Posted: September 25, 2005

Athletics: Mizuki Noguchi breaks course- and Asian record at real,- BERLIN-MARATHON

Philip Manyim wins the race with 39,882 runners and walkers. Heinz Frei got his 100th victory

Mizuki Noguchi won the 32nd real,- BERLIN-MARATHON with a new course- and Asian record. The 27-year-old Japanese clocked 2:19:12 hours and broke the course record of her countrywomen Yoko Shibui (2:19:41) by 29 seconds. Fastest male runner was the Kenyan Philip Manyim in 2:07:41 hours. The 27-year-old won altogether 47,500 €, while Mizuki Noguchi earned 70.000 Euro.

A record number of 39.882 runners from 103 nations were running at the 32nd edition of the real,- BERLIN-MARATHON. The race established itself as fourth biggest marathon in the world. Berlin is number one if you add wheelchairs, handbikers and inline-skaters (48,170 athletes). On Sunday there was also the real,- MINI-MARATHON with 9,312 participants. More than one million people lined the course.

Mizuki Noguchi became the third best marathon runner of all times (behind Radcliffe and Ndereba) and was running the sixth fastest time ever. Furthermore it is the second best time of the year. With temporary good conditions, but at to warm weather at the end, Luminita Zaituc (Germany) finished second in 2:27:34 hours. Zaituc had to stop a few k before the finish, due to cramps. Third place went to Asale Tafa (Ethiopia) in 2:28:27, while Melanie Kraus (Germany) was fourth in 2:34:23.

While Japan’s women had the sixth victory in a row in Berlin, while Kenya’s men got the seventh victory in a row in the most spectacular road race in Germany. In doing so, the Kenyans reached the first five places. Runner up was Peter Chebet in 2:08:58, and third place was taken by Jackson Koech (2:09:07).

In the wheelchair race Heinz Frei produced a great victory. The Suisse won in 1:28:32 and was celebrating a unique jubilee in the wheelchair sport: It was his 100th marathon victory in his career. Since 1985 he won in Berlin already 16 times out of 19 participations. Fastest women was Edith Hunkeler (Schuisse) in 1:49:46. In the handbiker race Wim Decleir winners were (Belgium/1:13:32) and Andrea Eskau (Germany/1:15:50).

Quotes:

Mizuki Noguchi (JPN), winner in 2:19:12 hours (new course, Japanese and Asian record)

"I am happy about my victory and the three records – the Japanese record, the Asian record and the course record. The course is really flat and nice to run. The slight ups and downs helped me to find my rhythm. My coach told me not to worry about split times. I have to thank the fabulous spectators, who cheered me all the way to the finish. I am so happy to have run here.”

What did you like about the course the most and did you have any problems?

“I saw a lot of churches and quite old buildings. But I also saw very nice shops and everywhere people. The race was good, only at 35 k my feet started to get heavy. But I thought of my training and I grit my teeth.”

Luminita Zaituc (GER) – runner up in 2:27:34

“I am happy with the second place, although the race was tough. I never thought of giving up, also I had cramps at 30 k. I felt it already at 15 k but wanted to finish the race.

Asale Tafa (ETH), third in 2:28:27

"I am satisfied with the results and it was nice to run here.“

Philip Manyim (KEN), winner in 2:07:41 hours

"I am very happy with my result, although it was very hot. Some time in between I thought I need to drink something, to get away with my life. It was my third marathon. Berlin is very nice and I want to come back next year. When I was training in Kenya, I wanted to win. But when I was here, sure I was a little bit afraid because there were some athletes with a PB under 2:07. After 25 k, Mark Milde said to me that when I want to win the race, I would have to go away now. And it worked.”

When you finished you cried, why was that and what do you want to do next?

“I was so happy to win my first big marathon. It was so emotional because first I have not expected to win and second because the conditions in Kenya are so bad. I am looking forward to go home and plan my next season there. To win in Berlin means a lot to me, I will share the money with my family and friends. We share everything in Kenya.”

Peter Chebet (KEN), runner up in 2:08:58

“I never thought of catching Philip, because I had so much to do with the attacks of Jackson Koech. The race was good, but warm.”

Jackson Koech, third in 2:09:07

“I had no energy left on the home stretch, so I had to give up the second place.”

The race website is at: www.berlin-marathon.com.