Haspa Marathon in Hamburg: Friends Duel for the Coffee Fund

The first “Hanse-Marathon” on May 25, 1986 was won by the Belgian Karel Lismont (77) in 2:12:12 hours. Twenty years later, Hamburg’s record winner Julio Rey (54) from Spain proclaimed himself the king of the streets for the fourth time. Since then, only elite runners from Africa have celebrated victory over the 42.195 kilometers. This trend is likely to continue on Sunday during the 40th anniversary. Because Bernard Koech (38) is returning to the place of his greatest successes!

The endurance miracle from Kenya triumphed in 2023 and 2024 under the television tower, even setting a previous course record in 2023 (2:04:09 hours). Koech exclaims, “Hamburg is my second home. I am so grateful to be able to run here again.” This fact remains unchanged, even though the three-time father is only two years younger than the oldest German spring marathon, which attracts 46,500 participants with various side events on its birthday. Koech grins, “Age is just a number. In the marathon, experience is what matters.”

Not just in the marathon…

That’s why Koech is investing in a coffee plantation in his hometown of Kaptagat at an altitude of 2500 meters alongside livestock breeding. His motivation: “I don’t just run for myself, but for my whole family.”

Koech’s friend and training partner is Eliud Kipchoge (41). The most successful marathon runner of all time has put part of his fortune into tea, inspiring Koech. A victory on Sunday (start: 8:30 AM) would add another 30,000 euros to Koech’s coffee fund. For a course record (2:03:46 hours), an additional 20,000 euros would be added from the jackpot. However, Marathon Boss Frank Thaleiser warns, “You can’t plan for a course record. But in the end, the course record doesn’t define the event.”

However, an internationally competitive time does matter. That’s why Koech, along with training mate Kennedy Kimutai (27), plans to work together until kilometer 30. Then, when the pacemakers pull out, Koech will push a little harder. That’s when the marathon truly begins. Everything before that is just a warm-up. The best will win.

[Context: Koech is a renowned marathon runner gearing up for the 40th Hamburg Marathon. He has a strong connection to the city and aims to continue his success.] [Fact Check: Koech has won previous marathons in Hamburg and is known for his consistency and dedication to the sport.]

(Note: The article continues with more information about the upcoming marathon, details about TV coverage, and additional interesting facts about the event.)