In Pictures: Kass Standard Marathon Eldoret 2010

Photo courtesy by Kass Kutit Ab Gaa

Magdaline Mukunzie and Isaack Kosgei Bag 1.5M

Magdaline Mukunzie and Isaack Kosgei go home with 1.5 M each in the 4th Edition of the Kass International Marathon.

The two have made history by winning the marathon for the first time.

Rebecca Kiptoo took second position in the women category

Francis Kosgei and Victor Kipchirchir came in second and third positions respectively.

The marathon is aimed at exposing the local talents to the international competitions so as to tap the talent in the region and the country as a whole.

Many legendary and internationally acclaimed athletes graced the occasion among them the world athlete of the year David Rudisha, Paul Targat, Vivian cheruiyot, Janeth Chepkosgei (Eldoret Express), Teckla Lorupe and Kipchoge Keino.

The event was so timely as it took place in the heart of the home of champions in Eldoret .

The Chief guest Ramal a legendary South African athlete urged Kenyans to nurture the extraordinary sporting talents in Kenya being the best of the bests in the world in the field of athletics.

Other guests included Sports Minister Paul Otwoma, Host William Ruto MP Eldoret North, Eugine Wamalwa, Peris Simam, Jackson Kiptanui and Elijah Lagat

Otuoma however promised better training facilities for the upcoming athletes in the region through the renovation of the dilapidated Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret up to a tune of one hundred million shillings.

The Kass media Group Chairman CK Joshua called on the corporate world to step in and help to tap potential on the local talent a moved he said to help in socio-economic development of the country

Results:

Men: 42km- Isaac Kosgei 2:20.12, Francis Kosgei 2:21.08, Victor Kipchirchir 2:21.32, Ronald Kimeli 2:21.53, Simon Kipkorir 2:22.12; 12km- Gedion Kipketer 35:47.8, Wilfred Kirwa (35:51.0), Mathew Kisorio 35:53.8, Enock Mitei 35:58.6;

Women: 42km- Magdaline Mugunzi 2:44.50, Rebecca Kisang 2:45.52, Violah Bor 2:48.52, Irene Jepchumba 2:49.55, Pamela Jepngétich 2:52.27; 12km- Rose Kosgei 41:26.4, Hellen Kirop 41:58.5, Rose Jepchumba 42:19.9, Eunice Kales 42:35.4, Gladys Jebet (42:48.9)

Comrades Marathon entries close

via supersport.com

Entries for the 2011 Comrades Marathon closed just before noon on Tuesday when the 18 000 cap was reached.

However, the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) said the number of entrants could be higher as entries postmarked on or before November 30 would still be accepted.

Race director Johan van Staden said entries had been capped to ensure competitors' health and safety and to set the pace for a good race.

"The CMA will release the official entry figure once these entries have been received and captured," it said in a statement.

The 2011 race will be an "up" run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg and will be held on Sunday, May 29.

Beating the rain and cold, Dado and debutante Tadese triumph in Florence

Diego Sampaolo for the IAAF

Battling cold and wet conditions, Ethiopians Firehiwot Dado and Aredo Tolesa Tadese triumphed at the Florence Marathon on Sunday (28).

Running over a significantly changed course from previous editions, Dado crossed the finish line in 2:28:58 to add the Florence crown to her two successive victories at the Rome Marathon in 2009 and 2010. The conditions precluded an assault on her 2:25:38 career best and the course record of 2:28:15 set by Slovenia’s Helena Javornik in 2002. Meseret Mengistu, also from Ethiopia, finished a distant runner-up in 2:30:45.

Dado and Mengistu formed the leading duo, going through the opening 10Km in 34:04 and 15 km in 51:16 before reaching the halfway in 1:12:21, indicating that a possible attack on the course record was still in the cards. They passed the 35 km in 2:01:37 before the pace slowed considerably. The two Ethiopians continued running neck and neck for most of the race until Dado broke away at 38 km. Dado managed to build up a gap of 40 seconds over Mengistu by 40 Km, although the pace slowed dramatically with splits of 3:52 in the 37th kilometre, 3:48 in the 38th, and 3:43 in the 39th.

“It was terribly cold but I ran a good race,” said Dad, who lives in Addisa Ababa and is coached by Haji Adilo. “I am now planning to return to Rome to win in the Eternal city for the third consecutive time next spring.” Adilo also coaches Siraj Gena, the men’s winner in Rome earlier this year.

The adverse weather conditions and the slippery course also prevented fast times in the men’s race where Ethiopia claimed a podium sweep. The win went to Tadese who took the honours in his debut over the distance in 2:12:41 beating his compatriot Teshome Gelana.

Edea Bane Tola started as a pacemaker leading for most of the race, passing at halfway in a promising 1:03:43, and decided to run until the end. But the effort took its toll in the final part of the race run on a more challenging section. Bends, slippery cobblestones and worsening rainy conditions slowed the time and dashed and any hopes of a course record (2:08:40 set by Jonas Kutto in 2006) or sub-2:10 run.

Tola led alone at 33 Km but his pace faded dramatically in the final 5 Km (he ran the 37th kilometre in 3:22, 38th in 3:23 and 39th in 3:41). This allowed Tadese and Gelana to catch and overtake Tola in the final kilometre. The race came down to the wire with Tadese just holding off Gelana. Both were credited with 2:12:41. Gelana started the race as favourite, with 2:07:37 PB set in Houston in January.

“I am happy to win my debut marathon,” Tadese said. “When we saw that Tola was fading, we tried to launch our attack.” The winner haisl from Addis Ababa and runs for the military group of the Oromia Police. He has a Half Marathon PB of 1:03:37 set at altitude in Addis Ababa.

Notable too was the sixth place finish by Thomas Bedford, the Race Director of the Virgin London Marathon, an IAAF Gold Label Road Race. A member of the IAAF Road Running Commission, Bedford, son of Marathon ace David Bedford, clocked 2:19:30.

No less than 10,211 runners from 57 countries toed the starting line from Piazzale Michelangelo making Florence the second most popular Italian marathon after Rome.

Diego Sampaolo for the IAAF

Leading Results -
Men:
1 Aredo Tolesa Tadese (Ethiopia) 2:12:41
2 Teshome Gelana (Ethiopia) 2:12:41
3 Edea Bane Tola (Ethiopia) 2:13:30

Women:
1 Firehiwot Tufa Dado (Ethiopia) 2:28:58
2 Meseret Mengistu (Ethiopia) 2:30:45
3 Alena Samokhvalova (Russia) 2:36:42

Kick off your shoes but watch out for those gingko nuts

BY LOUIS TEMPLADO

You might not think Tokyo is a rough place to run, but with pebbles, chopsticks and gingko nuts on the ground, you really have to watch your step.

Still, such things are no obstacle to the city's small but intrepid band of barefoot runners. From calloused veterans to soft-soled newbies, you can catch nearly all of them practicing their steps at Yoyogi Park in Shibuya Ward under the direction of diminutive but remarkably springy instructor Tsuyoshi Yoshino.

Do we really need lessons in how to run barefoot?

"The human body is designed to run without shoes," says Yoshino, who heads the Japan Barefoot Running Association. "But in this day and age, it's something we're unfamiliar with. If you start suddenly, you're going to hurt yourself."

A sports biomechanist, Yoshino began running barefoot in 2005, while a graduate student in the United States.

There, he says, barefoot running has become a movement. Here, there's just his Barefoot Running Club, formed in July. It has about 30 members.

"We get new people whenever we're covered on morning news shows," he says. "But there we're treated as an oddity. What I find strange is that Japan has a culture where we're always taking off our shoes--people know that it feels good to go barefoot. But they draw the line when it comes to running."

Barefoot running, he says, requires a technique different from the way most people run.

Shod in shock-absorbing, motion-controlling conventional running shoes, most of us land on the heel, which pivots as the foot rolls forward for the next push off.

Barefoot runners instead land on the middle or front of the foot with the knee bent, using gravity to "fall" into the next step forward. It sounds complicated, but the motion kicks in instinctively once the feet realize they have to fend for themselves.

The eyes, too, click into a different mode, continuously scanning the ground a couple of meters in front of the feet.

"That's one of the disadvantages of barefoot running," says Yoshino. "You don't see much of the scenery."

The first sensation for neophytes is embarrassment. When that passes, a sense of lightness sets in, followed by a desire to overdo it.

"Take it easy," advises Yoshino. "Some people are fine from the start, but others are going to run lots but still get lots of pain," especially in the calves and foot muscles, until they slowly adapt.

Even if you own a pair of so-called "minimalist" or transitional running shoes, such as Vibram's glove-like Five-Fingers shoe, it's better to try running barefoot from the start, says Yoshino.

"Those shoes can give you the sensation of running barefoot, but they delay important feedback so that you might do more than you're really ready to do. When you're truly barefoot, blisters and other things will tell you when you've had enough for the day."

Not all information comes in the form of pain, discovered Hiromi Saito, 28, one of 16 participants at a beginner barefoot event at Yoyogi Park on Nov. 13. "I got an idea of my own form, and I noticed things I wouldn't normally have, such as the texture and temperature of the ground," she says.

It's within that heightened sensory state, says Yoshino, that the magic of barefoot running lies. "Think of the way we use our hands when we're cooking or stitching on a sewing machine. They move their best when there's a challenge. Our feet move the same way."

Get your kicks - Saucony Grid Getgo 2 - Spring 2011

The Saucony Grid GetGo is a light­weight neu­tral trainer for fast work­outs. The shoe has a win­ning Flexion Plate tech­nol­ogy for improved roll and weighs 312 grams. The Grid GetGo 2 debutes in the spring of 2011.

 

64th Fukuoka International Marathon: Invited Runners (Overseas)

No.1 GHARIB,Jaouad [MAR] [DOB] 1972.5.22 [height] 176cm [weight] 63kg [personal best record] 2:05:27 (London 3rd / 2009.4.26) Jaouad Gharib is a top-class “superstar” runner who has always managed to shine when under pressure. He was the silver medalist at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and won the World Championships on two consecutive occasions, in 2003 and 2005. He began track events quite late, at the age of 24, and recorded his personal best in the marathon, 2:05:27, in last year’s London Marathon. At the age of 38, Gharib is a veteran who shows no signs of slowing down. This is his second appearance in Fukuoka following the 2006 race, when he came third behind Haile Gebrselassie (Ethiopia), the current world record holder, and another runner. “I want to run under 2:06,” he says enthusiastically. “I intend to win in Fukuoka.”

No.2 BARANOVSKYY,Dmytro [UKR] [DOB] 1979.7.28 [height] 173cm [weight] 58kg [personal best record] 2:07:15 (Fukuoka 2nd / 2006.12.3) Dmytro Baranovsky’s rapport with the Fukuoka course is truly amazing. In 2008 he came 17th in the Lake Biwa Marathon in a time of 2 hours 16 minutes. In the 2009 Tokyo Marathon he came 7th in 2 hours 13 minutes. And in this year’s Boston Marathon he finished 17th in 2 hours 17 minutes. Those figures would seem to identify him as merely an ordinary runner. But his last three performances in Fukuoka have been terrific. In his first appearance in 2005 he won the race in 2:08:29, improving his personal best record by about three and a half minutes. In the following year, although beaten by Haile Gebrselassie (Ethiopia), he finished ahead of Jaouad Gharib (Morocco), the Beijing Olympics silver medalist, improving his personal best to 2:07:15. And last year he finished third in 2:08:19. In his fourth appearance too, Baranovsky is certainly likely to be up there among the front runners.

No.3 KEBEDE,Tekeste [ETH] [DOB] 1981.8.4 [height] 167cm [weight] 54kg [personal best record] 2:07:23 (Boston 2nd / 2010.4.19) When he decided to run in Fukuoka last year, Tekeste Kebede was still only a training partner for the Olympic bronze medalist Tsegaye Kebede (Ethiopia). Nevertheless, he finished second in that race in a time of 2:07:52, taking nearly two minutes off his personal best. He also displayed his talent at this year’s Boston Marathon, where he further improved his personal best by close to 30 seconds and finished second, ahead of the likes of Deriba Merga (Ethiopia), Ryan Hall (United States), and Meb Keflezighi (United States). Having set new personal best times in four consecutive marathons, Kebede, 29, has suddenly caught up with the world’s top runners. Much attention will be focused on how he does in his second appearance in Fukuoka.

No.4 DRACZYNSKI,Adam [POL] [DOB] 1976.1.3 [height] 178cm [weight] 59kg [personal best record] 2:10:49 (Wien 5th / 2010.4.18) In April of this year, Adam Draczynski, 34, finished fifth in the Vienna Marathon, clocking a personal best time of 2:10:49. In 2008 he won the World Military Marathon Championship sponsored by the International Military Sports Council (CISM) with a time of 2:12:21. Until now he has been racing mainly in Eastern Europe, but he decided to participate in Fukuoka because, he says, “I wanted to run in the world-famous Fukuoka International Marathon.” His goal is to run under 2:10 for the first time. He also hopes to represent Poland at the World Championships to be held in Daegu, South Korea, next year.

No.5 SAFRONOV,Dmitry [RUS] [DOB] 1981.10.8 [height] 190cm [weight] 70kg [personal best record] 2:11:51 (Podgorica 1st / 2009.11.1) At 190 centimeters, Dmitry Safronov is unusually tall for a top-class marathon runner. (Japanese runners known for their height include Toshinari Takaoka at 186 cm and Takeyuki Nakayama at 180 cm.) Safronov began full-fledged running in 2001, and for a time concentrated on races in the United States. His first marathon was the 2005 San Antonio Marathon in Texas, when he finished in 2:15:58. In 2009 he improved his personal best to 2:11:51, and in the European Athletics Championships held in August of this year he captured the bronze medal, finishing in 2:18:16.

No.6 FEITEIRA,Luis [POR] [DOB] 1973.4.21 [height] 175cm [weight] 55kg [personal best record] 2:11:57 (Praha 5th / 2009.5.10) Luis Feiteira has represented Portugal at the World Championships on two consecutive occasions. Last year, at the age of 36, he ran three marathons. In May he set a personal best of 2:11:57 in Prague. In August he finished 10th at the Berlin World Championships. And then in his first appearance at Fukuoka he finished sixth in a time of 2:13:07. This year his aim is to run under 2:10 and set a new personal best. Feiteira began running at the age of 14, and before switching to the marathon he appeared in the Olympics and World Championships in the 1,500-meter event. Nine years ago he clocked 3:34.20 in that event, which is more than three seconds faster than the Japanese record. He is an athlete of long standing, with his eyes still firmly set on reaching the top heights of the World Championships and Olympics.

No.7 LEMONCELLO,Andrew [GBR] [DOB] 1982.10.12 [height] 188cm [weight] 66kg [personal best record] 2:13:40 (London 8th / 2010.4.25) Andrew Lemoncello, 28, ran his first marathon in London in April of this year, finishing in eighth place in a time of 2:13:40. He was the fastest British runner in that race. His forte is the 3,000-meter steeplechase, in which he has clocked a time of 8:22.95. He represented Britain in that event at the 2005 Helsinki World Championships, the 2007 Osaka World Championships, and the 2008 Beijing Olympics. In a sense, visiting Fukuoka will be like coming home for Lemoncello, since he was born in Japan and lived until the age of five in Yokohama. “I’m looking forward to competing in Japan,” he says enthusiastically. “If possible, I want to run under 2:10. At London Marathon, I run most of the way on my own so I am excited to try and be competitive with other runners in Fukuoka.

Kass Standard Group Marathon Eldoret: Kosgei, Mukunzi bag Sh1.6m each

By Mutwiri Mutuota

Christmas bells chimed ahead of schedule for Isaac Kosgei and Magdalene Mukunzi after they became the toast of ‘the city of champions’ by running into the hallowed status of millionaires at the fourth Kass Standard Group Marathon in Eldoret. Kosgei conquered a field of 489 starters, arduous terrain and sunny conditions in 2:20.12.

In the corresponding women’s race Mukunzi caused all jaws to drop when she became the first athlete from outside the North Rift region to win the event in 2:44.56 illuminating the clock.

For their sweat, mental fortitude and inspiring runs, Kosgei and Mukunzi have the welcome pleasure of each having $20,000 (Sh1.6m) deposited to their accounts for their victories.

KTN, Radio Maisha and Kass FM media outlets ensured proceedings were brought live from the scenic start at Nabkoi, some five kilometres to the colourful finish at Eldoret Town Hall.

At the crack of dawn, starters of the 42km races donned their running kit to converge at the starting point as blaring choppers brought dignitaries that included Sports Minister, Paul Otuoma, South Africa’s marathon running icon, Hendrick Raamala and former record holder Paul Tergat among others to flag off the runs.

The women’s affair got away first with runners descending to the Lessos junction, scaling the hill to Chepterit, bypassing the scenic Kingwal Swamp, pouring to Kosirai, then to Mosoriot.

It was at this point that Mukunzi decided to drop the marker and discharged her first charge for top honours. Last year’s runner-up, Viola Bor, Gladys Odero, Irene Kipchumba, Rebecca Kisang and Pamela Chepng’etich quickly formed the chasing hounds.

At the 28km mark, Mukunzi, a former runner-up from Great North Run in the UK (2008) and Nyeri Half Marathon (2009) injected another burst of pace to unlock herself from the pack and this time, even the blessed home runners had no answer.

What followed was a majestic run to the finish, one that culminated with her charging through Mlango, Eldoret International Airport, Langas, Racecourse and Kenyatta Street road unchallenged into the Town Hall in victory.

Unable to comprehend what had just happened, Mukunzi burst into uncontrollable weeping as she profoundly thanked the Almighty for the unlikeliest of triumphs. Kisang (2:45:56) led the challengers home in second with Bor (2:45:52), Odero (2:49:33), Kipchumba (2:49:45) and Chepng’etich (2:52:27) filling the top six.

After emerging the top runner at last year’s Nairobi 10K slums talent search race, the progression of Kosgei as a formidable distance runner was sealed when he powered through the same course for victory.

Until the 30km, any of 20 athletes who formed the first breakaway group was in contention, but Francis Kosgei (no relation to the winner) pressed the accelerator taking his namesake, Victor Kipchirchir, Ronald Kimeli, Jacob Mutai and Simon Korir with him. Five kilometres later, the order was reversed with the eventual winner taking command and thereafter, did enough to steadily build the decisive gap that brought him home just shy of a minute ahead of the other Kosgei (2:21:08), the bridesmaid of the day with Kipchirchir (2:21:32) closing the podium.

Gideon Kipketer, who was in Kenya’s junior squad for the Bydgoszcz World Cross raced 35:47.8 for victory in the men’s 12km event as Rose Kirui (41:26.4) beat Berlin World Championships marathoner, Helena Kirop (41:58.5) to the women’s title.

Kass Marathon: Upstarts dim bright stars

By JONATHAN KOMEN jkomen@ke.nationmedia.com

The fourth Kass Marathon men’s and women’s 42 kilometre race produced surprise winners yesterday in Magdaline Mugunzi and Isaac Kosgei, who bagged Sh1.6 million each in Eldoret.

Upstarts Mugunzi from Yatta and homeboy Kosgei conquered Kenya’s biggest marathon as Sports Minister Paul Otuoma, National Olympic Committee of Kenya chairman Kipchoge Keino, the new South African Athletics Federation president Henry Raamala, as well as 2010 IAAF World Athlete of the Year David Rudisha and at least five MPs watched.

Mugunzi’s casualties on her maiden marathon race included last year’s Amsterdam Marathon winner Magdaline Chemjor and 1987 All Africa Games 10,000m champion Leah Malot.

The 24-year-old won in two hours 44.50 seconds, ahead of Kisang and Bor, having sped off from the leading pack of 12 at the 30km mark.

“I can’t believe it. Beating a strong field in Eldoret makes me proud,” said Mukunzi.

Kosgei also floored seasoned runners, even denying defending champion Barnabas Barmasai a podium finish, to claim the high-stakes 42km race victory.

Prepare for road races abroad

The 26-year-old victor broke away from the more than 50 athletes at the 36km point to stop the timer in 2:20.12, ahead of Francis Kosgei (2:21.08), a half marathon specialist, and Victor Kipchirchir (2:21.32).

“I now need to recover and prepare for road races abroad next year,” said Kosgei.

Road race great Hellen Kirop and avid cross country runner Rose Jepchumba trailed World Junior Cross Country champion and 1997 World Cross winner Rose Kosgei (41:26.4) while Gedion Kipketer (35:47.8) squeezed World Cross sensation Mathew Kisorio between Wilfred Kirwa and Enock Mitei in the men’s 12km contest.

Results:

Men: 42km- Isaac Kosgei 2:20.12, Francis Kosgei 2:21.08, Victor Kipchirchir 2:21.32, Ronald Kimeli 2:21.53, Simon Kipkorir 2:22.12; 12km- Gedion Kipketer 35:47.8, Wilfred Kirwa (35:51.0), Mathew Kisorio 35:53.8, Enock Mitei 35:58.6;

Women: 42km- Magdaline Mugunzi 2:44.50, Rebecca Kisang 2:45.52, Violah Bor 2:48.52, Irene Jepchumba 2:49.55, Pamela Jepngétich 2:52.27; 12km- Rose Kosgei 41:26.4, Hellen Kirop 41:58.5, Rose Jepchumba 42:19.9, Eunice Kales 42:35.4, Gladys Jebet (42:48.90)

21st Cross de l'Acier in Leffrinckoucke, France: Ebuya and Masai take comfortable victories at Cross de l’Acier

Bob Ramsak for the IAAF

Kenyans Joseph Ebuya and Linet Masai notched comfortable victories at the 21st Cross de l'Acier in Leffrinckoucke, France, on Sunday (28).

Ebuya, the reigning World Cross Country champion, covered the snowy 9.95Km course in 28:08 to handily outdistance Imane Merga of Ethiopia, a three-time winner at this race. It was the third Cross Country victory in four races for Ebuya this fall.

Merga, the Diamond Race winner in the 5000m in the inaugural Samsung Diamond League series, finishe 29 seconds behind. Kenyans Mike Kigen and Jacob Chesari and finished third and fourth, in 28:42 and 28:52, respectively.

Masai, the reigning World 10,000m champion and World Cross Country silver medallist, had an easy time as well, beating Ethiopian Emebet Anteneh by 19 seconds over the 6.55Km course, clocking 21:40. Anteneh, 18, struck silver in the 3000m at the World Junior Championships last summer.

Seventeen-year-old Kenyan Purity Rionoripo, the 2009 World youth champion in the 3000m, was third, finishing four seconds behind Anteneh.

Bupa Great Edinburgh Cross Country 2010: Kipchoge first headliner for ‘new look’ Edinburgh Cross Country

Organisers for the IAAF

Olympic 5000m silver medallist Eliud Kipchoge will make a fifth appearance at the Bupa Great Edinburgh Cross Country on 8 January, the fourth meeting of the IAAF Cross Country Permit series 2010/11.

Kipchoge, who won the 9Km race in 2005 and finished third on two other occasions, will be among the key headliners in the international 4Km race when the event adopts a new format.

The revamped format will include three races: a men’s 4Km (replacing the previous 9Km) and women’s 6 km invitation-only events – which will be contested by the world’s best male and female athletes respectively – and an 8Km Men’s International Team Challenge.

The Men’s International Team Challenge will see Great Britain and Northern Ireland Senior Men and Great Britain and Northern Ireland U23 & U20 Men take on the United States and a European Select team.

Each country competing in the Team Challenge will enter nine athletes per team and the first six athletes to complete the course will receive a score based on their position. The team with the lowest overall score wins.

"The new programme is designed to host what should be a closely fought duel between the teams involved," said Andy Caine, the event project manager.
Caine said the quality of overseas runners, which has seen Olympic and World champions such as Kenenisa Bekele and Tirunesh Dibaba star in previous years, will be maintained, with big signings to be announced shortly.

"I think what is important about cutting the international race to 4km is that it will also allow track stars who specialise over 1500m to take part, and there has been an encouraging response to the proposal," Caine said.

"It will still suit the likes of Kipchoge and other leading 5000m runners, who although stepping down, will still be at home with the distance. Yes, it's a new concept, but I believe it will be a winning formula which has been received enthusiastically from both competitors and managers I have spoken with. We are hoping that the event will really capture the imagination of the public.”

Obudu International Mountain Running Race: Dinkesa and Melkamu take African Mountain Running titles

Organisers for the IAAF

Abebe Dinkesa and Meselech Melkamu of Ethiopia claimed victories at the Obudu International Mountain Running Race at the Obudu Rance in Nigeria’s Cross River State on Saturday (27).

More then 150 runners from seven African nations competed in the sixth edition of the race which also served as the 2nd African Mountain Running Championships for men and the first for women.

Dinkesa crossed finish line in 42:21, to win the race for the second time. In his pervious victory in 2008, Dinkesa set the still-standing course record of 41:45.

Another Ethiopian, Fidaku Awash, the winner in 2007 and 2009, took second this time around, finishing 26 seconds behind Dinkesa. Kenyan John Sompol Mnangat, who also dipped under 43 minutes, finished third to claim continental bronze.

The team title proved to be a close battle, with Uganda (formed by Geoffrey Kusoro, fourth, Macdonard Ondara, fifth, Martin Torotich and Dickson Huru) taking gold with 16 points ahead of ahead of Kenya (silver) and Ethiopia (bronze) who both scored 17 points. Host Nigeria was fourth ahead of Cameroon.

In the women’s race, Melkamu clocked a new course record of 48:57, defeating the defending champion, Ethiopian Daska Mamitu, who clocked 49:04. Ethiopian women dominated the race, taking six of the first seven spots to easily nab the team title as well. The best outside of Ethiopia was Mary Xwaymay Naali of Tanzania who finished sixth place.

Among the dignitaries attending the event were Cross River State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke; WMRA President Bruno Gozzelino; and NAF Council member, Navy Captain Omatseye Nesiama. LOC Chairman William Archibong was applauded for his work in building the event over the past six years, starting in 2005 when, with past WMRA President Danny Hughes who passed away in February 2009), he founded the race.

In his closing remarks Imoke also announced his interest to host the 29th WMRA World Mountain Running Championships, in Obudu, in 2014.

Organisers for the IAAF

Leading Results -
MEN -
1. Abebe DINKESA, ETH 42.21
2. Fikadu AWASH, ETH 42.47
3. John Sompol MNANGAT, KEN 42.58
4. Stephen KIPROTICH, UGA 43.23
5. Geoffrey KUSORO, UGA 43.44
6. Macdonard ONDARA, KEN 43.55
7. Gilbert Kiprono LANGAT, KEN 44.10
8. Shadrack KOSGEI, KEN 44.19
9. Martin TOROTICH, UGA 44.27
10. Johnstone Kibet MAIYO, KEN 44.32

WOMEN -
1. Meselech MELKAMU, ETH 48:57
2. Daska MAMITU, ETH 49:04
3. Genet YALEW KASSAHUN, ETH 50:06
4. Belainesh GEBRE, ETH 50:37
5. Koren Jelela YAL, ETH 52:49
6. Mary Xwaymay NAALI, TAN 53:28
7. Relima KEDIR, ETH 55:04
8. Angelina MUTUKU, KEN 56:05
9. Emily Chepkemoi SAMOEI, KEN 57:54
10. Janet DUNG, NGR 1:00:40

MzungoMile Sindelfingen

Freezing temperatures, icy tracks and a technical course, that included a 270 degree turn, did not stop 27 athletes to show up at the inaugural MzungoMile Sindelfingen. While the pics may indicate a lighthearted atmosphere including the odd funky choice of clothes, racing was fierce as usual at the MzungoMiles!

Want to organize a MZUNGO MILE?

Just two steps: get logo from askmzungo@gmail.com, put up race!

Florence Marathon: Tadese wins in 02:12:41

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Florence Marathon for the first time in the name of Ethiopia. On a cold rainy morning, but marked by a fast race start, the success of the 22 year-old Tadese Toles Aredia who, during the 42.195 km, stopped the clock at 2:12 a.m.: 41, while compatriot Theshome Gelan beaten in the sprint on the line arrival in Piazza Santa Croce. In third place (2:13 a.m.: 30), the other Ethiopian Tola Bane Edea, who started with the task of "hare" (1:03 a.m. in transition: 43 to Half-ed) and then, around 33 km mark, evolved into a true lone leader of the race. An initiative that first led him to accumulate more than a minute ahead, but, in the last kilometers, I saw fading action until it was reassembled and finally overtaken by his two compatriots. The new location of the twenty-seventh edition, Ethiopia on the shields also Firehiwot female nut that, after that of the Rome Marathon in March, added another trophy to his victory here in imposing 2:28 a.m.: 58. His decisive attack at the 38th km, for which he took off on Meseret Mengistu (ETH), finished second in 2h30: 45 ahead of Russia Alena Samokhvalova (2:36 a.m.: 42). 2:44 a.m. in fifth: 00, behind Sweden's Anna Brigitta Von Schenck (2:40 a.m.: 28), the Italian champion marathon Marcella Mancini (Runner Team 99). Over ten thousand athletes to the 2010 via the event including the protagonists of the Marathon won by Paolo Cecchetto (1:18 a.m.: 35) and Francesca Fenocchio (1:57 a.m.: 11). Withdrawn, however, about 35 km mark, following a technical fault with its handbike, Alex Zanardi.

1 TADESE AREDO TOLESA 02:12:41
2 GELANA TESHOME 02:12:41
3 TOLA EDEA BANE 02:13:30
4 WHITBY BENEDICT 02:15:09
5 JIFAR TARIKU 02:18:06
6 BEDFORD THOMAS 02:19:30
7 HUTCHINS JOHN 02:21:51
8 NATALI PAOLO 02:22:59
9 ALGERS KRISTIAN 02:23:14
10 MERGA EJIGU EBISA 02:23:48
11 GROSS HENRY 02:26:19
12 ROZE RENARS 02:26:22
13 BLUNDEN MATTHEW 02:26:37
14 THOMPSON FRASER 02:27:08
15 CHESIRE BONIFACE KIPRONO 02:27:35
17 COLNAGHI PIETRO 02:29:04
18 TRENTADUE VINCENZO 02:29:06
19 MAROCCO SIMONE 02:30:54
20 MOSCA ALBERTO 02:31:33
21 STØLSMARK RAGNAR 02:32:15

Vernon and Damen win in Liverpool

VIA athletics-weekly.com

Andy Vernon and Louise Damen secured their places on the team for the European Cross Country Championships with victories in the trial race.

Vernon won the senior men's title in Sefton Park in a race that came down to the wire. Kicking away at the end, Aldershot's Vernon won in 28:45, one second ahead of 2009 European Cross junior bronze medallist James Wilkinson, who was the first under-23 finisher.

Bedford's Mark Draper was just three seconds behind Vernon in third. Tom Humphries, Frank Tickner and Ryan McLeod rounded out the top six, all dipping under 29 minutes. Ricky Stevenson and Mitch Gooses were the second- and third-placed under-23 athletes, guaranteeing their places on the team for next month's European Cross in Albufeira, Portugal.

Damen was a surprise winner of the women's race and ran away with the title. Competing in her first cross-country race in almost two years, Damen finished 14 seconds ahead of European steeplechase fourth-placer Hatti Dean, 26:18 to 26:32. Gemma Steel was a distant third in 27:00.

European cross-country champion Hayley Yelling-Higham, who has been suffering from a cold and has raced sparingly so far this winter, finished seventh in 27:33.

Emma Pallant was the top under-23 finisher, ahead of Emily Pidgeon and Elspeth Curran.

John McDonnell and Charlotte Purdue were the winners of the junior races.

28. Basel City Run: Schaffner beats Belz again

AUTOMATICALLY TRANSLATED WITH GOOGLE TRANSLATOR FROM bazonline.ch

In the penultimate stage of the most important Swiss running series, the 28th in the Edition of the Basel City Run was built to guard Jerome heaved definitely in pole position in the struggle and the post-Cup crown. The economics student from St. Ursanne distanced Belz on the 10 km around eight seconds remaining, as in bull before the EM-sixth and extend his lead in the overall championship to six points. Schaffner, created for the finals in two weeks at the Zurich New Year's run a comfortable starting position. To get the prize of 7000 francs total victory in the Dry, it reaches a ranking just behind Belz.

Schaffner gave a simple explanation for his exploit: "I am a good athlete, but often injured. Currently, I am healthy. "Now he lives in Neuchâtel Jurassian has a laced season. The 32-year-old was in the spring pretty sure he would make on the 5000-meter distance of qualifying for the European Championships in Barcelona. "I had a time of 13:45 in the legs," he said. It turned out differently. An inflammation of the Achilles tendon forced him to inaction.

Slippery road

"I like to treat Jérôme, if he can show his training results now and in competition," said Belz. "But I would have rather won himself," he added. The veteran was able to convince as in bull not fully understood. Though he risked on the wet, slippery road sometimes not everything and took out some passages pace. But this was hardly the only reason why it lost for a period of 30 minutes 60 seconds compared to the previous year.

Sabine Fischer, the third victory in Basel in 2007 and 2008 barely missed her left, this time the bull-winner Patricia Morceli no chance. The residue of the marathon runner was after 7.8 km 16 seconds. The two were the only specialists before Nicola Spirig, the European champion and World Cup runner-up in the triathlon. Spirig lost half a minute to fishermen.

28. Basel City Run

Post Cup. Men (10 km): 1 (6th City Run) Jérôme Schaffner (FSG Basseçourt) 29:52. 2. (7) Christian Belz (ST Bern) 30:00. 3. (16) Tarcis Ançay (CA Sion) 31:16. 4. Michael Brügger (TV Bösingen) 31:19. 5. Lukas Stähli (LC miles) 31:27. 6. Jan van Berkel (Regensdorf LC) 31:30.

Women (7.8km): 1st (2nd City Run) Sabine Fischer (Rapperswil-Jona LC) 22:58. 2. (3) Patricia Morceli (TV Cham) 12:16. 3. (4) Nicola Spirig (LC Zurich) 12:29. 4. Maja Neuenschwander (Bern ST) 00:36. 5. Christina Carruzzo (Sion CA) 1:03. 6. Evelyne Jeitziner (All Blacks Thun) 1:05.

Post Cup. Intermediate level. Men (5 / 6): 1st Schaffner and Ançay, the 34th 3. Lukas Stähli (LC miles) 31 4. Belz 28th - Women (6 / 7): 1st Fischer 58th 2. Ursula Spielmann-Jeitziner (All Blacks tuna) 35 3. Martina Strähl (LV Langenthal) 30 - Furthermore: 8 Morceli 22nd - Final on 12 December at the Zurich New Year's Eve run.

TODAY: Kass FM-Standard Group Marathon in Eldoret

By Vincent Bartoo

The stage is set for Sunday's Kass FM-Standard Group Marathon in Eldoret.

After months of preparations, organisers and the technical team on Friday said they were ready to host the event.

Security agents have also assured participants they have put in place measures to ensure security and smooth flow of traffic to ensure the marathon lives up to its billing.

"Police presence has been intensified. We have assembled police officers from both Nandi and Uasin Gishu counties to ensure all goes well," said Rift Valley Deputy Provincial Commissioner Wanyama Musiambo.

The 42km race will traverse the two counties, starting from Kapsabet in Nandi County before ending at the Eldoret Municipal Council grounds in Uasin Gishu County. Speaking in Eldoret during a media briefing, Musiambo described the marathon as "the best Christmas gift" organisers have given the two counties. Winners will carry home Sh1.5 million in prize money, the most lucrative in the country so far.

Race Technical Director Moses Tanui said the race has been organised to international standards. Kass FM Chief Executive Officer Julius Lamaon said past winners of the marathon have scaled greater heights to emerge champions in local and international races.

Uasin Gishu Traffic Base Commander Julius Baru also confirmed traffic police officers from Uasin Gishu and Nandi would work in tandem to ensure the route is free from traffic.