Rory and Sarah both said they had freak stomach cramps so they may have had something leading in, could have been both having the same meal from a particular place or something that didn’t agree with them but that’s bad luck in a race that takes no prisoners, it’s rapid from the get go chasing records. Ellis has had some injuries recently, I remember seeing he had some time off, maybe an Achilles but can’t remember 100%.
Rory is a special talent, I think he would thrive massively in a group like Conner Mantz’ where he isn’t the main guy and there’s not the pressure on him for the group to succeed or the BS that the UK running scene breeds. This way, he could solely focus on himself and his progression year on year.
Sadly, I think there’s this pressure on groups in the UK doing it professionally, to break records and change the game, or ‘do things differently’ which is a mantra that I literally puts you on a pedestal to fail, but with so many few trying this set up in Britain, there’s an added pressure on the athletes to be game changers with their performances, mantras, message, ethos etc.
Boils down to when the running part is the weak element, there’s a problem and sponsors eventually, will sack it off. But whilst it’s good and the investment is there, take it! Hoka won’t be taking that budget anytime soon I don’t think whilst Chris Rainsford is in his job but I couldn’t see another brand snapping it up either (Sportsshoes probably would just to tick a box) so drink it whilst it’s on the table and give it a crack.