from N.I Athletics Kenyan Marathon specialist John Mutai will be aiming for his fourth consecutive victory in next week’s 29th Belfast Marathon and in so doing finally capture the illusive record set by the great Marty Deane way back in 1985.
Even Deane would admit that is time of 2.15.51 was set over a much easier flatter course than the one which a new record 3300 runners will face next Monday. However, the soul destroying 1 mile Antrim road hill has held no fears over the past 3 years for the determined Mutai who has his sights firmly on the roll over course record prize of £2000.
With two Belfast wins in under 2 hours 17 minutes, the former Great North Run winner has clearly the ability to achieve his aim despite the fact that he is almost 44 years old. Age does not appear to diminish his performances as shown by his recent 2.16.38 time in January’s Mumbai Marathon. Mutai is likely to receive considerable assistance in his quest by way of classy Kenyan pacemaker Zach Kihara. This former Edinburgh Marathon winner, who was second in Belfast last year, is planning to assist Mutai to at least the half way stage which covers the difficult Antrim Road section. This strategy worked perfectly last year with Mutai only being denied the record because of windy conditions in the closing stages.
One person who may upset these plans is Ethiopian runner Uaga Negewo. While he ran a highly respectable 2 hours 16 minutes in the Rome Marathon a year ago, there is little recent information on his performances. Another athlete likely to be in contention is 32 year old Alexsei Havrychenga of Belarus who has a PB of 2.18 and won last year’s Bratislava Marathon.
Kenyan’s Jonathan Chesoo who ran 64.30 for a half marathon last October will also be competing. Britain’s David Kirkland has also entered but may be a doubtful starter as her recorded 2.23.37 in a marathon in Italy last month.
Irish Olympian Maria McCambridge is favourite to take the Women’s title. Her PB of 2.35.24 set in Paris last year also makes her a strong contender to break the course record which is some 4 minutes slower.
For the first time this year, the Marathon is introducing pacers, for those seeking to finish the run in times of three hours, 3.5 hours, four hours and 4.5 hours. Runners wishing to avail of the pacers can sign up at the Athletics NI Stand at the Marathon Expo, which takes place in the City Hall from Thursday 29 April through to Sunday 2 May, alongside race registration and pack collection. Register at the stand to win a special Athletics NI Goody Bag worth over £200 including a pair of New Balance Trainers!
The 2010 Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon takes place on May Day Bank Holiday Monday, 3 May, starting at the City Hall at 9am and finishing at Ormeau Park.
The Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon is also sponsored by Aer Lingus, Belfast City Council, Charles Hurst Renault, New Balance, Sport Northern Ireland, Tayto, Translink and Up and Running. Media partners are the Daily Mirror and U105. Official accommodation partner is Premier Inn.
The 2010 Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon is organised by Belfast City Marathon Ltd., in partnership with Athletics Northern Ireland, Belfast City Council, the Department for Regional Development, Newtownabbey Borough Council, the Police Service of Northern Ireland, Sustrans and Translink.