The 43rd Mainova Frankfurt Marathon is scheduled for 25 October, with a men’s field billed as the fastest in the event’s history. For the first time, four runners on the entry list have recorded personal bests under 2:05. In addition, four other runners have already gone under 2:07.
On the women’s side, the elite line-up will also be at a high level. The text states that there will now be five athletes in the elite with personal records under 2:22. This corresponds to the second-best women’s line-up in the race’s history, while in 2025 six athletes had already reached this type of performance.
From the organisers and race direction, Jo Schindler speaks as race director for this edition. He projects the image of an elite field at the top and stresses the presence of German men. He also says he expects a high-level race, pointing out that this is the best selection he has ever seen for this marathon.
For the women’s race, Meskerem Assefa saw her place in the elite confirmed after uncertainties linked to obtaining a visa. The text explains that stricter visa requirements, affecting European events, first made her travel plans uncertain. The organisers announce that they have finally secured the Ethiopian athlete’s visa.
Lastly, the 25 October edition includes changes to the elite women’s list. The text mentions that Buzunesh Getachew, the winner in 2023, had to withdraw due to an injury. It also says that Blanka Dörfel is expected to make her debut on 25 October.
