Running News Daily

Ethiopia’s Jirata Dinki and Zeineba Yimer claimed victory at the 43rd Mainova Frankfurt Marathon, but Germany’s Blanka Dörfel delivered perhaps the day’s biggest breakthrough, finishing second in her marathon debut in 2:20:46.

Despite wet and windy conditions, the 24-year-old became the second-fastest German woman and eighth-fastest European woman in marathon history. Only German record holder Irina Mikitenko has run faster among her compatriots.

Yimer won the women’s race in 2:19:45, while Ethiopia’s Beriha Gebreslasie finished third in 2:22:46.

In the men’s race, Dinki surged away in the closing kilometers to win in 2:05:26, improving his personal best by nearly three minutes. Germany’s Amanal Petros finished second in 2:05:46, becoming the first German man to reach the Frankfurt podium in more than 25 years. Kenya’s Benard Biwott, the 2024 champion, took third in 2:06:23.

A record 19,720 runners from 128 nations entered this year’s event. 

Dörfel Delivers a Remarkable Debut

Yimer, the women’s favorite, led from the start alongside fellow Ethiopian Siranesh Yirga. After 30 kilometers, Yirga could no longer maintain the pace, leaving Yimer alone at the front.

Although she struggled in the closing kilometers, the 28-year-old held on to secure victory with the sixth-fastest women’s performance in Frankfurt history.

“I was hoping I would win. The weather was not on our side. The rain slowed me down, but I am very happy with my performance,” Yimer said.

Behind her, Dörfel was producing an extraordinary first marathon.

After passing halfway in 1:10:29, the German moved clear of a group that included American Betsy Saina and Kenya’s Marion Kibor. Running with a smooth, controlled stride, she steadily reduced the gap to the leaders and moved into second place at 33 kilometers.

For a time, a sub-2:20 finish appeared possible. Even as the effort caught up with her over the final five kilometers, Dörfel held her position and entered Frankfurt’s Festhalle to an enthusiastic reception.

“I ran without a watch as I do in training, going purely by how I feel, not by the time,” she said. “It was always a bit of a mystery to me what time I could achieve. It wasn’t until I was in the Festhalle that I saw the 2:20 and realised just how fast I was.”

Standing water added to the challenge, but the crowd helped carry her through.

“So many people were shouting ‘Blanka, run!’ It was a brilliant day,” she said.

Dinki Wins a Tactical Battle

The men’s race began with hopes of challenging Petros’ German record of 2:04:03. Petros, Samuel Fitwi and Richard Ringer joined a large lead group, but the weather soon pushed record ambitions aside.

The leaders passed 10 kilometers in 29:55 and halfway in 1:03:01, setting up a competitive second half,

With roughly 10 kilometers remaining, Petros and Biwott increased the pace and opened a small gap. Fitwi dropped back with muscle problems, while Ringer tried to bridge the gap before also losing ground.

Dinki, however, was moving forward.

The 24-year-old Ethiopian arrived in Frankfurt with a personal best of 2:08:18 and caught the leaders around 37 kilometers. Petros attacked again, shaking off Biwott, but Dinki responded before making the decisive move of his own with about two kilometers remaining.

“I had not reckoned with him,” Petros said.

Dinki crossed the line in 2:05:26, cutting 2:52 from his previous best and earning the biggest victory of his career in just his third marathon.

“The weather was not ideal, so I started off more cautiously. But I was sure I would run a good race. This is a huge victory for me,” Dinki said.

Petros finished 20 seconds behind, recording the fastest time ever run by a German man at the Frankfurt Marathon.

“I gave it a go, but in that weather it was clear that a record was not going to happen. Then I suppose I attacked a bit too early – I will learn from that,” Petros said. “Of course I would have liked to win, but that is how it goes in the marathon.”

Ringer finished fifth in 2:07:07, with Fitwi seventh in 2:08:57.

Kenyan distance-running veteran Mark Kiptoo delivered an extraordinary performance at the 2026 Frankfurt Marathon in Germany on Sunday, October 25, setting a new men's M50 marathon world record with a remarkable time of 2:15:24.

At 50, Kiptoo continues to defy expectations, demonstrating that age is no barrier to exceptional endurance, speed and determination. His performance highlighted another remarkable chapter in a career defined by longevity and an unwavering commitment to distance running.

The Kenyan improved on the previous M50 marathon world record of 2:19:29, set by South Africa's Titus Mamabolo in 1991, by an extraordinary four minutes and five seconds. The previous mark had stood for 35 years, making Kiptoo's achievement an especially significant milestone in masters marathon running.

His latest record-breaking performance comes just weeks after he reportedly set an M50 half-marathon world record of 1:03:57 in San Sebastián, Spain. The two achievements underline his exceptional form and ability to maintain an extraordinary level of competitiveness at an age when many athletes have long since retired from elite competition.

Frankfurt has played a defining role in Kiptoo's marathon journey. He made his marathon debut at the German race in 2013 at the age of 37, finishing second in 2:06:16. A year later, he returned to claim victory in 2:06:49, establishing himself among the leading marathoners of his era.

In 2018, Kiptoo again made history on the same course, recording 2:07:50 to establish a then-world record in the men's M40 masters marathon category. His return to Frankfurt in 2026 has now delivered another extraordinary chapter, with the Kenyan rewriting the M50 record books at the age of 50.

From competing against the world's leading marathoners in his 30s to producing record-breaking performances in the masters ranks, Kiptoo has demonstrated remarkable longevity, discipline and determination. His journey is a powerful reminder that age does not necessarily signal the end of sporting excellence.

Kiptoo's achievement was one of the standout stories of the Frankfurt Marathon, which also witnessed Ethiopian runners dominate the elite races, with Lelisa Denki and Zeineba Yimer claiming the men's and women's titles, respectively.

In the men's race, Denki produced an impressive performance to take victory in a personal-best time of 2:05:26. Germany's Amanal Petros delighted the home crowd by finishing second in 2:05:46, while Kenya's Benard Biwott secured third place in 2:06:23, ensuring a strong podium finish for the East African nation.

The women's contest was equally compelling, with Ethiopia's Yimer taking the title in 2:19:45. Germany's Blanka Dörfel finished second in 2:20:46, while Ethiopia's Beriha Gebreslasie completed the podium in third place with a time of 2:22:46.

The results underlined Ethiopia's strength in international marathon running, while the performances of Petros, Biwott and Dörfel provided memorable moments for German athletics fans on home soil.

For Kiptoo, however, the spotlight belonged to his remarkable achievement in the men's M50 category. His 2:15:24 performance represented an exceptional demonstration of endurance and competitive ability at an age when many former elite runners have long since stepped away from top-level competition.

Frankfurt has long held a special place in Kiptoo's marathon career. He made his marathon debut at the event in 2013, finishing second in 2:06:16 before returning a year later to claim victory in 2:06:49. He also established a world record in the men's over-40 category on the same course in 2018, clocking 2:07:50.

His latest performance further strengthens his connection with the German race, where he has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to produce outstanding results across different stages of his career.

Beyond the numbers, Kiptoo's achievement carries an inspiring message for runners around the world. His continued success demonstrates the value of discipline, experience and perseverance, challenging conventional assumptions about the age at which athletes can remain competitive.

For Kenya, his performance adds another remarkable chapter to the country's rich distance-running heritage. Meanwhile, the victories of Denki and Yimer ensured that Ethiopia also left Frankfurt celebrating a memorable day on the marathon circuit.

The 2026 Frankfurt Marathon therefore delivered a compelling combination of elite competition and sporting inspiration, from the fast times at the front of the men's and women's races to Kiptoo's extraordinary achievement in the masters category.

At 50, Kiptoo continues to challenge expectations and push the boundaries of what is possible in distance running, proving that a passion for excellence can endure long after many athletes have retired.

Petros leads Germany’s top marathoners, Zeineba Yimer targets the women’s course record, and Kenya’s Mark Kiptoo chases an age-group milestone at Sunday’s Mainova Frankfurt Marathon.

The Mainova Frankfurt Marathon could deliver a series of record performances on Sunday, October 25—if the weather cooperates.

The 43rd edition brings together the fastest men’s field in the event’s history, with German and European records potentially within reach. Both course records—2:03:42 for men and 2:17:25 for women—could come under pressure, while a promising German debut and an M50 world-best attempt add further interest.

Conditions will play a decisive role. Rain, cold and strong winds could derail ambitious pacing plans. If the weather settles, Frankfurt’s flat course could provide the setting for an exceptional day.

Organizers have reported a record 19,720 entries from 128 nations. The occasion also marks the final race for Jo Schindler as race director.

“We are absolutely delighted with this record number of entries. Over the past 25 years, we have taken the Mainova Frankfurt Marathon to a whole new level in every aspect,” Schindler said.

Germany’s Best Take Center Stage

Leading the men’s field is Amanal Petros, the German record-holder at 2:04:03, who won the European marathon title in Birmingham in August. He arrives with ambitions that could extend beyond his own national mark to the European record of 2:03:36.

“My training in Kenya went very well. If the weather is on my side, it could happen,” Petros said. “I have been dreaming of breaking the European record for several years now.”

A European record would also take him under Wilson Kipsang’s Frankfurt course record of 2:03:42, set in 2011.

Petros will face a strong domestic challenge from Samuel Fitwi, whose 2:04:45 runner-up finish in Hamburg in April is the fastest German performance this year.

“If the weather is good, the German record is within reach on the flat course in Frankfurt. I am well prepared and definitely want to beat my personal best,” Fitwi said.

Richard Ringer, the 2022 European marathon champion, completes the leading German trio. His record-eligible personal best is 2:05:46, although he ran 2:04:47 at Boston this spring on its non-record-eligible course.

Ringer plans a more measured approach after overcoming a muscle problem following the European Championships.

“I do not expect to be running right at the front on Sunday and will probably go with a second group,” he said.

Biwott Returns With Winning Ambition 

The German contenders will have plenty of international competition.

Ethiopia’s Andualem Belay brings a personal best of 2:04:44, while Kenya’s Benard Biwottreturns to the scene of his breakthrough. Biwott won his marathon debut in Frankfurt in 2024 in 2:05:54, then improved to 2:05:25 while winning the 2025 Paris Marathon.

“My aim is to win on Sunday. I think I can achieve a time of around 2:04:00,” Biwott said.

Another Kenyan, Mark Kiptoo, could deliver one of the day’s most compelling performances. Now 50, the 2014 Frankfurt champion is targeting the M50 world best of 2:19:29, set by South Africa’s Titus Mamabolo in Durban in 1991.

Kiptoo has already made masters history in Frankfurt, running 2:07:50 here in 2018.

Yimer Targets the Women’s Course Record

Ethiopia’s Zeineba Yimer leads the women’s field with a personal best of 2:18:47, set while finishing third in Barcelona this spring 

The 28-year-old is seeking a turnaround after stomach problems forced her out of the Berlin Marathon four weeks ago. Her ambitions include challenging the Frankfurt course record of 2:17:25, set by Hawi Feysa in 2024.

“Now I want to make the most of the flat course in Frankfurt and set a personal best. I have also got my sights set on the course record and want to break that mark as well,” Yimer said.

American Betsy Saina, who has run 2:19:17, returns from a maternity break and is targeting a halfway split of 70:00.

Kenya’s Marion Kibor, who improved to 2:21:12 in Hamburg this spring, also hopes to break 2:20. Ethiopia’s Meskerem Assefa, the 2018 Frankfurt champion, returns with the 2:20:36 personal best she set during that victory.

Dörfel Runs on Instinct in Marathon Debut

Germany’s Blanka Dörfel adds an intriguing debut to the women’s race.

The 24-year-old ran a half-marathon personal best of 68:08 in Mainz this spring and intends to trust her feel for the pace as she moves up to the marathon.

“I will be running without a watch and will trust my instincts,” Dörfel said.

Her half-marathon performance suggests the potential for a strong debut. The German women’s debut benchmark is 2:23:57, set by Melat Kejeta in Berlin in 2019.

Elite Runners with Personal Bests

 

MEN

Amanal Petros GER 2:04:03

Andualem Belay ETH 2:04:44

Samuel Fitwi GER 2:04:45

Richard Ringer GER 2:04:47

Benard Biwott KEN 2:05:25

Haimro Alame ISR 2:06:04

Antenayehu Dagnachew ETH 2:06:55

Jiregna Geleta ETH 2:06:57

Derara Hurisa ETH 2:08:09

Jirata Dinki ETH 2:08:18

Abe Gashahun ETH 2:08:35

Lemawork Ketema AUT 2:10:44

 

WOMEN

Zeineba Yimer ETH 2:18:47

Betsy Saina USA 2:19:17

Meskerem Assefa ETH 2:20:36

Siranesh Yirga ETH 2:21:08

Marion Kibor KEN 2:21:12

Janet Ruguru KEN 2:23:00

Mehret Gemeda ETH 2:23:29

Milicent Jelimo KEN 2:24:19

Obse Abdeta ETH 2:27:14

Martina Strähl SUI 2:28:07

Selam Fente ETH 2:28:22

Aselef Amare ETH 2:28:47

Blanka Dörfel GER Debut

The 43rd Mainova Frankfurt Marathon is set for a fast edition on October 25, with the deepest men’s field in race history and the return of 2018 women’s champion Meskerem Assefa.

For the first time, four men on the start list have personal bests under 2:05, with another four having broken 2:07. German record-holder Amanal Petros leads the field at 2:04:03, setting up a showdown featuring three of Germany’s leading marathoners.

The women’s race also promises strong competition. Five entrants have run under 2:22, making it the second-deepest women’s field in Frankfurt history by that measure, behind only the 2025 edition, which featured six.

“Overall this is surely the fastest elite field we have ever assembled for the Mainova Frankfurt Marathon. I am very pleased that the German men are playing a major role and I expect a thrilling top-class race,” said Jo Schindler, who is in his 25th year as race director.

German Stars Lead the Men’s Challenge

European champion Petros tops the entry list, but the competition is close. Ethiopia’s Andualem Belay brings a personal best of 2:04:44, followed by Germany’s Samuel Fitwi at 2:04:45 and Richard Ringer at 2:04:47.

With just 44 seconds separating the personal bests of the four fastest entrants, the race offers the prospect of a competitive battle at the front.

Kenya’s Benard Biwott, who has run 2:05:25, leads the next group of contenders. Israel’s Haimro Alame and Ethiopians Antenayehu Dagnachew and Jiregna Geleta round out the eight men with personal bests under 2:07.

Assefa Returns to Face Yimer and Saina

Meskerem Assefa’s return adds a former champion to an already strong women’s field. Her participation had been uncertain because of visa requirements, but organizers have now secured the visa needed for her trip to Germany.

The Ethiopian’s personal best of 2:20:36 makes her the third-fastest entrant, behind compatriot Zeineba Yimer at 2:18:47 and American Betsy Saina at 2:19:17.

Ethiopia’s Siranesh Yirga and Kenya’s Marion Kibor complete the group of five women who have broken 2:22.

There was disappointing news for another former champion: Ethiopia’s Buzunesh Getachew, the 2023 Frankfurt winner, has withdrawn because of injury. 

German interest will also focus on Blanka Dörfel, who is scheduled to make her marathon debut.

Elite Runners with Personal Bests

 

MEN

Amanal Petros GER 2:04:03

Andualem Belay ETH 2:04:44

Samuel Fitwi GER 2:04:45

Richard Ringer GER 2:04:47

Benard Biwott KEN 2:05:25

Haimro Alame ISR 2:06:04

Antenayehu Dagnachew ETH 2:06:55

Jiregna Geleta ETH 2:06:57

Derara Hurisa ETH 2:08:09

Jirata Dinki ETH 2:08:18

Abe Gashahun ETH 2:08:35

Lemawork Ketema AUT 2:10:44

 

WOMEN

Zeineba Yimer ETH 2:18:47

Betsy Saina USA 2:19:17

Meskerem Assefa ETH 2:20:36

Siranesh Yirga ETH 2:21:08

Marion Kibor KEN 2:21:12

Janet Ruguru KEN 2:23:00

Mehret Gemeda ETH 2:23:29

Milicent Jelimo KEN 2:24:19

Obse Abdeta ETH 2:27:14

Martina Strähl SUI 2:28:07

Selam Fente ETH 2:28:22

Aselef Amare ETH 2:28:47

Blanka Dörfel GER Debut

 

The 2025 Schneider Electric Paris Marathon, held on Sunday, April 13, showcased remarkable performances from East African athletes, with Kenya’s Benard Biwott and Ethiopia’s Bedatu Hirpa clinching the men’s and women’s titles, respectively.

Men’s Elite Race

Benard Biwott, 22, delivered an impressive performance, breaking away from a lead group of nine runners with approximately 10 kilometers remaining. He crossed the finish line in 2:05:25, improving upon his marathon debut time from Frankfurt last October by 29 seconds. Djibouti’s Ibrahim Hassan secured second place in 2:06:13, followed closely by Kenya’s Sila Kiptoo, who finished third in 2:06:21. 

Top 10 Men’s Results:

1. Benard Biwott (KEN) – 2:05:25 

2. Ibrahim Hassan (DJI) – 2:06:13

3. Sila Kiptoo (KEN) – 2:06:21 

4. Enock Kinyamal (KEN) – 2:06:32 

5. Dominic Ngeno (KEN) – 2:06:37 

6. Dinkalem Ayele (ETH) – 2:07:54 

7. Tsedat Ayana (ETH) – 2:08:19 

8. Edwin Kibichy (KEN) – 2:08:29 

9. Timothy Kibet (KEN) – 2:08:38 

10. Haile Zeru (ETH) – 2:09:02 

Women’s Elite Race

In a thrilling finish reminiscent of their encounter at the Dubai Marathon earlier this year, Ethiopia’s Bedatu Hirpa edged out compatriot Dera Dida to win the women’s race. Hirpa completed the course in 2:20:45, just four seconds ahead of Dida. Kenya’s Angela Tanui secured third place with a time of 2:21:07. 

Top 10 Women’s Results:

1. Bedatu Hirpa (ETH) – 2:20:45 

2. Dera Dida (ETH) – 2:20:49 

3. Angela Tanui (KEN) – 2:21:07 

4. Magdalena Shauri (TAN) – 2:21:31 

5. Kasanesh Baze (ETH) – 2:24:35 

6. Janet Ruguru (KEN) – 2:24:36 

7. Kidsan Alema (ETH) – 2:25:22 

8. Judit Jeptum (KEN) – 2:25:30 

9. Agnes Keino (KEN) – 2:26:09 

10. Zerihun Alemtsehay (ETH) – 2:27:39 

Notable Masters Performances – Men

• Yohan Durand (FRA): At 40 years old, Durand finished 17th overall with a time of 2:14:44, showcasing his enduring competitiveness.  

• David Gosse (FRA): Also 40, Gosse secured 18th place, clocking in at 2:19:35, demonstrating the depth of talent among masters athletes.  

Notable Masters Performances – Women

• Jane Fardell (AUS): At 42, Fardell achieved a time of 2:53:16, placing 17th among women and highlighting her sustained excellence.  

• Charline Heu (FRA): Aged 41, Heu completed the marathon in 2:53:39, securing 18th place and underscoring the competitive spirit of masters runners.  

The 2025 Paris Marathon highlighted the dominance of East African runners, with both the men’s and women’s podiums featuring athletes from Kenya and Ethiopia. The event continues to be a significant fixture in the international marathon calendar, attracting top talent from around the world.

Hawi Feysa took the 41st Mainova Frankfurt Marathon with a superb course record: The 25 year-old Ethiopian ran 2:17:25 to improve the former women’s record by 1:45. It was also the 12th fastest performance this year. Second-placed Kenyan Magdalyne Masai ran a big personal best of 2:18:58 and also finished inside the former course record of 2:19:10. Ethiopia’s Shuko Genemo was third with 2:22:37.

The men’s race had its surprise as well: the 22 year-old Kenyan debutant Benard Biwott triumphed to cross the line in 2:05:54 in Frankfurt’s Festhalle. The Ethiopians Gossa Challa and Lencho Tesfaye took second and third with 2:07:35 and 2:08:02 respectively. The combined winning times of the women’s and men’s champions came to 4:23:19, the fastest aggregate time ever in the history of the Mainova Frankfurt Marathon. Organisers registered 13,939 runners from 113 nations. Adding events at shorter distances, the total was 25,616 athletes.

“To have such as fantastic course record is so satisfying for all of us involved. You can prepare a great deal in elite sport but nothing is guaranteed. We had ideal conditions, many personal bests and many wonderful scenes of celebration at the finish,” said the Race Director Jo Schindler. The Elite Race Coordinator Philipp Kopp added his thoughts: “Once again we’ve shown that you can run fast in Frankfurt.” The Mainova Frankfurt Marathon had 13,939 runners from 113 countries and, taking into consideration events held in conjunction, had in total 25,616 participants.

Women’s Race: Feysa’s breakthrough, Schwiening fastest European

Hawi Feysa achieved a sensational breakthrough in the marathon by running 2:17:25. The Ethiopian had shown highly creditable performances at shorter distances and finished sixth in the World Cross Country Championships in 2023. Winning the marathon in a course record took her to a new level. “The record was my goal and everything went perfectly. After 25 kilometres I had enough energy left to run away from the group. I was very happy with my race plan. The atmosphere along the course helped me a lot. You can certainly run 2;16 on this fast course,” Hawi Feysa reflected.

Right from the start the fastest runners set out to make a concerted attack on the course record of 2:19:10. Although no runner had a personal best faster than 2:21:17, the pace was consistently aimed at breaking the record. “I wanted originally to run at my own pace alone at the head of the field. But the organizers planned that we ran together as a group until 25 kilometres. The tactic proved very good,” said Feysa, in praise of sporting director Philipp Kopp.

Five women went through halfway in 69:19, among them Hawi Feysa and the two sisters, Magdalyne and Linet Masai from Kenya. When Feysa increased the pace after 25 kilometres, only Magdalyne Masai followed her. Until just before 40 km, Masai was still in contention with the gap a few seconds. But Hawi Feysa proved unbeatable and ran a clearly faster second half of the race to finish in triumph in the Festhalle. Magdalyne Masai was a highly creditable second in 2:18:58.

While it was the first time that two women ran below 2:20 in Frankfurt a large number of elite runners achieved personal bests: Four women from the top 5 and six from the top 10 ran PBs. British runners achieved a string of great results in Frankfurt: Georgina Schwiening was the fastest European with a strong PB of 2:25:46 in eleventh place. A staggering number of seven British women finished inside the top 25 in the „Festhalle“.

Men’s Race: A day for the debutants

The men’s elite field, featuring talent spread evenly throughout, set off at a pace which made the target finishing time of under 2:05 a real possibility. Split times of 29:38 for 10km and 44:30 at 15km pointed to a time in the region of just under 2:05. Subsequently the pace dropped somewhat, despite the excellent weather conditions with temperatures between 12 and 15 degrees, overcast and almost no win. But with a number of kilometre splits around 3 minutes, halfway was reached in 62:52. For much of the time, the 13-strong leading group then stayed compact and there was little change.

The first serious attack came only after 30 km but it proved decisive: Bernard Biwott went to the front and only Gossa Challa proved capable of going with the marathon debutant. But when the Kenyan forced the pace again between 35 and 37 kilometres and covered the single kilometres in around 2:50, the Ethiopian had no reply. Biwott, who previously had shown highly promising form at half marathon, achieving a best of 59:44, won with over a minute and a half to spare. “I’m so happy because I didn’t expect that I could win on my debut. I want to thank the organizers and my manager Gianni Demadonna for their support,” said Bernard Biwott who had achieved a rare win here on debut. The last occasion in the men’s race in Frankfurt was in 2008 when a fellow Kenyan, Robert Cheruiyot, won in what was then a course record of 2:07:21.

To add to the surprises, a marathon debutant was also the fastest runner from Germany in the Mainova Frankfurt Marathon. Jan Lukas Becker finished 17th in 2:15:20 and had been on course for a finishing time of under 2:11 for much of the race. 

Results, Men:

1. Benard Biwott KEN 2:05:54

2. Gossa Challe ETH 2:07:35

3. Lencho Tesfaye ETH 2:08:02

4. Gerba Dibaba ETH 2:09:03

5. Aychew Dessie ETH 2:09:22

6. Workneh Serbessa ETH 2:09:30

7. Christopher Muthini KEN 2:09:31

8. Ebba Chala  SWE 2:09:35

9. Tim Vincent AUS 2:09:40

10. Mulat Gebeyehu ETH 2:10:07

Women:

1. Hawi Feysa ETH 2:17:25

2. Magdalyne Masai KEN 2:18:58

3. Shuko Genemo ETH 2:22:37

4. Catherine Cherotich KEN 2:22:42

5. Agnes Keino KEN 2:22:53

6. Kidsan Alema ETH 2:23:27

7. Linet Masai KEN 2:23:52

8. Judith Kiyeng KEN 2:24:41

9. Betty Chepkwony KEN 2:25:13

10. Aberash Korsa ETH 2:25:43

Seven runners with personal bests of sub 2:07 are on the start list of the 41st edition of the Mainova Frankfurt Marathon on October 27th.

It looks very likely that the eventual winner will come from one of the two great running nations, Kenya and Ethiopia. While Herpasa Negasa of Ethiopia remains the number one on the list with his world-class personal best of 2:03:40 Elisha Rotich is among the new additions. The Kenyan has a PB of 2:04:21.

Organizers expect a total of more than 25,000 athletes on the last Sunday of October. Among them will be over 14,000 marathon runners which is significantly more than in 2023. The Mainova Frankfurt Marathon is a World Athletics Elite Label Road Race. Entries are still accepted at: www.frankfurt-marathon.com

Parts of the men’s elite field were announced today. The women’s field will be released next month. For years Elisha Rotich has produced strong marathon races. His best race so far was at the 2021 Paris Marathon. The Kenyan won the race with 2:04:21 which remains his personal best and still stands as the Paris course record. On the route through the French capital, which is not considered very fast, he ran another strong race this spring. Rotich was third with 2:06:53 in April. Together with Eric Kiptanui (PB: 2:05:47), whose participation had been announced earlier, he looks to be the strongest Kenyan in the elite field of the Mainova Frankfurt Marathon. However a surprise might come from Benard Biwott, a Kenyan debutant who has run a 59:47 half marathon this year.

Besides Herpasa Negasa Ethiopia will have four more runners with personal bests of sub 2:07 on the start line: Lencho Tesfaye (2:06:18), Aychew Bantie (2:06:23), Boki Asefa (2:06:46) and Birhan Nebebew (2:06:52) could attack their PBs on the fast Frankfurt course where Kenya’s Wilson Kipsang clocked the 2:03:42 course record in 2011.

“We expect a very open race since there is no major favorite. It is difficult to predict what might be possible with regard to times. But the field surely has the potential for a surprise,“ said Race Direktor Jo Schindler.

While Spain’s Abdelaziz Merzougui is the fastest European runner on the start list with a personal best of 2:08:00 there is a novelty in the history of the Mainova Frankfurt Marathon: Married couple Jake Robertson and Magdalyne Masai will be among the elite runners. New Zealand’s Robertson has a personal best of 2:08:26 and could achieve a strong finishing position while his Kenyan wife has a PB of 2:22:16 and will be among the favorites in Frankfurt.

Solomon Berihu of Ethiopia and Kenya’s Gladys Chepkurui head a very strong field of elite runners at the Türkiye Is Bankasi Istanbul Half Marathon on Sunday. They feature personal bests of 59:17 and 65:46 respectively. The men’s field is really impressive since eight runners have already broken the one hour mark and another nine feature personal bests of sub 61:00.

There are seven women with sub 68:00 PBs and an additional three have run under 70:00. A couple of European runners will try to achieve the qualifying times for the European Championships in Rome in June. Among them are Turkey’s record holder Ali Kaya, who will start a comeback, and Sweden’s debutant Meraf Bahta. The required times stand at 61:40 and 70:30 for men and women respectively.

Organisers of the Türkiye Is Bankasi Istanbul Half Marathon, which is a Gold Label Road Race of World Athletics, have registered a record number of 14,200 runners. This includes a 10k race staged parallel on Sunday. Turkey’s number one road race is one of the world’s major half marathons and has a world record course. Three years ago Kenya’s Ruth Chepngetich broke the global mark in Istanbul with 64:02. While the world record has been improved since the course record still stands and will likely remain in place on Sunday. 

However there could still be another very fast time from the women’s winner on Sunday. With a personal best of 66:04 Ftaw Zeray is the second fastest on the start list behind Gladys Chepkurui. It was three weeks ago when the 26 year-old ran her first race of the year and finished runner-up in the Berlin Half Marathon. In very difficult conditions with temperatures well over 20 Celsius she still ran 67:22. “I have well recovered from the race in Berlin. I feel I can run a personal best on Sunday,“ said Ftaw Zeray, who was sixth in the World Half Marathon Championships last year. 

With regard to the weather forecast high temperatures will not be a problem for Ftaw Zeray on Sunday in Istanbul. But with six other women who have already run sub 68:00 the challenge is likely to be tougher than in the German capital. While Gladys Chepkurui missed her flight to Istanbul and will now arrive half a day later, she will hardly be delayed when it comes to racing fast. The Kenyan clocked her 65:46 PB in Barcelona a year ago and has run sub 70:00 eleven times.

Ethiopians Betelihem Afenigus and Aberash Shilima are the next fastest on the entry list with PBs of 66:46 and 67:26 respectively. However a debutant could also be in the mix for a place on the podium: Just 21 years old Miriam Chebet showed great form and consistency this year with three sub 31:00 times at 10k. When she won the race in Ibiza, Spain, in January she clocked a fine PB of 30:40.

Another promising debutant is Sweden’s Meraf Bahta. The European 5,000 m champion from 2014 is a late entry to the Türkiye Is Bankasi Istanbul Half Marathon. The 34 year-old is the Swedish 10k record holder with a 31:22 PB from 2022. The former Eritrean could qualify for the European Championships if she runs 70:30 or faster in her debut. Due to an injury Italy’s Giovanna Epis had to withdraw from the race in Istanbul.

Solomon Berihu is the fastest runner on the start list with his PB of 59:17. He ran this time back in 2019 in New Delhi and has not raced for almost a year. “I had an injury that kept me away from training. Now, I am feeling better and I am back in shape,“ explained the 24 year-old Ethiopian, who hopes to come back with a bang on Sunday. “My first goal is to win the race, but I am also hoping to run 59:30 or even faster.“ The Istanbul course record stands at 59:15.

Another Ethiopian is among the hot favourites: Dinkalem Ayele has shown great form this year when he improved to 59:30 in Barcelona and then won the Lisbon Half Marathon in very warm conditions with 60:36. “I am in good form and confident that I can go close to 59 minutes if weather conditions are suitable,“ said 23 year-old Dinkalem Ayele.

Solomon Kipchoge will probably be among the athletes who will challenge the two Ethiopians. The Kenyan, who improved his half marathon PB by almost two and a half minutes last year when he ran 59:37 in Lille, chose to come to Istanbul because of the fast course. “I will not start the race with a certain time or placing in mind. It depends on how my body will feel during the race. But I will try to improve my PB,“ said Solomon Kipchoge, who has the same surname as the double Olympic Champion Eliud Kipchoge. “I have no connection to Eliud, I am often asked about this outside Kenya. I am happy to be asked, because Eliud is a legend.“

Having not race since 2020 Ali Kaya surprised the organisers when he asked them to include him on the start list for a comeback race. The 30 year-old former Kenyan, who competed for Turkey since 2013, is a former winner of the Türkiye Is Bankasi Istanbul Half Marathon. When he took the race in 2016 he established a national record of 60:16 that still stands today. The 61:40 qualifying time for the European Championships could be a goal for Ali Kaya. Spaniard Juan Antonio Perez, who has a PB of 60:58, will probably also target this time.

Elite runners and personal bests

MEN

Solomon Berihu ETH 59:17

Edmond Kipngetich KEN 59:25

Dinkalem Ayele ETH 59:30

Solomon Kipchoge KEN 59:37

Benard Biwott KEN 59:44

Antony Kimtai KEN 59:45

Tadesse Abraham SUI 59:53

Hicham Amghar MAR 59:53

Hillary Kipchumba KEN 60:01

Abraham Kipyatich KEN 60:03

Gemechu Bute ETH 60:12

Ali Kaya TUR 60:16

Cameron Levins CAN 60:18

Vincent Mutai KEN 60:20

Edward Pingua KEN 60:44

Benard Sang KEN 60:57

Juan Antonio Perez ESP 60:58

Albert Rop BRN 61:05

Mathew Samperu KEN 61:06

Tegegn Tamerat ETH 61:15

Ashenafi Moges ETH 61:22

WOMEN

Gladys Chepkurui KEN 65:46

Ftaw Zeray ETH 66:04

Betelihem Afenigus ETH 66:46

Aberash Shilima ETH 67:26

Anchinalu Dessie ETH 67:30

Zewditu Aderaw ETH 67:44

Betty Kibet KEN 67:44

Ruth Jebet BRN 68:22

Zinashwork Yenew ETH 69:16

Sheila Chelangat KEN 69:38

Meseret Dinke ETH 70:39

Amina Bettiche ALG 71:38

Miriam Chebet KEN Debut

Meraf Bahta SWE Debut

The Tata Steel Kolkata 25K 2023 has attracted some of the greatest athletes from across the globe who will be building up for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Daniel Simiu Ebenyo headlines the field and he will once again lock horns with some of the finest athletes internationally on Sunday, December 17.

The World 10,000m silver medalist faces competition from fellow Kenyan Benard Biwott and Ethiopian Haymanot Alew, both aiming for strong finishes and setting their sights on the Paris Olympics. Another Kenyan, Leonard Barsoton holds the men's event record with a time of 1:12:49.

The women’s race will feature Ethiopian Yalemzerf Yehualaw, the 10K world record-holder, who will be making her debut in the women's 25K.

The Ethiopian faces competition from Uganda's Mercyline Chelangat and Kenya's Betty Chepkemoi Kibet.

Chelangat will be returning to India for the second time after finishing third in last year's race and aims to improve her performance. Bahrain's Desi Jisa holds the women’s course record of 1:21:04.

The race, offers a total prize money of Ksh 15,553,420, with equal awards for the male and female winners.  This is just over $100,000US. 

As reported by the race organizers, the top three finishers in each category will receive Ksh 1,166,506.50, Ksh 777,671.00, and Ksh 544,369.70 respectively. There will also be an additional bonus of Ksh 466,602.60 for athletes who break records.

The 20th edition Cardiff Half Marathon takes place on Sunday with strong fields assembled for the men's and women's races.

A battle of titans is expected at the 20th edition of the Cardiff Half Marathon scheduled for Sunday, October 1.

Shadrack Kimining leads the men’s field with a Personal Best time of 59:27 and will be returning to Cardiff looking to chase the course record. He has sweet memories of the event since it’s where he made his international debut with victory back in 2016.

His last trip to Cardiff came in 2019 where he lost out to Leonard Langat in the closing metres to finish second in 59:32.

Last year’s winner Geoffrey Koech (59:32) will also be returning, looking to better his winning time of 60:01. Koech has since won the prestigious Boston Half Marathon and more recently finished third at the Prague Half Marathon in April.

Benard Biwott (59:44) who won the Santa Pola Half Marathon and Wesley Kimutai (59:47) who finished second at the prestigious Rome Ostia Half Marathon in March will also be competing.

Challenging the Kenyan charge will be Hicham Amghar (59:53) of Morocco who will be looking to dip under the magical 60-minute barrier for a third time this year having finished fifth at Ras Al Khaimah in February with 59:53 and again in Istanbul finishing second in 59:58.

David Kimaiyo is an exciting debutant owing to his 10km best of 27:26 set at Castellon in February.

Bereket Zeleke (62:27) was fifth at the World U20 Cross Country Championships running for his native Ethiopia and made his debut for the distance in Antrim finishing 10th.

Further International interest sits with Morocco’s Omar El Harrass (61:55), Japan’s Takuya Kitasaki 61:51), and debutant Ben Eidenschink from the USA who was sixth at the US Cross Country Championships in 2022 and has a 10,000m best of 27:51.

Mestawut Fikir (66:44) of Ethiopia heads the start lists for the women’s race following her runaway victory at the Antrim Coast Half Marathon last month.

Her compatriot, Betelihem Afenigus (66:44) sits just two seconds slower on paper and won the popular Venlo Half Marathon earlier this year.

Challenging the Ethiopians will be defending champion Beatrice Cheserek (66:48) who will be familiar with the course and as a fierce competitor will be looking to retain her title on Sunday. So far this year Cheserek has won three half marathons, in Santa Pola, Riyadh and Tallinn.

Viola Chepngeno (66:48) was the runner-up last time and is another athlete who has been extremely busy over the last 12 months, along with Koech, also winning in Boston and lowering her P.B. for 10km to 31:05 in France this April.

Dorcas Kimeli (67:10) became the third fastest in history over 10km with 29:57 at the Birrell Grand Prix in Prague in 2019 and has previously raced in Cardiff back in 2017.

Costa Rican Record Holder for the Half Marathon and for the Marathon, Diana Bogantes-Gonzalez (73:08) will be in action in Cardiff, along with Marcela Joglova (73:46) of the Czech Republic.

Jenny Nesbitt (72:54) will head the Welsh contingent joined by Caryl Edwards (71:18), Anna Bracegirdle (73:21), Olivia Tsim (73:38), and Beth Kidger (76:27).

Further British Athletes of note include Olympian Sonia Samuels (72:19), Cambridge Half Marathon Champion Verity Hopkins (73:35), and Kirsteen Welch (74:42) of Exeter Harriers.

Josh Hartley (49:06) is the outstanding entry in the Men’s Wheelchair race, joined by 2018 Champion Tiaan Bosch (51:14) and multiple Cardiff winner Richie Powell. Martyna Snopek (63:02) is a previous winner of the Great North Run and will be racing in Cardiff on Sunday.

Purity Komen was the surprise winner of the N Kolay Istanbul Half Marathon. Overtaking fellow-Kenyan and race favourite Ruth Chepngetich the 24 year-old stormed to her biggest career win with a personal best of 66:30. Course record holder Chepngetich followed in second with 67:18 while Evaline Chirchir made it an all-Kenyan podium with 67:31. Stella Rutto of Romania was the fastest European, finishing 10th with 70:05.

In partly windy conditions hopes for a course record faded in the men’s race as well after a fast first section. 27 year-old Daniel Ebenyo of Kenya was the winner of Turkey’s best quality road race with 59:52. Marokko’s Hicham Amghar took second place in 59:58 and Haftu Teklu clocked 60:03 for third. Britain’s Marc Scott was the best European runner in 63:17 for 12th place.

A record number of 12,300 runners competed in the 18th edition of the half marathon and the 10k race staged parallel. Many athletes ran for charity, collecting money for the victims of the devastating earthquake that shook southern Turkey earlier this year. The N Kolay Istanbul Half Marathon is a Gold Label Road Race of World Athletics. 

"It was a nice race and especially the men’s elite was very competitive. We are happy that we continue to register record fields. It is always exciting to experience the historic atmosphere here in Istanbul and we are now inviting everyone to be back for our marathon on 5th November,“ said Race Director Reynar Onur.

The women’s race began as expected. Ruth Chepngetich sped away from the field right after the start and was so quick that even the TV cameras missed her on a few occasions early on. Passing the 5k mark in 15:16 the Kenyan was almost on course for breaking her Kenyan record and her Istanbul course record of 64:02, which in 2021 was a world record as well.

However once the 2019 Marathon World Champion came off Galata Bridge and had to run against the wind for almost four kilometers she slowed considerably. At the 10k point her 31:09 split time then indicated a 65:45 finish and her lead had shrunk to only four seconds. Purity Komen, Evaline Chirchir and Ethiopia’s Bosena Mulatie caught her a few minutes later. Then it was  Komen, who had only been number nine with a PB of 67:08 on the final start list, who moved ahead before the 15k mark. Chepngetich tried to follow her in a bid to make it six wins from six races in Istanbul, but today she was unable to do so. Purity Komen won the race with 66:30 and became the first woman to beat Ruth Chepngetich on the historic roads of Istanbul. 

“My body did not respond after the early part of the race. I don’t know why, but I assume that may be the race came a bit too soon after the Nagoya Marathon in March,“ said Ruth Chepngetich. “I have not yet decided if I will run the World Championships’ marathon or an autumn race. The big goal is the Olympic Games next year and I hope to be selected for the team.“

While Ruth Chepngetich is an experienced marathoner the victory in Istanbul may well have brought Purity Komen closer to her debut at the classic distance. “This victory was unexpected. I was surprised when I suddenly saw Ruth in front of me and was then able to pass her,“ said Purity Komen. “I had hoped to achieve a 65 minutes’ time, but it was too windy today. I now plan to run my marathon debut next year.“

The men’s race began very fast as well with the first couple of split times indicating a finishing time of around 58:00. But as in the women’s competition the pace then dropped considerable once the leading group hit the wind. A group of around ten athletes passed the 10k mark in 28:22, which is sub 60 minutes’ pace.

Two athletes were pushing the pace at the front: Kenya’s Daniel Ebenyo and Hicham Amghar of Morocco, who have PBs of 59:04 and 59:53 respectively. Soon after the 15k point (42:33) Ebenyo took the lead, covering the 16th kilometre in 2:46. Only Amghar was able to follow him, but when Ebenyo indicated to him to help pushing the pace the Moroccan stayed right behind him. Ebenyo then kept pressing ahead and opened up a decisive gap with around 4k to go. 

“I hoped to catch Daniel but I am happy with my result. I was going for a PB, but it was not possible in the wind,“ said Hicham Amghar, while Daniel Ebenyo was happy about his first major half marathon victory. “I am excited to have won this race. My aim was to run 59:00 minutes but it was too windy for that,“ said the Kenyan. “I will probably run my marathon debut next year. May be I come back to Istanbul for that.“

Results, Men:

1. Daniel Ebenyo KEN 59:52

2. Hicham Amghar MOR 59:58

3. Haftu Teklu ETH 60:03

4. Charles Langat KEN 60:07

5. Vincent Kipkemoi KEN 60:09

6. Boniface Kibiwott KEN 60:23

7. Benard Biwott KEN 60:47

8. Ashenafi Kiros ETH 61:21

9. Alfred Ngeno KEN 62:24

10. Alene Mekonen ETH 62:32

 

Women:

1. Purity Komen KEN 66:30

2. Ruth Chepngetich KEN 67:18

3. Evaline Chirchir KEN 67:31

4. Bosena Mulatie ETH 67:43

5. Tigist Gezahagn ETH 68:49

6. Betelihem Afenigus ETH 69:04

7. Beatrice Cheserek KEN 69:14

8. Bekelech Gudeta ETH 69:35

9. Shamilah Kipsiror KEN 69:38

10. Stella Rutto ROM 70:05