Moses Mosop (27), debutant Sammy Kitwara (26) and
super pacer Peter Cheruiyot Kirui (24) start on Sunday, April 15 in
the 32nd ABN AMRO Marathon Rotterdam with the ambition to run a
world record. The fastest official time is 2.03.38 run by another
Kenyan, Patrick Makau.
BOSTON
Mosop finished second last year in April at the much talked
about Boston Marathon in 03.02.06. He was only four seconds slower
than compatriot Geoffrey Mutai. His time was not recognised as a
world record because the course in Boston does not comply with all
the conditions of the International Association of Athletics
Federations (IAAF). For example, among other things the drop in
elevation is too steep.
NEW YEAR'S RECEPTION
"We are very pleased that we have contracted Mosop," says Mario
Kadiks. The Director of the ABN AMRO Marathon Rotterdam first made
contact with the Kenyan, who 'London' was also very interested in,
at the New York Marathon. At the New Year's reception in the Town
Hall Room of the Beurs-WTC building he presented Mosop, Kitwara and
Kirui as 'his' absolute stars. "We are going for a world
record."
COACH COMMENT
Kadiks, like Mosop's coach Renato Canova, is convinced that
Makau's fresh world will be broken again in the spring. "And not in
London, but in Rotterdam," according to Canova. Kadiks: "If the
weather conditions are right, it must be possible."
MOSOP'S RESPONSE
From Kenya, Moses Mosop said: "I look forward to running in
Rotterdam. This is my first marathon in Europe. I know Rotterdam
from all the stories praising it for its fast course and good
organisation. If my preparation goes as planned, I hope to improve
on my personal best of 02.03.06."
AMBITION
Besides Moses Mosop the ABN AMRO Marathon Rotterdam has brought
in Kitwara and Kirui, two athletes who can also come in under the
current world record. Kadiks: "Our field of participants is
stronger than ever, unprecedented in Rotterdam, which makes us
reaffirm our ambition."
EXAMPLE
Debutant Kitwara has a promising personal best of 58.48 at the
half marathon; the time he ran in September in Philadelphia. Mosop
is an inspiring example for Kitwara: Mosop was the fastest marathon
debutant ever in Boston. Kitwara is even faster at the half
marathon than Mosop, whose personal best is 59.20.
SUPER PACER
Kirui acted as a pacer for Makau to achieve the world record in
September in Berlin. In October he served in Frankfurt as pace
maker for Wilson Kipsang: winner (2.03.42); after his 'work', he
decided to carry on running and finished in 02.06.31; a super pacer
who is now grabbing his own chances.
EARLIER START TIME
The wish of many runners - elite and recreation - to bring
forward the start time has been honoured by the organisation. The
start is now half an hour earlier at 10.30. Kadiks: "That can make
a difference to the temperature and wind force. We would like to
provide the best conditions for everyone, although you can never
command the weather.''
NEW INITIATIVES
At the New Year's reception in the Beurs-WTC Building Kadiks
pointed to two new initiatives of the ABN AMRO Marathon Rotterdam
that have received an enthusiastic welcome: The Provinces Marathon
Challenge and the Super Marathon Masters.
FASTEST PROVINCE
In the Provinces Marathon Challenge the prestigious title of
'fastest marathon province of the Netherlands' is up for grabs.
Also, the individual champions of each province and the best men
and women from each province are honoured. The winners will be
rewarded with a sum of five hundred euros among other things.
Kadiks: "This new annual ranking is unique in the Netherlands. This
is only possible in Rotterdam."
VITAL
All participating marathon runners living in the Netherlands,
including the participants of the Business Marathon, are
automatically entered into the Provinces Marathon Challenge. "At no
extra cost," emphasised Kadiks. "The 25 best marathon finishing
times from each province will determine which province of the
Netherlands can call themselves the fastest, and perhaps most full
of vitality."
ABN AMRO KIDS RUNS
In the past, the ABN AMRO Marathon Rotterdam was first with,
among other things, the Business Runs, the development of the
smart-drinking system, organisation of training runs and with the
ABN AMRO Kids Runs, which took place the day before the Marathon,
and so on. And now there is the Provinces Marathon Challenge.
MASTERS
Super Marathon Masters is another new initiative. From the
upcoming ABN AMRO Marathon Rotterdam participants who have taken
part for the tenth time or more will be put in the limelight.
They get a special mention on the website of the Marathon, will be
provided with special bib numbers and will receive an honorary pin
when they complete their 10th, 15th, 20th or 25th marathon on the
Coolsingel. They will also receive a special Super Masters Marathon
T-shirt and a certificate.
OLYMPIC GAMES
For many participants from many countries the 32nd ABN AMRO
Marathon Rotterdam will be dedicated to the Olympic Games in
London. It is one of the last chances to qualify. Kadiks: "We get
emails daily from athletes who want to run with us. They know we
have a fast course." In total, a record 25,000 runners are
expected.
ABN AMRO CPC RUN THE HAGUE
At ABN AMRO CPC Run The Hague on Sunday, March 11 the focus will
be on regaining the half marathon world record. "We want to
bring back the world record to The Hague. Samuel Wanjiru ran a
world record 1997, now, subject to favourable weather conditions,
we expect such a performance from the Kenyan Leonard Komon." At the
various distances on and around the Malieveld, 32,000 participants
are expected; a record.
LIKE2RUN
At the New Year's reception Kadiks not only looked forward, but
he also recognised the successful year that Like2Run events have
had in 2011. The Zilveren Kruis Bridges Run Rotterdam and the
Rotterdam Ladies Run have a new look with a different starting
location and a different course; with a beating heart at the Kuip
and Ahoy respectively.
POTENTIAL
"In fact we have put two "new" events on the map. Lifestyle
events, that are judged very favourably and have a lot of
potential," said Kadiks. "We expect strong growth in the coming
years, without us losing sight of our high-quality Like2Run
standards. Our motto for 2012 is still: We like to run the extra
mile to create winners."
