by Larry EderThe Mainova Frankfurt Marathon is one of the finest marathons in the world. 40,000 people will compete in the kids runs, half marathon, Marathon Relay (4 people) and the marathon. I have visited the event, thanks to Meet Managent, for the past seven years.
Katherina Steinruck and Mark Kiptoo, photo by Mainova Frankfurt Marathon
Here are five deep thoughts I have about the event, which will be held in on 27 October 2019:
1. Mainova Frankfurt Marathon is a deceptively fast course. Frankfurt has been here, since the times of the Romans. After nearly two thousand years, the continuted evolution of the village to a city to European financial capital has been fascinating. The streets, some quite historical, help athletes keep the pace sensible early on. Later on, the course and fans engage the runners to do their very best.
2. Mainova Frankfurt Expo is old school, with feel that one is, of course, in Germany. The Messe Frankfurt is one of 140 in the company that owns the property. One will find natural foods, diverse running brands, training groups, tough German, French and Swiss hill races. A nice enthusiasm is found in the Expo, with a feel of U.S. running expo’s in the 1970s. Everything is running.
3. This year, the women’s race is going to be hot. Could we see 3 under 2:20? While many speak of Lonah Saltpeter, the former Kenyan consulate employee in Isreal, there are others. On 5 May, Lonah Saltpeter ran 2:19.46 at the Prague Marathon. Lonah had a tough day in Doha, but has recovered well and wanted a good race. The 2018 European 10,000m champ (and almost 5,000m champ, but she miscounted laps) has a lovely sense of humor and sense of purpose. This writer suspects two Ethiopian women have desire, fitness and talent, namely Meskererm Aseffa, Megertu Kebede. I also believe Kenyan Valeriy Aiyabei will be a factor, expect a 2:18 winning time.
On the German women’s side, Katherina Steinruck looks ready to run a fine 2:27-2:28 race, giving her good time to be selected by German Federation for Tokyo.
4. The men’s race? Always full of surprises! Tsegaye Mekonnen, with PB of 2:04.32 is fastest in field. The Ethiopian achieved 2:04 times in 2014, and 2016. Since then, he has run 2:07-2:11 times. Martin Kosgey has a 2:06.41, but this guys wants to win, he needs to win, you can see it in his racing manner. Bernard Kipyego is a veteran of the marathon wars, and he should be dangerous.
Speaking of veterans, if Mark Kiptoo can put a good race together, then you could see a 43 year old winning the whole race! Kiptoo has been training with Micha Kogo, and he does 40 kilometer runs. That is the test! 40 k runs put you in that absolute crap place where your body has to experience if you want success at 42.2 kilometers.
My pick? Three guys in 2:06 range, perhaps one under 2:06. Mark Kiptoo goes 2:07.30.
5. Mainova Frankfurt has one of the best teams on the circuit. From race director Jo Schindler to elite manager Christoph Kopp to team manager Sandra Wolter, Frankfurt has a wonderful team. They take care of runners, big and small. The Movenpick hotel cares for the runners. It reminds me of the late Fred Lebow and Allan Steinfeld, of NYC Marathon, who made the NYC Marathon so exciting in the heyday.
