Long Distance Rankings

My initial rankings for the long distances need a bit of explanation.

First off, the "long distances" are longer than 10k but shorter than the marathon. Any surface is game -- track, road, cross country. In essence, it's mostly road racing with a bit of XC action thrown in for the men. The season begins immediately after the New York City Marathon, so some November-December '09 action is included.

MEN
The major events have been the Zayed half marathon in January and today's Ras Al Kaimah half marathon. #1 Tilahun Regassa won the first while #2 Geoffrey Mutai won the second. Ten of the next twelve ran in one race or the other. Tomorrow's Kenyan trials, the "mini world championships", should have an effect on these standings. Top (and only) ranked American Dathan Ritzenhein is back at #42.

1. Tilahun Regassa
2. Geoffrey Kiprono Mutai
3. Sammy Kirop Kitwara
4. Wilson Kipsang Kiprotich
5. Titus Masai
6. Tadese Tola
7. Lelisa Desessa
8. Getu Feleke
9. Martin Irungu
10. Gedion Lekumok Ngatuny
11. Wilson Kwambai Chebet
12. Willy Kariuku Mwangi
13. Jairus Chanchaima
14. Stephen Kipkoech Kibiwott
15. Patrick Makau Musyoki
16. Bernard Kiprop Kipyego
16. James Kipsang Kwambai
16. Jonathan Maiyo
16. Leonard Komon
20. Deriba Merga

WOMEN
Similar to the men, the top of the list is dominated by top runners at the Zayed and RAK races, #1 Mary Keitany winning the first and #2 Elvan Abeylegesse the second. The next three women ran both races. #6 Tiru Dibaba ran the road performance of the season, a nice 46:28 15k in Holland back in November, but has since turned her attention back to the track.

1. Mary Jepkosgei Keitany
2. Elvan Abeylegesse
3. Aselefech Mergia
4. Mare Ibrahimova
5. Dire Tune
6. Tirunesh Dibaba
7. Teyba Erkesso
8. Philes Moora Ongori
9. Hilda Kibet
10. Atsede Habtamu
11. Wude Ayalew
12. Nicole Chapple
13. Linet Masai
13. Mestawet Tufa
15. Amane Gobena
15. Aberu Kebede
17. Abebu Gelan
18. Kara Goucher
18. Mamitu Daska
18. Bezunesh Bekele