2009 Berlin Marathon elite fields announced

[quote]Kipkemboy wrote:

Steve-o,

It is for that reason I am discounting an Sammy Korir (2:04.56 PB 2003).

Even if we take into consideration the last 24-36 months, Real Berlin were able to SECURE ONLY 5 of 78 sub 2:08 athletes.

There is something very fishy with how Real Berlin Marathon operates. Their winner is almost always predictable, unlike LONDON, Chicago or New York Marathons.

[quote]

The past few years it can be said that Berlin has just been a set up for Haile to make a world record attempt (bit of a different story on the women's side). But this year, it is definitely going in a different direction. Duncan Kibet could arguably be the favorite for the race. It has been a while since Korir ran super fast, but he has won his last to marathons (Rotterdam 06, Seoul 08). And you never know what a 2:08 Kenyan can do.

Berlin is not NY, Chi or London. But it is moving away from being a Gebreselassie time trial.

A controlled race? Isn't that paradoxical.If indeed Real Berlin wanted a world record, then then they should let the best compete against each other.But it has been obvious that Real Berlin Marathon has always had their own agenda for ONLY Haile Gebresalassie to break the world record.Ultimately so what? Marathon fans have been short-changed.

greater than great wrote:

Kipkemboy--

Ultimately, so what? If everyone knows that's how it is then so what? Why should all races feature identically-styled big fields? What's wrong with one race seeking to brand itself as the place for controlled world record attempts or, in this case, duels between the best? Why should it try to be just like all the other big city marathons with dozens of Kenyans up front?

I am a marathon fan and I do not feel short-changed at all. It's interesting to see a different kind of race, not just dozens of Kenyans slogging it out.

Incidentally, for the poster before Mr. K., Sammy Korir's last marathon was a 4th place finish in Tokyo in March this year.

greater than great wrote:

I am a marathon fan and I do not feel short-changed at all. It's interesting to see a different kind of race, not just dozens of Kenyans slogging it out.

Incidentally, for the poster before Mr. K., Sammy Korir's last marathon was a 4th place finish in Tokyo in March this year.

Don't you get excited when a new World Record is about to or is goint to be set?

Kipkemboy wrote:

If indeed Real Berlin wanted a world record, then then they should let the best compete against each other.

Dude, they HAVE the best to compete against each other. No. 1 and No. 2. What's not to understand about this?

Yes, that's why I said Berlin is going to be interesting this year even without a raft of second-raters.

As I previously requested, please provide your answers to my questions and your exact numerical standards for what constitutes a "strong" field.

Brett,

After his national record, Fujita has won only one marathon, Do you know if he is in 2:08 form? I thought that he was pretty close to retirement.. Can you tell us more about him? thanks in advance...

Sub 2:05 at least 1Sub 2:06 at least 2sub 2:07 at least 2sub 2:08 at least 3sub 2:09 at least 4sub 2:10 at least 6

greater than great wrote:

Yes, that's why I said Berlin is going to be interesting this year even without a raft of second-raters.

As I previously requested, please provide your answers to my questions and your exact numerical standards for what constitutes a "strong" field.