Meb wins San Diego Half-Marathon in tune-up for London

In a rematch of the two top American marathoners, once again Meb came out on top against Ryan Hall in the Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Half-Marathon on Sunday.

Keflezighi, who also pulled away to win the US Olympic marathon trials in head-to-head competition with Hall in January, laid down a devastating pace in the first mile of the race and immediately created a gap that Hall could not close.

By the first 5K split the race was all but decided, with Meb running an aggressive pace (14:31), creating a 19 second cushion on Hall, who was left to run alone for the rest of the race in second place.

On a hot and humid day for racing, Keflezighi, a local of the San Diego area, didn’t seem bothered by the conditions, finishing comfortably in 1:03:11. Hall, who opted to lock his race down with 4:50 mile splits, cruised into an easy second place finish at 1:05:39. Cesar Lizano, who will represent Costa Rica at London in the marathon finished in third in 1:07:28.

Kim Smith of New Zealand, who will also run in the marathon at this summer’s games, ran unchallenged on the women’s side, winning the race in 1:08:37. Top American marathoner Shalane Flanagan was set to challenge Smith for the win, but dropped out of the race last week.

The two top American marathon men look primed for London, both running controlled races on their own terms in advance of the big showdown in London.