ATHLETICS: Cherono, Kebede regroup for second attempt as Kipchoge, Kipsang, and Bekele chase world record

Kenya's Gladys Cherono crosses the finish line to win the women's 42nd Berlin marathon, in Berlin, Germany September 27, 2015. REUTERS/Hannibal Hanschke

Gladys Cherono and Ethiopia’s Aberu Kebede are out to reclaim their titles at the 44th BMW Berlin Marathon showdown on Sunday morning.

Cherono, who won the IAAF World Half Marathon title in Copenhagen in Denmark in 2014, longs to kill two birds with one stone in Germany’s political capital: reclaim the title she won in 2015 and inspire her younger brother, Wesley Kipkorir.

Cherono and Kipkorir serve in the Kenya Defence Forces.

“I want to motivate him. I know he might not watch me, but he will get the news,” she said in an earlier interview.

Cherono, a mother of one, won the 2015 marathon in a lifetime best of 2:19:25, making her the fastest woman athlete in the field on Sunday.

But the former Africa 10,000m champion will be up against three-time Berlin Marathon winner, Aberu Kebede.

The Ethiopian won in 2010 and 2012 and reclaimed the title last year as she won in 2:20:45, just 15 seconds shy of the personal best she set when winning in the German capital four years ago.

Kebede will be joined by compatriots Amane Beriso, runner-up in Dubai last year, Gulume Tollesa, the 2015 Frankfurt Marathon winner, and Meseret Mengistu, the 2015 Paris Marathon champion.

Kenya’s Valary Aiyabei, winner in the Prague Marathon this year with a PB of 2:21:57, is another top contender.

The athletics world will also be keen on the men's field that has Eliud Kipchoge, Wilson Kipsang, and Kenenisa Bekele of Ethiopia as they attack the world record mark of 2:2.57.

Joseph Magutt, the Kenya ambassador to Germany, said Kenyans will line up along the streets of Berlin to cheer the stars.

“That is a moment we have been waiting for here. We feel good watching them win and take the glory back home,” said Magutt.

"It will not be any different. We are all waiting."

Unlike the men’s line up, where sportswear apparel makers Nike and Adidas are locked in a clinical battle for the world record, the women’s showdown is different.

Cherono and Kabede are sponsored by Adidas alongside Kipsang and Kimetto. Bekele and Kipchoge wear Nike attire.

The last five world records have been set by athletes who raced in Adidas shoes. They are Paul Tergat (2003), Haile Gebreselassie (Ethiopia), Patrick Makau (2011), Wilson Kipsang (2013), and Dennis Kimetto (2014).

Berlin is a flat course with 17 turns, the Chicago Marathon flat course has 31 turns, New York City has 26, and Boston has three.

David Leting, one of the national team marathon coaches, said the record will be smashed.

“The battle will not be easy. At 35km, expect fireworks from the three men – Bekele, Kipsang, and Kipchoge. But at 38km/39km, the athlete with a good sprint will bring down the record,” he said.

Motorsport
Safari Rally 2024: Neuville clinches Kasarani stage as Hyundai makes intention known
Motorsport
Safari Rally 2024: Will Fourmaux finally break M-Sport Ford jinx in Naivasha?
By Ben Ahenda 7 hrs ago
Motorsport
Safari Rally 2024: Tundo revs off first as Ruto flags off Safari
Motorsport
Safari Rally 2024: Speed, fun and drink as Safari Rally action takes over 'Vasha'