Kisorio and Defar Shine at the ING Rock ‘N’ Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon
By Sharon Ekstrom

September 19, 2010 – The ING Rock ‘N’ Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon, formerly the Philadelphia Distance Run, witnessed an incredibly deep field of world class elites using the race as a test of their fitness before their fall marathons. A few elites raced the 13.1 for the first or second time in their careers. The men’s race saw 2009 defending champion American half marathon record holder Ryan Hall battle it out against formidable challengers Abderrahim Goumri, Gebre Gebremariam and Simon Bairu. Hall (PB 59:43, Houston 2007) had a disappointing performance – his coach Terence Mahon attributing it to a tight hamstring one week prior which consequently affected both his physical and mental performances. Mahon also noted that they were surprised by the speed of newcomer 21 year old Matthew Kisorio of Kenya who set a quick pace along with Gebre Gebremariam of Ethiopia. These leaders broke apart the lead pack in the 3rd and 4th miles with their blistering pace. Nonetheless, Mahon and Hall are still confident that he is on target to challenge the American record at the Chicago Marathon.

With very few career half marathons to their resume, Kisorio and Gebremariam both besting the previous course record set by American marathon record holder Khalid Khannouchi (60:27, 1997) taking first and second in personal bests of 60:16 and 60:25 respectively. Goumri of Morocco took third 61:33 – pleased with his efforts, following the race he stated that he felt fit going into NYC Marathon – “This year could be my year!” Goumri tends to be a top three finisher at major marathons, but has yet to take victory. Gebremariam is also looking for a win in his marathon debut in New York City having come off a string of victories at the 2010 Healthy Kidney 10k in New York and the Falmouth Road Race in Massachusetts.

The women’s race was also a strong field dominated by recent track stars turned road racers. While Olympic 10000m bronze medalist Shalane Flanagan was a favorite following her debut in the half in 69:41 (2010 Houston Half National Championships), she was unable to chase down the American Record or the course record both held by top American distance runner Deena Kastor. Despite bettering her half marathon time, Flanagan was satisfied with her second career half marathon “I’m a newbie and despite the caliber of the field I gave it my best effort.” Flanagan took 4th in a 68:37, having been dropped by 5000m bronze medalist Olympian and world champion Meseret Defar of Ethiopia in her debut in the longer distance. Defar was joined by Lineth Chepkurui of Kenya, who won at least six road races in 2010 ranging from 10k to 10 miles. They took 1 and 2 in 67:45 and 67:47 both breaking Kastor’s course record at the event (67:53 in 2005). Gebremariam’s wife and former 10000m and cross country specialist Worknesh Kidane of Ethiopia finished in third in 68:31.