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/
Nikki Hiltz signs extension with Lululemon through 2028
Fresh off their double at USATF Indoors, Nikki Hiltz has announced a contract extension with Lululemon and a coaching change to Juli Benson. Hiltz expressed excitement about continuing their partnership with Lululemon, emphasizing the brand’s alignment with their values of community, authenticity, diversity, and connection. Regarding the coaching transition, Hiltz stated, “I’m also excited to announce that I’ll be working with Juli Benson as my new coach. Juli has an incredible legacy in our sport.” Hiltz had previously been coached by Mike Smith, who will be a full-time Nike coach starting this summer under Swoosh TC.
Mondo Duplantis to release debut music single
Mondo Duplantis, the world-record-holding pole vaulter, is set to release his debut music single, “Bop,” on streaming platforms this Friday. He announced the release on TikTok, sharing a brief clip of the song and expressing hope that listeners will enjoy it. This musical endeavor follows his recent appearance with fiancée Desiré Inglander in Kygo’s “Chasing Paradise” music video, indicating Duplantis’s expanding interests beyond athletics.
USA Half Marathon Championships are this weekend
The USATF Half Marathon Championships are scheduled for this Sunday, March 2, in Atlanta, Georgia, as part of the Publix Atlanta Marathon Weekend. The event will determine the top three male and female finishers who will represent Team USA at the World Athletics Road Running Championships in San Diego this September. Notable athletes competing include American record holder Weini Kelati and two-time Olympian Leonard Korir. The race offers a prize purse of at least $110,000, with $20,000 awarded to each first-place finisher. The event will be streamed live on Atlanta Track Club’s YouTube channel.
Joetta Clark Diggs sets Masters American record
At the USATF Masters Indoor Championships in Gainesville, Florida, four-time Olympian Joetta Clark Diggs made a remarkable return to competition after a 25-year hiatus. Competing in the 60-64 age category, the 62-year-old set a new American record in the 200 meters with a time of 28.62 seconds, surpassing the previous record of 28.88 seconds. This achievement was particularly special as her daughter, 400m standout and World Championships relay gold medalist Talitha Diggs, was present to witness her mother’s inspiring performance.
LA Marathon, Chicago Marathon, NYRR, and BAA come together to support wildfire recovery
In response to the devastating January 2025 wildfires in Los Angeles County, the Los Angeles Marathon, New York City Marathon, Chicago Marathon, and Boston Marathon have united to launch the “Together LA” initiative. This collaboration involves co-branded merchandise sales, with all net proceeds directed to Community Organized Relief Effort (CORE) and the California Fire Foundation to aid in emergency relief and long-term recovery efforts.
