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Marathon Handbook

How Strava exposed a secret military ship

Published 8 days ago • 3 min read

Newsletter #765: Saturday, 21st March 2026

Hey runners, today’s newsletter has a bit of everything, from elite-level chaos to the kind of stories that only happen in running.
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​Keely Hodgkinson somehow made it through a championship heat after losing her luggage, borrowing spikes, and picking up a blister along the way, while India lands a major moment for the sport by securing the 2028 World Indoors.
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We’re also following the latest twist in the Rowan/Clevenger saga, a reminder of how messy things can get off the track, and a bizarre Strava slip-up that reportedly exposed the location of a French aircraft carrier.
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Plus, lighter reads on celebrity marathon times, how long your shoes actually last, and why adding hills might be the simplest way to level up your running.

Jessy Carveth

Senior News Editor, Marathon Handbook

​Lost Luggage, Borrowed Spikes, a Blister — and a Heat Win Anyway​

Keely Hodgkinson arrived in Poland without her kit, cadged spikes off a stranger, picked up a blister, and still cruised into the semi-finals. Typical Tuesday for the world record holder, apparently.

​India Wins Bid to Host the 2028 World Athletics Indoor Championships​

For the first time ever, the world's top track and field athletes will compete on Indian soil.

​Celebrity Marathon Times: 23 Famous Runners Ranked​

From the glitz and glamour of Hollywood to the halls of political power, many celebrities have taken on the challenge of the marathon. In the midst of thousands of determined runners, some familiar faces emerge, but who and how fast did they go?

​How Long Do Running Shoes Last?​

What every runner needs to know about shoe lifespan, wear patterns, and when it’s time to replace them.

​Running Uphill Benefits: 12 Reasons to Hit the Hills​

Our running coach explains how hills build strength, boost speed, and improve your mental game.

​Now Rowan’s Own Athletes Are Speaking Out — And the University Is Trying to Silence Them​

A whistleblower Instagram account, a cease and desist, and a video with 10 million views. The Seth Clevenger saga just got messier.

​A Morning Jog Just Gave Away a French Aircraft Carrier’s Secret Location​

A sailor's Strava run on the deck of the FS Charles de Gaulle revealed the warship's classified position in the Mediterranean — the latest reminder that fitness apps and military secrets are a terrible combination.

​Possible Women’s Marathon World Record?! + Kipchoge’s 2026 World Tour | The Running Story​

In this week’s episode of The Running Story, Michael Doyle and Jessy Carveth break down one of the wildest weeks in running news. From a 2:10 debut at the Barcelona Marathon that could challenge the women’s marathon world record to Eliud Kipchoge announcing a global marathon tour for 2026, there’s a lot to unpack.

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