Long reads
In-depth, immersive stories that take the time to explore places and ideas in running. These extended features invite readers to slow down, dig deeper, and connect with the narrative on a richer level.
Time for change
After five minutes or so, the dancing comes to an end. The women make their way to rows of plastic chairs arranged under a gazebo. The organisers take their seats in a second gazebo facing the main group.
Only the Brave : The Speed Project
You’ve got to have some nerve to take on The Speed Project, the legendary 340-mile Los Angeles-Las Vegas relay. You’ve got to have even more nerve putting yourselves out there as a group of older Black women in what can often seem like the white-thirty-something-male-dominated world of ultra running.
Run for Freedom
Nike! Nike! Nenikekamen!” “Victory! Victory! Rejoice, we conquer!” 490BC. Pheidippides, a messenger, finally arrives at the end of his 26-mile run from a battlefield in Marathon to the Acropolis in Athens to deliver news of an unexpected Greek victory over Persian invaders.
Still waiting for the change
Just after 11.30am on 5 November 2006, Samia Akbar took a last right turn in Central Park and raced towards the finish line of the 37th annual New York City Marathon. As 12th woman, she would cross the finish line – in her first marathon – in 2h34m14s.
Enough is enough
I ran every night in the dark and had felt pretty comfortable. A man blocked the bridge I was crossing to ‘get directions to the metro’… aka to tell me I was beautiful and that he wanted to talk to me.
A Women’s Place is on the Start Line
Even though the running boom of the past 20 years has been driven by increased female participation, negative racing experiences for women remain a broad and endemic problem that seems baked into the very structure of many events.
More than Sport
Many people only know of Afghanistan via the news or history books as a terrain that has faced centuries of war and conflict. But for me, Afghanistan is a country of immense natural beauty and a resilient, passionate people.
“Do you think that’s wise?”
Whatever challenge she takes on, Courtney Dauwalter continues to amaze, pushing herself beyond her limits to reach new highs. Writer Sarah Barker has known Courtney since the ultra runner was in high school with her daughter …
Long Covid – Distance Remaining: Unknown
Hayley France ran short distances for fun: usually two to five miles at what she describes as a “pretty slow” pace. Hayley had arthritis but was usually able to ignore or push through the pain. While she may not have been as fit as professional runners, she was very fit …