Excitement in Store for This Year’s Spring Marathon Season

By Jörg Wenig

Patrick Makau Versus Lelisa Desisa in Boston
Dennis Kimetto and Wilson Kipsang Heading to London
The Season Begins in Rotterdam, Paris, and Vienna
Hamburg and Hanover Are German Highlights
Selected Races this Spring

The start of the women’s race at last year’s Boston Marathon. © www.PhotoRun.net

For the next five weekends, the marathon takes center stage on the international running calendar—a peak time for the fabled 26.2-mile race. More than 200,000 runners have entered a dozen top marathon races, including Rotterdam, Vienna, Boston, and London, where the world’s best road racers will be vying for honors.

On April 20—Patriots’ Day in Boston—former world-record holder Patrick Makau of Kenya and Ethiopia’s Lelisa Desisa will be facing each other. Another highlight in this string of classic races, the London Marathon, takes place six days later on April 26. As many as nine runners with world-class times under two hours and 5 minutes, including the Kenyan world-record holder Dennis Kimetto, will be competing in the British capital. There are also four women entered for the London Marathon who have gone under 2:20. In Hamburg’s popular spring marathon, all eyes will be on Germany’s Sabrina Mockenhaupt, while in Vienna Anna Hahner of Germany will defend her title.

And two American stars are returning to the sites of their impressive 2014 wins: Meb Keflezighi will race in Boston and Annie Bersagel in Düsseldorf.

We wish you much success in your spring marathons! Happy running—and please enjoy our preview of some of the exciting spring races.

Boston, April 20: Patrick Makau Squares Off Against Lelisa Desisa

Patrick Makau, running alongside Haile Gebrselassie at the 2011 edition of the Berlin Marathon, will compete for the first time in Boston. © www.PhotoRun.net

Boston and London are the two World Marathon Majors to be held this spring. And in this famous American city two men who have achieved great success in recent times will be on center stage this year: Patrick Makau and Lelisa Desisa. Kenya’s Patrick Makau broke Haile Gebrselassie’s world record in Berlin back in 2011, defeating the Ethiopian superstar in a head-to-head contest. Patrick’s best time remains the 2:03:38 he ran there. Ethiopia’s Lelisa Desisa won Dubai in 2:04:45 on his marathon debut in 2013 and in the same year, he triumphed in Boston and was second in the World Championships.

The race also features three other Ethiopians with personal bests of under 2:05: Yemane Tsegay (2:04:48), Tadese Tola (2:04:49), and Gebregziabher Gebremariam (2:04:53). Also competing will be the double-world champion, Abel Kirui of Kenya (2:05:04), and, of course, Meb Keflezighi, the American star who won Boston last year (2:08:37) and will be participating.

Shalane Flanagan, shown here at last year’s Boston Marathon, returns to Beantown. © www.PhotoRun.net

Shalane Flanagan could garner a win for the United States in the women’s race. The Olympic bronze medalist improved her best time to 2:21:14 for third place in the Berlin Marathon last September. But as well as the fast Ethiopians Mare Dibaba (2:19:52), Buzunesh Deba (2:19:59), and Aberu Kebede (2:20:30), Shalane will have to contend with the Kenyans Sharon Cherop (2:22:28) and Caroline Kilel (2:22:34), who won the Boston women’s title back in 2011. Joyce Chepkirui of Kenya could also feature prominently since she has far more potential than her current best of 2:30:23 suggests.

Uta is looking forward to her appearance in Boston during the marathon weekend. Her schedule includes the B.A.A. 5K Run on the Saturday before the race, the Pasta Party send-off for the Hoyt Foundation charity runners she has been training, and the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge. She will also be at the finish line of the marathon. You can find out more by going to “Uta’s Appearances.”

London, April 26: Dennis Kimetto Against Wilson Kipsang

Dennis Kimetto who is standing next to his world-record marathon time in Berlin last year, will start in London. © www.PhotoRun.net

A magnificent race is set to unfold along the river Thames. For the first time, the current world-record holder, Dennis Kimetto, will face his predecessor, Wilson Kipsang, who ran 2:03:23 in Berlin and will be the defending champion in London. One year later, Dennis Kimetto brought that time down to 2:02:57, also in the German capital.

Both of the men who finished second in the Berlin world-record races will also be on the start line in London. In 2013, Eluid Kipchoge ran 2:04:05, while one year later Emmanuel Mutai achieved 2:03:13, also staying under the world’s best. In the mix, too, is Geoffrey Mutai the record holder in Boston with 2:03:02, where the course does not meet world-record requirements. Geoffrey also holds the course record for New York with 2:05:06. It is going to be a fascinating, once-in-a-lifetime chance to see this Kenyan quartet of marathon superstars in action!

Mary Keitany (left) and Edna Kiplagat race to the London finish line in 2012. © www.PhotoRun.net

The women’s race pits against each other two runners who have made impressive returns to competition after becoming new mothers. Kenya’s Mary Keitany won the New York City Marathon last November with 2:18:37, the third-fastest performance of all time, while in Dubai in January, Aselefech Mergia scored a notable triumph. Mary Keitany has already won twice in London and run world-class times on both occasions. In 2011, she ran 2:19:19 and a year later improved her own African record with 2:18:37.

Another athlete who has to be counted among the serious contenders is Florence Kiplagat of Kenya (Best Time: 2:19:44), who improved her own world half-marathon record in February with 65:09. The Kenyan winner from last year and double-World champion, Edna Kiplagat (2:19:50), will also be among the favorites.

Rotterdam, April 12: Three Runners Own Best Times under 2:05 in Men’s Race

As usual, the men’s race in Rotterdam claims most of the attention. With James Kwambai (2:04:27), Bernard Koech (2:04:53), and Jonathan Maiyo (2:04:56) on the start line, Kenya will have three sub-2:05 runners in the race. The course is one of the fastest in the world, and if the weather conditions and pacemaking are good, then we could see very fast times here again this year.

Paris, April 12: Athletes Aiming for Kenenisa Bekele’s Course Record

Last year’s Paris Marathon made headlines, because Ethiopia’s Kenenisa Bekele made his debut there, setting a course record of 2:05:04. That time will be chased this year by the Kenyan duo of Moses Mosop (2:03:06) and Vincent Kipruot (2:05:13) and the Ethiopian pair of Bazu Worku (2:05:25) and Deressa Chimsa (2:05:42)—a quartet of sub-2:06 runners. Moses Mosop ran his best time when finishing second in a fantastic marathon debut in Boston four years ago, although the course does not conform to record requirements. Among the women, Ethiopia’s Mulu Seboka (2:23:13) is the favorite.

Vienna, April 12: Defending Champions Getu Feleke and Anna Hahner on the Start Line

Anna Hahner goes back to Vienna this year as the defending champion. © www.PhotoRun.net

The Vienna City Marathon is putting the emphasis on the defending champions. Last year Ethiopia’s Getu Feleke upset the field when he whittled a large chunk off the course record with 2:05:41. Back again this year, Getu is the fastest in the field with a best of 2:04:50 and will be the overwhelming favorite. His aim is to go under his own course record.

The women’s race could also be a thrilling affair. The defending champion Anna Hahner of Germany (2:26:44), faces two Kenyan challengers: Esther Chemtai (2:28:41) and Caroline Chepkwony (2:27:27). Last year Anna overtook Caroline with just a few hundred meters left to take the win. Fate Tola of Ethiopia (2:25:14) makes a return to the marathon after a baby break.

Hanover, April 19: Stronger than Ever

The HAJ Hanover Marathon, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, has its strongest ever field. Six Kenyan marathoners with best times under 2:08 will be running and the fastest is Benjamin Kiptoo who has run 2:06:31. South African Lusapho April’s course record (2:08:32) could be in danger on this flat course. Germany’s Falk Cierpinski (2:13:30) will also be running. The women’s field features the defending champion, Souad Ait Salem of Algeria (2:25:08).

Hamburg and Düsseldorf, April 26: Former Champions Return

Shami Abdulahi will take on Hamburg again. © Hochzwei/Organizer

The past three women’s champions are racing against each other in this year’s 30th Hamburg Marathon. Georgina Rono is the defending champion and the Kenyan marathoner has a strong personal best of 2:21:39. Diana Lobacevski of Lithuania triumphed in 2013 and Netsanet Achamo of Ethiopia won in 2012. Germany’s Sabrina Mockenhaupt (2:26:21) will be running in Hamburg for the first time, and after a form boost at the Paderborn Half Marathon, she is hoping for a good performance in the full distance.

In the men’s race, half a dozen runners with best times under 2:08 have been recruited and the 2012 winner in Hamburg, Ethiopia’s Shame Abdulahi, is returning. He ran an outstanding 2:05:58 after he had run 2:05:42 in Dubai only a few months previously. The double New York City Marathon winner, Marilson dos Santos of Brazil (2:06:34), and the former world-record holder at 10K, Micah Kogo (Kenya/2:06:56) will also run in Hamburg.

The organizers of the Metro Group Marathon Düsseldorf have reduced their usually strong elite field for this year. But the American winner of the women’s race last year, Annie Bersagel, who improved her best to 2:28:59 along the river Rhein, will return. On the men’s side, André Pollmächer (2:13:05) is a pre-race favorite. The 32-year-old will be running his first marathon on April 26, since a strong showing brought him eighth place in the European Championships in Zurich last August.

Spring Marathon Schedule

April 12	Rotterdam
	Paris
	Vienna
April 19	Hanover
	Zurich
	Enschede
	Nagano
April 20	Boston
April 26	London
	Hamburg
	Düsseldorf
May 3	Prague

Dates and Leading Runners for the Selected Spring Races

Rotterdam (April 12)

IAAF Gold Label Race
Entry Limit: appr. 15,000
Entry still possible: No
Website: www.NNMarathonRotterdam.org
TV: Live coverage planned for RTV Rijnmond and Live-Stream on Internet (UniversalSports.com and NOS.nl)

Prize Money: depends upon winning time
Total Prize Money: max. $1 Million

Course Records:
2:04:27 Duncan Kibet (KEN/2009), James Kwambai (KEN/2009)
2:18:58 Tiki Gelana (ETH/2012)

Elite Athletes and their Personal Bests:
Men: James Kwambai (KEN/2:04:27), Bernard Koech (KEN/2:04:53), Jonathan Maiyo (KEN/2:04:56), Abera Kuma (ETH/2:05:56), Mark Kiptoo (KEN/2:06:16), Gilbert Yegon (KEN/2:06:18), Megersa Bacha (ETH/2:06:56), Belay Asefa (ETH/2:07:10), Tabalu Zawude (ETH/2:07:10), Paul Lonyangata (KEN/2:07:44), Michel Butter (NED/2:09:58), Abdi Nageeye (ETH/2:11:33).
Women: Miranda Boonstra (NED/2:27:32), Krista Duchene (CAN/2:28:32), Asami Kato (JPN/2:28:51), Marta Tigabea (ETH/2:31:54), Bornes Kitur (KEN/2:33:50).

Paris (April 12)

IAAF Gold Label Race
Entry Limit: appr. 50,000
Entry still possible: No
Website: www.SchneiderElectricParisMarathon.com
TV: Live coverage planned on France 3 as well as www.FranceTVSport.fr and UniversalSports.com

Prize Money: 15,000 or 30,000 Euro (depending on time)
Total Prize Money (without Time Bonuses): between 88,500 and 171,500 Euro (depending on times)

Course Records:
2:05:04 Kenenisa Bekele (ETH/2014)
2:21:06 Feyse Tadese (ETH/2013)

Elite Athletes and their Personal Bests:
Men: Moses Mosop (KEN/2:03:06), Vincent Kipruto (KEN/2:05:13), Bazu Worku (ETH/2:05:25), Deressa Chimsa (ETH/2:05:42), Laban Korir (KEN/2:06:05), Gilbert Kirwa (KEN/2:06:14), Seboka Tola (ETH/2:06:17), Raji Assefa (ETH/2:06:24), Mike Kigen (KEN/2:06:59), Abdellatif Meftah (FRA/2:09:46), Jean Damascene Habarurema (FRA/2:12:40), Yassine Mandour (FRA/Debut).
Women: Mulu Seboka (ETH/2:23:13), Philes Ongori (KEN/2:23:22), Olena Shurhno (UKR/2:23:32), Amane Gobena (ETH/2:23:50), Sophie Duarte (FRA/Debut).

Vienna (April 12)

IAAF Gold Label Race
Entry Limit: 9,000
Entries still possible: No
Website: www.Vienna-Marathon.com
TV: Live coverage planned on ORF

Prize Money: 15,000 Euro
Total Prize Money (without Time Bonuses): 70,500 Euro

Course Records:
2:05:41 Getu Feleke (ETH/2014)
2:23:47 Maura Viceconte (ITA/2000)

Elite Athletes and their Personal Bests:
Men: Getu Feleke (ETH/2:04:50), Sisay Lemma (ETH/2:07:06), Duncan Koech (KEN/2:07:53), Gebo Burka (ETH/2:08:12), Beraki Beyene (ERI/2:08:27), Habtamu Assefa (ETH/2:08:28), Siraj Gena (ETH/2:08:31), Cosmas Kigen (KEN/2:09:43), Paulo Paula (BRA/2:10:23), El Hassane Ben Lkhainouch (FRA/2:11:06), Mariusz Gizynski (POL/2:11:20), Solonei da Silva (BRA/2:11:32).
Women: Fate Tola (ETH/2:25:14), Anna Hahner (run2sky/Gengenbach/2:26:44), Caroline Chepkwony (KEN/2:27:27), Esther Chemtai (KEN/2:28:41), Noriko Higuchi (JPN/2:28:49), Rene Kalmer (RSA/2:29:27), Maja Neuenschwander (SUI/2:29:42), Agnes Mutune (KEN/2:33:34).

Hanover (April 19)

IAAF Silver Label Race
Entry Limit: at least 2,000
Entries still possible: Yes
Website: www.Marathon-Hannover.de
TV: Live coverage planned on NDR

Prize Money: 5,000 or 7,000 Euro (depending on time)
Total Prize Money (without Time Bonuses): 22,600 Euro to 35,000 (depending on time)

Course Records:
2:08:32 Lusapho April (RSA/2013)
2:27:07 Olena Burkovska (UKR/2013)

Elite Athletes and their Personal Bests:
Men: Benjamin Kiptoo (KEN/2:06:31), Augustine Rono (KEN/2:07:23), Ronald Korir (KEN/2:07:29), Josphat Ndambiri (KEN/2:07:36), Nicholas Kipkorir (KEN/2:07:38), Jacob Cheshari (KEN/2:07:46), Weldon Kirui (KEN/2:09:06), Chala Adugna (ETH/2:10:28), Hillary Kipchumba (KEN/2:10:30), Falk Cierpinski (GER/2:13:30).
Women: Souad Ait Salem (ALG/2:25:08), Olha Kotovska (UKR/2:28:47), Shuko Genemo (ETH/2:31:09), Ayantu Dakebo (ETH/2:33:59).

Boston (April 20)

World Marathon Majors (WMM) Race
IAAF Gold Label Race
Entry Limit: 30,000
Entries still possible: No
Website: www.BAA.org
TV: Live coverage planned on WBZ-TV and Live-Stream on Internet (www.WatchLive.BAA.org, Boston.CBSLocal.com and UniversalSports.com)

Prize Money: 150.000 Dollar
Total Prize Money (without Time Bonuses): $746,000

Course Records:
2:03:02 Geoffrey Mutai (KEN/2011)
2:18:57 Rita Jeptoo (KEN/2014)

Elite Athletes and their Personal Bests:
Men: Patrick Makau (KEN/2:03:38), Lelisa Desisa (ETH/2:04:45), Yemane Tsegay (ETH/2:04:48), Tadese Tola (ETH/2:04:49), Gebregziabher Gebremariam (ETH/2:04:53), Abel Kirui (KEN/2:05:04), Wilson Chebet (KEN/2:05:27), Frankline Chepkwony (KEN/2:06:11), Wesley Korir (KEN/2:06:13), Bernard Kipyego (KEN/2:06:22), Abderrahime Bouramdane (MAR/2:07:33), Dathan Ritzenhein (USA/2:07:47), Lusapho April (RSA/2:08:32), Meb Keflezighi (USA/2:08:37), Vitaliy Shafar (UKR/2:09:37), Zersenay Tadese (ERI/2:10:41), Dylan Wykes (CAN/2:10:47), Jeffrey Eggleston (USA/2:10:52).
Women: Mare Dibaba (ETH/2:19:52), Buzunesh Deba (ETH/2:19:59), Aberu Kebede (ETH/2:20:30), Shalane Flanagan (USA/2:21:14), Aleksandra Duliba (BLR/2:21:29), Mamitu Daska (ETH/2:21:59), Ejegayehu Dibaba (ETH/2:22:09), Sharon Cherop (KEN/2:22:28), Caroline Kilel (KEN/2:22:34), Desiree Davila Linden (USA/2:22:38), Caroline Rotich (KEN/2:23:22), Marisa Barros (POR/2:25:04), Lisa Stublic Nemec (CRO/2:25:44), Amy Hastings (USA/2:27:03), Joyce Chepkirui (KEN/2:30:23), Cynthia Limo (KEN/Debut).

London (April 26)

World Marathon Majors (WMM) Race
IAAF Gold Label Race
Entry Limit: appr. 50,000
Entries still possible: No
Website: www.VirginMoneyLondonMarathon.com
TV: Live coverage planned on BBC One, BBC Red Button and BBC London, Eurosport and Sky Sport and Live-Stream on Internet (UniversalSports.com)

Prize Money: $55,000
Total Prize Money (with Time Bonuses): $295,000

Course Records:
2:04:29 Wilson Kipsang (KEN/2014)
2:15:25 Paula Radcliffe (GBR/2003/WR)

Elite Athletes and their Personal Bests:
Men: Dennis Kimetto (KEN/2:02:57), Geoffrey Mutai (KEN) 2:03:02, Emmanuel Mutai (KEN/2:03:13), Wilson Kipsang (KEN/2:03:23), Eliud Kipchoge (KEN/2:04:05), Ayele Abshero (ETH/2:04:23), Sammy Kitwara (KEN/2:04:28), Tsegaye Mekonnen (ETH/2:04:32), Stanley Biwott (KEN/2:04:55), Tilahun Regassa (ETH/2:05:27), Samuel Tsegay (ERI/2:07:28), Serhiy Lebid (UKR/2:08:32), Aleksey Reunkov (RUS/2:09:54), Ghebrezgiabhier Kibrom (ERI/2:10:00), Marcin Chabowski (POL/2:10:07), Koen Raymaekers (NED/2:10:35), Scott Overall (GBR/2:10:55), Guye Adola (ETH/Debut).
Women: Mary Keitany (KEN/2:18:37), Aselefech Mergia (ETH/2:19:31), Florence Kiplagat (KEN/2:19:44), Edna Kiplagat (KEN/2:19:50), Priscah Jeptoo (KEN/2:20:14), Tirfi Tsegaye (ETH/2:20:18), Feyse Tadese (ETH/2:20:27), Jemima Sumgong (KEN/2:20:41), Tigist Tufa (ETH/2:21:52), Tetyana Gamera (UKR/2:22:09), Tatyana Arkhipova (RUS/2:23:29), Ana Dulce Félix (POR/2:25:40), Sara Moreira (POR/2:26:00), Alessandra Aguilar (ESP/2:27:00), Rkia El Moukim (MAR/2:28:12), Iwona Lewandowska (POL/2:28:32), Mary Davies (NZL/2:28:57), Elvan Abeylegesse (TUR/2:29:30), Diane Nukuri (BDI/2:29:35), Sonia Samuels (GBR/2:30:56).

Hamburg (April 26)

Entry Limit: 19,000
Entries still possible: No
Website: www.Haspa-Marathon-Hamburg.de
TV: Live coverage planned on NDR

Prize Money: between 15,000 or 30,000 Euro (depending on time)
Total Prize Money (without Time Bonuses): between 78,000 and 156,000 Euro (depending on time)

Course Records:
2:05:30 Eliud Kipchoge (KEN/2013)
2:24:12 Netsanet Abeyo (ETH/2012)

Elite Athletes and their Personal Bests:
Men: Shami Abdulahi (ETH/2:05:42), Feyisa Bekele (ETH/2:06:26), Marilson dos Santos (BRA/2:06:34), Micah Kogo (KEN/2:06:56), Philemon Rono (KEN/2:07:07), Lucas Rotich (KEN/2:07:18), John Mwangangi (KEN/2:07:28), Stephen Chebogut (KEN/2:08:02), Julian Flügel (GER/2:14:20), Steffen Uliczka (GER/Debut).
Women: Georgina Rono (KEN/2:21:39), Netsanet Achamo (ETH/2:24:12), Sabrina Mockenhaupt (GER/2:26:21), Diana Lobacevske (LTU/2:28:03), Mona Stockhecke (GER/2:33:50).

Düsseldorf (April 26)

Entry Limit: approx. 4,500
Entries still possible: Yes
Website: www.Metrogroup-Marathon.de

Prize Money: —
Total Prize Money (without Time Bonuses): —

Course Records:
2:07:48 Dereje Debele (ETH/2013)
2:25:49 Agnes Jeruto (KEN/2012)

Elite Athletes and their Personal Bests:
Men: André Pollmächer (GER) 2:13:05.
Women: Annie Bersagel (USA) 2:28:59.

The Top Ten Fastest Marathon Times*

Men:

2:02:57 Hours	Dennis Kimetto	KEN	Berlin (GER)	09.28.2014
2:03:13	Emmanuel Mutai	KEN	Berlin (GER)	09.28.2014
2:03:23	Wilson Kipsang	KEN	Berlin (GER)	09.29.2013
2:03:38	Patrick Makau	KEN	Berlin (GER)	09.25.2011
2:03:42	Wilson Kipsang	KEN	Frankfurt (GER)	10.30.2011
2:03:45	Dennis Kimetto	KEN	Chicago (USA)	10.13.2013
2:03:52	Emmanuel Mutai	KEN	Chicago (USA)	10.13.2013
2:03:59	Haile Gebrselassie	ETH	Berlin (GER)	09.28.2008
2:04:05	Eluid Kipchoge	KEN	Berlin (GER)	09.29.2013
2:04:15	Eluid Kipchoge	KEN	Chicago (USA)	10.12.2014

Women:

2:15:25 Hours	Paula Radcliffe	GBR	London (GBR)	04.13.2003
2:17:18	Paula Radcliffe	GBR	Chicago (USA)	10.13.2002
2:17:42	Paula Radcliffe	GBR	London (GBR)	04.17.2005
2:18:20	Liliya Shobukhova	RUS	Chicago (USA)	10.09.2011
2:18:37	Mary Keitany	KEN	London (GBR)	04.22.2012
2:18:47	Catherine Ndereba	KEN	Chicago (USA)	10.07.2001
2:18:56	Paula Radcliffe	GBR	London (GBR)	04.14.2002
2:18:58	Tiki Gelana	ETH	Rotterdam (NED)	04.15.2012
2:19:12	Mizuki Noguchi	JPN	Berlin (GER)	09.25.2005
2:19:19	Irina Mikitenko	GER	Berlin (GER)	09.28.2008

*Boston Marathon
Men:

2:03:02 Hours	Geoffrey Mutai	KEN	Boston (USA)	04.18.2011
2:03:06	Moses Mosop	KEN	Boston (USA)	04.18.2011

Women:

2:18:57 Hours	Rita Jeptoo	KEN	Boston (USA)	04.21.2014

The times set in the Boston Marathon cannot be recognized as official world records since the course does not meet the criteria (max. drop on one meter per kilometer, start and finish only permitted to be a max. 50% of the course distance apart).