“Organized like a World Marathon Major, but has the spirit of a mom and pop race.” – Dr. Jim Barahal, speaking of the Honolulu Marathon
Category: Commentary
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MR. SHORTER
The road remains, patient as ever, unbent in its invitation, awaiting anyone willing to meet its measure.
The Price of Purity: Why Doping Is an Economic Crisis, Not Just a Moral One
In Kenya’s Western Highlands around the towns of Eldoret and Iten, young runners chase dreams of glory around dusty tracks and along rutted red-clay roads, often matching… Read more “The Price of Purity: Why Doping Is an Economic Crisis, Not Just a Moral One”
A Tribute to Carl Brandt, the Soul of Movin’ Shoes and the Heart of San Diego’s Running Community
Carl Brandt didn’t open Movin’ Shoes with fellow Wisconsin transplant Rick Vandertie in 1977 in pursuit of a fortune. In a world shaken by the Vietnam War,… Read more “A Tribute to Carl Brandt, the Soul of Movin’ Shoes and the Heart of San Diego’s Running Community”
HOW FAST IS STILL TOO FAST?
Great question — and one that gets to the heart of elite pacing strategy and physiological sustainability. John Korir entered the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon… Read more “HOW FAST IS STILL TOO FAST?”
Athlos and the Ten Hurdles to Track’s Reinvention
Alexis Ohanian’s Athlos and Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track are bold swings to revive track and field—a sport gasping for air in the USA outside the Olympics.… Read more “Athlos and the Ten Hurdles to Track’s Reinvention”
A DIFFICULT RACE IN A DIFFICULT TIME: CHICAGO 2025
This weekend, 55,000 brave souls will line up in Grant Park for the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, one of the original Abbott World Marathon Majors.… Read more “A DIFFICULT RACE IN A DIFFICULT TIME: CHICAGO 2025”
Stop Calling Championship Wins “Upsets”
Every time a favorite loses at Worlds or the Olympics, the headlines scream “shocking upset.” Enough already. These aren’t upsets. This is what racing looks like. Geordie… Read more “Stop Calling Championship Wins “Upsets””
Lessons from the Long Run: Susanna Sullivan and the Spirit of Civic Endurance
In the opening days of the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, American marathoner Susanna Sullivan reminded us what quiet perseverance looks like. A sixth-grade math teacher… Read more “Lessons from the Long Run: Susanna Sullivan and the Spirit of Civic Endurance”
High School Prodigy Cooper Lutkenhaus Stuns in 800m Final, Echoes Jim Ryun’s Legend
As 16-year-old Cooper Lutkenhaus rounded the last turn heading into the straight in Sunday’s USATF 800-meter final in Eugene, Oregon, the broad-shouldered junior-to-be at Northwest High School… Read more “High School Prodigy Cooper Lutkenhaus Stuns in 800m Final, Echoes Jim Ryun’s Legend”