Vipam wrote:
I really hope someone who is respected by the field decides to make it a fast contest from the gun. Mebrahtom and Alan are capable setting personal best even on Boston's course and Brian have a realistic shot at sub 2:10. It will be a thrilling race and hopefully a fast one with John Yuda in the field.
I didnt think Boston was a course for PR's isnt it a difficult course to say the least?
Boston has a serious net downhill. Since it is one-way, it can have a headwind or a tail wind (or something in between). Given the right conditions, it can be pretty fast if the downhill (then up and down) do not get to your quads.
As for CV's 2:17, it was the WCs, won by the top-ranked runner for 2006 in a time probably 5 minutes slower than his maximum capability on a fast course. That would imply a 2:12-level performance. He also beat the reigning Boston winner. He's good in my book.
There are more "top" Americans than are on the list here. Some of them are not so-called "Hancock" athletes; it's kind of a two-tiered system. But Peter Gilmore, who someone asked about, will be in Boston, and so will Trent Briney and Matt Lane.
Keep in mind that Peter Gilmore ran sub 1:33 at the notoriously difficult Ohme 30km 4 weeks ago. If he is in that shape or better at Boston, I think that he will have a nice PR.
Also, the lady to watch in Boston is Reiko Tosa. She is fairly fresh, having not run a marathon since her 5th place in the Olympics in August 2004.
Jason
boston is not known as a fast course like berlin, chicago, london etc. but the course records are 207'15 for men and 220'43 for women so it is not that slow either.