AFTER setting off at 2:12 pace, many expected Valary Jemeli Aiyabei to fade in the second half of last Sunday’s Mainova Frankfurt Marathon. The 28-year-old Kenyan did slow down but, showing impressive reserves of stamina, she held on to win in a fast 2:19:10.
Not only was it a course record but it was also the first time a woman had broken the 2:20 barrier in Frankfurt as she went to No.12 on the world all-time rankings.
Behind, Steph Twell ran a Scottish record of 2:26:40 to go No.5 on the UK all-time lists, while Fikre Tefera won a close men’s race in 2:07:08 – just two seconds ahead of fellow Ethiopian Dawit Wolde.
On a busy Sunday of racing that included a world record at the IAU 24-hour Championships in France, the Dublin Marathon and quick times at the Valencia Half-Marathon and, domestically, the Leeds Abbey Dash (Results, p46) the big event of the day was Frankfurt and eyebrows were immediately raised when Aiyabei stormed through her first 5km in 15:38 – 2:12 pace – and established a big lead over her rivals in the process.
Just one week after Brigid Kosgei ran a world record of 2:14:04 at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, were we on for another world record? Aiyabei then passed 10km in 31:44 – just inside 2:14 pace – and halfway in 67:42 – as she began to tire.
“My aim was to break my personal best,” said Aiyabei, whose PB was 2:20:53. “Running alone isn’t easy. I had to struggle and grind it out. I started fast because I thought I could hang on later when I slowed down.”
Aiyabei was paced by her husband Kenneth Tarus until he had to drop out at 15km because of stomach problems.
Denne historien er fra October 31, 2019-utgaven av Athletics Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra October 31, 2019-utgaven av Athletics Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Carbon Footprint
You'd have had to have been running on a different planet to miss all the recent debate about carbon-plated shoes. The talk of bans and performance enhancement has been so widespread that even non-runners are asking their running friends about the potentially magical footwear.
Trail time
WHEN looking for a trail or off-road running shoe, it’s often all about the grip. However, given that no two paths are the same, careful consideration is required. What’s the terrain like where you’ll wear the shoes the most? If you’ll be negotiating soft, wet and muddy conditions then look for deeper lugs. For tackling gravel tracks and forest trails then more evenly spaced lugs will work better. When it comes to cushioning, consider how hard the ground will be; if it’s soft then you’ll be fine in low-profile shoes, but on those firmer tracks reasonable cushioning will be called for.
Stay neutral
EVOLVING every year, if not month, neutral cushioned shoes are seeing developments in cushioning materials and dynamics at a pace which is nothing short of astonishing. The latest models feature new polymers in the midsoles to give them a cushioned feel while at the same time keeping their weight to a minimum. Give them a spin and choose the most comfortable for mile after mile of shock absorbing running.
Support network
WHEN it comes to ‘over-pronation’, a common question is ‘how much is over?’. With no hard and fast rules, it’s best to choose a shoe that instinctively feels right. Gait analysis can often assist in helping you make this choice and your specialist running store is always a good place to start if in doubt. To help you make that choice, here’s a selection of some of the best ‘support’ shoes around.
Need for speed
THE racing shoe segment of the market is becoming somewhat split. This is partially due to the rise of carbon-plated footwear but also the fact that many shoes are becoming much lighter. Here we take a look at some of the leading contenders to toe the line in.
Gadget show
WITH technological products to enhance every area of life, running is now no different. From headphones to treadmills, the devices to aid performance and recovery are endless. Here we take a look at some of the latest gadgets and gizmos to enhance your training.
What's in a shoe?
We bust some of the jargon around footwear
How To Prime Your Immunity
Taking steps to shore your body’s defences has never been more important. Here’s how to do it, says Peta Bee
English Schools Survival At Stake
Covid-19 could lead to ESAA losing thousands this summer
Covid-19: Athletics Events Are Wiped Out
Unprecedented calendar changes due to Covid-19
