Fifty days until the London marathon, here are 50 profiles, one each day.

Aussiestatman wrote:

Vivian Jepkemoi Cheruiyot could be second among the women. Has had a long and successful career at 5000 and 10000 on the track, winning a gold and a silver at the Rio Olympics; and 4 golds and a silver at 4 World Champs from 2007 to 2015.Ran her first marathon in London 2017, finishing 4th. Was rated best in the world by Letsrun for her 2018 record of first in London, second in New York. She is 35 years old and the IAAF ranks her 3.

Both her and Keitany were in New York for their fall marathon last year and are not representing Kenya at the World's. Vivian's build up was the Great North Run in Sept. What will they both choose this year, the same?

Aussiestatman wrote:

A bit of a gap in quality after the top 5 women, next is 21yo Roza Dereje. Hard to fathom her being ranked 3 in the world. No objective opinion would rank her there on the strength of a win in Dubai and second in Chicago. Roza won the Barca half marathon last month in 66.01. In August 2017, won Shanghai taking 2.34 off her PB. In October 2016 won two marathons in the month in Denmark and China. Letsrun considered her 2018 to be the 4th best overall, one above Keitany.

Chased home Kosgei last year in Chicago and last month in London. Will they both return to Chicago?

Aussiestatman wrote:

Leule Gebrselassie is the second of 3 young talents who I believe will finish between Kipchoge and Sir Mo Farah. He is 25 years old and ranked 3. He was 2nd in Dubai , 2 sec behind Geremew then won Valencia, both in under 2.05. That was enough for letsrun to rank him 5th.

Believing now that we have all overrated his young career. 2018 was his first at the classic distance then 7th in London in a stacked race was first in a major. Will he save himself for an attempt at back to back Valencia wins in Dec or will he country require him for the world champs?

Aussiestatman wrote:

Aussiestatman wrote:

She will be next, ranked 5 by the IAAF. Chicago was a good win , beating a talented runner by 2.43. Also second to Cheruiyot last year. Will be in the mix

Had a bit more of a think and not Kosgei yet. I believe Gladys Cherono can reverse last year's battle for third and fourth here. Cherono is 35yo and ranked 2. Stumbled into fourth last year, running 75.14 for the second half, then won Berlin for the third time in her fastest time and the fastest by any female in 2018. This site rated her 2018 performances as second best and she was named as the AIMS Best Marathon Runner for the year. In 2017 was 5th in Boston and won Berlin.

After 4th in London again, do you think she will attempt to defend Berlin?

Aussiestatman wrote:

Aussiestatman wrote:

Leule Gebrselassie is the second of 3 young talents who I believe will finish between Kipchoge and Sir Mo Farah. He is 25 years old and ranked 3. He was 2nd in Dubai , 2 sec behind Geremew then won Valencia, both in under 2.05. That was enough for letsrun to rank him 5th.

Believing now that we have all overrated his young career. 2018 was his first at the classic distance then 7th in London in a stacked race was first in a major. Will he save himself for an attempt at back to back Valencia wins in Dec or will he country require him for the world champs?

Is not running for Ethiopia at the worlds.

Aussiestatman wrote:

Vivian Jepkemoi Cheruiyot could be second among the women. Has had a long and successful career at 5000 and 10000 on the track, winning a gold and a silver at the Rio Olympics; and 4 golds and a silver at 4 World Champs from 2007 to 2015.Ran her first marathon in London 2017, finishing 4th. Was rated best in the world by Letsrun for her 2018 record of first in London, second in New York. She is 35 years old and the IAAF ranks her 3.

Is competing with Gladys Cherono at Berlin.

Aussiestatman wrote:

Aussiestatman wrote:

Had a bit more of a think and not Kosgei yet. I believe Gladys Cherono can reverse last year's battle for third and fourth here. Cherono is 35yo and ranked 2. Stumbled into fourth last year, running 75.14 for the second half, then won Berlin for the third time in her fastest time and the fastest by any female in 2018. This site rated her 2018 performances as second best and she was named as the AIMS Best Marathon Runner for the year. In 2017 was 5th in Boston and won Berlin.

After 4th in London again, do you think she will attempt to defend Berlin?

In a word, yes.

Aussiestatman wrote:

I can't fathom that for the next prospect, 14th and 15th in majors equals an IAAF ranking of 615. Jonny Mellor is 32yo and completed London last year in 2.17.55 and Chicago in 2.16.09. His best time was in 2017 when running 10th in Berlin in 2.12,57.

Now ranked 508 after his 19th placed finish.

Aussiestatman wrote:

Eighth place could be Tamirat Tola, 27yo and ranked 25. 3rd in Dubai last year and 4th in New York causing Letsrun to rank him 10th. In 2017 won Dubai in 2.04.11, winning by 2.35, won Prague half marathon in 59.37, then second in the World Champs. These results were enough for this site to name him 3rd best in the World. Has won an Olympic bronze at 10000 metres on the track in Rio.

Sixth place is enough to continue his reputation as a top 30 ranked runner. Rankerchief on another thread places him 13th and I say somewhere 11th to 15th. He has been selected to represent his country at the world champs.