This year, Cologne Marathon decided to focus on its 25,000 recreational runners which led to a dramatic deterioration at the head of the field. Francis Kipkoech ran a lonely race, leading by two minutes already at half way (68:29) and negative splitted to a 2:14:15, beating German born US resident Uli Steidl by almost 15 minutes (2:27:33). Rene Hauser from Switzerland finished third in 2:28:14.
Katharina Heinig, daughter of former elite Katrin Dorre-Heinig, won the women's race in 2:46.
Leonard Langat (Kenya) won the half in 63 flat ahead of fellow countryman Collins Kibet (65:08). German future marathon hopeful and former 10,000m Euro champ Jan Fitschen (TV Wattenscheid) was third in 65:19.
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