The November issue of AW, out on October 31, focuses on the rapidly changing world of distance running. Ruth Chepngetich’s astonishing marathon world record in Chicago has created headlines and split opinion, but has also underlined the remarkable evolution that is currently taking place in the sport. 

We look at the facts and figures behind the performance, while columnist Katharine Merry examines the reaction to 2:09:56 from the watching world.

British marathon runner Chris Thompson was an interested observer, too, and there’s an exclusive interview with the 43-year-old as he calls time on his lengthy career. In a wide-ranging conversation, he offers his views on how athletics projects itself to the public, through to his enduring love affair with pushing personal limits.

Calli Hauger-Thackery has also been pushing her performance levels and recovered from an incredibly difficult summer that included Olympic heartache to produce her fastest marathon in Berlin. She discusses the process of bouncing back and why she’s so excited about the future. Callum Hawkins’ immediate future involves the New York City Marathon and he talks about his mission to become a contender on the world stage again after lengthy injury battles.

Elsewhere in the issue, it’s that time of year again to cast your votes in the AW Readers’ Awards. In what has been a brilliant year, the shortlists in a variety of categories were difficult to compile but are packed with worthy contenders.

With research showing that levels of neurodiversity are particularly high in elite sport, we also examine how it can be worked with, rather than against, to help with physical and mental wellbeing.

British Olympic medallist and Diamond League champion Charlie Dobson talks about his 400m progress, too, while our performance section features expert advice, a coaching conversation with James Thie and reviews of the best shoes from brands you might never have heard of.