On Nov. 8, Olympic long-distance runner Meb Keflezighi tweeted a challenge to the world’s most famous sprinter.

"I am thinking of challenging ‪@usainbolt to a race,” Keflezighi wrote. “Location & Distance to be determined, money for charity. Usain, U interested?"

Bolt has not yet responded.

The key for a race between the two great runners would be distance. It would have to be short enough that Bolt could use his speed, but long enough that Keflezighi’s endurance would count. While Bolt would leave Keflezighi in the dust in a 400-meter race, a 1500-meter run would provide an unfair advantage to the long-distance runner, according to Runner’s World writer Scott Douglas. Bolt, who is unaccustomed to the sustained aerobic challenge and who has an abundance of fast-twitch muscle fibers, would have to dramatically change his training to have a chance.

The sweet spot, according to Douglas, would be between 600 and 800 meters.

Keflezighi’s followers are getting on board, with 97 retweets, notes of support and suggestions.

“@runmbe @usain bolt I will put up the 1st $100 4charity if u guys do this (& consider doing this in Cntral Prk) 4#HurricanSandy #racewmeb,” one wrote.

Click here to check out Keflezighi’s Twitter page or you can use #racewmeb to tweet your thoughts about the competition. 

 

Via Runner's World.