New Champions Set for Fifth Avenue Mile — 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.
The Fifth Avenue Mile will see new champions this year, as neither of last year's winners are competing. Yared Nuguse and Gracie Morris are both absent from the start lists.
Yared Nuguse, the men's winner, is racing in Copenhagen instead. Gracie Morris, the women's winner, is not entered. Josh Kerr, the men's record holder, is also not competing. Read more culture coverage.
The men's race will crown a first-time winner, as no former champion is on the list. The women's field includes one former champion, Jemma Reekie, who could secure her third win. Related: Dauwalter and Bouillard Withdraw from 2026 UTMB.
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 New Champions Set for Fifth Avenue Mile?
Neither last year's winners are racing, opening the door for new champions. The Fifth Avenue Mile will see new champions this year, as neither of last year's winners are competing. Yared Nuguse and Gracie Morris are both absent from the start lists.
When did Runner World publish this culture brief?
Runner World published this brief on September 9, 2026. The underlying Marathon Handbook report was dated September 9, 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.
