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Powys County Times
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Powys County Times
Newtown 10k run: Man proposes to girlfriend at race end
The Newtown 10k run can be an emotional day for the hundreds of people taking part but for one couple it was extra special. Richard Trowles proposed to his girlfriend Katie Costello after completing the 6.2-mile route around Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn on Sunday morning (May 25) in front of friends, spectators and fellow runners who shared their special moment. Richard, who crossed the line in 38 minutes, had a nervous 20-minute wait before he got down on one knee to pop the question to his girlfriend of seven months at the finish line in the Back Lane car park. 'I was really nervous,' Richard said. 'I said to my friend that I couldn't bottle it because there were so many cameras on us when Katie's name was called as she crossed the line,' Richard said. READ MORE | Newtown 10k brings hundreds of runners, crowds - and one proposal 'She had her hand over her mouth gobsmacked. It was an amazing day. 'The whole thing was amazing with our friends watching it. Everyone knew apart from Katie. She did question why I carried my bag to the start line! Since meeting on the running app Strava, the couple have been committed to making their relationship work long-distance with 41-year-old Richard travelling all the way from County Durham to Oswestry every fortnight to visit 36-year-old Katie. Both are keen runners, having had their first date while on a run in Chirk before going on to complete 10k races in Wrexham and Welshpool. Richard said: 'Since October, everything feels perfect. We've got so much in common since our first date. "I was going to propose at the Berlin Marathon in September or at the Great North Run but I just changed my mind to do it this weekend to show my commitment. "I spoke to a friend who helped me pick a ring and I spoke to the race organiser Alan about the surprise. 'After crossing the line I quicky got changed, got the ring out of my bag and met her and it happened. She was wondering what was going on!' A video of the proposal was filmed beside the finish line on Sunday morning when Richard plucked up the courage to pop the question.


Sharjah 24
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Sharjah 24
Nahyan bin Zayed honours Emirati runner Salem Al Hashemi
Al Hashemi successfully completed all six races in the series with an average finish time of under three hours. The major marathons in which Al Hashemi participated include the New York Marathon in November 2023, the Boston Marathon in April 2024 where he achieved his fastest time of 2 hours and 53 minutes, followed by the Berlin Marathon in September 2024, the Chicago Marathon in October 2024, the Tokyo Marathon in March 2025, and the London Marathon in 2025. In addition to these achievements, Al Hashemi also participated in several other international and regional races, including the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon, the Dubai Marathon, the Barcelona Marathon, and the Valencia Marathon — reflecting a distinguished and accomplished athletic career. During the meeting, Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed praised Al Hashemi for his exceptional dedication and efforts, noting that this achievement embodies the spirit of determination and perseverance that defines the Emirati people and their ability to represent the nation at the highest international levels. He emphasised that Al Hashemi's outstanding performance in this elite global series serves as an inspiration to young athletes and further strengthens the role of both community and competitive sports within the UAE. He affirmed that supporting national talents across all sectors — particularly in sports — remains a top priority for the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, in line with the vision of the wise leadership, which continues to invest in empowering athletes and promoting excellence. He further stressed that success stories like that of Al Hashemi reflect the fruitful outcomes of investment in grassroots and professional sports alike. They also serve as evidence of Emiratis' ability to compete and succeed in the world's toughest athletic arenas, thanks to the nation's supportive environment and strategic direction. Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed also received members of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council team and commended their exceptional efforts in organising impactful community events. He highlighted the important role such events play in raising awareness about the benefits of sport, encouraging active and healthy lifestyles, and discovering and nurturing local talent within a motivating and supportive atmosphere. He expressed his appreciation to all teams and departments for their unwavering dedication and commitment to fulfilling the emirate's ambitious sporting and social objectives. For his part, Al Hashemi expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed for the honour, affirming that the unwavering support of the UAE's leadership and the continuous encouragement of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council played a vital role in turning this sporting dream into reality. He described his participation in the marathons of New York, Boston, Berlin, Chicago, Tokyo and London as a unique experience and a significant challenge that contributed immensely to his athletic development and global exposure. Al Hashemi also acknowledged the importance of the support and encouragement he received from his teammates in the Abu Dhabi Running Team, in addition to his regular participation in the community races organised by Abu Dhabi Sports Council. These races, he noted, offer an ideal environment for nurturing talent and are a major driver for excellence and commitment in sport. Al Hashemi, who works as an engineer at TAQA Distribution, began his athletic journey as a football player in the youth categories of Al Wahda Club, before transitioning into recreational running. Over time, he has evolved into one of the UAE's leading marathon athletes, successfully balancing a professional career with sporting achievements — making him a role model in combining personal ambition with national pride.


Al Etihad
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Al Etihad
Nahyan bin Zayed honours Emirati runner Salem Al Hashemi
23 May 2025 12:06 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Zayed Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, has honoured Emirati runner Salem Abdullah Al Hashmi, a member of the Abu Dhabi Running Team, in recognition of his remarkable achievement in completing the Abbott World Marathon Majors — one of the most prestigious and challenging series in the global long-distance running Hashmi successfully completed all six races in the series with an average finish time of under three major marathons in which Al Hashmi participated include the New York Marathon in November 2023, the Boston Marathon in April 2024 where he achieved his fastest time of 2 hours and 53 minutes, followed by the Berlin Marathon in September 2024, the Chicago Marathon in October 2024, the Tokyo Marathon in March 2025, and the London Marathon in addition to these achievements, Al Hashmi also participated in several other international and regional races, including the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon, the Dubai Marathon, the Barcelona Marathon, and the Valencia Marathon — reflecting a distinguished and accomplished athletic the meeting, His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan praised Al Hashmi for his exceptional dedication and efforts, noting that this achievement embodies the spirit of determination and perseverance that defines the Emirati people and their ability to represent the nation at the highest international levels. His Highness emphasised that Al Hashmi's outstanding performance in this elite global series serves as an inspiration to young athletes and further strengthens the role of both community and competitive sports within the Highness affirmed that supporting national talents across all sectors — particularly in sports — remains a top priority for the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, in line with the vision of the wise leadership, which continues to invest in empowering athletes and promoting further stressed that success stories like that of Al Hashmi reflect the fruitful outcomes of investment in grassroots and professional sports alike. They also serve as evidence of Emiratis' ability to compete and succeed in the world's toughest athletic arenas, thanks to the nation's supportive environment and strategic Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan also received members of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council team and commended their exceptional efforts in organising impactful community events. His Highness highlighted the important role such events play in raising awareness about the benefits of sport, encouraging active and healthy lifestyles, and discovering and nurturing local talent within a motivating and supportive atmosphere. He expressed his appreciation to all teams and departments for their unwavering dedication and commitment to fulfilling the emirate's ambitious sporting and social his part, Al Hashmi expressed his heartfelt gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan for the honour, affirming that the unwavering support of the UAE's leadership and the continuous encouragement of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council played a vital role in turning this sporting dream into reality. He described his participation in the marathons of New York, Boston, Berlin, Chicago, Tokyo and London as a unique experience and a significant challenge that contributed immensely to his athletic development and global Hashmi also acknowledged the importance of the support and encouragement he received from his teammates in the Abu Dhabi Running Team, in addition to his regular participation in the community races organised by Abu Dhabi Sports Council. These races, he noted, offer an ideal environment for nurturing talent and are a major driver for excellence and commitment in Hashmi, who works as an engineer at TAQA Distribution, began his athletic journey as a football player in the youth categories of Al Wahda Club, before transitioning into recreational running. Over time, he has evolved into one of the UAE's leading marathon athletes, successfully balancing a professional career with sporting achievements — making him a role model in combining personal ambition with national pride.


12-05-2025
- Entertainment
Kenyan marathon GOAT Eliud Kipchoge spotted in Cape Town
Kenyan marathon legend Eluid Kipchoge was photographed at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town on Monday afternoon. Image: EPA/ARMANDO BABANI Kenyan marathon legend EliUd Kipchoge was photographed in Cape Town on Monday afternoon. Kipchoge, 40, took to his Instagram account to post to his 2.7 million followers: 'Hello, Cape Town! It's wonderful to be here. What must I experience in your beautiful city?' It appears Kipchoge was snapped outside the Nike store at the V&A Waterfront. Eliud Kipchoge is a Kenyan long-distance runner and widely considered the greatest marathon runner of all time. Born on 5 November 1984, he started his career in track events, winning the 5 000m at the 2003 World Championships. He later transitioned to road racing and marathons, where he achieved legendary status. Here are some of his most notable accomplishments: Olympic champion : He won gold in the marathon at both the 2016 Rio and 2020 Tokyo Olympics. : He won gold in the marathon at both the 2016 Rio and 2020 Tokyo Olympics. World record holder : He set the official marathon world record twice, most recently running 2:01:09 at the 2022 Berlin Marathon. : He set the official marathon world record twice, most recently running 2:01:09 at the 2022 Berlin Marathon. First Sub-2-Hour marathon : In 2019, Kipchoge ran a marathon in 1:59:40 under special conditions in the INEOS 1:59 Challenge. Though not officially recognized due to pacing and course rules, it was a historic achievement. : In 2019, Kipchoge ran a marathon in 1:59:40 under special conditions in the INEOS 1:59 Challenge. Though not officially recognized due to pacing and course rules, it was a historic achievement. Winning streak : From 2014 to 2019, he won 10 consecutive marathons, including multiple London and Berlin Marathons. : From 2014 to 2019, he won 10 consecutive marathons, including multiple London and Berlin Marathons. Philosophy: He is known for the phrase 'No human is limited,' reflecting his belief in human potential and discipline. Eliud Kipchoge is admired not only for his athletic prowess but also for his humility, discipline, and inspiring mindset. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news. Follow us on Facebook for the latest breaking news, polls - and more!


Time of India
05-05-2025
- Time of India
Tourists in trainers: Meet the marathon globetrotters
1 2 For seasoned runners, international races aren't just about qualifying for a major marathon or chasing a new personal best – they're also a chance to explore new destinations on foot. 'Vacations have now turned into runcations,' says marathoner Upendra Tripath. While experts credit the trend to a post-pandemic focus on health, for most runners, it's simply a way to blend running with a well-earned vacation. WHAT IS MARATHON TOURISM Marathon tourism refers to travelling to different destinations specifically to participate in marathons and other long-distance running events . It allows runners to merge their passion for the sport with the opportunity to explore new cities and cultures. This surge in interest has given rise to destination marathons , offering participants the chance to race through scenic landscapes while enjoying local traditions and warm hospitality. WHY ARE RUNNERS CHOOSING MARATHON TOURISM? Able to plan family trips Mumbai-based Dr Krunal Thakker, who has been engaged in marathon tourism for a few years, says, 'Due to work commitments, I am unable to spend much time with my son. This way, we can travel for marathons while combining them with holidays. It has even inspired my wife to become a marathon runner, and now my 14-year-old son is training as a 5K runner.' Thakker, who ran his first international marathon in Prague, adds, 'We usually plan our holidays around marathons. At present, I am preparing for the London Marathon, where all three of us will be participating in different categories. After the race, we will continue our holiday, which allows us to spend quality time together as a family.' Shift from pub-hopping tours to fitness-focused travel Speaking about the participants, Gauri Jayaram, who organises marathon tours, says, 'The majority of marathon tour participants are amateur runners who train for the events, not elite athletes. While a significant number of participants are solo male travellers from India, there's a growing number of solo female travellers and a broader age range, including younger participants. There is a shift from pub-hopping tours to fitness-focused travel among younger travellers. ' Dr Krunal Thakker at the Berlin Marathon last year (left); Upendra Tripathi recently completed the Antarctica Marathon in April (middle); and Gauri Jayaram participates in and also organises marathon tours (right) SURGING DEMAND Experts report a 5X surge in Indian participants engaging in marathon tourism post-COVID. Gauri expresses, 'In 2019, we had around 75 runners for the Berlin Marathon , one of the World Marathon Majors. By 2024, this number had grown to 450 participants running with us. From this year, the Sydney Marathon joins the World Marathon Majors and will take place in August 2025, where we expect to take a few hundred participants.' TIPS FOR MARATHON TRAVELLERS - Train adequately before travelling - Choose reputable travel companies specialising in marathon tours - Prepare for local weather conditions - Carry race day equipment in your hand luggage - Keep an emergency contact readily available in the host country ( as suggested by Gauri Jayaram ) PREPARING WELL IN ADVANCE Tripathi, who recently completed the Antarctica Marathon in April, explains that preparation depends on the destination and the marathon's difficulty. 'For Antarctica, I had to register a year in advance due to a waitlist. However, for marathons in Sydney or Rio, planning for marathon tourism can typically begin six months ahead.' He adds, travelling with the help of marathon tourism operators makes on-ground logistics easier for runners. 'A lot of logistical planning is required, from choosing the race location and securing accommodation near the start line to selecting the closest city and exploring local attractions. Tour operators largely handle these arrangements.' 'Marathons are a great way to see new places on foot' Speaking to us, actor Milind Soman states that marathon running tourism has grown phenomenally over the last few decades, especially in India, and shows no signs of slowing down. He shares that while his travel plans are largely centred around marathon events, if there are none, he and his wife, Ankita Konwar, create their own plans. Milind Soman, who has long been a fitness icon, states that his travel plans always coincide with running, cycling, or swimming events. He tells us why combining travel with marathons is a good idea: "International marathons are a great way to see new places on foot, feel the energy of the city, and interact with people from all over the world. It is exciting, fun, and can be enjoyed with friends and family. You can always include regular travel experiences such as sightseeing, concerts, and food experiences before and after the event. ' 'Mass participation events are the best way to promote a fitness culture. You see people from all walks of life, of all ages and abilities, truly enjoying life to the fullest—which is the real objective of getting fit,' Milind shares adding, 'It is inspirational and inclusive, and these two factors have significantly contributed to the growth of distance running across the world.' He shares how they balance sightseeing and recovery after an international race: "As regular runners, we mostly run for fun because we enjoy long-distance running rather than chasing a specific time. It's still an effort to run 42 km, but not an intense one. A good night's sleep is usually enough for recovery. We might even trekking the next day, as we did after the London Marathon a couple of years ago—taking a train to Scotland the following day to climb Ben Nevis. ' Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now