The US Olympic marathon trials lived up to the hype and expectation when it came to the exciting nature of the races, but the form book was turned on its head as a number of favourites finished out of the running.
The American selection system of the first three past the post certainly focuses the minds of athletes and enhances the drama for spectators. This led to a high-pressure situation and although Galen Rupp lived up to his billing by winning the men’s race, behind him – and in the women’s race – there were plenty of turn-ups.
On a thrilling day in the US city, two-time Olympic medallist Rupp was followed home by surprise package Jacob Riley and veteran runner Abdi Abdirahman, while Aliphine Tuliamuk won the women’s race from marathon debutante Molly Seidel and Sally Kipyego after the six athletes overcame the challenging hilly course and cold, windy conditions as well as their rivals to triumph.
Winning his second consecutive US Olympic trial marathon, Rio bronze medallist Rupp clocked 2:09:20 to finish 42 seconds ahead of the unsponsored Riley, whose comeback after injury issues saw him secure his first Olympic place.
Behind Rupp it was a close fight for the two other team places, with 43-year-old Abdirahman just one second back in third to make his fifth Olympics, while 2016 trials third-placer and 2:07 man Leonard Korir just missed out this time, running 2:10:06 for fourth place.
The races featured many stories of strength and resilience, particularly in the women’s contest where Seidel secured the second women’s team place after clocking 2:27:31 in her first ever marathon behind Tuliamuk’s winning 2:27:23, while Kipyego ran 2:28:52 to make her first Olympics for the United States after claiming 10,000m silver for Kenya in 2012.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Carbon Footprint
You'd have had to have been running on a different planet to miss all the recent debate about carbon-plated shoes. The talk of bans and performance enhancement has been so widespread that even non-runners are asking their running friends about the potentially magical footwear.
Trail time
WHEN looking for a trail or off-road running shoe, it’s often all about the grip. However, given that no two paths are the same, careful consideration is required. What’s the terrain like where you’ll wear the shoes the most? If you’ll be negotiating soft, wet and muddy conditions then look for deeper lugs. For tackling gravel tracks and forest trails then more evenly spaced lugs will work better. When it comes to cushioning, consider how hard the ground will be; if it’s soft then you’ll be fine in low-profile shoes, but on those firmer tracks reasonable cushioning will be called for.
Stay neutral
EVOLVING every year, if not month, neutral cushioned shoes are seeing developments in cushioning materials and dynamics at a pace which is nothing short of astonishing. The latest models feature new polymers in the midsoles to give them a cushioned feel while at the same time keeping their weight to a minimum. Give them a spin and choose the most comfortable for mile after mile of shock absorbing running.
Support network
WHEN it comes to ‘over-pronation’, a common question is ‘how much is over?’. With no hard and fast rules, it’s best to choose a shoe that instinctively feels right. Gait analysis can often assist in helping you make this choice and your specialist running store is always a good place to start if in doubt. To help you make that choice, here’s a selection of some of the best ‘support’ shoes around.
Need for speed
THE racing shoe segment of the market is becoming somewhat split. This is partially due to the rise of carbon-plated footwear but also the fact that many shoes are becoming much lighter. Here we take a look at some of the leading contenders to toe the line in.
Gadget show
WITH technological products to enhance every area of life, running is now no different. From headphones to treadmills, the devices to aid performance and recovery are endless. Here we take a look at some of the latest gadgets and gizmos to enhance your training.
What's in a shoe?
We bust some of the jargon around footwear
How To Prime Your Immunity
Taking steps to shore your body’s defences has never been more important. Here’s how to do it, says Peta Bee
English Schools Survival At Stake
Covid-19 could lead to ESAA losing thousands this summer
Covid-19: Athletics Events Are Wiped Out
Unprecedented calendar changes due to Covid-19
