Curtis 4th in USATF 10,000 -- Misses World Team (for now)

Tonight witnessed a typical slow, tactical championship race in the men's 10,000. The race was won by Galen Rupp in 28:38 -- a full 85-90 seconds slower than his PR. Bobby Curtis finished in the dreaded 4th place in 28:42 (78 seconds slower than his PR) and seems to be off the World Championship team (the top 3 make the team, even if -- as in Scott Bauhs' case in 3rd -- one of the 3 only has the WC "B" standard). Curtis has the "A" standard, but failed to finish in the top three tonight. Interestingly, both Galen Rupp and Matt Tegenkamp are scheduled to run in the 5000 Friday. If either finishes in the top 3 in that race, they'll be facing a choice to run the 10,000 or 5000 at the World Championships. If one opts for the 5000, then Bobby Curtis will make the USA team at 10,000. For now, he's off to London for a 5000 race next week.

Men's 10,000 Meters

1 Galen Rupp Nike 28:38.17
2 Matt Tegenkamp Oregon TC Elite 28:39.97
3 Scott Bauhs adidas 28:40.51
4 Robert Curtis Reebok 28:42.50
5 Tim Nelson Oregon TC Elite 28:43.41
6 Ryan Vail Brooks 28:45.60
7 Aaron Braun McMillan Elite / adidas 28:48.31
8 James Strang unattached 28:49.28
9 Bobby Mack unattached 28:51.99
10 Scott Smith McMillan Elite / adidas 28:53.13
11 David Jankowski ZAP Fitness Reebok 28:53.63
12 Christopher Landry unattached 28:54.94
13 Jorge Torres Reebok 28:55.74
14 Nick Arciniaga McMillan Elite / adidas 28:57.64
15 Abdi Abdirahman Nike 28:57.79
16 Luke Puskedra Oregon 29:02.12
17 Patrick Smyth Nike 29:05.90
18 Charlie Serrano Run Racing TC 29:15.20
19 Jason Hartmann Nike 29:15.91
20 Sergio Reyes Asics Aggie Running Club 29:17.65
DNF Stephen Haas New Balance
DNF Brian Olinger Reebok
DNS Chris Solinsky Oregon TC Elite