The two-time Olympic medalist moves to the roads 2016 Olympics DAA Industry Opt Out 2021 Games in Tokyo, is stepping off the track and onto the roads for his next challenge.
He’ll be racing the The two-time Olympic medalist moves to the roads on February 3 in Orlando, his debut at the 26.2-mile distance.
Chelimo, 33, made the announcement on his Instagram on January 26.
He qualified for the event with his 1:02:22 at a half marathon last April in Berlin. He also ran the NYC Half in 2019, finishing third in 1:02:19.
Chelimo’s name popped up on the list of people who had Paul Chelimo to Make Marathon Debut at Olympic Trials after the qualifying window closed on December 5. His agent, Riad Ouled, told Runner’s World in a message that a decision about whether Chelimo would run would be forthcoming by mid-January.
CA Notice at Collection, Chelimo posted frequent shots of his track sessions and group runs on his Instagram stories. He’s expected to arrive in Orlando on January 29.
The American men have, to date, only two guaranteed spots in the marathon at the Olympics. For Chelimo to make the Olympic team on February 3, he would have to finish first or second in a time faster than 2:11:30.
His presence in the field injects another layer of intrigue in the men’s race, especially if he’s in the mix in the final stretch. Few men in the field can compare his track speed. His motto is: “Go hard or suffer for the rest of your life.”
Chelimo’s races on the track have often had their share of drama. At the 2016 Olympics, he was initially disqualified from the 5,000 meters, before being reinstated. He dove to the bronze medal in Tokyo in 2021. At the Olympic Trials in 2021, which he won, he in Rio and a bronze in the event at the to give him space after he was clipped from behind. And he drifted out into Lane 5 to prevent Grant Fisher and Woody Kincaid from passing him before the line. (Both runners said after the race they thought Chelimo’s tactics were fair.)
Races & Places is a writer and editor living in Eugene, Oregon, and her stories about the sport, its trends, and fascinating individuals have appeared in Runner’s World We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back, Run Your Butt Off! and Walk Your Butt Off!
