World Record DMR

A New World Record was clocked this weekend in an exciting DMR race at the legendary Armory in New York City. A team of Matt Centrowitz (2:49.47), Michael Berry (46.40), Erik Sowinski (1:47.60) and Patrick Casey (3:56.48) broke the world record that previously belonged to the University of Texas by over 6 seconds, running 9:19.93.

The race was billed as a record attempt from the go with teams from Kenya and Ireland joining the chase in addition to some top college squads and another US affiliate from the NJ NY track club. 

It was clear from leg one that the US wanted the record. Centrowitz, the two time world championship medalist at 1500m, took control of the race earlier than he usually would, breaking free of the pack early, rather than sitting and kicking. The result was a killer 2:49 split that was about 2.5 seconds faster than the next fastest mark (Duke lead off leg and PA alumn Nate McClafferty).

By the time Oregon alumn Michael Berry had passed the stick, the US was dramatically ahead of the field. Often the 400m leg is overlooked in the DM, but a 46.4 split (a full second faster than the next closest split) is a strong mark that very few teams world wide can boast and was key in breaking the race open. 

Erik Sowinski received the baton next, well within record pace. The problem was Sowinski was well ahead of the field, meaning he would have to solo his piece of the record attempt. Sowinski was on a world record 4x8 a year ago in Boston, but in that race he was anchoring against a fierce competitor in Mike Rutt (who ran 2:52 on the lead off for NJ NY in this race). This time, Sowinski had to approach things differently. He ran hard, visibly tying up the final lap, but still bringing home a 1:47 split. That meant Patrick Casey would need about a 4:02 for the record, something well within his potential, but tricky to do from the front by yourself.

Casey was fresh off an outstanding 2014 campaign that included a runner-up finish at USAs in the 1500m as well as a leg on the American Record 4x1500m relay. Casey, a native of Montana, also ran a 3:59 at Altitude in 2014, becoming the jest person to break 4 on Montana soil.

It appeared Casey was running a bit reserved at the start and Ireland's O'Lionaird ran to close within his shoulder over the opening laps. O'Lionaird used to be apart of Salazar's training group, but struggled with injuries and felt it was time for a change (there were also rumors that Salazar used O'Lionaird and Dorian Ulrey purely as tools for helping train Rupp in workouts). It could be excellent chance for revenge for a man who boasted a PR of 3:52 from the Millrose Games at this very track. 

Ireland's surge back to the leaders was thanks largely to Mark English, the 800m leg, who split the fastest mark in the race with a 1:46.59. It broke Ireland clear of a pack that included NJ NY (Ben Scheetz, Manheim Township alumn, ran 1:48) and Kenya's Alfred Kipketer (not from PA, ran 1:51) as Lawi Lalang and Kyler Merber received the hand off to anchor each team. Lalang actually got the baton well back in the field, behind a slew of college squads like Duke and Columbia, basically ending Kenya's hopes for the W and record.

While the pack jockeyed for position behind them, Casey continued to roll with O'Lionaird on his shoulder. Centrowitz was visible cheering for Casey to continue and even looked a bit concerned. But Casey had a plan and has the race continued, he picked up his pace and laid down the hammer. With a lap to go, the question was not would the US win or even would they set the record: it was by how much would they accomplish each of these marks.

Casey celebrated as he came across the line and smashed the world record, nearly taking down the outdoor record as well. O'Lionaird hung on for 2nd, running the #2 time ever thanks to a 3:58 carry (9:25.37). Kyle Merber then held off Lawi Lalang's 3:52 split for 3rd. Both squads ran 9:27. 

It was a dominating run for the US and all 4 runners are hoping it is a sign of things to come in 2015. For Centrowitz, he looks very sharp already in terms of his speed. He was sick last indoors, but still came back to PR in the 1500m, running around 3:31.0 in the loaded Monaco field. He's hoping for his third straight World Championship medal in the event. 

Berry is looking to make his first individual team in the 400m. The Oregon stand out was a part of a Gold Medal relay in the 4x4 at the world championships, but is hoping for an individual trip in 2015. 

Sowinski also his first chance to make an outdoor team in play. He was the US champ last indoors in the 800m and took another chunk out of his PR last outdoors, dipping to 1:44 and change. His indoor seasons have been excellent of late (he now is on two WR relays and briefly held a 600m AR) but he will have something to prove outdoors this year in Eugene. 

Lastly, this is a great honor for Casey. Considering that Salazar and his crew likely could have recruited from a wide range of applicants for membership on this record attempt, the fact that Casey was selected speaks volumes of the respect had for his 2014 season. Casey dropped to 3:52 for the mile and 3:35 for 1500m and had a variety of excellent finishes within races, especially on US soil. The men's 1500m is absolutely loaded this year, but Casey is rapidly gaining momentum for a push to surprise his way onto the team.