Hamburg Marathon: Where Olympic dreams come true
Bright sunshine, strong performances: there was a full marathon spectacle in Hamburg at the weekend. We were there and captured the atmosphere in pictures. But see for yourself.
Words: Agata Strausa
Photos: Fellusch
The European marathon champion Richard Ringer made a clear announcement before Hamburg: he wanted to reach the finish with a “great time of 2:07”. His finish time of 2:08:08 hours wasn't quite that fast, but the 34-year-old was still celebrated for it. He has broken the standard for the Olympic Games in Paris in 2024.
Hamburg doesn't have to hide
As Germany's largest spring marathon, Hamburg is a highlight in the German running calendar every year. Perhaps a bit under the radar internationally - as the London Marathon usually takes place on the same weekend. The elite fields that come every year are among the absolute best in the world, even if they can't quite keep up with London in terms of density.
Records and surprises included
The course record was even broken in Hamburg in 2023. The Kenyan Bernard Koech crossed the finish line in 2:04:09 hours. A Kenyan also won in the women's race: Dorcas Tuitoek ran a strong 2:20:09 hours.
The best German also delivered a strong performance: Fabienne Königstein increased her personal best time by almost seven minutes to 2:25:48 hours. Nine months after the birth of her daughter, she also seemed a little overwhelmed by her own success at the finish line. At least she now has the Olympic standard in her pocket.
Hamburg remains unpredictable
Many athletes had to struggle with the effects of the strikes on long-distance transport this weekend; some arrivals were delayed by hours and cost nerves. The winner of the Hamburg Marathon is said to have taken 26 hours to get to the Hanseatic city. He obviously didn't let that show during the race.
Hamburg is known for a very good atmosphere on and along the route - and it was impressive again this year. However, Hamburg is also known for being unpredictable when it comes to the weather. A few years ago the marathon started with a hailstorm. In this respect, 2023 was rather untypically unspectacular: bright sun and mild temperatures, the better the mood of the starters and spectators.
The results at a glance
Women:
1. Dorcas Tuitoek 🇰🇪 02:20:09
2. Tiruye Mesfin 🇪🇹 02:20:18
3. Stella Chesang 🇺🇬 02:20:23 (NR)
The fastest German was Fabienne Königstein 🇩🇪 in 02:25:48
Men:
1. Bernard Koech 🇰🇪 02:04:04
2. Joshua Belet 🇰🇪 02:04:33
3. Martin Kosgei 🇰🇪 02:06:18
The fastest German was Richard Ringer 🇩🇪 in 02:08:08
