News14 Aug 2012


Makau set for Frankfurt

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Patrick Makau and his World record numbers at Berlin's Brandenburg Gate (© Victah Sailer)

World Marathon record holder Patrick Makau will run the BMW Frankfurt Marathon on 28 October.

Organisers of Germany’s oldest city Marathon, which will see its 31st edition, have today confirmed the most spectacular signing in the history of their event. The 27-year-old Kenyan established the World record of 2:03:38 in Berlin a year ago. After surprisingly being omitted from Olympic selection Makau opted for this IAAF Gold Label Road Race which has established itself among the world’s top marathons in recent years.

"It is an honour for us that such an outstanding athlete has chosen to run the BMW Frankfurt Marathon," said Race Director Jo Schindler.

When he broke the record a year ago in Berlin, Makau beat superstar Haile Gebrselassie on the way. The Ethiopian had entered the race as the World record holder, but Makau improved that mark by 21 seconds. However a couple of weeks after his biggest triumph to date Makau had to sweat over his record. It was in Frankfurt where fellow Kenyan Wilson Kipsang clocked a course record of 2:03:42, just missing the mark by a mere four seconds.

Kipsang’s present course record was the fifth in a row broken at the BMW Frankfurt Marathon. Since 2007 the mark was improved from 2:07:58 to 2:03:42, showing the enormous development of the elite race. The mass event has grown considerably as well. With a record number of finishers in 2011 (12,436), the race became Germany’s second biggest of its kind. This year interest is even bigger. Organisers expect to reach the entry limit of 15,000 runners well before race weekend.

"The fact that Patrick has decided in favour of Frankfurt shows his determination to run a very good race and a fast time," said Christoph Kopp, who is responsible for the elite field. After not being selected for the London Olympics, Makau wants to bounce back.

The race will mark the eighth of Makau’s career. The Kenyan has a great win streak in Germany, which he wants to continue. So far he started at seven high profile road races in this country and has won them all.

Organisers for the IAAF
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