Mainova Frankfurt Marathon Announces Final Elite Fields

The strongest men’s field in the event’s history will line up for the 43rd Mainova Frankfurt Marathon on 25 October. For the first time, four men on the start list have personal bests under 2:05:00, with another four having broken 2:07:00.

Organisers have also confirmed the return of Ethiopia’s Meskerem Assefa, the 2018 women’s champion. Her addition brings the number of women with personal bests under 2:22:00 to five, making this the second-deepest women’s field in the race’s history by that measure. Only the 2025 edition, which featured six women below that mark, had more.

“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 of the Mainova Frankfurt Marathon.

European champion Amanal Petros leads the men’s entries with his German record of 2:04:03. Ethiopia’s Andualem Belay follows with 2:04:44, just ahead of Germany’s Samuel Fitwi (2:04:45) and Richard Ringer (2:04:47). With three German runners among the four fastest entrants, the home contenders are expected to feature prominently in the battle for victory.

In the women’s race, Assefa’s participation was initially uncertain because of stricter visa requirements, but organisers have now secured the visa needed for her to travel to Germany. Her personal best of 2:20:36 makes her the third-fastest entrant behind fellow Ethiopian Zeineba Yimer (2:18:47) and Betsy Saina of the United States (2:19:17).

Ethiopia’s Buzunesh Getachew, the 2023 Frankfurt champion, has withdrawn through injury. Meanwhile, Germany’s Blanka Dörfel will make her marathon debut on 25 October.

Men’s Elite Field

Women’s Elite Field

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