Teklemariam Medhin favourite to dominate at the Lisbon Half Marathon – IAAF Gold Label Road Race
In this year’s Lisbon Half Marathon road race, the men’s field is expected to be dominated by the squad from East Africa, precisely, by Teklemariam Medhin from Eritrea. While on the women’s side, pre-favourite and former champion of the event, Mary Keitany
is expected to dominate the field.
Lisbon Half Marathon is among the few athletics events that are cherished in Portugal as it brings worldwide recognition to the country. Another running event, to which the Lisbon run serves as a prologue is the world famous Vodafone RTP Portugal Half-Marathon,
which is organised in the fall season. This year’s Lisbon half marathon, which enjoys the status of being an IAAF Gold Label Road Race, will kick-off on Sunday, September 25, at the famous Vasco da Gama Bridge.
For this year’s run, the men’s field is expected to be dominated by the contingent representing East African runners, particularly Teklemariam Medhin, second finisher of last year’s World Cross Country Championships. The 22-year-old runner, who is a 5000m
and 10,000m specialist, is expected to have tough time from team Ethiopia, led by Lelisa Desisa, who is a winner of the City per City Half marathon with a personal best of 59:37 minutes. Joining him on the field will be Deeje Hailegiorgis, the last finisher
on the podium for this year’s Stramilano.
Kenya’s squad, which is deemed equally dangerous for claiming the event title, will comprise of runners like Silas Kipruto, the fourth finisher of last year’s World Half Marathon Championships. He boasts of a personal best of 59:39 minutes. Joining him will
be Allan Ndiwa, victor of the 2011 Linz Half Marathon with a personal best of one hour and 45 seconds, Silas Sang, the emphatic runner with a personal best of one hour and 20 seconds and the winner of 2008 and 2009 Portugal Half-Marathon. Lucas Rotich, who
has a best finish of 59:44 minutes, will also contest in the event.
Other performers of the meet which are expected to show up in the run will be Viktor Rothlin, Rui Silva, Rui Pedro Silva, and Oscar Pistorius. With a strong field for the event, the Lisbon Marathon is expected to produce some electrifying moments this year
as well.
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