Course records in Asics Grand 10 Berlin under threat

October 9, 2009

Three weeks after the Berlin marathon, the German capital will host another international running event. The second edition of the Asics Grand 10 Berlin 2009 on this Sunday (October, 12th) is expected to produce some fine results as several top runners from around the world descend on the German capital for this 10K-race.

Marcin Chabowski (POL) and Jan Kreisinger (CZE) lead the pack of pre-race favourites for the men, with both capable of breaking the course record of 28:44 that was set by defending champion Simon Kasimili in 2008. Chabowski has a PB of 28.27 while Kreisinger’s best stands at 28.46. Also Czech record holder Robert Stefko (age: 41) who has a PB of 27.42 could be in contention for the men’s title. Tanzania’s Faustin Musa also goes in as one of the favourites to take top honours.

German hopes in the mens race are on marathon specialist Falk Cierpinski who will lead the national challenge. He will be joined by middle-distance runner Wolfram Müller and steeplechasers Filmon Ghirmai and Steffen Uliczka, the latter will be making his 10km road race debut. Also the 44-year old former Olympic 5.000m Champion Dieter “toothpaste” Baumann will compete in the race.

In the women’s race, Kenyan Joan Aiyabei is the overwhelming favourite with a personal best of 31.59. She might easily smash the current course record (34.53 min) that was set in 2008 by European Marathon champion and last year’s winner Ulrike Maisch of Germany.

Altogether some 6.500 participants are expected for the event.