Mantz had a stress reaction in his femur in November, but is very bullish on his chances at the Trials and his training. Video and written Q&A.
Archived Homepage For January 26, 2024
Archived Homepage For January 26, 2024
More Trials
At her 8th Olympic Trials will Sara Hall be able to make her dreams become reality? We reached out to her to find out.
- Q&A with Natosha Rogers who is ready for her marathon debut at the Trials after going all-in on running for the 1st time Rogers, who is now part of Puma's group in North Carolina.
- Lindsay Flanagan And Her Younger Sister Kaylee Are Both Racing The Marathon Trials Worlds 9th placer and 2:24:43 marathoner Lindsay has a shot at making the team. But she is also a coach and coached her sister to her 2:35 qualifying time at CIM.
- Q&A with 2:24:3 marathoner Gabi Rooker on her unconventional path to the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials
- The best anecdotes from the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials women's athlete bios
- The best anecdotes from the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials men's athlete bios
What do you think? Will Sara Hall make the 2024 US Olympic team?
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On The Boards
On The Boards
BetterRunningShoes.com Presents
We present to you the LetsRun.com Shoe Awards for 2023. What is the best shoe of 2023, the supershoe of 2023, the newcomer of the year and more?
Our 2023 World Rankings Are Out
Our 2023 World Rankings Are Out
It was a big year for Jakob Ingebrigtsen, Soufiane El Bakkali, Kelvin Kiptum, and more.
We rank the top 10 in the world and top 5 in the US in every distance event from 800m through the marathon. Where did Faith Kipyegon and Sifan Hassan's historic seasons stack up?
There's Another Ritzenhein HS Phenom
The Niwot (Colo.) sophomore won NXN in December and was surprised with the Gatorade award by Katelyn Tuohy on Tuesday.
Other Distance Links That Passed Our Human Vetting Process
- Recommended Read Why aren't there more female NCAA coaches? The article is interesting but unfortunately a bit reductive as it acts like low pay and lots of hours or work is only a problem that women face in the profession. Meanwhile, LRC's Rojo got out as he realized it would be a tough profession to be in with young children.
- Track club in UK is upset that they can't use Commonwealth Games stadium very much despite having a 125-year contract The local govt is trying to change the rules after spending millions to renovate the track for the CGs. *More
- Nikki Hiltz vs Jessica Hull this weekend in a 1k at UW
- One yr after 8 UW athletes broke 4 - the 1st-ever “Mile City” showcase is Saturday at UW "The inaugural event is set to have 617 competitors compete over six hours starting at 1 p.m., following the conclusion of the invitational portion, with races ranging from community, high school and elite."
It's a Busy Track Weekend - Astana, BU, Amory, Camel City, etc.
- 1st World Indoor Tour Event of 2024 (and 1st ever in Asia) is Saturday in Kazakhstan The headliner in Mondo Duplantis as Andre De Grasse will run indoors for the 1st time in 3 years. Faith Kipyegon slayer Diribe Welteji headlines the women's mile. The meet starts at 5 am ET.
- *Astana is 1 of 4 indoor meets Mondo will do in 2024 Mondo admits 2023 was more challenging than 2022 as he had some health issues. Will he set another WR at World Indoors?
- LRC Will NCAA record fall in men's 5000 at BU? Also a 3:43 American miler will be making his pro debut in the 5000.
- MB OAC dodges Nur and Woody
- MB NICO MF YOUNG 1:55 800 AFTER 5:17 2k at 7000 Feet Elevation
- MB With the 5K BU race threads...Graham Blanks has the Olympic Standard
- Camel City Elite is Saturday and Abby Cooper and Kaela Edwards are in the women's mile
- 10 storylines to follow at this weekend's Dr. Sander Invite at the Armory The men's and women's mile winners gain entry into Millrose write former LRC intern Alex Geula.
- Femke Bol, Grant Holloway, Gudaf Tsegay and more to run Lievin on Feb. 10 Tsegay set her indoor 1500 WR of 3:53.09 at the meet in 2021 but will run the 3k this year.
This Week's Pod
The LRC crew breaks down the action before being joined by Alex Gibby of Harvard who discusses his training philosophy and amazing success (2 NCAA champions in the last year).
Wiley Goes Pro
Her agent is Paul Doyle and she will be coached by former Huntington coach Lauren Johnson.
The US Olympic Marathon Trials Are Next Weekend
The LOC and USATF are still discussing the issue with an announcement expected by the end of the week. The Trials are 11 days away.
Non-Distance News
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- Bob Beamon’s 1968 Olympic Long Jump Gold Medal Up For Auction The website's listed estimate is $400k-$600k.
- HS coach predicts Hector Benjamin will break 9.99 Champs record this year
- GB Top Sprinter Zharnel Hughes Is Hoping Third Time's The Charm At Paris Games The world bronze medalist missed Rio 2016 with injury and false started at the Tokyo Olympics.
- Ferdinand Omanyala Racing 200m In Kenya This Weekend
- Shericka Jackson Stuns In A Red Dress As She Receives RJRGleanerSportswoman Of The Year Award
- Femke Bol Will Open Her Indoor Season At In Metz On February 3 France’s Euro XC champ Yann Schrub is in the 3000m and the 800m has world 1500m silver medalist Diribe Welteji and Brit Jemma Reekie.
- France's President Wants Them To Finish In The Top-5 Medal Rankings At The Paris Olympics They finished 8th in Tokyo 2020 rankings.
Previous Distance News
- Lindsay Flanagan And Her Younger Sister Kaylee Are Both Racing The Marathon Trials Worlds 9th placer and 2:24:43 marathoner Lindsay has a shot at making the team. But she is also a coach and coached her sister to her 2:35 qualifying time at CIM.
- Forest Braden And Carrie Dimoff Win USATF Masters XC Championships
High School / NCAA News
- NXN Champ Addy Ritzenhein Wins Gatorade Player Of The Year Award Ritzenhein was surprised with the award at her school by Katelyn Tuohy.
- Texas Tech Freshman Temitope Adeshina Broke The Nigerian HJ Record With 1.96m At The Corky Classic Over The Weekend (#9 NCAA All-Time)
- Texas Tech Men Are #1 In First NCAA Indoor Rankings Of The Season Texas, NAU and USC are ranked 2-4.
- Illinois Women Start Out As #1 On First NCAA Indoor Rankings Of The Season Arkansas, Florida and USC are ranked 2-4.
- Gatorade's State-By-State 2024 Girls XC Players Of The Year
News From Japan
- World Athletics And Sony Announce New Sponsorship Agreement Three three-year agreement includes the 2025 Tokyo World Championships.
- Nagano Breaks National Men's Ekiden Course Record For Third Time In A Row
- National Champion Kamimura Gakuen H.S. Girls Win Kitakyushu Women's Invitational Ekiden
Our Weekly Recap
The USA xc meet is in the books and we have 6 takeaways. Plus indoor track gets started this way with a big men's 5000 in Boston. How fast will Yared Nuguse run and might Nico Young become the first collegian to break 13:00?
Distance News
- Good Read: Josh Kerr Looking Ahead To Paris 2024: "I think I'm good enough to win. ...But I'll accept that whatever result and shake everyone's hand." Kerr talks about what he said to his family before winning world gold in Budapest, why he races in sunglasses, racing with Jake Wightman when they were kids and how he always planned on 2024 being his best Olympics.
- RW Profile On Olympic Marathon Trials Qualifier Aaron Gruen Who Is Also A Professional Cellist Aside from marathon training, Gruen practices his cello three to eight hours a day and performs at venues across the world
Paris 2024 News
- Hundreds Of French Police Officers Are Protesting About The Paris Olympic Games They are demanding extra pay during the Paris Games (up to $2,200) to compensate for lost holidays and extra work during the Games.
- IOC Change Rules On Where Athletes Can Protest/Share Political Opinions Athletes are restricted at the opening and closing ceremonies, the medal ceremonies, during competition and in the Olympic Village. Sounds like basically everywhere that isn't a mixed zone interview.
- Faith Kipyegon And Noah Lyles On InsideTheGames "Five Stars To Shine At Paris 2024" List
- Key Concerns For Paris 2024 With Six Months To Go Issues include high ticket prices, high security measures and multiple political debates.
- Paris 2024 Facts And Figures 10,500 athletes, 15 million visitors, 40,000 security agents per day.
It's A World XC Year
Teare became the first man in 56 years to win US titles in the 1500 and XC while Kelati won by 37 seconds just six days after setting the half marathon AR.
International XC
- Rwanda's Yves Nimubona And Kenya's Edinah Jebitok Win CrossCup XC Race In Hannut, Belgium Jebitok dominated the women's race by 39 seconds while Nimubona just outkicked Eritrea’s Merhawi Mebrahtu by 1 second.
- Hugo Milner And Abbie Donnelly Win London International XC Meet Innes FitzGerald won the women's under-20 race.
More Weekend Indoor Results
He breaks the 2:18.10 record set by Texas' Yusuf Bizimana just last week which had broke Brannon Kidder's eight year-old 2:18.26 mark. Matasata's time is also #8 in US history.
- 600 Yard Collegiate Records Go Down At Texas Tech To Baylor's Nathaniel Ezekiel (1:07.44) And LSU's Michaela Rose (1:16.76) Rose actually down the collegiate record and world best in the rarely run event. The previous 1:17.38 record dated back to 1982 by Delisa Walton.
- Julien Alfred Wins 200m In 22.28 At Dr. Martin Luther King Invy 200m In Albuquerque Texas' Yusuf Bizimana won the 800m in 1:46.47 while Dina Asher-Smith set a UK best in the 300m with 36.77. Kenya's Amon Kemboi won the mile in 3:58.30.
- Rhasidat Adeleke Sets Two Irish National Records in Albuquerque In The 60m And 200m She won the 60m in 7.15 and finished 2nd in the 200m in 22.49.
- Germany's Euro U20 Bronze Medalist Laura Raquel Muller Steals Show With Breakthrough 6.81m Long Jump World Lead At The Sparkassen Indoor Meet She crushed her PB by 30cm to win over a field that included Olympic champ Malaika Mihambo. GB's Georgia Bell set a big PB in the 1500m to win in 4:03.54.
- Luxembourg's Patrizia Van Der Weken Sets 60m National Record With 7.09 At Home Meet
Lumberjack Invy
MB: Nico Young just ran a 3:57 mile at 7k feet, conversion? 3:48.71!!!
Young is the first American to ever go sub-4 at that high of an elevation (about 7,000 feet). Colin Sahlman(4:03.21) and Theo Quax (4:03.33) finished 2-3. Their times convert to 3:54.38 and 3:54.49, giving NAU the top-3 spots on the NCAA mile list for this year.
- NAU Lumberjack Team Challenge Recap Maggi Congdon won the women's mile in 4:40.34 (converts to 4:30.16, putting her #1 in the NCAA).
- DyeStat Takes A Look At The Top American/NCAA Fast Miles At Altitude
- MB: Altitude conversions aren’t real
Rupp Ready or In Trouble?
The LetsRun.com crew broke down Galen Rupp's 62:37 run in Houston. Full podcast here.
Josh Kerr Speaks
The Guardian's Sean Ingle has asked Kerr about his comments that went viral regarding Ingebrigtsen's weaknesses and Kerr has expanded on them, saying, "I think come championship day, I am the best athlete in the world and no LetsRun article is going to tell me otherwise.” He also says World Indoors is still very much a possibility.
RIP
No cause of death. An AP article says he died of "medical complications."
28:46 10k By A Woman
For casual fans, Ngetich's 28:46 seemed to come from nowhere, but 6.5 years ago her agent Davor Savija predicted greatness calling her the "purest diamond in the rough one could imagine." Now he's even more bullish, saying "this is a generational talent that is here to stay" and "this is some kind of Faith Kipyegon in the making." Jonathan Gault has the story.
Distance News
- Q&A with US Olympic marathon hopeful Zach Panning who reveals he recently ran a 16 miler at 4:47 mile pace Also he reveals that he now weighs less than he did during his freshman year in high school when he was a fullback on the football team.
*MB: Zach Panning in 2:05 shape? He recently did his marathon simulator workout at 4:47 mile pace - BBC profiles Courtney Dauwalter who quit in her first 100-mile race "When it started getting physically difficult, almost immediately my headspace went really negative, and I just whirlpooled down into it," says Dauwalter. "Any runner will tell you that a 'did not finish' is a crushing experience. I couldn't believe I'd given up so quickly and quit something I'd started."
*MB: BBC Article falsely claims women are better than men starting at 195 miles We've been reading this non-sense for more than 20 years. Anyone remember when the NY Times in 1992 wrote that women would start beating men in marathons by 1998? - Timo Mostert (American Fork) and Chuck Schwartz (Air Academy) are named the USTFCCCA National High School Cross Country Coaches of the Year
- Reuben Reina Jr recently joined his dad Rueben Sr as a sub-4 miler and they are now the 15th members of the father-son sub-4 club
Sprint Memories and News
- It's an Olympic year and 24 years ago Cathy Freeman's 400m win was one of the most iconic of Olympic wins Freeman was sensational as was Bruce McAvaney’s call of Freeman’s race as well as Haile Gebrselassie's 10,000 win for Australian tv. Watch the 10,000 call here and 400m call here.
- Dina Asher-Smith, Julien Alfred, English Gardner and Briana Williams to run 60m at Millrose
2024 Boston Men
Evans Chebet will look to become the fifth man to ever 3-peat in Boston but he'll have to beat surprise entrant Sisay Lemma, who just ran 2:01:48 in Valencia.
*Three Japanese Men Running 128th Boston Marathon Leadin the way is Suguru Osako, who was 3rd in Boston in his debut in 2017, returns even though running Boston may cost him an Olympic spot.
*MB: Boston marathon announces 2024 Elite Field
Sprint News
- Letsile Tebogo doesn't have any Olympic goals "I don't have any goals for the Olympics because I haven't thought about what will happen," Tebogo told Newsday on the BBC World Service. "I need to sit down and see, and then set the goals. I will then announce my goals if I feel like it."
*Letsile Tebogo thinks social media is dangerous "A lot of people decide to say whatever they want on social media and it can damage the mental health," Tebogo said. "There is nothing you can do as a sprinter if your mental health is damaged because you won't be able to focus."
*Tebogo calls for indoor track to be build in Africa - To celebrate passing 100k YouTube followers, Noah Lyles will fly to people to Atlanta City Games later this year He's got 3 times as many as LRC (subscibe to our channel here) but we have the same amount of Olympic gold medals.
Minor Distance News
- Molly Huddle only ran a 34:30 10k in Arizona last weekend "The time was not good at all. I didn’t really have anyone around me. I think I just got stuck in that tempo place, and it was early in the morning. I was just kind of stiff, so I’m hoping that’s all it was," said Huddle who was hoping to run 33ish.
- Hugo Milner will race Parliament Hill xc this weekend and may due world xc despite triathlon goals
- Former UVA Sarah Astin relishes Parliament Hill opportunity
- ‘Road to Glasgow 24’ and ‘Road to Bahamas 24’ launches World Athletics has launched the sites "to help athletes, media and fans track the qualification process for the World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 24 in March and the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 in May."
- Value of TCS Brand rises by $2 billion in 2023 Maybe sponsoring all those marathons is paying off.
This Week's Main Pod
Agnes Ngetich blasted a 28:46 10k to become the first woman under 29 minutes as a no-name woman followed her in 2nd, Weini Kelati ran 66:25 to break the American record in the half marathon, while Galen Rupp only ran 62:37. We break it all down and then @ 66:28 take our first look at the US Olympic Marathon Trials which are in 2.5 weeks.
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Random News That Makes The Cut
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- A List Of Kenyans Whose Doping Bans Recently Ended, Making Them Eligible For The Paris Olympics Includes former marathon WR holder Wilson Kipsang and former world 1500m champions Asbel Kiprop and Elijah Mangoi.
- Video: Simeon Birnbaum Ice Skates On The Hayward Field Track Not a joke.
- Adidas Super Shoe That Instantly Sold Out Is Back On Sale, But With A Large Price Hike £50 more in the UK than the price they initially released at in September.
- British Woman Attacked By Dog On Run, Nearly Loses Arm The woman had to jump into the river to escape the off-leash boxer-rottweiler.
The Marathon Trials Are In Less Than Three Weeks
- MB: Abdi Abdirahman, 47, confirms he'll be on the starting line in Orlando for his sixth Olympic Trials
- Five Moments To Remember From The US Olympic Marathon Trials 2012 was the first time four men went sub-2:10 at the Trials with Meb Keflezighi winning in 2:09:08 over Ryan Hall (2:09:30), Abdi Abdirahman (2:09:47) and Dathan Ritzenhein (2:09:55).
- WUSF.Org: "Orlando Gears Up For US Olympic Marathon Trials Next Month" The trials are expected to have a $12 million to $15 million economic impact for the city.
More Upcoming Track/Road Action
- Past Champions Clash: Laura Muir Vs Elle St. Pierre Set For Women's Wanamaker Mile At Millrose Games February 11 Field also includes two-time world indoor silver medalist Axumawit Embaye, 2022 US 1500m champ Sinclaire Johnson, UK 1500m champ Katie Snowden, last year's runner-up Josette Andrews and Aussie NR holder Jessica Hull.
- Olympic Marathon Champ Peres Jepchirchir And Last Year's Winner Benard Kibet Announced For RAK Half On February 24
- World And Olympic Champion Miltiadis Tentoglou Announced For Czech Indoor Gala Long Jump On January 30
- Four European Indoor Champions Confirmed For Paris Indoor Meet On February 11
More Pro/NCAA Indoor Results
- Arkansas' Sanu Jallow Runs #3 All-Time NCAA 600m With 1:26.52 At The Arkansas Invy Her time is only behind Athing Mu (1:25.16) and Britton Wilson (1:25.80). Shawnti Jackson won the 400m in 52.10, putting herself #10 on the world all-time under-20 indoor list.
- Ireland's Rhasidat Adeleke Opens Season With 51.74 4x400 Relay Split In Louisville She ran on the relay with training partners Dina Asher-Smith (split 53.57 on the opening leg, Julien Alfred (52.47 third leg) and Lanae Tava-Thomas (DNF on the anchor leg).
- Bahamian Olympian Devynne Charlton Opens Season With 60H World Lead In 7.78 Seconds In Louisville
- USC's Jasmine Jones Opens Season With NCAA #1 8.03 In The Spokane Sports Showcase 60 Hurdles
Catching Up On Recent High School Indoor Action
- VA Showcase Recap: Star Sprinter Mia Brahe-Pedersen Opens Season With US #1 60 (7.28) And 200 (22.92) Quincy Wilson ran 1:01.27 in the 500m to just miss Will Sumner's record and Adaejah Hodge ran 36.97 (#3 on the prep all-time list).
- Mason Schmitz Sets Freshman Class Record In The 800m (1:54.10) He finished 2nd in the race which was won in 1:52.47.
- Montverde Academy Breaks Nearly 20-Year High School Indoor Girls 4x400 Record With 3:37.63
- Bullis School Breaks High School Boys SMR Indoor National Record At VA Showcase
Hosting News
- Birmingham Will Host 2026 European Championships After Funding Agreement Hosting had come into question after the city council declared bankruptcy in September, but organizers have secured funding from multiple other sources. *InsideTheGames article
- Mexico Withdraws Bid For 2036 Olympics The president of the National Olympic Committee cited the "tough competition" which apparently includes South Korea, India, Egypt and Qatar.
RIP
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- 32-Year-Old Kenyan Marathoner Hosea Kiplagat Collapses And Dies In Iten Tragically, he was walking with his four-year-old son at the time.
- Estonia's 1958 European Decathlon Silver Medalist (And 1956 Olympic 4th Placer) Uno Palu Passes Away At Age-90
- Former NCAA Javelin Runner-Up Jerry Dyes Passes Away At Age-82
Upcoming Track Action
- World Champ Jake Wightman Vs Stewart McSweyn And Peter Bol Set For John Landy Mile In Melbourne On February 15 NCAA 1500m record holder Eliud Kipsang, 16-year-old age record holder Cameron Myers (3:55.44) are also in the race.
- Grant Fisher Vs Josh Kerr Set For Millrose 2 Mile Field also includes Joe Klecker, Cooper Teare, George Beamish, Morgan McDonald, Ky Robinson. The pace will be set for a world indoor best of 8:03.
*MB: Millrose Mens 2 Mile Field!!!
- World 1500m Silver Medalist Diribe Welteji, World Road Mile Silver Medalist Freweyni Hailu And Steeple WR Holder Beatrice Chepkoech Will Clash In Torun 1500m On February 6
UW Indoor Preview / Other Recent Results
- UW's Luke Houser Wins Washington Indoor Preview 3000m In 7:40.40 (#9 On The Collegiate All-Time List) His former teammate Kieran Lumb was a close 2nd in 7:40.53.
- UW's Carley Thomas Wins Mile In 4:30.38 At UW Indoor Preview Brooks Beasts teammates Allie Buchalski and Kayley DeLay went 1-2 in the 3000m (8:55.46 to 8:55.89). Portland's Laura Pellicoro ran a NCAA #1 1000m of 2:42.51. Stanford's Juliette Whittaker took the 800m in 2:02.67 and Roisin Willis the 400m in 53.56.
- MB: Ky Robinson 4:00.50, Sprout 4:03.48, Young brothers 4:06.37, 4:07.65 at Washington indoor meet Brooks Beasts pro Brannon Kidder won the race in 3:58.31. Robinson was 3rd. Sam Ellis won the 1000m in 2:18.96 over Craig Engels (2:19.06).
- MB: Colin And Aaron Sahlman at NAU indoor meet Colin won the mile in 4:10.27 (4:01.18 with NCAA altitude conversion) while Aaron ran 4:25. They also both ran the 400m (49.38 for Colin, 49.51 for Aaron). *Results
- Register Guard: Oregon Season Opener At UW Indoor Preview Highlighted By 8 Wins, Top-10 Program Marks And Meet Record
- Event-By-Event Top-10 NCAA Marks Of The Week (January 9-15)
Houston
It's the third straight year the women's AR has gone down in Houston. Ethiopians Jemal Yimer (60:42) and Sutume Kebede (64:37) won the overall titles.
Women's 10k Action
She's the first woman to break the 29-minute barrier, crushing the record set by Yalemzerf Yehualaw in 2022 by 28 seconds. (Her time is also faster than Letesenbet Gidey's 29:01 10,000m track record.) Ngetich split 14:13 at halfway which also ties the women's 5k road record. Second place went sub-29 as well with Emmaculate Anyango running 28:57. Jacob Kiplimo won the men's race in 26:48.
- MB: Ngetich smashes
10k women's road record, 28:46!!!! - MB: Disappointed by Kiplimo
- Dominic Lobalu Equals European 10k Record With 27:13 To Finish 5th He ties Julien Wanders' record from four years ago.
- Molly Huddle Wins Phoenix Rock 'N' Roll 10k In Pre-Marathon Trials Tune-Up Huddle won in 34:30 (2:25:34 marathon pace), but said she wasn't happy with the time since she was shooting for the 33-minute range.
Indoor Results
He broke the 2:18.26 record set by Penn State's Brannon Kidder in 2016.
- Aidan Troutner Runs First Sub-4 Mile At Smith Fieldhouse At BYU His 3:59.2 is also the first indoor sub-4 mile ran in the state of Utah. (The NCAA altitude conversion puts it at 3:54.51 which puts him #1 on the NCAA performance list this year.
- MB: Cade Flatt is back 1:17 600 at Vanderbilt *Results
- Chris Nilsen (5.90m) And Sandi Morris (4.82m) Set World Leads To Win UCS Spirit Natinoal Pole Vault Summit Nilsen and Morris beat deep fields that included KC Lightfoot, Sam Kendricks, Katie Moon and Katerina Stefanidi.
*USC Spirit National Pole Vault Summit High School Recap
Pre-Houston Rupp Piece
Talking about the Olympic Trials Rupp said, "It's been a real big build-up; it's been going really well." But he added that with the focus on the Trials, he isn't "in the greatest half-marathon shape" coming into Houston.
World Indoors Takes Another Hit
He broke the news to Norwegian media that he won't be running World Indoors in March as a precautionary measure.
Grant Fisher UPDATE
Fisher spoke to LetsRun for more than an hour about his new training setup and the tweaks he hopes will carry him to the Olympic podium in 2024 and beyond.
Grant joined the pod for over an hour but prior to that the LetsRun crew had a little Olympic Marathon Trials and Dubai talk.
Patriots' Day (and Tax Day) Will Be Here Before You Know It
A record 11 sub-2:20 women are scheduled to race on Patriots' Day in Boston on April 15, the most for any marathon in history, surpassing the 10 that started in London last year. And Hellen Obiri (2:21:38 pb) will be the favorite. Emma Bates heads the US entries.
*MB: Women's Field for Boston Marathon Obiri, Bates (and a record 11 sub-2:20 women!!)
The Marathon Trials Are Almost Here
The new policy prevents athletes from "chasing" the Olympic standard but otherwise does its best to honor the results of the Olympic Trials when selecting the team.
*MB: At last it's been confirmed, USATF will honor the order of finish at the US Olympic Marathon Trials and Scott Fauble can go
Q&A with US Olympic Marathon hopeful Betsy Saina who reveals she's in good form having run up 130 mpw in Kenya Saina, who was 5th in the 10,000 for Kenya in the 2016 Olympics, hopes to make the team this time for the US even though she's training full-time in Kenya.
*MB: Hand her a 2024 US Olympic spot now? Sounds like Betsy Saina is READY to go. Up to 130 mpw
Courtney Frerichs Uncensored
Frerichs said it was difficult to adjust to BTC's move to Eugene and is hoping for more input in her training and more time at altitude now that she is being coached by the Craggs. She also says she's finally healthy and has been hitting times in workouts she has not seen since 2021.
Donavan Brazier Update
Our Jonathan Gault has the inside scoop on the status of the 2019 world champ thanks to a source in Brazier's camp. Brazier does not have a new coach yet and is currently working back on getting back to full training after yet another surgery.
Will Hassan make history in 2024?
Is she goes for the 5,000-10,000-marathon triple, she'll get at least one day off between every race while the quadruple would require her to run the marathon less than 12 hours after the 1500 final. Vote in our poll.
*MB: How many events will Sifan Hassan run in Paris?
Sub-30 Here We Come
Monson, who set American records in the 3k, 5k, and 10k in 2023 and finished 5th in the 10k at Worlds, will open her 2024 season by running the 2-mile at the Millrose Games on February 11. She also reveals she'll skip World Indoors and World XC to try to become the first American woman to break 30:00 in the 10,000 at The TEN.
The LRC Awards Part II
From Sha'carri Richardson to Noah Lyles, Sifan Hassan to Yared Nuguse, we honor the best and most entertaining athletes and races of 2023, and yes, of course, Jakob Ingebrigtsen makes the list.
2024 Will Feature World Indoor & World XC But Who Will Show Up
Wightman's coach (and father) Geoff tells LRC that Jake will not compete at World Indoors while Kerr's coach Danny Mackey explains why the world champ is considering skipping World Indoors. Plus World Athletics president Seb Coe weighs in.
WA Was Scared To Name 1 AOY, But We Have No Fear
Noah Lyles pulled off an incredible double, Mondo Duplantis and Ryan Crouser had record-breaking years, but there is no need to split this award: Kelvin Kiptum is our 2023 Men's Athlete of the Year. Faith Kiypegon (duh) wins our women's award.
The 2023 Bowerman Awards Go To.....
It's the first time ever that two international athletes won the Bowerman in the same year. Hibbert, the youngest winner and 1st Jamaican winner, jumped 17.54m indoors and 17.87m outdoors while Alfred set CRs in the 60 (6.94) nd 200 (22.01) indoors while running windy 10.72 in the 100 and 21.73 in the 200 outdoors.
*MB: Jaydon Hibbert's got SWAG and personality. Check out these videos from him winning the Bowerman
1500 Truth or Trash Talk?
Let the countdown to the Olympic 1500m final begin. It's only 240 days way. On a recent podcast, Kerr seemed to relish the fact he had the opportunity to point out that Ingebrigtsen has some flaws by saying, "He doesn't win a lot of non-paced races. I would love for him to be listening to this."
Supporter's Club Content
Norway is one of the few countries in the world where tax lists are made public so we now know to the penny how much their top track and field stars made in 2022. Find out here how much the Ingebrigtsens made in 2022 - Jakob, Filip, Henrik and Gjert. Plus Karsten Warholm, Narve Nordas and Karoline Grøvdal.
It's Official
Tuohy has left the NCAAs after 3.5 years with 3 straight NCAA team titles and 4 NCAA individual titles.
Good News
We've got good news. USATF has told LetsRun that they will honor the order of finish at the Trials for men who have broken 2:11:30. Confusing language in USATF's selection criteria document had caused us to wonder if the order of finish at the Trials or world rank would determine the third US men's Olympic spot (if the US gets a third spot). But have they not thought of a doomsday scenario where Scott Fauble gets left off the team despite winning the Trials?
Big USATF/Nike News
It's the fifth straight year that Siegel made more than $1.2 million. USATF's says the large loss came from "planned expenses related to the 2022 World Athletics Championships."
Everyone's still looking for an edge
Kelvin Kiptum, Faith Kipyegon, Keely Hodgkinson and everyone in the OAC are among the stars who experimented with Maurten Bicarb System in 2023 ($65 for 4 doses). The big question: does it work? (paywall lifted)
BetterRunningShoes.com
We think most of you could guess the #1 brand, but the #2 might be a surprise. We break down the most popular brands overall, and for road, trail, and racing.
Max Siegel's Contract Gets Extended and We're Not Happy About It
Max has been the CEO since 2012. Max put USATF on sound financial footing by signing the 23-year Nike deal but there has been a lot of chaos with the organization during his tenure. The press release says his tenure has been "marked by record financial growth." Revenue actually declined from 2016 ($35.0) to 2021 ($33.7) but the press release talks about the budget being $40 million so perhaps 2022 (financials have not been released yet) was higher. Revenue was $21.9 million when he took over in 2012.
Winners
Twoggle, the Shelby Houlihan defender, and a guy who took up the sport in 2016, were the big winners in our $200,023 Worlds Prediction Contest and take home some great Suunto watches.
LRC Q&A
Q&A with Twoggle who wrote the piece titled, "Houlihan, Burrito-Gate and the Problems of Sports Drug Testing"
Kiptum's 2nd Half in Chicago Was Wild But Not As Wild As Initially Reported
Kiptum's reported 4:21 19th mile and 4:18 22nd mile were the two fastest splits ever recorded in a marathon, but after an investigation by LetsRun.com, race organizers have confirmed discrepancies with those splits.
Sick of Shoes that Break Down Too Soon?
Running shoe construction has changed a lot in the last decade. Runners are still looking for more durable running shoes, but we take a look at some of the most durable shoes and what makes them stand out.
Looking To Paris 2024
We have good news US marathon fans. Scott Fauble is #61 in the marathon so it looks like the US will be sending 3 Olympic men's marathoners to Paris.
Get a Better Running Shoe
Stack heights on shoes are getting bigger and bigger. Runners are liking these shoes more and more. We try and make sense of the cushioning revolution.
More Kiptum / Marathon News
As running prepares for some of its biggest barriers to be broken in the coming years, guest columnist Stephen Lane argues it is time for World Athletics to take action.
- Recommended Read No, Kelvin Kiptum Is Not the Next Kipchoge (But Sifan Hassan just might be) Writing for Outside, Martin Fritz-Huber cites the LetsRun.com forum and includes the following quote from Molly Seidel, "Who’s the GOAT?’ Who fucking cares? Who’s got the story that’s going to get people excited?”
*MB: Molly Seidel: "Who’s the GOAT?’ Who fucking cares? Who’s got the story that’s going to get people excited?” - Kelvin Kiptum told his manager he wanted to withdraw from Chicago 1 week out as he had tonsilitis and a thigh injury but his coach told him he'd be fine The rest is history. *Discuss
- Chepng’etich still wants to WR despite losing to Hassan in Chicago - "Smashing the world record is still in my plans"
Inside Kiptum's Training
Kiptum, who regularly runs 150+ miles a week, runs so hard in training that his coach Gervais Hakizimana wants him to slow down: "I told him that in five years he would be done, that he must calm down to last in athletics."
- Kelvin Kiptum's dad is very proud and says his son has never had a drop of alcohol
- Kelvin Kiptum says he's ready to race Kipchoge: “It will be exciting to meet Kipchoge, who has inspired many. I am ready to race against him.”
- Kelvin Kiptum returns to Iten & reveals the secret to his success: “My secret is training not any other thing." He received a hero's welcome.
Better Running Shoes
The ASICS SUPERBLAST tops the first LetsRun.com shoe rankings for everyday trainers. The shoe is a worthy winner as it is the epitome as to how super shoe technology has made its way over to everyday trainers. Asics and HOKA each put 3 shoes in the top 10.
Ross Tucker Speaks
After Assefa's WR, sadly doping allegations swarmed the Internet, but could it simply be the shoes? "I hate these shoes, and I truly wish the authorities had acted to prevent this entirely foreseeable situation," writes Ross Tucker.
2024 Olympic Trials
Eugene fatigue is real but don't tell that USATF. This will be the fourth straight US championships at Hayward Field and the fifth straight US Olympic Trials. Eugene paid them at least $3 million for the last Trials and we all know that USATF needs at least $3 million just to pay Max Siegel. Ridiculous.
Ingebrigtsen Wants ALL of the WRs
After his double victory at Pre, Ingebrigtsen shared advice for those attempting double threshold and why he believes he can break every WR from 1500 through the marathon.
Better Running Shoes a Click Away
Want to know what running shoes real runners like best? We've got some answers for you as our Better Running Shoe review site is now open to the public. Real reviews, from real runners, with data science.
Max Siegel & USATF Are Getting Sued
Estes lawsuit stems from USATF's decision to disqualify Chattanooga's bid for the 2024 Olympic Marathon Trials because Estes worked as a consultant on Chattanooga's bid. The idea that Siegel cited that conflict of interest as a deal breaker is laughable to us considering "under (Max) Siegel’s watch, USA Track and Field has awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of business to an Indianapolis marketing firm that once advertised itself as “a Max Siegel company.”
XC Video Game
The XC video game that former Wisco runner Ryan Craven spent time developing during much of the Covid lockdowns is now available to play on your phone and it's free!!
Justyn Knight Joins The BTC
The former NCAA star announced earlier today and he is now a Nike and BTC man. We talked to him before it was announced about why he made the move and what does he have think he has left in the tank?
A legend speaks
Michael Johnson was the guest on the LetsRun.com Track Talk podcast on the anniversary of his 19.32 double gold world record to share his thoughts on the sport and its current crop of stars.
2024 Trials Update
Are the mid-day start times great so it can be shown live on TV? Or too hot? We give you our thoughts.
Karsten Warholm Q&A
Recently Alex Geula sat down with Karsten Warholm and his coach, Leif Olav Alnes, at the IK Tjalve club in Oslo to understand Warholm's beginnings, his career, and the sprint side of Norwegian training.
The Most Untalented 3:29 Guy Ever?
Is Nordås the least talented runner to break 3:30 in history? He thinks so, "I can guarantee you I'm the slowest sub 3:30 guy in history." Text highlights from his appearance on the LRC Track Talk podcast.
Paywall lifted!
Paywall lifted!
The Latest JG Feature
What links Jakob Ingebrigtsen, the NAU cross country team, and Sebastian Coe? Double threshold training, which is having a moment in 2023. Note, most of this article is behind our SC paywall for 72 hours (until Saturday).
How do you explain the ridiculous indoor distance times?
Are all the fast times merely a product of supershoes? Or is it something more? We spoke to coaches Dathan Ritzenhein, Jason Vigilante and Dave Smith to figure it out.
Kipchoge loving the LetsRun Shirt in Berlin
Your latest American stars share their insights.
American Record Holders
American Record Holders
Keira D'Amato, the new American record holder in the marathon, was joined by Deena Kastor, who held the record for 15 years.
Sisson was the guest on the LetsRun.com Track Talk podcast after she became the first American to go sub 67 in the half marathon on a record-eligible course. Podcast highlights above. Full pod here.
Woody Kincaid joined us after he broke the American record indoors at 5000. He talks above why he left the Bowerman Track Club. Podcast highlights and link to full podcast here.
Coogan's New Balance Boston team had 3 Olympians in 2021 and 2022 could be the biggest year yet for the program with 2 new additions and the TRACK at New Balance coming on March 1st.
Danny Mackey has taken the Brooks Beasts from an unproven club to the Olympic podium in its first decade.
Dathan Ritzenhein is the first of the top pro coaches to sit down and talk about his club heading into the 2022 campaign.
Best of Jon Gault
Best of Jon Gault
Take Your Love of LetsRun to the Next Level
Take Your Love of LetsRun to the Next Level
LetsRun Classics
LetsRun Classics
‒40-year-old Sara Hall writing to LetsRun.com about next weekend's US Olympic Marathon Trials. Hall added that she doesn't "think I could have asked for a better buildup from late October ’til now, especially after the year prior. It’s the best I’ve handled the training energy wise and muscular fatigue wise."