Moh Ahmed healthy, in top fitness for much-anticipated half marathon debut Sunday in NYC
Coach Jerry Schumacher still can’t stop talking about Moh Ahmed’s incredible performance in the Paris Olympic men’s 10,000-metre final last August. Ahmed’s strategic race execution, decision-making, positioning, and final sprint on the last lap left Schumacher in awe.
During the race, Ahmed fought his way to second place with only 100 meters left, surpassing two Ethiopian competitors. However, in the final moments, American Grant Fisher and Ethiopia’s Berihu Aregawi overtook him, pushing Ahmed to a fourth-place finish in 26 minutes 43.79 seconds. Despite narrowly missing out on a bronze medal, Schumacher believes it was one of Ahmed’s best 10,000-metre performances.
Looking ahead, Ahmed is set to make his highly anticipated half marathon debut in New York City on Sunday. Joining him in the elite men’s field are fellow Canadians Ben Flanagan, Tristan Woodfine, and Andrew Davies.
While Ahmed is expected to continue competing on the track this season, including the 5,000 and 10,000 events at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, there is growing speculation about his transition to road racing. Ahmed previously won the Ottawa 10K road race and had plans to run a half marathon in January 2024 before a minor injury setback.
Schumacher reassured fans that Ahmed is healthy and in excellent shape for the upcoming NYC Half Marathon. The challenging course will take runners through various terrains, including hilly sections and iconic landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge and Times Square. Despite not being record-eligible, Ahmed is aiming for a strong performance and hopes to gain valuable experience in the half marathon distance.
As Ahmed prepares for his debut, Canadian record holder Cam Levins’ mark of 60 minutes 18 seconds is within reach. Schumacher believes Ahmed is in top form and capable of running a 61-minute half marathon. Flanagan, who will also be competing in the race, anticipates a strong showing from Ahmed and believes he has the potential to set a new national record in the future.
With an eye on the long-term goal of becoming one of the best Canadian marathoners, Flanagan is focused on his own marathon training after the NYC Half. Woodfine and Davies, both seasoned runners, are also looking to make their mark in the race and continue their impressive performances in the road racing circuit.
Overall, the NYC Half Marathon promises to be an exciting event for Canadian distance running, with Ahmed leading the charge in his much-anticipated debut. Fans can expect a thrilling showcase of talent and determination as these athletes take on the challenging course in the heart of New York City.
