For running to grow, it must evolve. This year, participation in Canada and US is down 12-15 percent. The few exceptions are Chicago, NYC and Boston, plus key events like Big Sur, Flying Pig and LAM.
The folks at Conqur Endurance shook things up a bit with the press conference. They took the Presser from the confines of the Staples Center to Griffith Park, and increased media attention. I did interviews of Juan Luis Barrios and Weldon Kirui while there.
Weldon Kirui, 2018 SPLAM winner, photo by Brian Eder/RunBlogRun
Weldon Kirui had won 2 times until 2019. His dream, however, of a third win did not come to fruition, as he took fifth, a fine performance, but, not, alas, his goal.
This interview is interesting for several reasons. The focus of Weldon comes to the front stage, in spite of jet lag and a few other issues. The desires of so many elite marathoners intertwine, reminding us, how does one convince themselves that it is their day.
In the end, Elisha Barno took victory, 150 meters from the finish, right from the hands of John Korir. It made for great moments in LA Marathon history. My guess is that Weldon KIrui will be back.
