Strong Kenyans predict fast times in Copenhagen 2017

Within a few years, Copenhagen Half Marathon has established itself as on of the strongest races in the world. Now an IAAF Gold Label Race, expectations are high ahead of Sunday's race.

Cloudy, 13-14 degrees and hardly any wind. The weather forecast for Sunday's Copenhagen Half Marathon (IAAF Gold Label) is indeed promising. With winning times of 59:14 in 2015 and 59:07 last year, the flat course in the Danish capital has proved to be one of the fastest in the world. Will tomorrow's race see a new course record – and thereby an improvement of Bedan Muchiri Karoki's world leading mark of 59:10? It seems absolutely possible.

The elite field – followed by 22.000 others runner – is arguably the best ever. Last year, James Mwangi Wangari (KEN) set the course record of 59:07 having clocked the first 10K in an astonishing 27:15-split. Due to injuries, however, the 23-year-old Kenyan only ran once this season, placing 2nd at Lisboa Half Marathon in March in 60:11.

"I have been struggling with a hamstring this year. Only since July I have been able to train. So I can't really say how fast I can run tomorrow, since my preparation has not been optimal. But, of course, I will run the best I can."

World Silver medalist is looking for a fast debut

His countryman, Leonard Barsoton, is very well the man to look out for on Sunday. The silver medalist from this year's World Cross Championships in Uganda will run the half marathon for the first time.

"After my silver medal in Kampala, I decided to try a half marathon. I'm hoping to run sub-60. That would be a good debut," said the 22-year-old Kenyan at Saturday's press conference, looking full of confidence ahead of the much anticipated race.

Based in Tokyo, Barsoton already is focusing on the Olympics coming to the city in 2020.

"If things go well, I'm considering running the marathon in 2020, but it could very well also be the 10000 metres."

A third Kenyan, Alex Korio Oloitiptip, has come to CPH Half for the third consecutive year. In 2015, he placed 2nd in a personal best of 59:28.

"It will be a tough fight and I'm hoping to win. After 15 km it depends on the mind. I have been focusing on the race for three months now. If the weather is good, I can run 59:10. Hopefully I will be elected for the Kenyan team at the World Half Marathon Championships. That's my target."

From a European perspective, the German recordholder at marathon, Arne Gabius, is aiming for a fast run ahead of the Frankfurt Marathon at the end of October. Also among the women, Kenyans are dominating the field. Brigid Jepchirchir Kosgei is one of favorites, ranked 11th in the world this year with 67:35 in Verbania in March. The course record of 68:00 from last year might be in danger.

"The weather looks to be good tomorrow, so I'm hoping for a course record. Under 68:00 is possible."

Martin van Dijk
Telefon: + 45 26 29 26 91
E-mail: martin@sparta.dk
 
Sparta Athletics & Running
Gunner Nu Hansens Plads 11
2100 Copenhagen Ø

Telefon: +45 35 26 69 00
E-mail: sparta@sparta.dk
Internet: https://cphhalf.dk