Jos Hermens, one of the most respected figures in the world of distance running, talent management and coordination of elite athletes participation, described the field assembled for the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon (ADHM) Sunday, Dec 15, as one of the best in the world.
Speaking to the media while introducing the first group of elite athletes, Hermens said, "the best runners in the world are participating in the ADHM and this year's event will be one of the best of the season."
Hermens said Edwin Kipyego of Kenya was in good form and would attempt to defend his title here.
Kipyego set his personal best at this year's Philadelphia Half Marathon where he finished third. Kipyego's fellow countryman Geoffrey Kipsang will be his closest rival in the run, added Hermens, a former Dutch runner.
Kipyego set his personal best in the RAK Half Marathon, which ranks him No. 1 in the IAAF top lists.
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In the women's category, the world's fastest women of 2013 Lucy Kabuu of Kenya and Meseret Hailu of Ethiopia may set new records in the ADHM, said Hermens.
Defending champ Kipyego felt the cool weather in Delhi would play a big role in faster timings Sunday.
"I am thankful to the organisers to pushing the event to December. The weather is very cool and good for the runners. Last year it was quite hot and humid and some of the participants found it hard to cope with the conditions. The participants are very strong this time but I am hopeful that I'll run my personal best here," said Kipyego.
Kipsang, the fastest male of 2013 in the half marathon said, "I participated here in 2011 and I think this year's field is stronger than previous seasons. This is a good time to run and I am fully prepared for this event. I am aiming to better my performance and give my best."
Lucy Kabuu, the fastest woman of 2013, is also making her second appearance here, having won the event in 2011 and is confident of doing well inspite of having just recovered from illness.
"I have recently recovered from malaria and initially my condition was not satisfactory. But my daughter insisted and encouraged me to participate in the ADHM and win it."