The Mainova Frankfurt Marathon is one of Europe’s fastest and most prestigious races. Its flat, runner‑friendly course leads athletes through diverse neighborhoods and past many of Frankfurt’s iconic landmarks: along the Museumsufer by the River Main, past the Alte Oper, through Höchst, where the event was launched in 1981 and into the heart of the city’s urban landscape with its impressive skyline that has earned Frankfurt the nickname “Mainhattan.” The event’s signature highlight is its spectacular indoor finish in the Festhalle, where runners cross the line under dramatic lighting and cheering crowds, an experience unmatched by any other major marathon.

Wilson Kipsang set the still‑standing course record in 2011 with an impressive 2:03:42. Frankfurt also delivers top performances in women’s running: in 2024, Hawi Feysa finished in 2:17:25, marking the third‑fastest marathon debut ever.German marathon history was made here as well. In 2015, Arne Gabius surprised the running world by setting a new German record of 2:08:33. But Frankfurt isn’t just a stage for elite athletes. According to marathon‑ergebnisse.de, it’s also the fastest of Germany’s five largest marathons for recreational runners, boasting an average finish time of 3:57:56.

Frankfurt combines the energy of a global financial hub with the charm of a historic European city, creating a truly distinctive backdrop for the Mainova Frankfurt Marathon. Participants run through a destination where striking skyscrapers meet traditional half‑timbered houses, offering a blend of modernity and heritage that few cities can match.

Beyond the race, Frankfurt offers excellent international accessibility, a vibrant culinary scene, world‑class museums, and a compact city layout that makes exploring easy for visitors. The combination of a high‑quality sporting event and a culturally rich destination makes the Mainova Frankfurt Marathon a standout experience for athletes and supporters alike.

Founded in 1981, the Mainova Frankfurt Marathon is Germany’s oldest city marathon and one of Europe’s most tradition‑rich road races. Over the decades, it has evolved into a world‑class event known for its fast, flat course and exceptional race organization. The marathon has consistently attracted elite international fields, producing numerous course records and ranking among the top marathons worldwide in terms of performance depth.

A defining milestone is the marathon’s iconic indoor finish in Frankfurt’s historic Festhalle, introduced in 2003. This dramatic finale—complete with spotlights, music, and a roaring crowd—has become one of the most celebrated finish experiences in global distance running. The event also stands out for its strong sustainability initiatives, its diverse supporting races, and its vibrant atmosphere created by thousands of spectators along the course.

With participants from more than 100 nations each year, the Mainova Frankfurt Marathon has established itself as a truly international event and a key fixture on the global running calendar, combining elite sport, mass participation, and the unique urban character of Frankfurt.