Lance Armstrong Admits to Doping
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Oprah's exclusive, no-holds-barred interview with cyclist Lance Armstrong was one of the top stories in cycling this year, and it turned into one of the biggest controversies in the history of the sport. After winning seven consecutive Tour de France titles from 1999 to 2005 (breaking the previous record of five), Armstrong admitted to doping during each of his wins on national television. Photo by Jdegenhardt.
The Boston Marathon Bombings
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Two bombs shook Boston, and the world, killing three and injuring hundreds of runners. Runners from all over traveled to conquer this iconic race, but in mere seconds some dreams of crossing the Boston Marathon finish line was taken. Athletes around the globe came together in their communities to finish 26.2 miles and honor those affected by this tragedy. Photo by Mark Wood.
Rolling Swim Starts Implemented for Ironman
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This method, announced in May 2013 as part of the SwimStart Initiative, replaced the mass swim start Ironman athletes are used to, where the cannon is fired and thousands of athletes start the 2.4-mile swim at the same time. Find an Ironman.
The 5K Gets a New Look
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A 5K generally means running 3.1 miles, but in 2013 5K runners were in for an entirely new type of race. The 5K became a hybrid of fun and fitness, and participants suited up in costume, dodged zombies, tackled obstacles, and raced through splashing color, mud and foam. With even more fun runs being created in 2014, the opportunities are endless for runners to have an unforgettable experience. Find a 5K race.
Diana Nyad Swims From Cuba to Florida
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Fifth time's a charm for Diana Nyad. On September 2, 2013, Nyad made a splash as she became the first person to swim 103 miles without a shark cage. Her feat took nearly 53 hours and proved that anyone, at any age, can accomplish his or her goals. Photo by Andrew Dallos.
Chris Horner Wins the Vuelta a Espana
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In September, 41-year-old Chris Horner of Bend, Oregon, became the oldest cyclist to ever win a Grand Tour when he won the Vuelta a Espana (Tour of Spain). The previous record was held by Belgian Firmin Lambot, who won the 1922 Tour de France at the age of 36. Horner also became the first American to win the Vuelta, beating out runner-up Vicenzo Nibali of Italy in the overall classification of the three-week long race. Photo by Richard Masoner.
Wilson Kipsang Sets New World Marathon Record
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On September 29, 2013, at the Berlin Marathon, Wilson Kipsang set a new world record of 2:03:23. Kipsang shed 15 seconds off the previous record set by Patrick Makau in Berlin two years ago. Photo by Avda-Foto.
NYC Marathon Hits Record Numbers
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A year absence after superstorm Sandy, more than 50,000 runners hit the ground running in the 43rd ING New York City Marathon on November 3, 2013. The 2013 NYC Marathon was the largest in history with 50,266 finishers, which breaks the previous record by 3,000. Only 436 participants didn't finish. This year's starters were the largest in history too.Find a race in New York. Photo by Sanickles.
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