OFFICIAL Post-Race Discussion

Today's Oly Trials marathon is an encouraging race for American distance running, as the times were fast, the competition tough, the talent young, and the attention surrounding the event was exciting. With today's finishes and Alan Webb's 2007, the next generation of American [middle] distance running has officially taken the torch in full stride.

Ryan Hall's dominance is the story of the day. He was too smooth, too smart, and too fit not to be considered America's top marathon hopeful to medal in Beijing and to compete for top spots in major marathons for years to come. Hall's form is efficient and calculated, and his distance performances in 2007 (notably in Houston, London, and NYC) are a testimony to the top notch coaching he receives from Terrence Mahon in Mammoth Lakes. Today's Olympic marathon trials record (2:09:02) is almost a humorous aside to how much fun Hall seemed to have dropping 4:32-4:52 mile splits over the last 10 miles of Central Park's undulating course and gapping the nearest competitor by over two minutes.

In second place, Dathan Ritzenheim's performance guarantees his place in at least one 2008 Olympic event and begs the question of whether he'll focus on marathoning or track (10,000m). A PR by over three minutes from his last -- and first ever -- marathon (NYC '06), Ritz's 2:11:07 performance today validates his marathoning ability. It also validates his move last year to Eugene where he runs in good company with Coach Brad Hudson and Jason Hartmann (28:15 10K, 2:15:50). Chances are Ritz vies for a 10,000m Olympic spot, but his strong response to Hall's hammer dropping at mile 17 today revealed deep fitness and mental toughness.

For fans of American distance running there were many reasons to celebrate today, not the least of which is Brian Sell finishing third to earn the last Olympic marathon spot. After a courageous 2004 Oly Trials race in which he led much of the race before fading hard in the final miles to 13th, Sell directed his entire focus to making this team. Should he not make this Olympic team Sell reportedly vowed to quit running and attend to his prior plans of attending dentistry school. School is on hold for at least the next year, as Sell makes a strong addition to the US Olympic Marathon team after enduring a 2:11:34 this morning. Other highlights from today's race are the performances of Dan Browne, Jason Lehmkuhle, and Josh Rohatinsky, as well as the USATF and NYRR's hosting.

I heard that Canaday DNFed--is he okay?

He was walking when I saw him at mile 5, so he's not totally jacked up. He looked a little distraught but this was also where Shay went down. He might have stuck around to see what happened to him. I had no idea about Shay at that time.

Hall- Truly inspiring to see a guy you trains right, races right, and lives right!

Ritz- Looked really smooth through the half. Definelty has a better shot to medal in the marathon than the 10k.

Sell- The whole going to dental school thing was annoying. However, it seemed to motivate him to run a gutsy race. Happy for the former Pennsylvanian.

KK- Ran a tough race. He could of packed it in early on like Culpepper but finished it out.

Browne- Gutsy race and deserves to make it in the 10k.

First, my thoughts go out the Ryan Shay's family and friends.

What a beautiful run by Ryan Hall. He clearly is born to run the marathon - that stride!

Ritz ran well, he must be so satisfied to make the team and get that 2:14 off his mind. Brian Sell ran a smart race, and I was pleased to see him get third. KK ran tough, and Dan Browne gets a tip of the cap from me.

Interesting to see the "shoe contract" top five runners go asics, nike, brooks, new balance, saucony. I had a hard time logging on, had to switch from firefox to ie, couldn't use the pc I wanted b/c of DRM issues, and STILL watched the whole thing for free - I love the internet. New York City was a great setting; The media coverage was outstanding. Lynn Jennings, Ed, and Toni did a great job with the coverage.

Does anyone know where there is video of the post-race press conference?

BRF wrote:

I heard that Canaday DNFed--is he okay?

I don't think Sage planned on running the whole thing. He went down there for the experience and was running with the top guys for the first 10k or so, which, in my opinion, is a pretty darn good experience!

Just Keep Running wrote:

Does anyone know where there is video of the post-race press conference?

Flotrack.

Thanks!

I think people took Sell's Dental school comment incorrectly. It made him sound more like a baby than I think he deserves. It was not a "I play or I take my ball home" threat. He has options and if he doesn't make it now what the heck else would he do? 2012 and 33/34 years old isn't really a good option. He either makes it in 2008 or he moves on with his life. It sounds pretty honest and mature. The media covered it as if he was putting all of this pressure on himself - all or nothing. Really it was a this or that. Dental school is probably a better long term objective. He would definitely make more with that investment than the one he is now locked into. I am glad to see that he will be running competitively for another year.

Its great that Sell wants to go to dental school and more power to him. I just found it out of place to be talking about it before the race. This was a time to celebrate the resurgence of american distance running. It was not a time to focus on why he would quit the sport. Also, last time I checked, world records in the marathon have been broken over the last few years by 33/34 year olds. If Sell hadn't of made the team now, making it in 2012 would still be very realistic.

Sell did say at the press counference that he was putting more pressure on himself to make it by saying he would quit for dental school.