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Haile Gebrselassie (Ethiopia) PB – 2:06:20 in Amsterdam 2006
“The conditions in London (where he finished 9th in 2:09:05 on April 23 this year – ed note) didn’t suit me. It was raining and when the road becomes slippery it affects my running style which is to land on the forefoot. Wet conditions can give me injury problems. But I’ve not changed my training, I’ve done exactly the same training as for London and feel very good.”
“As for Sammy Korir, Sammy and I don’t see each other much away from races but I know he’s going to be strong. As for the rivalry between Ethiopians and Kenyans in general? We come from very similar cultures, our traditions are similar and we Ethiopians know how strong the Kenyans are.”
“I know that Berlin is a very fast course, that’s why I’m here! As for talk of world records, we’ll see. If the weather is warm like today, will that bother me? Well, I come from the track and I’m used to warm weather. I’m sorry for those who will be out there running longer, but it doesn’t bother me.”
“I was given a copy of his book, “A Long Walk to Freedom” by Nelson Mandela. In reading it, there were many things there that I knew about and others which I didn’t. Nelson Mandela is a symbol not only for Africa but for the entire world. Receiving this book from him was more than a present for me, to be recognized by Mandela meant so much to me, it was a great honour.”
Gete Wami (Ethiopa) – PB: 2:22:19 in Amsterdam 2002
"I’m looking forward to the real,- BERLIN-MARATHON. I’m fit and have had three to four months’ preparation for Berlin. After I had my daughter Eva in 2003, I didn’t feel quite as strong as before. My legs couldn’t do what they used to.My aim here is run under 2:20 – and if the weather is right and I feel right, I’ll be going for that kind of time. I’m looking forward to the contest between myself and Salina Kosgei. On Sunday we’ll be rivals but otherwise, and this applies to after the race, we’ll be friends.“
Salina Kosgei (Kenya) - PB: 2:24:32 in Paris 2004
"I know that Gete has prepared well and we know how strong the Ethiopians are and how much it takes to beat them. When I made my (marathon) debut in Paris I only going for 2:30 but ended up running 2:24. I clearly didn’t know what the marathon was about at that first experience. I’ll wait and see on Sunday what the weather is like and what my body tells me. I think I can run under 2:20 and I want to win. Of course, it’s easier to train for 10,000 metres than for the marathon. Marathon training is more varied with hillwork and runs of varying tempo and so on.“
Kurao Umeki (Japan) - PB 2:09:52 in the real,- BERLIN-MARATHON 2003
"My ambition this year is run under 2:10 and achieve a personal best. Running a personal best is really important to me. I know that Sammy and Haile will be running fast but I’ll be running my own race.“
Errol Marklein, Handbiker, Champion 2004
"The 33rd real,- BERLIN-MARATHON will be my last race and I’ll be giving it everything for just one more time. I am proud that close to 200 handbikers and wheelchair racers will be on the start line because that’s what I’ve been fighting for over the past 30 years. So it’s really important for me to be here and taking part. I’ve done a lot of training and feel in great shape. On Sunday I’ll be giving it my very best and once I’ve crossed the finish line I’ll barely be able to go another 20 metres.“
NBC Sports will broadcast 33rd real,- BERLIN-MARATHON Online and on-air
MediaZone and NBC Sports will provide live and On Demand online coverage of the 2006 real,- BERLIN-MARATHON as well as airing an edited version of the event at a later date on television. For the first time the real,- BERLIN-MARATHON will be available live in the USA.
NBC Sports and MediaZone will offer LIVE online video coverage of the entire three-hour marathon on Sunday, September, 24 starting at 3:00 am EST, which can be purchased during the broadcast or in advance. Additionally, the event will be available On Demand once the event has concluded. The price is only $5.99. To experience the 33rd real,- BERLIN-MARATHON, go to: NBCSports.MediaZone.com.
It is the latest offering available via the new NBC Sports/ MediaZone co-branded broadband video site at NBCSports.MediaZone.com. The joint initiative, launched earlier this month, will enable sports fans to view unique content from both NBC Sports' programming lineup and from MediaZone's catalogue.
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