PressClub Global · Article.
As the favourites are handed their start numbers, everything points to a fast 40th BMW BERLIN-MARATHON.
Fri Sep 27 14:30:41 CEST 2013 Press Release
Elite Kenyans looking extremely relaxed. Photo shoot held along with initial test drives in the new lead car, the BMW i3.
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David Biebricher
BMW Group
Berlin. Tradition dictates that the favourites for the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON meet up just under 48 hours before the start of the race (at 09.00 hrs this Sunday). And this year was no different, as the clock ticked down to the 40th edition of Germany’s largest marathon. The race favourite Wilson Kipsang (Kenya) was presented with his start number in front of the Brandenburg Gate on Friday, followed by his closest rivals and compatriots Eliud Kipchoge (the winner in Hamburg) and 20-year-old rising star Geoffrey Kipsang. Also at the photo shoot under the Berlin landmark were the experienced Brazilian Marilson Dos Santos and Germany’s André Pollmächer.
The occasion also gave the world-class athletes the chance to familiarise themselves for the first time with the spectacular vehicle which will guide them along the course and keep the leaders up to speed on their time. The car in question is the first example of the all-electric BMW i3 to roll off the production line in Leipzig.
The top-ranked women had already been handed their start numbers on Thursday. First up was the favourite, Florence Kiplagat, who set her personal best time of 2:19.44 in Berlin two years ago. Kiplagat’s closest rival might well be her fellow Kenyan Sharon Cherop or quite possibly Desiree Davila – the leading American over the past few years and runner-up in the 2011 Boston Marathon. Also picking up her start number on Thursday was the German record holder Irina Mikitenko, who is looking forward to showing the crowds what’s still possible at the age of 41.
All the signs are that the one million fans lining the Berlin course and the worldwide TV audience are in for a fast and exciting race. The weather is forecast to be pleasant, but not too warm, and the fine balance of the elite men’s and women’s fields suggests the athletes will push each other throughout the race. On form, a group of four Kenyans – all with personal best times under 2:07 – should feature at the front of the men’s field. The quartet were a picture of calm and relaxation as they received their start numbers on Friday.
For some of the athletes, a test drive in the BMW i3 will offer an enjoyable way to pass the time leading up to the race. The world’s first premium car purpose-designed to be powered by an electric drive system represents a groundbreaking and trailblazing development. Its assignment as the lead car for the race will see it make its first major appearance on public roads.
Note to editors: You can find the latest press releases, press kits and rights-free images (for editorial purposes) for BMW’s competitive running activities at: www.press.bmwgroup-sport.com
You can also find general information at the BMW running portal:
For all the details on the BMW and SportScheck city race series go to:
http://mein.sportscheck.com/sport/laufsport/events
Information on Germany’s major half-marathon and marathon events is also available on the respective event organisers’ websites:
www.bmw-frankfurt-marathon.com
Press contact:
BMW Group
Corporate Communications
Sports Communications
David Biebricher
E-mail: David.Biebricher@bmw.de
www.press.bmwgroup-sport.com
www.bmw-laufsport.de