byLarry EderEd Cheserek, the most winning athlete in NCAA middle and long distance history, went pro late last fall, with some fanfare. While everyone thought he would go to a brand such as Nike, adidas or ASICS, Ed went with Skechers Performance. You know Skechers Performance, as they were the same guys who signed Meb Keflezighi, who was supposed to retire after 2010, and whoa, went to Skechers and revived his career.
What will they do for Ed Cheserek? Well, they are staying out of his way, promoting him a bit and letting Total Sport and Steve Haas, who advises Ed Cheserek. Those 100 mile weeks in Flagstaff are showing a young post collegiate building strength and moving into the professional world of athletics.
Brannon Kidder, Drew Piazza, Ed Cheserek, men at work, 9 February 2018, photo by PhotoRun.net
Ed began to race as a professional athlete in the fall. I believe the first time I saw him in Skechers gear was the Abbott Finish Line 5k on November 4. His run at the Silicon Valley Turkey Trot was a win, in 13:38 for 5k, in front of 20,000 of his closest friends. He followed that up with a road mile win at the Honolulu Marathon. His Camel City Mile run was a dominating 3:53.85 for the mile woke many up.
Now, we get to Friday, February 9, 2018 and Boston University. The BU track is considered one of the fastest tracks on the indoor circuit.
Ed Cheserek, Boston University, 9 February 2018, photo by PhotoRun.net
Brannon Kidder lead through 200 yards (28.9) and 400 yards (57.6) and 800 yards (1:54.6). Drew Piazza took over as Kidder dropped out during the fifth lap. Ed Cheserek stayed behind Drew Piazza through 1000 yards (2:24) and 1200 yards (2:53).
Ed Cheserek, Boston University, 3:49.44, photo by PhotoRun.net
Cheserek took the lead after 1200 yards and it was a final 400 yards by himself as the crowd roared, and Ed Cheserek, known as a 5000m and 10,000m runner, ran the second best indoor mile time EVER, joining only Hicham El Guerrouj, Bernard Lagat and the ‘Chairman of the Boards’, Eamonn Coghlan, as the fourth man under 3 minutes 50 seconds with his 3:49.44.
Ed Cheserek showed many that he was, and is, a many of many talents. His sub 3:50 speed will make him a challenge over 5000m and 10,000m championships. The problem is, Ed wants to run for the US, not his homeland, Kenya, and there has been some complications (read Deadspin: https://deadspin.com/edward-cheserek-is-still-the-king-of-the-indoor-mile-1822898165).
Watch for many more surprises from this young talented Kenyan born athlete. We are in awe of you, Mr. Cheserek. Run like the wind (wasn’t that a song?).
