The distance highlight of Friday was the men's 5k, where Bob Kennedy, America's finest distance runner the past decade, showed he his back in form as he won the 5k with an impressive home sprint over Adam Goucher.  Many had begun to whisper that Kennedy's best days as a runner were behind him, but his performance on Friday indicated otherwise.  And in a gutsy performance, high schooler Dathan Rizenhein ran 13:44.7 just missing Gerry Lindgren's once thought untouchable high school record of 13:44.0

The race started at a slow pace as the runners went through the mile (1600) in 4:24 with Goucher leading the group. Kennedy blew things open on the 6th lap as he ran 63 seconds to quickly break up the field.  Within a lap, Goucher and Alan Culpepper (3rd in the previous days 10k) had caught up.  But Kennedy kept surging throwing in a faster lap followed by a slower one.

His tactic appeared not to be working as Goucher remained right on his heel, although Culpepper dropped back, but was replaced by William and Mary's Matt Lane.  Heading into the final bend, nearly everyone assumed Goucher once again would outkick Kennedy.  But Kennedy had a surprise for everyone as he blasted down the home stretch for the victory, showing some of the form that helped him dominate American distance running in the 1990s.  Goucher managed to pull away from Lane, but Alan Culpepper who had been off the group, shot by both runners to take the 2nd spot.

After the race, Kennedy who was visibly pleased with his victory indicated that he will attempt to break the American record at 10k in Brussels. Culpepper indicated he would run the 10k at the World Championships. More later.  For other news on the meet click here.

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