Marathoners endure rough going

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TRACK & FIELD WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2001
Marathoners endure rough going
August 3, 2001

Team USA’s men’s marathoners battled the elements, blisters, cramps and exhaustion Friday in the opening event of the World Outdoor Track & Field Championships at Commonwealth Stadium.

Running in unseasonable heat and a steady wind, Josh Cox was the top American finisher, placing 35th in 2 hours, 26 minutes and 52 seconds. Eddy Hellebuyck was 38th in 2:28:01, and Mike Dudley finished 48th in 2:30:45. Khalid Khannouchi and David Morris did not finish.

For his performance, Cox was named Xerox Athlete of the Day.

Gezahegne Abera of Ethiopia outsprinted Simon Biwott of Kenya to win in 2:12:42. Biwott was one second back, with Stefano Baldini of Italy third in 2:13:18.

Running with the leaders, Khannouchi began developing blisters on the tips of his toes beginning at the 10k mark. Those blisters steadily worsened, and after finishing a downhill at the 25-k mark (roughly 16 miles), Khannouchi pulled off the course and removed his shoes, dropping out of the race.

“It was the blisters and also the heat. It was so hot today that after 20 kilometers I couldn’t breathe properly,” Khannouchi said. “I was uncomfortable running with the group and there was a lot of pushing. That’s not what I was expected. I came here hoping I could do better. I knew I was in shape to run 2:07 or better. It just wasn’t my day today and I think the slow pace was a big factor.”

Khannouchi’s slowest-ever marathon is 2:08:38, according to his wife and coach, Sandra Khannouchi. The lead pack in Edmonton came through the half-way mark at slower than 2:12 pace.

Morris suffered from cramps beginning at the 10k point and eventually dropped out at the 32-k mark.

TEAM USA QUOTES

Khalid Khannouchi

"It was the blisters and also the heat. It was so hot today that after 20 kilometers I couldn't breathe properly and I was uncomfortable running with the group and there was a lot of pushing. That's not what I was expected. I came here hoping I could do better. I knew I was in shape to run 2:07 or better. It just wasn't my day today and I think the slow pace was a big factor."

… "My legs just got too heavy because of the slow pace, and because of that I got the blisters on my toes. I was patient and tried to hold on, but it became time where I knew I wasn't going to make it. I started to feel the blisters just after the 10k. The pace was just too slow and I was not used to it. There was also a lot of pushing and to win races like that you have to be a tough man and I just wasn't today, I tried to do the best I can and it just wasn't enough."

Q: D id you consider picking the pace up yourself?

A: "It's something that I did once but I didn't want to take chances, so I stayed with the group. I hope I can be in more major championships and do better."

Eddy Hellebuyck:

"In this weather you have to run smart, and even I took it out a little too hard, and actually I ran faster in Hawaii than I did here, for what ever reason. It could've been the altitude, but everyone had trouble. I knew I wasn't in great shape, in fact I was under-trained, which I believe is better than being over-trained, which a lot of our guys do. I was trying to help out David (Morris) hoping he would be able to get over this hot weather day. I think I was pretty close to my game plan, and I hit halfway in just over 1:10."

Josh Cox:

"It was a tough one out there today. I never got comfortable. We tried to run a smart race and it's pretty disappointing to put so much into an event like this with the training and everything and not have it come out for you. I'll take the good with bad and I'm young and I'll chalk this up to a learning experience for me. It was good to be able to come here and represent the U.S. It's a real honor. Like somebody else said, I didn't come here to start a marathon, I came here to finish one. Every part of me wanted to stop, but you're here to represent your country and compete for a good team score. The heat really took its toll."

For more coverage of Worlds, check out USA Track & Field