I Beat the Boston Marathon Champ.....
.... to the quarter mile mark in a one mile race. This is my story and experience running with champion Wesley Korir.
In the spring of 2004, Murray State University brought in a runner from Kenya named Wesley Korir. Right off the bat, he was making a name for himself in the Murray community. He was winning races with very solid times, especially for a first year runner.
On the morning of July 3, 2004, I arrived at Sparks Hall on the campus of beautiful Murray State University for the annual Briggs & Stratton Main Street Mile. Before the race, like most others, I stretched and warmed up. At this time I was coaching at Calloway County High School and preparing for the upcoming cross country season, so I was in decent shape. My wife was running her first road race so together we were preparing to give it our all. I set a goal of running under six minutes. I was, and have always been, a man with no hint of speed.
As we were warming up, I noticed Wesley. Now it was not out of the norm for the Murray State runners to show up at this local race, but Wesley was different. He had started a small following, especially within the running community. I lined up at the start line, my full focus on surpassing my goal. I started the race in my typical fashion (way too fast) and was kicking along pushing with a few runners in front of me, Korir long out of my mind. As I was about to pass by well-known Murray, KY landmark, Dairy Queen, operating as a traditional ice cream stand that closes in the winter, suddenly, out of the corner of my eye, I see something moving...FAST. It was Wesley Korir, rolling by me like I was barely moving with his stride that made me 100% jealous. Korir went on to win, running sub 4:30, while I ran something along the lines of 6:05.
Little did I know that day that would be the peak of my running career. The freshman would transfer to the University of Louisville and almost eight years later he would cross the line to win the Boston Marathon. I may not have reached my goal that day, but Korir has become the best I have ever faced.
Congratulations to Wesley Korir for the his big win at the Boston Marathon. Mr. Korir is being honored on May 8 by the Murray Calloway Endowment for Healthcare for his great achievement.