Cambodia's Next Top Runner - Event 5 - 1500m

photos courtesy of Martin Kendrik

Top 2 ease round well within their comfort zone

Guest heat participants charge off the start line

This week we were back on the track hosting the quintessential middle distance event - the 1500 m. Once again we invited guests to compete in a separate heat.

The 1500 m is one of the historic track events having been a constant fixture at the Olympics since the first modern games in 1896. Athletes need to complete three and three quarter laps of the track in the ultimate test of speed and endurance.

Watch the full video of how the event went down here

You can also watch the guest heat here

To see all the photos from the event check out our Facebook page

Race analysis In a fast start to the race, overall leader Neil Bianchi set a very quick pace completing the first ¾ lap (300 m) in 51.75 seconds just ahead of Bunthorn Chhun.

Athletes banter at the start line after the race

Paul, Neil and Jacob striding down the home straight

These two strode out at the front both completing the second lap in a slightly slower 1:14 but by the third lap Bianchi’s pace dropped significantly allowing Chhun to ease off the pace before stepping on the accelerator with a 68 s final lap to stroll to a comfortable victory in 4:31 with Bianchi in second place seventeen seconds back in 4:48.

Paul Hodges leads the way in the group cool down

Meyjou Heng interviews one of the guests after the race

A strong finish from Jacob Hodges secured third position in 5:06 ahead of Martin Kendrik setting a time of 5:19 maintaining a very consistent pace throughout the race, and a sprint finish over the final 60 metres saw Meyjou Heng claim fifth place ahead of Paul Hodges who set the only PB of the day’s competition in 5:46.

Results
Here are the final results of CNTR competitors including 200m split times

In the overall standings Bianchi remains ahead of 2nd place Chhun with 4293 points to Chhun’s 4000. After missing this event Colombi is just under a thousand points further back with 3027 with Jacob Hodges just behind in 5th place on 2915 points.

Cambodia’s top female athlete, Meyjou Heng has risen one place to 7th in the standings with 2146 points followed by Kendrik of the UK just 35 points behind in 8th position.

Here are the overall race results including all runners

A very good effort from all athletes, we look forward to seeing more regular performances.