Allah takes down 800 record from LeBourne

It’s the masters equivalent of Seb Coe vs. Steve Ovett — the British middle-distance stars who took turns setting mile and other records in the 1980s. I’m talking about Anselm LeBourne of New York and Sal Allah of New Jersey. Only six days after Anselm set an M45 world record at 800, nipping Allah in the process, Sal — the 2003 world M40 champion — crashed through the 1:55 barrier — clocking 1:54.18 at the New Jersey Open USATF Championships on July 2, 2005, according to reports (but not a results site yet). The record going into this season was 1:56.16 by Ronaldo Mercelina of Holland.

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July 3, 2005

7 Responses

  1. Richard Rizzo - July 3, 2005

    Sal, Your dedication and hard work has finally given you the WORLD RECORD you rightfully deserve. For all your tenacity and aggressiveness on the track your demeanor is that of a gentleman at all times off the track. CONGRATULATIONS World Champion 1:54.18 W.R.

  2. Sal Allah - July 3, 2005

    My fellow tracksters,
    I am in overwhelm about my accomplishment which I knew I was ready to capture. My training has been incredible the last month, and my emotions high.
    The support that I received before and after the race was something to always be remembered…..always.
    Very special thanks to Tony Plaster (masters athlete), who has been in my corner as long as I can remember. Also, Jeff Williams (open runner), who won the race(1:52 & change), Ezra Richards(open runner who was screaming at me down the last straight), and a young Shore AC high school runner who wanted to support me in the race for 500m, though I was already in front. KUDOS TO THESE INDIVIDUALS.
    1:54.18! Man I love this sport! And 1:53 is definitely in me. But now I’m in 400m mode.It’s time.
    I won’t forget the kindness all of you have shown me, and I’m so appreciative of it.
    Sal

  3. francisaschiro - July 3, 2005

    Sal…Ken Stone wanted to “buy” 10,000 shares of Anselm LaBourne stock..which quite frankly was a logical investment…BUT!!!!!!! MR Stone did not see the race where Anselm “nipped” you….nor perhaps did he listen when i told him this was ONLY your 3rd 800 in 2 YEARS……I might give him a call and offer him a few shares in “Allah Express”…he will not be able to afford 10000 shares but ill see what i can do for him!!!!! Do I have to say congratulations?????? hardly……I say this to you Sal Allah YOUR WORK HAS JUST BEGUN…..you can “celebrate” till say wednesday then lets get SERIOUS again….THIS IS YOUR TIME my friend…as i told you that day at Penn when you guys ran the 4 x400 in 3.20 WORLD RECORD…ENJOY each and every moment of this…..P.S. shes watching with a BIG BIG BIG smile……all blessings to YOU and family…

  4. kevin morning - July 3, 2005

    Sal,
    A big congratulations to you!!! I am amazed but not surprised at your results. Hard training reaps incredible outcomes and your work ethic proves just that. I say enjoy the fruit of your labors for awhile, thank God for what He has allowed you to do and then move forward to new challenges and goals.
    Kevin Morning

  5. KP - July 4, 2005

    Sal,
    Man you and Anslem are awesome! Congratulations to you for a HUGE WR performance. I turn 45 in a few weeks and you two continue to inspire me for the 800/1500. I hope to see you both in San Sebastian – and who knows, maybe my training will get me into the final with you two master vets for a shot at a USA sweep!
    KP

  6. tony young - July 5, 2005

    WOW!! Sal – you rock. This is definitely your (and Anselm’s) year.
    Keep putting them out there!
    cheers

  7. Rozie Lazatin - July 8, 2005

    Sal, You always seem to amaze me. Congrats… Well deserved. See you at work.

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