Chepngetich and Yeshaneh to Clash at Bangsaen21 in Chonburi
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The Bangsaen21 Half Marathon in Chonburi, Thailand, is set to be a thrilling event with a star-studded lineup. Ruth Chepngetich from Kenya and Ethiopia's Ababel Yeshaneh are the main attractions, promising a riveting competition. Yeshaneh, who set a world record in 2020, was later surpassed by Chepngetich's record-breaking run in Istanbul the following year. Their rivalry has seen Yeshaneh win two out of their three encounters, including the latest in Buenos Aires.
Chepngetich has had a successful year, including a win at the Nagoya Marathon and a remarkable second-place finish in Chicago, recording the seventh-fastest marathon time in history. She has also secured podium finishes in half marathons in Istanbul and Buenos Aires this year. Yeshaneh, racing less frequently, placed fourth in the Boston Marathon and emerged victorious in Buenos Aires.
Sheila Chepkirui, another contender, recently finished second in the Berlin Marathon and has a strong half marathon track record. Degitu Azimeraw, making a return to racing, is a notable athlete with impressive half marathon and marathon times. Angela Tanui, with a strong marathon best time, is another athlete to watch out for.
British athlete Charlotte Purdue will also be returning to Chonburi, aiming to improve upon her performance from last year.
In the men's field, Ethiopia's Seifu Tura, the 2021 Chicago Marathon champion, is a top contender with an impressive marathon best. Nobert Kipkoech Kigen, a sub-60-minute half marathon runner, and Amos Kipruto, known more for his marathon achievements, are also in the mix. Marathon specialists Enock Onchari and Tsegay Getachew are expected to perform well.
WOMEN ELITE FIELD
Ruth Chepngetich (KEN) 1:04:02
Ababel Yeshaneh (ETH) 1:04:31
Sheila Chepkirui (KEN) 1:04:36
Degitu Azimeraw (ETH) 1:06:07
Angela Tanui (KEN) 1:07:16
Charlotte Purdue (GBR) 1:08:10
MEN ELITE FIELD
Seifu Tura (ETH) 58:36
Nobert Kipkoech Kigen (KEN) 59:42
Amos Kipruto (KEN) 1:00:24
Tsegay Getachew (ETH) 1:01:51
Enock Onchari (KEN) debut
