Mainova Frankfurt Marathon

Mainova Frankfurt Marathon Countdown

199

Days

04

Hrs

12

Min

19

Sec

Next Race

October 25, 2026

200

days to go

The Mainova Frankfurt Marathon, established in 1981, is Germany's oldest city marathon and second-largest by finishers. The single-loop course through Frankfurt and along the River Main features just 27.8 meters of total elevation change, making it one of Europe's flattest certified marathon courses. It holds a World Athletics Elite Label and finishes inside the historic Festhalle.

WA Elite Label

Est.

1981

Distance

42.195km / 26.2mi

Course

Loop

Surface

Road

Field Size

~15,000

When

October

Time Limit

6h

THE COURSE

MI 0

KM 0

Messeturm Start

The race begins on Friedrich-Ebert-Anlage alongside the 257-metre Messeturm, once the tallest building in Europe. Runners set off through Frankfurt's exhibition district before entering the city centre.

MI 2

KM 3

Taunusanlage Park

The route loops through the Taunusanlage, a tree-lined park in the heart of Frankfurt's financial district. Glass-and-steel skyscrapers of the banking quarter tower over the course on this early section.

MI 4

KM 7

Alte Oper

Runners pass the Alte Oper, Frankfurt's neo-Renaissance opera house built in 1880 and rebuilt after World War II destruction. The building anchors the upmarket Bockenheimer Landstrasse boulevard.

MI 9

KM 15

River Main Promenade

The course reaches the River Main and follows the Sachsenhausen embankment along the south bank, offering views of the Frankfurt skyline reflected in the water. This flat riverside stretch is where elites often push the pace.

MI 26

KM 42

Festhalle Finish

The race finishes inside the historic Festhalle, a domed iron-and-glass Congress Hall on the Messe grounds built in 1909. Runners enter through the main portal to cross the line under the ornate cupola.