In preparation for the 2024 Boston Marathon, the Boston Marathon Association (B.A.A) has introduced stricter qualifying standards, requiring applicants to run 5 minutes and 29 seconds faster than the original qualifying times for their age groups. Out of 33,058 applications received, only 22,019 have been accepted for the race, leaving more than 11,000 qualified runners unable to participate. Those with valid times from the 2022 and 2023 editions were guaranteed entry. Approximately 8,000 runners will participate for charity, bringing the total number of participants to around 30,000. The 33,058 applications represent a new race record; the youngest and oldest accepted athletes are 18 and 82, respectively—the B.A.A President and CEO, Jack Fleming, acknowledged the dedication of Boston Marathon qualifiers, even though not all could be accommodated due to the heightened standards.

For the full article by Tim Adams on Athletics Weekly, click the button below.

🏃‍♀️ Marathon Leader Attacked By Dog 🐕

In the 38th Buenos Aires marathon, Kenyan runner Robert Kimutai Ngeno had his victory hopes dashed by an unexpected furry foe—a dog that disrupted his lead from kilometer 25 to 38. Ngeno initially clocked a promising time of 1:03.21 at the halfway point but lost pace and concentration when the dog appeared on the road. Thankfully, the crowd came to his rescue and chased the dog away. Although he resumed the race, Ngeno could only manage a third-place finish behind fellow Kenyan runners Cornelius Kiplagat and Paul Kipngetich Tanui. Despite this canine interruption, Ngeno's determination shines through in his impressive racing endeavors this season.

For the full article from Robert Ngeno on MARCA, click the button below.

Your Daily Inspirational Dose Of Usain ⚡️

Words To Run By

Just keep going. Don’t stop. Don’t even think about stopping until you get there, and don’t give much thought to where “there” is. Whatever comes, just don’t stop.

Phil Knight