Frankfurt Marathon Final Elite Field Preview

Posted by: Watch Athletics

Three women, one objective: Yeshi Chekole, Hawi Feysa, and Magdalyne Masai aim to shatter the course record at the 41st Mainova Frankfurt Marathon this Sunday, which currently stands at 2:19:10. Yeshi Chekole, the fleet-footed Ethiopian, headlines this year’s field with a personal best of 2:21:17. Meanwhile, Elisha Rotich, the fastest among the men, holds a commendable record of 2:04:21 from his 2021 victory at the Paris Marathon.

The men’s division boasts five athletes with bests under 2:07 and an additional ten who have dipped below 2:10. For the women, five have clocked times under 2:23. Despite some late withdrawals, Frankfurt still promises a formidable elite field capable of delivering a swift and captivating race.

“We are thrilled to present another world-class, exhilarating race that may well spring a few surprises,” remarked Race Director Jo Schindler. As Germany’s oldest city marathon, this year’s event draws approximately 14,000 participants, with total numbers exceeding 25,000 when including concurrent events. The Mainova Frankfurt Marathon holds a distinguished position among the Elite Label Road Race Events governed by World Athletics.

Elisha Rotich: A Front-Runner among Men

Elisha Rotich, with a proven track record of stellar performances, is arguably the men’s favorite. His crowning achievement remains his record-breaking victory in the 2021 Paris Marathon, where he surpassed even the legendary Kenenisa Bekele’s best time.

“I’ve rigorously trained for five months targeting the Frankfurt Marathon. Favorable weather, cooler temperatures, and cooperative pacing within the lead group could facilitate sub-2:05 performances,” Rotich shared. He faces stiff competition from a quartet of swift Ethiopians: Lencho Tesfaye (2:06:18), Aychew Banti (2:06:23), Abay Alemu (2:06:50), and Birhan Nebebew (2:06:52).

Potential Surprises from Hawi Feysa

The women’s elite roster is particularly strong, with several contenders poised to challenge Valary Aiyabei’s 2019 record of 2:19:10. Notables include Ethiopians Shuko Genemo (2:21:35) and Meseret Dinke (2:22:35), alongside Kenya’s Magdalyne Masai (2:22:16). Chekole, returning from an ankle injury, expressed both caution and ambition: “I’m targeting the course record, but must mind my recovery. Regardless, I’m set on achieving a personal best.”

Hawi Feysa’s performance is eagerly anticipated, bolstered by her half marathon prowess (65:41) and a commendable sixth-place finish at last year’s World Cross Country Championships. “Training alongside Olympic medallists and world champions in Addis Ababa puts us on par, yet competition always unveils new layers,” Feysa stated, underscoring her readiness for an exceptional performance.

Family Ties and High Aspirations

This edition of the Frankfurt Marathon will also be a family affair, featuring New Zealander Jake Robertson, married to Magdalyne, and her sister Linet Masai, the 2009 World 10,000m champion. Linet, transitioning from track to marathon, shared, “It’s been a challenging journey, but I’m eager to emulate my past successes.” This race marks a rare reunion for the siblings.

The Frankfurt Marathon continues to spotlight elite athleticism, where personal bests and records are keenly pursued across a highly competitive field. Further details and participant registration are available on the official marathon website.

Elite runners with personal bests

MEN ELITE FIELD

  1. Elisha Rotich KEN 2:04:21
  2. Lencho Tesfaye ETH 2:06:18
  3. Aychew Bantie ETH 2:06:23
  4. Alemu Abay ETH 2:06:50
  5. Birhan Nebebew ETH 2:06:52
  6. Gossa Challa ETH 2:07:43
  7. Workneh Serbessa ETH 2:07:58
  8. Abdelaziz Merzougui ESP 2:08:00
  9. Gerba Dibaba ETH 2:08:25
  10. Jake Robertson NZL 2:08:26
  11. Belay Bezabeh ETH 2:08:58
  12. Ebba Chala SWE 2:09:06
  13. Reuben Narry KEN 2:09:06
  14. Bernard Muia KEN 2:09:17
  15. Vincent Ronoh KEN 2:09:21
  16. Benson Mukomen ETH 2:10:34
  17. Tom Thurley GER 2:14:52
  18. Jonathan Dahlke GER 2:15:42
  19. Jan Lukas Becker GER Debut

WOMEN ELITE FIELD

  1. Yeshi Chekole ETH 2:21:17
  2. Shuko Genemo ETH 2:21:35
  3. Magdalyne Masai KEN 2:22:16
  4. Kidsan Alema ETH 2:22:28
  5. Meseret Dinke ETH 2:22:52
  6. Betty Chepkwony KEN 2:23:02
  7. Agnes Keino KEN 2:23:26
  8. Hawi Feysa ETH 2:23:36
  9. Linet Masai KEN 2:23:46
  10. Laura Hottenrott GER 2:24:32
  11. Tadelech Nedi ETH 2:26:23
  12. Georgina Schwiening GBR 2:26:28
  13. Aberash Korsa ETH 2:29:04
  14. Selam Gebre ETH 2:30:30
  15. Naomi Mitchell GBR 2:30:54
  16. Louise Small GBR 2:30:54

Further information and online registration is available at: www.frankfurt-marathon.com 

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