On the technically not very demanding, but all the faster course, Frischknecht was in the leading group right from the start. Together with him, Dutchman Bart Brentjens, German Karl Platt and Italian Dario Aquaroli set a fast pace. Behind them, a field of up to thirty riders formed with the other (Swiss) medal contenders such as Näf, Kugler and Spaeth. It was above all Ralph Näf from Thurgau who was able to work his way forward towards the end of the race and finish in an excellent fifth place.

In contrast to the 2003 World Championships in Lugano, where Frischknecht was only able to outwit his eternal adversary Bart Brentjens in the sprint, the Feldbacher pulled away from the Dutchman before the finish. The Olympic champion from Atlanta will probably soon take over the title of eternal runner-up from Frischi. "I'm so happy that I can still win this jersey at the age of 35. It's incredible after 16 years in professional sport!" said a visibly moved Frischi at the finish line. He had ridden a perfect race, planned all his attacks and it had worked out.

He received support from Ralph Näf and Andi Kugler. Both rode in the chasing group, but refused to take the lead so as not to jeopardize Frischknecht's position. Näf commented: "At the beginning I had the same problem as at the European Championships and couldn't catch my breath. Later I worked my way forward but of course I didn't set any pace because I was riding for Frischi. That worked out really well and I was able to finish fifth. I rode flat out on the final lap and it was a tough fight with Peter Riis Andersen. I am very satisfied."

As expected, local rider Gunn-Rita Dahle won the women's race. She took the lead from the start and defended her world championship title and was celebrated accordingly by the frenetic crowd. Petra Henzi finished an excellent third. The current World Cup leader, Daniela Louis, finished a good fifth, with Esther Süss one place behind her. For Henzi, this third place is her greatest international success to date, and she was overjoyed at the finish. She couldn't believe it yet, she said after the run. The Rombach native should now ride to Livigno, where she is also one of the medal candidates, with the same motivation.

Ranking list marathon world championships marathon, men:

1. Thomas Frischknecht (SUI)
2nd Bart Brentjens (NED)
3. Dario Aquaroli (ITA)
4th Riis Peter Anderson (DEN)
5th Ralph Näf (SUI)
6th Karl Platt (GER)
7th Marco Bui (ITA)
8. Thomas Dietsch (FRA)
9th Andreas Kugler (SUI)
10th Yader Zoli (ITA)

Ranking list marathon world championships marathon, women:

1. Gunn-Rita Dahle (NOR) 4:05:18
2nd Blaza Klemencic (SLO) + 1:43
3rd Petra Henzi (SUI) + 2:25
4th Anna Enocsson (SWE) + 2:46
5th Pia Sundstedt (FIN) + 4:15
6th Daniela Louis (SUI) + 7:40
7th Esther Süss (SUI) + 10:56
8th Irina Kalentieva (RUS) + 10:57
9th Martina Deubler (GER) + 11:03
10th Paola Pezzo (ITA) + 11:27