Kipchoge, NB42K, and the Hottest Athletics News

Highlights and Challenges of the New Balance 42K Porto Alegre

The race delivered impressive performances. In the men's category, Moroccan Zinedine Ouria won with 2h08min52s, setting a new record for marathons in Brazil and securing a R$100,000 bonus. He surpassed his own previous best, which was already 2h09. The runner-up, Aziz, also Moroccan, had placed second in Seoul with a time of 2h08. Among the Brazilians, Fábio de Jesus shone, beating Vanderlei Cordeiro de Lima's mark of 2h11min19s. Wendel also set a personal best with 2h11min34s. The experienced Paulo Paula, at 47 years old, impressed with 2h14min26s, maintaining an average pace of 3min11s per kilometer.

In the women's category, Moroccan Kaltar Carras claimed victory with 2h33min01s. The best Brazilian was Marina Richwi, who, in addition to being the fastest in the country, finished 5th overall and earned a R$50,000 bonus. The experienced Marlei (from rural Rio Grande do Sul), a former top amateur in New York, also performed well with 2h45min, finishing eighth overall.

Despite the results, the race faced serious criticism. Heavy rain impacted the runners' experience, and there were signage issues along the course, causing confusion among amateurs. The incident involving "Tio Maicon," who went viral after getting lost on the route, was a major point of complaint. Furthermore, baggage claim was delayed, exposing athletes to the cold after the race.

The organization, led by Cláudio and Arthur, acknowledged the shortcomings and regretted the inconvenience. In a live session with Rodrigo Thomazelli (Companhia dos Cavalos), they committed to analyzing the incidents and implementing significant improvements for future editions, including separating the marathon distances to avoid confusion. However, the race kit, with items like a beanie and arm warmers, and the pre-race organization, were praised.

London Marathon Spots and Other Alternatives

Around 1.3 million runners received the dreaded rejection email from the London Marathon. For those who didn't secure a spot in the ballot, alternatives exist: sports tour operators and charity programs for international athletes, or qualifying times and running clubs for UK residents.

Other options include the virtual Marathon My Way, which offers a medal to anyone who runs wherever they wish on race day. For the more adventurous, the unusual London Marathon in Reverse gathers over a thousand runners at midnight on the official race day to cover the course in the opposite direction, from The Mall to Greenwich – though it is not an official event. Additionally, starting in 2027, the London Marathon will separate elite and age-group participants across Saturday and Sunday, with women racing on Saturday and men on Sunday.

Study Suggests Link Between Running and ADHD

A study published in the journal Acta Fisiológica, involving researchers from France, Switzerland, and Spain, investigated 601 runners across different distances. The research revealed that 9.7% of participants showed positive results on a screening tool for ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) traits, a number three times higher than the average adult population (3%).

Although the questionnaire is only a screening instrument and not a diagnosis, researchers hypothesize that endurance running offers elements that appeal to ADHD brains, such as routine, constant challenges, immediate rewards, and the release of well-being-related substances. However, there is still no proof of cause and effect, and the conclusion emphasizes the importance of mental health and professional guidance in cases of suspicion.

News Roundup: Puma, On Running, and the Rio Marathon

Puma announced the hiring of Márcia dos Santos, an executive with over 20 years of experience at Nike, to lead its new global Core unit. Márcia, who was Vice President of Women's Merchandising for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa at Nike, will be tasked with accelerating the commercial transformation of the German brand. Her arrival is part of a broad company reorganization aimed at consolidating its market presence.

On Running has been heavily investing in artificial intelligence for product development. According to founder Olivier Bernhard, AI already allows for testing combinations of cushioning and support on computers, optimizing the prototyping process. The Swiss brand's ambition is that, in the future, equipment will understand a runner's behavior to personalize the user experience, always focusing on solving real problems and offering comfort.

The Rio Marathon aims to increase foreign participation. Currently, international runners represent about 8% of registrants, but the organization plans to intensify its presence at global marathon expos to attract more international athletes, especially from the United States. Rio de Janeiro, with its natural beauty, has great potential to establish itself as a marathon destination for foreign audiences.

Violence in Argentine Trail Running and Pepe Piamontini's Extreme Challenge

A shocking incident at the traditional Double Aconcagua in Argentine Patagonia turned a trail race into a police case. Just at kilometer 2, runners were threatened and assaulted by men on horseback with whips, who claimed the route passed through private property. The organization stated it had all necessary authorizations, including from the municipality and landowners, and reported that signage had been removed shortly before the start. The case is under investigation, and images of runners being attacked generated widespread repercussion and concern.

Brazilian ultramarathoner Pepe Piamontini is preparing for an even more extreme challenge: the Badwater 135. Known as the world's toughest ultramarathon, the race covers 135 miles (217 km) in Death Valley, United States, one of the hottest places on the planet. With temperatures reaching 48°C at night and exceeding 50°C during the day, Pepe has been training with multiple layers of clothing and adapting his body to heat in saunas, aiming for acclimatization for the grueling journey.

The Importance of Comfort in Running Shoes and the Era of 'Super Kits'

The discussion about the perfect running shoe leads to one conclusion: comfort is the most important factor. Recent studies, like those mentioned in the program, show that a runner's feeling of well-being with their footwear influences performance more than the amount of foam or technology. The ideal shoe should respect the foot's shape, provide toe space, and not cause pressure points. Injuries, on the other hand, are multifactorial, depending on training load, strengthening, recovery, and technique. Replacing shoes is easier than strengthening, but the body recognizes the difference.

Still on the topic of the running world, the era of “super kits” is solidifying. A survey by Ticket Sports revealed that 83.7% of runners consider the race kit a decisive factor when registering. Races organized by supermarket, pharmacy, and perfume brands have been distributing veritable gift baskets. Fila, for example, is known for its generous kits, having distributed over 2 million products in 2025. The debate revolves around loyalty: can these kits, filled with various products, truly retain runners? Many run just for the kit, with 59.3% of respondents admitting to having participated in a race solely motivated by the freebies.

Adidas Berlin Marathon News and the Troféu Brasil

Adidas has unveiled the official collection for the 2026 Berlin Marathon. The line includes everything from race and finisher shirts to casual wear, all inspired by the German capital and the race course. With a classic visual identity and vibrant shades of lemon yellow, royal blue, and coral, the collection is already generating desire. The tip is: if you're running, don't wait to buy at the Expo, as the most sought-after items sell out quickly.

For athletics fans, tickets for the 45th Troféu Brasil Interclubes Loterias Caixa are now available on Ticket Sports. The event takes place from July 23 to 26 at the renovated Icaro de Castro Melo Stadium in Ibirapuera, São Paulo. With free entry upon reservation, the public can witness top names like Alison do Santos (Piu) in the 400-meter hurdles and Caio Bonfim, an Olympic medalist in race walking. The track, certified by World Athletics, is the only one in Latin America with nine lanes.

Harry Styles in Ibirapuera and the 'Frisson' of Celebrities

Ibirapuera Park was the scene of an unusual encounter: singer Harry Styles was spotted doing his morning workout in São Paulo. Even disguised with a cap, hood, and dark glasses, the artist was recognized, and videos quickly went viral, generating great enthusiasm among his fans – and less so among the park's regular runners. The episode highlights the curiosity and excitement that the presence of celebrities generates, even during casual training moments.