FRANKFURT, Oct 30: In a dramatic finale Kenyan athlete Wilfred Kigen won the men’s Frankfurt marathon on Sunday finishing ahead of compatriots Jason Mbote and Wilson Kigen in a record time of 2hrs 8min 29sec.

The 30-year-old Kigen finished the 42.195km course a second ahead of Mbote to pick up the 35,000 euro winners purse and vowed to return next year to defend his crown.

“I love Germany and I will be back to defend my crown next year,” said Kigen.

In the women’s race Russia’s Alevtina Biktimirova triumphed in a new course record time of 2hrs 25min 11secs.

Belgian favourite Marleen Renders finished in second with Ethiopian Guta Tola Ruba in third spot.

Standings: Men: 1. Wilfred Kigen (KEN) 2hr 8min 29sec; 2. Jason Mbote (KEN) 2hr 8min 30sec; 3. Wilson Kigen (KEN) 2hr 8min 33sec

Women: 1. Alevtina Biktimirova (RUS) 2hr 25min 11sec; 2. Marleen Renders (BEL) 2hr 26min 24sec.—Agencies