Jacob Meschke
Contributing Writer
Jacob joined Runner’s World and Bicycling as an editorial fellow after graduating from Northwestern University in 2018, where he studied journalism. His work focuses mainly on news and service pieces for both audiences, with the occasional foray into longer feature work and product reviews. He especially loves to highlight the journeys of Other Hearst Subscriptions doing amazing things in their communities.
How to Start Using Strava
Step-by-step directions for complete beginners.
50 Dec 13, 2018
Stuck in a training rut? Can’t recapture the magic of race day? These wise words from iconic figures in running and beyond will have you raring to get back out there.
The Funniest Marathon Signs on Instagram
From musicians to memes to merry motivation, we’ve found some of the best.
16 Turkey Trots You’ll Love to Run on Thanksgiving
Most races are virtual this year, so go ahead—pick the race with the best swag.
Motivational Quotes to Get You Through Your Marathon
Remember the wise words of these running legends for an extra boost to power you through the mythical 26.2.
15 Great Halloween Runs
Find the perfect spooky race for you.
In Spain, A Young Woman's Killing Galvanizes Women to Assert Their Freedom to Run
How the murder of 26-year-old Laura Luelmo last December united female runners against the country’s enduring machismo culture.
Heroic Dog Dies of Wounds While Protecting Trail Runner From Bear Encounter
Rascal had spent a decade at Linda Behnken’s side as they explored the Alaskan wilderness.
Kara Goucher Nearly Collides With Mountain Lion on Morning Training Run
The big cats are a regular part of life in Boulder, but the former Olympian wasn’t expecting to see one on a populated road.
The Story Behind the Final Pittsburgh Marathoners Crossing the Finish Hand in Hand
Laura Mazur and Jessica Robertson were strangers before the race—but supporting each other to their shared goal brought them together.
Back-of-the-Pack London Marathoners Say They Were Shamed for Being ‘Fat’ and ‘Slow’
Despite sticking to an officially sanctioned pace, the runners reported a much different race than those who finished in quicker times.
The Nashville Marathon and NFL Draft Are Coming Together for One Big Party Weekend
Get ready for way more music to get you through the race.
Officials Confirm Body Found in Utah Ravine Is Missing Runner Jerika Binks
An examination showed the 24-year-old’s leg was broken in two places, but authorities do not believe foul play was involved.
Runner Still Missing After Starting Malaysian Ultra 10 Days Ago
Mohammad Ashraf was last seen around 20K into the 25K race. Now, authorities have called off the search for a live rescue.
Dog Attack Leaves Olympic Trials Qualifier With Gaping Wounds and 21 Stitches
Caitlin Keen still hopes to win Cincinnati’s Flying Pig Marathon in May: “I now have a totally different level of pain tolerance, so maybe I’ll surprise myself there.”
Should Races Give Medals to Guide Runners for Visually-Impaired Participants?
In February, the London Marathon changed their rules after controversy arose. What does that mean for races—and runners—in the U.S.?
80-Pound Dog Attacks a Top Runner a Mile Away From Half Marathon Finish
Julie Stackhouse finished the race with a bloody bite on her arm that would eventually require six stitches.
Michigan City’s Heated Sidewalks Make It a Running Winter Wonderland
Thanks to Holland’s snowmelt system, covered, impassable sidewalks will never derail another run.
28,000 Pounds of Discarded Banana Peels Will Be Put to Good Use After Disney Races
It’s just part of a larger strategy to make races more environmentally-friendly.
Let a Fitness-Focused Brewery Train You to Crush Your Next Marathon
Plenty of pubs host weekly fun runs, but Cincinnati’s Fifty West Brewing Company is taking things to a whole new level.
This College Makes Every Student Run a Half Marathon
With even more cushioning than its predecessor, this neutral trainer is a friend to all with tired legs.
5 Reasons We’re Pretty Sure That Ariana Grande May Secretly Be a Runner
Back-of-the-Pack London Marathoners Say They Were Shamed for Being Fat and Slow.
12 longer feature work
As the year comes to a close, here are our favorite tales of incredible runners.
Ultrarunner Rickey Gates Just Ran Every Single Street in San Francisco
He logged over 1,300 miles and 147,000 feet of elevation over 46 days.
Most races are virtual this year, so go aheadpick the race with the best swag
Local authorities are working to nab the creature, which has injured several residents, including a 9-year-old child.
15 Great Races to Run in the New Year
Whether it be on New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, or both, what better way to get a head start on your running resolutions?
30 Oct 7, 2019
Say it, and you’ll start to believe it.
Nov 29, 2018
Jimmy Gressier’s attempt at a flashy finish to retain his U-23 crown went in a decidedly viral direction.
Races & Places
They’ll serve you well in the depths of winter—but milder temperatures are okay, too.
This College Makes Every Student Run a Half Marathon
At Highlands College, fitness is a non-negotiable part of your growth—and your grade.
Gold Medalist Matthew Centrowitz Signs Race Tape After Another Katelyn Tuohy Victory
Next, the high school star will defend her national title at the Nike Cross Nationals in Portland, Oregon.
At-Risk Australians Run Their Way to a Better Life With a ‘Hand Up, Not a Handout’
The nonprofit On My Feet believes being a committed runner has a lot in common with being a top-notch employee.