by Larry EderThe nature of media has changed over the past five years. I recall covering the 1996 Olympics via our website, and it was, well, primitive. The late Doug Speck and I put alot of information out and had a strong response. Our seats were in a wonderful place to see all of the events. We posted story after story, and lots of geeky stats.
Today, social media is king. Between video, photos and quick commentary, you can follow anything off your mobile, iphone or laptop. In truth, under the watchful eye of Keith Peters, Nike got it before anyone else. Their digital programming in 1995 in Goteborg, Sweden was better than anyone elses. Upon Keith’s departure, no one seemed to see the amazing opportunities for athletics and running on the web for years.
Now it is quite different. At the IAAF, from their champs coverage and Spikes, plus digital radio, you have coverage everywhere. European Athletics is doing a fine job promoting their sport to the youth of Europe. Our numbers at @runblogrun grow through each and every event.
Hats off to Nike, on their instagram comments on Shalane Flanagan and Geoffrey Kamworor. Both had tremendous runs in New York. Shalane Flanagan kept her focus, and with three miles to go, sensed a change. The 24th mile, in 5:11, then, in mile 25, 5:08, and finally a 5:04 mile sealed the deal! The final hilly 10k, run in 32:15 showed the Shalane Flanagan, as her coaches Jerry Schumacher, Pascal Dobert an Alistair Cragg noted, was ready to win!
Shalane Flanagan, photo by PhotoRun.net
Geoffrey Kamworor, photo by PhotoRun.net
Geoffrey Kamworor is a fine athlete. His 2 World championship wins over the half marathon and also 2 World Cross Country wins show his talent. His battles with Mo Farah, on the roads and track, showed a fearlessness that Coach Patrick Sang realized meant good things in the future. His training partner, Eliud Kipchoge, told him to keep his wits about him to the very, very end. And that is just what Geoffrey did, dropping a 4:31 mile in the final mile of the race. But, remember, dear readers, that the marathon is 26.22 miles. Wilson Kipsang, former world record holder, cut the lead down from seven seconds to three, but no more.
Geoffrey Kamworor told me on Monday, that he knew he was going to win the marathon, but he had to fight.
Congratulations to the gladiators of the marathon.
