Why you SHOULDN'T run a marathon


Newsletter #956: Monday, 2nd November 2026


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Marathon Handbook is looking for a news editor to join our news desk. The ideal candidate is passionate about running, conversant in running culture and news, and has at least some background and experience in journalism, digital publishing, and using Wordpress. Send your application to thomas@marathonhandbook.com and include "news editor" in the subject line.

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Hey runners, in today’s newsletter, New York delivered a debut for the ages.

Andreas Almgren broke away after 35K to win on his marathon debut in 2:06:01, four seconds outside the Swedish record. Sheila Chepkirui took her second title in three years, and Jessica McClain caught Hellen Obiri in the final 200 meters to become the first American woman on the podium since 2018.

Elsewhere, we’re mourning Ciara Mageean, Ireland’s European 1,500m champion, who died Sunday at 34, 16 months after making her stage four bowel cancer diagnosis public and only weeks after her wedding.

And as always, we round things out with the practical stuff: a 20-minute bodyweight workout, eight reasons you maybe shouldn’t run a marathon, and whether daily running is actually bad for you.

Jessy Carveth

Senior News Editor, Marathon Handbook


​2026 New York City Marathon Instant Reaction​

Michael, Katelyn, and Alex react to the 2026 NYC Marathon, covering the biggest stories and surprises of the day.


​Jessica McClain Becomes the First American Woman on the NYC Marathon Podium Since 2018​

The 34-year-old from Phoenix caught Hellen Obiri in the final 200 meters to finish second, and she has now placed higher at every major marathon she has run than at the one before.


​Habtom Samuel and Rachael Rudel Win the Dash to the Finish Line 5K in New York​

Samuel ran 13:31 to stay unbeaten since turning pro. Rudel, the 32-year-old U.S. 20K champion, won in a personal best of 15:35 to end Annie Rodenfels's three-year run as champion.


​Philimon Kipchumba and Kasanesh Baze Win the 2026 Istanbul Marathon​

Kipchumba ran 2:08:45 to break a course record that had stood since 2019, and Kasanesh Baze led an Ethiopian top five in the women's race.


​Bodyweight Workout For Runners: No Equipment Required​

If you’re looking for an at-home bodyweight workout for runners, you’re in the right place, we’ve put together a 20 minute sequence which requires NO equipment.


​8 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Run A Marathon​

Do the pros outweigh the cons? We'll let you be the judge.


​Is It Bad To Run Every Day? 4 Potential Risks Of A Daily Run​

Stay injury-free with our ideal running frequency tips.


​Ciara Mageean, Ireland’s European 1,500m Champion, Dies at 34​

The Co. Down runner died Sunday morning, 16 months after making her stage four bowel cancer diagnosis public and only weeks after marrying her longtime partner, Thomas Moran.


​Sheila Chepkirui Wins the 2026 New York City Marathon​

The Kenyan won her second title in three years in 2:24:36, and Jessica McClain caught Hellen Obiri in the final 200 meters to become the first American woman on the podium since 2018.


​Andreas Almgren Wins the 2026 New York City Marathon in His Debut​

The world half-marathon champion broke away after 35K and won in 2:06:01, four seconds outside the Swedish record, with Yemaneberhan Crippa second and Kamohelo Mofolo third on his 21st birthday.


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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