Pair of course record-holders return for Ottawa Marathon
Viewers of the 2018 Scotiabank Ottawa Marathon on May 27 best not blink while watching the frontrunners.
They might miss them as they fly by.
Yemane Tsegay, the Ethiopian star who set the Ottawa course record with a blistering time of 2:06:54 in 2014, heads the list of marathon speedsters.
Tsegay will be challenged by Eliud Kiptanui, the Kenya native who claimed last year’s title with a 2:10:14 clocking.
Don’t be surprised to see three other Ethiopians joining them in the lead group, either.
Haile Lemi Berhanu, who won the 2016 Boston Marathon, owns a personal best time of 2:04:33. Deriba Robi has completed the 42.195-kilometre distance in 2:05.58 and Adugna Takele Bikila owns an all-time best of 2:08.51.
On the women’s side, course record holder Tigist Tufa is also returning, hoping to challenge her 2014 time of 2:24:31.
Tufa also won the 2015 London Marathon.
Tufa will have her hands — and feet — full with Gelete Burka, who ran a 2:20:45 marathon earlier this year.