Abdi
Mzungo Markus: Very strong this year. Will rock’n’roll on tarmac again. Deserved 10 mile US champ. More likely to be an American winner than Halleluja. Knows NYC already and should know how to race a smart marathon now. Go for it.
Mzungo Uli: If his legs talk more than his mouth, he’ll be game.
Bolota Asmerom
Mzungo Markus: Hmmm. Difficult. One of the ten eggs thrown at the wall that might survive. Not Top10. Serious contender for the US champs though. Speed is there he just needs the confidence.
Mzungo Uli: Would like to see him surprise me.
Fasil Bizuneh
Mzungo Markus: DNF mile 3 due to digestive issues. Need to show something this year to prove his early success.
Mzungo Uli: If not, ready for a surprise.
Abderrahime Bouramdane
Mzungo Markus: Fourth.
Mzungo Uli: Do they have out of competition testing in Morocco? Tough as nails either way.
Dan Brown
Mzungo Markus: Mother in law’s finest. Not fully recovered from a good season. Will the Brown army ship sink in the Top10? Unfortunately, I don’t think so. Berlin Worlds were tough and he didnt really recover.
Mzungo Uli: Younger than I am but more over the hill than me. Top10 at US champs.
Robert Cheruiyot
Mzungo Markus: Four Boston Wins. Nuff said. Will win after Lel dopped. Even with a different name. Serious and smart racer. He can read a read such a race. Ran a “Ok” worlds in Berlin and should be fully recovered by now.
Mzungo Uli: I only really saw Lel challenging him if he is healthy which I doubt a little.
Jaouad Gharib
Mzungo Markus: True Racer. Knows how to play the game. Top3. There is not bullshitting with these guy!
Mzungo Uli: Incredibly tough. I thought he was done and then he pulls a 2:05 in London, closely beaten by Wanjiru who had to fight all the way to the line to keep him in check. Will not have the finish to win on Central Park South but will be in close contention.
Marilson Gomes dos Santos
Mzungo Markus: Looked like jogging Worlds. Shouldn’t have hurt him but also shows how inconsitent he is. Hard to tell if he will do it once more in the city. Showed last year that he is a first class racer – wouldn’t be surprised if he hits the nail again!
Mzungo Uli: Agreed. But I want to see the Africans keep him in check this year.
Ryan Hall
Mzungo Markus: Don’t believe the hype. Rookie wins NYC?
Mzungo Uli: More heart than legs. When the big guys drop to a 4:20 pace at First Avenue, Hall will cover the moves. But if the surges continue into and out of the Bronx, he will be out of contention. Needs to win an international marathon first before cleaning Big Mama.
Meb Keflezighi
Mzungo Markus: Home crowd advantage, knows the course. However, won’t win but possibly US champ. Has not too much years left in the big game and need to get back to old olympic glamour.
Mzungo Uli: Four minutes slower than e.g. Gharib in London. Any questions?
James Kwambai
Mzungo Markus: After break-through race in Rotterdam, he needs to proove that he’s no one hit wonder. Well, he was second three times in the Majors. Dark horse again? – Top 5? Very unpredictable. I would like him to stay up front and give it a go. Better he doesnt get a sprint finish...
Mzungo Uli: Dark horse is a bold call for the third fastest marathoner ever. But I agree. Rotterdam is not NYC. Would like to see him win though.
Jason Lehmkuhle
Mzungo Markus: Survival of the fittest! The PB’s of the possible Top 10 competitors are a different class and not comparable with him. He knows the course and knows himself. Wouldnt be surprised if he shows a class act after resting a good bit through the season.
Mzungo Uli: Time trialling into Top 10 again. Smart.
Martin Lel
Mzungo Markus: What to say! Would have been my top tip. Dance for us in 2010 Martin!
Mzungo Uli: Hendrick Ramaala told me that a Lel in shape is out of this world. Everybody is just second best. Was my top pick. Will reign London again. Get healthy mate!
Patrick Makau
Mzungo Markus: Has prooven to be able to pull magic out of the hat for 13.1 miles. Can he handle the bridges beyond that distance though? The secound half is a tough and i doubt he’ll be able to handle this part well. Dominates the race in the middle stage though.
Mzungo Uli: Will win. But not this year. Just yet.
Hendrick Ramaala
Mzungo Markus: The young generation will never have a chance again to see Michael Jackson on stage. But they can still get a glance of Hendrick surging down First Ave at 4:20 pace and blowing the pack to shreds. It’ll be a Bad Thriller. Beat It!
Mzungo Uli: Go get them mate!
Brian Sell
Mzungo Markus: As a fan, I want him to finish in the Top10 despite a big sledgehammer in Boston. Podium at US champs. Please! How long do I have to wait for a dentist appointment? Before you give the patients pain give to those other US Championship Marathoners!
Mzungo Uli: It’s over. Have another beer, dude. Those were the days. Or were they?
Jorge Torres
Mzungo Markus: Who? Jonesy Boy will tell him what to do...
Mzungo Uli: Best of luck.
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