The Hindu : Sport / Athletics : Timofeyeva starts favourite

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Oct 15, 2006
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Sport - Athletics

Timofeyeva starts favourite

Kirti Patil

NEW DELHI: Defending champion Irina Timofeyeva of Russia will start as firm favourite in the women's section in the Hutch Delhi half marathon here on Sunday. Given her recent performances, Irina should stay ahead of the field that comprises Asmea Lezhagoui of Morocco, Helen Cherono of Kenya and South African Elana Meyer, who is making her comeback to competitive running.

Irina has been consistent this season, clocking her personal best of 69.29 minutes. Her best this year came in France when she won the Paris marathon in 2 hours 27.19 minutes.

On the men's side, the field is wide open. Last year's winner Philip Rugut should be revved up to win the title again, but Kenyans Wilson Kiprotich and Evans Cheruyiot and Tanzanian trio of Chrish Isegwe, Samson Ramadani and Martin Sulle will be in the hunt.

Indian challenge

As regards the Indian challenge, most of the top men distance runners are giving it a miss. Jagannath Lakade, Deep Chand and Poona Ram are all at the Asian Games camp in Bangalore preparing for the 10,000m race. K. C. Ramu too will not be running here as he is busy preparing for a corporate run.

In the women's section, the fight will be between Leelamma Alphonso, Reena Das and L. Aruna Devi. Leelamma recently won the Indian Open marathon here last month, while Reena was runner-up here last year.

The $150,000 prize money event will begin from and end at the West Gate of Nehru Stadium going through a 21.097 km route.

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