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Lead Stories: Sunday, September 7, 2008

TFS News Briefs Special Edition: London Marathon

Posted April 12th, 2008 at 10:00 AM by Jimmie R. Markham

Section: News & Results, Marathons

Near-Perfect Weather Forecast For London Marathon
A quick look at tomorrow’s forecast reveals near-perfect conditions for tomorrow’s Flora London Marathon. According to weather.com, the forecast for Sunday at 9:00am (the start time for the women’s race) is Partly Cloudy, 46°F, 20% chance for precipitation, 77% humidity and winds from SW at 8 mph. Of course, perfect weather means fast times, and tomorrow’s race promises to be one of the fastest.
Read more at: [Weather.com]

The Wacky Side Of London
Big marathons tend to attract the wackier elements of running and London is no exception. A woman running on 4 foot stilts will be competing, as will a man dribbling a basketball, a guy in a robot suit and more.
Read more at: [BBC News, UK]

TFS Success Story Gilbert Tuhabonye To Run In London
Burundi runner Gilbert Tuhabonye, who was awarded The Final Sprint’s Success Story Award in December ‘07, is featured in a BBC Sport article in the build-up to tomorrow’s race. As a teen, Tuhabonye survived a horrifying massacre in his village during a civil war in 1993. He is hoping to run a qualifying time and make it to Beijing in what he calls “tremendous message about forgiveness.”
Read more at: [BBC Sport, UK][TFS Podcast]
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London Marathon 2008: Elite Women’s Race Preview

Posted April 11th, 2008 at 3:30 PM by Jared Markowitz

Section: News & Results, Marathons

The women’s competition at the 2008 Flora London Marathon promises to be intense despite the absence of perennial favorite and World Record holder Paula Radcliffe, who recently withdrew due to a toe ailment. The race will still include a pair of Ethiopian stars as well as several other first class British marathoners. These women will be racing for one of the most prestigious titles in the marathon world as well as points in the World Marathon Majors contest.

Leading the way for the women will be the inaugural World Marathon Major Champion, Gete Wami of Ethiopia. Wami had a stellar track career before turning to the marathon, and has finished on the podium in numerous world class marathons. She won last fall’s Berlin marathon and finished second at London last year (to China’s Chunxiu Zhou). Her lifetime best of 2:21:34 ranks near the top of the field but is almost a minute slower than that of fellow Ethiopian Berhane Adere, whose 2:20:42 is the fastest in the field. Adere also sports an impressive marathon resume with two Chicago victories and the 2008 Dubai title to her credit. Adere will be looking to avenge a few uncharacteristically poor performances at London as her fourth and eleventh place finishes the last two years are far below her standards.
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London Marathon 2008: Elite Men’s Race Preview

Posted April 11th, 2008 at 2:00 PM by Jared Markowitz

Section: News & Results, Marathons

Even with the upcoming Beijing Olympics, the Flora London Marathon stands out as the most competitive distance race of the year. The 2008 edition features a mixture of accomplished marathon veterans and talented newcomers, all vying for spots on the prestigious London podium.

Leading the way will be defending London and New York champ Martin Lel. Lel won both of his titles last year in sprint finishes over Abderrahim Goumri, who will also be back for more. Lel’s London buildup has gone well, as he moved his camp to Namibia to train with 2007 Boston champ Robert Cheruiyot and avoid the recent violence in Kenya. He should once again be the favorite, although Goumri’s track pedigree (12:50 for 5k) will give him a chance if it again comes down to the last quarter mile.
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