Kebede Tsegaye Makes History in Fukuoka

[Andrew A.]

http://japanrunningnews.blogspot.com/2009/12/kebede-tsegaye-makes-history-in-fukuoka.html

[Ed]

Strong running - too bad they were led by Rabbits.

[Andrew A.]

Right, though they seem to be the norm in Japan, which is rather stats-centric, and it is doubtful that we will see an unrabbited sub-2:06 anytime soon. 

[Ryan]

I was thinking the same thing. I can't recall a sub-2:06 ever being run without rabbits. Like it or not, there's a reason rabbits are used. They are key components to fast times.

[Andrew A.]

Japan, which is rather stats-centric

And over here, as well, as evidenced by this headline and editorial comment on the Running Times front page:
Fukuoka Champ Kebede Sets 'Record' for Marathon Triple
As in, his average time in three marathons in 2009 was 2:06:24

[Ryan]

I was thinking of calling you on the Japan stats-centric comment. Just look at all the stats we see floating around in the US and we'd hold our own against anyone.