"Running-The Show" The week in running #4

Here is another weekly video update reviewing the international running and racing scene. Thanks to AthleticsNow.



The first race is the fantastic Dubai Marathon. I watched this one live over the internet while it was being contested. There was a huge pack of runners that eventually whittled itself down as the pace picked up until the final astounding kick towards the finish by a young Ayele Abshero of Ethipia who finished in 2:04:23 (the 4th fastest time in marathon history in his debut race). In the women's race another Ethiopian, Aselefech Mergia, led three women under the 2:20 barrier as she finished in 2:19:31. The winners in each race picked up a cool $250,000.

The next highlighted race was the Osaka Women's Marathon held in Japan. Five hundred elite Japanese females were vying for a win in this Olympic selection race. They went out so fast that a 5 km the lead pack had only 6 athletes in it. A relative unknown, Risa Shigatomo took the title in 2:23:23.

At the Aviva International Match in Glascow, Scottland we get to see Mo Farah defeat Augustine Choge in a 1500m race. On the other hand, at the 1st US Open Indoor Track Meet in New York City we see American Bernard Lagat defeated in a mile race by Silas Kiplagat. We also get to see a few sprint races including a Lolo Jones win in the hurdles.

At the Adelaide Track Classic in Australia we see two sprint wins by Sally Pearson.Who knew there were meets in Europe just for the high jump? Well, we learn about the High Jump Gala in Antwerp Belgium and the  Moravian High Jump Tour in the Czech Republic. I guess I should pay attention as my daughter's middle school track coach wants her to try the high jump this spring.