Wonder if any Americans will show up at the last minute. A top 5 is as good as a 2:08 to unlock a spot, IIRC. Could someone like Faubs squeak in with the weaker field?
It would be awesome if there was a sudden influx of American men - people need to take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves.
But while there is individual glory / money to shoot for, I don't think the top5 placing (being worth the 2:08 and unlocking a third team OLY spot) will draw people in. If I understand correctly they'd be unlocking the third OLY spot for whoever gets third at the trials (while putting in an unplanned race effort 13 weeks before those same trials). It's almost like the top10 contenders at the upcoming trails could pool money together to pay someone to go to NYC and be the sacrificial lamb in an attempt to benefit those top10.
Cam Levins is having an interesting career as a marathoner. He has run faster than Galen Rupp but Rupp has an Olympic Bronze in the event. Levins seems like a real hard worker and I am glad it is paying off for him. He probably would do well to finish top 3 here and if he can win NYC he would be cementing himself further as one of the best non Africans of his generation, although I realize he would not be the best or probably even in the top 3 in that category.
Rupp got a medal because of the shoes. It will always have an asterisk in my book.
And you're the only one who will read your book. He got bronze, you have nothing.
I'm old enough to remember 10ish years ago when Levins was running 150 mile weeks in college and many were concerned that he'd burn out or not have a long career. And now look at him - better than ever and still a factor. Well done, Levins.
This post was edited 23 seconds after it was posted.
I’ve seen a lot of good runners not trust their training and do some crazy workout two weeks before the race and then come up flat on race day.
That workout is good but I’m not worried about him “racing” it. Slightly faster than his likely HM abilities (59 low). Also every marathon has numerous injury withdrawals, this one is more notable because it’s the top athletes. I feel most marathons turn over 10-20% of the elite field.
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