More Speed

In the 2 major marathons this past Sunday, Paris and Rotterdam, Africans took 28 of the top 40 spots (top 10 for men and women in each race) -- 19 by Kenyans, 8 by Ethiopians, and 1 by a Moroccan. That's a pretty impressive day and speaks to the dominance of distance running by African runners.

Pretty impressive times, too -- 4 men under 2:06 and 10 men under 2:07. A 2:07 marathon is a pace of 4:50.84 minutes per mile! Gives us something to shoot for (yeah, right)! Running Without Limits speculated that these may have been the fastest marathons ever. Could be -- in the top 40 spots, there were 22 personal best times, including 6 debut marathons.

Paris Marathon, 5 April 2009

MEN (7 of top 10 from Kenya, 2 from Ethiopia, 1 from Morocco) -- 8 personal best times, including one debut marathon:

1. Vincent Kipruto Limo (KEN) 2:05:47 (PB)
2. Bado Worku (ETH) 2:06:15 (debut)
3. David Kemboi Kiyeng (KEN) 2:06:26 (PB)
4. Yemane Adhane (ETH) 2:06:30 (PB)
5. Rachid Kisri (MAR) 2:06:48 (PB)
6. David Mandago Kipkorir (KEN) 2:06:53 (PB)
7. Jonathan Kosgei Kipkorir (KEN) 2:07:31 (PB)
8. Shadrack Kipchumba Kiplagat (KEN) 2:08:11
9. John Kipkorir Komen (KEN) 2:08:12
10. Daniel Too Kiprugut (KEN) 2:08:38 (PB)

WOMEN (5 of to 10 from Ethiopia, 2 from Kenya) -- 6 personal best times, including 3 debut marathons:

1. Atsede Bayisa (ETH) 2:24:42(PB)
2. Aselefech Mergia (ETH) 2:25:02 (debut)
3. Christelle Dauney (FRA) 2:25:43 (NR)
4. Ashu Kasim (ETH) 2:25:49 (debut)
5. Julia Mombi Muraga (KEN) 2:29:10
6. Worknesh Tola (ETH) 2:29:19
7. Leah Malot (KEN) 2:30:29 (PB)
8. Maria McCambridge (IRL) 2:35:29 (PB)
9. Azalech Masresha (ETH) 2:35:56 (debut)
10. Maja Neuenschwander (SUI) 2:36:48 (PB)

Rotterdam Marathon, 5 April 2009

MEN (9 of top 10 from Kenya, 1 from Ethiopia) -- 7 personal best times, including 2 debut marathons; 3 runners beat the previous course record:

1. Duncan Kibet, Ken 2:04:27 PB, course record old 2.05.49 William Kipsang 2008)
2. James Kwambai, Ken 2:04:27 PB (correct)
3. Abel Kirui, Ken 2:05:04 PB
4. Patrick Makau, Ken 2:06:14 PB debut
5. Jackson Kipkoech, Ken 2:08:54
6. Alfred Kering, Ken 2:09:19 PB
7. Mesfin Ademasu, Eth 2:09:32 PB
8. Robert Kipcumba, Ken 2:09:54 PB debut
9. Richard Limo, Ken 2:10:09
10. Mariko Kipchumba, Ken 2:12:17

WOMEN (1 of the top 10 from Kenya) -- 1 personal best time:

1. Nailya Yulamanova, Rus 2:26:30 PB
2. Lydia Cheromei, Ken 2:28:09
3. Adriana Pirtea, Rou 2:36:36
4. Sue Harrison, GBr 2:37:27
5. Viktoria Ryazantseva, Rus 2:40:33
6. Luzia Schmid, Sui 2:52:14
7. Marta Esteban Poveda Esp 2:53:48
8. Minna Kainlauri, Fin 2:56:01
9. Katja Merlin, Bel 2:58:10
10. Birgit Kraemer, Ned 2:59:42

Run well, y'all,
Bob