Kipchoge, a name that will scare opponents in Turkey

A prominent name could scare a strong deep elite field at the forthcoming 19th edition of the Istanbul Half Marathon slated for April 28, 2024 in Istanbul, Turkey.

The 27 year-old Solomon Kipchoge from Kenya, who is not in any way related to the fastest man alive in the world, Eliud Kipchoge, could be a thorn in the flesh to the entry list, though he holds the slowest time on paper of 1:02.00 that he got last year at Lille Half Marathon where he finished in third place.

Kipchoge would have one of the toughest jobs as he will have to get past the fastest man on paper Solomon Berihu of Ethiopia who holds a life time best of 59:17 which is shy off two minutes slower than the course record set by Kenya’s Rodgers Kwemoi two years ago in windy conditions.

The two Solomons will have to get past the second fastest athlete on the entry list, Edmond Kipngetich from Kenya who is fresh from sealing the podium, two weeks ago at the Zurich Barcelona Marathon and holds a personal best of 59:25 that he got two years ago at the Copenhagen Half Marathon, where he finished in seventh place.

The three will also face-off with the South American Half Marathon Championships silver medallist, Dinkalem Ayele who holds a personal best of 59:30 that he got early this year at the Barcelona Half Marathon, where he finished a slot outside the podium three.

Another title contender is Canadian half marathon record holder and the 2014 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist, Cameron Levins, who comes to this race with a personal best of 1:00.18 as he seeks to challenge the East African neighbors.

“The Türkiye İş Bankası İstanbul Half Marathon stands out with its historic route. It is also one of just a smaller number of races in the Gold Label category worldwide“, said Race Director Renay Onur. “Our race is a special event that brings together both internationally renowned athletes and talented newcomers.

LEADING TIME

21KM MEN

1. Solomon Berihu         (ETH) 59:17
2. Edmond Kipngetich  (ETH) 59:25
3. Dinkalem Ayele        (ETH) 59:30
4. Cameron Levins        (CAN) 1:00.18
5. Solomon Kipchoge    (KEN) 1:02.00