USA Update

FROM racing along the Great Wall of China to sprinting through the streets of London, there’s no shortage of epic running events around the world.

Whether you’re after a 5km jog close to home or a multi-day ultra marathon abroad, here are some of the best for 2025.

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Thinking of signing up to a running event in 2025? Here are some of the best[/caption]

JANUARY

PolarNight Marathon

• Distance: 5km, 10km, half marathon, marathon
• Date: January 4, 2025
• Location: Tromsø, Norway
• Find out more: msm.no/en/events/polarnightmarathon

The PolarNight Marathon takes place in the middle of the day.

But at this time of year, the sun never rises above the horizon, so you’ll be running in complete darkness.

If you’re lucky, you could even be running under the Northern Lights.

FEBRUARY

Dead Sea Marathon

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Competitors running on salty soil during the Dead Sea Marathon[/caption]

• Distance: 5km, 10km, half marathon, marathon, 50km
• Date: February 7, 2025
• Location: Ein Bokek, Israel
• Find out more: deadsea.run/en/

The Dead Sea Marathon is held at the lowest point on earth, 420 metres (1,378ft) below sea level.

Runners pass ancient salt crystals, desert landscapes and bright turquoise waters along the flat and “super-fast” route.

The Ice Ultra

• Distance: 230km
• Date: February 18, 2025
• Location: Swedish Lapland, Sweden
• Find out more: beyondtheultimate.co.uk

The 230km Ice Ultra runs across the Arctic Circle – and it’s not for the faint-hearted.

It takes participants across frozen lakes and through snowy forests, all in sub-zero conditions – sometimes as low as -40C.

MARCH

Wine Marathon

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A runner accepting a glass on wine during a marathon in France[/caption]

• Distance: 8km, 12km, 21.1km, 42.2km
• Date: March 29 to 30, 2025
• Location: Côte Chalonnaise, France
• Find out more: yaka-inscription.com/marathondesvinsdelacotechalonnaise2025

Fancy a run with a bit more fun?

The Côte Chalonnaise Wine Marathon races in the vineyards of Burgundy.

It spans 17 villages, with wine dished out every 5km!

APRIL

London Landmarks Half Marathon

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Runners holding hands as they approach the finish line at the London Landmarks Half Marathon[/caption]

• Distance: Half marathon
• Date: April 6, 2025
• Location: London, UK
• Find out more: llhm.co.uk

Forget sightseeing buses. Take in some of the capital’s most famous areas during the London Landmarks Half Marathon.

From Big Ben to St Paul’s Cathedral and Tower Bridge, this race combines culture, history and an electric atmosphere for runners of all abilities.

Run the Great Wall

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Runners in Jinshanling on the Great Wall of China[/caption]

• Distance: 10km, half marathon
• Date: April 20, 2025
• Location: Jinshanling Great Wall, China
• Find out more: rungreatwall.com/jinshanling-great-wall-marathon

Tick off one of the seven wonders of the world with a marathon along part of the Great Wall of China.

But beware, with thousands of huge, steep and uneven steps, it’s said to be one of the most challenging races on the planet.

Nashville Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series

• Distance: 1mile, 5km, 10km, half marathon, marathon
• Date: April 26 to 27, 2025
• Location: Nashville, Tennessee, US
• Find out more: runrocknroll.com/nashville

If music is more your thing, why not head to Nashville?

Runners can immerse themselves in music culture, and there are 20 band stages along the course.

The “tour” takes in landmarks such as Broadway, Music Row, The Gulch and the Country Musical Hall of Fame.

MAY

Hackney Half Marathon

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Runners in the Hackney Half Marathon in London[/caption]

• Distance: Half marathon
• Date: May 17 and 18, 2025
• Location: Hackney, London, UK
• Find out more: hackneymoves.com

People say the Hackney Half Marathon is more like a festival, with live music, street food and “activities for all”.

It’s London‘s biggest half marathon, with 24,000 runners.

The AJ Bell Great Manchester Run

• Distance: 10km and half marathon
• Date: May 18, 2025
• Location: Manchester, UK
• Find out more: greatrun.org/events/great-manchester-run

After a similar atmosphere up north? Give the Great Manchester Run a go.

“Offering both a 10km and a half marathon, it’s party vibes from start to finish, with a high-energy soundtrack, live music and entertainment zones at every turn,” the organisers say.

Edinburgh Marathon

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Edinburgh Marathon runners heading down the Royal Mile towards Holyrood[/caption]

• Distance: 5km, 10km, half marathon, marathon
• Date: May 24 to 25, 2025
• Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
• Find out more: edinburghmarathon.com

The Edinburgh Marathon starts by the university and passes many of the city’s iconic sights, including Greyfriars Kirkyard, the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle.

With a descent of almost 90 metres to near sea level, this flat course is up there with one of the fastest marathon routes in the world.

JUNE

Jungle Ultra

Jungle Ultra

The 230km Jungle Ultra is one of the toughest races in the world[/caption]

• Distance: 230km
• Date: June 1, 2025
• Location: Manú National Park, Peru
• Find out more: beyondtheultimate.co.uk/race/jungle-ultra

Set deep in the rainforest, the Jungle Ultra is one of the toughest races in the world.

Covering 230km, runners have to navigate dense jungle trails, cross rivers and tackle high humidity as they race through the Amazon.

The organisers say: “This is our hardest ultra marathon.

“Choked with mud and humidity, the thin air doubles the effort required to move, testing all of your physical and mental resilience.

“This is a race like no other.”

Big Five Marathon

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Catch sight of the ‘Big Five’ on a safari marathon in South Africa[/caption]

• Distance: Half marathon, marathon
• Date: June 14, 2025
• Location: Entabeni, South Africa
• Find out more: big-five-marathon.com

If you’ve always wanted to go on safari and enter a marathon, why not combine the two?

You can complete a 21km or 42km distance through the South African Savannah – the habitat of the famous Big Five: elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard.

JULY

Love Trails Festival

Love Trails

Love Trails is a four-day festival that combines music and running[/caption]

• Distance: 5km, 6km, 10km, 12km 27km, 52km
• Date: July 10 to 13, 2025
• Location: Gower Peninsula, Wales
• Find out more: lovetrailsfestival.co.uk

Love Trails is a four-day festival that combines music and running.

As well as trail races (of all distances), attendees can enjoy wellbeing activities, workshops, talks and live music.

The London 10k

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• Distance: 10km
• Date: July 13, 2025
• Location: Central London
• Find out more: thelondon10k.com

The London 10k is another of the city’s epic races.

The route passes Westminster Bridge, the London Eye, Regent Street, Piccadilly Circus and Big Ben.

It’s pretty flat, so perfect if you’re a beginner or you’re trying for a personal best.

AUGUST

Prosecco Run

• Distance: 5km, 10km, half marathon, marathon, ultra marathon
• Date: August 10, 2025
• Location: Dorking, Surrey, UK
• Find out more: letsdothis.com/gb/e/phoenix-prosecco-run-196779

Another boozy offering is the Prosecco Run in Dorking, Surrey.

In short, you run as far as you can around Denbies Wine Estate within a seven-hour time limit – then enjoy a glass of prosecco (or three) at the finish line.

SEPTEMBER

The Great North Run

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Runners cross the start line of the AJ Bell Great North Run in Newcastle[/caption]

• Distance: Half marathon
• Date: September 7, 2025
• Location: Newcastle, UK
• Find out more: greatrun.org/events/great-north-run

The world’s biggest half marathon returns to the North East on September 7, 2025.

More 65,000 people are due to take on the famous 13.1-mile course from Newcastle to South Shields.

Renowned for its incredible atmosphere and roaring crowd support, which also boasts a world class elite race, the Great North Run raises millions of pounds for charity each year and is televised live on the BBC.

Loch Ness Marathon

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The Baxters Loch Ness Marathon in Inverness[/caption]

• Distance: Marathon
• Date: September 28, 2025
• Location: Loch Ness, Scotland
• Find out more: lochnessmarathon.com

This event is held on the banks of Loch Ness and is said to be one of the most beautiful races in the world.

It also gives you an opportunity to spot Nessie!

OCTOBER

Oxford Half

• Distance: Half marathon
• Date: October 12, 2025
• Location: Oxford, UK
• Find out more: letsdothis.com/gb/e/oxford-half-2025-234426

The Oxford Half is fast and flat, making it perfect for both newbies and those after a PB.

It begins near Trinity College and takes in the city’s winding and historic streets before finishing on Parks Road.

NOVEMBER

Desert Ultra

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You can do a 250km race through the Namib Desert[/caption]

• Distance: 250km
• Date: November 16 to 22, 2025
• Location: Namib Desert, Namibia
• Find out more: beyondtheultimate.co.uk/race/desert-ultra

The Namib Desert is one of the oldest and most hostile in the world, with temperatures often well over 50C.

But believe it or not, you can actually run a 250km seven-day race straight through it.

“With relentless heat and extraordinary terrain, this race will push you to your limits,” the organisers say.

DECEMBER

Chase the Moon

• Distance: 5km, 10km
• Date: December 17, 2025
• Location: Battersea Park, London, UK
• Find out more: runthrough.co.uk/event/chase-the-moon-battersea-park-5k-10k-december-2025

There aren’t as many running events in December, particularly in the UK.

But if you’re after a shorter, “totally flat” event in the winter, look no further than Chase the Moon in London’s Battersea Park.

“Starting and finishing at the park’s bandstand, this course laps the park making it easy to follow and great for any spectators to catch you flying around the course,” the organisers say.

DUAL Grand National winning jockey Leighton Aspell had a lucky escape after a falling tree hit his car during Storm Darragh.

The Irishman suffered several nasty injuries, including a broken arm and internal bleeding, in the terrifying ordeal last Saturday.

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Leighton Aspell rode Many Clouds to win the Grand National in 2015[/caption]

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The jockey was injured when a falling tree hit his car during Storm Darragh[/caption]

Aspell, 48, was discharged late last week and is now recovering at home in Ireland with his family after the terrifying ordeal.

His former boss Oliver Sherwood, who is himself now in New Zealand, has been in touch with his old pal and reported he was in good spirits.

Sherwood said: “Thankfully he is back home now and doing fine.

“He has a broken arm and some internal bleeding but it could have been much worse.”

Aspell, who won the Grand National in back-to-back years on Pineau De Re and Sherwood’s fan favourite Many Clouds, retired in February 2020 after a long and successful career.

He had initially hung up his boots in 2007 but returned to the saddle two years later and went on to win the world’s most famous jumps race in successive seasons in 2014 and 2015.

He moved back to Ireland in 2021 with his wife, Nicola, and three daughters.

Two people were killed by falling trees when Storm Darragh wreaked havoc in Britain and Ireland last weekend.

Aintree were forced to abandon their big Becher Chase meeting as the course was battered by high winds and torrential rain.

WANT to put your mind to the test? This tricky optical illusion might just leave you scratching your head.

There are plenty of different types of optical illusions and brain teasers out there, some force us to see things from a new perspective and others are like a workout for your brain.

Jargon Josh

Can you spot the hidden dog in this rocky illusion?[/caption]

To solve this optical illusion all you have to do is find the hidden dog in the image – but be warned, it’s not as easy as it might look.

The illustration, shared by Jargon Josh, shows a rocky landscape and some old tree stumps in the background, and it might look like there’s no dog to be seen at first glance.

The puzzle is so tricky few can solve it in under five seconds.

So, click play on the video above to start the timer and see if you’re the true champion.

Brain teaser are more than just a fun challenge – they’re great for your mind too. 

They help keep your brain sharp by encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving, which boosts cognitive function. 

They’re also a great way to improve memory, both short-term and long-term, as you work on remembering and processing information.

Regularly tackling these puzzles can also improve your concentration and mental agility, keeping your brain active and engaged. 

Plus, they can help delay cognitive decline as we age, making them a great way to look after your mental health.

With Christmas just around the corner, brain teasers are also perfect for sharpening your attention to detail – just in time for all those thoughtful gift ideas. 

Feeling stumped? Scroll down to see the answer below.

ANSWERS

The hidden dog can be found towards the right of the image.

The pooch is especially hard to find since he’s made up from the same rocks which form the rest of the sorroundings.

Why not challenge your friends and family to see who the true winner is.

Jargon Josh

How long did it take you to spot the hidden pooch?[/caption]

I’M A CELEBRITY’S Alan Halsall enjoyed a happy reunion with a Corrie co-star after landing back on home turf following his jungle stint.

The actor, 42, who plays mechanic Tyrone Dobbs in the long-running ITV soap, gave a glimpse of his stunning Christmas decorations too as he welcomed Andy Whyment, 43, into his plush pad.

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I’m A Celeb star Alan Halsall has reunited with his Corrie colleague Andy Whyment following his time Down Under[/caption]

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The duo star together on the long-running ITV soap[/caption]

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Alan was seventh to be booted out of the Aussie jungle this year[/caption]

Andy – known as Corrie‘s Kirk Sutherland – is also no stranger to the I’m A Celeb camp in Australia after having starred in the 2019 series.

He popped round to his ITV co-star’s pad for a natter and a selfie in front of his huge Christmas tree.

The fir is adorned with gold baubles, red poinsettia, stylish tinsel and even an Elf On The Shelf perched on the branches.

Clearly eager for cosy catch up, Andy popped over in a black hoodie and jeans while Alan donned a matching grey tracksuit and bright white trainers.

Alan re-posted Andy’s picture to his Instagram Stories with the words: “Big brother came to see me,” and a red Emoji love heart.

Meanwhile, Andy added the caption: “Reunited with @alanhalsall.”

One fan was quick to joke underneath his grid post: “You should have both been in your jungle outfits ha!”

A second put: “Aw well done Al. You done a great job xxx” as a third then gushed: “Love your friendship.”

One added: “The boys back home, Andy’s happy congratulations Alan great job.”

Alan was seventh to leave the ITV reality series this year.

He was booted off alongside fan-favourite, GK Barry.

FAB FRIEND

Yet during Alan’s time in camp, Andy always had his back.

He slammed Alan’s campmate Dean McCullough as “disrespectful” after his comments towards the soap star favourite.

The Manchester-based actor – all too familiar with the trials and tribulations of the Aussie outback – gushed over “great man” Alan after he locked horns with the BBC Radio 1, 32.

The misunderstanding centred on Alan waking up Dean to ask him to help with a task.

Alan – who was camp leader at the time – needed Dean to help Jane Moore with the firewood, unable to do it himself due to the rules laid out by the show, which also prevented Jane from going alone.

However, Dean wasn’t impressed at being woken up, and appeared disorientated before Alan gently said: “You don’t fancy it? No?”

While Dean did eventually rise and go and help Jane, he found Alan already making a start to help her.

Alan explained he was trying to wake Dean up as softly as he could, Dean abruptly told him:“Listen to me. If you’re gonna wake me up, you need to give me a minute, alright?

“It takes a couple of minutes for my contact lenses to get back working again, alright, so you don’t need to turn around to me and say ‘do you not fancy it?’ ok? And then turn around and walk away.”

Andy – a long time pal of Alan – praised his “fantastic” attitude to the spat.

He spoke directly from Corrie’s Rovers Return set and said to anchor Lorraine Kelly: “It was the fact that when Alan was on the floor Dean’s basically on top of him, hand on his shoulder, pointing in his face saying ‘no you listen to me.’

“The reason that got me is when he was in the Bush Telegraph and said ‘I was asleep with wee Tyrone from Coronation Street standing over me.

“I just thought that was a bit disrespectful – I mean Alan’s a 42-year-old man – the way Dean was speaking to him was like he was speaking to him like a child.

“I just thought it was a bit disrespectful.”

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Manchester lad Alan was a fan-favourite in this year’s jungle instalment[/caption]

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Andy stuck up for his pal as he spoke out on Alan’s feud with campmate Dean[/caption]

BILL BELICHICK reportedly inquired about the head coach role at the New York Jets.

The Jets had been without a head coach since Robert Saleh was fired on October 7.

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Bill Belichick reportedly inquired over the head coach role at the New York Jets[/caption]

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Robert Saleh was fired by the team in October[/caption]

Jeff Ulbrich has been in interim charge since the axing of Saleh.

Belichick, 72, previously coached at the team between 1997 and 1999 before leaving for the New England Patriots in 2000.

He went on to enjoy great success at the side until he left in 2023 with six Super Bowl rings.

After his departure from the Jets, he did not hold back on his critical view of the team, meaning it was never likely he would return.

It is believed that he left the Jets because he did not want to work under owner Woody Johnson.

He sued to get out of his contract at the Jets which paved the way for him to join the Patriots.

However, reports have emerged that he made a personal inquiry over there vacant role.

The Athletic have added that despite the inquiry, there were “no formal discussions”.

A source close to Belichick is said to have “serious doubt” over the interest from him and whether or not it was actually “genuine”.

Belichick has since accepted the head coach role at the North Carolina Tar Heels.

The move sees him make his first step into college football in his career.

A statement from the University of North Carolina read: “Eight-time Super Bowl champion Bill Belichick, architect of one of the greatest sports dynasties of all time and renowned as one of the top leaders ever to coach the game, is the University of North Carolina’s new head football coach.

“Belichick, the second-winningest coach in NFL history, agreed to a five-year deal pending approval by the University’s Board of Trustees and Board of Governors.”

Former NFL general manager Michael Lombardi will join Belichick as part of his coaching team.

The duo worked together with the Patriots and now both appear on The Pat McAfee show.

Lombardi also hosts The GM Shuffle podcast and The Lombardi Line on VSiN, a TV streaming channel.

Belichick has a secret clause in his $50million five-year contract with UNC.

It was claimed that he has a $10m buyout clause that will last until June 2025.

THE NFL has decided to fine Rachaad White $45,000.

White, 25, has been punished for “unnecessary roughness” during a play.

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Rachaad White has been fined by the NFL[/caption]

The incident occurred during Tampa Bay’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders last weekend.

Tampa Bay went on to win the game 28-13.

And White even earned Good Morning Football star Kyle Brandt’s Angry Runs scepter for a separate play in the contest.

NFL bosses, however, were unhappy with an incident during the fourth quarter.

They felt that White’s “use of his helmet” during a run constituted “unnecessary roughness”.

He has now been hit with a $45,020 fine.

Many fans online feel that White has been hard done by.

One wrote on X, “So he got fined for playing football? Got it.”

A second moaned, “That’s crazy.”

And a third fumed, “Unbelievable they started handing down these fines to RB’s that lower their shoulder. Like on what planet is this acceptable?”

A fourth grumbled, “Wow, weak. SO Weak!!!”

And another asked, “Can he appeal that?”

Tampa Bay will be back in action later today.

Todd Bowles’ team will play the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.

The Buccaneers are 7-6 on the season.

This record sees them currently top the NFC South.

Bowles’ team is set to be boosted by two returns from injury.

ESPN insider Adam Schefter wrote on social media, “Buccaneers RB Bucky Irving, listed as questionable for Sunday due to back and hip injuries, is expected to play vs. the Chargers, per source.”

He then went on to add further good news.

“Buccaneers WR Sterling Shepard, listed as questionable for Sunday due to a foot injury, is expected to play vs. the Chargers, per source,” Schefter added.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS heiress Gracie Hunt praised star man Travis Kelce for his major award nomination.

Hunt, 25, is the daughter of Chiefs owner Clark Hunt and considered the favourite to take over the club one day.

Instagram @graciehunt

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Kelce was nominated for the Chiefs’ esteemed Walter Payton Man of the Year award[/caption]

The entrepreneur attended Kansas City‘s special holiday celebration along with her father and other esteemed guests.

Hunt shared a series of pics from the Christmas event to her Instagram account.

And she paid special tribute to Kelce, 35, for his incredible season that saw him beating fellow Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes to a nomination for the esteemed Walter Payton Man of the Year award.

Hunt posted: “Cheers to Chiefs Kingdom, holiday touchdowns, and celebrating the joy that brings us all together!

“Celebrating the holiday season with our Chiefs’ family was a wonderful reminder of the strength, camaraderie, faith and dedication that make this organization so special.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the remarkable individuals who work tirelessly to achieve greatness.

“A huge thank-you to Stephanie Judah, Samantha Angel, and our incredible partner Hy-Vee for hosting such a beautiful event!

“And congratulations to Travis Kelce on his well-deserved nomination as the Chiefs’ Walter Payton Man of the Year!”

Kelce and Mahomes have helped the Chiefs dominate the NFL this season.

Kansas City are enjoying a staggering record of 12-1 so far in the campaign.

And Kelce often makes the headlines when his celebrity girlfriend Taylor Swift supports him from the stands.

Swift has attended six out of seven home games at the Arrowhead this season and was often accompanied by her boyfriend’s mother.

TRAVIS Hunter Jr. couldn’t hold back his tears in an emotional Heisman Trophy speech.

The Colorado Buffaloes star scooped the coveted award on Saturday night in New York.

ESPN

Reuters

Travis Hunter poses with his Heisman Trophy award[/caption]

The 21-year-old has been sensational on both offence and defence for Deion Sanders’ side.

And he stepped onto the stage Saturday night in New York to step his award.

Hunter gave a shout out to his father Travis Hunter Sr. when his emotions took over.

“I want to say something to my father,” the receiver and defensive back said before breaking down in tears.

“He’s not here and wasn’t able to make it but I know you’re watching on TV.

“Dad, I love you. For all the stuff you went through man – now look at your oldest son. I did it for you, man.”

Hunter continued, “All the times that you didn’t get to see me, or the times you did come to see my games.

“From not seeing probably two games in high school to seeing me on TV every weekend and coming to see me.

“That means so much to me.

“I know you wanted to be here and you can’t, but trust me, I got you. I’m bringing the trophy home. I love you.”

According to The Palm Beach Post, Hunter decided to watch the ceremony at home in Boynton Beach, Florida.

He was sentenced to 90 days in Palm Beach County West Detention Center related to an arrest in September last year.

“I don’t want to go,” Travis Sr. told The Palm Beach Post.

“I want to be there when he gets married and when he gets drafted. I’m going to watch this from home.”

Hunter beat Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel and Miami (Fla.) quarterback Cam Ward to the award.

He also made a funny admission during his speech by shouting out musician Lil Wayne.

“Wayne, you don’t know how you came into our life, man,” Hunter said.

“My fiancée (Leanna Lenee) loves you. I didn’t know none of your songs until she let me know because I don’t listen to music.

“She let me know. She told me, like, ‘You gotta listen to this. If you don’t listen to music, listen to Wayne.’

“And from that day on, that’s all I listened to.”

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The Colorado Buffaloes star is embraced by head coach Deion Sanders[/caption]

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Hunter shows off his trophy in Times Square, New York City[/caption]

DEION SANDERS was visibly stunned after Travis Hunter thanked rap royalty Lil Wayne in his Heisman Trophy speech.

The 21-year-old had a standout college football season playing for the Colorado Buffaloes.

ESPN

Deion Sanders laughing at Travis Hunter Heisman Trophy speech with Lil Wayne[/caption]

Reuters

Hunter celebrates with head coach Sanders[/caption]

And it saw him scoop for prestigious Heisman Trophy – awarded to the best college football player.

Sanders thanked his coach Sanders on stage before shouting out Lil Wayne – who his fiance Leanna Lenee is a huge fan of.

“Wayne, you don’t know how you came into our life, man,” Hunter said.

“My fiancée love you. I didn’t know none of your songs until she let me know because I don’t listen to music. She let me know.

She told me, like, ‘You gotta listen to this. If you don’t listen to music, listen to Wayne.’ And from that day on, that’s all I listened to.

“Pregame music, those are the songs I listen to. When I get in that TRX and blast that music, I’m listening to Wayne.”

Lil Wayne was sat in the front row next to coach Sanders, who began laughing at the surprise shoutout.

Hunter and his partner Leanna are believed to have met during their teens and engaged in 2024.

The wide receiver’s impressive campaign with his side did not go unnoticed.

The Floridan has already collected the Walter Camp Award, the Lott Trophy, the Fred Biletnikoff Award, the Chuck Bednarik Award and the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year.

He also picked up the prestigious Associated Press College Player of the Year gong along with the Heisman.

Hunter looks set to be one of the top picks in the 2025 NFL Draft.

But before that, he vowed to play in the Alamo Bowl against BYU Cougars on December 28 alongside coach Sanders’ quarterback son Shedeur – despite the risk of injury before their big NFL breaks.

AT least one person has died after a Russian oil tanker split in two, with a second ship damaged in the Black Sea.

Footage shows one of the tankers split completely in half, with its bow vertically in the water, upturned and rapidly sinking.

East2West

East2West

27 crew members are said to be stranded across both vessels[/caption]

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Some crew have already been saved[/caption]

An emergency rescue operation is currently underway to desperately evacuate both crews in yet another blow to Putin.

The Volgoneft-212 and Volgoneft-239 are wrecked in the Kerch Strait amid fears for at least 27 sailors, with the damage reportedly resulting in a devastating oil spill.

Russian investigators say they have opened two criminal cases to look into possible safety violations.

The two Russian tankers in the Black Sea have been badly damaged due to stormy weather, according to the Interfax news agency.

The Volgoneft-212 had 13 crew on board, and the Volgoneft 239 had 14 sailors.

Other reports said a total of 29 were on the two vessels.

Ten sailors have been rescued so far but 13 are said to be “still at sea”, reports claim.

There are fears for the lives of four more who were “in the hold” when one of the vessels broke up.

The report said: “Volgoneft-212 and Volgoneft-239 are new river-sea type ships.

“In the 1990s, they were cut in half and ‘sewn together’ to meet the standards of the class of such ships.

East2West

Footage shows one of the tankers split in half, its bow vertically in the water, upturned and sinking[/caption]

“All this time, they were not properly serviced.

“Today, during a storm, the waves hit them in the side and ‘tore’ the welded seam.

“ Each had 4,000 tons of fuel oil in the tanks – some of it leaked out of the tanks, forming black spots in the sea.”

Russian Mi-8 rescue helicopters were reportedly flying to the scene.

A rescue tug was also sent to the location, several miles off the shore of the Crimean peninsula.

The problems for the oil tankers are not believed to be related to the war, although the vicinity  has been attacked by Ukrainian marine drones in recent days.

Readovka media outlet reported: “According to preliminary data, a hole was formed in the hull due to strong waves, after which the ship broke in half and began to sink.”

The Russian Emergencies Ministry confirmed that the Volgoneft-212 and Volgoneft-239 were sinking.

“More than 50 specialists and 11 pieces of equipment are already involved in eliminating the consequences. Further information is being clarified,” said the ministry.

Later it said the 212 had run aground, and while the 239 was drifting.

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The problems for the oil tankers are not believed to be related to the war[/caption]

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Two Russian oil tankers sinking near Crimea as storm splits one in half; 27 crew members stranded across both vessels[/caption]