Watch a Japanese Ekiden anchor-leg runner in this video do exactly what German Silva did in the 1994 NYC Marathon--follow a press vejhicle that turns off the course. He had less time to make up the lost ground; if he's had another 200 meters, he might have emulated Silva's comeback win.
Damn those guys run hard. Do you get the feeling that the Japanese are as good as they are because of sheer committment and effort, rather than great talent? They have almost no top track didtance or mid-guys, but marathon and road racers are often at the top level. I think there are a whole lot of them training at a very tough intensity. The Ekiden team thing has to help, too.
What's with the fifth-place guy breaking a new tape? Another division or something?
Yeah, the wrong turn guy would have had it. He looked like he was timing his final move perfectly.
True, no top 800-5000 men, but oddly, several world-class sprinters and hurdlers. Remember Dai Tamesui (sp?) beating out Kerron Clement for third in the World Championships 400 meter hurdles? I think in Helsinki 2005. And Shingo Suetsugu--great charismatic 200 meter runner.
Tough as hell wrote:
Damn those guys run hard. Do you get the feeling that the Japanese are as good as they are because of sheer committment and effort, rather than great talent? They have almost no top track didtance or mid-guys, but marathon and road racers are often at the top level. I think there are a whole lot of them training at a very tough intensity. The Ekiden team thing has to help, too.
And then his handler almost decks him as he crosses the line--looks like a nice block on a blitzing lineman.
Everyone's a winner? wrote:
What's with the fifth-place guy breaking a new tape? Another division or something?