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Dejen Gebremeskel Moves Up in DistancePublished by
Gebremeskel Ready for Half Marathon Debut in PhillyPublished by Competitor on September 18, 2014 Dejen Gebremeskel is graduating. After winning a record four consecutive titles at the Carlsbad 5000, the fleet Ethiopian is moving up in class, running his first half marathon this weekend. Gebremeskel will be among the favorites in the Sept. 21 Rock ‘n’ Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon, one of the most prestigious races in the world at that distance. “It’s great to have one of the world’s best athletes make his half marathon debut in Philadelphia,” said Matt Turnbull, elite athlete coordinator for the event. “He’s no stranger to the roads … but this is a step up in distance for him and should prove a stern test. “I’m expecting the pace to be fast and if he’s there with a couple of kilometers to go, then the athletes around him will know he’ll be a major threat.” The pace will most likely be fast, assuming the weather cooperates, because the pacesetter, Alex Olotiptip of Kenya, has run 59:58 for the half marathon. Turnbull expects Olotiptip to go at least 10 kilometers or possibly eight miles. “I’m looking forward to making my debut half marathon in Philadelphia,” Gebremeskel said. “As a Carlsbad 5000 winner, a Rock ‘n ‘Roll half marathon is a great choice for me as I know [the organizers] will bring [strong] opposition and put on a great race. I hope to run fast and look forward to testing myself against the world’s best.” Read the full article at: running.competitor.com
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