Did you miss the latest news from the running world? The second week of April has been packed with excitement, records and major announcements. From the epic Marathon des Sables in the Sahara Desert to Gerda Steyn’s historic victory at the Two Oceans Marathon, alongside ultratrail races in the United States and key updates from World Athletics, here’s a comprehensive roundup so you don’t miss a thing. We also look ahead to upcoming events and show you how to get the most out of the SnapRace app to stay motivated in your own challenges.
Marathon des Sables 2026: forty editions of adventure
On 5 April, the 40th edition of the Marathon des Sables got underway, one of the toughest endurance races on the planet. More than 1,500 runners from 68 countries tackled around 270 kilometres over six stages across the Sahara Desert. To mark the anniversary, organisers introduced a 100-kilometre stage on day four, pushing both physical and mental limits even further. Each participant had to carry their own food and survival gear, while the organisation only provided water and set up bivouacs for recovery.
In the men’s race, Morocco’s Mohamed El Morabity dominated by winning five of the six stages and comfortably securing overall victory. His consistency on the dunes and experience in desert racing allowed him to finish more than an hour ahead of his rivals. In the women’s race, France’s Maryline Nakache delivered an even more impressive performance: she won every stage and finished over three and a half hours ahead of the runner-up. Her conservative early strategy and strength during the long 100 km stage proved decisive.
Beyond the results, the race offered valuable lessons on preparing for extreme conditions. Experts recommend heat training to improve tolerance to high temperatures, carefully planning hydration and electrolyte intake, and practising effort management while carrying a loaded pack. The SnapRace app allows you to log workouts in different climates and analyse performance, making it ideal for those dreaming of desert adventures.
Gerda Steyn makes history at the Two Oceans Marathon
On Saturday 11 April, Cape Town hosted the 56th edition of the Two Oceans Marathon, a 56-kilometre ultramarathon that runs along the Cape Peninsula between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Known as “the world’s most beautiful marathon” thanks to its coastal scenery, the race attracted thousands of runners and delivered a historic moment: South Africa’s Gerda Steyn claimed her seventh consecutive victory in the women’s race, finishing in 3:27:43. Her steady pace allowed her to pull away from Kenya’s Margaret Jepchumba and Zimbabwe’s Nobuhle Tshuma, who completed the podium.
The men’s race was much tighter. South African Arthur Jantjies produced a remarkable late surge to overtake compatriot Onalenna Khonkhobe and Zimbabwe’s Blessing Waison in the final kilometres. Jantjies crossed the line in 3:09:25, just 35 seconds ahead of Khonkhobe. The race once again showed that ultrarunning demands not only endurance but also strategy and the ability to respond to pace changes.
If you’re considering a similar challenge, remember that the 56 km distance requires combining endurance training with strength work to handle climbs. Using SnapRace to track weekly mileage and schedule recovery will help you progress safely. You can also take inspiration from Steyn herself, who regularly includes fartlek sessions and speed work to stay sharp.
Ultrarunning in the United States: American River 50 Mile and more
Early April also featured several ultradistance races in the United States. At the American River 50 Mile Endurance Run in California on 4 April, Adam Kimble claimed victory in 6 hours and 40 minutes. Christopher Wehan and Nate Hoe completed the podium. In the women’s race, Heather Van Sickle stood out in the 50-mile event, while she also won the 25-mile race alongside Jesse Haynes.
Other notable events included the Hell’s Hills 50 Mile in Texas, won by Trevor Garner and Mallory Brooks, and the Arizona Monster 300, a 300-mile race where Americans Michael McKnight and Selene Mallone took more than 82 and 99 hours respectively to finish. These figures are staggering and highlight the growing popularity of ultradistance racing.
If you’re thinking about stepping up to ultramarathons, it’s essential to build mileage gradually and practise race nutrition. Many runners simulate race conditions, including aid station stops and short rest periods. Being part of a community like SnapRace also helps you share experiences and stay motivated.
Upcoming events: São Paulo, Boston and Madrid
The spring calendar shows no signs of slowing down. On 11–12 April, the São Paulo Marathon takes place, with more than 20,000 runners competing across 5 km, 10 km, half marathon and marathon distances. Sunday’s race starts at the Ibirapuera Obelisk, and the course—combining urban avenues and park sections—requires careful pacing over rolling terrain. If you’re racing, check out the SnapRace São Paulo Marathon guide for training and logistics tips.
One week later, on 20 April, the prestigious Boston Marathon—one of the six World Marathon Majors—takes place. Then on 26 April, the Zurich Rock ’n’ Roll Running Series Madrid returns, expecting 47,000 runners to take over the streets of the Spanish capital accompanied by live music. If you’re taking part in any of these events, make sure to fine-tune your training and use SnapRace’s tracking tools to arrive in peak condition.
Institutional update: a new World Marathon Championship
On 7 April, World Athletics announced a major change: from 2030, the marathon will no longer be part of the World Athletics Championships programme and will instead become a standalone global championship. The plan is to alternate men’s and women’s races annually, maintaining frequency while giving marathon running greater visibility. Discussions are underway with the Greek government and federation to host the first World Marathon Championship in Athens, the historic birthplace of the event. This move highlights the importance of the marathon as both an elite discipline and a mass participation celebration.
More news: 100 km World Championship logo unveiled
At the end of March, the International Association of Ultrarunners (IAU) revealed the official logo for the 2026 100 km World Championship, which will take place in Ames, Spain. Designed by the host city, the logo incorporates a map of the municipality surrounding an ultrarunner, alongside the scallop shell—symbol of the Camino de Santiago routes that pass through the area. The design reflects both the endurance of the athletes and the cultural richness of the region.
In summary, the running world continues to deliver inspiring stories, outstanding performances and key developments shaping the future of the sport. If these updates motivate you to set new goals, remember that the SnapRace app is with you every step of the way: plan your training, share your runs and stay motivated through challenges and rankings. See you next week for more running news!