Therese Johaug misses 10,000m due to shoe rule change, eyes half marathon record

Therese Johaug, the celebrated Norwegian cross-country skiing champion, has been forced to withdraw from the 10,000-meter race at the Norwegian Athletics Championships. The reason? A recent change in athletics shoe regulations that Johaug claims prevents her from competing under her current sponsorship agreements.

The 37-year-old athlete, a multiple Olympic and World Championship gold medalist in skiing, was set to participate in the Trondheim event. However, a rule stipulating a maximum shoe sole thickness of 20 millimeters, down from the previous 25 millimeters allowed in 2021, has derailed her plans. Johaug explained that her shoe sponsor, Hoka, does not offer alternative models suitable for track running that meet the new regulations, leaving her with only spiked shoes, which she is hesitant to use.

"I've spoken with Hoka. They don't have other options than spikes, and I don't dare to run with them. I've never used spikes, and I believe the overall load they cause to my calves would be too great," Johaug stated in an interview with Adresseavisen, as reported by TV2.

Despite this setback and having had two children since concluding her skiing career, Johaug maintains a rigorous training regimen. While the track race is off, her running ambitions remain. In September, she intends to compete in the elite field of the Copenhagen Half Marathon, targeting an impressive time of 1 hour and 10 minutes. This goal would place her just over 30 seconds behind Alisa Vainio's Finnish record of 1:09:28.

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I've spoken with Hoka. They don't have other options than spikes, and I don't dare to run with them. I've never used spikes, and I believe the overall load they cause to my calves would be too great.