Running News Daily

Germany’s Domenika Mayer delivered a commanding performance to win the ADAC Marathon Hannover in a course record of 2:21:26, securing the national championship title as well.

Improving significantly on her previous personal best of 2:23:16, Mayer moved to second on the German all-time list and 11th on the European all-time rankings. Her performance also stands as the second fastest time by a European woman this year. With the victory, Mayer became the first athlete to win the Hannover Marathon four times.

Fellow German Fabienne Königstein finished second in 2:24:31, while Ethiopia’s Almaz Negede took third in 2:30:25.

Kibet Surges Late to Win Men’s Race

Kenya’s Maru Thomas Kibet captured the men’s title in dramatic fashion, running a personal best of 2:07:53.

After trailing late in the race, Kibet closed a significant gap and overtook Zimbabwe’s Godwin Katakura with just over two kilometers remaining. Katakura held on for second in 2:08:46, also a major personal best, while Ethiopia’s Asnake Dubre finished third in 2:10:22.

Germany’s Tom Thurley placed sixth overall in 2:11:02, earning the German national title.

A Record Event in Hannover

More than 6,000 marathon runners registered for the 34th edition of the race. Including shorter distance events staged throughout the weekend, total participation reached nearly 34,000 athletes, setting a new event record.

Mayer Dominates from the Start

The anticipated duel between Mayer and Königstein never materialized. Königstein entered the race with limited preparation following an injury, and Mayer quickly took control.

By the halfway mark, Mayer split 70:31, nearly a minute ahead of Königstein (71:25). From there, the gap continued to grow.

“Given the short preparation time, I am happy with my race. I had no problems after the injury—that’s great. Domenika was very strong today,” said Königstein, who is now targeting the European Championships marathon in Birmingham this August.

Mayer admitted the early pace may have been ambitious but remained strong enough to deliver a breakthrough performance.

“I am really happy. The pace was a bit too fast early, and you pay for that later,” she said. “But there is still more to come. I am aiming for the 2:20 mark. I’m always trying to run faster and see what is possible—after all, my time is limited. I’m not 25 anymore.”

With this performance, Mayer now trails only national record holder Irina Mikitenko (2:19:19) on Germany’s all-time list.

Late Drama in the Men’s Race

The men’s race saw a dramatic shift in the closing kilometers. Godwin Katakura, who had led for most of the race, slowed significantly in the final stages, opening the door for Kibet.

“I did not expect to win and had already settled for second,” said Kibet. “This is a huge personal best. In the future, I want to run 2:03.”

Thurley Claims National Title

After pre-race favorite Johannes Motschmann dropped out around 25K due to a groin issue, the path cleared for Tom Thurley.

The 32-year-old delivered a personal best of 2:11:02 to secure the German title 

“I had hoped it might work out this way—but a marathon is long, and you never know,” said Thurley. “My goal is to run under 2:10. If I get the opportunity to compete for Germany at the European Championships, I will take it.”

Results

Men

1. Maru Thomas Kibet (KEN) – 2:07:53

2. Godwin Katakura (ZIM) – 2:08:46

3. Asnake Dubre (ETH) – 2:10:22

4. Christopher Kitetu (KEN) – 2:10:45

5. Archie Casteel (SWE) – 2:10:56

6. Tom Thurley (GER) – 2:11:02

Women

1. Domenika Mayer (GER) – 2:21:26

2. Fabienne Königstein (GER) – 2:24:31

3. Almaz Negede (ETH) – 2:30:25

4. Cecilia Wayua (KEN) – 2:30:36

5. Katharina Saathoff (GER) – 2:30:51

6. Mercy Kipkemoi (KEN) – 2:31:48