Posted: September 25, 2004

Athletics: Berlin Marathon Press conference Highlights

Press conference Highlights (Part 1) - Friday, 2004, September 24

Felix Limo, Top runner from Kenya

What do you expect to run when the weather will be good?

"I don’t know a time yet. I want to run as fast as I can and do my best. “

Where and with whom did you have your preparations?

"I have trained back home in Kaptagat near Eldoret, together with my training group, like James Rotich. The training was very good and both of my coaches (Patrick Sang und Joseph Chelimo) were happy. I just competed in one race, the half marathon of Rotterdam (1:03:09). But I had problems with my back. Now everything is good again and I am fit to win.”

Why did you choose the real,- BERLIN MARATHON for a race?

"I want to beat my personal best. A lot of people improved their performances here in Berlin, why shouldn’t I improve it here too!”

Since when are you in Berlin and have you seen the course yet?

"I came here last evening and to be honest I spent the whole time in bed. Today I was running a little bit. I don’t want to see the course before, really.”

Joshua Chelanga, Kenya

You are in the same training group as Paul Tergat, what have you learnt from him?

"I have learnt a lot. But he helped also the other athletes, not only me. I learnt how to prepare for a marathon. “

You have also trained with Titus Munji, who cannot compete because of a virus.

"Yes, that is right. He was in a great condition. Unfortunately he caught a virus a few days ago. That’s why he cannot compete on Sunday at the real,- BERLIN MARATHON. When I trained with him I kept his pace and for that I will beat my personal best.”

Michitane Noda, Top runner Japan

The Kenyans are very strong and they want to run the first half in a time of 63 minutes. Do you go along with them?

"I will go along with them and try to keep pace as long as possible. 63 minutes for the first half is not that fast. I have done it before. Maybe it is possible that a Japanese will win the 31. real,- BERLIN MARATHON.“

We have heard you want to become a monk, is it true?

"Yes that’s right. It is destiny. I was raised up in a very religious family. After my career I will take over the temple from my father. We have this temple for generations and I don’t want to break the tradition. And it doesn’t matter how good or bad my career will go. Destiny is more important for me.”

Is there any relation between long-distance running in Japan and religion?

"No, not at all. “

You have seen the course on Wednesday. What do you think?

"I have seen it, but I can’t remember anything. Everybody says it is flat with few curves, so it will be good. I want to beat my personal best in any case. The Japanese record would be also a big goal for me. “

Shinichi Watanabe, Japanese top runner

The Kenyans are very strong and they want to run the first half in a time of 63 minutes. Do you go along with them?

"I want to run my own race. When I am feeling good I want to keep pace.”

You have seen the course on Wednesday. What do you think?

"The course is very flat and fast. Like Michitane I want to set a new personal best as well. I am small and won’t have a problem with the wind. I am a good slipstream runner.”

Hannelore Steer, rbb radio (radio Berlin-Brandenburg)

Meaning of the real,- BERLIN MARATHON for the rbb:

"It is very important not only for the rbb. Since 1985 we have a live TV and radio transmission. It is a phenomenal race for Berlin.”

Jochen Sprentzel, rbb television

"There will be a special airplane at the real,- BERLIN MARATHON for the TV transmission. We have also 4 helicopters, 6 stationary stations and three motorbikes. “

Press conference Highlights (part 2) - Friday, 2004 September 24th

Chad Hedrick, Top Inline-Skater (USA)

Why did you changed from inline skating to ice-skating?

"My biggest dream is to compete at the Olympics. Inline skating isn’t an Olympic event - therefore I had to decide. Changing to speed skating is very popular and that is why the decision wasn’t that hard. I have won after less than two years the world-cup for ice-skating in Norway.”

Who will win on Saturday and what is your tactic like?

"It is hard to say who will win tomorrow. There are a lot of good skaters and I think at least 15 of them have a possibility to win the real,- BERLIN MARATHON. The best strategy is winning normally, but Berlin is a fast and flat course where tactic isn’t so important. I think it will be a mass sprint at the end. Normally the tactic is very important, like at the Tour-de-France. Seize and strength of the team plays a big role.”

Julie Glass, last years winner, Inline-Skates (USA)

What have you done for preparations for the real,- BERLIN MARATHON?

"I have trained this year as good as the last year. I am feeling very good and I am in the same form as last year. Sure I want and will win again the real,- BERLIN MARATHON. The competitors are very strong, but I will win. I am proud to be an American, as well as all the other Americans. By the way I also changed to the ice-skating.”

Errol Marklein, multiple German Paralympics winner on Handbike

Tell us about Handbike:

"Handbike is for handicapped athletes who want to be as fast as the non-handicapped. More and more athletes discover the advantages of the handbike. You don’t need train to handle it. For the wheelchair you need a special training. Also you are faster than the wheelchair. With an average speed of 30km/h you are very fast and you can easily keep pace with bicycles. The quality of a handbike is so good you really can compare it with a racing bike.”

What do want achieve at the real,- BERLIN MARATHON?

"I want to set a new record and ride under 1:05. That would be an average of 38km/h and this is almost as fast as an inline-skater. I will not be slower then 35km/h and with a wheelchair that would be never possible. The most important thing is that handicapped don’t shrink back because of speed. We will document that we can compete everywhere and that we don’t shun the progress. I hope we can convince a lot of handicapped people to compete at a marathon with a handbike. This is such a great scenery here in Berlin! “

Is it another feeling on the handbike in comparison to the wheelchair?

"Yes, definitely. It is much easier to handle. At the premiere from the handbike they will be about 150 athletes and I am excited how many it will be next year. I hope we can convince many people and not only handicapped. “

What is the size of your upper arm?

"That is a good question. I think at the moment it is 42 cm. I am in a good shape and I am happy to compete for the real,- BERLIN MARATHON.”