No surprises on the men’s podium at today’s 39th New Balance Falmouth Road Race, as the three Kenyan favorites prevailed for the second week in a row on the New England road circuit. The only change from last weekend’s TD Bank Beach to Beacon 10K in Cape Elizabeth, Maine was that 21 year-old Lucas Rotich turned the tables on 25 year-old countryman Micah Kogo to take the win. His 31:37 winning time tied third best ever on the classic seaside course, and was four seconds up on the B2B champ. 2009 Falmouth champion and B2B third-placer, Ed Muge, followed in 32:02 to cop his second straight show trophy.
Not to say there wasn’t any surprise. There was a big one flying down into Falmouth Heights in fourth place as top American finisher in the person of Columbus, Ohio’s Brian Olinger.
- Steeplechaser Brian Olinger
Running head up against the Kenyan stars throughout the seven-mile race, 25 year-old Olinger came across in 32:16 to become the third fastest American ever on the Falmouth course. Only Alberto Salazar’s two wins (1981- 31:55, 1982 – 31:51), and Craig Virgin’s runner up to Alberto in `82 (32:12) have been faster by U.S. runners. (CORRECTION: Meb Keflizighi ran 32:09 in 2008 (2nd), 32:12 in 2009 (5th), and 32:13 in 2007 (2nd).
Brian’s effort was well remunerated. He pocketed $11,500, including the separate $10,000 payday that went to the top American finisher. Arizona’s Abdi Abdirahman finished in fifth in 32:43. (more…)
