THE long awaited marathon debut of Hendrik Ramaala looks likely to happen in Chicago at the end of October. The 27-year-old World Half Marathon silver medallist and national 10000m record holder confirmed on Wednesday that he would almost certainly compete over the 42.2km distance in Chicago. “I have been training for this for three years now,” the Johannesburg-based law graduate said. “I think it’s time now. I want to run at least one marathon before the Olympics next year.” With a pedigree that includes a 60-minute half marathon and a sub-27:30 10 000m, many believe that Ramaala’s talents lie in the classic long distance event. “I don’t have the real speed for the 10000m, so maybe this is right,” Ramaala said. Ramaala will still contest the 1999 World Half Marathon championships in Milan on October 3. — Michael Finch, MWP