Two-time Olympic medalist Galen Rupp defeated defending New Haven Road Race champion Leonard Korir today at the Connecticut site of the 2017 USATF 20K Championships, 59:04 to 59:05. Rupp held a small lead going into the final stretch, but a fast-closing Korir nearly beat him out to the finish-line tape.
Check out this video from right before the finish line:
The two athletes last met at June's USATF Outdoor Nationals in the 10K, where Rupp, an eight-time champion in the event, faded to fifth place, while Korir took third and also the final qualifying spot to the IAAF World Championships.
Sam Chelanga, the runner-up at this race in 2016, took third place in Connecticut in 59:16 as the only other athlete in the field to break 60 minutes.
Rupp's Nike Oregon Project teammate Jordan Hasay won the women's race in 1:06:35, more than a minute clear of the runner-up, Aliphine Tuliamuk, who ran 1:07:49. Tuliamuk won last year's 20K championship title. Sara Hall placed third in 1:07:53.
Rupp and Hasay, who placed second and third respectively at the 2017 Boston Marathon, are preparing for the Chicago Marathon in October.
RESULTS
Check out this video from right before the finish line:
Galen Rupp looks back once, holds off Leonard Korir for the win #NHRR pic.twitter.com/zS6nO0aHnf
— Lori Riley (@lrileysports) September 4, 2017
The two athletes last met at June's USATF Outdoor Nationals in the 10K, where Rupp, an eight-time champion in the event, faded to fifth place, while Korir took third and also the final qualifying spot to the IAAF World Championships.
Sam Chelanga, the runner-up at this race in 2016, took third place in Connecticut in 59:16 as the only other athlete in the field to break 60 minutes.
Rupp's Nike Oregon Project teammate Jordan Hasay won the women's race in 1:06:35, more than a minute clear of the runner-up, Aliphine Tuliamuk, who ran 1:07:49. Tuliamuk won last year's 20K championship title. Sara Hall placed third in 1:07:53.
Rupp and Hasay, who placed second and third respectively at the 2017 Boston Marathon, are preparing for the Chicago Marathon in October.
Galen Rupp wins the @usatf 20K Championship over @korirlennyman in a photo finish at the @NHVRoadRace in New Haven! pic.twitter.com/l0sRC1NZ3i
— Michael Scott (@urimiscott) September 4, 2017
.@JordanHasay runs away with the @usatf 20K Championship at the @NHVRoadRace in New Haven! pic.twitter.com/Okup4lTB1b
— Michael Scott (@urimiscott) September 4, 2017