Reasons:
1) The fourth GST meet runs from June 27 to June 29th in LA. The Pre Classic this year is on July 5, so three of the Big 4 (Hocker, Kerr, Nuguse) will already be in this part of the world for GST, meaning they'll likely complete at Pre, perhaps along with whatever challengers were in this meet as well. Therefore, Pre will likely have a very deep field like in past years.
2) Jakob typically runs Pre each year (contractual obligation with Nike?). Also, Monaco (July 11) isn't offering a 1500/mile this year, so Jakob will probably be in Eugene. Whether it is for short distance or long distance, maybe this is an excuse for Jakob to be a challenger at the 4th GST?
3) El G's mile world record was set in early July. Outdoor world records tend to always fall in July or August.
4) Worlds isn't until September, so athletes will have the whole summer to sharpen their fitness and focus entirely on time trialing and setting records.
5) Jakob's fitness seems next-level this year. A 3:29/3:45 in February? That's unheard of until now. From his racing at Euro & World Indoors, we can clearly tell he's confident. Also, the trial with Gjert could fuel Jakob to run even faster.
6) Hayward has been historically fast the past couple of years. In 2023, Jakob and Nuguse both ran 3:43, and 2024 saw 3:45/3:46s in May. If meet organizers run the mile at night and conditions are optimal (low wind, ideal temps), the times will surely be fast.
7) When Jakob announces he's going for a world record, it's on. Wavelights will be set to the perfect tempo and Jakob will ensure he gets the best pacemaking possible. This year and 2026 could be his last chances to get El G's coveted world records, so I think Jakob will take every chance he can get. I also think Jakob will use 3:43.13 as a stepping stone to the more prestigious and objectively better 3:26.00 1500 record. Having Kerr, Hocker, and Nuguse in this race will push Jakob to run even faster.
---------
Predictions:
Jakob & Hocker under 3:43.13 (Hocker's stronger and more confident than he's ever been with his 7:23 3K & of course Oly Gold, and I think his fitness is slightly better than Nuguse at this point). Jakob still takes WR of course, 3:42 mid.
Nuguse and Kerr in the 3:43-3:44 range (Both PBs, but shy of 3:43.13).
Discus and leave your predictions below. Exciting time to be a middle distance fan!