Birmingham Diamond League Recap: David Rudisha Runs World’s Second Fastest 600m Ever but is Nearly Beaten, Mo Farah Gets the One Record He Didn’t Have, Asbel Kiprop Goes Sub-3:30, and the American 800m Women Struggle Again

by LetsRun.com
June 5, 2016

Below we recap the distance action from the 2016 Birmingham League Diamond League track meet.

David Rudisha and Pierre-Ambroise Bosse put on a battle for the ages in the men’s 600m, running the 2nd and 3rd fastest times ever, Mo Farah got the one British record he didn’t have, Francine Niyonsaba showed the 800 is a different event this year as the Americans continued to struggle, Asbel Kiprop proved he’s way better than the rest of the world, as did Conseslus Kipruto.

In non-distance action (IAAF recap here, full results here), English Gardner got a big win the 100m over Dafne Schippers while Andre De Grasse won and Caterine Ibarguen’s 38-win streak in the triple jump came to an end.

Men’s 600m: David Rudisha is Back, Runs 2nd Fastest 600m Ever

Shame on those who have written off David Rudisha.

The world’s greatest 800m runner, Rudisha led wire to wire and finished in 1:13.10, the second fastest time ever. However, it wasn’t an easy victory as he was challenged to the line by France’s Pierre-Ambroise Bosse in a great race with Ambroise-Bosse running the third fastest time ever in 1:13.21.

This one showed guys can run fast without rabbits when they get after it from the gun. The BBC and presumably race organizers did not think a world record was even a remote possibility as Johnny Gray’s mark (1:12.82) was never mentioned on the broadcast or shown on the screen.

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Afterwards Rudisha revealed that the world record was on his mind and he ran like it. He hit 200 in 23.31 and 400m in 47.71, but was trailed only by a meter or so by Bosse. As they came off the final turn, Bosse still trailed Rudisha but down the homestretch he started to gain on Rudisha. Rudisha kept his form pretty well and held on for the victory, just .11 ahead of Bosse.

Afterwards, Rudisha told the BBC it was “a little bit windy. I knew I was somewhere close to the world record. I think I just miscalculated my pace and I lost it in the last 100m.”

Erik Sowinski of the US was a distant third in this quick race in a personal best of 1:15.06.

QT #1: Rudisha Has Still Got It – Did the Wind Prevent the WR?

Rudisha had only been 5th in 1:46.24 in his one 800m on the Diamond League circuit this year last month in Shanghai. However, he missed the starter’s gun in that race in a ‘debacle’ and spotted the field a huge advantage, yet somehow by 200m was in the lead. It was a pretty impressive performance and the run today shows David Rudisha is still the man to beat at 800m. His demise in Shanghai was widely exaggerated by people who didn’t see the race.

The 600m today was run into a headwind twice (winds were usually over 1 m/s in the sprints). If it had started at the finish and run so that the runners would have had a tailwind on 2 straights, could he have got the world record?

QT #2: The Future is Very Bright for Bosse

This was a great run by Bosse, who at only 23 years old has a respectable resume. He won the 800m at the Rabat Diamond League meet earlier this year, was 5th at Worlds last year, ran 1:42.53 in 2014, and looks to have a very bright future.

His present is very bright as well as he seems capable of challenging Rudisha in Rio. Great run in a great race.

600 Metres - Men                                              

    1 Rudisha , David Lekuta           KEN    1:13.10                   
    2 Bosse , Pierre-Ambroise          FRA    1:13.21                   
    3 Sowinski , Erik                  USA    1:15.06                   
    4 Ralph , Joshua                   AUS    1:15.50                   
    5 Rimmer , Michael                 GBR    1:15.87                   
    6 Lewandowski , Marcin             POL    1:16.45                   
    7 Mathews , Luke                   AUS    1:18.05                   
    8 Rotich , Andrew Kiptoo           KEN    1:18.56                   

Men’s 3000m: Mo Farah Gets David Moorcroft’s British 3000m Record – Now Has All Records 1500-10k

Mo Farah brought the meet to close in grand fashion for the loud British fans as he ran a 59.54 final lap to clock 7:32.62, just beating David Moorcroft’s British record of 7:32.79 from 1982.

The rabbit went through 1600 in 4:01.8 with Farah right on his heels. As often is the case when Farah races in the UK, the field was not that strong so after 2km (5:01.75) he was all on his own. The record was in doubt at the bell, but Farah summoned just enough to get it and he now holds all the British records from 1500 through the 10,000m.

Afterwards, Farah paid tribute to Muhammad Ali by shadowboxing in the air and then telling the BBC this race was for Ali and his family. Farah said of Ali, “He was one of my heroes” and noted he wrote about his respect for Ali in his autobiography.

As for the British record, Farah was clearly going after it, but didn’t know what it was. He told the BBC, “I thought I just missed it.”

Finish line lap splits

1 1:00.87
2 1:01.62
3 1:00.04
4 1:01.01
5 1:00.40
6 1:00.79
7 59.54

QT #1: Farah is the King of England
Farah is already the king of the distance world, but now he’s the all-time best in the UK from 1500m to 10,000m. As good as Farah is at 1500 and the 10,000, it’s a surprise this record has lasted as long as it has. But Farah’s specialty is not time trialing, it’s racing.

3000 Metres - Men                                             

    1 Farah , Mohamed                  GBR    7:32.62                   
    2 Kiptanui , Mathew                KEN    7:44.16                   
    3 Maiyo , Hillary Kipkorir         KEN    7:44.99                   
    4 Butchart , Andrew                GBR    7:45.00                   
    5 Birgen , Bethwell                KEN    7:48.59                   
    6 D'Hoedt , Jeroen                 BEL    7:53.36                   
    7 St.Lawrence , Ben                AUS    7:53.68                   
    8 Taylor , Jonathan                GBR    7:57.96                   
    9 Kibiwott , Abraham               KEN    8:02.95                   
   10 Weir , Richard                   GBR    8:04.59                   
   11 Griffiths , Dewi                 GBR    8:05.59                   
   12 Robinson , Brett                 AUS    8:11.01                   
      Rono , Vincent Kipsang           KEN        DNF                   
      Bett , Reuben                    KEN        DNF

Women’s 800: Niyonsaba Runs Quick 1:56.92 and the Americans Struggle Again

Francine Niyonsaba won this one in a quick 1:56.92, showing why she is the current world #2 in the women’s 800.

The race went out in a quick 56.79, but the entire field was still there at the bell. When the rabbit dropped out Niyonsaba had the lead and would start her push for home on the final stretch. In the end, no one would be able to stay with Niyonsaba, but Canada’s Melissa Bishop held on the longest around the final bend until Renelle Lamote of France closed the best of everyone to get second in a huge PB of 1:58.01 (previous best 1:58.84). The Americans were non-factors in this one on the final lap with Chanelle Price finishing 6th in 2:00.80, Ajee Wilson 7th in 2:00.81, and Laura Roesler last in 2:01.54.

800 Metres - Women                                            
                                                            Pts
    1 Niyonsaba , Francine             BDI    1:56.92         10        
    2 Lamote , Renelle                 FRA    1:58.01          6        
    3 Bishop , Melissa                 CAN    1:58.48          4        
    4 Sharp , Lynsey                   GBR    1:59.29          3        
    5 Arzamasova , Marina              BLR    1:59.97          2        
    6 Price , Chanelle                 USA    2:00.80          1        
    7 Wilson , Ajee                    USA    2:00.81                   
    8 Józwik , Joanna                  POL    2:01.24                   
    9 Roesler , Laura                  USA    2:01.54
      Galligan , Rose-Anne             IRL        DNF

QT #1: The 800 is a Different Event This Year
With the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) suspending the limitations on hyperandrogenic athletes last year, the 800 has been completely transformed. Caster Semenya and Niyonsaba are back atop the world and everyone else is fighting for scraps behind them. Niyonsaba has been overlooked this outdoor season as Semenya has destroyed her in the final 100m the two times they’ve raced (Rome and Rabat).

Niyonsaba’s run today shows that she can run fast in a fast race. If that’s the case, just imagine what Semenya could do if she really ran hard the entire race. Semenya has beaten Niysonaba by over a second every time they’ve raced this year with all of that coming in the final 100m.

Most of the world’s 800 women have been silent on the hyperandrogenism issue, but here, UK’s Lynsey Sharp spoke a bit on the subject. Sharp said, “Everyone can see it’s two separate races so there’s nothing I can do. There’s nothing anyone else can do. It’s out of our control really so you just have to focus on your own race. But know I’m there or thereabouts with the rest of the world.” Sharp added that she hoped that CAS would reevaluate their ruling on testosterone levels in women’s sport.

QT #2: It Might Be Time for the Americans to Worry
Two years ago, Ajee Wilson was the fastest women in the world with a 1:57.67, and ended up ranked #2 in the world.

This week she has been an afterthought in her two Diamond League races. Wilson ran 2:03.33 in Rome on Thursday and you could say perhaps that was due to jetlag. Today she improved to 2:00.81, but that isn’t the kind of time that will put her in the hunt for a medal or even making the final in Rio. She was bumped today a little bit on the backstretch when Lamote went wide to make her move, but that wasn’t enough to excuse the slow time.

Former world indoor champ Chanelle Price was .01 ahead of Wilson. As far back as Wilson and Price were, they both set seasonal bests today. After falling in the “B” heat in Rome, Laura Roesler was last today. She seems to have suddenly lost her form as two weeks ago she ran 2:00.15 at Oxy.

Here are the current US lists for 800m from All-Athletics.com. 800m newcomer Chrishuna Williams went sub-2:00 last night in Atlanta in the meet on ESPN2.

Result P.A. Pos. Athlete Birth Cnt. Type Pl. Venue Date R.S.
1:59.89 1. 1. Chrishuna WILLIAMS 93 USA F 3. Atlanta (USA) 04.06 1155
2:00.05 2. 2. Kate GRACE 88 USA F1 1. Portland (USA) 15.05 1152
2:00.15 3. 3. Laura ROESLER 91 USA F3 1. Los Angeles (USA) 20.05 1150
2:00.18 4. 4. Brenda MARTINEZ 87 USA F3 2. Los Angeles (USA) 20.05 1150
2:00.44 5. 5. Molly LUDLOW 87 USA F 4. Atlanta (USA) 04.06 1145
2:00.65 6. 7. Charlene LIPSEY 91 USA F 5. Atlanta (USA) 04.06 1142
2:00.8h 7. 9. Alysia MONTAÑO 86 USA F 1. Eugene (USA) 27.05 1139
2:00.80 8. 10. Chanelle PRICE 90 USA F 6. Birmingham (GBR) 05.06 1139
2:00.81 9. 11. Ajee WILSON 94 USA F 7. Birmingham (GBR) 05.06 1139

The Olympic Trials will definitely have a lot of drama.

Men’s 1500m: Asbel Kiprop Gets First Sub-3:30 Clocking of the Year

Asbel Kiprop‘s dominance was on full display as he won by nearly 4 seconds in 3:29.33, putting up the first sub-3:30 of the year.

The rabbit went out quick in 54.38 and only Kiprop and Abdalaati Iguider were with him. By 800 (1:51.72) Iguider had had enough and Kiprop was chasing the rabbit and the clock. At 1200 (2:47.79), the only question was whether Kiprop could hold on and go sub-3:30. It turned out that he definitely could as his picked it up just a tad the final lap (55.61) to clock 3:29.33. Iguider was a clear second in 3:33.10 and Nick Willis beat the rest of the pack to get third in 3:34.29.

QT #1: Asbel Kiprop is A Lot Better Than the Rest of the World Right Now
No one else in the world has run under 3:32 this year.

Splits 54.38
800 1:51.72
1200 2:47.79
Final 400 (55.61)

1500 Metres - Men                                             
                                                            Pts
    1 Kiprop , Asbel                   KEN    3:29.33         10        
    2 Iguider , Abdalaati              MAR    3:33.10          6        
    3 Willis , Nicholas                NZL    3:34.29          4        
    4 Kibet , Vincent                  KEN    3:34.60          3        
    5 Magut , James Kiplagat           KEN    3:35.18          2        
    6 Gregson , Ryan                   AUS    3:35.50          1        
    7 Kiplagat , Silas                 KEN    3:35.52                   
    8 Ingebrigtsen , Henrik            NOR    3:36.00                   
    9 Wightman , Jake                  GBR    3:37.53                   
   10 Wolde , Dawit                    ETH    3:37.60                   
   11 Lancashire , Thomas              GBR    3:37.77                   
   12 Benitz , Timo                    GER    3:37.77                   
   13 Hannes , Pieter-Jan              BEL    3:41.10
      Olmedo , Manuel                  ESP        DNF                   
      Kiptoo , Elijah Kipchirchir      KEN        DNF                   
      Rotich , Andrew Kiptoo           KEN        DNF

Men’s Steeplechase: The Conseslus Kipruto Show Just Missed 8:00 Again

This one started just like a replay of the Rome Diamond League steeplechase three days ago: very fast with Conseslus Kipruto and Jairus Birech going after it. The first kilometer was a very quick 2:35.27 (even faster than Rome’s 2:35.8) and there would be only one man who could keep the pace going and that was Kipruto.

Halfway through the race he was way in front chasing his first sub-8:00 clocking and unlike Rome, Birech could not keep up. Birech was passed by Paul Koech during the second kilometer and would fade badly.

Kipruto was still under 8:00 pace at 2km (5:18.73), but would slow just enough the final kilometer to miss going sub-8:00. He crossed the line and saw 8:00.12 on the clock and shook his head with a smile in disbelief and clapped his hands (photo on right). Surely sub-8:00 is in his future, but for now Kipruto will have to settle for being the best steeplechaser in the world.

QT #1: Kipruto Is the Best in the World
4 Diamond League races, 4 Diamond League wins for Kipruto this year, each faster than the one before.

Doha 8:05.13
Rabat 8:02.77
Rome 8:01.41
Birmingham 8:00.12

A message board poster pointed out there has never been a sub-8:00 in the UK.

3000 Metres Steeplechase - Men                                
                                                            Pts
    1 Kipruto , Conseslus              KEN    8:00.12         10        
    2 Koech , Paul Kipsiele            KEN    8:10.19          6        
    3 Kipyego , Barnabas               KEN    8:14.74          4        
    4 Kipruto , Brimin Kiprop          KEN    8:19.33          3        
    5 Birech , Jairus Kipchoge         KEN    8:20.31          2        
    6 Kemboi , Clement Kimutai         KEN    8:21.07          1        
    7 Zalewski , Krystian              POL    8:29.00                   
    8 Milne , Taylor                   CAN    8:30.42                   
    9 Winter , Chris                   CAN    8:31.06                   
   10 Mullett , Rob                    GBR    8:31.13                   
   11 Gunn , Luke                      GBR    8:52.60                   
      Taleb , Brahim                   MAR        DNF                   
      Kipsang , Lawrence Kemboi        KEN        DNF

 

Women’s 5000m: Vivian Cheruiyot Can Still Kick

This one came down to a final lap duel between four-time world champion Vivian Cheruiyot and Mercy Cherono. Cheruiyot trailed nearly the entire final homestretch before just nipping Cherono thanks to a 59.72 final lap.

Almaz Ayana owns the 5000m this year, but the nice finish here shows Cheruiyot should still be a factor in Rio in the 10,000m (she won 10,000 at Worlds last year).

Former Florida Gator Genevieve LaCaze had a 14-second PB in 15:27.13.

5000 Metres - Women                                           
                                                            Pts
    1 Cheruiyot , Vivian Jepkemoi      KEN   15:12.79         10        
    2 Cherono , Mercy                  KEN   15:12.85          6        
    3 Kisa , Janet                     KEN   15:19.48          4        
    4 Tesfay , Haftamnesh              ETH   15:24.04          3        
    5 Wellings , Eloise                AUS   15:26.19          2        
    6 LaCaze , Genevieve               AUS   15:27.13          1        
    7 Fente , Birtukan                 ETH   15:39.55                   
    8 Napieraj , Dominika              POL   15:41.47                   
    9 Andrews , Jessica                GBR   15:46.82                   
   10 Pavey , Joanne                   GBR   15:47.64                   
   11 Byrne , Deirdre                  IRL   15:58.65                   
   12 Clayton , Emma                   GBR   16:07.47                   
   13 Buscomb , Camille                NZL   16:11.17
      Coulson , Jessica                GBR        DNF                   
      Plis , Renata                    POL        DNF                   
      Treacy , Sara Louise             IRL        DNF
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