Press Release - Hannover Marathon - 4/27/14

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

                   Henry Chirchir Wins Sprint Finish, 
           Souad Ait Salem Takes Women's Race in Windy Hannover

Henry Chirchir won a thrilling sprint finish at the TUI Marathon Hannover 
in 2:11:30. The Kenyan celebrated his first marathon victory in windy 
conditions just a stride ahead of 40 year-old Francis Bowen who was given 
the same time. Evans Ruto, the winner of the Hannover Marathon in 2009, 
completed a Kenyan sweep in 2:11:34. A group of nine runners reached 
halfway in 64:32 but due to the rising wind the pace dropped in the second 
half. Souad Ait Salem took the women's title in 2:33:09. The Algerian led 
throughout the race and established a comfortable lead of more than two 
minutes at 25 kilometres. Nadeshda Leonteva of Russia and Bornes Kitur of 
Kenya closed the gap in the final stages but could not reach the winner. 
Leonteva finished second in 2:33:32, Kitur clocked a personal best of 
2:33:50 for third place in her first marathon outside of Kenya. A record 
number of more than 18,418 runners entered the various events of the TUI 
Marathon Hannover, which is an IAAF Silver Label Road Race.

The men's race started a bit slower than planned. A group of nine runners 
passed halfway in 64:32 minutes compared to the target of 64:00. Up until 
25 k they were heading towards a finishing time of 2:09 but higher winds 
and temperatures slowed the runners. The course record of 2:08:32, set by 
South African Lusapho April in 2013, became out of reach. The race turned 
into a more tactical affair but reached a dramatic climax at the end. At 40 
kilometres there were still five runners in the lead. It was the oldest of 
the group, 40 year-old Francis Bowen, who attacked in the final two 
kilometres. Soon Ethiopian Mekuant Ayenew fell back and eventually finished 
fifth in 2:11:46. Kenyans Martin Kosgey and Evans Ruto fought hard for a 
place on the podium. Finally it was Ruto who took third in 2:11:34 with a 
three second advantage. 

Sprinting for victory Henry Chirchir just edged out Francis Bowen, both 
crossing the finish line in front of the city hall in 2:11:30. "I never 
experienced a finish as close as this. I was always confident that I would 
win. My preparation in a strong group gave me strength and I knew that I 
have a good sprint finish", said Chirchir. The 28 year-old has a personal 
best of 2:09:24 set in Cologne 2012. In his fourth marathon race he 
celebrated his first victory.

In the women's race Souad Ait Salem won in 2:33:09. The Algerian record 
holder was happy with the victory but not satisfied with her time. A half 
marathon split time of 73:23 minutes suggested a much faster result. At 
that stage it seemed well possible for Salem to break the course record set 
by Olena Burkovska. The Ukrainian clocked 2:27:07 a year ago. "But after 30 
kilometres I got problems with my right foot. Then I focused on finishing 
and winning the race, which thankfully I managed", said Salem. German 
marathon hope Lisa Hahner who has a personal best of 2:30:17 was forced to 
drop out after 12 kilometres. Problems with the plantar fascia in her right 
foot made stopped her in Hannover.

More information about the TUI Marathon Hannover is available online at: 
www.marathon-hannover.de 
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