The past week in the world of running delivered events that will truly go down in the history of the sport: a new 100-mile world record, multiple European 10K records, a symbolic farewell to one of running’s greatest icons, and regulatory shifts that change the face of Ironman competition.
Ashley Paulson Sets New 100-Mile World Record
American ultramarathoner Ashley Paulson has set a new women’s world record for the 100-mile distance, clocking an incredible 12:19:34 in Henderson. This performance, which shattered the previous record by more than 17 minutes, took place at the Jackpot Ultra Running Festival, which hosted the US championships. Paulson maintained an average pace of 7:34 minutes per mile, further cementing her dominance following her previous victories at the prestigious Badwater 135.
→ Read more: New 100-Mile World Record
Two European Records Smashed at Facsa Castellón 10K
The Facsa Castellón 10K saw the fall of two European records over the 10-kilometer distance. Frenchman Yann Schrub finished in 26:43, trimming two seconds off the continental record. He placed second behind 20-year-old Ugandan debutant Harbert Kibet, whose winning time of 26:39 is the fifth-fastest in history. In the women’s race, Great Britain’s Megan Keith broke the continental record by one second with a time of 30:07, finishing just behind Kenya’s Caroline Makandi Gitonga, who recorded the ninth-fastest time in world history.
→ Read more: Facsa Castellón 10K
Saying Goodbye to Running Legend Jeff Galloway
Jeff Galloway, the American Olympian and creator of the revolutionary Run-Walk-Run training method—widely known as “Jeffing“—has passed away at the age of 80. The pioneer of mass-participation long-distance running died on February 25, 2026, following complications from a hemorrhagic stroke. Galloway, who completed over 230 marathons, leaves behind a legacy that made long-distance running accessible to millions of amateurs through his structured walk-break approach.
→ Read more: Jeff Galloway Passes Away at 80
Launch of the European Marathon Classics
The formation of the European Marathon Classics was announced in Vienna, a prestigious series linking eight European marathons, including races in London, Rome, and Warsaw. Launched on February 25, 2026, the project allows runners to earn a unique trophy for completing at least five different events, with no time limit imposed to finish the challenge. The initiative takes an innovative approach to mass sports by recognizing historical results achieved in partner cities in previous years.
→ Read more: A New Elite Marathon Series Launches in Europe
Kilian Jornet Returns to UTMB
Legendary trail runner Kilian Jornet has announced his return to the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) in August 2026, aiming for a record-breaking fifth title. The Spaniard also plans to compete in the Western States Endurance Run and Sierre-Zinal, attempting to win two of the most prestigious ultra races in a single calendar year. His return to Chamonix follows a period of public criticism regarding the event’s new organizational structure, which concluded with an agreement with organizers on shared values.
Ironman Implements On-Course Recording Ban
Starting in March 2026, new Ironman regulations will take effect, imposing a total ban on video recording and photography during competition. Violations of the rule—which covers action cameras and smart glasses—will result in immediate disqualification. Motivated by safety concerns and sporting integrity, the decision aims to eliminate digital distractions and ensure athletes remain focused solely on the race.
→ Read more: Ironman Bans On-Course Recording
Masalela Disqualified and a Record Half Marathon in Naples
Botswana’s Tshepiso Masalela was disqualified during the World Athletics Indoor Tour Gold final in Toruń for unsportsmanlike conduct after making a gesture mimicking a gunshot before the finish line. The incident cost him the 1500m victory and a national record. Meanwhile, in Italy, Yeman Crippa set a new national half marathon record with a time of 59:01, marking the second-fastest performance in European history.
→ Read more: Masalela Disqualified for “Gunshot” Gesture
A Week Defining New Directions
Paulson’s record demonstrates how quickly the limits of human endurance are shifting. Galloway’s passing reminds us that mass running has its architects, not just its champions. Furthermore, Ironman’s new rules signal a clear direction for competitive sports. Will similar regulations eventually find their way to the world’s major marathons?
