by Larry Eder
Aregawi and Simpson clash in Moscow,
photo by PhotoRun.net
Women’s 1500 at Pre has everybody, note by Kevin Mangan
Much like the Bowerman Mile, the Women’s 1500 at the Pre Classic is loaded. Hellen Obiri, last year’s winner in a US all-comers record of 3:58.58 is not the favorite; that distinction would go to Abeba Aregawi, the reigning World Champ with a 3:56.54 PB. Never to be counted out, 2011 World Champ and reigning World Silver medalist Jenny Simpson leads the American contingent. Simpson is joined by fellow American World medalist Brenda Martinez, who earned bronze in the 800 last year in Moscow. 1500 is well within Martinez’s range as she can run a very solid 5000 as well. The woman who won the 800 in Moscow last summer to upset home favorite Mariya Savinova, Eunice Sum, is also in the race in Eugene. The rising star of the 1500 Faith Kipyegon of Kenya will be racing. The 2011 World Youth Champ and 2012 World Junior Champ, as well as two time World Junior Cross Country Champ has proven that she can run well on the big stage and won’t be intimidated by the rest of the field. Rounding out the Kenyan contingent is 2008 Olympic Champion Nancy Langat. Vying for young star supremacy will be recent World Indoor medalist Axumawit Embaye. 2011 World Silver medalsit Hannah England will look to get back to the top of the 1500 world. Rounding out the field is Salazar coached five-time US Champ Treniere Moser. It seems like every few days Tom Jordan and the team at Pre Classic give us another glimpse at the meet that just keeps getting better. If you’re a true track fan, this is a meet that needs to be on your bucket list.
(Editor’s note: This will be a barn burner. The field is fantastic and the season is about fast times in 2014).
