As an American, I would love to watch UK Olympic marathon trials, if you had them. A qualifying race would be great for the sport in the UK. I hope the powers that be will change the selection process to have a race to decide who will represent the UK in the Olympic marathon.
Wow, Ben: You just gave me a lesson on my own nation's sports system, AND you've made me that much more excited about our upcoming O trials! Thank you for making this video! And I hope it helps convince the UK's powers-that-be to go the marathon-trial route!
I have been following US athletics for years, love the NCAA xcountry, indoor, outdoor, all the High School events, Newbury Park were amazing, it is so competitive from all the age groups, i will be following the marathon trials, love Connor Mantz such a gutsy runner, thanks for the coverage and yes to an olympic trials marathon in the UK,
Great video, Ben! Thanks for doing this one. It was obviously two amazing races watching some favorites and a couple underdogs podium and make it to Paris later this summer! I’d also love to see other countries hold trials. As an American, I’d absolutely love to see more from the UK!
I lucky to live just north of Orlando and will be driving down to watch after I run a morning 5k. All the videos and clips from down there look super exciting and fun.
I like your reasoning for trials but I have one problem with it. What happens if a favorite, say Conner or Emily, was to catch COVID the week of the race (or roll and ankle etc...). Having some discretion for selectors can take things like this into consideration. For some sports in Australia, we have a mixed system where say 2 of the athletes are chosen from a trial race, but the third is based on season results. (Of course, this still doesn't make everyone happy)
I couldn’t agree more - the trials in Richmond were one of the best races I’ve ever watched. I’d never qualify for one but I’d definitely want to watch one!
You're so right on the money on this point Ben 👏🏼 I follow athletics pretty closely, RUclips makes it easy with the likes of TRP, but I admit too that I know far more about the track distance GB runners than I do any GB marathoner, despite the fact I and many other people have raced a marathon. I'm probably most aware of Stephen Scullion who would be representing Ireland, thanks to his RUclips presence. An annual GB Olympic and WC trial would be incredible
All good points Ben. I didn't realize other countries don't do it like the US does. It definitely builds excitement around here. What is amazing is that a number of the runners you mention live in my local area. I live near a popular bike trail and have run into several elite marathon runners over the years. Jared Ward doesn't live far from here and the two runners you mentioned live 30 minutes south of here. I guess my state, Utah, has the largest number of delegates to the race. Great video Ben. Always love your commentary and thoughtfulness.
Buzzing about the US Olympic Marathon trials as well and I’m British! We are def missing out on something here, I couldn’t agree more. It’s a good ol fashioned race unlike the time trials that the majors have become and I am invested in so many of the American athletes - it’s so much fun. I’m rooting for Rupp and CJ especially. I think Mantz is a cert. Can’t argue with your picks for the women, since Emma Bates and Seidel are injured too.
another great vid, ben! i think many countries should put up trials for the marathon, it sure is a thrill to watch. hope this video lits a spark in there! :)
I am a US runner, I follow many UK runners but I have no idea who's going to the Olympics for you, when or how that's determined. I too would love to see a US style qualifier!
The US marathon olympic trials are really fantastic to watch. So many great stories to watch unfold. There's people with different strengths, strategies, and race plans. Really fantastic. One thing I'll mention is that the US men have currently only unlocked 2 spots for the Paris Olympics. As it stands, only 2 US men have broken the A standard (Conner Mantz and Clayton Young). There is hope that the US will unlock a 3rd spot when the top 80 Road to Paris rankings are released based off of Scott Fauble's ranking. It's important to note that although Mantz, Young, and possibly Fauble will unlock spots for the US, this does not guarantee them anything personally. All it does it give the US team a spot. With that said, if someone makes top 3 and doesn't have the B standard (2:11:30), they would also get passed up for the person behind them. Also, women's US half marathon record got broken at the Houston half in January by Weini Kelati. Weini hasn't planned to run a marathon yet, but that's a name to remember for 4 years from now.
Yeah I was aware of this but thought it best to keep the explanation simple in the video. That Olympic standard is so high- most countries don’t have any runners bellow it. Welani 100% the one to watch for 2028
I live 30 minute from Orlando (towards the beach) and hoping to make it over. It's so funny though such a huge event and you don't see to much about it on the news. Today they were more excited for the NFL Pro bowl and Megacon comic convention in Orlando lol. Should be great weather Saturday by our standards. keep up the good work!
I'm an American and i'd watch the UK Marathon Trials if there was one. Chris Thompson's run was incredible. A trials event is good for building up future runners and keeps them going in the sport. Plus it turns into a big event where a ton of runners go for the weekend to watch, sometimes they have a mass run too. Good luck!
As an American recreational runner, I always why other countries don’t learn from US and host the most transparent and fair selection process in a trial
Hey Ben! Great video, excited for the qualifiers. Could you make a video on your yearly training schedule? I’m talking high level.. picking your races, how you section off parts of the year for base building, how long you do build ups for your A races, adding B races to the calendar?
I think it be an excellent idea and would as you say give that semi pro level athlete level in the UK something to aim at. I think the standard would however have to be for males 2.21 for example 52 male athletes reached that goal in 2023. A field of around 50 would about the correct number as well I feel.
Watch for Chelimo! Debuting at the trials. Jenny Simpson too for women. Those are the most interesting for me. Can’t wait till Weini Kelati moves up. American women are stronger than they’ve ever been in the marathon! Men need to catch up. Only Mantz and Young have the standard and I’d be shocked if anyone gets it in Orlando for the men.
American women are indeed smashing it. Have loves seeing Keira and Emily take each others AR over the years and now there’s a new star on the block, be great to see welani on the start of a trials- maybe have to wait until 2028
Really great video, exactly what I needed also to show my friend what it is all about. I am really hyped about the trials. I just wonder, what happens, if one of the top 3 people does not have the standard? Or if even noone would have the standard? Would they all need to find a race later to get the standard afterwards? In Germany it would be amazing to have trials too, it's hard to follow the races where all the contenders are and so we would have a great marketing event also for the sports.
Completely agree that the UK needs a trials race. Running as a sport seems to be getting lost and going backwards. With way too much emphasis on qualification time standards through racing premier label races. Running does not have much appeal to the wider audience because everything is standardised and the truth is many of the athletes are too conservative in personality. Athletes like Josh Kerr are what distance running needs. An athlete that is not afraid to cause a stirr, is bold in the way they hold themselves. If you mention the Paris Olympics to most runners. Many will mention Josh vs Jakob. A bit of rivalry and trash talk is harmless yet excites an audience.
Definitely makes for a great spectacle, however if you ran the qualification time (securing a slot for your country) and weren't able to compete due to injury or illness then you'd feel robbed. Especially if the winner on the day doesnt achieve the minimum time
Ignoring the mess that is British athletics this cycle, would love to see UK trials. Kew gardens had an amazing end that London Marathon doesn't have. Plus theres something with training for competition not for time that at the top level makes a difference.
Qualifying standards are way harder in France! almost 10 guys below 2:10 and the best Mehdi Frère is not yet qualified officially with A 2:05 in Valence last december ...
Curious… do you believe a runner who’s head and shoulders better than the second best runner should miss out on an Olympic place if they’re ill or injured on trials day?
That’s a real tough one. I can think of arguments for both sides. At the end of the day I wouldn’t want to see the countries best marathoner miss out due to illness if come the Olympics they’re ready to rock. Tough one
super excited about the run! but didnt find where i could watch :( i’m brazilian and accordingly to the olympic trial’s official website it won’t have international coverage. is that right? does anyone know any alternative streaming?
Yeah, i see where you’re coming from. There are also places for world rankings so maybe this could be factored into a trials? I’m not sure, just thing it was make for a better spectacle of marathon running
@@BenIsRunning of course u have change to entry by world ranking standard but its only 80 spot so its better run the Olympic standard then u know u are in. Of course trials are nice , but its better to have a national Championships then. Where u have only the best and not like it is now in UK .. are the national standard 2.38?
The American trials system is the only fair way to select an Olympic team. The problem with it is that it requires runners to peak twice within a relatively short period. This may be OK for sprinters and shorter middle distance folk but is tough for a marathon runner. One great advantage Mo Farah had over the Kenyans and Ethiopians at Olympic and World Championships was that he knew he would be running at the games; the Africans had to win their place on the team - which given the depth of talent in those countries was an exhausting task. In this weekend's race , it's not just the first three across the line that go to the games; qualifying times have to be achieved. Suppose the race is very slow and the winner has not previously run a fast time; I doubt they will be able to run another marathon between now and the games in order to achieve the qualifying time!
Keira doesn't have the American half marathon record anymore :eyes: Weini Kelati broke it in Houston!! Absolutely gutted that Molly Seidel isn't running.
This is not a fair system in case you get sick or injured just before the trial race, but have recorded olympic worth results in your recents races. Too bad if say Sisson gets sick.
@@BenIsRunning Kind of you to reply. Frankly, I've no idea, but obviously they have their reasons and it would be interesting to know. Otherwise, great to see you back after your injury. Keep up the great work 👍
As far as I'm aware Americans do trials for every Athletics event and if you don't get in the top 3 you're out. There have been cases in the past where renowned athletes failed to qualify. I agree the trials system seems a lot fairer.
What about the downsides? There must be some. Just guessing, but how about peaking for the trials, then performing poorly for your country when you try to peak again for the Olympics. Also how about the nation's best runner, and multiple gold medal holder, just having a bad day, or being ill, so missing out in the trials. Should they be left out of the team, despite having all the fastest marathon times since the last Olympics, as a hypothetical scenario.
I like the idea from the spectator point of view, but I always thought the US trials can be quite cruel to the athletes - you can be a world record holder, and catch a cold a few days before the trials, and your Olympic dream is over 😢
would be lovely to watch this but it appears no international coverage? What is it with our sport that i have to pay for 6 different subscriptions (flotrac,Peacock,NBC,etc etc) find multiple different ways of using proxy servers to avoid the streaming police, and i still cant get to watch this event??? Somebody needs to tell Seb Coe to stop changing the names of things that nobody cares about (short track????) and actually work out a coherant media strategy for our sport. Sorry rant over
USA is 400 millions so it makes sense and they pay $80 K for the winner nobody wants to pay a trial including England and also England has very few marathon runners
It must be profitable though right with the tv coverage this race gets state side. Your right in there being few runners, only 23 male runners ran sub 2:18 last year but maybe if there a trials this would be higher? There’s still the same number of Olympic spots up for grabs
If you look at the U.S. marathon trials closer, you'll find they terribly selected the location in Florida with 10am start time! Florida is the hottest/most humid state with sun & temps forecast near 20 celsius during the race. It's setup where Connor & Clayton will be the only US men to qualify bc they're the only runners to achieve the Paris Olympics qualifying time of 2:08:10 last year. With the hot conditions, it would be a miracle for anybody to run near 2:08:10. USA essentially eliminated the chance of getting a 3rd runner in Olympics. At the least, they should have started the race at 7am. Connor & Clayton would be wise to use this as a tempo training run for the Olympics. Many of the US runners blasted the olympic committee on social media last year when they announced the location/time.
I’m certainly no fan of USTAF, but I don’t think the location and start time of the trials is the blame for only 2 American men having got the Olympic standard. Holding it in a hot humid location like Orlando is theoretically great practice for the conditions in Paris in August, which will be brutal. You want to pick runners who’ll perform well on the day in the race. If you ask me the reason why only 2 American men have hit the standard is simple: the men just haven’t got it done. They’ve had two years to do it, and they failed. By contrast, 21 of the American women hit their time standard. I think Americans put excessive emphasis on ‘racing’ for place over time. Certainly finishing in the top 5/top 10 in slower tactical marathons has its place, but during that two year qualifying cycle, you’ve got to take at least one training block to go to a fast course and run for one purpose: hit that standard, get it out of the way, and not get caught up in what the others are doing. The American women got it done. The American men just don’t have that same strength right now.
@@FinnyFinnFinn96 The Paris mens qualifying window requiring a 2:08:10 began 11/1/22.(15months ago) USA should locate the trials on the fastest course/climate possible to give the best chance to get a 3rd runner in the Olympics. Racing a marathon in the Orlando heat isnt going to meaningfully help Connor/Clayton prepare for Paris. Those dudes have plenty of resources to train wherever they want to get used to heat.
Thing is, when you look at a countries qualifying times, in comparison to world standard marathon times, they're pretty slow, I mean we all watched Kipchoge run 2:06 and the world media reported it as an absolute disaster, that, is who they're racing. So on a word stage, you've just basically got to be a lot better, I recon Kipchoge will run faster than 2:18 when he's 50... Embrace that thought...
@@BenIsRunning I love how in running, athletes are put in their own sub-category. We celebrate Top 3 American finishers which comes in at 8, 28, 38 for example.
@@BenIsRunning and i didnt mean to come across sounding negative so i apologise! If you keep progressing the way you have in the previous 4 years then absolutely you will 🫡👊🏻
The British Establishment like to have the God Touch - so they can send big names or friends running slow times to the Olympics. The Americans keep it simple - big name; world record holder - 4th you dont go. Agree with you Ben - British Marathon running is invisible and boring.
@@BenIsRunning obviously not to the likes of you - but my wife (who is not a runner) is an avid Athletics Fan - loves the Diamond league etc. Marathon Running Invisible and Boring .
As an American, I would love to watch UK Olympic marathon trials, if you had them. A qualifying race would be great for the sport in the UK. I hope the powers that be will change the selection process to have a race to decide who will represent the UK in the Olympic marathon.
It certainly would be a great event to look forward to every 4 years!
Wow, Ben: You just gave me a lesson on my own nation's sports system, AND you've made me that much more excited about our upcoming O trials! Thank you for making this video! And I hope it helps convince the UK's powers-that-be to go the marathon-trial route!
I have been following US athletics for years, love the NCAA xcountry, indoor, outdoor, all the High School events, Newbury Park were amazing, it is so competitive from all the age groups, i will be following the marathon trials, love Connor Mantz such a gutsy runner, thanks for the coverage and yes to an olympic trials marathon in the UK,
That is awesome! Imagine if the Uk also had this sort of fan fair for our top mararthoners- feel like were missing out :)
@@BenIsRunning*fanfare 😊 please correct and delete my comment
Great video!! I would love to see also French Olympic marathon trials. The density of sub 2.10' marathonians in France is just brutal at the moment.
French olympic marathon trials is the Valence marathon 😄
A local guy to me here in north Florida will be running in the trials this weekend. Sem Sultanov 2:17:xx marathoner
Great video, Ben! Thanks for doing this one. It was obviously two amazing races watching some favorites and a couple underdogs podium and make it to Paris later this summer! I’d also love to see other countries hold trials. As an American, I’d absolutely love to see more from the UK!
I lucky to live just north of Orlando and will be driving down to watch after I run a morning 5k. All the videos and clips from down there look super exciting and fun.
Have a great time, I’d love to come and spectate if it was a little closer! Maybe next Olympic year I can plan a trip :)
Solid video! It will be streamed Live on Peacock at 10am EST. Then a delayed broadcast on NBC starting at 12pm EST.
I like your reasoning for trials but I have one problem with it. What happens if a favorite, say Conner or Emily, was to catch COVID the week of the race (or roll and ankle etc...). Having some discretion for selectors can take things like this into consideration.
For some sports in Australia, we have a mixed system where say 2 of the athletes are chosen from a trial race, but the third is based on season results. (Of course, this still doesn't make everyone happy)
exactly my thoughts.
👍👍I was at the finish of the USA marathon trials. Great race. I couldn’t believe it was here in my hometown.
I couldn’t agree more - the trials in Richmond were one of the best races I’ve ever watched. I’d never qualify for one but I’d definitely want to watch one!
Totally agree! Canadian here. Tomorrow is a huge day for me as a running fan. The US olympic trials are so exciting
You're so right on the money on this point Ben 👏🏼 I follow athletics pretty closely, RUclips makes it easy with the likes of TRP, but I admit too that I know far more about the track distance GB runners than I do any GB marathoner, despite the fact I and many other people have raced a marathon.
I'm probably most aware of Stephen Scullion who would be representing Ireland, thanks to his RUclips presence. An annual GB Olympic and WC trial would be incredible
All good points Ben. I didn't realize other countries don't do it like the US does. It definitely builds excitement around here.
What is amazing is that a number of the runners you mention live in my local area. I live near a popular bike trail and have run into several elite marathon runners over the years. Jared Ward doesn't live far from here and the two runners you mentioned live 30 minutes south of here. I guess my state, Utah, has the largest number of delegates to the race.
Great video Ben. Always love your commentary and thoughtfulness.
Yeah it really is an exciting event. The fact that it’s only once every 4 years and so much is on the line certainly make it a great spectacle
Buzzing about the US Olympic Marathon trials as well and I’m British! We are def missing out on something here, I couldn’t agree more. It’s a good ol fashioned race unlike the time trials that the majors have become and I am invested in so many of the American athletes - it’s so much fun.
I’m rooting for Rupp and CJ especially. I think Mantz is a cert. Can’t argue with your picks for the women, since Emma Bates and Seidel are injured too.
Spot on Ben. The Olympic Marathon is a high stakes winner-takes-all on the day race. Let's have an actual race to see who gets there
another great vid, ben!
i think many countries should put up trials for the marathon, it sure is a thrill to watch. hope this video lits a spark in there! :)
Hope all is well Ben, I love your content, hoping to see new and more coming soon.
I am a US runner, I follow many UK runners but I have no idea who's going to the Olympics for you, when or how that's determined. I too would love to see a US style qualifier!
I have always been baffled that we don't have this in the UK, would love to watch this and see our amazing athletes compete for the Olympics
Yeah think it could have huge potential to bring more eyes to marathon running
Great Video definitely hyped 🔥🔥🔥
The US marathon olympic trials are really fantastic to watch. So many great stories to watch unfold. There's people with different strengths, strategies, and race plans. Really fantastic.
One thing I'll mention is that the US men have currently only unlocked 2 spots for the Paris Olympics. As it stands, only 2 US men have broken the A standard (Conner Mantz and Clayton Young). There is hope that the US will unlock a 3rd spot when the top 80 Road to Paris rankings are released based off of Scott Fauble's ranking. It's important to note that although Mantz, Young, and possibly Fauble will unlock spots for the US, this does not guarantee them anything personally. All it does it give the US team a spot. With that said, if someone makes top 3 and doesn't have the B standard (2:11:30), they would also get passed up for the person behind them.
Also, women's US half marathon record got broken at the Houston half in January by Weini Kelati. Weini hasn't planned to run a marathon yet, but that's a name to remember for 4 years from now.
Yeah I was aware of this but thought it best to keep the explanation simple in the video. That Olympic standard is so high- most countries don’t have any runners bellow it.
Welani 100% the one to watch for 2028
Heck, I’d really like to watch an Olympic Trials race for Kenya.
yes uk qualifiers would be very cool
100% agree as a consumer of athletics and UK running.. where do I sign. 🙂
And honourable mentions to Mahamed Mahamed and Philip Sesemann who both did 2:08 performances at Valencia last year.
Sesemann is currently in Kenia trying to get the 2:08:10 right?
I live 30 minute from Orlando (towards the beach) and hoping to make it over. It's so funny though such a huge event and you don't see to much about it on the news. Today they were more excited for the NFL Pro bowl and Megacon comic convention in Orlando lol. Should be great weather Saturday by our standards. keep up the good work!
Totally agree with all your reasons Ben
I always enjoy the way you pronounce "mara-fen"
That’s how us brits say it 😂
I'm an American and i'd watch the UK Marathon Trials if there was one. Chris Thompson's run was incredible. A trials event is good for building up future runners and keeps them going in the sport. Plus it turns into a big event where a ton of runners go for the weekend to watch, sometimes they have a mass run too. Good luck!
Totally agree!
Sounds like a great idea, much more interesting and exciting for the fans. Ben for President (of the Olympic Committee)!
Excited to see Paul Chelimo!
Yeah me too! He’s a 2x Olympic medalist after all 🙌🏻
As an American recreational runner, I always why other countries don’t learn from US and host the most transparent and fair selection process in a trial
We did have it one year in Kew Gardens lockdown edition with Chris Thompson taking the win, are they not doing it again?
Yeah your right, I think it was just a one off
You should hold a “Ben is Running” group run with your subscribers! I would 100% come
For the marathon trials. Don't think even a last minute flight would get me there on time!
any tips on were to watch live in uk/europe?
Not yet, will have a look into it today and post a comment here if I have any luck
@@BenIsRunning thanks, will DM you if I find something.
Following
Hey Ben! Great video, excited for the qualifiers. Could you make a video on your yearly training schedule? I’m talking high level.. picking your races, how you section off parts of the year for base building, how long you do build ups for your A races, adding B races to the calendar?
Thanks for the idea! Glad you enjoyed the video
I think it be an excellent idea and would as you say give that semi pro level athlete level in the UK something to aim at. I think the standard would however have to be for males 2.21 for example 52 male athletes reached that goal in 2023. A field of around 50 would about the correct number as well I feel.
It's especially exciting since someone in my running team is racing this (Sam Geha).
Absolutely 100% agree 👍
Watch for Chelimo! Debuting at the trials. Jenny Simpson too for women. Those are the most interesting for me. Can’t wait till Weini Kelati moves up. American women are stronger than they’ve ever been in the marathon! Men need to catch up. Only Mantz and Young have the standard and I’d be shocked if anyone gets it in Orlando for the men.
American women are indeed smashing it. Have loves seeing Keira and Emily take each others AR over the years and now there’s a new star on the block, be great to see welani on the start of a trials- maybe have to wait until 2028
Really great video, exactly what I needed also to show my friend what it is all about. I am really hyped about the trials.
I just wonder, what happens, if one of the top 3 people does not have the standard? Or if even noone would have the standard? Would they all need to find a race later to get the standard afterwards?
In Germany it would be amazing to have trials too, it's hard to follow the races where all the contenders are and so we would have a great marketing event also for the sports.
Completely agree that the UK needs a trials race. Running as a sport seems to be getting lost and going backwards. With way too much emphasis on qualification time standards through racing premier label races.
Running does not have much appeal to the wider audience because everything is standardised and the truth is many of the athletes are too conservative in personality. Athletes like Josh Kerr are what distance running needs. An athlete that is not afraid to cause a stirr, is bold in the way they hold themselves. If you mention the Paris Olympics to most runners. Many will mention Josh vs Jakob. A bit of rivalry and trash talk is harmless yet excites an audience.
Great video!. Chris thompson did go to 2012 Olympics though
Ben, are you aiming to qualify for the Olympic one day ?
only 15 minutes from my house. I might have to show up for this.
You’ve got too!
Anyone know where to stream the US Olympic trials from UK?
Definitely makes for a great spectacle, however if you ran the qualification time (securing a slot for your country) and weren't able to compete due to injury or illness then you'd feel robbed. Especially if the winner on the day doesnt achieve the minimum time
Anyone know how to watch in the uk?
The trials are fare!!!
Can I ask a question? In my recent race efforts Ive got my HR up to 201bpm (40year old runner) current 5k time 15.40 is this a worry?
It’s feb. 3. The games are in July. We so far ahead? The track and field trials aren’t until June?
Presume it’s to give athletes enough time to recover and rebuild again. These training blocks can be 16+ weeks for the top marathoners
Ignoring the mess that is British athletics this cycle, would love to see UK trials.
Kew gardens had an amazing end that London Marathon doesn't have.
Plus theres something with training for competition not for time that at the top level makes a difference.
Maybe uk wants to elect the best runners to qualify rather than the best runners on that single day.
Qualifying standards are way harder in France! almost 10 guys below 2:10 and the best Mehdi Frère is not yet qualified officially with A 2:05 in Valence last december ...
Wow that’s impressive. Crazy how different countries have such different selection policies
Curious… do you believe a runner who’s head and shoulders better than the second best runner should miss out on an Olympic place if they’re ill or injured on trials day?
That’s a real tough one. I can think of arguments for both sides. At the end of the day I wouldn’t want to see the countries best marathoner miss out due to illness if come the Olympics they’re ready to rock. Tough one
super excited about the run! but didnt find where i could watch :( i’m brazilian and accordingly to the olympic trial’s official website it won’t have international coverage. is that right? does anyone know any alternative streaming?
Why have trials if the standard for Olympic 2024 is 2.08.50
Yeah, i see where you’re coming from. There are also places for world rankings so maybe this could be factored into a trials? I’m not sure, just thing it was make for a better spectacle of marathon running
@@BenIsRunning of course u have change to entry by world ranking standard but its only 80 spot so its better run the Olympic standard then u know u are in. Of course trials are nice , but its better to have a national Championships then. Where u have only the best and not like it is now in UK .. are the national standard 2.38?
The American trials system is the only fair way to select an Olympic team. The problem with it is that it requires runners to peak twice within a relatively short period. This may be OK for sprinters and shorter middle distance folk but is tough for a marathon runner. One great advantage Mo Farah had over the Kenyans and Ethiopians at Olympic and World Championships was that he knew he would be running at the games; the Africans had to win their place on the team - which given the depth of talent in those countries was an exhausting task.
In this weekend's race , it's not just the first three across the line that go to the games; qualifying times have to be achieved. Suppose the race is very slow and the winner has not previously run a fast time; I doubt they will be able to run another marathon between now and the games in order to achieve the qualifying time!
Keira doesn't have the American half marathon record anymore :eyes: Weini Kelati broke it in Houston!!
Absolutely gutted that Molly Seidel isn't running.
Ah yes, I’d forgotten this. Guess the record books haven’t been updated just yet- that’s my excuse 😂 Yeah, gutted for Molly too!
This is not a fair system in case you get sick or injured just before the trial race, but have recorded olympic worth results in your recents races. Too bad if say Sisson gets sick.
In fairness, it would be a good idea next time, to outline all the reasons why UK doesn't use Olympic Trial.
I’m not aware of them to be honest. Funding a main issue I presume?
@@BenIsRunning Kind of you to reply. Frankly, I've no idea, but obviously they have their reasons and it would be interesting to know. Otherwise, great to see you back after your injury. Keep up the great work 👍
Where can i watch it? As an european
As far as I'm aware Americans do trials for every Athletics event and if you don't get in the top 3 you're out. There have been cases in the past where renowned athletes failed to qualify. I agree the trials system seems a lot fairer.
Anyone know how we can watch from the UK?
What about the downsides? There must be some. Just guessing, but how about peaking for the trials, then performing poorly for your country when you try to peak again for the Olympics. Also how about the nation's best runner, and multiple gold medal holder, just having a bad day, or being ill, so missing out in the trials. Should they be left out of the team, despite having all the fastest marathon times since the last Olympics, as a hypothetical scenario.
D'Amato is not the American HM record holder!
If theres no race to decide who qualifies to run for GB in the olympics, how is it decided?
by PB maybe
Mainly by fastest time ran in the qualifying period but a few other factors come into play.
Absolutely agree! It's a travesty that you don't have an Olympic Trial..... Feels like something a Monarchical society would do lol
It certainly would be great for marathon running over here!
Dam
I like the idea from the spectator point of view, but I always thought the US trials can be quite cruel to the athletes - you can be a world record holder, and catch a cold a few days before the trials, and your Olympic dream is over 😢
Really? So you basically have to be voted in, by a panel, to the Olympics instead of qualifying?
would be lovely to watch this but it appears no international coverage? What is it with our sport that i have to pay for 6 different subscriptions (flotrac,Peacock,NBC,etc etc) find multiple different ways of using proxy servers to avoid the streaming police, and i still cant get to watch this event??? Somebody needs to tell Seb Coe to stop changing the names of things that nobody cares about (short track????) and actually work out a coherant media strategy for our sport.
Sorry rant over
USA is 400 millions so it makes sense and they pay $80 K for the winner nobody wants to pay a trial including England and also England has very few marathon runners
It must be profitable though right with the tv coverage this race gets state side. Your right in there being few runners, only 23 male runners ran sub 2:18 last year but maybe if there a trials this would be higher? There’s still the same number of Olympic spots up for grabs
Gorn ben
If you look at the U.S. marathon trials closer, you'll find they terribly selected the location in Florida with 10am start time! Florida is the hottest/most humid state with sun & temps forecast near 20 celsius during the race. It's setup where Connor & Clayton will be the only US men to qualify bc they're the only runners to achieve the Paris Olympics qualifying time of 2:08:10 last year. With the hot conditions, it would be a miracle for anybody to run near 2:08:10.
USA essentially eliminated the chance of getting a 3rd runner in Olympics. At the least, they should have started the race at 7am. Connor & Clayton would be wise to use this as a tempo training run for the Olympics. Many of the US runners blasted the olympic committee on social media last year when they announced the location/time.
I’m certainly no fan of USTAF, but I don’t think the location and start time of the trials is the blame for only 2 American men having got the Olympic standard. Holding it in a hot humid location like Orlando is theoretically great practice for the conditions in Paris in August, which will be brutal. You want to pick runners who’ll perform well on the day in the race. If you ask me the reason why only 2 American men have hit the standard is simple: the men just haven’t got it done. They’ve had two years to do it, and they failed. By contrast, 21 of the American women hit their time standard. I think Americans put excessive emphasis on ‘racing’ for place over time. Certainly finishing in the top 5/top 10 in slower tactical marathons has its place, but during that two year qualifying cycle, you’ve got to take at least one training block to go to a fast course and run for one purpose: hit that standard, get it out of the way, and not get caught up in what the others are doing. The American women got it done. The American men just don’t have that same strength right now.
@@FinnyFinnFinn96 The Paris mens qualifying window requiring a 2:08:10 began 11/1/22.(15months ago)
USA should locate the trials on the fastest course/climate possible to give the best chance to get a 3rd runner in the Olympics. Racing a marathon in the Orlando heat isnt going to meaningfully help Connor/Clayton prepare for Paris. Those dudes have plenty of resources to train wherever they want to get used to heat.
Thing is, when you look at a countries qualifying times, in comparison to world standard marathon times, they're pretty slow, I mean we all watched Kipchoge run 2:06 and the world media reported it as an absolute disaster, that, is who they're racing.
So on a word stage, you've just basically got to be a lot better, I recon Kipchoge will run faster than 2:18 when he's 50... Embrace that thought...
Emily is a beast, and is 100% focused. Rupp will DNF.
She certainly is. I think he's coming back to some form based on Chicago- he raced that pretty conservatively.
@@BenIsRunning Will be fun to watch. I had the opportunity to manage the 35K timing strip at the 2016 trials in LA. That was a blast. Cheers, Ben.
Scott Fauble
Has had to pull out right?
@@BenIsRunning I don’t think so.
Race me in a 5k
Gutted for molly sidel :/
Totally, just as she was coming good again!
The fastest American will finish 5-10 mins behind east Africans. Thus the excitement.
Not always the case at the Olympics but yes, you do have to be some talent to compete
@@BenIsRunning I love how in running, athletes are put in their own sub-category. We celebrate Top 3 American finishers which comes in at 8, 28, 38 for example.
Come on ben be realistic, you wouldn’t make the top 100 if Britain had marathon trials 🤦♂️😅
Totally. Give me 4 more years and I’d like to think I’d at least have a shot at qualifying to partake in such event
@@BenIsRunning and i didnt mean to come across sounding negative so i apologise! If you keep progressing the way you have in the previous 4 years then absolutely you will 🫡👊🏻
The British Establishment like to have the God Touch - so they can send big names or friends running slow times to the Olympics. The Americans keep it simple - big name; world record holder - 4th you dont go. Agree with you Ben - British Marathon running is invisible and boring.
I certainly think we could learn a thing or two- wouldn't go as far as 'invisible and boring' but i know where you're coming from!
@@BenIsRunning obviously not to the likes of you - but my wife (who is not a runner) is an avid Athletics Fan - loves the Diamond league etc. Marathon Running Invisible and Boring .
The UK path seems confusing and not inspiring. The USA trials is definitely more exciting.
Totally agree, would love to know a little more as to why the athletics boards here in the UK decide against them. Possibly a funding thing?
Wow Ben, I get content may be dry but this is a new low 😂, hopefully it gets a bit better aha
Didn’t enjoy this one? Feedback always welcomed
First
Them notifications served you well!
Rupp is done....papi....💩💩💩💩💩💩
His run in Chicago suggests otherwise. If anyone gets the standard at the trials it will be him 👀
"You must expect great things of yourself before you can do them." -Michael Jordan