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Autumn is the season when the big men of marathoning come out all guns blazing. This period spans from August right up to November, beyond the summers, and before the chill of the winter peaks, ideal conditions for running marathons in all parts of the world (okay, the northern hemisphere). So it is no surprise that this period is graced by some of the best marathons around the globe. Here’s a brief preview of some of the excitement to look forward to at the world stage.
New York City Half-Marathon – Aug. 16
News from organizers, the New York Road Runners, indicates that this is one of the best fields assembled in a half marathon (of course, it is difficult to top the Ras-Al-Khaimah field of 2009), this race has a plethora of top-notch talent. Leading the field are defending champion Tadese Tola of Ethiopia, two-time IAAF World Half-Marathon Championships silver medalist Patrick Makau of Kenya, three-time 10,000-meter Olympian Abdi Abdirahman of the United States, ING New York City Marathon 2004 winner Hendrick Ramaala of South Africa, and 2008 Olympic marathon silver medalist and two-time World Marathon champion Jaouad Gharib of Morocco. Boston marathon bronze medallist Ryan Hall will be making his NYC half-marathon debut.
Berlin Marathon – Sep. 20
The king of marathon running, Haile Gebrselassie, will get us all warmed up in September at the marathon voted as the ‘Marathon of the Decade‘ by IAAF, for the sheer number of world records (six) the event has seen over the last 20 years years. In fact, Gebrselassie has set world records at the event for the last two years in succession (currently at 2:03:59). However, what changes this year is that instead of the time-trial runs which he runs usually in Berlin with no competition and lots of pacemakers, he will find none other than Duncan Kibet at the starting line. Kibet became the 2nd fastest marathoner of all time, when he edged out compatriot James Kwambai at the 2009 Rotterdam marathon, in what was just his third ever marathon.
Chicago Marathon – Oct. 11
Chicago is the second biggest marathon in the US, just after the New York City marathon, and is reputed for a fast and flat course. Gearing up for some great race this year is Sammy Wanjiru, the first Kenyan runner to win an Olympic marathon gold, in Beijing 2008, which is such a surprise since this event has been so totally dominated by the Kenyans. He completely destroyed the elite field on that hot and humid day in August. Giving Wanjiru company will be compatriot Evans Cheruiyot, the defending champion from last year.
New York City Marathon – Nov. 1
Like the crazy hype we saw this year at Boston, New York City marathon will again be setting the tempo with the participation of the top US marathoner in Ryan Hall. Hall finished third at Boston, just like compatriot Kara Goucher, who was also third the the womens race. For sure, the rest of the elite field at the event will be one of the best out there, so making it to the podium would surely be a great challenge for Hall. For the record, this event is the biggest marathon in the world in terms of participation and number of finishers (38,000+ in 2008).
So, where are the other big guns, you might ask, the Martin Lel’s, Tadese, Kebede, Kwambai, Merga (of the summer season Boston, London, Paris, Rotterdam and Beijing fame). I am sure, they will be around, and as I get to hear more, will keep updating this list with more insights.
Some of the other big events in this fall season:
- Sep 20 Berlin Marathon
- Oct 11 Chicago Marathon
- Oct 25 Chosunilbo Chunchon, Korea
- Oct 25 Marine Corp Marathon
- Nov 1 New York City Marathon
- Dec 6 Singapore Marathon
- Dec 6 Naha Marathon, Japan
- Dec 9 Honolulu Marathon
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
@Raymond: All the best for the Bangkok marathon, not too far away now, time to start with your training I guess
Hi Tanvir, thanks for dropping by at my blog. I see u a keen runner yourself. Keep it up.
As for me, running have been kept minimal recently due to work commitments. However,will take part in the Standard chartered Bangkok marathon in Nov and Galaxy macau marathon in Dec.
Cheers
Raymond
@Rahul: All the best, lets pray that Chicago is a bit gentler on the souls of the humble runners! The weather has been a killer over the last couple of years, literally. I am sure it would be fantastic with the Olympics connection.
I agree autumn is the best time of the year to run, hopefully will prove to be a good one for running this year. Your list includes Chicago Marathon, I am looking forward to run this one. Chicago is I think one of the most beautiful cities in the world and with the possibility of hosting the 2016 Olympics(date for decision Oct.16th), the city will be in its full glory on Oct.11th.