Mark Kiptoo Breaks Over-50 Marathon Record in Frankfurt

Kenyan long-distance runner Mark Kiptoo has broken the over-50 marathon world record after an impressive run at the Frankfurt Marathon in Germany on Sunday, October 25, 2026.

Kiptoo, who turned 50 in June, completed the 42.195-kilometre race in 2 hours, 15 minutes and 24 seconds. He finished 13th overall but made history with his performance. His time was more than four minutes faster than the previous record of 2:19:29, set by South African runner Titus Mamabolo in 1991.The achievement came just three weeks after Kiptoo set a new over-50 best in the half marathon in San Sebastián, Spain, on October 4.

He won the race in 1:03:57, beating the previous best of 1:06:17 by more than two minutes. The performance showed that the experienced Kenyan still has the speed to compete with younger athletes.

Speaking about his love for the sport, Kiptoo said running had become part of his daily life and that inspiring other people was one of the biggest rewards.

“I take running as a way of life and enjoy the many benefits of also inspiring someone, and breaking the record has given me more reasons to keep going,” he said.

Kiptoo had targeted the Frankfurt record before the race. Despite rainy and windy conditions, he managed to maintain a strong pace and finish well ahead of the previous mark.

The Kenyan has a long history in international athletics. He first made his name on the track before moving to marathon running at the age of 37. He finished second in his Frankfurt marathon debut in 2013 and returned the following year to win the race.

He also recorded an outstanding performance in 2018, finishing the Frankfurt Marathon in 2:07:50 at the age of 42.

His latest achievement adds to a career built on discipline, experience and a strong commitment to running.

At an age when many athletes have retired from competitive sport, Kiptoo continues to show that age does not have to end an athlete’s ambitions.

His back-to-back performances in Spain and Germany have also given Kenyan athletics another reason to celebrate, while offering inspiration to older runners who want to remain active and competitive.

Kiptoo’s Frankfurt time is subject to official ratification by World Masters Athletics before it becomes an officially recognised world record.

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