About Gutenberg Half Marathon

The Gutenberg Half Marathon Mainz has quickly established itself as one of the most popular city runs in Rhineland-Palatinate. With over 17,500 registrations in its initial editions, the event is among the largest running events in the state capital and is traditionally held on Mother's Day Sunday. The start and finish are on Rheinstraße in the heart of Mainz city centre; the course is flat, fast, and leads along the Rhine, through the Old Town, and past the most important sights of the Gutenberg city. In addition to the classic half marathon of 21.0975 kilometres, a 10 km run is offered, which starts earlier in the morning with its own start block. The event is named after Mainz's printing inventor Johannes Gutenberg.

The Gutenberg Half Marathon Mainz was launched in 2024 and has developed rapidly ever since. Already in its third edition in 2026, it counts well over 17,500 registrations — a scale that has propelled it into the top tier of running events in Rhineland-Palatinate. The date on Mother's Day Sunday has proven to be a stroke of luck: warm spring air, a city in full bloom, a long weekend for travellers arriving from afar.

The course is sporty and touristically attractive. Start and finish are on Rheinstraße, the wide main street between the city centre and the Rhine promenade. The half marathon leads along the Rhine, through the Zollhafen quarter, past the Christuskirche, across the boulevards of the Neustadt back into the Old Town with its late Roman and Baroque traces, and concludes in front of Mainz Cathedral. The profile is almost flat — anyone aiming for a good time will be happy here.

The 10 km run starts as early as 8:45 am, and the half marathon follows at 10 am. This staggered concept decongests the city centre for residents and allows ambitious runners to combine both competitions. Accompanying events include school runs, a family programme, and a sports expo on the Rhine promenade. Refreshments are provided every five kilometres along the course, with paramedics and mobile medical stations accompanying the run.

The atmosphere in Mainz on this Sunday is exceptional: small live bands play on many street corners, Mainz's district associations run refreshment stations, and the crowd celebrates on the Rhine promenade with drums and trumpets. Those who have run in the city once will come back.

Gutenberg Half Marathon — edition 2026

The third edition of the Gutenberg Half Marathon Mainz will take place on Sunday, May 10, 2026 — Mother's Day. The 10 km run starts at 8:45 am, and the half marathon starts at 10:00 am. Both competitions start and finish on Rheinstraße in Mainz city centre. The almost flat course leads along the Rhine, through the Zollhafen quarter, and through the historic Old Town. Over 17,500 registrations are expected.

The 2026 edition continues the growth of the first two years. Sunday is dedicated to running: staggered starts ease congestion on the course and allow spectators to follow both races. The course is measured and certified. Pacemakers for common target times (1:30, 1:45, 2:00, 2:15) are standard for the third edition. Refreshment stations every 5 kilometres, a finish area with massages, refreshments, and a changing facility.

The accompanying programme for 2026 will be published by the organiser in the spring. The structure follows the proven cornerstones of previous years: sports expo on the Rhine promenade from Saturday with exhibitors and clubs, family programme in the finish area on Sunday morning, school runs and charity runs for local initiatives, award ceremony late Sunday morning.

Programme Gutenberg Half Marathon 2026

Programme on Sunday, May 10, 2026

7:30 am — Start area Rheinstraße opens
8:45 am — 10 km run start
10:00 am — Half marathon start
concurrently — School runs and accompanying programme
from 11:00 am — First half marathon finishers
1:30 pm — Award ceremonies and official closing

Accompanying Programme

Sports expo on the Rhine promenade from Saturday with sports and nutrition exhibitors
Pasta party the evening before
Refreshment stations every 5 km
Live music and cheering points along the course
Family zone in the finish area

Final start times and course details at halbmarathon-mainz.de.

Highlights Gutenberg Half Marathon 2026

3rd edition on Mother's Day Sunday
17,500+ registrations
Flat city course through Mainz Old Town
10 km and Half Marathon with staggered starts
Live music and district stations along the course

Prices Gutenberg Half Marathon 2026

Entry fees depend on the registration phase. Early bird prices are discounted. Registration and rates at halbmarathon-mainz.de.

Practical information — Gutenberg Half Marathon

Start and Finish

Rheinstraße, Mainz City Centre — between the main train station and the Rhine promenade. Reachable on foot from the main train station in 5 minutes.

Arrival and Parking

Public transport is strongly recommended — the course runs through the entire city centre and blocks many streets. Arrival by train to Mainz Hbf is optimal. Park-and-Ride via the Mainz city car parks.

Start Times 2026

10 km run: 8:45 am
Half marathon: 10:00 am
Accompanying and school runs according to schedule

Registration and Entry Fee

Register via halbmarathon-mainz.de. Early birds benefit from reduced entry fees. Late registrations possible on the event weekend, subject to availability.

Refreshments

Water and sports drink stations every 5 km. Energy bars at several stations. Refreshments, massages, and changing facilities in the finish area.

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Gutenberg Half Marathon Mainz