Kenyan Edith Masai will return to defend title at the 27th Vattenfall Berlin Half Marathon on 1 April, organisers announced today.
Last year, the 39-year-old set a course record of 1:07:16, a performance which remained the fastest of the year in 2006.
Organisers hope to present spectators with a great duel with the signing of Australian Benita Johnson, who is one of the strongest non-African and non-Asian long distance road runners at present. 12 years Masai's junior, the Australian has a personal best of 1:07:55 over the distance, promising a spirited match-up. For Johnson, the Berlin race will be the dress rehearsal for the Flora London Marathon on 22 April. A year ago Masai emerged victorious in a thrilling duel over American Deena Kastor.
The Kenyan will probably have to be in similar shape to last year to be able to defeat Johnson, who is said to be in fine form.
The two favourites will also face strong domestic opposition, with top Germans Irina Mikitenko, Luminita Zaituc, Claudia Dreher and Susanne Hahn all entered.
SCC Running for the IAAF
