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Chepchumba aiming for a Hattrick

Strong field for the BERLIN HALFMARATHON

2001-03-28

Joyce Chepchumba (KEN) is aiming to defend her title at the 21st BERLIN HALFMARATHON and to become the first woman to win three times in a row. Last year she won in the record time of 1:08:22. The BERLIN HALFMARATHON will once again be the last chance for her to prepare for the Flora London Marathon After a series of victories in most convincing times at large marathons (London and Chicago), she won the bronze medal for the marathon at the Olympic Games in Sydney. Joyce Chepchumbas tactics in the race were clever - she attacked the field from the back and achieved her greatest success yet. As a climax to the year, a few weeks later she also won the Tokyo Marathon in 2:24:02. Joyce Chepchumba often trains with her cousin, Tegla Loroupe, the world record holder from Berlin.

Horst Milde, oraniser of the BERLIN HALF MARATHON, is delighted that Joyce Chepchumba has agreed to participate: "Joyce Chepchumba is one of the worlds best road runners. With Joyces participation and the support of our partners Bewag and Galeria Kaufhof we can again offer Berlin spectators world class sport. A hattrick would be sensational."

And another promising young German will also be back in Berlin. Last year in the BERLIN-MARATHON Melanie Kraus ran the fastest debut ever for a German marathon runner (2:27:58). The fact that she failed to qualify for the 10,000 metres at the Olympics turned out to be lucky for her, and the 26 year-old from Leverkusen is expected to have a big marathon career in front of her. Her best time to date is a fantastic 1:09:36. With Kathrin Weßel (SCC Berlin) also participating, we can expect a first-class German "duel".

The mens field has also been improved. David Ruto, the 21 year-old Kenyan, deserves a special mention, not only because of his impressive time (1:00:45), but also because he came in fifth at last years HALF MARATHON world championships. Last years winner, Joseph Mareng (KEN) completes the field of top international athletes, which includes Fabian Roncero, Tendai Chimusasa and Robert Stefko.