MOSOP, ARUSEI LEAD PARIS HALF-MARATHON FIELDS
By David Monti
(c) 2012 Race Results Weekly, all rights reserved. Used with permission.

(02-Mar) -- Sunday's Semi-Marathon de Paris boasts a strong field of Africans led by Kenyans Moses Mosop and Peninah Arusei, organizers reported yesterday.

Mosop, the 2011 Bank of America Chicago Marathon champion and the runner-up at last April's Boston Marathon, is the fastest man in the field with a 59:20 personal best, and he was second at this race last year.  The world record holder at 30,000m will face Ethiopians Getu Feleke (59:56 PB), Assefa Raji (60:07 PB), and Daniel Abera (61:56); and Kenyans Stanley Biwott (60:23), Peter Kurui (60:40), and Bernard Kitur (62:04).  The top European entered is Britain's Lee Merrien (64:27).

Arusei is the Semi de Paris's defending women's champion and course record holder.  She clocked 68:30 last year, winning in a sprint finish by two seconds over compatriot Philes Ongori.  Arusei, who has a career best time of 67:48, will be challenged by compatriots Sarah Jepchirchir (68:07 PB) and Pauline Njeri (68:55), and Ethiopia's Atsede Baysa (68:53).  The top European entered is veteran Frenchwoman Yamna Oubouhou (72:46).

The Semi-Marathon de Paris starts and finishes near the Chateau de Vincennes in the beautiful urban park, the Bois de Vincennes, in southeastern Paris.   Last year's event had a record 23,673 finishers.

PHOTO: Peninah Arusei winning the 2011 Semi-Marathon de Paris (photo by Jane Monti for Race Results Weekly)

ENDS