BMW Berlin Marathon on Sunday is looking increasingly like an attack on the course record.

The best time to date was set three years ago when the Kenyan Gladys Cherono ran 2:18:11. Half-a-dozen women will be on the start line who have run under 2:25 and among them is the Ethiopian Hiwot Gebrekidan, the fastest women in the world this year thanks to her personal best of 2:19:35 in winning the Milan title in April.

In the light of the continung Corona pandemic the number of starters for this year has been considerably reduced. Around 25,000 runners are expected to compete on Sunday. The BMW Berlin Marathon will take place under strict hygiene rules.

Any participant on the start line must have been vaccinated, or recovered from the virus or be able to produce a negative PCR test. Over 90% of runners entered have been vaccinated. Spectators on the course will also be requested to maintain social distance and wear a mask covering nose and mouth.

“I’ve been preparing for the BMW Berlin Marathon for a long time and want to run my personal best on Sunday,” said Hiwot Gebrekidan at Thursday’s press conference in Berlin. When pressed as to what pace she would like, the 26-year-old answered: “I’d actually like to hold back in the first half. But I nevertheless plan to go through halfway in just under 69 minutes.” Such a split at halfway would put Hiwot Gebrekidan not only in contention for the course record but also the Ethiopian national record, currently held by Worknesh Degefa with her time of 2:17:41 in Dubai in 2019.

Her fellow Ethiopian Shure Demise also has a personal best in her sights. She is a highly experienced marathon runner, having run a dozen of them. “I’ve spoken with other women runners and know what a fast course is Berlin. I have high expectations for myself and want to break my personal record,” said Shure Demise, whose best currently stands at 2:20:59 and could well go under 2:20 for the first time.

“2:20 remains a breakthrough target for women in the marathon,” said the race director Mark Milde, adding in response to Hiwot Gebrekidan’s announcement of going for a super-fast time at halfway: “We’ll have to wait and see what times are actually run. But a pace like that would certainly suit us. And a course record would be great.”

A woman who has been a late addition to the elite field in Berlin but is capable of a surprise is Fancy Chemutai. The Kenyan has a best of 2:24:27 and will be running only her second marathon. If she were able to convert her enormous potential to good effect in the classic distance she may well be in contention for the win. Her half marathon best of 64:52 makes her the seventh fastest woman at the distance of all time. No other woman on the Berlin start list has such a fast half marathon performance.

Rabea Schöneborn from the local club LG Nord Berlin will be running a marathon for the first time in her home town. The 27-year-old improved her best to 2:27:03 in April in her second race at the distance, missing selection for the Olympics by just nine seconds. This inadvertently created the opportunity of turning that preparation to potentially good effect at the BMW Berlin Marathon. “Berlin is definitely a highlight, I’m really looking forward to Sunday. Up to now I’ve only had the experience of elite marathons but now I can see and feel what’s it like to be part of a big city marathon. Having spectators will definitely give me a lift,” said Rabea Schöneborn.

The Berlin athlete hopes to take advantage of the fast course and what looks likely to be excellent weather conditions to improve her best time. “I always try to hold back a little so I can run the second half faster. That’s also the plan on Sunday,” explained Rabea Schöneborn. Nevertheless, she is still looking at a fast halfway split: “Something between 73:10 and 73:20 is the plan.”

Race news Tokyo Marathon

No Tokyo Marathon in 2021

Cancellation had been expected

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 13:29:00 +0000

Only a month away from the Tokyo Marathon race date Tokyo is still under a state of emergency.

Given the difficulty of forecasting the trend of COVID-19 and related restrictions on mobility the Tokyo Marathon Board of Directors has decided that the Tokyo Marathon 2021 (originally scheduled for Sunday 17 October) will be postponed to Sunday 6 March 2022.

All related events (Tokyo Marathon EXPO 2021, Tokyo Marathon Friendship Run 2021, Tokyo Marathon Family Run 2021) will be re-scheduled too take place in March 2022.

Alongside this decision it was also decided that the Tokyo Marathon 2022, expected to be held on 6 March 2022, will not take place. For all runners who have an entry to the Tokyo Marathon 2022, will be contacted with details and options soon.

Race news StraLugano

StraLugano held successfully

Conditions ‘almost normal’

By Richi Umberg

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 13:13:00 +0000

In Lugano, in the south of Switzerland, AIMS member StraLugano was able to hold its 15th anniversary event in compliance with the Covid-19 rules of the federal and cantonal authorities under almost normal conditions.

Brilliant performances were achieved in the 10K City Run of Saturday, August 28 at the same time as the Swiss Road Running Championships and the Half Marathon of Sunday, August 29.

Race news Copenhagen Half Marathon

Gemechu breaks Sifan Hassan’s race record in Copenhagen

22-year-old runs 1:05:08 slashing own personal best by almost a minute

Mon, 20 Sep 2021 11:40:00 +0000

With all COVID-19 restrictions lifted in Denmark, the Copenhagen Half Marathon – with close to 20.000 participants – on Sunday again produced a string of top results.

In a very tight finish, Amdework Walalegn of Ethiopia managed to keep Kenya’s Kenneth Renju behind winning in 59:10 minutes with Renju dipping under one hour for the first time with a massive personal best of 59:12. Another Kenyan, Daniel Mateiko, was the big surprise keeping up with the other two runners until the last kilometre. He as well was rewarded with a huge personal best of 59:25.

In near perfect conditions in the Danish capital, sunny and 14 degrees, the Ugandan pacemaker Abel Sikowa did an excellent job leading a group of nine runners through the first 15K in 42:15 min before dropping out. Just one kilometre on, the group suddenly had diminished to a trio that would go on and take the top three spots.

Back in Copenhagen in 2018, Sifan Hassan triumphed with a European record of 65:15 minutes. That race record now is in the hands of Tsehay Gemechu who cut off seven seconds of the time crossing the line in 65:08. The 22-year-old Ethiopian – 4th at the 2019 World Championships at 5000 meters – thereby improved her personal best with almost a minute.

“I was hoping to break my personal best and run close to 65 minutes, and beating Sifan Hassan’s race record of course is something special. I am very happy. It was a bit windy, so I had to work hard. But I look forward to come back to Copenhagen next year,” Gemechu said.

Hawi Feysa secured an Ethiopian double victory taking second spot In a PB of 65:41 with Vivian Kiplagat of Kenya in third.

Race news Halfmarathon Altötting

Altötting does it again

30th anniversary event beats pandemic

Fri, 17 Sep 2021 11:12:00 +0000

Photo: Vogl, Guenther

For the 30th year in a row the half marathon in the famous German pilgrimage town Altötting took place.

Not even the Corona pandemic and all corresponding restrictions could stop the motivated organizers in offering a high quality race for the eager running community.

The race, decorated with a 5-star quality award by the European Athletics Association, could not shine with its usual service as no music, free massages, free child care or even showers were allowed. Nevertheless, the organizers could offer free public transportation by train and free guided city tours at least.

The fastest half marathon held on natural surfaces had to do without elite athletes this year.

So the way for the local hero, Josef Diensthuber was free to win in 1:12:08. The fastest woman was Sophie Crisholm from Scotland who set a new personal best in 1:24:48.

Both results are far outside the course records which are 1:01:39 and 1:08:38 respectively.

And also the number of participants was far below the usual level but even 1700 registrations are a success for a small town during the Corona pandemic.

Race director Guenther Vogl who founded the the race 30 years ago not only is among the most experienced race organizers worldwide but also an authorized athletes representative. So the running business is well located in the Bavarian town of Altötting.

Race news

Marine Corps Marathon live event sells out

Virtual entries remain for 46th Marine Corps Marathon, MCM50K and MCM10K

Wed, 15 Sep 2021 14:28:00 +0000

More than 13,000 runners from all 50 US states and the District of Columbia are now set to run live during Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) Weekend.

The reduced number of participants is part of the COVID-19 precautions taken by the Marine Corps Marathon Organization (MCMO) to safely execute a live event for runners in 2021.

Runners ranging from ages 7 to 86 in 28 countries around the world will be running the popular MCM events live on October 31. All participants who complete the live event will receive the official event shirt, a commemorative bib, a personalized digital finisher certificate and an impressive finisher medal. Runners will also have access to a digital event program, Track your Runner and MapTrack.

“This year marks the 46th anniversary of the race and we couldn’t be more excited to host the live event on Halloween,” said Rick Nealis, director of MCMO. “Coming out of the pandemic, this will be a treat, not a trick. Runners enjoy yourselves, be strong, adapt and overcome whether you run live or virtually.”

Virtual entries are still available for the 46th MCM, MCM50K and MCM10K. Interested participants can register here. Runners previously registered for any of the MCM Weekend events can still secure the MCM Trifecta by entering the other two virtually. This challenge rewards finishers with a stunning challenge coin in addition to the corresponding finisher medal.

Race news Siberian International Marathon

Thousands run in Siberia

Runners from eight countries compete in Omsk

Tue, 14 Sep 2021 13:36:00 +0000

Photo: IULIIA TROFIMOVA OOMY.RU

The Siberian International Marathon (RUS) recovered from last year’s cancellation to hold a successful event on 12 September.

A total of 3306 runners took part in temperatures slightly above freezing. The race started at 9am at 5ºC.

Marina Kovaleva (RUS) won the women’s race and Alexey Reunkov (RUS) the men’s. There was a total of USD 24000 in prize money to be won.

Race news Volksbank-Münster-Marathon

Münster reports “great success”

Organising team gives first news

Mon, 13 Sep 2021 09:46:00 +0000

A terrific atmosphere at the start, along the course and at the finish resulted in happy runners as they crossed the line on Münster’s Prinzipalmarkt square.

Although the organisers had not invited any elite runners, the race was won by African participants Samuel Lomoi and Monica Cheruto, who had registered and travelled to Münster at their own expense. Elias Sansar was the fastest German man, coming in third around three minutes ahead of anyone else. The fastest German woman was Johanna Rellensmann whose performance – 2:44:09 – was eagerly awaited after she ran a top time of 1:16 in the Dresden half marathon earlier in the year.

Only in July was the final decision taken to let the race go ahead. The good relations between the city council and the organisers made it possible even though Corona restrictions were changing all the time – but still all the organisation had to be done in just two and a half months, when usually much more time is needed.

Race news Vienna City Marathon

Langat wins Vienna after Hurisa disqualified

Hurisa crosses line first – but in banned shoes

Mon, 13 Sep 2021 09:36:00 +0000

Photo: Leo HAGEN
© Leo HAGEN

The Vienna City Marathon produced two breaking news of completely different content on Sunday and none of them was about records: The race became the first major marathon worldwide with a strong international elite field and a mass race since the start of the Corona pandemic and then ended with a disqualification of the runner who crossed the line first.

Ethiopia’s Derara Hurisa wore shoes which are not compliant with the rules. While it is the first time that such a disqualification happened in a major marathon Kenyan Leonard Langat became the winner with a time of 2:09:25.

A debutant was the surprise winner of the women’s race: Kenyan Vibian Chepkirui ran 2:24:29. On a day when temperatures reached around 25 Celsius during the final part of the race hopes of records faded during the second half of the marathon.

In total organisers registered around 26,000 entries from 126 nations for the various events. 6,000 of them were marathon runners. Some of the events were already staged on Saturday. In a 10k race Julia Mayer smashed the national record with a time of 32:54, becoming the first Austrian woman to break 33:00 minutes. Andreas Vojta took the men’s race. The Austrian improved his personal best to 29:03. The Vienna City Marathon is a Label Road Race of the international athletics federation World Athletics.

Less than 45 minutes after breaking the finishing tape in the heart of Vienna in 2:09:22 Derara Hurisa looked completely distraught, sitting on the pavement in the finishing area between Vienna’s Burgtheater and the impressive town hall. He had just learnt that he was disqualified because the soles of his shoes were one centimetre thicker than allowed. The soles of road running shoes have to be no thicker than four centimetres. Hurisa was running with a model that has a sole thickness of five centimetres. He is said to have chosen the shoes for the race because he used them in training and thought they were within the rules.

Organisers explained that every runner or their manager had to fill in a form in which they have to name the model of the shoe they were going to wear. On Hurisa’s form a shoe was named that is within the rules. For some reasons on race day he wore a different one. “We also stressed in the technical meeting the rules about the shoes. Unfortunately we had no other choice than disqualifying the athlete,” said Hannes Langer, who is one of the elite race coordinators of the Vienna City Marathon. “It is the first time something like this has happened. And I am pretty sure that from now on there will be some form of checks to avoid something like this happening again in a major race.”

“Of course I would have preferred to have broken the tape,” said Leonard Langat, who became the winner and clocked sub 2:10 for the first time. “I had no clue about the disqualification until they told me. It was of course my aim to win and I thank god that in the end I did. It was a good race, but the heat was a problem.” While the leading group had passed the half marathon in 63:41 the 30k split of 1:30:33 still pointed towards a finishing time of around 2:07:30. However when the last pacemaker dropped out at 30k the race became much slower and tactical.

Once Japan’s Kento Kukutani, who came from behind, had reached the leading group with Kenyans Leonard Langat and Samwel Kiptoo plus Ethiopians Betesfa Getahun and Derara Hurisa the pace was increased again. Kukutani and Kiptoo were quickly dropped while the other three battled for victory. Hurisa had the best sprint, but with illegal shoes. So it was Leonard Lagat who became Vienna’s champion.

The women’s leaders were running well inside the course record of 2:22:12 for long parts of the race. Vibian Chepkirui and the Ethiopians Meseret Dinke and Gelete Burka passed the half way mark in 70:47. Burka had recovered from a fall earlier in the race when she stumbled at a zebra crossing where a section was slightly elevated. However neither she nor Dinke was able to hold on to Chepkirui. At the 30 k mark the Kenyan’s split time was 1:40:37 and she was already 33 seconds ahead of Dinke with Burka another 20 seconds back.

Although Vibian Chepkirui slowed in the final section her victory was never in doubt as the gaps behind her grew. “Without the heat I would have run at least two minutes faster,” said the 27 year-old. She finished with 2:24:29 and was well ahead of the Ethiopians Meseret Dinke and Gelete Burka who clocked 2:25:31 and 2:25:38 respectively. Little over a month after a superb 12th place finish in the Olympic marathon Fabienne Schlumpf of Switzerland was fourth in 2:26:31.

Race news Tokyo Marathon

Tokyo Marathon “all but certain” to be cancelled

State of emergency likely to be extended

By Brett Larner | Japan Running News

Fri, 10 Sep 2021 10:22:00 +0000

With the government extending the state of emergency in Tokyo and other parts of the country, as of 6 September it is all but certain that the Tokyo Marathon on 17 October will be cancelled.

The published guidelines for the 2021 race state, “In the event that a state of emergency has been issued one month prior to the event as part of the government’s efforts against the coronavirus pandemic, or if the local government has issued a request not to hold the race, the Tokyo Marathon will be cancelled.” The current state of emergency in Tokyo runs through to 12 September but as it is expected to be extended 2~3 weeks it will still be in force on the 17th. This makes the chances that the Tokyo Marathon will go ahead virtually non-existent. The event’s organisers, the Tokyo Marathon Foundation, plan to hold a board meeting in mid-September to make a final decision.

The 2021 Tokyo Marathon was originally scheduled for 7 March but in October last year, in the light of pandemic conditions, the Foundation’s board decided to postpone it to 17 October this year. In June 2021 event organisers announced that non-elite runners living outside Japan would not be permitted to run. The 2022 Tokyo Marathon is scheduled for 6 March.

Race news Vienna City Marathon

Strong Japanese quartet in Vienna’s comeback marathon

26,000 prepare to run on Sunday

Thu, 09 Sep 2021 14:06:00 +0000

Photo: Michael Kvick Photography
© Michael Kvick Photography

With a strong quartet of Japanese elite runners headed by Kento Kikutani the Vienna City Marathon will go ahead for the first time since April 2019 on Sunday.

Austria’s major road race event sees its 38th edition and organizers have registered around 26,000 entries. This includes races at shorter distances. Around 6,000 marathon runners will compete in Vienna on Sunday. The Vienna City Marathon will be the first major marathon worldwide with a strong international elite field and a mass race since the start of the Corona pandemic. It is a World Athletics Label Road Race.

It is the first time in the history of the Vienna City Marathon that a Japanese male elite team will be on the start line. And partly this development has to do with Eliud Kipchoge. When the Kenyan Olympic Champion broke the two hour barrier in the Austrian capital two years ago the world took notice of a unique running spectacle co-organized by the Vienna City Marathon. Back in Japan Kento Kikutani, Yuta Koyama, Koki Yoshioka and Daji Kawai all watched Kipchoge’s race through Vienna’s Prater Park, which is also part of the marathon course.

“I was watching the live stream. This was a huge effort by Kipchoge. I think that good weather conditions in Vienna had a big influence on the result,” said Kento Kikutani, who has a personal best of 2:07:26 from Lake Biwa this year. He is the fastest of the Japanese quartet and wants to improve his personal best on Sunday: “I will follow to pacers and then I want to go for the win after the 30k point,” said the 27 year-old, who then hold up his watch during the press conference: “At least I already have the same watch Kipchoge used in Vienna!“

Yuta Koyama has a personal best of 2:08:46 and is the second fastest of the four Japanese. He is also ready for a fast race and possibly a personal best. “My plan is to go with the leading group,” said Koyama, who also clocked his PB in Lake Biwa this year. “Vienna is a good opportunity for me to race despite the corona pandemic.”

Koki Yoshioka and Daji Kawai feature personal records of 2:10:13 and 2:10:50 respectively. Both target their personal bests on Sunday. “I really appreciate that I am able to run here during the pandemic. My goal is to go under 2:10,” said Yoshioka while Kawai stated: “Vienna is a traditional race and I am happy to run here. As there are pacers, I think the race will have a good pace. I want to stay calm and will then decide how to react.”

“This will be the most important Vienna City Marathon since the first edition back in 1984,” said Race Director Wolfgang Konrad. “On Sunday we will send a strong message as the first major international marathon worldwide since the start of the pandemic.” He compares the situation to when he was an elite runner back in the 1980s. “After a fine Olympic season I was injured in a car crash in 1980. When I could finally start running again I had to stop after two kilometers. Four months later I ran a PB,” recalled the former steeplechaser, who achieved a fine PB of 8:17.22 in 1982. “Back then it was just about me, now it is about everyone. We were desperate to bring the race back on as early as possible. It was a disaster for us when we had to cancel on short notice in 2020. But we continued to work hard to make the race possible again.”

“We want to stage a great race that stands for joy and motivation. With this event we also want to say thank you to all those who have supported us during this very difficult time,” said Kathrin Widu, one of the Managing Directors of the Vienna City Marathon. She explained that runners from 126 nations entered the race. “Most of the foreigners are obviously from EU countries.” While over 90% of all runners are vaccinated organizers have implemented strict hygiene rules. Everyone needs to provide a negative Corona test to receive the bib number.

Fellow Managing Director Gerhard Wehr said: “We have never been out of touch regarding organizing races. Under most difficult situations we did stage a number of smaller races whenever possible. We are now experiencing a very strong togetherness from all those involved. Everyone wants the Vienna City Marathon to come back.”

Race news Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running

Loch Ness Marathon makes final call for entries

Entry deadline looms for return of popular Highland running event

Thu, 09 Sep 2021 10:55:00 +0000

© Sandy young Photography 07970 268944 2018 Baxters Loch Ness Marathon PICTURED runners at the finish line in Inverness. E: sandy@scottishphotographer.com W: www.scottishphotographer.com **Editorial use only**no photo sales**no marketing** credit must read scottishphotographer.com**
Photo: Sandy Young
© All images are of Sandy Young Photography Web: www.scottishphotographer.com Blog: sandyyoungphotography.wordpress.com Mail: sandy@scottishphotographer.com Tel: 07970 268944

Those wishing to take part in the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running have until 19th September to sign up.

The event, which takes place on Sunday 3rd October 2021, includes the Marathon, Baxters River Ness 10K, 10K Corporate Challenge and Baxters River Ness 5K.

Making its return for the first time since 2019, the event will have enhanced safety measures and Covid guidelines in place. Typically attracting runners from around the globe, this year will see participants primarily from across the UK descend upon the Highland capital for one of the world’s most scenic marathons.

The Event Village will also be back for the event weekend, with highlights including a Sports Expo and a Festival on race day with street food and a pipe band.

Malcolm Sutherland, Event & Race Director of Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running, said: “We’re so excited for the return of the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running and to welcome everyone back to beautiful Loch Ness. It’s always great to see so many different people and abilities come together to enjoy the races and this year will be even more special.

“Of course, there will be Covid safety measures in place and all participants will receive guidelines outlining these measures.

“We’re now taking the last entries for the event so if you’ve been thinking about taking part in our 5K or 10K, then get involved! There are also some charity spaces still available in the marathon, which are a great way to raise money for fantastic charities, including our official charity, Macmillan Cancer Support.

“We wish all runners the best of luck with their final weeks of training and fundraising, and look forward to seeing them on the start line on 3rd October.”

Discounted entry for the Baxters River Ness 5K is also available for schools and youth groups and clubs and is open to all ages and running abilities.

Entries close on 19th September 2021, unless race capacity is reached sooner, with limited 5K entries available on the event weekend.

Race news Comrades Marathon

Comrades centenary publication

New book celebrates 100 years of ‘world’s greatest ultramarathon’

Tue, 07 Sep 2021 15:24:00 +0000

To commemorate the centenary of the world’s greatest ultra-marathon, a very special hardcover publication will be released towards the end of 2021.

For the first time, a history of the Comrades Marathon will be presented in a coffee table format, reflecting the extraordinary spectacle of the event including many never-seen-before photographs.

The history of The Ultimate Human Race is celebrated, from its humble beginnings, when 34 starters ran in the 1921 race, to fields of over 20,000 nowadays which include ultramarathon runners from all around the world.

Spiced with stories of bygone days and fun anecdotes, the book also looks at everything that goes into making this massive event a smoothly-run, world-leading exhibition of the best that South Africa has to offer.

In Your Stride: 100 Years of the Comrades Marathon, 1921–2021 is a must-have for anyone who has been inspired by the race. It documents a unique ultramarathon that has set and continues to set the worldwide bar for astonishing endurance challenges, undertaken and met by ordinary people.

It is an inspirational look at the power of the human spirit, captured beautifully over the course of a century of change in scenes that echo times that have passed and a promising future to come.

Consisting of 264 pages in full colour and a matt cover finish with UV spot varnish, the book is a 280×280mm hard cover publication crammed with loads of information and imagery on the world’s biggest, oldest and most famous ultramarathon.

The book can be pre-ordered here: https://igobooks.co.za/product/product-category/in-your-stride/

Race news BMW Berlin-Marathon

Bekele and Gebrekidan lead powerful Ethiopian challenge in Berlin

Is it Bekele’s last chance to break the world record?

Tue, 07 Sep 2021 11:24:00 +0000

Berlin-Marathon 2019
© nw@wilhelmi-fotograf.de

The BMW Berlin Marathon will get underway on Sunday, September 26 with high quality elite fields headed by the Ethiopian superstar Kenenisa Bekele on his fourth appearance in Germany’s biggest and most spectacular marathon, while his compatriot Hiwot Gebrekidan will run in Berlin’s women’s field for the first time.

Gebrekidan is currently the fastest female marathon runner in the world this year. The BMW Berlin Marathon is part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors and a Platinum Label Road Race, awarded by World Athletics, the international governing body of athletics.

Kenenisa Bekele is 39 now and will be running the BMW Berlin Marathon for the fourth time. He won the race in 2016 but dropped out the next year and returned in 2019 to triumph once again. In both victories the Ethiopian missed the then world record by a matter of seconds.

In terms of his achievements on the track and cross country, Kenenisa Bekele is the greatest long distance runner of all time. The multiple world record holder won the 5,000m at the 2008 Olympic Games as well as at the 2009 World Championships, took the 10,000m title at the Olympics in 2004 and 2008 as well as at the World Championships in 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2009. In addition, he has won eleven gold medals at the World Cross Country Championships.

At the same time, Kenenisa Bekele’s marathon career has been by no means a smooth one. He has failed to finish three of his six races at the classic distance, including an attempt on the world record in Dubai in 2017 and Berlin later in the same year.

Yet on two occasions Kenenisa Bekele was able to convert his enormous potential to the marathon though there was still an element of disappointment attached, since he missed breaking the world record by a handful of seconds each time. In 2016 in Berlin he went within six seconds of the then global best, improving his own best to 2:03:03. Two years ago Bekele won again, this time running 2:01:41, two seconds outside the world record which his Kenyan rival Eliud Kipchoge had improved to 2:01:39 in the meantime. This achievement in 2019 means the Ethiopian is the second fastest marathon runner in history. It may well be that the BMW Berlin Marathon on September 26 is his last chance to break the world record at the distance. “I’m looking forward to the race in the BMW Berlin Marathon and all my training has been with this in mind. It’s gone well. I am doing everything to make sure my preparation is perfect,” said Kenenisa Bekele.

Ethiopia’s superstar will face two strong compatriots among his rivals. Guye Adola made an outstanding marathon debut in 2017 beside the River Spree with second place in 2:03:46. His time was record for a marathon debutant and Adola even put the eventual winner, Eliud Kipchoge, under pressure, leading the great Kenyan until shortly before 40 kilometres. Another Ethiopian who surprised many on his marathon debut is Olika Adugna. He will be running in Berlin on September 26 with a best of 2:06:15 from winning debut in Dubai in 2020.

The women’s field includes the fastest marathoner in the world this year, Ethiopia’s Hiwot Gebrekidan, who won the Milan Marathon in a personal best of 2:19:35 in April. Purity Rionoripo of Kenya (pb 2:20:39) and the Ethiopian Shure Demise (pb 2:20:59) should also be relied upon to offer strong challenges.

Race news Halfmarathon Altötting

Altötting Half to go ahead again

“We will run” declare organisers

Mon, 06 Sep 2021 13:18:00 +0000

For the second year in a row the Halfmarathon Altötting in Germany will take place during the Coronavirus pandemic.

The race on 12 September is the 30th anniversary edition and the course is the fastest held on natural surfaces. The race route is mainly on forest trails and the event records are 1:01:39 for men and 1:08:38 for women.

Organisers expect around 1500 participants. This is far lower than during normal times, but due to all the Coronavirus restrictions even 1500 participants signifies a success.

Race day includes three different races (a children’s race of 1.3 km, a 6km race and the half marathon itself). Masks are required before and after the race (but not during it). There is no requirement for negative tests or proof of vaccination – everybody can run in Altötting.

All participants get a specially-created medal as well as a towel with a photo-print of the famous pilgrimage town of Altötting.

Race news Vienna City Marathon

Burka and Schlumpf head Vienna’s field

Ottawa and Paris winner faces challenge from newcomer

Thu, 02 Sep 2021 14:22:00 +0000

Photo: Bettina Westermann
© Bettina Westermann

Gelete Burka and Fabienne Schlumpf will head the women’s field of the Vienna City Marathon, which will take place on 12 September.

With a personal best of 2:20:45 Ethiopia’s Burka will be the fastest woman ever on a start list for Austria’s most prestigious and biggest road running event.

The Vienna City Marathon will see its 38th edition next week and organizers currently have registered a total of around 25,000 athletes. While this includes races at shorter distances there will be 6,000 marathon runners. Some of the events will take place on the Saturday.

The Vienna City Marathon is a World Athletics Marathon Label Road Race and will be the first major international marathon featuring a strong elite field and a mass race since the start of the Corona pandemic. After providing a hygiene concept organizers received the final go ahead from the city a couple of days ago.

Gelete Burka has been a very successful track and cross country runner. The Ethiopian took the World Cross Country Championships’ gold medal in 2006 (short course) and won the 1,500 m final at the World Indoor Championships two years later. In 2015 she was second in the 10,000 m final of the World Championships. By that time she already had a few attempts at the marathon distance. However despite a personal best of 2:26:03 from 2014 in Houston she did not manage to transform her great potential to the classic distance. It was then in Dubai 2018 when she returned to the marathon after a four-year break and achieved a breakthrough performance: Gelete Burka improved to 2:20:45 in the Emirate.

There was more success in the marathon for Gelete Burka after her sixth place in Dubai: In May that year she won the Ottawa race in 2:22:17, then she took the Paris Marathon in 2019 with 2:22:47. A third place in the Chicago Marathon (2:20:55) followed later in the year. The Vienna City Marathon will now be the first marathon for the 35 year-old since 2019.

In contrast Fabienne Schlumpf is still a newcomer to the marathon. The former steeplechaser, who took the silver medal at the European Championships in 2018, first ran a series of national records in the half marathon. Last autumn she achieved a very respectable 13th place in the World Half Marathon Championships with an improvement to 68:38. She then took the Dresden Half Marathon this March with 68:27. Easily breaking the Olympic qualifying standard she clocked 2:26:14 in her marathon debut in Bern in April when she took second place. Fabienne Schlumpf then ran her second marathon at the Olympics in the extremely tough conditions in Sapporo. She achieved a superb 12th place in 2:31:36 which suggests that there is much more to come from the 30 year-old in the marathon. “I had already planned to run Vienna after the Olympics for a long time,” said Fabienne Schlumpf.

Gelete Burka and Fabienne Schlumpf will face a group of strong Kenyan contenders at the Vienna City Marathon. Risper Chebet is the second fastest on the start list with a personal best of 2:23:45. She achieved this time when she was fifth in Milan earlier this year, improving her PB by almost four minutes. Returning to the Vienna City Marathon will be Rebecca Kangogo and Celestine Chepchirchir. Kangogo ran her personal record of 2:24:25 here when she was runner-up in 2017 while Chepchirchir was third in 2018. She has a personal best of 2:24:48 from Seoul in 2019.

Race news Volksbank-Münster-Marathon

Münster gets its blue line

Race celebrates with a route-marking party

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 14:41:00 +0000

“Your best time” is a motto that could not be more apt for this year.

So it was unsurprising that many runners and cyclists attended to see the “blue line” being painted on the streets of Münster, as did passers-by and café visitors who were sitting outside enjoying the sunny weather and spontaneously applauded. Jürgen Sieme and Michael Brinkmann from the Münster Marathon organisation accompanied the route markers and their police escort for the 18th year.

The weather stayed good, which was fortunate as the best line can’t be painted in the rain. 60 litres of blue paint were needed to mark out the race route. When the pale blue line shines in the morning sun it may attract the attention of some to the marathon – motivation and a mental push for a successful run on 12th September. Starting places are still available.

Race news Nagoya Women’s Marathon

Nagoya prepares safe road race for 2022

Best practice from pandemic races

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 14:08:00 +0000

The Nagoya Women’s Marathon is pleased to announce its plan to hold the Nagoya Women’s Marathon 2022 with 22,000 participants, on the same scale as before the Covid-19 pandemic started, in Nagoya city, Japan on Sunday, March 13, 2022.

Launched in 2012, the Nagoya Women’s Marathon is the world’s largest women’s marathon certified by Guinness World Records and the only women’s race granted a World Athletics Platinum Label.

The event hosted 21,436 runners in 2019, but due to the Covid-19 outbreak, it only staged the elite race with 110 athletes in 2020. The 2021 race on March 14, 2021, was held as the first mass participation road race held in Japan after the Covid-19 pandemic started and welcomed 4,704 domestic runners (In the virtual marathon held in parallel with the in-person race, 4,800 runners participated from around the world). The post-event investigation found no cases of infection among event participants within two weeks after race day. The 2021 race was recognized for setting an example of ‘new-normal’ distance race with all suitable measures against infection delivered and advice of medical professionals and local government officials followed.

The Nagoya Women’s Marathon has been paving the way for the organization of safe road racing during the pandemic by holding races with gradually increased numbers of participants of only elite athletes in 2020 and nearly 5,000 runners in 2021. Using the knowledge and expertise in infection prevention and control practice accumulated in the past two years, the organizers are determined to make thorough preparations and develop further anti-infection measures for the 2022 race to safely host 22,000 women runners.

To keep the event safe and secure for runners, volunteers, and all concerned, the organizers will establish an infection control office within the organizing committee with medical professionals and local government officials and form a precise infection control plan. All participants will be required to cooperate with the infection measures, such as wearing a mask at all event sites (except for runners while running in the race), temperature check on every site arrival, Covid-19 testing at number pickup, and submission of health condition sheet for 7 days before and 14 days after race day. If the event is forced to be downsized or canceled due to the state of emergency or event restrictions issued by the Japanese or local governments, participation in a virtual marathon will be offered as a substitution. The virtual participation option will be also offered to international runners if they cannot come to the event due to travel restrictions.

The organizers will continue monitoring the infection status closely and make the utmost effort to stage the world’s largest women’s marathon in the best and safest way possible.

Koji Kitano, Race Director of the Nagoya Women’s Marathon comments: “Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we have not been able to welcome 22,000 women runners and support their marathon challenge for the past two years. As a runner myself, I understand how running fans around the world are waiting for mass races to return. We will use our experience from the past two races held during the pandemic to act in best practice to ensure the health and safety of 22,000 runners. The race entry will start in November and we are looking forward to receiving applications from many runners.”

Race news Half Marathon Valencia Trinidad Alfonso Zurich

Valencia Half hopes for new records

First elite names announced – After last year's men’s world record, Valencia aims for fastest race in 2021

Thu, 26 Aug 2021 13:57:00 +0000

The Valencia Half Marathon Trinidad Alfonso EDP, organised by SD Correcaminos, has confirmed the first names of the international elite that will take to the streets of Valencia Ciudad del Running on October 24th.

After the Elite Edition last year in which a new male world record for the distance was set, 57:32 by Kibiwott Kandie, and four runners ran under 58 minutes, the Valencia Half Marathon aims to become the world’s fastest in 2021, all of this without losing sight of the challenge of the women’s world record, currently set at 1:04:02 in the hands of the Kenyan Ruth Chepngetich.

Ethiopia’s Letesenbet Gidey, current 5000m record holder (14:06.62 at the NN Valencia World Record Day in 2020), 10,000 (29:01.03, Hengelo) and 15K record holder (44:20), will try to improve upon her bronze medal in the 10,000m at Tokyo 2020 debuting at the Valencia Half Marathon at a world–class level. Alongside her, the last two winners of the event, Genzebe Dibaba (1:05:18 in 2020) and Senbere Teferi (1:05:32 in 2019), as well as Yalemzerf Yehualaw (1:04:40), third in the last World Half Marathon in Gdynia (Poland), and who improves her personal performance in each new asphalt race she takes part in.

In spite of the immeasurable records that were registered in the men’s category in 2020, with four runners under 58 minutes and the previous world record, the Valencia Half Marathon will also set up a race of an immensely high level in the men’s category. The third classified of the Elite Edition, Rhonex Kipruto (57:49 and the current 10K road world record) will return and the Ethiopian Muktar Edris, double world champion in 5.000m on track and with a time of 59:04 in half marathon, in his only experience in road race. They will be joined by several sub 59-minute runners over the distance and some world-class debutants from the track.

Marc Roig, manager of the international elite of the race, said that “Olympic years always have a special atmosphere, but the calendar does not stop and the half marathon (non-Olympic distance) has other crowns to share out. And they want them, both those who triumphed in Tokyo and those who fell short. That’s why dreaming about the world record is possible and desired.”

The Valencia Half Marathon is working with the teams of the top elite athletes so that their training in the weeks leading up to the event will culminate in an unprecedented peak of performance in Valencia.

Race news TCS New York City Marathon

Molly Seidel to make NYC debut

“Strongest-ever” field of US women promised

Tue, 24 Aug 2021 09:39:00 +0000

SAPPORO, JAPAN - AUGUST 07: Lonah Chemtai Salpeter of Team Israel, Ruth Chepngetich of Team Kenya, Roza Dereje of Team Ethiopia and Molly Seidel of Team United States compete in the Women's Marathon Final on day fifteen of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Sapporo Odori Park on August 07, 2021 in Sapporo, Japan. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)
Photo: Lintao Zhang
© 2021 Getty Images

Olympic medalist Molly Seidel will make her TCS New York City Marathon debut after winning bronze at the Tokyo Games, leading what will be the strongest-ever field of American women in the race at the event’s 50th running on Sunday, 7 November.

Joining Seidel in New York in the elite athlete field will be 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials champion Aliphine Tuliamuk, 2012 Olympic silver medalist Sally Kipyego, 2020 U.S. Olympic Trials 10,000m champion Emily Sisson, and 2018 Boston Marathon winner and two-time Olympian Des Linden.

In her third marathon ever Seidel won bronze at the Tokyo Olympics. She held on to the lead pack for the entire race to finish in 2:27:46 and became only the third American woman in history (after Joan Benoit in 1984 and Deena Kastor in 2004) to medal in the Olympic marathon. In her first career marathon – the 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials – Seidel finished as the runner-up in 2:27:31, becoming the youngest American woman to make an Olympic marathon team since 1992. Later in 2020, she went on to finish sixth in her second career marathon in London in 2:25:13.

“Since the beginning of 2021 I’ve had two races circled on my calendar,” said Seidel. “The Olympic Games Marathon on 7 August, and the TCS New York City Marathon on 7 November. Winning the bronze medal in Sapporo showed that I can run with the best in the world and, on any given day, anything is possible. I can’t think of a better year to run my first New York than in its 50th running.”

Race news Generali Berlin Half Marathon

Fast times in Berlin

Jepkosgei sets new course record

Mon, 23 Aug 2021 08:06:00 +0000

2021 GENERALI BERLINER HALBMARATHON
Photo: Petko Beier
© Petko Beier / petkobeier.de

Joyciline Jepkosgei won the Generali Berlin Half Marathon on 22 August with a spectacular course record of 1:05:16.

The 27 year-old Kenyan smashed double Olympic Champion Sifan Hassan’s time of 1:05:45 set in 2019.

Second-placed Kenyan Nancy Meto was just five seconds behind, improving her PB by more than three minutes. With 1:05:21 she was also inside the former course record. Valary Aiyabei completed the Kenyan podium with 1:07:32 for third place.

Kenya’s Felix Kipkoech clocked a world leading time of 58:57. The 23 year-old improved his own world lead by 38 seconds. Fellow Kenyans Josphat Tanui and Philemon Kiplimo followed in second and third with 59:40 and 59:54 respectively.

A total of 15,096 starters from 130 countries had entered the 40th edition of the Generali Berlin Half Marathon. 14,508 of them were runners, 572 skaters, 14 handbikers and two wheelchair athletes.

Race news Volksbank-Münster-Marathon

Münster confirms it will go ahead

New rules allow vaccinated and recovered runners

Fri, 20 Aug 2021 13:45:00 +0000

Volksbank Münster Marathon - The "red carpet" on the Prinzipalmarkt at the finish line.
Photo: Organizer

With the announcement of the new Corona Protection Ordinance for North Rhine-Westphalia, the 19th Volksbank-Münster Marathon is now confirmed for 12 September. The new regulation accepts that facilities and services are open again to vaccinated and convalescent people.

A mandatory face mask requirement remains only for indoors and at other infection-critical locations, as well as a test requirement for non-vaccinated or recovered people at events indoors (“3-G rule”).

Health Minister Karl-Josef Laumann said: “We are on a decisive threshold to normality. An ever larger part of society is vaccinated and thus almost certainly protected from serious illnesses. The state can no longer impose significant restrictions on these people. With a consistent implementation of the 3G rule, we take this situation into account – we protect the unvaccinated without restricting the vaccinated. Only vaccination brings us full normalcy. Until then the mask requirement indoors and more corona tests for non-vaccinated people are required.”

The most important rule for the Volksbank-Münster-Marathon is the obligation to submit a negative test (rapid antigen test is sufficient) for all people who are neither fully vaccinated nor recovered from an incidence (and which was conducted not longer than 48 hours before) for those areas jointly determined by the city and the organizer. In Münster this is the route from the Prinzipalmarkt to the Aegidiimarkt (a maximum of 4000 spectators) and at the Aegidiitor (maximum 500 spectators).

“We are pleased that we are able to hold our run at all,” said Gregor Veauthier from the organizational team. “After the many failures of the last 1.5 years, many runners are now longing for this challenge for which, especially in the Corona times, they have trained so much.”

Date changes Maratón Internacional de Juárez

Maraton Int’l de Juarez postponed until 2022

No event in 2021

Wed, 18 Aug 2021 09:53:00 +0000

The Maraton Internacional de Juarez (MEX) has been postponed until 2022.

The next event will be held on 16 October 2022.

All 2021 dates erroneously published are invalid.

Date changes

Race date for Two Oceans Marathon (RSA) changed

New provisional date set

Mon, 16 Aug 2021 16:02:00 +0000

The Two Oceans Marathon (RSA) will not take place on Sat 16 April 2022 as previously published. Organisers have provisionally announced a new date of 23 April.

Date changes Taiwan’s Rice Heaven Tianzhong Marathon

Taiwan’s Rice Heaven Tianzhong Marathon goes virtual

Taiwan’s Rice Heaven Tianzhong Marathon date change

Fri, 13 Aug 2021 12:35:00 +0000

The Taiwan’s Rice Heaven Tianzhong Marathon (TPE) planned for Sun 14 November 2021 will be replaced by a virtual event between Mon 1 November and Tue 30 November 2021.

Race news Generali Berlin Half Marathon

Berlin to celebrate the restart of running

Some restrictions remain – Elite field offers hope for course records

Fri, 13 Aug 2021 10:40:00 +0000

© SCC EVENTS/Sportografen

After a successful #restartrunning in all respects at the adidas Runners City Night and Inline Skating, the next traditional event by the organiser SCC Events is now coming up.

On 22 August runners and skaters will meet at the 40th Generali Berlin Half Marathon to celebrate #restartrunning over the half marathon distance.

Due to the current pandemic situation, there is a detailed hygiene concept this year that also means a reduced number of participants; the field of top athletes, however, is even stronger than usual at the anniversary event and there is the possibility of course records in both men’s and women’s events.

Date changes Almaty Marathon

Race date for Almaty Marathon (KAZ) changed

Almaty Marathon date change

Thu, 12 Aug 2021 13:46:24 +0000

The Almaty Marathon (KAZ) will take place on Sun 26 September 2021, not Sun 12 September 2021 as previously published.

Date changes Türkiye İş Bankası İstanbul Half Marathon

Race date for NKolay İstanbul Half Marathon (TUR) changed

NKolay İstanbul Half Marathon date change

Thu, 12 Aug 2021 13:43:37 +0000

The NKolay İstanbul Half Marathon (TUR) will take place on Sun 27 March 2022, not Sun 3 April 2022 as previously published.

Date changes Islandsbanki Reykjavik Marathon

Race date for Islandsbanki Reykjavik Marathon (ISL) changed

Islandsbanki Reykjavik Marathon date change

Thu, 12 Aug 2021 13:40:16 +0000

The Islandsbanki Reykjavik Marathon (ISL) will take place on Sat 18 September 2021, not Sat 21 August 2021 as previously published.

Date changes

Race date for Sfax Marathon Olive Trees (TUN) changed

Sfax Marathon Olive Trees date change

Thu, 12 Aug 2021 09:44:29 +0000

The Sfax Marathon Olive Trees (TUN) will take place on Sun 7 November 2021, not Mon 8 November 2021 as previously published.

Date changes Kazan Half Marathon

Race date for Kazan Half Marathon (RUS) changed

Kazan Half Marathon date change

Thu, 12 Aug 2021 09:40:00 +0000

The Kazan Half Marathon (RUS) will take place on Sun 10 October 2021, not Sun 3 October 2021 as previously published.

Next year’s race will be on 9 October 2022.

Race news Vienna City Marathon

Vienna expects green light

Solomon Mutai and Betesfa Getahun opt to run

Thu, 12 Aug 2021 08:33:00 +0000

Photo: Leo HAGEN
© Leo Hagen

As things stand in Austria the Vienna City Marathon will go ahead on 12th September. It is one month to go tomorrow and organisers do not expect any drastic rule changes that would limit outdoor events in the coming weeks.

Since 1st July the Austrian government has allowed all events to go ahead, no matter how many people are involved. The Vienna City Marathon could be one of the first major international marathons to take place since the start of the pandemic in March 2020. Organisers, who are working closely with the city to provide the required hygiene concept, have today released a number of elite runners for the men’s event. Among those who will feature in Austria’s number one road running event are Uganda’s Solomon Mutai and Betesfa Getahun of Ethiopia, who has a personal best of 2:05:28.

It was in Vienna where Kenya’s Olympic Champion Eliud Kipchoge famously broke the two hour marathon barrier in October 2019 in a race co-organized by the same team that is in charge for the Vienna City Marathon. Almost exactly two years after this phenomenal performance by Eliud Kipchoge Vienna plans to stage a marathon again.

Adding races at shorter distances a total of 24,900 athletes have so far registered for the Vienna City Marathon, which will be spread over two days with some of the shorter events taking place on the Saturday. Online entry for this World Athletics Marathon Label Road Race is still possible until next Sunday.

“With their incredible performances and elegantly smooth running styles elite runners belong to the Vienna City Marathon. We are really happy that even in these extraordinary circumstances this year we will be able to present world-class sport on the streets of Vienna,” said Race Director Wolfgang Konrad.

Betesfa Getahun heads the current start list with a personal best of 2:05:28. The 22 year-old Ethiopian ran this time when finishing fourth in his marathon debut in Amsterdam in 2019. Since Vienna will only be his second marathon he will be eager to improve his PB. Among his rivals will be Kenyans Bethwell Rutto and Edwin Kosgei who clocked personal bests of 2:07:41 and 2:07:51 respectively in this year’s Siena Marathon. Solomon Mutai, who took a bronze medal in the 2015 World Championships’ marathon, will have the advantage of knowing the course when he returns to the Austrian capital. The Ugandan placed third in the Vienna City Marathon with a personal best of 2:08:25 in 2019.

A strong Japanese team will feature: Kento Kikutani improved his personal best to 2:07:26 this February in Otsu where he finished ninth. Yuta Koyama (2:08:46), Koki Yoshioka (2:10:13) and Daiji Kawai (2:10:50) are the other three Japanese who are currently in training for the race in Vienna.

Regarding mass participation organisers look ahead with confidence. “We are really happy with the interest runners are showing for our event. This is a great boost for all our activities. Two and a half years after the most recent Vienna City Marathon we are ready to go again. When we organized smaller running events recently we already got a great response from the running community,” said Kathrin Widu, the Managing Director of the Vienna City Marathon. A recent anonymous survey among runners entered for the race showed that over 92.7% of them will compete in the Vienna City Marathon fully vaccinated.

Date changes Chisinau International Marathon

Race date for Chisinau International Marathon (MDA) changed

Chisinau Int’l Marathon date change

Tue, 10 Aug 2021 11:12:00 +0000

The Chisinau International Marathon (MDA) will take place on Sun 17 October 2021, not Sun 26 September 2021 as previously published.

The marathon will be preceded by the Kids Run Day on 16 October.

Race news

Full steam ahead for Sanlam Cape Town Marathon

Trail runs going ahead with major safety adjustments – 5km and 10km Peace Runs go virtual

Tue, 10 Aug 2021 09:51:00 +0000

The organisers of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon have confirmed that the planning for the event is full steam ahead and that the plans have seen a major overhaul to ensure the safety of all participants.

“Following extensive consultations and detailed review with the City of Cape Town, Athletics South Africa and National Government, we developed and presented an extensive COVID-19 Risk Mitigation Plan for the event, and received their full support to go ahead with our planning of a safe and enjoyable race on 17 October,” confirms Renee Jordaan, Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Race Director.

The risk mitigation plan includes several adjustments to this year’s event format.

• Marathon entries will be limited to 12,000 runners only.

• The Start will move from Beach Road to Fritz Sonnenberg Road, with participants joining their start batches on the Cape Town Stadium Forecourt.

• A staggered start will see runners setting off in seeded batched groups, allowing for ample social distancing, between 06h15 and 06h50.

• Seeding will be based on past race results, not limited to the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon.

• Runners’ finishing time will be calculated from mat-to-mat and not gun-to-mat.

The final cut-off is still six-and-a-half hours, and will be based on the last group of runners starting the race.

In order to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, all runners and crew will undergo COVID-19 Antigen testing in the 72 hours prior to the race. Testing will be compulsory regardless of vaccination status, and free of charge. Runners will be tested at Cape Town Stadium before entering the Expo space to collect their race numbers. Antigen test results will be available within 15 minutes.

“Due to COVID restrictions, we are sadly required to cancel the 5km and 10km Peace Runs, but the good news is that these events will take place in virtual format, and runners can run the Peace Runs along their favourite running routes, no matter where they are. The all-new 46km Cape Town Trail Marathon and 22km Trail Run will still go ahead on 16 October,” says Sanlam Cape Town Marathon General Manager, Barry van Blerk.

The 5km & 10km Virtual Peace Runs will be free of charge. Runners can simply enter via www.capetownmarathon.com to receive App Download instructions. All 5km and 10km Peace Run entrants will receive a refund, and an email with detailed instructions will be sent to all affected runners.

Says Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Chairman, Francois Pienaar: “After a trying 18 months, we are grateful for the support from our major stakeholders that allows us to work towards staging Africa’s only World Athletics Gold Label marathon and the ASA Marathon Champs. The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon attracts thousands of athletes from across SA, Africa and the globe, and has a significant economic impact on the city. Africa is our home. This is our Race. And we can’t wait to welcome all our runners to Cape Town in October.”

Runners still hoping to be part of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon must hurry, as the revised entry limits mean that the marathon field is already 50% full, and it is expected that the remaining entries will be snapped up fast. The 22km Trail Run is sold out, with limited entries still available for the Trail Marathon. Visit www.capetownmarathon.com for more information and to enter.

Race news 3 Country Sparkasse Marathon

3-Country Marathon is on, say organisers

Route passes through Germany, Austria and Switzerland

Mon, 09 Aug 2021 11:09:00 +0000

Organisers of the 3-Country Marathon have committed to going ahead with their race next month.

In a statement, they said: “For many, it will indeed be like their first time after this long, non-competitive break from the marathon. We want to support you in this premiere with a clear statement: The Sparkasse 3-Country Marathon will take place on 10 October 2021. In reality. Not virtual. And all of this with the full range of services in a highly professional environment.”

Register and prepare! www.sparkasse-3-laender-marathon.at

Date changes Raiffeisen Bank Bucharest Marathon

Race date for Raiffeisen Bank Bucharest Marathon (ROU) changed

Raiffeisen Bank Bucharest Marathon date change

Mon, 09 Aug 2021 10:35:00 +0000

The Raiffeisen Bank Bucharest Marathon (ROU) will be held from Sat 30 October 2021—Sun 31 October 2021, not on Sun 10 October as previously published.

Race news Ravenna Marathon City of Art

New Ravenna initiative offers plan B

Physical race to go ahead and virtual event enables worldwide participation

Thu, 05 Aug 2021 12:02:00 +0000

The Maratona di Ravenna – Citta d’Arte offers the opportunity to “be” at the heart of Ravenna during the days of the Marathon.

Ravenna Runners Club has launched a new initiative which is not just a virtual version of the real thing but a further opportunity for those who will not be able to come to Ravenna for the in-person event.

The Hoka Ravenna Marathon City of Art 2021 takes place on the roads of Romagna during the weekend of 14 November 2021. Contemporaneous scheduling of the virtual event allows those motivated to conquer the Marathon from their own city or country and earn the famous handmade mosaic medal, a true icon of Ravenna Marathon, in addition to the event technical t-shirt.

A site has been set up at virtualravenna.realbuzzevents.com (also reachable from the homepage of maratonadiravenna.com) where you can find all information on the VIRTUAL EDITION. Participants outside Ravenna will still be able to choose which distance to run: the Hoka Ravenna Marathon City of Art 42k, the Ravenna Half Marathon 21k or the Martini Good Morning Ravenna 10k just like those who will be in Romagna. Among the novel features is the opportunity to register for a training session in view of the event.

Thanks to the dedicated website you can immerse yourself in a virtual journey into the beauties of Romagna, a locality of artistic and culinary tradition, with particular attention to the splendid Ravenna monuments recognized by Unesco as a World Heritage Site. Registration allows each participant access to a reserved section which offers unique experiences such as the virtual tour: “Dante, the eyes and the mind”; Dante Alighieri’s last refuge, with exhibitions dedicated to the Supreme Poet at the Classense Library; the Church of San Romualdo and the MAR City Art Museum. There is also a VIRTUAL EXPO for all members with some of the main partners of the Hoka Maratona di Ravenna City of Art with unique and exclusive opportunities.

You can run the virtual race anywhere. It will be sufficient to measure the distance travelled with a GPS tracker or with one of the many Apps available for runners and then upload the result on the platform. Once registration is complete you will access a dedicated section where you can enter all the information. The virtual site has a FAQ section with answers to all the most frequently asked questions.

In short, Ravenna Runners Club continues to await runners in Romagna on the weekend of 14 November but in such a particular period we also offer a “plan B” for those who cannot really be in Romagna.

Date changes

Race date for Thunder Dragon Marathon (BHU) changed

Thunder Dragon Marathon date change

Wed, 04 Aug 2021 15:08:52 +0000

The Thunder Dragon Marathon (BHU) will take place on Sun 29 May 2022, not Sun 22 May 2022 as previously published.

Race news

Malaga sets sights on December

3000 runners transfer registrations

Thu, 29 Jul 2021 11:29:00 +0000

After the cancellation of the 2020 edition the next Zurich Malaga Marathon has been confirmed for 12 December 2021. 3000 participants who had entered last year have transferred their registrations to the 2021 event.

The 2019 edition attracted 7000 participants and both male and female course records were broken. The organisers are committed to growing the race by attracting runners from all over Spain, Europe and the rest of the world to a race which “offers very special prices [and the chance] to participate in an edition that promises to continue to innovate and surprise.”

This article was revised after first publication.

Race news

Lake Biwa organisers look forward

After final event of traditional race

Tue, 27 Jul 2021 15:36:00 +0000

The 76th Lake Biwa Mainichi Marathon race held on 28 February this year concluded as the best edition ever held, with the establishment of a new Japanese men’s national record and the first ever performance of under 2 hours 4 minutes by an Asian athlete.

The Lake Biwa Mainichi Marathon boasted the longest history of any marathon in Japan. It has traditionally been a men-only elite race with approximately 300 entries each year. In order to catch up with the trends of the world’s major marathon races the race organisers have decided to move the race, leaving the beloved course in Otsu city in Shiga prefecture and relocating to Osaka, using the course of the present Osaka Marathon, and combining the elite race with the mass participation Osaka Marathon.

The 10th Osaka Marathon was to be held in November 2020 with 32,000 participants anticipated but had to be cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The organisation of the event itself is perfect but until 2019 Osaka Marathon had not had attracted serious elite athletes.

On 27 February 2022 a new event had been planned, combining the 10th Osaka Marathon and the 77th Lake Biwa Mainichi Marathon with a total of 35,000 runners provided. Because of the continuing impact of the COVID-19 virus this number has now been revised to 20,000.

The elite race level of the Lake Biwa Mainichi Marathon will be maintained on the Osaka Marathon course route. The Japan Association of Athletics Federations (JAAF), the Osaka Prefecture and the Mainichi Newspapers will be the joint organisers of the race, and NHK will continue to broadcast on TV, providing live coverage in Japan and overseas. The invited athletes will be sufficient in quality and quantity to retain a Gold Label. The Mainichi Newspapers will remain responsible for the management of the elite athletes.

Race news Swiss Irontrail

Surprise win for late entrant at Swissalpine

Hoffmann beats favourites Wenk and Grangier, improves course record by almost half an hour

By Wilfried Raatz | German Road Races

Mon, 26 Jul 2021 13:59:00 +0000

After a great duel between Stephan Wenk (left / 2nd) and Benedikt Hoffmann (1st)

As a “late entry” into the Swissalpine classic (hence the high start number 588) the German Benedikt Hoffmann was only tipped by mountain running insiders. By contrast Stephan Wenk (SUI) and Germain Grangier (FRA), wearing the “pole position” start numbers 1 and 2, were much more favoured.

“I wanted this win,” said Hoffmann, who lives in Stockach on Lake Constance and has the Alps practically on his doorstep. And he really earned this victory, taking the lead on the ascent to the Sertig Pass and holding it for the rest of the 67.6km-long route with 2606m of climb.

Hoffmann improved the course record held by the Italian Ricardo Montani (6:12:28) by almost half an hour and finished with a six-minute lead over Wenk and another seven over Grangier. It was only the fifth German victory in the 36-year history of the Swissalpine, with the wins by Charly Doll (1988, 1989) and Frank Türk (1997, 1999) in the now distant past.

After an early exit the previous year Jasmin Nunige, who lives in Davos, returned to take her eighth win on the Swissalpine ultra distance classic. The former Olympic cross-country skier finished with 6:50:36 and was no less overwhelmed by her success than Hoffman. Her time was nine minutes faster than the 2020 winner Marcela Vasinova. After two foot operations in September and March Nunige had a late start to her Swissalpine preparations. “It was a tough way back, so this win is the greatest reward for me,” she said. Fifteen minutes later, the 48-year-old congratulated the runner-up Natascha Baer, who looks set to step into Nunige’s shoes after her K43 victory last year and debut in the 67.6km classic race this year.

Davos will have to get used to a new name in 2022. Under the direction of the new OC President Tarzisius Carviezel, the high mountain spectacle will be restyled as the “Davos X-Trails”.

“We will stick to the four races K68, K43, K23 and K10, because these are extremely popular with the runners,” said Carviezel. “But there is a lot to optimise – and we will create a character for the event in the future that has become lost a little over the years.”

Race news LSR Colombo Marathon

LSR Colombo Marathon 2021 cancelled

Prohibition on mass events continues

By Ryan Fernando | LSR Colombo Marathon

Tue, 13 Jul 2021 14:13:00 +0000

Sri Lanka has been climbing up the Covid ladder in the last couple of months moving the the Sri Lankan Government to take strict measures concerning travel both to and within the country.

This is having a huge impact on the country’s economy – especially in the tourism and the sports sectors to which LSR is so heavily committed. We have the feeling of repeatedly being stampeded by the virus with its different variants.

More positively Sri Lanka has embarked on a speedy vaccination programme in which 1.42 million citizens (6.5% of the population) have been fully vaccinated. It is hoped that by the end of this year at least 60% of the eligible population will be fully vaccinated.

The Government is taking various steps to improve conditions by relaxing rules on the advice received from the Health Authorities but large crowd gatherings for any event are strictly prohibited. Travel restrictions are still in place for certain countries and for certain areas within the country.

This situation has forced us to cancel the annual Sri Lanka T-Cup Road Cycling Event which is under the sanction of the UCI and, several other events which were jointly organised with the Ministry of Youth & Sports as well. This being the situation the LSR Colombo Marathon Management Team have now decided to cancel the 2021 event previously scheduled for 3 October.

Date changes Siberian International Marathon

Race date for Siberian International Marathon (RUS) changed

Siberian Int’l Marathon date change

Fri, 09 Jul 2021 14:10:47 +0000

The Siberian International Marathon (RUS) will take place on Sun 12 September 2021, not Sat 7 August 2021 as previously published.

Date changes Maratón Medellín

Race date for Maratón Medellín (COL) changed

Maratón Medellín date change

Fri, 09 Jul 2021 14:06:00 +0000

The Maratón Medellín (COL) will start on Sat 4 September 2021, not Sun 5 September 2021 as previously published.

Race news hella hamburg half marathon

hella hamburg halbmarathon keeps its name

Sponsorship agreement extended

Tue, 06 Jul 2021 11:00:00 +0000

01.07.2018, ++ 24. Hella Halbmarathon 2018 in Hamburg
Photo: Dierk Kruse
© Dierk Kruse

For the last 18 years the Hamburg half marathon has been known by the name hella hamburg halbmarathon. The organiser, BMS running association, has now officially announced that this will continue next year.

The North German soft drink manufacturer Hansa Mineral Springs has extended the partnership of its brand hella with the Hamburg events company.

When the cooperation with hella began in 2004, the event had around 2,500 participants. Nowadays there are five times as many registrations. Before the pandemic, the event through the streets of the metropolis on the River Elbe was one of the biggest of its kind. The record was set in 2018 when a total of 12,320 running fans joined the “21km party”. That year only Berlin attracted more runners to a half marathon course.

Increasing numbers of participants have also led to greater challenges for the organisers. BMS founding partner Karsten Schölermann looks proudly at the development of the race and remembers the beginning of the partnership: “From the very beginning the engagement was of extraordinary quality and scope. We are delighted to have had a reliable partner who has accompanied us on the journey.”

In the coming year they hope to carry on this success story. Due to the pandemic the hella hamburg halbmarathon had to be cancelled in 2020 and 2021. Nonetheless, people still ran: with the aid of an app, the event were held in a digital form. Participants could run a distance of their choice and upload their result online. Starting numbers, medal, shirt and other accessories could be ordered if desired. Of course, the starter box included a bottle of a hella drink.

In 2022 all participants should finally be able to start together in the centre of Hamburg. BMS’ general manager Steven Richter is optimistic: “Especially at times like this it is of great significance for us to know we have a stable partner at our side. We are pleased that hella has supported us throughout the pandemic and will continue to do so through future challenges.”

At hella they are delighted at the continuing co-operation. “We value the many years of collaboration with BMS greatly and are looking forward to actively supporting the hella hamburg halbmarathon – to shaping it and to refreshing it with tasty hella drinks,” says Annette Kreidler, marketing manager of Hansa Mineral Springs.

How exactly the 28th hella hamburg halbmarathon will take place, will be known on Sunday, 26th June 2022. Registrations are already open.

Race news Bank of America Chicago Marathon

Galen Rupp and Sarah Hall top elite lists in Chicago Marathon

Hall hopes for new American record

Mon, 05 Jul 2021 10:55:46 +0000

Sara Hall training for the 2015 LA Marathon
Photo: Jonathan Moore/Getty
© 2015 Getty Images

Two-time Olympic medallist Galen Rupp and America’s second fastest female marathon runner ever, Sara Hall, will head this year’s elite field at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on 10 October.

In a year that marks a global comeback for road racing Rupp stands out as one of the most decorated runners on the track and in the marathon. Hall aims to rewrite history by breaking the American women’s marathon record of 2:19:36, set in 2006 by Deena Kastor.

“We are thrilled to welcome Galen and Sara, two of the most talented runners in U.S. history, to our start line this fall,” said race director Carey Pinkowski. “This is a celebratory moment not only for U.S. running, but for the global running community. The resilience and determination that Galen and Sara have shown throughout their careers is the same kind of resilience and determination that lives within every runner showing up in Grant Park this fall.”

Rupp, a four-time Olympian with a bronze medal in the marathon and a silver medal in the 10,000m, will make a quick turn-around to Chicago after going for gold in Tokyo. In 2017 Rupp became the first American male since Khalid Khannouchi to win in Chicago. Shortly after his performance in 2018 (2:06:21, 5th place) he underwent surgery to correct Haglund’s Deformity. In 2020, on an unrelenting hilly course in Atlanta, Rupp dominated at the 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon trials to make his fourth Olympic team. If Rupp wins he will be only the seventh man in to win the Bank of America Chicago Marathon twice.

Hall started out as a middle-distance specialist and slowly migrated to the roads. She finished 10th in Chicago in 2015, But her achievements in 2020 were oof a different order. Failing to finish at the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials Hall refocused to record 2:22:01 as runner-up at the London Marathon last October (one of the only elite events in 2020). Eleven weeks later she won ‘the Marathon Project’, with a personal best of 2:20:32. Hall enters this year’s Chicago Marathon with the goal of breaking Deena Kastor’s 15-year old American record.

The 43rd annual Bank of America Chicago Marathon will take place on Sunday 10 October.

Race news Vienna City Marathon

Vienna City Marathon on course for 11–12 September

Organisers thank runners and sponsors for support

Mon, 05 Jul 2021 10:09:00 +0000

The Vienna City Marathon is on course to take place in September 2021, after the cancellation of its 2020 event as well as one planned for spring this year.

“We are incredibly grateful to the runners,” says VCM organiser Wolfgang Konrad. “Many have carried over their start from 2020 and many have newly registered so that almost 23,000 participants are already on the start list.

“Thanks to the continued support of all our sponsors and partners and the very good cooperation with the responsible ministries and authorities, all participating municipal departments of the City of Vienna as well as police departments and offices in Vienna, we are in the best possible position economically and organisationally.”

With the lifting of the maximum number of participants for events from 1 July a central legal basis for the implementation of major events has been restored. “All interested parties can be assured that we as a professional organiser are ready to organise the VCM in a safe and at the same time atmospheric way. We are well on schedule in all areas that we can influence through our work,” said Konrad.

Date changes Danang International Marathon

Danang International Marathon postponed

Fourth Covid wave sweeps Vietnam

Fri, 02 Jul 2021 14:59:00 +0000

The Manulife Danang International Marathon (VIE) has been postponed.

The event will take place on 20 March 2022, not 8 August 2021 as previously published.

“Vietnam is currently going through the 4th wave of COVID-19 and it’s the biggest one that we’ve experienced so far. With the advice from local government, we’ve recently made the decision of postponing the 2021 race to next year,” said organisers.

Race news

Cardiff postponed to 2022

New virtual race in 2021

Fri, 02 Jul 2021 14:14:00 +0000

06.10.19 - Cardiff Half Marathon -
Photo: Aled Llywelyn/Huw Evans Agency
© Huw Evans Agency

The organisers of Cardiff University Cardiff Half Marathon have announced that the event has been postponed to a new date in 2022.

The Cardiff Half Marathon was due to be run in the Welsh capital on 3 October and has now been re-scheduled for 27 March, 2022. It is the third time the event has had to be postponed due to the pandemic, the last race being in October, 2019, when the Kenyan Leonard Langat emerged victorious from a field of more than 25,000 runners to win in a course record 59 min, 30 sec.

Run 4 Wales, the company that promotes the races, made the announcement “with deep regret”.
Matt Newman, R4W Chief Executive explained the thinking behind the postponement:

“Run 4 Wales (R4W) has been working closely with the Welsh Government and Cardiff City Council to understand the potential timeline for the safe return of events in Wales, including the Cardiff University / Cardiff Half Marathon (CHM).

“Whilst the vaccine rollout in the UK continues to provide cause for optimism, the situation in Wales remains uncertain, with the Welsh Government currently setting a maximum outdoor event capacity of 4,000, including event-related spectators.

“At present there are also no plans to relax the 2 metre social distancing rules, which provides significant operational challenges for mass-participation event organisers. An event of this scale requires a significant planning phase and we have now entered the critical period. The Welsh Government’s 21-day review cycle means that R4W cannot predict the prevailing restrictions which will be in force this autumn, so a decision needs to be made now.

“Due to this uncertainty and in agreement with Cardiff City Council, circumstances dictate that we must now postpone the 2021 CHM to the spring of 2022. The health and safety of race participants, their supporters, event volunteers and the Run 4 Wales staff team is at the forefront of our decision making and we hope that everyone understands the reasons for this decision.

“Cardiff has the experience of successfully holding two half-marathons in one calendar year and in 2022 an autumn edition will also take place as usual on the first Sunday in October.

“In addition, we will mark the October 3 2021 date with an inclusive new ‘Virtual Cardiff Half’, which will provide an opportunity to celebrate everything that is great about the CHM. This free event will give everyone a chance to walk, jog or run the 13.1 mile distance ahead of the return of the live event in March 2022.”

All runners who had a space in the event have been contacted with more details and entry options.

Date changes Zurich Maratón de Sevilla

Race date for Zurich Maratón de Sevilla (ESP) changed

Zurich Maratón de Sevilla date change

Fri, 02 Jul 2021 12:05:49 +0000

The Zurich Maratón de Sevilla (ESP) will take place on Sun 20 February 2022, not Sun 14 November 2021 as previously published.

Race news Gold Coast Marathon

Gold Coast Marathon cancelled at short notice

Organisers express “heartfeld disappointment”

Thu, 01 Jul 2021 13:01:00 +0000

In a press release dated 29 June organisers of the Village Roadshow Theme Parks Gold Coast Marathon Festival announced that:

It is with the utmost regret that due to the increasing threat of COVID-19 to the community and the subsequent restrictions, including the three-day lockdown enforced by the Queensland Government, Events Management Queensland has been left with no choice but to cancel the Village Roadshow Theme Parks Gold Coast Marathon.

The ongoing health risks, impacts on workforce/volunteers, disruptions to travel and uncertainty ahead dictated drastic action to ensure there were no further threats to the health and wellbeing of participants, stakeholders and the wider Gold Coast community.

This decision has not been made lightly given the experience of the 2020 cancellation and comes with heartfelt disappointment from the team at Events Management Queensland.

Race news Tokyo Marathon

Foreign runners excluded from Tokyo Marathon

Message from the Race Director

Thu, 17 Jun 2021 16:11:00 +0000

The Tokyo Marathon organising committee, along with the COVID-19 Investigative Committee, and other local partners and experts have been closely monitoring the COVID19 situation worldwide in preparation for the event [scheduled for 17 October 2021].

With the strict border controls of Japan currently in place we have made the difficult decision to announce that our overseas runners will not be able to participate in the Tokyo Marathon 2021. For all runners who have been preparing and looking forward to race day, we understand your disappointment and we express our sincere apologies for the situation we are in and the necessary decision we have had to make.

All overseas runners who were registered for 2021 will have the option to defer to the 2023 event. More information on this will be shared in the coming weeks and months. We look forward to the day when we can unite safely, and be together again at the Tokyo Marathon. We thank you very much for your continued support of our team and our event.

Tokyo Marathon 2021 Schedule

- 23-30 June: Event fee payment due

- July (DTBD): Elite and Wheelchair Elite athlete registration

- 5 August – 5 September: Virtual Tokyo Marathon 2021 registration

- Mid-September: Board of Directors Meeting, 3rd Go/No-Go announcement (1 month prior to race day)

- 18 September 18-16 October: Virtual Tokyo Marathon 2021

- 14-16 October): Tokyo Marathon 2021 Packet Pick-up/EXPO

- 16 October Tokyo Marathon Friendship Run 2021

- 17 October: Tokyo Marathon 2021 Race Day

COVID-19 counter-measures for the Tokyo Marathon 2021

While taking in the advice set forth in the Japan Association of Athletics Federations’ “Guidance for Return of Road Races”, the Tokyo Marathon Foundation has also established the COVID-19 Countermeasure Committee and the COVID-19 Investigative Committee (comprising infectious disease experts, race management, medical team, administrative entities, etc.) for the Tokyo Marathon 2021 (17 Oct) to examine relevant countermeasures for the event.

Creating an environment to avoid the “Three Cs” (Closed spaces, Crowded places, and Close-contact settings) and managing the health of runners and staff are the basic approach against the disease.

To further enhance safety it is decided that PCR testing prior to the race day will be conducted for runners, volunteers, and athletics referees. As written in the regulation upon entry to the event, runners have agreed to the possible COVID-19 safety fee separate from the entry fee. With the decision that the testing will be required, the COVID-19 safety fee of 6,800 JPY (tax incl.) will be required from the runners upon payment of the event fee. Further details on testing will be announced as soon as determined.

Note that outlined information is subject to change depending on the situation surrounding COVID-19. We thank all the runners and volunteers participating in the Tokyo Marathon 2021 for their understanding and cooperation.

Race news

Races in Germany: mixed messages

Düsseldorf cancelled – organisers cite continuing uncertainty as reason

Wed, 16 Jun 2021 10:48:00 +0000

The Düsseldorf Marathon, originally scheduled for 11 April but then postponed to 24 October, has now been cancelled. The next race is scheduled for 24 April 2022.

The five largest German marathons – Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Cologne and Munich – are currently planned for September and October. By contrast the early cancellation of the Düsseldorf marathon is a surprise although sceptical statements have circulated about the race for a long time.

“The planning situation is still uncertain. As organisers we cannot plan comprehensively with all the necessary service providers,” explained race director Sonja Oberem. As last year a virtual version of the Düsseldorf Marathon is planned.

[From Race-News-Service.com]

Race news

Quebec cancels

Local government withdraws support for event

Thu, 10 Jun 2021 14:11:00 +0000

QUEBEC CITY, QC - OCTOBER 11: during their QMJHL hockey game at the Videotron Center on October 11, 2019 in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Mathieu Belanger/Getty Images)
Photo: Mathieu Belanger
© 2019 Mathieu Belanger

Following the Quebec City municipal authority’s decision to withdraw support for fifteen major events, including the Quebec City Marathon, Gestev and Quebec Running Events Corporation have announced that this year’s big event planned for October 1–3, 2021 will be cancelled.

Organisers said they had been committed to delivering a safe and secure event in the strictest compliance with public health measures, especially in light of the recent relaxing of the rules set out in the Government of Quebec’s reopening plan announced on May 18, which gave the green light to sporting activities and competitions effective June 25.

Registered entrants will have the option to transfer their registration to the Lévis Half-Marathon, scheduled for the weekend of August 28–29. As well as moving from May to August this year, this event will be held over two days instead of one to comply with public health regulations stipulating how many participants are permitted to be in a given place at one time. This change will make it possible to accommodate a maximum of 5,225 entrants for the 21.1K half-marathon, 10K, 5K and 2K Kids Race distances. Entrants who would prefer to receive a refund will be able to choose this option instead.

“This is just another rain check for the Beneva Quebec City Marathon, a healthy invitation from Brunet. The event will be back in October 2022,” said organisers.

Race news Comtrade Belgrade Marathon

5000 run in Belgrade

Scheduled event successfully held after delay of three weeks

Thu, 10 Jun 2021 12:27:00 +0000

The Belgrade Marathon triumphed over adversity simply by being held this year.

Originally scheduled for 16 May it seemed touch and go as to whether covid restrictions would allow it to go ahead. In the end, after deliberation by the Government’s Crisis Management Office it suffered only a three-week delay.

The Crisis Management Team is responsible for Covid precautions – usually involving the imposition of restrictions. Three of the team attended the event and observed that because they look “with different eyes” there would always be challenges but that they were very satisfied with the conduct of the event.

There were 1000 runners in the Marathon and 4000 runners in the Half Marathon. “This was our limit,” explained race director Dejan Nikolic. “We set runners off in waves of 300–500 at 90-second intervals, maintaining 1.5m distancing. It went smoothly with no problems. There was never any place that became crowded. It was a lot of work for a lot less than normal – no fun run, no children’s race. Missing these supporting events also had financial impacts. But it was worth it. It seemed like life was back to normal – or at least the hope of it was. Ordinary people saw the Marathon as a strong message.”

Race news BMW Berlin-Marathon

Optimism in Berlin

Marathon plans for 35,000 participants

Thu, 10 Jun 2021 11:38:00 +0000

Confidence, a lot of confidence, currently reigns in Berlin after the hybrid press conference that just took place there called “The long-awaited restart of running together. Of course, safely!”

Restart Running is the name of an announced pilot project that is intended to guarantee the return of major running events.

By staging the adidas Runners City Night, the GENERALI BERLIN HALF MARATHON and the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON, the aim is to gain know-how and create perspectives in the period from the end of July until autumn of 2021. The knowledge gained will then be incorporated into decision-making processes for the gradual reopening of public life including major sporting events.

The lynchpin of the pilot project is the health and hygiene concept developed by the organizer SCC EVENTS, which is almost 150 pages. Jürgen Lock, managing director of SCC EVENTS, presented the main features of the impressive concept. For more than nine months Jürgen Lock has been working on the draft with a highly competent committee of experts and summed it up: “Since the beginning of April, based on our concept and implementation analysis we are confident that the path we have chosen for our Restart Running is the right one. The concept is based on three elements — recovered, vaccinated, tested. The participants will have constant support through all the phases of the event so it will be easy and almost like a normal event.” The pneumologist and Medical Director of the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON, Dr. med. Matthias Krüll, who was also present, confirmed the high scientific standards of the hygiene concept and emphasized its enormous practicality.

The fact that viable hygiene concepts and clear framework conditions are a key to how large sporting events can be held safely and responsibly in times of a pandemic was also mentioned by the Senator for the Interior and Sport of Berlin, Andreas Geisel. For the senator, participation for runners on the basis of “tested, vaccinated or recovered” seems quite possible. Sports Senator Andreas Geisel: “The traditional running events bring together top-level and amateur athletes in our sports metropolis. With pilot projects, we gain know-how and create perspectives on how to conduct major sporting events safely and responsibly in times of a pandemic. We are taking the first steps back to normality. Things are looking good at the moment, but we see look into the future. Everything depends on the development of the infection statistics, including the question of whether spectators can be admitted.”

Dr. Florian Kainzinger, expert for hygiene concepts and test scenarios, referred to the great advantage of outdoor events in contrast to indoor events or seated concepts. Studies from the past weeks had shown that virus infection is an indoor problem. Physicist and aerosol researcher Dr. Gerhard Scheuch even went one step further and spoke of “open air instead of lockdowns” to further push the drop in incidences, because almost no infections occur outside closed rooms.

Marcel Altenburg (crowd management expert at Manchester Metropolitan University) is jointly responsible for the safe management of crowd flows at the world’s largest top sporting events. The academic, who was connected via livestream, was visibly impressed by the hygiene concept presented, expressed his excitement about collaborating at the upcoming running events as part of the pilot project and described his experiences of the last few months: “Since autumn 2020, we have been supporting events worldwide (more than 50 events) through the university – all events were successful and were assessed as safe in retrospect. This shows above all the enormous influence that organisers can have on the movement of people in a controlled environment. The system in Berlin will be set up so that individuals will always have enough space to feel comfortable and be able to comply with applicable recommendations. By moving forward, each runner is constantly creating space for the next runners. This has to be coordinated. The fact that cooperation with the local authorities is also indispensable in this regard was brought up again by Jürgen Lock.

The TV broadcasting rights for the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON remain with ARD/rbb.

Finally, Katrin Günther (Head of Contentbox Sport and Deputy Program Director of the rbb, Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg) conveyed the good news that the rights agency SportA and SCC EVENTS agreed to continue their cooperation for several years. This is another clear sign of the optimism surrounding the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON. The TV broadcasting rights for Germany’s biggest marathon will thus continue to be in the hands of ARD and rbb. ARD sports coordinator Axel Balkausky: “We are proving our stamina and are pleased to be able to continue our partnership since 2013 with the organisers of the Berlin Marathon, for at least two more years. We will continue to support this event, which always has top-class participants, on the great course in Berlin with competence, experience and passion. Our athletics fans can continue to expect a mix of international, national as well as regional flair in combination with top-class sport in the broadcasts on ARD and rbb television from the German capital”.

Christian Jost, in his function as Managing Director of SCC EVENTS, added: “The most beautiful thing about sport is the emotion. And you want to be part of the action, whether as an active athlete or a spectator. Unfortunately, you can’t always be there live. Therefore, it is all the more important for an organizer to have a reliable partner at his side who can transport the excitement through images with high journalistic quality. With SportA as the responsible sports rights agency of ARD and rbb, we have further secured this by extending a multi-year commitment.”

Hans-Peter Zurbruegg, Senior Vice President Personal & Corporate Fitness at Infront, said after SCC EVENTS authorized its long-term exclusive partner Infront Sports & Media AG to negotiate with SPORT A and to negotiate the present contract: “The BMW BERLIN-MARATHON is one of the top races in the world and has seen four world records on its track in the past ten years. We are pleased that the German fans will experience more memorable moments for the next two editions thanks to the extension of the media rights with SportA. This contract renewal builds on a trusting basis in challenging times and we look forward to continuing our successful cooperation."

Race news Lago Maggiore Half Marathon

Lago Maggiore honours disaster victims

Runners will wear special bib in remembrance of 14 killed in cable car accident

Mon, 07 Jun 2021 10:05:00 +0000

Just as the Covid situation had improved enough to stage the XIII Lago Maggiore Half Marathon and 10km scheduled for 19 June (www.LMHM.it), another disaster befell the small town of Stresa which hosts the start of the event.

On 23 May a cable car running from Stresa to the summit of the nearby mountain Mottarone crashed to the ground when a cable snapped about 100m from the summit. The cable car fell into the wooded slopes below, killing 14 people and seriously injuring one child.

In the Half Marathon on 19 June all participants will have a heart with the number 14 inside on their running bib. Race director Paolo Ottone said: “Together we will make our best efforts to get over Covid and also this tragedy. Sport is for sure one of the best ways to do so.”

Race news Royal Victoria Marathon

Victoria will have live half marathon and 8K

Live running event for Thanksgiving weekend – Marathon distance to return in 2022

Thu, 03 Jun 2021 08:58:00 +0000

The Victoria Marathon Society is excited to announce that there will be an in-person Half Marathon and 8K race on Sunday, 10 October.

Registration for these races will open on Tuesday, 8 June. Individuals who register for the full Royal Flush Virtual Series of five events will have the option of running the Half Marathon or 8K on 10 October at no additional charge.

“We are very excited to return to an in-person race and know that runners will be equally thrilled to get to a start line and experience the excitement that builds prior to the gun going off,” says Cathy Noel, GM & Race Director. “Participating in the Royal Flush Virtual Series during the summer and then the in-person race in October is a great way for us to get back to a sense of normality in our community. Many of our enthusiastic volunteers are returning and will be cheering everyone throughout the race.”

The Marathon distance will not be held this year but will return in 2022, assures Jonathan Foweraker, President of the Victoria Marathon Society.

“The Marathon has traditionally attracted participants not only from Victoria and Vancouver but across Canada and abroad. Not knowing exactly what travel will be like in the fall we would prefer to stage the 41st Royal Victoria Marathon in 2022, when we can truly celebrate a return to running,” he says. “This announcement is a great way to celebrate Global Running Day and I know lots of people will be excited to start training for their first in-person race for over 18 months.”

The CHEK Charity Pledge Program will be run for the 17th year. To date the program has raised over CAD 2 million (1.36 EUR) for local charities.

The event will be dependent upon the Public Health Orders in place at the time.

Running news Kobe Marathon

Kobe Marathon cancelled again

Second year with no event

By Brett Larner | Japan Running News

Wed, 02 Jun 2021 09:39:00 +0000

The organising committee of the Kobe Marathon have announced that this year’s 10th running on November 21 has been cancelled.

It is the second year in a row that Kobe has been cancelled. Organisers had planned to stage the race with a field of 20,000 participants but have decided to postpone the 10th edition one year to November, 2022.

Organisers cited the lack of a foreseeable end to the coronavirus pandemic and the resulting difficulty of securing adequate medical staff and volunteers.

Race news Prague International Marathon

Prague Marathon: Battle of the Teams

Comfortable win for Team Birell

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 10:03:00 +0000

Photo: Mikulas Krepelka

The inaugural edition of the ‘Battle of the Teams’ in Prague early on 30 May, started in glorious sunshine on the Charles Bridge.

Incorporated into the elite-only Prague Marathon, the competition produced fast racing, a team result in doubt till long after the individual winners had crossed the line and Tokyo Olympic qualifying times for two elite Czech women.

The Battle of the Teams involved four carefully balanced teams of eight athletes, but eventually there could be only one individual winner in the men’s and women’s races, and only one team could come out on top.

The Men’s race was won by Kenya’s Benson Kipruto with a surge over the final 5km. Earlier reluctance to push on didn’t result in fast times, but did provide a delicately balanced race with a result in doubt till the final stages.

In contrast Kenya’s Purity Rionoripo, after an already quick first half, applied pressure at the front of the women’s race at 25km, breaking loose and building an unassailable lead. As the last of the thirteen 3km laps unfolded, she pulled further and further clear, surging to the line in 2:20.14, with Ethiopia’s Guteni Shone taking second in 2:21.46.

Rionoripo’s win was the performance of the day, though her great run and points contribution to her Volkswagen team, could not stop rival Team Birell, from taking the team title. The scoring format, with six runners per team to count, saw times converted to points, but importantly ensured that the last finishers for each team, could change the team positions dramatically.

Eventually it was the two personal bests by team members, that ensured Team Birell’s comfortable winning margin, their squad’s times converting to 7,152 points, over Team Volkswagen’s 6,887. Team Mattoni were third with 6845, with Team Skupina CEZ on 6765.

Race news Košice Peace Marathon

Košice registration now open

Run in Slovakia in October

Fri, 21 May 2021 12:32:00 +0000

The oldest marathon in Europe will take place for the 98th time on Sunday, October 3, 2021.

If you want to be part of it, sign up now and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this running feast. Breathtaking history, enthusiastic spectators and a fast course make this marathon one of a kind.

The Košice Peace Marathon offers many other projects and activities throughout the year. One of them is the large charity event called VSE City Run.

This time we’re going to run for the Mental Health League. It provides irreplaceable services and therapy for those who need to seek help for their soul.

This year, VSE City Run will take place in virtual form. Thanks to the latest technologies, namely the iWatt mobile app, you will be able to participate in this event from anywhere in the world from June 6 until June 20, 2021.

All runners will collect kilometers to reach the common ambitious goal of 400,000 kilometres. Ten times around our planet. And if that goal is met, it will be turned into financial aid for the Mental Health League.

Race news Comrades Marathon

Former Comrades winners in 1921 tribute run

Centenary of race celebrated in Pietermaritzburg

Fri, 21 May 2021 08:52:00 +0000

5-time Comrades Marathon winner, Arthur Newton in the original running kit that has been recreated for participants in the 1921 Comrades Tribute Run

21 former Comrades Marathon winners will participate in the 1921 Comrades Marathon Tribute Run, a symbolic re-enactment of the 1921 Comrades Marathon which saw 34 starters take off from the Pietermaritzburg City Hall 100 years ago on 24 May 1921.

The 1921 Comrades Tribute Run will take place on Monday, 24 May 2021, exactly 100 years to the day, as part of the Comrades Centenary Celebrations, preceding an exciting line up of Centenary festivities on the day.

Covering a distance of 2.2km, the Tribute Run will finish at Comrades House and will include the participation of former Comrades Marathon Winners, Quadruple Green Number male runners and Triple Green Number female athletes.

The 34 runners are:

Men (25)

• Winner 1976 – 78 & 80: Alan Robb
• Winner 1981 – 88 & 90: Bruce Fordyce
• Winner 1991: Nick Bester
• Winner 1992: Jetman Msuthu
• Winner 1995: Shaun Meiklejohn
• Winner 2000/02/04: Vladimir Kotov
• Winner 2001: Andrew Kelehe
• Winner 2003: Fusi Nhlapo
• Winner 2005: Sipho Ngomane
• Winner 2012: Ludwick Mamabolo
• Winner 2013: Claude Moshiywa
• Winner 2015: Gift Kelehe
• Winner 2016: David Gatebe
• Winner 2019: Edward Mothibi

• 47 Medals: Barry Holland
• 47 Medals: Louis Massyn
• 42 Medals: Mike Cowling
• 42 Medals: Wietsche van der Westhuizen
• 42 Medals: Zwelitsha Gono
• 42 Medals: Dave Lowe
• 41 Medals: Tommy Neitski
• 41 Medals: Dave Williams
• 40 Medals: Johan van Eeden
• 40 Medals: Boysie van Staden
• 40 Medals: Shaun Wood

Women (9)

• Winner 1979: Jan Mallen
• Winner 1985 – 87: Helen Lucre
• Winner 1992: Francis van Blerk
• Winner 1993: Tilda Tearle
• Winner 1998: Rae Bisschoff
• Winner 2015: Caroline Cherry (Wostmann)
• Winner 2016: Charne Bosman

• 31 Medals: Pat Fisher
• 30 Medals: Kim Pain

These 34 participants will be set off by Msunduzi Mayor, Cllr Mzimkhulu Thebolla at 09h00 outside the Pietermaritzburg City Hall and will proceed down Chief Albert Luthuli Street which becomes Alan Paton Road and then turn left into Connaught Road, covering the 2.2km long route.

CMA Race Director, Rowyn James said, “This is a symbolic race and is being run in honour of the very first Comrades Marathon that was held on 24 May 1921. We expect this race to finish by 09h30 and will precede an exciting line-up of items on the celebrations programme to mark our Comrades Centenary.”

James adds, “Thanks to CMA sponsor, Mr Price Sport, our 34 athletes will be outfitted in running kits which take us back all the way to the 1920’s. It promises to be quite a show. It is also noteworthy that this will be the largest gathering of former Comrades Winners since 1983 when a reunion was held of all 25 living winners at that time.”

The 1921 Comrades Marathon Tribute Run will be overseen by Msunduzi Traffic Management Services and the Department of Transport (RTI).

The arrival of the 34 runners at Comrades House will herald the start of the formal Comrades Centenary Celebrations which will include the unveiling of a Centenary Monument, entertainment, formal addresses from dignitaries, less-formal speeches by special guests, more entertainment, and the cutting of a giant birthday cake.

The occasion’s activities will be live-streamed, and we invite Comrades runners and supporters in South Africa and around the world to follow the day’s proceedings from 09h00 – 15h00 on our website www.comrades.com, or on Facebook @ComradesMarathon.

Race news

Marine Corps Marathon to go ahead

Runners deferred from 2020 to get first chance

Thu, 20 May 2021 15:09:00 +0000

The Marine Corps Marathon Organisation (MCMO) has announced that the 2021 Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) Weekend will be held live and in-person on 29–31 October.

“Throughout my many years heading the MCM Organisation, we have faced various challenges and hurdled them all, often repeating the Marine Corps mantra to ‘adapt and overcome’.” said Rick Nealis. “The MCM’s mission is to highlight the high standards and organisational excellence of the United States Marine Corps and we are excited to showcase that as we plan to safely gather and celebrate the 46th MCM in person.”

To prioritise the health and safety of our running community, the MCMO is taking preventative measures and implementing safety guidelines in accordance with local jurisdictions, including reducing the size of the field and dividing runners into scaled, social-distanced start times beginning at 07.00. The MCMO will continue to review event operations and protocols in conjunction with Marine Corps leadership, local government and public health officials. Any procedural changes or updates will be announced.

The 2021 MCM Weekend includes the live 46th MCM, MCM50K and MCM10K on Sunday 31 October with all three events being offered as virtual options as well between 1 October and 11 November.

Runners currently registered for the virtual MCM Weekend events or those who deferred from the 2020 events will have the first opportunity to transition to the live version in October. Further instructions will be sent to the e-mail address provided by participants during registration. At this time, access to the virtual event is closed. General entries to the live event will be made available to the public on Wednesday 26 May.

Ambitious runners may also pursue the Trifecta, a unique opportunity to participate in and complete all three MCM Weekend distances through a combination of virtual or live MCM, MCM50K or MCM10K.

Race news Gold Coast Marathon

Gold Coast to be biggest mass event in Australia in 2021

Closed borders mean only locals can take part

Thu, 20 May 2021 13:24:00 +0000

The Village Roadshow Theme Parks Gold Coast Marathon will be the largest mass-participation event in Australia since COVID-19 decimated the event and festival industry across the nation more than 12 months ago.

Entries are continuing to roll in ahead of the 4 June closing date and with the international borders remaining firmly shut, entrants are distinctly Australian and are travelling from every state and territory in the country.

With the lure of an all-Aussie line-up on the podium this year the elite athlete participation is looking exceptional with qualifying opportunities for World Championships 2022 and Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games at stake.

Australians haven’t enjoyed a win in the Gold Coast Marathon since 2009 when Lauren Shelley took out the female 42.195km event and in 2006 when Lee Troop won the men’s event.

Tourism and Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe welcomed the return of the Gold Coast Marathon.
“We know big events like the Gold Coast Marathon are important for supporting local jobs and our economic recovery,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“The Gold Coast Marathon is shaping up as significant national event which is great news for accommodation providers and the Gold Coast’s many world-class holiday experiences.”

Events Management Queensland CEO, Cameron Hart said they were anticipating between 16 – 20,000 runners this year for an event that might look and feel a little different to previous years, but it would be a fitting celebration of the return of community and mass participation events.

“We have had to make some changes to accommodate the implementation of a COVID-safe plan however, I think people understand the need for some precautions in the best interest of everyone’s health and wellbeing.

“One of the biggest changes has been moving the ASICS half marathon from Sunday morning to Saturday morning. This means the number of people in the precinct and on the course is considerably less with the Village Roadshow Theme Parks Marathon still kicking off on the Sunday morning, but a little earlier than in previous years.

“I am delighted that we have already attracted some of Australia’s greatest marathon and wheelchair marathon and half marathon athletes. With their sights on wearing the green and gold in 2022, we are set for some very serious racing.”

Destination Gold Coast and Events Management Queensland Chairman, Paul Donovan said whilst they would certainly miss the international competitors at this year’s event the fact that Australians had really embraced the opportunity to compete again would make it a spectacular experience that will revitalise the event industry.

To accommodate the mailing of all participant race kits and cater for changes in supply chains entries for the Village Roadshow Theme Parks Gold Coast Marathon and associated races will close at 11:59pm on Friday 4 June 2021.

Race news Galaxy Vladivostok Marathon

Vladivostok on the up

Fifth event in the city where east and west meet

Tue, 18 May 2021 10:32:00 +0000

Until the beginning of the 1990s Vladivostok, with 600,000 inhabitants, was still a restricted military area.

This, the Galaxy Vladivostok Marathon is AIMS-certified and also offers a “half”, a 10- and 5-kilometre route as well as a family and children’s run over 1km. It will take place for the fifth time on 25 September 2021 after paying tribute to the corona pandemic in the previous year. The “inventor” of the easternmost Russian running event was the former Vice President of the Siberian Primorske region, Konstantin Bogdanenko.

During a visit to Europe he took part in the Trieste marathon and was enthusiastic about the flair and the organisation. When he returned, he said: “We can do that too!” Together with committed colleagues like Olga Gaeva and Polina Kupchick, they developed the first international marathon event in Vladivostok in 2017. There were 800 participants at the beginning, with the fourth edition receiving more than 4000 entries from 25 countries, mainly from Asia.

The attraction is the bridges. Running or walking over them is only possible on the day of the Vladivostok Marathon, otherwise these are strictly reserved for motorised traffic. Of course, many locals don’t miss this either. The “Russki” bridge, which leads to Russki Island, is the starting point for 42.195km and 21.097km. The “Solotoi”, the Russian “Golden Bridge”, is bridge no. 2, from which the runners have a unique view of the huge port city.

The running movement has developed enormously in the East Siberian area in recent years , not least because of the marathon attraction. Races have become commonplace every week, and thousands have decided to go jogging and walking. Even in winter there is running: 1000 and more take part in the traditional Vladivostok Arctic Marathon.

We’re celebrating a small anniversary this September,” happily Olga Gaeva and Polina Kupchik , both involved in the organisation team. Olga was even appointed race director, while Polina is responsible for public relations and international contacts.

They think it is important to encourage regular running and thus a healthy lifestyle for the Siberians before and after the “marathon of bridges” . “We also focus on families,” says Polina. We have family and children’s races, 1 kilometer for ‘little heroes’. "

The marathon event offers still water, bananas and dates every 5 km . Anyone who gives up will be picked up in a special car. A special transfer brings all participants to the respective starting point. Changing and storing personal clothes are organised. Everyone receives a special t-shirt and a finisher medal. There are freebies and a “beginners package” with surprises. The day after the marathon sponsored by Samsung Galaxy, the traditional Siberian Tiger Day will be celebrated in the historic centre of Vladivostok.

The Vladivostok Marathon, still almost unknown to us, is developing into a Far Eastern attraction. It will soon be followed by a tiger marathon, says the inventor of the bridge marathon, Konstantin Bogdanenko. North of Vladivostok, where the taiga (sub-arctic forest) begins.

Anyone interested in one of the vacant spots on a runner’s trip to Irkutsk, Lake Baikal, Trans-Siberian Railway, Vladivostok Marathon and three-day taiga tour can contact: Christel Schemel via christel.schemel@gmail.com .

Date changes International Thessaloniki Night Half Marathon, 10K & 5K

Race date for International Thessaloniki Night Half Marathon, 10K & 5K (GRE) changed

Int’l Thessaloniki Night Half Marathon date change

Mon, 17 May 2021 09:56:21 +0000

The International Thessaloniki Night Half Marathon, 10K & 5K (GRE) will take place on Sun 17 October 2021, not Sat 16 October 2021 as previously published.

Race news Milano Marathon

New world-leading times in Milan Marathon

Ekiru runs 2:02:57, Gebremaryam 2:03:55

Mon, 17 May 2021 08:39:00 +0000

(Archive photo).
Photo: Generali Milano Marathon - LaPresse / Marco Alpozzi

Titus Ekiru won the Milan Marathon in 2:02:57 to become the fifth fastest marathon runner of all time in Milan.

The 29-year-old, who is not nominated for the Olympic Games, clearly undercut the last year’s best time of world record holder and Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge who ran 2:04:30 in Enschede. In positions two and three, the Kenyans Reuben Kipyego and Barnabas Kiptum also ran world-class times with 2:03:55 and 2:04:17 respectively.

There was also a new world-leading time for women. Ethiopia’s Hiwot Gebremaryam won 2:19:35 ahead of Racheal Mutgaa (Kenya / 2:22:50) and Eunice Chumba (Bahrain / 2: 23:10).

Date changes

Race date for PKO Bialystok Halfmarathon (POL) changed

PKO Bialystok Halfmarathon date change

Fri, 14 May 2021 13:59:00 +0000

The PKO Bialystok Halfmarathon (POL) has been rescheduled again.

It will take place on Sat 19 June 2021, earlier than the September date previously announced. The event had originally been planned for May 2021 but was postponed until later in the year.

Running news Vienna City Marathon

‘Vienna Calling’ Half Marathon on 16 May

Test event to trial anti-covid measures

By Andreas Meier | Vienna City Marathon

Thu, 13 May 2021 14:04:00 +0000

Vienna City Marathon 2019 with Peter Herzog (M-27) - Start on the Reichsbrücke
Photo: Leo Hagen/VCM

The Vienna Marathon team is organizing the “Vienna Calling 21K” half marathon in Vienna on Sunday, 16 May starting at 08.00.

This officially approved run is a VCM test event for the implementation of Covid-19 prevention strategies.

The race starts on the Reichsbrücke, and finishes in the Prater. The race incorporates the Vienna Championships and takes place in accordance with Section 15 of the Covid-19 Protective Measures Ordinance.

Almost 200 participants are registered, which is the legal upper limit. Austria’s marathon record holder Peter Herzog, already qualified for the Olympic Games, will use the race as training under competitive conditions and run sections at a marathon tempo after recovering from a torn muscle.

“This is important for the running scene as a whole,” said Herzog. “For me, too, it’s about picking up speed again.” The women’s favourite is half marathon national champion Julia Mayer.

“For our big goal of running the Vienna City Marathon on 12 September, we need smaller events in advance to test and practice processes,” said race organiser Wolfgang Konrad. “We also want to give the runners motivation and an impetus for training.”

Exactly four months before the date (12 September) over 20,000 runners have already registered for the marathon, half marathon and relay marathon.

At the Vienna Calling 21K Half Marathon on 16 May everyone involved must upload a valid antigen or PCR test in advance. Self-tests are not recognized. A digital “Safe Guest Management Tool” is used as a pilot project to record the test evidence. The starting process takes place according to the “Keep in Flow” principle.

Access to the start and finish area is only possible for the people involved in the event. In the event area, FFP2 masks are compulsory. The run itself is without masks.

The route “in the footsteps of Eliud Kipchoge” is suited for fast times. After starting on the Reichsbrücke, the course leads into Lassallestrasse, Praterstern and the Hauptallee. There are two laps of the full length of the Hauptallee, between Praterstern and Lusthaus, each with two turns. The finish line is on Hauptallee at the stadium.

In the starting phase from 07.00 to 08.15 the Reichsbrücke carriageway leading out of town will be closed. From 08.15 all traffic measures will end and the event will then take place exclusively on the Prater Hauptallee, a closed road.

Race news Great Ethiopian Run 10km

Dagmawit Amare takes over at Great Ethiopian Run

Haile calls new General Manager “humble but very smart”

Wed, 12 May 2021 09:41:00 +0000

Dagmawit Amare has been appointed as the new General Manager of Great Ethiopian Run, taking over from Ermias Ayele who has been the GM for the past 11 years. Dagmawit becomes the third GM in the company’s 20-year history and the first female to lead the company.

Speaking about her appointment, Haile Gebrselassie, Patron of the Great Ethiopian Run, said: “This is a great opportunity for Dagi to lead the company. She is a very humble person, but she is also very smart. She has a wonderful gift of empowering others to do their work well. We are lucky to have her to lead us in the next phase of our work.”

Having started to work for the company 17 years ago, Dagmawit is also Great Ethiopian Run’s longest-serving employee. Over many years she has masterminded the company’s work of mobilising large numbers of participants to register for their races. As a passionate lover of Ethiopian music, she has also been instrumental in bringing live music bands to the events and two years ago worked with an Ethiopian dance group to introduce a unique dance routine as part of the participant warm-up for the international 10km.

Former General Manager Richard Nerurkar recalls how Dagmawit has also been passionate about making a success of the annual women’s run: “From her earliest years she was totally committed to seeing this race grow into what it has now become. She loves creating enjoyment for our participants. Another example of this is our annual Pasta Party which nowadays has the feel of a special Gala Dinner. But what I value most about Dagi is the way she takes care of others. For the past 17 years she has been the glue which has kept us together as a happy and successful team.”.

The same point is made by Dagim Teshome who as Operations Director has worked closely with Dagi for the past 14 years. “With Dagi, nothing she does is about herself. It’s about our races and our team. It’s about us as an organisation and about us doing something for Ethiopia.” Ruth Duncan, who has worked as part of the Event Hospitality Team for the past 17 years, said: “Dagi is the perfect person to take over the driving seat at Great Ethiopian Run. Her friendly professionalism and passion for sharing Ethiopia’s running culture have been central to the way in which our races have sent out so many positive messages about Ethiopia and its welcome to the outside world.”

Dagmawit’s popularity outside the office has also been evident in tributes made by those who know her both as a person and as an event professional. Chachi Tadesse, one of Ethiopia’s well-known singers who regularly attends races organised by Great Ethiopian Run, commented: “Dagi is a wonderful person to be around – always positive, totally committed and incredibly humble. I’m excited to see how she will lead the organisation and the new ideas she will bring to her work.” Hannah Gebreselassie, an Ethiopian sports journalist, was equally upbeat when she heard about the appointment. “I was over the moon when I heard this news. Dagi will have her own special style of leadership and will want to help others do their work well.”

Date changes Jungfrau-Marathon

Race date for Jungfrau-Marathon (SUI) changed

Jungfrau-Marathon date change

Fri, 07 May 2021 11:38:09 +0000

The Jungfrau-Marathon (SUI) will take place on Sat 11 September 2021, not Fri 10 September 2021 as previously published.

Date changes Greifenseelauf Uster

Race date for Greifenseelauf Uster (SUI) changed

Greifenseelauf Uster date change

Fri, 07 May 2021 11:03:00 +0000

The Greifenseelauf Uster (SUI) will take place from Wed 15 September 2021—Sat 18 September 2021, not just on Sat 18 September 2021 as previously published.

Race news Generali Genève Marathon

New fastest Marathon times on Swiss soil

Dechasa runs 2:06:59, Chepkomoi 2:24:19

Wed, 05 May 2021 10:07:00 +0000

Shumi Dechasa wins the Harmony Genève Marathon for Unicef 2021
Photo: Benjamin Becker
© Benjamin Becker

The world’s running elite delivered a series of exceptional performances this Sunday in Geneva at the Harmony Geneva Marathon for Unicef.

Shumi Dechasa (BRN) set the all-time fastest time for the Marathon distance in Switzerland and the new race record in 2:06:59. Maureen Chepkemoi (KEN) set the women’s all-time fastest time for the Marathon distance in Switzerland and the new race record in 2:24:19.

Henry Wanyoike, the triple Paralympic champion in the 5,000m and 10,000m and World Record Holder in the blind marathon, qualifies for the Paralympic Games in Tokyo.

In light of the ever evolving pandemic situation in the world, the Harmony Geneva Marathon for Unicef organising committee is proud to have hosted the 16th edition of the race. Offering elite athletes the chance to compete – and achieve their goals – in a secure environment.

It wasn’t until last Thursday that the organisers revealed the exceptional elite line-up for this unprecedented 16th edition. The global running community were able to follow a livestream online, whilst the fight for victory took place behind closed doors.

Toeing the start line at 7am under the watchful eye of Geneva’s Jet d’Eau, both the elite men and women rose to the occasion, setting new fastest times on Swiss soil on a flat course on the shores of the lake. Triple Paralympic champion Henry Wanyoike and his guide rounded off an incredible morning of racing by confirming their qualification for the Tokyo games.

The men’s race was won by the Bahraini runner Shumi Dechasa – who set the new fastest time on Swiss soil (and broke the event record by nearly three minutes in the process), crossing the line in a lightning fast 2:06:59.

In the women’s field, the performances were just as impressive with Kenyan Maureen Chepkemoi also setting the fastest time on Swiss soil in 2:24:19. In doing so, she also set a new women’s record for the Harmony Geneva Marathon for Unicef. (the previous record was 2:29:11).

Led by the pace setters at a speed of 20km/h for the first 30 kilometres, the frontrunners ran together for most of the race. Gradually, the runners dropped off the back of the group one after the other leaving just four runners to fight for the victory. It all came down to the last lap when Barheini, Shumi Dechasa ran off the front to take the win. He had already competed in Geneva in 2019, finishing in second place. In addition to breaking records with a memorable time of 2h06’59, he also took his first victory in Switzerland. Second over the line was the, Kenyan, Kennedy Cheboror in 2:07:42, then the Ethiopian Fikire Workneh rounded out the podium with a time of 2:07:58.

On the women’s side, the race was also very tight, notably between the two Kenyans Maureen Chepkemoi (2:24:19), Lucy Karimi (2:24:24) and the Ethiopian Tigist Memuye (2:24:23). They ran together from the start to the finish, with the result only decided in the final straight. The youngest of the three, Maureen Chepkemoi (KEN) won a memorable sprint to the line.

Henry Wanyoike (KEN), triple Paralympic Champion in Sydney and Athens and World Record Holder in the blind marathon with a time of 2 hours 31 minutes 31 seconds, has achieved a tremendous feat at the age of 46 by securing his selection for the Tokyo Paralympic Games. "I am very happy to be able to participate for the first time in the Harmony Geneva Marathon for Unicef, which is very important to me, as an ambassador for Light for the World and thus qualify for the Paralympic Games in Tokyo. Especially in this time of pandemic, an event like this sends out strong positive signals and represents hope and optimism.”

Benjamin Chandelier, Event Director said: “Despite this particular context, an historic edition for professional athletes has just taken place and we will remember it with a smile. The elite race will now give way to the open races over the rest of the month and I wish all the participants good luck. On behalf of the entire organisation, I congratulate each runner for their performance and all the running enthusiasts who followed the athle.ch livestream sponsored by our partner Generali. This event could not take place without the commitment of our volunteers. I would also like to thank the authorities and the administration of the Canton and the City of Geneva for their unfailing support as well as our loyal partners for their support.”

Beyond the elite race, the Harmony Geneva Marathon for Unicef has opened its popularchallenge with an adapted version which is open to all until Sunday 30th May.Participants start from the Jardin Anglais, individually, to take one of the six challenges: Marathon, Half-Marathon, 10km Run, 10km Walking, 10km Nordic Walking and 5km La Genevoise #LikeAGirl by Always, which this year is also open to men. All challenges are open to wheelchair athletes. Each individual challenge can be run on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in May, at the times set by the organisation and in compliance with the health regulations in force on the day of the event.

Date changes Milton Keynes Marathon & Half Marathon

Race date for Milton Keynes Marathon & Half Marathon (GBR) changed

Milton Keynes Marathon & Half date change

Tue, 04 May 2021 13:38:48 +0000

The Milton Keynes Marathon & Half Marathon (GBR) will be Sat 26 June 2021—Sun 27 June 2021, not Sat 1 May 2021—Mon 3 May 2021 as previously published.

Running news Milano Marathon

Last chance for Olympic qualification

Elite time trial for Olympic contenders

By Helmut Winter | German Road Races

Fri, 30 Apr 2021 14:34:00 +0000

The Generali Milan Marathon will offer a select group of up to 120 elite runners a last-gasp opportunity to meet the Olympic Marathon qualifying standard on 16 May – less than 3 months before the Olympic Marathons will be staged.

The time to beat is 2:11:30 on a fast course in downtown Milan consisting of an introductory lap of 4695m and 5 laps of 7500m.

In contrast to the recent races on the airfields of Siena and Twente-Enschede, this time it will again be on a course through a city centre.

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

Houston opens registration for 2022

Guaranteed registration block opens on May 1

Fri, 30 Apr 2021 11:27:00 +0000

The Houston Marathon Committee (HMC) will open its first window of registration – Guaranteed Registration – for the 2022 Houston Marathon Weekend of Events this Saturday, May 1, with Open Registration available to all runners on June 2, 2021.

The in-person race for the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Chevron Houston Marathon and the 21st annual Aramco Houston Half Marathon will take place Sunday, Jan. 16, 2022, with the We Are Houston 5K presented by Aramco and Chevron on Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022.

“We are grateful for the continued support from our running community throughout the past year and look forward to safely welcoming back our runners to the road in Houston,” said Wade Morehead, Executive Director of the Houston Marathon Committee. “Through thoughtful planning alongside our city partners, we are confident that 2022 will be an event year that successfully celebrates the history and camaraderie of our runners, volunteers, race partners, and spectators – all who have made this event possible for the past 49 years.”

Race news Košice Peace Marathon

Unity of generations

Young and old run together in Slovakia

Thu, 29 Apr 2021 10:49:00 +0000

Anyone who looks closely at today’s calendar will find that April 29 bears the adjective “European Day of Solidarity between Generations.”

Well, to be honest, we would hardly find a better example of such fellowship in people’s leisure activities as a marathon, or running events in general. It is almost the only sports discipline in which all generations of athletes will meet at the same starting line. And there is much more to it. They compete in a fair play manner, encourage and advice each other, and selflessly hand over a glass of water.

There is no more astonishing view than the one on the finish line, which, with a big smile as a manifestation of inner satisfaction, is being passed by the young, those in their prime and even those whose wisdom and balance are apparent even without their silvered hair.

Family cohesion and generation unity has been tested the hard way in recent months. But they sticked together the same way they will stick together again, facing the challenge of overcoming a marathon. All over the world. And on October 3, definitely in Košice as well.

Race news Copenhagen Marathon

Copenhagen Marathon cancelled

Guidelines unavailable

Thu, 29 Apr 2021 09:59:00 +0000

The Copenhagen Marathon due to take place on 16 May 2021 has been cancelled.

Organisers said: “We unfortunately see no other option than cancelling this years version of the Copenhagen Marathon. The reason is that we are still awaiting the official guidelines for mass participation events, and we are getting so close that we are running out of time in regards to be able to organize and complete productions for the race.”

Race news Volksbank-Münster-Marathon

Münster Marathon invites firms to “run into spring”

Final decision on go-ahead for September event to come in June

Wed, 21 Apr 2021 14:03:00 +0000

“We want to get the Münster area moving,” says the organising team of the Volksbank-Münster-Marathons, which is planned to take place on 12th September.

With the slogan “Run into May” the marathon organisation also offers a time-limited competition, just for fun or as preparation or motivation for participation in September.

“Run into May” is intended as a warm-up for the running season. Companies encourage their staff to walk or jog as far as possible between 3rd and 30th of May 2021 – and they can see how they measure up against other firms.

Münster-Marathon e.V. will evaluate the performance and report on its homepage as well as Facebook und Instagram week by week on each firm’s progress. Kilometres will be counted for each sporting activity, e.g. a distance run or a walking event.

The best three companies will be awarded prizes, grouped by company size.
The number of companies is limited to a maximum of 15 per category. Places are assigned in order of registration. A small registration fee dependent on th size of the company is invoiced to cover costs.

After the latest meeting of the organisation team at the start of the week, the organisers repeated their intention to carry on planning this year’s marathon. All plans are in full swing. The deadline for a final decision on cancellation or confirmation is 30th June.

Date changes Sarmang Dehradun Marathon

Race date for Sarmang Dehradun Marathon (IND) changed

Sarmang Dehradun Marathon date change

Wed, 21 Apr 2021 13:51:15 +0000

The Sarmang Dehradun Marathon (IND) will take place on Sun 3 October 2021, not Sun 5 September 2021 as previously published.

Race news Comrades Marathon

Provincial entry statistics in Comrades Centenary Hope Challenge

Most registrations from Gauteng

Thu, 15 Apr 2021 15:30:00 +0000

With nearly 2500 entries taken up for the Comrades Centenary Hope Challenge virtual race on 13 June, the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) has issued the provincial entry statistics.

The lion’s share of entries hail from Gauteng, followed by KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape.

The #ComradesCentenaryHopeChallenge follows the hosting of the CMA’s inaugural virtual event #RaceTheComradesLegends last year which saw 43,778 entrants from 102 nations participating in one of the world’s biggest and most successful virtual races.

On Sunday, 13 June 2021, runners, running club members and their families will once again be able to join in the celebratory spirit of The Ultimate Human Race by participating in the Comrades Centenary Hope Challenge from any time between 00:01am and 23:59pm on the actual challenge date, within their local time zone globally.

The Comrades Centenary Hope Challenge will comprise 5 distances, being a 5km, 10km, 21.1km, 45km and 90km which will all be run virtually, meaning that athletes get to run their own race, along their select route anywhere in the world.

All that participants need to do is go to the official Comrades Marathon website; register for the Comrades Centenary Hope Challenge; select their distance; support their Comrades Marathon Official Charity if they so wish and make payment.

For more information on the Comrades Centenary Hope Challenge and to enter, please click through to www.comrades.com

The campaign slogan for the Comrades Centenary Hope Challenge is ‘Ithemba – Hope Is’, which aims to contextualise each runner’s hopes, what the feeling means to them and to further inspire other athletes to dig deep and discover their own hopes and dreams for a better future and the new normal in a world ravaged by Covid-19.

Date changes

Race date for Kharkiv Nova Poshta Liberty Marathon (UKR) changed

Kharkiv Nova Poshta Liberty Marathon date change

Thu, 15 Apr 2021 10:58:43 +0000

The Kharkiv Nova Poshta Liberty Marathon (UKR) will take place on Sun 29 August 2021, not Sun 24 October 2021 as previously published.

Race news Comrades Marathon

2000 entries in for Comrades Centenary Hope Challenge

Virtual event celebrates 100 years of Comrades Marathon

Thu, 08 Apr 2021 09:28:00 +0000

Nearly 2000 participants have signed up for the Comrades Marathon Association’s (CMA) virtual event, the Comrades Centenary Hope Challenge, since being launched two weeks ago.

With two consecutive editions of the traditional Comrades Marathon having been cancelled, owing to Covid-19, runners the world over will have the opportunity of joining in the celebratory spirit of the Comrades Marathon Centenary via its 2nd virtual event in the race’s 100-year long history.

Come Sunday, 13 June 2021, runners and their families will be able to participate from any time between 00:01am and 23:59pm on the actual challenge date, within their local time zone globally.

The Comrades Centenary Hope Challenge will comprise 5 distances, being a 5km, 10km, 21.1km, 45km and 90km which will all be run virtually, meaning that athletes get to run their own race, along their select route anywhere in the world.

For more information on the Comrades Centenary Hope Challenge and to enter, please click through to www.comrades.com

The campaign slogan for the Comrades Centenary Hope Challenge is ‘Ithemba – Hope Is’, which aims to contextualise each runner’s hopes, what the feeling means to them and to further inspire other athletes to dig deep and discover their own hopes and dreams for a better future and the new normal in a world ravaged by Covid-19.

Running news Türkiye İş Bankası İstanbul Half Marathon

New women’s half marathon world record

Chepngetich runs 1:04:02 in Istanbul

Tue, 06 Apr 2021 09:33:00 +0000

Ruth Chepngetich won the N Kolay Istanbul Half Marathon on 4 April in a new world record time of 1:04:02.

It was her third win in this race, after victories in 2017 and 2019, as she finished 200m ahead of Ethiopia’s Yalemzerf Yehualaw. Hellen Obiri came in third with 1:04:51 – the fastest ever debut at the distance – making it the first time three women have run under 65 minutes in the same race.

Eight women passed 5km in 15:07 and five went through 10km in 30:21. Marathon WR holder Brigid Kosgei then started to tail off followed by her compatriot Joan Melly. The lead trio passed 15km in 45:29 but, approaching 18km, Chepngetich moved ahead of Yehualaw to pass 20km already 22 seconds clear. The first seven finishers all surpassed the 2021 world-leading time.

World record-holder Kibiwott Kandie won the men’s race in a course record of 59:35 after Benard Ngeno led for much of the race but faded to seventh at the finish.

AIMS news Prague International Marathon

Volkswagen Prague Marathon set for 10 October

Race moves to autumn, bonus virtual event in May

Thu, 01 Apr 2021 14:45:00 +0000

Throughout the pandemic and against all odds RunCzech has found dozens of creative ways to stage safe, small running events, along with other ways of keeping the running community engaged. But finding an opportunity to stage its signature event—the internationally acclaimed Volkswagen Prague Marathon—has eluded them until now.

Health and public officials feel that moving the race to the autumn will make it possible for RunCzech to safely host a large-scale event, and accommodate the thousands of fans and volunteers who will come out to support the participants on 10 October.

Starting numbers will be in high demand. The capacity of the event will be determined with health and government officials with the priority being runners‘ safety and health. Runners who registered in 2020 will have the option of transferring their registration to 2022.

RunCzech will also stage a bonus event, the Volkswagen Prague Virtual Marathon from 3–31 May, limited to 10,000 participants. Priority will be given to those who entered the Volkswagen Prague Marathon 2020.

Race news Nagoya Women’s Marathon

Nagoya: 4704 runners and no covid cases

Organisers implemented a range of measures to prevent the spread and transmission of Covid-19 – two weeks after the event there are no reports of infection or suspected cases

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 15:49:00 +0000

The Nagoya Women’s Marathon 2021, the largest women’s marathon in the world, was held on Sunday, 14 March 2021 – the first mass participation road race to be held in Japan since the Covid-19 pandemic started.

From top elite athletes to general runners, a total of 4,704 women runners participated in the race and experience the joy of running on the city streets of Nagoya.

To prevent the spread and transmission of Covid-19, various measures were taken at all event sites throughout the event period. We established the Covid-19 Control Office with medical professionals, local governments of the City of Nagoya and Prefecture of Aichi, and the Japan Association of Athletics Federations (JAAF) within the Marathon Organizing Committee, and formulated and implemented an infection control plan in accordance with the JAAF’s Guidance on Resumption of Road Racing and advice from medical experts and local government officials. We would like to share some of the key measures as below.

At Race Entry

- The field was reduced from 22,000 to 11,000 (domestic residents only) at the time of race entry
- An option was given to all registered participants to switch from in-person racing to virtual racing after a state of emergency was declared by the Japanese government in Aichi Prefecture in January 2021.
- The state of emergency was lifted on February 28, 2021, and the Nagoya Women’s Marathon 2021 was held with the 5,000 participants who chose to run the in-person race.
- Runners residing outside Japan were accepted only for the virtual race due to international travel restrictions.

Protocols for All

- Wear masks at all times (except for runners during competition)
- Sanitize hands frequently (on arrival, after finish, before and after using the toilet, etc.)
- Check temperature at home and on arrival (Anyone with a fever of 37.5 degrees Celsius or higher are refused participation)
- Monitor, record and submit health condition and body temperature (via a web form) for 7 days prior to race day
- Monitor and report any poor health condition or positive Covid case for 14 days after race day

At Competition

- Runners must wear masks before start
- Social distancing at the starting blocks (> 1m between runners)
- Gradual start by each starting block
- Covered water at water stations to prevent droplets
- Individually packaged food at refreshment stations and hand sanitization before taking them
- Hand sanitization and face masks distributed after finish
- Social distancing at the dressing area and limited use to 15 minutes.

For Volunteers

- All volunteers were provided with face masks, face shields, and portable alcohol disinfectant, as well as additional equipment (e.g., globes) depending where they were assigned.

At the Marathon Expo

- Booth setting, flow design, and entry restriction to avoid the ‘Three Cs’: high risk situation of COVID-19 transmission defined by Prime Minister’s Office of Japan and Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare: Crowded places with poor ventilation, Close-contact settings and Confined spaces.

All visitors were required to provide their name, address and contact information via an admission form at the entrance (for contact tracing purposes)

Crisis Management

- Establishment of a crisis management plan for potential scenarios
- A private emergency vehicle was stationed for transport of suspected Covid-19 patients

Course Management

- Public announcements made on TV and in newspapers to discourage cheering and spectating along the roadside

It has been more than two weeks since race day, but thankfully we have not received any report of infection or suspected case as of 29 March. This year’s race was an extremely challenging event to prepare, coordinate and realise. We have deepest and most sincere gratitude for runners who participated and volunteers, sponsors and all the concerned personnel for their support. We wish good health to all and the earliest possible end to the pandemic.

Race news Fukuoka International Marathon

Fukuoka Marathon will be final edition

Discontinued after 75 years

By Brett Larner | Japan Running News

Mon, 29 Mar 2021 10:15:00 +0000

The 2021 Fukuoka International Marathon will be the race’s 75th and final edition. The men-only race has been known since the 1960s as one of the fastest courses in the world.

The Japanese Federation (JAAF), which takes charge of the event, cited a loss of sponsors and the high cost of producing the television broadcast as factors contributing to the discontinuation of the race. The JAAF plans to make an official announcement soon.

Translator’s note: Following the end of the Lake Biwa Mainichi Marathon last month Fukuoka International is the last of the purely elite-only men’s marathons left in Japan. Lake Biwa will be incorporated in name into the Osaka Marathon starting next year, like the Tokyo International Marathon was incorporated into the current Tokyo Marathon in 2007. The Beppu-Oita Mainichi Marathon remains but opened up to mass-participation runners and women years ago.

On the women’s side the Nagoya International Women’s Marathon likewise opened up to mass-participation runners years ago, rebranding itself as the Nagoya Women’s Marathon. The Tokyo International Women’s Marathon was pushed out by the Tokyo Marathon, relocating to Yokohama before being pushed out again by the mass-participation Yokohama Marathon and relocating to Saitama before being discontinued last year.

Fukuoka’s passage means that January’s Osaka International Women’s Marathon will be the last-remaining race in Japan’s once-proud circuit of elite-only races. With the Osaka Marathon moving to the end of February next year, four weeks after Osaka International’s traditional date, it’s hard not to see the writing on the wall.

This article was revised after first publication.

Race news

Marine Corps Marathon seeks influencers

‘Four Star Diplomat’ programme launched

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 11:41:00 +0000

The Marine Corps Marathon Organization (MCMO) has launched the Four Star Diplomat program under which applications to participate as a social media influencer will be accepted.

Diplomats must be enthusiastic about running, proud to participate in MCMO events and identify with the Organization’s mission to promote physical fitness, community goodwill and showcase the organizational skills of the Marine Corps.

The MCMO will collaborate with a select team of runners to be designated as “Four Star Diplomats” to promote a healthy and active lifestyle through fun, authentic and inspiring social media content that shines the spotlight on MCMO events and the Diplomat’s personal passion for running.

To be considered for this volunteer role, MCMO Diplomats must be over 18 and able to commit to the program from 1 April – 31 December 2021.

Applications will be accepted through 31 March 2021 at www.marinemarathon.com.

Diplomats will receive exclusive access programming, special swag and more.

The MCMO thrives on its diverse and inclusive community of participants. Diplomat Influencers are not required to have any military background or affiliation or any particular running accolades. The program will include runners selected from the applicant pool boasting different running journeys, experiences and complementary set of skills such as: content creation (photography/videography), community outreach, social following, road race participation, etc.

Race news Türkiye İş Bankası İstanbul Half Marathon

Istanbul Half Marathon goes ahead as scheduled

Kandie, Kamworor, Kosgei and Yehualaw will run

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 11:32:00 +0000

The 16th N Kolay Istanbul Half Marathon will take place as scheduled on 4 April 2021 with numbers limited to 4000 runners.

A strong field of elite athletes including Kibiwott Kandie, Geoffrey Kamworor, Brigid Kosgei and Yalemzerf Yehualaw are confirmed to run the race.

Corresponding virtual races are being staged. On 27–28 March Turkey’s highest participation virtual event will take place offering distances of half marathon 5km, 10km and 15km.

On 8 November last year, while most marathons were cancelled or only for a small group of elite athletes, the 42nd edition of the N Kolay Istanbul Marathon went ahead with a completely different start and finish area and on a course radically changed to meet the threat of the pandemic. 4000 runners took part in that race.

Date changes Moscow Marathon

Race date for Moscow Marathon (RUS) changed

Moscow Marathon date change

Wed, 24 Mar 2021 11:51:52 +0000

The Moscow Marathon (RUS) will take place on Sun 26 September 2021, not Sun 19 September 2021 as previously published.

Race news Tokyo Marathon

Tokyo Marathon limits size of field for October

Capped at 25,000 participants

By Brett Larner | Japan Running News

Mon, 22 Mar 2021 10:54:00 +0000

The organisers of the Tokyo Marathon held a special board meeting 19 March to discuss plans for staging this year’s race on 17 October.

As a measure to combat the spread of the coronavirus, the decision was made to reduce the field size from 38,000 to 25,000 participants. The race’s slogan will be “The Day When Tokyo Once Again Becomes One.” Entries will be open March 22 to 31.

Rough guidelines were also established for the process by which the final decision on whether the race can go ahead will be made. If a state of emergency is declared within a month prior to the marathon, it will be cancelled at that time. “Holding a safe and secure event is our number one priority,” commented an official. International entries will be accepted.

Because the 2020 edition of the race was held with only elite athletes, mass-participation runners were given the option of transferring their entries to either the 2021 or 2022 editions. Roughly 7000 people opted to run 2021, meaning about 18,000 further entries will be accepted. Part of the course will be changed, and there will also be an uncertified 10.7km run.

This year’s Tokyo Marathon was originally scheduled for 7 March, but amid the ongoing coronavirus crisis organisers decided last October to postpone it, prioritising holding it close to its usual capacity over holding it on-schedule with a drastically reduced field again. Because Tokyo was rescheduled for October when elite marathons are scheduled to take place around the world and Japanese athletes are in the middle of ekiden season, it is expected that there will be problems with attracting elite athletes from abroad and within Japan. Race director Tadaki Hayano commented, “With the Paris Olympics on the horizon I hope that young athletes and newcomers will come into sight.” With Kengo Suzuki having set a new men’s national record at the Lake Biwa Marathon last month at age 25, hopes are high for a race where the next generation will shine.

Race news Athens Half Marathon

Athens Half to be staged in May

Later than traditional March date

Tue, 16 Mar 2021 12:38:00 +0000

SEGAS (the Hellenic Athletics Federation) and the City of Athens have announced that the 2021 Athens Half Marathon event will be staged on 23 May.

This decision regarding the staging of the Athens Half Marathon event in late May, and not during the third weekend of March as usual, was taken after detailed study of all sanitary parameters and factors that are changing daily, taking into account already announced competition timings for 2021, and with priority to public health and the health of the event’s participants.

In case the conditions related to the covid-19 pandemic in Greece do not allow, even then, the staging of the 2021 Athens Half Marathon on 23 May – something we surely pray not – the 2021 Athens Half Marathon will definitely be held on 12 September, two months before the usual date of Athens Marathon. The Authentic.

Race news Nagoya Women’s Marathon

4700 run in Nagoya

Runners defy strong wind to take part in world’s biggest women’s marathon

Mon, 15 Mar 2021 10:48:00 +0000

The Nagoya Women’s Marathon 2021 went ahead as scheduled on Sunday 14 March. The World Athletics Platinum Label road race and the largest women’s marathon in the world was the first mass participation distance race to be held in Japan since the Covid-19 pandemic started. Despite the unfavourably strong wind 4704 women, from top elite athletes to general runners, participated in the race through the streets of Nagoya.

Mizuki Matsuda, a reserve for Japan’s marathon team for the Tokyo Olympic Games, headed the race throughout and won her first victory in the race in 2:21:51. 4650 finishers filled the venue with smiling faces when they received the Tiffany & Co.’s event-exclusive finisher pendant, known as the symbol of the Nagoya Women’s Marathon.

A total of 15,000 personnel were involved in the event, including runners, volunteers, medical professionals, race officials and staff. To act in best practice to seek to ensure everyone’s health and safety, we the organizers took all possible measures against Covid-19 throughout the event period. Our event would have not been possible without each and everyone’s support and cooperation. It gives us greater joy than anything else that we were able to stage the event, at a time of great challenge for all, with all suitable precautions delivered.

Alongside the in-person race, a global virtual race has also started in which the participants may run the race anytime and anywhere before the event ends on 30 April 2021.

The Nagoya Women’s Marathon 2021 was held in the ‘new normal’ style and made a ‘new start’ thanks to all parties concerned. The Covid-19 infection status still requires caution, but the 2022 race is expected to be on the usual scale, enabled by vaccinations becoming available around the world so that the pandemic ends as soon as possible.

Race news EDP Lisbon Half Marathon

Lisbon Half moves to November

Review of Portuguese races

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 15:55:00 +0000

Despite the positive evolution of the pandemic situation in Portugal, delay in the vaccination process led the Maratona Clube de Portugal, the health authorities and the official event partners, to review the calendar of events organized by the club, namely the “EDP ​​Lisbon Half Marathon”, “Vodafone 10K” and “5K Women Race – EDP Lisboa, a Mulher e a Vida”.

Current calendar for 2021:

12 September – 5K Women Race – EDP Lisboa, a Mulher e a Vida (previously scheduled for 6 June)

17 October – EDP Lisbon Marathon (42K), Luso Half Marathon (21K) and EDP Mini Marathon (8K)

20 November – Vodafone 10K* and Luso 7K (previously scheduled for 11 September)

21 November – EDP Lisbon Half Marathon (21K) (previously scheduled for 12 September)

12 December – EDP Christmas Race (10K)

*Vodafone 10K, formerly Mini Marathon, will take place this year, exceptionally, on a Saturday in order to reduce the number of participants at the start line, on the “25 de Abril” bridge. The Vodafone 10K race will take place on Saturday, 20 November and the EDP Lisbon Half Marathon race, on Sunday, 21 November. The option of separating these two races is a preventive measure, due to the uncertainty of the pandemic situation on the dates of the races. We are positive that at that time, the pandemic will be under control. The organisation will make all efforts to guarantee a safe race to all runners and staff. In 2022 both races will take place again together, on the same day.

The dimension and popularity of the EDP Lisbon Half Marathon deserves our utmost care in terms of planning and organisation of the event. “Vaccines are the light at the end of the tunnel, I hope that we will soon return to a “close to normal” situation" said the Maratona Clube president, Carlos Moia. “The rate of vaccination varies from country to country, so the new dates give us more guarantees and security to accommodate international runners registered for our races. The EDP Lisbon Half Marathon brings thousands of foreign runners to Portugal and we are also thinking about them.”

Race news Volksbank-Münster-Marathon

Full speed ahead for Münster plans

Registrations already increasing for 2021

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 12:40:00 +0000

Photo: LaufReport.de
© www.laufreport.de

Currently all the signs and predictions are good for the second half of the year: increased vaccination rate in the populations, low incidence in late summer, better weather and widely available testing allows the organisers of the Volksbank-Münster-Marathon to be confident that the 19th edition of the popular marathon will be able to take place on 12 September as planned.

The entire environment of the race is favourable – it is an ideal mix of city and countryside. The route takes the participants through the Old Town and quickly into the green belt, the long promenade which encircles the city, and finally passes the quarters Nienberge, Roxel and Gievenbeck. This allows for a generous spacing between runners and also between spectators.

The new promotional t-shirt has been designed, which carries the motto of this year’s marathon: “Volksbank-Münster-Marathon – Deine Best(e) Zeit” (Your best time). Although the shirts have not been delivered yet, there are already pre-orders from enthusiastic runners.

The number of registrations has increased in the last few weeks – for the marathon, the 6km health run or the 10km charity run. The relay is already completely sold out. The date of opening of the registration portal for the kids’ marathon will be announced shortly.

Race news Nagoya Women’s Marathon

Nagoya first mass race to be run in Japan during pandemic

5,000 women to participate in-person alongside global virtual marathon

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 16:21:00 +0000

The Nagoya Women’s Marathon is delighted to announce that the Nagoya Women’s Marathon 2021 will be staged in Nagoya city, Japan on Sunday, March 14, 2021 as planned.

Launched in 2012, the Nagoya Women’s Marathon is the world’s largest women’s marathon and is celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year after having hosted a total of 160,000 women runners under the theme ‘the day women play the starring role’. The event is known for the exclusive Tiffany & Co. finisher pendant presented to each runner who crossed the finish line and has enjoyed popularity among women runners around the world for producing countless smiles and emotional moments.

Nagoya has been awarded a World Athletics Platinum label, the highest ranking in the World Athletics’ classification system for road races and is the first ever event to hold the world record of the largest women’s marathon of all time certified by Guinness World Records.

Due to the global pandemic of COVID-19, the number of participants was halved from the past years from 22,000 to 11,000 at the time of race entry. Considering the further infection status in Japan, the marathon decided to accept requests from the registered entrants who wished to switch their entry to a virtual race, the Nagoya Women’s Online Marathon 2021, which in the end made the in-person race an event of 5,000 participants. Although it was a hard decision to make, Nagoya accepts overseas runners only in the virtual race this year.

The organizers are committed to take all possible measures against infection to hold the safest and most secure event possible for participating runners, volunteers and all concerned. The event’s infection control plan was determined in accordance with the Japan Association of Athletics Federations’ Guidance on Resumption of Road Racing and following advice of medical professionals and local government officials. The plan mandates all parties to wear masks (except for runners during competition), sanitize hands, have temperature checked, and monitor health conditions for 7 days prior to and 14 days after race day. The event will also practice physical distancing with enlarged space per person and reduced capacity of the event areas, supply covered water and packed food at refreshment stations, and station private emergency vehicles for suspected infection cases.

Nagoya will be the first mass participation distance race to be held in Japan since the coronavirus started to spread. Even on a global level, it will be the first World Athletics Platinum label road race to be held in person with both elite and non-elite runners on this scale.
The Nagoya Women’s Marathon 2021, to be held in the ‘new normal’ way this weekend, will serve as a ‘new start’ and pave the way for the return of full-scale marathon races in the future.

Teddy Okamura, Race Director of the Nagoya Women’s Marathon comments: “To fulfill our responsibility as a World Athletics Platinum label road race and a stage for athletes to compete and go to larger international competitions, we have spent a long time in examining how we could ensure safe and secure participation of runners, volunteers and all parties involved. By taking every possible precaution at the ‘new normal’ Nagoya Women’s Marathon 2021, we hope to make a ‘new start’ for the future with all concerned parties.”

Race news Nagoya Women’s Marathon

Women's 60+ world record attempt

Interview with marathon hopeful

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 12:17:00 +0000

62-year old Mariko Yugeta plans to beat her own world record in the Nagoya Women’s Marathon on 14 March.

See Brett Larner’s interview with her in Runner’s World magazine:

https://www.runnersworld.com/runners-stories/a35702201/mariko-yugeta-marathoner/

Race news

Registration opens for Marine Corps

October in-person date still uncertain

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 12:10:00 +0000

The Marine Corps Marathon Organization (MCMO) has announced that registration for the 46th Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) opens on Wednesday 10 March at 12.00 Eastern Time.

At the moment the 2021 MCM Weekend is scheduled as a virtual event with runners from across the country participating in the MCM, MCM50K or MCM10K between 1 October and 11 November. Runners registered for the virtual event will have the first option to participate in any event that is ultimately approved to host a live, in-person version in October in accordance with local guidelines.

Running news Nagoya Women’s Marathon

Suzuki withdraws from Nagoya Women’s Marathon

Tendon injury for Olympic team member

By Brett Larner | Japan Running News

Tue, 09 Mar 2021 15:07:00 +0000

The organisers of the Nagoya Women’s Marathon on 14 March have announced that Ayuko Suzuki, a member of Japan’s marathon team for this summer’s Tokyo Olympics, has withdrawn due to inflammation of a tendon in her left leg.

Nagoya was to be Suzuki’s first marathon since finishing second at the Marathon Grand Championship Olympic trials race in September 2019. Suzuki suffered injury last year as well but was able to run the 5th Stage at November’s National Corporate Women’s Ekiden, helping her team to a second national title.

Translator’s note: The other two members of the Tokyo Olympics women’s marathon squad, trials winner Honami Maeda and women-only marathon NR holder Mao Ichiyama both ran Osaka in January. On the men’s side trials winner Shogo Nakamura withdrew from last weekend’s Lake Biwa Marathon with injury and second-placer Yuma Hattori withdrew from December’s Fukuoka International Marathon. Third team member Suguru Osako hasn’t run a marathon since breaking the national record at last March’s Tokyo Marathon.

Date changes

Race date for RUNBANGLA Half Marathon (BAN) changed

RUNBANGLA Half Marathon date change

Thu, 04 Mar 2021 17:10:06 +0000

The RUNBANGLA Half Marathon (BAN) will take place on Fri 5 November 2021, not Fri 19 November 2021 as previously published.

Race news Haspa Marathon Hamburg

Dibaba returns to racing

Comeback in elite Hamburg race

Wed, 03 Mar 2021 11:46:00 +0000

Tirunesh Dibaba will run her comeback race, after the birth of her second child, in the elite-only NN Mission Marathon Hamburg on 11 April, reports German Road Races.

She is to date the only woman who has won both 5000m and 10,000m Olympic gold medals. After her Olympic 10,000m victory in 2012, she started to concentrate on the Marathon. In 2014 she ran 2:20:35 at the London Marathon. After a baby break she came back in 2016 to win Olympic bronze over 10,000m in Rio de Janeiro.

Hanging on to Mary Keitany – but finally letting go – Dibaba finished second in the 2017 London Marathon in 2:17:56. Six months later she won the Chicago Marathon in 2:18:31 and a year after that she was second in Berlin with 2:18:55.

Due to the birth of her second child Dibaba has not raced in the last two years. “It’s my first competition since Allon was born last year. It’s an important race for me and I’m looking forward to finding out where I am in a racing situation,” she said.

Race news

Seychelles looks forward to 2022

First ever cancellation does not affect organisers’ enthusiasm

By Klaus Weidt | German Road Runners

Tue, 02 Mar 2021 15:44:00 +0000

The AIMS member race “Seychelles Eco-Friendly Marathon” takes place on the main island of the Indian Ocean archipelago, Mahé.

It starts in the middle of Victoria, the smallest capital in the world. With temperatures of around 30ºC and 90% humidity there is only one way to run it: slowly.

A Korean national started this marathon. The avid marathon runner, businessman and honorary consul Dong Chang Jeong came up with the idea. The race director Giovanna Rosseau, who before then had hosted triathlon competitions, put his idea into practice.

Giovanna, a squash champion, had the new Seychelles marathon certified by AIMS and grew it to over 1500 participants but maintained a family atmosphere. In 2013 more than 50 German runners took part.

Regardless of whether you run a marathon, half marathon, 10km or 5km – or even walk the latter the route is exotic. After a little sightseeing through the city, with its single traffic light, you are immediately surrounded by nature. You run beside the ocean, in a loop, with fantastic views of the sea or of the flora and fauna of the Vallée de Mai National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

After the race visitors like to admire the giant tortoises or cruise to the neighbouring island of La Digue which is well known as the “wedding island”.

This exotic marathon has kept going year after year but this year the corona pandemic forced the 14th edition, scheduled for 28 February 2021, to be cancelled. “We won’t let ourselves get down,” says Rosseau, who is already looking forward to the next edition on 27 February 2022.

Race news

Sensational times at Lake Biwa curtain call

Kengo Suzuki sets new Japanese record

By Brett Larner | Japan Running News

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 11:41:00 +0000

The Lake Biwa Mainichi Marathon wrapped up its 76 years as a freestanding event with a bang, a big one, on 28 February in Otsu.

Kengo Suzuki set a sensational new Japanese record of 2:04:56. 15 runners ran under 2:08; 42 under 2:10 and 174 under 2:20. Of the first 50 runners 42 either set personal best times or made their debut.

The race is set to be absorbed into the mass-participation Osaka Marathon as its elite men’s field next year the same way the old Tokyo International Marathon was swallowed whole by the Tokyo Marathon.

Conditions were good: light cloud, 7˚C, 57% humidity and light breezes at the start. 24 of the field had run sub-2:10 in the last three years and 52 sub-2:12. The lead trio of pacers hit almost every split within a couple of seconds of the target 2:58/km and the second group pacers even closer to the 3:00/km target. The shoes were good; across brands.

30 went out on pace to go under the 2:05:29 national record in the first group, with what looked like about a hundred on mid-2:06 pace in the second group. Nature took its course as both groups shed runners until at 25km there were only 12 left up front and a couple of dozen in the second group when most of the pacers stepped off. Then Hiroto Inoue, the second-fastest man in the field at 2:06:54, made a surge. The sole remaining pacer James Rungaru took his time reeling Inoue back in and had just five others still with him when he regained contact 3km later.

Rungaru stopped at 30km as Simon Kariuki took over with five Japanese strung out single-file behind him. Kariuki slowed slightly but even so three of the Japanese, including Inoue, started to lose touch. Suzuki and Hidekazu Hijikata, stayed smooth and calm, right behind Kariuki.

The gaps grew, while the national record seemed to be slipping out of reach. But at 36km Suzuki as they approached the special drinks table Kariuki looked to his left to grab his bottle and Suzuki pulled out from behind him. Immediately there was a 5m gap.

Suzuki had made a similar move near 20km in the Olympic trials race that had helped his senior teammate Shogo Nakamura win. Here he just kept going, hitting each remaining kilometre between 2:51-2:53 as the projected time brought the national record back into sight, then sub-2:05:15, then sub-2:05.

With a final surge in the last 200m of the track he became the first Japanese man to break 2:05. The time beat former world record holder Wilson Kipsang’s course record by 77 seconds and his own best time by 5:30. “I didn’t expect this kind of time at all,” he said post-race. “In my other marathons to date I’ve slowed down in the last part, so the focus today was on finishing hard. I knew that was the right time to make my move.” Still just 25, Suzuki’s career goal is the Paris Olympics. Unluckily for him, the Project Exceed 100 million yen bonus program for a new national record has already run out.

Behind him Hijikata, only 23 and running just his second marathon after a 2:09:50 debut in Tokyo last year, dropped Kariuki for 2nd in 2:06:26. Likewise doing his second marathon after a 2:28:47 debut at Lake Biwa last year, 25-year-old Kyohei Hosoya ran almost perfectly even splits, going through halfway in 1:03:21, to come up from the second group and run down Kariuki, Inoue and others for 3rd in 2:06:35. And behind them the hits kept coming.

With the shoes these days times might not be worth what they used to be, but even if you factor in a couple of minutes this was about as good a demonstration of the sheer depth of quality of the marathon development system in Japan as you could ask for. It was the perfect sendoff for Japan’s oldest marathon before it disappears next year into the maw of Osakan modernity.

Date changes Rhodes Marathon

Rhodes Marathon (GRE) goes virtual

Event in April and May

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 16:00:00 +0000

The Rhodes Marathon (GRE) has been converted to a virtual event, taking place between Fri 9 April 2021 and Sun 9 May 2021, not Sun 18 April 2021 as previously published.

Next year’s event is planned for 10 April 2022.

Date changes BMW Berlin-Marathon

Race date for BMW Berlin-Marathon (GER) changed

BMW Berlin-Marathon date change

Mon, 22 Feb 2021 16:11:34 +0000

The BMW Berlin-Marathon (GER) will take place on Sun 26 September 2021, not Mon 27 September 2021 as previously published.

Date changes Milton Keynes Marathon & Half Marathon

Race date for Milton Keynes Marathon & Half Marathon (GBR) changed

Milton Keynes Marathon & Half date change

Mon, 22 Feb 2021 15:09:53 +0000

The Milton Keynes Marathon & Half Marathon (GBR) will be Sat 1 May 2021—Mon 3 May 2021, not Sun 2 May 2021—Mon 3 May 2021 as previously published.

Date changes Apollo Tyres New Delhi Marathon

Race date for Ageas Federal Life Insurance New Delhi Marathon (IND) changed

Ageas Federal Life Insurance New Delhi Marathon date change

Mon, 22 Feb 2021 15:02:28 +0000

The Ageas Federal Life Insurance New Delhi Marathon (IND) will take place on Sun 7 March 2021, not Sun 21 February 2021 as previously published.

Date changes

Race date for Ageas Federal Life Insurance Kolkata Full Marathon (IND) changed

Ageas Federal Life Insurance Kolkata Full Marathon date change

Mon, 22 Feb 2021 14:42:20 +0000

The Ageas Federal Life Insurance Kolkata Full Marathon (IND) will take place on Sun 14 March 2021, not Sun 7 March 2021 as previously published.

Race news TCS New York City Marathon

New race director for NYC Marathon

Metellus is first Black race director of an Abbott World Marathon Majors race

Mon, 22 Feb 2021 14:27:00 +0000

Ted Metellus is being promoted from Vice President of Events of the New York Road Runners (NYRR) to become race director of the New York City Marathon.

As such he is the first Black race director of any of the Abbott World Marathon Majors. Former race director Jim Heim stepped down in January.

Race news Comrades Marathon

Comrades landmark honours runners

Now over 6000 blocks in ‘Wall of Honour’

Mon, 22 Feb 2021 14:16:00 +0000

Organisers of the Comrades Marathon created a “Wall of Honour” back in 1993 as a permanent landmark to commemorate the achievements of the Comrades runners who covered the epic distance between Durban and Pietermaritzburg.

Building the Wall began in 1993 with plaques being available for purchase since 1994. It is constructed from interlocking blocks such as those commonly used for retaining walls. Runners who have successfully completed the Comrades Marathon can acquire their own building blocks to last forever. These are mounted on an attractive badge, which records the name, start number and personal status of the runner, which can be updated in later years.

The plaques are bought by runners, family members or friends on their behalf in order to give them away on special birthdays, anniversaries, Comrades milestones or other occasions. The Wall of Honour memorial pads cost ZAR 550 (EUR 30) per pad. This includes the block, the plaque and the engraving as well as the maintenance and care of the block and the site for posterity.

The wall is situated close to the halfway mark on the Comrades route, just outside Drummond. On a down run it would be on the left as you make your way through the valley of a Thousand Hills.

The stretch of road beside which the Wall of Honour is located is on the municipal boundary alongside PheZulu Game Private Park and has the potential to be extended for many years to come. It forms a retaining wall which now stretches over 200m long. Covered with green and yellow Comrades plaques there are now over 6000 of them, belonging runners who have successfully completed the Comrades at least once. They have placed their names on this wall to commemorate their race achievements. Runners who have earned their Permanent number (run Comrades more than 10 times) have a green plaque while those who have run less than 10 have a yellow plaque.

A runner who already has a plaque on the wall and has achieved their green number, double, triple or quadruple green number, can upgrade their plaque on the wall to reflect their prestigious status as a green number. The upgrade of the badge costs ZAR 275 (EUR 15). Only one block/badge per finisher is allowed. Plaques can be purchased retrospectively.

The first section of the wall is set aside and contains the plaques of former Comrades winners. The Comrades Marathon Association awards these to the winners starting from the first race winner, Bill Rowan, in 1921. On average about 500 runners a year are added to the Wall of Honour. Our virtual events don’t qualify for addition to the Wall.

Race news Hokkaido Marathon

Hokkaido cancels for 2021

Clash with Olympics puts pressure on logistics

Mon, 22 Feb 2021 12:37:00 +0000

The Hokkaido Marathon Organizing Committee has decided to suspend the 2021 Games, following its cancellation last year.

Organisers said in a statement on their website:

“This competition is usually held on the last Sunday of August, but this year it is difficult to secure personnel involved in overall management due to the period of the Tokyo Paralympics. [Olympic events] will be held in Sapporo from August 5 to 8. Facilities related to the Games will be set up in Odori Park, which is the venue for the Hokkaido Marathon in the Olympic Marathon and the Paralympic Games, and it will take a long time to restore the original condition. We ask for the understanding and cooperation of runners and related parties.”

Race news

Favourite withdraws from Lake Biwa Marathon

Marathon trials winner Nakamura wants to be fit for Olympics

Mon, 22 Feb 2021 12:31:00 +0000

Tokyo Olympics men’s marathon trials winner Shogo Nakamura has withdrawn from the Lake Biwa Mainichi Marathon to be held on 28 February.

Nakamura suffered mild pain in his left foot and, combined with not meeting his training goals last month, decided to take time off before resuming light jogging.

Nakamura said: “Lake Biwa was going to be my first marathon in a long time so I’d been looking forward to it. The pain has already faded, and doesn’t look like it will get in the way of training, but we decided not to risk more serious injury and to withdraw in favour of being ready for the Tokyo Olympics… My first priority is to show up at the Tokyo Olympics ready to race.”

Race news Nagoya Women’s Marathon

Nagoya offers hope

No foreign runners but mass participation seems likely

By Brett Larner | Japan Running News

Mon, 22 Feb 2021 12:22:00 +0000

The Nagoya Women’s Marathon, to be held on 14 March, announced the elite field on the same day that vaccinations officially began in Japan. It’s another domestic-only race, but it has a great potential trio up front and looks to be going ahead as a mass-participation race.

Up front are last year’s Osaka International Women’s Marathon winner Mizuki Matsuda, 25 km national record co-holder Sayaka Sato, and Tokyo Olympics marathon team member Ayuko Suzuki. Suzuki is only 9th by recent time, but with a half marathon best of 1:07:55 and this being her first shot at a fast marathon she’s definitely got the potential to stay with Matsuda and Sato.

Nagoya is heavy this year on talent in the first-timer department, Ikumi Fukura coming in top-ranked with a best of 1:09:58 and four others with bests under 71 minutes. Further down the field, 62-year-old Mariko Yugeta will be trying to better the 2:52:13 60+ world record she set in Osaka this year.

Before Corona Nagoya was the largest women-only marathon in the world but last year it was held as an elite-only race. This year it took mass-participation entrants up to a limit of 11,000. Earlier this month Nagoya issued a statement inviting entrants to switch to a virtual race, but at this stage it looks like it will go ahead with an on-site race for every entrant who still wants to run, assuming no extension to the current state of emergency set to expire on 7 March. With every other race in Japan that size having already cancelled or postponed this season, going ahead with its race would put Nagoya in a class of its own and give some much-needed hope that things are actually starting to turn around.

Race news

Marine Corps Marathon offers early registration

MCM Runners Club can register for the 2021 MCM on February 24

Mon, 22 Feb 2021 11:55:00 +0000

Starting on Wednesday 24 February, MCM Runners Club members have a two-week early-registration window to enter the 46th Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) and the 2021 MCM50K.

Members of the MCM Runners Club – an exclusive group of runners who have finished the MCM five times or more – will be able to register and secure a spot in this year’s MCM and MCM50K prior to the general registration in March.

Currently, the 2021 MCM Weekend is scheduled as a virtual event with the possibility of a live version in October in accordance with local guidelines. Virtual entries are USD 55 (EUR 45) plus a processing fee and are available to runners ages 14 and older at www.marinemarathon.com.

All MCM and MCM50K virtual participants will receive the official event shirt, a stunning finisher medal, patch, socks, digital bib and collectible bib delivered in a branded Mission Accomplished finisher box.

Registration for the virtual 46th MCM and MCM50K opens to the public on Wednesday, March 10 at 17.00 GMT via www.marinemarathon.com. Ambitious runners can once again sign up for the Semper Fidelis Challenge, a two-event challenge including either the Historic Half or the Devil Dog Double in May 2021 and the MCM or the MCM50K in October 2021, as well as the MCM Trifecta.

Race news Generali Berlin Half Marathon

Berlin Half offers virtual springtime race

Special event to bridge gap until return of mass race

Fri, 19 Feb 2021 15:11:00 +0000

From April 9 to 11, 2021, runners, inline skaters, wheelchair athletes and hand cyclists are invited to participate in the Virtual Generali Berlin Half Marathon.

This extra event is a completely independent event. It will function as a spring start as well as a bridging event until the real Generali Berlin Half Marathon, which is scheduled for August 22, 2021.

There will be a 10k option in addition to the 21.0975-kilometre event that gives the race its name. With the shorter distance, SCC Events is deliberately catering to runners who may have only found their enjoyment of endurance sports during the current pandemic and now want to face their first challenges.

The 40th anniversary of the Generali Berlin Half Marathon will take place on August 22, 2021. There are only a few starting spots left for this big anniversary event.

Date changes Moonlight Half Marathon

Race date for Moonlight Half Marathon (ITA) changed

Moonlight Half Marathon date change

Fri, 19 Feb 2021 15:01:10 +0000

The Moonlight Half Marathon (ITA) will take place on Sat 26 June 2021, not Sat 29 May 2021 as previously published.

Date changes Walls Linker Oevert Half Marathon

Race date for Linker Oevert Marathon Antwerp (BEL) changed

Linker Oevert Marathon Antwerp date change

Fri, 19 Feb 2021 14:39:37 +0000

The Linker Oevert Marathon Antwerp (BEL) will take place on Sun 28 November 2021, not Sun 17 October 2021 as previously published.

Race news Comrades Marathon

Comrades “not in dire straits”

Organisers deny speculative reports of financial crisis

Mon, 15 Feb 2021 10:49:00 +0000

The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) has sought to distance itself from inaccurate media speculation that the 100-year-old road running institution is in a perilous financial position.

CMA Chairperson, Cheryl Winn says, “We would like to correct recent media reports asserting that the Comrades Marathon Association is facing financial hardships with the future of the race being in jeopardy.”

Winn adds, “Quite to the contrary, we are actually in a healthy financial state despite having cancelled two consecutive editions of the Comrades Marathon, owing to Covid-19 and the resultant lockdown and associated restrictions on mass participation sporting events. We hosted a hugely successful inaugural virtual Comrades Marathon event last year with another one planned for the 13th of June; and are in a privileged position to also have a contingency reserve fund of over R28-million, accumulated over the past two decades, to sustain the future of our world-famous event.”

“The CMA is in fact currently in a very healthy financial position thanks to the prudent financial controls of the current Board and the foresight of previous administrations in setting aside funds in anticipation of some future ‘rainy day’.”

Winn concludes, “We would like to put to rest media speculation that the world’s oldest, biggest and most famous ultra-marathon and one of South Africa’s foremost sporting treasures is facing a bleak financial future or on the verge of closing shop. Reference to potential staff retrenchments is premature and unfounded and we are grateful to our staff for coming forward with workable proposals to weather the storm and continue to diligently serve the organisation in the current tough climate in which we find ourselves.”

“The CMA Board’s number one priority is to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of our runners, staff, volunteers, sponsors, stakeholders and fellow South Africans, while our number two priority is to sustain the Comrades Marathon as a national institution that is symbolically and economically critical to the sport of athletics in KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa, for the next 100 years.”

“All that the CMA is effectively and responsibly doing is tightening its purse strings and preserving all possible resources for when it is safe and possible to host the next Comrades Marathon, in line with the green light from our provincial and national athletics federations and in accordance with government regulations.”

With the inaugural Comrades Marathon having been held on 24 May 1921, the Comrades Marathon celebrates 100 years since its first running this year, with the launch of the Comrades Marathon Centenary Celebrations on 24 May and the hosting of the 2nd Comrades Virtual Event on Sunday, 13 June 2021.

Race news

Lake Biwa’s final curtain

Top field for last edition of oldest Japanese marathon

By Brett Larner | Japan Running News

Fri, 12 Feb 2021 15:26:00 +0000

As the only game in town for its final running before being swallowed up by the Osaka Marathon’s ambitions, the 76th Lake Biwa Mainichi Marathon, to be held on 28 February, has put together the best field in its history.

Times in the last three years don’t mean what they used to, but even so Lake Biwa has two men sub-2:07, 7 sub-2:08, 13 sub-2:09, 25 sub-2:10, 40 sub-2:11 and 53 sub-2:12. All are Japanese except one, Japan-based Kenyan Simon Kariuki.

Among them are 2:06 men Ryu Takaku and Hiroto Inoue, half marathon national record holder Yusuke Ogura, 2019 Fukuoka winner Taku Fujimoto, Tokyo Olympics marathon trials winner Shogo Nakamura, 100 km world record holder Nao Kazami and many more. There are at least another seven men with half marathon bests under 62 minutes making debuts or trying to finish a marathon for the first time.

Lake Biwa results often end up not being as fast as looked likely on paper but with a field like this, and pacers including sub-60 Kenyan James Rungaru and former Komazawa University teammates Kenta Murayama and Shinobu Kubota, it should be on for something good if the weather cooperates. NHK will be broadcasting the whole thing live, nationwide and commercial-free starting at 09.00 local time on the day.

Date changes Almaty Half Marathon

Race date for Almaty Half Marathon (KAZ) changed

Almaty Half Marathon date change

Fri, 12 Feb 2021 15:22:15 +0000

The Almaty Half Marathon (KAZ) will take place on Sun 16 May 2021, not Sun 17 October 2021 as previously published.

Race news

Marine Corps holds 17.75km event

Limited-capacity race with new location

Thu, 11 Feb 2021 15:23:00 +0000

The Marine Corps Marathon Organization (MCMO) will be hosting a limited-capacity, in-person, live version of the Marine Corps 17.75km on Saturday 20 March.

It will be held in a new location aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico. The event has previously been hosted in Prince William Forest Park.

Beginning on Tuesday 16 February runners who deferred from the cancelled 2020 event will be invited to opt into the live version, followed by runners registered for the virtual event. Those registered for the virtual 17.75km may opt into the in-person event beginning on Thursday 18 February. Further instructions will be sent to the e-mail address provided by participants during registration within the next few days.

Any remaining entries available for the limited in-person 11.03-mile event will then be opened to the general public on Monday, 22 February

The field of 500 participants will be divided into two social-distanced, separate start times to be held at 08.00 and 10.00.

Virtual 17.75km registration remains open at www.marinemarathon.com. Runners must register before 18 February for an opportunity to opt into the live version. All finishers receive a Tun Tavern-themed shirt, finisher medal and collectible bib.

Race news Gold Coast Marathon

Gold Coast Marathon expects huge demand

Live event returns after 2020 cancellation

Wed, 10 Feb 2021 11:45:00 +0000

Tom Tate - Mayor, City of Gold Coast, Renee Souter - General Manager of Marketing, Village Roadshow Theme Parks, Paul Donovan - Chairman, Events Management Queensland, Benita Willis - Director, Events Management Queensland, Cameron Hart - CEO, Events Management Queensland
© Gold Coast Marathon

Australia’s most popular holiday marathon event – the Village Roadshow Theme Parks Gold Coast Marathon – is set to return in 2021 with the announcement that entries will open at 09.00 on Monday 15 February.

Mayor of the City of Gold Coast Tom Tate said it was welcome news for the Gold Coast and Queensland after the event was forced to turn virtual in 2020 in response to COVID-19.

“I’m thrilled to see the event back after the coronavirus-driven loss of the 2020 edition saw the Gold Coast miss out on many million of dollars in economic impact. For over 40 years the marathon and associated events have enticed thousands upon thousands of visitors to escape to the Gold Coast from their colder home climates for an unmatched sports holiday experience. We will miss our international runners this year but by staging a successful event in July the Gold Coast will showcase to the world that we are again open for major events” said Mayor Tate.

Village Roadshow Theme Parks General Manager of Marketing Renee Souter backed today’s announcement.
“We are proud to support this iconic event as naming rights sponsor,” Ms Souter said. “The event showcases the Gold Coast like no other… When the runners and their families come to the Gold Coast they stay in our hotels, eat in our restaurants, shop in our shopping centres, and of course visit our theme parks.

Events Management Queensland CEO Cameron Hart said: “We have seen other smaller events adapting to the ‘new normal’ of event delivery with tight health regulations, social distancing and other responsible management measures. Subsequently we have developed extensive plans to balance all the health regulations while providing a world class running experience on course.”

“This year we have moved the ASICS Half Marathon from the Sunday to the Saturday to spread our crowd more evenly and we’ve cancelled the usual pre-race check-in centre and expo in favour of mailing out race kits. We have also implemented wave race starts, and we’ll be providing personal protection equipment to the runners.

The 2021 Village Roadshow Theme Parks Gold Coast Marathon will be run on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 July, starting and finishing at the spectacular Southport Broadwater Parklands.

Race news Sahara Marathon

Sahara Marathon virtual

Digital app allows runners to participate from anywhere in the world

Mon, 08 Feb 2021 10:23:00 +0000

The solidarity race with the Saharawi refugees will be held in a virtual way during the last week of February. Participants will be able to run in their country while supporting the humanitarian project.in support of Western Sahara at this very delicate moment.

The Sahara needs us like never before. At a time when Covid19 has hit the whole world, the Saharawi refugee camps in Tindouf are experiencing an extremely complicated situation in which their precarious living conditions are compounded by the impact of the pandemic and the consequences of the war conflict that has resumed after 30 years of ceasefire.

In these circumstances and given the impossibility of performing the Sahara Marathon in person and with the assistance of runners from all over the world, the organisation of the solidarity race has launched a very special edition with a virtual event. Runners and supporters of the Saharawi cause will be able to participate in the prestigious race through a digital application that will be available once the registration is made (EUR 15 [USD 18]) and that will allow the athletes to run from anywhere in the world.

The Sahara Marathon is a solidarity race organised by the Saharawi Ministry of Youth and Sports and a group of volunteers from different countries. During the last twenty years, the race in the desert has served as a platform to denounce the unjust situation that exists in Western Sahara and to tackle countless solidarity projects in the refugee camps. Thousands of runners from all continents have travelled during this time to the Algerian desert to live the experience provided by this race and to bond with refugee families. In this unique edition of 2021, the objectives of the event remain, although the experience will be different.

Participants will be able to carry out their race during the last week of February. They will be able to choose the most appropriate distance (5, 10, 21 or 42 km) and even run in different distances or repeat the race throughout the week (the best time will be validated). The application also invites runners to upload their videos and messages of solidarity with the Sahara to their social networks. All the money contributed for this solidarity project, as well as the donations or acquisitions of the inscription pack (T-shirt, tubular scarf and bib number), will be used in the Sahara Marathon solidarity project, which on this occasion is about Saharawi families in need of direct help, through the purchase and distribution of a basic food basket bought on site to favour the local economy.

On 26 February, the usual date for holding the marathon in other editions, a race (5, 10 km and children race) will be organised in the Saharawi refugee camps, where Saharawi athletes will participate, with the aim of keeping the spirit of the Sahara Marathon alive . The pandemic has caused significant restrictions to humanitarian aid for the Saharawi refugee camps during the last year, as well as to all the visits of aid workers and people in solidarity with the Saharawi, leading the refugee camps to a humanitarian crisis that is added to the global health crisis,. We therefore invite all regular participants in the Sahara Marathon, as well as all those committed to this cause, to support this alternative project by participating in the virtual race or contributing a small donation via www.saharamarathon.org. As it says on the official race jersey: “The desert wind will spread the Saharawi voice around the world.”

More info: http://estaticos.lastlap.com/mailing/saharamarathon/sm_eng.html

Race news Vienna City Marathon

The view from Vienna

Race organisers’ hopes for reopening

By Andreas Maier | Vienna City Marathon

Thu, 04 Feb 2021 16:17:00 +0000

Running in the Vienna Prater
Photo: Leo Hagen
© Leo Hagen

“As professional [race] organisers, we are ready to conduct our events in a safe manner,” says Vienna City Marathon Race Director Wolfgang Konrad. “As Austria’s largest running organiser we are a partner for an optimistic and responsible [solution].”

Sport-Austria President Hans Niessl and environmental doctor Hans-Peter Hutter recently emphasised the importance of sport for health. “It is long overdue to take the next step,” said Hutter at a media meeting that called for club sports to be opened up. A lack of exercise and inactivity lead to negative effects and long-term consequences for physical mental health.

Running events are the greatest motivational driver for people to exercise regularly, to keep fit, to find physical and mental balance and to prevent damage to health. “We understand that stable openings depend on the overall situation. Running events should be in the front row when making a comeback,” says Konrad.

Outdoor active sports events without direct physical contact should be allowed again in a step-by-step plan. A clear regulatory distinction is required from passive events with spectators. Previous Covid-19 regulations have always differentiated events according to whether “marked and assigned seats” are available or not. When it comes to the maximum number of persons, the legislature has thought of spectators, not active participants. This categorisation does not do justice to the character of active sports events. Measures such as rapid tests and clear Covid-19 prevention concepts should enable a step-by-step return to competition.

Facts:

• Running events take place entirely outdoors.

• Sports practice is contactless.

• The movement is only in one direction.

• It can be proven that distancing of under one metre at events lasts only for an average of 18 seconds (from measurements with community distance markers at a running event of the Austrian Women’s Run on 26 September 2020)

• Personal contact details of the participants are known in full and in accordance with the GDPR. Communication is possible directly and at any time.

Positive impacts

• Active sports events promote the willingness to test and vaccinate the participants.

• Active sports events are what motivates our society to exercise, keep fit, find physical and psychological balance and prevent damage to health.

• Running events are open to everyone without restriction by age, gender, origin, education, income, …

• Many organisers deliberately set up activities to support charity organisations and promote social inclusion.

• Running events combine popular and professional sports.

• When the number of participants returns, running events generate strong economic effects for trade, tourism, communities and associations.

Organisers conscientiously implement preventative measures

• Willingness to take mandatory quick tests before a competition (“entry tests”)

• Step-by-step plan for the number of participants after the lockdown

• Spatial and temporal optimisation of starting procedures

• Control systems and control of the participants before and after the run

• Mask requirement in defined areas including outdoors

• No cloakrooms, showers, etc. – as long as this is necessary for prevention reasons.

• Runners are used to complying with Covid-19 rules. Several small running events took place in Austria during the summer and autumn of 2020 where the guidelines were followed with great sensitivity.

Race news Osaka Women’s Marathon

Runner makes 60+ personal best in Osaka

At 62, Mariko runs 800km a month

By Brett Larner | Japan Running News

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 11:23:00 +0000

At the Osaka International Women’s Marathon on 31 January 62-year old Mariko Yugeta ran 2:52:13 for 48th place, massively improving her own women’s 60+ world record of 2:56:54.

“It was hard, but I’m glad I could improve my best,” she said.

Yugeta’s training load is incredible. In the summer she runs 800km per month and she typically runs a marathon every month. Her new record was the result of hard work. Where she has had problems with slowing down after 20km in the past, this time that didn’t happen.

But at the same time she experienced fatigue in her build-up to the race, and on 3 January she felt pain in her right gluteus maximus. For two weeks she had acupuncture treatments and went to hot springs to try to take care of the problems. For the race she also used taping, and she was able to run it pain-free.

Yugeta is entered in the Nagoya Women’s Marathon on 14 March. Ever ambitious, she said: “I want to keep my legs in perfect condition and go for 2:50 or 2:51.”

Race news Osaka Women’s Marathon

Ichiyama triumphs in Osaka

New course record and five runners make personal bests

By Brett Larner | Japan Running News

Mon, 01 Feb 2021 10:16:00 +0000

Mao Ichiyama ran 15 laps of Osaka’s Nagai Park behind a pair of male pacers, right up to the entrance to the track finish, to cross the line in a world-leading 2:21:11. Her time was two minutes short of Mizuki Noguchi’s 2:19:12 national record but clipped 7 seconds off Noguchi’s event record.

Her Tokyo Olympics marathon teammate Honami Maeda was the only other woman to try to go with her, dropping off NR pace before 15km but hanging on for an 18-second PB of 2:23:30 for 2nd with the help of another male pacer who stayed with her right to the start of the track finish. Ichiyama only made it through halfway on NR pace but she did manage to rally in the last few km to get under Noguchi’s event record. Osaka organisers announced that Ichiyama’s mark would be listed as a mixed race record alongside Noguchi’s women-only record.

Next up for both Ichiyama and Maeda marathon-wise is the Tokyo Olympic marathon in Sapporo. In theory, at least.

Yukari Abe and Mao Uesugi ran in the likewise male-paced second group sticking together the whole way on low-2:24 pace before taking 3rd and 4th in big PBs of 2:24:41 and 2:24:52. The debuting Ayumi Hagiwara started in the third group before moving up mid-race to finish 5th in 2:26:15. Reia Iwade (Adidas), who ran a PB of 2:23:52 just under two years ago in Nagoya, dropped out before halfway after starting out with Abe and Uesugi.

Further back, after missing the Osaka qualifying time but making the cut by placing in December’s Osaka 30km 60+ world record holder Mariko Yugeta put in the performance of a lifetime, going from last place at 5km in the field of 71 starters to take 4:41 off her own 60+ world record with a 2:52:13 for 48th among the 61 finishers. Yugeta ran negative splits in her previous world record but this time went through halfway in 1:25:01. Could sub-2:50 be within sight?

Neither Ichiyama nor Maeda seemed especially happy with their results, and despite having an all-star commentary team of Japanese marathon legends including Noguchi, Yoko Shibui, Naoko Takahashi, Masako Chiba, Yuko Arimori and Akemi Masuda, the broadcast seemed to lack energy, amplified by the amount of attention paid to the male pacers. From a broadcast perspective it’s hard to see this kind of paced-time-trial-in-a-park marathon taking off, and from another perspective there’s cause for worry about the future.

Police in Japan are notoriously difficult about road closure permits. Given the relative success today performance-wise – with an event record, five PBs, and a good debut out of the top eight women, what’s to stop the police from questioning why they should issue permits in the future when people can run fast inside a park? If that was to happen, based on today’s showing, it would be a serious blow to the sport’s popularity without a serious reworking of how they approach the broadcast.

Race news B.A.A. Boston Marathon

Boston Marathon declares 2021 date

‘Cautious optimism’ from organisers

Fri, 29 Jan 2021 10:05:00 +0000

The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) has announced that if road races are allowed to take place as part of the Massachusetts reopening plan, the 125th Boston Marathon will be held on Monday, 11 October 2021.

“We announce the 2021 Boston Marathon date with a cautious optimism, understanding full well that we will continue to be guided by science and our continued collaborative work with local, city, state, and public health officials,” said Tom Grilk, President and C.E.O. of the B.A.A. “If we are able to hold an in-person race in October, the safety of participants, volunteers, spectators, and community members will be paramount.”

“Massachusetts continues to fight COVID-19 and distribute vaccines across the Commonwealth, and with brighter days ahead, we are looking forward to getting back to a new normal in 2021,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We will continue to work with local partners and the B.A.A. to monitor the situation and remain hopeful that the 125th Boston Marathon can take place this October.”

“While it was of course the right thing to do, cancelling the 2020 Boston Marathon for the first time in its 124-year history was one of the hardest announcements to make,” said Mayor Martin J. Walsh. “Today, I’m filled with hope, as we set our sights on October for the running of the 125th Boston Marathon. We have a ways to go before we’re out of the woods, but guided by sound judgment and the advice of our public health experts, I am hopeful that we’ll get to enjoy the return of one of Boston’s most storied traditions this fall.”

In celebration of the 125th Boston Marathon, the B.A.A. will also offer a virtual race option. Additional details including field size for the in-person race, registration dates, safety measures and protocols, and participant requirements that will be in place will be forthcoming. The event plan will be pending future approval from the eight cities and towns that comprise the marathon route.

Road races are currently not permitted until Phase 4 of the Massachusetts reopening plan. The Commonwealth reverted to Phase III, step 1 of the reopening plan on 13 December 2020.

Race news Osaka Women’s Marathon

Osaka focuses on elite runners

Organisers hope to beat Noguchi’s 2005 Japanese women’s record

By Helmut Winter | German Road Races

Thu, 28 Jan 2021 15:08:00 +0000

Due to increasing infection rates in Japan the number of participants in the 40th Osaka Women’s Marathon on 31 January has been limited to 99 and the traditional course through the city changed to a 2.8km lap (x 15) in Nagai Park followed by the finish in the Yanmar Nagai Stadium.

For the same reasons foreign athletes have not been invited and the focus is entirely on the Japanese elite. Among those running are Mao Ichiyama (JPN) and Honami Maeda (JPN), who have already qualified for their country’s Olympic team at the Marathon Grand Championships. Ichiyama won the Nagoya marathon in 2:20:29 last year, while Maeda won the Olympic qualification in 2:25:15 in September 2019. Her best time of 2:23:48 was second in Osaka in 2018, and in the same year she was seventh in 2:25:23 in the Berlin Marathon.

The organisers plan to attack the national record for the women’s marathon of 2:19:12 (set by Mizuki Noguchi at the 2005 Berlin Marathon). The two top runners, in another departure from tradition, will be paced by a total of six men, including the unattached runner Yuki Kawauchi (JPN) and Juji Iwata (JPN). With personal bests of 2:08:14 and 2:08:45 respectively they are likely to maintain pacing duties until shortly before the stadium entrance.

Race news

Registration boom leads to tighter standards for Lake Biwa

More runners wanted places than safety rules allowed

By Brett Larner | Japan Running News

Thu, 28 Jan 2021 14:52:00 +0000

Entries for the Lake Biwa Mainichi Marathon on 28 February closed on 22 January. With most other races cancelled or postponed due to the coronavirus crisis Lake Biwa this year received nearly double the normal number of applications for entry.

Putting on the race with such a large field poses problems and prevent the organisation from safely executing all planned coronavirus countermeasures. As a result revised entry standards will be applied based on World Athletics scoring points as follows: 10000m: 30:40; half marathon: 1:07:29; marathon: 2:27:30.

After proof of qualification from each entrant was checked on 25 January notifications were sent to all those who were unable to participate under these new standards. Information regarding refund of entry fees was included. Those eligible to participate will be notified around 5 February, on which date there will be a virtual press conference to announce the elite athlete field.

Further operational changes may become necessary as the situation regarding the virus evolves, said the organisers.

There are multiple reports where people have claimed that Lake Biwa has also rejected all entries from abroad, after initially being open to international participation.

Race news PolarNight Marathon

First Arctic winter marathon

700 runners take part under strict safety conditions

Thu, 28 Jan 2021 14:45:00 +0000

Photo: Truls Tiller
© Truls Tiller

The PolarNight Halfmarathon in Tromsø has been organised every year since 2004 and incorporated distances at 5km, 10km and half marathon. In 2021 the race also included a marathon distance, called the Ishavskraft Marathon.

In Tromsø (350km north of the Arctic Circle) we started the year as usual with the PolarNight Halfmarathon. We usually get 2000 runners from all over the world, which makes it Norway’s biggest winter race. This year’s race on 9 January was special in many ways. Usually anything from a winter wonderland and white puffy snow to icy wind, rain and a slippery surface can present itself. This year there were no snow-covered streets but bare asphalt and a colourful sky. The surrounding arctic scenery provides a spectacular frame and mood for the race. The Northern Lights could be seen in the evenings before and on race day.

While the usual races (half marathon, 10K and 5K) take place in the urban areas of Tromsø, the Ishavskraft Marathon took runners to the secluded outer coastline, where the darkness and the cold and potentially severe climate makes everything much harder. All participants had to have previously run a marathon within four hours. This first edition had a maximum of 50 brave souls who fought their way against wind and darkness to the city centre of Tromsø. Magnus Warvik was the first to cross the finish line, in 2:48:05. The first woman was Una Bratlie (3:28:12).

The –7ºC and icy 10m/s wind in your face made the PolarNight Halfmarathon far from easy but the bare asphalt brought new records: 4 of them in the half marathon and 10km. Sebastian Conrad Håkansson (1:08:27) and Stian Dahl Sommerseth (1:09:30) crushed the existing half marathon record while Yngvild Kaspersen set a new women’s record of 1:18:43. Erik Lomås ran a new record of 31:31 in the Mørketidsmila (10km).

The ongoing pandemic demanded extraordinary organisation to ensure the safety of participants and volunteers. The field was reduced to around 700, mostly Norwegians and a few foreign runners who work in Norway. Every second of the race was planned to accord with the Covid-19 infection control rules. A maximum of 200 participants per distance was allowed with 25 starting together in small groups. We also extended the timeframe to nine hours instead of the usual four and recruited additional staff to ensure infection control measures and distancing between participants. The supportive onlookers for which our race is famous were banned from the arena in this year’s race. We have to thank all our participants and volunteers who showed an extraordinary discipline and kept distance at all times.

Excited runners gave us positive feedback: that they felt completely safe and enjoyed the break from the tough times we are experiencing right now. The race was not organised for profit but for the love of running and competing. Our aim was to provide a safe event for everyone. It was a positive start in the new year that gives us hope and energy for 2021.

Race news

Landmark Quebec events ‘feasible’

Plans for safe presentation of two major races

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 13:42:00 +0000

Photo: Mathieu Belanger
© 2019 Mathieu Belanger

Quebec Running Events Corporation and Gestev have opened registration for two landmark events on the Je Cours Qc running calendar.

The Lévis Half-Marathon will be held as a two-day event this year and moved to later in the season than usual, the weekend of 28–29 August. And the flagship Beneva Quebec City Marathon, a healthy invitation from Brunet, is on the calendar as planned for 1–3 October 2021.

“We conducted a feasibility review for each and every one of our races,” said executive event producer for Gestev, Marianne Pelchat. “Our findings showed that as things stand, it’s feasible for us to present two of the events on our regular calendar safely in 2021 if the public health guidelines will allow. We’re confident that by 2022, we’ll be able to present a full calendar of five races again as usual.” If it is not possible to hold [the other] events in 2021, all registered participants will receive a refund.

As well as moving from May to August this year, the Lévis Half-Marathon will be held over two days instead of one to comply with public health regulations stipulating how many participants are permitted to be in a given place at one time. This change will make it possible to accommodate a maximum of 4,575 entrants for the 21.1K half-marathon, 10K, 5K and 2K Kids Race distances.

A number of changes will be made ahead of the 2021 Beneva Quebec City Marathon to comply with public health requirements, including a whole new schedule and more staggered starts. “We’re doing everything we can to keep the heart and soul of the marathon running strong,” said Marianne Pelchat. “You’ll find all the races you know and love, everything from the Kids Race to the 5K, 10K, 21.1K half-marathon and the full 42.2K marathon.” Long-running Marathon partner SSQ Insurance recently joined forces with La Capitale. The name of the new entity formed by their mutual merger is Beneva – hence the new name for the flagship event: the Beneva Quebec City Marathon.

Race news The Ras al Khaimah Half Marathon

Ras al Khaimah line up released

Kamworor and Kandie lead men’s field – Jepchirchir faces challenge of Obiri and Chepngetich debuts

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 10:31:00 +0000

The fields for the Ras Al Khamimah Half Marathon continue to go from strength to strength with five-time world champion Geoffrey Kamworor and two-time world 5000m champion Hellen Obiri added to the line-up on 19 February.

Kamworor won in Ras Al Khaimah in 2013 and is one of five former winners in the men’s line-up. He has won three world titles at the half marathon and two at cross country but been out of action for almost a year due to injury. His world half marathon record of 58:01, set in Copenhagen in September 2019, was broken in December by 2020 Ras Al Khaimah winner Kibiwott Kandie, who is also in the field for this year’s race. London marathon winner Shura Kitata, Ethiopian half marathon record-holder Jemal Yimer and 2019 Abu Dhabi Marathon champion Reuben Kiprop Kipyego are among the other new additions to the field.

Along with Kamworor and Kandie, three other former winners – including the joint course record-holders – are in the men’s line-up. 2019 champion Stephen Kiprop and two-time winner Bedan Karoki, who jointly hold the course record at 58:42, will return to Ras Al Khaimah alongside 2015 winner Mosinet Geremew.

They will take on Uganda’s world half marathon champion Jacob Kiplimo, who reduced his PB to 57:37 in Valencia in December, making him the second-fastest man in history for the distance.

Alexander Mutiso, who ran 57:59 in Valencia to move to fourth on the world all-time list, will also be in action in Ras Al Khaimah. Switzerland’s Julien Wanders, Norway’s Sondre Nordstadt Moen and Italian duo Yemaneberhan Crippa and Eyob Faniel complete the line-up.

Obiri, who won world titles at 5000m and cross country in 2019, will be making her half marathon debut. The Kenyan has limited road running experience, but her few outings to date have been promising; she clocked 29:59 for 10km on Madrid’s downhill course at the end of 2018.

World half marathon silver medallist Melat Kejeta of Germany and world marathon bronze medallist Helalia Johannes are the other recent top additions to the field, and they will face a formidable line-up of stars, as previously announced by the organisers.

World marathon champion Ruth Chepngetich, who recently set a half marathon PB of 1:05:06, will make her Ras Al Khaimah debut. Peres Jepchirchir, who won the world half marathon title last October in a women-only world record of 1:05:16, will return to the scene of her 2017 triumph when she set a world record of 1:05:06. The three fastest women in history – world record-holder Ababel Yeshaneh, Ethiopia’s Yalemzerf Yehualaw and marathon world record-holder Brigid Kosgei – will also line up in Ras Al Khaimah.

Yeshaneh and Kosgei have clashed twice to date, both races resulting in world records. Their first duel came at the 2019 Chicago Marathon, which Kosgei won in a world record of 2:14:04 while Yeshaneh placed second in 2:20:51. Just four months later, Yeshaneh levelled the score by winning in Ras Al Khaimah in a world record of 1:04:31. Kosgei was runner-up in 1:04:49, the second-fastest time in history.

Yehualaw, meanwhile, finished third at the recent World Athletics Half Marathon Championships in Gdynia, just a few seconds behind Jepchirchir. Six weeks later, she won the New Delhi Half Marathon in 1:04:46, the second-fastest time in history.

USA’s Sara Hall, who placed second at this year’s London Marathon, and South Africa’s Gerda Steyn are also in the field.

Date changes 642 Marathon

Race date for Gulf Bank 642 Marathon (KUW) changed

Gulf Bank 642 Marathon date change

Tue, 26 Jan 2021 10:52:26 +0000

The Gulf Bank 642 Marathon (KUW) will take place on Sat 13 February 2021, not Sat 6 February 2021 as previously published.

Race news SwissCityMarathon – Lucerne

Letter from Lucerne

No-risk entry offered for October race

Thu, 21 Jan 2021 15:49:00 +0000

The SwissCityMarathon – Lucerne team are optimistic that by autumn running will have reverted to being a shared experience – and will guarantee your entry fee for the race on 31 October.

Should the pandemic force cancellation the organisers offer a transfer to the 2022 race or a refund (less a CHF10 (9.92EUR/11.30 USD) processing fee).

Meanwhile the RUN365 running track with permanent timing installed has been in operation on the Rotsee since 1 January. You can tackle the 6.4km route daily using the measuring points at the rowing centre or after the Seehüsli restaurant.

Race news Osaka Women’s Marathon

Osaka course announced

Circuit replaces traditional road course

By Brett Larner | Japan Running News

Thu, 21 Jan 2021 11:17:00 +0000

The Osaka International Women’s Marathon on 31 January will be run on a multi-lap loop course inside Nagai Park.

Some of the athletes scheduled to run were notified last week of the likely change from Osaka’s traditional road course, due to the continued spread of the coronavirus and the declaration of a state of emergency by the Government. It is the first time the race will be run on a circuit course since the inaugural race in 1982.

The impact of the change on times run there remains unclear. Osaka organisers have recruited male pacers, a first for a domestic women’s marathon, to help chase the record.

Most road races over the last year have been cancelled or postponed. Osaka organisers cut their field back to just 99 athletes, about a fifth the usual number. Despite calls for the people to stay home and watch the race on TV it was inevitable that some would turn up along the course. The logistics of the race’s usual format also required a large number of operations staff for traffic control and drink stations. Many of those tend to be vulnerable elderly people. The change to a circuit course significantly reduces the number of people needed, mitigating the risk of spreading the virus.

Over the last few months a number of other races have been held inside parks instead of on public roads. October’s Hakone Ekiden Yosenkai half marathon was held on an officially-certified 2.6 km circuit course around the runway at Tokyo’s Tachikawa SDF Airbase, with 46 university teams taking part. November’s East Japan Corporate Men’s Ekiden likewise took place inside a park in Kumagaya, Saitama, with 24 teams covering a total of 76.4 km on a 4.2 km loop. Amateur races have been held using loop courses along riverbanks. Overseas, October’s London Marathon was held on a 2135m loop.

Osaka’s traditional course was certified by both the JAAF and World Athletics, but it remains to be seen what the status of the new course will be. Consisting of 15 laps of a flat 2.8 km loop followed by a track finish inside Yanmar Stadium Nagai, the prospects of running a fast time look good but first the new course must be officially certified. With just half a year left until the Tokyo Olympics this will likely be the last pre-Olympic marathon for the top women both the race is not a good simulation of racing conditions in Sapporo.

Date changes Almaty Half Marathon

Race date for Almaty Half Marathon (KAZ) changed

Almaty Half Marathon date change

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 11:14:35 +0000

The Almaty Half Marathon (KAZ) will take place on Sun 17 October 2021, not Sun 11 April 2021 as previously published.

Race news Osaka Women’s Marathon

Osaka to go on

State of emergency limits field to under 100 runners

By Brett Larner | Japan Running News

Wed, 13 Jan 2021 12:26:00 +0000

Despite the pending declaration of a state of emergency in the greater Osaka area the organisers of the 31 January Osaka International Women’s Marathon intend to go ahead with this year’s race.

Last year the Japanese athletics federation published strict guidelines for the staging of road races during the coronavirus pandemic. One of the requirements is that no declaration of a state of emergency be in place. On 7 January the government issued such a declaration for Tokyo and its three surrounding prefectures. Osaka and neighbouring Kyoto and Hyogo have asked to be added to that list.

If the terms of the state of emergency are the same as the earlier one for the Tokyo area, it would last until at least 7 February. This would put the Osaka International Women’s Marathon inside the emergency period, but race organisers insist it would still be held. The declaration would limit the number of people able to attend events, but in principle it would still be possible to stage sporting events. Osaka organisers have already announced that Nagai Stadium, the marathon’s start and finish point, will not be open to the public and have asked that people watch on TV rather than cheer on the course. Fewer than 100 athletes are entered and all will be required to present a negative PCR test in order to participate.

Race news ADAC Marathon Hannover

Hannover Marathon cancelled for second year

German marathon championship in question

Mon, 11 Jan 2021 10:19:00 +0000

Lower Saxony’s largest running spectacle, planned for 17–18 April, will fall victim to the current pandemic situation, as it did last year. The next HAJ Hannover Marathon will be held on 3 April 2022.

“We planned a number of scenarios and possibilities to implement a responsible marathon in an adapted form,” explained organiser Stefanie Eichel. “But the current infection situation makes this absolutely impossible.”

A final decision has not yet been made on a possible elite-only race over the marathon distance for the German Marathon Championships, which were planned for April in Hannover. “We are currently in talks with the German Athletics Association and our athlete manager Christoph Kopp to give the athletes a chance to qualify for the Olympic Games in Tokyo,” said Eichel.

In the previous year, almost 30,000 active participants had already registered for the various competitions as part of the 30th HAJ Hanover Marathon, which will now have to celebrate its milestone event next year.

But there is still a small glimmer of hope for autumn: “If a running event with a good number of participants can be implemented responsibly, we will hopefully be able to give the starting signal for a really nice new running experience,” promises Eichel. “The plans for this are already on the table.”

Race news

New event from Marine Corps Marathon

5km run at Quantico

Wed, 06 Jan 2021 12:07:00 +0000

Marine Corps Marathon has bucked the trend by adding a new event to their race calendar at a time when most of the established races are being side-lined.

The Quantico Crucible 5km on Saturday 17 April is an in-person event in which participants aged 10+ run the distance while besting three on-course challenges and then complete high intensity fitness drills. The name and format of the event are a bow to a US Marine’s final challenge in recruit training, “The Crucible”, a 54-hour training exercise where recruits are broken down into squads before facing tasks that test their physical strength, skills and the values they learned throughout training. Only those who make it through this challenge are handed their Eagle, Globe and Anchors, symbolising the completion of the gruelling journey to earn the coveted title of U.S. Marine.

The Crucible 5km will take place in the early evening at Marine Corps Base Quantico. Each runner will receive a keepsake 8-pound (3.6kg) sandbag to be used while completing some of the physical challenges. The sandbags will feature the official event logo inspired by the gold stripes on red flash as seen in the rank insignia worn on Marine uniforms.

Registration opens on 6 January at www.marinemarathon.com. For USD 40 participants receive the official event shirt, bib and a finisher medal. Participants will be divided into small groups and runners may select from multiple start times beginning at 17.00.

Date changes RunBangla Half Marathon

Race date for RUNBANGLA International 10K (BAN) changed

RUNBANGLA Int’l 10K date change

Wed, 06 Jan 2021 10:50:31 +0000

The RUNBANGLA International 10K (BAN) will take place on Fri 26 March 2021, not Fri 12 March 2021 as previously published.