The Germans are aiming for the European half marathon mark after last year’s podium, while a strong British contingent continues its preparation for the marathon.
The attention of the local public will be on Amanal Petros on Sunday (March 29) as he seeks the European record in the 45th edition of the Generali Berlin Half Marathon.
The Eritrean-born 30-year-old, who competes for Germany and won marathon silver at last summer’s world championships, is making his final preparations for the TCS London Marathon next month and has his sights set on the continental mark of 58:41 held by Swede Andreas Almgren.
If successful, it would represent a huge leap forward. He became the first German to break the hour mark in the Berlin half marathon last year, setting a national record of 59:31 as he crossed the finish line in third place at the Brandenburg Gate.
Petros is seventh fastest on a start list headed by Kenyan Michael Temoi, who won the Rome Ostia Half Marathon on March 1 with a course record and personal best of 58:00, although that course is not eligible for a record.
His compatriots Eric Kiptanui (58:42) and Gideon Kiprotich (58:49) will also be at the center of the battle, while the Swiss Dominic Lobalu (59:22) joins the European challenge.
The men’s race will feature a strong contingent of British athletes, many of whom are also preparing for the London Marathon. Of that group, Jake Smith (60:31) has the fastest personal best for the half marathon, followed by Ben Connor (60:55), Marc Scott (61:00) and Phil Sesemann (61:22).
Ethiopian Likina Amebaw, winner of last year’s Copenhagen Half Marathon, tops the women’s start charts with a personal best of 64:44 and could well be eyeing the Berlin course record of 63:35 set by Fotyen Tesfay last year.
Kenyan Veronica Loleo, whose best time of 65:46 came when finishing third in Valencia last October, is also among the favorites, while her compatriot Daisilah Jerono, 23, is the third fastest on the list at 66:59.
Great Britain’s Sam Harrison is fourth fastest on the list with her best time of 67:10 as she approaches the event in which Eilish McColgan set the national record of 65:43 in 2023.
Harrison is joined at the start line by fellow Britons Lily Partridge (69:34), Lauren McNeil (69:38) and Natasha Phillips (70:18).
Complete departure lists here
