by Larry EderUpdate March 24, 2017
The 2017 Skechers Performance LA Marathon had two fascinating races. On the men’s side, the tension continued to build as the pack stayed together through the half marathon. Then, the field dropped to eight, then, six, then, four, and finally, it was down to Danial Limo and Elisha Barnu. Limo and Barnu ran a mile in 4:40 between Mile 23 and 24. Barnu had stomach problems, but stayed close, and in mile 24 to 25, running a 4:49. The leads changed four times over the last several miles, with Elisha Barnu gutting it out and taking the win. Here’s how the top three men and top American discussed their races on Sunday, March 19, 2017.
LA Marathon Men: Elisha Barno, Danial Lemo, Willy Koitile, John Pickhaver (US Top Finisher), photo from RunBlogRun/TheShoeAddicts
The race came down to this: A huge pack went from 12 to ten, and then, to six, and finally, four. By 24 miles, it was down to Elisha Barno, first timer at LA, and Danial Lemo, 2015 Champ and 2016 3rd placer. Elisha Barno, citing some warm sports drink, had stomach distress in mile 23, when they ran 4:49. Then, Danial Lemo put down the hammer, running 4:40 and Barno, stomach distress and all, stayed close. Lemo charged back into the lead over mile 26, and won the race, putting 30 seconds in the last two miles. Here’s the presser for Men, managed by Tom Feur. In third was Willy Koitile, who ran 2016 winner, Weldon Kirui down. Also, John Pickhaver, scored a five minute PB to take tenth. John Pickhaver works in Hollywood, and ran after work each night after long days. A nice presser!
This was filmed for Facebook LIVE on RunBlogRun by my unsteady hand.
