This does not seem the strongest team the USA can send to the World Championship. So what is the excuses the top US runners will give for why they did not run this event? Can blame how far the travel to Worlds will be - it is in SD.
Huh? 🙄
Kelati and Klecker were in those fields today. America actually IS sending their best team, in these circumstances, at this time.
What if Joe just needs a couple races or season to figure it out? He is NOT a sub-13/27 guy right now because last year was a big injury year. If he did track and no roads we would be trashing him and saying “he needs to go up to the roads”
The worst-case scenario is if this is like Marc Scott. I really hope not, and he either a) puts it together on the roads b) cuts his losses if he can’t stay healthy/perform at an adequate level (eg sub-60:30/2:08)
What if Joe just needs a couple races or season to figure it out? He is NOT a sub-13/27 guy right now because last year was a big injury year. If he did track and no roads we would be trashing him and saying “he needs to go up to the roads”
The worst-case scenario is if this is like Marc Scott. I really hope not, and he either a) puts it together on the roads b) cuts his losses if he can’t stay healthy/perform at an adequate level (eg sub-60:30/2:08)
The BIG take home messages of this weekend are:
1) Cheptegei is not going to be a factor on the world stage in the marathon any time soon, and maybe never.
2) Klecker is not going to be a factor on the US stage on the roads any time soon, and maybe never.
Talented athlete that hopefully has found her event.
Hope she stays mentally and physically healthy.
Roe is certainly not limited to the half. I see her as more of a complete racer who will excel at various distances (5k, 10k, half & full, XC) on the intl stage throughout her career.
The worst-case scenario is if this is like Marc Scott. I really hope not, and he either a) puts it together on the roads b) cuts his losses if he can’t stay healthy/perform at an adequate level (eg sub-60:30/2:08)
The BIG take home messages of this weekend are:
1) Cheptegei is not going to be a factor on the world stage in the marathon any time soon, and maybe never.
2) Klecker is not going to be a factor on the US stage on the roads any time soon, and maybe never.
Unexpected….yes
Disappointing….yes
Klecker will be fine. He ran the same time on a harder course and almost bailed on the race due to time lost from hamstring problems. So he’s improving
1) Cheptegei is not going to be a factor on the world stage in the marathon any time soon, and maybe never.
2) Klecker is not going to be a factor on the US stage on the roads any time soon, and maybe never.
Unexpected….yes
Disappointing….yes
Klecker will be fine. He ran the same time on a harder course and almost bailed on the race due to time lost from hamstring problems. So he’s improving
He’s gone from being a lock for 10 teams to just another guy so far on the roads. I think most people are surprised about where he’s at now. The book is not closed, but he’s well off the pace now and looking up at a lot of folks.
I'd like to see some GPS data on this course. I believe they ran farther than 13.1, for two reasons.
1) About 9miles in or so, the lead vehicle missed a right turn and the lead pack started to follow and ended up having to stop.
2) Courses are measured for the shortest distance by physical landmarks. This course was lined with cones that even threw off the leaders. That wasn't the shortest route that they ran
lead vehicle went the correct way, and it was the camera motos that took a wrong turn. It did not impact the race.
The course was measured using the way it was coned. You should be able to download the world athletics certificate if you’re interested.
Many races such as this have lane restrictions from municipalities. The course was measured and certified by both USATF and World Athletics with these restrictions which are documented on the certification map on the USATF website.
I feel the opposite. He’s a multiple time sub 13 guy and front ran a 27 flat. He should just stick to track while he’s still good at it. Stick to what you’re good up don’t move up yet.
Nah, he should figure the roads out first
Na, he should race trails, and/or snowshoe/XC ski race winters.
Klecker will be fine. He ran the same time on a harder course and almost bailed on the race due to time lost from hamstring problems. So he’s improving
He’s gone from being a lock for 10 teams to just another guy so far on the roads. I think most people are surprised about where he’s at now. The book is not closed, but he’s well off the pace now and looking up at a lot of folks.
He ran essentially the same time on harder course after having hamstring problems for weeks
Taylor was obviously already an NCAA champ back in '22 running away from Tuohy/the field.
Alex Maier was a 10K runner up behind Dylan Jacobs iirc and won NCAA XC with the team. Shadrack has made multiple teams. But I think (esp for Maier and Roe who just finished college) this shows how good Smith has recently been at fostering and developing talent for the long term. Obviously shows good coaching by the Craggs too
Yes, it does show that Dave Smith of OK State develops a lot of US talent, and doesn’t just recruit Africans, as some claim. Sinclaire Johnson, Kaela Edwards and Josh Thompson are a few other pros from recent years.
Sara Hall: 9th place in 1:09:45 at age 41. Is this a new American Women's Masters record?
Couldn't find an updated listing of American masters or age-group road records, but did find that this was not a record. Deena Kastor ran 1:09:36 at the Rock'n'Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon on 9/21/14. Edna Kiplagat owns the world record at 1:07:52 set on 1/14/24 at the Houston Half Marathon.
Brady was never really a speed guy but apparently has exceptional endurance. I hope him and AB make a comeback so they can put that excrement on CTESPN, baby.
lead vehicle went the correct way, and it was the camera motos that took a wrong turn. It did not impact the race.
The course was measured using the way it was coned. You should be able to download the world athletics certificate if you’re interested.
Many races such as this have lane restrictions from municipalities. The course was measured and certified by both USATF and World Athletics with these restrictions which are documented on the certification map on the USATF website.
I was a bit confused esp. when the runners would come out of those many turns. Some went inside the cones, others not.