PUBLISHED 10/06/2007
Defending LaSalle Bank women's marathon champion Berhane Adere of Ethiopia won't be challenging the 2:20 barrier on Sunday, she will take what the weather will give her and hopes to retain her title.
"On the track I like so much the heat," said Adere. "But the marathon is different." Like last year when she stayed behind when Constantina Tomescu-Dita went out at world record pace, Adere will attempt to manage her own energy properly for the conditions.
It is a skill she learned on the track where she won the silver medal at 10K in the 2005 World Championships as well as setting a number of world records. Sometimes left off the national team because of the glut of talent in Ethiopia, Adere moved to the marathon in 2001 and has exchanged the national record with Gete Wami.
She hasn't limited herself to running, however, and is also doing work for the UN in Africa attempting to teach African women and children the value of education. "When I stop running I want to do more with education," she said. "It is very important for women and for children."
