In an event billed as Haile Gebrselassie’ s attempt at the World Record of 2:05:54, held by Kenyan Paul Tergat achieved in Berlin 2003. A great many people waited and watched in anticipation for Haile to achieve his goal, he won in 2:06:20.
With an opening half [21.1k] split of 62:03, it seemed as though a new WR was certainly on. However, in my opinoin, the pace-setters were simply not up to the task at hand. Throw in the swirling wind in various places and the solo running for 1/4 of the race and you have a situation which is not written for a record.
When Tergat established his record in Berlin, her had the luxury of having his pace-setters firstly towing him and then chasing him to the line. And a fine record was established. Gebrselassie was left to fend for himself very early on, with inconsistent splits appearing as soon as from 21K to to 25K, thereafter he was providing the pace with the last forlorn pace-setter clutching his side before the 30K mark.
The little Ethiopian legend, attempted to stick to the task and finished his 2nd marathon in a Personal Best time of 2:06:20, with a first win under the belt.
The 2nd place finisher was Daniel Yego of Kenya with 2:08:58 with Tesfaye Tola also of Ethiopia 3rd in 2:09:17. Former track star, over the Steeples, Bernard Barmasai of Kenya, 4th in 2:10:52.
On the Women’s side, former Ethiopian track star, Kutre Dulecha, ran out a comfortable winner in 2:30:06.
On the whole a successful marathon for the city of Amsterdam and for Geb, plans for another marathon on a course more conducive to fast times with pace-setters of ability for the occasion?
Haile Gebrselassie Quote
“I am not happy,” Geb said. “I am not tired but the swirling wind in the city was a big hindrance. Perhaps it is better to start earlier at 9:00 instead of 11:00. At that time you are already thinking of eating again. I wanted to give the organizers here a world record.”
Splits for Gebrselassie:
5 kms: 14:49-29:39-44:05-58:49-1:13:57-1:28:57-1:43:50-1:59:16. Halves: 1:02:03-1:04:17.
Top 10 Results
MEN
1. Haile Gebreselassie, ETH 2:06:20 CR/NR/WL
2. Daniel Yego, KEN 2:08:58
3. Tesfaye Tola, ETH 2:09:17
4. Bernard Barmasai, KEN 2:10:52
5. George Okworo, KEN 2:11:49
6. Andrew Limo, KEN 2:12:13
7. Jamal Baligha, MAR 2:15:22
8. Sander Schutgens, NED 2:17:53 DB
9. Dennis Jensen, DEN 2:18:36 PB
10. Alfred Shemweta, SWE 2:19:36
WOMEN
1. Kutre Dulecha, ETH 2:30:06
2. Kristijna Loonen, NED 2:34:08
3. Sue Harrison, GBR 2:38:25
4. Charné Rademeyer, RSA 2:39:26
5. A. Bekele, ETH 2:41:40
6. Annemarie Sandell, FIN 2:43:23
7. Renata Antropik, POL 2:44:34
8. Elaine Coburn, CAN 2:44:49
9. Fiona Oakes, GBR 2:48:08
10. Gillian Bacon, GBR 2:50:43
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