Masai returns to Frankfurt in top form, eyes redemption after Tokyo heartbreak
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 22.10.25. | 19:24
There are six women on the start list who have achieved PBs of sub 2:23:00
Magdalyne Masai headlines Mainova Frankfurt Marathon on Sunday, 26 October, a late addition to the field making her third appearance.
The Kenyan has recovered quickly from collapsing in brutal heat during the World Championships’ Marathon in Tokyo last month and is ready to race.
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In 2024, the 31 year-old was runner-up with a strong personal best (PB) of 2:18:58.
With this time she is the fastest woman ever on a start list that will see the strongest elite field in its history.
There are six women on the start list who have achieved PBs of sub 2:23:00.
Two of them, Masai and compatriot Sharon Chelimo, who improved to 2:19:33 when she took the Barcelona Marathon this spring, have broken 2:20:00.
Ethiopians Etagegne Woldu (2:20:03) and Aminet Ahmed (2:21:24) had to withdraw due to injuries.
Masai was in the bronze medal position at the World Championships’ marathon in Tokyo in extremely hot and humid conditions, but then suffered problems in the heat and collapsed.
“After a break to recover, my first training session went so well that I really wanted to run another marathon in the autumn. I am in the best shape of my life and did not want to waste it,“ said Masai. “Frankfurt is the perfect race for me. I am really excited to have the chance to come back."
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Meanwhile, the men's field is very strong as well with seven runners featuring PBs of sub 2:08:00.
Ethiopia’s Shura Kitata, the winner of the 2017 race, is returning.
With a PB of 2:04:49 he leads the field ahead of his highly-rated compatriot Dejene Megersa (PB: 2:05:42).
Germany’s Filimon Abraham hopes to produce a fine performance and aims to break his PB of 2:08:11 on the fast Frankfurt course.
Elite Runners with Personal Bests:
Men
Shura Kitata ETH 2:04:49
Dejene Megersa ETH 2:05:42
Kipkemoi Kiprono KEN 2:06:45
Belay Asfaw ETH 2:07:00
Getachew Masresha ETH 2:07:04
Stanley Rono KEN 2:07:05
Kirbrom Habtu ETH 2:07:05
Filimon Abraham GER 2:08:11
Edwin Kibichiy KEN 2:08:29
Benson Murkomen KEN 2:08:35
Timothy Misoi KEN 2:08:38
Vincent Mutai KEN 2:09:09
Therence Bizosa BDI 2:09:18
Yismaw Yitayew ETH 2:09:32
Yasin Haji ETH 2:09:52
Lulu Negera ETH 2:09:54
Tom Thurley GER 2:12:45
Jan Lukas Becker GER 2:15:20
Emmanuel Wafula KEN Debüt
Taresa Bekuma ETH Debüt
Diriba Girma ETH Debüt
Women
Magdalyne Masai KEN 2:18:58
Sharon Chelimo KEN 2:19:33
Buze Diriba ETH 2:20:22
Linet Masai KEN 2:21:01
Tsige Haileslase ETH 2:22:10
Catherine Cherotich KEN 2:22:42
Urge Diro ETH 2:23:05
Stacy Ndiwa KEN 2:23:29
Betty Chepkemoi KEN 2:24:14
Abbie Donnelly GBR 2:26:21
Ayinadis Teshome ETH 2:27:58
Tegest Ymer ETH 2:29:27
Pascaline Kibiwott KEN 2:29:47
Katharina Saathoff GER 2:35:08
Yalemget Yaregal ETH Debüt
Ayal Dagnachew ETH Debüt
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