Shura Kitata Headlines Men’s Elite Field for 2025 Mainova Frankfurt Marathon

Shura Kitata, winner of the 2017 Mainova Frankfurt Marathon, will return for the 42nd edition of the race on October 26. The Ethiopian star leads the men’s elite field with a personal best of 2:04:49 and will be among the favorites to challenge for victory. Kitata is one of seven athletes in Frankfurt who have run well under 2:08:00, promising a high-quality contest on the city’s famously fast course.

Germany’s Filimon Abraham is among those aiming for a breakthrough, targeting a strong performance and a new personal best in front of the home crowd.

“We have a top-class men’s field this year, and it is very well balanced—there is no clear favorite,” said Race Director Jo Schindler. “We also hope that Filimon Abraham will deliver a fine race.”

Organizers of this long-standing autumn marathon expect a record turnout, with entry numbers projected to surpass the all-time high of 16,034 participants set in 2012.

Kitata Returns to the Scene of His Breakthrough

The Mainova Frankfurt Marathon played a pivotal role in Kitata’s rise to international prominence. In 2017, the then-21-year-old stunned the field with a winning time of 2:05:50, the fourth-fastest in the race’s history—achieved before the advent of today’s carbon-plated shoes. Kitata later improved to 2:04:49 and went on to claim victory at the 2020 London Marathon.

Now 29, Kitata has struggled to replicate his peak form in recent seasons, which may temper expectations despite his pedigree. Nonetheless, his return adds star power and intrigue to this year’s race.

Rising Ethiopian and Kenyan Contenders

Among those poised to challenge Kitata is his 20-year-old compatriot Dejene Megersa, who boasts an impressive 2:05:42 personal best set in Dubai in early 2024—remarkably achieved at age 18.

The Kenyan contingent includes Kipkemoi Kiprono (PB 2:06:45) and Stanley Rono (2:07:05), while Ethiopia will also field Belay Asfaw (2:07:00), Getachew Masresha (2:07:04), and Kirbrom Habtu (2:07:05). All six have run under 2:08:00, ensuring a competitive and unpredictable race.

German Hopes Led by Filimon Abraham

Germany’s Filimon Abraham, now 32, grew up in Eritrea and continues to train at altitude in Asmara. He aims to improve his personal best of 2:08:11, which could secure him a top-ten finish on home soil.

Two other German athletes—Tom Thurley (PB 2:12:45) and Jan Lukas Becker (2:15:20)—will also seek major breakthroughs, aspiring to close the gap on the nation’s leading marathoners.

More details and live stream details available here.