Korir's sponsor should offer cash to any US runner who helps him qualify for the olympics

The problem with this idea is that any American that get off the couch and run that time could probably get paid appearance fees and contract bonuses to go run that time (or better) in a marathon major.

Depends on how big the prize is. I don't think the appearance fees for most American men (other than Rupp) is above $30,000. Plus this prize would be on top of appearance fees.

Exactly, and therein lies the problem.

Lots of guys other than Rupp are capable to push Korir in via the ranking.

So if the prize was say $50,000 for the first man to break 2:08:10 (or finish top non-qualifying American ahead of Korir on the road to paris list) I think the incentive would be pretty big for folks like Fauble (69th road to paris), Albertson (76th road to paris), Panning, Kibet (just behind CJ Albertson in road to paris), Simbassa (top American at Houston, 60:37 half PB, 11th at trials, sitting 72nd in road to Paris), Chalenga (75th road to paris) etc to go for it. It definitely won't take a 2:08:10 to make the road to Paris top list. If any of these guys runs a 2:09 low, it would push Korir in most likely.

Fauble could rock out at Boston and get a nice ranking's bump. They'd probably still be able to offer a nice appearance fee and the pressure is off.

There isn’t anyone that could fill this criteria. If there was, they would have been in the race and most likely beaten Korir.

This.

There are 2 Americans who can hit 2:08 (based on last 6 months). They’ve already done it and destroyed everyone else yesterday.

Hypothetically if CJ gets a good coach and runs sub 2:08:10, will be get on the team?

No. If this fantasy situation happened he would be unlocking the gauranteed spot for Korir. It will never happen though, there is not nearly enough time to recover and be ready again after yesterday.

I mean didn't CJ run two 2:10's in back to back weekends in this buildup.

It's not unheard of for him to turn around here in the next couple of months and do that. Though not really sure why he would do that for Korir. Maybe he would if he had won the 3rd spot.

Here's what I don't get. Why didn't more Americans run Valencia (one of the clearcut, if not THE clearcut fastest course) in December 2023? Even CJ, who could have ran it in December 2022 no problem, chose the hillier Malaga instead that same month. Makes absolutely no sense. Valencia was and remains one of the best places to get that standard.

Because it was too close to this race. For an elite to perform at the highest level needed in a marathon, a massive amount of time is needed to recover, build back up, and taper appropriately. Perhaps someone may have hit the standard in Valencia, but they wouldn’t have been ready to race for top 3 yesterday if they did so.

CJ ran CIM on December 3rd (same day as Valencia) and then Mexicali a week later lol.

I'm just saying he has such a better shot at the standard in Valencia than either of those places.

I agree with your point though for most athletes (with actual coaches who would advise against running a thon just 2 months before the trials)

Exactly. And in Boston, WMM, top 5 unlocks the spot.

Perhaps this is what cost him a top 3 yesterday.

Agreed. But, just saying, he or some other American still needs to unlock that 3rd spot and imo Valencia was the best chance to do it. That course is lightning quick and the last mile is downhill, pretty ideal for CJ.

Have Jared Ward and Scott Fauble pace Korir for 20 miles in Eugene marathon in April to get the Oly standard.

Unfortunately, his “sponsor” is currently strapped for cash, with all its billions lining the pockets of Ukrainian oligarchs and costly missiles lobbed at Yemeni militia.

I think CJ ran Valencia 2022 and crapped his pants or something. He tried to jump in another race the following weekend and ran 2:13 in some crazy windy weather.

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CJ ALBERTSON | Profile | World Athletics

CJ ALBERTSON, United States - Marathon, 50 Kilometres Road

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Didn't know he attempted Valencia. Knew about Malaga but as I said that's a hillier and tougher course.

I ran Valencia 2 months ago and the conditions were insane. Strava said 50meters net elevation but it felt like way less than that somehow. Tons of Euro athletes (and also from all over the world) got their Standard there. I feel CJ definitely could have gotten the standard there too.