That's one of the many questions the coronavirus pandemic has created, and after the events of this week, it's become clear that if there is one, it will look very different from what we're used to.
Geoffrey Kamworor breaking the tape in front of packed stands in Central Park? That definitely won't be happening in 2020, as the New York City Marathon announced Wednesday the 2020 edition, scheduled for November 1, has been cancelled. Minutes later, Berlin (September 27) followed suit. With Boston already cancelled, only two World Marathon Majors remain on the calendar: London (October 4) and Chicago (October 11).
There is still some reason for optimism. The Hamburg Marathon, scheduled for September 13, is attempting to move forward with both mass and elite fields by employing strict hygiene measures (can you say tubular breathing scarf?). Even if London can't be staged as a mass race, an elite-only option is still on the table.
Americans may need to find another option if Chicago is cancelled, however -- Hamburg has said it plans to ban athletes from high-risk countries. But the Fargo Marathon (August 29) has been given the green light to go ahead. Anyone know what the weather's like in North Dakota in August?
"Canceling this year's TCS New York City Marathon is incredibly disappointing for everyone involved, but it was clearly the course we needed to follow from a health and safety perspective," NYRR CEO Michael Capiraso said.
Young, the NXN champ who will attend NAU in the fall, fell short of Galen Rupp's 13:37 US HS record on a warm night in Portland on Tuesday. Rupp himself was supposed to rabbit Young but had to scratch pre-race.
Solomon, a two-time US outdoor champ, announced his retirement Saturday. One of America's best 800 runners of the 2010s, he ran 1:42.82 (#3 all-time US) in the 2012 Olympic final but missed a medal in the deepest 800 in history.
You know about Meb's silver and the attack on leader Vanderlei de Lima, but do you remember Stefano Baldini's incredible 28:59 close in 80+ degree temps that featured a 14:12 5k from 35k to 40k or the Austrian guy in a fuel belt? This remains the only Olympic marathon since 1980 not to feature an African in the top six -- and a reminder of how the Olympic marathon, with its hot weather and three-athlete-per-country limit, can produce unexpected results.
High school coach JD Downing -- assistant at 2018 NXN girls' champions Summit HS in Bend, Ore. -- explains why interval starts, common in Nordic skiing, present a strong, (relatively) safe option for XC races this fall if the traditional start format is outlawed.
"Summer miles lead to fall smiles." It's a cliche because it's true. The months of June, July, and August are critical opportunities to put in the work that lead to breakout results in the fall, winter, and spring racing seasons.
Now with the help of LetsRun.com, high school and college runners can make their dreams become reality. LetsRun's Robert Johnson (2:23 marathon pb, 13 Ivy League team titles as Cornell distance coach), Weldon Johnson (28:06 10k pb, two-time Team USA member), and coaching guru John Kellogg are sharing their knowledge with the LetsRun.com Summer Training Program. You'll get a customized 10-12 week training plan, helpful running tips, and exclusive discounts on shoes and gear. Click below to learn more.
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