Running Radar: Fila Speed Zone 2, Comrades 2027 & Top News
Discover details on Fila's new launch, the Comrades Marathon ballot, World Marathon Majors updates, and more.
Catch up on the latest running news featuring the launch of the Fila Speed Zone 2, the new ballot entry system for the 2027 Comrades Marathon, and updates across the World Marathon Majors. This weekly roundup also covers Iron Maiden's official race in São Paulo, Chicago Marathon hydration changes, and emerging global running trends.
Fila launches Speed Zone 2 and energizes Cidade Universitária
Fila gathered the running community at MASP in São Paulo to unveil the Speed Zone 2. The launch event was hosted by Rosana Fortes, country manager for Strava in Brazil, alongside Fila's product, marketing, design, and biomechanics teams. The development of the new model spanned over two years of research and roughly 20,000 kilometers of real-world testing.
The major technical upgrade is the midsole featuring Skypoo foam, which delivers 41% more energy return and 10% more cushioning compared to the previous iteration. The shoe features an engineered knit upper with targeted breathability zones, a redesigned anatomical tongue, and reinforced rubber grip sections on the outsole. Weighing 225 g in men's size 9 (EU 40), featuring an 8 mm drop, and priced at R$ 599.99, the shoe is engineered to serve a wide range of paces and training distances.
The new model will also be highlighted at the Maratona da Fila race village in Cidade Universitária (USP), welcoming 5,000 runners. In addition to recovery and personalization services, the CEPEUSP hub will host a treadmill challenge: runners who can hold a 3:18/km (5:18/mile) pace the longest will compete to win a pair of the new shoe.
Organizational issues disrupt night race in Pernambuco
The inaugural edition of the First Fitness Night Run, held in the municipality of Paulista, Pernambuco, went viral on social media due to severe logistical failures. Footage captured falls right at the starting line and athletes forced to share narrow road space with open vehicular traffic.
The complete absence of course marshals and proper signage turned the route into an improvised trial where runners had to guess directions at intersections, sparking widespread frustration and outrage among participants.
Iron Maiden announces official themed race in São Paulo
Registration is officially open for the Run for Your Lives race, billed as the first official Iron Maiden running event in the world. Scheduled for October 10 in downtown São Paulo, the event is part of the warm-up celebrations marking 50 years of the legendary British heavy metal band.
Organized by Indie Sports with registrations handled via Ticket Sports, the race starts and finishes at Vale do Anhangabaú, offering a 5K run, a 2.5K walk, and a kids' division. The scenic course winds past São Paulo landmarks such as Galeria do Rock, the Municipal Theatre, Viaduto do Chá, and Pátio do Colégio, complete with a live concert by cover band The Beast Experience.
Nike shares hit multi-year lows as market analyzes premium running segment
Nike shares dropped sharply on Wall Street, trading below the $40 mark and reaching $38.86—their lowest level since 2014 and roughly 78% below their late 2021 all-time peak. The slump coincided with a 6% decline in direct-to-consumer sales, a 12% drop in digital channels, and an 11% revenue decrease in Greater China.
The downturn highlights a broader realignment within the global athletic industry, exacerbated by softer-than-expected earnings from Swiss brand On. As brands like Hoka, Brooks, Saucony, and On expand their technical presence in specialty running stores, Nike is restructuring its wholesale distribution network to regain ground in performance running.
Under Armour opens dedicated concept spaces at Centauro
Under Armour has partnered with Brazilian retail chain Centauro to roll out dedicated "Ultra High" brand spaces across five flagship stores: Shopping Iguatemi, JK Iguatemi, and Morumbi in São Paulo, as well as Pátio Batel in Curitiba.
The concept allows consumers to test running shoes on dedicated mini-tracks before purchasing. In the running category, the spotlight is on the Velocity line, while the Tribase family occupies space reserved for functional training and strength workouts.
Comrades Marathon introduces ballot system for 100th edition in 2027
The historic Comrades Marathon has announced a major overhaul to its registration process for the 100th running, scheduled for June 13, 2027, in South Africa. Run as a "down run" from Pietermaritzburg to Durban, the ultramarathon field cap will expand to 28,000 participants.
To curb website crashes and high entry demand, organizers have introduced a general ballot system for 52% of general entries, opening from September 9 to 22 with lottery results announced on September 23. Green Number runners (10 finishes) and Yellow Number runners (9 finishes) will receive priority entry from August 25 to 31, while CMA members can enter from September 2 to 5. An additional 1,000 charity entries will be available with a minimum donation of 10,000 ZAR.
Sydney Marathon reveals 2026 medal featuring Major design elements
The Sydney Marathon has unveiled the official finisher medal design for its August 30, 2026 edition. Designed by artist Ambrose Killian, the medal showcases iconic landmarks including the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, accompanied by 42 outer rim notches representing every kilometer of the race. On the reverse side, eight interconnected rings nod toward Abbott World Marathon Majors status.
Star-studded elite showdown set for the New York City Marathon
The New York City Marathon, scheduled for November 1, has confirmed the return of defending champions Hellen Obiri and Benson Kipruto. In the women's elite field, Obiri will clash with distance superstar Sifan Hassan, who makes her return to the iconic American race.
In the men's division, Kipruto will face formidable competitors including American standout Conner Mantz (2:04:43), alongside Zouhair Talbi, Deresa Geleta, Cybrian Kotut, and Olympic medalist Abdi Nageeye.
Chicago Marathon adds dedicated refill stations for personal hydration gear
Organizers of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon have upgraded the on-course hydration infrastructure. Alongside the 20 standard aid stations offering water and Gatorade Endurance, the race will feature four designated refill stations exclusively for personal hydration vessels.
Allowed items include handheld bottles, soft flasks, hydration belts, and vests with front-access bottle pockets. However, hydration backpacks and vests equipped with back bladders or hoses remain strictly prohibited for security reasons.
Julia Sette named official ambassador for Pyramids Half Marathon
Brazilian marathoner and content creator Julia Sette has been named an official ambassador for the Pyramids Half Marathon in Egypt. Having completed 17 marathons and the Comrades Marathon, the runner will represent the event taking place on December 11 and 12.
The event features 5K, 10K, and 21K distances staged against the backdrop of the Giza Plateau, with the two longer routes officially certified by AIMS (Association of International Marathons and Distance Races).
Humanoid bipedal robots set to run Malaysia Marathon
Tech brand Honor has confirmed the participation of two bipedal humanoid robots at the Malaysia Marathon in Kuala Lumpur on August 30. The D1 model will take on the midnight 10K race, while the A1 model will tackle the morning 5K, marking the duo's first public demonstration outside China following D1's experimental division victory at the Beijing Half Marathon.
'Slow jogging' fitness craze gains traction across South Korea
Slow jogging has rapidly emerged as a major lifestyle and fitness trend among running clubs in South Korea. Practiced at an easy, conversational pace—between 10 and 15 minutes per kilometer (4 to 6 km/h or 16 to 24 min/mile)—the technique prioritizes short strides, soft midfoot landings, and controlled heart rates.
Originally developed in Japan by researcher Dr. Hiroaki Tanaka, the discipline provides an accessible, non-competitive alternative that enables runners of all fitness levels and beginners to train comfortably in group packs.