Mainova Frankfurt Marathon

The Fastest German Marathon

The Mainova Frankfurt Marathon is not only the oldest continuously held city marathon in Germany (premiered in 1981) — it is also its fastest. With only 27.8 meters of elevation gain over the full 42.195 km distance, the course is among the three flattest in the world; World Athletics Elite Label annually confirms it as a top race on the international marathon scene. Anyone chasing a sub-2:30 time or a personal best should come to Frankfurt.

The Course — Banking District, Sachsenhausen, Höchst

The start is at 10:00 AM in the city center near the Festhalle. The course leads through the Banking District, across the Main river to Sachsenhausen, further through the Westend out to Höchst, and back again. The finish is in one of the most spectacular marathon finish arenas in the world: indoors in the Festhalle, before a frenzied crowd, with a light show and live music. The “Walk of Fame” to the finish line is a moment every finisher remembers.

Three Races on the Same Day

• The Marathon over the full distance (entry fee approx. €95–€150)
• The Marathon Relay in teams of 4 (approx. €180–€220 per team)
• The Mini-Marathon for children and teenagers (4.2 km, ages 8–17) — a popular family entry point
• Additionally, the Struwwelpeter Run as a smaller Frankfurt classic

City Festival Along the Course

Around 80 music hotspots with DJs, bands, big bands, and drum groups line the course — the organizers themselves speak of a “huge street festival.” Local clubs, districts, and Frankfurt institutions are involved; even runners who normally start with headphones often leave them hanging around their necks in Frankfurt.

Frankfurt as a Running City

The metropolis on the Main is in top form in October anyway: the Frankfurt Book Fair (October 7–11, 2026), autumn weather, full hotels. Those who combine the marathon with an extended weekend get to experience the city from both its cultural and sporting sides.