Flotrack fans were split right up the middle - 1055 to 1056 votes - about whether or not Lukas Verzbicas would get the record of 8:34.40 at the Pre Classic meet tomorrow.

Even though Verzbicas ran 8:40 indoors at New Balance Indoor Nationals, it could be tough to lower his time in this race. As Go Lukas pointed out in the comments,

I think he may set the record and would love to see it, yet this pack seems to be a little over his head. He is VERY good, yet, these people are on another level and lukas may know that. If he can keep his composure and not go out in 4:05 (which the pack probably will), he can do it. Good field but I feel not the best for a record attempt.

Lukas will face off with a field of guys who all have much faster 5k PRs. If he is actually able to race with them, he'll probably run really well. But if they go out too fast, he could be running in no-man's-land and miss the record.

And if he does get the record, what ramifications will it have? Some of you compared it to Alan Webb's high school record of 3:53. He also ran that time in a race with non-high schoolers, but does that take away from the accomplishment?

According to Mastermind,

I just think that taking down a high school record with the help of professional runners takes away from high school track & field... If he breaks this record, I hope it has a nice fat asterisk next to it.

Now, now... others were more generous with their predictions. Said an anonymous user,

I hope Lukas absolutely crushes the record. I can see him easily bringing it home in around 8:28+ or even potentially faster. Webb's 3:53 was made possible in this kind of set up race and I think it's going to take competition with the "Elites" to get the time down further. This is what the sport really needs right now to stay vital and globally competitive. Lukas has the strength to do this and is the perfect position to seize the opportunity.

Whatever you voted, the debate will be settled tomorrow. Verzbicas’ performance will speak for itself in the 2 mile at the Pre Classic!

Watch the meet:

Friday night distance session: Live on Flotrack

·         8:25 p.m. (pacific time) Women’s 5k

·         8:50 p.m. Men’s 10k

Saturday: Live on TV – tune to NBC from 1-3:30pm (central time) for the rest of the meet

Races and interviews will be posted on Flotrack after the meet!