Posted: December 19, 2005

Athletics: Egmond Half-Marathon Sold Out

From David Monti

© 2005 Race Results Weekly, all rights reserved RaceResultsWeekly.com

The Halve-Marathon von Egmond, scheduled for Jan. 8 in the Netherlands has reached its registration limit of 10,000 runners, according to race organizers. They also closed registration for the accompanying quarter-marathon which reached its 2000 runner limit. Runners from 20 nations have signed-up.

Venuste Niyongabo, the Burundian who won the Olympic gold medal at 5000m in 1996 and who has not raced regularly in several years, is expected to take part at an elite level. William Kipsang, Susan Chepkemei and Hilda Kibet of Kenya will also take part, while the Dutch will be represented by Kamiel Maase, Luc Krotwaar and Hugo van den Broek.

The race utilizes a unique course, with approximatel 10 km run through sand dunes and 7 km on a beach. Course records are 1:02:40 by Wilson Kigen (KEN) in 2002 and 1:10:36 by Susan Chepkemei in 2001. The race has a separate handicap division where the women are given an eight minute and 46 second headstart and a special prize is awarded to the overall champion.