Usually this time of year, the calendar is filled with races like the Boston Marathon, the London Marathon, the pro track circuit, and the NCAA Championships. Also, this year, we were awaiting the action of the Olympics and Paralympics. But due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, these events have all been postponed or canceled.
So, if you’re like us and you’re craving that high level of racing we’ve come to love, you’ve come to the right place. We have collected some of the best races we could find that are available to the public. You want marathons? We got ’em. World records? Those, too. Pole vaulting? You better believe it.
We’re here to help you get through these hard times at home. So sit back, grab your computer charger, and get ready to get your fix of racing.
Shalane Flanagan Wins the NYC Marathon (2017)
The whole race isn’t available, but we can’t not start with this incredible moment when American treasure Shalane Flanagan became the first woman in 40 years to win the NYC Marathon. If you do want the whole race with commentating in Spanish, you can watch that here.
Kipchoge Breaks Two Hours in the Marathon (2019)
One of the greatest feats ever performed by a human being, and you can watch the entirety of the original live stream here.
Donovan Brazier Dominates in the 800 meters at the Millrose Games (2020)
Donavan Brazier is dominating the 800-meter world right now. Here is just one prime example of his work at this year’s Millrose Games.
Elle Purrier Breaks the American Mile Record at the Millrose Games (2020)
Speaking of the Millrose Games, Elle Purrier put on a show this year as well when she broke the American mile record, coming from behind on the final lap.
USC Comes From Way Back to Win the 4x400 at NCAA Outdoors (2018)
This is one of the most exciting races you’ll ever watch. What a comeback!
David Rudisha Breaks His Own World Record in the 800 Meters (2012)
The 2012 London Olympics were epic, and the case that can be made for the best moment was David Rudisha breaking his own world record, which still stands today.
Corey Bellemore Sets the World Record in the Beer Mile (2017)
The beer mile is just a fun event to spectate, in person or online. Here, we see Canadian Corey Bellemore run a mile likely faster than you can while also consuming four beers along the way.
Des Linden Wins the Boston Marathon (2018)
Des Linden was the first American woman in 30 years to win the Boston Marathon. We love her.
David Brown Wins T11 Gold at Rio Paralympics (2016)
There’s no better duo in sports than 100-meter world record holder David Brown and his guide Jerome Avery.
Emma Coburn Wins Gold in the Steeplechase at the World Championships (2017)
No American woman had ever won a medal in the steeplechase. That was until Emma Coburn and Courtney Frerichs showed up and took gold and silver, respectively in 2017.
Lopez Lomong Wins the 5K and 10K at the U.S. Championships (2019)
After Lopez Lomong won the 10K, he won the 5K three days later, outsprinting Paul Chelimo to the line on the final lap. You can watch the 10K here.
Alan Webb Breaks the American Mile Record (2007)
If you’ve never seen the Alan Webb American record mile, put everything down right now and see how a person absolutely dominates a race.
Drew Hunter Drops One of the Best Comebacks in Penn Relays History (2016)
Starting the final leg of the DMR, then-high-schooler Drew Hunter was about eight seconds behind the lead. About a mile later, we had a sprint to a photo finish in one of the best high school performances you may ever see.
Dave Wottle Wins Gold at the Olympics (1972)
If you’ve never seen this race, you must. Painter’s cap and all, Wottle wins. Plus, the call is amazing. (Check out more on Dave Wottle here)
Usain Bolt Runs 9.58 and Sets the World Record in the 100 Meters (2009)
Bolt was unstoppable as he brought track back into the mainstream with performances like this.
Hicham El Guerrouj Sets the World Record in the Mile (1999)
This record has stood for two decades. Can you imagine running a mile that fast?
Mondo Duplantis Breaks the Pole Vault World Record Twice in One Week (2020)
Pole vaulters are the most hyped athletes right now. At us!
Jim Walmsley Gets Lost at Western States (2016)
Though he would come back to win and break the course record (twice), this is the run that made Jim Walmsley famous.
Drew covers a variety of subjects for Runner’s World and Bicycling, and he specializes in writing and editing human interest pieces while also covering health, wellness, gear, and fitness for the brand. His work has previously been published in Men’s Health.
