In our preview of the 2011 Boston Marathon, Geoffrey Mutai was a favorite to win it all. Alongside the anticipated debut of Moses Mosop, the return of 2010 champion, Robert Kiprono Cheruiyot, and the participation of NYC Marathon winner, Gebre Gebremariam, Boston looked to be a fast one.

But no one could have predicted the times that would be thrown down a week ago today.  With 2 men nearly breaking the 2:03 barrier, many eyes were opened as to what times are possible with ideal conditions and a permitting course.

Boston, Massuchusetts on April 18th, 2011 provided such things.  With a tailwind the majority of the race, cooler temperatures and a net elevation loss from start to finish, the table was set for a record day.

Not long after the race had finished, the discussions had begun regarding what we had just witnessed.  Was Mutai the new World Record holder?  Should Boston be eligible for such records?  Would the windy conditions always put an asterisk next to the times run? (Here is an analysis about the aid the wind did or did not provide).

We had over 1,800 votes and much feedback about these subjects. Our results were pretty conclusive as to what you all thought ...

Mutai should have the World Record.  

Windy conditions do not necessarily enter into the discussion, as the record eligibility simply relies upon Boston's elevation loss and point to point layout.  However, it is because Boston is a point to point course, that the wind was able to provide advantage the majority of the race (as opposed to the runner's having to fight the wind half the time on a loop course).

Regardless, nearly 2/3 of the voters were pro-record.  And, official record or not, it certainly feels like sub 2:03 is going to be on everyone's minds from now on ...




However, it looks like Mutai's record day wasn't as big of a shock to everyone as Davila's leap from 2:27 runner to a 2:22 near Boston-winner.

There was certainly some speculation that Davila would have a good run, as she has progressed steadily and consistently the past several years (over a variety of distances, from the indoor 3k to the marathon).  She had more consistent training than Goucher coming in, and had finished just seconds behind Kara even before Goucher's pregnancy.

But being the first American finisher and nearly ending a 25+ year drought of American winners at Boston are two entirely different things.  Davila nearly became the latter, chasing winner Caroline Kilel all the way down Boylston St. to the finish.

In doing so, Davila became the fastest American woman ever at Boston (lowering legendary Joan Benoit's mark), and garnered the national and international fame that has all but eluded her up to this point (nice interview here).

Hall's sub 2:05 run and aggressive style against a stacked field was also a big surprise to everyone (with 28% of the votes).  After changing training programs and turning to self-coaching, many thought Hall would suffer adverse effects at Boston.  But his performance was terrific, surprising most and silencing many critics.

Somewhat surprising was that Mosop's DEBUT of 2:03:06 well ... wasn't very surprising.  Maybe the fact that his performance wasn't surprising should be most surprising ...

Anyhow, thanks for voting and get ready for some Stanford/Penn/Drake predictions later this week!