Lemngole's steeple is well beyond her other races. 8:58 steeple, 8:41 3k, 14:52 5000m, 4:43 mile, 4:09 1500. Jane definitely has a good shot to beat her at flat 3k.
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The slight favorite for the race has to be Josette Andrews if she is in great shape, if Josette isn't THAN Doris Lemngole becomes the solid favorite. Jane is in shape to destroy the 3000n CR but everyone keeps underestimating the caliber of Doris.
I'm not saying Jane can't beat Doris but I am saying when Jane does best Doris it will be an upset not something to expect in the next race.
Jane's best tactic is what Almaz Ayana used to do because she lacked a kick. Go from a long ways out and gradually get faster all the way to the finish line. Almaz broke several athletes much after than her by reeling off killer splits all the way home. THIS year that's the best scenario of her besting Doris ❗
Being significantly better at xc at this age, while worse already at 1500 suggests that Hedengren has more speed and was hammered at the end in xc only because she was sapped from the previous week (time wasn't much better than earlier in the season) and Lemngole was a lot less tired. 8:58 shape for steeple would be hard to beat but I favor Hedengren at 3k and down.
Being significantly better at xc at this age, while worse already at 1500 suggests that Hedengren has more speed and was hammered at the end in xc only because she was sapped from the previous week (time wasn't much better than earlier in the season) and Lemngole was a lot less tired. 8:58 shape for steeple would be hard to beat but I favor Hedengren at 3k and down.
All those saying Doris is not that good at 1500 might take a look at her race results.
Her only 2025 results are from the 1) highly important and competitive Crimson Tide Invitational of April 11-12 which she won by 10 seconds, and 2) equally important Orange and Purple Invitational of January 24-25 in which she nipped Jelego of Clemson who of course has run 4:05
I don't think any of us know what she is really capable of in an all out 1500, just as we really did not know before November what she could do in a 5000 (or XC 6000) race that was fast from the get go.
No one needs her pace. The beauty would be to see Jane, Doris and hopefully Riley duke it out from the start. Any pros joining can all be somewhere in back in their own little sub race. Thats the best spectator scenario and would be fun to watch.
I would like to see Doris win. I’m a big Doris fan.
Barring anyone else like Cranny showing up I predict Doris will win this handedly.
I am curious how the race plays out. Who tucks in behind the pacer and thus will assume the lead after the pacer drops out at 1000 (?) or 1500 (?)? I think if I am Doris I would let Jane take that spot and duty. But who knows, we saw who pushed the pace in XC. Maybe Andrew takes that role and if so even better for the collegians.
No one needs her pace. The beauty would be to see Jane, Doris and hopefully Riley duke it out from the start. Any pros joining can all be somewhere in back in their own little sub race. Thats the best spectator scenario and would be fun to watch.
There will be a pacer so there will be no duking it out from the start and when the pacer drops out, Hedengren will probably take over. Rather than how they place, the primary focus will be on setting a PR.
I agree, the collegiate record is in real jeopardy. I'd like to see Jane come out on top, but realistically, Doris has to be favored to beat her right now with her superior finish.
I agree, the collegiate record is in real jeopardy. I'd like to see Jane come out on top, but realistically, Doris has to be favored to beat her right now with her superior finish.
I would like to see Doris win. I’m a big Doris fan.
Barring anyone else like Cranny showing up I predict Doris will win this handedly.
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Again justine in cross country I want Jane to win but have Doris as a solid favorite in the 3000m battle. Jane maybe strong enough by outdoors to defeat Doris in the 5000m with the right Almaz Ayana tactics but I don't see it right now. I hope both of the run well below sub 8:35 and Riley sub 8:40!