Looking back on the year, let’s recap the stories that captured our attention in 2023. These are our top ten most popular articles of the year.
Instead of relying on nostalgia, we prefer to analyze pure numbers to determine what resonated with readers. It not only reflects our team’s ability to provide timely news coverage but also sheds light on the topics that generated discussions over the past 12 months, beyond the frivolous antics of the privileged few.
We asked our team to predict the top story, and it comes as no surprise that our number one spot was easily guessed. So, without further delay, here are the top ten stories of 2023.
1. Shelby’s Controversial Burrito Choice
One of the biggest stories in athletics this year, especially with the Olympics taking place, revolved around a burrito. While little attention was given to the ill-fated, and quite comical, fundraising request, the initial announcement caught everyone’s interest.
Although there is a small part of me that considers the possibility of a wrongful conviction, every doping case relies on exploiting such doubts. However, based on the known facts, it seems difficult to interpret the situation as anything other than someone regretting getting caught. Had the athlete been Russian or Kenyan, no one would question the verdict.
2. Unbelievable Record Smashed
From the dark side of the sport, we turn to a truly awe-inspiring achievement: Aleksandr Sorokin’s incredible 24-hour distance run. Building on his previous 100-mile world record, the Lithuanian World Champion set off at a blistering pace in Poland last August.
With unwavering consistency, Sorokin surpassed even his wildest expectations by covering an astonishing distance of 309.4km. Rumor has it that he plans to challenge his own records in 2022, so let’s keep an eye on him.
3. Beth Potter Sets 5-Kilometer World Record
Interestingly, the editor was personally invested in this story as one of their coached athletes participated in the race and achieved an impressive sub-15 minute 5k PB. Just as they approached the finish line, Beth Potter stormed across the Podium 5k line.
“Wait a second, that’s a blazing fast time for Beth,” and suddenly the Twitter-sphere was abuzz with talk of an unofficial 5k world record at a grassroots running event. Even if the record didn’t stand due to verification reasons, Potter’s time was remarkable, especially considering her background as a triathlete displaying impressive speed.
4. Dealing with Runner’s Shin Pain
The list of news items took an unexpected turn with this random curveball – runner’s shin pain. Matt Bergin’s popular 2019 article experienced a resurgence in 2023, and the reason remains somewhat unclear. Is it possible that the surge in running during the first lockdown led to shin pain in runners 12-18 months later? Perhaps.
Nonetheless, the article remains a valuable resource, providing insights on what causes shin pain and how to treat it. So, if your shins are sore as you read this, or after your next run, be sure to check it out.
5. Jim Walmsley’s Near Miss
At the beginning of the year, there was genuine excitement surrounding an impressive feat. While we all love to witness greatness, there is a special place in our hearts for those who valiantly strive and come oh-so-close. In 2023, that person was Jim Walmsley.
This popular ultra-runner is not afraid of setting ambitious goals. He once said during a run in Chamonix that he’d rather swing and miss while going for a home run than not try at all, and we can all admire that mentality.
Throughout the Hoka Project Carbon X, an elaborate shoe advertisement that lasted over eight hours, the US trail ultra-running world champion seemed poised to break the 100k world record, until the final lap and the challenging second half of the loop derailed his plans. With a long finishing straight, it remained unclear until the final seconds whether the record was within reach. We’re confident that Jim will make another attempt, or at least we hope so.
6. Becs Gentry Soars to New Heights
Another blast from the past, this 2020 article regained popularity around the time of the British Olympic marathon trial, where a Peloton instructor took to the starting line amid considerable buzz.
Interestingly, the two athletes generating the most pre-race commotion, male and female, didn’t steal the headlines afterward. This perhaps demonstrates the additional pressure they faced.
7. Enhance Your Warm-Up with RAMP
Our coach Tom Craggs wrote a fantastic article on the importance of warm-ups. Whether it’s for a race or training session, warming up is a prelude to success, unless you’ve spent too long in the toilet queue.
8. Top 10 Fastest Parkruns of All Time
Another older article from 2020, when the first lockdown hit and we attempted to keep track of weekly parkrun rankings, only to run out of things to rank. This list probably needs an update, so we’ll add it to our to-do list for January. For those who enjoy witnessing impressive performances at community-oriented Saturday morning parkruns, stay tuned!
9. Five Essential Leg Strengthening Exercises
Once you’ve addressed your shin issues and perfected your warm-up routine, what’s the next step? Strengthening those legs, of course. Mike Chambers’ practical article presents some of the best exercises to improve leg strength.
As a running community, we all aspire to run faster and longer, while also prioritizing injury prevention and enjoying our runs. Therefore, any tips or exercises that promote injury-proof running and running happiness are highly sought after by our readers.
10. Tragic Death of Runner at UTMB TDS
Ending on a somber note, a story that reminds us of the importance of runner safety. The incident at the UTMB TDS race this summer was a wake-up call, and hopefully, valuable lessons were learned. Many participants on the mountain at the time experienced fear and confusion for several hours.
If you enjoy the content on our website and would like to improve your running performance or endurance, consider checking out Robbie Britton’s book, 1001 Running Tips: The essential guide for runners. It is available directly from the publishers or select bookstores.