Sam Chelanga Still Dreaming of Boston; Will Compete in B.A.A. 5-K on Sunday
By Chris Lotsbom
April 13, 2012
(c) 2012 Race Results Weekly, all rights reserved
BOSTON (13-Apr) -- Since Sam Chelanga's first professional race here in
Boston last June, things have changed for the diminutive 27-year-old
Kenyan. He now has a sponsorship, an elite training group, and is
beginning to establish a professional career, three things the Liberty
University graduate was missing when he finished fourth at the inaugural
B.A.A. 10-K in 2011.
"It's a good change," noted Chelanga, who is signed up for all three
legs of the inaugural B.A.A. Distance Medley Relay, a series announced
by the Boston Athletic Association that awards $100,000 to one male and
one female athlete who total has the lowest cumulative time between
three of the B.A.A.'s events: Sunday's 5-K, June's 10-K, and October's
Half-Marathon.
Chelanga said that he has enjoyed his new surroundings, training under
Mark Rowland in Eugene, Ore., as part of the Oregon Track Club Elite.
"When you compare it to college, I'd say it's a good change, because now
you're more relaxed and focused and you have professional help. And you
have the time, you don't have to go to class!" said Chelanga. "I'm
starting to get used to the new training regimin, because I never did
gym stuff before."
Before the B.A.A. 10-K last June, Chelanga expressed his love of Boston,
saying that ever since his brother Joshua finished third in the 2001
Boston Marathon, he has envied the city, dreaming of its famed CITGO
Sign and John Hancock building. In the eleven years since then,
Chelanga's adoration for the city has only grown.
"The dream is only getting better. And to think, I mean, what if I win
the $100,000 here [from the Distance Medley Relay]," said Chelanga with a
smile.
On Sunday, Chelanga will face Ethiopia's Ali Abdosh and defending
champion Ben True, among others, in a race that finishes across the same
yellow painted finish line as the Boston Marathon. He predicts a time
around 13:30 will be needed to win the race.
The 14-time All-American, though, most looks forward to the day when he
can cross that same line after running through the eight cities and
towns that make up the Boston Marathon course.
"All your dreams, the anticipation. It's going to be a great day when I
do it," he said, a twinkle clearly visible in his eyes, the excitement
building in his voice. "A couple years, maybe one or two. I'm coming."
More Boston:
8 Days to Glory Series: LRC Geoffrey Mutai Returns to Boston, Can He Recreate the Magic of 2011?
*LRC 8 Days For Glory - A Kenyan Flavored Preview Of The Upcoming Men's Marathon World Record Assault
LRC: Friday's Press Conference Highlights: Mutai Set to Defend, Wesley Korir Ready to Challenge, Americans Arciniaga and Hartmann Ready
Women: Defending Champ Caroline Kilel And NYC Champ Dado Try and Recreate Drama of Last 4 Years
*Full Boston Pro Fields
Boston on the Boards: Brutal Weather for Boston
*Boston Questions Thread--course, racing, pre-race planning
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