Running News Daily

Kenyan Double thanks to Brimin Misoi and Selly Kaptich, Hendrik Pfeiffer is German star with seventh place in Frankfurt Heatwave

The Kenyan duo of Brimin Misoi and Selly Kaptich triumphed at the Mainova Frankfurt Marathon on Sunday, defying unusually high temperatures. The heatwave put a brake on what might have been a crop of personal bests on the traditionally fast course but one record was set: temperatures of around 20 degrees Celsius towards the end of the elite race made this the warmest Frankfurt Marathon in 33 years.

While the surprise winner of the men’s title, the 33-year-old Brimin Misoi, overcame the tough conditions to run a personal best of 2:06:11, his equally mature compatriot, the 37-year-old Selly Kaptich, confirmed her status as one of the pre-race favourites. Hendrik Pfeiffer raised the home fans’ spirits by finishing seventh in 2:11:28, not quite achieving his intended goal of breaking 2:10 but a highly creditable performance, given the conditions. The men’s champion Brimin Misoi clearly slowed in the last 10 kilometres as did Kaptich and Pfeiffer and almost all of the elite finishers.

After a two-year interruption because of the Corona Pandemic, the Mainova Frankfurt Marathon returned in impressive style with a festival of running in front of thousands of appreciative fans. Taking into account events held in conjunction, 20,551 runners were entered. 11,708 took part in the marathon, confirming its position as Germany’s second biggest marathon. The Mainova Frankfurt Marathon is an Elite Label Road Race of World Athletics, the international athletics federation.

“We’ve succeeded in staging a wonderful comeback to Frankfurt’s streets and the Festhalle. We had to overcome many challenges and are very happy about today,” said Jo Schindler, race director of the Mainova Frankfurt Marathon. “The athletes had good conditions at the start. Past the half marathon mark they were going well, then it became tough, keeping going in such sunshine. Respect and hats off to every finisher. It was a good result but the race had potential for even more.”

Men’s Race

Temperatures were hardly ideal for fast times, nonetheless, the top three men finishers each set personal bests. A big group stayed together, running on a pace which would bring the leaders across the line in around 2:06. Shortly after 25 kilometres, the scenario was transformed as the Kenyans Brimin Misoi and Samwel Mailu seized the initiative.

Their rivals failed to muster a reply and suddenly a finishing time of 2:04seems possible. But the rising temperatures forced Misoi to slacken his pace from kilometre 37 although he remained unchallenged for the win as he was cheered to the roof of the Festhalle in 2:06:11. “I expected to win. My form was good. The course is outstanding, I am sure I can run faster here,” he said. His previous personal best was 2:08:41, set in May this year at altitude in Nairobi, which is always a tough event. Misoi showed that he is a true competitor by taking over two-and-a-half minutes off that time.

Samwel Mailu was a distant second but deserved the applause and was right to celebrate a brilliant marathon debut in 2:07:19. This was achieved after completing his original role as a pacemaker for Misoi and the rest of the leading group to outstanding effect. The organisers had agreed on the eve of the race to his request that he could race to the finish, once his pacing duties were done. The Ethiopian Derese Ulfata also produced a solid performance to finish third in 2:07:30, also a personal best.

The home fans also had good reason to celebrate the success of Hendrik Pfeiffer. In a controlled effort, the German finished a creditable seventh in 2:11:28, not quite the sub-2:10 he had wanted but his second fastest time ever, nonetheless. “I’m mega-happy. It was a great result and rounds off a great year for me,” said Pfeiffer, who at the European Championships in Munich in August finished 24th, helping Germany to win the silver medal in the team competition.

The women’s race

The women were on course for a sub 2:20 result and a course record until late in the race. Kenya’s Valary Aiyabei clocked the current record of 2:19:10 three years ago and this remains the only sub 2:20 result in the history of the event. Selly Kaptich, who was the fastest runner on the start list with a PB of 2:21:06, ran right behind the three pacemakers right from the start. They reached half way in 69:40 and at this stage Ethiopians Atalel Anmut Dargie and Yoshi Chekole still managed to hold on to the group. A bit further behind a second group with six runners followed in a promising split time of 70:34. Among these runners was Helah Kiprop, Kenya’s marathon silver medallist from the World Championships in 2015. 

However just a few kilometers later in the race the picture changed decisively. Dargie was the first one who could not hold the pace and when the former track runner Kaptich increased the pace further at 25k (1:22:27) Chekole dropped back as well. Kaptich covered the following 5k section in a very fast 16:18 and her 30k split time of 1:38:45 then indicated that a sub 2:19 finish might be possible. But all of a sudden the Kenyan leader was in trouble as well. In the warm conditions she slowed considerably. Kaptich was not in danger of being caught because she was well ahead by over two minutes and the women behind her also slowed as well. But the course record was soon out of reach and a time of sub 2:20 became unrealistic as well. 

With time of 2:23:11 Selly Kaptich ran the third fastest marathon time of her career. Behind her Helah Kiprop had moved up into second place and then finished in 2:24:40 with fellow-Kenyan Jackline Chepngeno taking third with 2:25:14. “It was a great day for me. The atmosphere was superb and I think I could break the course record if I could come back next year and if weather conditions would be cooler,“ said Selly Kaptich. 

Results

Men:

1. Brimin Misoi KEN 2:06:11

2. Samwel Mailu KEN 2:07:19

3. Deresa Ulfata ETH 2:07:30

4. Balew Yihunie Derseh ETH 2:09:21

5. Martin Kosgey KEN 2:10:22

6. Bonface Kiplimo KEN 2:11:08

7. Hendrik Pfeiffer GER 2:11:28

8. Stephen Mugambi KEN 2:11:34 

9. Merhawi Ghebreslasie ERI 2:12:34

10. Justino da Silva BRA 2:12:41

Women:

1. Selly Kaptich KEN 2:23:11

2. Helah Kiprop KEN 2:24:40

3. Jackline Chepngeno KEN 2:25:14

4. Sofia Yaremchuk ITA 2:25:36

5. Caroline Jepchirchir KEN 2:27:58

6. Sardana Trofimova KGZ 2:28:50

7. Meseret Alemu ETH 2:29:21

8. Martha Akeno KEN 2:36:33

9. Rebecca Lonedo ITA 2:39:54

10. Corinna Coenning GER 2:40:48

(10/30/2022) Views: 728 ⚡AMP
by Race-News-service

Misoi and Kaptich take Frankfurt Marathon titles

Brimin Kipkorir Misoi and Selly Chepyego Kaptich achieved a Kenyan double at the Mainova Frankfurt Marathon, a World Athletics Elite Label road race, on Sunday (30).

Both athletes made a break around 25km into their races on a warm and sunny morning, Misoi going on to win the men’s event in a PB of 2:06:11 and 2014 World Half Marathon Championships bronze medallist Kaptich holding on to take the women’s title – her first marathon win – in 2:23:11.

Misoi wasn’t considered one of the pre-race favourites but he ran a well-judged race to triumph by more than a minute ahead of pacemaker Samwel Nyamai Mailu, who carried on to complete the full 26.2 miles in 2:07:19 on his debut at the distance.

Kaptich, meanwhile, had been the fastest athlete on the women’s start list and while she struggled in the latter stages and ultimately missed her goal of breaking the 2:19:10 course record, she managed to maintain her advantage and won by almost a minute and a half ahead of Helah Kiprop (2:24:40).

Misoi formed part of the leading men’s group that followed pacemakers through 10km in 29:52 and 15km in 44:40, with half way reached in 1:02:58. Misoi then put in a surge and a series of sub-2:55 kilometres saw him break away from his rivals. He was on sub-2:05 pace as he reached 30km in 1:28:44 behind Mailu and clearly felt he had more to give as he moved past the pacemaker a short while later.

Misoi went through 35km in 1:43:33 and although he wasn’t able to maintain that pace, he clocked 1:59:12 for 40km and then reached the finish in 2:06:11 for a PB and the fifth fastest winning time in Frankfurt.

Although his pace also slowed as the temperatures rose, Misoi’s compatriot Mailu felt good enough to finish the race after doing his pacemaking duties to 30km and ran 2:07:19 for the runner up spot, while Ethiopia’s Derese Geleta was third in 2:07:30.Hendrik Pfeiffer was the top German finisher, running 2:11:28 for seventh place.

In the women’s race, Kaptich followed the male pacemakers through 10km in 33:14 and 15km in 49:38, joined by Ethiopian duo Atalel Anmut and Yeshi Kalayu Chekole. The trio were still together as the halfway mark was passed in 1:09:40.

Around 5km later, Kaptich was ready to make her move. Having dropped Anmut, Kaptich and Chekole went through 25km in 1:22:27, 19 seconds ahead and on course record pace. Kaptich then kicked again and left Chekole behind, picking up the pace to pass the 30km mark in 1:38:45, more than a minute ahead. At this point, a chase group led by Kenya’s 2015 world silver medallist Kiprop was working hard to close the gap (1:40:56).

By 35km it was Kiprop in second place, as she passed that mark in 1:58:15, two minutes behind Kaptich (1:56:12), their compatriot Jackline Chepngeno a further 10 seconds back.

The podium places seemed decided and while Kiprop began to reel Kaptich in, passing 40km in 2:16:28 behind Kaptich’s 2:14:42, she couldn’t catch her.

Kaptich went on to win in 2:23:11 to Kiprop’s 2:24:40 and Chepngeno’s 2:25:14.

Italy’s Sofiia Yaremchuk was fourth in a PB of 2:25:36 and Corinna Coenning was the top German athlete, finishing 10th in 2:40:48.

(10/30/2022) Views: 702 ⚡AMP

Frankfurt hopes to come back with a bang as Selly Kaptich eyes the course record

The Mainova Frankfurt Marathon is the last major German city marathon to make its comeback after a two-year break because of the Corona pandemic.

The 39th edition will be started on Sunday with a field of over 11,500 marathon runners. Including running events at shorter distances the total number of participants is expected to be over 20,000 athletes. Elite runners could bring the Mainova Frankfurt Marathon back in overdrive as they are aiming for fast times. Ethiopia’s Gebru Redahgne and Kenyan Selly Kaptich head the start lists with personal bests of 2:05:58 and 2:21:09.

Weather conditions look very good although it may become warm towards the end of the elite races. The Mainova Frankfurt Marathon is an Elite Label Road Race of World Athletics, the international athletics federation. A live stream can be accessed on the event’s website at: www.frankfurt-marathon.com , however this will not be possible in territories where there is live TV broadcast.

The women’s race

Back in 2019 it was a woman who produced the highlight of the Mainova Frankfurt Marathon: Kenya’s Valary Aiyabei established the course record of 2:19:10, which was the first sub 2:20time in the history of the race. It could well be the women’s race again that stands out on Sunday. Selly Kaptich is ready for a very fast race. “I am confident that I can run a sub 2:20personal best and I want to attack the course record - that is what I am here for,“ said Selly Kaptich, who heads a field of eight women with personal bests of sub 2:25.

The former track runner mentioned a half way split time target of 69:00, which caught Christoph Kopp, Frankfurt’s Elite Race Coordinator, by surprise. “We had not heard about these plans from her management. However if she really wants to go that fast we will rearrange pacemaking to support her,“ said Christoph Kopp.

Fellow-Kenyan Helah Kiprop travelled to Frankfurt with a PB of 2:21:27. The marathon silver medallist from the World Championships 2015 ran this time in Tokyo in 2016. Earlier this year she showed fine form again with a 2:24:10 victory in Copenhagen. The 37 year-old has competed in the Mainova Frankfurt Marathon back in 2014 when she was fifth with 2:27:14.

"I am happy to be back here. In 2014 I ran a PB in Frankfurt, so I hope to do it again here on Sunday,“ said Helah Kiprop.

Yoshi Chekole is the third woman in the field who has a PB of sub 2:22. The Ethiopian improved to 2:21:17 in Sevilla this February. “My goal is to run a personal best on Sunday and to finish in the best position possible,“ said Chekole, who prepared for four months for the Mainova Frankfurt Marathon and feels she is in fine form. 

A runner who might be in for a surprise is Gladys Chepkurui. The Kenyan ran 2:28:55 in Paris this spring. However her PBs at 10k (30:48) and and in the half marathon (68:09) suggest that she could be able to run a time of around 2:22.

The men’s race

Gebru Redahgne is a newcomer to running at international level. The Ethiopian only competed outside his country for the first time in 2021. This spring he improved his personal best to 2:05:58 in Barcelona, the second marathon of his career. Redahgne is seeking to run even faster on the Frankfurt course which is renowned for speedy performances.

“I’ve trained well and want to break my personal best,” he said, confidently. The plan is for pacemakers to ensure the first half of the race is run in 62:45. “Gebru is not only the fastest but also the youngest on our list. It all adds up to making him the pre-race favourite. If the result is a time under 2:06, I’ll be delighted,” said Christoph Kopp.

One Kenyan is returning for his fifth attempt at winning the Frankfurt title: Martin Kosgey has deservedly earned the title of “Mr Frankfurt” with his consistently outstanding performances. He has twice finished runner-up in the Festhalle (in 2016 and 2018) and fourth on another two occasions (2017 and 2019). He ran what remains his personal best here in 2018 with 2:06:41.

“I shall definitely run in the leading group. A new personal best and also victory are possible,” said the father of three with high expectations. “Frankfurt is like a home town for me. I feel good, being here.”

His 29-year-old compatriot Charles Ndiema has a current personal best of 2:08:12, achieved this April in Vienna. His story of how he discovered the Frankfurt Marathon is unusual, but reflects the modern age: watching the race on YouTube three years ago created a long term goal for him. “I’m ready to run fast and stay at the front as long as I can,” said Ndiema.

One absentee will be the Ethiopian Betesfa Getahun, originally listed on the start list as the fastest in the men’s field with 2:05:28 but he cancelled his participation at short notice.

Germany’s Hendrik Pfeiffer intends to break his personal best of 2:10:18 and hopes to achieve a sub 2:10 time on Frankfurt’s fast course. He was a member of the German marathon team which took the silver medal in the team event at the European Championships in Munich this summer. Pfeiffer finished 24th in the individual event. Another German, Filimon Abraham, targets a sub 2:10 time as well.

He dropped out in his debut marathon in Hamburg this spring. For the two German runners the qualifying time for the 2023 World Championships of 2:09:40 could become a target as well.

Elite runners with personal bests 

Men:

Gebru Redahgne ETH 2:05:58

Martin Kosgey KEN 2:06:41

Balew Yihunie Derseh ETH 2:07:22

Asefa Mengisa ETH 2:07:47

Charles Ndiema KEN 2:08:12

Brimin Misoi KEN 2:08:41

Deresa Ulfata ETH 2:08:42

Dominic Letting KEN 2:09:30

Hendrik Pfeiffer GER 2:10:18

Stephen Mugambi KEN 2:11:39

Justino da Silva BRA 2:13:31

Edson Arruda BRA 2:14:35

Justin Mahieu BEL 2:14:43

Filimon Abraham GER  - - -

Linus Maruka KEN Debüt

Ashenafi Gebru ETH Debüt

Eyob Solomun ERI Debüt

Merhawi Ghebreslasie FRA Debüt

Women:

Selly Kaptich KEN 2:21:06

Yeshi Chekole ETH 2:21:17

Helah Kiprop KEN 2:21:27

Atalel Anmut Dargie ETH 2:22:21

Juliet Chekwel UGA 2:23:13

Jackline Chepngeno KEN 2:24:21

Serdana Trofimova KGZ 2:24:38

Zinash Lema ETH 2:24:55

Meseret Abebayehu Alemu ETH 2:25:18

Caroline Jepchirchir KEN 2:26:11

Laura Hottenrott GER 2:28:02

Gladys Chepkurui KEN 2:28:55

Martha Akeno KEN 2:29:00

Sofiya Yaremchuk ITA 2:29:12

Thea Heim GER 2:36:10

(10/28/2022) Views: 742 ⚡AMP
by Race-News-Service

Kenyans bound to face stiff competition at Frankfurt Marathon

Twelve Kenyans (six men and six women) have confirmed participation at the Mainova Frankfurt Marathon on Sunday.

However, the race is expected to be challenging considering the calibre of athletes it has attracted.

In the men’s field, the Ethiopian duo of Betesfa Getahun and Gebru Redahgne are the top two fastest with personal best times of 2:05:28 and 2:05:58 respectively.

 Kenya's Martin Kosgey will line up as the third fastest in the field with a lifetime best of 2:06:41. Kosgey placed second at the 2018 edition of the Frankfurt Marathon.

Kosgey is a regular in the Frankfurt event having finished second in 2016, fourth in 2017, second in 2018 and fourth in the 2019 edition. 

He will be in the company of compatriots Charles Ndiema (2:08:12), Brimin Misoi (2:08:41), Dominic Letting (2:09:30), Stephen Mugambi (2:11:39) and debutant Linus Maruka.

Other top contenders include the 2019 Osaka Marathon champion Asefa Mengisa from Ethiopia and this year’s Hannover Marathon champion Hendrik Pfeiffer of Germany. Mengisa has a personal best time of 2:07:47 while Pfeiffer has a PB of 2:10:18.

In the women’s category, Sally Kaptich, who has a PB of 2:21:09 leads a strong team. Kaptich will be in the company of Kenyans Helah Kiprop (2:21:27), Jackline Chepngeno (2:24:21), Caroline Jepchirchir (2:26:11), Gladys Chepkurui (2:28:55) and Martha Akeno (2:29:00).

Ethiopia’s Yeshi Chekole is the second fastest in the field with a personal best time of 2:21:17, which she posted at this year’s Zurich Marathon to place third. Kiprop is the third fastest in the field and won this year’s Copenhagen Marathon in 2:24:10. She is also the 2016 Tokyo Marathon winner.

The 2020 Zurich Marathon champion Juliet Chekwel of Uganda is also among the favourites to watch. She has a life time best of 2:23:13.

(10/27/2022) Views: 732 ⚡AMP
by Abigael Wuafula

Strong elte fileds at Mainova Frankfurt Marathon this coming Sunday after a two-year-break

The Mainova Frankfurt Marathon will be back in action with strong elite fields this coming Sunday after a two-year-break. The men’s field shows nine athletes who have run under 2:10, led by the Ethiopian Getesfa Getahun whose personal best stands at 2:05:28.

Among the women, eight have broken 2:25 and the Kenyan Sally Kaptich is the fastest with a best of 2:21:09. The elite fields have also been boosted by the recruitment at short notice of the leading German runners Hendrik Pfeiffer, part of the successful national team at the European Championships, and Laura Hottenrott.

For the 39th edition of the Mainova Frankfurt Marathon the organizers are expecting around 12,000 participants. Taking into account events held in conjunction, some 20,000 runners will be involved. This historic race is one of the Elite Label Road Race events, recognized by World Athletics, the governing body of international athletics. Information of how to enter Sunday’s race is available at: www.frankfurt-marathon.com

“After a break of two years, caused by the Corona pandemic, we’ve been able to put together strong elite fields and we’ll have a big, impressive field of mass runners on the start line. We’re looking forward to a Mainova Frankfurt Marathon which will continue the tradition of past events and again prove a big thrill for participants and spectators alike,” said the Race Director Jo Schindler.

Two young talents from Ethiopia might well produce outstanding results on Frankfurt’s fast course. The 24-year-old Betesfa Getahun ran his fastest time to-date of 2:05:28 on his marathon debut in Amsterdam in 2019. Gebru Redahgne is 22 and the second fastest on the Frankfurt starting lists with his time of 2:05:58 in Barcelona at the beginning of May. Both are keen to take the next step and move up in the marathon hierarchy.

Alongside them will be the Kenyan who has earned the title of “Mr Frankfurt”, Martin Kosgey. He has two second places to his credit from the race in 2016 and 2018 as well as finishing fourth in 2017 and two years later. As further proof of how much at home he feels on the Frankfurt course, he ran his best time of 2:06:41 here in 2018.

Hendrik Pfeiffer had originally planned to run the New York Marathon in November but the 29-year-old wanted to profit from his current excellent form and take to Frankfurt’s renowned flat, fast course, aiming to improve his personal best of 2:10:18. “I’m confident I could run a personal best and, of course, would love to break 2:10,” said Pfeiffer, who finished 24th at the European Championships in Munich in August and helped the German squad win a silver medal in the Europa Cup team event.

“I’m grateful to the organizers for enabling me to run in Frankfurt at short notice and want to put my form to good use on the road.”

Only once previously has the Mainova Frankfurt Marathon had more than eight women entered with personal bests of under 2:25 and that was in 2018 when ten athletes were on the start line. The strength in depth among the elite raises hopes for an exciting as well as high quality race. The Kenyan Sally Kaptich with a best of 2:21:09, Ethiopia’s Yeshi Chekole (2:21:17) and Kenya’s World Championship silver medalist from 2015, Helah Kiprop (2:21:27) are the fastest on paper.

While this trio is likely to be disputing top honors, Germany’s Laura Hottenrott will hope to take advantage of Frankfurt’s fast course where so many personal bests have been achieved, aiming to improve her time of 2:28:02.

Elite runners with personal bests:

Men:

Betesfa Getahun ETH 2:05:28

Gebru Redahgne ETH 2:05:58

Martin Kosgey KEN 2:06:41

Derseh Balew Yihunie ETH 2:07:22

Asefa Mengisa ETH 2:07:47

Charles Ndiema KEN 2:08:12

Brimin Misoi KEN 2:08:41

Deresa Ulfata ETH 2:08:42

Dominic Letting KEN 2:09:30

Hendrik Pfeiffer GER 2:10:18

Stephen Mugambi KEN 2:11:39

Justino da Silva BRA 2:13:31

Edson Arruda BRA 2:14:35

Justin Mahieu BEL 2:14:43

Filimon Abraham GER 

Linus Maruka KEN Debut

Ashenafi Gebru ETH Debut

Eyob Solomun ERI Debut

Merhawi Ghebreslasie FRA Debut

Women:

Sally Kaptich KEN 2:21:09

Yeshi Chekole ETH 2:21:17

Helah Kiprop KEN 2:21:27

Atalel Anmut ETH 2:22:21

Juliet Chekwel UGA 2:23:13

Jackline Chepngeno KEN 2:24:21

Serdana Trofimova KGZ 2:24:38

Zinash Lema ETH 2:24:55

Meseret Abebayehu ETH 2:25:18

Caroline Jepchirchir KEN 2:26:11

Laura Hottenrott GER 2:28:02

Gladys Chepkurui KEN 2:28:55

Martha Akeno KEN 2:29:00

Sofiya Yaremchuk ITA 2:29:12

Thea Heim GER 2:36:10

(10/25/2022) Views: 650 ⚡AMP
by Runners Web

Victor Kiplangat takes debut win in Istanbul, Sheila Jerotich comes from behind in stunning sister act

Running his debut at the classic distance Victor Kiplangat became the surprise winner of the N Kolay Istanbul Marathon. The 21 year-old Ugandan, who is a training partner of Olympic 5,000 m Champion and world record holder Joshua Cheptegei, clocked 2:10:18 after battling with three other contenders in the final mile of the race. Kenya’s Robert Kipkemboi took second with 2:10:23 while Solomon Mutai of Uganda was third in 2:10:25.

There was even more drama in the women’s race: With just 500 metres to go Kenyan Sheila Jerotich came from behind to then triumph on Istanbul’s Sultanahmet Square in 2:24:15. To make it even more stunning: The runner the 32 year-old overtook shortly before the finish was her sister, Jackline Chepngeno. While she was the runner-up in 2:24:21, Ethiopia’s Ayantu Abdi followed in third place with 2:24:45. It is most likely unique that sisters took the first two places in a major international marathon. The men’s and women’s winners receive a prize purse of 35,000 Dollar each.

Including events at shorter distances a total number of over 35,000 runners entered the race. With this figure the N Kolay Istanbul Marathon was one of the biggest races worldwide since the beginning of the pandemic. In view of the Covid 19 situation strict hygiene regulations were in place. The N Kolay Istanbul Marathon is a World Athletics Elite Label Road Race.

Men’s Race

Starting on the Asian side of Istanbul the course has a significant drop once it reaches European territory within the first five kilometres. Despite this drop and good weather conditions the pace was slow. The favorites opted for a tactical race instead of following a pace which was set to break the Turkish allcomers’ record of 2:09:35. A group of 17 men then passed the half way mark in 65:21.

There was no proper attack until very late in the race. Runners knew about the steep climb up to the finish that waited for them in Istanbul’s historic centre and held back. Records were out of reach, but a thrilling race for victory developed.

It was Robert Kipkemboi who finally started a move with around five kilometers to go. Fellow-Kenyan and defending champion Benard Sang lost contact to the group and when the 38th kilometer was covered in 2:53 course record holder Daniel Kibet could not follow as well. He had won the N Kolay Istanbul Marathon in 2019 with 2:09:44. Four runners were still in contention when the climb began with around a mile to go: Kenyans Robert Kipkemboi and Moses Kemei as well as Ugandans Victor Kiplangat and Solomon Mutai. Surprisingly it was the debutant who took the lead and pushed hard all the way up the hill. Kiplangat, who has a good half marathon PB of 59:26, was rewarded with his biggest career win.

“I am thrilled to have won my debut marathon. But I knew that I was in good shape. I train in very hilly terrain and was confident that I would be strong in the final section,“ said the 21 year-old winner, who trains with Joshua Cheptegei in Kapchorka in Uganda at an altitude of around 2,000 m. “Joshua is my idol. And he helps me a lot,“ said Victor Kiplangat, who thinks that he has the potential to run 2:05 to 2:06 in his next marathon in spring. “If I achieve such a time on a flat course I hope to get selected for the World Championships’ marathon next summer. And then I would love to come back to Istanbul to defend my title.“

While the first four finishers ran a negative split which is very rare in Istanbul due to the nature of the course, Turkey’s best runner produced a fine performance as well: Hüseyin Can finished 14th with 2:16:01 and broke the national record for under 23 year-olds.

Women’s Race

In contrast to the men the women ran a blistering pace during the first part of the race. A group of ten runners passed the 10k point in 32:48 which pointed towards a 2:18:30 finishing time. Three years ago Kenya’s World Champion Ruth Chepngetich established a sensational course record of 2:18:35. However the leaders could not hold on to this sort of pace. They reached half way in 70:19 and then passed the 30k mark in 1:40:48.

Four runners were left in the leading group shortly after 30k: Sheila Jerotich, Jackline Chepngeno, Ayantu Abdi and Judith Cherono of Kenya. Cherono soon dropped back and then it was Jackline Chepngeno who moved clear. At 40k she was already 22 seconds ahead and looked certain to win the race. But during the uphill stretch Sheila Jerotich came closer and closer and finally overtook her sister with just 500 metres to go.

“I am not disappointed at all. My aim was to finish on the podium and I have achieved that,“ said Jackline Chepngeno, who improved her PB by 17 seconds with a time of 2:24:21. It was only then when she revealed that it was her sister, who had stopped her from winning the race. „We are best friends, we train together and we are actually sisters. Since we are both married we have different names.“ While Sheila Jerotich, who improved her PB from 2:26:06 to 2:24:15 in Istanbul, can not speak English her sister translated for her: “I am really happy to have won the race. Next year we both want to come back to Istanbul.“

Results

Men:

1. Victor Kiplangat UGA 2:10:18

2. Robert Kipkemboi KEN 2:10:23

3. Solomon Mutai UGA 2:10:25

4. Moses Kemei KEN 2:10:28

5. Benard Sang KEN 2:10:59

6. Daniel Kibet KEN 2:11:09

7. Mengistu Nigatu ETH 2:11:15

8. Chalachew Tiruneh ETH 2:11:20

Women:

1. Sheila Jerotich KEN 2:24:15

2. Jackline Chepngeno KEN 2:24:21

3. Ayantu Abdi ETH 2:24:45

4. Judith Cherono KEN 2:27:23

5. Fetale Tsegaye ETH 2:28:53

6. Zinash Debebe ETH 2:29:45

7. Emily Kipchumba KEN 2:30:25

8. Betty Chepkwony KEN 2:30:28

photo credit:Spor Instabul

(11/07/2021) Views: 965 ⚡AMP
by Race-News-Service

Course record holder Daniel Kibet aims to regain Istanbul Marathon title

Kenya’s Daniel Kibet seeks a second victory when he returns to the N Kolay Istanbul Marathon, a World Athletics Elite Label road race, on Sunday (7).

The 25-year-old, who was inspired by former world record-holder Paul Tergat, produced a surprise two years ago when he won the race despite starting as a pacemaker, improving the course record to 2:09:44.

He may well have to break the record again to repeat his victory. With a dozen runners on the start line featuring sub-2:10 PBs, organisers hope that the event can regain the Turkish all-comers’ record it lost to Izmir in April, when Ethiopia’s Tsegaye Getachew ran 2:09:35.

“I am happy to be back in Istanbul and my aim is to regain my title,” said Kibet, who set his PB of 2:06:49 when finishing fifth at the Seville Marathon in 2019.

“I am ready for a faster time than in 2019, but my main focus will be on victory. The question always is: will the favourites in the first group follow the pace of the pacemakers or will they sit back? You will not want to be the only athlete to go with the pacers.”

Kibet first raced the Istanbul Marathon in 2018. “I was in really good shape, but got a hamstring problem after 32 kilometres, which forced me to drop out,” he explained.

“Knowing the course in Istanbul is an advantage. It is fast, but some parts are difficult, especially the last three kilometres with some uphill sections.”

Leading the entry lists with their respective personal bests of 2:05:25 and 2:21:59 are Ethiopia’s Bazu Worku and Mamitu Daska.

Joining Kibet and Worku among the men’s race entries are Ethiopia's Yitayal Atnafu Zerihun, the 2019 runner-up who has a best of 2:06:21, plus 2:06:25 runner Chele Dechasa and Abayneh Ayele, who has run 2:06:45 and finished fourth at the 2016 World Half Marathon Championships in Cardiff.

Kenya’s defending champion Bernard Sang, who ran his PB of 2:11:49 to win in Istanbul last year, also returns.

The women’s race will feature eight runners who have personal bests under 2:28. The former Dubai and two-time Frankfurt Marathon champion Daska, who was third in the 2017 New York City Marathon, is the fastest on paper with her PB set in 2011.

She will line up alongside Kenya’s Jackline Chepngeno, who has shown some promising recent form with a half marathon PB of 1:09:07 set when finishing second in Paris in September, while her marathon best of 2:24:38 was run in 2018.

They will be joined by two other sub-2:26 athletes in her fellow Kenyans Janet Rono and Sheila Jerotich, the 2018 Commonwealth Games marathon fourth place finisher.

(11/06/2021) Views: 1,007 ⚡AMP
by World Athletics

2021 Istanbul Marathon returns on November 7th with strong elite fields and a total of over 35,000 runners

With deep elite fields and an overall total of more than 35,000 runners the 43rd edition of the N Kolay Istanbul Marathon will go ahead on November 7. Ethiopians Herpasa Negasa and Mamitu Daska head the start lists with personal bests of 2:03:40 and 2:21:59 respectively.

The men’s defending champion and course record holder will both be returning to the Turkish metropolis, where the two winners will receive a prize purse of 35,000 US-Dollar each. The N Kolay Istanbul Marathon is an Elite Label Road Race of the international athletics federation, World Athletics.

The current start list features ten men who have personal bests of sub 2:08. Only a few international marathons this year were able to assemble such a deep field. Ethiopia’s Herpasa Negasa is the fastest on the list with an impressive time of 2:03:40. The 28 year-old achieved this result when he was second in the Dubai Marathon in 2019, crossing the line just six seconds behind the winner of this prestigious race.

It is common with a number of African top runners at the moment that they were not able to race for a longer period due to the pandemic. While Herpasa Negasa has not competed internationally for more than two years the N Kolay Istanbul Marathon will be only the second race of the year for the other athlete who has a personal record of sub 2:05: Mekuant Ayenew of Ethiopia will travel to Turkey with a PB of 2:04:46. With this time the 30 year-old marathon specialist won the race in Sevilla in 2020. This spring he clocked 2:09:34 in Milan. Another Ethiopian with a very fast personal best is Yitayal Atnafu Zerihun who ran 2:06:21 in Dubai, where he took fifth place last year.

The quality of the elite field suggests that the course record could be under threat if weather conditions are fine on 7 November. Daniel Kibet established the current record when he won the N Kolay Istanbul Marathon two years ago with 2:09:44. The Kenyan has a personal record of 2:06:49. Kibet will return to the start line of Turkey’s most prestigious road race together with the defending champion. A year ago Kenya’s Benard Sang triumphed in Istanbul with a personal best of 2:11:49.

The women’s race will have good depth as well. Eight athletes are on the start list with PBs of sub 2:28. Mamitu Daska ran her personal record of 2:21:59 when she took the Frankfurt Marathon back in 2011. The Ethiopian, who is a former winner of the Dubai Marathon as well, has achieved half a dozen times of sub 2:26. While Mamitu Daska has not raced for almost two years Jackline Chepngeno has returned to competing internationally last month. The Kenyan was second in the Paris Half Marathon with 69:07. With her marathon PB of 2:24:38 Chepngeno is among the favorites for the N Kolay Istanbul Marathon.

Two young Ethiopians are among those who could produce a surprise in Istanbul next month. 23 year-old Medina Deme Armino was the winner of China’s Xiamen Marathon in 2020, when she clocked a personal best of 2:26:12. Fetale Tsegaye, who is 23 as well, ran her best race when she was second in Madrid with 2:27:06 in 2019.

It is unlikely that there could be an attack on the world-class course record of 2:18:35 set by Kenya’s reigning World Champion Ruth Chepngetich. But a fast race with a number of quick times is possible in Istanbul.

(10/19/2021) Views: 1,211 ⚡AMP

Former double World Marathon Champion Abel Kirui will try to break Eliud Kipchoge’s course record in Sunday’s Haspa Marathon Hamburg

The current world record holder clocked 2:05:30 in his debut marathon here back in 2013. Kirui also wants to break 2:05 for the first time in his career. With a personal best of 2:05:04 the Kenyan is the second fastest runner on the start list behind Ethiopia’s Ayele Abshero, who features a personal record of 2:04:23. In an extraordinary deep men’s field 16 athletes have already broken 2:10. There are five women who have run sub 2:25.

Mexico’s Madai Perez and Dibabe Kuma of Ethiopia head the entry list with personal records of 2:22:59 and 2:23:34 respectively. Jessica Augusto of Purtugal, who won the race two years ago, returns to Hamburg. A very strong group of Japanese elite runners will be in contention as well.

Organisers expect a total of 35,000 athletes to compete in the Haspa Marathon Hamburg. This includes all the races.  Almost 14,000 have entered Germany’s biggest and fastest spring marathon.

In the men’s race no one has come close to Eliud Kipchoge’s course record since the Kenyan ran 2:05:30 six years ago. But Abel Kirui is confident that he can change this. Asked about his goals for Sunday, he said, "My ambition is to break the course record...I know that the course is a flat one. So if the weather is cool then I will go for a fast race,“ said the 36 year-old, who won the World Championships’ marathons in 2009 and 2011. Additionally he won the silver medal in the London Olympic marathon in 2012.

"I hope to go through half way in 62:30 and then run the second half a bit faster to finish sub 2:05,“ explained Kirui, who ran 2:07:07 in very warm conditions in London a year ago.

Two Ethiopians who placed second and third at the Haspa Marathon Hamburg last year return to the race: Ayele Abshero is the fastest runner on the start list with a personal best of 2:04:23. The 28 year-old ran his best time for four years last year in Hamburg, when he clocked 2:07:19 for third place. „

"Winning this race would be great. But the field is a very strong one. I would be happy if I could finish in the top three. I will go with the first group,“ said Abshero. Tadu Abate was the runner-up in 2018 with 2:06:54 as a debutant, crossing the line just 20 seconds behind fellow-Ethiopian Solomon Deksisa. "My training went well, I had no problems and I am in fine form,“ said 21 year-old Abate.

There are two Olympic Champions in Sunday’s race. For the third time in a row Stephen Kiprotich of Uganda will compete in the Haspa Marathon Hamburg. The marathon gold medallist from London 2012 was second here in 2017 and fifth last year with 2:07:31 and 2:07:57 respectively.

It will be interesting to see if Ezekiel Kemboi can have an impact in the marathon. The 36 year-old Kenyan won two Olympic titles (2004 and 2012) and four World Championship gold medals in a row (2009 to 2015) in the steeplechase.

With a total of 16 runners who feature personal bests of sub 2:16 and another seven who have run under 2:12 the Haspa Marathon Hamburg has a depth few other marathons can match. 

In the women’s race two years ago Jessica Augusto celebrated one of her biggest career victories in Hamburg, when she took the race in 2:25:30 despite very tough weather conditions including hail showers.

"If you have been successful then you are happy to come back to that race,“ said Jessica Augusto, who suffered of a career threatening tibia bone head injury in 2018.

"I did not opt for surgery and the conservative treatment did work. Since December I am able to train normally again,“ explained Jessica Augusto, who targets at least a podium place on Sunday.

Regarding times she wants to make an early statement regarding Olympic qualification. "While the international qualifying time is 2:29:30 I will need to run considerably faster to be selected, because there are six of us who compete for three places. I hope to run around 2:25 on Sunday,“ said Augusto.

Jessica Augusto is the fourth fastest on the start list behind Madai Perez of Mexico (2:22:59), Ethiopia’s Dibabe Kuma (2:23:34) and Mao Kiyota from Japan (2:23:47). Unfortunately world half marathon Joyciline Jepkosgei cancelled her start in Hamburg. The Kenyan felt not ready yet for her marathon debut. 

Fellow Kenyan Jackline Chepngeno could produce a surprise on Sunday. The 26 year-old moved up to the marathon distance last year and clocked a personal best of 2:24:38 in Amsterdam, where she finished sixth.

"I want to break my personal best in Hamburg and compete well,“ said Chepngeno.

(04/27/2019) Views: 2,093 ⚡AMP
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Former world champions Linet Masai and Ezekiel Kemboi of Kenya plan to break into the marathon elite runners after retiring from the track competition

Masai, a former World 10,000m champion, will reignites her rivalry with former Olympic champion Meseret Defar at the Amsterdam marathon in Netherlands in Oct. 21. Masai has not been active for the last two years since her baby was born.  "I am ready for the marathon," she said. "My management has been able to get me a race in Amsterdam and I want to see how my body will react to it. I have hopes of doing well, but am also not certain how it will go. It is my first marathon race." In Amsterdam, Masai will face twice Olympic 5,000m champion Meseret Defar, with whom they have dueled a lot on the track and at the 2007 World Cross Country Championships in Mombasa. Both Masai and Defar will be making their marathon debut in Amsterdam on Oct. 21.  The Ethiopian has run several half-marathons with a best of 66:09 for second in the Great North Run in 2013. Compatriot Tadelech Bekele, who won last year in 2:21:54 and went 14 seconds quicker for third and a personal best time at the London Marathon in 2018.  Masai, the 2009 world 10,000m champion who has run 68:11 for the half is also keen to break the 42km jinx. Other athletes to watch out for include Meseret Belete, who set a world junior record of 67:51 in Copenhagen this year and was eighth at the World Championships. Former world junior cross country bronze medalist Jackline Chepngeno will also be eyeing victorious debut in marathon. Ethiopia's Guteni Shone, who has a PB of 2:23:32, could also challenge. (09/29/2018) Views: 1,750 ⚡AMP

Morris Gachaga wins Cape Town 12 OneRun 15 seconds off his world best time for 12k

Morris Gachaga and Jackline Chepngeno made it a Kenyan double, taking line honours at the FNB CApe Town 12 ONERUN in dramatic fashion on Sunday May 20.   Almost 13 000 runners of all shapes and sizes finished the traditional harbourside 12km dash from Milnerton into the city centre in perfect running conditions, the colourful mass transforming the usual silent Sunday city centre into a bustling party-town.  

Gachaga crossed the finish line in Bree Street in 33:42, some 15 seconds off of his world best time from 2017. “Racing for the win was more important than chasing my time from last year,” Gachaga said after the race.

“We did start out fast, for the first three kilometres we were on record pace, but then we started watching each other and the pace dropped a bit.” Those first 3km were passed in 8:15, 5km going by in 14:02 with all the main contenders in the lead pack of twelve athletes.  Gachaga, after driving the pace to the 3km mark, then slipped back into the pack with Kenya’s Victor Chumo taking up the front running.

The South African challenge fell away just after 8km which was covered in 22:47, with only Stephen Mokoka, the 2016 Champion, still in the mix. 10km came and went in 28:25 and it was at this point that Gachaga and Chumo kicked again, dragging Mande Bushendich with them.  On the climb up Wale Street, Chumo surged again and as they entered the final 800m in Bree Street, Chumo and Gachaga had broken away from John Langat (Kenya), Abdallah Mande and Mande Bushendich, with Mokoka dropping off further.

Chumo and Gachaga raced down Bree Street where Gachaga’s knowledge of the route giving him the advantage as he timed his sprint to the line perfectly, passing Chumbo in the final 300m to defend his title. The female race saw Kenya’s Jackline Chepngeno take control after 2km. Uganda’s Stella Chesang, who was widely tipped to win the race after winning the 10 000m title at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, hung on till 9km, before she had to give way to the relentless surging of Chepngeno. For Chepngeno the victory was the perfect start to 2018 after having taken 2017 off from racing, having given birth to her son.

“The last kilometre I was worried about Stella (Chesang) after her win in Brisbane (Commonwealth Games), so I ran really hard. I did not know where she was, so I needed to race to the line,” said Chepngeno. “Winning was really good for me. This was my first race back after my pregnancy and it is a big confidence booster for me.”

(05/20/2018) Views: 1,784 ⚡AMP