I was not sure why either. If the point is, that his 7:39 is still his best at that mark? And event he has run once at 19 , which would have been right at the CR or close at the time? He surely can run 7:30 or in a set up..two years later than that. For those who do not read his training, Kessler trains much more like a 15/3K guy , rather than the other side of that.
I mean...look at the field, King is right. This thing could get awfully slow/tactical. Hobbs and anyone else in it should have a goal of winning, as there's no natural frontrunners and these are all 1500 guys who rightly or wrongly will trust their kick. This race might go out in 2:32 but then split 2:40+.