Thread: Marathons

Maine teen with special needs qualifies for Boston Marathon

A teenager with special needs from Gardiner earned a spot to run in the Boston Marathon next year thanks to an adaptive program that helps athletes of all abilities reach their dreams.

Shane Johnson, who is 19 years old, ran the Beantown Marathon in Massachusetts on Sunday.

His time of 04 : 03 : 18 qualified him for the Boston Marathon through the Doug Flutie Jr Foundation for Autism. This is the first time Johnson has competed in a marathon event.

The foundation sponsors athletes for the big race through its Adaptive Program for Runners.

Johnson, who was diagnosed with autism at the age of 3, is grateful for the nonprofit. He said his accomplishment sends a message to the world.

"My goal in joining the foundation was to tell others that anybody can do anything, and running a fast time proves my point," Johnson explained.

Johnson is studying recreation management at Appalachian State University in North Carolina.

He has also competed in several triathlons and works at Pine Tree Camp in Belgrade in the summer.

Race day for the Boston Marathon is scheduled to take place Monday, April 21, 2025. Registration for the 129th Boston Marathon participation closes Sept. 13.

Get ready to cross the finish line with Las Vegas Marathon'''s first event

After nearly three years of planning with the city and county officials, Las Vegas Marathon is set for its first ever event in November.

The event will consist of three different race distances:

A 26.2 miles marathon
A 13.1 miles half marathon
A 7.02 miles 702 race, named after the Las Vegas area code

The main marathon will start in Sandstone Quarry Overlook with the finish line near 3rd Street at Fremont Street Experience. The half marathon will start on Charleston Boulevard and Merialdo Lane through Las Vegas Boulevard and Fremont Street. Lastly, the 702 will start Charleston Boulevard and Strong Drive to Las Vegas Boulevard and Fremont Street.

A spokesperson with the event said their hope is for the marathon to elevate the city's profile by attracting elite runners from across the world.

The event will kick off on Nov. 3. For more information, including the race map and other specifics, visit their website.

Man dies following Duluth inline skating marathon, organizers say

A man died after participating in an inline skater marathon this weekend in Duluth, and just weeks after becoming a father.

Organizers of the Northshore Inline Marathon say they are "deeply saddened by the passing of Mike Lufholm" following Saturday's event.

The circumstances surrounding Lufholm's death are unclear. In a statement released Sunday on Facebook, organizers thanked participants "who came to the aid of a fellow skater, the first responders, and the medical professionals who provided medical care."

Organizers said Lufholm "made such an impact on the rollerblading community."

A GoFundMe page was established to help his young family, including his 3-week-old daughter. Michelle Connelly, the page's organizer, said Lufholm "passed away suddenly" during the marathon.

"So that's why the news was so hard because they had their whole life in front of them," said Pete Samson, Lufholm's brother-in-law.

Samson says Lufholm was a man of many talents, not just skating. He loved being in nature and taking pictures of it, especially pictures of the North Shore. He shared his photography online.

To celebrate her 70th birthday today, the ex is running the Loch Ness marathon.
She has passed 200 marathons (including longer events.) Credit where it is due.

^



2024 Chicago Marathon: New records set as nearly 50,000 runners compete

It's one of the largest events of the year in Chicago, and it's now in its 46th year.

"First time we've been to a marathon. Just great to be here in Chicago, take it all in," said one participant.

Nearly 50,000 runners participated, cheered on by hundreds of thousands of spectators along the racecourse.

One bystander, Mary Lotz, from Indiana, even brought a giant cutout of her husband's face to the race.

"It's the easiest way for him to find us, and for us to find him," she said.

David Baird traveled from New England to support his friend Richard Whitehead.

"It's always emotional. Every time I see Rich, he's pushing himself to the limit…," said Baird.

The race began and ended in Grant Park, passing through 29 Chicago neighborhoods.

Thousands of runners from more than 100 countries participated. Last year, more than $30 million was raised in charitable donations.

John Korir achieved the second-fastest time in Chicago history, finishing in two hours, two minutes and 44 seconds.

Ruth Chepng'etich broke the women's world record, crossing the tape at two hours, nine minutes and 56 seconds.

She dedicated her world record to the late Kelvin Kiptum, who set the men’s record in Chicago last year and died in a car crash in February.

Astana City Marathon Attracts Participants from 18 Countries

The Astana City Marathon welcomed a total of 2,300 people on Oct. 13, including not only city residents but also guests from 18 countries such as the Kyrgyz Republic, China, the Netherlands, Kenya, Russia, and France, despite the chilly -6 degrees Celsius weather, reported the city administration’s press service.

The marathon, part of the World Athletics Road Race Label series, featured several race categories, including the 42,195-kilometer individual marathon, the Ekiden 42,195-kilometer team relay, a 10-kilometer run, and a 10-kilometer Nordic walking event.

In total, 383 participants completed the 10-kilometer race, while 73 people finished the main marathon distance of 42,195 kilometers. The route was organized along the capital’s most beautiful places and streets.

Local doctor saves man’s life, completes Berlin Marathon

Local doctor completes Berlin Marathon after saving man's life mid-race

A Chicago-area doctor is celebrating after completing a marathon just minutes after saving a man's life who had gone into cardiac arrest.

While runners across the globe just finished competing in the 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, local physician Dr. Eliza Pierko is still processing a tumultuous few weeks following a different marathon race.

Pierko ran in the Berlin Marathon in Germany just two weeks ago in her first race since a fractured leg sidelined her from running for several years, even being told by doctors that she would never be able to run again.

Determined to overcome her injury, Pierko laced up her sneakers and signed up for the Berlin Marathon, unaware of the impact she would have while on the course.

At mile marker 21.5, Pierko observed a man who was laying on his side while motionless.

Pierko, a licensed primary care sport medicine physician at Loyola, is no stranger to tending to injured athletes, but had never sprung into action while competing herself.

"The runner started to turn blue and purple and he stopped breathing," Pierko told NBC Chicago.

Pierko and another witness then performed chest compressions on the man for over four minutes until help arrived. In shock amid the traumatic experience, Pierko returned to the course.

Just a half-mile ahead was her husband, recording her running the marathon when he was told by Pierko what she had just done.

"Adrenaline just kicked in so fast, I didn't feel anything. I don't know where I found enough energy to do it, I was surprised myself," Pierko said.

Pierko has previously helped dozens of patients through CPR and believes anyone who was familiar with the practice could have jumped in and helped.

"Any CPR is better than no CPR. Even if you think you're not good at it, you can jump into action and you can help your fellow runner. You don't have to be a doctor to save a life," Pierko said.

The condition of the man Pierko saved was unknown, however there were no deaths reported at the Berlin Marathon.

As for Pierko, she went on to not only complete the race, but also shatter her personal best marathon time.

Kenyan athletes record double triumph at first edition of Rome Half Marathon

19-year-old Emmanuel Wafula dominated the men's race after reaching the 10 km mark in 28 minutes 14 seconds and finishing the marathon in 59'58".

Kenyan athletes have recorded a double triumph at the first edition of the Rome Half Marathon, which took place on Sunday morning on the central streets of Italy's capital.

According to official results, 19-year-old Emmanuel Wafula dominated the men's race, completing 10 kilometres in 28 minutes and 14 seconds.

Wafula broke away from fellow Kenyans Gideon Kiprotich Rop and Antony Kimtai, running solo near the Colosseum before finishing in 59'58".

Rop came in second with a time of 1h00'57", while Kimtai completed the podium with 1h02'23".

Daniele D'Onofrio, the first Italian to finish, came in sixth with a final time of 1h05'34", just behind European 5,000m champion Ilias Fifa, who completed the men's race in 1h05'22".

In the women's race, Nancy Sang shone with a personal best for the 10 km distance in the time of 31'39, which she recorded in April. The time ranks in the Top 30 world performances of the season. Sang finished the half marathon in Rome in 1h06'52.

Thailand gears up for Amazing Thailand Marathon Bangkok 2024

The Thai Ministry of Tourism and Sports, in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), World Athletics, the Sports Authority of Thailand, and Thailand Tri-League, held a press conference to announce the Amazing Thailand Marathon Bangkok 2024, presented by TOYOTA.

The 7th edition of the marathon will take place on Sunday, December 1, 2024, from 02:00 am to 09:30 am, featuring participants from 77 countries.

Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong presided over the event, alongside key figures such as the Governor of TAT, the Governor of Bangkok, and the Ambassador of Kenya to Thailand. A significant highlight was the announcement of two-time Olympic gold medalist Eliud Kipchoge and the world’s top-ranked NN Running Team as official "Tourism and Sports Ambassadors."

Minister Sorawong emphasised the Thai government’s commitment to developing world-class events through the IGNITE THAILAND initiative, which aims to enhance Thailand’s economic value through large-scale events. The Amazing Thailand Marathon Bangkok is a flagship event in the sports tourism sector under this initiative./.

Thailand gears up for Amazing Thailand Marathon Bangkok 2024 | Vietnam+ (VietnamPlus)

Dublin Marathon live updates including all the photos from the big day

Dublin City has been taken over by the 2024 marathon with some 20,000 runners set to line the streets for this year's race.

In all, 22,500 have registered for the race, and conditions seem perfect for the big day as little to no rain is forecast until later this afternoon, and temperatures are set to hit a high of 12 degrees.

Dublin is known as one of the friendliest marathons in Europe with thousands of volunteers and supporters set to line the streets for the event.

The race got underway at 8.45 am Irish time at Leeson Street upper and finishes back at Mount Street Upper.

The race will go from the southside to the northside of the city, and back again.

Kejelcha Breaks Half Marathon World Record at Valencia

Ethiopian athlete Yomif Kejelcha set a new world record at the Medio Maratón de Valencia Trinidad Alfonso Zurich, clocking 57 : 30 in the men’s race. This marked Kejelcha’s sixth attempt over the half-marathon distance, breaking the previous record by one second.

Kejelcha controlled the pace early on, accompanied by elite runners Selemon Barega and several Kenyans, and led the pack through the 5km and 10km checkpoints in a relentless push to beat the clock.

This day in history: New York City marathon

Thousands of runners cross the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge from Staten Island into Brooklyn for the start of the New York City Marathon Nov. 1, 1998.

5,000 runners join Pattaya bikini beach run

More than 5,000 runners, mostly clad in bikinis, participated in the annual Pattaya International Bikini Beach Race 2024 on Saturday evening.

The popular event, which has been held for eight consecutive years, took place on Pattaya Beach in Chon Buri’s Bang Lamung district. The start and finish lines for the 5-kilometre race were in front of the Central Pattaya Hotel.

Pattaya City Mayor Poramet Ngampichet and Dr Nattakit Tangpoonsinthana, chief marketing officer at Central Pattana, presided over the ceremony to start the run.

The run is held every year to promote Pattaya as a top beach destination. Many foreign tourists also participated in the event.

After the race, there were also a concert by several bands and DJs on the beach.

5,000 runners join Pattaya bikini beach run

2024 TCS New York City Marathon Is World’s Largest Marathon Ever with 55,000+ Finishers

The 2024 TCS New York City Marathon, Sunday, November 3, became the world’s largest marathon ever with 55,646 total finishers. The TCS New York City Marathon, one of 60 adult and youth races produced by nonprofit New York Road Runners, is the BEST DAY in New York City. The iconic race is one of the most inclusive and accessible sporting events in the world, with the first finisher and the final finisher running the same course on the same day. Below are some highlights and statistical information from the 2024 race.

The Field

Note: All finisher numbers and results are as of November 3 and subject to change after final race scoring verification. This data is based on registration information provided by individual runners.

• Number of Starters: 56,012
• Number of Finishers: 55,646
• Men’s finishers—30,795; women’s finishers—24,731, and 120 non-binary finishers, the most ever women’s and non-binary finishers
• International finishers—17,859
• Countries represented—137
• All 50 states plus D.C., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam

Winners

• Men’s open division winner: Abdi Nageeye, NED, 2 : 07 : 39
• Women’s open division winner: Sheila Chepkirui, KEN, 2 : 24 : 35

How much prize money do the NYC marathon winners get?

New York City marathon winners in the men's and women's divisions will each earn six figures for outpacing their competitors in the 26.2-mile race on Sunday.

First-place male and female runners in the "Open Division," which comprises professional and invited athletes only, will take home $100,000 in prize money, according to New York Road Runners, the nonprofit that organizes the annual marathon.

Second-place athletes in each division will earn $60,000. There are also payouts for men and women who finish in the top 10 of their respective categories, based on the order in which they cross the finish line. The prize money for top finishers:

3rd place: $40,000
4th place: $25,000
5th place: $15,000
6th place: $10,000
7th place: $7,500
8th place: $5,000
9th place: $2,500
10th place: $2,000

Additional rewards of $50,000 are paid out to runners who break existing course records.

Running influencer banned from New York City Marathon after crew on e-bikes recorded him on course

A running influencer from Texas has been disqualified from the New York City Marathon and banned from future New York City running events after he ran part of the course with people on e-bikes recording him on video.

Matthew Choi, of Austin, was disqualified from the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon on Sunday and removed from the results, New York Road Runners said in a statement.

He was further banned from any future NYRR races.

The move came after “a review and due to violations of World Athletic rules, and New York Road Runners’ Code of Conduct and Rules of Competition.”

The organization said Choi ran with the assistance of two unauthorized people riding the course on electric bicycles, which obstructed runners.

Choi offered an apology in a video shared Tuesday afternoon on social media. He boasts 404,000 followers on Instagram and over 465,000 on TikTok.

“I f---ed up. This wasn’t a video I was planning on making. But I have no excuses, full stop. I was selfish on Sunday to have my brother and my videographer follow me around on the course on e-bikes, and it had serious consequences,” he said.

“We endangered other runners, we impacted people going for PB’s [personal bests], we blocked people from getting water. And with the New York City Marathon being about everyone else, and about the community, I made it about myself. And for anyone I impacted, I’m sorry,” he continued.

The Winners of the 41st Athens Marathon

Charalambos Pitsolis was first to cross the finish line at the 41st Athens Authentic Marathon with an impressive time of 2 : 18 : 56, securing his second consecutive victory in this event. Pitsolis was able to overtake his competitor (and subsequent runner-up) in the final kilometers to secure the win.

Panagiotis Karaiskos crossed the finish line just behind Pitsolis, clocking in at 2 : 19 : 50. Karaiskos had led for most of the marathon, showing remarkable control, but in the 40th kilometer, Pitsolis made a decisive push to take the lead. Following the finish, the two shared a touching moment of camaraderie as Pitsolis embraced Karaiskos, showcasing admirable sportsmanship.

In third place was 36-year-old athlete Georgos Menis, completing the marathon with a solid performance. Konstantinos Stamoulis secured fourth place with a time of 2 : 22 : 49, while Dutch runner Frik Van de Wert rounded out the top five, finishing at 2 : 24 : 49.

In the women’s category, last year’s runner-up Stamatia Noula set a new personal best and national championship record, completing the marathon with a time of 2 : 40 : 19. Noula strategically surged around the 28th kilometer, overtaking Gloria Privileggio to secure her first win in the event and break the previous national record of 2 : 40 : 36 set by Tina Kefala.

The Boston Athletic Association and Meet Boston Announce $500 Million Economic Impact for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America Economic Impact Report Released

The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) and Meet Boston today released an independent economic impact report (PDF) conducted by the Economic and Public Policy Research group at the University of Massachusetts Donahue Institute, commissioned to look at the direct impact of one of the oldest and most historic marathons in the world, the Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America.

The $509.1 million impact represents the B.A.A.’s operational costs, spending by marathon participants and spectators, and other secondary economic impacts from household spending, taxes and vendor spending. For this report, the Donahue Institute examined the two categories of expenditures of the B.A.A. – year-round operations and a larger set of spending associated with marathon weekend.

“The Boston Marathon is more than just a race; it’s a powerful driver that shines a spotlight on the Greater Boston area, attracting visitors and showcasing our city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse communities," said Martha J. Sheridan, President & CEO of Meet Boston.

“Each year, it brings people together from across the globe, expanding the impact of tourism and enhancing our competitiveness. This iconic race fosters a sense of unity and purpose for all the domestic and international visitors that come to spectate or participate.”

Spectators were surveyed to understand areas of spending, including retail, food and beverage, and lodging.

Marathon weekend includes more than the race on Patriots’ Day. The B.A.A. hosts the Boston 5K presented by Point32Health with 10,000 participants, an invitational mile for both students and professional runners, the Bank of America Boston Marathon Expo, Boston Marathon Fan Fest presented by DICK'S Sporting Goods, and the Boston Marathon Post-Race Party presented by Samuel Adams. Additionally, sponsors and other adjacent brands provide activations throughout Greater Boston.

The 2024 marathon weekend had 30,000 participants across the Boston 5K, B.A.A. Invitational Mile, B.A.A. Relay Challenge and the Boston Marathon. Participants had an average party size of two, with 77% of spectators who attended indicating they are there to support a family member or friend running. 51% of the participants reside outside of New England, with the median weekend spend of $500. 68% of participants stayed in a Boston area hotel.

Did the Bangkok Marathon today, glad it is ticked off the bucket list but not sure I would do such a distance again.
Half marathons are kinda chill, nothing chill about a full marathon- found it pretty brutal.

Whatshername has run many a full marathon here in Thailand, even the Bangkok run. Waking up at 2:00 am for a 4:00 am start is a pain. She enjoyed the runs until her knee started giving her trouble.

Careful out there.

London Marathon 2024 raises record £773.5m for charity

Final figures released by TCS London Marathon have shown the event raised a new record of £73.5m for charity.

Fundraising had already passed £67m the day after the event on 21 April - which saw more than 53,700 people cross the finish line.

That figure broke the previous world record for an annual one-day fundraising event, which was £66.4m set by the London Marathon in 2019.

The cumulative total raised since the first London Marathon in 1981 is now more than £1.3bn.

Hugh Brasher, chief executive of London Marathon Events, said: "We salute every single participant who has contributed to this world record-breaking total of £73.5m for the thousands of charities which provide essential services to so many."

Cape Town Marathon primed to become Africa’s first Abbott World Marathon Major

The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon has recently made significant strides in its journey to join the international Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM) series after the 2024 edition met the criteria set out by the AbbottWMM team.

Cape Town will now proceed to the second stage of the candidacy process in its attempt to join the series when it stages its next marathon on October 19, 2025. If it is successful, the race would join the Majors in 2026. This follows the recent addition of the TCS Sydney Marathon, which was announced as the seventh Abbott World Marathon Major event and will take place as a Major on August 31, 2025.

Current AbbottWMM events are: Tokyo Marathon, Boston Marathon, TCS London Marathon, BMW-Berlin Marathon, Bank of America Chicago Marathon, TCS New York City Marathon and most recently the TCS Sydney Marathon.

“Cape Town has continued its impressive progress since joining the candidacy process, and we are thrilled that it has now met all of our criteria for the first time,” said AbbottWMM CEO, Dawna Stone.

“We know how much the city, the country and the whole continent want the race to become Africa’s first Major, and they have taken a great step in the right direction.”

Course record-holders Lemma and Beriso return to Valencia

Ethiopia’s Sisay Lemma and Amane Beriso will head back to the Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Zurich on 1 December and attempt to improve on their respective course records at the World Athletics Platinum Label road race.

Lemma’s 2 : 01 : 48, set last year, and Beriso’s 2 : 14 : 58 run from 2022 stand as the sixth-fastest performances of all time.

Since his Valencia triumph last year, Lemma went on to take the Boston Marathon title earlier this year in 2 : 06 : 17, winning by 41 seconds.

He’ll be joined in Valencia by three-time Olympic gold medallist and five-time world champion Kenenisa Bekele. The Ethiopian, who has a PB of 2 41, is the fastest man in the field and sits at third on the world all-time list, one place ahead of Lemma.

Bekele finished fourth in Valencia last year, then placed second at this year’s London Marathon before going on to represent Ethiopia at the Olympics in Paris.

Three other Ethiopian men with sub-2:04 PBs will be in Valencia: two-time Tokyo Marathon champion Birhanu Legese, 2021 Berlin Marathon winner Guye Adola, and Paris Olympics fifth-place finisher Deresa Geleta.

Much of the focus will be on some of the athletes who’ll be making their marathon debuts in Valencia.

Katie Florio, William Loevner win 2024 Philadelphia Marathon elite races

William Loevner, 27, of Pittsburgh, won the Philadelphia Marathon men's race in 2 : 16 : 12 on Sunday.

Mulgeta Birhanu Feyissa, of Washington, Alabama, was second in the 26.2-mile race in 2 : 16 : 38, and Rahal Bouchfar was third in 2 : 16 : 55, according to unofficial results.

In the women's race, Katie Florio, 31, of Philadelphia, won in 2 : 32 : 42. Aberu Mekuria Zennebe, of Washington, D.C., was second in 2 : 33 : 26, and Elizabeth Chikotas was third in 2 : 35 : 28.

Florio runs for Liberty Track Club, a Philadelphia-based elite running team sponsored by Oiselle, an apparel brand.

"It feels amazing, I'm honestly still in shock," Loevner said after the race. "I can't believe it, but I'm just proud of all the hard work I put in, and I ran to the best of my ability, and that was the win today, so I couldn't be happier."

Race director Kathleen Titus said the event raised about $700,000 for the American Association for Cancer Research.