The fastest time across the Alps


Newsletter #880: Monday, 3rd August 2026


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Hey runners, in today's newsletter, Josh Kerr finally got the medal that kept escaping him.

The mile world record holder had never won a Commonwealth medal until Saturday night at Scotstoun, where he kicked clear in front of a home Scottish crowd to take gold.

Elsewhere, Sophie Woods crossed 2,000km and eight countries to set the fastest known time across the Alps, six days quicker than the old record. And while World Athletics ratified a wave of records last week, Jacob Kiplimo's half marathon was conspicuously absent.

And as always, we round things out with the practical stuff: eight mobility exercises every runner needs, how to actually run a 5-minute mile, and a complete guide to protein for runners.

Jessy Carveth

Senior News Editor, Marathon Handbook


Josh Kerr Finally Has The One Medal That Kept Escaping Him

The mile world record holder had never won a Commonwealth medal. On Saturday night at Scotstoun, in front of his home Scottish crowd, Josh Kerr kicked clear to take gold as the mile returned to the Games for the first time in 60 years.


Comrades Cuts Ties With Athletics South Africa Before Its 100th Running

Association members voted 694 to 338 against re-affiliating with KwaZulu-Natal Athletics on Saturday, a break that costs the national federation its most valuable broadcast property a year before the centenary.


New Mexico’s Newest Pros Just Took Over A Maine Classic

The University of New Mexico swept the TD Beach to Beacon 10K in Cape Elizabeth, with Habtom Samuel winning the men's race and Pamela Kosgei taking a stunning debut victory over Elise Cranny by two seconds. Both walked away with $10,000.


Every Track Result From The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

The complete finishing order for every track final at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, from Josh Kerr's home mile gold to Georgia Hunter Bell's 800m.


How To Run A 5 Minute Mile

Our expert coach explains the training, strategies, and pace necessary how to run a 5 minute mile.


How Much Protein Do Runners Need? Your Complete Guide to Protein For Runners

Learn how to calculate your protein needs, when to eat it, and the best sources to support your running goals.


Daniel Do Nascimento, Brazil’s Fastest Marathoner, Found Alive After 44 Days Missing

Do Nascimento, 28, set a marathon record in 2022 that still stands as the South American and Brazilian best. He had been missing from his family's home in the interior of São Paulo since June 19, and serving a five-year doping ban since 2024.


8 Mobility Exercises Every Runner Needs To Run Faster, Move Better, and Stay Injury-Free

Build range of motion where it matters most—so your stride feels powerful, efficient, and resilient.


The Fastest Mile Ever Run, From Roger Bannister to Josh Kerr

A deep dive into the athletes and breakthroughs behind the world’s quickest mile performances, and how the record has evolved over time.


World Athletics Just Ratified A Wave Of Records. Kiplimo’s Wasn’t One Of Them

World Athletics confirmed a batch of world records last week, including Sabastian Sawe's sub-two marathon and Tigst Assefa's. Jacob Kiplimo's 57:20 half marathon from March was missing, and after what happened last year, the silence is hard to ignore.


Sophie Woods Ran the Fastest Crossing of the Alps in History

The 42-year-old New Zealander crossed 2,000km and eight countries along the Via Alpina, finishing in Monaco on Saturday night to set the fastest known time for the Alps, six days quicker than the previous record.


This is how I chopped MINUTES off my personal bests

Senior Editor Alex Cyr dishes on the five easy tips that have transformed him from injured hobbyist to competitive runner. These no-BS habits are all simple, free, and easy to adopt; and can help both beginners and experts reach the next level.


Quick Sprints:

Looking for an online running coach? Whatever your goals, train with our head coach, Coach Katelyn. Learn more about her online coaching.


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