Webb to run 2-mile instead of Bowerman Mile at Nike Prefontaine Classic
By Kelcey Zutavern, USATF
Posted Thursday, 7 June, 2007
Despite having recently run the fastest mile in the world this year of 3 minutes 52.94 seconds, Alan Webb has elected to participate in the two-mile instead of the Bowerman Mile at Sunday's Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Ore.
Webb is a two-time U.S. Outdoor 1,500 meter champion and the 2007 U.S. Indoor champion in the mile, but has decided to pursue the two-mile where he also currently holds the American record. His record time of 8:11.48 was set two years ago at the Prefontaine Classic.
Webb drops out of an event that has been very kind to him in the past. His 3:53.43 in the 2001 Bowerman Mile remains the national high school record. Despite Webb's scratch, the current record in the Bowerman Mile of 3:49.92 set by Hicham El Guerrouj may be in danger with defending champion Bernard Lagat and 2005 champion and owner of the fastest time in the world this year Alex Kipchirchir remaining in the field.
Webb joins a loaded two-mile race that features Ethiopian runners Kenenisa and Tariku Bekele. Kenenisa Bekele currently owns world records in both the 5,000m and 10,000m.
Contact:
Kelcey Zutavern
Communications Intern
USA Track & Field
317-261-0500
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