On September 16th, 2018 in Copenhagen, the greatest half marathon of all time might unfold.
The mission is very clear, to break to WR. Organisers spent a fortune to get the best elite field ever assambled to get it.
I will list the official field, with some names yet to be announced!
Eric Kiptanui - 58:42 in Berlin half this year after going out in 13:32. Ran alone for the last 11k. He said he wants to break the WR, even going under 58 mins if everything cooperates.
Abraham Cheroben - 58:40 PB, silver at the world half champs this year. Defending champion. He also said he is ready to attack the WR.
Jemal Yimer - 59:00 PB in 2018, 4th place at the world half champs. 26:56 - 10000m PB.
Jorum Okombo - 58:48 PB in 2017, 59:36 SB
Alex Korio - 58:51 PB in 2017, 3rd in Copenhagen last year.
Mangata Ndiwa - 59:07 PB in 2018, 13:05 PB for 5000m.
Daniel Wanjiru - 59:20 PB and 2:05:21 for the marathon. Former London Marathon champion.
Edwin Kiptoo - 60:11 PB, 60:52 SB
Abraham Kiptum - 59:36 PB and 2:05:26 runner-up at the Amsterdam marathon.
Morris Munene - 59:36 PB in 2018
James Rungaru - 59:37 PB in 2018
Galen Rupp - 59:47 PB in 2018
Amdework Walelegn - 59:50 PB in 2018
Moses Kurong - 59:50 PB, 60:10 SB
Leonard Korir - 59:52 PB
Asefa Negewo - 59:54 PB and 2:04:06 for the marathon
Meshack Koech - 60:07 PB
Felix Kibitok - 60:11 PB in 2018
Alexander Mutiso - 60:31 PB in 2018
Tsegaye Mekonnen - 61:05 PB, 2:04:32 for the marathon
Leonard Komon - 10,15K road wr holder, 59:14 PB, hasn't raced in 2018 yet
Kenta Murayama - 60:50 PB
Betesfa Getahun - 60:54 PB - 6th world half champs in 2018, 13:13 for 5000m.
Kota Murayama - 62:00 PB
Abdi Hakin Ulad - 62:15 PB
Maxwell Rotich - 61:53 PB
Timothy Rono - 63:08 PB
William Sitonik - DEBUT , 26:54 PB for 10000m.
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PACEMAKERS : Daniel Kipchumba 59:06 PB in 2018 and Josphat Boit 59:19 PB in 2018. Organisers are yet to reveal what the pace will be, rumours have they will go out at 57:59 pace if weather is ideal.
Note : Organisers said the full elite list might not yet be complete. So i wonder, who are they trying to get in this race? I have only one guy in my mind. GEOFFREY KAMWOROR. It would be the icing on the cake, i'm sure he will be a late addition. New York Marathon is in November, he skipped all the DL races..it's obvious to me.