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Cameron Levins is now officially competing only in the 10,000m distance at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games. There was speculation that he was to race the 10,000m as Athletics Canada had him listed as only in that event. It was later suggested that he would race both the 5,000m and 10,000m and now finally, it has been confirmed that he is racing only the 10,000m. “Yes I am just racing the 10,000m event now,” said Levins when asked about his upcoming events.

He is the second-fastest Canadian all-time at both the 5,000m and 10,000m distances as he owns personal best times of 27:27.96 and 13:15.19, respectively. The fastest in the 10,000m is Simon Bairu who recorded a 27:23.63 from his 2010 result from the Payton Jordan Cardinal Invitational. The Canadian record in the 5,000m distance was set by Jeff Scheibler who set the standard in 1998 with his 13:13.96, which he ran in Berlin, Germany.

Levins told Athletics Illustrated, “I’m doing well. Currently training in France with Mo Farah, and I am prepared as I can be at this point. I have been running strong recently and I think it’s a good indication that I can run well in Glasgow. I should be ready to roll come Sunday.”

The Canadian standards to qualify for the 10,000m event are 27:40 and 28:05 for the “A” and “B” standards.

During the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games, the 10,000m was won by Ugandan Moses Kipsiro in the time of 27:57.39. The second place finisher was Daniel Lemashon Salel of Kenya who recorded a 27:57.57 and the third place finisher was countryman Joseph Kiptoo Birech in 27:58.58. These times are well within Levins’ ability, but as with most any championship race, he will likely have to deal with great changes in pace in a tactical racing style, as opposed to seeking a fast finishing time, exclusively.

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