Incredible Field Set For Pre Classic 2-Mile
- By Duncan Larkin
- Published May. 20, 2011
- Updated May. 24, 2011 at 2:55 PM UTC
Bernard Lagat (left) and Chris Solinsky are part of an incredibly stacked 2-mile field at next month's Pre Classic. Photo: PhotoRun.net
Who will win is anybody’s guess.
One of the most competitive fields ever to race the 2-mile distance has been assembled for the Prefontaine Classic at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon. The race will kick off on Saturday, June 4. The talent is so thick, it’s hard to determine who the pre-race favorites are.
One runner expected to be at the front is Bernard Lagat. The Kenyan-born American was a double world champion in 2007. He also has Olympic silver and bronze medals and owns numerous American records indoors and outdoors. Also in the mix is Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya who was the world’s fastest 5K runner last year. Meanwhile, Ethiopia’s Tariku Bekele, the brother of Kenenisa, will toe the line as well. Bekele was fastest in the world last year in the 3K. He won the Pre Classic 5000 last year, setting a meet record there (12:58.93). Britain’s top distance runner, Mo Farah, also stands a chance at winning. Farah will be trying to take down the British national record.
A whole host of other top-ranked Americans are also on the start list: Chris Solinsky, Galen Rupp, Matt Tegenkamp, and Lukas Verzbicas.
For More: KVAL.com
FILED UNDER: News TAGS: Bernard Lagat / Chris Solinsky / Eliud Kipchoge / Galen Rupp / Kenenisa Bekele / Kenyan-born / Matt Tegenkamp / Oregon / Pre Classic / Tariku Bekele
Duncan Larkin
Duncan Larkin is the news editor at Competitor.com and a freelance journalist who’s been covering the sport of running for over five years. He’s run 2:32 in the marathon and won the Himalayan 100-Mile Stage Race in 2007. His first running book, RUN SIMPLE, was released last July.