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Hi runners, Jessy here with newsletter #656! 🎉

Happy Wednesday! ​
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Here's what I have for you today:

• The Cape Town Marathon is back, and this one’s special. The 2026 ballot has opened as the race enters its final year of Major candidacy. Could this be the moment Africa joins the Majors?
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• Major change may be coming to the Olympics. Reports suggest the IOC will move to ban transgender women from female categories by 2026, a decision with sweeping implications for fairness, inclusion, and sport’s future.
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• Tragedy struck the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon over the weekend, where two runners died after separate medical emergencies during the race. ​
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• The clocks have turned, the sun’s setting early, and your evening run suddenly feels like midnight. Our running coach breaks down 10 simple ways to stay visible, confident, and in one piece this season.
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• If you’ve been skipping core day (again), here’s your sign to roll out a mat. These six runner-focused Pilates exercises will fire up your core, boost stability, and keep your stride steady through long miles.
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• You can’t buy the feeling of finishing the NYC Marathon… but apparently, you can buy the medal. A handful of this year’s finisher medals have already landed on eBay.
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• He ran a record-breaking climb on the Grand Teton. Then came a federal conviction...and now, a presidential pardon.​
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• WATCH: How to Train for a Marathon the Right Way — Lessons from 20 Years of Science

Get ready to get faster!

Jessy Carveth
Senior News Editor

​2026 Cape Town Marathon Ballot Opens as Race Eyes World Marathon Majors Status​

The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon has opened its 2026 ballot, and this one could make history.

As the race enters its final year of Abbott World Marathon Majors candidacy, Cape Town is closer than ever to becoming Africa’s first Major.

​IOC Expected to Ban Transgender Women From Female Olympic Categories by 2026​

The IOC is reportedly preparing one of its most consequential rule changes in decades.

The policy could be finalized by 2026, ahead of the Los Angeles Games, a move likely to reshape the global debate over fairness and inclusion in sport.

​Two Runners Identified After Deaths at Indianapolis Monumental Marathon​

What began as a celebration of endurance turned somber in Indianapolis.

Two runners died following medical emergencies during the Monumental Marathon, despite immediate medical response.

​10 Safety Tips For Running In The Dark​

With the days getting shorter, more of us are logging our miles before sunrise or after sunset, which means safety matters more than ever.

From reflective gear to route planning and smart tracking, here are 10 expert-approved tips to keep your dark runs safe and stress-free.

​Pilates For Runners: Try These 6 Exercises For A Stronger Core​

Want to run stronger and stay injury-free?

Try adding Pilates to your weekly routine.

Our coach shares six simple, at-home moves to build a rock-solid core, improve posture, and make every stride feel smoother. No reformer required.

​How Much Does A NYC Marathon Finisher Medal Cost On EBay?​

It’s the medal every NYC Marathon finisher treasures, but a few are ending up somewhere unexpected.

Within hours of race day, listings started popping up online, turning hard-earned symbols into collectors’ items with surprising price tags.

​President Trump Pardons Trail Runner For Cutting Switchback​

When a record-setting run turns into a legal battle, and then a presidential pardon.

Mountain runner Michelino Sunseri’s case has become a flashpoint for trail ethics, government oversight, and what it means to “follow the line” in pursuit of an FKT.

​How to Train for a Marathon the Right Way — Lessons from 20 Years of Science​

Olympian and author Pete Pfitzinger, co-author of Advanced Marathoning, joins us to talk about the new fourth edition of his classic marathon training manual. We explore his philosophy on marathon training, how he updates the book for 2025, and how new tech like super shoes, hydrogels, and heart-rate variability are changing the sport.

QUICK SPRINTS

• ​The 7 Best Plyometric Exercises For Speed
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• ​How To Start Trail Running: 6 Tips For Beginners To Get Going
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• ​Everything You Need To Know About Running With Gels​