by Alfonz Juck
Meseret Defar, Carlsbad 2016 (April), photo by PhotoRun.net
Defar first track outdoor race since 2013
SOMERVILLE (USA, Jun 17): Race Results Weekly informs that for a meet that was filled with Olympic medalists and global stars, it was high school junior Kate Murphy who had the most jaw-dropping performance here at the first adidas Boost Boston Games. Only 16 years-old, Murphy stormed to an upset victory over Katie Rainsberger in the adidas Dream High School 1500m, posting a time of 4:07.21. The mark is the third-fastest ever by an American high school girl, and was even quicker than the winner of the women’s professional race here Corey McGee 4:08.65. In the 400 m World champion Wayde van Niekerk clocked 44.28 over Machel Cedenio 44.87 and David Verburg 44.98. In women race Francena McCorory 50.46. Meseret Defar in her first track outdoor race since 2013 won the 5000 m in 15:06.96, but that is far away from 3rd best position in Ethiopia this year (14:37.51) for the Olympic qualification and that is without Genzebe Dibaba. Sadly, Britain’s Jo Pavey just missed the Olympic 5000m standard of 15:24.00, running 15:24.74 as fifth. More luck for 5000 m male runners as Dejen Gebremeskel with 12:59.89 and Hagos Gebrhiwot 13:00.20 are now number 2 and 3 in Ethiopia this year. Ajee’ Wilson and Molly Ludlow both dipped under the 2:00 barrier in the women’s 800m, finishing a stride ahead of the field. Wilson took control of the slow pace after the bell was hit in 59.44, and went on to win in 1:59.72 to Ludlow’s 1:59.93. Collins Cheboi topped men 1500 m in 3:35.82 over Nick Willis 3:35.95.
