No actually they're not racist. I'm kinda alittle surprised as I still think Shalane best distance at the time is the 10000m; however, she has great ability. My post isn't a knock against her ability just the quality of her opposition:
Rita Jeptoo (Kenya) (67:05) 2006 Boston Champ Rita Jeptoo ran 1:07:05 to win here in 2007
Mergia Aselefech (Ethiopia) (67:21) Joined the Sub 2:20 club in Dubai and is officially a star of the sport.
Lineth Chepkurui (Kenya) (67:47) Dominated US Road scene in 2010.
Peninah Arusei (Kenya) (67:48) Has run under 69 minutes 9 times in her life, won here in 2010.
Pauline Njeri (Kenya) (67:55) Coming off her biggest victory with a win over Arusei in Paris three weeks ago.
Nadia Ejjafini The Italian ran 68:27 last year but that was a huge jump in performance.
Priscah Jeptoo (Kenya) is a great marathoner (silver at Worlds last year) but not a half-marathon specialist.
Lornah Kiplagat (Kenya) 3 time world 1/2 marathon Champion sub 1:07 1/2 marathoner
Shalane has the ability to join the sub 1:08 half marathon club and weather permitting it may very well take that type of effort to win! With my picking her for top 3 shows the confidence I have in Shalane's ability! It would be nice for an American to win and go into the Olympic with such a notable win.
Go Shalane and Mo!