Running 2020: A Look at the Year’s Races and Records
Welcome to the MitGlobal Dubai Sports blog, where today, we will be taking an in-depth look at the events and records that have shaped the running scene in 2020. The year has seen a great deal of runners taking on new challenges and pushing boundaries across the sporting world.
In this article, our team of experts will provide an overview of running in 2020, including notable records, races and athletes. We will look at the history of running and its evolution over the years as well as the current trends in the competitive running world.
We will also discuss some of the major competitions for athletes, what it takes to be a top runner, and more. We aim to provide readers with all the information they need to know about running today and the trends that will define the world of running in 2020.
Major Races of 2020
2020 was one of the most unique years in history as the COVID-19 pandemic forced most recurring running events to be cancelled. However, this did not stop the most dedicated runners from achieving incredible feats in their individual races or forcing alternative events to take their place. Below are some of the most noteworthy races from 2020.
The London Marathon is usually one of the most celebrated running events in the world each year. This year’s marathon was ran separate from the original race date, however, with thousands of runners participating virtually on October 4th. The event had a majorly positive influence for charity, raising as much as €14 million for a range of good causes.
The Berlin Marathon is not only one of the largest marathons of the year, but it is also one of the fastest. This year, the race was made virtual, with several other marathons opting for the same measure. The new virtual course saw a world record broken by Kenyan runner, Eliud Kipchoge, who clinched the fastest marathon ever – 2 hours, 19 minutes, 31 seconds.
In a time of global duress, people have still tried to clock in the best times for their respective Half-marathons, 10K and 5K events. While the 2020 New York City Marathon was cancelled, the iconic race was replaced by The Virtual 5K and Half Marathon in its place, allowing runners to participate and raise money to various causes. Various 10K and 5K events have also gone virtual this year, with some races being completed as early as May.
The years 2020 may have been unlike any other, but this did not stop runners from achieving some amazing feats. From world records being broken to large scale virtual races raising money for various courses, this year has been a great showcase of the dedication, resilience and spirit of runners everywhere.
Notable Running Records
2020 marked many notable running records and accomplishments. At the top of the list was the amazing Women’s 10K world record set by Netherlands’s Sifan Hassan at the world championships in Doha, Qatar. She set the record by running an impressive time of 29 minutes, 6.82 seconds. Another record that was broken in 2020 was the Men’s 800 meter record, which was set by Senegal’s Agnes Samba at the African Games. Samba ran an incredible time of 1 minute, 43.87 seconds.
In 2020, many age-group records were set across the world. One of the most impressive records was set by 111-year-old Hidekichi Miyazaki at the 2020 Oita Age Group Marathon in Japan. He finished the race in a remarkable time of 2 hours, 46 minutes, and 23 seconds. This shattered the previous record, which was set at the 2017 Berlin Marathon by 100-year-old Fauja Singh.
Many other records were achieved in 2020 as well. These range from 5K records set by pros like Eliud Kipchoge to 15K records set by amateur runners. Whether it’s on the track or on the roads, running records have been broken in 2020, and the trend looks to continue into 2021 and beyond.
Tips for Training and Racing
If you are looking to make the most of your running in 2020, there are a few key tips to keep in mind to help you successfully leverage the season. Training Program Development should be tailored to fit your goals, which might include building endurance or speed. You should also develop a training schedule that complements your other commitments and interests, ensuring you are able to make steady progress without exhausting yourself. Nutrition for Runners is also a critical factor. Proper nutrition can help you fuel up for your runs and optimize recovery time. Before a race, make sure you plan your meals accordingly, having something light but nutritional to keep your energy levels up.
In the days running up to the race, performance should be the focus. Aim to get adequate rest and hydration. Race day Preparation should plan for unexpected delays, such as fluctuating temperatures, and make sure you are mentally ready and focused. Finally, pay attention to the weather ahead of time and dress appropriately. On competition day don’t forget to warm-up and stretch, following a routine that you have been employing up to that point to ensure you are running at peak form.
