NYC Half-Mar: Kipsang & Rotich...Lagat 12th

[aaronk]

Bernard Lagat ran 1:02:33 in his first-ever half, finishing in 12th place.

Wilson Kipsang won it in 1:01:02 in freezing temps and light snow.
Daniel Meucci was 2nd 4 secs back, with Ritzenhein 3rd another 4 secs back of Meucci.
Jason Hartmann was 9th in 1:01:52, with Abdirahman 15th in 1:03:20.

Caroline Rotich won the women's race in 1:09:09.
Second was Diane Nukuri-Johnson in 1:09:12.
Lisa Stublic was 3rd in 1:09:18.
Top American was Stephanie Rothstein Bruce in 1:10:53.

Lagat stayed with the front pack through 15K in 43:56, then fell back.

[26mi235]

First 5k in 15:03; then 29:40 @ 10k; I do not know when they sped up (4k, 6k,..) which would make some difference. pretty fast for the weather after the first 20 minutes. The guy in second not only outsprinted Ritz but almost closed a bigish gap to Kipsang.

[Master Po]

A less than ideal day to run a fast time. Nevertheless, good marks for Hartmann & Rothstein Bruce. PBs for both: Hartmann's previous best half-marathon was 1:03:07, Rothstein Bruce's was 1:12:19. Both are in preparation for Boston, I think.

Also a significant PB for Meucci, from his previous 1:02:30. I hadn't heard of him, but now am reminded that he has 2 EC medals. Has run just 1 marathon (2:13, Rome 2010). Perhaps he too is in preparation for a Spring marathon.

[TN1965]

Meucci is not running a spring marathon. He is running another half in April, and then focus on the track season.

He has indicated that he might run a marathon on fall (possibly NYCM). He won the Healthy Kidney 10K last spring, so he must love NYC by now.

[Master Po]

Thanks for the update re Meucci. I was guessing, based on the fact that he had run a good 15k earlier this year, and of course on his very strong run at nyc. Seems like he' may have good potential at the marathon distance.