Strindheim runner with crazy marathon time in Vienna – sixth best in Norway of all time

Sport: The last time a Norwegian woman ran as fast at the marathon distance was over 16 years ago, writes the athletics blog Athletics1. That time, Fana runner Kirsten Melkevik Otterbu ran 2.29.12 in Frankfurt.

Ahead of her on the list of Norwegian female marathon runners, Maridal now only has Ingrid Kristiansen, Grete Waitz, Stine Larsen, the aforementioned Melkevik Otterbu and Anita Håkenstad Evertsen.

Maridal ended up eleventh in Sunday’s race in Vienna.

The Norwegian record for the distance is held by Ingrid Kristiansen. It reads 2.21.06 and is from London in 1985. The following year Grete Waitz ran 2.24.54 at the same place.

Nazret Weldu from Eritrea was the best of all in the streets of Vienna on Sunday. She was clocked in at 2.24.08 and had a good distance down to Kenyan Faith Chepkoech in the place behind.

Third place went to another Kenyan runner, Rebbeca Tanui.

Hanne Mjøen Maridal ran to the gold medal in the 10,000 meters during last year’s NM in athletics. The Strindheim runner has previously represented Halsa, Vollan, Lillehammer and Ullensaker/Kisa.

(© NTB)