London Marathon Events Announces Acquisition of Motion Events GmbH, Organisers of the Mainova Frankfurt Marathon 

Founded in 1999, Motion Events manages an exciting portfolio of running events, including the Mainova Frankfurt Marathon and the Gutenberg Half Marathon Mainz. 

The Mainova Frankfurt Marathon, first held in 1981, is recognised as one of Europe’s most historic city marathons with international prestige. The race is renowned for its fast course and iconic indoor red-carpet finish in the Festhalle.

The acquisition marks an important step in LME's growth strategy, building on its investments across the UK mass‑participation sports sector and existing consultancy in Europe. With London and Frankfurt standing as Europe’s leading financial centres, the two cities create a natural alliance - unlocking strong commercial synergies and potential participant engagement.   

A key focus for Motion Events and the Frankfurt Marathon will be utilising LME’s globally-recognised expertise in inspiring physical activity across all ages and abilities, with a particular emphasis on encouraging children and young people to get active. 

The announcement follows the recent news of TCS London Marathon’s involvement in a new European Marathon Classics series of marathons, including Frankfurt, designed to elevate the event’s international status and further drive demand. 

Motion Events founder, Jo Schindler, who has led the organisation for over two decades, will remain as Race Director through 2026 and will continue as a board member to support a smooth transition. A new CEO, Holger Kranz, previously Head of Sponsorship at Frankfurt Tourism, has been appointed to lead the business, alongside Motion’s experienced team who will continue to deliver all events, supported by LME’s expertise in operations, technology, and commercial development. 

LME’s investment is expected to deliver significant economic benefits for the City of Frankfurt, driving increased international visitors, hospitality revenue and broader engagement with the city’s tourism and events economy. 

LME plans to boost areas that will accelerate event growth, inclusion and community engagement. Frankfurt is one of Europe’s most diverse cities and LME will work closely with Motion’s team and the city’s wide range of running clubs to expand participation among under-represented communities, including women and ethnically diverse groups, drawing on LME’s proven approaches across its UK events. 

LME’s long-standing commitment to inspire activity among millions of children and young people will shape new youth-focused elements of the Frankfurt Marathon. Through initiatives like The Daily Mile, the TCS Mini London Marathon and numerous school and community programmes, LME has helped embed everyday physical activity across the UK. Building on this proven model, LME will collaborate with Motion, local schools and community partners in Frankfurt to broaden participation, opening new pathways into running and inspiring the city’s next generation of runners. 

Hugh Brasher, CEO, London Marathon Events, said: 
“The Frankfurt Marathon is a world-class event with deep heritage, exceptional community support, and enormous potential for future growth. We are honoured to become its custodians and to work with Motion’s brilliant team to build on Jo Schindler’s remarkable legacy. This acquisition marks a defining moment in LME’s international journey, and we cannot wait to bring our shared vision to life.” 

Jo Schindler, Founder, Motion Events GmbH, said: 
“For more than 20 years, our team has organised the Frankfurt Marathon with passion and dedication. I was looking for a partner who would preserve the spirit of the event, respect its people and invest in its future – and we have found that in London Marathon Events. Together we could take the event to the next level – I couldn’t imagine a better home for my Frankfurt Marathon.”