2012 London Marathon Women's Race Contenders

2012 London Marathon Women's Race Contenders
by Sharon Ekstrom

Jump to: Mary Keitany | Irina Mikitenko | Florence Kiplagat | Edna Kiplagat | Constantina Dita | Aberu Kebede | Bezunesh Bekele |

Photo Credit: Victah Sailer - Keitany at the 2011 NYC Marathon

Mary Keitany
Age: 29
PB: 2:19:19, 2011 London Marathon

Defending Champion Mary Keitany, half marathon world record holder, is a decorated athlete best known in the 13.1 mile distance having won all but two half marathons she has ever competed in since her debut; but she is making a name for herself in the marathon distance as well. Keitany is the second fastest woman to ever run the London Marathon and the second fastest Kenyan female marathoner of all-time behind Catherine Ndereba.

Undefeated in the half marathon for the past three consecutive years, Keitany notably won silver (66:48) and gold (66:36) respectively at the 2007 and 2009 World Half Marathon Championships and has run more sub-67:00 half marathons than any woman.

Keitany kicked off 2010 with a win at the Abu Dhabi Half (67:14) and a second place finish at the Worlds Best 10K. She then had a string of victories at the London 10K, the Berlin 25K and Lisbon Half Marathon. Her marathon debut at the 2010 New York City Marathon held high expectation. Although Keitany could not hold onto fellow Kenyan Edna Kiplagat's surge at mile 24; her race tactics and hard surges in a deep field of women proved her to be a force to be reckoned with in the 26.2 mile.

For 2011, Keitany followed a season of victories highlighted by a World Record half marathon finish in 65:50 at the 2011 Ras al Khaimah race with a victory of the 2011 London Marathon (2:19:19), where she rematched Edna Kiplagat, Inga Abitova, and two former London Marathon champions (Liliya Shobukhova and Irina Mikitennko). The pacemaker led the women out at a 2:20 pace and Keitany once again tested the field with heavy surging after mile 16. In top fitness following her world record half finish, Keitany made the 2:19 look effortless.

Keitany returned to prove herself at the 2011 New York City Marathon as a clear favorite. In a show of overconfidence, she set out on world record pace at the gun leaving the others behind in a solid lead; but the speed was too much for her and she faded. In what was almost a beginner's mistake, Keitany was caught by the two strongest Ethiopians in the field who battled it out for first place. Keitany was 3rd in 2:23:38.

Why? Keitany has talent and such potential to continue to set records in the marathon distance. A clear favorite in the London Marathon field, she is coming into the race following a victory of the 2012 Ras al Khaimah Half Marathon (66:49) - where she finished almost two minutes ahead of the next woman to cross the line. One would think that Keitany should be unrivaled in the marathon distance as well; she may just need some more experience. With two other 2:19 women challenging her in the field and the possibility of a Kenyan Olympic berth, we may see what she is capable of.

Photo Credit: Victah Sailer - Mikitenko at the 2010 Guangzhou Marathon

Irina Mikitenko
Age: 39
PB: 2:19:19, 2008 Berlin Marathon

Two time London Marathon winner (2008, 2009) and Berlin Marathon champion (2008) Irina Mikitenko returns to the London Marathon field seeking redemption. As the fastest female marathoner in the field, this World Marathon Majors Champion and German national marathon record holder boasts a 2:19:19 from the 2008 Berlin Marathon which is the fastest women's marathon finish in two years! Having been the odds-on favorite in the past, Mikitenko's DNF at the 2010 London Marathon had broken a string of marathon successes - she had won or been runner-up at every marathon she has participated in (2008/2009 Berlin, 2009 London, 2009 Chicago).

A track star with a lengthy history at the 5000m distance, Mikitenko debuted at the 2007 Berlin Marathon finishing in second place in 2:24:51. She won her second career marathon at the 2008 London Marathon (2:24:14), and showed consistency returning to win the 2008 Berlin Marathon that autumn in a personal best of 2:19:19 - breaking the 2:20 barrier which only eight women have ever done. As fourth fastest female marathoner of all time Mikitenko took a second victory of the 2009 London Marathon (2:22:11).

While the latter portion of 2009 was mentally tough for her, Mikitenko withdrew from the 2009 World Championships in Berlin, on her home turf, having missed weeks of training following the death of her father weeks prior to the event. She returned to racing at the 2009 Chicago Marathon only to take second to Liliya Shobukova whose surge in the race's final mile guaranteed her the victory.

In 2010 she was off her game. She started in the 2010 London Marathon field, but failed to finish. At the 2010 Chicago Marathon she finished 5th (2:25:06) over six minutes after the winner - Shobukhova once again. Mikitenko still seemed off her game when she ran the 2011 London Marathon - finishing 7th in 2:24:24. Yet, her second place finish at the 2011 Berlin Marathon was her third fastest career marathon in 2:22:18. Could the Mikitenko be back?

Why? When Mikitenko came to prominence; she was a dominant marathoner, a keen strategist and a clear favorite in every field she entered. If she is back to top fitness, it will be exciting to see her in such a fast field where anyone can emerge as the winner. The question is will she be able to remain competitive in world in which women are getting faster?

Photo Credit: Victah Sailer - Florence at the 2011 Berlin Marathon

Florence Kiplagat
Age: 25
PB: 2:19:44, 2011 Berlin Marathon

Florence Kiplagat, a 5000m and cross country specialist from Kenya, built a solid running career by age 25 - with accolades such as a silver at the 5000m at the 2006 World Junior Championships through her first marathon finish at the 2011 Berlin Marathon which she won in a 2:19:44.

In 2007 she won the National Championships in the 1500m and 10000m at 20 years of age, then surprisingly took off from racing in 2008 to become a mother. Kiplagat returned to racing in full force, taking victories in every cross country event she ran and winning gold an the 2009 World Cross Country Championships. She also became the fastest Kenyan female in the 10000m from the 2009 meet in Utrecht and earned the title of the 10th fastest woman of all time in the distance - both honors she can still boast in 2012.

In 2010, she hit the roads with top performances in the 10k, 15k and half marathon distances. In fact, she debuted in the half marathon distance in Lille winning in a time of 67:40. One month later she won gold at the 2010 Half Marathon World Championships in 68:24. Naturally, her next step would be the marathon - the 2011 Boston Marathon. Expectations for Kiplagat were high as many wondered if she would be able to translate her talents into the distance, as some of the top half marathoners in the world had, names like Mary Keitany, Paula Radcliffe and Derartu Tulu.

Kiplagat had attempted the Boston Marathon; but failed to finish. She returned to the distance later that fall at the 2011 Berlin Marathon where she ran away from Irina Mikitenko to win in 2:19:44. She was the 10th fastest female marathoner of all time in 2011 and along with Mary Keitany ran the fastest marathon finishes in 2011.

Why? Kiplagat was the 2010 Half Marathon World Champion, but had yet to succeed at a marathon. The first time she completed a marathon, she ran an incredibly fast time of 2:19:44. Following a personal best at the 2012 Rome-Ostia half marathon in a time of 66:38, Kiplagat is the 3rd fastest in the world on an unaided half marathon course. She may be the only woman in the field capable of taking on the speeds of half marathon world record holder Mary Keitany.

Photo Credit: Victah Sailer - Edna at the 2011 NYC Half Marathon

Edna Kiplagat
Age: 32
PB: 2:20:46, 2011 London Marathon

Reigning World Marathon Champion Edna Kiplagat of no relation to Lornah or Florence is returning to the 2012 London Marathon field after battling it out against Mary Keitany and Liliya Shobukhova at last year’s race. While she was 3rd in 2:20:46, a few months later she represented Kenya in the marathon at the 2011 World Championships in Daegu which she won.

Kiplagat began her career as a top track athlete -collecting a silver and bronze Medalist in the 3000m at the 1996 and 1998 World Junior Championships. She became a road specialist in the new millennium making a name for herself with victories at highly competitive 10K and half marathon races. In the marathon distance, she worked to make great strides. Proof being victories of the 2010 Los Angeles Marathon. 2010 New York City Marathon and the 2011 World Championships.

She debuted at the 2005 Las Vegas Marathon in a 2:50:20 (10th place), not a top finish expected of an elite Kenyan. She focused on shorter distances on the roads until her breakthrough year in 2010, as she set personal bests at races such as the Steamboat 4 miler (1st place), Freihofer’s 5K (2nd place), Peachtree 10K (3rd place), Boilermaker 15K (1st place). Not to mention two marathon victories in a last ditch effort to prove that she can be competitive in the 26.2 mile races.

At the 2010 Los Angeles Marathon, Kiplagat collected the prize purse plus an additional $100,000 bonus in the " L.A. Marathon Challenge" having not been lapped by the top male elites despite being given an 18 minute head start. Kiplagat was on fire. She headed to the 2010 New York City Marathon where she battled it out against Kenyan Mary Keitany and American Shalane Flanagan to win in 2:25:38.

In 2011 Kiplagat began the season with two cross country races including the National Championships. She did not qualify for World Cross Country Championships and returned to the roads at the 2011 New York City Half Marathon. An early leader in the half, Caroline Rotich had a stronger kick and took victory. Kiplagat was 2nd in a personal best of 69:00. She earned a personal best at the 2011 London Marathon (2:20:46, 3rd place) before winning the 2011 World Championship marathon (2:28:43). Due to a fall at a water station at the Championships, she was injured and failed to return to New York City to defend her marathon title.

Why? While Kiplagat’s distant sights are on the 2012 London Olympics, she will need to deliver an incredible performance in London to stay on top and guarantee her Olympic berth. She will once again take on the strongest field of Kenyan women ever assembled.

Photo Credit: Victah Sailer - Dita at the 2011 London Marathon

Constantina Dita
Age: 42
PB: 2:21:30, 2005 Chicago Marathon

2008 Beijing Olympic Gold Medalist Constantina Dita returns to the London Marathon bringing with her over a decade of marathons racing experience. The oldest in the field at 42, Dita has accomplished a great deal. An aggressive marathoner, Dita's racing strategy led to many career top ten finishes. In 2005, this veteran Romanian marathoner began a stellar year beginning with a second place finish following a battle against top Kenyan Margaret Okayo at the London Marathon. Next, she edged out top Kenyan Derartu Tulu to take the bronze medal at the 2005 World Championships, trailing world record holder Paula Radcliffe and former world record holder Catherine Ndereba. Dita won the Half Marathon World Championships later in 2005 and capped off the year with a second-place finish at the 2005 Chicago Marathon in a personal best time of 2:21:30.

A dark horse for the 2008 Beijing Games, Dita blew away the women's field. She charged at top speeds from the start and her competition never followed. This tactic has burned her in the past; but a mixture of timing, strategy and fortitude earned her a gold medal in a field deep with talent.

She ended 2008 in a banner year with a 4th place finish at the Chicago Marathon (2:30:57). 2009 was a disappointing year with a DNF at the London Marathon, an 11th place finish at the inaugural Yokohama Women's Marathon (2:36:06). Many had believed Dita to be on the road to retirement having run her best race at the Olympic Games. In 2010 she ran London Marathon once again to a disappointing 25th place finish in 2:41:12. Dita had taken 2011 off, but returned in 2012 to race the Osaka Marathon finishing 11th (2:40:08).

Why? When Dita starts the 2012 London Marathon, it will be her 10th time at the event. While her slowing finish times may be a predictor of her performance, anything can happen. She never had to be the fastest female entrant to win a marathon. Many times it comes down to strategy and mental toughness.

Photo Credit: Victah Sailer - Kebede at the 2010 Delhi Half Marathon

Aberu Kebede
Age: 22
PB: 2:20:33, 2012 Dubai Marathon

Aberu Kebede is hardly a household name; but this half and full marathon specialist earned a bronze after running a 67:39 at the 2009 World Half Marathon Championship. This Ethiopian also did incredibly well in 2010, the year she debuted in the marathon distance. She was runner-up at the 2010 Dubai Marathon (2:24:26), won the 2010 Rotterdam Marathon (2:25:29) and last took victory at the 2010 Berlin Marathon (2:23:58).

In 2011 her performances seemed off; but as her times remained the same it could have been that women's field became deeper - a 9th place at the London Marathon (2:24:34) and 12th at the 2011 World Championship marathon (2:31:22). It wasn't until 2012 that she had a breakthrough year. She ran a 2:20:30,

Why? Kebede's Dubai performance shaved three and a half minutes from her previous best at the 2010 Berlin Marathon. At 22 years of age, she is still developing in the distance, her first London Marathon is only the beginning.

Photo Credit: Victah Sailer - Bekele at the 2011 London Marathon

Bezunesh Bekele
Age: 28
PB: 2:20:30, 2012 Dubai Marathon

When marathon world record holder Paula Radcliffe mentioned that former track and cross country rival Bezunesh Bekele was one to watch in the marathon distance, MarathonGuide.com had to take note. This Ethiopian was no stranger to championship fields either - she participated in seven World Cross Country and two World Half Marathon Championships; but never won.

Bekele debuted in the marathon distance at the 2008 Dubai Marathon where she came in 2nd (2:23:09) - the 5th fastest female performance that year. Her next race was a 7th place at the 2008 Chicago Marathon in 2:32:41 which was enough to put her into top elite fields at the time.

While boasting good half marathon times throughout her career, including victories at the 2005 Rotterdam Half and the 2007 Lisbon Half and a 4th place at the 2007 World Championships (68:07), Bekele's sole marathon win was at the 2009 Dubai Marathon in (2:24:02). Aside from a middling 2008 World Championship performance where she placed 16th, she has been unable to break free from a string of 4th place marathon finishes at the 2009 Boston Marathon (2:33:08), 2010 London Marathon (2:23:17), 2011 London Marathon (2:23:42), 2010 Dubai Marathon (2:26:05), 2012 Dubai Marathon (2:20:30) and 2011 World Championships (2:29:21).

Why? Although Bekele's last race at the 2012 Dubai Marathon was huge personal best 2:20:30 which proves that she can still be competitive when many of her former contemporaries have been struggling to achieve faster times. She has also become the third fastest Ethiopian of all time behind Asefelech Mergia and Mare Dibaba who finished 1st and 3rd in Dubai. While they won't be in the 2012 London field, Bekele will have to once again contend against Lucy Waguu, Abere Kebede and Atsede Baysa who will be present.