Mo Farah Aims for a US Majors Win; Possible Rupp Face-Off

Last month, Mo Farah crossed the finish line at the London Marathon in 2:06:21, coming in third behind winner Eliud Kipchoge and Ethiopian Tola Shura Kitata. Although not securing a gold medal, Farah managed to break the British record for the event. His appearance in London also marked his second attempt at winning an Abbott World Marathon Majors, and from the sounds of it, he’s not quite done trying to see that goal come to fruition.

As a four-time Olympic and world track champion, Farah is considered one of Britain’s most successful runners. On the track, he’s competed in the 5000 and 10,000 meters, and during both the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games, took home the gold in each event. Those victories established him as the second athlete in modern Olympics’ history to win both titles at successive games.

But last year, the 35-year-old retired from competing on the track and indicated his desire to move into road racing following his win at the 2017 IAAF Diamond League in the 5000 meters. “I can’t wait to start a new adventure, starting with the world’s greatest marathon,” Farah told the BBC. “The London Marathon is my home race and it is so special to me.”

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But after his third-place finish, Farah is looking to do better at one of the Majors in the US this year. “I’m definitely going to do an autumn marathon, that’s what I have to do in order to keep learning,” Farah told Athletics Weekly. “I’m not sure which one it will be. I have to be able to go into a marathon and see what am I going to learn, what is it going to give me? Is it going to be a fast time, am I going to be going where they have no pacemakers so I mix with the guys? We will figure it out.”

Considering both Chicago or New York, either could give Farah the challenge he’s looking for. Yet, if he does choose Chicago, it could make for an exciting race as he’ll go head-to-head against former Nike Oregon Project teammate Galen Rupp who recently won the Prague Marathon in 2:06:07. Although three years older than Rupp, Farah only began finding his stride in marathon running later in his career. He’s primed for more wins, but Rupp is currently at the top of his game as well, especially in the marathon circuit.

If given a choice to bet on Rupp or Farah, it’s a toss up of who to put your money on. Rupp has three marathons under his belt, each with podium finishes (aside from this year’s Boston race which he didn’t finish), so he’s a little more experienced in this arena. But I’m not quite sure we’ve fully seen what Farah can do at this point, especially in this field. And, as much as Rupp has been proving himself, it’s been hard for people to get behind him and cheer for more wins. Either way, come Autumn, we should have some great races to watch.

**Editor’s Note: Article previously stated that Galen Rupp was running the New York City Marathon. It has been corrected to state that he will run the Chicago Marathon this fall.

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