Thus it was no surprise that last weekend produced another batch of fast times, terrific racing and even a record-keeping controversy. Welcome to the arcane world of women's road racing. It has been argued that Loroupe was paced by male runners in her 1998 Rotterdam run, and that most fast women's times are aided by having men in the race. Chepchumba ran two seconds faster. The London men's winner squandered his chance to cash in on a record.
Intriguing times lie ahead for the marathon.
Among the men, Haile Gebrselassie of Ethiopia, who holds the world records in the 5,000 and 10,000 meters and is arguably the greatest talent in distance running history, has said he will turn to the marathon after the 2000 Olympics. With that promise, he casts a giant shadow over the event, no small feat for a man barely more than five feet tall. It is staggering to think what she could accomplish with someone pushing her. Part is not. Nobody wants to run against Marion.