With Boston Marathon fast approaching, Nike Oregon Project runners tune-up

By Scott Bush, DyeStat Editor

The Boston Marathon takes place on April 17, and while most of the top American entries have tested their fitness in tune-up races over the past two months, Nike Oregon Project teammates Galen Rupp and Jordan Hasay, who are both scheduled to compete in Boston, will gage their own shape this weekend at the Prague Half Marathon. 

For Rupp, the reigning Olympic bronze medalist in the marathon, he'll not only eye to better his 60:30 half marathon personal best set in 2011 at the NYC Half, but possibly challenge the 60 minute barrier. The American record is 59:43, set by Ryan Hall in 2007, and as it's all but guaranteed Rupp won't make a serious run at the time, Prague offers a fast course with a competitive field. Depending on how Rupp hits the first few miles of the race this weekend, it's easy to see him moving up the U.S. all-time list.

Meanwhile, Hasay looks to keep building momentum after her impressive 1:08:40 fourth place finish at the Aramco Houston Half Marathon back in January. The former University of Oregon athlete followed up her half marathon performance with a U.S. title at the USATF 15 km Championships earlier this month, continuing to gain momentum and confidence as her debut marathon comes into focus. 

For a full preview of the Prague Half Marathon field, the IAAF offers a nice look at the top challengers at the event.