Elite Women Set to Challenge Course Record at the 41st Mainova Frankfurt Marathon

Six elite female runners, all boasting personal bests under 2:23:00, are poised to compete at the 41st Mainova Frankfurt Marathon on October 27. The depth of the women's field suggests that the course record of 2:19:10 might be under threat. Ethiopians Tigist Abayechew and Yeshi Chekole are leading the pack, while Germany's Laura Hottenrott, fresh from her Olympic performance, spearheads the European contingent.

The organizers of Germany's oldest city marathon anticipate over 14,000 participants, with additional entrants in shorter races potentially boosting total participation to over 25,000. The Mainova Frankfurt Marathon holds a World Athletics Elite Label, distinguishing it from many other major autumn marathons. Entries are still open at www.frankfurt-marathon.com.

Race Director Jo Schindler expressed high expectations for the event: "With such a strong women’s lineup, we are hopeful for an exciting race and perhaps even sub 2:20:00 finishes. If the weather cooperates, the course record set by Kenya’s Valary Aiyabei five years ago might be broken."

Tigist Abayechew, with a personal best of 2:18:03 from the Berlin Marathon two years ago, is the fastest woman ever to enter this race. Her compatriot, Yeshi Chekole, boasts a personal best of 2:21:17 from Sevilla. Alongside them, four other women aim to capitalize on Frankfurt's fast course: Shuko Genemo (2:21:35), Kidsan Alena (2:22:28), Meseret Meleka (2:22:52), and Kenya's Magdalyne Masai (2:22:16). Hawi Feiysa, another Ethiopian contender, also poses a threat with a personal best of 2:23:36 and a noteworthy performance at last year’s World Cross Country Championships where she placed sixth.

Representing Europe's top prospects, Germany's Laura Hottenrott returns to the marathon scene after finishing 38th at the Paris Olympics. She achieved a personal best of 2:24:32 in Valencia last year, setting her up as a key competitor in this prestigious event.