Ethiopia’s Hawi Feysa Gejia smashed the course record at the 40th edition of the Mainova Frankfurt Marathon on October 27, 2024, In a thrilling display of endurance and athleticism.
Gejia crossed the finish line in a stunning time of 2:17:25, setting a new course record and marking the 12th fastest marathon time in the world. Close behind her was Kenya’s Magdalyne Masai, who also broke the previous course record with a personal best of 2:18:58, securing a well-deserved second place.
This impressive performance by both women highlighted the depth of talent on display at the Frankfurt Marathon, as they battled tough conditions and fierce competition to achieve career-defining results.
Hawi Feysa Gejia shaves almost 2 minutes off the course record in Frankfurt
She does it in a time of 2:17:24 #FrankfurtMarathon pic.twitter.com/D1zU70mxM9
— SuperSport (@SuperSportTV) October 27, 2024
Hawi Feysa Gejia’s victory in Frankfurt will go down in history as one of the most memorable performances in marathon running.
The 25-year-old Ethiopian had been building momentum, having finished second at the Abu Dhabi Marathon behind former world record holder Brigid Kosgei.
This time, however, Gejia turned the tables and delivered a masterclass in pacing and endurance to break the previous Frankfurt Marathon course record of 2:19:10, set by Kenya’s Valary Aiyabei in 2019.
Gejia’s finishing time of 2:17:25 is not only a new course record but also places her among the elite marathoners globally, showcasing her as one of the rising stars in the sport.
Her performance in Frankfurt now ranks as the 12th fastest marathon time in the world, a remarkable achievement for the Ethiopian runner.
Magdalyne Masai Delivers a Personal Best
Magdalyne Masai entered the race as one of the top contenders and did not disappoint. Despite finishing second, Masai achieved a personal best time of 2:18:58, surpassing the old course record and demonstrating her growth as an elite marathoner.
Masai’s performance in Frankfurt Marathon was a testament to her hard work and determination, capping off what has been a highly successful season for the Kenyan athlete.
Reflecting on her achievement, Masai expressed her excitement at finally reaching her time target after years of dedication. “I know this is real, but it still feels like I’m dreaming,” Masai shared on her Instagram page. “I’ve been dreaming and working so hard to achieve this for so long, and I’m just so happy right now.”
Masai’s journey to her personal best has been marked by consistency and podium finishes. Earlier this year, she claimed second place at the Zurich Maratón de Sevilla with a time of 2:22:51 and secured a win at the Lanzhou Marathon with a time of 2:24:46. Her performance in Frankfurt further solidifies her position as one of the top marathon runners in the world.
A Season of Success for Masai
This year has been nothing short of remarkable for Magdalyne Masai. Her second-place finish in Frankfurt Marathon comes on the heels of an incredible season, where she has consistently found herself on the podium in all three marathons she has competed in.
After opening her season with a strong showing in Seville, Masai followed it up with a commanding victory in Lanzhou before her impressive run in Frankfurt.
Masai’s journey to success has not been without its challenges. In her debut at the Frankfurt Marathon last season, she struggled and finished in seventh place with a time of 2:27:19.
However, her ability to bounce back and achieve a personal best in this year’s race speaks to her resilience and determination to improve.
Looking ahead, Masai is poised to build on her recent performances and continue her upward trajectory in the marathon world. With her Frankfurt performance now in the books, she has her sights set on more victories and faster times in future races.
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Shuko Genemo Wote Completes the Podium
Ethiopia’s Shuko Genemo Wote also delivered a solid performance at the Frankfurt Marathon, securing third place with a time of 2:22:37.
While she couldn’t keep up with the blistering pace set by Gejia and Masai, Wote’s performance was commendable and earned her a spot on the podium.
The depth of talent in the women’s field was on full display, with all three podium finishers delivering world-class performances.
A Record-Breaking Day in Frankfurt
The 2024 Mainova Frankfurt Marathon will be remembered as a record-breaking event, not just for the women’s race but also for the overall combined winning times of the men’s and women’s champions.
The aggregate time of 4:23:19 was the fastest in the history of the Frankfurt Marathon, further cementing the race’s reputation as one of the premier marathon events in the world.
With Hawi Feysa Gejia’s course record and Magdalyne Masai’s personal best, the women’s race at the Frankfurt Marathon was truly one for the ages.
The level of competition and the times achieved underscore the growing strength of marathon running on the global stage, with athletes like Gejia and Masai pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
