Just how the legendary Pixies sang "this monkey's gone to heaven", Sato must have been delighted with his London appearance. Mzungo.org reported about the demons hunting him since the Beijing Olympics where he finished last.
He ran comfortably in the second pack along with 2006 London winner Felix Limo of Kenya, Americans Meb Keflezighi and Dathan Ritzenhein, Eritrean national record holder Yonas Kifle and others, going through halfway in 1:03:33. After Kifle took off in the hunt for stragglers falling off the lead pack the group's pace slowed, but Sato emerged as its top finisher as he outkicked Athens Olympics silver medalist Keflezighi for 8th in 2:09:16. Although Rikuren will not formally announce the World Championships teams until May 7, with this time Sato is assured of a spot in Berlin, his first World Championships since the 2003 Paris games.
Thanks to Brett (Japan Running News) for his update on Sato.
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