Stop mentioning Henry Rono as the best NCAA runner ever

College Running D1

Page 4 of 4

1 3 4

Next Last

1 year ago 05/08/2023 11:42pm EDT

re: dude was 27 his last year

Ok. however, he may be the greatest runner of all time, which is better than the best in the NCAA. Take a look at what he did and how he set his world records. His non embellished are unreal. He not only was never on the radar for doing drugs but battled alcohol.

Henry was made to run……and that’s it. He was special. He broke 2 of his world records in college meets where he nearly lapped the entire field in the 5 in Berkeley and his steeplechase in the driving rain at a small race at UW.

Again, if his age (which was legal at the time) eliminates him as the greatest runner in ncaa history, is it possible that he may simply be the best runner ever?

1 year ago 05/08/2023 11:54pm EDT

re: Paul T

Paul T wrote:
Ok. however, he may be the greatest runner of all time, which is better than the best in the NCAA. Take a look at what he did and how he set his world records. His non embellished are unreal. He not only was never on the radar for doing drugs but battled alcohol.
Henry was made to run……and that’s it. He was special. He broke 2 of his world records in college meets where he nearly lapped the entire field in the 5 in Berkeley and his steeplechase in the driving rain at a small race at UW.
Again, if his age (which was legal at the time) eliminates him as the greatest runner in ncaa history, is it possible that he may simply be the best runner ever?

For an all too brief moment in time over perhaps a couple years, he was really the best, at least 3k -10k. I was lucky enough to be at the meet at UW to see the steeple. There were so few of us watching at the meet, really only just participants, and I recall all of us feeling so incredibly privileged. He had been running so well, that everyone almost literally expected a record might happen prior to the race. I can only imaging what he might have done, and for how many years, without alcohol in his life.

1 year ago 05/09/2023 1:15am EDT

re: dude was 27 his last year

His peers had respect for him

1 year ago 05/09/2023 2:58am EDT

re: For a brief moment in time

1 year ago 05/09/2023 6:06am EDT

re: malmo

malmo wrote:
Avoiding the pit falls wrote:
Beyond cherry picking a short time frame, what did Rono do better than you?
Obviously he had a proper real elite level career while you didn’t. For younger runners what advice could you give to avoid your mistakes and follow Rono’s trajectory instead?
You're a little bit crazy dont you think. Rono was a legend. A legend among legends. I was nowhere near his level..
The only mistake(s) i made was to step in a frozen rut while training for WXC causing a plantar fascia tear.
"Follow Ronos trajectory". Lol Everybody funny. Now you funny too.

We all know Ronos talent would make it impossible for most runners to follow. But its an interesting question, if we change it a bit.

Malmo, if you were running/or advising someone with your background and qualities, today, what changes would you have made to your training program? Both mistakes you did and new knowledge is interesting, I assume there is a mix.

1 year ago 05/09/2023 9:09am EDT

re: Kobbs Hessler

Kobbs Hessler wrote:
Ovett smoked Rono in '78 and set the 2 mile WR while waving to the crowd on the home stretch
EDIT: Ovett was 22 at the time
Video:www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JZTzLne2A8

This after RONO was nearing the end of his 1978 season … where he ran 52 races over that year. Yes, Ovett was a massive talent… just saying RONO was over raced; beaten by a great man.

1 year ago 05/09/2023 12:18pm EDT

re: Jzs

I would put Rono #1, Lindgren #2, Pre #3 as the greatest NCAA distance runners in history.

Age notwithstanding, the rules are the rules. Is that great an age difference fair? Probably not. But, as long as you play by the rules, fair is fair. I was 17 my freshman XC year competing against 22 year olds. Definitely not a fair fight, but those were the rules. Back then you got 4 years of eligibility, that's it. No matter what age you start.

As a sidebar on Rono, he was a very well liked and respected HS coach in Albuquerque. He would line up in local road races in the 90s with his big beer belly. I would beat him soundly! He would get loud ovations from the crowd every time. He was well known and appreciated even then. I think I heard somewhere that he moved back to Kenya. Haven't heard his name mentioned in Albuquerque for quite some time.

1 year ago 05/09/2023 1:33pm EDT

re: dude was 27 his last year

Henry Rono, the best NCAA runner ever!

1 year ago 05/09/2023 2:05pm EDT

re: kw1954

Correct. Henry moved back to Kenya a few years back though I can't think now how many. Five?

Page 4 of 4

1 3 4

Next Last

Reply Replying to

Username

Password

Leave the password field blank to post anonymously.

Post Preview

By posting you acknowledge that you have read and abide by our Terms and Conditions.

Remember me on this device.

Stop mentioning Henry Rono as the best NCAA runner ever

Of General Interest

This thread has already been deleted.

You have been subscribed.

Stop mentioning Henry Rono as the best NCAA runner ever

Jump To A Page

Follow cramister

Block cramister

Follow Jzs

Block Jzs

Follow kw1954

Block kw1954

Follow HRE

Block HRE

Jump To A Page

Of General Interest

This thread has already been deleted.

Reply Replying to

You have been subscribed.