Featured Stories

Eliud Kipchoge's Historic Journey to Paris 2024

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
As Eliud Kipchoge prepares for his fifth Olympics, there's growing anticipation around his quest at the Paris Games. With two marathon golds already to his name, he aims for a historic third, seeking to add to his impressive tally of four Olympic medals. Join us as we look back on Kipchoge's journey to this moment as his aims to rewrite Olympic marathon history.
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Terry Fox and his Marathon of Hope

Photo Credit: Terry Fox Foundation
Discover the remarkable story of a runner whose enduring legacy not only transcends borders, but continues to impact on the sport of running and charitable efforts. Terry Fox's inspiring tale shows how one individual's determination and compassion transformed the running community and continues to inspire runners worldwide.
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US Olympian, Leonard Korir's Uncertain Journey to Paris

Conner Mantz, Clayton Young and Leonard Korir posed for photos after finishing in the top 3 at the 2024 USA Olympic Marathon Trials. Photo Credit: John Elliott
Discover Leonard Korir's difficult journey to secure his spot in the 2024 Paris Olympic Marathon. Despite finishing third at the 2024 US Olympic Marathon trials, Korir faced months of uncertainty while he waited for confirmation he'd be racing in Paris. Dive into the controversy around Olympic qualification for the marathon and what led Korir officially being added to the Olympic marathon race.
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2024 BolderBoulder 10K: Conner Mantz and Grace Loibach Nawowuna Triumph

Conner Mantz and Grace Loibach Nawowuna deliver memorable performances at the 2024 BOLDERBoulder 10K. Mantz's historic back-to-back win and Nawowuna's dominant performance made for an unforgettable conclusion to this year's event. Find out how each pro race unfolded including team results.
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Memorial Day is BolderBoulder 10K Day

Photo Credit: John Elliott
On Monday, Memorial Day, 50,000 runnners will take to the streets of Boulder Colorado for the annual BOLDERBoulder, a race that is called by Runner's World Magazine the Best 10K in America. Spread across 100 waves - to give runners plenty of space to run - the event culminates with the international pro waves followed by the world's largest Memorial Day celebration.
In team USA Red will be America's top male marathoners - the top three from the USA Olympic Trials and America's Olympic marathon team for the Paris Olympics: defending champion Conner Mantz, Clayton Young and Leonard Korir. What makes the BolderBoulder America's best 10K and why do the elite athletes flock to it?
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Kenya's 2024 Olympic Marathon Teams Selected

Kenya's Olympic marathon team for Paris 2024 are finally selected. Former Olympic champions, Eliud Kipchoge and Peres Jepchirchir will lead their teams, both with a chance to make history. Find out who made Kenya's Marathon teams and who didn't, and discover what makes Kichoge's and Jepchirchir's monumental quest for back-to-back gold so special.
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Kenyan Olympic Marathon Team Announced - The Best Team Ever

Athletics Kenya has named the six athletes who will represent Kenya in the Marathon at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Kenya first issued preliminary lists in December 2023 (ten men and ten women) and early April 2024 (five men and six women), but following performances at the Boston and London Marathons, the final team has been set, and it is arguably the best marathon team ever sent by any country to any Olympics. Leading the women will be Peres Jepchirchir, the defending Olympic gold medalist and two-time defending world half marathon champion. Jepchirchir's victory at the 2021 Olympics and past wins at the New York and Boston Marathons put her on the short-lists, but her win at the 2024 London Marathon in world-record fashion (women-only race world record of 2:16:16) sealed her spot on the team. Hellen Obiri, clearly earned her spot on the Olympic squad through her back-to-back wins a the 2023 and 2024 Boston Marathon book-ending her win at the 2023 New York City Marathon. Although Obiri's personal best of 2:25:49 is the slowest on the squad, her ability to win at women-only races without pacemakers - New York and Boston - should put her in the mix in Paris. The final women's spot on the Kenyan squad was, in our opinion, more difficult. Sharon Lokedi was in the race throughout and finished a close runner-up to Obiri at the 2024 Boston Marathon and seemed a good teammate to compete and also help Obiri at the Olympics. Brigid Kosgei, however, was the defending Olympic silver medalist and had better times, albeit on flat/fast courses, including her since-beaten world record of 2:14:04 at the 2019 Chicago Marathon. In the end, Athletics Kenya selected Kosgei to be on the team and Lokedi to be the alternate.

To the delight of most fans of the sport, the Kenyan men's team will be led by two-time defending Olympic Gold Medalist, Eliud Kipchoge. The 2024 Paris Olympics will represent Kipchoge's fifth trip to the Olympics with podium finishes at the 5000m distance at the 2004 and 2008 Olympics and the aforementioned gold medals at the 2016 and 2021 Olympics not to mention his numerous other achievements including world record runs, a marathon faster than 2 hours (unofficial) and more - he has earned his spot. Benson Kipruto, with his 2:02:16 win at the 2024 Tokyo Marathon (well ahead of Kipchoge at that race), takes the second spot on the team. Alexander Munyao Mutiso, not on the original December 2023 shortlist but added to the April 2024 shortlist, earned the third spot on the Olympic squad with his impressive win at the 2024 London Marathon. Mutiso, with a personal best of only (note sarcasm) 2:03:11 will be the slowest member of the team - simply amazing... Timothy Kiplagat, the runner-up at the 2024 Tokyo Marathon in 2:02:55 was announced as the alternate for the team.

World Record and Fast Times at London Marathon

The London Marathon never fails to deliver. Arguably one of the fastest marathon courses in the world, and inarguably the richest marathon in the world and able to attract the best athletes, the 2024 Marathon served as an opportunity to try to beat the seven year old Women's-Only marathon record and as a lead up and selection event for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
As expected, the women bested the 2:17:01 prior women's-only world record. What was not expected was that four women would run faster than the previous best and that world-record holder (mixed race) Tigst Assefa would not be the victor. Rather, Peres Jepchirchir, the defending Olympic Marathon champion and a previous New York City and Boston Marathon champion would finish ahead of all others in 2:16:16 to add another World Marathon Majors title to her achievementes as well as bettering her previous best and adding another the marathon record to her previous half marathon records (since bettered). Tigst Assefa could not keep up with Jepchirchir's sprint and took runner-up spot in 2:16:23. Joyciline Kosgei would take third spot in 2:16:24 and Megertu Alemu would settle for fourth in 2:16:34, but still knowing she had bettered the previous world record.
In the men's race, Alexander Mutiso Munyao surprised many by holding off favorite Kenenisa Bekele. Munyao would win in 2:04:01 and Bekele would follow in 2:04:15. Emile Cairess finished a distant third in 2:06:46, but became the first Briton to finish on the podium since Mo Farah in 2018.
The Men's Race (MarathonGuide.com Article)
The Women's Race (MarathonGuide.com Article)
The Men's Race (London Marathon Press Release)
The Women's Race (London Marathon Press Release)
Complete Searchable Results Here!

Boston Marathon - Amazing Again!

The Boston Marathon saw two amazing - and opposite races. In the men's race, one of the fastest marathoners in the world ran away at world record pace from the 5th mile. We thought he would crash and burn, but he held on to win: Sisay Lemma, 2024 champion in 2:06:17. Mohamed Esa past others to finish runner-up in 2:06:58 and two-time champion, Evans Chebet, took third in 2:07:22.
In the women's race, twenty women remained together for most of the race until three Kenyans pushed the pace in the final three miles to run away. Ultimately, defending Boston and New York champion, Hellen Obiri, demonstrated that she is one of the best marathoners and best closers with her win in 2:22:37. Sharon Lokedi, the 2022 NYC Marathon champion finished second in 2:22:45. And two-time Boston champion, Edna Kiplagat, at age 44!, took the third podium spot in 2:23:21.
The Men's Race
The Women's Race
Still of interest: As It Happens - Real-Time commentary and coverage of the 128th Boston Marathon
Complete Searchable Results Here!

Paris Marathon Dominated by Ethiopian Runners

Credit: Paris Marathon
Ethiopian athletes Mestawut Fikir and Mulugeta Uma have etched their names in marathon history as they clinched victories in the prestigious Paris Marathon. This was an historic double victory for Ethiopia and hints at the nation's potential dominance in the upcoming Summer Olympics just a few months away.
Read the Full Story Here
Read the Press Release Here

Tragedy - Kelvin Kiptum dead in car crash

World record holder Kelvin Kiptum passed away in a tragic car crash on February 11, 2024 in Kenya, he was 24. Kiptum had run only three marathons - but the three were incredible - all under 2:02. Kiptum debuted at the distance with a win and course record at the 2022 Valencia Marathon in 2:01:53. He followed that up in the Spring of 2023 with a win and course record at the 2023 London Marathon in 2:01:25. His final marathon was his win in world record time at the 2023 Chicago Marathon in 2:00:35. Watching Kiptum at the Chicago Marathon, we noted that he was humble and possibly didn't even know how good he was as he indicated he never thought he could break the world record.... Some suspected that Kiptum would be the first man to break the 2 hour barrier in the marathon, but now that talent has been extinguished. Apparently Kiptum was driving his car when he lost control near his home in Kenya. Kiptum's death reminds us of the death of Sammy Wanjiru in 2011 also at the age of 24 - before Kiptum, Wanjiru was also the record-setter at the London Marathon (2:05:10 in 2009) and at the Chicago Marathon (2:05:41 in 2009) and was also the Olympic Marathon champion in 2008 - all in an age before the super shoes. All of these are tragedies and we will never see what greatness these champions could have achieved.

2024 USA Olympic Team Trials Marathon!

MarathonGuide.com is on-site at the USA Olympic Trials Marathon in Orlando. Every four years, this race is the highlight of our year. All the best American marathoners in one place, putting it all on the line in a race that counts double: showing who is the best on the day (and lots of prize money) and allowing the top finishers another dream: that they will go to the Olympics.

The marathon is over!!! WOW is all we can say. Well, we'll say a lot more when we finish writing our post-race articles. For now, we'll summarize some of what made the marathon amazing...

The women's race - Fiona O'Keefe becomes the youngest-ever Olympic Trials Marathon winner, while setting a Trials Marathon record (2:22:10) AND it was her debut marathon - incredibble. Emily Sisson, the American record-holder ran a smart race and took the runner-up spot to lock in her second visit to the Olympics (she went for the 10,000m at the 2021 Olympics). Dakotah Lundwurm took the third spot in 2:25:31 - impressive.

The men's race showed the power of teamwork as two training partners and friends worked together to take one-two. Conner Mantz winning the Trials in 2:09:05 and his friend/mentor Clayton Young taking the second spot in 2:09:06. Was that one second differential a sprint finish you may ask? No... Young let Mantz take the victory because he thought he deserved it - wow. Then... Leonard Korir - fourth and missing the Olympic team by one spot in 2020 - took the third podium spot! Ooops, but with third place Korir will miss the Olympic team by one spot again...

Anyway, we'll get our articles up soon - please come back to read them and learn why this was such an amazing Trials.

In the meantime:
2024 USA Olympic Team Trials Marathon - Preview
Archived:Race As it Happens/Commentary
Full Searchable Results - Men
Full Searchable Results - Women

USA/Canada Results

Deseret News Classic Marathon - Jul 24 - Salt Lake City, UT
Results and Writeup as we get them in.

Mesa Falls Marathon - Jul 20 - Ashton, ID
Cooper Eben, 32 of Idaho Falls ID, was the winner of the 2024 Mesa Falls Marathon in 2:50:26. Matthew Painter, 29 of Rexburg ID, third finisher of the 2023 Teton Dam Marathon, was second in 3:00:46. Eli Byron, 18 of Idaho Falls ID, was third in 3:07:32.
In the women's race, Penny Parrish, 42 of Pocatello ID, winner of the 2024, 2023 & 2019 Teton Dam Marathon, the 2023-2021, 2019, 2018-2016, 2014-2010 Pocatello Marathon, the 2023, 2021 & 2019 Idaho Falls Mad Marathon and the 2021 Red Rock Canyon Marathon, was first in 3:15:02. Megan Natale, 38 of Sugarloaf PA, runner up of the 2024 Little Rock Marathon and the 2022 Kensington Marathon, was second in 3:24:54. Tausha Spraker, 28 of Idaho Falls ID, runner up of the 2023 race and third finisher of the 2022 race, and runner up of the 2024 Teton Dam Marathon, was third in 3:25:26.
Complete Searchable Results Here!

Nova Scotia Marathon - Jul 21 - Barrington, NS, Canada
Matthew Beaver, of Halifax NS, was the winner of the 2024 Nova Scotia Marathon in 2:54:24. Matt Taylor, of West Lahave NS, third finisher of the 2023 race, was second in 2:57:13. Walter Linthorne, of Stellarton NS, was third in 3:09:15.
In the women's race, Natasha Yaremczuk, of Melbourne Beach FL USA, runner up of the 2021 Space Coast Marathon and the 2018 Albany Marathon, and winner of the 2016 Disney World Marathon, was first in 2:58:52. Elise Brennan, of Halifax NS, was second in 3:11:59. Sarah Schmitter, of Halifax NS, was third in 3:17:56.
Complete Searchable Results Here!

Friendly Massey Marathon - Jul 21 - Massey, ON, Canada
Results and Writeup as we get them in.

Ruidoso Marathon and Half Marathon - Jul 20 - Ruidoso, NM
James Stone, 22, was the winner of the 2024 Ruidoso Marathon and Half Marathon in 3:32:37. Frank Fan, 50 of San Diego CA, was second in 3:54:26. Joshua Gibson, 40, was third in 3:58:00.
In the women's race, Arianna Gil, 41 of Huixquilucan Mexico, was first in 4:47:14. Cathy Bradford, 66 of Las Cruces NM, runner up of the 2021 race and runner up of the 2024 Appalachian Series - SC, was second in 5:41:40. Ashley Foti, 35 of Apopka FL, was third in 5:47:14.
Complete Searchable Results Here!

Alaska Salmon Runs King Salmon Marathon - Jul 20 - Cordova, AK
Results and Writeup as we get them in.

Alaska Series - Day 1 - Jul 23 - Douglas, AK
Results and Writeup as we get them in.

Alaska Series - Day 2 - Jul 24 - Douglas, AK
Results and Writeup as we get them in.

Summer Camp Series - Day 5 - Jul 17 - Waite Park, MN
Tom Perri, of Maple Grove MN, was the winner of the 2024 Summer Camp Series - Day 5 in 5:00:35. David Holmen, 63 of Eagan MN, winner of the 2023 Summer Camp Series - Day 4 and Day 5, the 2022 Summer Camp Series - Day 3 and 4, and runner up of the 2024 Summer Camp Series - Day 2, Day 3 and Day 4, and the 2022 Cook Park Marathon, was second in 5:12:43. Christopher Smith, 48 of Rockford IL, runner up of the 2024 Summer Camp Series - Day 1 and third finisher of the 2024 Summer Camp Series - Day 3, was third in 5:36:03.
In the women's race, Karen Derrick, 63 of Columbia MO, was first in 6:56:36. Alexa Veeder, of Monticello MN, was second in 7:17:38. Debbie Del Favero, 67 of St. Petersburg FL, winner of the 2024 Summer Camp Series - Day 4, was third in 8:43:53.
Complete Searchable Results Here!

International Results

Fairlands Valley Challenge - Jul 21 - Stevenage, United Kingdom
Results and Writeup as we get them in.

König Ludwig Marathon - Jul 20 - Fussener, Germany
Benjamin Polin, of France, was the winner of the 2024 König Ludwig Marathon in 2:27:32. Charlie Smith, of United Kingdom, was second in 2:47:06. Markus Mey of Germany was third in 2:48:51.
In the women's race, Maria Elisa Legelli of Germany was first in 2:52:06. Valeria Gasparini, of Italy, was second in 3:17:10. Johanna Hiemer, of Austria, was third in 3:17:49.

Pachmarhi Monsoon Marathon - Jul 21 - Pachmarhi, India
Writeup as we get them in.

Pattaya Queen's Cup Marathon - Jul 21 - Pattaya, Thailand
James Cherutich Tallam, of Kenya, was the winner of the 2024 Pattaya Queen's Cup Marathon in 2:25:41. Denis Mugendi Kiura, of Kenya, was second in 2:25:50. Peter Keter, of Kenya, was third in 2:26:27.
In the women's race, Caroline Cherono, of Kenya, was first in 2:52:53. Bontu Demisse Ware, of Ethiopia, was second in 2:56:32. Serkalem Mekonnen, of Ethiopia, was third in 2:56:32.

Dubai Marathon - Two Debutantes show how it's done!

2024 Dubai Marathon
As we mentioned in our pre-race writeup, the Dubai Marathon is known for discovering new talent and showcasing them on the world stage, and the 2024 event upheld this tradition. In the women's race, Tigist Ketema ran a 2:16:07 to win the race, set a new course record AND run the fastest debut marathon in history. With this time, Ketema became the eighth fastest woman to run the marathon in history...in her debut marathon. Behind, Ruti Aga ran a time of 2:18:07 for the runner-up spot, and defending champion Dera Dida secured third place with a time of 2:19:29.
In the men's race, another debut marathoner, 19-year-old Addisu Gobena, won the race with a time of 2:05:01, while the third place went to another debutant, Dejene Megersa, who finished in 2:05:42. The runner-up was Lemi Dumecha with a time of 2:05:20.
Two Germans used the Dubai Marathon to qualify for the 2024 Olympics: Samuel Fitwi smashed his personal best to run 2:06:27 and Melat Kejeta ran 2:21:47.
Read the Press Release Here

New York City Marathon Coverage

The New York City Marathon provided great drama as the men's race saw a chase for the record and the women's race saw six women together in the final miles and a sprint finish. From nearly the start of the race, the men were on pace for a course record and ultimately the twelve year old record did fall with Tamirat Tola running 2:04:58, just 8 seconds ahead of Geoffrey Mutai's 2:05:06 in 2011, but enough for the record. The men's pace broke some of the runenrs, leaving Albert Korir to finish second in 2:06:57 and Shura Kitata to finish third in 2:07:11. The women's race saw a conservative early pace lead to a five-way contest into the finish with Hellen Obiri claiming the victory in 2;27:34. Letesenbet Gidey took the second place honors in 2:27:29 and defending champion Sharon Lokedi finished third in 2:27:33.

And Post-Race Articles:
The Men's Race (in process)
The Women's Race
Also of interest: Real-Time Notes/As It Happened
Pre-Race Links (still interesting):
- NYC Marathon Coverage Homepage (all links)
- Men's Field Preview & Starter List
- Women's Field Preview & Starter List
- Pace Chart/Spectator Locations

World Record at Chicago Marathon!

Chicago got its payback against the Berlin Marathon. Just two weeks after Chicago lost the Women's world record to the Berlin Marathon, it snatched back the Men's world record from the Berlin! Kelvin Kiptum, who announced he was aiming for a course record, surprised everyone and himself by setting a new world record of 2:00:35 with his win at the 45th Chicago Marathon. As if that wasn't great enough, the women in the race were on-track for a world record before Ruth Chepngetich slowed to allow Sifan Hassan to win in 2:13:44 - the second fastest women's marathon of all time and new course record. In the wheelchair races, Marcel Hug and Catherine Debrunner set new course records in their marathon races.
Read the Press Release

World Record SMASHED at Berlin Marathon

Credit: ©SCC EVENTS/Jean-Marc Wiesner

2023 Berlin Marathon
It's notable when a world record is broken. It is nothing short of AMAZING when a world record is lowered by more than 2 minutes and that is just what happened at the 2023 Berlin Marathon. Defending champion Tigst Assefa ran the marathon course in 2:11:53 knocking 2:11 off the previous record by Brigid Kosgei of 2:14:04 set at the 2019 Chicago Marathon. With her run, Assefa also knocked nearly four minutes off her personal best and previous Berlin Marathon record of 2:15:37 set at the 2022 Berlin Marathon. Also of note at the 2023 Berlin Marathon, Eliud Kipchoge won his fifth Berlin Marathon - a record number of wins at Berlin - and complete the course with the fourth fastest Marathon finish of all time behind only himself, Kelvin Kiptum and Kenenisa Bekele. Amanal Petros set a new German National Record with his run of 2:04:58.

The Berlin Marathon is built for records and the 2023 Berlin Marathon cements its reputation as the one best suited for world record attempts and successes. Tigst Assefa's record brings the world record back to Berlin where it resided until the world record moved to Chicago and London beginning in 2001. This is the third time the women's World Record has been set in Berlin. The men's world record in the marathon has resided in Berlin since 2003 - currently Eliud Kipchoge's 2:01:09 set at the 2022 Berlin Marathon - and in total the men's world record has been set in Berlin an incredible nine times.

Read the Post-Race Press Release
Read the Post-Race Press Release #2

Most engaging World Athletics Championships in history finishes on a high in Budapest

The World Athletics Championships Budapest 23 concluded on Sunday, August 27, after nine days of thrilling action in which superstars of the sport added to their legacy and new stars emerged as global champions.
Read the Press Release

Jack Fleming named President & CEO of the Boston Athletic Association

The Boston Athletic Association, organizers of the Boston Marathon among other events, has announced that Jack Fleming has been named the new President and Chief Executive Officer of the Organization. Jack has held various roles with the BAA since 1992 and most recently was serving as COO for the organization from 2017 through early 2022 and as acting CEO since May 1, 2022. MarathonGuide.com has always been a big fan of Jack Fleming and applauds this decision by the BAA, both as the right person for the job and as he deserves the position through his years of dedication to the organization and running in general.
Read the Press Release

2025 World Championships to be held in Tokyo

World Athletics has announced that the 2025 World Championships will be held in Tokyo, beating out Nairobi, Silesia and Singapore to host the championships. The championships will take place in the Olympic Stadium created for the 2020 Olympics - but while the pandemic-affected Olympics saw no spectators in the stadium, spectators will be welcomed and be able to enjoy the Olympic venue at the world championships. At the same time, World Athletics announced that the the 2024 World Championships Cross Country Championships will be held in Medulin and Pula in Croatia and the 2026 World Championships Cross Country Championships will be held in Tallahassee, Florida.
Read the Press Release

Bank of America steps up for Boston Marathon

The Boston Athletic Association, organizers of the Boston Marathon, have announced that Bank of America will become the presenting sponsor of the Boston Marathon beginning in 2024. It was previously announced that John Hancock's major sponsorship of the Boston Marathon would end in 2023 and this sponsorship will provide the Boston Marathon with a needed replacement. Bank of America is also the title sponsor (and owner!) of the Chicago Marathon. In respect for the long history of the Boston Marathon and that in its 125+ years it has never had a title sponsor, Bank of America will be the presenting sponsor and its name will appear after the race name: "Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America."
Read the Press Release