Eliud Kipchoge will test his readiness for a defence of his Olympic marathon crown not in Hamburg as planned but in the Dutch city of Enschede after the race was switched due to Covid-19 restrictions in Germany.

As well as moving to the Netherlands organisers announced Wednesday the invitation-only event which serves as a Tokyo Games qualifier has been put back a week to April 18.

As defending champion and world record holder, Kipchoge does not have to concern himself with qualifying but the Kenyan has nevertheless identified the NN Mission marathon as an important stepping stone to Japan.

It will give him the chance to draw a line under his lowest ever eighth-place finish last time out in the London Marathon in October.

This will be his only trial over the 42.2-kilometre (26.2 miles) distance before the delayed Tokyo Games marathon in Sapporo.

Organisers of the one-off 70-runner elite marathon were left looking for a new home after a tightening of coronavirus lockdown restrictions in Hamburg.

Kipchoge, who set the world record of 2:01.39 in Berlin in 2018, blamed his poor performance in London on cramp and "problems with my hip".

This was the first marathon Kipchoge had failed to win after a sequence of 11 successes including the 2016 Rio Olympics since finishing second in Berlin in 2013.

Eliud Kipchoge will test his readiness for a defence of his Olympic marathon crown not in Hamburg as planned but in the Dutch city of Enschede after the race was switched due to Covid-19 restrictions in Germany.

Eliud Kipchoge will test his readiness for a defence of his Olympic marathon crown not in Hamburg as planned but in the Dutch city of Enschede after the race was switched due to Covid-19 restrictions in Germany. As well as moving to the Netherlands organisers announced Wednesday the invitation-only event which serves as a Tokyo Games qualifier has been put back a week to April 18. As defending champion and world record holder, Kipchoge does not have to concern himself with qualifying but the Kenyan has nevertheless identified the NN Mission marathon as an important stepping stone to Japan. It will give him the chance to draw a line under his lowest ever eighth-place finish last time out in the London Marathon in October. This will be his only trial over the 42.2-kilometre (26.2 miles) distance before the delayed Tokyo Games marathon in Sapporo. Organisers of the one-off 70-runner elite marathon were left looking for a new home after a tightening of coronavirus lockdown restrictions in Hamburg. Kipchoge, who set the world record of 2:01.39 in Berlin in 2018, blamed his poor performance in London on cramp and "problems with my hip". This was the first marathon Kipchoge had failed to win after a sequence of 11 successes including the 2016 Rio Olympics since finishing second in Berlin in 2013.

Kipchoge's Olympic marathon prep switched from Hamburg

83 Runners from 6 countries challenged themselves to brave Siberian sub-zero temperatures on Sunday (February 28) to take part in Baikal Ice Marathon.

Russian veteran footballer, ex-national team captain wins Baikal marathon race

Elite runners take part in Delhi marathon despite COVID-19 and pollution concerns

Women's marathon world record holder Brigid Kosgei said on Thursday she was gearing up for New Delhi's half-marathon on Sunday, dismissing fears around the novel coronavirus outbreak and polluted air in the capital city.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-have-to-adapt-jose-mourinho-to-jurgen-klopp-over-hectic-schedule-345591" hreflang="en">'We have to adapt': Jose Mourinho to Jurgen Klopp over hectic schedule</a>

&nbsp;The 26-year-old, who won the London Marathon in October, will race alongside many of the world's leading long-distance runners at the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon 2020.

"When I told my family that I want to go to India for a marathon even during a pandemic, they supported my decision and told me to do well and take care of myself," Kosgei told reporters at a news conference on Thursday.

India's confimed cases of coronavirus infections stands at 9.27 million, the second-highest in the world after the United States, according to a Reuters tally.

Elite runners were being tested daily for infections and kept in bio-secure bubbles, race organiser Procam International said, adding there would be 60 healthcare officials across the course for health emergencies on Sunday.

To tackle Delhi's hazardous air, anti-smog machines would be installed along the 21-km route for the elite runners, and sprayed with treated water.

Hundreds of other enthusiasts were participating in the shorter races.

Doctors have slammed the holding of a marathon in Delhi, which is facing one of the worst spells of air pollution this year, complicating efforts for controlling the coronavirus outbreak.&nbsp;

On Thursday, the average concentration of deadly particulate matter PM2.5, which can potentially cause respiratory diseases including lung cancer, was seven times the prescribed safe limit of the World Health Organisation.

&nbsp;Each year Delhi suffers one of the worst air pollution levels globally partly due to local vehicle emissions, toxic waste and smoke from the thousands of small unregulated industrial units.

Women's marathon world record holder Brigid Kosgei said on Thursday she was gearing up for New Delhi's half-marathon on Sunday, dismissing fears around the novel coronavirus outbreak and polluted air in the capital city.

Women's marathon world record holder Brigid Kosgei said on Thursday she was gearing up for New Delhi's half-marathon on Sunday, dismissing fears around the novel coronavirus outbreak and polluted air in the capital city. Also read: 'We have to adapt': Jose Mourinho to Jurgen Klopp over hectic schedule The 26-year-old, who won the London Marathon in October, will race alongside many of the world's leading long-distance runners at the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon 2020. "When I told my family that I want to go to India for a marathon even during a pandemic, they supported my decision and told me to do well and take care of myself," Kosgei told reporters at a news conference on Thursday. India's confimed cases of coronavirus infections stands at 9.27 million, the second-highest in the world after the United States, according to a Reuters tally. Elite runners were being tested daily for infections and kept in bio-secure bubbles, race organiser Procam International said, adding there would be 60 healthcare officials across the course for health emergencies on Sunday. To tackle Delhi's hazardous air, anti-smog machines would be installed along the 21-km route for the elite runners, and sprayed with treated water. Hundreds of other enthusiasts were participating in the shorter races. Doctors have slammed the holding of a marathon in Delhi, which is facing one of the worst spells of air pollution this year, complicating efforts for controlling the coronavirus outbreak. On Thursday, the average concentration of deadly particulate matter PM2.5, which can potentially cause respiratory diseases including lung cancer, was seven times the prescribed safe limit of the World Health Organisation. Each year Delhi suffers one of the worst air pollution levels globally partly due to local vehicle emissions, toxic waste and smoke from the thousands of small unregulated industrial units.

Athletics: Kenya's Kosgei dismisses fears over Delhi pollution, virus

More than 4,000 professionals and first-time runners took to Egypt's Giza on Saturday (February 22), where they participated in a half marathon around the site of the country's historic pyramids.

Egypt's historic pyramids serve as backdrop for half marathon

Mo Farah repeatedly denied to the United States Anti-Doping Agency taking a legal supplement prior to the 2014 London Marathon, before changing his account once he learned the doctor who injected him had told the investigators he had taken it, the BBC reported on Monday.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/leadership-of-russias-suspended-federation-resigns-amid-scandal-278488">Leadership of Russia's suspended federation resigns amid scandal</a>

The four-time Olympic champion had been asked by USADA whether he had been injected with L-carnitine, a naturally occurring amino acid, as part of its investigation into his former coach Alberto Salazar.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/british-runner-mo-farah-crashes-out-of-london-half-marathon-citing-injury-279059">British runner Mo Farah crashes out of London Half Marathon citing injury</a>

The supplement had been obtained through a contact of Salazar's in Switzerland.

As a result of the overall investigation, Salazar has been banned from athletics for four years over doping violations.

Two of Salazar's violations relate to using a banned method to administer an infusion of L-carnitine.

The US coach, who is appealing against his ban at the Court of Arbitration for Sports, led the Nike Oregon Project training group, where Farah was a star name from 2011-2017.

According to the BBC, Farah -- who finished eighth in what was his first London Marathon in 2014 -- was questioned by USADA officials investigating Salazar for nearly five hours a year after the injections took place.

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In a transcript of the interview seen by the BBC, Farah repeatedly denied he had been injected.

"If someone said that you were taking L-carnitine injections, are they not telling the truth?" asked a USADA investigator.

Farah replied: "Definitely not telling the truth, 100 percent. I've never taken L-carnitine injections at all."

He is then asked: "Are you sure that Alberto Salazar hasn't recommended that you take L-carnitine injections?"

Farah responds: "No, I've never taken L-carnitine injections."

He is asked again: "You're absolutely sure that you didn't have a doctor put a butterfly needle... into your arm... and inject L-carnitine a few days before the London marathon?"

Farah says: "No. No chance."

He then left the room but returned soon afterwards with a different account, apparently after speaking with UK Athletics (UKA) head of distance running Barry Fudge.

Fudge had told USADA the previous day that Farah had been injected.&nbsp;

Farah then returned to the investigators and said: "So I just wanted to come clear, sorry guys, and I did take it at the time and I thought I didn't."

He is asked: "So you received L-carnitine… before the London marathon?"

Farah answers: "Yeah."

He adds: "There was a lot of talk before... and Alberto's always thinking about 'What's the best thing?' 'What's the best thing?'"

The USADA investigator then said: "A few days before the race... with... Alberto present and your doctor (Dr Robin Chakraverty, then UKA's chief medical officer) and Barry Fudge and you're telling us all about that now but you didn't remember any of that when I... kept asking you about this?"

Farah responds: "It all comes back for me, but at the time I didn't remember."

Farah -- who will bid for a third 10,000 metres Olympic title later this year in Japan having abandoned his experiment to switch to the marathon -- declined to comment to the BBC but his lawyers issued a letter.

"Interviews are not memory tests," they wrote. "Mr Farah understood the question one way and as soon as he left the room he asked Mr Fudge and immediately returned... to clarify and it is plain the investigators were comfortable with this explanation."

Fudge apparently did not disclose he had gone to Switzerland to collect the product.

Chakraverty said the decision to go ahead with the injection two days before the race &nbsp;had been a joint one with Fudge.

There is no evidence any rules were broken in the way the substance was administered.

Some research suggests that L-carnitine, if injected straight into the bloodstream, can help speed metabolism and boost athletic performance.

Mo Farah repeatedly denied to the United States Anti-Doping Agency taking a legal supplement prior to the 2014 London Marathon, before changing his account once he learned the doctor who injected him had told the investigators he had taken it, the BBC reported on Monday.

Mo Farah repeatedly denied to the United States Anti-Doping Agency taking a legal supplement prior to the 2014 London Marathon, before changing his account once he learned the doctor who injected him had told the investigators he had taken it, the BBC reported on Monday. Also read: Leadership of Russia's suspended federation resigns amid scandal The four-time Olympic champion had been asked by USADA whether he had been injected with L-carnitine, a naturally occurring amino acid, as part of its investigation into his former coach Alberto Salazar. Also read: British runner Mo Farah crashes out of London Half Marathon citing injury The supplement had been obtained through a contact of Salazar's in Switzerland. As a result of the overall investigation, Salazar has been banned from athletics for four years over doping violations. Two of Salazar's violations relate to using a banned method to administer an infusion of L-carnitine. The US coach, who is appealing against his ban at the Court of Arbitration for Sports, led the Nike Oregon Project training group, where Farah was a star name from 2011-2017. According to the BBC, Farah -- who finished eighth in what was his first London Marathon in 2014 -- was questioned by USADA officials investigating Salazar for nearly five hours a year after the injections took place. #onemomile pic.twitter.com/PVCqDttcdc — Sir Mo Farah (@Mo_Farah) January 18, 2020 × In a transcript of the interview seen by the BBC, Farah repeatedly denied he had been injected. "If someone said that you were taking L-carnitine injections, are they not telling the truth?" asked a USADA investigator. Farah replied: "Definitely not telling the truth, 100 percent. I've never taken L-carnitine injections at all." He is then asked: "Are you sure that Alberto Salazar hasn't recommended that you take L-carnitine injections?" Farah responds: "No, I've never taken L-carnitine injections." He is asked again: "You're absolutely sure that you didn't have a doctor put a butterfly needle... into your arm... and inject L-carnitine a few days before the London marathon?" Farah says: "No. No chance." He then left the room but returned soon afterwards with a different account, apparently after speaking with UK Athletics (UKA) head of distance running Barry Fudge. Fudge had told USADA the previous day that Farah had been injected. Farah then returned to the investigators and said: "So I just wanted to come clear, sorry guys, and I did take it at the time and I thought I didn't." He is asked: "So you received L-carnitine… before the London marathon?" Farah answers: "Yeah." He adds: "There was a lot of talk before... and Alberto's always thinking about 'What's the best thing?' 'What's the best thing?'" The USADA investigator then said: "A few days before the race... with... Alberto present and your doctor (Dr Robin Chakraverty, then UKA's chief medical officer) and Barry Fudge and you're telling us all about that now but you didn't remember any of that when I... kept asking you about this?" Farah responds: "It all comes back for me, but at the time I didn't remember." Farah -- who will bid for a third 10,000 metres Olympic title later this year in Japan having abandoned his experiment to switch to the marathon -- declined to comment to the BBC but his lawyers issued a letter. "Interviews are not memory tests," they wrote. "Mr Farah understood the question one way and as soon as he left the room he asked Mr Fudge and immediately returned... to clarify and it is plain the investigators were comfortable with this explanation." Fudge apparently did not disclose he had gone to Switzerland to collect the product. Chakraverty said the decision to go ahead with the injection two days before the race had been a joint one with Fudge. There is no evidence any rules were broken in the way the substance was administered. Some research suggests that L-carnitine, if injected straight into the bloodstream, can help speed metabolism and boost athletic performance.

Farah in controversy over 2014 London Marathon injection row

A fanatical runner jogs the equivalent of an ultra-marathon inside his small apartment as people in virus-hit China desperately try to keep fit while cooped up indoors.

Man runs marathon in apartment as China fights virus

Nike's Vaporfly shoe has stirred a lot of controversy regarding its sole giving an edge to athletes in terms of energy efficiency. According to Nike, the shoes provide mind-boggling 4 per cent of energy efficiency to the contestants. Many experts accused the shoe of giving an "unfair advantage" to the runner.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/vaporfly-nikes-shoes-worn-by-marathon-champions-at-risk-of-getting-banned-274923">Unfair advantage? Nike's 'Vaporfly' shoes worn by top runners risk ban</a>

Vaporfly is&nbsp;a common choice of shoes worn by marathon champions. According to The Guardian, World Athletics organization, which is the governing body for most of the international track and field event will not be imposing a ban on Vaporfly shoes.&nbsp;

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“I run to prove to any human in this universe that there are no limitations.” <a href="https://twitter.com/EliudKipchoge?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EliudKipchoge</a> 
 
A crazy dream come true — Eliud Kipchoge becomes the world’s first to run a marathon in under two hours. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/justdoit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#justdoit</a> <a href="https://t.co/12mVz1wbpd">pic.twitter.com/12mVz1wbpd</a>
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The governing body formed a working group of athletes, scientists and legal experts to review the shoe and its technology. They have decided to hold the ban against the shoe, however, a temporary suspension has been placed for any fresh 'shoe technology' until the next summer Olympics which is held in Tokyo which springs on July 24. Companies will be likely to be asked to present their prototype shoes to the World Athletics committee for approval before they could be used in the competitions.

The governing body is&nbsp;yet to announce their official statement, the announcement is slated to take place on Friday.&nbsp;

Vaporfly's dominance in the athletic world is for the world to see, out of 36 positions in six world marathon majors, 31 position holders donned the Nike shoe in the year 2019.

Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge and Brigid Kosgei are one of the famous record-breaking marathon runners whose names surfaced when questions were raised regarding Vaporfly. These athletes wore the troubled Nike shoe during their record-breaking marathon.&nbsp;

Nike's Vaporfly shoe has stirred a lot of controversy regarding its sole giving an edge to athletes in terms of energy efficiency. According to Nike, the shoes provide mind-boggling 4 per cent of energy efficiency to the contestants.

Nike's Vaporfly shoe has stirred a lot of controversy regarding its sole giving an edge to athletes in terms of energy efficiency. According to Nike, the shoes provide mind-boggling 4 per cent of energy efficiency to the contestants. Many experts accused the shoe of giving an "unfair advantage" to the runner. Also read: Unfair advantage? Nike's 'Vaporfly' shoes worn by top runners risk ban Vaporfly is a common choice of shoes worn by marathon champions. According to The Guardian, World Athletics organization, which is the governing body for most of the international track and field event will not be imposing a ban on Vaporfly shoes. “I run to prove to any human in this universe that there are no limitations.” @EliudKipchoge A crazy dream come true — Eliud Kipchoge becomes the world’s first to run a marathon in under two hours. #justdoit pic.twitter.com/12mVz1wbpd — Nike (@Nike) October 12, 2019 × The governing body formed a working group of athletes, scientists and legal experts to review the shoe and its technology. They have decided to hold the ban against the shoe, however, a temporary suspension has been placed for any fresh 'shoe technology' until the next summer Olympics which is held in Tokyo which springs on July 24. Companies will be likely to be asked to present their prototype shoes to the World Athletics committee for approval before they could be used in the competitions. The governing body is yet to announce their official statement, the announcement is slated to take place on Friday. Vaporfly's dominance in the athletic world is for the world to see, out of 36 positions in six world marathon majors, 31 position holders donned the Nike shoe in the year 2019. Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge and Brigid Kosgei are one of the famous record-breaking marathon runners whose names surfaced when questions were raised regarding Vaporfly. These athletes wore the troubled Nike shoe during their record-breaking marathon.

Nike's controversial Vapor Fly to evade ban, rules on running shoes to be stringent

Thousands of fans gathered in Minnesota to watch the opening day of action at the 2020 Beargrease sled dog marathon on Sunday. Ryan Redington led the way after the early stages, with Keith Aili close behind.

5000 fans watch dogs wearing socks compete in World Series sled marathon

Nike's Vaporfly shoes are making headlines for all wrong reasons for its "unfair technology"&nbsp;that supports athletes during sprints.

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/nike-shuts-down-oregon-project-after-coach-salazar-banned-255212">Nike shuts down Oregon Project after coach Alberto Salazar banned</a>

Nike said&nbsp;on its website that the shoe, which retails at around $250, has "a built-in secret weapon".

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/quitters-day-study-reveals-people-are-likely-to-give-up-on-their-new-year-resolutions-on-january-19-274753">Quitter's day! Study reveals people are likely to give up on their New Year resolutions on January 19</a>

Analysts say the debate over Nike's "Vaporfly"&nbsp;shoes gives runners an unfair technological advantage and mainly helps the world's largest athletic apparel company sell more shoes.

Independent studies have concluded that the shoes, which has&nbsp;a curved, carbon-fibre plate embedded in a thick layer of lightweight foam, improves metabolic efficiency by 4 per cent, though that does not necessarily mean a runner will be 4 per cent faster.

Nike's shoe has a 1.4-inch sole, higher the sole more the efficiency, whereas other shoes have a sole thickness of 1 inch.

A working group at governing body world athletics has been examining for months on what to do about the hyper-advanced footwear, used by elite runners including Kenya's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../kenyas-kipchoge-becomes-first-ever-to-run- marathon-in-under-two-hours-255461">Eliud Kipchoge</a> and Brigid Kosgei who gave stunning performances last year.

World Athletics' current rules say running shoes can't provide any "unfair assistance or advantage"&nbsp;and they should be available for all.

Laurues Award nominee Eliud Kipchoge broke the record in the Berlin Marathon in 2018. He wore the Vaporfly prototype.&nbsp;

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A crazy dream come true — Eliud Kipchoge becomes the world’s first to run a marathon in under two hours. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/justdoit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#justdoit</a> <a href="https://t.co/12mVz1wbpd">pic.twitter.com/12mVz1wbpd</a>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../kenyas-brigid-kosgei-breaks-womens-half- marathon-world-record-248454">Brigid Kosgei</a> beat the previous record by just 81 seconds in 2019. She ran in the Chicago marathon. She was clocked at 2 hours, 14 minutes and 4 seconds. She wore the infamous Vaporfly.

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If it hasn’t been done before, it’s yours to claim. 
 
Brigid Kosgei becomes the fastest woman in history to run 26.2 miles with a time of 2:14:04. Congrats on your World Record and second consecutive victory at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/justdoit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#justdoit</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/chicagomarathon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#chicagomarathon</a> <a href="https://t.co/7wQYJvCRWx">pic.twitter.com/7wQYJvCRWx</a>
— Nike (@Nike) <a href="https://twitter.com/Nike/status/1183433710881792000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Shares in the Oregon-based firm were up 0.5 per cent, while those in rivals Under Armor and Skechers USA gained about 1.5 per cent. Japan's Asics corp. earlier closed up 2.5 per cent.

Nike's Vaporfly shoes are making headlines for all wrong reasons for its "unfair technology" that supports athletes during sprints. Also read- Nike shuts down Oregon Project after coach Alberto Salazar banned Nike said on its website that the shoe, which retails at around $250, has "a built-in secret weapon".

Nike's Vaporfly shoes are making headlines for all wrong reasons for its "unfair technology" that supports athletes during sprints. Also read- Nike shuts down Oregon Project after coach Alberto Salazar banned Nike said on its website that the shoe, which retails at around $250, has "a built-in secret weapon". Also read- Quitter's day! Study reveals people are likely to give up on their New Year resolutions on January 19 Analysts say the debate over Nike's "Vaporfly" shoes gives runners an unfair technological advantage and mainly helps the world's largest athletic apparel company sell more shoes. Independent studies have concluded that the shoes, which has a curved, carbon-fibre plate embedded in a thick layer of lightweight foam, improves metabolic efficiency by 4 per cent, though that does not necessarily mean a runner will be 4 per cent faster. Nike's shoe has a 1.4-inch sole, higher the sole more the efficiency, whereas other shoes have a sole thickness of 1 inch. A working group at governing body world athletics has been examining for months on what to do about the hyper-advanced footwear, used by elite runners including Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge and Brigid Kosgei who gave stunning performances last year. World Athletics' current rules say running shoes can't provide any "unfair assistance or advantage" and they should be available for all. Laurues Award nominee Eliud Kipchoge broke the record in the Berlin Marathon in 2018. He wore the Vaporfly prototype. “I run to prove to any human in this universe that there are no limitations.” @EliudKipchoge A crazy dream come true — Eliud Kipchoge becomes the world’s first to run a marathon in under two hours. #justdoit pic.twitter.com/12mVz1wbpd — Nike (@Nike) October 12, 2019 × Brigid Kosgei beat the previous record by just 81 seconds in 2019. She ran in the Chicago marathon. She was clocked at 2 hours, 14 minutes and 4 seconds. She wore the infamous Vaporfly. If it hasn’t been done before, it’s yours to claim. Brigid Kosgei becomes the fastest woman in history to run 26.2 miles with a time of 2:14:04. Congrats on your World Record and second consecutive victory at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. #justdoit #chicagomarathon pic.twitter.com/7wQYJvCRWx — Nike (@Nike) October 13, 2019 × Shares in the Oregon-based firm were up 0.5 per cent, while those in rivals Under Armor and Skechers USA gained about 1.5 per cent. Japan's Asics corp. earlier closed up 2.5 per cent.

Unfair advantage? Nike's 'Vaporfly' shoes worn by top runners risk ban

Sapporo was formally approved on Friday as host of the marathon events at next year's Summer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-2020-medals-unveiled-a-year-before-games-238165">Olympics</a>&nbsp;with the reluctant consent of Tokyo's governor, ending a showdown between the Japanese capital and the IOC over where to stage the flagship event.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) stunned many Games organisers last month by announcing that the marathon, one of the most prestigious events at any&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;and one especially beloved in Japan, would be moved to the northern Japanese city of Sapporo to avoid the worst of Tokyo's summer heat.

The announcement enraged Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, who said at the beginning of discussions with the IOC on Wednesday that she still wanted the marathon and race walk events to remain in the capital.

At the request of IOC delegation leader John Coates, representatives from the IOC, the 2020 organising committee, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and national government held talks on Friday aimed at reaching an amicable solution to what has become a very public spat.

Koike reiterated at the start of Friday's meeting there was no change in her feelings that the races should stay in Tokyo and that the IOC explanation still "wasn't sufficient."

"But on these points to make the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;a success we need to build a positive framework going forward," Koike said.

"I don't approve but the decision can't be avoided," she said. "It's a decision without agreement."

She added that they had agreed Tokyo would not bear extra costs of the venue move but other points still remained to be worked out, such as how much of the money Tokyo has spent up to this point in preparation might be repaid.

Coates said they had agreed at a meeting on Thursday that the decision on where to hold the marathon and race walk events rested with the IOC, adding that there would be no other venue changes in the future.

"We will continue as a one-team effort," he said, referring to planning with host city Tokyo.

'Difficult decision'

In Wednesday's opening remarks to a three-day IOC coordination visit, Coates had said organisers "owed it to the people of Tokyo" to clarify any plans over the marathon and race walk and vowed not to leave Tokyo without a consensus decision over the events.

Tokyo temperatures in July and August, when the city will host the Games, regularly exceed 30 degrees Celsius with high humidity adding to the discomfort.

"We thought it would be possible to do something, but our opponent was nature," said Tokyo 2020 organising committee President Yoshiro Mori, adding that he respected Koike's "difficult decision."

The IOC is determined not to repeat the experience of the athletics world championships in Doha, where the heat and humidity forced many athletes to drop out of the race despite the marathon being held at midnight.

The IOC has said temperatures in Sapporo, which will also host soccer games, are as much as five to six degrees cooler during the day.

Asked at a news conference later on Friday about what he might say to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/young-guns-of-indian-shooting-ready-for-gold-rush-at-tokyo-olympics-249259">Tokyo</a> children missing out on the "memory of a lifetime," Coates once again cited Doha.

"I'm very aware of the special place marathons have in the minds of the Japanese. We also didn't want bad memories, we didn't want people to have bad memories of Tokyo," he said.

"We didn't want it to be remembered by some of the scenes we saw in Doha." Many marathoners at the 2019 World Athletics Championships in Doha were forced to withdraw from races due high temperatures and unbearable humidity. Some were carried off in wheelchairs.

Organisers earlier this year had already moved up the starting times to 6 am&nbsp;for the marathon and 5:30 am&nbsp;for the race walk to avoid the midday sun, and Coates said they were considering moving up the time for some other events, such as equestrian events.

When Tokyo hosted the Summer&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;in 1964, they were held in October, an option no longer possible due to international sports schedules.

Next year's Games are set to run from July 24 to August&nbsp;9, with the men's marathon to be held on the final day.

Sapporo was formally approved on Friday as host of the marathon events at next year's Summer Olympics with the reluctant consent of Tokyo's governor, ending a showdown between the Japanese capital and the IOC over where to stage the flagship event.

Sapporo was formally approved on Friday as host of the marathon events at next year's Summer Olympics with the reluctant consent of Tokyo's governor, ending a showdown between the Japanese capital and the IOC over where to stage the flagship event. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) stunned many Games organisers last month by announcing that the marathon, one of the most prestigious events at any Olympics and one especially beloved in Japan, would be moved to the northern Japanese city of Sapporo to avoid the worst of Tokyo's summer heat. The announcement enraged Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, who said at the beginning of discussions with the IOC on Wednesday that she still wanted the marathon and race walk events to remain in the capital. At the request of IOC delegation leader John Coates, representatives from the IOC, the 2020 organising committee, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and national government held talks on Friday aimed at reaching an amicable solution to what has become a very public spat. Koike reiterated at the start of Friday's meeting there was no change in her feelings that the races should stay in Tokyo and that the IOC explanation still "wasn't sufficient." "But on these points to make the Olympics a success we need to build a positive framework going forward," Koike said. "I don't approve but the decision can't be avoided," she said. "It's a decision without agreement." She added that they had agreed Tokyo would not bear extra costs of the venue move but other points still remained to be worked out, such as how much of the money Tokyo has spent up to this point in preparation might be repaid. Coates said they had agreed at a meeting on Thursday that the decision on where to hold the marathon and race walk events rested with the IOC, adding that there would be no other venue changes in the future. "We will continue as a one-team effort," he said, referring to planning with host city Tokyo. 'Difficult decision' In Wednesday's opening remarks to a three-day IOC coordination visit, Coates had said organisers "owed it to the people of Tokyo" to clarify any plans over the marathon and race walk and vowed not to leave Tokyo without a consensus decision over the events. Tokyo temperatures in July and August, when the city will host the Games, regularly exceed 30 degrees Celsius with high humidity adding to the discomfort. "We thought it would be possible to do something, but our opponent was nature," said Tokyo 2020 organising committee President Yoshiro Mori, adding that he respected Koike's "difficult decision." The IOC is determined not to repeat the experience of the athletics world championships in Doha, where the heat and humidity forced many athletes to drop out of the race despite the marathon being held at midnight. The IOC has said temperatures in Sapporo, which will also host soccer games, are as much as five to six degrees cooler during the day. Asked at a news conference later on Friday about what he might say to Tokyo children missing out on the "memory of a lifetime," Coates once again cited Doha. "I'm very aware of the special place marathons have in the minds of the Japanese. We also didn't want bad memories, we didn't want people to have bad memories of Tokyo," he said. "We didn't want it to be remembered by some of the scenes we saw in Doha." Many marathoners at the 2019 World Athletics Championships in Doha were forced to withdraw from races due high temperatures and unbearable humidity. Some were carried off in wheelchairs. Organisers earlier this year had already moved up the starting times to 6 am for the marathon and 5:30 am for the race walk to avoid the midday sun, and Coates said they were considering moving up the time for some other events, such as equestrian events. When Tokyo hosted the Summer Olympics in 1964, they were held in October, an option no longer possible due to international sports schedules. Next year's Games are set to run from July 24 to August 9, with the men's marathon to be held on the final day.

Olympics: Tokyo governor gives reluctant consent to moving marathon venue

Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Kiren Rijiju was amazed to see the participation and enthusiasm of the Delhites especially old, specially-abled, and kids at the 15th Airtel Delhi Half Marathon (ADHM) and said that he is more excited to see them here.

"We Indians are also now coming up and have seen today's marathon, some of our Indian marathon runners are absolutely running shoulder-to-shoulder with the international runners. Of course, I'm more excited to see the old, specially-abled, and kids also," Rijiju told reporters.

The Great Delhi Run has registered an unprecedented 16,962 runners while the half marathon witnessed a spike of 11 per cent with 13,115 participants.

The 10k run registrations witnessed a jump of 77 per cent to 8,553.The senior citizen runs received 1,430 registrations, while the champions with a disability received 573 registrations.

These inspiring individuals are defying all odds to complete the distance. The IAAF Gold Label race has prize money of $275,000.

"It is a very exciting moment for all of us to see that Delhi Marathon has grown so big. Over the years, Delhi Half Marathon has been peaking up and 40,000 people running on the streets of Delhi early morning. It's a moment what we are waiting for," Rijiju said.

Talking about the 'Fit India Movement', Sports Ministers said that the movement can only be successful if these kinds of marathons are there.

He also praised the Indian athletes and said they are giving tough competition to international athletes.

"Fit India movement can only be enhanced and successful if we can have more marathons like this. The top-ranked international runners are here and they excite the Indian people also," he added.

Earlier in the day, Rijiju flagged off the Marathon from Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Following a countdown, Rijiju fired a pistol in the air to begin the run.

The number of registrations for all categories in the ADHM has soared to an all-time high of 40,633 participants, organisers said.&nbsp;

Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Kiren Rijiju was amazed to see the participation and enthusiasm of the Delhites especially old, specially-abled, and kids at the 15th Airtel Delhi Half Marathon (ADHM) and said that he is more excited to see them here.

Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Kiren Rijiju was amazed to see the participation and enthusiasm of the Delhites especially old, specially-abled, and kids at the 15th Airtel Delhi Half Marathon (ADHM) and said that he is more excited to see them here. "We Indians are also now coming up and have seen today's marathon, some of our Indian marathon runners are absolutely running shoulder-to-shoulder with the international runners. Of course, I'm more excited to see the old, specially-abled, and kids also," Rijiju told reporters. The Great Delhi Run has registered an unprecedented 16,962 runners while the half marathon witnessed a spike of 11 per cent with 13,115 participants. The 10k run registrations witnessed a jump of 77 per cent to 8,553.The senior citizen runs received 1,430 registrations, while the champions with a disability received 573 registrations. These inspiring individuals are defying all odds to complete the distance. The IAAF Gold Label race has prize money of $275,000. "It is a very exciting moment for all of us to see that Delhi Marathon has grown so big. Over the years, Delhi Half Marathon has been peaking up and 40,000 people running on the streets of Delhi early morning. It's a moment what we are waiting for," Rijiju said. Talking about the 'Fit India Movement', Sports Ministers said that the movement can only be successful if these kinds of marathons are there. He also praised the Indian athletes and said they are giving tough competition to international athletes. "Fit India movement can only be enhanced and successful if we can have more marathons like this. The top-ranked international runners are here and they excite the Indian people also," he added. Earlier in the day, Rijiju flagged off the Marathon from Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Following a countdown, Rijiju fired a pistol in the air to begin the run. The number of registrations for all categories in the ADHM has soared to an all-time high of 40,633 participants, organisers said.

More excited to see old, specially-abled, kids running marathon: Kiren Rijiju

Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge on Saturday made history, busting the mythical two-hour barrier for the marathon on a specially prepared course in a huge Vienna park.

With an unofficial time of 1hr 59min 40.2sec, the Olympic champion became the first ever to run a marathon in under two hours in the Prater park with the course readied to make it as even as possible.

The 34-year-old already holds the men's world record for the distance with a time of 2hr 01min 39sec, which he set in the flat Berlin marathon on September 16, 2018.

But accompanied by a posse of 41 pacemakers and a car in front of them setting the pace, Kipchoge bested that mark, making good on a failed attempt two years ago in Monza, Italy.

"I am the first man - I want to inspire many people, that no human is limited," said the history-making Kipchoge.

"We can make this world a beautiful world and a peaceful world. My wife and three children, I am happy for them to come and witness history."

Maintaining a very regular pace at around 2:50 minutes per kilometre, he passed the finish line gesturing and smiling.

He had been 11 seconds in advance at mid-race as fans lining the course, many waving Kenyan flags, loudly cheered him on.

Kipchoge told reporters earlier this week that his attempt in the Austrian capital was about "making history in this world, like the first man to go to the moon".

"I just have to make that click in people's minds that no human is limited," he had said.

Surfaces evened out

Because of the way the run was set up and paced the International Association of Athletics Federations will not validate the time as a world record.

The running surface had been partly retarred and readied with other features such as a banked corner that could save time and avoid injury.&nbsp;

Pacemakers took turns to support him throughout the 42.195-kilometre (26.219-miles) race. They included 1,500-metre Olympic champion Matthew Centrowitz and former world champion Bernard Lagat.

The course included a 4.3 kilometre-long straight alley, which the Kenyan ran up and down several times amid dry but foggy weather.

"The course is extremely good. I'm happy with the course," Kipchoge, whose family has accompanied him to Vienna, said earlier this week.

Chris Froome, leader of Ineos cycling team, also watched Kipchoge's race in Vienna, according to the organisers.

Organisers only allowed their own cameras to film the run itself.&nbsp;

Throngs of fans cheered on Kipchoge whenever he passed by.

"It's history in the making. I'm very proud... It will be a motivation to a lot of young people. People are looking up to him," said Nichasius Koech, 37, a software engineer from Kenya who works in Germany, ahead of the run.

Another fan, Joe Saissi, 25, from London said it was "a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity".

Kipchoge already tried in May 2017 to break the two-hour barrier, running on the Monza National Autodrome racing circuit in Italy, failing narrowly in 2hr 00min 25sec.

But this time he said before the race that he was mentally stronger and more confident.

The course had been prepared so that it should take Kipchoge just about 4.5 seconds more than on a computer-simulated completely flat and straight path, according to analysis by sports experts at Vienna University.

In total, he only had to descend 26 metres in altitude and climb 12 metres, the experts said.

The founder of the main sponsors, Ineos, British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, is taking a personal interest in the challenge and himself competes in Ironman triathlons.

The world marathon record has, for the past 16 years, been contested uniquely between athletes from Kenya and Ethiopia. The two nations are also fierce rivals for distance medals on the track.

Kipchoge's record was almost beaten last month in the Berlin marathon by Ethiopia's Kenenisa Bekele, who ran 2:01.41, just two seconds short of the official world mark.

Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge on Saturday made history, busting the mythical two-hour barrier for the marathon on a specially prepared course in a huge Vienna park. With an unofficial time of 1hr 59min 40.

Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge on Saturday made history, busting the mythical two-hour barrier for the marathon on a specially prepared course in a huge Vienna park. With an unofficial time of 1hr 59min 40.2sec, the Olympic champion became the first ever to run a marathon in under two hours in the Prater park with the course readied to make it as even as possible. The 34-year-old already holds the men's world record for the distance with a time of 2hr 01min 39sec, which he set in the flat Berlin marathon on September 16, 2018. But accompanied by a posse of 41 pacemakers and a car in front of them setting the pace, Kipchoge bested that mark, making good on a failed attempt two years ago in Monza, Italy. "I am the first man - I want to inspire many people, that no human is limited," said the history-making Kipchoge. "We can make this world a beautiful world and a peaceful world. My wife and three children, I am happy for them to come and witness history." Maintaining a very regular pace at around 2:50 minutes per kilometre, he passed the finish line gesturing and smiling. He had been 11 seconds in advance at mid-race as fans lining the course, many waving Kenyan flags, loudly cheered him on. Kipchoge told reporters earlier this week that his attempt in the Austrian capital was about "making history in this world, like the first man to go to the moon". "I just have to make that click in people's minds that no human is limited," he had said. Surfaces evened out Because of the way the run was set up and paced the International Association of Athletics Federations will not validate the time as a world record. The running surface had been partly retarred and readied with other features such as a banked corner that could save time and avoid injury. Pacemakers took turns to support him throughout the 42.195-kilometre (26.219-miles) race. They included 1,500-metre Olympic champion Matthew Centrowitz and former world champion Bernard Lagat. The course included a 4.3 kilometre-long straight alley, which the Kenyan ran up and down several times amid dry but foggy weather. "The course is extremely good. I'm happy with the course," Kipchoge, whose family has accompanied him to Vienna, said earlier this week. Chris Froome, leader of Ineos cycling team, also watched Kipchoge's race in Vienna, according to the organisers. Organisers only allowed their own cameras to film the run itself. Throngs of fans cheered on Kipchoge whenever he passed by. "It's history in the making. I'm very proud... It will be a motivation to a lot of young people. People are looking up to him," said Nichasius Koech, 37, a software engineer from Kenya who works in Germany, ahead of the run. Another fan, Joe Saissi, 25, from London said it was "a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity". Kipchoge already tried in May 2017 to break the two-hour barrier, running on the Monza National Autodrome racing circuit in Italy, failing narrowly in 2hr 00min 25sec. But this time he said before the race that he was mentally stronger and more confident. The course had been prepared so that it should take Kipchoge just about 4.5 seconds more than on a computer-simulated completely flat and straight path, according to analysis by sports experts at Vienna University. In total, he only had to descend 26 metres in altitude and climb 12 metres, the experts said. The founder of the main sponsors, Ineos, British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, is taking a personal interest in the challenge and himself competes in Ironman triathlons. The world marathon record has, for the past 16 years, been contested uniquely between athletes from Kenya and Ethiopia. The two nations are also fierce rivals for distance medals on the track. Kipchoge's record was almost beaten last month in the Berlin marathon by Ethiopia's Kenenisa Bekele, who ran 2:01.41, just two seconds short of the official world mark.

Kenya's Kipchoge becomes first ever to run marathon in under two hours

Kenya's Brigid Kosgei ran the fastest half-marathon ever by a woman on Sunday, winning the Great North Run in a time of one hour, four minutes and 28 seconds.

Her time was 23 seconds quicker than the previous best of 1:04.51 by fellow Kenyan Joyciline Jepkosgei, set in 2017 but the course is not eligible for records.

Mo Farah won the men's elite race for a record sixth successive year as he warms up to&nbsp;defend his Chicago Marathon title next month.

Four-time Olympic champion Farah, 36, was pushed hard by Tamirat Tola, but proved too strong in the final mile for the Ethiopian, to finish the 13.1-mile course in 59min 7sec. Abdi Nageeye of the Netherlands was third.

Farah is aiming to establish himself among the world's elite marathon runners.

He claimed his first marathon title last year when he won in Chicago in a time of 2:05.11-- a European record.

Kenya's Brigid Kosgei ran the fastest half-marathon ever by a woman on Sunday, winning the Great North Run in a time of one hour, four minutes and 28 seconds. Her time was 23 seconds quicker than the previous best of 1:04.

Kenya's Brigid Kosgei ran the fastest half-marathon ever by a woman on Sunday, winning the Great North Run in a time of one hour, four minutes and 28 seconds. Her time was 23 seconds quicker than the previous best of 1:04.51 by fellow Kenyan Joyciline Jepkosgei, set in 2017 but the course is not eligible for records. Mo Farah won the men's elite race for a record sixth successive year as he warms up to defend his Chicago Marathon title next month. Four-time Olympic champion Farah, 36, was pushed hard by Tamirat Tola, but proved too strong in the final mile for the Ethiopian, to finish the 13.1-mile course in 59min 7sec. Abdi Nageeye of the Netherlands was third. Farah is aiming to establish himself among the world's elite marathon runners. He claimed his first marathon title last year when he won in Chicago in a time of 2:05.11-- a European record.

Kenya's Brigid Kosgei runs fastest-ever women's half-marathon

The Greater Chennai Corporation on Sunday initiated the awareness campaign through a Marathon for 'zero waste and no use of plastic'.

The Commissioner of Greater Chennai Corporation, G Prakash and Gogula Indra, Ex MLA, started the campaign at Anna Nagar tower park.

"<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-chief-minister-to-chair-all-party-meet-on-economically-weaker-section-quota-on-monday-233753">Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami </a>has initiated this movement in the Assembly. The government is not stringently implementing this move but in a polite manner. Government is making the efforts to save nature," Indra said.

"This movement is to protect nature. Particularly, the Greater Chennai Corporation is implementing this on the instruction of higher authorities," she added. 
&nbsp;

The Greater Chennai Corporation on Sunday initiated the awareness campaign through a Marathon for 'zero waste and no use of plastic'. The Commissioner of Greater Chennai Corporation, G Prakash and Gogula Indra, Ex MLA, started the campaign at Anna Nagar tower park.

The Greater Chennai Corporation on Sunday initiated the awareness campaign through a Marathon for 'zero waste and no use of plastic'. The Commissioner of Greater Chennai Corporation, G Prakash and Gogula Indra, Ex MLA, started the campaign at Anna Nagar tower park. "Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami has initiated this movement in the Assembly. The government is not stringently implementing this move but in a polite manner. Government is making the efforts to save nature," Indra said. "This movement is to protect nature. Particularly, the Greater Chennai Corporation is implementing this on the instruction of higher authorities," she added.

Greater Chennai Corporation initiates environmental awareness campaign

Race to remember Berlin Wall victims, 30 years on

Over 40,000 contestants take to streets for 2019 London Marathon

Twice as many foreigners as last year gathered in Pyongyang Sunday for the city's annual marathon, tour firms said, as reduced tensions see visitor numbers rise in isolated North Korea.&nbsp;

The event — part of the celebrations for the anniversary of founder Kim Il Sung's birth in 1912 — is the highlight of the North's tourism calendar and offers the chance to run or jog through the streets of the tightly-controlled city.

Around 950 Westerners entered the event, according to market leader Koryo Tours, compared to some 450 last year when numbers slumped.

That brought participation almost back to the levels of 2017, before tensions soared as the North carried out a series of missile launches and leader Kim Jong Un traded threats and personal insults with US President Donald Trump.

The same year, Washington also banned its citizens from visiting the North following the death of Otto Warmbier, a US student jailed for trying to steal a propaganda poster who died in a mysterious coma days after his release.

Several other countries subsequently raised their travel warnings, a combination of events that dealt a significant blow to the North's tourism industry.

The US ban remains in place but more Western tourists signed up for the marathon this time, tour operators said, following a year of high-level diplomacy between Trump and Kim.

"As political tensions have subsided, tourism demand has increased," said Elliott Davies, director at Uri Tours, another operator, adding: "You could plot a graph in this direct relationship."

- 'Marathon chasers' - 
The vast majority of tourists to the North are Chinese and some 5,000 Westerners a year used to visit the North -- with about 20 percent of those from the US -- seeking unique adventures in one of the most closed countries in the world.

The annual race also attracts so-called "Marathon Chasers" who tick off runs around the world, said Matt Kulesza, a senior tour guide at Young Pioneer Tours.

Angel Arnaudov, a 34-year-old engineer from Macedonia, said Pyongyang came onto his "radar" after finishing more than 30 marathons in cities ranging from Tokyo, New York and Copenhagen.

"I want to experience the life in North Korea myself and see if it is like they say on TV or different," he said, adding he would be posting videos on his YouTube channel.

For third-time participant Jasmine Barrett, the Pyongyang Marathon was an opportunity to interact with ordinary North Koreans who line the streets to cheer on the runners, offering high-fives and posing for selfies.

"I keep coming back because I love to see the smiles on the children's faces," the Australian entrepreneur told AFP.

"I'd definitely recommend it to others because it's a great way to see the city and the people who live there," she added.

Tour operators advise visitors to take extra precautions about "what to do and what not to do" when travelling in the North.

Simon Cockerell, Koryo Tours' general manager, said: "This is vital when visiting North Korea and anyone wanting to travel shouldn't go without a briefing."

Twice as many foreigners as last year gathered in Pyongyang Sunday for the city's annual marathon, tour firms said, as reduced tensions see visitor numbers rise in isolated North Korea.

Twice as many foreigners as last year gathered in Pyongyang Sunday for the city's annual marathon, tour firms said, as reduced tensions see visitor numbers rise in isolated North Korea. The event — part of the celebrations for the anniversary of founder Kim Il Sung's birth in 1912 — is the highlight of the North's tourism calendar and offers the chance to run or jog through the streets of the tightly-controlled city. Around 950 Westerners entered the event, according to market leader Koryo Tours, compared to some 450 last year when numbers slumped. That brought participation almost back to the levels of 2017, before tensions soared as the North carried out a series of missile launches and leader Kim Jong Un traded threats and personal insults with US President Donald Trump. The same year, Washington also banned its citizens from visiting the North following the death of Otto Warmbier, a US student jailed for trying to steal a propaganda poster who died in a mysterious coma days after his release. Several other countries subsequently raised their travel warnings, a combination of events that dealt a significant blow to the North's tourism industry. The US ban remains in place but more Western tourists signed up for the marathon this time, tour operators said, following a year of high-level diplomacy between Trump and Kim. "As political tensions have subsided, tourism demand has increased," said Elliott Davies, director at Uri Tours, another operator, adding: "You could plot a graph in this direct relationship." - 'Marathon chasers' - The vast majority of tourists to the North are Chinese and some 5,000 Westerners a year used to visit the North -- with about 20 percent of those from the US -- seeking unique adventures in one of the most closed countries in the world. The annual race also attracts so-called "Marathon Chasers" who tick off runs around the world, said Matt Kulesza, a senior tour guide at Young Pioneer Tours. Angel Arnaudov, a 34-year-old engineer from Macedonia, said Pyongyang came onto his "radar" after finishing more than 30 marathons in cities ranging from Tokyo, New York and Copenhagen. "I want to experience the life in North Korea myself and see if it is like they say on TV or different," he said, adding he would be posting videos on his YouTube channel. For third-time participant Jasmine Barrett, the Pyongyang Marathon was an opportunity to interact with ordinary North Koreans who line the streets to cheer on the runners, offering high-fives and posing for selfies. "I keep coming back because I love to see the smiles on the children's faces," the Australian entrepreneur told AFP. "I'd definitely recommend it to others because it's a great way to see the city and the people who live there," she added. Tour operators advise visitors to take extra precautions about "what to do and what not to do" when travelling in the North. Simon Cockerell, Koryo Tours' general manager, said: "This is vital when visiting North Korea and anyone wanting to travel shouldn't go without a briefing."

North Korea holds marathon, tourist numbers are double from last year

A shooter opened fire in downtown San Diego and was taken into custody as thousands of people participated in the California city's marathon, police said.

A woman fired shots in a parking structure near the finish line of the San Diego Rock 'n' Roll Marathon yesterday, according to the local CBS and NBC television affiliates. A police officer was reportedly injured by an accidental, self-inflicted gunshot wound to the leg or foot.

Witnesses said they heard four or five shots, but there were no immediate reports of anyone else being hurt.

"There's no longer a threat to the community. The scene is secure. The Rock and Roll Marathon has resumed," the San Diego Police Department said in a tweet.

The marathon, which draws thousands of runners, was winding down at the time. After a brief halt, runners were allowed to complete the race.

Several streets were also closed briefly.

The incident began shortly before noon. Reports said a woman on an upper floor of a downtown parking garage, not far from City Hall, had slid under a parked car and was holding a gun to her head. 
She was promptly taken into custody.

"The situation involving an active shooter who was engaged with law enforcement was not related to today's race," marathon organizers said in a statement.

"By 11:45 am, the course was shut down and approximately 4,900 athletes were rerouted into a designated safe zone.

"While the race was officially stopped, law enforcement gave the clearance at 11:56 am for runners to resume their progress toward the finish line and the post-race finish area, where they were able to meet up with family and friends." There was no immediate information on the shooter's identity or possible motives, but the incident brought memories of the 2013 Boston Marathon, when two homemade bombs left by brothers Dzhokhar and Tamerlan Tsarnaev killed three people and injured many others.

The city's baseball team, the San Diego Padres, said it had been in "close contact" with police following the incident.

"SDPD has confirmed that it is safe for us to proceed with today's Little League parade, as well as our 3:10 pm game at Petco Park," the team said on Twitter.

San Diego, a city of 1.4 million, lies on the Pacific Coast about 120 miles (190 kilometres) south of Los Angeles and on the border with Mexico.&nbsp

The marathon, which draws thousands of runners, was winding down at the time. After a brief halt, runners were allowed to complete the race.

A shooter opened fire in downtown San Diego and was taken into custody as thousands of people participated in the California city's marathon, police said. A woman fired shots in a parking structure near the finish line of the San Diego Rock 'n' Roll Marathon yesterday, according to the local CBS and NBC television affiliates. A police officer was reportedly injured by an accidental, self-inflicted gunshot wound to the leg or foot. Witnesses said they heard four or five shots, but there were no immediate reports of anyone else being hurt. "There's no longer a threat to the community. The scene is secure. The Rock and Roll Marathon has resumed," the San Diego Police Department said in a tweet. The marathon, which draws thousands of runners, was winding down at the time. After a brief halt, runners were allowed to complete the race. Several streets were also closed briefly. The incident began shortly before noon. Reports said a woman on an upper floor of a downtown parking garage, not far from City Hall, had slid under a parked car and was holding a gun to her head. She was promptly taken into custody. "The situation involving an active shooter who was engaged with law enforcement was not related to today's race," marathon organizers said in a statement. "By 11:45 am, the course was shut down and approximately 4,900 athletes were rerouted into a designated safe zone. "While the race was officially stopped, law enforcement gave the clearance at 11:56 am for runners to resume their progress toward the finish line and the post-race finish area, where they were able to meet up with family and friends." There was no immediate information on the shooter's identity or possible motives, but the incident brought memories of the 2013 Boston Marathon, when two homemade bombs left by brothers Dzhokhar and Tamerlan Tsarnaev killed three people and injured many others. The city's baseball team, the San Diego Padres, said it had been in "close contact" with police following the incident. "SDPD has confirmed that it is safe for us to proceed with today's Little League parade, as well as our 3:10 pm game at Petco Park," the team said on Twitter. San Diego, a city of 1.4 million, lies on the Pacific Coast about 120 miles (190 kilometres) south of Los Angeles and on the border with Mexico.

California marathon: Shooter opens fire, no casualties

Nearly 300 women ran through the streets of Iraq&#39;s Mosul on Thursday, in a demonstration of their freedoms eight months after the city was retaken from the Islamic State group.

Mosul&#39;s first ever women&#39;s marathon was held to coincide with International Women&#39;s Day.

The 900-metre run was not the length of a full marathon, but organiser Fatima Khalaf said it marked a real change for women in the city, who faced harsh restrictions under the hardline rule of the jihadists.

The race aimed to &quot;urge women and girls in the city to actively reclaim their rights,&quot; the 30-year-old said.

Trophy in hand, winner Najla Abdelhadi said she was &quot;very happy&quot;.

The 24-year-old sports education student said she her victory would &quot;send a message to the women of Mosul about the need to... take a step towards taking their rightful place in society&quot;.

Women lined either side of the street during the marathon, waving placards drawing attention to the harsh realities Iraqi women have faced.&nbsp;

&quot;You Are Not Powerless&quot; read one sign. &quot;Women Can Do It&quot; read another.

Men also showed up to watch the event. Mustafa Qais, 24, carried a sign reading: &quot;I support women getting the same rights as men.&quot;

The jihadists of IS seized control of Mosul in mid-2014, making it the de facto Iraqi capital of their &quot;caliphate&quot;.

During its three-year rule over nearly a third of Iraq, IS subjected hundreds of thousands of women to its rigid interpretation of Islam, using beatings and executions as punishments.

In Mosul and its surrounding province, jihadists raped, kidnapped and enslaved thousands of women and adolescent girls, especially those of the Yazidi ethnic minority.&nbsp;

The marathon was one of a series of events that have seen residents reclaim public spaces since Iraqi forces retook the city in July, including Valentine&#39;s Day market last month.

&nbsp;

Nearly 300 women ran through the streets of Iraq's Mosul in a demonstration of their freedom from the Islamic State group

Nearly 300 women ran through the streets of Iraq's Mosul on Thursday, in a demonstration of their freedoms eight months after the city was retaken from the Islamic State group. Mosul's first ever women's marathon was held to coincide with International Women's Day. The 900-metre run was not the length of a full marathon, but organiser Fatima Khalaf said it marked a real change for women in the city, who faced harsh restrictions under the hardline rule of the jihadists. The race aimed to "urge women and girls in the city to actively reclaim their rights," the 30-year-old said. Trophy in hand, winner Najla Abdelhadi said she was "very happy". The 24-year-old sports education student said she her victory would "send a message to the women of Mosul about the need to... take a step towards taking their rightful place in society". Women lined either side of the street during the marathon, waving placards drawing attention to the harsh realities Iraqi women have faced. "You Are Not Powerless" read one sign. "Women Can Do It" read another. Men also showed up to watch the event. Mustafa Qais, 24, carried a sign reading: "I support women getting the same rights as men." The jihadists of IS seized control of Mosul in mid-2014, making it the de facto Iraqi capital of their "caliphate". During its three-year rule over nearly a third of Iraq, IS subjected hundreds of thousands of women to its rigid interpretation of Islam, using beatings and executions as punishments. In Mosul and its surrounding province, jihadists raped, kidnapped and enslaved thousands of women and adolescent girls, especially those of the Yazidi ethnic minority. The marathon was one of a series of events that have seen residents reclaim public spaces since Iraqi forces retook the city in July, including Valentine's Day market last month.

Here is how Mosul women celebrated women's day

Congress president Rahul Gandhi today flagged off the Vrukshathon, the annual marathon to promote the environment, water and tree conservation, here.

Sporting a yellow T-shirt, hundreds of people from all walks of life descended at the entrance of Gol Gumbaz, a 17th century mausoleum for Sultan Mohammed Adil Shah, the 7th ruler of Adil Shahi dynasty and head of Bijapur sultanate, to take part in the run.

Amid unprecedented security, Gandhi arrived at Gol Gumbaz with water resource minister M B Patil and Congress general secretary and Karnataka in-charge, K C Venugopal, and shook hands with some among the cheering crowd.

After flagging off the marathon, he ran a few metres with the participants.

Gandhi is on a three-day tour of the northern districts of poll-bound Karnataka.

Gandhi is on a three-day tour of the northern districts of poll-bound Karnataka

Congress president Rahul Gandhi today flagged off the Vrukshathon, the annual marathon to promote the environment, water and tree conservation, here. Sporting a yellow T-shirt, hundreds of people from all walks of life descended at the entrance of Gol Gumbaz, a 17th century mausoleum for Sultan Mohammed Adil Shah, the 7th ruler of Adil Shahi dynasty and head of Bijapur sultanate, to take part in the run. Amid unprecedented security, Gandhi arrived at Gol Gumbaz with water resource minister M B Patil and Congress general secretary and Karnataka in-charge, K C Venugopal, and shook hands with some among the cheering crowd. After flagging off the marathon, he ran a few metres with the participants. Gandhi is on a three-day tour of the northern districts of poll-bound Karnataka.

Rahul flags off Vrukshathon in Vijayapura

The Tata Marathon, the largest marathon in Asia and caters a huge number of people and that&#39;s why considered as the largest mass participation sports event in the continent.

This year is the 15th edition of The Tata Marathon in which 44, 407 runners have registered.

The marathon which will happen in six categories kicked off at 5:40 AM from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus on Sunday, January 21.

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Gearing up for the big run. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RunWithTCS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RunWithTCS</a> for a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BetterTomorrow?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BetterTomorrow</a>! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TMM2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TMM2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/d2kX13Yi3i">pic.twitter.com/d2kX13Yi3i</a>
&mdash; People and TCS (@People_TCS) <a href="https://twitter.com/People_TCS/status/954873602297376768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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.<a href="https://twitter.com/milindrunning?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@milindrunning</a> is all smiles ahead of the start of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TMM2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TMM2018</a>! ???? <a href="https://t.co/Lra5quqefs">pic.twitter.com/Lra5quqefs</a>
&mdash; Tata Mumbai Marathon (@TataMumMarathon) <a href="https://twitter.com/TataMumMarathon/status/954866545242484736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Mumbai Police have issued a traffic advisory ahead of the marathon. Routes, where the marathon is scheduled, will be open for the emergency vehicles only and will remain closed for regular traffic between 6 AM and 1 AM on Sunday.

The BEST won&rsquo;t be able to run its service on 11 routes from 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

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Traffic guidelines and diversions on the various routes of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MumbaiMarathon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MumbaiMarathon</a> tomorrow <a href="https://t.co/Ktd4MFYbTr">pic.twitter.com/Ktd4MFYbTr</a>
&mdash; Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/MumbaiPolice/status/954664531623600128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Traffic will be affected on roads between Mahapalika Marg at CST and Bandra Reclamation &amp; between Rang Sharda Auditorium in Bandra and CST&nbsp;from 6 AM to 1 PM.

It&nbsp;is the richest race in India with a prize money worth 405,000 dollars and also facilitates fundraising for various NGOs.

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And we&rsquo;re off!! 
 
A sea of runners flood the streets of Mumbai as the Full Marathon Category gets underway! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TMM2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TMM2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/GJ9K6Cwewn">pic.twitter.com/GJ9K6Cwewn</a>
&mdash; Tata Mumbai Marathon (@TataMumMarathon) <a href="https://twitter.com/TataMumMarathon/status/954870248699604995?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Age is just a number for them. The Senior Citizens&#39; run is now underway! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TMM2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TMM2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/Dr4SZaT4UL">pic.twitter.com/Dr4SZaT4UL</a>
&mdash; Tata Mumbai Marathon (@TataMumMarathon) <a href="https://twitter.com/TataMumMarathon/status/954901421895294976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Approaching the 1 hour mark at the Sea Link, Bornes Kitur moves into lead position at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TMM2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TMM2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/bK0paIRP2f">pic.twitter.com/bK0paIRP2f</a>
&mdash; Tata Mumbai Marathon (@TataMumMarathon) <a href="https://twitter.com/TataMumMarathon/status/954904725375234048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The marathon which will happen in six categories kicked off at 5:40 am from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus on Sunday, January 21

The Tata Marathon, the largest marathon in Asia and caters a huge number of people and that's why considered as the largest mass participation sports event in the continent. This year is the 15th edition of The Tata Marathon in which 44, 407 runners have registered. The marathon which will happen in six categories kicked off at 5:40 AM from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus on Sunday, January 21. Gearing up for the big run. #RunWithTCS for a #BetterTomorrow! #TMM2018 pic.twitter.com/d2kX13Yi3i — People and TCS (@People_TCS) January 21, 2018 × .@milindrunning is all smiles ahead of the start of #TMM2018! ???? pic.twitter.com/Lra5quqefs — Tata Mumbai Marathon (@TataMumMarathon) January 21, 2018 × The Mumbai Police have issued a traffic advisory ahead of the marathon. Routes, where the marathon is scheduled, will be open for the emergency vehicles only and will remain closed for regular traffic between 6 AM and 1 AM on Sunday. The BEST won’t be able to run its service on 11 routes from 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Traffic guidelines and diversions on the various routes of the #MumbaiMarathon tomorrow pic.twitter.com/Ktd4MFYbTr — Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) January 20, 2018 × Traffic will be affected on roads between Mahapalika Marg at CST and Bandra Reclamation & between Rang Sharda Auditorium in Bandra and CST from 6 AM to 1 PM. It is the richest race in India with a prize money worth 405,000 dollars and also facilitates fundraising for various NGOs. And we’re off!! A sea of runners flood the streets of Mumbai as the Full Marathon Category gets underway! #TMM2018 pic.twitter.com/GJ9K6Cwewn — Tata Mumbai Marathon (@TataMumMarathon) January 21, 2018 × Age is just a number for them. The Senior Citizens' run is now underway! #TMM2018 pic.twitter.com/Dr4SZaT4UL — Tata Mumbai Marathon (@TataMumMarathon) January 21, 2018 × Approaching the 1 hour mark at the Sea Link, Bornes Kitur moves into lead position at #TMM2018 pic.twitter.com/bK0paIRP2f — Tata Mumbai Marathon (@TataMumMarathon) January 21, 2018 ×

15th edition of Mumbai Marathon begins

The elite women runners of the Tata Mumbai Marathon today slammed the event organisers, saying there were too many casual runners on the course and that the Metro construction work was also a hindrance.

&quot;It was a quite difficult race as there were a lot of people (casual participants in other non-competitive events) on the road. It was difficult to concentrate,&quot; said women&#39;s race winner Amane Gobena of Ethiopia at the post-event media conference.

Gobena finished first in 2:25:49 and was well ahead of defending champion Bornes Kitur of Kenya who clocked 2:28:48 to finish second.

She said she missed receiving water thrice the 5, 15 and 30 km marks.

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Winner of the International Women&rsquo;s Elite Category, Amane Gobena says it was quite a difficult race but she&rsquo;s happy with her display on the track! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TMM2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TMM2018</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BetterTomorrow?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BetterTomorrow</a> <a href="https://t.co/rTbqojqJbP">pic.twitter.com/rTbqojqJbP</a>
&mdash; Tata Mumbai Marathon (@TataMumMarathon) <a href="https://twitter.com/TataMumMarathon/status/954948728707735552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&quot;It was difficult to get water also and there were too many corners (due to construction work for Mumbai Metro-3 line),&quot; she said, about the chaotic manner in which the race was held.

Gobena said she knew that despite the hazards she will win the race just past the halfway mark after taking a clear lead.

&quot;I had prepared very well for the race. We (She and Kitur) were together for the first 25 km, and after 25 km I knew I was going to win,&quot; she said.

&quot;At one point I thought I will break the course record, but as I said there were a lot of people (on the road) and temperatures were also rising, So I had to slow down,&quot; she further said.

&quot;(Metro) construction work was a problem. The last km was difficult as there were a lot of corners,&quot; said the Kenyan runner.

Joshua Kipkorir of Kenya, who finished third in the men&#39;s race, criticised the pacemakers for dropping out earlier than expected.

&quot;One pacemaker dropped out at 15km and another at 25km,&quot; he said.

Meanwhile, India&#39;s Asian champion Gopi Thonakal said he was satisfied with his timing (2:16:51) because of the weather conditions.

&quot;It was hot. I am happy with my timing,&quot; said Gopi, who finished 11th overall just ahead of his arch-rival Nitendra Singh Rawat (2:16:54).

&nbsp;

The elite women runners complained that there were too many casual runners on the course and the Metro construction work was also a hindrance

The elite women runners of the Tata Mumbai Marathon today slammed the event organisers, saying there were too many casual runners on the course and that the Metro construction work was also a hindrance. "It was a quite difficult race as there were a lot of people (casual participants in other non-competitive events) on the road. It was difficult to concentrate," said women's race winner Amane Gobena of Ethiopia at the post-event media conference. Gobena finished first in 2:25:49 and was well ahead of defending champion Bornes Kitur of Kenya who clocked 2:28:48 to finish second. She said she missed receiving water thrice the 5, 15 and 30 km marks. Winner of the International Women’s Elite Category, Amane Gobena says it was quite a difficult race but she’s happy with her display on the track! #TMM2018 #BetterTomorrow pic.twitter.com/rTbqojqJbP — Tata Mumbai Marathon (@TataMumMarathon) January 21, 2018 × "It was difficult to get water also and there were too many corners (due to construction work for Mumbai Metro-3 line)," she said, about the chaotic manner in which the race was held. Gobena said she knew that despite the hazards she will win the race just past the halfway mark after taking a clear lead. "I had prepared very well for the race. We (She and Kitur) were together for the first 25 km, and after 25 km I knew I was going to win," she said. "At one point I thought I will break the course record, but as I said there were a lot of people (on the road) and temperatures were also rising, So I had to slow down," she further said. "(Metro) construction work was a problem. The last km was difficult as there were a lot of corners," said the Kenyan runner. Joshua Kipkorir of Kenya, who finished third in the men's race, criticised the pacemakers for dropping out earlier than expected. "One pacemaker dropped out at 15km and another at 25km," he said. Meanwhile, India's Asian champion Gopi Thonakal said he was satisfied with his timing (2:16:51) because of the weather conditions. "It was hot. I am happy with my timing," said Gopi, who finished 11th overall just ahead of his arch-rival Nitendra Singh Rawat (2:16:54).

Mumbai Marathon: Elite women marathon runners slam organisers

The 90s supermodel Milind Soman is set to get married in 2018 with his young <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/milind-soman-posts-birthday-selfie-with-girlfriend-internet-goes-berserk-23612" target="_blank">girlfriend</a> and we&nbsp;all can cry a river.

Milind&#39;s girlfriend Ankita Konwar hails from Guwahati and works as a cabin crew executive in Air Asia. But what caught the headlines&nbsp;earlier this year was Ankita&#39;s age.

It was reported earlier that the girl was merely 18 years old and was dating a man more than half his age. The latter is still true as Milind is 52 years old but it has now been revealed that Ankita is 23-24 years old.&nbsp;

As reported by a popular celebrity news website, Milind met&nbsp;Ankita&#39;s family in Guwahati recently, and with the consent of all, they have now decided to get married in 2018. He reportedly coincided his trip with Akita&#39;s little nephew&#39;s birthday when he could meet her family in Assam.&nbsp;

The website reported, &quot;Ankita is almost half of Milind&#39;s age. The massive age gap was an issue for Ankita&#39;s family but now after having met Milind, they are ready to ignore the age factor.&quot;

If the wedding reports are true then this will be Milind&#39;s second wedding. He was earlier married to&nbsp;actress Mylene Jampanoi in 2006, but the couple divorced after three years.

&nbsp;

This will be model-actors' second marriage after separating from ex-wife Mylene Jampanoi, a French actor

The 90s supermodel Milind Soman is set to get married in 2018 with his young girlfriend and we all can cry a river. Milind's girlfriend Ankita Konwar hails from Guwahati and works as a cabin crew executive in Air Asia. But what caught the headlines earlier this year was Ankita's age. It was reported earlier that the girl was merely 18 years old and was dating a man more than half his age. The latter is still true as Milind is 52 years old but it has now been revealed that Ankita is 23-24 years old. As reported by a popular celebrity news website, Milind met Ankita's family in Guwahati recently, and with the consent of all, they have now decided to get married in 2018. He reportedly coincided his trip with Akita's little nephew's birthday when he could meet her family in Assam. The website reported, "Ankita is almost half of Milind's age. The massive age gap was an issue for Ankita's family but now after having met Milind, they are ready to ignore the age factor." If the wedding reports are true then this will be Milind's second wedding. He was earlier married to actress Mylene Jampanoi in 2006, but the couple divorced after three years.

Milind Soman to marry girlfriend Ankita 29 years younger to him in 2018?

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