News Archive

Abdi Abdirahman won the men’s 10,000 m at the US Championships in Carson (California). He ran 28:10.38 minutes and qualified for the IAAF World Championships in Helsinki in August. Meb Keflezighi got second in 28:10.57. “I thought I was going to win the race. In the last lap, I was in a good position. But the last 10 metres were decisive”, Abdirahman said after the race. Now he will train for Helsinki’s 10 k. But also Meb felt good. “We are friends but he won today. I am happy that both of us are going to Helsinki”, said Meb. The third 10.000 meter US-runner in Helsinki will be Matthew Downin (28:34.65).

In the women’s 5,000 m final Shalane Flanagan won in 15:10.96 minutes. She was ahead of the field during the whole race, and the gap between her and her competitors grew with every lap. Finally she had an advantage of 50 metres. Lauren Fleshman and Amy Rudolph stayed together and tried to close the gap, but they were not successful. Lauren finished second in 15:16.80 and Amy third in 15:18.92. All three are happy to be on the team for the World Championships in Helsinki.

Bitter Disappointment

But there was also bitter disappointment for one of the favourites. Shayne Culpepper, the indoor 3,000 m US Champion, finished only fourth, more than four seconds behind the third after a bad race. Right from beginning she couldn’t keep up with the leaders and looked tired and exhausted for the whole race. Only a good kick in the final 150 m saved her from more disappointment.

Fastest time of the year

In a thrilling 5,000 m men’s final, Tim Broe won in 13:12.76 which is the fastest time of the year so far. He lead a group of three runners during most of the race. With him were Ian Dobson and Ryan Hall. Ryan Hall often tried to get away from the other two, but never was successful. The field fell apart early in the race and so there was no chance for the others to close the gap. In the last lap Tim Broe kicked decisively. Dobson and Hall followed but had problems to keep up with Broe. In the home straight the two battled for second place. Dobson had the better breath and finished second in 13:15.33 while Ryan Hall was third in 13:16.03. "I felt good and knew I was fully prepared. I tried to make it an honest effort right from the start”, said a happy Tim Broe after the race.

Thrilling race.

The 10,000 m were supposed to be another thrilling race. Two favourites, Deena Kastor and Elva Dryer, tried to make the team for Helsinki. But it was all different. The start was delayed by almost an hour. Right from the start a group of seven ran ahead of the field. Deena Kastor and Elva Dryer were in there too. But shortly after the first eights lap Elva had problems to keep up with the rest. “I had stomach aches but thought I can forget them during the race. I wanted to make the team, but now it is okay. I will instead focus on the preparation for the Chicago Marathon this fall”, said Elva after the race.

Foot problem

Deena Kastor also fell back. She finished fourth. „I had a foot problem, but I was motivated to run the race. No, I'm going to concentrate on road races“, said Deena after her race. The race was won by Katie McGregor in 31:33.82. In a strong field Blake Russel (31:35.25) finished second and Jennifer Rhines (31:37.20) third. “It was a nice race and it was a great field. I felt in good shape and having the 'A' standard helped me tonight to win the race”, said McGregor after the race.                   

Marisa Reich