Marathon project in Arizona

Winter usa marathon projekt mar proj 2020 course

In January 2006 Haile Gebrselassie set a world record in the half marathon of 58:55 just a short distance from the Brooks Running’s ‘Marathon Project 2020’ race to be held on 20 December in Chandler, Arizona.

Gebrselassie enjoyed very favourable conditions from which runners on Sunday will be likely to benefit in the same way. The course is absolutely level, a 7km lap (for the marathon run six times), with an out-back for start and finish. Temperatures are projected at 10°C, the desert air is completely dry and there is almost no wind: near-ideal conditions.

The top names are Amanuel Mesel (ERI, pb of 2:08:17 in 2013, 2:11:04 in Houston 2020) and Sarah Hall (USA, pb 2:22:01 from October 2020). Many among the field competed in the US Olympic Trials in Atlanta in February 2020. Among the 55-strong men’s field 15 have pbs under 2:12 and there are seven women (among the 49 entered) who have run inside 2:30. Although the US Olympic team has already been confirmed there are also many guest runners from other countries (13 men from seven countries, 12 women from eight countries) hoping to beat the Olympic standard.

Because the corona pandemic is rampant in the USA strict hygiene regulations will be enforced and spectators not allowed. The run will be broadcast online by the association via USATF.TV.