News Archive

News Archive

Old Stagers, World Class Athletes, and Young Wild Ones....

are the terms best characterising the running qualities of the 23rd Bewag

BERLIN HALF MARATHON, which is drawing more and more top international runners

to Berlin due to its advantageous date and well-known fast course.

Running legends, such as the former world record holders Moses Tanui and

Ronaldo da Costa, can be found in the field of runners, as well as stars from

the current running scene, like Rodgers Rop and Joyce Chepchumba. Last year,

Rop won the marathons in Boston and New York, and with his loose running style,

is one of the strongest runners today. He is known to many Berliners as the

two-time winner of the 25 km race.

Joyce Chepchumba, also last years champion of the New York City Marathon and

bronze medal winner at the Olympics, returns to Berlin after a one year break

and has a good chance of achieving her forth victory. The strong African

competition, Restitua Joseph and Lenah Cheruiyot, who placed 7th in the half

marathon World Championships, could seriously endanger Chepchumbas plans. It

could also come to a Turkish duel between Serap Aktas, the current record

holder, and Türkan Erismis, a young 19 year-old hopeful.

Janne Holmen will be making his first big international appearance after his

surprise coup at the marathon European Championships in Munich. The 25-year-old

Finn, who comes from a very successful family of runners, hopes to tie into the

strong running tradition of Finland, and after winning an important title, is

aiming for a top international time, as well.

The department of carefree and young runners is represented by Paul Kirui,

nonetheless 10th in last years World Championships, and James Kwambai. The

latter was able to beat the marathon world record holder, Khalid Khannouchi, in

the half marathon in San Blas this year.