Once again, the fastest marathon course in the world has drawn the crème de la crème of endurance runners to the start. The most successful marathon runner in the last twelve months will face the second- and third-fastest marathon runners of all times at the BMW BERLIN MARATHON on September 27.

Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya, who won the London Marathon in the spring of 2015 and the Chicago Marathon in October 2014, hopes to demonstrate that he is the best marathon runner in the world on September 27 in Berlin. However, he will be facing strong competition at the 42nd edition of the BMW BERLIN MARATHON. First, there is Emmanuel Mutai, who is the third-fastest marathon runner of all times, who last year at the BMW BERLIN MARATHON finished just behind the winner, Dennis Kimetto, who set a new world record in 2:02:57. Mutai, who did quite a bit of the pace work for this world record, finished in 2:03:13 hrs. The third in this top trio is Geoffrey Mutai (not related), who four years ago ran the classic distance of 42.195 km faster than anyone before him at his victory at the traditional Boston Marathon with a time of 2:03:02. Boston Marathon times, however, are not eligible for records or best times, as the total gradient of the course is too great (plus start/finish lines too far apart).

All three athletes have this in common: They all have experience with the Berlin course and all have stood on the winners’ podium. Kipchoge was second with his personal best time of 2:04:05 in 2013, behind his fellow countryman, Wilson Kipsang, who set a world record (2:03:23). Last year, Emmanuel Mutai finished second, and Geoffrey Mutai had a spot on the podium twice: in 2010 behind Patrick Makau (2:05:10) after a race in the pouring rain, and in 2012 as the winner with a time of 2:04:15.

A short clip on these three runners you can find here.



Brief portraits of the top three runners:

Eliud Kipchoge, Kenya, b. 5 November 1984
Best Time: 2:04:05 (Berlin 2013)

Emmanuel Mutai, Kenia, b. 12 October 1984
Best time 2:03:13 (Berlin 2014)

Geoffrey Mutai, Kenia, b. 7 October 1981
Best time: 2:03:02 (Boston 2011)

WCh: World Athletics Championships
OlyGames: Olympic Games
CG: Commonwealth Games