1. GEOFFREY KAMWOROR AND JOYCILINE JEPKOSGEI WIN NYC MARATHON: Geoffrey Kamworor and Joyciline Jepkosgei, both of Kenya, won the men's and women's races, respectively, at the New York City Marathon on Sunday. Kamworor previously won the race in 2017, but pulled in a third place finish last year. Jepkosgei edged out last year’s winner, fellow Kenyan Mary Keitany, in her first major marathon. New York Times: “Jepkosgei of Kenya won the women’s race in ideal long-distance running conditions, completing her debut in the 26.2-mile race in two hours, 22 minutes, and 38 seconds, seven seconds off the course record. It was the fastest debut in the women’s race. Jepkosgei, 25, is the world-record holder in the half-marathon, but the race on Sunday was her first major marathon.”
2. PRO-HONG KONG PROTESTORS SWARM BLIZZCON: Attendees at the annual festival—where Blizzard Entertainment hosts fans of its franchises, such as World of Warcraft, and reveals details on upcoming projects—were greeted at the Anaheim Convention Center by demonstrators who gave out roughly 4,000 t-shirts that said “Mei With Hong Kong,” a reference to a character from Blizzard’s Overwatch game. Demonstrators also chanted “Free Hong Kong” and several signs were displayed. The Hollywood Reporter: “It wasn't just black T-shirts being worn in protest. A number of attendees (who paid to attend the conference) wore Winnie the Pooh costumes, a reference to Chinese president Xi Jingping, who had the character banned in the country after protesters drew comparisons between himself and the cartoon bear. The demonstrators were out to protest Blizzard's suspension of professional Hearthstone player Chung "Blitzchung" Ng Wai for voicing support of pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong in October.”
3. TOP HOSPITALITY PROS HONORED IN LOUISVILLE: Louisville Tourism honored its brightest stars November 1 at its 28th annual meeting and award ceremony. Nine local professionals were honored with the Recognition of Service Excellence (ROSE) award while several other hospitality leaders also received recognition. The Dan Mangeot Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Mike Berry, who recently retired from the Kentucky Derby Festival after 33 years of service. Over 600 industry professionals and guests attended the event, which was held at the Omni Louisville Hotel. The luncheon was emceed for the eleventh time by Joe Arnold, a long-time local media personality.