• Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us
  • Login
  • Register
  • Home
  • Archive
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Archive
No Result
View All Result
No Result
View All Result
Home Uncategorized

Boston Men: Chebet’s Game Plan Results In Patriots’ Day Victory, The 126th B.A.A Marathon Patriots’ Day / 18 April 2022

dhunterbydhunter
April 18, 2022
0
0 0
0
SHARES
1
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

For most of the past 4 decades, this writer has been visiting the Boston Marathon. The city of Boston comes alive this time in April, and the number pick up, the BAA 5k, the BAA elite mile all get fans excited as thousands walk Boylston Street, in anticipation of the marathon.

This week gives media, coaches, athletes, fans a chance to catch up. And the 126th running of the Boston Marathon gives the sport a chance to catch its breath and know that Spring marathons are back!

RelatedPosts

Sydney McLaughlin and her Magnificent Obsession

2022 Oslo Bislett Games: Brits in Oslo

2022 Oslo Bislett DL: The Dream Mile

This is David Hunters’ feature on the men’s race, where Evans Chebet, in his 25th marathon start, won the 126th Boston Marathon.

In this piece, in his own unique way, David Hunter, who has run a 2:31 marathon, puts the story of the race together.

And we are glad that he did.

Chebet_Evans-Boston22.jpg

Evans Chebet takes his first win in Boston, April 18, 2022, photo by Kevin Morris / @kevmofoto

Boston Men: Chebet’s Game Plan Results In Patriots’ Day Victory
The 126th B.A.A Marathon Patriots’ Day / 18 April 2022

Even before the starter’s pistol was fired in Hopkinton today, the April return of the Boston Marathon and all that surrounds it just felt right. No falling leaves – just blooming flowers. No MLB playoff game under the Fenway lights, but the traditional late morning ball game which would accommodate those fans who want to scramble out to watch the decisive final 5K of the race. The caution required by the pandemic’s foreboding presence since March of 2020 has been replaced by the springtime hope that COVID might, at last, be coming under control. Back to its traditional Patriots Day calendar slot, the Marathon assembled star-studded athletes who were eager to engage in a 26 mile, 385 yard battle on arguably the world’s most revered course. Once again, all was right in Beantown.

Patriots’ Day dawned with terrific weather conditions: chilly for the spectators yet cool for the athletes whose Marathon effort would keep them comfortable. Sunday’s blustering and pesky wind had disappeared, and clear skies suggested that the thermometer, 43 degrees at sunrise, would likely crawl into the low 50’s before the end of the race

The 2022 Boston Marathon presented the fastest field in marathon history with 10 athletes sporting personal bests below 2:06. In the days leading up to the race, there had been wide speculation about which of these talented men might be in the hunt for the laurel wreath. In the Boston Marathon last fall Kenya’s Benson Kipruto, the 31-year-old defending champion with a personal best of 2:05:13, punished the other front runners by cranking out an eye-popping 14:06 split from 35K to 40K, vanquishing all remaining opponents as he sailed on to victory in 2:09.51. Look for fellow Kenya countryman Lawrence Cherono, with a sizzling PR of 2:03.04, to be up in the mix. Ethiopia’s Lemi Berhanu, a 2:04 marathoner, could surprise. He is the 2016 Boston champion and was the runner-up last year. But he had puzzling DNFs here in both ’17 and ’18. Which Berhanu will show up today? Another 29-year-old Kenyan and often-overlooked dark horse Geoffrey Kamworor [PR 2:05.23], former world record holder in the half marathon, is a superb competitor who is a savvy racer. Look for him upfront.

The American men, who have won only one race here since 1983 [Meb Keflezighi in 2014], just don’t appear to have the octane to surprise. California’s CJ Alberston [PR 2:11:18], who last October hammered from the gun in an effort to steal the race only to be finally reeled in on the Newton hills by a pack of East Africans, has vowed to replicate last October’s strategy. A top-ten finish by an American would be a commendable American performance against the backdrop of this highly talented international field. But, as the saying goes: that’s why we run the race.

With the crack of the starter’s pistol, Albertson, as promised, dashed right to the front and quickly spaced himself ahead of the chase pack of about twenty athletes. During a steady diet of miles in the 4:40 to 4:57 range through 11 miles, Albertson and Bethwell Yegon took turns setting the tempo upfront. Nobody seemed in a hurry. They were plenty of miles ahead. When the half marathon was passed in 1:03.24 there were still 14 elite men bunched up and settled in the lead pack. Even a 4:34 mile when the leaders descended down into Lower Newton Falls failed to thin the herd. This group was locked in working to stay calm and poised for the racing challenges that lay ahead. Albertson, now joined by Lieutenant Elkanah Kibet, broke ahead as the climb out of Lower Newton Falls approached. The pack, now down to 15, covered that moved as the leaders raced on to the Newton Fire Station.

The upcoming climb in the Newton Hills to Boston College usually breaks up a pack, sending stragglers out the back door. But not today. With Kamworor, Yegon, joining Chebet in the lead, the pack began climbing the hills with the race pace in the 4:50/mile range. At 19 miles, defending champion, Kipruto moved to the front to join Yegon, Kamworor, and Gabriel Geay. After the 20th mile [5:11] and the 21st mile [5:16], the leaders had crested Heartbreak Hill on their way to the Chestnut Hill Reservoir and the raucous downhill that follows.

Chebet_Evans-FH-Boston22.jpg

Evans Chebet takes his first win in Boston, April 18, 2022, photo by Kevin Morris / @kevmofoto

But then it happened. At the 35K mark, Kenya’s Evans Chebet stepped on the gas and roared away, cranking out a 4:27 22nd mile. It was a move that caught many in the elite pack off guard and it took them a while to pick up the chase. And when the flat-footed pack did respond, it was too little too late. Chebet knew he was fully committed now as he strung together further punishment: the 23rd mile in 4:27; the 24th mile in 4:26, and the 25th mile in 4:38. The Kenyan’s bold move was reminiscent of Benson Kipruto’s decisive surge executed at the same location at last fall’s 125th Boston Marathon. Benson’s savage move last October, racing from 35K to 40K in 14:06, left the field and the media gasping. Chebet’s identical move today was covered in 13:55. Chebet, never in further danger, continued to pour it on, breaking the banner in 2:06:51. It was a podium sweep for the Kenyans as Cherono grabbed 2nd in 2:07:21 with last year’s victor Benson Kipruto getting up for 3rd in 2:07.27.

Two American men finished in the top 10. Flagstaff athlete Scott Fauble, the top American male finisher in October’s race, was again the first American male across the line today, finishing 7th in a PR time of 2:08:52. Army Lieutenant Elkanah Kibet came in 9th at 2:09:07.

Fauble_Scott-Boston22.jpg

Scott Fauble, runs 2:08.52 PB, taking seventh, as first American, in Boston, April 18, 2022, photo by Kevin Morris / @kevmofoto

Q&A in the post-race press conference spanned the range of emotions. When asked about his 2nd consecutive top American placing and PR performance, Fauble was clearly overjoyed but nonetheless humble and brief. He concluded his remarks with brevity. “I like this course a lot.”

A clearly disconsolate CJ Albertson when asked about his “unconditional training and racing style” was a little testy. “I don’t see anything unconventional about trying to win. It was a very talented field. The only chance for me to win or to be on the top is to kind of break some people. I had to have a mindset that I’m invincible. You kind of have to run like that. I did exactly what I wanted to do. I was exactly where I wanted to be at the top of the hill feeling fairly good. But then just – I don’t know – super unexpected I was just terrible coming down the hill. I cramped up. It’s disappointing. I’ve got to figure it out. There is nothing untraditional about trying to win. You can’t just sit there and make things up.”

3rd place finisher Benson Kipruto was polite and gracious.”I am happy to be here for the 2022 Boston Marathon,” said last year’s winner and today’s 3rd place finisher. “I am happy [with my result}. I prepared well. I didn’t win but I give credit to my friend Evans Chebet for winning. I am so happy. It is a good chance for me because I will be determined for the next race for me which I hope will lead to a championship.So I am so grateful. My training has been good. I am happy for myself. And I hope to be able to continue racing in this marathon.”

The victorious Chebet was grateful and humble in outlining how his 2018 Boston Marathon DNF disappointment helped fuel his resolve to prepare properly and to race at his finest in 2021. “I want to thank God. I ran here in 2018 and I did not perform well,” confided the new champion. “Today my performance was better, good. So this is commendable. Thank you so much. Benson [Kipruto] was my training mate. I had the faith that was needed to win today.”
/ Dave Hunter /

Author

  • Alfonz Juck

    Alfonz Juck is a husband, father, statistician, announcer, journalist, organizer, agent usw, following track and field since 1972. EME NEWS is a news service relating to the sport of athletics. It is published on daily basis with additional updates, as required. Copyright is held by Alfons Juck, TOP ATHLETICS, a.s., Krikova 10, 82107 Bratislava, Slovakia. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. The redistribution and/or direct reproduction of material from EME NEWS is prohibited unless permission is given by c TOP ATHLETICS (such as being included in a subscription agreement).

    View all posts

Previous Post

Evans Chebet and Peres Jepchirchir raise Kenya’s flag at the 2022 Boston Marathon

Next Post

Boston Women: Jepchirchir’s Win Is One For The Ages The 126th B.A.A Marathon Patriots’ Day / 18 April 2022

Alfonz Juck

Alfonz Juck

Alfonz Juck is a husband, father, statistician, announcer, journalist, organizer, agent usw, following track and field since 1972. EME NEWS is a news service relating to the sport of athletics. It is published on daily basis with additional updates, as required. Copyright is held by Alfons Juck, TOP ATHLETICS, a.s., Krikova 10, 82107 Bratislava, Slovakia. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. The redistribution and/or direct reproduction of material from EME NEWS is prohibited unless permission is given by c TOP ATHLETICS (such as being included in a subscription agreement).

Similar Post

2022 USATF Outdoor Champs: Sandi Morris takes the Women’s Pole Vault in style! by Jasmyne Tomas, SOJC Track Bureau
Events

2022 USATF Outdoor Champs: Sandi Morris takes the Women’s Pole Vault in style! by Jasmyne Tomas, SOJC Track Bureau

June 29, 2022
2022 USATF Outdoor Champs: Cooper Teare wins the Men’s 1,500 meters! by Elias Esquivel, SOJC Track Bureau
Events

2022 USATF Outdoor Champs: Cooper Teare wins the Men’s 1,500 meters! by Elias Esquivel, SOJC Track Bureau

June 29, 2022
2022 USATF Outdoor Champs, Sinclaire Johnson takes the Women’s 1,500m: What a difference a year makes! by Madeline Ryan, SOJC Track Bureau
Events

2022 USATF Outdoor Champs, Sinclaire Johnson takes the Women’s 1,500m: What a difference a year makes! by Madeline Ryan, SOJC Track Bureau

June 29, 2022
2022 USATF Outdoor Champs: Ryan Crouser entertains while winning the Men’s shot put! by Tristen Shaw, SOJC Track Bureau
Events

2022 USATF Outdoor Champs: Ryan Crouser entertains while winning the Men’s shot put! by Tristen Shaw, SOJC Track Bureau

June 29, 2022
2022 USATF Outdoor Champs: Melissa Jefferson takes the Women’s 100m title in windy 10.69!
Events

2022 USATF Outdoor Champs: Melissa Jefferson takes the Women’s 100m title in windy 10.69!

June 29, 2022
2022 USATF Outdoor Champs: Fred Kerley takes the Men’s 100m, by McKenzie Days, SOJC Track Bureau
Events

2022 USATF Outdoor Champs: Fred Kerley takes the Men’s 100m, by McKenzie Days, SOJC Track Bureau

June 29, 2022

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe to RunBlogRun's Global News Feed

Wake up to RunBlogRun’s news in your inbox. Sign up for our newsletter and we’ll keep you informed about the Sport you love.

*we hate spam as much as you do

Recent Stories

Track & Field

Zuzana Hejnova to compete in Doha DL over 400m hurdles, from EME News (source:IAAF)

by Alfonz Juck
April 4, 2022
0

Zuzana Hejnova, photo by PhotoRun.net Hejnova opens in DohaDOHA (QAT): World 200m champion Dafne Schippers will go head-to-head with world...

Zuzana Hejnova runs 38.16 All time best for 300m hurdles, by Alfons Juck, note by Larry Eder

April 4, 2022

Zurich’s Grand Venue: Letzigrund Stadium Inspires Exceptional Performances

April 4, 2022

Zurich Weltklasse, the Olympics in One Night, by Bob Ramsak, Notes by Larry Eder

June 23, 2022

Recent Tweets

RunBlogRun Follow

RunBlogRun comments on the global world of athletics, sports & ethics, and the Olympic movement. RunBlogRun is the voice of the sport.

RunBlogRun
runblogrun RunBlogRun @runblogrun ·
13h

Great deals on tickets, accommodations, and air travel for @WCHOregon22 for July 14-25, 2022. Check here: https://bit.ly/3AcTm2b, #DAIMANI, #VIPtickets, #Worldchampionships,

Reply on Twitter 1542041604076277760 Retweet on Twitter 1542041604076277760 Like on Twitter 1542041604076277760 Twitter 1542041604076277760
runblogrun RunBlogRun @runblogrun ·
13h

What happened to the crowd at Eugene? https://www.runblogrun.com/2022/06/what-happened-to-the-crowd-at-eugene.html , #USATFoutdoors, @kevmofoto, #trackandfield, #trackandfieldlife,

Reply on Twitter 1542040757619642371 Retweet on Twitter 1542040757619642371 Like on Twitter 1542040757619642371 5 Twitter 1542040757619642371
runblogrun RunBlogRun @runblogrun ·
15h

The battle for the 200m is on. Collins, Pradini and Steiner, with Abby Steiner taking the win in WL 21.77 WL/PB. June 26, 2022, #USATFOutdoors, #trackandfield, #trackandfieldlife, photo: @kevmofoto, ...@WCHoregon22,

Reply on Twitter 1542020309930442752 Retweet on Twitter 1542020309930442752 Like on Twitter 1542020309930442752 5 Twitter 1542020309930442752
runblogrun RunBlogRun @runblogrun ·
15h

Collins, Pradini, Steiner, W 200m. Abby Steiner takes the W200m, June 26, 2022, #USATFOutdoors, #trackandfield, #trackandfieldlife, photo: @kevmofoto, @WCHoregon22,

Reply on Twitter 1542019698476425217 Retweet on Twitter 1542019698476425217 Like on Twitter 1542019698476425217 1 Twitter 1542019698476425217
runblogrun RunBlogRun @runblogrun ·
15h

Abby Steiner takes the W200m, in 21.77 WL. She just went pro. Let the bidding begin. June 26, 2022, #USATFOutdoors, #trackandfield, #trackandfieldlife, photo: @kevmofoto, @WCHoregon22,

Reply on Twitter 1542019120018898946 Retweet on Twitter 1542019120018898946 Like on Twitter 1542019120018898946 2 Twitter 1542019120018898946
Load More...
Next Post

Boston Women: Jepchirchir's Win Is One For The Ages The 126th B.A.A Marathon Patriots' Day / 18 April 2022

runblogrun

RunBlogRun comments on the global world of athletics, sports & ethics, and the Olympic movement. @runblogrun

Browse by Category

Newsletter

Subscribe to our mailing list to receives daily updates direct to your inbox!

  • About
  • Advertise
  • Privacy & Policy
  • Contact Us

© 2022 Run Blog Run - All Rights Reserved

No Result
View All Result
  • Archive
  • Contact Us
  • Home page
  • My Account

© 2022 Run Blog Run - All Rights Reserved

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password? Sign Up

Create New Account!

Fill the forms below to register

Select a password for yourself. (minimum length of 8)

Paste here the user biography.

Provide here the twitter screen name. i.e. @RunBlogRun

Provide here the instagram screen name. i.e. @RunBlogRun

Provide here the facebook profile URL. i.e. http://www.facebook.com/RunBlogRun

Provide here the linkedin profile URL. i.e. https://www.linkedin.com/in/larry-eder-5497253

All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist