Hall to run Boston

Weak. No troll score for you.

John Hancock Announces Top U.S. Runner Ryan Hall to Return for 2011 Boston Marathon and Seek U.S. Win

PR Newswire

BOSTON, Dec. 1, 2010

BOSTON, Dec. 1, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- In their 26th year as the principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon, John Hancock Financial today announced the return of top American Ryan Hall, for the 115th running of the race on April 18, 2011.

Hall has proven himself as one of the best distance runners of all time and has shown he can compete successfully with Boston's world-class fields. After finishing third in 2009, Hall returned to Boston this past April and set a new U.S. course record with his 2:08:41 fourth-place finish.

Hall is the second fastest American marathoner of all time with a 2:06:17 personal best and currently holds the American record in the half marathon. The Stanford University graduate was first at the 2007 U.S. Olympic Trials and went on to place 10th at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Marathon.

"I am excited to be part of the John Hancock elite team for the third year in a row. I can't wait to be back in Hopkinton in April ready to test myself over the most historic marathon course in America," said Hall. "I love the Boston Marathon and hope that both my experience training on and racing in the Boston Marathon will lead to something very special in the 2011 race."

In the 2010 race, Hall dictated the pace to the lead pack and his hard work helped Robert Kiprono Cheruiyot set a new course record of 2:05:52. Hall's strong closing miles put him within 2 seconds of a podium position as he led the U.S. men to three spots in the top ten.

"Regardless of the day's results, all of us who take on the unique journey of covering the 26.2 trying miles to Boylston Street can all say we partook in history," added Hall. "I am training with eager anticipation for the opportunity that the Boston Marathon offers, believing that all things are possible. What better place to break through than in Boston?"

With necessary experience on the course and added motivation to become the first American champion since Greg Meyer won in 1983, Hall returns determined to seek the win. "Ryan's performances at the last two Boston Marathons prove that he runs to win every time he toes the starting line," said B.A.A. Executive Director Guy Morse. "He is an inspired and highly motivated individual, and we can look forward to an exciting marathon and another competitive race from him in April."

"As it is each year, John Hancock remains committed to securing the strongest fields of runners from around the world for the Boston Marathon. We're very pleased to have Ryan return to Boston again this year, not only as the top U.S. runner, but also as part of what will be an elite global field for the 2011 race," said Jim Boyle, President of John Hancock Financial Services. "Ryan and the other elite runners every year provide spectators and viewers with a thrilling race. While marathoning is a global sport, the growing prominence of U.S. runners among the world's elite has been a terrific development for fans and for the sport."

ok. So he will be running 3 marathons in 16 months (if he makes the O team)

Boston

Olympic Trials

Olympics

That's a lot of marathons - I understand he needs to make some money and the trials and games don't pay, but sheesh - can Hall make 3 good marathon efforts in 16 months?

fake. ryan did not mention God once. it must be an impostor

agip wrote:

ok. So he will be running 3 marathons in 16 months (if he makes the O team)

Boston

Olympic Trials

Olympics

That's a lot of marathons - I understand he needs to make some money and the trials and games don't pay, but sheesh - can Hall make 3 good marathon efforts in 16 months?

WTF? There are no "rules".

(athlete)

agip wrote:

ok. So he will be running 3 marathons in 16 months (if he makes the O team)

Boston

Olympic Trials

Olympics

That's a lot of marathons - I understand he needs to make some money and the trials and games don't pay, but sheesh - can Hall make 3 good marathon efforts in 16 months?

I will be surprised if he doesn't throw a fall one in for good measure.

agip wrote:

ok. So he will be running 3 marathons in 16 months (if he makes the O team)

Boston

Olympic Trials

Olympics

That's a lot of marathons - I understand he needs to make some money and the trials and games don't pay, but sheesh - can Hall make 3 good marathon efforts in 16 months?

You could also say it's 3 marathons in 27 months, if you start counting after his last one (Boston 2010).

There's 9 months between Boston and the Trials, and another 8 months between Trials and the Games. I don't see how that is a problem.

Not running another marathon until the Trials, as you're apparently advocating, would seem to be a bigger risk.

He could certainly race in 2011 - I'm just saying I would have passed on marathons.

Clearly, Hall knows what he is doing, so this is all just hating.

But let's say I were a 2:06 marathoner looking for a sort of dual peak - Jan 2012 and August 2012.

I would spend 2011 doing a series of half marathons - getting comfortable at the pace likely to win in London - 445 pace? - and working on race tactics. Maybe I would do the NYC Half in March and then maybe 3 other half marathons through the year. I am sure RnR would pay some cash to commit to 3 of their races.

Impossible, Boston closed registration within 8 hours!

God-willing...

agip wrote:

He could certainly race in 2011 - I'm just saying I would have passed on marathons.

So when you toe the line at the Trials, you'd be okay with not having raced that distance in over 20 months? That would be more than twice as long between marathons as he has previously gone in his career.

His pattern has been to run marathons in April (London or Boston) and then again in the "fall" (August for the Games, otherwise November). All except Beijing have been 2:10 or faster, so that seems to be working for him.

I concur about working on speed, but I think avoiding for so long the distance you'll be racing at would be a mistake.

Though as you said, this is all just talk for entertainment purposes ... I don't know who would be the best coach for Hall, but it sure ain't me.

You figure he could train for the trials for 13 months or run Boston, take a ~$200k appearance fee then train for the trials 8 months later. What would you do?

agip wrote:

ok. So he will be running 3 marathons in 16 months (if he makes the O team)

Boston

Olympic Trials

Olympics

That's a lot of marathons - I understand he needs to make some money and the trials and games don't pay, but sheesh - can Hall make 3 good marathon efforts in 16 months?

You are soft.

before beijing he did the trials in november, london in april, then the olypmics in august. that was 3 marathons in less than a year. it may have hurt him in beijing. this would be 3 marathons in almost a year and a half. i see no problem. but who knows

firefly wrote:

but who knows

Who knows? Bill Rodgers knows! Make that anyone from the GBTC circa 1975-1985. They raced prolifically, fearlessly, and did it all while training at sea level. There are no rules.

You are the dumbest poster on this entire site, by far. Your sarcasm is a cover for your stupidity.

I'm not sure I like that he isn't running London. Seems the experience of being in London would be good to hone his focus towards the Olympics. I imagine London will get the stronger field, too. I don't know what that says about his decision to run in Boston. Maybe it's just to make the wifey happy, though, as she'll probably run the mile event or whatever that same weekend in Boston.

The Trials do pay. Ryan got $84,000 for winning the 08' Trials in New York. I would say that's a pretty good pay day, wouldn't you?

By the way, those of you who make fun of his beliefs will be sorry one day and be enjoying eternity in a very, very bad place. Go ahead and laugh, you'll see.

Detroit?