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MBR, edited by Bob Anderson, features unique races, runner stories, tips, and global news. KATARunningRetreat.com My Best Runs allows its members to rate races.

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Follow KATA ( KenyanAthleticTrainingAcademy) Retreats in Kenya & Portugal. At MyBestRuns.com, the highest honor a race can receive is to be recognized as a My BEST 100 Race. This exclusive distinction goes only to the 100 races who’ve been given a perfect 10 race rating. These are considered the best 100 races in the world. My BEST Illustrated Race Calendar

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10/28/2026

Kenyan marathon stars Hellen Obiri and Benson Kipruto will return to the streets of New York on Sunday, November 1, 2026, aiming to retain their titles at the TCS New York City Marathon and extend Kenya’s remarkable legacy in one of the world’s most prestigious road races.

Both athletes arrive as defending champions, carrying the confidence of previous victories but facing formidable opposition in their pursuit of another memorable triumph through the five boroughs of New York City.

Obiri Targets Another Historic New York Triumph

In the women’s race, Obiri will be looking to build on her outstanding performance in 2025, when she won in a course-record time of 2:19:51. The victory further underlined her exceptional ability to excel over the marathon distance and on New York’s demanding course.

A three-time winner would strengthen Obiri’s standing among the most successful women to have competed in the event. However, retaining her crown will require another outstanding performance against a competitive field featuring familiar rivals and accomplished marathoners.

Among her principal challengers is compatriot Sheila Chepkirui, the 2024 champion, who knows what it takes to conquer the streets of New York. Veteran Kenyan marathoner Edna Kiplagat also brings considerable experience and a distinguished record to the contest, adding further depth to the women’s race.

Obiri’s combination of speed, endurance and championship experience makes her a leading contender, but the defending champion will need to deliver another commanding performance to remain ahead of the competition.

Kipruto Seeks Consecutive Victories After Dramatic 2025 Finish

In the men’s race, Kipruto returns with the same objective: to defend his title and prove once again that he belongs among the elite marathoners of his generation.

His 2025 victory remains memorable for its extraordinary finish. Kipruto clocked 2:08:09, edging training partner Alexander Mutiso by just 0.03 seconds in a thrilling sprint through Central Park. The razor-thin margin provided a dramatic conclusion to a fiercely contested race and highlighted the fine margins separating victory from defeat at the highest level.

Kipruto will now attempt to become a back-to-back champion in a field expected to test his endurance, tactical awareness and finishing strength. Standing among the notable challengers are former New York City Marathon champions Geoffrey Kamworor and Abdi Nageeye, both of whom possess the experience and ability to challenge for the title.

With the course demanding sustained effort across all five boroughs before the decisive final miles in Central Park, Kipruto will need to manage his race carefully if he is to repeat last year's success.

His previous victory provides a strong foundation, but defending a major marathon title is never straightforward, particularly against opponents who understand the demands of the course.

Kenya's Double Defence Takes Centre Stage

The prospect of Obiri and Kipruto successfully defending their respective crowns adds an exciting dimension to Sunday's race. Both athletes have already demonstrated that they can handle the pressure of competing at the highest level, but the challenge now is to reproduce those performances against determined challengers.

For Obiri, another victory would further enhance an already impressive marathon résumé. For Kipruto, consecutive titles would reinforce his reputation as one of the sport's most formidable competitors over 42.195 kilometres.

Kenya has a proud tradition at the New York City Marathon, and the two defending champions will once again carry the nation's hopes into one of the biggest events on the global road-running calendar.

With the starting gun set to send thousands of runners through the streets of New York, all eyes will be on the elite races as Obiri and Kipruto attempt to turn another demanding Sunday into a memorable chapter in their careers.

Two defending champions, two fiercely contested races and one major opportunity for Kenya to celebrate another New York double.

by Erick Cheruiyot for My Best Runs

10/27/2026

Kiprop Kimutai Smashes Course Record With Stunning 58:36 Victory At Marseille-Cassis 20K!

Kenya’s Kiprop Kimutai produced a sensational performance at the 47th edition of the Marseille-Cassis 20K in France on Sunday, October 25, 2026, storming to victory in 58:36 and setting a new course record in one of Europe’s most celebrated road races.

Kimutai delivered an outstanding display of strength, speed and endurance over the demanding 20-kilometre course, which is renowned for its challenging hills and spectacular Mediterranean scenery. His remarkable time of 58:36 underlined his dominance on the day, as he crossed the finish line well ahead of the chasing pack to claim a memorable victory.

The Marseille-Cassis race has built a strong reputation for testing athletes with its demanding elevation changes, making Kimutai’s achievement particularly impressive. His performance added another memorable chapter to the event’s long history and highlighted Kenya’s continued strength in international road running.

Djibouti’s Houssein Sougueh secured second place in 1:00:07 after an impressive run, finishing more than a minute behind the Kenyan winner. Uganda’s Silas Boch completed the podium, taking third in 1:00:26 after a strong performance against a competitive international field.

Kenya secured another top-four finish through Gilbert Kipkosgei Kiprotich, who clocked 1:00:28 to finish fourth, just two seconds behind Boch in a closely contested battle for the final podium positions.

Morocco’s Said Kaddour finished fifth in 1:01:04, followed by Congo’s Alex-Franck Ngouari-Mouissi in sixth in 1:01:17. France’s Enzo Couderchet placed seventh in 1:01:38, with compatriot Valentin Andre finishing eighth in 1:02:11. Alexis Miellet took ninth in 1:02:59, while Quentin Meyleu completed the top 10 in 1:03:34.

For Kimutai, the victory was more than a race win. Breaking the course record at such a prestigious event demonstrated his ability to excel on a challenging route while competing against a strong international field. His 58:36 performance will stand as the defining result of the 2026 edition.

The race once again showcased the depth of international road-running talent, with athletes from Kenya, Djibouti, Uganda, Morocco, Congo and France featuring prominently in the men's standings.

As the Marseille-Cassis 20K celebrated its 47th edition, Kimutai emerged as its outstanding performer, combining a commanding victory with a course-record achievement that will be remembered among the highlights of this year's race.

by Erick Cheruiyot for My Best Runs

10/26/2026

Kenyan twins Caroline and Purity Gitonga delivered outstanding performances at the 2026 Valencia Half Marathon in Spain, with both athletes setting new personal bests in a memorable display of endurance, determination, and sibling excellence.

Caroline led the way, clocking an impressive 1:04:59 to finish sixth in the women's race. The performance marked a significant breakthrough for the talented Kenyan, who improved her previous personal best of 1:06:26 by 1 minute and 27 seconds, underlining her continued progress among the world's leading half-marathon runners.

Her twin sister, Purity, was equally impressive, crossing the finish line in 1:05:56 to secure 11th place. She shaved 1 minute and 35 seconds off her previous personal best of 1:07:31, completing a remarkable day for the sisters as they both reached new milestones in their athletic careers.

Their performances highlighted the strength of Kenya's distance-running tradition while showcasing the individual talent and shared determination that have made the Gitonga twins athletes to watch. Competing on one of the world's fastest half-marathon courses, Caroline and Purity demonstrated their ability to translate hard training into significant improvements on the international stage.

Having a twin sister who understands the demands of elite athletics can provide a unique source of motivation. From the discipline required during training to the challenges of competing against the world's best, the sisters share a journey that extends beyond the finish line. Their latest achievements in Valencia offer another inspiring example of how ambition, perseverance, and mutual encouragement can drive athletes toward new heights.

For Caroline, finishing sixth in 1:04:59 represents another important step in her development, while Purity's 1:05:56 performance confirms her own impressive progress. Although they finished several places apart, their achievements tell the same powerful story: two athletes pushing their limits and continuing to improve against a highly competitive international field.

Valencia once again provided a stage for exceptional distance-running performances, and the Gitonga twins made the most of the opportunity. Their personal bests are not only a testament to their hard work but also an encouraging sign of what they could accomplish as they continue to gain experience and pursue even greater ambitions.

Two sisters, two personal bests, and one unforgettable day on the roads of Valencia. Caroline and Purity Gitonga have given Kenyan athletics another reason to celebrate, and their latest performances will undoubtedly strengthen interest in what the talented twins can achieve in the seasons ahead.

by Erick Cheruiyot for My Best Runs

10/23/2026

Casablanca Half Marathon 2026: Regina Wambui Ndungu Leads Kenyan Charge Against Morocco’s Best

The women’s elite race at the 2026 Casablanca Half Marathon promises an exciting battle for supremacy on Sunday, October 25, as Kenya’s Regina Wambui Ndungu leads a competitive international field featuring Uganda’s Rispa Cherop and Morocco’s homegrown stars.

With a personal best of 1:07:10, Ndungu arrives as the fastest athlete listed in the women’s elite field, making her a leading contender for victory. However, the Kenyan will face a determined challenge from athletes eager to seize the spotlight on Moroccan soil, setting the stage for an intriguing contest over 21.0975 kilometres.

Ndungu’s credentials place her firmly among the favourites, but translating that status into victory will require a composed and tactically intelligent performance. The outcome could depend on how the leading contenders manage the pace, respond to changes in the race, and position themselves for the decisive kilometres.

Morocco’s Rahma Tahiri is expected to be among the principal challengers. With a personal best of 1:08:34, she possesses the speed to compete for the title and will have the added motivation of racing in front of the home crowd. A victory on familiar roads would be a significant achievement, and Tahiri will be eager to make the most of the opportunity.

Uganda’s Rispa Cherop also enters the contest with a strong performance record. Her personal best of 1:08:53 places her among the leading contenders, within striking distance of Tahiri and close enough to Ndungu to make the contest unpredictable. If she can remain in contact with the front-runners through the early stages, Cherop could emerge as a serious threat in the closing kilometres.

Beyond the leading trio, the field features several Moroccan athletes seeking to challenge the established favourites. Meryeme Azrour, with a personal best of 1:09:46, and Kaoutar Farkoussi, who has run 1:09:58, are both capable of adding depth to the contest. Fatima Aafir, listed at 1:10:54, will also be among the athletes looking to produce a competitive performance.

Other names on the entry list include Soukaina Elhaji (1:12:49), Hanane El Bajjaoui (1:14:13), Rababe Arafi (1:14:20), Jamila Ayachi (1:15:12), Liz Romo (1:14:59), Sakina El Adel (1:16:51) and Fatima Zahra Erregui (1:17:44).

With several athletes boasting personal bests below 1:10, the leading group could produce an aggressive race from the outset. However, the fastest personal best does not guarantee victory, and the ability to execute the right strategy on race day will ultimately determine who comes out on top.

The Casablanca Half Marathon will provide an important opportunity for the elite women to test themselves against international opposition while showcasing the depth of distance-running talent from Morocco and beyond.

For Ndungu, the objective will be to convert her position as the fastest entrant into a winning performance. For Tahiri, the challenge is to turn home advantage into a memorable triumph. Cherop, meanwhile, will be looking to upset the leading contenders and take the title back to Uganda.

With Kenyan ambition, Ugandan determination and Moroccan home-crowd support converging on the same course, the women’s elite contest promises to be one of the key attractions of the 2026 Casablanca Half Marathon.

by Erick Cheruiyot for My Best Runs

10/22/2026

At 81, Spanish endurance runner Juan López García is challenging conventional ideas about ageing, proving that extraordinary athletic achievements can emerge long after most people believe their sporting years are behind them. In 2025, López clocked an astonishing 4:47:39 for 50 kilometres, reportedly shattering the men's 80-and-over world record by nearly 50 minutes.

Known affectionately as “Super López,” the Spaniard has become an extraordinary example of late-life athletic development. His story is even more remarkable because he did not spend his youth chasing medals or building a career in competitive running. Instead, he spent decades working as a mechanic in Toledo, Spain, fixing engines and earning his living before discovering his own remarkable endurance potential in retirement.

López did not begin running until he was 66, and he did not enter his first race until he was 70. What started as a simple way to stay active gradually developed into a passion that would transform his life. Rather than accepting the limitations commonly associated with advancing age, he continued training, racing and discovering what his body could achieve.

His journey offers a powerful reminder that sporting potential does not always emerge early. Sometimes, it takes decades of life experience before a person discovers an ability they never knew they possessed.

The scale of his achievement became even clearer when researchers examined his physiology. In a scientific study published in Frontiers in Physiology, López recorded a maximum oxygen uptake, or VO₂ max, of 52.8 millilitres per kilogram per minute. This measures the body's ability to take in and use oxygen during intense exercise and is a key indicator of aerobic fitness. Researchers described the value as the highest they knew of in an individual over 80, comparable to the 70th percentile among healthy men aged 20 to 30.

His other physiological measurements were equally remarkable. López reached his lactate threshold at 10.5 kilometres per hour, precisely the average speed he maintained during his record-breaking 50K. His maximum fat oxidation rate was measured at 0.55 grams per minute, achieved at 84 per cent of his VO₂ max. Researchers also found evidence of exceptionally well-preserved muscle oxygen utilisation, helping explain how he could sustain such a demanding effort for nearly five hours.

López's performance was no accident. Reports indicate that he runs between approximately 65 and 120 kilometres per week, training across six days and incorporating faster sessions alongside endurance work. His approach reflects the discipline of his former profession: consistency, attention to detail and a willingness to keep working towards a goal. Although genetics undoubtedly contribute to his extraordinary physiology, his training demonstrates the potential for endurance fitness to develop well into later life.

His achievements extend beyond ultrarunning. In 2024, López ran the marathon in 3:39:10, establishing a European record in the men's 80-and-over category. He has also claimed the world marathon title in his age group, further underlining his remarkable versatility across long-distance events.

What makes López's story so compelling is not simply the time he ran or the records he broke. It is the fact that his journey began when many people would consider their opportunity for competitive sport long gone. He did not grow up dreaming of world records, nor did he spend his younger years building an elite running career. He discovered the sport in retirement and gradually transformed a simple recreational activity into an extraordinary pursuit of endurance.

His case also offers valuable lessons for sports science. Ageing inevitably brings physiological changes, but regular physical activity can help preserve cardiovascular fitness, muscle function and the body's ability to use oxygen efficiently. López's results cannot be expected of every older athlete, and his individual genetics may play an important role. Nevertheless, his example provides researchers with a rare opportunity to understand how training and exceptional physiology can combine to support high-level endurance performance in advanced age.

At 81, Juan López García was not merely participating in sport to stay active. He was running 50 kilometres at an average pace of approximately 5:45 per kilometre, demonstrating a level of endurance that would challenge many younger runners. His story is a powerful reminder that age does not have to mark the end of ambition, discovery or physical achievement.

For anyone who believes they have waited too long to start running, the Spanish mechanic offers an extraordinary example. He began at 66, entered his first race at 70 and went on to produce one of the most remarkable age-group performances in endurance running.

Super López did not spend his life chasing youth. He discovered running late, committed himself to the process and continued to push his limits. At 81, his message is unmistakable: it is never too late to begin, and sometimes the most extraordinary chapter of an athletic life comes when nobody expects it.

by Erick Cheruiyot for My Best Runs

10/21/2026

From 2:55:18 To 1:59:30: How 118 Years Transformed The Marathon

The marathon has undergone one of the most extraordinary transformations in sporting history, and two landmark performances separated by 118 years offer a remarkable illustration of just how far human endurance has advanced.

In 1908, American distance runner Johnny Hayes won the Olympic marathon in London in 2:55:18, producing one of the defining performances of the early modern era of distance running. On April 26, 2026, the same city witnessed another historic moment when Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe stormed to victory at the London Marathon in 1:59:30, becoming the first man to complete the marathon in under two hours in a record-eligible race.

Although their achievements belong to different eras, the contrast between the two performances captures more than a century of progress in athletics.

Hayes’s victory at the 1908 London Olympics came in a race that helped shape the modern marathon. His winning time of 2:55:18 was an Olympic milestone, although it was not an officially ratified marathon world record under the standards used today. Marathon world records were formally recognised much later.

More than a century later, Sawe rewrote the limits of what was considered possible over the classic 42.195-kilometre distance. His sensational 1:59:30 performance at the 2026 London Marathon broke the recognised men’s world record by 65 seconds, becoming the first officially eligible sub-two-hour marathon in history.

The difference between Hayes’s finishing time and Sawe’s is a staggering 55 minutes and 48 seconds.

Put another way, Sawe completed the marathon almost an hour faster than Hayes, despite both athletes tackling the same fundamental challenge: covering 42.195 kilometres on foot.

The pace comparison makes the scale of that evolution even more striking. Hayes averaged approximately 4:09 per kilometre, while Sawe maintained an astonishing average of about 2:50 per kilometre.

That means Sawe ran each kilometre roughly 79 seconds faster than Hayes’s average pace. Sustaining that difference over the entire marathon adds up to an extraordinary gap between two generations of distance running.

Imagine placing the two performances side by side. At Hayes’s average pace, Sawe would already have crossed the finish line while Hayes still had approximately 13.4 kilometres left to cover.

Such a comparison would have been almost unimaginable in the early days of Olympic marathon running.

The evolution of the sport has been driven by numerous advances. Modern athletes benefit from more sophisticated training methods, scientific approaches to recovery, carefully planned race strategies and increasingly precise nutritional support. Advances in footwear, particularly lightweight racing shoes incorporating carbon-fibre plates and advanced foams, have also changed the landscape of elite marathon running.

Pacing strategies have become more refined, while sports science has helped athletes understand how to distribute their energy, maintain efficiency and sustain demanding speeds over longer periods.

Sawe’s performance demonstrated what can happen when exceptional natural ability, meticulous preparation, modern technology and near-perfect race ex*****on come together. His achievement was not simply a victory over the clock; it was a breakthrough that pushed the perceived boundaries of human endurance into new territory.

Yet, amid all these changes, one essential element has remained constant.

The marathon is still 42.195 kilometres long.

From Hayes’s triumph in London in 1908 to Sawe’s historic sub-two-hour performance in the British capital in 2026, the distance has remained unchanged while the speed at which the world’s finest athletes cover it has evolved dramatically.

One performance belongs to the formative years of modern marathon running. The other represents a new frontier in a sport that continues to redefine its limits.

London has now witnessed both ends of this remarkable historical comparison: an Olympic champion completing the marathon in 2:55:18 and a Kenyan world-record holder conquering it in 1:59:30.

The distance stayed the same. The shoes, science, training and understanding of human performance changed. And the clock tells the story of just how far marathon running has come.

by Erick Cheruiyot for My Best Runs

10/20/2026

From Paralysis To 26.2 Miles: Wyatt Anderson’s Extraordinary Journey Back To Running 🙌

At 17 years old, Wyatt Anderson has already experienced a journey that few could imagine — from being paralyzed from the neck down to completing one of the world’s most prestigious marathons.

His achievement at the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon was not simply about running 26.2 miles. It was the culmination of nearly a year of courage, painful rehabilitation, determination and an unwavering refusal to give up.

On November 4, 2025, Wyatt’s life changed in a matter of seconds. While chasing a rebound during a basketball game, he collided headfirst with a wall and suffered a devastating C3 spinal cord injury.

The impact left the teenager paralyzed from the neck down, turning movements that once seemed effortless into seemingly impossible challenges. His future was suddenly uncertain, and the road ahead would demand extraordinary patience and resilience.

But Wyatt was not prepared to let the injury define the rest of his life.

After undergoing complex spinal fusion surgery, he began an intense rehabilitation journey at Frazier Rehab Institute in Louisville, Kentucky. For the next 11 months, progress came in small but meaningful victories — from moving a single finger to regaining the ability to stand, walk and, eventually, run.

Every step represented another battle won.

Then came Chicago.

With his brother, Jack, running by his side, Wyatt took on the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon and completed the full 26.2-mile distance in an astonishing 3:56:28.

Less than a year after suffering an injury that had left him paralyzed from the neck down, the 17-year-old had crossed a marathon finish line on his own feet.

It was a moment that went far beyond a finishing time.

Wyatt and Jack also used their marathon journey to raise thousands of dollars for the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, helping support spinal cord injury research and efforts to improve the lives of people living with paralysis.

For Wyatt, the marathon became another chapter in a recovery story that continues to inspire.

And perhaps his most powerful message is not about how quickly he returned to running, but about how he approached every difficult day along the way.

“Just take it day by day... you can do it. And most importantly, be positive and smile.”

Those words capture the heart of his journey.

Wyatt Anderson did not simply run 26.2 miles in Chicago. He showed what can happen when hope survives even the darkest moments, when setbacks are met with patience, and when progress — no matter how small — is celebrated as another step forward.

His story is a reminder that recovery does not always happen in giant leaps. Sometimes it begins with one finger moving. One step. One more attempt. One more day.

And eventually, those small victories can carry someone all the way to a marathon finish line.

For most runners, 26.2 miles is a test of endurance.

For Wyatt, it was a celebration of getting his life back.

Some finish lines are measured in miles. Others are measured in courage, resilience and the strength to begin again.

Wyatt’s finish line represents all of them.

by Erick Cheruiyot for My Best Runs

10/19/2026

Alexander Mutiso Munyao and Agnes Ngetich Rewrite Tokyo Legacy Half Marathon Records With Kenyan Double Victory!

Kenyan distance runners Alexander Mutiso Munyao and Agnes Jebet Ngetich delivered outstanding performances at the 2026 Tokyo Legacy Half Marathon, securing victories in the men's and women's races while setting new course records in a memorable display of Kenyan endurance and speed.

The two athletes produced impressive runs to underline Kenya's continued strength in international road racing, with Mutiso winning the men's race in 59:51 and Ngetich dominating the women's contest in 1:04:23.

Mutiso led the men's race with an impressive performance, crossing the finish line in 59 minutes and 51 seconds to claim the title and establish a new course record. His time improved the previous course record by one second, marking a significant achievement on the streets of Tokyo.

The Kenyan demonstrated the speed and endurance required to excel over the half-marathon distance, completing the 21.0975-kilometre race in under one hour. His performance further highlighted his ability to compete at the highest level of international road running and added another notable result to his racing career.

In the women's race, Ngetich delivered a commanding performance, stopping the clock at 1:04:23 to secure victory and lower the existing course record. The Kenyan star demonstrated remarkable strength and consistency, separating herself from the chasing pack as she powered towards the finish line.

Fellow Kenyan Tabita Jeli Kamau finished second in 1:08:28, more than four minutes behind Ngetich. The substantial margin underlined Ngetich's dominance on the day, as she produced an exceptional performance to secure the women's title and establish a new benchmark for the course.

Ngetich's time of 1:04:23 was an impressive achievement over the half-marathon distance, reflecting the exceptional pace and endurance that have made her one of Kenya's leading distance-running talents. Her victory further strengthened the country's reputation for producing athletes capable of delivering outstanding performances on the international road-running circuit.

The double victory gave Kenya plenty to celebrate in Tokyo, with both Mutiso and Ngetich combining individual success with new course records. Their performances highlighted the depth of Kenyan talent in road running and the country's continued presence among the leading forces in international distance athletics.

Beyond the two victories, the results demonstrated Kenya's ability to excel in both the men's and women's competitions on the same international stage. With Mutiso breaking the men's record and Ngetich producing a commanding women's victory, the Kenyan athletes turned the 2026 Tokyo Legacy Half Marathon into a memorable occasion for their country and another notable chapter in their respective careers.

by Erick Cheruiyot for My Best Runs

10/15/2026

Frankfurt Assembles Fastest-Ever Men’s Field as Former Champion Meskerem Assefa Returns

The 43rd Mainova Frankfurt Marathon is set for a fast edition on October 25, with the deepest men’s field in race history and the return of 2018 women’s champion Meskerem Assefa.

For the first time, four men on the start list have personal bests under 2:05, with another four having broken 2:07. German record-holder Amanal Petros leads the field at 2:04:03, setting up a showdown featuring three of Germany’s leading marathoners.

The women’s race also promises strong competition. Five entrants have run under 2:22, making it the second-deepest women’s field in Frankfurt history by that measure, behind only the 2025 edition, which featured six.

“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.

German Stars Lead the Men’s Challenge

European champion Petros tops the entry list, but the competition is close. Ethiopia’s Andualem Belay brings a personal best of 2:04:44, followed by Germany’s Samuel Fitwi at 2:04:45 and Richard Ringer at 2:04:47.

With just 44 seconds separating the personal bests of the four fastest entrants, the race offers the prospect of a competitive battle at the front.

Kenya’s Benard Biwott, who has run 2:05:25, leads the next group of contenders. Israel’s Haimro Alame and Ethiopians Antenayehu Dagnachew and Jiregna Geleta round out the eight men with personal bests under 2:07.

Assefa Returns to Face Yimer and Saina

Meskerem Assefa’s return adds a former champion to an already strong women’s field. Her participation had been uncertain because of visa requirements, but organizers have now secured the visa needed for her trip to Germany.

The Ethiopian’s personal best of 2:20:36 makes her the third-fastest entrant, behind compatriot Zeineba Yimer at 2:18:47 and American Betsy Saina at 2:19:17.

Ethiopia’s Siranesh Yirga and Kenya’s Marion Kibor complete the group of five women who have broken 2:22.

There was disappointing news for another former champion: Ethiopia’s Buzunesh Getachew, the 2023 Frankfurt winner, has withdrawn because of injury.

German interest will also focus on Blanka Dörfel, who is scheduled to make her marathon debut.

by Race News service

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