I like the crop too. The first version, I just had trouble focusing on the runner, and the feet missing was more noticable.
The cropped version, my attention is drawn to his face, there is less background. Personally, I think the cropped version is much better..and a very good photo. It's not that the first version is a bad photo, just a good one, which you turned into a *very* good one.
That's my opinion, which combined with $4, can get you a cup of coffee at Starbucks.:smile: