And in this corner, at 66″ and 115 pounds, Eliud Kipchoge. His opponents tonight, towering at 69″ and 125 pounds, Lelisa Desisa and the diminutive one, at 63″ and 119 pounds, Zersenay Tadese!
About one pound per minute is my take.
These three African cats are NIKE’s hand picked runners to chase a buck twenty. Completely staged, every variable scientifically controlled for. I’ve been saying my whole life that a sub 2 hour marathon is possible, and will happen in my lifetime. But I’m a purist and consider this attempt at history is shenanigans even if successful. More Nike Circus fare, geared more to Runner’s World sensationalized headlines than Real Competition.
Back to the weighty issue a hand. The average of these little fellas is <120 pounds. I would, if I could, go back in time* and place, reincarnate as one of these waifs. Line up at Berlin with the other two. Make it a Real Race. Mano a mano a mano. It might take another generation but those arbitrary ticks and tocks patiently, legitimately await.
*I’d have to come right back to this big plate of Bar None Breakfast as soon as business was finished!
I’d like to meet Zersenay Tadese’s tailor!
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