So the NCAA D3 runnerup in xc just ran 2:12 in the marathon, why can't the D1 guys break 2:10?

I don’t think anyone has mentioned yet that Mo Bati is 26. Big difference between 22 and 26 in terms of what the body can handle.

Henry Pick, a CMS (also D3) alumni ran 2:14 as well

Same here. Ran the Philly marathon after xc season my sophomore, junior & senior years. No indoor season, and as noted above, no one told us it should not be done at that age.

Lars Dewall ran a 2:14 and was in the same conference as Mo.

I think if you’re really trying to understand why d3 kids do as well as the do outside of school, it’s probably because they do it for the love of it more than some D1 runners.

Met a few D1 guys just burnt out after college. It was more like a job. They needed to perform. D3 is just more fun. XC championship is a blast. Thousands of kids drive across the country to cheer on their friends. You still have big teams that aren’t limited by roster rules. It’s just more pure.

It's worth noting that Bati puts in 140-150 miles per week with strong emphasis on long workouts, and he does a lot of training with an accomplished marathon crew. He's a pure strength runner, naturally built for long distances. His track PRs are also very outdated.

Nothing makes me care even less about D3 cross than when a D3 cross guy tries to equate the two.

Both divisions have great runners. One aberration from a -checks notes- 26 year old import does not make you 'blue collar, D3 grinders' better, or worse, than D1 at the marathon.

Get off your high horse and bump up to the 10k at nats.

Bati is an inspiration. I ran some half marathons in hs and college between seasons, but with nowhere near the level of success.

D3 runners are much more discplined/smarter than most D1. This is why they're better in the marathon. Most D1 runners don't have the heart to seriously train hard on their own. They have always been pampered

Not this explanation, but I do think some of our most talented track guys stay on the track for too long & don't run the marathon in the prime of their careers. A lot of those guys don't even take a crack at a fast half in their base training.

Fair but counterpoint: working 40 hours a week overnights is no doubt a bigger negative than the gains of being 26. Honestly insane how he balances school, running, and work.

https://www.startribune.com/mohammed-bati-augsburg-distance-runner-miac-ethiopia-st-paul-highland-park-high-school/601515947

He also just prefers XC and longer efforts. He didn't run Outdoor track last year after his breakthrough XC season. Before that he didn't have the same success on the track even at the conference level and struggled at the national level in XC. I'm glad to see him figuring things out and even more excited to see what he can do. Let's remember, this is the same conference that produced Matt Wilkinson too.

I race against Mo all the time, and he's a super humble guy. If you ask he'll tell you everything he's doing. 150 mile weeks, running with the MDE guys (Like Joel 2:09) and just overall not taking it so tight about everything while focusing on what he can control. He's also a couple years older than the rest of his class, which helps a little bit, but D3 product also from our conference Lars DeWall went 2:14 as well after struggling last outdoor season. They're dawgs that know how to put in the work and continue to drive themselves to be better. Doesn't matter what anyone else thinks.

Well if he is 26 he is about 4 years older, but I am simply correcting your post, not concerned about it.

This post is how I learned Bati didn't win D3 nats.

You do realize that CIM is ridiculously down hill .. right ? Good for him to take advantage of this opportunity, I’m sure he’ll run faster in a year on a legit course. My question why is this course allowed as an OTQ option..?

You just described 98.88% of all D1,2,3,naia,juco runners. It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ’n’ Roll).

Looks like he beat two of his training partners, Tyler Jerman (former Iowa State) and Kevin Lewis (former Iowa) although Kevin moved recently. Both also OTQ

Ian Thompson's fastest 5,000 was 14:05 and he ran 2:09:28. You can find Japanese guys in the 2:12 range with 5,000 bests over 14:00. Terry Manners from New Zealand ran 2:12 and had a 5,000 best over 14:00. I think the key here is doing a lot of miles and just being able to run at closer to your 5,000 best for a much longer time than most can..

It's only 300 feet downhill. Similar to Boston but with less rolling hills towards the end. It's the good weather and deep field that make CIM so fast.