April 2007
1 APR | 7 APR | 8 APR |
15 APR | 16 APR | 21 APR |
22 APR | 29 APR
1 APRIL 2007: 27th VATTENFALL BERLIN HALF MARATHON,
GERMANY
Patrick Makau broke Paul Kosgei's 2006 course record by 11 seconds in running the fourth
fastest time ever, and pulling two others under the hour. Benita Johnson won the women's title
in 68:47 with Irina Mikitenko of the German club TV Wattenscheid second in 69:46.
The event organisers SCC-RUNNING recorded a total of 22,048 participants from 70 countries,
watched by 150,000 spectators along the route in warm but overall good conditions. A year ago
20,419 took part. The figure consisted of 18,531 runners in the half-marathon, 1,711 inline
skaters, 22 handbikers and nine wheelchair competitors. In addition there were 747 runners on
the start line for the 3.5 km Vattenfall FUN-RUN, 401 for Nordic Walking over 6.8 km as well
as 536 children in the Bambini Run and 91 in the Kids Cup. There were 2,016 runners from
abroad taking part.
The lead group went through the first 10km in 27:27, but the winner, Patrick Makau,
reflected: "We had the wind at our backs for the first ten kilometres and that helped us
but the wind gave us problems after that."
Benita Johnson won the women's race in emphatic style. She said: "It was hard running
alone for much of the race and the wind also made things tough. But now I've run the Berlin
course, I know how fast it is." Behind her two German runners completed the podium places.
Behind Irina Mikitenko it was a surprise to see another German athlete on the podium: 2005
winner Luminita Zaituc. She overtook the defending champion and course record holder Edith
Masai of Kenya (67:16 in 2006) shortly before the finish. Masai ran the first seven kilometres
alongside Benita Johnson but could not sustain her pace.
MEN:
1. Patrick MAKAU KEN 58:56
2. Francis KIBIWOTT KEN 59:26
3. Evans CHERUIYOT KEN 59:48
4. Eshetu WONDIMU ETH 1:00:08
5. Moses KIGEN KEN 1:00:39
6. Wilfred TARAGON KEN 1:00:42
7. Mark KIPCHUMBA KEN 1:02:02
8. Gezahegne ESHETU ETH 1:03:02
9. Paul BIWOTT KEN 1:03:02
10. Vincent KROPP KEN 1:03:27
WOMEN:
1. Benita JOHNSON AUS 1:08:28
2. Irina MIKITENKO GER 1:09:46
3. Luminita ZAITUC GER 1:11:56
4. Edith MASAI KEN 1:12:03
5. Susanne PUMPER AUT 1:13:45
6. Susanne HAHN GER 1:15:09
7. Zivile BALCIUNIATE LTU 1:16:38
8. Edyta LEWANDOWSKA POL 1:17:28
1 APRIL 2007: ZURICH MARATHON, SWITZERLAND
Victor Rothlin's remarkably even-paced run (64:08/64:09) won him the race by more than a
kilometre, beating the old course record by 96 seconds. Four pacemakers, and cool, clear
weather conditions assisted in establishing a new Swiss national record. After a cool (2°C)
start at 8:30 am, the sun soon helped to warm up the athletes as they ran beside the lake.
Beautiful spring weather gave a festive atmosphere to the day. Thousands enjoyed the sun and
relaxed after the race in the lakeside finish area at Landiwiese. Music bands entertained the
masses along the route, and Nike sponsored a special entertainment point at 35km to motivate
runners for the final push. Thousands of spectators cheered Röthlin on and this, along with
the improved, flatter, course through downtown Zurich certainly helped in achieving the new
record.
Only 214 of the 4860 starters failed to finish within the five-hour time limit. They
represented 49 countries, with 565 runners from Germany and 63 from Great Britain, 58 from
Austria, 37 from Italy, 36 from France and 34 from the USA.
MEN:
1 Viktor ROTHLIN SUI 2:08:19
2 Sammy KURGAT KEN 2:11:35
3 Paul L LOMOL KEN 2:13:16
4 Lenar CHUSNUTDINOW RUS 2:13:17
5 Debel T SENBETA ETH 2:13:42
6 Mygind ANDERSEN SUI 2:29:10
7 Pascal AYMON SUI 2:29:18
8 Volkmar ROLFES SUI 2:29:49
9 Kaspar GRUNIG SUI 2:31:20
10 Antonio PICCIRILLO SUI 2:32:07
WOMEN:
1 Nina PODNEBESNOVA RUS 2:37:00
2 Elena TIKHONOVA RUS 2:38:13
3 Susan JEPKORIR KEN 2:42:07
4 Maja NEUENSCHWANDER SUI 2:44:49
5 Nadezhda TRILINSKAYA RUS 2:44:54
6 Luzia SCHMIDT SUI 2:46:27
7 Corinne ZELLER SUI 2:46:47
8 Elena RAZDROGINA RUS 2:48:12
9 Ruth BRIGGS SUI 2:48:40
10 Monika DAMBAUER AUT 2:48:49
1 APRIL 2007: EDINBURGH FORTHSIDE HALF MARATHON, GREAT BRITAIN
MEN:
1 Simon KASIMILI KEN 1:03:14
2 Simon TONUI KEN 1:03:33
3 Joseph MBITHI KEN 1:07:55
4 Michael ASPINALL GBR 1:08:47
5 Fergus MACLEAN GBR 1:11:00
6 James BUIS GBR 1:11:55
7 Tom FERRINGTON GBR 1:12:53
8 Seamus KEALEY GBR 1:13:26
9 Sean MC FARLAND GBR 1:14:33
10 Ramon ALVAREZ GBR 1:14:40
WOMEN
1 Catherine MUTWA KEN 1:13:54
2 Nicky ARCHER GBR 1:14:40
3 Emma PHILLIPS 1:18:55
4 Louisa EDMONSTON 1:21:55
5 Mael LE BIDEAU 1:22:12
6 Chelsea SMITH GBR 1:25:31
7 Rachel STANTON GBR 1:27:16
8 Caroline TOSHACK 1:27:38
9 Clare HAMSON GBR 1:28:34
10 Amanda HENDERSON GBR 1:28:42
1 APRIL 2007: CHUNJU MARATHON, KOREA
MEN:
1 Kyong-Sun KIL KOR 2:15:57
2 Ju-Young PARK KOR 2:16:58
3 Young CHO KOR 2:17:39
4 Tae-Kyu KANG KOR 2:18:05
WOMEN:
1 Jin-Suk CHANG KOR 2:32:14
2 Mi-Eun KIM KOR 2:39:11
3 Sun-Young LEE KOR 2:39:33
4 Jung-Hee OH KOR 2:42:10
5 Jung-Sook PARK KOR 2:43:18
6 Hyung-Sun JUNG KOR 2:45:46
Top
7 APRIL 2007: MUTUAL TWO OCEANS MARATHON 56KM,
SOUTH AFRICA
MEN:
1 Bethuel NETSHIFHEFHE RSA 3:07:56
2 Josiah THUGWANE RSA 3:09:39
3 Hatiwande NYAMANDE RSA 3:11:07
4 Claude MOSHIYWA RSA 3:12:03
5 Moses NJODZI ZIM 3:12:21
6 Mabule RAPHOTLE RSA 3:14:21
7 Sipho NGOMANE RSA 3:14:56
8 John MBOKO RSA 3:14:59
9 Joseph MAERMAN RSA 3:15:28
10 Neo MOLEMA RSA 3:16:06
WOMEN:
1 Madina BIKTAGIROVA RUS 3:35:04
2 Lilia YADZHAK RUS 3:35:15
3 Yelena NURGALIEVA RUS 3:35:34
4 Olesya NURGALIEVA RUS 3:35:55
5 Simone STAICU HUN 3:40:39
6 Samukeliso MOYO ZIM 3:49:00
7 Tatyana ZHIRKOVA RUS 3:49:29
8 Mamorallo TJOKA RSA 3:52:55
9 Farwa MENTOOR RSA 3:53:03
10 Angeline MOLABA RSA 3:57:58
HALF MARATHON:
MEN:
1 Willy MWANGI KEN 1:03:05
2 Enos MATALANE RSA 1:03:25
3 Lebenya NKOKA LES 1:03:44
WOMEN:
1 Helaria JOHANNES NAM 1:13:16
2 Rene KALMER RSA 1:13:42
3 Fraser THOMPSON AUS 1:14:43
7 APRIL 2007: NORTH POLE MARATHON
Photos: Mike King
Forty-three runners from 22 nations took part in the race recognised as the world's most
northerly marathon, run entirely on the frozen water of the Arctic Ocean. Participants flew
from Spitsbergen in Norway to a drifting Russian ice base in the high Arctic Ocean, where a
4.2 km course was prepared. Contestants had to run 10 laps of the circuit at the Geographic
North Pole, passing through spectacular ice hillocks and vast ice floes.
The race got under way at 02.45 GMT but with continuous daylight at this time of year
runners enjoyed brilliant sunshine, which took the edge off the minus 25°C temperature —
although they still needed three layers of clothes to cope with the frigid conditions.
Thomas Maguire finished in record time, shunning the heated refreshment tents along the
way, Maguire — who finished 12th in the 2006 World 100km Championships in Korea —
chose to complete his epic run without stopping for food or water. He won a Kobold expedition
watch for his efforts. Francesco Galanzino finished seven minutes behind Maguire.
Susan Holliday won the women's race almost 18 minutes ahead of compatriot Katy Disley, but
perhaps the most amazing achievement was that of Paralympic athlete William Tan. He used the
specially-prepared flat runway section of the course to complete a marathon in a wheelchair,
covering his particular circuit in just over 21 hours. Tan, from Singapore, is attempting to
complete marathons on all seven continents.
As he sat in his wheelchair at the precise Geographic North Pole, Tan declared it to be the
happiest day of his life. Given that it was not possible to freewheel at all on the icy
surface Tan's efforts were truly remarkable.
MEN:
1 Thomas MAGUIRE IRL 3:36:10
2 Francsco GALANZINO ITA 3:43:03
3 Juan Antonio ALEGRE ESP 3:56:33
4 Andrew MURRAY GBR 4:21:40
5 Peter BELL GBR 4:24:15
6 Jukka VILJANEN FIN 4:34:34
7 Finbarr MURPHY IRL 4:40:51
8 Rob GREAVES GBR 4:44:14
9 Kym MCCONNELL NZL 4:47:17
10 Sean GREAVES GBR 4:54:15
WOMEN:
1 Susan HOLLIDAY GBR 6:17:40
2 Katy DISLEY GBR 6:35:15
3 Lyubov BLEYKH RUS 8:18:48
4 Karen MICHELSEN CAN 8:59:52
5 Marianne DEMARCO USA 10:20:10
Top
8 APRIL 2007: TARSUS INT'L HALF MARATHON, TURKEY
MEN:
1 Wilson KIPROTICH KEN 1:02:05
2 John KOMEN KEN 1:02:41
3 Tewodros S ASFAW ETH 1:03:45
4 Iaroslav MUSHINSKII MDA 1:04:13
5 Abdulkadir TURK TUR 1:04:15
6 Kiplangat TEVER KEN 1:04:55
7 Teferi K BALCHA ETH 1:05:56
8 Felix MARUBE KEN 1:06:04
9 Ali TOPKARA TUR 1:06:08
10 Mehmet CAGLAYAN TUR 1:06:14
WOMEN:
1 Talpos LUMINITA ROM 1:12:29
2 Cathy MUTWA KEN 1:13:28
3 Julia GROMOVA RUS 1:14:23
4 Milka MIHAILOVA BUL 1:14:44
5 Elena D CIRLAN ROM 1:16:28
6 Reyhan BERBEROGLU TUR 1:27:45
7 Bakiye DURAN TUR 1:28:33
8 Canan KAYA TUR 1:29:43
9 Fatma BASTUG TUR 1:32:57
10 Seyma KARAGOZ TUR 1:32:58
Top
15 APRIL 2007: PARIS MARATHON, FRANCE
Mubarak Hassan Shami of Qatar and Ethiopian Magarsa Assale Tafa were the clear winners of
the 31st edition of the Paris Marathon writes Pierre Jean Vazel. No less than 35,000
participants ran in warm conditions with Shami recording a world leading mark of 2:07:19 to
win by more than two minutes. Tafa took the women's race by more than three minutes.
The pacemakers took the race out fast and a compact group emerged, including Shami, Spanish
Record Holder Julio Rey and Ethiopians Gashaw Melese (the 2006 winner), Deriba Merga (Marathon
debutante) and Tariku Jifar. During the first half, Melese and Rey had difficulties staying
with the pack, often running a few metres behind. Race organisers urged the pacemakers to slow
down after they reached the half way point in 1:02:50, 14 seconds faster than Paul Tergat's
pace during his World record run of 2:04:55 three years ago. Rey and Jifar were the first of
the leaders to drop.
After 25km Shami surged away, immediately followed by inexperienced Merga. For a while,
both men helped each other to prevent an eventual comeback from Melese.
As the temperature rose along the banks of the Seine, the runners' speed dropped just before
just before 30km. Shami then produced a second acceleration to which Merga could not respond.
Hedropped back to eventually finish 11th overall.
Shami's lead was never challenged, and he entered the Avenue Foch alone to win by two
minutes, 34 seconds over Melese. Paris was Shami's fifth Marathon, and he remains unbeaten
since his 2005 debut victory in Vienna (2:12:20), which was followed by wins in Venice
(2:09:22, 2005) and in Prague (2:11:11) and the Asian Games (2:12:44) last year.
The women's race also started fast with the Ethiopians Asha Gigi and Magarsa Tafa striding
away to lead by 30 seconds at 5km. They reached halfway in 1:10:12, while just before 30km,
Frenchwoman Zahia Dahmani was a distant third some two minutes behind. Gigi, like Merga in the
men's race, was weakening and eventually finished fourth.
Coming from behind, Russian Gulnara Vygovskaya and Christelle Dauney of France were some
four-and-a-half minutes behind Tafa, and three minutes behind Gigi at the 35km. They caught
Gigi, but the 23-year-old Tafa sailed to a clear victory, smashing personal best by two
minutes, 50 seconds. Vygovskaya made a huge improvement in her personal best while Dauney, in
her debut marathon, became the third fastest Frenchwoman ever. Runners came from 87 countries.
72% were French, about 3000 came from Great Britain, 1000 from Italy and 450 from Brazil.
MEN:
1 Mubarak SHAMI QAT 2:07:19
2 Gashaw MELESE ETH 2:09:53
3 Daniel RONO KEN 2:10:28
4 Elias KEMBOI KEN 2:10:33
5 Omar JIMILA MAR 2:10:44
6 Francis KIPKETER KEN 2:10:47
7 Samson BARMAO KEN 2:11:14
8 Ahmed EZZOBAYRY FRA 2:11:18
9 Julio REY ESP 2:11:36
10 Andrew LIMO KEN 2:11:47
WOMEN:
1 Magarsa TAFA ETH 2:25:07
2 Gulnara VYGOVSKAYA RUS 2:28:22
3 Christelle DAUNEY FRA 2:28:54
4 Asha GIGI ETH 2:29:11
5 Irene JEROTICH KEN 2:31:12
6 Susanne HAHN GER 2:33:25
7 Zahia DAHMANI FRA 2:35:12
8 Maria ABEL ESP 2:35:47
9 Mina OGAWA JPN 2:38:05
10 Elena FETIZON FRA 2:38:38
15 APRIL 2007: CANBERRA MARATHON, AUSTRALIA
The 31st edition was the Mag and Mag show — with 2005 winner Magnus Michelsson
scoring his second win and Magda Karamali-Poulos winning the women's race in a personal best.
Karamali-Poulos was a clear winner but Michelsson had to fight in the latter stages to hold
off debut runner Anthony Haber.
The Canberra Marathon also incorporates a 50km option and this race was again the
Australian 50km Road Championships. Both winners secured trips to the IAU World 50km Final
in Palermo, Sicily, in October. Third woman in the 50km was Tina Torpy, who improved her own
W60 world record (pending approval by World Masters Athletics) by eight minutes, recording
4.13.32. She had set her previous record in Canberra last year. Tina also broke the W60 race
record for the marathon distance, clocking 3.30.19 on her way to 50km.
The marathon attracted over 1000 marathon runners for the first time since 1985 and the 941
finishers was the most in the event's 31-year history, with the exception of the 1984 Olympic
Marathon Trial which attracted a record 2400 participants. Associated events — Kids
Marathon and Asics Marathon Eve 5km and 10km Fun Runs — bolstered the entrants to over
2000. Over 80% of marathon runners were visitors to the Australian national capital.
MEN:
1 Magnus MICHELSSON AUS 2:20:55
2 Anthony HABER AUS 2:22:12
3 David CRINITI AUS 2:28:38
4 Martin CONSIDINE AUS 2:30:47
5 Antony RICKARDS AUS 2:31:50
6 Tim COCHRANE AUS 2:33:43
7 Ben ARTUP AUS 2:37:32
8 Glenn PATERSON AUS 2:39:48
9 Philip DOVE AUS 2:40:15
10 Jared POPPETT AUS 2:41:38
WOMEN:
1 Magda KARIMALI POULOS AUS 2:43:40
2 Verity TOLHURST AUS 2:58:29
3 Elizabeth BENNETT AUS 3:00:29
4 Caroline PIVETTA AUS 3:02:10
5 Eliza MAYGER AUS 3:02:37
6 Belinda DENNETT AUS 3:02:56
7 Johanna PARSONS AUS 3:03:26
8 June PETRIE AUS 3:07:16
9 Danielle LANGSWORTH AUS 3:07:31
10 Marg ALLAN AUS 3:08:01
50km:
MEN:
1 David CRINITI AUS 3:00:12
2 Tim COCHRANE AUS 3:05:20
3 Bert PELGRIM AUS 3:15:33
WOMEN:
1 June PETRIE AUS 3:46:13
2 Deanne NOBBS AUS 4:01:14
3 Tina TORPY AUS 4:13:32
15 APRIL 2007: TURIN MARATHON, ITALY
Photo: Lorenzo Sampaolo
Aniko Kalovics notched up her second Italian victory, ducking under 2:30 on a warm and
sunny day writes Diego Sampaolo. The temperature, rising to 23°C, did slow the
final times. Kenya took the top three spots in the men's race as Philemon Tarbei won his debut
marathon. Italian favourite Daniele Caimmi came fourth in his comeback race.
Jackson Kirwa, as pacemaker, led a seven-man group through halfway in 1:04:22. Caimmi went
to the front after 26km as the course entered the Valentino Park, the green area of Turin. He
repeatedly attacked but could not drop the Kenyan trio on his heels. At 30km, Caimmi and
Tarbei ran in front, passing in 1:32:29, followed by Yusuf Songoka and Hillary Bett. Caimmi's
front running tactics, up to 36km, proved his undoing. "I am disappointed because I had
to run as the pacemaker and the Kenyans never helped" he said afterwards.
Songoka attacked at 37km, as Caimmi dropped to fourth place, now trailing both Tarbei and
Bett. But he closed the gap on the Kenyan trio in the following kilometre and briefly contended
for the win until Tarbei launched his decisive attack. The Kenyan secured his first Marathon
victory and the eighth Kenyan triumph in the history of the Turin race.
"It was very hard today because the pacemakers did not do a good job," said Tarbei.
"I congratulate Caimmi who ran a good race. Considering that it was my first Marathon
ever, it was a good race."
Aniko Kalovics front-ran from the start, paced by her fiancé and coach Zsolt Zsoder.
She set a 2:26 pace in the early stages, hoping to better her unofficial Hungarian record of
2:26:43 set in Carpi last autumn (on a non-standard course).
She built a gap of 1:31 over Caroline Kwambai to reach the halfway mark in 1:13:15. But the
warm day took its toll on her. She slowed in the second half although her victory was never
threatened. She increased her gap on Kwambai to five minutes in the final kilometres.
The race was run on a new course from Via Po to Piazza Castello in the heart of the city
which hosted the 2006 Winter Olympic Games last February, and attracted a lot of enthusiastic
spectators.
MEN:
1 Philemon TARBEI KEN 2:10:24
2 Yusuf SONGOKA KEN 2:10:51
3 Hillary BETT KEN 2:11:05
4 Daniele CAIMMI ITA 2:11:10
5 Jose TELLES DE SOUZA BRA 2:14:19
6 Alfonsi YATICH KEN 2:19:34
7 Justus KIPRONO KEN 2:20:32
8 Salvatore CALDERONE ITA 2:29:22
WOMEN:
1 Aniko KALOVICS HUN 2:29:24
2 Caroline KWAMBAI KEN 2:34:52
3 Justina BAK POL 2:40:14
4 Letay NEGASH ETH 2:42:55
5 Catherine BERTONE ITA 2:55:55
6 Shebire ABERA ETH 2:56:20
15 APRIL 2007: NAGANO MARATHON, JAPAN
Photo: Kazutaka Eguchi (Agence SHOT)
Defending champion Nephat Kinyanjui of Kenya won the ninth annual Nagano Marathon writes
Ken Nakamura.
Kinyanjui outsprinted Georgiy Andreyev to become the first man to successfully defend the
title. Andreyev, who was credited with the same time, repeated his position of last year.
After a slow start Shinichi Watanabe picked up the pace around 6km, and led a group of 16
through 10km in 31:21. Toshinari Takaoka, who was 15 seconds behind at 10km, had caught the
leaders at 15km (47:36).
The lead pack was reduced to ten runners at 20km, and eight remained at 30km. With one
kilometer to go Kinyanjui, Norio Kimijyo and Andreyev were left: Kimijyo fell back as the trio
entered the Olympic Stadium while Kinyanjui, for the second consecutive year, outkicked
Andreyev over the final 200m.
Women's winner Alevtina Ivanova, who finished second in this race in 2003 and fourth in
2004, had a much easier time.
The lead pack as much smaller — just six runners after 5km (17:28). Romanian Lidia
Simon lost contact soon after halfway, leaving just Ivanova, Dire Tune and Lyubov Morgunova
in contention.
Ivanova made her decisive move at 37km and quickly built an insurmountable lead.
Weather conditions were good (13°C, humidity 50%).
MEN:
1 Nephat KINYANJUI KEN 2:13:32
2 Georgiy ANDREYEV RUS 2:13:32
3 Norio KAMIJYO JPN 2:13:37
4 Yohei SATO JPN 2:14:13
5 Kazutaka ENOKI JPN 2:14:19
6 Moges TAYE ETH 2:14:25
7 Toshinari TAKAOKA JPN 2:15:00
8 Shimelis MOLA ETH 2:15:57
9 Kazunari YOSHITOMI JPN 2:17:19
10 Tomokazu SAKAMOTO JPN 2:20:38
WOMEN:
1 Alevtina IVANOVA RUS 2:27:49
2 Dire TUNE ETH 2:28:59
3 Lyubov MORGUNOVA RUS 2:29:34
4 Lidia SIMON ROM 2:34:48
5 Asnakech MENGISTU ETH 2:37:39
6 Chikako OGUSHI JPN 2:39:38
7 Yoshimi HOSHINO JPN 2:40:04
8 Chihiro TANAKA JPN 2:40:40
9 Mai TAGAMI JPN 2:43:03
10 Hiroko SHO JPN 2:43:49
15 APRIL 2007: FORTIS ROTTERDAM MARATHON, NETHERLANDS
Photo: Olaf Kraak / AFP / Getty Images
In temperatures of up to 25°C Joshua Chelanga won the 27th edition with a very
impressive time, two minutes clear of his opposition writes Wim Van Hemert. Hiromi
Ominami's winning time was also impressive, but due to the heat and very sunny conditions, the
organisers decided to stop the race after 3.5 hours to protect runners against possible health
problems.
Behind Ominami the very hot conditions were simply too much for most of the runners
although it was the strongest field ever assembled in Rotterdam, with fifteen men with a
personal best below 2:09:00.
A large group set off at a fast pace - 10km was reached in 29:58 - before the heat
began to take its toll. In the southern part of the city, there was no shadow and barely any
wind. From 20°C at the start, the temperature quickly rose to 25°C. A lead group of
14 passed halfway in 1:03:54 - only 24 seconds down on the intended schedule. After
passing the Erasmus bridge, towards the northern part of the city, the group broke up. At
30km (1:30:29) Chelanga, Takayuki Matsumiya and Solomon Bushendich with Patrick Ivuti and
Elijah Mutai about ten seconds behind them.
Chelanga went ahead in the Kralingse Bos at around 32km and reached 35km alone in 1:45:43.
Chelanga was a late entrant but made a very strong impression. "Under less hot conditions
I think I could have run in the 2:06 range" he said.
Runner-up Matsumiya was very happy to break his personal best by 18 seconds.
Hiromi Ominami was happy with her overwhelming victory. "First I have to thank my
pacemakers," she said. "They did a wonderful job. The spectators were magnificent,
always encouraging me. Next year I will come back with my twin sister Takami, who won here in
2002."
Luc Krotwaar, in tenth place, captured his seventh national marathon title. Nadja Wijenberg
took the Dutch title with her sixth place in the women's race.
MEN:
1 Joshua CHELANGA KEN 2:08:21
2 Takayuki MATSUMIYA JPN 2:10:04
3 William KIPSANG KEN 2:11:04
4 Isaac MACHARIA KEN 2:12:06
5 Patrick IVUTI KEN 2:12:24
6 Ambesa TOLOSA ETH 2:12:39
7 Emmanuel MUTAI KEN 2:13:06
8 Janne HOLMEN FIN 2:14:20
9 Charles KIBIWOTT KEN 2:15:12
10 Luc KROTWAAR NED 2:15:28
WOMEN:
1 Hiromi OMINAMI JPN 2:26:37
2 Helena Kiprop LOSHANYANG KEN 2:30:11
3 Alevtina BIKTAMIROVA RUS 2:31:02
4 Atsede BAYSA ETH 2:33:54
5 Ana DIAS POR 2:36:49
6 Nadja WIJENBERG NED 2:37:25
7 Adanech ZEKIROS ETH 2:42:47
8 Martha KOMU KEN 2:45:01
9 Wendy JONES GBR 2:45:54
10 Florence CHEPKURUI KEN 2:47:18
15 APRIL 2007: CARLOS LOPES GOLD MARATHON MEMORIAL, PORTUGAL
MEN:
1 Sammy TUM KEN 2:17:54
2 Peter KWALIA UGA 2:19:32
3 Isaac KIPRONO KEN 2:21:26
4 Benjamin B KIPKETER KEN 2:22:18
5 Nelson CRUZ CPV 2:22:43
6 Basweti MOMANYI KEN 2:24:46
7 Jose DE O SANTOS OLIVEIRA POR 2:31:19
8 Nuno ROMAO POR 2:32:11
9 Pedro PESSOA POR 2:32:42
10 Jose JULIO BARROS HENTIQUES POR 2:36:17
WOMEN:
1 Chanta XHERVELLE BEL 3:08:27
2 Margarida PINTO POR 3:28:01
3 Aida MARTINS POR 3:29:16
4 Maria G SERRAZINA POR 3:35:20
5 Veerle MICLOTTE BEL 3:35:59
6 Monique BAUTERS BEL 3:44:10
7 Ana LOURENCO FRA 3:44:49
8 Ana H VIEIRA POR 3:45:19
9 Katja GOETTSCHE 3:54:37
10 Monica SOUSA POR 3:56:12
15 APRIL 2007: SAO PAULO HALF MARATHON CORPORE, BRAZIL
More than 10,000 runners took part, but beyond the numbers there was an incredible
atmosphere with great streetside support.
The main objective was not just participant numbers, but to attract young people into the
sport, and this effort will be redoubled next year. Corpore president David Cyntrynowicz
said: "Today's idea will be taken forward into our future events. We aim to preserve our
physical and social environments through events like these."
This 8th edition of the race was the first to offer monetary rewards to all categories,
including young runners and wheelchair categories. "It was a victory for everyone"
said Fernando Aranha Rocha, who won the wheelchair event in 1:00:07.
People came to run from all over the country. The race organisers provided accommodation
for many competitors, which was greatly appreciated. Erinelda da Silva was the only female
wheelchair competitor, and it was her first visit to Sao Paulo. She dedicated the occasion to
her two children - even though she had hoped for a better time.
The wheelchair race set off at 07.40, together with the female elite. The elite men and the
mass race followed at 08.00. Runners set a fast pace from the start. The eventual winner,
Franck Caldeira, who also won in 2003, 2004 and 2005, forced the pace between 14-15km and took
a commanding lead, sufficient to secure him his fourth victory. "This was a fast training
run" he claimed at the finish, "because next week I will run in the Sant Antonio
Marathon in Padua (ITA)". Even so, it was his fastest time in this race. "If it
wasn't for the coming marathon I would have gone after the course record" he said.
Among the women Marcia Narloch, who had been third in 2005, gave no chance to anyone.
Strong from the start, Narloch front-ran to victory by a margin of 90 seconds. Priscah Jeptoo,
running this event for the first time, took second place. Prize money was awarded to the top 10
men and women, to a total value of R$ 27mil.
Age categories are another important aspect to the race. "Prize money is important"
said Maria de Fatima Pessoa de Souza, winner in the 50-54 age group. A regular placer in the
Corpore rankings, she travels from Rio de Janeiro to compete. "I got here today at 04.30.
I come here from Rio because the organisation is superlative - they respect us runners."
she said. She arrived by bus with 47 others from Rio de Janeiro.
The only octagenarian runner, Joao Rosario, was also emotional at the award ceremony.
"Each time I mount the podium I give thanks" he said - although he was using the
event as preparation for a marathon.
A 6km fun run was also held in conjunction with the main event.
MEN:
1 Franck C DE ALMEIDA BRA 1:03:59
2 Paulo R ALMEIDA PAULA BRA 1:04:29
3 Luiz F DE ALMEIDA PAULA BRA 1:04:32
4 Luis P DA SILVA ANTUNES BRA 1:04:53
5 Michael TLUWAY MISLAY TAN 1:05:31
6 Sergio C DA SILVA BRA 1:05:51
7 Adriano BASTOS BRA 1:07:28
8 Marildo JOSE BARDUCO BRA 1:07:35
9 Marcio FERREIRA TORRES BRA 1:07:41
10 Marcelo JOSE DA SILVA BRA 1:07:49
WOMEN:
1 Marcia NARLOCH BRA 1:15:33
2 Priscah JEPTOO KEN 1:17:02
3 Elizabeth ESTEVES DE SOUZA BRA 1:18:30
4 Maria L ALVES VIEIRA MORAES BRA 1:20:23
5 Rosangela RAIMUNDA P FARIA BRA 1:21:01
6 Adriana CANDIDO DE SOUZA BRA 1:23:16
7 Rosangela FIGUEREDO SILVA BRA 1:25:09
8 Debora Regina Gomes FERRAZ BRA 1:25:44
9 Andriléia do Carmo DE SOUZA BRA 1.29:23
15 APRIL 2007: VANCOUVER SUN RUN 10KM, CANADA
Photos: Teresa Nightingale
MEN:
1 Soloman TSIGE ETH 29:22
2 Dylan WYKES CAN 29:23
3 Ryan HAYDEN CAN 29:24
4 Matthew KERR CAN 29:46
5 Joel BOURGEOIS CAN 29:49
6 Mark BOMBA CAN 29:54
7 William CHESERET KEN 30:29
8 Jeremiah ZIAK CAN 30:29
9 David JACKSON CAN 30:33
10 Nathan KENDRICK CAN 30:36
WOMEN:
1 Teyiba ERKESSO ETH 32:05
2 Lioudmila KORTCHAGUINA CAN 33:20
3 Lisa HARVEY CAN 33:43
4 Lucy SMITH CAN 33:51
5 Aster DEMISSIE CAN 34:38
6 Cheryl MURPHY CAN 34:48
7 Emily TALLEN CAN 34:53
8 Marilyn ARSENAULT CAN 35:08
9 Kirsty SMITH CAN 35:33
10 Katrina DRIVER CAN 35:35
Top
16 APRIL 2007: 111TH BAA BOSTON MARATHON, USA
Photos: Alan Brookes
Cold, rain, and high winds made the 111th Boston Marathon the slowest in more than 20 years.
Lidiya Grigoryeva and Robert Chepchumba's winning times were the slowest since 1985, when
Boston was still caught between its amateur ethic and the realities of modern day sport.
The women's event incorporated the US trials for the IAAF World Championships, and Deena
Kastor was a favourite for both the trials and the open race. It was 11°C at the start -
much milder than most forecasts, but the rain beat down and most competitors were dressed
defensively.
After 5km a pack of eight, mainly led by Jelena Prokopcuka, had got 40 seconds clear
(17:12). Little changed through 10km (34:50) and 15km (53:35) except that the pace slackened.
Defending champion Rita Jeptoo tried to get away at 18km but was reeled back in and the sedate
pace continued through halfway (1:17:10). Then things started to happen. Prokopcuka took her
gloves off, Jeptoo shed her long-sleeved shirt and they took a group of six away, as Volpato
and, surprisingly, Kastor fell behind.
Through 25km Prokopcuka continued to push but the pace had improved only marginally. Lidya
Grigoryeva was now her pacing partner as they ran alongside Madai Perez and a little ahead of
Rita Jeptoo. Jeptoo lost 20 seconds to this trio by 30km (1:47:37). The three of them matched
each other stride for stride up Heartbreak Hill. Only at 40km was the decisive move made - by
Grigoryeva. Within the blink of an eye she gained a decisive lead, pursued by the dogged
Prokopcuka and the diminutive Perez. Deena Kastor at least took the US trials title, followed
by Anne Alyanak, Kristin Price and Mary Akor.
The men's race, heading the mass field, set off 25 minutes after the elite women. Race
favouriote was Robert Cheruiyot, who had won Boston and Chicago last year but had fallen as he
crossed the finish line in Chicago, banged his head on the ground, and was treated for internal
bleeding. He reported that his training had gone well in building up to Boston his yar, but
complained of headaches and said: "I cannot say that I am 100%, but I will give it my
all."
Two runners flew off the front. Josephat Ongeri and Jared Nyambok stayed significantly
ahead of the field thrugh 5km, 10km, 15km - and at halfway had a lead of 95 seconds (but
already diminishing from their maximum advantage of 2:04 at around 13km). Only at 25km did the
tactically hidebound pack sight the two leaders and their pace seemed to perk up in response,
but was still slow enough for 20 runners to sustain it. Through Heartbreak Hill attrition
finally set in. At 35km Robert Cheruiyot headed a group of six - and only 2km later he had
only James Kwambai to contend with. Cheruiyot now had no headaches. He surged strongly to drop
Kwambai with 1500m to go, and claim his third victory in Boston.
MEN:
1 Robert K CHERUIYOT KEN 2:14:13
2 James KWAMBAI KEN 2:14:33
3 Stephen KIOGORA KEN 2:14:47
4 James KOSKEI KEN 2:15:05
5 Teferi WADAJO ETH 2:15:06
6 Benjamin MAIYO KEN 2:16:04
7 Ruggero PERTILE ITA 2:16:08
8 Peter M GILMORE USA 2:16:41
9 Samuel NDEREBA KEN 2:17:04
10 Robert CHEBOROR KEN 2:18:07
WOMEN:
1 Lidiya GRIGORYEVA RUS 2:29:18
2 Jelena PROKOPCUKA LAT 2:29:58
3 Madai PEREZ MEX 2:30:16
4 Rita JEPTOO KEN 2:33:08
5 Deena KASTOR USA 2:35:09
6 Robe T GUTA ETH 2:36:29
7 Lyubov DENISOVA RUS 2:38:00
8 Alice CHELANGAT KEN 2:38:07
9 Ann M ALYANAK USA 2:38:55
10 Kristin M PRICE USA 2:38:57
Top
21 APRIL 2007: BANCA INTESA BELGRADE MARATHON,
SERBIA
Home favourite Olivera Jevtic won the 20th edition of the race after running more than half
the distance with an obvious ankle injury, writes Pat Butcher. She took the lead right from the start, and was
going well through the first 10km but as the ankle injury started to show she slowed to
accommodate it.
Jevtic, who is the only Serbian athlete already selected for the Beijing Olympics in a
year's time, said, "I had a pain in my left leg for the last 15 days, it was caused by
the change in climate. I've been training in Kenya, and when I returned to Serbia, it was
colder, and that brought it on. I had pain all the time, from the very start. I thought about
dropping out, but I just could not, because of the wonderful support I was getting; the fans
were with me all the way."
In the men's race John Maluni only got away from Nicholas Chelimo in the last 100m, to win
by three seconds. Both runners posted personal bests. Maluni, trained by three-time Boston
winner Cosmas Ndeti, said, "At 35km I thought I could win. The weather was perfect
(16°C)." Runner-up Chelimo is coached by world record holder Paul Tergat.
The finish tape was held by world record long jumpers, Bob Beamon and Mike Powell, who were
the marathon's celebrity guests.
MEN:
1 John MALUNI KEN 2:11:53
2 Nicholas CHELIMO KEN 2:11:56
3 John LIOKO KEN 2:13:30
4 Andrew SAMBU TAN 2:14:52
5 Andrew SILVINI TAN 2:14:56
6 Wilson CHEPKWONY KEN 2:14:59
7 Sowa ARKADIUSZ POL 2:15:09
8 John CHERUTICH KEN 2:17:23
9 Adam DRACZYNSKI POL 2:17:24
10 Nickson RUGUT KEN 2:19:54
WOMEN:
1 Olivera JEVTIC SRB 2:35:46
2 Oxana KUZMINCHEVA RUS 2:37:41
3 Yelena KOZHEVNIKOVA RUS 2:38:14
4 Karina P DELGADO MEX 2:40:36
5 Lene K DUUS DEN 2:48:08
6 Verena SAMSONOVA RUS 2:50:25
Top
22 APRIL 2007: MARATONA SANT ANTONIO, ITALY
MEN:
1 Paul K KIPKEMEI KEN 2:10:39
2 Alberico DI CECCO ITA 2:10:40
3 Joseph LOMALA KEN 2:14:13
4 Paul NJOROGE KEN 2:15:23
5 Assefa MEZGEBU ETH 2:15:47
6 Abdelhadi EL HACHIMI MOR 2:16:26
7 Elkana MACHUKA KEN 2:20:30
8 Tesfaye B DIRBA ETH 2:25:20
9 Reinhard HARRASSER ITA 2:25:22
10 Doriano BUSSOLOTTO ITA 2:26:05
WOMEN:
1 Vincenza SICARI ITA 2:30:33
2 Lucilla ANDREUCCI ITA 2:33:29
3 Marily DOS SANTOS BRA 2:39:44
4 Sara WINTER GBR 2:46:57
5 Ingri EICHBERGER AUT 2:48:08
6 Laura RICCI ITA 2:53:00
7 Lidija RAJCIC CRO 2:54:40
8 Leila BOURGIBA ITA 2:55:02
9 Claudia DARDINI ITA 2:55:56
10 Simone LONGONI ITA 2:56:29
22 APRIL 2007: MARATHON POPULAR DE MADRID, SPAIN
MEN:
1 Jonathan KIPKOSGEI KEN 2:12:42
2 Phillip SANGA KEN 2:13:44
3 Augustus KAVUTU KEN 2:14:54
4 James MOIBEN KEN 2:16:42
5 Tesfayohannes MESFEN ETH 2:19:00
6 Tesfahiwot DEBREGERGIS ETH 2:19:54
7 Silas SANG KEN 2:20:59
8 Fredrick CHUMBA KEN 2:23:06
9 Kahsia KIDANE KEN 2:25:12
10 Isreal G CARRASCO ESP 2:29:29
WOMEN:
1 Pauline ATONDOYANG KEN 2:48:46
2 Remedies A GOMEZ ESP 2:58:11
3 Noelia M ARRIBA ESP 3:06:10
4 Elsi T VENTURA ESP 3:13:19
5 Lisbeth SCHOU ESP 3:17:22
6 Monica A DIAZ ESP 3:19:23
7 Rebecca A SEOANE ESP 3:19:37
8 Sonia S M DELGADO ESP 3:22:30
9 Isabel R MARTINEZ ESP 3:23:29
10 Joelle CONAN ESP 3:23:57
22 APRIL 2007: ING BANK ENSCHEDE MARATHON, NETHERLANDS
MEN:
1 Thomson CHEROGONY KEN 2:11:35
2 Jonathan KIPSAINA KEN 2:13:55
3 Tekeste NEKATIBEBE ETH 2:14:17
4 Tessema ABSHIRO ETH 2:15:58
5 Raphael NJENGA KEN 2:16:11
6 Eric KIPTOON KEN 2:18:40
7 Samuel WOLDEAMANUEL ETH 2:19:00
8 Mehir ABDELMAJID MAR 2:20:16
9 Dimitris THEODORAKAKOS GRE 2:26:56
10 Rens DEKKERS NED 2:27:16
WOMEN:
1 Ingrid PIGGE NED 2:42:31
2 Klara DAVINA NED 3:13:50
3 Monika TERBECK GER 3:15:05
4 Lieskina BROUWER NED 3:19:22
5 Gea SIEKMANS NED 3:25:58
6 Brigitte LANGKAMP GER 3:26:35
7 Sylvie K GOLDEWIJK NED 3:28:18
8 Ellen WOPEREIS NED 3:28:26
9 Heidi PEDERSEN DEN 3:28:59
10 Henk HARENBERG NED 3:29:15
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29 APRIL 2007: VIENNA CITY MARATHON, AUSTRIA
Photo: www.photorun.net
Luke Kibet battled rising temperatures to win the biggest victory of his career to date.
Luminita Talpos had a convincing win in the women's race from an improving Martha Markos, who
knocked almost five minutes off her personal best. Susanne Pumper's third place gave the home
crowd something to celebrate. A record 26,279 runners from 80 nations took part, including the
shorter races supporting the main marathon event.
The leading men passed halfway slower than planned, in 65:37. "It was getting too warm,
and we were watching each other", Kibet later explained. The race favourite Bernard
Barmasai lost ground after 24km. The former steeplechase world record holder (who is still
third fastest of all time with his 7:55.72 from 10 years ago) was hoping for his first marathon
victory, but he dropped out at 35km. Kibet shook off his last challenger, Abel Kirui, at 37km.
Luminita Talpos was never challenged on the way to her first marathon victory. The 34
year-old passed half way in 1:14:23, more than a minute ahead of Martha Markos. "I am
happy to have finally won a big marathon, though I did not quite get the time I wanted"
she said. She will now prepare for the World Championships marathon in Osaka.
MEN:
1 Luke KIBET KEN 2:10:07
2 James MWANGI KEN 2:10:27
3 Abel KIRUI KEN 2:10:41
4 Haron TOROITICH KEN 2:12:00
5 Willliam TODOO-ROITCH KEN 2:12:37
6 Shadrack KIPLAGAT KEN 2:13:20
7 Wilberforce TALEL KEN 2:13:35
8 Luis FERREIRA POR 2:13:37
9 Joseph BIRGEN KEN 2:13:57
10 Bayo GETULI TAN 2:14:17
WOMEN:
1 Luminita TALPOS ROM 2:32:21
2 Martha MARKOS ETH 2:35:45
3 Suzanne PUMPER AUT 2:37:55
4 Lucia KIMANI BIH 2:38:21
5 Petra TEVELI HUN 2:40:31
6 Salomie-Getn KASSA ETH 2:41:27
7 Megressa ALIMAZ ETH 2:41:33
8 Jacqueline RUEGGER SUI 2:55:58
9 Nadja MAG-GOSCHL AUT 3:01:11
10 Valerie KNOPF GER 3:02:13
29 APRIL 2007: CONERGY HAMBURG MARATHON, GERMANY
After dropping out in Rotterdam and failing to get into London, it was third time lucky for
Rogers Rop as he won the Hamburg Marathon from his compatriot Wilfred Kigen by a single second
writes Jorg Wenig. The 31-year-old winner had won both the Boston and New York
Marathons in 2002, but here he set a new personal best by two seconds. Ethiopian Ayelech Worku
won the women's race by a slightly bigger margin from Rose Nyangancha. Weather conditions were
almost ideal at 15°C, but there was some wind. A total of 23,027 runners registered for
the race.
Pacemakers guided the favourites through the first half in 1:03:20. Samuel Muturi, running
his debut, and Rop then broke away. They were followed by a group of four, including Kigen and
Kiprotich Kinei. Rop decisively broke away at 35km but Muturi struggled over the final 7km and
finished a distant 12th in 2:12:46. With 3km to go Rop looked fully in control with a lead of
34 seconds. Behind him Kigen and Kinei picked up the pace and Kigen, the two-time winner of
the Frankfurt Marathon, closed the gap. In a dramatic finish he overtook a tiring Rop, but did
not expect Rop to produce a counter attack in the last few metres. At the finish line Rop was
one second ahead of Kigen, who also produced a personal best. "I intended to break my
personal best, so I pushed the pace from the beginning" said Rop. "In the end my
energy was fading, but I won."
In the women's race Lithuania's Zivile Balciunaite passed the halfway point in 1:12:54.
She was ahead of a chasing group by more than a minute but then began to fade. Worku,
Nyangacha and Beatrice Omwanza first dropped the 2005 winner Edith Masai and the trio went on
to catch and overtake Balciunaite after 35km. Worku proved strongest in the closing stages.
"Only when I passed 40km, did I know that I had a chance of taking the race" she
said.
MEN:
1 Rogers ROP KEN 2:07:32
2 Wilfred KIGEN KEN 2:07:33
3 Kiprotich KINEI KEN 2:07:42
4 James ROTICH KEN 2:09:29
5 Kipkorir Mathew SIGEI KEN 2:09:39
6 Joseph NGENY KEN 2:10:25
7 Jackson KOECH KEN 2:10:28
8 Kiprotich Peter CHERUS KEN 2:11:10
9 Sammy KIPRUTO KEN 2:11:13
10 Tesfaye TOLA ETH 2:11:37
WOMEN:
1 Ayelech WORKU ETH 2:29:14
2 Rose NYANGANCHA KEN 2:29:22
3 Beatrice OMWANZA KEN 2:30:46
4 Zvile BALCIUNAITE LIT 2:31:13
5 Leila Tole AMAN ETH 2:31:25
6 Edith MASAI KEN 2:32:10
7 Merima DENBOBA ETH 2:32:54
8 Claudia DREHER GER 2:33:58
9 Maria Jose PUYEO ESP 2:34:15
10 Fatima CABRAL POR 2:34:48
29 APRIL 2007: NICE INT'L HALF MARATHON, FRANCE
MEN:
1 Isaac KIPLAGAT KEN 1:02:04
2 Hillary KIPCHUMBA KEN 1:02:08
3 James THEURY FRA 1:02:10
4 Festus LANGAT KEN 1:02:30
5 Edwin KWAMBAI KEN 1:02:59
6 Joseph AMENYA KEN 1:03:55
7 Kenneth KORIR KEN 1:05:49
8 Cyrus KATARON 1:05:53
9 James KIPKETER KEN 1:06:44
10 Claude NOHILE FRA 1:06:46
WOMEN:
1 Anne BERERWE KEN 1:13:13
2 Magdeline CHEMJOR KEN 1:13:53
3 Ingrid LOPERGOLO 1:21:09
4 Patricia SIGNORIO ITA 1:23:08
5 Guilia TORINO ITA 1:24:34
6 Chrystel WALSPURGER FRA 1:24:41
29 APRIL 2007: BIG SUR INTERNATIONAL MARATHON, USA
MEN:
1 Jeff GARDINA USA 2:25:49
2 Leonel AVALOS USA 2:31:31
3 Hector LOPEZ USA 2:34:18
4 Jesus CAMPOS USA 2:35:30
5 Oswaldo LOPEZ USA 2:43:14
6 Russell MARTIN USA 2:44:28
7 William TARANTINO USA 2:45:06
8 Omar MENDOZA USA 2:47:04
9 Jaime ORTIZ USA 2:48:34
10 Scott MCCONVILLE USA 2:49:18
WOMEN:
1 Michelle THOMAS USA 3:02:11
2 Megan CANOVA USA 3:07:27
3 Erin MOORE USA 3:08:47
4 Tammy SLUSSER USA 3:09:07
5 Elsa SPRUNT USA 3:12:08
6 Peggy YETMAN USA 3:13:15
7 Nicole DEBOOM USA 3:14:32
8 Jane TUNNADINE USA 3:15:14
9 Suzy WEST USA 3:15:25
10 Liming Monica ZHUANG USA 3:18:08
April 2007
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