Hobbs Kessler 4:03.64 mile

Road mile times are meaningless and you know it. And Prakel is an indoor 3:50 high miler. He and Gregorek are basically the final bosses before you become a legitimate US contender. Kessler losing to him in a sprint finish is not a big deal.

No one thinks he is Nuguse or Teare at this exact moment in time.

The course looked challenging, with ups and downs and a nasty turn. He ran with courage and was close to winning. This is certainly not a negative signal.

The first 800m was 2:10.

And this is the problem with newbies like the OP looking at times and making judgements is.

First 800, uphill, in 2:10.

Last half fast and Hobbes was right there and beat most of the others in a crowded sprint finish.

I thought he looked good.

And he beat Gregorek recently as well. Last 800 in 1:52 is not too shabby either. As far as the US goes unless your name is Yared Nuguse, Cole Hocker or Cooper Teare, a .24 loss to Prakel is nothing to cry about.

Why did he run a road mile when track season is starting to heat up?

Adidas event = Adidas runner, plus it's still silly season. In reality only the 6 week ramp up to USATF is important. Note: Centro moved from 4:07 mile to 3:40 1500 already.

It’s a sponsorship obligation. He ran pretty well but remains an underdog for a US team with Nuguse, Teare, Thompson, Prakel, Gregorek in the way. Not sure what’s up with Jonathan Davis or Hocker.

This is the correct take. Ran the course myself right before the elite races, and the first 800 was all uphill. For perspective, the first 400 for the elites was run in 66s. HK was right there at the turn onto the elevated track for the last 150m, and just didn’t quite have the sprint to pull into first.

Some get it right on here almost all the time

like you

others clueless

these road miles are contractual obligations

He is very very well compensated by Adidas. And the goal certainly is not to be optimally fit on 5/6.