Emma Bates Tracks Labor on Strava, Shares Marathon Skills — image accompanying Marathon Handbook's report. Image accompanying Marathon Handbook’s report; reduced and presented for news commentary with the attributed report. View the complete source report.
Emma Bates, an American marathoner, logged her labor on Strava, covering 0.26 miles in 20 hours and 37 minutes. She wore a heart rate monitor during the induced labor, which lasted until her son was born on her birthday.
Bates shared the activity on Instagram, noting her disappointment with the distance but highlighting her steady heart rate. She applied marathon training skills, such as focusing on one contraction at a time, to her labor. Read more culture coverage.
Bates announced her pregnancy in March and was due in August, but her son was born earlier. The pregnancy affected her sponsorship, but she signed with NeverSecond after UCAN ended their partnership. Related: Conner Mantz Set to Compete in 2026 New York City Marathon.
This original Runner World brief is based on reporting from Marathon Handbook. Visit the source for its complete reporting, context and any later corrections.
Reader questions
Questions about this report
What should runners know about Emma Bates Tracks Labor on Strava, Shares Marathon Skills?
Marathoner Emma Bates logged her 20-hour labor on Strava, applying marathon strategies. Emma Bates, an American marathoner, logged her labor on Strava, covering 0.26 miles in 20 hours and 37 minutes. She wore a heart rate monitor during the induced labor, which lasted until her son was born on her birthday.
When did Runner World publish this culture brief?
Runner World published this brief on October 26, 2026. The underlying Marathon Handbook report was dated October 26, 2026.
Where can readers find the complete original report?
This summary is based on reporting from Marathon Handbook. The attributed source link in the article leads to the publisher’s complete report.
THE WEEKLY BRIEFING
Start the week a step ahead.
A concise edit of the running stories worth knowing, sent every Monday.
