Tag: ING New York City Marathon

2013 NEW YORK CITY MARATHON IN PICTURES

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Last Sunday morning November 3, 2013, mine was a Dickensian position, the best seat in town, the worst seat in town.  I was riding aboard the broadcast wing of the lead men’s motorcycle giving commentary for ESPN2 coverage of the 43rd ING New York City Marathon on a raw, windblown day.  From that isolated outpost I had an unobstructed view of the entire race.

With my trusty I-Phone in hand I captured the following pics between TV reports.  So here is what the men’s race looked like up-close and personal.

5:27 opening mile to the crest of the Verrazano Narrows Bridge, 4:40 second mile down into Brooklyn
Peter Kirui leads a 5:27 opening mile to the crest of the Verrazano Narrows Bridge.  Joining in the middle is 2009 champion Meb Keflezighi and 2011 course record setter Geoffrey Mutai (in red) as they carve out a 4:40 second mile down onto Brooklyn’s Fourth Avenue.  All the while the scourge of a north wind whips at their singlets at the left front shoulder, flags stiff from the northwest on the north running course.  My moto driver Sean Ricci has heated pants and jacket. Smart fellow.
Meb showing early form on Fourth Ave. in Brooklyn dead into the 15 mph wind
Meb Keflezighi showing early form on Fourth Ave. in Brooklyn dead into the 15 mph wind…Meb didn’t come into New York in top form, having lost training to a partially torn calf muscle…  Notwithstanding, he used what fitness he had to drive the pace and support the event as he’s done now for the eighth time in his career… Recall this is where he debuted in `02, ripping up First Avenue with Hendrik Ramaala of South Africa, only to come frozen to the line in ninth place at 2:12:35.
Geoffrey Mutai, Julius Arile & Meb on Lafayette Ave. in mile 8 (39:43, 4:47 8th mile
Geoffrey Mutai, Julius Arile & Meb on Lafayette Ave. in Brooklyn passing mile 8 in 39:43 off a 4:47 last mile, cruising to keep warm along the brick front gallery.
Italy's Daniel Meucci takes lead in mile 11 on Bedford Ave.
At 11 miles 2013 New York Half Marathon runner up Daniel Meucci of Pisa, Italy runs ahead along Bedford Ave. His gap grew to as much as three-seconds, but it didn’t last last long.
Geoffrey Mutai in 4:48 14th mile into Queens over Pulaski Bridge into stiff headwind culls the herd
Race favorite Geoffrey Mutai — The Raptor — goes hunting into Queens cutting against a stiff headwind.  Who’s serious?  His piercing 4:48 14th mile over the Pulaski Bridge at half-way culled the herd by one-third, dispatching, among others, Meb and 2003 & 2007 champ Martin Lel, an under-appreciated all-time great, who at age 35 may have sung his final tune in New York.
Olympic & World Champion Stephen Kiprotich of Uganda beginning to feel effects of third marathon in six months
Olympic & World Champion Stephen Kiprotich of Uganda beginning to feel his third marathon in six months.  His team are firm believers in the two-marathons-per-year model, but when you have a chance to win $500,000 you lace up and hope to find the magic… But after wins in the 2012 Olympic and 2013 World Championships Marathons, only the second man in history to hold both titles simultaneously — Gezahenge Abera of Ethiopia took gold in Sydney 2000 and Edmonton 2001 — maybe Stephen had already cashed in those chips.
London Marathon champion Tsegay Kebede leads over Queensborough Bridge, 25K 1:16:59 (15:18 last 5K)
2013 London Marathon champion Tsegay Kebede leads over Queensborough Bridge where the race always turns serious. 25K in 1:16:59 (15:18 last 5K). This is the eye of the storm before the thunder up First Ave., a brutal and defining stretch representing the second biggest climb on the course after the initial bridge crossing at the start…  You can see Jackson Kiprop of Uganda in internal monitoring mode.  The day was a punisher, there were no blistering miles. Didn’t need to be. The conditions effectively added a kilometer to the distance, and you can see the grind take its toll.
Kebede & Uganda's Jackson Kiprop in lock-step up First Ave.
Kebede & Uganda’s Jackson Kiprop in lock-step onto First Ave. up Thunder Alley.
First Avenue Slot Canyon 17 -- 20 miles; 4:40, 4:43, 4:45, 5:05 still fighting the breeze
First Avenue a slot canyon from 17  to 20 miles.  They fell in 4:40, 4:43, 4:45, and 5:05 as the headwinds gave no quarter.  Solid tempo here, not as incendiary as under better conditions. The race still looms.
Damage done: Wesley Korir, Kenyan parliamentarian and 2012 Boston champ gives way
Damage done: Wesley Korir,(far right) Kenyan parliamentarian and 2012 Boston champ gives way.  Peter Kirui (yellow), Kiprop (light blue), and Kiprotich in orange laces getting strung out, as well.
Elite Eight still in it at 20 miles in 1:38:25
Elite Eight still holding tight at 20 miles in 1:38:25, two minutes behind 2011’s record. Of the eight only South Africa’s Lusapho April (yellow on left) and Kenya’s Julius Arile (yellow in center) were new comers to these ranks.  But their preparations indicated they were ready for a breakthrough.
Turning onto Fifth Avenue in the Bronx heading south for first time with the wind
Turning west at speed in the Bronx at the north end of the course. Not long before they’ll take another left south onto Fifth Avenue and have the wind assist for the first time…  Julius Arile has been a player all day.  He moved his training from Iten to Eldoret to join Wilson Chebet‘s big group.   Then he tuned up in the Czech Republic with a 27:42 10K ,which he won, and a 61:15 half, taking third.  Good confidence booster for the one-time “Millionth Face” for the U.N. Small Arms Treaty. In that role the one-time gun-toting cattle rustler had twice before been to NY to meet with U.N. general secretaries.  No peace today.
Mutai begins to make his presence felt, 35K in 1:46:42.. Last 5K in 14:58, fastest of the day
2011 record setter Geoffrey Mutai begins to assert his presence, 35K in 1:46:42, the last 5K in 14:58, fastest of the day.  That same 21.7 K marker had been passed in 1:44:01 in 2011 during his 2:05:06 course record. But 2011 was the ideal day, 42F, low humidity, calm winds.  Mutai lit up the final 10K in 28:45, the second half fell in 61:50, third fastest second half of a marathon ever…  We can see Stephen Kiprotich losing contact again, and so went his chance for the World Marathon Majors jackpot of $500,000.  He needed to win the race outright to claim the prize and hope challenger Tsegay Kebede did no better than third… But it was several bridges too far for the Olympic and World Champion who has room to grow in big city marathons.
Former AK-47 wielding cattle rustler Julius Arile eyes Mutai warily
Julius Arile eyes Mutai warily. He knows where lies the danger as they enter the killing territory.
Mutai & Kebede, a couple of Bronx Bombers. 22 miles in 1:47:49, last two miles in 9:36
Bronx Bombers — Mutai & Kebede.  Would have been nice to have these two on the same page. But Mutai has winning on his mind, Kebede wants the World Marathon Majors jackpot.  You don’t challenge the Raptor when he’s out hunting.  Second place is win–win 500,000 times.  As long as Kipriotich remains in his rear-view mirror, the half-million is his.
Crossing Madison Avenue Bridge from Bronx into Manhattan Mutai begins his final assault. Only Biwott can answer
Crossing the Madison Avenue Bridge over the Harlem River, back into Manhattan.  Mutai begins his final assault. Only Stanley Biwott can or is willing to answer.  Before the race Mutai made his intentions clear, “When I decide to move, my body feels like it can run to the end at this speed.” … Very simple.  From here to home, you and me. Ready?
Mutai presses, Biwott flexes. Biwott beat Mutai at Feb. 2013 RAK Half Marathon, 58:56 to 58:58, but this ain't no half.
The Raptor presses, eyes ahead, grim and determined. Biwott flexes, taking the ground rather than flinging it behind.  Look at that quad! … Stanley got the better of Geoffry in Feb. at the RAK Half Marathon, 58:56 to 58:58 — they were second and third.  This is no half…And Biwott has a fuel management history.  It happened in London this spring. Off a wicked pace through the half, 61:34, Biwott raised the stakes at 21 miles before flaming out and finishing eighth… Coach Claudio Berardelli had hoped lessons had been learned, and now longer tempo runs with short rest would smooth out his fuel issues. But today it is simply a case of being over-matched.  Biwott didn’t initiate any of the moves, just answered for as long as he could.  You have to admire his competitive spirit.
The break begins at 1:52:30
After only nine minutes together, the break begins at 1:52:30.
Entering Central Park at 90th Street alone and in control
Entering Central Park at 90th Street – 24 miles. The man who had one of the best marathon years in history in 2011, with unimaginable course records in both Boston and New York, followed with an off 2012… He dropped out of Boston’s roasting oven in April, which cost him a spot on the Kenyan Olympic team for London, and he was Hurricane Sandy’d out of defending his NY title last fall… This spring in the Virgin London Marathon he was never a factor in a last-man-standing win by Tsegay Kebede. Mutai dropped out with a hamstring issue.  But since then he has been back in full form, and when that happens, no contest, really.
In full flight and heading for home. Victory number two in NYC
In full flight, a symphony of eassy power heading for home. Victory number two in NYC.
Biwott still in 2nd
Biwott still in 2nd but broken.  It will be back to the drawing board to try to find the answer to those fading closing kilometers. He has all the will and speed, just needs to refine the mix in training so he doesn’t run low on fuel.
South Africa's Lusapho April and Tsegay Kebede closing fast
South Africa’s Lusapho April and Tsegay Kebede closing fast on Biwott.  April is in fact named after the month of April. Not by his parents, but by the old apartheid government of South Africa.  Because of his complicated surname, a government official told him, “No, man, we can’t spell that. We are in April. So that’s now your name.”…  Two NYC champions have come out of South Africa, Willie Mtolo in 1992 — who was here in town with April — and Hendrik Ramaala in 2004…  April’s been with coach Karen Zimmerman since he was 14.  He had a sixteen week build up for New York. He came here rather than run in Frankfurt, because with a 2:08 PR he wanted a tough race more than a speed one. He’s good on challenging courses, and proved it again.
Kebede moves into second place at 25 miles, April in third
Kebede moves into second place at 25 miles, April into third…Biwott will fade all the way to fifth.
Camera's eye view. This is where I was perched all day behind camera ace Phillip Martinez with Sean Ricci driving
Camera’s eye view. This is where I was perched all day behind camera ace Phillip Martinez with Sean Ricci driving.
Final 100 meters
Final 100 meters, history awaits!
Kebede gallops toward a $560,000 payday and the 2012 -- 2013 World Marathon Majors title after twice finishing second in previous years
Secure in second place behind Mutai’s 2:08:24 win, Kebede gallops toward a $560,000 payday and the 2012 — 2013 World Marathon Majors title after twice finishing second in previous cycles.

It was a glorious day in the city. Cold as hell, but warmed by the spirit of the people and the grace and majesty of the runners.  Hope to do it again next year.  Till then, see you on the roads.  Next marathon stop, Honolulu December 8th. Still time to join the fun.

END

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GEOFFREY MUTAI – WINNER NEW YORK CITY MARATHON 2013

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Geoffrey Mutai tunes up for New York in Udine Half Marathon in Italy
Geoffrey Mutai tunes up for New York in Udine Half Marathon in Italy

New York, New York — Alright, I’ve heard enough, I’ve seen enough, I’ve talked to all the players.  And here’s the deal, they don’t have a prayer.  Maybe in a best case scenario I might not wish it so, because I like close competitions, but Geoffrey Mutai is your winner of the ING New York City Marathon for 2013 right now.  And that’s from someone who has never been much of a predictor.  But it is what it is as surely as Al Salazar was the winner before the gun in 1981 – “my goal is to run 2:08 and to win.” So if you find someone that wants to take the field, take Mutai and put whatever money you have on him.  That’s the kind of form he’s on, and what I think of his chances. Now all he has to do is pull it off.

With London Marathon champion Tsegay Kebede and World Champion Stephen Kiprotich caught up in the World Marathon Majors drama and the $500,000 that goes with the series win, will either of them take the risk of trying to match a fully blooded Geoffrey Mutai for a chance at the $100,000 first place check?  Not likely.  In fact, Kebede has come right out and said in a race with 48,000 starters he’s only racing one man, Kiprotich. (more…)

WORLD MARATHON MAJORS SHOWDOWN IN NYC

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New York City Marathon start    There is even more on the line than usual at this year’s ING New York City Marathon.  From the city and New York Road Runner’s recovery efforts after last year devastation and race cancellation due to Hurricane Sandy, to the million-dollar payoff in the World Marathon Majors championship, there are stories of striving and overcoming that will make for a dramatic and emotional Sunday morning November 3rd.   Be sure to watch it live 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2, and from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. ET on WABC. It also will be streamed online at WatchESPN.com and the WatchESPN app. A two-hour highlights show will air on ABC later in the day.

My focus will be on the men’s race as I will call that competition from the lead TV moto.  It’s the first time since 2006 that I will be out on the course rather than at the finish line anchor location.  And though I will sorely miss calling what promises to be a compelling women’s race, the men’s lead moto is a wondrous perch, and offers by far the best view of the action.

Two story lines dominate the 2013 New York men’s competition.  The question is how, or whether, they will intersect? (more…)

BASEBALL IS LIKE THE MARATHON

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Cardinals v Red Sox 2013    Baseball, in some ways, is like the marathon.  Both sports require the ability to endure a long, grueling task, be it months of training and 26.2 miles of racing, or months of a 162-game season, and the intensity of multiple championship series.  Both sports take from low two-hours to five-hours plus to complete, and taken in small doses or out of context, can seem incomparably boring. Yet when followed closely throughout a season or a race, the drama of each competition builds to Shakespearean levels, until every pitch, every foot strike takes on the weight of the world, and the glory of accomplishment — sometimes even in defeat — can resonate for a lifetime and beyond.

And so as the baseball season begins its annual fall ritual tonight in Boston with the National League champion St. Louis Cardinals taking on host American League king Boston Red Sox, we await the culminating event of the 2012-2013 World Marathon Majors cycle on the first weekend of November at the ING New York City Marathon with equal anticipation.

This year’s Fall Classic promises to be a beauty, as the Cards and the Sox have proven their mettle — both teams completed their seasons with a record of 97 —  65.  Both have excellent pitching, powerful offenses, and legendary support from their iconic fan bases.  We can only hope to witness a level of drama at the ING New York City Marathon November 3rd that will approximate what is expected in Boston and St. Louis – America’s Best Baseball Town. (more…)

DOES COMPETITION HELP OR HURT A RECORD EFFORT?

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At 22 miles - Kimetto & Mutai pulling free of Kitwara
Chicago at 22 miles – Kimetto & Mutai pulling free of Kitwara

Make no mistake, in foot racing like war it is axiomatic that the best laid plans rarely survive the instant of engagement.  That is also why in today’s Kenyan dominated world of elite marathon racing the competition isn’t limited to a specific race.  Instead, as many of today’s giants train together or in close proximity in the Rift Valley crucibles of Iten and Eldoret, competition stretches between and among races, as well.

And so, as we exit today’s TCS Amsterdam Marathon and head toward November 3rd and the ING New York City Marathon, the field there will not simply be competing against one another for the five-borough title, and/or the World Marathon Major cycle title.  No, 2011 New York champion and course record holder Goffrey Mutai and the lads will be competing against what has just transpired in Berlin, Chicago and Amsterdam over the last month and a half.  In fact, it was Wilson Kipsang’s world record in Berlin which spurred his sometime training mate, Geoffrey Mutai, into supposing that a sub-2:05 is possible in New York given the conditions. (more…)

TOP EAST AFRICAN RUNNERS EARN LIKE MAJOR CEOs

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Kimetto captures Chicago in record time.
Kimetto captures $75,000 course record bonus in Chicago

Stats are like bible quotes, got one for any POV.  So while Spanish statistician Miguel Calvo sifts through the splits from Berlin three weeks ago (translation by Alberto Stretti) comparing Wilson Kipsang‘s 2:03:23 marathon world record with countryman Dennis Kimetto’s course record 2:03:45 at the Chicago Marathon last Sunday, I’m digging into the money game.

There’s no contest how money plays out in terms of impact and purchasing power.  But let’s make it more interesting and compare a top runner say, Dennis Kimetto, with top business CEOs in terms of value for service. (more…)

CONVERSATION WITH NYRR PRESIDENT MARY WITTENBERG

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NYRR Pres. & CEO Mary Wittenberg
NYRR Pres. & CEO Mary Wittenberg

(Since 2005 Buffalo-born Mary Wittenberg has been president and CEO of the New York Road Runners, stagers of the ING New York City Marathon and dozens of other both world-class and local events in the five boroughs.  I spoke with Mary this morning about the Competitor Group’s recent decision to eliminate its elite athlete program at its U.S. races.)

WERE YOU SURPRISED BY COMPETITOR GROUP’S (CGI) DECISION?

Initially I was surprised by the immediacy of its impact, rather than say it would begin in the year ahead.  But in group dynamics sometimes you see one person say something that someone else takes as personal, but really it’s not about them at all.  So I think this move may have more to do with CGI than with the sport itself.  What would be a more concerning indicator is if we see World Marathon Majors or major not-for-profit events drop support for pro running.  Those are the real bellwethers of the sport.

But what is clear now, and not surprising, is that Elite Racing had a core passion for the sport in Tim (Murphy), Mike (Long) and Tracy (Sundlun).  But it’s likely that what the first group (Falconhead Capital) bought from Tim was the Rock `n` Roll series, not the whole of Elite Racing.  We’ve been fortunate to have CGI keep some semblance of the sport going for as long as they did.

IS PRIVATE EQUITY COMPATIBLE WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF SPORT?

Private equity has a piece of Major League Soccer.  They can play a role in building ventures, but ultimately they are hard-eyed business people.  And professional athletes need to have a return on investment (ROI). (more…)