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Archived Homepage For February 28, 2025
Archived Homepage For February 28, 2025

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US Half champs Sunday in Atlanta

Joe Klecker has some unfinished business in the half marathon after his debut in Houston didn't go as planned. $20,000 and spots for the US team to the World Road Running Championships  in San Diego are on the line Sunday in Atlanta.

Have you signed up for December's Marathon Project yet? Entries are limited to 1000. “The roads are pristine, the course is lightning fast, and you can’t beat Chandler in December,” Sara Hall said. “I’m so excited the race is back and more people will get a chance to chase a [personal record] at this unique event.”

It's A Busy Weekend of Action

It's a wild weekend for distance fans. In Tokyo, LRC's top two men's marathoners of 2024, Benson Kipruto and Deresa Geleta, take on 5k/10k WR holder Joshua Cheptegei. Plus there are Team USA spots for the World Half on the line in Atlanta where five male Olympians will seek 3 spots and the last BU meet of the year is on Sunday as well. And it's conference championship weekend at the NCAA level where 25 sub-4 milers will compete at the Big 10 meet.

    The women's field has 9 sub-2:19 women whereas the men's field has 11 sub-2:05 guys plus Joshua Cheptegai. The pace will be HOT (60:50 first half). *WA Preview
    *Kebede: "“I’ve covered everything in training, long distance, speed work, everything. I’m in PB shape.”
    *Cheptegei: "I'm still a student of the marathon. I'm on a learning curve and hope to learn from the big guys in the marathon like Benson (Kipruto, 2:02:16 pb) and (Deresa) Geleta (2:02:38 pb)."

    Next Weekend: Final entries published for Apeldoorn 2025 European Athletics Indoor Championships Do you know what Apeldoon is? It's a city in the Netherlands of less than 200k. 10 world leaders will compete.

      On The Boards
      On The Boards

      Will Benson Kipruto defend his Tokyo Marathon crown?

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      Will Sutume Kebede defend her Tokyo Marathon crown?

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      Where will Joshua Cheptegei finish in Tokyo?

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      Will the Japanese men's NR in the marathon (2:04:56) be broken in Tokyo?

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      The Latest Distance Links
      Non-Distance Running News
      GST Adds Wanyonyi and Hoppel

      If they add in soon to be World Indoor champ Josh Hoey and this will be a must-watch.

      Stars Old & Young
      NCAA news
      Is A Sub-4 Women's Mile Just Around The Corner?
      Euro Indoor Champs Are Next Week
      Tebogo in the News
      Grand Slam Track News
      Olympic / World Champs Stuff
      US Road News
      GB Distance News
      NCAA Rankings
      More Results From The Weekend
      Anti-Doping News
      European Indoor Champs Are Next Week
      More Road / XC Action From The Weekend
      A Lot Of Other Countries Had Their National Indoor Champs This Weekend
      2025 USA Indoors
      2025 USA Indoors

      Hoey now trails only Wilson Kipketer (1:42.67) on the world all-time list indoors at 800m as Kessler put on a front-running masterclass to win the 1500m after claiming the 3000m on Saturday.

      Akins and Hiltz won indoor titles in the 800 and 1500 on Sunday after winning the same events at the 2024 Olympic Trials. In the women's sprints, Alexis Holmes (50.51) dominated the 400 and Celera Barnes (7.11) upset Jacious Sears in the 60.

      Written recaps above from Staten Island. Want this show as a podcast? Join our Supporters Club today.

        Barega Goes For It In His Debut

        (link fixed) The 2021 Olympic 10,000 champ went out in 14:18 (2:00:40 pace) and was still on 2:03 flat pace at 35k before holding on for the win. Compatriot Anchinalu Dessie won the women's race in 2:22:17 in her debut as well.

        USA Videos
        USA Videos
        Hoey #2 All-time 1:43.24
        Hoey #2 All-time 1:43.24
        Hiltz x 2
        Hiltz x 2
        Kessler x 2
        Kessler x 2
        Day 1 at 2025 USA Indoors
        Day 1 at 2025 USA Indoors

        Kessler beat Jacobs, 7:38.00 to 7:38.02, in a sensational last-lap duel as Sam Gilman (7:38.64) was a surprising 3rd. Grant Holloway improved to 69-0 in the 60m hurdles while former DII star Wes Ferguson impressed in the 800 prelims.

        Hiltz edged Houlihan just before the line to win a great race, while Houlihan is heading back to World Indoors in her first year back from a doping ban.

        High School / NCAA News

        The time converts to a 9:40.85 2 mile which is slower than Mary Cain's indoor record of 9:38.68 from 2013. However, with the altitude conversion it would be about a 9:25.
        *MB: Jane Hedengren - 9:37.5 in 3200 at altitude

          More From USA Indoors
          More Fast Times At BU

          Hocker (12:57.82) got a pb and edged training mate Teare (12:57.97) as both went under the 13:01.00 Worlds standard. Powell ran 3:56.66 to take a second off Hobbs Kessler's HS indoor record while Crater (OR)'s Josiah Tostenson (3:57.47) and Tayvon Kitchen (3:59.61) became the first HS teammates to break 4:00 in the same race.

          More Weekend Indoor Action

          Gary Martin ran 3:50.09 to anchor Virginia to a 9:14.19 win at Arkansas. The time was slightly slower than the 9:14.10 UW ran last week, but that was on an oversized track. The Oregon women won at the BU DMR Challenge in 10:42.05 with collegiate mile record holder Silan Ayyildiz running 4:26.46 on the anchor. (Like the men's record, some women's teams have run faster, but on an oversized track).
          *MB: UVA runs 9:14 DMR

          Pre USA News

          Friday afternoon update: Saturday's action will be available on pay-per-view on USATF.TV, which has rebranded now that USATF has ended its relationship with RunnerSpace.

          LetsJump.com
          Weekend Preview Podcast

          Nikki Hiltz, Shelby Houlihan and Hobbs Kessler will be going for double USA titles this weekend

          The Record Books Are Getting Rewritten In 2025

          In the span of one week in February, runners broke five world indoor records and every American men's middle-distance record from 800m to 5000m. Jonathan Gault spoke to some of America's top athletes and coaches to find the reasons behind all of the fast times.

          Links that passed our human vetting process
          Interesting Reads / Watches
          World Indoors Is Coming In 1 Month
          This week's podcast - Yared Nuguse guest

          Yared Nuguse is the guest on this week's pod where we broke down Jacob Kiplimo's crazy run, the double world records by Jakob Ingebrigtsen and Grant Fisher.

          Staff changes at USATF

          Five of USATF's nine highest-paid employees have left within the last year. Is USATF desperate to save money? USATF posted a $5.6 million loss on its 2023 tax return.

          Sprint Stuff
          USATF Indoor Champs
          Looking Ahead On The Roads
          Recent European Track Results
          More Distance News
          NCAA / HS News
          Japan Road Action
          Bekele In London

          Bekele joins a field that includes Eliud Kipchoge, Jacob Kiplimo, defending champ Alex Mutiso, Olympic champ Tamirat Tola and Sabastian Sawe (2:02:05). Bekele ran 2:04:15 for 2nd place in London last year.

          What a Week

          The 1500, mile, 3k, 5k, and half marathon world records have all gone done in less than a week-and-a-half. Which record is the best?

          Non-Distance News Of Note
          Fact
          Jakob is the Standard
          Yared Nuguse Podcast + Breakdown Of Jakob's Record

          Breakdown of Jakob's run + 45 minute talk with Yared out for Supporters Club members. Some highlights in video player. Full video or podcast out for SC members here.

          More US Weekend Indoor Action

          She broke Tuohy's 4:24.26 mark from 2023. In a slower heat, NC State's Grace Hartman ran 4:24.76 to almost break Tuohy's school record and move to #3 NCAA all-time. LSU’s Michaela Rose won the 800m in 2:01.15 in a race where Ajee Wilson was 6th (2:02.31).
          *MB: 25-year old Silan Ayyildiz of Oregon/Turkey smashes Katetlyn Tuohy's NCAA Mile record with a 4:23.46 at BU

          Is the First Sub-2 Around the Corner?
          Another Record For Fisher

          Jonathan Gault onsite story   Six days after his 7:22.91 WR in the 3,000m at Millrose, Fisher broke the 5,000m record at Boston Universityand also bettered his outright American record of 12:46.96.

          International Results
          WR Interviews
          Grant Fisher 12:44 WR
          Grant Fisher 12:44 WR
          Mike Scannell - Grant Fisher's coach
          Mike Scannell - Grant Fisher's coach
          Previous Fast Indoor Action
          Weekend International Previews
          Doping News
          Embed from Getty Images
          Match Race

          Not a lot of details but they both spoke to People magazine confirming the race.

          2025 Liévin
          Distance Links of Note
          Millrose World Record Pod

          In this week'd main podcasat, the LRC crew broke down Yared Nuguse and Grant Fisher's record run, plus in the clip above pondered what Jim Ryun could have done in the modern era. 

          News From the Commonwealth
          Embed from Getty Images
          USATF Update

          USATF had planned on adding byes in the steeplechase but reversed course after receiving feedback from athletes and coaches.

          Who was the winner of the week?

          Your vote has been counted. Thank you!
          Sprints/Jumps
          Gout Gout’s First EVER Interview - BTR EP5
          Distance News
          The Gender Issue Is Becoming Less Of An Issue
          NCAA News
          Olympic News
          International Indoor Results
          Embed from Getty Images
          2025 Millrose
          2025 Millrose

          Grant Fisher and Yared Nuguse are world record holders as Cole Hocker and Hobbs Kessler also ran faster than anyone else ever at their events indoors at a spectactular Millrose Games where Josh Hoey set an American record. We try and make sense of it all.

          Our main pod this week

          If you want our Friday bonus podcast where we break down all the upcoming action join the SC today.

          Conner Mantz American Record in the Half Marathon - Strategy, Controversy, and Reaction
          Conner Mantz American Record in the Half Marathon - Strategy, Controversy, and Reaction

          Highlight clip above.

          LRC Rankings

          From GOATs (Faith Kipyegon), world records (Ruth Chepngetich) and breakthroughs (Keely Hodgkinson, Beatrice Chebet), this year's women's world rankings had a bit of everything.

          Millrose 3k Will Be Hot

          Edwin Kurgat, Adriaan Wildschutt, Ollie Hoare, new OAC additions Ky Robinson and Dylan Jacobs, and Villanova's Liam Murphy are also in the field.

          LRC Rankings And Other Distance News

          From the 800 through the marathon, we rank our top 10 men in the world and top 5 in the United States from 2024.

          Houston Was Sunday

          Mantz took down Hall’s AR on the same Houston course where he set it in 2007 as Weini Kelati (66:09) broke the women’s AR for the second year in a row. A record seven Americans ran sub-61:00.

          The 1st American Record of 2025 Has Fallen - Near WR

          Hoey broke Shane Streitch's old AR of 2:16.16 by nearly two seconds and missed Ayanleh Souleiman's 2:14:20 WR by just .28.

          The NCAA Record Also Went Down

          His teammate Abel Teffra was 2nd in 2:17.39 (the second fastest time in collegiate history).

          2025 London Will Be Spectacular

          London never fails to deliver. This year's field is amazing yet again as it will include a record six sub-2:05 men and the three fastest women in history. Plus, it will serve as the debut for two-time world cross country champion Jacob Kiplimo, the only man in history with 3 sub-58 half-marathon clockings.

          Kipchoge, who is seeking a record 5th London victory, says he wants to keep running as long as he can inspire people to run. "I will not be in LA [2028] when you convince me that the world has become a running world."
          *MB: Kipchoge to 2025 London - Can he still compete with the best or is he washed?

          News From Overseas

          Cheruiyot, 29, has been training with coach Tomasz Lewandowski's group, which also includes Olympic 9th placer Stefan Nillessen. But Cheruiyot's agent said he is still deciding whether to join the group full-time after 10+ years with Bernard Ouma.

          2025 London Will Be Great

          Defending champ Peres Jepchirchir is also in the race while the men's field is lead by Olympic champion Tamirat Tola and defending champ Alex Mutiso.

          Hassan and fellow Olympic champ Tamirat Tola of Ethiopia are the first names announced for the 2025 TCS London Marathon field. Hassan shared her thoughts with LetsRun about why it's okay to lose, whether she is the distance GOAT, Ruth Chepngetich's world record, and more. Paywall temporarily lifted.

          Shelby Houlihan's Drug Ban Is Over

          After serving a four-year ban and missing two Olympics, the American 1500m record holder plans to return to racing this month. We spoke to three shoe execs about Houlihan's comeback and whether they would be interested in signing her. Plus Jerry Schumacher reveals whether he'd be open to coaching her. Paywall temporarily lifted.

          Do you think Shelby Houlihan knowingly doped?

          Results are hidden until the poll is closed.

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          When Shelby Houlihan returns to competition, how will you react?

          Results are hidden until the poll is closed.

          Your vote has been counted. Thank you!
          One More Look at a Legendary Race

          From novice fans to running diehards, there was something for everyone (except perhaps Brits and Norwegians) to enjoy about one of the greatest middle distance races ever run.

          Unlike other Publications, We wait until the year is over to hand out our awards
          Unlike other Publications, We wait until the year is over to hand out our awards

          We actually hand out six awards in this piece - overall Athlete of the Year, Runner of the Year, and Distance Runner of the Year - but Chebet swept all three for the women, edging out SML. For the men, our Runner of the year goes to Grant Holloway over Rai Benjamin and our Distance Runner of the Year is Jakob Ingebrigtsen.

          From world records to unlikely breakthroughs to one very strange session of Kenyan parliament, Jonathan Gault recaps the highs and lows of running in 2024.

          Year in review podcast

          The LRC crew has it's annual 2024 trivia challenge and takes a look at an incredible year of track and field.

          Fisher Speaks

          After earning his first global medals in 2024, Fisher is not content to rest on his laurels. "There were two guys better than me in both events," Fisher says. "So there's still a carrot out in front of me." Plus his coach Mike Scannell explains how they will attack the 2025 season, including Grand Slam Track.

          Get Your Millrose Tickets Now

          America's best miler will race America's best long-distance runner at 3,000 meters in one of the crown jewels of the 2025 indoor season.

          Blanks = NCAA XC x 2

          Just before Blanks chases a 5,000m pb and collegiate record in what is likely his final NCAA race at Boston University on Saturday, he told LetsRun about the key session of his 2024 XC season -- one he described as "probably the best workout I've had so far in my career."

          Big Changes at HOKA NAZ Elite

          Almost 11 years after founding NAZ Elite, Rosario is leaving for a new venture. A number of athletes are also leaving the team, including Aliphine Tuliamuk, Krissy Gear, and Kellyn Taylor.

          NCAA Videos (More here)
          NCAA Videos (More here)
          Graham Blanks after repeating at 2024 NCAA cross country championships
          Graham Blanks after repeating at 2024 NCAA cross country championships
          Ed Eyestone talks after leading BYU to 2024 NCAA Cross Country title
          Ed Eyestone talks after leading BYU to 2024 NCAA Cross Country title
          Diljeet Taylor after coaching BYU women to 2024 NCAA XC title
          Diljeet Taylor after coaching BYU women to 2024 NCAA XC title
          A disappointed Shalane Flanagan talks after Oregon women finish 5th at 2024 NCAA XC Champs
          A disappointed Shalane Flanagan talks after Oregon women finish 5th at 2024 NCAA XC Champs
          Jonathan Gault pays tribute to two legends

          Simpson and Centrowitz, who both 1st medalled in 2011 and retired in 2024, leave the sport as two of the faces on the Mt. Rushmore of American 1500m running after piling up a combined eight medals at global championships. And despite not ever finishing in the top 3 on the yearly 1500 list (Simpson's best was 4th, Centro's 9th), they will be remembered as two of the better milers of their generation.

          Tim Rowberry Interview Highlights

          Rowberry began as a pacer and errand boy at the Nike Oregon Project but has since coached Hassan to six medals across the last two Olympics. He dives into their relationship and why he's looking to expand his training group -- and land a coaching contract from a shoe brand.

          World Marathon Majors Soon Will Be Dead....... Unless

          Expanding the number of world marathon majors to nine is an absurd idea unless the majors make one simple change that will instantly keep them being compelling, elite sporting events.

          Best of the LetsRun.com Track Talk Podcast
          Best of the LetsRun.com Track Talk Podcast

          Your latest American stars share their insights.

          Three legends of the sport.

          One of the greatest US runners ever.

          We chatted with Frank on the 50th anniversary of his Olympic Marathon gold

          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.

          LetsRun.com Pro Coaches Tour
          LetsRun.com Pro Coaches Tour

          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
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          Take Your Love of LetsRun to the Next Level
          Take Your Love of LetsRun to the Next Level
          LetsRun Classics
          LetsRun Classics

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