Amsterdam Marathon 2021 LIVE: Start list with all favorites

The Amsterdam Marathon could become a high-class race this year.

In the men's race, a low 2:04 time should succeed on Sunday, possibly even a performance under 2:04 hours. Around 30,000 athletes are expected to participate. There are no restrictions on participation, anyone can run, without testing or other regulations.

30,000 set a great example

It is a great sign that the Amsterdam Marathon and the government of the Netherlands will show on October 17. Because finally it is allowed to run freely again, completely without discriminatory restrictions or other senseless requirements. In total, 30,000 athletes are registered for the Amsterdam Marathon 2021 (incl. fringe events). This means that the registration figures of two years ago could not quite be reached. But it will certainly be a great running spectacle.

Tamirat Tola wants to end Kenya's incredible winning streak

The participants at the top are also expected to provide a spectacle this year. Because the already great course record of the Kenyan Lawrence Cherono is in great danger. He triumphed three years ago with an impressive 2:04:06 hours. A time that corresponds exactly to the best performance of the Ethiopian Tamirat Tola. He not only wants to win the race on Sunday and thus end a series of nine Kenyan successes in a row in Amsterdam, but also break the course record with a personal best. The good weather forecasts even make a time under 2:04 hours for not impossible.

Tamirat Tola finished third at the 2016 Rio Olympics over the marathon distance. One year, the now 30-year-old ran to the vice world title.

Strong competition from his own camp

Tamirat Tola's teammates can also ensure that Kenya's winning streak comes to an end. The trio of Ayale Abshero, Chalo Deso and Leul Gebresilase will arrive with best times under 2:05 hours.

And what comes from Kenya?

The Kenya team, on the other hand, is less well represented. Laban Korir, Jonathan Korir and Kenneth Keter have outside chances.

Will Tanui provide the most extraordinary marathon story this year?

In the women's race, the density at the top of the field is not quite as high. But Kenyan Angela Tanui could provide a great story. She was supposed to have competed in the Boston Marathon last Sunday. But a denied visa destroyed her dream of winning the oldest marathon on our planet. Now she hopes to win in Amsterdam.

It would be her 2nd marathon win this year after the elite marathon in Siena in April. The runner-up of the 2019 Vienna Marathon ran a strong 2:20:08 in Siena on April 11, 2021.

Chance for revenge

The toughest opponent for Tanui will possibly be Ethiopian Haven Hailu Desse. The 23-year-old also competed in the marathon in Siena in the spring. There, however, she had no chance against Tanui as fourth with 2:23:52 hours. Now there is the chance for a revenge for Desse.