Latest news with #WorldMarathonMajors
Scoop
27-06-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Record Running For Wellington This Weekend
Press Release – Gazley Volkswagen Wellington Marathon More than 4000 runners and walkers will line up at Wellington's Sky Stadium on Sunday for the 38th Gazley Volkswagen Wellington Marathon event, and before they even line up there have been records broken. Established in 1986, the event has been the regions premier marathon for almost three decades and is one of New Zealand's 'big four' marathons, alongside Christchurch, Rotorua and Auckland, that are certified to international standard and belong to the World Marathon Majors circuit. In 2025 a record 26 countries will be represented, with runners coming from Afghanistan, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, Netherlands, Norway, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan, United Kingdom, United States and, of course, all ends of New Zealand. Defending Champion Looking for NZ Title This year's half marathon event plays host to the Athletics New Zealand half marathon championship, and favourite for line honours is the Wellington event's defending half marathon champion, Toby Gualter. A year ago, the 24-year-old Wellingtonian broke through with his first major half marathon win when setting a race record of 1hr 05min 29secs. But just two months ago in Christchurch he ran even faster, recording the fastest time on New Zealand soil for more than 10 years with 1hr 03min 30secs. Harry Dixon (Feilding) and Eric Speakman (Wgtn) are the runners most expected to challenge, with Dixon having a best time less than a minute slower than Gualter and Speakman being runner up behind Gualter in this race last year. Recent improvers Matt Arnold (Akld), Luke Scott (PNth) and Max Taylor (Wgtn) will also be in the mix. But Gualter is the form horse, with three national titles, personal best times from 5000m to the half marathon and half marathon wins in Wellington and Christchurch in the last 12 months alone. The race for women's honours is expected to be closer. Seven-time national champion, Lisa Cross (Akld), won this race in 2019 and despite being over 40 won the Auckland Grand Prix cross country just a week ago. But the fastest half marathoner in the field is Wellington-based Japanese runner, Kumiko Otani, who ran 1hr 13min a decade ago, was fourth in the 2024 national championship and recently clocked 1hr 18min. Also in the mix will be former national 800m champion Katherine Camp (Chch), who has a best of 1hr 16min and if she is close with a kilometre to go there are few who could finish faster. These three favourites, however, would do well to watch out for a trio of young improvers Hannah Bartram (Chch), Caitlin Bassett (Wgtn) and Rose Dillon (Akld) who have been improving every time out. Fast Full Marathon Likely While the national half marathon championship takes centre stage in 2025, the full marathon distance is just as likely to see a race record. Among half a dozen realistic contenders, two men have faster best times that the race record of 2hrs 22min 43secs set by American Dan Lowry in 2017. Former Wellington winner, Hiro Tanimoto, has a best of 2hrs 20min and 2024 Christchurch Marathon winner, Andy Good, has a best of 2hrs 21min. Good has targeted the Wellington race specifically, and is renowned as an aggressive front runner who likes to chase fast times. Tanimoto was third in the recent Hawkes Bay Marathon and is super consistent with podium placings in every major marathon in New Zealand since moving here in 2015. But both runners will need to watch for local standouts Seamus Kane, Mark Moore, Nic Sunseri and Chris Wharam. Wharam won this race back in 2015, while Moore was second in 2019. Sunseri has a marathon best of 2hrs 23min, so will be in the mix, but the dark horse could be 42k rookie Seamus Kane, who has been a consistent performer over the half marathon distance. The women's full distance is likely to come down to top domestic performers Mel Aitken and Ali Campbell. Campbell (Wgtn) is returning to the full distance for the first time since 2021 when she finished third in the Auckland Marathon, while Aitken (Otago) was recently third in the national marathon champs in Rotorua. Something for Everyone Event Manager Michael Jacques is pleased with the calibre of racing, but say, 'The Gazley Volkswagen Wellington Marathon is a race of the people'. The accessible nature of the event is reflected in the number of rookies, with more than 25 percent of the 4000-plus field either new runners or first timers to the Wellington event. There are more than a few repeat offenders though. Auckland's Malcolm Gray has finished more than 350 marathons and returns for the Wellington event, while Wellington first timer Lester Smith is coming from Australia for his 215th marathon. Other highlights include large school contingents from Otaki College and Tawa Intermediate, while Wellington's Des Young continues his streak as the only person to have run all 38 editions of the event. Other returnees include Aucklanders Garth Barfoot and Coleen Faloon, who are the eldest male and female participants at 89 and 82 years respectively. A goal many entrants choose is to participate in support of the New Zealand Heart Foundation, which is the official charity of the Gazley Volkswagen Wellington Marathon. Their 'Have A Heart' programme provides a platform for participants to raise money for heart health research. The 38th Gazley Volkswagen Wellington Marathon kicks off on Sunday at Sky Stadium with the Full Marathon Walk at 7:00am, followed by the Full Marathon Run at 7:30am, all Half Marathoners at 9:00am, all 10K participants at 9:30am and the Kid's Magic Mile at 9:40am. Late entries can be made on Saturday at Gazley Volkswagen, 38 Kent Terrace in Wellington. For more information see
Scoop
27-06-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Record Running For Wellington This Weekend
More than 4000 runners and walkers will line up at Wellington's Sky Stadium on Sunday for the 38th Gazley Volkswagen Wellington Marathon event, and before they even line up there have been records broken. Established in 1986, the event has been the regions premier marathon for almost three decades and is one of New Zealand's 'big four' marathons, alongside Christchurch, Rotorua and Auckland, that are certified to international standard and belong to the World Marathon Majors circuit. In 2025 a record 26 countries will be represented, with runners coming from Afghanistan, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, Netherlands, Norway, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan, United Kingdom, United States and, of course, all ends of New Zealand. Defending Champion Looking for NZ Title This year's half marathon event plays host to the Athletics New Zealand half marathon championship, and favourite for line honours is the Wellington event's defending half marathon champion, Toby Gualter. A year ago, the 24-year-old Wellingtonian broke through with his first major half marathon win when setting a race record of 1hr 05min 29secs. But just two months ago in Christchurch he ran even faster, recording the fastest time on New Zealand soil for more than 10 years with 1hr 03min 30secs. Harry Dixon (Feilding) and Eric Speakman (Wgtn) are the runners most expected to challenge, with Dixon having a best time less than a minute slower than Gualter and Speakman being runner up behind Gualter in this race last year. Recent improvers Matt Arnold (Akld), Luke Scott (PNth) and Max Taylor (Wgtn) will also be in the mix. But Gualter is the form horse, with three national titles, personal best times from 5000m to the half marathon and half marathon wins in Wellington and Christchurch in the last 12 months alone. The race for women's honours is expected to be closer. Seven-time national champion, Lisa Cross (Akld), won this race in 2019 and despite being over 40 won the Auckland Grand Prix cross country just a week ago. But the fastest half marathoner in the field is Wellington-based Japanese runner, Kumiko Otani, who ran 1hr 13min a decade ago, was fourth in the 2024 national championship and recently clocked 1hr 18min. Also in the mix will be former national 800m champion Katherine Camp (Chch), who has a best of 1hr 16min and if she is close with a kilometre to go there are few who could finish faster. These three favourites, however, would do well to watch out for a trio of young improvers Hannah Bartram (Chch), Caitlin Bassett (Wgtn) and Rose Dillon (Akld) who have been improving every time out. Fast Full Marathon Likely While the national half marathon championship takes centre stage in 2025, the full marathon distance is just as likely to see a race record. Among half a dozen realistic contenders, two men have faster best times that the race record of 2hrs 22min 43secs set by American Dan Lowry in 2017. Former Wellington winner, Hiro Tanimoto, has a best of 2hrs 20min and 2024 Christchurch Marathon winner, Andy Good, has a best of 2hrs 21min. Good has targeted the Wellington race specifically, and is renowned as an aggressive front runner who likes to chase fast times. Tanimoto was third in the recent Hawkes Bay Marathon and is super consistent with podium placings in every major marathon in New Zealand since moving here in 2015. But both runners will need to watch for local standouts Seamus Kane, Mark Moore, Nic Sunseri and Chris Wharam. Wharam won this race back in 2015, while Moore was second in 2019. Sunseri has a marathon best of 2hrs 23min, so will be in the mix, but the dark horse could be 42k rookie Seamus Kane, who has been a consistent performer over the half marathon distance. The women's full distance is likely to come down to top domestic performers Mel Aitken and Ali Campbell. Campbell (Wgtn) is returning to the full distance for the first time since 2021 when she finished third in the Auckland Marathon, while Aitken (Otago) was recently third in the national marathon champs in Rotorua. Something for Everyone Event Manager Michael Jacques is pleased with the calibre of racing, but say, 'The Gazley Volkswagen Wellington Marathon is a race of the people'. The accessible nature of the event is reflected in the number of rookies, with more than 25 percent of the 4000-plus field either new runners or first timers to the Wellington event. There are more than a few repeat offenders though. Auckland's Malcolm Gray has finished more than 350 marathons and returns for the Wellington event, while Wellington first timer Lester Smith is coming from Australia for his 215th marathon. Other highlights include large school contingents from Otaki College and Tawa Intermediate, while Wellington's Des Young continues his streak as the only person to have run all 38 editions of the event. Other returnees include Aucklanders Garth Barfoot and Coleen Faloon, who are the eldest male and female participants at 89 and 82 years respectively. A goal many entrants choose is to participate in support of the New Zealand Heart Foundation, which is the official charity of the Gazley Volkswagen Wellington Marathon. Their 'Have A Heart' programme provides a platform for participants to raise money for heart health research. The 38th Gazley Volkswagen Wellington Marathon kicks off on Sunday at Sky Stadium with the Full Marathon Walk at 7:00am, followed by the Full Marathon Run at 7:30am, all Half Marathoners at 9:00am, all 10K participants at 9:30am and the Kid's Magic Mile at 9:40am. Late entries can be made on Saturday at Gazley Volkswagen, 38 Kent Terrace in Wellington. For more information see
IOL News
03-06-2025
- General
- IOL News
Louis Massyn aims for historic 50th Comrades Marathon medal
Louis Massyn is ready to make history and claim his 50th medal at the Comrades Marathon on Sunday Image: Supplied Louis Massyn is looking forward to making history on Sunday and becoming the first person to achieve 50 Comrades Marathon medals. Massyn, 74, from George in the Eastern Cape, completed all 49 Comrades Marathon races since first entering in 1973. "The only events I missed were the two years during the Covid-19 pandemic when the race didn't take place and in 2022 when I entered but did not participate due to a knee injury."I am so thrilled and excited for Sunday. I prefer the down run, so I am really looking forward to it," said Massyn. This year's running of the iconic race from Pietermaritzburg to Durban will be a challenging 89.98km and with a new street finish outside People's Park. It is also the 98th edition of the Ultimate Human Race and is the 49th down run. Massyn, who is running for the Outeniqua Harriers, will leave the Pietermaritzburg City Hall at 6am on Sunday with a special starting batch, including 50 friends from overseas and locally. They will run with him as part of his support group. Louis Massyn, left, and Craig Fowels at the finish of the 2024 Comrades Marathon. The pair ran the last 15km together Image: Supplied "This is going to be an epic finish. I am excited and looking forward to making history. I am especially happy that the 50th run is a downhill race as I prefer going down all the major hills along the route. "A number of friends and family are heading to KwaZulu-Natal to see me at the finish. It is going to be quite special and for the first time a street finish," he said. Massyn said the idea of running the Comrades Marathon started in an Anglican church in Odendaalsrus in the Free State. "I was part of the congregation when the Bishop challenged any runner when he made reference to the Comrades Marathon in his sermon. I then decided that I was going to run the next Comrades Marathon. "I was 22 years old then and I did not belong to any running club. I paid the R4 entry fee and entered as an independent athlete. At that time you didn't need to run qualifying races to enter. In 1973 I ran my first road race, the Comrades Marathon and it was a down race," he said. He said at that time they did not receive anything at the finish. Their medal was sent three months later by registered said it has been special to be part of the world's greatest ultra marathons. "To be part of this historical milestone is unbelievable. A legacy and to be part of the Comrades history. The Comrades Marathon has always been about camaraderie," he said. Massyn is running this Comrades in support of Binah and Legacy Centre that assists children with special has completed all six World Marathon Majors (Tokyo, London, Boston, Berlin, Chicago and New York) and earned the prestigious six star medal.
Daily Record
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
London Marathon 2025 prize money: How much winners and record breakers will receive in iconic race
A record-breaking 56,000 could finish Sunday's TCS London Marathon and while the vast majority will just want to make it to the finish line while raising huge funds for charities, there is some big money on offer for the pros at the front of the field. Last year London made the big step to offer equal prize pools for all four races - including the wheelchair events - and the sums remain the same for 2025. Organisers believe they have assembled the greatest elite field in the sport's history, despite women's world record holder Ruth Chepngetich and legend Kenenisa Bekele withdrawing in the past few days. Icon Eliud Kipchoge is among those lining up in the men's race, alongside 2024's fastest marathoner Sebastian Sawe, Olympic champion Tamirat Tola and recent half marathon record breaker Jacob Kiplimo. Triple Olympic medalist Sifan Hasan, who won this event in dramatic fashion two years ago, is among the favourites in the women's event along with former world record holder Tigst Assefa. Among the domestic interests are debutants Alex Yee and Eilish McColgan. Prize money, which is paid in dollars because it is part of the World Marathon Majors series, starts from $1,000 for 12th position up to $55,000 for the winners. But that money is supplemented by hefty appearance fees for the star names with time bonuses - capped at $150,000 - also on offer. The men's course record of 2:01:25 was set by Kelvin Kiptum in 2023, with Peres Jepchirchir running a women's record 2:16:16 in 2024 - less than a minute behind Paula Radcliffe's 2003 record of 2:15:25, which was recorded when the race was still mixed. Swiss Marcel Hug set a men's wheelchair record of 1:23:44 in 2023 with compatriot Manuela Schar holding the women's mark of 1:39:52 from 2017. And fast times could be on the cards again this year with the weather forecast predicting light winds and sunny spells - though the temperature could creep into the 20s by the time those back the field have reached the latter stages. London Marathon 2025 prize money (equal prize money for all four elite races) 12th - $1,000 (£752) 11th - $1,500 (£1,128) 10th - $2,000 (£1,504) 9th - $3,000 (£2,255) 8th - $4,000 (£3,008) 7th - $5,000 (£3,760) 6th - $7,500 (£5,640) 5th - $10,000 (£7,520) 4th - $15,000 (£11,280) 3rd - $22,500 (£16,920) 2nd - $30,000 (£22,559) 1st - $55,000 (£41,358)
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Yahoo
Street racing increased over last few years
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – Sioux Falls police say street racing has increased over the last few years with the growth of Sioux Falls. Both the city and the state are cracking down on street, exhibition and drag racing. 'Incredibly distasteful' says TenHaken to Trump's AI Pope photo In March, the legislature passed Senate Bill 116, which makes speed racing a class 1 or 2 misdemeanor for drivers and a class 6 felony for race organizers. This law will go into effect on July 1. The Sioux Falls City Council also passed an ordinance in March that lifts the ban on exhibition driving on private property if the group has a permit authorized by the police department. Sgt. Travis Olson said the ordinance allows people to 'continue their hobbies' under a safe and official capacity. The intent of the ordinance is to hopefully keep racers and exhibition drivers off public streets. Before, any form of excessive engine noise, speeding or tire screeching was in violation of the city laws, even on private property. Under the new ordinance, groups must apply for a temporary permit to hold their events on private property. They must also have insurance and safety officers present. No permits for these driving events will be issued between the hours of 10:30 p.m. to 6 a.m. Although it's hard to pinpoint exactly how many calls the police get for street racing or how many attempts police make to shut it down, Olson did say that the problem has been increasing over the last few years. Burbank, SD mom runs all 6 World Marathon Majors He also said it's difficult to respond to these complaints because the groups tend to race quickly and leave the area before law enforcement arrives. It can be hard to track the frequency of the speed racing, because there can be various reports, like a noise complaint or speeding. These incidents aren't in isolated areas in Sioux Falls either, Olson added. He did say that a lot of activity occurs on 57th Street, and that 69th Street and Veterans Parkway are also popular spots. 'The truth is we get complaints on it from all over the city,' he said. Olson wanted to remind the public that exhibition, speed and drag racing is not legal on any public roads in Sioux Falls. He also pointed out that there are drag strips for legal vehicle racing shortly outside of Sioux Falls at the Thunder Valley Dragway and I-90 Speedway. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
