News

Sept. 7, 2007 - Weltklasse Zurich Meeting, Zurich, Switzerland

Tactical race in Zurich

Just three days after arriving back to Europe from Japan, Hilary lined up with a world-class field at the brand new 26,000 capacity-packed stadium in Zurich.

To promote more head-to-head competition, Zurich changed the format of their meet by excluding all pacemakers from the distance races. As a result, most races were very tactical and ended with slow times, yet exciting finishes.

These changes to the program did not, however, deter the world's best from the races. The women's 1500m included nine Osaka finalists. Hilary ran a well played out race, but lacked the final kick in the last 100m to finish with the lead pack. She ended up 10th place in 4:12.83 Maryam Jamal of Bahrain won in 4:06.32.

"I was in really good position coming into the bell, about 5th or 6th, and was moving well in the back stretch," said Hilary. "But I just didn't have it in the last 150m. I think I was still dealing with a bit of jetlag and when you have an off day in that field, it will definitely hurt you more than a smaller race."

Hilary is keen to take to the line again in a week at the Memorial Van Dam in Brussels. Instead of a 1500m, the women will run a mile (109 metres longer). This will provide a good opportunity to run fast times in a distance not often run by these women. The world record is 4:12.56 and the Canadian record is 4:23.28.

For full results of Zurich, click here>>

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