Misoi defends Frankfurt Marathon title in personal best time

Kenyan marathoner Brimin Misoi successfully defended his Mainova Frankfurt Marathon title on Sunday 29 October as he raced to an impressive time of 2:04:53 in Festhalle.

Coming in as the winner in the last edition of the race that was marking its 40th anniversary, Misoi produced the second fastest performance in the event’s history, becoming the first man since compatriot Wilson Kipsang won two consecutive Mainova Frankfurt Marathon titles, beginning in 2010.

Two Ethiopians - Mulugeta Uma and Guye Adola - finished second and third in 2:06:47 and 2:0:7:44 respectively.

“It’s a great feeling to have won here for a second time,” Mosoi said after the race. “From 35 kilometers, it was tough.”

Misoi was looking to make a decisive move soon after going through halfway in 61:38, and when he increased the pace at 23 kilometers, only Adola was able to go with him.

Five kilometers later, Misoi dropped him, and despite the rainy and windy conditions taking a toll, the Kenyan’s victory was never in doubt, holding a strong and comfortable lead to the finish line.

In the women’s race, Buzunesh Gudeta of Ethiopia achieved the second fastest women’s time ever in the event with 2:19:27, missing the course record by 17 seconds.

Kenyan Winfridah Moseti made a big improvement on her own personal best to finish second in 2:20:55 while her fellow compatriot Sharon Arusho also ran her fastest-ever marathon for third place in 2:22:07.

Five women broke 2:25, making the race one of the best in terms of strength in depth in the race’s history.

The first four all set personal bests.

“I’m very happy with the anniversary edition and take my hat off to our top athletes for posting excellent times given the conditions,” race director Jo Schindler said. “Despite the difficult conditions, we’ve seen top level, international performances.

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“That says a lot for Frankfurt and its fast course. From 35 kilometers it wasn’t easy with a headwind and rain and the road surface was also very slippery.”

The combined winning times of the women’s and men’s champions came to 4:24:20, the fastest aggregate time ever in Frankfurt, with the race having 13,258 participants from 115 countries.

Results.

Men:

1 Brimin Misoi KEN 2:04:53

2 Mulugeta Uma ETH 2:06:47

3 Guye Adola ETH 2:07:44

4 Albert Kangogo KEN 2:08:10

5 Dominic Letting KEN 2:08:23

6 Isaac Lelei KEN 2:09:32

7 Frederick Kibii KEN 2:09:33

8 Edwin Tuitoek KEN 2:12:16

9 Simon Boch GER 2:12:32

10 Soufiyan Bouqantar MAR 2:12:44

11 Mario Bauernfeind AUT 2:12:49

12 Tom Anderson GBR 2:12:52

Women:

1 Buzunesh Gudeta ETH 2:19:27

2 Winfridah Moseti KEN 2:20:55

3 Sharon Arusho KEN 2:22:07

4 Viola Kibiwott KEN 2:22:57

5 Agnes Keino KEN 2:23:44

6 Paskalia Jepkogei KEN 2:26:14

7 Visiline Jepkesho KEN 2:26:20

8 Naom Jebet KEN 2:26:48

9 Magdalyne Masai KEN 2:27:19

10 Medina Armino ETH 2:27:54

11 Miriam Dattke GER 2:28:12

12 Viktoriia Kaliuzhna UKR 2:28:23

13 Matea Parlov Kostro CRO 2:28:37