Runner's Tribe

The world of athletics celebrated six remarkable athletes - Tigist Assefa, Mondo Duplantis, Kelvin Kiptum, Faith Kipyegon, Noah Lyles, and Yulimar Rojas - as the standout performers of 2023. These exceptional individuals were recognized for their outstanding achievements at the prestigious World Athletics Awards ceremony, marking the culmination of a year filled with exceptional records and accomplishments.

Braving the cold for a run demands more than just donning the latest thermal gear. As temperatures plummet, one essential step often overlooked is the warm-up routine. Dr. Andrea Fradkin, an esteemed expert in exercise science at Bloomsburg University, underscores its critical importance, particularly in the face of wintry conditions.

As winter sets in, the prospect of an invigorating outdoor run competes with the challenges of navigating through heavy snow, treacherous ice, and the biting cold. The choice between facing the elements head-on or opting for the comfort of indoor activities, such as diving into a good book by the fireplace, presents a real quandary. Here are vital considerations for those contemplating a winter run:

When frost blankets the ground and trails hush in the northern hemisphere, it's the off-season's silent call for trail and ultra runners. Just as nature embraces dormancy, preparing for a resurgence, winter invites runners to pause, rebuild, and gear up for an injury-resistant forthcoming season.

The President of World Athletics, Seb Coe, reiterated the governing body's unwavering position to uphold the prohibition on Russian and Belarusian athletes participating in track and field competitions. Despite the recent decision by the International Olympic Committee allowing athletes from these nations to compete in the Paris Olympics under specific conditions, Coe emphasized that World Athletics remains resolute in maintaining its ban.

In a challenging showdown against formidable weather and a demanding course, Kenyan runners Paul Lonyangata and Cynthia Limo exhibited exceptional patience and strategic prowess to secure commanding victories at the 51st Honolulu Marathon. Known for its grueling conditions with high humidity, relentless winds, and notorious hills, this marathon tested the mettle of all participants, resulting in slower finish times despite their remarkable efforts.

Karoline Bjerkeli Grovdal of Norway secured her third consecutive European Cross Country Championships win, dominating the women’s 9km contest amidst the muddy terrain at Laeken Park in Brussels, Belgium. Yann Schrub seized the first senior men’s title for France in a close race on Sunday (10).

Yared Nuguse marked a stellar year by clinching a spectacular win at the Kalakaua Merrie Mile, his debut in road racing. This event featured a unique mixed-sex pursuit format, with professional women kicking off the race 30 seconds ahead of the men on the Waikiki course, resulting in combined prize money rankings.

This thought came to mind after watching Genevieve Gregson run 2:23:08 in last Sunday’s Valencia marathon. Just as she has so many times now throughout her career, Gregson produced on the big occasion. When it mattered. If you wanted someone to run for your life, Genevieve Gregson would be a pretty good choice.

Melbourne, Australia; 6 December 2023 - The strength of Australia’s middle-distance ranks will commence the year with a battle of Olympic proportions, as 2022 1500m world champion Jake Wightman books his ticket to Melbourne for the Maurie Plant Meet in February.