Same Day (03/16) as The Ten: Cheptegei vs. Kejelcha in Laredo 10K

So is it confirmed that Cheptegei isn't running World XC?

Consolidate the two events???

You realize that they are being held ~ 6000 miles apart?

At this point obviously impossible. I’m just saying the idea that we have two 10K races devised to chase qualifying times in the same day is kinda silly. Especially since the 10K lends itself well to a big field especially on the road. It doesn’t seem American-based athletes are too receptive to traveling to a 10K road race in Europe to qualify. A better-organized/regulated sport would consolidate these far in advance. The Diamond League/World Marathon Major is an effort at that, but in between is completely bespoke and all over the place.

Nice matchup, Gebrhiwet is set to race a 5k road race in UK - Podium 5k in Leicester on the same day with Wightman in the field too

Oh I'd forgotten. Definitely would prefer he jump to Laredo over that, which if he's in any shape will be a glorified fun run. Also, not 100% sure his best event is the 5,000 any more. Though I understand his struggles at the 10,000 on the global level, he is fighting Father Time at this point.

According to his listed DOB he’s only 29. It’s one thing to be skeptical of that, but it’s a matter of fact he ran 12:42 and won the 5k road championship last year, so I think he’s fine in the 5k for now. Besides, I don’t think everyone is best served by moving up in their 30s.

This is fair, and I don't think his listed age is patently as absurd as Muktar Edris' for instance. I don't think he *has* to move up by any stretch of the imagination, but more just combining that 12:42 strength and 57:41 HM ability it might be in his best interest to flex his strength more. I know you could say the same about Yomif, but the 7:23 last year (with a big finish) shows he still has the insane wheels. I don't like Hagos' chances too much against pretty much the same guys in the 10K + Jakob, Krop, Yomif (if he runs just one event). Krop had kind of a down season, but his speed just gives him the edge no matter what. This is assuming that Fisher, Cheptegei, and Kiplimo will double.