EN
The Belgrade Marathon has survived more crises than most, and it is credit to the organisers, who have kept the flame burning through nearly three decades, that the 27th edition, sponsored by SuisseGas takes to the streets of the Serbian capital Sunday morning; what’s more it has a record entry of 3600 in the marathon and half marathon, and a further 20,000 entrants for the Coca Cola Fun-Run.
Another sign that the factional fighting for control of the race between city politicians, and sponsors reneguing on contracts are things of the past is the status of this year’s race as the Balkan Marathon Championships, and Serbian Half-Marathon Championships.
Last year’s men’s winner, Edwin Kiplagat Kiptum had to endure torrid conditions, which slowed his winning time to close to 2hr 20min, but at Saturday morning’s press conference – attended by special guest Kevin Young, Olympic champion and 400m world record holder – Kiptum promised to attack the course record of 2.10.54, set by his Kenyan compatriot, Japhet Kosgei in the 2006 event.
But men’s race favourite is 28 year old Edwin Kangogo Kimaiyo, whose best of 2.09.50 in Berlin in 2011 came in the race in which his compatriot Patrick Makau Musyoki set the then world record of 2:03,38 . Kimaiyo also ran better than the Belgrade course record in Seoul in 2012 where he crossed the finish line in 2:10,29 hours.
Other contenders for the men’s title are Ethiopia’s Tekeste Nakatibeb Nurelign, whose personal best of 2:10.17 earned him the fouth place in Rome in 2011, and Saoei Kimeli Paul of Kenya, who clocked 2:09,54 in Los Angeles 2010.
Last year’s women champion, local hero Olivera Jevtić, the 2006 European vice-champion from Gothenburg, has decided to take part in the half marathon race this year.
Thus the duel for the Fred Lebow Trophy, awarded since 1995, will most likely be between Ethiopia’s Yenalem Ayano, the fourth-ranked from Barcelona in 2010 with 2.34.11 (PB) and Kenya’s Selina Chelimo, who set her personal best of 2.34.22 in Kosice in 2008.
Another potential local winner is Serbia’s Ana Subotić (personal best 2.36.14, Rotterdam 2012), a double marathon winner from Podgorica and Zagreb and and 2012 London Olympian (2.38.22)
Pat Butchers BLOG
