Rupp is running boston, scared of running a real marathon

Having run Boston this past spring, I can't understand the bashing of it as a "weak" race. It's a tough course -- much tougher, I suspect, than London. Plus it's steeeeeeeped in American running more.

Why wouldn't Rupp want to win it and join the ranks of Rodgers, Salazar, Meyer, Meb? Recall his plantar fasciitis issues in the lead up to last year's race, which included a not-so-stellar Prague Half a couple of weeks out.

I'd guess he feels there is unfinished business in Boston and he'll have his hands full with Kirui, if nobody else.

One last thing: what makes races great is great runners showing up. So kudos to Rupp and others for keeping the tradition alive there.

While I have no idea if the Boston bashers on these boards have raced there, I'd hope anyone who hasn't would go ahead and do so. it might change your tune

Nobody but Americans watch these us fixed weak feiled marathon who are set for american runners. No pacers, slow tactical fixed races, no big east african guns anymore. This is a national event, not international anymore. I won’t even bother myself to watch a YouTube 3 minute highlights clip of it.

Tolls For Thee wrote:

The news is "disappointing" that virtually every top American is running the top American marathon?

It does not matter what Rupp does there is an element that will never give him credit.

the real deal wrote:

corunnerguy wrote:

Id imagine from a $ perspective Boston makes more sense. More appearance money at Boston vs London.

1st at Boston pays more than 5th at London?

In the Major Pro sports free agents go to lesser accomplished teams because they are paid much more $. How is this really different?

1st at Boston pays more than 1st at London as well.

Kind of. Boston does have the bigger pay out for 1st, but they have no time bonuses. London has big time time bonuses. Rupp and others could run fast in London and earn more than a 2nd place finish in Boston (not including appearance fees, as I don't think it's possible to know what each athlete gets or does not get).

Whoevenwatchesit? wrote:

Nobody but Americans watch these us fixed weak feiled marathon who are set for american runners. No pacers, slow tactical fixed races, no big east african guns anymore. This is a national event, not international anymore. I won’t even bother myself to watch a YouTube 3 minute highlights clip of it.

That's great! Thanks for posting!

Alberto knows his athletes better than anyone else in the world. Everything NOP does seems to be with a long term goal / plan in mind and that is likely the case here for Rupp / Hasay. They will get a shot to run fast but they are timing it out right for them. Not everything should be a rush

Whoevenwatchesit? wrote:

Nobody but Americans watch these us fixed weak feiled marathon who are set for american runners. No pacers, slow tactical fixed races, no big east african guns anymore. This is a national event, not international anymore. I won’t even bother myself to watch a YouTube 3 minute highlights clip of it.

Because SO MANY people watch other marathons....

itdepends wrote:

the real deal wrote:

1st at Boston pays more than 1st at London as well.

Kind of. Boston does have the bigger pay out for 1st, but they have no time bonuses. London has big time time bonuses. Rupp and others could run fast in London and earn more than a 2nd place finish in Boston (not including appearance fees, as I don't think it's possible to know what each athlete gets or does not get).

An American runner most certainly will get more from Boston than London in appearance fee.

And Nike pays more bonus for 1st in Boston than 5th in London. He will get extra bonus from Nike for a new American record, but that may not be enough to offset all the difference.

Alberto is not welcome in England. He was told not to go to 2017 Worlds.

Funny how Rupp and Hasay run the same races....who is controlling them.

Its all a marketing ploy

no chris derrick??

Boston is Rupp certified.

Scorpion_runner wrote:

Why is Jordan Hasay not going to do London? She would have a big shot at third place, and running 2:18. This is stupid as hell\

Any time she runs there will be meaningless.

I have no problem with Rupp running Boston. It's the great American marathon. He probably gets a nice appearance fee and by racing in the US, he's a bigger fish in a smaller pond than London. Kipchoge vs. Farah will be sucking all the oxygen out of London this year anyway.

However, if Rupp goes back to Chicago in the fall and doesn't go on to run London or Berlin in 2018, or another fast record eligible course with deep competition, I think the it will be fair to start talking about him dodging competition.

Let me sum this up for everybody: appearance money, bigger payday, and three kids to take care of.

Also, better marketing play to win Boston than hobble across the finish line three minutes behind the big boys.

hart crane wrote:

Ritz over Rupp...you heard it here first.

Ritz prs in 2:06 to win and Rupp comes in at second to run 2:07

Heard it here first

Jerry Shoemaker wrote:

no chris derrick??

I heard he is going to Dubai to run a 2:05

Libertarian vegan wrote:

Jerry Shoemaker wrote:

no chris derrick??

I heard he is going to Dubai to run a 2:05

for the half marathon

Tolls For Thee wrote:

The news is "disappointing" that virtually every top American is running the top American marathon?

Yes. Rupp has already shown he is the best American marathoner.

I think there is a general "list of marathon accomplishments" at play here:

1. Olympic Medal (check)

2. WMM win (check)

3. Fast time (????)

If Rupp runs fast at Boston, many will discount it as an aided course. If he wins or places highly, but never runs faster than he did in Chicago, then he will forever be a 209 guy with the door open as to who is the greatest American marathoner.

The only way to cement his legacy is to take on the field at London (while placing high and running super fast) or by going to Berlin and running even faster.

Until something like that happens, he'll always be slower than Hall, Ritz, and his very own coach.

I'm a big Rupp fan that is why I find it disappointing to do the Boston thing which I'm sure is profitable and will "look better" if he wins it as opposed to running 204 in London but finishing 3rd.