Marathon

The New York City Marathon announced Wednesday this year's race has been canceled because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The event was scheduled for Nov. 1.

The pandemic also forced the cancellation of the Boston Marathon in May, the first time the race has been scrapped altogether.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio issued a statement on Wednesday's decision, per ESPN.com: "While the marathon is an iconic and beloved event in our city, I applaud New York Road Runners for putting the health and safety of both spectators and runners first. We look forward to hosting the 50th running of the marathon in November of 2021."

A number of sports leagues in the United States have laid out plans to return this summer, but they're attempting to do so in tightly controlled environments. That isn't possible with a marathon that winds through New York City.

According to Hailey Middlebrook of Runner's World, 53,640 people finished the 2019 marathon, and another 50,000 were expected to run this fall.

With many states letting businesses reopen and removing coronavirus-related restrictions, the pandemic is surging once again in the U.S.

The New York Department of Health confirmed 597 new positive tests Monday, the fourth straight day in which the number decreased. While the state appears to be limiting the spread of the coronavirus, a gathering as large as the New York City Marathon would have the potential to be a "super-spreading" event.

Countless people have probably utilized their home treadmills in recent months.

None of them have used the treadmill like Zach Bitter.

The 34-year-old American ultramarathon runner completed 100 miles in 12 hours, 19 minutes and 15 seconds to break the all-time 100-mile treadmill world record:

https://twitter.com/NickKingSports/status/1261886073992429568

CONGRATULATIONS to @zachbitter for his new 100 Mile Treadmill World Record in 12:09:15 (unofficial). 7:18 avg pace!
The previous record was 12:32 by Canada's @daveoutrunsrare. Great job crewing, @nkbitter! @AltraRunning @NordicTrack @BUFF_USA @irun4ultra @iRunFar @runnersworld pic.twitter.com/nlIMvYROPA

— USA Ultrarunning (@USAultrarunning) May 17, 2020

Bitter achieved the feat in his Phoenix home—maintaining a seven-minute, 18-second pace per mile—and logged the journey on his YouTube:

Bitter took a break for "two, maybe three minutes" prior to the final 13 miles to rest his brain and rest his focus, he disclosed during an Instagram Live video after he finished.

He added:

"It felt like I was running a lot closer to around a seven-flat most of the day, but then between taking breaks and switching treadmills and things like that, you add a little bit of time. And then, having to catch up on hydration, probably had a few slower miles in there too. But I'm not sure if I wanna try to do it again. Certainly not if there's races in the schedule, but I'm glad I did it. It's something just really different."

Bitter previously broke the 100-mile land world record, doing so in 11 hours, 19 minutes and 13 seconds at an indoor Milwaukee track last August.

Who says there is nothing to do for people who are stuck at home while social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic? 

While some have completed puzzles, played video games or binge watched Joe Exotic's adventures on Netflix's Tiger King, James Campbell ran a marathon of 20-foot shuttles in his backyard in an effort to raise money for Britain's National Health Service.

Yes, you read that right.

According to the Associated Press, the British man who is a former professional javelin thrower ran across his yard at least 7,000 times to reach the 26.2 miles of a full marathon.

Watch @jcampbell0104's #6MetreGardenMarathon challenge 👇https://t.co/dNTIuay3sI

— Vinco (@VincoSport) April 1, 2020

He did so after saying on Twitter he would run a marathon if he received 10,000 retweets.

Campbell's effort, which was livestreamed and took just more than five hours, was for a worthy cause, as he raised more than £18,000 ($22,000) to help COVID-19 treatment and relief efforts.

As if that's not enough, he probably won't have to mow the grass for some time after he surely wore a path in it by running back and forth.

The 2020 London Marathon has been postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic and has been rescheduled for later in the year. 

The event was set to take place on April 26, but will now be run on October 4 in the capital:

The 2020 Virgin Money London Marathon has been postponed and is now scheduled to take place on Sunday 4 October 2020.

Full statement: https://t.co/Jw0EbptGgw#LondonMarathon pic.twitter.com/r18eXLmZSH

— TCS London Marathon (@LondonMarathon) March 13, 2020

Hugh Brasher, the event director, said health and safety remain the primary concern of the organisers, per the race's official website:

"The world is in an unprecedented situation grappling with a global pandemic of COVID-19 and public health is everyone's priority. We know how disappointing this news will be for so many – the runners who have trained for many months, the thousands of charities for which they are raising funds and the millions who watch the race every year."

This year was set to be a milestone for the event, with the 40th running of the London Marathon.

The Boston Marathon also announced it would be postponing their race until September 14 due to the coronavirus.

Eliud Kipchoge was set to defend his London crown, with the 35-year-old hunting a fifth victory at the event. The Kenyan broke the course record in 2019.

Kenenisa Bekele was ready to challenge the champion for this year's title. The duo have previously recorded the two fastest marathon times in history.

              

The Boston Marathon has officially been postponed for the first time since its inception in 1897 because of ongoing concerns regarding the coronavirus pandemic.

According to WBZ's Anna Meiler, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh said Friday that the race will be moved to Sept. 14.

Word that the event, which was scheduled for April 20, could see a date change emerged on Thursday, when Walsh told Paula Ebben of WBZ-TV that it was a possibility.

Later that evening, WBZ-TV reported that the event was postponed, with hope that it could be run in September:

"Officials from the eight cities and towns on the route – Hopkinton, Ashland, Framingham, Natick, Wellesley, Newton, Brookline, and Boston – met Wednesday at Boston City Hall to talk about a change of date for the race, a day after Gov. Charlie Baker declared a State of Emergency in Massachusetts on Tuesday.

"Those authorities are now looking at the possibility of holding the event on a Monday in September, instead of Monday, April 20. They hope to reach a decision by the end of this week, but there are a great deal of logistics in those communities that still need to be worked out."

The official announcement soon followed on Friday.

The race has played a significant part in the greater Boston area's history and culture. The marathon always takes part on the city's Patriots' Day, which commemorates the first battles of the American Revolutionary War.

The event serves as the centerpiece of the day in addition to a Boston Red Sox home game (barring cancellation due to rain or other events) in the late morning or early afternoon since 1959.

However, the marathon has now become the latest sporting event to be postponed.

Bayelign Teshager and Margaret Muriuki took home first place in their respective divisions at the 2020 Los Angeles Marathon.

Elisha Barno was the favorite in the men's field entering Sunday after winning this event in both 2017 and 2019, while Weldon Kirui had won in 2016 and 2018.

However, Teshager shocked the big names by coming through with a first-place finish in just over two hours and 26 minutes:

Bayelign Teshager of Ethiopia has won the L.A. Marathon. He finished the race in 2:08:27, according to marathon officials https://t.co/Eo26mHPaU9 pic.twitter.com/ZEP1mV4KhC

— KTLA (@KTLA) March 8, 2020

According to Scott Reid of the Orange County Register, the 19-year-old was making his marathon debut but had little trouble defeating more seasoned runners.

The Ethiopian finished about 17 seconds ahead of John Lagat in second place and 49 seconds ahead of Wilson Kwambai Chebet. The top six finishers in the division posted a better time than Barno's winning 2:11:46 time from 2019.

Barno ended in ninth place.

              

Men's Results

1. Bayelign Teshager (2:08:26)

2. John Lagat (2:08:43)

3. Wilson Kwambai Chebet (2:09:16)

4. Michael Chege (2:09:29)

5. Lani Rutto (2:10:06)

    

Women's Results

1. Margaret Muriuki (2:29:27)

2. Almaz Negede (2:32:28)

3. Jane Kibii (2:36:04) 

4. Emily Gallin (2:36:04)

5. Grace Gonzales (2:50:08)

Full results available at the event's official site.

            

Muriuki seemingly had a much easier time getting through her race, winning the women's division in a time of two hours and 29 minutes, more than three minutes ahead of runner-up Almaz Negede.

It was effectively a wire-to-wire victory for the Kenyan, who averaged five minutes and 42 seconds per mile.

Margaret Muriuki of Kenya won the elite women's race in 2:29:28 https://t.co/Eo26mHPaU9 pic.twitter.com/zEmF4cixlH

— KTLA (@KTLA) March 8, 2020

https://twitter.com/sreidocregister/status/1236687717322215424

There was also some success from those who train in America, including Jane Kibii, Emily Gallin and Grace Gonzales. Gallin is a Malibu native who came in fourth in her local race. 

The top finishers took home their share of the $100,000 purse, featuring even prize money for both men's and women's divisions. The two winners each earned $23,000 for their performances. 

The Los Angeles Marathon is often one of the biggest races in the world, not only due to the city's population but also the scenic tour around Southern California. 

The event begins at Dodgers Stadium and ends by the water in Santa Monica, featuring trips through Hollywood, Beverly Hills and the Riviera Country Club.

Tomorrow is the big day 🏃‍♀️The race will be broadcast on @KTLA 5 News starting at 6:00 AM PT pic.twitter.com/4CAnuCpCty

— Los Angeles Marathon (@lamarathon) March 8, 2020

While there was some concern about the spread of the coronavirus with more than 25,000 entries to the race, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health recommended "social distancing" while keeping six feet between runners, per NBC Los Angeles.

Spectators were also told not to share food or water bottles.

From Dodger Stadium to Hollywood to the Santa Monica Pier, Los Angeles will be on full display this weekend.

On Sunday, the 35th annual Los Angeles Marathon takes place as more than 27,000 participants from all 50 states and more than 78 countries will run through the streets of the city in a 26.219-mile race. The event started in 1986 and stemmed from the success of the 1984 Olympics, which took place in L.A.

Over the years, the marathon route has been adapted into a "Stadium to the Sea" format, as the race begins at Dodger Stadium, takes runners past many major landmarks of the city and ends near the Santa Monica Pier.

Here's everything you need to know about this year's Los Angeles Marathon.

      

Event Information

When: Sunday, March 8

Route: Course Map

Road Closures: Complete List

      

2019 Los Angeles Marathon Schedule

6:30 a.m. Wheelchair start

6:42 a.m. Handcycle start

6:45 a.m. Elite women start

6:55 a.m. Elite men and rest of field start

       

There will be a mix of experienced marathon runners, novices and first-timers in the field, as to be expected with an event of this size. All will be hoping to cross the finish line at the intersection of Ocean Avenue and California Avenue.

Last year, Elisha Barno of Kenya won the men's race with a time of two hours, 11 minutes and 46 seconds. The men's course record was set in 2011 when Markos Geneti of Ethiopia finished in 2:06:35.

The women's course record was set in last year's race. Askale Marachi of Ethiopia completed the race in 2:24:11, breaking the previous mark of 2:25:10 that was set by Russia's Lidiya Grigoryeva in 2006.

Participants in the race must be at least 16 years old. There will also be commemorative awards handed out to the top three finishers in each age division. Every participant who finishes the race will receive a commemorative medal.

While many people who attend the Los Angeles Marathon are there to run the race, there will also be plenty of supporters and fans watching the event and cheering on those who are participating.

That will culminate at the finish line, as the Finish Festival will take place at the Third Street Promenade, which is located between Santa Monica and Wilshire. The festival will feature a beer garden, music and entertainment as runners and supporters celebrate the conclusion of the marathon.

If you need any more information about the race before Sunday, everything can be found at LAmarathon.com.

Birhanu Legese and Lonah Chemtai Salpeter were the top finishers in a lightning-fast 2020 Tokyo Marathon on Sunday.

Both the men's and women's races were run at an intense pace, and no less than 17 runners ducked under the 2:08:00 mark, per sportswriter Jonathan Gault:

I know everyone is focused on the Trials, but holy shit the Tokyo Marathon results are insane.

17 (!!!) guys under 2:08. Most ever in one race. I mean, could you imagine running 2:07 and finishing SEVENTEENTH?

15 Japanese guys under 2:09!

More Vaporflation, @Scienceofsport? pic.twitter.com/d9a7zTvU70

— Jonathan Gault (@jgault13) March 1, 2020

Bashir Abdi ran the second-fastest European time in history, but it wasn't enough to beat Legese to the top spot despite some injury trouble for the Ethiopian.

Salpeter finished nearly a minute before the second-placed runner in the women's race, Ethiopia's Birhane Dibaba.

Here are the podiums for both races:

Men's Elite

1. Birhanu Legese, Ethiopia, 2:04:15

2. Bashir Abdi, Belgium

3. Sisay Lemma, Ethiopia

   

Women's Elite

1. Lonah Chemtai Salpeter, Israel, 2:17:45

2. Birhane Dibaba, Ethiopia

3. Sutume Asefa Kebede, Ethiopia

   

The field was reduced to just 300 elite runners and saw a limited amount of volunteers over fears of the coronavirus, leading to remarkably empty streets, per CNN's Will Ripley:

I decided to check out the Tokyo marathon. It’s usually so festive and colorful — with costumed runners & enthusiastic crowds lining the route. This year, the streets are nearly empty. Just 300 elite runners instead of the usual 35K. Only 600 volunteers instead of the usual 10K. pic.twitter.com/vLz75vLi0c

— Will Ripley (@willripleyCNN) March 1, 2020

Legese ran his personal best of 2:02:48 during the Berlin Marathon last year and came into the Tokyo Marathon as the defending champion.

He and Lemma were the clear favourites for the title and kept things close until the final three kilometers, when the defending champion kicked on. He later told reporters he did so despite growing pains in his hip:

https://twitter.com/TokyoMarathon_E/status/1234009670416650240

Lemma fell back to third place after a phenomenal late surge from Abdi, who was down in 15th place after 10 kilometers but found tremendous pace in the final quarter of the marathon.

In the women's race, Salpeter made her move after 30 kilometers and finished solo in a new national record. Dibaba was the only runner who could keep pace after the initial move and also finished faster than the previous course record but was still 50 seconds down on the winner.

Salpeter was happy to take the solo win:

https://twitter.com/TokyoMarathon_E/status/1234015099972550656

Both wheelchair races also saw new course records and local winners. Japan's Tomoki Suzuki took the men's race in a blistering 1:21:52, over eight minutes faster than anyone else. Tsubasa Kina was even more dominant, finishing over 13 minutes before anyone else in the women's race.

A pair of runners from Ethiopia took first place at the 2020 Houston Marathon.

Kelkile Gezahegn was the best in the field Sunday, winning the men's race with a time of 2:08:36. Askale Merachi was the top women's finisher after running all 26.2 miles in 2:23:29, beating out three different women who were within two minutes of first place.

Marathon winners: Kelkile Gezahegn (Ethiopia) & Askale Merachi (Ethiopia) 🏅 Congratulations! #runhou #houstonmarathon pic.twitter.com/CrzgTcSgXa

— Houston Marathon (@HoustonMarathon) January 19, 2020

Craig Hunt (2:17:18) was the top American man in eighth overall while edging Joseph Niemiec by just five seconds. Adriana Nelson-Pirtea earned the title of fastest American women with a time of 2:33:18.

Here is a look at the top finishers in each category.

     

Top Male Finishers

1. Kelkile Gezahegn (2:08:36)

2. Bronsa Dida (2:10:37)

3. Amanuel Mesel (2:11:04)

4. Benson Seurei (2:11:51)

5. Stephen Scullion (2:11:52)

     

Top Female Finishers

1. Askale Merachi (2:23:29)

2. Biruktayit Degefa Eshetu (2:24:47)

3. Malindi Elmore (2:24:50)

4. Meseret Belete (2:24:54)

5. Bekelech Gudeta (2:29:22)

Full results available at the event's official site.

Gezahegn had an impressive performance in Houston with a pace of four minutes and 55 seconds per mile. He was in second place at the halfway mark and third at 15.5 miles, but he was on fire the rest of the way to end up in front of the pack at the finish line.

Ethiopian native Kelkile Gezahegn wins Chevron Houston Marathon with an unofficial time of just over 2:08 #houmarathon pic.twitter.com/XRMamSrIY1

— ABC13 Houston (@abc13houston) January 19, 2020

Woldaregay Kelkile Gezahegn of Ethiopia won the men’s Chevron Houston Marathon for the men coming in at 2:08:36. @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/bPPeatgV0d

— Taisha Walker (@KPRC2Taisha) January 19, 2020

The 23-year-old has performed well on the international scene, winning a Slovenian marathon last October while adding victories in China and Germany. However, he had never competed in an American marathon until this one.

It seems the different geography didn't affect him at all as he was able to add another title to his resume.

Merachi also turned heads with her performance, extending an incredible run of success from Ethiopian women:

Askale Merachi of Ethiopia won the Chevron Houston Marathon for the women. Her time was 2:23:29. She’s the 14th consecutive woman from Ethiopia to come in first. @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/rzgQYzrWMR

— Taisha Walker (@KPRC2Taisha) January 19, 2020

While the race was usually close, Merachi led at every single checkpoint Sunday as part of an inspiring effort from the 33-year-old.

After setting a course record with her win at the Los Angeles marathon last year, she shaved almost another full minute off her time in 2020.

In third place in the women's division was Malindi Elmore, who set a national record with her performance.

MALINDI ELMORE RUNS CANADIAN MARATHON RECORD IN 2:24:50 AT HOUSTON MARATHON!

— Canadian Running (@CanadianRunning) January 19, 2020

With thousands of other runners competing on the difficult course, it was a memorable day of action in the Texas event.

In 2018, Nick Hilton proposed to his girlfriend after winning the Disney World Marathon. This year, it was all about him.

Hilton ran a time of two hours, 22 minutes and 19 seconds to earn a dominant win at the 2020 event, besting second-place Benjamin Xie by more than four minutes.

Martins said she's retiring from the event after the race. 

Reigning men's champion Fredison Costa was unable to complete the race due to an illness. Costa was looking for his eighth Disney Marathon victory, which would have tied him with Adriano Bastos for the most all-time. Brazilians have won 18 of the 27 races for the men. 

Martins finished nearly five minutes ahead of second-place American Jordyn Kleve. Martins and Kleve were by far the class of the women's field, as no other runner was within 10 minutes of the pair.

An American woman has not won the Disney World Marathon since 2013 (Renee High).