Lomong Claims Top American Finish in the Mile
6/9/2008 12:00:00 AM | Cross Country
June 9, 2008
EUGENE, Ore. - First-year Air Force volunteer cross country coach Lopez Lomong was the top American finisher in the Bowerman Mile at the prestigious Prefontaine Classic at Hayward Field on Sunday, June 8, in Eugene, Ore. One of nine runners to clock a sub-four-minute mile, Lomong placed fifth overall with a time of 3:53.97.
The mile is not an Olympic sport, but each athlete's 1500-meter time was recorded. Lomong, who has already surpassed the "A" standard for the Olympic Trials in that event, recorded a time of 3:38.40 at the 1500-meter mark. That mark once again bests the "A" standard of 3:39.00.
Lomong's time of 3:53.95 was the fastest of the five Americans in the race, including current U.S. record holder, Alan Webb.The top three runners finished within 0.50 of one another. Kenya's Shedrack Kibet Korir won the race with a time of 3:50.49, while New Zealand's Nick Willis placed second in 3:50.66. Fellow Kenyan Daniel Kipchirchir Koman clocked a time of 3:50.95 to round out the top three.
Lomong will return to Eugene, Ore., for the 2008 Olympic Trials, which begin on June 27. The 1500-meter event begins on Thursday, July 3, with the quarterfinals. Action in that event continues on Friday, July 4, with the finals currently scheduled for Sunday, July 6.
