The expected temperature on Sunday is between 18 and 20 degrees. You are at greater risk for repeated problems if you experienced problems with heat in the past, and it is very sensible to lower your goal substantially, by taking it easier during the run and by properly listening to your body.

In the worst case scenario, you should even consider sitting this one out. Also, we are making a general appeal to properly listen to your body’s cues, and to adjust your goals during the run, if necessary.

It is important that all participants reach the finish line in good health. If you happen to spot a co-runner who is pushing the limits in an irresponsible way, approach him / her or warn one of the Red Cross employees.

Click here for more information on running in (extremely) hot weather conditions and the risks that you are exposed to when you push the limits, nevertheless, and tips on how to prevent this. Take your responsibility and prevent the need for medical assistance, no matter how well you have trained!

Click here for an overview of the medical assistance stands at the TCS Amsterdam Marathon.
Click here for an overview of the medical assistance stands at the Mizuno Half Marathon.
Click here for an overview of the medical assistance stands at the TCS 8 km.

Top athletes ready for the TCS Amsterdam Marathon

The Concertgebouw today hosted the annual press conference of the TCS Amsterdam Marathon. The list of participants involved in the 39^th edition, which will take place next Sunday, was presented in the beautiful Koorzaal (Choir Hall).

Wilson Chebet, Ayele Abshero and Abel Kirui, the three major contenders vying for the win and breaking the 2:05:36 course record, were feeling positive about their preparations and chances. Patrick Stitzinger is also looking ahead with confidence to Sunday. Meseret Hailu, the course record holder in the women’s division, setting the record of 2:21:09, said that she is ready to win the TCS Amsterdam Marathon.

Wilson Chebet was back at the table with a big smile on his face. He already has three straight wins under his belt as he returns to compete for the fifth time in the biggest marathon event in the Netherlands. This time around, he has brought his wife and son over from Kenya. “I’m very happy to have them along this time. It feels good”, beamed the 29-year-old marathon runner. He spoke confidently with the press. “My workouts have been great. I’m sure that it will be possible to make it in the 2:04 mark.”

His opponents are just as keen to finish on the highest step of the podium. Ayele Abshero says that he has run long and far at top speed and also believes he can make it in the 2:04 mark next Sunday. Abshero owns a personal best of 2:04:23. A minor disadvantage for the 23-year-old Ethiopian is a recent calf injury that does not bother him anymore. Abel Kirui, the two-time marathon world champion, is also ready. “I’m in excellent shape, my friend Wilson and I will run to the finish line in the Olympisch Stadion.”

This Sunday will see eight runners at the start who run faster than 2:06:34. Besides the three athletes mentioned above, Dino Sefir (2:04:50), Endeshaw Negesse (2:04:52), Bernard Kipyego (2:06:29), Nicholas Kipkemboi (2:06:33) and Marilson dos Santos (2:06:34) will lead the start. Jos Hermens of Global Sports Communication indicated that a large leading group of athletes will start together. “It is absolutely fantastic that we’re going to have such a large and strong group of contenders. I can’t recall that ever happening before.”

Patrick Stitzinger is the favourite for the National Championship Marathon, which is also set to take place on Sunday during the TCS Amsterdam Marathon. But he also wants to make good time. “The workouts have been going really well these past few weeks and they’ve really boosted my confidence. I’m looking to make the 2:14 / 2:15 mark, which I think is enough for the Dutch title,” says the 33-year-old Maastricht native.

The favourite in the women’s division is Meseret Hailu. The Ethiopian Hailu is the proud course record holder in Amsterdam with a personal best time of 2:21:09. I’ve had a tough year, dealing with a shin injury. But I’ve been feeling fit again over the past three weeks. I hope to win on Sunday. I don’t think I’ll break the course record.” With a personal record of 2:26:42, Betelhem Mogen will likely win one of the prizes.

The limits of the TCS Amsterdam Marathon, which is organised by Le Champion, had already been reached by 21 August. No less than 44,094 participants from as many as 93 different countries are expected to take part in the marathon. The 16,000 participant increase is truly remarkable. The representative of the City of Amsterdam, Marja Ruigrok, is delighted that this international event is attracting so many participants. “This is a huge boost for the City of Amsterdam. I am looking forward to seeing the participants run through the Rijksmuseum on Sunday. A place where culture and sports come together.”

The TCS Amsterdam Marathon will start on Sunday at 9:30 am in the Olympisch Stadion.

The competition can be seen live in 132 countries on Eurosport, Sport 1, RTV N-H, AT5 and via live stream at www.tcsamsterdammarathon.nl.

Source: TCS Amsterdam Marathon