Laura Ratliff
Contributing Writer
Laura Ratliff is a New York City-based writer, editor, and runner. Laura's writing expertise spans numerous topics, ranging from travel and food and drink to reported pieces covering political and human rights issues. She has previously worked at Architectural Digest, Bloomberg News, and Nov 19, 2024 Apr 29, 2024 TripSavvy. Like many of us, Laura was bitten by the running bug later in life, after years of claiming to "hate running." Her favorite marathon is Big Sur.
The Average Marathon Time Has Gotten Fasterābut the Average 5K Has Slowed Down, Study Says
Researchers analyzed 8.4 million race finishes over the past decade. How do you stack up?
![2024 Chemist Warehouse Australian All Schools Athletics Championship 2024 chemist warehouse australian all schools athletics championship](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/gout-gout-of-queensland-celebrates-winning-the-boys-u18-news-photo-1733752363.jpg?crop=0.66667xw:1xh;center,top&resize=360:*)
A 16-Year-Old Ran the 200 Meters So Fast Usain Bolt Said, 'He Looks Like Young Me'
Apr 19, 2024.
![jacket featuring the 2025 boston marathon logo jacket featuring the 2025 boston marathon logo](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/boston-marathon-celebration-jacket-feature-6751b40f582e1.jpg?crop=0.668xw:1.00xh;0.0289xw,0&resize=360:*)
Adidas Unveils the 2025 Boston Marathon Jacket
This jacket for the 129th edition of the race features a new take on the traditional colors.
![Ian MacNicol Archive ian macnicol archive](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/mo-farah-of-great-britain-celebrates-victory-in-the-mens-news-photo-1732024672.jpg?crop=0.675xw:1.00xh;0.163xw,0&resize=360:*)
Not So Fast! Mo Farah Chases Down Band of Thieves Who Stole His Phone
A number of notable names will take on 26.2 miles in London on Sunday.
![Forty yard line on green playing field forty yard line on green playing field](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/forty-yard-line-on-green-playing-field-royalty-free-image-1730145916.jpg?crop=0.668xw:1.00xh;0.0765xw,0&resize=360:*)
This College Sprinter from Iowa Blew Away the NFL Combine 40-Yard Dash Record
Kalen Walker, a track and field athlete at Iowa, showed off his speed at halftime of a Hawkeye football game.
![The 2023 Met Gala Celebrating "Karl Lagerfeld: A Line Of Beauty" - Inside kendrick lamar at the met gala](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/kendrick-lamar-attends-the-2023-met-gala-celebrating-karl-news-photo-1729684072.jpg?crop=0.688xw:1.00xh;0.157xw,0&resize=360:*)
Kendrick Lamar Shares His Early-Morning Routine: āI Have to Runā
The āNot Like Usā rapper reveals that his daily practice involves getting in a few miles.
![a man running a marathon wearing red high heels for domestic violence awareness a man running a marathon wearing red high heels for domestic violence awareness](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/856258-1238-0029-6716616a8cbef.jpg?crop=0.478xw:0.714xh;0.288xw,0.286xh&resize=360:*)
Head Over Heels? Man Runs Chicago Marathon in a Pair of Bright Red Stilettos
Curtis Hargroveās 310th marathon was a wobbly one.
![U.S.-CHICAGO-MARATHON us chicago marathon](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/runners-compete-during-the-chicago-marathon-in-downtown-news-photo-1728050039.jpg?crop=0.670xw:1.00xh;0.226xw,0&resize=360:*)
These Are the Celebrities Running the 2024 Chicago Marathon
Plus, some of the most inspiring stories from the mass field.
![CBS News 2024 Vice Presidential Debate cbs news 2024 vice presidential debate](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/news-hosts-a-vice-presidential-debate-between-sen-jd-vance-news-photo-1728395069.jpg?crop=0.668xw:1.00xh;0.167xw,0&resize=360:*)
The Twin Cities Marathon Had a Surprise Spectator: Tim Walz
Runners stopped to greet the vice presidential candidate during the race.
![Berlin Celebrates The 50th Edition Of The Marathon berlin celebrates the 50th edition of the marathon](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/participants-of-the-handbike-category-during-the-berlin-news-photo-1727788347.jpg?crop=0.668xw:1.00xh;0.167xw,0&resize=360:*)
The Berlin Marathon Just Broke the World Record for Most Finishers at a Marathon
But could next monthās New York City Marathon overtake Berlin?
![saucony bgr endorphin speed 4 saucony bgr endorphin speed 4](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/bgrsaucony-kaceyjeffers-8-66ec32fc5230e.jpg?crop=0.670xw:1.00xh;0.216xw,0&resize=360:*)
Saucony Teamed Up With Black Girls RUN! On an Exclusive Shoe
Theyāre selling out quickly.
![The rollercoaster at the paradise pier in Disneyland. the rollercoaster at the paradise pier in disneyland](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/the-rollercoaster-at-the-paradise-pier-in-royalty-free-image-1726142623.jpg?crop=0.668xw:1.00xh;0.281xw,0&resize=360:*)
Runner Who Collapsed Moments After Finishing Disney Half Marathon Dies
Caleb Graves was an experienced distance runner who had expressed concerns about the heat just a few days earlier.
![Burnley FC v West Ham United - Premier League burnley fc v west ham united premier league](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/watt-minority-owner-of-burnley-looks-on-prior-to-the-news-photo-1725917877.jpg?crop=0.66667xw:1xh;center,top&resize=360:*)
NFL Legend JJ Watt Made a Huge Last-Minute Donation to This Teenās Charity Run
Other Hearst Subscriptions.
![World Athletics Championships Budapest 2023 - Day 8 world athletics championships budapest 2023 day 8](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/fatima-ezzahra-gardadi-of-team-morocco-rosemary-wanjiru-of-news-photo-1725457858.jpg?crop=0.465xw:0.695xh;0.268xw,0.0601xh&resize=360:*)
Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei Dies After Being Set on Fire with Gasoline
Cheptegei, who competed in the Paris Olympic marathon, was attacked by her ex-boyfriend.
![2020 Tokyo Paralympics - Day 10 2020 tokyo paralympics day 10](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/florencia-belen-romero-of-team-argentina-competes-in-the-news-photo-1724861853.jpg?crop=0.668xw:1.00xh;0.262xw,0&resize=360:*)
Paralympians Donāt Have to Cover Up Olympic Ring Tattoos AnymoreāItās About Time
The five-ring logo was previously classified as an āadvertisementā and banned by the International Paralympic Committee.
![Athletics - Olympic Games Paris 2024: Day 14 athletics olympic games paris 2024 day 14](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/shacarri-richardson-of-team-united-states-celebrates-after-news-photo-1724247496.jpg?crop=0.670xw:1.00xh;0.143xw,0&resize=360:*)
A Confident 4-Year-Old Challenged ShaāCarri Richardson to a Raceāand Won
Adorable.
![Paris 2024 Olympic Games - Day Fourteen paris 2024 olympic games day fourteen](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/lashinda-demus-is-presented-with-her-reallocated-olympic-news-photo-1724176268.jpg?crop=0.684xw:1.00xh;0.0897xw,0&resize=360:*)
12 Years Ago, She Was Cheated Out of a Gold Medal. Now She Has Whatās Rightfully Hers.
Lashinda Demusās silver medal in the 400-meter hurdles was upgraded to gold during a ceremony at the Paris Games.
![Trending Apps Photo Illustrations trending apps photo illustrations](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/strava-on-app-store-displayed-on-a-phone-screen-and-strava-news-photo-1721290092.jpg?crop=0.66667xw:1xh;center,top&resize=360:*)
Skeezy New Trend: Strava āSurrogatesā Are Making Money by Logging Runs for Other People
Savvy teens have a new side hustle.
![2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Track & Field - Day 8 2024 us olympic team trials track field day 8](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/shacarri-richardson-competes-in-the-womens-200-meter-semi-news-photo-1720813847.jpg?crop=0.670xw:1.00xh;0.247xw,0&resize=360:*)
Science Says Sha'Carri Richardson Could Technically Run on WaterāHere's Proof
Researches found that tropical lizards may hold the secret.
![a person holding a person's hand in front of a crowd a person holding a person's hand in front of a crowd](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/r0003486-3-jpg-6682c45228aef.jpg?crop=0.667xw:1.00xh;0.168xw,0&resize=360:*)
I Crewed for 5 Elite Runners in America's Most Competitive 100-Mile Race. It Was Intense for All of Us.
Western States is a team effort, from prepping ice bandanas to tending to āmorgue-worthyā feet.
![Travis Barker's Run Travis Run: A Run & Wellness Experience travis barker's run travis run a run wellness experience](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/travis-barker-attends-travis-barkers-run-travis-run-a-run-news-photo-1720451083.jpg?crop=0.668xw:1.00xh;0.102xw,0&resize=360:*)
Travis Barker Rigged His Treadmill So He Can Rock Out While Running
May 25, 2024.
![Prayer flags in the wind along the trail to Everest Base Camp, Nepal. prayer flags in the wind along the trail to everest base camp, nepal](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/prayer-flags-in-the-wind-along-the-trail-to-everest-royalty-free-image-1717445887.jpg?crop=0.670xw:1.00xh;0.0240xw,0&resize=360:*)
Former Army Major Runs Everest Marathon Dressed as a Lemon
Sep 10, 2024.
![a person in a gym a person in a gym](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/230508-ewa-swoboda-23-6650b4a3c6189.jpg?crop=0.580xw:0.868xh;0.168xw,0.132xh&resize=360:*)
Meet Track and Fieldās Newest Barbie Doll
Barbie announced a new line of dolls that honors nine barrier-shattering female athletes.
![Popular Rubber Clog Crocs Struggling To Stay In Business Amid Weak Demand popular rubber clog crocs struggling to stay in business amid weak demand](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/crocs-footwear-is-displayed-in-one-of-the-companys-retail-news-photo-1716409317.jpg?crop=0.671xw:1.00xh;0.165xw,0&resize=360:*)
A Guy Just Broke the World Record for a Marathon in Crocs
Sep 19, 2024.
![a man standing on a dirt path a man standing on a dirt path](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/img-20240521-083644-356-664c95ecd8509.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.752xh;0,0&resize=360:*)
This Runner Is Attempting a Marathon Every Day in 2024 for Mental Health Awareness
And yes, heās factoring in the leap day.
![Man's hand fixing bait on hook, elevated view man's hand fixing bait on hook, elevated view](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/mans-hand-fixing-bait-on-hook-elevated-view-royalty-free-image-1715874086.jpg?crop=0.671xw:1.00xh;0.165xw,0&resize=360:*)
Runner Gets Hooked by Fisherman During Half Marathon, Costing Him Second Place
Race medics removed four fishing hooks from Leonid Latsepovās leg and clothes.
![Netflix is a Joke Fest: 2 Bears 5K netflix is a joke fest 2 bears 5k](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/tom-segura-jelly-roll-and-bert-kreischer-attend-netflix-is-news-photo-1715347045.jpg?crop=0.716xw:1.00xh;0.143xw,0&resize=360:*)
Jelly Roll Finishes His First 5K Race: āI Left Here Feeling Really Motivatedā
Next up for the country singer: a half marathon.
![Thousands of runners pass across Tower Bridge during London... thousands of runners pass across tower bridge during london](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/thousands-of-runners-pass-across-tower-bridge-during-london-news-photo-1714398813.jpg?crop=0.686xw:1.00xh;0.159xw,0&resize=360:*)
A Record-Smashing 840,000 Runners Applied to Run the 2025 London Marathon
The massive number of applicants was the most in historyāand itās not even close.
![A runner in a dinosaur costume takes part during the... a runner in a dinosaur costume takes part during the](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/runner-in-a-dinosaur-costume-takes-part-during-the-marathon-news-photo-1713882270.jpg?crop=0.670xw:1.00xh;0.167xw,0&resize=360:*)
These Were the Guinness World Records Broken at the 2024 London Marathon
Could you beat Lee Bayntonās new record of āfastest marathon in a full-body inflatable costume?ā
![Apple TV+'s "Ted Lasso" Season Three FYC - Red Carpet And Panel apple tv's "ted lasso" season three fyc red carpet and panel](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/phil-dunster-attends-apple-tv-s-ted-lasso-season-three-fyc-news-photo-1713553317.jpg?crop=0.688xw:1.00xh;0.157xw,0&resize=360:*)
These Celebrities Are Running the 2024 London Marathon
Apr 3, 2024.
![128th Boston Marathon 128th boston marathon](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/boston-marathon-champion-meb-keflezighi-of-the-united-news-photo-1713215140.jpg?crop=0.670xw:1.00xh;0.160xw,0&resize=360:*)
How the Celebrities and Notables Ran at the 2024 Boston Marathon
10 years after his inspiring Boston Marathon win, Meb Keflezighi returned to Boylston Street.
![Portion Of California's Famed Highway 1 Collapses From Landslide portion of california's famed highway 1 collapses from landslide](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/in-an-aerial-view-cars-are-escorted-by-a-section-of-news-photo-1712168914.jpg?crop=0.716xw:1.00xh;0.196xw,0&resize=360:*)
A Chunk of the Big Sur Marathon Course Has Fallen Into the Ocean
Race organizers are scrambling to find a solution with the race just a few weeks away.