You’re viewing a version of this story optimized for slow connections. To see the full story click here.

Feeling the Heat

The 2016 US Olympic Marathon Team Trials

Story by Matt Trappe February 15th, 2016

The Big Show

It sure felt like the Hollywood big stage as the best marathon runners in the US gathered in LA. The top 3 men/women would take home the glory to represent the US in the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 
_DSC8638.jpg
_DSC8624.jpg
MTrappe_DSC0002.jpg
MTrappe_DSC5963.jpg
MTrappe_DSC6058.jpg
MTrappe_DSC0020.jpg
MTrappe_DSC6120.jpg
MTrappe_DSC6146.jpg

Early Miles

The spectator (and photographer) friendly course called for an initial 2.2 mi loop followed by 4 x 6 mi loops to the finish. While much of the course was stale car dealerships and fast food restaurants, the USC Campus, LA Coliseum and downtown skyline made for solid scenery.
MTrappe_DSC6178.jpg
MTrappe_DSC0129.jpg
MTrappe_DSC0094.jpg
MTrappe_DSC6375.jpg
MTrappe_DSC6466.jpg
MTrappe_DSC6409.jpg
MTrappe_DSC6263.jpg
MTrappe_DSC6405.jpg
MTrappe_DSC6594.jpg

Feeling the Heat

It made for a nice TV schedule and some say it best simulated expected conditions in Rio but the late start (10am local) didn’t help the runners at all. The forecast called for 81 degrees with pure sun and runners were dropping left and right - 25% did not finish. 

MTrappe_DSC6541.jpg
MTrappe_DSC6553.jpg
MTrappe_DSC0165.jpg
MTrappe_DSC0143.jpg
MTrappe_DSC6610.jpg
MTrappe_DSC0180.jpg
MTrappe_DSC0211.jpg
MTrappe_DSC6508.jpg
MTrappe_DSC6503.jpg

Drama at the finish

Much to the dismay of the crowd and other runners, Galen Rupp took home the men’s win in his marathon debut. 40 year-old Meb came in second and made the team for his 4th Olympic Games. Shalane Flanagan, a favorite on the women’s side, held on for third and immediately collapsed and was wheeled off. Meanwhile, Meb continued to cement his superhero status while hugging his family, helping other runners and posing/joking with the crowd. 

MTrappe_DSC0227.jpg
MTrappe_DSC0305.jpg
MTrappe_DSC6678.jpg
MTrappe_DSC6723.jpg
MTrappe_DSC0448.jpg
MTrappe_DSC6757.jpg
MTrappe_DSC0506.jpg
MTrappe_DSC0543.jpg
MTrappe_DSC6743.jpg
Footnote: All photos copyright Matt Trappe (trappephoto.com). All rights reserved. No use on the web or otherwise is permitted without consent.
Los Angeles, CA, United States