John Komen takes 2009 Venice Marathon victory (© Lorenzo Sampaolo)
La Rochelle, FranceKenyans are set to steal the show at the “21e édition Marathon de La Rochelle – Serge Vigot” starting on Sunday (27) morning.
The Marathon de La Rochelle Serge Vigot is an IAAF Bronze Label Road Race.
John Komen is the best performer of the field, nevertheless, his personal best, 2:08:06 was set three years ago, and the experimented Kenyans hasn’t displayed such a level this season, as he only finished 21st at the Prague marathon in May with an abysmal 2:21:49. Thus, his fellow countryman Nahashon Kimaiyo might have better arguments for the victory. He already ran in La Rochelle last year, when he took the 3rd place, setting a lifetime best of 2:10:36. Knowing the circuit designed might be an advantage on Sunday.
The race starts on the old Port of La Rochelle and then goes into the “intra-muros” town in a 8 shape, cruising the beautiful historical city center in a flat course. The marathoners will perform two loops before finishing on the other side of the Port.
Other Kenyans outsiders include 2:08:47 performer (in 2008) Philemon Tarbei, Justus Kiprono (2:10:16 last year), Daniel Limo (2:10:54 in 2009) or Henry Cherono (2:10:26 back in 2004). The task of the two pacemakers (Eliud Kiplagat Barngetury and Samwel Maswai) will be to reach 5km in 15:25, 10km in 30:50, half Marathon in 1:05:15, 25km in 1:17:18 and 30km in 1:32:45. This would mathematically result in a 2:10:30 performance but the organisation expects a negative-split race. Indeed, the race record was set last year by Ethiopian Haile Haja in 2:09:44 after a 1:05:40 half-way split.
Haja won’t defend his title, nor will the female winner and race record holder of La Rochelle Goitetom Haftu (2:28:24). This performance should be safe as the female’s race pace is geared towards a 2:32 final performance.
The favourites in the women’s race will be Ethiopians Zerfe Boku, debutante at Marathon and a 1:17:14 performer at Half-Marathon this season, and Ture Chatu (2:38:41 last year). Adeline Roche, national champion in 2010, will aim to break her 2:38:31 for her first Marathon this season, while Kenya will be represented by Lydia Jerotich Rutto (winner in Limassol 2:47:53 in February).
About 5500 runners will line-up on La Rochelle Port on Sunday, under cool and sunny weather conditions.
P-J Vazel for the IAAF
