Kenenisa Bekele set a new course record at the Vitality Big Half yesterday, crossing the line in 60 minutes and 22 seconds. Using the race as a warm-up to the London Marathon next month, in which Bekele will take on Kipchoge. Last year, Bekele ran 2:01:41 at the Berlin marathon, narrowly missing out on Kipchoge’s marathon world record by just two seconds.
At the Vitality Big Half, the Ethiopian runner shaved 53 seconds off Sir Mo Farah’s course record. He managed to see off strong competition from runner-up Chris Thompson. Thompson looked to set the pace in the early stages, hitting the front and leading out Bekele and the rest of the pack.
Bekele said: "This was my second half marathon in the UK and I’m very happy to win. It was a little bit windy.
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"The new course record is a great bonus. I wasn’t focused on time today; I just wanted to win.
"I’m on schedule in my preparation for the Virgin Money London Marathon in April. If the weather is good, then I’m hoping to run like I ran in Berlin last year.
"There’s no question about the crowds in London being great. There was cheering all around the course; it felt like a great place to be thanks to the amazing people of London.”
In the women’s race, Lily Partridge who took the win ahead of Samantha Harrison in a time of 70:50. Stephanie Davis finished third.
“It was nice to get the win; that was important today,” said Partridge. “My coach said to me before the start that the goal was to win. It wasn’t about the time today. It’s my fastest ever half marathon during a marathon build-up [Partridge is training for the Virgin Money London Marathon in April].
“I feel like I’m on the up from injury, and I don’t feel like I’m flying, so that’s a big confidence booster. I’m excited to get back to work for London.
“The crowds at The Vitality Big half are incredible. Everyone knows your name, and they shout for you, which you don’t always get when you race abroad. I will absolutely be back next year to defend my title.”
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