Why is Rotterdam faster than Chicago or other fast courses?

First of all, Chicago is not flat. People say it is, but there are rolls compared with a true flat course. This, along with the unpredictable weather, explain why no recent WRs have even been threatened there, and none will.

London is truly flat, but has odd turns including a couple of hairpins. Also, it switches from tarmac/asphalt to concrete and even cobbles.

Berlin and Rotterdam are truly flat and generally have only wide, sweeping turns. This makes them fast. Frankfurt is similar, except for the RIDICULOUS last km or two. With the increased depth in the marathon, these are probably going to be the only courses that see WRs in the near future (sorry, Chicago).

somethings rotten wrote:

Moses Mosop viewed the Rotterdam course and claimed it was the fastest course he's ever seen. I can understand him saying that over Boston since Boston is not record-eligible.

But what makes Rotterdam faster than Chicago, which Mosop has run. Aren't they both pancake flat. Are there fewer turns at Rotterdam?

What about Dubai or London or Berlin? Granted, Mosop hasn't run those.

Or is this just one person's claim since he sounds like he's in peak form?

I work at the Chicago course each year.

I can guarantee you that it's not actually as flat as most people seem to think. Although there aren't any major elevation changes, there are many many MANY small rolling hills

Can't remember if it was Amsterdam or Rotterdam that a couple runners I coached a decade or so ago ran, but the leaders massively cut the corners running over the curbs

and down the sidewalk. I don't ever recall that they were disqualified. Maybe the officiating has gotten better since more tv coverage, but I thought there was an IAAF rule about so many feet from the blue line.

malmo wrote:

I don't think you know what jetlag is.

Stop being so damn pedantic and obtuse, there is a big difference in travel fatigue flying 20 hours from Kenya to the US compared to Europe

malmo wrote:

Jetlag isn't a factor going East to West.

After 20 years of traveling to Asia from California several times a year I would disagree vehemently.

@running_comment wrote:

Frankfurt is similar, except for the RIDICULOUS last km or two.

what is with the last k or 2 in Frankfurt?

Mr. Obvious wrote:

what is with the last k or 2 in Frankfurt?

Hahaha, the very first sentences are quite a diss! :)

"...to squeeze the very last out of his whatsoever lanky body!"

malmo wrote:

I don't think you know what jetlag is.

Apparently you don't either!!