What's the history of why they start the professional men before the women now?
No history at all. Last year was the first time they did this.
Was it from feedback from the elites that they didn't like it (either the men not liking having to run around the slower women, or the elite women not liking getting passed by the lead groups including vehicles)? Better TV viewing? Something else?
My guess was that starting the elite women before the elite men made a lot of sense when the elite men started with the entire pack. But now that they're separated, it probably makes more sense to switch them around (so you don't get that awkward passing near the end of the men's race)
Easy Peasy wrote: Was it from feedback from the elites that they didn't like it (either the men not liking having to run around the slower women, or the elite women not liking getting passed by the lead groups including vehicles)? Better TV viewing? Something else?
My guess was that starting the elite women before the elite men made a lot of sense when the elite men started with the entire pack. But now that they're separated, it probably makes more sense to switch them around (so you don't get that awkward passing near the end of the men's race)
At the Gate River Run, they start the elite women a pre-determined time ahead based on making it a real race to the finish line. They call it the Equalizer. So, whoever crosses the finish line first wins a bonus.
I'm all in favour of para athletics but these wheelchair races are not really races, they're both complete processions, it's like watching traffic. They should either make these races deep enough to be competitive or only cut to them when they come into finish.
Everyone just lining up behind Kipchoge. Like they've already ceded victory to him? Or just let him lead and then try to win?
Doubt guys of Chebet and Kipruto’s caliber would just concede the win before the race. Simply following Kipchoge and letting him do all the work and hoping to beat him in the last 5k is probably their best bet.
