Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →The New York Times Strands puzzle for April 17, 2024, was game #45. Its theme was “The long run,” and the spangram was MARATHON. If you want to solve it yourself, start with the gentle hints below; the complete answer list is farther down.
Theme clue
The official theme hint was “The long run.” Forbes also offered the extra nudge “Cardio required.”
Hints before the reveal
- Think about a long-distance running event and the things involved in preparing for one.
- The spangram clue is “26.2.” It starts on the left edge in the first row and ends on the right edge in the fourth row.
How Strands hints work
Strands uses a six-by-eight letter grid. Find words connected by the theme; theme answers remain highlighted blue. The spangram captures the shared connection, crosses the board between opposite sides, and turns yellow when found.
For a partial nudge instead of a full answer reveal, find three non-theme words of at least four letters to earn an in-game hint that reveals letters of a theme word.
Spangram reveal
MARATHON is the spangram. It connects the theme’s references to the race itself and to running preparation.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Spoiler warning: full answer list
The following reveals every theme answer for Strands #45.
- PACE
- SPEED
- TRACK
- NUTRITION
- TRAINER
- COURSE
- GAIT
Together, the words cover the route (COURSE), movement (GAIT), fueling (NUTRITION), and preparation (TRAINER), along with pace, speed, and a running venue or surface (TRACK). The answers are corroborated by guides from TechRadar, Forbes, and WordHint.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
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