Bernard Lagat Talks About His Half Marathon Debut in Advance of the 2013 NYC Half Marathon

by: LetsRun.com
March 14, 2013

Thursday was day one of the two day media events for the 2013 NYC Half Marathon this Sunday in New York City and American miler/5000 sensation Bernard Lagat got most of the attention as he is making his half-marathon debut in New York.

Day 1 featured the three main American contenders running the New York Half. In addition to Lagat, 4 time Olympian Abdi Abdirahman was on hand as was Dathan Ritzenhein, the second fastest American ever at the half-marathon

Article continues below player.

We talked to Lagat on and off camera. The on camera portion was going to be 2 minutes but ended up being 8 as Bernard talked about a host of things, including how he’s changed his training for the half-marathon, how much he worried about his competitors Mo Farah and Galen Rupp, and how his ultimate focus is still on the World Championship 5000m in Moscow. Lagat who earlier this year for less than a week held the American 1500m, mile, 3000m, 2 mile and 5000m records simultaneously before losing the 3000m record to Galen Rupp and the 5000m to Lopez Lomong, talks abot the state of American distance running.

Young Japanese stars Kento Otsu (1:02:43 age 21) and Kenta Murayama who turned 20 a month ago and ran an incredible 1:01:19 as a 19 year old were on hand as well and acted like kids meeting a rock star when they got their picture taken with Lagat.

More NYC Half coverage: Abdi Abdirahman interview hereDathan Rizenhein hereMore NYC Half coverage: Dathan Ritzenhein interview hereBernard Lagat here. We’ve also got 6 minutes with Ritzenhein, Lagat and Abdi together but recommend the individual interviews first if you have limited time.

Kenta Murayam and Kento Otso with Bernard Lagat Kenta Murayama and Kento Otso with Bernard Lagat

Abdi Abdirahman, Bernard Lagat, NYRR CEO Mary Wittenberg, and Dathan Ritzenhein Abdi Abdirahman, Bernard Lagat, NYRR CEO Mary Wittenberg, and Dathan Ritzenhein

More NYC Half coverage: Abdi Abdirahman interview here, Dathan Rizenhein hereMore NYC Half coverage: Dathan Ritzenhein interview hereBernard Lagat here. We’ve also got 6 minutes with Ritzenhein, Lagat and Abdi together but recommend the individual interviews first if you have limited time.

Fill out the BetterRunningShoes.com shoe survey and we will enter you into a drawing a free pair of shoes.
Overall
/10
Comfort
/10
Cushioning
/10
Durability
/10
Appearance
/10
Value
/10

 

Related
Want More? Join The Supporters Club Today
Support independent journalism and get:
  • Exclusive Access to VIP Supporters Club Content
  • Bonus Podcasts Every Friday
  • Free LetsRun.com Shirt (Annual Subscribers)
  • Exclusive Discounts
  • Enhanced Message Boards