Frankfurt Mainova Marathon
The Lowdown
The Mainova Frankfurt Marathon is one of Germany’s classic autumn road races, held annually since 1981 and drawing elite international fields and recreational runners alike. As the flagship marathon of Frankfurt, it has a strong tradition as a fast, well-organized event under the Mainova sponsorship and regularly serves as a qualifying race for Boston and other major marathons. The race is AIMS-certified and has held World Athletics label status, attracting elite performances and national championship races in various years. The course is prized for its flat, fast layout and city-center scenery: runners pass through the historic Römer square, along the scenic Museumsufer and the banks of the River Main, through the bustling Bankenviertel (financial district) and past landmarks such as the Alte Oper and the Eiserner Steg, before a memorable finish inside the Festhalle/Frankfurt arena. The atmosphere is international and energetic, with lively crowd support, music and neighborhood cheer stations, a large expo and pacer groups for many target times. For club runners and first-timers alike the event delivers efficient logistics, reliable hydration and medical services, and a festival-like post-race area with medals and local food — making Frankfurt a fast, scenic and distinctly urban marathon experience.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Major marathon
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Excellent spectator turnout
Registration opens for 2026 Mainova Frankfurt Marathon
Oct 1, 2025Organisers opened general registration for the 2026 Mainova Frankfurt Marathon, offering early-bird entry and charity bib options for the race scheduled on 2026-10-25.
Mainova extends title sponsorship and organisers announce sustainability upgrades
Mar 12, 2025Mainova extended its title sponsorship through 2027 and the event organisers unveiled new sustainability measures for future races, including carbon-offset options, reduced single-use plastics and expanded recycling on race day.
Boston Qualifier
This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.
Römer
Frankfurt's historic town hall and medieval market square in the city center, a landmark near the race finish area
Eiserner Steg
The iconic iron pedestrian bridge over the Main River offering scenic views of the skyline as runners cross or pass nearby
Mainufer / Museumsufer
The riverbank and museum embankment with several major museums lining the course, a picturesque stretch along the Main
Alte Oper
The former opera house and grand concert hall on Opernplatz, a prominent cultural landmark on the route
Zeil
Frankfurt's main shopping street and bustling pedestrian zone that the race passes near, known for its shops and city energy
Frankfurt Cathedral (Kaiserdom St. Bartholomäus)
The Gothic cathedral with its distinctive tower, a notable historic site close to the course
Festhalle / Messe Frankfurt
The large exhibition hall and fairground complex that features near sections of the marathon route
Other distances available during the event weekend:
Frankfurt, Germany
DE
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
Official Hotel Partner PortalVerified
This race offers exclusive rates and guaranteed entry packages through their official travel partner. Booking through the portal is recommended.
Eligibility
- Minimum age 18 years on race day (25 October 2026) for marathon entrants
- Completed online registration and payment required; entry confirmed only after payment
- Participants must comply with official race rules and instructions of race officials and medical staff
- Recommended to obtain medical clearance if you have pre-existing health conditions or are inexperienced with marathon distances
- Race cutoff/time limit for the marathon: 6 hours (course opens and support ends after this time)
- Race entry may close early if the event reaches capacity; elites/seeded athletes must provide proof of qualifying times or results when requested
Required Documents
- Photo ID
- Start pass
- Written authorization on behalf of participant if collecting for someone else
Entry Methods
- Online Registration
- Elite Invitation
- Charity Entry
- Tour Operator
- Group/Corporate Entry
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Please note that refunds of the entry fee are generally not possible.
Participants withdrawing for health reasons can upload a medical certificate by October 31, 2025. After verification, they will receive a code to register for the 2026 marathon. Additional services booked for 2025 are only valid for that year.
If the event is canceled due to a pandemic (e.g., COVID-19), participants will receive a voucher for the registration fee minus a processing fee (minimum €20). This voucher is valid for events in the following three years.
The course is largely flat and fast, running through central Frankfurt with highlights including the River Main, the Alte Oper, the Römer, and the banking district around the European Central Bank.
Race weekend includes a large runner expo (Marathonmesse) where you pick up bibs and can shop gear, plus an optional pre-race pasta party organized by local clubs.
Finishers receive a commemorative medal and a technical finisher shirt, and there are plentiful post-race food options and a beer garden near the finish area on Friedrich-Ebert-Anlage.
Aid stations are frequent (approximately every 3–5 km) offering water, isotonic drink and energy gels; public transport is well-served for spectators, with several ideal viewing spots along the River Main and city center.
Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
Learn from fellow runners and share insights that will help the next person toe the line.