Galen Rupp to Race Half Marathon in Arizona as Tune-Up for U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon

By Adam Kopet

Ken Goe of the Oregonian reports Galen Rupp will race the Sprouts Mesa Half Marathon Saturday as a tune-up race for the U.S. Olympic Trials marathon at the end of the month.

Rupp had surgery late in 2018, which has affected his training over the last year. Despite that, he remains a favorite for the Olympic Trials marathon, having won the 2016 Olympic Trials marathon, in his marathon debut, and having won the bronze medal in the marathon at the 2016 Olympics.

Rupp's last race was the 2019 Chicago Marathon, which he was unable to finish due to injury. Previous to that, Rupp raced the 2018 Chicago Marathon, where he finished fifth, just off his personal best.

Saturday's race will be Rupp's first under new coach Mike Smith. Smith is the coach at Northern Arizona University.

The Olympic Trials marathon is scheduled for Feb. 29 in Atlanta.