FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Makau's World Record Recipe For Success
Take one world record holder, disgruntled that he was not selected for the
Olympic Games, put him on a marathon course where a colleague (who did go
to the Games) clocked just four seconds slower than his world record last
year; add the vital ingredients of favourable weather and equitable
pace-making, and the likely outcome is another very fast time for Patrick
Makau in Sunday's BMW Frankfurt Marathon.
Makau, 27, has been the world's fastest marathoner for the past two years,
the second of which was the world record 2.03.38 he ran in Berlin 13 months
ago, during which he disposed of previous record holder, Haile Gebrselassie
in exemplary fashion.
A drop out in the London Marathon last April doubtless contributed to his
being overlooked for an Olympic spot by Kenyan selectors spoiled for
choice. But the omission still rankles.
"I had a small injury in London, and dropped out to save myself for the
Olympics," said Makau, on arrival in Frankfurt this morning (Friday). "I
had been promised an Olympic place, so felt I was doing the right thing. I
was ready for it (the Games), so I couldn't understand why they dropped me.
I was very disappointed, but there was nothing I could do about it".
Makau's only race since then was the Tilburg 10 miles, in the Netherlands
on September 2, when he ran a personal best 45.41, to finish third.
According to manager Zane Branson, Makau closed with a 2.38 final
kilometre, but felt he didn't need to overextend himself against colleagues
Pius Kirop and John Mwangangi.
Makau came to Frankfurt for a press conference a month ago, and surveyed
the course with approbation. "It's a good course; it's a 2.03 course, so
that shows it's good. I can't talk about a world record, but anything is
possible. To be world record holder is good for me, it gives me more
energy. Everything has been going well in training, my speed work and my
long runs. My body is OK, so I'm hoping for good results".
Temperatures in northern Europe dropped overnight, from mid-teens to around
4-5C, but today's rain in Frankfurt is due to dissipate, with a forecast of
dry, relatively windless conditions, and around 4C(39F) on Sunday morning.
Having clocked 2.05.08 in cold and torrential rain to win Berlin 2010,
Makau had every right to be unconcerned.
"We might be cold for the first 10k, but after that it'll feel normal. I'm
ready to run, and I'm used to bad conditions, for example in Berlin two
years ago. I managed to run very well, so I'm ready for anything".
The pacemakers have been primed for a first half in 61.40, which is the
time that Makau's colleague Wilson Kipsang clocked last year, on the way to
an agonisingly close assault on Makau's record, with 2.03.42. Kipsang's
manager Gerard van de Veen feels that his top man this year, Gilbert Kirwa
(winner here in 2009, in 2.06.14) might be stretched by such a fast opening
half, and admits that Makau is by far the favourite. Ethiopian Yemane
Tsegay, winner of Rotterdam earlier this year, in 2.04.48, might beg to
differ, but his crowded racing programme might militate against an even
faster run.
Other leading contenders include Kenyan Albert Matebor, third last year in
2.05.25; Bazu Worku of Ethiopia, has also run 2.05.25, without yet winning
a marathon; and colleague Deressa Chimsa, who won Prague in May, in
2.05.42.
In contrast, the women's race looks to be a wholly Ethiopian affair. Mamitu
Daska returns to defend the title she won last year, with a personal best
2.21.59, and said on Thursday, "If the conditions are good, I would like to
run 2.18, 2.19". But her colleague Bezunesh Bekele, who easily outpaced
her in Dubai earlier this year, is a minute and half faster, with her
2.20.30 in the UAE. But another colleague, Meselech Melkamu, who has
signalled a change of direction by dyeing her hair gold may spring a
surprise. A world class track and cross country runner, Melkamu may well
prove her experienced manager Jos Hermens right when he suggests an equally
topline time on her marathon debut.
But in the 31st running of Germany's oldest marathon, the formbook suggests
that the spotlight with stay on Patrick Makau. His best in winning
Rotterdam in 2.04.48 two years ago, was the world's leading time of 2010;
his world record 2.03.38 led last year; and he looks ready to make it three
years in succession at the head of the world marathon rankings.
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