marathons

Latest Stories

Racing

Jess McClain Went Viral for “Running the Tangents.” Here’s How to Steal Her Strategy for Your Next PR.

We asked experts just how much time an everyday runner can save if they ran the tangents like a pro. Here's what they had to say, plus advice on how to do it on a crowded course.

Sarah Wassner FlynnNovember 9, 2026

General Health

Why Do Young, Healthy Runners Collapse During Marathons? An ER Doctor Explains

After a 24-year-old runner died near the finish of the New York City Marathon, reports pointed to rhabdomyolysis. A physician explains the condition and why we shouldn’t rush to name the cause of death.

Dr. Jeffrey SankoffNovember 5, 2026

Racing

Feel Like Every Marathon Is Sold Out? Race Directors Share Smart Ways to Up Your Chances.

Runners got shut out of 83 percent of this year's spring marathons. Here's how to make sure you're not among them this fall.

John HancSeptember 28, 2026

Racing

The Best Fall Marathons That Haven't Sold Out (Yet)

Nine marathons across the country are still open for fall registration, offering everything from BQ-friendly courses to mountain scenery and city landmarks.

Jean Chen SmithAugust 19, 2026

Racing

I Ran a Marathon in All 50 States. Here Are My 10 Favorites.

From barely running a mile to completing a marathon in all 50 states—Mike Knobler knows what makes a good 26.2 race. These are his top 10 picks.

Mike KnoblerJuly 30, 2026

News

There Have Been 50 Grandma's Marathons—This Guy Has Run Them All

John Naslund, 76, completed his 50th consecutive Grandma's Marathon, extending one of the most remarkable streaks in marathon history.

Sarah Wassner FlynnJuly 6, 2026

Racing

7 Pro Tips to Shave Seconds (or Even Minutes!) Off Your Race Time

These simple race-day tweaks don't require any additional training and could help you nab your fastest time yet.

Lauren WingenrothJune 22, 2026

News

Wilt Did It—but Could Wemby? The Science of Marathoning at 7 Feet Tall

We analyzed the history and science of very tall, very athletic people running long distances.

Richard A. LovettJune 17, 2026

Racing

Why Is Japan so Much Better at Running Than Everyone Else?

In terms of depth at the half marathon and marathon, Japan is miles ahead of the rest of the world. Experts from inside the unique Japanese running culture reveal why.

Brett Larner, Mika TokairinApril 9, 2026

People

Why Are Religious Runners So Fast?

We spoke with three of the fastest American marathoners — Conner Mantz, Clayton Young, and Sara Hall — about the role faith plays in their lives, on and off the roads.

Jonathan BastianApril 8, 2026

Nutrition & Health

What Really Happens to Your Heart During a Marathon

Your heart rate climbs, blood pressure shifts, and cardiac enzymes rise. Here's how your heart powers through and what you need to know to help it recover.

Danielle ZicklFebruary 26, 2026

Racing

Spring 2026 Marathon Coverage

From in-depth elite coverage to data tracking of recreational runners, this is your go-to source for all the news from the 2026 spring marathons.

The Editors of Outside RunApril 17, 2026

Racing

What’s a Good Marathon Time?

A running data expert analyzed half a million marathon results from 2024 to offer an objective, statistical perspective on what actually makes a fast marathon time.

Brian RockMarch 23, 2026

Culture

The Real Reason Nasal Strips are Everywhere Again

Nasal strips promise to improve oxygen intake for runners. Experts weigh in on what they actually do, and what they don’t.

Richard A. LovettOctober 29, 2025

Training

Messed Up Your Marathon? What to Know Before Running Another Right Away

Is it possible to run two marathons in a single season? Sure. Whether or not you should is another story.

Greg McMillanOctober 7, 2025

Culture

Are Free Race Entries for Influencers Fair? A Frank Discussion.

As “runfluencers” take up more space on marathon start lines, longtime runners are asking hard questions: Who deserves a bib, and who’s just here for the ‘gram?

Sarah Wassner FlynnJuly 8, 2025

Training

Are We Right to Judge People Who Run a Marathon With No Training?

If you get fired up when people run a marathon totally unprepared, you’re not alone. But is our judginess justified?

Ali Nolan, Erica CovielloMay 7, 2025

Culture

They Get Paid to Pull Others Along to World Records. What It’s Like to Be a Professional Pacer.

Pacemaking is a time-tested, albeit controversial, practice in professional running. Who are these runners stringing others along to success, how do they do it, and should it be allowed?

Johanna GartonFebruary 24, 2025

Recovery

How Long Should You Rest After a Marathon or Ultra?

There’s no precise answer, but there are cues to find out what’s best for you

Stefanie FlippinJuly 10, 2025

Racing

Did the First-Ever ‘Every Woman’s Marathon’ Live Up to the Hype?

From lactation stations to actually clean porta-potties to motivation stations at every mile, this race made a big bet on a new type of woman’s only race. We flew to Savannah, Georgia, to see if it paid off.

Mallory ArnoldNovember 18, 2024