by Alfonz Juck
Mark Korir, 2:06:48, photo by PhotoRun.net
Mamitu Daska, 2:25:27, photo by PhotoRun.net
M. Korir 2:06:48 and Daska beats Tola
FRANKFURT (GER, Oct 30): Mark Korir ran the second fastest time of his career of 2:06:48 to win the 35th edition of the Frankfurt Marathon. It was also his second big city win after winning the Paris Marathon last year. Korir broke away in the late stages to defeat Martin Kosgey (2:07:22) and reigning Paris Marathon winner Cyprian Kotut (2:07:28). Bobby Curtis ran a measured race, moving from 16th at halfway (64:58) to finish fourth in 2:11:20 PB, one place ahead of sub-2:05 entrant and former runner-up Tadese Tola (2:11:52). Best European Weldu Gebretsadik for Norway as 7th 2:12:20. Mamitu Daska was poised to challenge the course record of 2:21:01 through halfway in 70:40 but the Ethiopian struggled with stomach problems during the second half and slowed drastically in the closing kilometres. Germany’s Fate Tola made up 70 seconds on Daska in the last 2.2km but held on to claim the win in 2:25:27 with Tola second in 2:25:42 (her first marathon as German and also national title). Kenya’s Sarah Jebet was third in 2:27:07 ahead of USA’s Lindsay Flanagan (2:29:28 PB) and Brit Charlotte Purdue (2:30:04). Sixth in big PB Swiss Martina Strahli 2:30:58. Sutume Asefa Kebede was a notable DNF after tracking Daska through halfway. Marcus Schönfisch won the German men title with a time of 2:20:12 (16th overall). In total 15 800 runners entered the race.
