Wilson Chebet wins Amsterdam Marathon
Wilson Chebet has won the TCS Amsterdam Marathon on Sunday, October 16, in 02.05.53. He was just nine seconds short of breaking last year’s course record. In the women’s category, Tiki Gelana broke the course record, which dated from 2002. She finished in the Olympic Stadium in 2.22.08. Lornah Kiplagat came in well below the limit for the Games in 02.25.52 and became the Dutch champion and came third in the women’s category. Michel Butter became the Dutch men’s champion in a personal best of 2.12.59.
The race took take place under ideal conditions on Sunday, it was sunny and a bit chilly, perfect marathon weather. The leading group of twenty runners ran together in a fast tempo for a long time. They passed the 21.1 kilometres in 1.02.38, well on track to break Getu Feleke’s course record of 2010 (02.05.44). After just over 35 km the Kenyan Wilson Chebet took off and set a pace so high, the rest of the field could not keep up. However, he lost too much time in the last two kilometres, putting the record out of reach. “I had problems with my stomach and feet, which made me drop behind”, said Chebet afterwards.
Debutant Laban Korir was second (02.06.05, Kenya) and the pace maker from the leading group Eric Ndiema was third in 02.06.07 (Kenya). Remarkably, no fewer than six runners ran under 2.07. They included Nicholas Manza (02.06.34, Kenya), Elijah Keitany (02.06.53, Kenya) and Paul Biwott (02.06.54, Kenya). These times confirm the fact that the TCS Amsterdam Marathon is one of the fastest marathons in the world.
Track record women
The women’s course record was broken after nine years. In 2002, Gete Wami ran in 2.22.19. The Ethiopian Tiki Gelana set the new record of 2.22.08. After 30 km she was still running with her compatriot Eyerusalem Kuma, the 2009 winner and Genet Getaneh. The second part of her race was considerably faster. Kuma eventually came second in a personal best of 2.24.55.
Lornah Kiplagat earns herself a nomination for the Games
Lornah Kiplagat’s confidence is back. “I am the happiest woman in Amsterdam and perhaps the whole world.” She ran well below the limit for London 2012: 02.25.52. “I am pleased with how it went. The start was a little fast, but it felt good,” she said.
During the TCS Amsterdam Marathon on Sunday more than 35,000 participants of the various distances enjoyed the fantastic atmosphere in the Olympic Stadium. Runners from around the world acquainted themselves with the wonderful course through Amsterdam, where they were cheered on by thousands of spectators.
Foto credit: Orange Pictures
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