The Weekly Breakdown: NYC Marathon Registration, Shoes, Keira D'Amato & more

Welcome to your weekly endurance briefing, courtesy of the Marathon Journal. Each Monday, we deliver essential updates and expert insights to keep you informed on the latest in running and competitive sports.

1. Shoe of the Week

Our analysis of the Saucony Ride 19 reveals a significant technical shift toward full-length PWRRUN+ foam, a high-grade thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) designed for enhanced durability and consistent energy return. Unlike traditional foams that can lose responsiveness over time, this TPU-based cushioning maintains its physical properties across varying temperatures and high mileage. We evaluated the engineered mesh upper for breathability and measured the production weight against manufacturer specs to determine its functional efficiency as a versatile training tool. Read the full article at marathonjournal.com

2. Charity Entries

Charity bib programs offer a vital pathway to sold-out races while funding high-impact youth development. Research into mentorship programs like Students Run Philly Style demonstrates that removing financial barriers—such as gear and registration costs—allows over 1,500 students annually to utilize distance running as a tool for personal growth. These initiatives transform competitive athletics into a sustainable ecosystem of community support and mentorship. Read the full article at marathonjournal.com

3. Keira D’Amato’s Training Blueprint

Most runners know Keira D’Amato as the realtor-turned–American record holder who is as famous for her "dad jokes" as she is for her speed, but in our latest sit-down, we deliberately skipped the origin story to focus on the mechanics of how she operates now. Shifting her training to Utah under coach Ed Eyestone, D’Amato has replaced the traditional high-volume grind with a "Masterclass" in efficiency, utilizing fatigue simulation to mimic the final miles of a marathon without the physical toll of excessive race-pace mileage. From rebuilding her 5K speed to create "aerobic headroom" to implementing a strict 6-day training week, her current blueprint is a professional look at how elite performance is evolving toward longevity and structural durability. Catch this episode of the Marathon Running Podcast at marathonjournal.com. Read the full article and listen to the embedded audio all in one place. Read the full technical breakdown at MarathonJournal.com

4. NYC Marathon 2026 Application Window to Open

The 2026 NYC Marathon application window officially opens on February 4, and with a lottery acceptance rate that has plummeted to approximately 3%, securing a bib is now statistically harder than getting into Harvard. Fresh off a world-record 59,226 finishers, New York has reclaimed its crown as the world’s largest marathon, making the competition for a spot on the Verrazzano Bridge more intense than ever. Whether you're aiming for the general drawing, hitting the strict February 4–11 window for non-NYRR time qualifiers, or claiming your hard-earned 9+1 guaranteed entry, you cannot afford to miss these critical February deadlines. For the full strategy guide on dates, costs, and insider entry tips, read more at marathonjournal.com.

For more deep-dives and the latest in global running news, join the community at MarathonJournal.com.