If there鈥檚 one race where the adage 鈥楾o the victor go the spoils鈥� does not ring entirely true, it鈥檚 the (CIM). The commanding wins of CJ Albertson and Grace Kahura-Malang were certainly deserving of celebration. But they shared in the sweet taste of victory with dozens more high-level runners on Sunday morning.

For several minutes after Albertson stormed from behind to take the men鈥檚 race in 2:11:09 and Kahura broke the tape in the women鈥檚 race with a personal best of 2:29:00, the finish line exhilaration continued to build as numerous runners sprinted their way to the finish line on M Street, adjacent to the California Capitol Mall in downtown Sacramento.听

That鈥檚 because the winning prizes extended far beyond the $10,000 to something money can鈥檛 buy. American runners who could get to the finish line in time earned a qualifying berth for the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon on February 3 in Orlando, Florida. That event will determine the six U.S. runners who will compete in next summer鈥檚 Paris Olympics, but it鈥檚 also a quadrennial benchmark of domestic distance running excellence, and the chance to run in it鈥攅specially for those who have no chance at making the Olympic team鈥攊s a badge of honor that lasts a lifetime.

Sunday鈥檚 CIM was the last opportunity to grab that proverbial brass ring, and as the time ticked down to the cutoffs鈥�2:18 for men and 2:37 for women鈥�41 runners realized dreams that had been several years in the making. That鈥檚 a considerably smaller number than the 109 runners who qualified four years ago, but the Olympic Trials are four weeks sooner this time around and many runners opted for earlier races.

To reach the lofty Olympic Trials qualifying (OTQ) standards, many runners had to face their inner demons as they accepted the physical, mental, and emotional challenge of running 26.2 miles faster than they ever have.

鈥淚t was very hard-fought,鈥� said Mary Denholm, a Colorado runner who lowered her personal best by more than four and half minutes to finish in 2:36:28 and earned the OTQ time. 鈥淒uring the race, I tried to think as little as possible, but you know those little negative thoughts creep in. I kept saying to myself, Well, you’d be happy with a 2:37 or a 2:38, which is true, but I had to not allow myself to accept that and slow down. Marathoning is so hard. It鈥檚 a process. You really have to love the journey.鈥澨�

America’s Marathon

Celebrating its 40th year, CIM has developed a reputation as one of the best domestic races for elite and age-group runners seeking personal best efforts, whether that鈥檚 chasing an OTQ or Boston Marathon-qualifying time. The race鈥檚 point-to-point, net-downhill 26.2-mile course from Folsom to Sacramento amid Northern California鈥檚 typically favorably cool, dry early December weather is ideal for running fast for any of the 10,000 participants. But what makes fast times more likely is the communal effort of the large packs of runners at nearly every pace group.

With the Trials-qualifying deadline of December 5 looming, about 200 American runners lined up at CIM to specifically chase the 2024 OTQ marks. While a few have been training with the aid of sponsorships or trying to become professional runners, the majority were amateur runners who work full-time jobs.

For some鈥攍ike first-time marathoners and twenty-somethings Charlie Sweeney, Christian Allen, Ava Nuttall, and Abbie McNulty鈥攊t was the initial opportunity to meet the mark. But it wasn鈥檛 the first rodeo for many others who were back after coming up short in previous years, including thirty-somethings Denholm, Noah Droddy, Allie Kiefer, and Chad Beyer. For some who are slowing with age, or on the verge of hanging up their racing shoes for bigger career pursuits, CIM might have been the final shot of their competitive running careers.

In the moments before the race in Folsom, the nervous energy of every elite runner was palpable as they did their final pre-race strides and stretches, each one carrying with them their own long backstory that brought them to the brink of their dreams. After a brief moment of calm on the starting line, the gun went off and the enticing challenge began.

鈥淭his was my shot,鈥� said Droddy, a 33-year-old Salomon-sponsored pro from Boulder, Colorado, who had a breakthrough 2:09:09 runner-up performance at The Marathon Project in 2020 but, because of a variety of injuries, hadn鈥檛 finished a marathon since. 鈥淚 qualified on the last day in 2016, and so this was another full-circle moment to try to do it on the last day again.鈥�

The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner

For the next two-plus hours, every runner locked into the silent rhythm of their race pace鈥攅ach with their own goal in mind鈥攈olding onto the cadence of the random runners nearby. This is all the while knowing that consistent effort would gradually transition from being smooth and tolerable to eventually becoming extremely difficult by the later miles of the race.听

Allen, a marathon rookie from Salt Lake City eager to make his mark, boldly opted to run off the front from the start with New Zealand’s Matt Baxter and Kenyan Milton Rotich, while Albertson, a Fresno-based runner who has been one of the most consistent elite-level marathoners in the U.S. for the past several years, looked calm and content as he ran just off the lead near the front pack.

While many OTQ-seeking American women grouped together in the quest for a 2:33 to 2:37 finish, Kahura-Malang, a 30-year-old Kenyan runner who lives near Boulder, started quickly and tagged along with a much-faster group of men with hopes of breaking 2:30 for the first time.

鈥淚 really didn鈥檛 know how far I was from the other women, but I didn鈥檛 want to focus on that,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 just wanted to keep running fast.鈥�

Achieving success in a marathon can be a fickle task鈥攐ne that relies on equal parts sufficient training, optimal fueling, and mental tenacity. But the magic of an elite-level marathon, especially CIM during a pre-Olympic Trials year, can be tied to finding confidence running amid the collective rhythm of a pack of like-minded runners, at least until things get difficult at the crux of the race somewhere near mile 20.听

Maintaining race pace and grinding through the final miles is something every runner experiences, each one to varying success. That鈥檚 where inspirational mantras, acknowledging motivational words written on an arm, or a variety of other mental tricks come into play.

鈥淲e had a great group for a while, and then about 20 miles, it started to thin out,鈥� said Jacob Shiohira, 27, from Bentonville, Arkansas. He sliced seven minutes off his personal best with his 13th-place, 2:16:34 finish to make the OTQ cut. 鈥淭he last three miles turned into a grind, but everyone’s in the same boat, and that’s what makes it special.鈥�

Personal Struggles, Personal Victories

The 26-year-old Allen, fresh off finishing an All-American track and cross country collegiate career at Brigham Young University, spent the summer racing shorter distances on roads and trails. He stuck with his gutsy strategy to lead the race until his legs began to tighten up at the 23-mile mark. Albertson had let Allen and Rotich get ahead of him on a few of the later hills in the race but patiently stayed within himself and seized the lead late in the race to open up a two-minute advantage before the finish.

Rotich finished two minutes after Albertson in 2:13:04 for second, followed by Charlie Sweeney, a 24-year-old runner from Boulder, who completed a stunning debut marathon with a third-place, 2:13:41 finish to earn the Olympic Trials-qualifying standard. After that, Baxter, a Kiwi runner who runs for NAZ Elite, put down a new personal best of 2:14:08, followed by Eritrea鈥檚 Amanuel Mesel (2:14:11). From there, Robert Miranda (2:14:43), Jerod Broadbooks (2:14:58) and Allen (2:15:01) led a parade of 27 American men who celebrated securing their OTQ times.

Droddy made it too, finishing 17th in 2:16:56, to earn one of the celebratory golden OTQ flags CIM handed out to each of the qualifiers.

鈥淚 didn鈥檛 care about the time at all, just as long as it was under 2:18,鈥� said Droddy, who also qualified in 2016 and 2020. 鈥淚 was just happy to get it done. It means a lot because now I know I can join my teammates at the Olympic Trials.鈥�

More than four minutes after Kahura-Malang ran away with the women鈥檚 title, Kiefer (2:33:26) led the charge of a long string of American women who cruised in under the OTQ cutoff. Once a top American runner, the 36-year-old from Austin, Texas, hadn鈥檛 finished a marathon since she placed seventh in New York in 2018. Like a lot of runners, she鈥檚 been through a lot of challenges in recent years, including injuries, races she鈥檚 dropped out of (including the 2020 U.S. Olympic Trials in Atlanta), relocating to new cities, changing coaches, and general motivation.

鈥淚鈥檓 back to the basics of having fun with it,鈥� Kiefer said. 鈥淭here鈥檚 no pressure right now. I just wanted to have a good experience, and it was a great experience. It feels validating to get back to the Trials. It’s just nice to go out there and do the part you love.鈥澨�

Nuttall, 22, was perhaps one of the positive surprises of the day. A senior at Miami University in Ohio, where she was the top cross country runner for the Redhawks this fall, she finished her debut marathon in third place in 2:35:09. After that it was Kaylee Flanagan, 28 who earned her first OTQ with a strong 2:35:24 effort to join her older sister and Asics pro Lindsay Flanagan in Orlando. After that it was professional trail runners Rachel Drake (2:35:28) and Peyton Thomas (2:35:42), who finished fifth, and sixth, respectively. (Drake is also the mother to 14-month-old son, Lewis.)

Nine more women earned the OTQ time鈥�14 total鈥攊ncluding Denholm, who finished 13th in 2:36:28.

But amid the joy of dreams coming true, there was also the heartbreak of near-misses. Tammy Hsieh sprinted to the finish just in the nick of time, crossing in exactly 2:37:00 to make the women鈥檚 cut, but moments later Gina Rouse (2:37:10) and Jennifer Sandoval (2:37:11) narrowly missed it and went home disappointed.

On the men鈥檚 side, Duriel Hardy dashed across the line in 2:17:56 to become the final men鈥檚 OTQ鈥檈r, but then Alexander Helmuth came across the line two seconds too late in 2:18:02.听

Once a Qualifier

After a record 511 women qualified for the 2020 U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon in Atlanta鈥攏early double the number of male qualifiers鈥攖he women鈥檚 standard was lowered by eight minutes, down from 2:45 to 2:37. The new mark equates to a hefty 18 seconds per mile faster, down from 6:18 minute mile pace to 6 minutes flat. Denholm, who qualified in 2020 with a 2:42:02 effort at the 2019 CIM, was one of hundreds of women who spent the past several years trying to make that big leap.听

After running a personal best of 2:40:59 at the 2022 Boston Marathon, Denholm hoped to continue her progression and earn her qualifying time months ago. But the marathon is a fickle event because training never goes perfectly and something鈥攊njuries, work, life鈥攁lways gets in the way. And sometimes everything goes right and it鈥檚 just not your day on race day.

After dealing with a torn labrum and then going through a divorce, career changes, and a move from California to Colorado, the 36-year-old running coach targeted last summer鈥檚 Grandma鈥檚 Marathon in Duluth, Minnesota鈥攁nother domestic race on par with CIM when it comes to providing a competitive platform for elite and sub-elite runners to excel.听

But despite a good training block, Denholm struggled in that race and finished in 2:43:19. After that, she refocused her training with the help of coach and three-time OTQer Neely Gracey and set her sights on the September 24 Berlin Marathon, only to come down with COVID after she arrived in Germany. Not wanting to give up, she retooled her training one more time and registered for CIM as a last-ditch effort.

She was on 2:36 pace the entire way, running near-identical 13.1-mile splits of 1:18:17 and 1:18:11. But she admitted a pivotal element of her success came from continually trading words of encouragement with friend, Sofie Schunk, 31, of Albuquerque, who finished six seconds ahead of her in 2:36:22.听

鈥淚 went to a really dark place out there and had to fight through that,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t was awesome to have other women out there to go for it with and encourage along the way. I split some of my faster miles near the end, and I’ve never been able to do that, so that was a huge victory for me. I hope this can be encouraging to other women because I really think everyone is limitless. I’ve just worked really hard to get where I am and I just want others to feel encouraged.鈥�

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Early April is a time of renewal in Washington, D.C. It’s a time when days grow longer faster than at any other time of year; a time of cool mornings and warm afternoons; a time when sap is rising, trees are budding, and forsythia, azaleas, star magnolias, redbuds, Bradford pears, and cherries burst into bloom; a time to celebrate revival and rebirth, and it鈥檚 a time to kick off the surge of spring and early summer road races in the mid-Atlantic, Northeast, and Midwest of the U.S.

That鈥檚 where the Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile & 5K, the 鈥淩unner鈥檚 Rite of Spring,鈥� rises to the occasion with a spectacular venue for runners who ache to burst out of the winter doldrums.听 It鈥檒l be 51 years old in 2024鈥攐r should we say 51 years young, since in 2023 it underwent a facelift that made it more popular than ever. More popular? Last year in addition to 16,000+ finishers in the 10 Mile鈥攁fter turning away 6,000 unlucky applicants to the lottery鈥攖here were听 7,000 in the rebranded 5K, up from less than 3,000 finishers in previous years. In addition to those 23,000, hundreds participate in the Kids鈥� Run on Saturday, where children 12-years-and-younger scamper excitedly through the streets of downtown DC.听

The races fall in the middle of the three-week- long National Cherry Blossom Festival, which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors. They come not just to enjoy the glory of 3,000+ cherry trees in bloom, but to tour monuments and memorials honoring people and events throughout American history. Within walking distance of the 10 Mile start and finish are ten memorials and museums: the Washington Monument which towers over the staging area, the Lincoln Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, Vietnam War Memorial, Vietnam Women鈥檚 Memorial, African American History Museum, Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial, and the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. The White House, at the back of the emerald expanse of the South Lawn, is within sight of the Monument Grounds. The area in and around the start/finish is a banquet of American history lessons.

But hey, you won鈥檛 have much time for sightseeing while you鈥檙e in the 10 Mile race, because it鈥檚 really fast. It鈥檚 almost flat, and temperatures range from an average of 45 at dawn to 65 in mid-afternoon (45 to 59 F, according to Runner鈥檚 Blueprint, is the 鈥渢emperature sweet spot鈥� for distance running). If you鈥檙e looking for a 10 mile personal best, your chances are excellent for finding it here. Among the top 10 men and women, personal bests have been set 48 times since 2017 (in the 鈥渟uper shoe鈥� era)鈥攁nd 27 times in the four years before super shoes, so you won鈥檛 need super shoes to get your PB.听听

Moreover, in your results book you will see an age-graded quotient for the purposes of measuring your performance against elite runners as well as anyone else in the race relative to age. Online calculators such as runbundle.com can provide equivalent times at various distances. For example, a 10 mile time of 1 hour 30 minutes for a 60-year-old is the equivalent of 4:10 in a marathon against other 60-year-olds.听

Since its inception in 1973, the event has been the venue for multiple world and American records鈥攖he first being Julie Shea鈥檚 AR 57:04 in 1975, and the most recent being Hillary Bor鈥檚 AR 46:11 in 2023, besting by two seconds a 40-year-old record also set at Cherry Blossom by Greg Meyer in 1983.听

Bor鈥檚 feat won the 2023 U.S. 10 Mile Championships and took home $12,000 for first-place prize plus a $50,000 bonus for the American record.听 Sara Hall at age 39 won the U.S. title in 52:37, edging out the 2021 champion Nell Rojas by a single second.听

The course is gorgeous and fast鈥攅specially miles 7-9 which are almost perfectly straight, perfectly flat, and flanked with cherry trees on both sides. But there鈥檚 more that makes it runner-friendly. Runners are welcomed with five water and medical aid stops manned by dozens of smiling volunteers, police and course marshals ensuring you stay on the course, and can鈥檛-miss-it mile markers.

A rebranded 5K now takes place on Pennsylvania Avenue in downtown D.C. on the Saturday before the 10 Mile, with its own claim to an historic setting. It starts and finishes three blocks from the White House and with most of the course in plain view of the U.S. Capitol building.听

Moving the 5K to Saturday in 2023 instead of the traditional Sunday created a new challenge for adventuresome runners: the 鈥淒ouble Blossom鈥� competition combining the 5K and 10 mile times, with its own T-shirt and medal. In its first year, 1,639 runners finished the Double Blossom.

The 5K start and finish at Freedom Plaza places it within walking distance of still more attractions steeped in American history: the National Art Museum, the National Museum of Women in the Arts, and Ford鈥檚 Theatre where Abraham Lincoln was assassinated, hosting 650,000 visitors a year, and the National Building Museum (venue for the Expo on Friday night and Saturday).听

Blossoms, Memorials, and a fast course in the opening days of Springtime. You don鈥檛 want to miss it. Find details at

All photos are property of the Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile.

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In my book, there are two types of people: those who do turkey trots, and those who vehemently do not.听

Turkey trots, annual races (generally 5K to 10K) that most commonly take place in the United States on Thanksgiving morning, have been a well-kept tradition since 1896. The very first trot was held in Buffalo, New York, and only six runners participated in the five miles along downtown Buffalo鈥檚 dirt roads. Since then, the tradition has skyrocketed in popularity. from 2022 reported that 756,894 people ran or walked in 730 turkey trots across the country.听

Trotting a Fine Line with Food Anxiety

Much like any race, there are plenty of good reasons why people run on Thanksgiving morning. But one not-so-good reason? Running a turkey trot because you feel like you need to 鈥渏ustify鈥� the Thanksgiving feast you鈥檒l eat later. A of 2,000 Americans found that 88 percent feel anxious around the holidays, with 85 percent reporting that they overeat to the point of being uncomfortable.听

Thus, the idea of 鈥減unishing鈥� yourself with a run before you enjoy pumpkin pie, mashed potatoes and gravy, green bean casserole, and mom鈥檚 famous jello pudding can seem like a good way to balance the scales. However, not only is this not effective nutritionally-speaking, but it鈥檚 damaging to your mental and emotional health. Mental endurance and life coach says that, though this way of coping with Thanksgiving is harmful, she鈥檚 not surprised people do so.听

鈥淚t鈥檚 all centered around these narratives about diet culture in our marketing,鈥� she says. 鈥淗alf of the time the holidays are shown to us as a time to indulge and cook all these delicious things, and the other half is marketed to us as a time to watch our weight and be thinking about races coming up in 2024.鈥�

The Problem with 鈥淓arning鈥� Your Meal

Just as it has been that using food as a reward in a child鈥檚 adolescence often leads to overeating, unhealthy relationships to food, and lost hunger cues, adults can also feel the negative implications of “earning” your food with exercise.听

鈥淔ood is a basic human need, not a reward,鈥� says professor of sport and exercise psychology, . 鈥淚n general, people feel better about their bodies and eating when they consider food to be necessary fuel rather than a reward.鈥澨�

Even avid runners may use the turkey trot as an excuse to eat more than usual鈥攖hat鈥檚 the 鈥渞eward.鈥� You might not even sign up with the intention of using it to burn calories before your feast, but subconsciously, you might already feel guilty about what鈥檚 to come and are trying to get ahead of it by overcorrecting.听

鈥淚f exercise is viewed as a means to an end or as something one must do to earn food, feelings of guilt, pressure, or even punishment begin to be associated with exercise,鈥� says Arthur-Cameselle.听

If runners have this mindset, they should really question if this is the relationship they want to have with food and exercise.听

鈥淲hen you are willing to question the narratives fed to you and decide whether or not they serve you and your goals, it gives you ownership of the mental space you want to be in around the holidays,鈥� Foerster says.

So if you feel like you might be running for the wrong reasons, is it better to avoid a turkey trot altogether? Not necessarily.听

Know Your Why

鈥淚t depends on the person, but most of the time, it鈥檚 worth the effort to manage your perspective and mindset so you鈥檙e not missing out on an experience,鈥� Foerster says. 鈥淚f you avoid it this year, you鈥檙e not really coming up against the problem of your mindset鈥攜ou鈥檙e just avoiding it.鈥�

She suggests coming up with better reasons to run the turkey trot, like having it be a tradition to do with your family members or using it as time for yourself before all the holiday hecticness.听

鈥淢y overall suggestion is to run the turkey trot if you enjoy running, if you like the social aspect of the race, or if you notice positive mental benefits like improved mood after you鈥檙e done,鈥� Arthur-Cameselle says. 鈥淚f you don’t enjoy any of those aspects or gain that type of experience from running, find a different form or exercise or sport that makes you feel how you want to feel. If exercise feels like play, you are more likely to stick with it.鈥澨�

Though changing your mindset around the turkey trot is healthy, it might not help your unhealthy relationship with Thanksgiving dinner. For that, Foerster recommends mindfulness.听

鈥淎ll that stress, guilt, and shame you might feel around a holiday meal actually have a more negative effect than the food would,鈥� she says. 鈥淪o you might as well eat the food and actually enjoy it and be present, and then move on. Sort of like failing a workout. You experience it that day, and you鈥檙e not going to carry it with you moving forward. Your goals aren鈥檛 ruined because of it.鈥�

You heard her, folks. Run Thanksgiving morning because you’re hot for the trot, not because you feel bad about eating a lot.

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Are you ready to embark on your next cycling adventure? (AKA 鈥淗oppers鈥�) invites you to experience the thrill of exploration, camaraderie, and raw beauty of Northern California’s hidden landscapes. Dive into the world of unconventional, grassroots bike racing, where adventure knows no bounds.

Hoppers are held monthly, starting in January through late May each year and they have long attracted top pros seeking early season training. While drawing an experienced and competitive field, the events also welcome riders who are new to gravel touring and have become 鈥渕ust do” events for Northern Californians seeking fun and challenging adventures.

A Unique Cycling Experience

Hoppers are the longest running gravel/mixed terrain adventure series, making the series a true pioneer in the field. Founded in 1998 by Miguel Crawford (2023 Gravel Hall of Fame Inductee), the events called for a variety of bike types which helped spark interest in 鈥済ravel riding鈥� and inspired the creation of a new genre of bikes.听

Unlike your typical cycling event, Hoppers are a celebration of the spirit of adventure and pursuit of the unknown. From elite athletes to those newer to gravel riding, everyone is welcome to test their mettle in these one-of-a-kind adventures. Hoppers encourage self-reliance. It鈥檚 important to be self-sufficient; able to navigate using the downloadable GPS routes, capable of fixing a flat, and willing to push yourself. This isn’t your average race; it’s an adventure that pushes your boundaries and inspires independence.

As Ted King asked and answered, 鈥淲hat is the Grasshopper 国产吃瓜黑料 Series? It’s everything that’s right about bike riding as we know it! It’s fun, it’s camaraderie, it’s mass start, it’s gravel, and it’s badass.鈥�

The Grasshopper 国产吃瓜黑料 Series Offers:

• Scenic Diversity:听 Participants traverse a variety of terrains; winding backroads, gravel paths, and dirt tracks. Discover breathtaking vistas, serene forests, and remote routes that you won’t find on a conventional race course.
• Unparalleled Support:听 From roaming course marshalls to provide assistance if needed, pre-ride videos to educate you on the course, well-stocked rest stops providing Skratch hydration and assorted snacks (be sure to stop for the hot grilled cheese), and a post-ride party with food and drinks, the Hoppers are a full immersion experience!听
• Inclusive Community: Join a passionate community of riders that shares your love for cycling and exploration. Hoppers are as much about forging new friendships as they are about pedaling through uncharted territory. All levels of riders, from those new to gravel to World Cup pros, are welcome and neither USA Cycling nor UCI licenses are required; everyone is able to register! Podiums for male, female and non-binary categories are offered and all participants are celebrated.
• Financial Support to Non-Profits: 听A portion of each registration is donated to a variety of nonprofits working to improve lives and the communities where Hoppers are held. Organizations receiving financial support from the 2024 Hoppers include the NorCal Interscholastic Cycling League, Redwood Trails Alliance, 国产吃瓜黑料 Therapy Foundation, Be Good Foundation, Redwood Forest Foundation and various high school mountain bike teams who will be helping with event rest stops.

Join the 国产吃瓜黑料 Today!

Whether you’re a cycling enthusiast seeking a new challenge or an adventurer at heart looking to connect with like-minded individuals, Hoppers promise an unforgettable experience. Register for a 2024 Hopper event and embark on the journey of a lifetime! Explore NorCal secret routes, test your limits, and connect with the adventure-loving community that makes Hoppers truly special. It’s not just a race: it’s an experience you’ll treasure forever!听

All the details and registration info: 听

Follow the action: @grasshopperadventureseries

The post Discover the Grasshopper 国产吃瓜黑料 Series: A Pioneer in Gravel/Mixed Terrain 国产吃瓜黑料s appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

鈥楾is the season for turkey trots and cold weather races 鈥� and there鈥檚 an event for everyone. Though the weather is no longer warm, there are plenty of exciting races popping up across the country, each one celebrating not only Thanksgiving in the month of November, but community. Here鈥檚 what鈥檚 going on across the country.

To see the full list of our favorite running events, visit .听

2023 November Races听

November 4, 2023

TARC Stone Cat Trail Festival

Ipswich, MA

Held at Willowdale State Forest, this trail festival is a tradition dating back to 2001 and, since then, has become a beloved fall trail race for runners in New England. The start and finish line is at the Paul F. Doyon Memorial School.

November 4, 2023听

Hugs from Brett Trail Race

Henniker, NH

This new trial race is being held to support Veterans in the community. The event, which starts and finishes at Henniker Brewing, is small, but the passion behind its origination is ever-expanding.听

November 5, 2023

Rim Rock Marathon & Half Marathon

Fruita, CO听

This race graces runners with amazing views along the famous Rim Rock Drive up through the Colorado National Monument. There鈥檚 a reason they call this event monumental!听

November 11, 2023

Dirty Duel Trail Race

Grand Rapids, MI听

This race offers you a choice between short and brutal or long and difficult. The 5k is filled with steep climbs, tree roots, and off-the-path trails, while the 3.4-mile race has more mileage but features a flat, fast course. Whatever your decision is, you still get a cinnamon sugar donut at the finish line, so we all win.听

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November 11, 2023

Race for DFL

Winchendon, MA

The last runner standing wins! This November race is all about outlasting and outrunning one another until there鈥檚 only one athlete remaining. The course is a 4.16 mile loop, and every hour on the hour, runners have to start a lap. In order to stay in the race, you must complete the lap each hour and be ready to go again. No 鈥榯rotting鈥� in this turkey race!

November 11, 2023听

TARCkey Trot 6 Hour

Winchester, MA

Do you have six hours to spare? Then this race is for you. Held on Wright Locke Farm, TARCkey Trot runners tackle a 5k trail loop as many times as many or as few times as they want before the time limit it up. There鈥檚 no requirement that you have to run for six hours, but the challenge is there!听

November 12

CMC Manchester City Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5k

Manchester, NH

Just 45 minutes north of Boston, this race starts in downtown Manchester and winds through the historic Millyard, crossing over the Merrimack River to the Goffstown Rail Trail.听

November 18, 2023

Westford Turkey Trot

Westford, VT

A beloved race in its community, the Westford Turkey Trot has been held since the 90s. This year鈥檚 event will start at Westford Elementary School and all proceeds will go to the Annual Westford Town Library, scholarships, holiday baskets, and grocery gift cards for families in need.听

November 23, 2023

Evanston Flying Turkey 5k听

Evanston, IL

This turkey trot takes place along Evanston鈥檚 lakefront, which makes a perfectly peaceful setting for Thanksgiving morning. The event is听 limited to 3,250 registrants, so sign up while you can!听

November 23, 2023听

Wilbraham Turkey Trot听

Wilbraham, MA

A race with a full, community feeling, the Wilbraham Turkey Trot runs through the area鈥檚 mostly flat long, stretching roads. Fair warning, though, Monson Road has a sloping hill that鈥檒l have even seasoned runners shivering in their tennis shoes.

November 25, 2023

Turtleback Ridge Turkey Trot

Ewing, KY

This race is held at Turtleback Ridge farm, a collectively-owned farmstead atop the beautiful ridges of Robertson County, Kentucky. The course is a 1.5 loop, with 5k participants taking three laps. Don鈥檛 forget about the mile beer run!听

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November 25, 2023

Green Bank Turkey Trot听

Green Bank, WV

There鈥檚 a race for everyone in this hybrid event, whether it鈥檚 a 5k, 10k trail run, a 1k, or a virtual option. While you run through paved roads and some trails, you鈥檒l pass the Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope, the world鈥檚 largest fully steerable single aperture antenna.

November 26, 2023听

Gorge apr猫s Gorge 5k Trail Run

Chesterfield, MA

This trail run has been held annually since 2005 鈥� a community tradition held at the Chesterfield Gorge. As its origins stem from the desire to get outside and appreciate nature, the views along the course are phenomenal. Afterwards, runners enjoy hot beverages and a community potluck.听

The post What鈥檚 Happening This Month? Here Are 13 November Races Across the Country. appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

As we hit our stride into fall weather, some of us are trying to squeeze in the miles before unbearably cold weather blows in and put our summer fitness to good use.听Winter running isn鈥檛 for everyone, though, especially if you prefer a long recovery (read: hibernation) season from December to February. But for those who want to hit that last-minute PR or final marathon, worry not: there are a handful of fall marathons perfect for the occasion.听

Or perhaps life brought some last-minute changes to your race schedule and you were left with a bunch of training in your legs and a gap in the calendar 鈥� like the 25,000 runners registered for the Twin Cities Marathon whose race was canceled last week due to a heat advisory.听

Below are a few races that are a perfect way to wrap up the warm-weather season.

If You Want Practice for Boston鈥檚 Heartbreak Hill:

October 14, 2023听

The Baltimore Marathon is the flagship race of the Baltimore Running Festival, which also includes the Chessie Challenge, the half marathon, the 5K, the 10K, and the Balti-MORON-a-thon. The course starts at the Camden Yards Sport Complex and winds through neighborhoods in the historic Federal Hill, Fells Point, and even through the Maryland Zoo鈥攔ight past the penguin exhibit. From miles 16 to 20, the course has an elevation that some runners compare to Boston鈥檚 鈥楬eartbreak Hill,鈥� but the final five miles are downhill. So if you want to try to replicate the Boston elevation experience, this fall marathon could be your race.

Max elevation: 345 feet

Total elevation gain: 977 feet听

If You Want Flat and Fast:

October 28, 2023

One of the 15 largest marathons in the U.S. and the biggest in Indiana, the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon has seen its fair share of Olympic Team Trials qualifiers 鈥撎� 39 in 2019 alone. Last year, though the race was on a rainy day in November, the event drew 15,000 participants. The attraction, rain or shine, may be because the course produces lots of Boston Marathon Qualifiers 鈥� in 2021 the race had the fourth-largest Boston Marathon Qualifiers (1,082) in North America.听

鈥淲e strive to give athletes the experience of a 鈥榖ig city鈥� marathon with a 鈥榮mall town鈥� feel,鈥� says Jed Cornforth, executive director of Beyond Monumental. 鈥淲ith a flat, fast course where thousands of runners have PR鈥檇, qualified for the Boston Marathon or even the u.S. Olympic Team Marathon Trials, and a great date on the calendar, Indianapolis is ideally situated for runners seeking to cap their training season off with a PR.鈥澨�

Max elevation: 776 feet

Total elevation gain: 302 feet

If You Want Size and Support:

November 17-19, 2023

The Philadelphia Marathon has the size of some of the major races 鈥� it鈥檚 the eight-largest marathon in the U.S. 鈥� while being known as an especially smooth event. The course leads through downtown and historic Philly, then out along the Schuylkill River. While there are a few hills in the middle of the race, the course is mostly flat. Often most talked about, however, is the amount of supporters along the race. There鈥檚 rarely a mile where people aren鈥檛 cheering. While this may be the chilliest fall听 marathon on the list (race day temperatures range from a low 30 degrees to a high of 40) the supporters, views, and warm broth served at the finish line makes it worth it.

Max elevation: 148 feet

Total elevation gain: 744 feet听

If You Want Southern Charm and Fast Hills:

November 4, 2023听

Previously called the Thunder Road Marathon, this race used to be all about NASCAR to celebrate the area鈥檚 local ties to auto racing. Nowadays, the Charlotte Marathon (the new name as of 2005) is a Boston Qualifier that annually draws in runners from about 45 states and six countries. The course has a few rolling hills, and is part tree-lined neighborhood and part city landmarks.听

鈥淐harlotte is the perfect destination for a fall PR 鈥� the beautiful 鈥淪outhern Charm鈥� course with perfect fall color winds through the best of Charlotte and its most iconic neighborhoods,鈥� says race director Tim Rhodes. 鈥淭he second half includes a few out-and-back sections that provide a great opportunity to exchange an encouraging high-five with fellow runners. And, as we like to say around here, these hills are the fastest in the east!鈥�

Max elevation: 773 feet

Total elevation gain: 1,044 feet

If You Want Challenging and Small:

November 5, 2023

One of the smaller Boston Qualifiers on this list, the Bowling Green Marathon is for those runners who want to end the season on a high note 鈥� literally. The first six miles has a few tougher inclines, but the second half is extremely flat. In the two-loop marathon course, you鈥檒l pass through historic downtown Bowling Green and Western Kentucky University鈥檚 autumn leaf-clad campus. Race day temperature is usually mild, with a low of 55 and a high of 73. Plus, the pre-packet pickup includes a free pasta dinner, perfect for carb-loading before the race.

鈥淏owling Green is home of the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers for a reason,鈥� race director Lily Riherd says. 鈥淏ut there鈥檚 something about our hospitality and the way we are in Kentucky. Sometimes at those bigger races, you鈥檙e overwhelmed. Here, we have a hometown feel.鈥�

Max elevation: 627 feet

Total elevation gain: 1,129 feet听

The post These Fall Marathons Are Your Last Chance to Race Before Winter appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

This article was originally published on .

, held on September 24, 2023, had a lot of amazing contenders, but 90-year-old Dot Sowerby stood out among the crowd as she valiantly crossed the finish line with a time of 3:33:47, setting the new American women鈥檚 record for 90-94 age group.

The previous record was set by 94-year-old Harriette Thompson in 2017 at the Rock N鈥� Roll San Diego Half Marathon, clocking in at 3:42:56.

鈥淚 had looked up her time beforehand,鈥� Sowerby says. 鈥淪o I was aiming for that time in my practice runs and was confident I could get it.鈥�

This isn鈥檛 the first time she鈥檚 made history. Just this past July, Sowerby competed in the USATF Masters Outdoor Championships in Greensboro and broke the 1,500 meter world record for women over 90, finishing at 11:30:62. This is a minute faster than the previous record held by Canadian Lenore Montgomery鈥檚 time, 12:34:67.

Who Is Dot Sowerby?

Sowerby was born in White Plains, New York, and moved to Greensboro, North Carolina, when she was young. She always had an abundance of energy鈥攁nd obviously still does to this day鈥攖hat couldn鈥檛 be contained.

鈥淚 grew up with two brothers and was a tomboy,鈥� she says. 鈥淪o I was always running, jumping, and skipping. My brothers were athletes who played football and tennis鈥攁nd when they played games with the neighborhood boys, they鈥檇 always get me to join.鈥�

Though Sowerby played basketball and tennis in high school and college, women鈥檚 running wasn鈥檛 yet accepted at Hollins University where she attended.

鈥淚 wasn鈥檛 aware that this [running] was wrong, because it鈥檚 what everyone thought,鈥� she says. 鈥淚t didn鈥檛 seem unusual to me at the time.鈥�

Sowerby began seriously running later in life in her late forties. 鈥淲hen I first started running听 again, I would take the side streets so people wouldn鈥檛 see me,鈥� she says. 鈥淏ecause I thought people would think a woman at my age running was odd.鈥�

Her son, Jim Sowerby, remembers that when he was growing up, his mother was athletic.

“She taught me how to play basketball and tennis when I was a kid,” he says. “I remember being a somewhat confident 9 or 10-year-old running around on the beach one vacation, thinking I was pretty fast. Then she said, ‘Let’s draw a line in the sand and race’ and I thought I could beat her easily, but she blew by me. She just smiled with a little twinkle in her eye.”

When she was 50 and ready to sign up for her first race, the running space, it seems, wasn鈥檛 prepared for the speedy rocket Sowerby was. The race registration age range ended right at 50.

鈥淚 told the race organizers, 鈥楴ext year, I鈥檒l be older and you won鈥檛 even have my age group!鈥欌�� She says. 鈥淎nd they said they never thought anyone ran after the age of 50. Since then, I鈥檝e always been pushing the age category more and more.鈥�

When she turned 70, Sowerby鈥檚 friends tried to get her to hang up her running shoes. Even though she’s checked with her doctor and has been given the green light, they were concerned about her health and used to tell her that running simply wasn鈥檛 something women their age did. Even her son, Jim Sowerby, was a little concerned initially.

“Mom usually runs shorted distances (sprints, 400m, 800m) in the Senior Olympics and the occasional 5K in the neighborhood,” he says. “So I was a little surprised, and a little worried, when she said that she might join my sister, brother-in-law, and I in running the Chicago Half Marathon nine months before the race.”

But his worries were alleviated as he saw her train consistently and watched her get stronger with every run.

“If it were me, I wouldn’t tell anyone I was going to try to do this long distance race in case I couldn’t make it, but she does the opposite – she tells everyone, contacts the race organizers, you name it,” Jim says. “She trained methodically, waking up early each week as she did longer runs in the dark around the retirement village. Running this half marathon as a really a new evolution, at 90, in her running repertoire.”

Daughter, Anne Samuels, says that her mother has always been active and she can barely keep up with her energy.

鈥淪he loves working toward a goal to keep her motivated,鈥� Samuels says. 鈥淪he has such a positive outlook on life and is always planning her next adventure. I want to follow in her footsteps and stay active and push myself to do more challenges.鈥�

Granddaughter, Elizabeth Samuels, grew up watching Sowerby running, so to her, it was the norm. In middle school, Elizabeth and Sowerby ran the Greensboro Turkey Trot together and, since then, the entire family has been running the race for the last 15 years.

鈥淪ometimes I have to remind myself that she is 90 because she acts like she is 70,鈥� Elizabeth says. 鈥淚t blows us away everyday that she can run in competitive races and crush the competition. I think I鈥檓 one of the only people who can say my grandmother ran a half marathon and is a record holder.鈥�

Elizabeth gushes over her grandmother鈥檚 endless positivity.

鈥淪he never complains and always sees the best in any situation,鈥� Elizabeth says. 鈥淟ots of people ask her after the race if she鈥檚 exhausted or if her legs hurt, and her response is always, 鈥楴ot at all, I feel great!鈥� She is a great reminder that just because you get older, that doesn鈥檛 mean you can鈥檛 be physically fit.鈥�

“I think she’s the best runner in the family,” Jim says. “My sister, brother-in-law, and I run partly becuase she sets a high bar and encourages us. My big fear in running the Chicago Half was whether I could, at 60, beat my 90-year-old mother.”

The Chicago Life Time Half Marathon

When Sowerby signed up for the Chicago Half, the race age groups ended at 70. After a few emails back and forth with the race organizers, a new age group 90-98 was established.

Though she didn鈥檛 have a coach for her training, she had lots of help from the fitness directors at her Greensboro retirement community, and her family was always swapping tips. Sowerby printed out a calendar with her mileage per day, and would increase how much she ran every other week.

鈥淚 do something every single day, whether it鈥檚 walking, running or swimming,鈥� she says. 鈥淲e have wonderful exercise classes in my retirement home, as well, so I just get in as much exercise as I can.鈥�

She starts off her day at 6 A.M., taking a walk-run that ends at her own garden plot, where she grows fresh vegetables. Sowerby says she has a pre-breakfast snack of tomatoes and greens before heading inside for breakfast.

鈥淚 don鈥檛 like much meat, but I do try to eat a little bit of it everyday鈥攃hicken, fish, and I really like liver鈥攂ut I mainly love raw vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower,鈥� Sowerby says. 鈥淚 try not to eat too many sweets and chips and stick to a sensible diet.鈥�

Sowerby got in two 13-mile runs before the Chicago Half Marathon, then kept her exercise light for the weeks leading up to the race. For race day, she felt prepared and excited. Her granddaughter taped a sign to Sowerby鈥檚 back that read: I鈥檓 Dot and I鈥檓 90 years old!鈥� Racers all around her were thrilled to see her run, offering words of encouragement.

“At the last quarter mile, where I saw her, she was running at a good pace slightly up the hill to the finish,” Jim says. “She did a fist pump about 100 yards before the finish, and there were a number of people (many of them young people) still coming behind her. We were very proud.”

鈥淎fter the race, I was just so exhilarated,鈥� Sowerby says. 鈥淚 didn鈥檛 feel tired, nothing hurt, and for that whole day, I wasn鈥檛 even sore or tired. The next day I was a little sore, but for the most part I was fine!鈥�

Sowerby doesn鈥檛 do a lot of stretching, but she finds that starting out her runs at a slower pace allows her muscles to warm up nicely.

What鈥檚 Next for the 90-Year-Old Record-Holder?

Even though Sowerby smashed the record, she isn鈥檛 close to being done. She鈥檚 already prepping for a local Greensboro 10K in two weeks, a few more 5Ks after that, and then the Greensboro Turkey Trot 10K. She always has a goal, something to train for.

鈥淚 find that if I go a few weeks without training, I can sure tell the difference,鈥� Sowerby says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 so important for me to keep running.鈥�

Sowerby鈥檚 upcoming 10K consists of several big hills, which the flat Chicago Half Marathon did not have. She鈥檚 been practicing running hills around her retirement community so she can be prepared.

Her endless enthusiasm and love for a challenge is contagious and whole-heartedly inspiring. Sowerby says her life mission is to motivate anyone to run, no matter their age.

鈥淵ou鈥檙e never too old to start running,鈥� she says. 鈥淚f I can inspire someone that way, that鈥檚 what I want to do.鈥�

The post A 90-Year-Old Grandma Named Dot Is Your New Half-Marathon Record Holder appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

The 48th (MCM)鈥斺�淭he People鈥檚 Marathon鈥濃�攊s the fourth-largest marathon in the U.S. and largest urban ultramarathon (they offer a 50K and 10K, too).

Each year, the U.S. Marine Corps holds the MCM a few weeks before the anniversary of its establishment. On October 29, 30,000 runners will toe the line in Arlington, Virginia, to follow the course as it winds through the nation鈥檚 capital. We caught up with three runners aiming for the finish line this year.

In Memory of Her Son

, who lives in Berryville, Virginia, will be running the MCM and, directly after, 74 additional miles with the in total, that’s 100 miles. She’s doing this to honor her son, Marine Corps veteran, James Morris, who passed away by suicide in Ferurary 2018.

Even struggling through his mental health battles, Morris had endless confidence in his mother. Though Gagnon had been a runner for over two decades, Morris had听 encouraged her to run her first marathon. And when she completed that, he challenged her to dream even bigger鈥揳 100 miler.

Morris passed away while Gagnon was training for this ultra, but she was determined to keep running in his memory.

鈥淚 actually bonked really hard,鈥� Gagnon says, laughing. 鈥淚 quit 60 miles in. I reached a point where I hit a wall鈥搕hrowing up and crawling on the ground鈥揳nd felt it was symbolic of what my son had gone through, because he got to the point where he couldn鈥檛 see how he could go on.鈥�

The pain of this first race was disappointing but also a blessing. Morris says the experience taught her that, no matter how dark life gets, you keep putting one foot in front of the other.

Shortly after, Gagnon joined , a group that honors the service of American military members through running. You may have seen one of them at races across the country wearing their bright blue shirts and the name of a fallen veteran. Gagnon challenged herself to run 100 ultramarathons in memory of Morris, and to raise awareness about military and veteran suicide. This will be her first time running the Marine Corps Marathon, and it will be her 60th ultra.

Running has become not only an outlet for spreading awareness about the importance of military mental health awareness and resources, but it鈥檚 been an outlet for grief.

鈥淚 used to wake up everyday wondering, 鈥楬ow can I live with this pain for another 40 years?鈥� and the one outlet where I found comfort was through running,鈥� Gagnon says. 鈥淚 focused on one race at a time, trying to get to that 100. I thought it would take longer, but it鈥檚 been moving pretty fast. I鈥檓 more than halfway through now!鈥�

鈥淚f all I can do is put on shoes and run for somebody,鈥� she says. 鈥淚鈥檓 going to do that.鈥�

A Mother of Three

Between working a full-time job, managing clients in her , and raising three kids under the age of six, Kelly Vigil squeezes in training for the MCM when she can. Originally from northern Virginia, Vigil now lives in Charleston, South Carolina, and has run the MCM four times. This year, she鈥檚 running the 50K option.

鈥淚t鈥檚 my all-time favorite race,鈥� she says. 鈥淲hen you get there, everything is taken care of,and everyone is super excited to be there. The spectators are amazing, which is hard to get in a marathon unless you鈥檙e running one of the major ones. At mile 21, you still have people cheering you on.鈥�

Her husband was in the Marine Corps for six years, which makes her particularly connected to the race. Another reason is because Vigil used to work full-time in the charity running field, working with organizations to create their race programs.

鈥淎thletes who are running for a cause aren鈥檛 necessarily going to feel more pressure, but there鈥檚 more meaning as to why they鈥檙e doing it,鈥� Vigil says. 鈥淚t helps them push forward when their body or mind isn鈥檛 in it anymore.鈥�

As a mom of young kids, training isn鈥檛 always easy, but Vigil gets it done. Her long runs are timed so that she has an allotted amount of time to be away training on Saturday. Whatever mileage she gets done is what it is, and Vigil is happy with that.

鈥淚鈥檓 not very strict with my training plan,鈥� she says. 鈥淎 lot of my running includes a stroller (with my two-year-old) or I might split up my runs in the morning and evening. I鈥檓 just doing what I can.鈥�

Also a certified running coach, Vigil is currently working with other athletes听 who are running the MCM.

鈥淐oaching keeps me in the community even when I鈥檓 not training for something,,鈥� she says. 鈥淲e鈥檙e all going after these different goals and doing what we can to stay consistent and do the work.鈥�

Training on the DC Commute

For some, a commute to work includes traffic, to-go coffee, and a few swear words as someone cuts you off on the highway. But commute to the office involves lots of marathon training.

Hood is extremely busy, so she puts in her miles by running to work. The total distance from her house to her office is about 14 miles, but depending on her training schedule, she鈥檒l run seven or so and then hop on the metro bus for the rest of the way. Her office has a gym and showers, so she鈥檚 not taking a seat at her desk in sweaty running clothes.

鈥淚 do what I have to do and it probably takes a shorter amount of time,鈥� Hood laughs. 鈥淵ou know, because you鈥檇 be sitting in DC traffic.鈥�

Hood moved to the DC area about two years ago and works in finance, but her main passion is running. She began posting running content on social media in 2022 and developed a hearty following of 37k on Instagram and 81.5k on .

鈥淚t鈥檚 super cool how runners can get connected through social media,鈥� she says. 鈥淚 have a lot of running friends who don鈥檛 live in DC, but we all meet up at certain events and races across the country.鈥�

Because of her influencer status, Hood is part of the MCM Social Media Influencer program, where she鈥檚 an advocate for the race. Though it鈥檚 sold out now, she spent months encouraging people to sign up through her posts online. This year will be her first time running the MCM marathon, though she鈥檚 spectated before and the energy was like nothing else.

鈥淚 thrive off of race day energy,鈥� she says. 鈥淚 love running and take it seriously, but it鈥檚 also about the fun of it and doing it with other people. So having a lot of people in my DC community running with me makes me so happy.鈥�

Inspired? Here鈥檚 How to Sign Up for the 2024 Marine Corps Marathon

To coincide with this year’s event, the 2024 MCM registration will open October 27, 2023. takes place May 19, 2024, and is part of the MCM series.

The post 3 Athletes on Why They鈥檙e Running the Marine Corps Marathon appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

The world鈥檚 best track and field athletes came to Eugene, Oregon, on September 16-17 for Hayward Magic (and perhaps money, with $2 million dollars of prize money spread evenly across 34 events). Their elite-level performances at the Prefontaine Classic marked the grand finale of the year鈥檚 competitive season, performing in front of 12,355 spectators. For reigning world champions, the Diamond League Finals offered two concentrated days of competition before well-deserved rest. For other athletes, the event represented something deeper: a final opportunity at redemption and a chance to conclude their season in victory.听

The event played out like an orchestrated musical composition. Held at the same venue as last year鈥檚 world championships, dramatic performances rose through octaves in Hayward Field. Athletes鈥� efforts coordinated and contrasted before the final note.听

While the remarkable 2023 track season has come to an end, here鈥檚 a look at the weekend鈥檚 highlights as we await next year鈥檚 Paris Olympics.听

1. Sha鈥機arri Richardson cares about sisterhood as much as success.

From Eugene to Budapest to Zurich back to Eugene, American sprinter Sha鈥機arri Richardson鈥檚 2023 performances have validated her sentiment: she鈥檚 not back, she鈥檚 better. Richardson claimed her first 100-meter title at this year鈥檚 U.S championships and secured the world championship win with a record-setting time of 10.65, putting her tied as the fifth-fastest female sprinter of all-time. However on Saturday in Eugene, she proved she is also better at losing.听

鈥淚 am not mad at all about the time that I did today,鈥� the 23-year-old said, explaining a performance that was competitive but ultimately disappointing. Richardson placed fourth in 10.80 but still embraced her competitors after the finish.听听

Her rival Shericka Jackson won the Diamond League trophy handily, with a time of 10.70, marking her first win over Richardson in four 100-meter races this year. 鈥淭oday was amazing, a great end to the season,鈥� said Jackson, who already boasts five Olympic medals.听

Marie-Josee of C么te d’Ivoire took second place with a time of 10.75, matching her season鈥檚 best, while five-time Olympic champion Elaine Thompson Herah placed third in 10.79, also a season’s best.

Richardson expressed her commitment to fostering a sisterhood among the sprinters, a goal she once thought was unattainable. That could be a key component to bringing next-level exposure to the top women sprinters heading to Paris next summer. 鈥淲e got fresh, beautiful women and that鈥檚 gonna take over the entire game,鈥� she said. 鈥淲atch.鈥�

2. Appreciation for Jakob Ingebritsen鈥檚 A+ pacing.

鈥淛ust stick to me as long as you can, and we鈥檒l get you there,鈥� quipped Norway鈥檚 Jakob Ingebritsen to American competitor Yared Nuguse during the pre-race press conference before Saturday鈥檚 Bowerman Mile. While the comment might have seemed patronizing, it was more likely playful banter between two amicable rivals who have pushed each other all season.听

Ingebritsen is known for his brash personality, often portrayed as the caricature of a champion鈥攃overed in confidence and stick-and-poke tattoos. On the other hand, Nuguse is a humble, self-deprecating, and loveable everyman鈥攚ho seemingly cares more about going to a Taylor Swift concert than his own popularity. Despite these differences, these young middle-distance stars came to appreciate one another through one thing: their desire to break records.听

鈥淚 pushed myself for a fast time against the clock,鈥� explained Ingribritsen, who assumed the role of race leader with 700 meters to go after American pacer Eric Sowinski rabbited the race through 900 meters. 鈥淭o see what I鈥檓 capable of in the mile.鈥� Although the mile is only 109 meters longer than its European equivalent, Ingebritsen secured the win more handily than his attempts at previous world championship 1500-meter finals, winning from the front with a time of 3:43.73. Ingebritsen鈥檚 time was a little more than half a second shy of the world record of 3:43.13, set by Hicham El Guerrouj of Morocco in 1999, but affirmed it鈥檚 鈥渘ot just.鈥� Nuguse closed on Ingebritsen’s shadow, finishing second and smashing the 16-year-old American record by three seconds.

鈥淚 ran 3:43. How the hell did I do that?鈥� wondered the now 24-year-old Nuguse about his time of 3:43.97. (It’s worth noting that Nuguse was only eight years old when Alan Webb set the previous American record of 3:46.91 in 2007.) Although Nuguse had run an American indoor record of 3:47.38 in February, his previous fastest outdoor mile, recorded last August, was ten seconds slower at 3:53.34. Yet he attributed his success at Prefontaine to the bold execution of Ingebritsen, saying he elevated the entire field and pushed them to achieve things they hadn鈥檛 thought possible. 鈥淚 have this constant self doubt at all times,鈥� Nuguse confessed. 鈥淚 have goals that I think are achievable and think, 鈥極h no!鈥欌�� But in Nugese鈥檚 rookie year for OAC he exceeded all expectations鈥攈e ran the second-fastest indoor mile in the world in February, finished fifth in the 1500m at the world championships last month, and made his last performance of the season his best one.听

While Ingebritsen had a world-class 3000-meter race waiting for him on Sunday, he went to the听 well in the mile and shattered several records: the Norwegian record, European record, Diamond League record, and meet record, and, of course, this season鈥檚 world-leading time and his own personal best (3:46.46) set last year. Nevertheless, Ingebritsen insisted this mile was not the race of his life.听

It certainly was for many others. Eight men posted personal bests, including American Cole Hocker, who clocked the fourth-fastest time in U.S. history at 3:48.08. Four other athletes set national records. 鈥淭here鈥檚 too much disrespect in this sport,鈥� Ingribritsen dryly remarked about the lack of appreciation from the field for the self-elected position. 鈥淣o one is thanking the main pacer.鈥澨�

3. Rai Benjamin reminds everyone he is a winner.听

American Rai Benjamin left Budapest with low spirits after finishing a disappointing third in the 400-meter hurdles at last month鈥檚 world championships. Upon his arrival in Eugene, the demeanor of the Tokyo Olympics silver medalist shifted dramatically. 鈥淚鈥檓 dangerous,鈥� declared the 26-year old , sporting his yellow and green Nike speed suit. 鈥淚 came out here in hunting gear today.鈥澨�

In the 400-meter hurdles, athletes launch from staggered starts鈥攗sually leaving spectators in suspense about the leader until the last 100 meters. On the home stretch Benjamin hit his target and caught Olympic gold medalist, three-time world champion and world record holder Karsten Warholm of Norway with 50 meters to go. He crossed the line in a world-leading time of 46.17, the fourth-fastest time in history and obliterated his own meet record of 47.19 from 2019.听

鈥淚 need to perform when it matters,鈥� Benjamin said after his resurgent, season-ending race. 鈥淭his is just a drop in the bucket before Paris.鈥澨�

Warholm started the race with the world鈥檚 top time of 46.51, but ended 0.14 of a second behind, with a time of 46.53. For those who might question the Hayward Magic, Benjamin鈥檚 victory solidified his 2-0 record against Warholm at this venue, in contrast to his 0-for-4 outcome elsewhere.听

鈥淣o one is going to remember a Diamond League champion,鈥� the sprinter from Mount Vernon, New York commented regarding his victory, humbly putting his win into perspective. But when the difference between being a Diamond League champion and second place amounts to $18,000, it鈥檚 unlikely that Warholm鈥檚 wallet will soon forget.听听

4. Chase Ealey writes her name on the American record book.听听

Chase Ealey, fresh off winning her second straight shot put world title, served as an inspiration to all, demonstrating that a season isn鈥檛 truly over until you decide it鈥檚 over. Despite her prolonged absence from competitive circuits due to rehabbing a rib muscle injury, she refined her technique to come out on top when it mattered the most.听

鈥�I have good people around me and I think that鈥檚 really important,鈥� Ealey said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 really made my throwing a lot better and everything better as a whole. I can go through the lows and not feel so bad.鈥澨�

The 29-year-old from Los Alamos, New Mexico, concluded her season with fireworks by throwing 20.76 meters (roughly 68 feet, 1-录 inches), not only breaking the American record but setting a meet record and clinching a $30,000 Diamond League trophy. 鈥淭here鈥檚 something about this stadium that brings it out of me,鈥� Ealey said. 鈥淚 love this stadium. It kind of feels good to do it here and bring it home all the time.鈥澨�

Ealey鈥檚 achievement surpassed the previous national record of 20.63m held by Michelle Carter, the 2016 Olympic gold medalist. 鈥淭o [break the record] in the last meet, I鈥檝e been wanting to do it all season,鈥� she reflected. 鈥淚 told my coach I was gonna do it here.鈥澨�

Canada鈥檚 Sarah Milton placed second, throwing 19.94m. Auriol Dingo of Portugal secured third with a personal-best throw of 19.92m.听

5. Christian Coleman shocks the field and himself: 鈥淚鈥檓 really like that.鈥�

The men鈥檚 100-meter dash started out with a bang. And then two more bangs. Unfortunately Ackeem Blake鈥檚 race came to an abrupt end before the Jamaican sprinter could even leave the starting blocks. This false-start blunder gave way to the remaining competition to aim for a higher place (potentially earning more prize money) and end on, well, another type of bang.听听

鈥淚 didn鈥檛 perform the way I wanted to [earlier this season], now I鈥檓 finding my stride,鈥� American Christian Coleman said.听

Coleman, the 2019 world champion, managed to hold off the reigning world champion Noah Lyles and world silver medalist Letslie Tebgoo to secure victory by a narrow margin of two hundredths in 9.83. This time equaled the world鈥檚 best time for the year. Coleman鈥攖he world鈥檚 fastest man in the previous Olympic cycle鈥攎issed the Tokyo Games due to suspension for missing (though not failing) drug tests. After a fifth-place finish at the world championships and a runner-up spot at the U.S. championships, he said this victory meant a lot to him.听

鈥淚鈥檓 really like that,鈥� the 27-year-old Coleman said to broadcaster about what he would lean on for his buildup to next summer鈥檚 Olympics. He found his stride, but is aware that several other sprinters have found theirs too. In 2023, three men clocked 9.83s: Coleman, Lyles, and Great Britain’s Zharnel Hughes all shared the world leading time. Notably, the top four finishers in Saturday鈥檚 race ran in the 9.8s.听

Noah Lyles, a rising star on and off the track, looked anything but disappointed about his second-place finish in 9.85. The reigning world champion鈥攃urrently owning the title 鈥渨orld鈥檚 fastest man鈥濃�攁pproached the Diamond League final like it was a PR event. 鈥淚鈥檓 out here to show my face,鈥� said Lyles, 26, who was taking pride in his home soil to show up for his supporters. 鈥淚鈥檓 a U.S. athlete.鈥澨�

The 26-year-old Lyles also believed every race after the world championships was like a victory lap. On Saturday, he demonstrated this by completing a very real victory lap at Hayward, high fiving fans around the oval. 鈥淓ven when I don鈥檛 win, I win,鈥� he said, with a big smile on his face and a Five Guys salted caramel milkshake in his hand (a gift from NBC track analyst Lewis Johnson). He still left with $12,000 of prize money.听

鈥淚鈥檓 just here to have fun.鈥� Then Lyles took a big slurp of his milkshake.听

6. Faith Kipyegon takes another victory lap.

It鈥檚 not every day you watch greatness unfold, but every day Faith Kipyegon steps to the line it feels like greatness is inevitable. She stood beside several other Nike athletes at the start of the women鈥檚 1,500-meter run, all dressed in a striking combination of pine green and school bus-colored yellow. Yet this distracting uniform had no bearing on the 29-year-old Kenyan, who took charge right from the gun and never looked back.听

While the crowd argued whether the kit鈥檚 color was green or blue, Olympic and world champion Kipyegon remained focused on herself. 鈥淚 didn鈥檛 watch the clock,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 didn鈥檛 worry about anything, I was just going鈥� just go to the tape and see what I was going to run.鈥澨�

Kipyegon indeed delivered, clocking in at 3:50.72, and marked the fifth-fastest women鈥檚 1500m in history. She entered the race as the undisputed favorite and has maintained her unbeaten streak in the 1,500 for more than two years. Kipyegon ended her Diamond League season with an undefeated record across all distances this year, including world records in the 1,500, mile, and 5,000m. Her last lap was an astonishing 56.63 seconds.听

Clearly Kipyegon is in a league of her own but her pace pushed the field to achieve remarkable times themselves. Ethiopia鈥檚 Diribe Welteji of Ethiopia secured second place in a personal best of 3:53.93 while Great Britain鈥檚 Laura Muir claimed third with a season鈥檚 best of 3:55.16, her second-fastest time ever. In any other race, they would have made the headline. Nine women broke four minutes. American Corey McGee was close but ultimately missed the mark in 4:01.28, hanging her head exhausted with unmet expectations.听

7. Mondo Duplantis sets the bar higher, breaks his world record.

Armand Duplantis, a U.S. athlete who grew up in Louisiana but competes for Sweden based on his mother鈥檚 heritage, broke his own world record in pole vault, clearing 6.23 meters鈥攔oughly 20 feet, 5-录 inches鈥� in his first attempt at this height. The reigning world champ marked a one centimeter improvement over his previous record of 6.22 meters which he had set in France in February.听

鈥淭he limit is very high,鈥� said Duplantis, who, although only 23, claimed his third Diamond League trophy to go along with his two world championships and an Olympic title since 2021. 鈥淚 hope I can continue to jump well and keep jumping higher than I did today but for now I鈥檓 not really thinking about anything except enjoying this moment and enjoying what I just did.鈥�

The showman rushed into the crowd, beating his fist in the air and stood triumphantly on the barrier between himself and the fans to celebrate. “I don’t remember the jump. I’m dead serious,鈥� he confessed during his televised interview. 鈥淚 just knew that it was going to be really close.鈥澨�

Duplantis has proven his mettle in Hayward yet again, going two for two on world records in Eugene. 鈥淚t has the history, it has the modern touch,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he track is really fast, the crowd and energy is fantastic. Everything [was] just building up to what I need to be able to break the world record.

EJ Obiena of the Philippines finished second with a height of 5.82 meters while American Sam Kendricks claimed third with a jump of 5.72 meters.

8. Ingebrigtsen rolls over the finish to victory.

Jakob Ingebrigtsen is on a lifelong mission to earn every world record from the 1,500 to marathon, including the steeplechase. On Sunday he fell less than three seconds short from checking one the outdoor 3,000 meters from his list. Ingebrigtsen admitted he 鈥渄idn鈥檛 feel extremely good鈥� after the first couple laps considering his legs had run 3:43 in the mile a day earlier. Yet he knew where to spend his energy: the end.听

鈥淚鈥檓 a very smart guy,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 collect as much info as I can about the direction of the wind and the conditions.鈥澨�

With 1,000 meters remaining, Ingebrigtsen seized control of the field but saved his somersault for the finish. He won in 7:23.63, setting a national record, a Diamond League record, a meet record, a world lead, and a personal best. 鈥淚t鈥檚 better than coming in second,鈥� he said with bloody elbows.听

Of course, no victory can fully compensate for what he missed in Budapest. His goal for the season鈥攁 gold medal in the 1,500 meter world championships鈥攔emained unfulfilled. However this loss appeared to intensify his determination to win on Sunday.听

鈥淵ou wouldn鈥檛 be stupid but you鈥檇 be ignorant if you don鈥檛 do double thresholds,鈥� he remarked about the training that led him to this point. 鈥淏ut there are a lot of roads to becoming a good runner.鈥� As for his potential to earn another world record in the marathon one day, he replied: 鈥淚 don鈥檛 really enjoy talking about what could be. I would rather just do it.鈥澨�

The outdoor 3,000 is run less often than its untamed sibling with the barriers but many athletes took advantage of this late-season race. Yomif Kejelcha came in second in 7:23.64 breaking the Ethiopian national record and earning a new personal best. American Grant Fisher closed hard down the homestretch to place third in 7:25.47, breaking his own national record and setting a new personal best.听

鈥淕etting hurt midseason made me a better athlete today,鈥� said the 26-year-old Fisher in a calm stoicism. 鈥淚n the final 100, I had a pretty good bounce. This is about as well as I could have expected鈥� [but] I was still third today.鈥� Fisher, a Stanford graduate, set an American record in Duck colors on the Duck鈥檚 track. 鈥淚 like to think of them more as Australian colors.鈥�

9. Gudaf Tsegay outpaces world record lights to run 14:00.

Gudaf Tsegay arrived in Eugene with one ambition: to break the 5,000-meter world record.听

“I was really angry to not bring back two medals from the world championships, but I knew from our training I had a lot of potential to do something with my fitness,” said Tsegay, who finished 13th in the 5,000 final in Budapest after winning her 10,000-meter title. “Even though the conditions weren鈥檛 perfect [in Eugene], we thought we could do it.鈥澨�

The American duo Sinclaire Johnson and Elise Cranny paced the field through 1,000 meters in 2:48 and the next 2,000 meters in 5:37, respectively. Then Tsegay鈥檚 Ethiopian compatriot Birke Haylom took the lead, passing 3,000 meters in 8:26.03 and ahead of world record pace. As Tsegay reached the 4,000-meter mark in 11:16.89, Kenya鈥檚 Beatrice Chebet trailed closely behind. With two laps to go, Tsegay showed her dominance as if this race was solely against the lights.听听

With the crowd on their feet, Tsegay powered to the finish line with perfect form. She earned the world record and broke Faith Kipyegon’s world-leading time, clocking 14:00.21, before collapsing to the ground. Hayward鈥檚 standing ovation was a fitting tribute to Tsegay, the 2022 world champion in the 5,000 meters at the same venue and now the proud world record holder.听

Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet secured second place with a time of 14:05.92, while Ethiopia’s Taye Ejayehu finished third in 14:21. American Alicia Monson ended her stellar season with a sixth-place finish in a time of 14:45.98.听

10. Without expectations, Athing Mu resets her American record.听听

It has been 鈥渨ill she, won鈥檛 she,鈥� whether or not the Tokyo Olympic gold medalist and 2022 world champion competes. After a third-place finish at the world championships in Budapest, she believed her season was over. However, thanks to a host-country wild card exemption, she found herself in the final. At just 21-years-old, Mu proved her expertise on Sunday.听

听鈥淚 felt really new and refreshed, and I鈥檓 just happy,鈥� said Mu. 鈥淚 wasn鈥檛 even hoping for the American record, I was just hoping for a PR, but I knew I could do something fast if I could just relax and compete.鈥澨�

Mu hit the tape with a win in 1:54.97, a new American record, meet record, world lead and personal best. Her victory was hard fought, with rival Keely Hodgkinson on her heels, finishing in 1:55.19, setting a new national record for Great Britain and a personal best. Natoya Goule-Toppin placed third in 1:55.96, a national record for Jamaica and personal best. The reigning world champion Mary Moraa of Kenya placed fourth in 1:57.42

Hodgkinson collected her share of silver this summer, also coming in second at worlds in Budapest but disagreed this position was bittersweet. 鈥淲ins are for a reason and I broke the national record twice in one season,鈥� she said.听

鈥淚t鈥檚 a really good way to end the season.鈥�

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SURF CITY, USA 鈥� Huntington Beach is home to one of the greatest marathons on the west coast. A winter destination race, the Surf City Marathon and Half Marathon offers runners a fast, flat, picturesque course along the city鈥檚 signature coastline.听

The start and finish line is located on California鈥檚 Pacific Coast Highway 101 and the course runs past the famous Huntington Beach pier. With the encouragement of local surfers cheering participants along the way, runners find the atmosphere unique and inspiring.

A SoCal institution, the Surf City Marathon has been welcoming athletes to test their mettle on the Pacific Coast Highway for 28 years. This race has something for everyone鈥攚hether you want to gut it out for a Boston-qualifier at the front of the pack or simply embrace the laid back, unique surf culture of Huntington Beach. Here are five reasons you need to put Surf City USA on your running bucket list.

1. Race Weekend Extravaganza: The Surf City USA Marathon is not just a race; it is an entire weekend of excitement. From the Active Lifestyle Beach Expo to Saturday鈥檚 Beach Mile on the Sand, plus a 5K and half-marathon distances, race weekend features three days of events and a distance for everyone, but it’s a festive atmosphere under the palm tree-lined streets that adds to the overall 鈥渂ig race鈥� experience.

2. Surf Culture Vibe: The Southern California vibes are strong at this iconic beachfront race. A classic VW Bus surf sedan leads the race to a soundtrack of the Beach Boys and runners are serenaded by surf rock music as they make their way along the scenic course. Because the Surf City Marathon is more than just a race; it’s a celebration of the unique surf culture that defines Huntington Beach and Southern California. From the moment you step onto the course, you’ll be immersed in the relaxed, beachy atmosphere that this region is famous for.

3. Soak up the Scenic Views: The course takes you on a journey through the heart of Huntington Beach. You’ll start with views of the iconic Huntington Beach Pier and Main Street, then venture through Huntington Central Park, offering a scenic and diverse running experience. Just past Mile 9, you’ll be treated to the sights and sounds of the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, home to a variety of wildlife and birds. It’s a unique and peaceful stretch of the race that you won’t find in many other marathons. A significant portion of the race follows a beachfront running path, allowing you to soak in the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean as you run along Bolsa Chica State Beach. It’s truly a runner’s paradise.

4. Set a New Personal Best: Temperate Southern California winter temperatures plus a pancake-flat course create the perfect conditions for setting a PR. Plus, with 20,000-plus runners, you鈥檒l always have a little bit of company to help push you along. If you are aspiring to run the prestigious Boston Marathon, the Surf City USA Marathon serves as a “qualifier.” It’s an opportunity to earn your spot in one of the most renowned marathons in the world.

5. Celebrate with Live Music鈥攑lus some swag. More than a race, the Surf City Marathon is an outdoor party. Enjoy live music in the Michelob Ultra Beer Garden or snap a selfie with your feet in the ocean at the post-race festival on the beach. All finishers receive a classic surfboard shaped medal.

In conclusion, the Surf City Marathon offers more than just a race鈥攊t’s a chance to immerse yourself in the vibrant surf culture of Southern California, run a scenic and flat course, and be part of a community that values health and fitness. Whether you’re aiming to qualify for Boston or simply looking for a memorable race experience, Surf City USA has it all. So, lace up your running shoes, embrace the beachy vibes, and join the thousands of runners who make their way to Huntington Beach for this iconic event.

Pro Tip: Register early to take advantage of special savings鈥攁nd see you on the start line on February 4th, 2024.听

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