Berlin, Germany – Kenya’s newcomer Erick Kiptanui clocked a sensational course record of 58:42 and tied the world lead in the Berlin Half Marathon. Running only his third race in Europe and winning for the third time Kiptanui achieved the joint fifth fastest half marathon time ever. He missed the world record by just 19 seconds on the fast Berlin course.
Erick Kiptanui ties world lead in Berlin Half Marathon
Kenyans dominated the event and took the first seven places. Emmanuel Kiprono and Richard Mengich finished second and third with 60:29 and 60:36 respectively. The best non-Kenyan runner was Germany’s Homiyu Tesfaye who took eighth place in 62:13.
Ethiopia’s Melat Kejeta won the women’s race in sunny but windy conditions with 69:04. Switzerland’s Martina Strähl was second with 69:29, improving her personal best by more than two minutes. Anne-Mari Hyryläinen of Finland took third with 71:04, a personal best as well. At her second attempt European Steeple Chase Champion Gesa Felicitas Krause of Germany finished for the first time and was fifth. Her time of 72:16 is a German lead.
A total of 36,001 athletes entered the 38th edition of the Berlin Half Marathon.
Congratulations our athletes we are proud of you..