Mayrhofen, Austria, Tomo Sarf (WMRA) for the IAAF - The second “Harakiri Run” was also the second event of the WMRA Grand Prix 2010 circuit.Excellent conditions, sunny but not hot weather and a dry course announced that an attack on the course record set at the first edition in 2009 was likely, and the stature of the men’s race start list especially indicated the same possibilities.
Jonathan Wyatt, 6-times World champion, Ahmet Arslan, 4-times European champion, Schneider from Switzerland, a strong Kenyan squad and many other top international runners gathered on a start line in front of “EuropaHaus” in Mayrhofen.
After 1km of running in a “close race” in the city centre, a strong Kenyan squad pushed on hard and gained a small advantage. However, just after those first 2 flat kilometres came the part of the route that gave the name to the course – the “Harakiri” - a very steep section and it was here where Arslan escaped to the other runners.
Wyatt was the only one who tried to follow the Turk’s pace but by the end 30 seconds separated the two men, with the course record was broken for almost 3 minutes! Schneider did his best and came in third but it was not the best day for the four Kenyan runners, who were expected to finish close to the top.
In the women’s division Brandy Erholtz from USA, the winner of the 2010 North American Championships, clearly won the race.
Excellent organization and enthusiastic people, challenging course and wonderful scenery are a guarantee that this “rising star” of Austrian Mountain Running should grow up to the highest possible level.
RESULTS
Men:
1. ARSLAN Ahmet TUR 50:39
2. WYATT Jonathan NZL 51:09
3. SCHNEIDER David SUI 52:52
4. KRUPICKA Robert CZE 53:22
5. KOSGEI Isaac Toroitich KEN 53:29
6. CHEBUSIT Ch. Kipchirchir KEN 54:43
7. FRICK Gerd ITA 54:58
Women:
1. ERHOLTZ Brandy USA 1:04:26
2. MERTOVA Michaela CZE 1:08:29
3. JESKA Lauren GBR 1:09:27
4. SCHMITZ Sylke GER 1:10:35
5. BOHOLTAN Liana Alina ROU 1:11:38
6. KAPUSCINSKI Marion AUT 1:12:37
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