Huge cash boost could attract some of the world’s best marathon runners

After a great recent development regarding results of the elite runners as well as numbers of participants organisers of the Dresdner Kleinwort Frankfurt Marathon now take the next step to develop their race into one of the world’s leading road running events. When Germany’s oldest city marathon will be staged for the 27th time on 26th October a record prize money is on offer.

With a cash boost the ,IAAF Silver Label Road Race’ should become even more attractive for the world’s best marathon runners.

“Now it is really getting exciting. We will do everything we can to further improve the quality of the Dresdner Kleinwort Frankfurt Marathon,” said Race Director Jo Schindler when announcing the new prize money structure at a press conference in Frankfurt. With the support of the title sponsor Dresdner Kleinwort the winner of the race can now earn up to 95,000 Euros. This will be the prize money provided the fastest men clocks a sub 2:07 time on the fast course. The women’s champion will receive the same amount if her winning time is sub 2:22:30.

“Because of the attractive prize money we expect runners who are able to achieve times of sub 2:07 to consider running the Dresdner Kleinwort Frankfurt Marathon this year. Managers have already recognized this. So I hope our race will get another boost concerning the international significance,” said Christoph Kopp, who is in charge of putting together the elite field for the race. One of his major targets obviously is to sign Wilfred Kigen again.

The Kenyan had won last year’s race with a course record of 2:07:58. He could win the Dresdner Kleinwort Frankfurt Marathon for a record fourth time in a row. “We are negotiating at present. And I am optimistic that Wilfred Kigen will return once again,” said Christoph Kopp. Defending champion Melanie Kraus (Germany) might also run the Dresdner Kleinwort Frankfurt Marathon again. While her winning time was 2:28:56 in 2007 the course record stands at 2:25:12.

Present entry figures are up by around 10 percent compared to a year ago. In 2007 a record number of 11,507 marathon runners had entered the race. Adding all other running events the total field had 18,302 athletes. If demand remains strong the Dresdner Kleinwort Frankfurt Marathon could reach the 20,000 barrier for the first time. Close to 300,000 spectators are expected to line the course again.

For more information and online registration visit:
www.frankfurt-marathon.com