Rono is the favorite, but definitely not a slam dunk for anyone. Part of what makes this an interesting question is that there are plenty of guys from decades past who would be in contention. The guy dismissing Rono is just being a smart ass and picturing present-day geriatric Rono lining up.
Sam Chelanga won in 2009 and 2010 and ran a 27:08 collegiate record in spring 2010, beating Rupp in that race. In 2009 he won XC Nats by 25 seconds and only 8 guys finished within a minute of him.
Suleiman Nyambui won in 1980, the same year he’d won the silver medal in the Olympic 5000… He also won 4 straight NCAA 10,000m, 3 straight NCAA 5,000m, 4 straight NCAA Indoor Miles… He’d be a handful.
Rono would win every time except in cold weather conditions. Salazar beat him in 1978 on a very cold day. The following year, Rono easily won on a warm day.
Rono is the favorite, but definitely not a slam dunk for anyone. Part of what makes this an interesting question is that there are plenty of guys from decades past who would be in contention. The guy dismissing Rono is just being a smart ass and picturing present-day geriatric Rono lining up.
Sam Chelanga won in 2009 and 2010 and ran a 27:08 collegiate record in spring 2010, beating Rupp in that race. In 2009 he won XC Nats by 25 seconds and only 8 guys finished within a minute of him.
Suleiman Nyambui won in 1980, the same year he’d won the silver medal in the Olympic 5000… He also won 4 straight NCAA 10,000m, 3 straight NCAA 5,000m, 4 straight NCAA Indoor Miles… He’d be a handful.
Nyambui was my second pick with Chelanga and Rupp right there. Pre, Lindgren gut check would have to be considered top 10.
If there was some sort of age grading Kennedy might be a favorite. He had just turned 18 a few months before winning as a freshnan. I believe Ches was 19?
If there was some sort of age grading Kennedy might be a favorite. He had just turned 18 a few months before winning as a freshnan. I believe Ches was 19?
When Kennedy won, I saw a little school wearing yellow over blue pick up a silver trophy. Never heard of them before that day. I have been a fan since but not over the Razorbacks.
Rono is the favorite, but definitely not a slam dunk for anyone. Part of what makes this an interesting question is that there are plenty of guys from decades past who would be in contention. The guy dismissing Rono is just being a smart ass and picturing present-day geriatric Rono lining up.
Sam Chelanga won in 2009 and 2010 and ran a 27:08 collegiate record in spring 2010, beating Rupp in that race. In 2009 he won XC Nats by 25 seconds and only 8 guys finished within a minute of him.
Suleiman Nyambui won in 1980, the same year he’d won the silver medal in the Olympic 5000… He also won 4 straight NCAA 10,000m, 3 straight NCAA 5,000m, 4 straight NCAA Indoor Miles… He’d be a handful.
Suleiman Nyambui was kinda old then I think but not sure. He lapped me twice at Texas Relays towards the finish line. Official tried to give me 4th and lame brain sprinter coach wanted me to except. I kept going the two laps and still broke our school record in the 10,000.
Ironically, I raced rono in a half marathon about 30 years ago (and he was like 45). I beat him, but barely. He had a huuugggeee gut and I don't think he was training at all, yet still managed to run like 1:13. I know it will look like I'm making this up, but it's a true story.
You talking about this race? it was the only half marathon in the 90s that I could find listed.
You putting Nyambui 2nd on your list shows how great the 1981 UTEP team was. Nyambui was 7th that year and only 4th on the UTEP team. Teammate Shahanga was 8th overall and 5th on the UTEP team.
If there was some sort of age grading Kennedy might be a favorite. He had just turned 18 a few months before winning as a freshnan. I believe Ches was 19?
Yeah he won again as a senior. Became the first sub 13 American too