Rock ‘n’ Roll Lisbon Could Be Historically Fast

A few of the favorites: Alex Korio Oloitiptip (left) and Mare Dibaba in the half marathon and Lawrence Kimaiyo (right) in the marathon. Photo: PhotoRun.net

The Portugal capital of Lisbon will be host to two IAAF Gold Label Road Races this weekend—the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon of Lisbon EDP and the Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon Vodafone RTP.

And judging by the fields that are lined up, it could be a really fast day of running.

On the men’s side, 10 runners are entered into the half marathon with personal-bests faster than 1:00:00. The course record of 1:00:19 set by Wilson Kiprop two years ago is in danger with the likes of Bernard Koech of Kenya (58:41 PR), Alex Korio Oloitiptip of Kenya (59:28), Atsedu Tsegay of Ethiopia (58:47), Geoffrey Kusuro of Uganda (59:43), and Nguse Amlosom of Eritrea (59:55) all racing.

The women’s half marathon also looks strong, with the 1:07:54 course record also in jeopardy. Mare Dibaba of Ethiopia is racing for the first time since winning the IAAF World Championships marathon in August. Her half marathon PR  is 1:07:13, but it’s been four years since she’s won at the distance. She expects to be challenged by Ethiopians Wude Ayalew and Feyse Tadesse, along with Kenyans Rebecca Kangogo Chesire, Priscah Cherono and Beatrice Mutai and Portugal’s own Sara Moreira.

For the marathon, Kenyans Lawrence Kimaiyo (2:07:01), Daniel Limo (2:08:39), Silas Sang (2:09:10) and Stephen Kosgei Kibet (2:08:05) all look to be in the lead pack, each chasing the course record of 2:08:21 set last year by Samuel Ndungu. On the women’s side, up-and-coming Kenyan Purity Rionoripo (1:08:29 half marathon PR) will be making her much-anticipated marathon debut, going against fellow Kenyans Margaret Agai (2:23:28), Purity Changwony (1:10:34 half marathon) and others.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Lisbon features a scenic course that passes several historic landmarks of Portugal’s capital city, including the Belem Tower, Jeronimo’s Monastery, the Discoveries Monument, the 25 of April Bridge, Cristo Rei Statue, Vasco da Game Bridge and the Orient Railroad Station.

 

 

 

 

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