Benjamin Kimutai Kimwole just before his 2:11:01 course record in Monaco (© Nicolas Cicciarello)
Kosice, Slovak RepublicThe oldest marathon in Europe, the International Peace Marathon in Kosice will set out on its 86th edition (started in 1924) on Sunday 4 October.
The fastest in the field is Kenyan Ben Mutai who won the Monaco Marathon in March in his debut with 2:11:01. But some of the personal bests of entered athletes are at sub 2:10 level. Kenyan Philip Tarus has 2:08:33 from San Diego 1999, his team-mate Wilson Cheruiyot 2:09:06 from Eindhoven 2003 and William Todoo 2:09:53 from Dubai 2007.
Other interesting runners to watch should be Samson Kikwai who has a 2:10:30 to his credit as winner in Nairobi last year and Yusuf Songoka with 2:10:51 from Turin in 2007. Last year’s third placer from Toronto Amersisa Ketema leads the Ethiopian group (2:11:52 PB) with last year Warsaw winner Alemayehu Shumye (2:11:50).
Organisers are hoping for another attack at the long standing women’s best of 2:31:28 held by Czech Alena Peterkova since 1989 (the first year when the course was changed to city-only).
Kenyan Florence Chepkurui who has 2:35:09 from last year Venice will be there with last year’s third placer Radiya Adlo who debuted in Kosice with 2:39:21 but in the meantime has improved to 2:36:01), and experienced Moldavian Valentina Delion (2:36:50).
Former Slovak Prime Minister and current parliament member Mikulas Dzurinda plans to run his 24th marathon. Special guest will be double Olympic marathon winner Waldemar Cierpinski.
Alfons Juck for the IAAF
