by Larry EderFrom my little house in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, my current habitat, I have much time for contemplation. In between listening to my favorite music, watching Hulu, Netflix, walks and making vegan dishes, I have much time to consider our sport. Here is the second of those columns.
Eliud Kipchoge wins 2018 Virgin Money London Marathon, photo courtesy of VM London Marathon
1. Eliud Kipchoge is the zen master of the marathon.
Eliud Kipchoge, photo by VM London Marathon
In sixteen century Japan, the warrior monks came down from their mountain monestaries and warned the people of their transgressions. Kipchoge comes down from training camp and takes on all of the world’s best marathoners. He has won nine of his ten marathons, and he has won from the front, from behind, off a slow, tactical pace. However, Kipchoge’s win in 2018 was like no other: running a 61 minute opening half marathon, in the heat, Kipchoge took on all, no quarter asked, no quarter given. Also, the finest marathoner in the world came through the ranks, winning the 5000m World Champs in 2003, at the ripe old age of 19, a fine cross country runner, and over the past five years, developed into the finest male marathoner in the world.
2. Mo Farah has finally become a marathoner.
Mo Farah, photo by VM London Marathon
Mo Farah has been, since 2011, the finest long distance track racer of his era. His ability to stay focused on the track, take on all comers, and to drop the pace over the last 800 meters thrilled fans all over the world. His first marathon, as well as his first half marathon was the best PR gesture in marathon history. In his first half marathon run on the course, Farah generated tremendous interest for the London Marathon. His second marathon, in 2018, was an elite athlete director’s dream. Farah delivered, a gutty race, and he broke the record of one Steve Jones, the finest British marathoner ever, and a man who has not recieved the respect he deserves. How fast can Mo Farah go? Not sure, but if Mo Farah puts his A game on, Farah can win Olympic, World and European gold over the marathon. Mr. Farah has some choices to make.
3. David Bedford’s influence on the London Marathon can not be underestimated.
David Bedford, photo courtesy of Virgin Money London Marathon
Many were taken aback by the announcement of David Bedfor’s retirement from the London Marathon. Bedford, an irrascible, charming character if there ever was one in our sport, will be sorely missed. While many would attempt to develop better race fields, few understood how to orchestrate a fine marathon field or, generate media interest like Mr. Bedford.
What were Mr. Bedford’s finest results? Well, Paula Radcliffe’s WRs have to up there. His package with Mo Farah also has to be up there. For me, I loved David’s sense of humor. My favorite example was, in front of all the World Marathon majors, each year at the VIP Gathering, David would welcome everyone to the ‘World’s Greatest Marathon,” . Mr. Bedford believed that statement, and his love of the sport, his actions elevated our sport.
4. Even with the best laid fields, there are always surprises.
Vivian Cheruiyot, photo courtesy of Jane Monti, Race Result Weekly, used with permission
One of the finest performances in London history was the win by Vivian Cheruiyot, in 2018. Kudos have to be given to Mary Keitany and Tirunesh Dibaba, who both ran with their hearts, and their emotions were overcome by the heat and sun. The marathon celebrates the brave, and in 2018, the women’s race had several women who ran bravely. The marathon is one of those earthly experiences where, athletes are sometimes challenged to incredible collapses and then, return, with well earned accolades in a brilliant performances.
