British Milers Club indoor event (Sheffield)
This was the first major meeting of the British indoor athletics calendar. Hosted by the most prestigious racing organisation in the UK, British Milers club. The main focus was on the fact Jake Wightman, the World 1500m champion, was racing the 3000m, where he placed 2nd at the same event the previous year (2022).
Wightman’s 3000m – Jake was the clear favourite going into the race, as any world champion would be expected to be, although the other runners in the race assembled one of the most stacked domestic British 3000m races in recent history. It was in fact Marathon runner Phil Sesemman who outkicked Jake Wightman for the win in a time of 7:54. Despite getting dropped around the 1500m to 2000m mark Sesemman somehow managed to come back into contention and outkick Jake who jokingly suggested he was victim to a “lactic sniper” coming down the home straight. Olympian Zak Seddon placed last with a time of 8:15.
There was some success for New Balance athletes as Izzy Boffy solo’d a personal best in the 800m, with a time of 2:00.99. Not only was this an outright personal best, it was also the qualifying standard for the European indoor championships. Obviously made more impressive by the fact she had no pacer and 2nd place Molly Hudson was almost 8 seconds behind. Izzy was also wearing some unreleased New Balance spikes! (seen below)
There was also a 17-year-old British record in the 1500m, as Oscar Schofield (15 years old) ran 3:52. He trains with Olympic and World silver medalist Keely Hogkinson.
Union Athletics club
With frequent changes to the Bowerman Track club and Oregon track club, Union Athletics club must have felt left out…
David Ribbich, previously with Brooks and Brooks Beasts has transferred to Nike and Union athletics club to be coached by Pete Julian. We asked David how he’s feeling about the move, and he said he’s excited but will miss his training partner Josh Kerr.
Noah Kibet was also announced to be a new member of Union athletics club. Which is quite a new dynamic seeing athletes move away from east Africa for an American based team. As we saw with Helen Obiri when she moved to On running in 2022.
Cross Country
Elgoibar Cross Country - Olympic 10000m champion Selemon Barega won the men’s race comfortably. Followed by Belew in 2nd and Adel Mechaal in 3rd. The women’s race was won by Rahel Daniel.
Both the Men and Women’s 5000m/10000m World record holders; Joshua Cheptegei and Letesenbet Gidey have confirmed they will be racing the World Cross Country Championships.
New shoes:
Nike mamba 6 – The Nike mamba 5 was a loved shoe before super shoes and super foams. However, this new release seems a questionable one because the Nike Mamba 6 doesn’t include Nike zoomx foam. Where’s the market for this shoe?
Asics metaspeed sky 2 – Although it is the third edition of the shoe, the 2nd version was only given a “+”, rather than being called a 2nd version. I was underwhelmed with the Metaspeed sky +, hopefully this is a big improvement.
Nike Invincible – The best recovery shoe looks as if it’s getting an upgrade again. You can be the judge of the design…
Nike Vaporfly next% 3 – A serious change to the previous version. Cut out’s, softer foam, a different upper, everything is different. Nike are now publicly allowing their athletes to share photos, as seen on the feet of Cooper Teare.
Asics Gel Nimbus 25 – Early reports suggest it’s a very good shoe. The best Asics mileage shoe to date.
Image Credits: Protosofthegram, Ben Johnson, Run-IX, Nike, Triathletecb76
Paris 2024 Olympic schedule
The obvious issue is the confirmation of the repechage heats. Where people who fail to qualify, get a second chance to do so. In a competition that showcases elite competition, it somewhat defeats the point that people who compete and get knocked out essentially get a 2nd life.
Very nice track club 1K
There was a 1K race in Michigan featuring athletes from Very nice track club. Hobbs Kessler won in a time of 2:20.76, followed by Charlie Grice and Ben Flanagan both running 2:21.
Hobbs clearly is seeing success with his new hair style…
Boston Marathon start lists
Eliud Kipchoge has said it will be his hardest race ever… At the minute we only have the full women’s entry list, which looks STACKED - https://www.baa.org/global-medalists-national-record-holders-olympians-and-paralympians-among-127th-boston-marathon