tagged: American Record, Chris Solinsky, Featured, Galen Rupp, Sam Chelanga, Simon Bairu

Chris Solinsky Sets North American Record in 10,000m

Posted by admin in Featured, Professional, Uncategorized

Earlier in the week, this was billed as the “possible” Galen Rupp show.  Al Sal was fastidiously studying the weather charts for Eugene, Oregon, and the pollen counts in Palo Alto.   It looked like the pollen count won, and Rupp was confirmed for the 10,000m US record attempt.  What was overlooked was Chris Solinsky, a Wisconsin native who trains with Jerry Schumacher’s group of Nike athletes was set for his debut over 10,000m.   Solinsky, who looked like he dropped a few pounds, brought his 3:37 speed to the front of the 4 man breakaway with 700 meters to go and never looked back.   It was windy early in the evening, and it really didn’t look like anyone was going to run 27:30, let alone under 27:00 minutes.  26:59.6 for Chris Solinsky, 27:08 for Sam Chelanga (Collegiate Record), 27:10 for Galen Rupp, and a Canadian Record for Simon Bairu.

As we were leaving I walked by Alberto Salazar who was standing by Galen Rupp who was on the ground changing his clothes, and Salazar didn’t seem what I would call very happy.  Some other observations from the track.

• Solinsky’s run was truly a stunner.  No one was expecting a sub 27:00 effort, and no one was expecting Solinsky to beat Rupp.
• These running folks are more serious than most brain surgeons you know.  Now I know, this is their livelihood, but honestly, it’s running.  There were so many sullen looking faces on the track, it’s unreal.   Don’t take yourself so seriously, honestly guys, it’s just running.
• I overheard Shannon Rowbury talking to who I presumed was her coach, and she really seems to have a great outlook on her running.  She was excited, and really didn’t seem like she took it too seriously.  I’ll not share the details of her conversation publicly, but let’s just say, there is a faster time in her than her 15:00.

While Solinsky’s record is a North American and US record, as well as the fastest 10,000m ever run by a non-African, the Championship events are different animals altogether, where PRs go out the door, and finishing speed is king.  Here are the splits and a photo gallery for your pleasure.

1,000m 2:45
2,000m 5:29
3,200m 8:46
4,800m 13:03
5,000m 13:34.2 (3rd 1,600m 4:17)
8,000m 21:44
9,000m solinski takes lead 26:02 with a lap to go.
10,000m Solinski 26:59.60 (Last 1,600m 4:17)

Sam Chelanga – Collegiate Record 27:08.39
Galen Rupp was under the Old American Record with his 27:10

Rull Results