DHM Marathon 2011 in Kassel ? Uni Kassel dominates the half marathon

Last Sunday, Germany's fastest students went on the hunt for the title at the DHM Marathon and Half Marathon. As part of the 5th E.ON Mitte Kassel Marathon, 70,000 spectators were able to watch an exciting race in fantastic conditions. Bernd Gillet (3:08:50) from the University of Hamburg secured the title ahead of Mirco Otto (University of Kassel, 3:19:13). Third place went to Thomas Waldmann (University of Kassel, 3:37:10). In the women's race, the 2009 winner Antje Krause (University of Marburg, 3:36:59) won ahead of Rachel Parker (HS Zittau Görlitz, 3:54:27).

In the half marathon, Thomas Thyssen (1:11:52) came first and Jörn Haarland (1:18:10) third (both University of Kassel). Second place went to Dominic Arnold from WG Berlin (1:16:20). There were further pleasing results in the women's competition: the first two places went to the University of Kassel with Katrin Arndt (1:23:01) and Petra Freudenberger-Lötz (1:30:48). Vanessa Renner (University of Mainz, 1:39:53) came third. Team Hartmann beat the Frauenhofer Institute in the MLP University Cup relay (internal university ranking) to take first place.

Twelve participants from the university's own running club also took up the challenge. All twelve university athletes from the University of Kassel were beaming with happiness and satisfaction after their races. For many it was their first half marathon or even their first marathon. Almost all of them had been preparing for this day for months with their running group leader Marcel Krug. The efforts of the training, which took place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, paid off. Everyone finished their distances and were certain: "We'll be back next year!"

More information and results at www.kassel-marathon.de