2006
Superb Success for Charity Running in London and Chicago
Marathon races worldwide do not only shine through athletic performances but also continued fundraising efforts for charitable causes. The London and Chicago Marathon recently announced the success of charity runners at their events.
London Next Marathon for Olympic Champion Mizuki Noguchi
Race director David Bedford announced a deep elite women’s field for the upcoming London Marathon. Among this year’s competitors is Japan’s Olympic Marathon champion, Mizuki Noguchi.
Mubarak Shami and Zhou Chunxiu Win Marathon Golds at Asian Games
In high humidity, Mubarak Shami of Qatar and Zhou Chunxiu of China won marathon Gold at the Asian Games in Doha (Qatar). Both broke the tape minutes ahead of their competitors.
Mo Farah Stops Sergey Lebid’s Win Streak at Euro Cross
The British runner, Mo Farah, triumphed with a gold medal at the European Cross Country championships in San Giorgio su Legnano, Italy. The women’s race was decided by Tetyana Holovchenko of the Ukraine.
Salina Kosgei Takes Singapore in Style
In warm conditions, Salina Kosgei of Kenya won the women’s marathon with a course record time of 2:31:55 hours, while her compatriot Amos Matui placed first in the men’s race with 2:15:01.
Haile Gebrselassie Wins Fukuoka Ten Weeks after Berlin
Ethiopia’s Haile Gebrselassie was victorious in 2:06:52 hours—only one second shy of a new course record—at the 60th edition of the traditionally men’s-only elite marathon in Japan. Second and third place went to Dmytrov Baranovsky (Ukraine) and Jaouad Gharib (Morocco).
Pacemaker James Kutto Prevails at Florence Marathon, Mizuki Noguchi back to Winning
James Kutto of Kenya won the marathon in Italy with a time of 2:08:41 hours. Meanwhile, the Kenyan men’s and women’s team placed first at the Chiba Ekiden in Japan, and the Japanese, Mizuki Noguchi, won the Shanghai Half Marathon in China with a course record of 1:09:03.
Lance Armstrong: “I Admire the Runners Even More”
Lance Armstrong rewrote sports history by winning the Tour de France seven consecutive times from 1999 through 2005. Always a competitor, Lance then decided to take on the 2006 NYC Marathon. Take The Magic Step® spoke with Lance soon after his marathon debut.
Reiko Tosa Takes Tokyo
In windy and rainy conditions, Reiko Tosa of Japan was successful the Tokyo Marathon in Japan. In Holland, 20,000 runners participated in the Zevenheuvelenloop 15-kilometer race.
Gudisa Shentema Wins in Trentino, 20-year-old Wilfried Cheserek is successful in Monte Carlo
Ethiopia’s Gudisa Shentema crossed the finish line in 64:08 minutes ahead of his competitors at the Garda Trentino Half Marathon in Italy. The hilly Monaco Marathon was decided by Wilfried Cheserek of Kenya and Lena Gavelin of Sweden.
Kenyan and Japanese Runners Achieve Victory in Athens Classic
Henry Tarus of Kenya (2:17:45 hours) and Chikako Ogushi (2:40:47) won the Athens Classic Marathon on the demanding historical course from Marathon to Athens.
An Interview with New York City Marathon Champion Jelena Prokopcuka
Jelena Prokopcuka of Latvia talked to Take the Magic Step® after her second victory in New York City about her race tactics, her training for this marathon, and future plans.
Marilson Gomes dos Santos Wins in New York, KIMbia’s Stephen Kiogora Takes Second
Brazil’s Marilson Gomes dos Santos triumphed at the ING New York City Marathon in 2:09:58 hours ahead of KIMbia’s Stephen Kiogora (Kenya), while Jelena Prokopcuka of Latvia defended her title successfully in 2:25:56 in great weather conditions.
Paul Tergat Meets Hendrick Ramaala Again in New York
The ING New York City Marathon promises thrilling duels and a great race day for the strong elite field, thousands of participants and spectators alike on the challenging course. World record holder Paul Tergat (Kenya/2:04:55) will headline the men’s field at the starting line on the Verrazano Bridge.
Wilfred Kigen of Kenya Repeats Last Year’s Victory in Frankfurt
With 200,000 cheering spectators lining the streets, Wilfred Kigen of Kenya won the 25th Frankfurt Messe Marathon in 2:09:06 hours. Russia’s Svetlana Ponomarenko took the women’s title in 2:30:05—a personal best.
Robert Cheruiyot Falls at Finish, but Wins Chicago; Berhane Adere Outsprints Galina Bogomolova
Kenya’s Robert Cheruiyot (2:07:35) and Ethiopia’s Berhane Adere (2:20:42 hours) were victorious at the 29th edition of LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon in the windy city.
Kenyan Runners Win in Venice
In a close finish, Jonathan Kipkorir Kosgei won the Venice Marathon with a new personal best of 2:10:18 hours. Lenah Cheruiyot took the women’s title in 2:33:44.
KIMbia Hopes for Best in Chicago Marathon
The 29th running of the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon will take place this Sunday. Among the approximately 40,000 participants are several strong KIMbia entries. Deena Kastor (USA), Constantina Tomescu (Romania), and Berhane Adere (Ethiopia) are favorites of the women’s field, while the men’s race has no clear favorites.
Kenyan Double at Amsterdam Marathon
The debutant, Solomon Bushendich of Kenya, took the 31st edition of the ING Amsterdam Marathon with 2:08:52 hours in partly windy conditions. The fastest woman in the Netherlands was Rose Cheruiyot (Kenya) in 2:28:26.
The Fire Still Burns: An Interview with Bill Rodgers
Bill Rodgers won the Boston and New York City marathons four times each and was ranked #1 in the world three times. At 58, his competitive juices still flow. But more importantly, Bill has become an elder statesman and ambassador for the sport of running.
Zersenay Tadesse and Lornah Kiplagat Win World Road Running Championships
The 2004 Olympic 10,000m bronze medalist, Zersenay Tadese, won the inaugural IAAF World Road Running Championships in 56:01 minutes. The women’s title of the 20-kilometer race went to Lornah Kiplagat of the Netherlands with the word-record breaking time of 63:21.
Hendrick Ramaala and Berhane Adere Win Great North Run
Sunday’s half marathon in England was a successful rehearsal for South Africa’s Hendrick Ramaala (61:03 minutes) for the upcoming ING New York City Marathon. Berhane Adere of Ethiopia (70:01) won the women’s race.
Mile, Marathon Mark Weekend Road Action in U.S.
On Saturday, Canadian Olympian Kevin Sullivan and American Sara Hall proved victorious in the Fifth Avenue Mile—a point-to-point race on one of New York City’s busiest streets.
Evans Cheruiyot Wins Udine Half Marathon in Fast Time
Kenya’s Evans Cheruiyot won the half marathon in Italy with a time of 60:18 minutes in a photo finish ahead of countryman Paul Kirui, who was given the same time. In the women’s race, Aniko Kalovics of Hungary placed first in 70:30 ahead of Rosaria Console (Italy/71:54).
Haile Gebrselassie Shines in Berlin
With warm temperatures and strong winds, almost 40,000 participants took part in Sunday’s 33rd real,- Berlin Marathon. Haile Gebrselassie of Ethiopia ran the fastest time of the year with 2:05:56 hours. The women’s title went to his compatriot Gete Wami (2:21:34).
Berlin Marathon Features WMM Race and Haile Gebrselassie
Cheered on by approximately a million spectators along the course, elite athletes and thousands of participants will take to roads through the heart of Berlin this Sunday. Among the favorites will be Haile Gebrselassie of Ethiopia.
Haile: “I will run as fast as I can in Berlin”
The two-time 10,000-meter Olympic champion, Haile Gebrselassie, will be at the starting line of the real,- Berlin Marathon on Sunday. In this interview, the 33-year-old Ethiopian spoke about Sunday’s race.
Saif Saaeed Shaheen Wins World Cup Double, Craig Mottram Faster than Kenenisa Bekele
Saif Saaeed Shaheen of Qatar takes home the gold over 5,000 meters and 3,000m steeplechase at the IAAF World Cup in Athens. The men’s 3,000m race was decided by Australia’s Craig Mottram with a strong sprint to the finish.
KIMbia Runners Excel on Two Continents
In Greece, Matt Tegenkamp (U.S.) placed third in the World Cup 5,000 meters; in Philadelphia Edna Kiplagat (Kenya) was second at the Philadelphia Distance Run (a half marathon); and Richard Kiplagat (Kenya) won the CVS/pharmacy Downtown 5 Kilometer in Rhode Island.
Zersenay Tadesse Clocks Third-Fastest ever Half Marathon in Rotterdam
The 24-year-old Eritrean, Zersenay Tadesse, triumphed at the Rotterdam Half Marathon with time of 59:16 minutes, while Britain’s Mara Yamauchi (1:10:38 hours) took the women’s title.
Meseret Defar Wins Last AF Golden League Meet in Final Meters
Meseret Defar of Ethiopia ran to victory in 15:02.51 minutes over 5,000 meters at Berlin’s ISTAF ahead of her compatriot Tirunesh Dibaba (15:02.87). At the 5-kilometer women’s race in London’s Hyde Park with 20,000 participants, Berhane Adere (Ethiopia) was successful in 15:24 after a close race.
Kenya Breaks Coe and Co.’s 4 x 800m World Record
Quite a few world records were missed at the 30th van Damme Memorial meet in Brussels on August 25, but one all-time best was achieved: a team from Kenya set a new world record at the rarely run 4 x 800 meters relay. Joseph Mutua, William Yiampoy, Ismael Kombich and Wilfred Bungei ran the distance in 7:02.43 minutes, crossing the finish line just in front of the American team, which ran 7:02.82. Both teams broke the 24-year-old world record of 7:03.89, which the British squad of Peter Elliott, Garry Cook, Steve Cram and Sebastian Coe had set in London in 1982.
KIMbia’s Nyariki Wins Inaugural NYC Half Marathon
KIMbia’s Tom Nyariki capped a stellar August by winning this morning’s NYC Half Marathon in Manhattan. In his first half marathon, Nyariki ran 1:01:22 hours to win by six seconds over Olympic marathon silver medalist Meb Keflezighi. Two-time American Olympian Abdi Abdirahman, who ran 27:22 minutes for 10,000 meters on the track earlier this summer, was third in 1:01:34. The three ran together until the final kilometer, when Nyariki surged decisively and permanently gapped first Abdirahman, and then Keflezighi.
Lel Wins, Rabbit Foils Gebrselassie
A small town in the southwestern part of the Italian island of Sicily is the pleasant setting for an annual high-class 10-kilometer race. In warm weather, three strong half marathon and marathon runners dominated this year’s race. In the end former New York City and London Marathon champion Martin Lel took the race. The Kenyan clocked 28:45 minutes and was well ahead of reigning Boston Marathon champion Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot (Kenya/29:24) and Hassan Mubarek Shami (Qatar/29:42). Shami was runner-up in last year’s world half marathon championships.
Interview with European Marathon Champ Maisch: “I want to run New York”
Ulrike Maisch won gold in sensational fashion in the marathon at the European Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden. In addition to winning, the German ran a new personal best of 2:30:01 hours. It was her second marathon this year, after she had run in Hamburg in April. In November 2004 she had a foot surgery. Take the Magic Step® recently had the opportunity to talk with Maisch about her marathon victory and upcoming plans.
Double for Kipchirchir at African Championships
While the European Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden produced most of the headlines during the last week, there was also some interesting running at the African Championships, held in Bambous, Mauritius. Kenyan Alex Kipchirchir produced a rare double, first winning the 800 meters in 1:46.62 minutes in front of Ahmed Ismail (Sudan/1:46.65) and Alfred Kirwa (Kenya/1.46.85), and then taking the 1500m. In another close finish, he clocked 3:46.54 to beat Adil Kaouich (Morocco/3:46.72) in a tactical race.
KIMbia’s Okari Defends Title at Falmouth
Gilbert Okari won August 13′s Falmouth Road Race by breaking away from his KIMbia teammate Tom Nyariki in the sixth mile of the 7.1-mile race. Okari’s victory, in 31:53 minutes, was his third consecutive Falmouth title. Nyariki took second in 32:03. KIMbia’s John Korir, who won Falmouth in 1999, 2001 and 2003, was third in 32:39.
Som, Espana and Tomashova Win European Golds
Besides the men’s marathon, there were three other running events on the final day of the European Athletics Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden. In a wide-open men’s 800-meter final, Bram Som triumphed. The 26-year-old Dutch won his first big medal in 1:46.56 minutes, ahead of David Fiegen (Luxembourg/1:46.59) and Brit Sam Ellis (1:46.64).
Dominguez Takes 5,000m, Disappointment for Pavey at Europeans
Jo Pavey had been one of the last hopes for a British gold medal at the European Championships. In contrast to the team’s performance at the meet eight years ago in Budapest, where they won nine events, so far this time they’ve yet to win one. Despite leading most of the way in the women’s 5,000 meter, Pavey, too, came up short, finishing fourth in 15:01.41 minutes.
Stefano Baldini Takes Second European Marathon Gold
Compared to the sensational marathon triumph of Ulrike Maisch in the women’s European Championships marathon, there was little surprise in the men’s marathon race for gold one day later. The heavy favorite, Italian Stefano Baldini, won in 2:11:32 hours. The 35-year-old was also the European champion in 1998, and is the reigning Olympic champion in the event. The silver medalist, however, was a surprise, with Switzerland’s Viktor Röthlin placing second in 2:11:50 ahead of Spaniard Julio Rey (2:12:37).
Ulrike Maisch Sensationally Wins European Marathon
German Athletics has a female counterpart of Jan Fitschen: Four days after the totally unexpected 10,000 meter triumph by Fitschen, Ulrike Maisch was the surprise winner today in the marathon at the European Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden. Maisch ran 2:30:01 hours, a personal best, to finish well ahead of Olivera Jevtic (Serbia/2:30:27) and Russian Irina Permitina (2:30:53).
Finn Keskisalo Surprises in Steeple
The 3,000-meter steeplechase produced one of the biggest surprises at the European Athletic Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden. Almost as sensational as Jan Fitschen’s victory at the 10,000m, the Finn Jukka Keskisalo won gold, and once again the favorite Spanish runners were beaten. The 25-year-old Finn took over the lead from José Luis Blanco almost without resistance on the home stretch and clocked 8:24.89 minutes. The Spaniard finished second and Bob Tahri (France) took the bronze medal in 8:27.15.
Former 400m Runner Takes European Gold at 800m
Two years ago, Olga Kotlyarova, then a 400-meter runner, decided out of curiosity to compete at double the distance, and ran a world-class time of 1:57.96 minutes in her first attempt. Now the 30-year-old Russian is the European 800m champion, taking the final in Gothenburg, Sweden in 1:57.38 in her first season of concentrating on the distance. The silver medal was won by her countrywoman Swetlana Klyuka (1:57.48), and third place was taken by Britain’s Rebecca Lyne in 1:58.45.
Mehdi Baala Defends 1500m Title
France’s Mehdi Baala defended his European Championships 1500-meter title in the only running final at today’s meet in Gothenburg, Sweden. The 27-year-old ran 3:39.02 minutes to beat the Ukrainian favorite, Ivan Heshko, who finished second in 3:39.50. Third was Spain’s Juan Carlos Higuero in 3:39.62.
Inga Abitova Wins Top-Class 10,000m European Championships Final, Mockenhaupt Outwits Mikitenko
The first long-distance final at the European Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden produced a superb race. In the women’s 10,000 meters, Russian Inga Abitova won the gold medal by improving her personal best by nearly a minute to 30:31.42 minutes. Norway’s Susanne Wigene produced an unexpected Scandinavian success with a great final sprint, finishing second in 30:32.36. Third was Russian Lidiya Grigoryewa in 30:32.72.
Curious Races
At this season’s Super Grand Prix in Ostrava there were two curious running events. First it was an official who had an impact on the race. Then an athlete made a strange mistake and missed out on a possible good result.
Germany’s Jan Fitschen Surprises with 10,000m Win at European Championships
Four years after Dieter Baumann won a silver medal in the 10,000 meters at the European Championships in Munich, another German runner provided a sensation at the current continental championships: 29-year-old Jan Fitschen won the gold medal in Gothenburg, Sweden, with a personal best of 28:10.94 minutes, a victory that could well be the biggest surprise of the whole European Championships.
KIMbia´s Nyariki Wins Beach to Beacon 10K
Tom Nyariki overtook his KIMbia teammate Gilbert Okari to win this morning’s Beach to Beacon 10K in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. Nyariki, who was third at Beach to Beacon last year, won in 27:48 minutes, well ahead of Lawrence Kiprotich (28:04) and Okari (28:09). KIMbia’s Edna Kiplagat placed second in the women’s race in 32:23; the race was won by Russia’s Alventina Ivanova in a course record of 31:26.
Strong U.S. Showing in First Part of European Track Season
With both the European and African Athletics Championships coming up in the second week of August, many Americans are briefly returning home from the European track circuit. Some do so after posting some of the strongest performances by U.S. distance runners on the circuit in years.
Paula Radcliffe Expects Baby, Paul Tergat to Run New York
Marathon world record holder Paula Radcliffe will probably run her next marathon in fall 2007 at the earliest. England’s top runner has recently announced that she is pregnant. Radcliffe and her partner, Gary Lough, expect their first child in January 2007. Radcliffe set her marathon world record of 2:15:25 hours in 2003 at the Flora London Marathon.
Ethiopians Strong in Rome, Mikitenko German Champion
Once again, Ethiopian runners were the highlights of the IAAF Golden League Meeting in Rome. Having already won this summer in Oslo and Paris, reigning world champion Tirunesh Dibaba took the 5,000 meters in Rome, and proved that, for now, she has the edge against Meseret Defar, the world record holder and Dibaba’s countrywoman. After a moderate early pace, Dibaba was unbeatable during the last-lap sprint, beating Defar by more than a second, 14:52.37 to 14:53.51 minutes.
Mizuki Noguchi in Promising Shape for Berlin
Olympic Marathon champion Mizuki Noguchi showed herself to be in top shape on Sunday. The 27-year-old Japanese, who is preparing for the real,- Berlin Marathon on September 24 as the defending champion, won the Sapporo Half Marathon despite windy weather conditions in a new course record of 68:14 minutes. She bettered the old record set by Olympic marathon runner-up Catherine Ndereba by nine seconds. Ndereba, who won the race last year ahead of Noguchi, also ran in the strong half marathon field, but it wasn’t a good race for the Kenyan. She was only eighth in 71:50.
Makau Wins in London, Shaheen Impresses in Athens
The British 10K in London attracted a field of almost 20,000 runners on Sunday. The participants were raising money for more than 350 charities. Kenyan Patrick Makau won the race in 29:52 minutes. He was well ahead of John Nyasyina (Burundi/30:09) and Helder Orneilas (Portugal/30:48). The women’s race was also won by a Kenyan, as Catherine Mutwa clocked 34:19 for the distance.
Former Champs Win at Peachtree
Kenya’s Martin Lel and Netherlands’ Lornah Kiplagat won their divisions of the Peachtree 10K this morning in Atlanta, Georgia. With a field of 55,000, Peachtree is the world’s largest 10-kilometer race.
Gete Wami Wins Great Women Run in Sunderland
Ethiopian Gete Wami provided the highlight of the past weekend in international road running. The 31-year-old 10,000-meter world champion of 1999 won the Great Women Run in Sunderland. In the home country of England’s Paula Radcliffe, who was beaten by Wami several times on the track but who is far superior in the marathon, the Ethiopian won the 10 kilometers in 33:43 minutes ahead of the Portuguese Analiasa Rosa (33:53) and Wami’s countrywoman Elfenesh Alemu (33:58).
Familiar Faces in New Places at U.S. Championships
The distance ace of the meet was former Kenyan Bernard Lagat, who became a U.S. citizen in 2004 and was competing in his first American championship. On Friday night, just a few hours after winning his 1500-meter semi-final heat, Lagat eked out the win in a hotly contested 5,000m final. He sprinted away from his last challenger, Matt Tegenkamp, in the last half-lap for a 13:14.32 minutes victory. Tegenkamp, who was fifth in the 2001 junior world cross country championship, was just behind in 13:15.00, a 10-second personal best for the KIMbia athlete.
Korir and Kiplagat Win Steamboat Classic
Kenya’s John Korir, who is a member of team KIMbia, took the prestigious Steamboat Classic in Peoria, Illinois over the weekend. He clocked 18:16 minutes for the four-mile race, and was eight seconds ahead of the U.S.’s Josh Moen. It was the second win in as many weeks for Korir, who has been one of the strongest runners on the U.S. road race circuit in recent years. A week earlier, the 30-year-old Kenyan had won the Bellin Run, a 10-kilometer race in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Kiplagat Takes New York Mini 10K, Haile to Run Berlin
Lornah Kiplagat beat a high-class field at New York’s Circle of Friends Mini 10K on Saturday. The former Kenyan, who switched nationality to become Dutch, clocked a fast 31:27 minutes on a hilly course in Central Park. It was Kiplagat’s third victory at the race—the 32-year-old had come to New York as defending champion and also won the 2003 edition.
KIMbia Runners Dominate Bellin 10K
Runners from the KIMbia team took the first two spots in the men’s and women’s races at the Bellin 10-kilometer run in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Kenya’s John Korir and Britain’s Kathy Butler won their divisions at the 30th running of this ever-growing race, but in drastically different fashion.
KIMbia’s Abraham Chebii Breaks US All Comers Record
KIMbia’s runners showed some fine performances on the road and on the track recently. Prominent athletes like Abraham Chebii and Gilbert Okari were in the centre of the focus.
Running News: Defar Runs World Record at 5,000m in New York
An Ethiopian—but not Kenenisa Bekele—produced the first great result of the new season in long-distance track running. At the Reebok Grand Prix meet in New York City on June 3, Meseret Defar became the first African woman to break the world record at 5,000 meters; she clocked 14:24.53 minutes for the distance. The 22-year-old improved the old mark set by Elvan Abeylegesse of Turkey by a slight margin of .15 seconds. Abeylegesse, who originally comes from Ethiopia, had run her record in Bergen, Norway, two years ago.
Chicago Marathon Reaches 40,000 Participant Cap
The 2006 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon reached its 40,000 participant cap and has officially closed registration sooner than ever—nearly five months in advance of the October 22 Race. A limited number of entries are still available to runners through the 60 charities affiliated with the 2006 Marathon. International runners can access a limited number of entries through several tour partners.
Double Olympic Champion Hicham El Guerrouj Ends his Career
The best middle distance runner of the last decade has ended his career: Hicham El Guerrouj announced his retirement from the sport at a press conference in Casablanca. The 31 year-old Moroccan holds three world records: 1500 meters (3:26.00 minutes), the Mile (3:43.13) and 2,000m (4:44.79). Hicham El Guerrouj, who was unbeaten in 84 out of 89 competitions at the 1500m since 1986, crowned his career with a double win at the Olympic Games in Athens, taking the 1,500m and the 5,000m.
Japanese Olympic Champion and Last Year’s Winner Mizuki Noguchi Committed to Berlin Marathon
The Olympic Marathon Champion Mizuki Noguchi will run the real,- Berlin Marathon for the second time in a row. The Japanese officially announced her participation at the biggest and most spectacular German marathon, held on September 24. The real,- Berlin Marathon is part of the new World Marathon Majors Series (WMM). The organizers of the 33rd edition of the real,- Berlin Marathon already have 30,000 registrations. Only 10,000 bib numbers are left. As soon as the limit of 40,000 registrations is reached nobody can sign-on anymore.
Irina Mikitenko Wins Avon Running Berlin Women’s Race and Plans Debut in Marathon
The big favorite took hold sovereign: Irina Mikitenko won the 23rd AVON RUNNING Berlin Women’s race. The 33 year-old who finished seventh in the Olympic 5,000 meters in Athens 2004, ran the 10 kilometers in 33:45 minutes. She had a winning margin of exactly one minute to Claudia Dreher (34:45). Third was Magdaline Chemjor (Kenya) in 35:18. Mikitenko then announced that she is planning to run her marathon debut this fall.
Great Times by Patrick Musyoki and Peninah Arusei in Berlin’s 25K
Once again the traditional 25-kilometer race in Berlin produced some very good results. The event that in the eighties was Germany’s first big city road race saw yet another Kenyan winner: Patrick Musyoki won the 26th edition in the second fastest time of the year in 1:14:08 hours. For the sixth time in a row the Kenyans have now taken the 25K of Berlin. As all the other runners the 21 year-old Musyoki finished in the Olympic Stadium in fine but warm weather conditions.
Morocco’s Lahoucine Mrikik Breaks Course Record with 2:08:20 while Japan’s Tomo Morimoto Takes Vienna with 2:24:33
The 23rd edition of the Vienna City Marathon produced one of the best quality races in its history. While the men’s race saw a course record the women’s race was won by a Japanese runner for the first time in the history of the race.
Paul Tergat: “I wish my Berlin record could stay forever—I am sure I will come back to Berlin one day”
Paul Tergat broke the world record at the real,- Berlin-Marathon 2003. His mark of 2:04:55 hours still stands as a record today. Not even his archrival Haile Gebrselassie (Ethiopia) did ever come near to the mark with which Paul Tergat wrote history. Having had to withdraw from the Flora London Marathon last Sunday he gave us the following interview.
Haile Gebrselassie after his WMM Flop in London: “The worst race in my career”
On his way to make his dream come true Haile Gebrselassie had to suffer another setback at the Flora London Marathon on Sunday. The Ethiopian set 20 world records so far in his outstanding career but the 33 year-old now missed the best time for the classic distance of 26.2 miles already for the third time.
Felix Limo and Deena Kastor Win London Marathon While Haile Gebrselassie is Left Behind
The best elite field ever in the Flora London Marathon produced spectacular results and a big surprise. While Kenyan Felix Limo reached the finish at the Buckingham Palace after 2:06:39 hours, Haile Gebrselassie finished ninth in his third marathon with a time of 2:09:05. The highlight of the day was achieved by American Deena Kastor, who finished in 2:19:36 and set a new continental record. She is now the fourth fastest marathon runner in the world.
Gebrselassie and Kastor London’s Favorites
In London the top-class marathon of the year will be held on Sunday, although the organizers had to cope with the pull out of Paul Tergat (Kenya) and Paula Radcliffe (Great Britain) due to injury. But there are still enough stars in the race. Olympic Champion Stefano Baldini (Italy) meets World Champion Jaouad Gharib (Marocco), and then there is the Ethiopian Haile Gebrselassie as well.
Deena Kastor: „I wanted to get a feeling for Berlin“
The US-American Deena Kastor set four US records at the Vattenfall Berlin Half Marathon which she finished second: She clocked 67:34 minutes in the half marathon which was also a new continental record. The Olympic bronze medalist from Athens 2004 passed 12 kilometers in 38:24 minutes, 10 miles in 51:31 and 20K in 64:07. The 33 year-old will compete as a favorite at the Flora London Marathon on April 23rd.
Robert Cheruiyot and Rita Jeptoo Win 110th Boston Marathon
The Kenyans Robert Cheruiyot and Rita Jeptoo won the 110th BAA Boston Marathon. In good weather conditions 22,517 athletes participated in the race which has a point-to-point course from Hopkinton to Boston. The BAA Boston Marathon was also the premiere of the new World Marathon Majors Series (WMM). Robert Cheruiyot won with a new course record of 2:07:14 hours ahead of his countryman Benjamin Maiyo (2:08:21) and US American Meb Keflezighi (2:09:56). Rita Jeptoo won in 2:23:38 hours ahead of Jelena Prokopcuka (Latvia/2:23:48) and Japanese Reiko Tosa (2:24:11).
110th Boston Marathon Today: Ten Years Ago Uta Pippig Won One of the Most Dramatic Marathon Races Ever
The 110th edition of the BAA Boston Marathon will be started today. It is exactly ten years ago when one of the most dramatic and biggest marathons ever took place in Boston. It was Uta Pippig who was in the middle of it all. In April 1996 she became the first woman to win Boston three times in a row.
Boston Starts Marathon Super Week on Monday
April is the traditional marathon month of the year. During no other time of the year there are so many high class races at 26.2 miles. After Rotterdam and Paris the climax is next week: On Monday the Boston Marathon takes place and six days later the London Marathon follows almost at the same time as the Hamburg Marathon.
Meseret Defar Breaks 5K World Record in Carlsbad
The Ethiopian Meseret Defar set a new 5-kilometer world record in Carlsbad (California). The 22 year old 5,000-meter Olympic Champion of 2004 in Athens won in 14:46 minutes. In the men’s race the winner came from Ethiopia as well: Abreham Cherkose clocked 13:15.
Korir Wins in Rotterdam, Melese Takes Paris
The Rotterdam Marathon produced once again very good times in the men’s race this Sunday. Three runners clocked sub 2:07 hours times. Sammy Korir (Kenya) won in 2:06:38 hours, the fastest time of the year. Mindaye Gishu (Ethiopia) was the women’s winner in 2:28:30. At the Paris Marathon Gashaw Melese (Ethiopia) won in 2:08:03 hours on the same day. The women’s race was compared to the men’s field less spectacular too. Irina Timofejewa from Russia ran 2:27:22.
Kenenisa Bekele Wins Fifth World Cross Double
Kenenisa Bekele continued his outstanding series at the last weekend’s IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Fukuoka (Japan). The Ethiopian completed a fifth double in a row at these championships. This is a unique achievement in the history of athletics and will probably never be surpassed. Starting next year, there will be only one long distance race held at these championships. The short distance is cancelled.
Kosgei Back to his Best while Masai Beats Kastor in Berlin
If anyone doubted that Paul Kosgei could regain the top flight as a distance runner, those doubts were disproved when the 2002 world champion for the distance won the Berlin Half Marathon on Sunday. Kosgei broke the Kenyan record with 59:07 minutes, 22 seconds ahead of his compatriot Evans Cheruiyot. Only Haile Gebrselassie with 58:55 at Tempe in the USA on January 15 has run faster this year and that is a performance awaiting ratification as a world record. Kosgei also bettered the Berlin course record by 44 seconds.
Mel Beats Tergat in Lisbon, Kipkorir Wins Rome
It was a weekend with two fast distance races. In Lisbon Paul Tergat was defeated at the half marathon distance. The Kenyan finished fourth while his countryman Martin Lel won in very fast 59:30 minutes. In the women’s race another defending champion was beaten. Susan Chepkemei was defeated by Salina Kosgei who clocked 67:52 minutes. In Italy at the Rome Marathon the fastest time of the year was produced by David Kipkorir from Kenia. He clocked 2:08:38 hours.
Sammy Kipketer Just Misses 8K World Record
Sammy Kipketer just missed the world record at the Minyard 8-kilometer race in Dallas on Saturday (25th March). In his first US road race of the new season the Kenyan won the race with a course record of 22:12 minutes. He missed the world record by just nine seconds. Second and third places were taken by runners from the same training group (KIMbia) as well: Abraham Chebii ran 22:18 while Shadrock Kosgei (both Kenya) took third place with 22:29.
Start of the WMM: 110th BAA Boston-Marathon Announces Elite Field
John Hancock Financial Services today announced its elite team of 31 marathon runners from 13 countries, including American Olympic silver medalist Meb Keflezighi, defending champion Hailu Negussie from Ethiopia, and past champions Timothy Cherigat and Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot of Kenya. The race is set for Monday, April 17, 2006. This will be John Hancock’s 21st year as principal sponsor of the event. It was ten years ago that Uta won the BAA Boston Marathon for the third time in a row. Therefore she will be in Boston as a guest of honor.
McCann and Ramadhani Win Commonwealth Titles
Australia’s Kerryn McCann managed a highly acclaimed home victory at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne. The marathon runner won the gold medal in 2:30:53 hours and defended her title. Samson Ramadhani (Tanzania) won the men’s race in 2:11:29. Also last weekend the Los Angeles Marathon took place. Lidiya Grigoryeva (Russia) and Benson Cherono (Kenya) were the winners.
Victor Sailer: “I was so impressed that I promised to help”
KIMbia Athletics launched its charity project in 2005, raising funds to pay the school fees for Kenyan children. While one year’s fees range between US $400 and $700, most children do not have the resources to pursue their education beyond the primary level. To address this need, KIMbia started a foundation to give promising young students the opportunity to develop both educationally and athletically.
Bekele Takes the Next Step in Moscow
On his way to perhaps becoming the best distance runner of all times, Kenenisa Bekele took the next step in Moscow on Sunday. The Ethiopian won the 3,000-meter race in 7:39.32 minutes at the IAAF World Indoor Championships. He is now the only runner in athletics’ history who has won at World Cross Country Championships, as well as World Outdoor Championships and now also at World Indoor Championships.
Gebrselassie Breaks 25K World Record
Haile Gebrselassie won the 25-kilometer race of Alphen. Clocking 1:11:37 hours the Ethiopian improved the world record of Kenyan Paul Kosgei by 1:08 minutes. Kosgei had run 1:12:45 on 9th May 2004 in Berlin, Germany. On a clear sunny day in cold temperatures the African was far too strong for his competitors. The 25K race was incorporated in the normal 20 kilometers of Alphen. It is one of the most famous road races in the Netherlands.
IAAF World Indoor Championships (3rd Day): Bekele and Mutola Unique
Kenenisa Bekele and Maria Mutola finished with unique results at the World Indoor Championships in Moscow. At the last day of the competition the Ethiopian turned to be the first who won at World Outdoor Championships, as well as World Cross Championships and now also at World Indoor Championships. At 3,000 meters he won in 7:39.32 minutes. Maria Mutola (Mozambique) won a World Indoor Championships gold medal for the seventh time. She ran the 800m in 1:58.90.
IAAF World Indoor Championships (2nd Day): Meseret Defar Stopped Russian World Record Holder
Ethiopian Meseret Defar tampered the home match of Russia’s Liliya Shobukhova on the second day of the World Indoor Championships in Moscow. Last month, Shobukhova set a new 3,000-meter world record (8:27.86 minutes) at the national indoor championships. But dueling with the 22-year-old 5,000m Olympic Champion from Ethiopia Shobukhova had no chance. Defar reached the finish after 8:38.80 minutes.
IAAF World Indoor Championships (1st Day): Bekele, Shaheen, Kipchoge in 3,000m Final
There will be a great 3,000-meter final at the IAAF World Indoor Championships in Moscow. Among others Ethiopian 5,000m world record holder Kenenisa Bekele and former Kenyan Saif Saaeed Shaheen (Qatar), the 3,000m steeplechase world record holder, qualified for the final on Sunday. There were no surprises at Friday’s prelims.
A Double for Antje Möldner at German Indoors
A runner was the only athlete who managed a double at the German Indoor Championships in Karlsruhe during the past weekend: Antje Möldner won the 3,000 meters and the 1,500m. First she clocked 9:14.69 minutes on Saturday, then she ran 4:29.13 minutes a day later. But the quality of the running events at these championships was low key.
Two World Indoor Records Broken in Moscow
Two world records were broken at the Russian Indoor Athletics Championships last weekend. The first one was set by Liliya Shobukhova. The 28-year-old Russian improved the 3000-meters time of 8:29.15 minutes by Ethiopian Berhane Adere from 2002 by almost two seconds. She ran 8:27.86 in Moscow.
Pacemaker Keeps Going and Wins in Dubai
What was once a phenomenon—a pacemaker winning a marathon—is turning into a habit if not a tradition. Since the first major upset, in Los Angeles over a decade ago, it happens at least once a year. It was Joseph Ngeny’s turn to do the trick in Dubai, the Kenyan winning in hot and humid conditions, in 2:13:02 hours. Ngeny, 26, was only in the race, because the original Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon was postponed from January 6, following the death of the ruler, Sheikh Makhtoum.
African Runners Winning in Japan
Traditional and high class marathons took place in Japan during the winter weeks. The winners in these elite only races all came from Africa. Last Sunday the Ethiopian Ambesse Tolossa won the Tokyo Marathon in 2:08:58 hours. Tolossa, who broke away at 36 kilometers, missed his personal best by just two seconds.
The Formula 1 of Road Running
The BAA Boston Marathon, Flora London Marathon, real,- Berlin-Marathon, LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon and the ING New York City Marathon have officially launched the World Marathon Majors (WMM) on Monday.
World’s Five Premier Marathons Unite to Form “World Marathon Majors”
The world’s five premier international marathons—the Boston Marathon, the Flora London Marathon, the real,- Berlin-Marathon, the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon, and the ING New York City Marathon—have joined forces to collectively present the top echelon in the sport of marathon running.
Gebrselassie Breaks Half Marathon World Record
Ethiopia’s running hero Haile Gebrselassie has set a world record at the Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Half Marathon in Phoenix (USA) last Sunday. The 32 year-old ran the distance of 21.0975 kilometers in 58:55 minutes. He improved the old mark by 21 seconds. Haile Gebrselassie, who has broken a number of world records in his career and became Olympic and World Champion a couple of times, also broke the 20K world record on his way.
A Streamer Can’t Stop Radcliffe
So often she had been in the center of dramatic events in recent years. This time it was again Paula Radcliffe who was given a scare. Leading the New Year’s Eve Race in Madrid suddenly a spectator stepped into her way and accidentally sprayed a streamer right into her mouth. “It was not that bad, I am okay,” Paula Radcliffe later said. The English marathon world record holder continued the race straight away and ran to a convincing win.
