Industry-leading running tour operator, Sports Tours International, announced the acquisition of US based tour operator, Destination Marathons.

This strategic move marks an exciting new chapter for both companies. Destination Marathons joins the Sports Tours International Group, providing American runners with greater opportunity than ever before to experience iconic mass-participation events including the TCS London Marathon.

Both companies share common values of excellence, delivering first-class customer experience, and innovation. This acquisition will enable the combined team to leverage each other’s strengths and unlock growth opportunities.

Sports Tours International was founded in 1973 and has offices in the United Kingdom, France and Ireland. Every year, Sports Tours sends thousands of runners to all six Abbott World Marathon Majors and is the Lead Tour Operator for the TCS London Marathon ITO program.

The addition of an office in Charlotte, North Carolina, will enable Sports Tours International to sell TCS London Marathon packages, including guaranteed entry, to American runners – a huge market, proven by record demand for entries from the USA in the most recent entry ballot.

Sports Tours International’s Chief Executive Officer, Tim Przybysz said: “We are delighted to welcome Mark Janik and the Destination Marathons team to the Sports Tours family. Through this acquisition we can satisfy record demand for London Marathon entries in the USA and provide more American runners with an opportunity to experience the greatest marathon on earth.”

Destination Marathons Chief Executive Officer, Mark Janik said: “We are looking forward to joining the Sports Tours International Group and tapping into the industry-leading knowledge and expertise that has served the running industry so well for 50 years and counting. Joining a growing business with access to the biggest events in the world, including the TCS London Marathon, is a fantastic prospect.”

Sports Tours International has worked with the London Marathon since the first running of the race in 1981 and manages the International Tour Operator Program for the Irish Life Dublin Marathon. Sports Tours is also the Official Premium Tour Operator to the Tour de France, sending cycling fans from around the world to the sport’s marque event.

Runners residing in the USA can guarantee their place on the 2025 TCS London Marathon start line by pre-registering for an entry and accommodation package with Sports Tours International here.

 

MAY 13, 2024 – VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA – The annual Yuengling Shamrock Marathon held in Virginia Beach has once again proven to be a major economic driver for the city, bringing in an impressive $22 million in revenue. The event, which took place March 15-17, 2024 attracted over 20,000 runners and spectators from all 50 states and 16 countries, boosting tourism and generating significant revenue for local businesses.

The Yuengling Shamrock Marathon, entering its 53rd year, is one of the premier running events in the nation and has become a staple in the Virginia Beach community. This year’s event featured a full marathon, half marathon, 8K, and kids 1 mile race, as well as a weekend-long fitness expo and various activities for participants and spectators.

“J&A Racing produces events throughout the year that boost not only the City’s economy but spirit, too.  We are grateful for their continued partnership and look forward to many more fun, successful seasons!” says Virginia Beach Conventions and Visitors Bureau Director, Nancy Helman.

The economic impact of the Yuengling Shamrock Marathon extends beyond just the race itself, as participants and spectators also patronize local hotels, restaurants, and shops, contributing to the overall vitality of the city. Additionally, the event helps to promote fitness and healthy living among residents and visitors alike. In 2024, 14,729 hotel room nights were booked at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront.

“We are proud to host an event that not only brings the community together but also supports our local businesses and economy,” said Race Director’s Jerry and Amy Frostick. “The Yuengling Shamrock Marathon has become a beloved tradition in Virginia Beach, and we look forward to continuing to make a positive impact on our city for years to come.”

The Yuengling Shamrock Marathon Weekend will return next year March 14-16, 2025, at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Registration for next year is now open at www.ShamrockMarathon.com

Photo Credit: J&A Racing.

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About J&A Racing

J&A Racing is a nationally recognized race management company based in Virginia Beach, Virginia. With a portfolio of 10 events, J&A Racing’s mission is to promote and support healthy lifestyles and the sport of running through all stages of life. Since 2003 when J&A Racing owners, Amy and Jerry Frostick, took over the Shamrock Sportsfest, the Yuengling Shamrock Marathon Weekend has become one of the most popular running events in the country growing from 3,000 participants to a record 30,000 in 2015. Additionally, J&A Racing organizes the ADP Corporate 5K; the Big Blue 5K; Crawlin’ Crab Half Marathon & 5K; Old Point National Bank Wicked 10K; the Chartway Norfolk Harbor Half Marathon, 10K & 5K; the BayPort Credit Union Surf-N-Santa 5 Miler; the Sun Up to Sun Down 50K; the I Heart Mom 5K; and the new Chartway Virginia Beach 10 Miler and 5K. For more information on J&A Racing’s events, visit jandaracing.com.

 

Prospect Park to Coney Island 13.1-mile course will spotlight the borough and NYRR’s year-round presence in the diverse running community

New York, May 13, 2024 – New York Road Runners (NYRR), the non-profit which produces 60 adult and youth races in New York City annually, will host more than 26,000 runners during the RBC Brooklyn Half, Saturday, May 18. The event, which has been in existence for over four decades, will celebrate New York City’s most populated borough and take runners on a 13.1-mile tour past iconic sites, including the Brooklyn Museum, Grand Army Plaza, and Prospect Park, ending on the famous Coney Island boardwalk.

“With nearly 100 Brooklyn-based running clubs and an influx of NYRR members from Brooklyn, the borough has experienced a significant running boom,” said Rob Simmelkjaer, CEO, New York Road Runners. “For the past 42 years, the RBC Brooklyn Half has demonstrated the best of Brooklyn and the best of the running community. From reinvigorating Coney Island after Superstorm Sandy to spotlighting local restaurants, vendors, and artists at the pre-race festivities, the RBC Brooklyn Half has become integral to the borough.”

First run in 1981, NYRR’s RBC Brooklyn Half is the borough’s premier running event. Year-round, the non-profit offers races, NYRR Group Training, and free programming for people of all ages, from youth to seniors, in Brooklyn. Nearly 19,000 Brooklyn youth are Rising New York Road Runners, over 800 community members regularly attend NYRR Open Runs at five Brooklyn parks, and NYRR Striders reaches more than 130 older adults at Brooklyn community and older adult centers.

Below are some of the storylines and initiatives to look forward to at the 2024 RBC Brooklyn Half:

Brooklyn’s Running Boom

As the unofficial kickoff to summer, the RBC Brooklyn Half started with several hundred finishers on a course run entirely in Prospect Park and has since grown to be one of the country’s largest and most anticipated half marathons. NYRR races have experienced unprecedented demand, mirroring a national running boom. Brooklyn is home to a vibrant running culture and about 20% of the RBC Brooklyn Half finishers will be borough natives, and over 2,000 of them are part of Brooklyn running clubs. NYRR engages more than 250 local running clubs throughout the year, and nearly 100 of them are based in Brooklyn, totaling 16,000 members. A quarter of the Brooklyn-based clubs have been created in the last two years, an indication that running is becoming core to Brooklyn’s DNA.

RBC Partnership

The Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) will serve as both the exclusive title partner and exclusive financial services and investment banking partner of the RBC Brooklyn Half for the third year, activating on race day as well as at the pre-party and post-race festivities. As a purpose-driven global financial institution, RBC, like NYRR, is strongly committed to giving back to communities. At the pre-party RBC will have a Motivation Station where runners will select their personal running mantra and artists will bring it to life on a wristband. Additionally, RBC will have a photo booth and for every photo shared on social media with #RBCBrooklynHalf, they will donate $1 to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization. A photo vignette of the finish line will also be on display for runners at the post-race festival.

Notable and Inspiring Runners

This year’s race will feature several notable and inspiring runners, including:

Nev Schulman: MTV’s Catfish host and producer; Brooklyn resident

Zac Clark: TV personality running on behalf of Release Recovery

Christopher Lawrence: Mental health professional and guidance counselor running in honor of his late training partner

Mandy Kwan: Marine Park NYRR Open Run member who has made running a family affair; running with her mother and her three sons are running the Boardwalk Kids Run

Sabine Bellevue: Brooklyn native who has found solace and healing through running and NYRR Group Training

Olivia Witherite: Dashing Whippets Running Team member whose running journey has paralleled her grief journey after she lost two family members in 2023

Boardwalk Kids Run

To inspire the next generation of runners, during the RBC Brooklyn Half, Rising New York Road Runners will host the Boardwalk Kids Run, which will feature more than 1,700 youth runners 2-18 years of age. This youth race is one of over 30 free youth events held by NYRR throughout the year.

Sustainability Efforts

NYRR is committed to ensuring future generations have access to clean air, green spaces, and a healthy environment to run in, and is working to minimize the environmental impact of our events. During the RBC Brooklyn Half, all finisher medals will be 100 percent recycled steel produced domestically and the ribbons will be made from recycled material (PolyEthylene Terephthalate) for the first time at this race; Green Team volunteers will sort waste at six stations; discarded runner clothing from the start area will be collected and donated to All of Us Clothing; leftover food and recovery bags will be donated to City Harvest; and Gatorade and water cups will be composted at a farm in upstate New York. At last year’s RBC Brooklyn Half, 8,775 pounds of clothing and 15,500 pounds of food were donated to those in need.

RBC Brooklyn Half Pre-Party Presented by New Balance

From May 15 to May 17, runners will pick up their bibs, shop for merchandise, learn about course strategy from NYRR coaches, listen to live music, and dine at local food trucks at the RBC Brooklyn Half Pre-Party Presented by New Balance at Pier 2, Brooklyn Bridge Park. Open to the public, attendees will also enjoy lawn games and photo activations.

Mental Health Awareness Month

NYRR is committed to destigmatizing mental health and providing opportunities for individuals to positively impact their well-being through running. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness-NYC (NAMI-NYC), one in five New Yorkers are struggling with their mental health. Recent studies from the CDC show adults can lower their risk of depression by 18-20% by simply starting an exercise program like running. In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, NYRR is offering virtual challenges, digital resources, and wellness activations leading up to the RBC Brooklyn Half.

Virtual RBC Brooklyn Half Powered by Strava

Runners can participate in the RBC Brooklyn Half virtually, running 13.1 miles anywhere, anytime between May 11 and May 19. Participants who register for the Finisher Medal tier will be shipped a finisher medal after completing the race and collect a credit for the NYRR 4 Out of 6 program to help earn guaranteed entry to the 2025 RBC Brooklyn Half.

About New York Road Runners (NYRR)

NYRR’s mission is to help and inspire people through running. Since 1958, New York Road Runners has grown from a local running club to the world’s premier community running organization. NYRR’s commitment to New York City’s five boroughs features races, virtual races, community events, free youth running initiatives and school programs, the NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub, and training resources that provide hundreds of thousands of people each year with the motivation, know-how, and opportunity to Run for Life. NYRR’s premier event is the TCS New York City Marathon. Held annually on the first Sunday in November, the race features a wide population of runners, from the world’s top professional athletes to a vast range of competitive, recreational, and charity runners. To learn more, visit www.nyrr.org.

17th annual event in Whitefish, Montana triples participants; growth includes field from 42 states, three countries

WHITEFISH, Mont. (May 13, 2024) – The 2024 Whitefish Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K Powered by Hammer Nutrition will bring more than 1,200 people to its start line on Saturday, May 18, 2024 in Whitefish, Montana, tripling its registration numbers since 2019. For the first time in its 17-year history, the event’s half marathon and The Wave 5K are sold out and will be held at capacity. In addition, the marathon distance is expected to sell out prior to race day. The record number of registrations elevates the Whitefish Marathon’s ranking to one of the three largest marathons in the state.

The event, popular for its scenic views of Glacier National Park and Whitefish Lake, will bring runners and walkers to the quaint downtown’s start line from more than 42 states and three countries. For the fourth consecutive year, the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) selected the Whitefish Marathon to host one of its championship events, providing an extra incentive for podium contenders to earn the RRCA Western Region Championship.

The Whitefish Marathon began in 2008 as a trail marathon known as the Two Bear Marathon. Now owned by nonprofit The Wave Aquatic and Fitness Center and managed by CRRG Events, proceeds from the race benefit The Wave’s Membership Assistance Fund and the School to Pool Swim Program. Thanks to the support of Hammer Nutrition, event organizers will offer a cash purse to the top finishers of the full and half marathons for the third consecutive year.

“We are beyond thrilled with the interest and growth of the 2024 Whitefish Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K Powered by Hammer Nutrition,” said Art Krueger, general manager of The Wave. “We always knew we had something special here in Whitefish, and it’s exciting to share it with more and more people from around the country—and world! We’re committed to keeping our participant experience top-notch so we continue to see both new faces and returning finishers year after year.”

For event information, please visit WhitefishMarathon.com.

About CRRG Events:

CRRG Events is an event management and production company with more than 20 years of producing successful running events. Based in Carmel, Indiana, CRRG Events has staged and managed events across 11 states ranging from a 1-mile football halftime race to ultramarathons. For more information, please visit CarmelRoadRacingGroup.com.

 

 

Quad City Bank & Trust (QCBT) is proud to announce a partnership with the Quad-City Times Bix 7 that will benefit students and families of Madison Elementary School in Davenport.  Through a generous donation from QCBT, all students currently enrolled at Madison Elementary School and their siblings aged 12 and under will receive free registration to the Arconic Jr. Bix on Friday, July 26th at 6pm.

QCBT’s grant will also provide each 6th grade student at Madison Elementary with a new pair of running shoes, which they will receive just before the end of the schoolyear.  This special gift will commemorate their completion of elementary school and encourage running in preparation for the race.  Running Wild was on-site at Madison on Wednesday, May 8th to personally fit each child for new shoes, along with representatives from QCBT, the Bix 7 and the United Way.  These organizations will return to Madison on Friday, May 10th from 2:15-2:45pm for “Friends & Freezies” where they will have an information table assisting families with race registrations.  The shoes will be distributed to the students at their 6th grade graduation ceremony scheduled for May 30th from 9-10am at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Davenport.

This partnership marks two significant milestones for both Quad City Bank & Trust and the Quad-City Times Bix 7, who are both celebrating anniversaries in 2024, making the partnership even more special.  QCBT celebrated its 30th anniversary on Jan. 7th and the Bix 7 will celebrate the 50th running on Saturday, July 27, 2024. “Providing an opportunity for local children to participate in an event that literally runs through their backyards is so exciting,” said Michelle Juehring, Bix 7 Race Director.  “With QCBT’s donation, we can expand our reach and help local families to be a part of this event that brings our community together.”

“It gives me goosebumps to think of these 6th graders being personally fitted for a brand-new pair of running shoes,” commented QCBT CEO John Anderson.  “This is the kind of support and long-lasting reach we love to provide for our friends in the community.  Removing barriers for these young people to be able to experience this exciting race while at the same time helping them to form healthy, lifelong habits; this is how we like to make an impact.”

QCBT is thrilled to provide this opportunity at the conclusion of the schoolyear for the students at Madison. The bank has focused its philanthropic efforts toward Madison throughout the year through a robust partnership with the United Way.  “Any time we can focus our efforts and really start to see an impact on students and families from areas with such a need, we’re all in.  From supporting our non-profit partners who work with Madison Elementary to providing new opportunities facilitated by the United Way, we are so happy to make a difference,” said Jill Dubin, Community Development Officer for QCBT.

This has been a collaborative initiative involving teachers, parents and administration at Madison Elementary, leadership and volunteers from QCBT, staff from Running Wild and support and programming from the United Way and of course the support and additional efforts of the Bix 7 leadership and staff.  “It truly takes a village,” said Laura “Divot” Ekizian, President and Chief Relationship Officer with QCBT, “but when the community can come together to wrap their arms around a common cause, you see this type of amazing result.”

About Quad City Bank & Trust

Quad City Bank & Trust was founded in 1994 on the idea that relationships matter. 30 years later, Quad City Bank & Trust is proud to be a local community bank with over $2.6 billion in assets, providing full-service commercial and consumer banking, correspondent banking, trust and asset management services. The bank is headquartered in Bettendorf, IA and employs 155 individuals at five convenient locations throughout the Quad Cities area. For more information, visit qcbt.bank. Member FDIC

Collaborative Innovation, Inspiring Insights, and the Power of Partnership in the Running Community

MarathonFoto, in partnership with the Marine Corps Marathon Organization (MCMO), proudly presents an exclusive interview with Brian Beckstead, the visionary founder of Altra Running Shoes, featured in the esteemed Six Minute Mile newsletter. This collaboration underscores the innovative spirit of both MarathonFoto and the MCMO in bringing together key players in the running industry to offer captivating insights and perspectives.

As the official shoe sponsor of the Marine Corps Marathon (MCM), Altra Running Shoes holds a significant position within the running community. The interview with Brian Beckstead offers readers of the Six Minute Mile newsletter a unique opportunity to delve into the world of running footwear innovation and gain firsthand insights into Altra’s commitment to performance, comfort and cutting-edge design.

During the interview, Beckstead showcases Altra’s dedication to improving the running experience and highlights the brand’s enduring partnership with theMCMO. His insights into innovative shoe technology and injury prevention resonate deeply with runners of all levels, encapsulating the essence of Altra’s journey in the running industry.

“We are delighted to collaborate with the Marine Corps Marathon Organization, Altra Running Shoes and the Six Minute Mile, aligning with our vision to unite esteemed partners for an enhanced athlete experience,” stated Brad Kroll, President of MarathonFoto. “This collaboration underscores our joint dedication to cultivating a vibrant and inclusive running community. It exemplifies the transformative potential of strategic alliances within the industry, fostering innovation and elevating the runner’s journey.”

“The Marine Corps Marathon Organization is extremely proud of its relationship with Altra Running Shoes because of a shared mission to enhance the opportunity of every runner to meet the audacious expectations they set for themselves,” expressed Marine Corps Marathon Organization Director Alex Hetherington. “Whether it’s your goal to break the tape, “beat the bridge”, complete your first marathon or your 49th, Altra is emblematic of everything the “People’s Marathon” aspires to as a race that celebrates all with the courage to start!”

David Lavallee, founder and CEO of the Six Minute Mile Newsletter, emphasized the alignment of this collaboration with the newsletter’s core purpose: “Sharing the interview with Brian Beckstead perfectly aligns with the core purpose of the Six Minute Mile newsletter. We aim to provide our readers with exclusive insights and perspectives from key figures within the running community, empowering them with knowledge to enhance their running experience.”

The collaboration between MarathonFoto, MCMO, Altra Running Shoes and the Six Minute Mile newsletter exemplifies a shared dedication to celebrating passion, innovation and camaraderie within the running experience. Join us in celebrating this collaboration and the transformative power it brings to the running community.

For the full interview with Brian Beckstead, founder of Altra Running Shoes, visit: https://ur0.jp/p3LHD

About the Six Minute Mile: The Six Minute Mile newsletter is a beacon of inspiration and insight in the world of running. Founded with a vision to inform, motivate, and connect runners of all levels, it serves as a trusted source of exclusive content, expert opinions, and engaging stories. With a finger on the pulse of the running community, the newsletter delivers weekly doses of inspiration, training tips, and the latest news from the running world. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or a casual jogger, the Six Minute Mile newsletter is your go-to destination for everything running-related. Join our community of passionate runners as we strive to break boundaries, set new goals, and share the joy of the run. Fitness Newsletter | Six Minute Mile

About Altra: Altra Running Shoes, a pioneering force in the footwear industry, continues to redefine the running experience with its innovative designs and commitment to comfort. Established on the principles of natural running, Altra has gained global recognition for its wider toe box, zero-drop profile, and dedication to performance. With a diverse range of shoes tailored for road and trail running, Altra caters to the needs of runners at every level, from beginners to elite athletes. Each shoe is meticulously crafted to promote optimal biomechanics, allowing runners to push their limits while minimizing the risk of injury. Discover the perfect blend of performance and comfort with Altra Running Shoes and experience the joy of running like never before. https://www.altrarunning.com/ 

About MarathonFoto: MarathonFoto, for more than 45 years, has had a mission that goes beyond capturing mere images. Dedicated to inspiring and celebrating athletes, MarathonFoto transforms moments into memories. As pioneers in their field, their lens doesn’t just freeze the action; it encapsulates the spirit, determination, and triumph of every participant. Through their artistry, MarathonFoto ensures that each athlete’s journey is not just documented but celebrated, creating a visual testament to the passion and perseverance that define the world of sports and mass participation events. MarathonFoto is a division of Infront Sports & Media AG. Website: https://www.marathonfoto.com 

About the Marine Corps Marathon: The Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) is one of the largest marathons in the world. Recognized as “Best Marathon in the Mid Atlantic,” and the “Best Marathon for Charities,” the MCM honors honor, courage and commitment of its participants. Also known as “The People’s Marathon,” runners from all 50 states and more than 50 countries participate in the MCM, the largest marathon not to offer prize money. No federal or Marine Corps endorsement is implied. Connect with the Marine Corps Marathon on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. #RunWithTheMarines

 

Race within Race to Feature at Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon 

St. Paul, Minn. – May 8, 2024 – This year’s Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon on October 6 will host the inaugural Best of the Midwest Invitational, as part of its professional athlete program. The race will offer support to aspiring professional marathoners from twelve Midwestern states as they seek to join the ranks of nationally and internationally competitive marathoners.

“Midwestern runners have long seen the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon as a place to establish their name in the professional running world,” Twin Cities In Motion president Dean Orton said. “So carving out a special place for them at the race seemed natural. Twin Cities In Motion believes all runners have a place at our events, whether they’re trying to finish a first race or advance a professional career with Olympic dreams.”

In 1991, Janis Klecker used a victory at her hometown marathon as a step to becoming an Olympian in 1992, just as 2019 Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon runner-up Dakotah Lindwurm claimed a spot on the U.S. marathon team for Paris this summer. Past men’s champions like Phil Coppess (Iowa), the longtime course record holder, and Bill Donakowski (Michigan) were consistent contenders on the U.S. road racing circuit in their time.

Joining the professional athletes invited to the race from around the world, Midwestern athletes accepted into the Best of the Midwest Invitational field will be featured in the “race within a race” and will compete for a dedicated prize purse totaling $20,000 (part of a $79,000+ marathon prize purse overall, including wheelchair athletes) and receive full professional athlete amenities. 2022 Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon women’s champion Jessica Watychowicz of Illinois and Minnesota Distance Elite’s Kevin Lewis have already been accepted into the Best of the Midwest Invitational field.

“I am thrilled to be returning to the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon this fall as the defending champion,” Watychowicz said. “As an athlete with Midwest roots, I am also excited to be part of the Best of the Midwest Invitational as well. This invitational is a great way to encourage participation from the strong pool of runners from all over the Midwest.”

Athletes wishing to apply for the Best of the Midwest Invitational can learn more and apply here.

Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon Weekend will take place from Friday, October 4, through Sunday, October 6. Registration is underway online through the Twin Cities In Motion website, tcmevents.org. In addition to the marathon on Sunday, October 6, registration is also open for the following Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon Weekend events:

·         Medtronic TC Family Events

·         TC 5K, presented by Fredrikson

·         TC 10K, presented by Dermatology Consultants

Those events take place at the State Capitol grounds on Saturday, October 5.

Registration is also open for the TC Loony and TC Ultra Loony Challenges – where runners participate in the TC 5K and TC 10K prior to running either the Medtronic TC 10 Mile or marathon the following day.

The registration drawing for the Medtronic TC 10 Mile, to be held on the same day as the marathon, opens June 17.

Twin Cities In Motion expects more than 28,000 registrants for the 2024 Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon Weekend, including a sell-out field of 8,000 runners in the marathon and more than 12,000 10 mile runners. For more information about the event, visit the Twin Cities In Motion website, tcmevents.org.

About Twin Cities in Motion

Twin Cities In Motion (TCM) is a community motion nonprofit and the region’s premier running event organizer. TCM believes a community that engages each other through movement, makes a healthier society both socially and physically. TCM is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit that organizes dozens of events throughout the year, including the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon, a Top 10 U.S. marathon, to provide opportunities for people of all ages, abilities, and experiences to live an active, healthy lifestyle. Collectively, TCM and its charity partners that fundraise at TCM events regularly give back more than $1 million annually to a variety of causes. For more information, visit us at tcmevents.org, or find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @tcmarathon.

Denver, CO – Terumo BCT has joined the 18th Denver Colfax Marathon as a sponsor for the 2024 marathon race weekend. The Lakewood, Colorado-based company will sponsor the racecourse hydration stations for runners on race day.

“Every runner depends on the hydration stations to give them that critical boost on race day,” said Andrea Dowdy, CEO of the Denver Colfax Marathon. “The marathon is grateful to have a local sponsor that has stepped up to ensure that every participant has the opportunity to get the hydration they need along the course.”

The 16 hydration stations along the racecourse will feature Gatorade Endurance, donated by Gatorade, and water from local sources in Denver and Lakewood. Terumo BCT is supporting the physical aid stations that will be visible to every runner when they need a drink to keep on running.

“The hydration stations are a lifeline for runners in the Colfax Marathon,” says Claudia Formiga, communications director, Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies. “We wanted to show up for all the athletes who will need to quench their thirst for victory on race weekend. This is one more way we are working to give back to this community that has been home to our company for nearly 60 years.”

Terumo BCT, with about 1,800 local employees, operates its global headquarters in Lakewood. It designs, manufactures, and distributes medical products that help save lives.

The Denver Colfax Marathon weekend will take place May 17-19, 2024. The marathon weekend is Denver’s largest running event of the year and one of the top 25 marathon weekends in the country. Races are filling up quickly, secure your spot at www.runcolfax.org.

 

Photo courtesy B.A.A.

As a member of the B.A.A. Racing Team, finished 17th place at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials – Marathon

BOSTON – The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) today announced that Josh Kalapos has been elevated to the B.A.A. High Performance Team. A member of the B.A.A.’s Racing Team since 2022, Kalapos will now join the professional group following a breakthrough 17th place showing at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Marathon in February.

“I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity to join the B.A.A. High Performance Team,” said Kalapos. “In the past two years, I was fortunate to be able to train with such a great group where I could push myself and become confident in taking running to the next level. I’m excited for what’s to come and for myself to continue to represent the B.A.A.”

A graduate of Carnegie Mellon University and a Somerville resident, Kalapos was the highest Team B.A.A. finisher at this year’s Marathon Trials in Orlando, running a lifetime best of 2:14:26. That mark was more than a three minute, 30 second improvement upon his previous marathon best (2:18:00, 2022 Berlin Marathon, where he qualified for the Trials). In recent years, Kalapos has trained alongside fellow B.A.A. High Performance Team marathoner Matt McDonald.

“We are excited to welcome Josh to the B.A.A. High Performance Team and look forward to guiding his professional career over the next few years,” said Mark Carroll, B.A.A. High Performance Team head coach and two-time Olympic marathoner for Ireland.

Racing locally, Kalapos placed third at the 2023 New Bedford Half Marathon in a lifetime best 1:05:46 and third at the 2023 Lone Gull 10K in 29:59, also a personal best. In college he was the 2019 University Athletic Association champion at the 5,000-meters indoors.

The B.A.A.’s High Performance team supports runners on their way towards making international teams, with the goal of competing at the highest level: the Olympic Games, World Athletics Championships, and Abbott World Marathon Majors. The B.A.A. is sponsored by adidas, which provides comprehensive support for the organization’s High Performance team, running club, and mass-participatory events.

Personal bests for Josh Kalapos can be found below, along with a complete list of B.A.A. High Performance Team members.

Josh Kalapos

Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA

Residence: Somerville, MA

College: Carnegie Mellon University

Personal Bests:

3,000 meters (indoors) – 8:29.18

5,000m (outdoors) – 14:33.88

10K: 29:59

Half Marathon – 1:05:46

Marathon – 2:14:26

Favorite Race Distance: Marathon

B.A.A. Member since 2022

B.A.A High Performance Team Roster:

Eric Hamer

Bethany Hasz

Megan Hasz

Josh Kalapos

Barry Keane

Matt McDonald

Annie Rodenfels

Abbey Wheeler

ABOUT THE BOSTON ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION (B.A.A.) 

Established in 1887, the Boston Athletic Association is a non-profit organization with a mission of promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running. The B.A.A. manages the Boston Marathon, and supports comprehensive charity, youth, and year-round programming. The 129th Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America is scheduled to take place on Monday, April 21, 2025. The Boston Marathon is part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, along with international marathons in Tokyo, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City. For more information on the B.A.A., please visit www.baa.org.

Fiona O’Keeffe, Emily Sisson, and Dakotah Lindwurm to headline world’s original women-only road race, which has garnered more than 200,000 finishers since 1972

New York, May 8, 2024 – New York Road Runners (NYRR) has recruited the 2024 U.S. Olympic Women’s Marathon Team – Fiona O’Keeffe, Emily Sisson, and Dakotah Lindwurm – to headline its Mastercard® New York Mini 10K taking place Saturday, June 8 in Central Park.

O’Keeffe won the 2024 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in February with an event record in her 26.2-mile debut and will now make her NYRR race debut. O’Keeffe joined the professional ranks in 2021 after a decorated career at Stanford University, where she was a six-time NCAA All-American.

“I’m excited to step to the line of my first road race since the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials at the Mastercard New York Mini 10K on June 8,” O’Keeffe said. “It’s my first time running the Mini and I’m looking forward to running alongside a great group of women, some of whom I’ll be seeing in Paris later this summer.”

Sisson, the American record-holder in the marathon, finished runner-up at the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials to qualify for her second Olympics and first in the 26.2-mile distance. She is a six-time national champion and has been successful in New York, finishing as runner-up at the United Airlines NYC Half twice and winning the USATF 5K Championships. Sisson was fourth at last year’s Mastercard® New York Mini 10K.

“The Mastercard New York Mini 10K is one of those special races that I always have circled on my calendar,” Sisson said. “Although my summer will look a little different this year with a marathon in Paris in August, I wouldn’t miss the chance to race with New York Road Runners in Central Park with my Olympic teammates and thousands of women from around the globe.”

Lindwurm finished third at the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials and first gained notoriety after winning back-to-back titles at the Grandma’s Marathon in 2021 and 2022. Her highest finish at an NYRR race previously was sixth place at the 2023 United Airlines NYC Half.

“I’m really excited to join my Olympic teammates Fiona and Emily for the Mastercard New York Mini 10K,” Lindwurm said. “I’ve heard great things about the Mini my entire career, but it’s never quite worked with my racing and training schedule. This year, it works as a great step toward the starting line in Paris.”

New York Road Runners started the Mini 10K in 1972 as the first women-only road race, known then as the Crazylegs Mini Marathon. Seventy-two women finished the first race, and three weeks later Title IX was signed into law, guaranteeing girls and women the right to participate in school sports and creating new opportunities for generations of female athletes.

The Mastercard® New York Mini 10K is now one of non-profit NYRR’s 60 adult and youth races annually and has garnered more than 200,000 total finishers to date.

The 2024 Mastercard® New York Mini 10K will offer $39,500 in total prize money, including $10,000 to the winner of the open division.

Mastercard® will serve as title sponsor of the event for the fourth year, and as part of its ongoing partnership with NYRR will also serve as the presenting sponsor of professional women’s athlete field.

The event will be covered locally in the tri-state area by ABC New York, Channel 7 with live news cut-ins. The professional race will be covered by a livestream, distributed by ESPN+, abc7ny.com, and NYRR’s digital channels beginning at 7:40 a.m. ET.

The full professional athlete field for the Mastercard® New York Mini 10K will be announced later this month.

About New York Road Runners (NYRR)

NYRR’s mission is to help and inspire people through running. Since 1958, New York Road Runners has grown from a local running club to the world’s premier community running organization. NYRR’s commitment to New York City’s five boroughs features races, virtual races, community events, free youth running initiatives and school programs, the NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub, and training resources that provide hundreds of thousands of people each year with the motivation, know-how, and opportunity to Run for Life. NYRR’s premier event is the TCS New York City Marathon. Held annually on the first Sunday in November, the race features a wide population of runners, from the world’s top professional athletes to a vast range of competitive, recreational, and charity runners. To learn more, visit www.nyrr.org.