Kosgei Nears Geb:s Half WR

[EPelle]

Kosgei Wins Berlin Half Marathon
Apr 2, 11:10 AM EDT
Source

• BERLIN (AP) -- Paul Kosgei of Kenya ran the second-fastest half marathon ever Sunday, winning the Berlin race in 59 minutes, 7 seconds.
  
  Haile Gebrselassie of Ethiopia set the world record of 58:55 in January in Tempe, Ariz.
  
  Kosgei led a Kenyan sweep of the top six places. Evans Cheruiyot was second in 59:29 and Wilfred Paragon was third in 1:00:46.
  
  Edith Masai of Kenya won the women's race in 1:07:16 - the fifth fastest time ever.
  
  Deena Kastor of the United States finished second in 1:07:34, while Mary Ptikany of Kenya was third in 1:09:43.

[26mi235]

Deena's time is a new AR by 19 seconds (her old AR was 67:53), under the old course record, I think.

[MJD]

Here is what RRW said:

"The men's race was won by Kenyan Paul Kosgei in a sensational 59:07, the fastest ever half-marathon run on a certified loop course without the possible aid of wind or elevation loss."

[nevetsllim]

Edith Masai surprised me. I thought judging by her early season form, her career was over. She had some abysmal results but she could go under (or near) 2:20 for the marathon. Do you know if she will defend her Hamburg marathon title or if she is running a different marathon this season?

[Atanvarno]

She's on the start list for Hamburg. Looks like Dörre-Heinigs course record (2:24:35) will finally have to go.