Top women runners will chase sub-65 for half marathon

Top women long distance runners from across the world will be chasing a sub-65 minute finish over the distance of 21km, at the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon to be held here on November 1.

''It all depends on the weather. If it is conducive for distance running, someone from the leading bunch of runners, should be able to cross the finish line in a much faster time than the previous edition,'' Elite Athlete Coordinator Ian Ladbrooke told mediapersons here today.

In the last edition, Ethiopia's Aselefech Mergia had clocked 68:17 for the first position. She is here to defend her title, and claimed to be enjoying better physical fitness than the last year.

''My preparation for the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon has gone well. I hope to go for a fast time,'' she said in halting English.

Also chasing a sub-65 minute timing will be Mary Keitany from Kenya. Mary had finished second in the last edition. And going by her recent win at the World Half Marathon Championships, where she clocked 66:36 for the gold, she too will be front runner for the top place. Mary, who hails from the high altitude of Iten in Kenya, is focused to clip one-and-a-half minute from her recent half marathon timing. ''The field is strong. It will be good chance to break 65 minute barrier,'' she said on her arrival in the Capital. Mary and Mergia apart there are several top runners from both Kenya and Ethiopia who have confirmed their participation in the race. Runners from England and Russia are also expected to give a tough fight to runners from East African countries.

Weather apart, to make the athletes achieve the goal of sub-65, Ladbrooke will also depute a 'rabbit' (pacer) in the race, whose job will be to cover the first half of the race in an average of 31 minutes. And the leading group of athletes are expected to follow the rabbit.

The above tactics had paid rich dividends in the 2008 edition of the race, particularly in the mens group. Then Ladbrooke had deputed a pacer in the race and predicted a fast time (sub-60 minute) in the mens group. His prophecy came true as eventual winner Deriba Merga from Ethiopia was impressive in victory, crossing the finish line in 59:15.

-- (UNI) -- 29SPD35.xml

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