About the race
The Mainova Frankfurt Marathon is held in the city of Frankfurt am Main, usually in October. It is the longest-established city marathon in Germany and the country's second largest by finishers. The organiser promotes it with the slogan "Run the Skyline".
History
The OSC Hoechst 1960 athletics club organised the first edition in 1981, with the Hoechst company as sponsor. Finisher numbers climbed from 2,588 in the first year to 7,297 in 1985, but Hoechst then stepped back and there was no race in 1986. In 1987 the city and the athletics department of Eintracht Frankfurt revived it, moved it to October and based it at the exhibition grounds. The 2020 and 2021 editions were cancelled during the pandemic. The agency motion events now organises it, and the 2026 edition is listed for Sunday 25 October 2026.
The course
The start is on the Friedrich-Ebert-Anlage beside the Messeturm. Runners loop through the Taunusanlage and the Westend, pass the Alter Oper, then cross the Alte Brücke over the Main into Sachsenhausen. The route continues west along the river through Niederrad and Schwanheim to Höchst and its Bolongaropalast, then returns by way of Nied and the Mainzer Landstrasse. The Galluswarte comes at 34 km and the Alter Oper at 36 km. After a second pass of the Roßmarkt, the final three kilometres lead back to the Festhalle, where runners finish on a red carpet. The one notable ascent is the bridge over the Main at Schwanheim.
Distances
The full marathon is 42.195 km. The organiser also stages a relay marathon, a mini marathon and the Struwwelpeter-Lauf for children.
Entry basics
Registration is online through the organiser. Check the race regulations and FAQ for qualifying standards, limits and entry deadlines, and the organiser for the date of the following edition.
Where to watch
The organiser has a section for spectators and residents with a course map, a list of road closures and information on course highlights, festivals and music. Central points include the Alter Oper, the Roßmarkt and the finish at the Festhalle.
Weather
October in Frankfurt is autumn: cool and often misty mornings, and a chance of rain, with the day warming a little by midday. Spectators should bring warm layers.
SourcesMainova Frankfurt Marathon · Wikipedia: Frankfurt Marathon