American Record holder Alan Webb and 2010 breakout Boaz Lalang will race twice this week, as the two line up for the first time this afternoon in Des Moines.

The anticipated Grand Blue Mile will start this evening at 5:30 pm CST, as runners will take to downtown Des Moines for an event that includes recreational, competitive and invitational races.  The Invite women's and men's miles are slated to start at 7 pm CST.

In the men's invitational mile, Boaz Lalang will look to repeat as winner.  Lalang, coming off of a 2010 World Indoor Championships silver medal in the 800, used the 2010 Grand Blue Mile and Drake Relays to launch his best outdoor season ever.  Lalang won the Grand Blue Mile, then ran a 3:56.14 at Drake Relays four days later, beating training partner and American great Bernard Lagat (3:56.38).  Lalang went on to run 1:42.95 over 800 meters later in the summer.

Meanwhile, Webb tries to regain traction and race well this weekend, as he prepares for his next career move.  Alan left Nike and the Oregon Project, coached by Alberto Salazar, several weeks ago.  He continues to decide where he will train next and by whom he will be coached.  The American Record holder in the mile will look to use Drake as a stepping stone to get back to the upper echelons of American and World middle-distance running.



The 2010 Grand Blue Mile results ...

1. Boaz Lalang  3:54
2. Andy McClary  3:56
3. Peter van der Westhuizen  4:00
4. Alex McClary  4:01
5. Rob Myers  4:08
6. Ben Rosario  4:10

2010 Drake Relays Special Mile

1. Boaz Lalang  3:56.14
2. Bernard Lagat  3:56.38
3. Phillip Lagat  3:57.55
4. Peter van der Westhuizen  3:57.96
5. Rob Myers  3:58.17
6. Tommy Schmitz  3:59.45

Stay tuned for results ... and get ready for another showdown Saturday at the Drake Relays, as we will have LIVE coverage of Webb and Lalang once again doing battle!