Cutting Seven Seconds

“Cut seven seconds.”

Top records are one of the most critical factors in deciding a world famous marathon. Generally, a world-renowned marathon should retain the top record of two hours, six minutes in the men’s race.

The Seoul Marathon Office invited Kenyan marathon runners, the best in the world, to break the record of two hours and six minutes at the 79th Dong-A Marathon, also known as the 2008 Seoul International Marathon, to be held on March 16. The host hopes to set a new record faster than 2:06:59. This would break South African marathoner Gert Thys` record of 2:07:06 at the 2004 Seoul International Marathon.

One of the most outstanding marathon runners is Sammy Korir of Kenya. The 37-year- old runner is the fourth fastest runner in the history of marathon with a record of 2:04:56.

Paul Tergat of Kenya, 39, broke the two hour five minute-barrier, recording 2:04:55 in the Berlin Marathon in September 2003. He missed first place only by one second when he set the world record. He went down to fourth place when Haile Gebrselassie of Ethiopia, 35, set a new record of 2:04:26 and recorded 2:06:48 in Dubai on January 19. But Korir is still a top-ranking runner, coming in second with 2:06:48 at the 2004 London Marathon and with 2:06:38 in the 2006 Rotterdam Marathon to win the championship.

Paul Kiprop Kirui of Kenya, 28, participates in the Seoul Marathon this year following his attendance last year. He is eager to reclaim his victory. Last year, he ran 30 meters ahead of Korean runner Lee Bong-joo (Samsung Electronics), 38, but was overtaken by him in the last part of the race.

Lee, a top Korean marathoner, competes with them. He is still short of the Korean record of 2:07:20 in 2000, but he is eager to deliver good news to Koreans like last year, when he made a come-from-behind victory.

Charles Kibiwott (2:06:52), Jason Mbote (2:07:51) and Edwin Komen (2:08:45) will also compete in the race. Kenyan runners have the potential to run within the two hours six minute-limit. Koreans like Lee Myeong-seung, Eom Hyo-seok of Samsung Electronics, and Ji Young-joon, Cho Geun-hyeong of the National Police Agency will participate in the race as well.

In the women’s race, Lee Eun-jeong of Samsung Electronics, 27, who won the 2004 Seoul International Marathon with the record of 2:26:17, hopes to beat 2:26:12, which has remained Korea’s unbroken record for 10 years.

yjongk@donga.com