Bundesliga Records Fall in Mainz Half Marathon: Samuel Fitwi Misses Target, Kenyans Shine
Men’s Race: Kenyan Kipkurui Sets New Record
German long-distance running star Samuel Fitwi fell short of his target Sunday (04.05.2025) as he sought to break the route record in the Mainz half marathon. Fitwi, the German marathon record holder, finished second with a time of 61:22 minutes, just five seconds shy of his personal best.
“This was a home race for me, and I’m proud of my performance, but I missed the record,” Fitwi commented afterward.
However, the men’s race saw a new record set by Kenyan runner James Kipkurui. Kipkurui completed the 21.0975-km course in an impressive 60:50 minutes, bettering the previous mark of 61:01 minutes set by Benson Mutiso and Victor Kimutai in 2024.
Women’s Race: Kipkech Smashes Route Record
The women’s race also witnessed a new record, set by fellow Kenyan Esther Chemtai Kipkech. Kipkech crossed the finish line in 68:52 minutes, nearly a minute faster than the previous record of 69:26 minutes held by her compatriot Josephine Naukot.
Best German Finishers
- Men: Maximilian Paeper (DEU), 62:42
- Women: Domenika Mayer (DEU), 69:56
Did you know?
This is the fifth consecutive year that the Mainz half marathon has seen the men’s or women’s route record fall.
Pro Tip for Runners
“To break a record, you’ve got to run with the mindset that it’s ‘go time’ from the start,” says Runner’s World coach Budd Coates.
Will Fitwi Challenge Again?
With the men’s record now set at 60:50 minutes, will Samuel Fitwi make another attempt to claim the route record?