By AGENCIESEliud Kipchoge gave a world record-worthy performance at the Carlsbad 5000 on Sunday, but Mother Nature did not support his bid to lower the 5K top mark.
The best time stands at 13:00, set by compatriot Sammy Kipketer at the same event in 2000 and matched by the same runner the following year.
Stiff coastal winds kicked up less than an hour before the start of the elite men’s race in Carlsbad and it had a definite effect on the race, which was thrilling nevertheless.
Kipchoge separated himself from the rest with a trio of Ethiopians: Dejen Gebremeskel, Bekana Daba and Markos Geneti in his trail after American pacemaker, Jordan Horn dropped.
After negotiating a hairpin turn shortly beyond the one-mile marker, the lead group climbed the first of the race’s two short hills.
The group of four continued together through the two-mile mark in 8:25.
Seeing his record hopes slipping away but not ready to give up just yet, Kipchoge decided to take the lead and push towards a possible world record.
As he passed through Carlsbad Village, the raucous crowds helped him continue to extend his lead as he headed downhill towards the final hairpin turn.
The two-time Olympic medallist put everything he had into the closing 400m homestretch and crossed the finish line at 13:11.
Everyone agreed–the winner included–that only the breeze kept him from establishing a new all-time standard.
"I felt ready to run a 12:58," he said, "but the wind was too much. I could not push through it." He said.
"I will have to try again next year," he added.
Elsewhere, Lineth Chepkurui kept her string of wins alive at Washington DC’s Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10-mile on Sunday.
A week after a stunning 30:45 10km win in New Orleans’ Crescent City Classic, 23-year-old Chepkurui (51:51) was hardly challenged in the nation’s capital, running to a 48-second winning margin over 24-year-old compatriot Julliah Tinega (52:39).
Stephen Tum upset former Cherry Blossom champions John Korir and Gilbert Okari, who could only manage 4th and 6th-place finishes despite running fine times. Tum who took the title in a blazing 45:43, outsprinted Lelisa Desisa of Ethiopia, who finished a second behind in 45:44. – Letsrun.com
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