EDP Lisbon Half Marathon: Brigid Kosgei Leads Deep Elite Field
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The Maratona Clube de Portugal has revealed the elite women's and men's roster for the forthcoming EDP Lisbon Half Marathon, slated for March 17th. Brigid Kosgei of Kenya emerges as the prime contender, eyeing her inaugural victory in what is known as one of the globe's quickest half marathons.
At the age of 30, Kosgei, who once held the marathon world record and remains the third fastest with a time of 2:14:04, is making her fourth appearance in Portugal. She previously secured second place in the 2022 edition of this very marathon, clocking in at 1:06:46.
Joining Kosgei in the elite women's lineup are notable athletes like Ethiopians Bosena Mulatie with a personal best of 65:46 and Tigist Menigstu at 66:20, as well as Kenyan Betty Chepkemoi Kibet, who has run a 66:37. They are all eyeing the course record of 1:05:30, set by Almaz Ayana last year, with aspirations to surpass it, especially with a 150,000€ incentive for breaking the world record currently held by Letesenbet Gidey at 62:52.
The men's competition is equally competitive, featuring a 150,000€ reward for setting a new world record, a feat previously achieved by Jacob Kiplimo on this course in 2021 with a time of 57:31. Among the men, ten athletes boast times under an hour, including Kenya's Abraham Kiptum at 59:09 and Ethiopia's Solomon Berihu at 59:17. They face stiff competition from Dinkalem Ayele (59:30), Brian Kwemoi (59:37), and Bravin Kipkogei Kiptoo (59:37). American runner Leonard Korir is another one to watch, aiming to beat Ryan Hall's national record of 59:43.
The event will also highlight some of Europe's finest runners, including Norway's Sondre Moen (59:48), Italy's Eyob Ghebrehiwet Faniel (60:07), and Germans Amanal Petros (60:00) and Hendrik Pfeiffer (62:05). Brazilian athlete Daniel do Nascimento is set to attempt breaking his country's record of 59:33, set by Marílson dos Santos in 2007, adding another layer of excitement to this highly anticipated race.
