NYC Marathon, Valencia Half & Global Running News Roundup

Peres Jepchirchir Provisionally Suspended for Doping

Tokyo Olympic marathon champion Peres Jepchirchir has been provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU). An out-of-competition sample collected in Kenya returned an adverse analytical finding for EPO. The disciplinary process remains ongoing with no set timeline, and any suspension exceeding three months could result in a ban from Abbott World Marathon Majors events.

NYC Marathon Preview and Brand Activations

The New York City Marathon is welcoming roughly 60,000 runners to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its iconic five-borough course. Defending champions Benson Kipruto and Hellen Obiri headline the elite fields. Beyond generating an estimated $700 million economic impact for the city, race week features more than 114 exhibitors at the Expo and major brand activations, including Volvo livestreaming the final finishers, Delta initiatives at area airports, and Puma treadmill challenges giving away running shoes.

Puma Launches the Fast-R Nitro Elite 2

Puma introduced the Fast-R Nitro Elite 2 (dubbed the Road Breaker), a super shoe generating buzz for its radical design and extreme energy return. Weighing around 250 grams (8.8 oz) and retailing at €350, the shoe features dual carbon-fiber plates embedded in the midsole. Because it exceeds technical stack and construction specifications set by World Athletics, the shoe is officially deemed illegal for record ratification in sanctioned competitions.

Coach Branca Honored at the Comrades Marathon

Brazilian running coach and physical therapist Branca, founder of Branca Sports, was honored with the Hermes Award at the Gems Spirit of Comrades Awards in Durban, South Africa. The recognition celebrates his nearly three decades of dedicating support to Brazilian runners at the legendary ultramarathon. In appreciation, a Branca Sports team jersey was donated to the Comrades Marathon Museum collection.

Inaugural World Records Set in the Marathon Race Walk

The official 42.195 km distance now has ratified world records in race walking. Competing in Takahata, Japan, Japan's Masatora Kawano completed the distance in 2:55:14, while Australia's Rebecca Henderson set the women's mark in 3:14:52. The performances mark the formal recognition of the marathon distance in race walking by World Athletics.

Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3 Hits the Market

The Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3 super shoe launched in Brazil with a retail price of R$ 6,499.99 (approx. $1,150 USD). Tipping the scales at a mere 97 grams, Adidas positions the model as the lightest and fastest racer ever engineered in the Adizero line, sparking widespread debate about cost-per-kilometer and humorous everyday comparisons.

Brazilian Race Round-up: Arrastão, Cãosilvestre, and 100% Você

The year-end São Paulo road race schedule features an eclectic mix of events. On December 13, Parque do Povo hosts the 25th Corrida pela Cidadania by Projeto Arrastão, offering 5K, 10K, 15K, and kids' distances. On December 19, Ibirapuera Park will host Cãosilvestre, a 1.4 km recreational dog walk organized by pet size. On December 20, the Ibirapuera area hosts the São Paulo debut of Corrida 100% Você, a running and live music event featuring 5K and 10K courses followed by a performance by musician Bell Marques.

Velocità Celebrates 30 Years with Black Friday Run

Marking 30 years in business, running specialty retailer Velocità is holding its 9th annual Black Friday Run. The promotion converts every logged kilometer synced via Strava or Garmin Connect into a 1% store discount (up to 42% off), backed by a price match guarantee if an item drops lower during Black Friday.

World Masters 50+ Marathon Record Shattered

At the Frankfurt Marathon, Kenya's Mark Kosgei Kiptoo set a new men's over-50 world record by finishing in 2:15:24. The veteran distance runner maintained an average pace of 3:13 per kilometer (5:10/mile), shattering the previous master's mark set by Titus Mamabolo in 1991 by more than four minutes.