Olympic Champions Chase Khannouchi
Edmonton 2001 Media release
28 July 2001: Edmonton, Canada _ One of the strongest marathon fields in history will race through the streets of Edmonton on August 3rd chasing the elusive world championships gold medal and the $60,000 US prize money which accompanies it.

Headlining the field is the fastest marathoner ever, Khalid Khannouchi, who will wear the colours of the United States for the first time since receiving his citizenship a year ago. Khannouchi, who ran 2:05:42 in Chicago two years ago, will be hard-pressed by Moroccan Abdelkader El Mouaziz, this years winner of the London Marathon as well as a host of other great competitors.

The reigning Olympic champion, 23 year old Gezehegne Abera of Ethiopia who also won the famed Fukuoka marathon two years ago in 2:07:54 and his countryman Tesfaye Tola, the Olympic bronze medalist in Sydney, have declared their entry in the race. Other contenders include three Spanish runners Antonio Pena, Julio Rey and Francisco Javier Cortes, all of whom have run 2:07:48 or faster this year and the Italian national record holder, Giacomo Leone (2:07:52).

Kenya is sending Josephat Kiprono who won the 2001 Rotterdam Marathon in the worlds fastest time of 2:06:50 in the hope that he can end his countrys poor record in world championship marathoning. In seven previous championships Kenya has won just one medal.

At the 1996 Olympics Josiah Thugwane surprised many by winning the gold medal. He and his South African compatriot, Gert Thys (2:06:33 best) are also fit and ready for Edmonton.

After winning the 2001 Boston Marathon this past April Bong-ju Lee of South Korea, flew himself to Edmonton to look over the course. Having run Boston, a much tougher course, Lee also fancies his chances.

The world championships marathon also serves as the IAAF World Cup with teams of five competing for the prestige of being the number one marathoning nation in the world. With two Olympic champions, the holder of the worlds fastest time and many of the top distance runners in the world it promises to be a highly competitive race.