Almgren wins NYC on debut; Ciara Mageean dies at 34
Andreas Almgren won New York in 2:06:01 in his first marathon, and no Kenyan or Ethiopian made the men's podium for the first time since the Majors began in 2006.
The week's biggest
Ciara Mageean dies at 34 after cancer battle
Ciara Mageean, Ireland's 2024 European 1500m champion, died at 34 after a battle with cancer, CITIUS MAG says. Her win in Rome made her the first Irish athlete to win an individual European title in the 21st century. She holds Irish records at 800m, 1000m, 1500m and the mile, where her 4:14.58 sits seventh all-time.
But she was an even better person
Races and results
Almgren wins New York on debut, Chepkirui takes the women's race
Andreas Almgren won the New York City Marathon in 2:06:01 in his marathon debut, pulling away from Yemaneberhan Crippa (2:06:14) with a 4:25 26th mile. Kamohelo Mofolo was third in 2:06:26, the first men's World Marathon Majors podium with no Kenyans or Ethiopians since the series formed in 2006, Jonathan Gault says. Sheila Chepkirui won the women's race in 2:24:36.
American Jess McClain catches Obiri at the very end, taking second in 2:24:42 to Obiri’s 2:24:43.
Molke and Jackson win stormy Javelina 100, take golden tickets
Rob Molke and Heather Jackson won a stormy Javelina 100 Mile in Arizona and took golden tickets (automatic 2027 Western States entries) with them. Molke ran down Noah Dusseau in the final 10 miles to win in 12:11:30, a year after a DNF there. Jackson caught the UK's Carla Molinaro late to win in 13:48:29, under a minute clear.
Rudel takes third straight road win at Abbott Dash 5K
Rachael Rudel won the Abbott Dash To The Finish 5K in 15:35, her third straight road win, ahead of Josette Andrews (15:41). David Monti says the 32 year old now has eight road podiums in 2026, including four wins and a national title. Habtom Samuel won the men's race in 13:31 after breaking clear just past mile 2.
I'm trying to see what I can do, and it's just like worked out really well.
How they train
Bitter and Canaday tear into Strava times posted over official results
The Athletic asked whether posting a faster Strava time instead of your official marathon result counts as cheating, and named runners answered without hedging. Zach Bitter says the gap is not small GPS error, it is runners stopping their watches during breaks or before the finish line. Sage Canaday says the worst cases are fitness influencers inflating a PR to sell things.
These clowns are stopping their watches while taking breaks and/or prior to crossing the finish line.
Worth a glance
Alexandersson wins Tsaigu 50K, still unbeaten on trail
Tove Alexandersson won the Tsaigu 50K in China, the seventh win of an undefeated trail season, Travis Loncar says. She was fifth overall, 6.26% behind winner Yang Chunlong.
AIU bans two Ethiopian runners
The AIU banned Hunde Lechisa three years from 17 August 2026 for testosterone, with results disqualified from 26 April 2026, and Sofiya Shemsu Chegen four months for methylprednisolone.
Frequently asked questions
Who was Ciara Mageean and what did she accomplish?
Ciara Mageean was an Irish runner who was the 2024 European 1500m champion. She was the first Irish athlete to win an individual European title in the 21st century and held Irish records at 800m, 1000m, 1500m and the mile.
What was special about the New York City Marathon men's results this year?
The top three finishers included no runners from Kenya or Ethiopia, which was the first time this happened at a World Marathon Majors race since the series began in 2006. Additionally, Americans placed three men in the top ten.
What is a golden ticket in ultrarunning?
A golden ticket is an automatic entry to the 2027 Western States race, awarded to top finishers in certain qualifying races called golden ticket races.
Why are some runners posting different times on Strava than their official marathon results?
According to runners quoted, the gap comes from stopping watches during breaks or before the finish line rather than small GPS errors. Some fitness influencers are accused of inflating their results to sell products.
What is methylprednisolone and why is it banned in running?
Methylprednisolone is a banned substance in athletics, as evidenced by the AIU's four-month ban of a runner for its use, though the stories do not explain what the substance does or why it is prohibited.