Above: Former world 5000m record-holder Meseret Defar sets
a US all-comers’ record of 67:44 in Philadelphia. (Race Results)
Athletics Weekly
By Steven Mills
September 20th 2010
FORMER Olympic 5000m champion Meseret Defar from Ethiopia made a superb debut at the Rock ‘n’ Roll Philadelphia Half-Marathon on September 19.
The 26-year-old set a US all-comers’ record of 67:44, defeating Kenya’s Lineth Chepkirui by two-seconds.
Defar, who overcame a shin injury in the build-up to this race, told reporters: “I had the speed and knew that with the last 2K, I could push and win it.”
Werknesh Kidane from Ethiopia completed the podium in third with 68:30 with Shalane Flanagan fourth in 68:36.
Both Kidane and Flanagan will be making their marathon debuts in New York in November. Read more.
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Video Highlights: 2010 Rock and Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon (Sept 19, 2010)
The ING Rock ‘n’ Roll Half-Marathon, which had been known as the Philadelphia Distance
for the past 32 years, features live music throughout the competition. The prize: $3,500.
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UPDATE
2010 Rock and Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon results
Examiner.com
September 19th, 2010 12:28 pm ET
Meseret Defar of Ethiopia made her half marathon debut this morning, edging out Lineth Chepkin to win the Rock and Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon in 1:07:44. In a close race, Chepkin of Kenya was second in 1:07:46. Werknesh Kidane of Ethiopia was third in 1:08:30 and Shalane Flanigan fourth in 1:08:36.
For the men, Matthew Kisorio of Kenya was first in 1:00:15, Gebre Gebremarium second in 1:00:25, and Abderrahim Gourmi of Morocco third in 1:01:33. The favored 2009 Distance Run Champion, Ryan Hall, finished thirteenth in 1:03:55. His 1:01:52 to win last year was on the previous course. It was a disappointing day for Hall who came out to the race confident to win. Read more.
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Tadias Magazine
Events News
Posted: Saturday, September 18, 2010
Philadelphia – More than 18,600 athletes from across the world are expected to gather for the ING Rock ‘n’ Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon, including Olympic medalist Meseret Defar and the 2009 Boston Marathon champion Teyba Erkesso of Ethiopia.
The 27-year-old Erkesso, whose gutsy mid-race surge carried her to victory at the 2009 Boston Marathon, has perhaps the best road racing credentials of any woman running the race. Her personal best half marathon of 67:41, set earlier this year in Ras Al Khaimah, is the second fastest in the field behind her countrywomen Derartu Tulu, the decorated Olympian, world record holder and reigning New York City Marathon champion. Another Ethiopian, multiple Olympic track medalist and world record holder Meseret Defar–who has never raced further than 5K on the roads–will be making her highly-anticipated half marathon debut.
The ING Rock ‘n’ Roll Half-Marathon, which had been known as the Philadelphia Distance run for the past 32 years, features live music throughout the competition. The winners will be awarded $3,500.
Video from RunCenter – Philly Pre-Race Preparation Show