Astronaut Runs Race on Treadmill in Space

BOSTON – NASA astronaut Suni Williams participated in the Falmouth Road Race from the International Space Station (ISS) on Sunday, marking a unique intersection of sports and space exploration. Williams, a native of Needham, Massachusetts, gave the starting command for the women's division before donning her race number and running seven miles on a treadmill in orbit. The race on Earth saw approximately 12,000 participants, with Fentaye Belayneh winning the women's division in 36 minutes and 10 seconds, while Hoda Elshorbagy made history as the first Egyptian athlete to win the men's title, finishing in 29:20. As Williams and her co-pilot, Barry "Butch" Wilmore, continue their mission aboard the Boeing Starliner capsule, uncertainty looms regarding their return to Earth. The Starliner is currently docked at the ISS but is facing technical challenges, including thruster issues and helium leaks. NASA is preparing for an unprecedented agency-level readiness review to assess the safety of the capsule and determine the next steps for the astronauts. The timeline for Williams and Wilmore's return remains unclear, as NASA officials weigh the risks associated with the Starliner’s issues. If deemed unsafe for re-entry, the astronauts may extend their stay in space and return in February aboard the Crew Dragon. The decision-making process has been prolonged due to new safety protocols established after the Columbia shuttle disaster, reflecting a cautious approach to astronaut safety.