The 10,000m race might not have the flash of the 100m sprint or the cinematic appeal of a marathon, but it has a quiet, enduring charm—and two-time Olympians Des Linden and Kara Goucher are on a mission to make sure it doesn’t fade away.
Their new event, “Save the 10,000 with Des & Kara,” set for May 3 at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, Calif. (better known to running nerds as simply “Mt. SAC”), aims to offer athletes a rare and crucial opportunity to compete at this classic distance.
A Timely Intervention
The concept for “Save the 10,000” was born out of a sense of urgency.
When the beloved Night of 10,000 PBs in London announced a 2025 hiatus, it left a gaping hole in the racing calendar—one that Linden and Goucher were determined to fill.
“We could wring our hands, or we could try to do something about it,” said Linden, the first American woman to win the Boston Marathon in 33 years back in 2018. “It’s important to both of us that we give something back to this sport.”
And give back they will.
The event offers 60 elite athletes—30 men and 30 women—a rare opportunity to compete under the lights at Mt. SAC. With $25,000 in prize money on the line, including $5,000 for each winner, a few of the athletes could stand to score some additional income in a non-Olympic year in addition to running a fast time.
More importantly, the race provides a vital chance for elite runners to chase qualifying standards for the 2025 USATF Outdoor Championships and the 2025 World Athletics Championships. Not bad for a race that’s fighting for its very survival.
Why the 10,000m Still Matters
While the marathon gets all the cinematic montages and the 100m dash basks in the glow of split-second glory, the 10,000m has quietly remained one of track’s most compelling yet overlooked events.
Goucher, a two-time Olympian and the first American woman to win a World Championships medal in the 10,000m when she took silver in 2007, insists the event has more drama than a Netflix thriller.
“Last year in Paris, the men’s 10,000 got the Olympic Games off to a tremendous start,” Goucher said. “The interest in that race pulled fans to come back day after day to follow the action. Des and I are eager to give athletes the chance to continue to race the 10,000 because it’s just that captivating.”
Entry into the event is a high bar—athletes with personal bests of at least 28:30 (men) and 33:30 (women) will be automatically admitted. The remaining spots will be filled based on a descending-order list, ensuring the race remains as competitive as possible.
As a Bronze Label race on the World Athletics Continental Tour, the event offers athletes a chance to earn points and achieve times that could propel them to global competitions—a rare opportunity in a world with fewer and fewer 10,000m races.
Linden and Goucher’s vision for the event extends beyond the track.
Earlier in the day, the duo will host a live recording of their popular Nobody Asked Us podcast, with all proceeds going directly to support the event. The podcast, known for its candid and often hilarious takes on the sport, promises to add a layer of community and fun to what could easily become just another meet on the calendar.
For those who can’t make it to California, there’s also a “Save the 10,000 Virtual Run.” Runners and fans can participate from anywhere in the world, with entry details available at www.savethe10000.com.
It’s a clever way to bring the broader running community into the fold, offering everyone a chance to contribute to the event’s mission.
