This archive report was first published on 26 October 2019.
Mark Kiptoo, a 43-year-old Kenyan Masters world record holder, is set to lead a strong Kenyan contingent at the Frankfurt Marathon on October 27, 2019.
Renowned for its fast times, the Frankfurt course is expected to play to Kiptoo's strengths, and he is confident of improving on his previous best time of 2:07:50, set last year.
Attributing his longevity in the long distance race to a disciplined attitude towards training and life, Kiptoo expressed his confidence in his ability to cover half the marathon in 62:30, a level of performance that would put him on course for a major improvement on his age group world best.
With a marathon debut in Frankfurt in 2013, where he finished second with a time of 2:06:16, Kiptoo has a strong track record in the event, and he will be joined by a number of other top Kenyan runners, including Bernard Kipyego, Martin Kosgey, Kenneth Keter, and Nicodemus Kimutai.
On the women's side, Valary Aiyabei, who won the last two editions of the Nairobi Standard Chartered Marathon 21km race, will spearhead the Kenyan attack, accompanied by Caroline Rotich, Sylvia Kibet, and Antonia Kwambai.
The Kenyan elite field will be rivalled by the event's course record holder and last year's women's winner, Meskerem Assefa of Ethiopia, who ran 2:20:36.
