The strongest women’s elite field in the history of the Mainova Frankfurt Marathon will compete on 26th October. Organizers assembled a field that includes seven women with personal bests of sub 2:23:00 for the 42nd edition of the event. Kenya’s Sharon Chelimo is the fastest on the list with a personal record of 2:19:33.
“We are delighted that we managed to get Sharon Chelimo on the start list at short notice. We now have an exceptionally strong women’s field, so we can expect an exciting and fast race,” said Race Director Jo Schindler. The organizers expect to see a record number of registrants. Based on the current figures, the previous record from 2012 – when there were 16,034 entries – is likely to be surpassed.
A year ago, the highlight at the Mainova Frankfurt Marathon was Ethiopian Hawi Feysa, who set a course record with 2:17:25.
Two years ago, Chelimo, now 31, ran the Frankfurt Marathon in 2:22:07.
Chelimo made her breakthrough this spring with a surprise victory at the Barcelona Marathon. The Kenyan ran 2:19:33, improving her personal best by more than two and a half minutes. Etagegne Woldu (PB: 2:20:03), Buze Diriba (2:20:22), Aminet Ahmed (2:21:24), Tsige Haileslase (all Ethiopia/2:22:10), as well as Kenyans Linet Masai (2:21:01) and Catherine Cherotich (2:22:42) are the other women who have already achieved times of sub 2:23:00.
Additionally, Betty Chepkemoi is one to watch. The Kenyan was the sensational winner of the Vienna City Marathon this spring, running a huge PB of 2:24:14 despite freezing conditions. Two debutants could also produce fine performances: Ethiopians Ayal Dagnachew and Yalemget Yaregal have promising potential with half-marathon PBs of 67:08 and 66:27, respectively.
Further information and online registration are available at: www.frankfurt-marathon.com
