October 15: Ethiopia’s Tesfaye Abera (2:04:24 PB) Leads Amsterdam Marathon Elite Field
Press Release
September 27, 2017
Tesfaye Abera, Amos Kipruto, Edwin Kiptoo and Zane Robertson have all signed up for the 42nd TCS Amsterdam Marathon on Sunday 15 October. These strong runners should be able to lower the course record of 2:05:21. Marathon organiser Le Champion is anticipating a spectacular race, which will be watched live worldwide. With a personal best of 2:04:24, Ethiopian Tesfaye Abera is the fastest of the four.
25-year-old Abera achieved the thirteenth fastest time in history of 2:04:23 with his win in Dubai last year. Having also won the Hamburg Marathon last year, he is keen to add the TCS Amsterdam Marathon to his string of victories. With sights set on a finish time of 2:04 in Amsterdam for many years, the organisers are hoping this is the year.
Abera will run the 42.195 kilometres with an elite field that includes two fleet-footed Kenyans: Amos Kipruto and Edwin Kiptoo. Kipruto’s marathon career is taking off. After getting a feel for the TCS Amsterdam Marathon last year, this year he is competing for a place on the podium. He won the Seoul Marathon in 2:05:54, significantly improving on his personal best. Kiptoo was seen in action earlier this month during the Dam tot Damloop. Last year he played an important role in setting the pace in Amsterdam and is familiar with the course. What is this tall and talented athlete capable of?
All eyes will also be on Zane Robertson as he makes his much-awaited marathon debut. The New Zealander who lives in Kenya is the national half marathon champion with a time of 59:47. The 27-year-old New Zealander will set off with the first group at the sound of the 9:30 starting pistol on Sunday 15 October.
As has already been announced, Abdi Nageeye will also be taking part. Besides seeking to improve his personal best, he will also be looking to beat Kamiel Maase’s national record of 2:08:21. The best marathon runner of the moment is the odds-on favourite to win the Dutch national marathon title in Amsterdam.