Over the years, the “real,-BERLIN-MARATHON” has
grown into one of the leading marathons on the world’s running
calendar. As official sponsor of the Berlin Marathon, Ricoh was
present from start to finish.
The 2006 edition of this spectacular event exceeded all expectations
again. Two months prior to the actual happening, the participant
list closed at the stunning number of 40,000. A high-class international
line-up of athletes and participants from over 100 nations cheered-on
by a million spectators turned Berlin into the marathon capital
during the weekend of 23rd and 24th September 2006.
It was Ethiopia’s star runner Haile Gebrselassie, the most
famous name in long distance running who won the 33rd real,- BERLIN-MARATHON
in the German capital on Sunday morning. Finishing in 2.05.56,
a personal best for the 33-year old, Gebrselassie came in way ahead
of his fellow countryman Shentema (2.10.43) and the Japanese Umeki
(2.13.43). Though not breaking his great rival Paul Tergat’s
world record of 2.04.55, Gebrselassie demonstrated his world class
in one of this year’s most spectacular races. The women’s
race was won by another famous Ethiopian, Gete Wami. Breaking her
personal best, she crossed the finish line in 2.21.34 before Kenya’s
Kosgei (2.23.22) and Polish runner Drybulska (2.30.12).
As tradition has it, the running was preceded, on Saturday 23rd
September, by the in-line skate marathon of Berlin. Some 8,000
participants took on the track. The race itself was broadcast on
German public television and on multiple stations around Europe
and the world.
For more information on the 33rd edition of the Berlin marathon
as well as the upcoming events, please visit the official site
at www.berlin-marathon.com.
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