If every NCAA xc champion were all thrown into the same race who would win?

If we’re taking them as being at the level they were when they won their titles (as opposed to what they went on to achieve subsequently), I’d have to go with Ches.

Rono ran 7:32, 13:08, 27:22 and 8:05 while at WSU. I believe he still holds the fastest 10000 XC time in NCAA history.

Hard to say with times etc - and not just because of RWTB - but I don’t think Goucher was losing to anyone in ‘98 - so I’ll say him.

If Katelyn Tuohy was not sick she would win ---- like duh.

Ditto. He would have run as fast as needed in any year. 4 time world record holder wouldn't be denied. He would just run faster from farther away until all fell by the wayside, flat or especially hilly course in any conditions.

i'm going to go with one of the relatively recent ones... Blanks, Hicks, etc. Rono? That's absurd! At 70-something years old, he would have no shot? Goucher? He's too old now as well.

The athlete you are referring to, as a sophomore in high school, stated a good day was to go out and run a 10-miler in the morning, then take a hike later in the day, then hit the gym in the afternoon; I kid you not, as a sophomore in high school.

Most young high school girls didn’t train like that. And now that more of them do, we are seeing more “generational talents” in their ranks.

I agree but not sure what age he was when he was there.

Rono would still beat you with his walker.

But the thread is about who would win amongst a race of all the past champions. Are you suggesting he could beat Hicks, Blanks, etc?

I was going to mention Rono but not based on the fact that he has the fastest XC time. Different courses, different weather, different competition. XC times should not be compared.

I remember him getting fat by the age of 40.

Ironically, I raced rono in a half marathon about 30 years ago (and he was like 45). I beat him, but barely. He had a huuugggeee gut and I don't think he was training at all, yet still managed to run like 1:13. I know it will look like I'm making this up, but it's a true story.

Say what you must if you don't like him, but he lit up Abdi, Lagat, Mwangi. That race was nuts, he destroyed the field.

Nick Rose !!

Are you suggesting he wouldn't? Again, in all conditions, he would beat all other champions. Again, he would run as fast as needed from further away from the finish line to grind them down. IF the course was hilly, even more to his advantage.

Consider his physiological and environmental advantages from birth to Pullman, WA, his training mates and economic disadvantages along with Nandi blood/traditions and already serving in the army. He brings a lot more to the table of XC battle than most of the other champions.

3 NCAA XC titles (76,77&79) with 4 world track records in 1978. Got boycotted in 76 & 80. He certainly would have scrambled the order in Montreal and Moscow.

So yeah, based on the original question, I will go with Rono for the win.

I'm interested in hearing your suggestion of how Hicks or anyone really could take him down.

Cheserek

Who is that in 2nd place of this race?

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May 05, 1978 - Henry Rono of Kenya wins 3000 Meters steeplechase at night of Athletics-Crystal Palace: Photo shows World Record Stock Photo - Alamy

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You really think a 75 year old Rono can take down Hicks?