Rupp Is “Mo” Better Thanks To New Training Partner

The two are also good friends.

Former University of Galen Rupp is crediting the addition of Portland-based Oregon Project teammate Mo Farah for making him a better runner. Farah, a Somali-born British citizen is arguably the best long-distance runner in the world right now.

This winter, Farah moved to Oregon to train under coach Alberto Salazar. He won the New York City Half Marathon earlier this year as well as the recent 10,000m race at the Prefontaine Classic.

“Having somebody that good push me, day in and day out, has been one of the best things for my career,” Rupp contends. “As soon as [Mo] got here, we clicked. I felt like I was back in college, hanging out with friends. That’s how well we get along.”

Rupp is a 2008 Olympian. He has won the national 10,000m title twice and will be going for a three-peat at the U.S. National Championships on Thursday.

“We fight hard in practice,” Rupp said of Farah. “We don’t want to give up an inch. It’s great having someone that’s a little better than me right now. Look at how he ran that 10K at Pre. He was right up there with the best in the world.”

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