The Track Minute Daily Report is available Monday through Friday with the top news and stories from the world of track and field. Listen to the Track Minute Daily Report on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and subscribe to the newsletter at https://trackminute.beehiiv.com/
Fields for USATF Half Marathon Championships announced
The 2025 USATF Half Marathon Championships, scheduled for March 2 in Atlanta, will serve as the selection event for Team USA at the World Athletics Road Running Championships in San Diego. The top three male and female finishers will qualify to earn spots on the national team. Half-marathon American record holder Weini Kelati leads a stacked women’s field, which includes Amanda Vestri, Emma Hurley, and Jess McClain. For the men, Leonard Korir, Hillary Bor, and Biya Simbassa each are strong contenders to represent the USA in San Diego this fall. Full entry lists are available here.
Brooks announces five high school NIL signees
Brooks Running has expanded its Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) program to include five standout high school athletes: Juan Gonzalez, Victoria Rodriguez, Joe Barrett, Clemmie Lilley, and Ben Crane. They are the first high schoolers to be signed to an NIL deal with the brand. The five seniors are committed to the following colleges in the fall:
- Gonzalez: University of Oregon
- Rodriguez: Wake Forest University
- Barrett: University of North Carolina
- Lilley: Stanford University
- Crane: Brigham Young University
Commonwealth Games to add fan favorite events
The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will reintroduce the Commonwealth Mile, last run in 1966, replacing the traditional 1500m race. Additionally, the athletics program will feature the mixed 4x400m relay for the first time. Notably, this edition marks the inaugural inclusion of para athletics events.
Manteo Mitchell featured for Olympic heroism in new book
In his new book, Hero Redefined: Profiles of Olympic Athletes Under the Radar, author Doug Levy highlights athletes who have demonstrated exceptional resilience and courage, regardless of podium finishes. Released last month, the book features thirteen Olympians from six continents, including Manteo Mitchell, who famously completed his relay leg at the 2012 London Games (and earning a silver medal) despite fracturing his leg mid-race. Athing Mu is also featured, among historic track notables Mary Decker Slaney, David Moorcroft, and Tom Hintnaus.
Can’t beat the beets
Following prior research that suggested the nitrates in beetroot juice enhance blood vessel dilation and oxygen delivery to muscles, a recent study investigated the impact of the supplement on the aerobic performance of female endurance athletes. Eighteen participants were divided into two groups: one consumed beetroot juice concentrate (50 mL) before a workout, while the other received a placebo. The group that drank beetroot juice showed notable improvements in oxygen use and energy production during exercise, suggesting that beetroot juice could be a beneficial addition to athletes’ diets to enhance performance.
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