I always really enjoy reading the fantastic reports on the latest sporting achievements at The Science of Sport blog. Not only do the authors Jonathan and Ross provide top quality scientific comment and analysis of sports and sporting performance, but they truly love their sport! The enthusiasm and passion in which they deliver their pieces is truly refreshing and too rarely seen!

Reporting on Haile Gebrselassie’s 2:03:59 world record in Berlin, Ross has delivered some fine race commentary and analysis including a break-down of the 5k splits.

It’s interesting to note is that Kenyan James Kwambai, who has finished 2nd in the Boston Marathon to Robert Cheruiyot and achieved a solid fifth at November’s New York Marathon when rebounding from injury that had kept him out of last years Berlin Marathon, held onto this incredible pace until the 35k mark. Unfortunately for James, the 5k between 35k and 40k proved to be the fastest in the entire race which is incredible and testament to Gebrselassie’s finishing ability given that this mark is a point where marathoners have traditionally blown out.

While Gebrselassie praised pacemakers for their great pacing strategy, Ross remains critical:

I saw the initial reports are all proclaiming the great pacing, and I disagree. Last year stood out for its magnificent pacing effort, this year was spectacular because of those final 10km. Absolutely amazing.

And yes, maybe 15 seconds (at least) in the bank if the pacing is better…!

So despite a fantastic performance and a sub-2:04, maybe there is room for improvement yet in the distance king! Ross will deliver a further analysis of the race and a comparison with last year’s Berlin Marathon soon.

Follow the link for the full report on Gebreslassie’s WOLRD RECORD run.

Gebrselassie won ahead of Kenyans James Kwambai (2:05:36) and Charles Kamathi (2:07.48).

Making the most of perfect conditions, the Ethiopian passed the halfway mark in 1:02:05 then shifted up a gear to record the second half in 1:01:54 and claim his 26th career world record.

Gebrselassie will be back in Berlin to run the marathon at the world championships next year, which will take place on a different course.

German Irina Mikitenko, took out the women’s race and became the fourth fastest women in history with 2:19:19 hours. Only Briton Paula Radcliffe (2:15:25), Catherine Ndereba of Kenya (2:18.47) und Mizuki Noguchi of Japan (2:19.12) have run faster.