This Max King comparison is valid. But, let’s remember what happened at JFK 50. Max King set the course record. It was thought to be one of the stoutest CRs out there. Until Walmsley came along in 2016 and smashed it by 9 minutes. Walmsley has course records on some of the most storied and competitive ultras out there.
The reason people say he only runs best in “time trial style” races is because he obliterates the field. It’s not that he’s in weak competition because he’s doing this at competitive race! He’s just beating everyone by so much. And the races he’s done poorly in are much more mountainous and different than Western a States, Lake Sanoma, or JFK. This actually makes his case for doing well at the HM even better.
His course records are stand alone. He is in a different paradigm in the ultra running world. That is why it’s hard to compare him to the likes of Max King and other top runners in ultras. That’s why it’s so fascinating to see him go after it on the roads because it’s nsvsf been done.
My prediction is 1:03:21